BLM Hosting Open Houses for Public Comment on Paradigm Fuel Break Project Environmental Assessment

Organization

BLM Idaho State Office

BLM Office:

Boise District Office

Media Contact:

MJ Byrne

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District Office (BDO), Four Rivers Field Office will host two open houses to provide the public an opportunity to discuss and comment on the Paradigm Fuel Break Project Draft Environmental Assessment (EA).The first open house will be held at the BDO on January 28 at 3948 S. Development Avenue in Boise. The second open house will be held on February 4 at the Elks Lodge at 325 S. 3rd Street West in Mountain Home. Both open houses will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.“BLM is proposing to develop a network of fuel breaks along approximately 187 miles of routes and roadways located east of Boise between Blacks Creek Road and Glenn's Ferry, which is an area with frequent large fires," said Project Manager Mike McGee. "The purpose of the fuel breaks is to provide firefighters with areas where they can safely implement suppression actions and increase the likelihood of containing wildfires.The fuel breaks will also reduce the risk to life, property and natural resources," said McGee.Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), BLM has analyzed a range of alternatives and is seeking public review and comment regarding the analysis of effects to the human environment. Comments from the public should be received by BLM by February 24, 2014.The Draft EA may be accessed on the BLM website Or, click HERE for a link directly to the document page on the E-Planning website. The Paradigm Project was initiated as a result of discussions among attendees at a Symposium hosted by the Boise District Resource Advisory Council in 2011, entitled, “How Collaborative Resource Management Can Break the Current Fire Cycle."


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.