Proposed land transfer to Washington County Water Conservancy District may benefit local communities
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ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering leasing and subsequently patenting 10.87 acres of public land to the Washington County Water Conservancy District to serve as a camping and recreation area adjacent to a proposed reservoir near the junction of Interstate 15 and State Route 17. The BLM examined certain public lands in Washington County, Utah, and found them suitable for classification for lease or conveyance to the Washington County Water Conservancy District.
“Our current assessment and previous public comments received tell us that leasing the public lands for a recreation area to the Washington County Water Conservancy District would enhance recreation opportunities for the public by providing a new maintained recreation area for people to enjoy,” said Keith Rigtrup, St. George Field Manager. “This action could serve as an example of how the BLM supports local communities and agencies to provide services, they, and the public, need.”
The WCWCD filed a Recreation and Public Purposes Act application with the BLM’s St. George Field Office, along with applications for rights-of-way for the reservoir and pipeline. An environmental assessment was completed for all three proposals with a public comment period that was held in November 2019.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed transfer of the 10.87 acres of public lands that would provide a recreation area next to the proposed reservoir. This comment period is for those submitting comments involving the suitability of the land for development of a recreation area. Comments on the classification are restricted to whether the land is physically suited for the proposal, whether the use will maximize the future use or uses of the land, whether the use is consistent with local planning and zoning, or if the use is consistent with State and Federal programs.
The public may also submit comments regarding the specific use proposed in the application and plan of development and management, and whether the BLM followed proper administrative procedures in reaching the decision to lease and convey under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act.
The 45-day comment period began with the publication of the Notice of Realty Action in the Federal Register on April 14, 2021. Comments must be submitted on or postmarked by June 1, 2021 to be considered.
Comments may be emailed or mailed.
Email: blm_ut_sgfo_comments@blm.gov
Mail: Bureau of Land Management Attn: Field Manager
345 E Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah 84790
Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in any comments, be aware the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
For additional information, please contact Stephanie Trujillo, Realty Specialist, by email at strujill@blm.gov or telephone at (435) 688-3343. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.