BLM seeks public comment on Xcel transmission line
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MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management San Luis Valley Field Office, in cooperation with the Pike San Isabel National Forest, is seeking public comments on a draft environmental assessment authorizing Xcel Energy to rebuild three existing transmission lines.
The transmission lines are nearing the end of their serviceable life and would be rebuilt within or immediately adjacent to their existing locations. The transmission lines cross a variety of public and private lands, in portions of Alamosa, Chaffee, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties.
The BLM will continue to apply conservation measures to manage and conserve Gunnison Sage Grouse and its habitat. The BLM’s policy is to manage GUSG seasonal habitats and maintain habitat connectivity to support sustainable GUSG populations and/or GUSG population objectives as determined in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The comment period will run from Feb. 9 through March 12, 2015. Comments concerning the proposed action, alternatives and environmental issues are most helpful. For additional information or to submit a comment, please contact Leon Montoya, BLM Project Manager, at 719-852-6219, by email to BLM_CO_SLVPLV_Comments@blm.gov, or in writing to 1803 West Hwy 160; Monte Vista, CO 81144.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
The draft environmental assessment is available on the BLM San Luis Valley webpage at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/slvfo.html. Hard copies are available at the following locations: Salida Ranger District, USFS, 5575 Cleora Road, Salida, CO 81201;
Saguache Field Office, BLM/USFS, 46525 Highway 114, Saguache, Colorado 81149; and,
Saguache Field Office, BLM, 1803 West Hwy 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144.
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.