ALTURAS, Calif. -- The Bureau of Land Management is inviting public comment as it begins developing plans to reduce stands of Western juniper trees that are expanding into sage-steppe ecosystems on public lands west of Alturas.
The BLM's Applegate Field Office is analyzing proposed projects in the Applegate Sage Steppe Habitat Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) focusing on about 347,000 acres. The EA will analyze projects including prescribed fire, tree cutting and biological methods to control expanding juniper stands.
The EA will analyze measures to protect old growth juniper.
The projects would focus on restoring fire dependent ecosystems, improving wildlife habitat and livestock forage, reducing wildfire risk and improving recreational opportunities.
Anyone interested in providing comments or suggestions on the proposal should provide written comments by April 10 to Peter Hall, BLM Applegate Field Office, 708 West 12th St., Alturas, CA 96101, or by email to phall@blm.gov.
More information on the EA and ways to participate is available from Hall at (530) 233-4666.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
