Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Army National Guard seek public input on expanded military training area in southwest Idaho
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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Idaho Army National Guard are seeking public comments on a proposal to expand military training onto about 20 square miles of Federal and State land located west of Mountain Home and adjacent to the existing Orchard Combat Training Center.
The Simco Training Area Environmental Assessment analyzes possible impacts from proposed heavy maneuver training between March and November, construction and maintenance of 12.7 miles of dirt roadways, infrastructure development, and engineering practice areas. The proposal does not include live fire exercises.
The purpose of the proposal is to meet Department of Defense training requirements, ensure troop combat readiness, and offset loss of areas within the Orchard Combat Training Center where training is prohibited to protect native shrublands.
The BLM Four Rivers Field Office manages portions of the proposed expanded military training area that are located within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. The military has been using land in this vicinity for training since the 1940s. The proposed military training activities are within acceptable levels outlined in the BLM’s Resource Management Plan for the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
The BLM and the Idaho Army National Guard will each issue separate decisions based on the Environmental Assessment. The BLM will issue a decision on whether to authorize rights-of-way for the proposed expanded military training area. The Idaho Army National Guard will issue a decision on whether to expand military training onto proposed Federal and State land.
The purpose of the comment period is to obtain public input on the proposal, alternative courses of action, and environmental consequences. The BLM and Idaho Army National Guard will host a virtual public meeting on Zoom to provide information about the proposal on April 21 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time. Those interested in participating in the virtual public meeting must pre-register at https://go.usa.gov/xsbJZ (case sensitive). Detailed information about the proposal is also available on that site.
The BLM and Idaho Army National Guard will accept public comments through May 16 via the following means:
Email: BLM_ID_FourRiversOffice@blm.gov
Fax: 208-384-3326
Surface mail: BLM Four Rivers Field Office, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705
ho provide comments are advised that before including their personal identifying information (address, email, phone number) they should be aware that the entire comment – including their personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While those commenting can ask in their comments to withhold this information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.
For more information, contact the BLM Four Rivers Field Office at 208-384-3300.
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.