BLM and USFWS invite the public to participate in virtual public meetings on the Northern Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Color Country District Office

Media Contact:

ST. GEORGE, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will host virtual public meetings regarding the Northern Corridor Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Amended Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan currently available for public comment. The two agencies are analyzing a proposal from the Utah Department of Transportation to construct a four-lane highway north of St. George, Utah, that may cross portions of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, including habitat for the federally threatened Mojave desert tortoise, to address future transportation needs.

“This is an excellent opportunity to share information about the draft analysis with our local communities and people from around the country,” said Acting BLM Color Country District Manager Randy Peterson. “We are working hard to ensure we provide safe and informative meetings.”

These virtual public meetings expand public access to information on the project while prioritizing the health and safety of employees and the public. Meeting date(s) and access information (including how to log in and participate) will be announced on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xw8TX. Questions related to the virtual public meetings can also be directed to Gloria Tibbetts, BLM Color Country District Planning and Environmental Coordinator, at (435) 865-3063 or email BLM_UT_NorthernCorridor@blm.gov.

Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800- 877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.


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.