BLM requesting input on proposed forest health project near Newcastle

NEWCASTLE, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management Newcastle Field Office, in cooperation with the Wyoming State Forestry Division, is seeking public input on a proposed project that would improve firefighter response and public access while enhancing forest health and resiliency. The comment period on the preliminary environmental assessment ends April 30.

The Sheldon Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Project area is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Newcastle, Wyo., along the South Dakota border. Currently, forest stands within the project area are at risk of stand-replacing wildfires and insect infestation due to tree density and understory growth. The proposed project would treat forest stands through commercial thinning, including timber sales and timber stand improvement projects.

Additionally, current access to the project area from Beaver Stockade County Road is restricted by road degradation, limiting both public access and firefighters’ ability to respond to wildfires. The Sheldon GNA Project would also include improvement of the road system across State of Wyoming and BLM-administered lands to support forest management activities, such as timber hauling, as well as access for the public and emergency response.

The preliminary environmental assessment analyzing the project is available for review here:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2030634/510.

Anyone interested can comment by using the “participate now” button on the website linked above. Hardcopy comments may also be hand-delivered or mailed to the BLM Newcastle Field Office, Attn: Sheldon GNA, 1101 Washington Blvd., Newcastle, WY 82701.

Good Neighbor Authority allows the BLM and U.S. Forest Service to authorize states, counties, and tribes to conduct certain projects on federal lands in pursuit of specified land management goals. The BLM partners with the Forest Service, State of Wyoming agencies, counties, and private landowners to improve the health and resiliency of forest stands within the Newcastle Field Office.

For more information, please contact the Newcastle Field Office front desk at (307) 746-6600, or David Morrill at (307) 746-6617.