BLM seeks public comments on Left Coulee Access EA
Organization
BLM Office:
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SOUTH BLAINE COUNTY, Mont. – Bureau of Land Management planners invite public input on an environmental assessment (EA) analyzing the potential opening of a 0.6-mile primitive road through a travel plan amendment that would provide legal public motorized and mechanized access to the Bullwhacker area of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.
The EA and supporting documents are available on the e-Planning website for a 30-day public comment period – Feb. 28 through March 28, 2024 -- https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2030427/510.
In 2023, the Square Butte Grazing Association and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks finalized a Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) through a private parcel along Cow Creek. The BLM proposes to open a 0.6-mile primitive road connecting the now publicly accessible road on private property with 51 miles of existing BLM roads in the Bullwhacker area. The road segment extends south from the private parcel to the Left Coulee Airstrip where it meets BLM road 241215. No engineered road-construction activities are proposed.
The BLM is seeking substantive comments on the EA that will help refine the analysis prior to issuing a decision. Substantive comments are those that reasonably question the accuracy or adequacy of the information analyzed or present new and reasonable alternatives within the scope of the EA. Non-substantive comments are those that do not pertain to the project area, “vote” for an alternative, or agree or disagree with the analysis without sufficient rationale or justification.
Comments may be submitted using the following methods:
Electronic (preferred): BLM e-Planning – https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2030427/510 – click on the green “Participate Now” button.
U.S. Postal Service: Bureau of Land Management
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument
ATTN: Left Coulee Access
920 NE Main Street
Lewistown, MT 59457
Providing recreational opportunities is central to the BLM’s mission to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Lands within the monument are managed not only for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and other multiple uses within the BLM’s mission, but also to preserve landscapes associated with Lewis and Clarks' journey across the United States, the Nez Perce Trail, wilderness study areas, and wild and scenic rivers.
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.