Editor’s Note: The BlueRibbon Coalition sent out this note regarding the BLM seeking input on Southwest Idaho planning. See the details below.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing it is beginning preparation of two Environmental Assessments for travel management plans on public lands in Owyhee County. The BLM is hosting two public meetings and seeking comments to assist the BLM in identifying appropriate areas for motorized and non-motorized recreation on public lands in the Bruneau and Owyhee field offices.

The Canyonlands West Travel Management Plan (TMP) will cover the southwestern portion of the Owyhee County west of the pipeline road, while the Grand View TMP covers central Owyhee County south of Highway 78. Both TMPs will establish comprehensive systems of routes providing access to public lands for multiple-use activities while minimizing impacts to wildlife habitat, reducing the introduction and spread of invasive weeds, lessening conflicts among various motorized and non-motorized recreation users, and preventing damage to cultural resources resulting from the expansion of roads and trails on public lands.

Detailed information and maps will be available on February 27, 2017. Information on the Canyonlands West TMP can be found at http://bit.ly/2kqMvwh and the Grand View TMP at http://bit.ly/2lRqDGO.

The 30-day scoping comment period will begin February 28, 2017, and will end March 29, 2017. Comments will be accepted through the following means:

Email: oma_trans_wild@blm.gov
Fax: 208-384-3489
Surface mail:  3948 S. Development Ave., Boise, Idaho 83705
The BLM is also inviting all interested parties to participate in public meetings at the following locations:

February 28, 2017
Rimrock Junior-Senior High School
39678 State Highway 78
Bruneau, ID
5-7 p.m.

March 1, 2017
Nampa Civic Center
311 3rd St. S
Nampa, ID
5-7 p.m.

The purpose of this public scoping period is to obtain feedback on relevant issues that may influence the BLM’s environmental analyses or range of alternatives to be analyzed. Comments are most helpful if they provide specific actions, resources, or issues to be considered and analyzed.

Those who 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 Boise District Office at (208) 384-3300.