BLM to host public meetings for input on Grand Staircase-Escalante plans

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management, St. George News

KANAB — The Bureau of Land Management will host two public meetings in October as part of the ongoing land use planning for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the federal lands excluded from the monument that are now identified as the Kanab-Escalante Planning Area.

The draft management plans for the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits and the Escalante Canyons units and associated environmental impact statement were released for public review Aug. 17 and modified Aug. 31. More information about the planning effort may be found on the BLM ePlanning project page.

“We welcome public discussion about the draft plans and the sharing of input with BLM staff,” Harry Barber, acting monument manager said. “This review period provides an important opportunity to influence the decision-making process. The alternatives in the draft EIS analyze alternatives for protecting natural and cultural resources within the monument, while also providing opportunities for multiple uses of public lands.”

The BLM invites members of the public to attend meetings at the following dates and locations:

  • Oct. 15, from 4-7 p.m., Escalante High School, 70 N. 1 West, Escalante.
  • Oct. 16, from 4-7 p.m.,  Kanab Elementary School, 41 W. 100 North, Kanab.

These open-house meetings provide opportunities for the public to speak with resource specialists, ask questions and submit written comments in person. Written comments may be submitted at the meetings or anytime through Nov. 30 via mail or the ePlanning project page.

To help the BLM properly consider and incorporate feedback, please include a reference to a specific page or section of the draft EIS draft resource management plan in your comment. Comments may be submitted by mail to 669 S. Hwy 89A, Kanab, UT 84741, attn: Matt Betenson.

On Jan. 16, the BLM initiated planning for these lands and hosted an almost three-month scoping period and two public meetings. Since then, the BLM has worked with cooperating agencies to develop draft management plans and a draft EIS reflecting input from many stakeholders and the public. The plans include a range of alternatives addressing management issues brought forward during scoping.

Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 to leave a message or question and is available 24 hours a day.

Event details

  • What: BLM public meeting to plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante lands.
  • When: Oct. 15 and 16, 4-7 p.m.
  • Where: Oct 15 – Escalante High School, 70 N. 1 West, Escalante | Oct 16 – Kanab Elementary School, 41 W. 100 North, Kanab
  • Admission: Free.
  • For more information click here.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

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