Bureau Of Land Management Seeks Public Comment

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment while they consider closing areas in Carbon and Albany Counties to oil and gas leasing. An amendment has been proposed to the 2008 Rawlins Resource Management Plan (RMP) which would close about 12,425 acres in the two counties.

This comes after parcels of BLM administered land about 27 miles south of Rawlins, Wyo. were nominated for leasing in May of 2012. Because of community concern and the close proximity to springs which supply drinking water to the town, the parcels were deferred. At the request of Rawlins city managers, the amendment would permanently close the land to leasing to avoid potential impacts to the springs.

Areas adjacent to Saratoga, Wyo. and Laramie, Wyo. will be considered for closure to oil and gas leasing as well due to water quality concerns.

An environmental assessment will be prepared for the amendment. According to the BLM, public participation is very important for this process and will help in identifying key issues, concerns, ideas, or mitigation opportunities.

Written comments will be accepted until August 20 and may be emailed to BLM_WY_RFO_RMP_water_amend@blm.gov, faxed to 307-328-4224, or mailed or delivered to the BLM Rawlins Field Office at P.O. Box 2407, 1300 N. Third St., Rawlins WY 82301.

The BLM would like to advise the public that before including a name, address, phone number, e-mail address or any other identifying information the comment in its entirety may be made publicly available at any time. This includes personal identifying information. You can ask the BLM to withhold your information from public review, but they cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.

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