BLM to Host Public Meetings for Fire Restoration Project
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Salem, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host two public meetings on October 11 and 12, 2016 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The meeting on October 11th will be held at the Salem District Office (lobby level conference room) at 1717 Fabry Road. S.E. in Salem, and at the Eugene Public Library (Bascom-Tyson room) at 100 West 10th Avenue on October 12th. The meetings will highlight proposals for the management of fire dependent ecosystems located within the Willamette Valley.
The BLM is in the early planning process for this project and want to hear from interested individuals. BLM staff will offer a presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by opportunities to learn more about the project. There will be ample time for discussion on ideas and questions. The meetings will conclude at 7:30 p.m.
The conservation of fire-dependent ecosystems in the greater Willamette Valley is a priority. A national assessment identified oak and prairie habitats as one of the United States’ most endangered ecosystems, estimating that 99.5% of oak savanna and native grasslands have been lost in the Willamette Valley and its foothills. Prior to the arrival of Euro-Americans, fire introduced by tribes and from natural occurrences regularly burned through the valley into the foothills, creating prairies, savannas as, and open woodlands. This project seeks to restore and maintain these fire-dependent ecosystems working with adjacent landowners and an array of partners.
A formal 30-day scoping comment period for the project begins on October 3, 2016. Please send comments to BLM_OR_EU_Mail@blm.gov and identify your comments as being for the “FDER Scoping.” Letters can also be addressed to:
BLM – Northwest Oregon District
Attn: Northwest Oregon District Manager
3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E
Springfield, OR 97477
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.