BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Land Management is asking the public for comment on proposed plans for motorized access to public lands in Owyhee County.
The BLM Boise District Office today released two travel management plans (TMP) for public review.
The Canyonlands East TMP covers much of the southeastern portion of the Bruneau Field Office in central Owyhee County, while the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) South management plan covers the NCA in northern Owyhee County. Both plans establish comprehensive systems of motorized access to public lands while ensuring long-term protection of natural and cultural resources.
The Canyonlands East Travel Management Area (TMA) covers approximately 1,036 square miles and currently has 1,521 miles of existing inventoried routes. The range of alternatives being considered would allow for between 904 and 1,521 miles of designated motorized routes. The NCA TMA covers approximately 306 square miles with 435 miles of existing inventoried routes. The range of alternatives for this unit would allow for between 299 and 435 miles of designated motorized routes.
As part of BLM’s ongoing travel planning efforts in the county, these plans also ensure access for those with valid rights such as miners, ranchers and holders of rights-of-way and easements across federal lands.
“This is the culmination of twelve years of Tribal, public, stakeholder and agency input," said Bruneau Field Manager Tanya Thrift. “We’ve worked hard to develop plans that support traditional recreation and ranching uses, while ensuring resource protection for the future."
Draft environmental assessments mark the final phase of the planning process for the TMPs. Final decisions for both plans will be issued after local BLM managers have considered additional input received during the comment period.
Copies of the Environmental Assessments can be viewed at the Eastern Owyhee County Library, 520 Boise Ave., Grand View, Idaho, and at the BLM Boise District Office at 3948 Development Ave. Boise, Idaho, 83705. They can also be viewed online:
* Canyonlands East TMP
* Birds of Prey National Conservation Area South TMP
Written comments can be mailed to: BLM Boise District Office, Transportation Planning, 3948 Development Ave. Boise, Idaho. Comments may also be emailed to oma_trans_wild@blm.gov. To be most helpful, this input must be received electronically or postmarked by Dec. 15, 2016.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
