BLM Invites Public Comment on the Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement Proposal
The BLM will host an open-house on Wednesday, March. 3, to invite public comment on the Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement Proposal.
The open house will be at the Malta Field Office, 501 2nd Street East, Malta, Montana, and will last from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement Proposal would involve constructing approximately 1.5 miles of new road to enhance public access into public lands. The proposed project would be located approximately 54 miles southeast of Malta, in the Larb Hills (T. 23N., R. 33E., Sec. 9).
This open-house is part of the Malta Field Office’s effort to share information and receive public comments on the scope of issues. The open house comments will help determine if the Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement Proposal is warranted and also help determine if an environmental assessment (EA) should be prepared according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
If the proposal moves forward, the Malta Field Office would evaluate these five alternatives:
· Maintain current conditions (No Action)
· Close the existing road across public land to all motorized use during big game hunting season
· Construct an engineered ATV or UTV route
· Construct an engineered 4X4 access road
· Other options or ideas
A thorough analysis of the impacts as well as the public comments received will help determine which alternative would be used as the preferred alternative.
The Malta Field Office invites the public to provide written comments on the feasibility of the Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement Proposal, including resources to be evaluated, alternatives to be considered, and significant concerns and issues. Comments on this proposal may be provided at the open house or mailed to the Malta Field Office at: Malta Field Office, 501 2nd Street East, Malta, Montana 59538, or FAXed to (406) 654-5150.
To be most valuable in preparing the Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement EA, the Malta Field Office should receive written comments by the end of the scoping comment period, March 31, 2010.
For further information about the Johnston Coulee Access Enhancement Proposal, please contact Jon Kautt at (406) 654-5119.
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