BLM Extends Southeastern States Draft Southeastern States Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Comment Period
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The Bureau of Land Management has extended the public comment period on its Draft Southeastern States Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) until March 16, 2015 for members of the public to discuss and comment on the draft RMP/EIS alternatives.“We have received several requests for additional time to review the draft in detail so that interested parties can provide us with specific, effective comments, said BLM Southeastern States Field Manager Bruce Dawson. “This feedback will be critical to the success of this long-range planning effort, and we want to make sure the public has ample opportunity to be involved. When finalized, the plan will provide a framework to guide subsequent management decisions for the next several decades on approximately 3,000 surface acres and 1 million acres of subsurface mineral estate.The planning area includes the states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. BLM released the draft plan for public review on October 31, 2014. BLM is extending the public comment period on the draft until March 16, 2015, in response to multiple requests from our interested stakeholders. “We genuinely appreciate this high level of interest within the community about how public lands will be managed in the Southeastern States Field Office, Dawson said. Following the close of the public comment period, BLM will use the comments it receives to help develop the Proposed RMP/EIS, which are currently expected to be completed in fall of 2015.For additional information including how to provide comments or to view a copy of the Draft RMP/EIS, visit http://www.blm.gov/es/st/en.html. Before including address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it 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.