BLM hosts public meetings for Draft Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument Plans
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KANAB, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management will host two public meetings as part of the ongoing land use planning for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) and the federal lands excluded from the GSENM that are now identified as the Kanab-Escalante Planning Area. The draft management plans for the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and the Escalante Canyons Units and associated environmental impact statement (EIS) were released for public review on Aug.17, 2018 and modified on August 31. More information about the planning effort may be found on the BLM ePlanning project page at https://go.usa.gov/xVCGJ.
“We welcome public discussion about the draft plans and the sharing of input with BLM staff,” said Harry Barber, acting monument manager. “This review period provides an important opportunity to influence the decision-making process. The alternatives in the draft EIS analyze alternatives for protecting natural and cultural resources within the monument, while also providing opportunities for multiple uses of public lands.”
The BLM invites members of the public to attend meetings at the following dates and locations:
- Oct. 15, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m., Escalante High School, 800 E. Hwy 12, Escalante, UT 84726.
- Oct. 16, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m., Kanab Elementary School, 41 W 100 N, Kanab, UT 84741.
These open-house meetings provide opportunities for the public to speak with resource specialists, ask questions, and submit written comments in person. Written comments may be submitted at the meetings or anytime through Nov. 30, 2018 via mail or via the ePlanning project page.
To help the BLM properly consider and incorporate feedback, please include a reference to a specific page or section of the draft EIS/draft resource management plan in your comment. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
● Mail: 669 S Hwy 89A Kanab, UT 84741, Attn: Matt Betenson.
● ePlanning: https://go.usa.gov/xVCGJ.
On Jan. 16, 2018, the BLM initiated planning for these lands and hosted a nearly 3-month-long scoping period and two public meetings. Since then, the BLM has worked with cooperating agencies to develop draft management plans and a draft EIS reflecting input from many stakeholders and the public. The plans include a range of alternatives addressing management issues brought forward during scoping.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24/7. 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.