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meetings are planned
The Bureau of Land Management announces the completion of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) covering 143,830 acres of public lands administered by the Cottonwood Field Office. When completed, the RMP will describe broad, multiple-use guidance for managing public lands in the Cottonwood Field Office planning area. These lands are located in Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis, Idaho and Adams counties in north-central Idaho. The EIS assesses the environmental, social, and economic effects of different management alternatives considered in the RMP. Issue themes addressed in the plan include vegetation management; invasive plants; fire management; watershed management and restoration; management of habitat for wildlife and special status species; management of transportation and public access; management of commercial uses, forest products, livestock grazing, and recreation; and land tenure adjustments. The BLM is seeking comments from the public regarding the DEIS and conclusions in the document. The Draft RMP/EIS is available for public review on the Internet at http://www.cottonwoodrmp.com. Copies of the document were mailed to those who previously requested copies and will also be available at the following locations: BLM Offices in Cottonwood and Boise, and local libraries in Lewiston, Grangeville, Moscow, Cottonwood, and Riggins. You may submit comments until November 27, 2006 by any of the following means: (1) Email to comments@cottonwoodrmp.com, with the subject line “Draft RMP/EIS”, (2) Mail to: BLM Cottonwood Field Office, Attn: Draft RMP/EIS, 1 Butte Drive, Cottonwood, ID 83522; or (3) Fax to (208) 962-3275, Attn: Draft RMP/EIS. Comments will be most useful if they are specific, include suggested changes, mention page numbers where appropriate, and cite sources when applicable. Comment letters and e-mails must include your complete name, address, and phone number. The BLM will hold public meetings about the DEIS between October 17 and 19, 2006. These open house style meetings will be held at the following locations between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.: *Riggins, Tuesday, October 17, 2006: Salmon Rapids Lodge, 1010 S. Main Street *Grangeville, Wednesday, October 18, 2006: Super 8 Motel, 801 SW 1st Street *Lewiston, Thursday, October 19, 2006: Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street For additional information or to be added to the Cottonwood RMP mailing list, please contact Chuck Dillon, BLM, Cottonwood Field Office, at (208) 962-3686, send an email to information@cottonwoodrmp.com, or visit the project website at www.cottonwoodrmp.com. |
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