Hines, Ore. - On December 7, 2020, the Bureau of Land Management Burns District announced the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for livestock grazing in the Bridge Creek area on Steens Mountain. The EA and supporting documentation are available for your review on BLM’s National Environmental Policy Act Register at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1504684/510.
The Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plans EA analyzes various alternatives related to the issuance of one or more grazing permits associated with the Hammond Fenced Federal Range, and Hammond, Mud Creek, and Hardie Summer allotments. The EA also includes Allotment Management Plans and proposed construction and maintenance of range improvements for each allotment.
A 14-day public comment period on the draft EA began December 7 and ends on December 20.
Substantive comments can be submitted by email through Dec. 20, mailed and postmarked by Dec. 18, or by personal delivery to the addresses detailed below. Entire comments - including personal identifying information - may be published as part of the EA and Decision Record process.
Mail or delivery:
Bridge Creek Area
Attn: Don Rotell, BLM Burns District Office
28910 Highway 20 West, Hines, Oregon 97738
Email: AMP EA BLM_OR_BU_BCA_AMP@blm.gov
After considering your substantive comments, a proposed decision outlining the action to be taken will be developed and released for additional public participation. Watch the Bridge Creek project website on ePlanning for updates and more information (link posted above).
In managing livestock grazing on public rangelands, the BLM’s overall objective is to ensure the long-term health and productivity of these lands and to create multiple environmental benefits that result from healthy watersheds. Grazing, which was one of the earliest uses of public lands when the West was settled, continues to be an important use of those same lands today.
For further information about the Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plans, or to have your name added to the project mailing list, contact Don Rotell, Andrews/Steens Field Office Field Manager at (541) 573-4400.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
