BLM requests public input for potential Graham’s penstemon protection
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VERNAL, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management is requesting public input on designating BLM-managed land in Duchesne and Uintah counties as areas of critical environmental concern for Graham’s penstemon, also known as Graham beardtongue, which is a flower that grows only in the Uinta Basin of Utah and Colorado. An area of critical environmental concern designation highlights areas where special management attention is needed to protect important historical, cultural and scenic values, or fish and wildlife and other natural resources.
“Areas of critical environmental concerns are assessed through land-use planning using the best information available and substantial public involvement,” said Green River District Manager Lance Porter. “We appreciate the public’s input in helping us be better stewards of BLM-managed public lands, as we work together to protect our plants, wildlife and the landscape and help ensure our multiple-use and sustained-yield mission.”
In 2017, BLM Utah, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and conservation groups agreed to settle a longstanding legal challenge to land use and travel management plans on approximately 10 million acres of BLM-managed public land. As part of BLM’s commitment to the settlement agreement, the Vernal Field Office staff will evaluate whether public lands should be considered in order to protect Graham’s penstemon.
Public input will inform the BLM whether any of these public lands meet the required elements to be determined an area of environmental concern. Comments may be emailed to blm_ut_vernal_comments@blm.gov or mailed to the BLM Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East Vernal, UT 84078 through June 6, 2022. Please write “Public Input on ACEC Evaluation” in the subject or attention line.
Before including an address, phone number, email address or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that 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.