BLM evaluating mineral sampling proposal in Fremont County
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CANON CITY, Colo. – As part of its commitment to healthy and productive landscapes, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on a proposal to sample hard rock minerals in the Parkdale area. Mineral materials are typically used in the aggregate industry and are a vital ingredient in concrete and asphalt products, and the proposed sampling is part of a mineral materials sale application.
The BLM welcomes and values diverse views, and as it begins developing an environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed sampling, the bureau wants to hear about any issues and concerns from the public. The EA itself will be released for public review and comment in late July. This initial comment period is the first of two opportunities for public involvement before a decision is made.
“The most effective comments will address issues and concerns specific to sampling in the area considered,” said BLM Field Manager Keith Burger.
The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through its many programs, including mining and minerals. The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of the proceeds from each mineral lease sale and from mineral royalties, with the remainder going to the U.S. government. In Fiscal Year 2015, Colorado received about $247 million from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for all federal minerals, including oil and gas. Statewide, more than 22,900 jobs are tied to mineral and energy development on public lands.
Comments are most helpful if received by June 20, 2017. For more information please visit www.blm.gov, or mail comments to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Stephanie Carter, 3028 East Main Street Canon City, CO 81212.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware 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.
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.