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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management is beginning preparation of an environmental analysis for a proposed travel management plan for public lands in western Owyhee County. This will include a six-week public comment period and two public meetings to assist the BLM in identifying appropriate areas for motorized and non-motorized recreation.
 
The Silver City Travel Management Plan (TMP) will cover the far western portion of Owyhee County, roughly south and west of Highway 78, east of the Oregon border, and north of the Backcountry Byway (Mud Flat Road). It will establish a comprehensive system of routes providing access to BLM-managed lands for multiple-use activities, while addressing concerns related to cultural resources, wildlife habitat, user conflicts, noxious weeds and invasive species.

“This TMP effort is an example of working with our partners and the public to promote multiple-use activities on public lands by ensuring access for traditional land uses, such as grazing, and for recreational activities, while being mindful of areas with resource concerns,” said Acting BLM Owyhee Field Manager Brian Thrift.

Detailed information and maps will be available on Feb. 13. Information on the Silver City TMP can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xnsD2

The six-week scoping comment period will begin Feb. 13 and end March 30, 2018. Comments will be accepted through the following means:

• Email: oma_trans_wild@blm.gov
• Fax: 208-896-5940
• Surface mail:  BLM Owyhee Field Office, 20 First Ave West, Marsing ID, 83639

The BLM is also inviting all interested parties to participate in public meetings at the following locations:

Feb. 27, 2018
Nampa Civic Center
311 Third St. S
Nampa, ID
5-7 p.m.

Feb. 28, 2018
Owyhee County Museum
17085 Basey Street
Murphy, ID
5-7 p.m.

The purpose of this public scoping period is to obtain feedback on relevant issues that may influence the BLM’s environmental analysis or range of alternatives to be analyzed. Comments are most helpful if they provide specific actions, resources, or issues to be considered and analyzed.

Those who provide comments are advised that before including their personal identifying information (address, email, phone number) they should be aware that the entire comment – including their personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While those commenting can ask in their comments to withhold this information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.

For more information, contact the BLM Owyhee Field Office at 208-896-5912.