BLM Seeks Public Input on Preliminary Assessment of Blanca Wetlands Area Expansion
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LA JARA, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management’s San Luis Valley Field Office is seeking public input on a preliminary environmental assessment for a proposed expansion to the Blanca Wetlands Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Public scoping for the proposal began in Feb. 2012.
The BLM’s environmental assessment analyzes the potential impacts of expanding the Blanca Wetlands ACEC. The EA presents several alternatives ranging from changing the current boundary as proposed, to expanding the current boundary with modifications, or taking no action at all. The proposed boundary would expand the ACEC from 9,714 acres to 122,762 acres. No new water rights would be created and no land ownership jurisdictions would change should the boundary be expanded.
“Blanca Wetlands is one of the San Luis Valley’s gems,” said Andrew Archuleta, San Luis Valley Field Manager. “The public’s input on this project is important to helping shape how we manage this special area.”
Public comments are most effective if received by Aug. 1, 2013, and may be mailed to the Bureau of Land Management, (Attn. Jill Lucero), 15571 County Rd. T.5, La Jara, CO 81140 or e-mailed to BLM_CO_SLVPLC_Comments@blm.gov
Before including your address, phone number, email 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.
To view the EA and for information about this project, visit the SLVFO website athttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/slvfo/blanca_wetlands.html or call Jill Lucero, BLM Wildlife Biologist, at 719-274-6327.
The Blanca Wetlands area was designated an ACEC in 1991 for its recreation and wetland values, including playa and marsh habitats containing large populations of water birds, amphibians, macroinvertebrates, and 18 threated, endangered and sensitive species.
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.