BLM accepting public comments on White-Nose Syndrome Adaptive Management Strategy and Environmental Assessment
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LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on the BLM Colorado White-Nose Syndrome Adaptive Management Strategy and Environmental Assessment.
White-Nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that killed more than 5.5 million bats across the northeast and mid-Atlantic United States during the past six years and continues to spread westward unchecked. The fungus has not been discovered in Colorado, but its introduction is feared to have similar consequences.
BLM Colorado prepared an EA to reduce the potential for the human introduction of White-Nose Syndrome in Colorado while providing appropriate opportunities for recreation and scientific research.
“We’re asking the public to provide input on the alternatives we analyzed in the Environmental Assessment,” said Bruce Rittenhouse, BLM Colorado Branch Chief of Natural Resources. “Our EA outlines management options to reduce the spread of White-Nose Syndrome and identifies additional actions if it is detected in Colorado.”
Public comments will be most helpful if received by May 22, 2014. The BLM plans to finalize the EA by fall 2014 after considering public comments received on the preliminary EA.
Written comments must be submitted to Bruce Rittenhouse, BLM Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215. Comments may be submitted in person at the above address from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Comments may also be sent via email to blm_co_wnscolorado@blm.gov.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, please be advised that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
For more information, please contact Bruce Rittenhouse at 303-239-3804.
Visit http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/wildlife/White_nose_Syndrome.html to view the EA or for information about the fungus, including proper decontamination procedures.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.