BLM seeks public input on Emerald Mountain Good Neighbor Authority project
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CRAIG, Colo – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public input on a proposed Emerald Mountain Good Neighbor Authority project near Steamboat Spring, CO. The project consists of potential timber salvage and hazard reduction activities on approximately 550 acres in the 4,500-acre Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Management Area.
This project would reduce hazardous fuels through the Good Neighbor Authority, which allows the BLM to enter into agreements for critical work to keep forests healthy. Reduction of fuels can improve wildfire resiliency and wildlife habitat, while helping to restore healthy public lands.
The BLM will hold an in-person and virtual scoping meeting for the project on Feb. 16, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. MT at the Bud Werner Memorial Library, Library Hall, 1289 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. The meeting will begin with a project presentation followed by a formal public questions and response session. The public may also attend virtually at: https://blm.zoomgov.com/j/1607320452?pwd=blY4UEdGYnN1VTlncFQrMk5mMW8yUT09.
“Public comments are critical as we continue to evaluate the goals for recreational experiences and protect public land resources,” said Valerie Baxter, BLM’s Little Snake Field Office Assistant Field Manager. “Comments are most helpful when they identify local concerns, alternatives to analyze, ways to avoid adverse impacts, and any other relevant information to the proposed action.”
The 45-day comment period opens on Feb. 3, 2023, and comments must be submitted through the BLM ePlanning site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/admin/project/2023309/510, or mailed to: BLM, Little Snake Field Office, Attn: Emerald Mountain GNA Project, 455 Emerson Street, Craig, Colorado 81625.
Before including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or other personal identifying information in comments, be aware that entire comments-including personal identifying information-may be made publicly available at any time. While commenters can request that personal identifying information be withheld from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
-BLM-
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.