In April, 2004, the Utah BLM initiated a large scale fire planning effort to amend 21 land use plans that pertain to the management of 18 million acres across the state of Utah. These amendments are necessary to incorporate changes in national and bureau policy regarding wildland fire and fuels management into current Resource Management Plans, Management Framework Plans, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Plan. The amendment will result in a consistent approach to incorporating the National Fire Plan and other federal policies into land use plans and will help assist and guide BLM in management for fire protection, fire use, and fuels management.
In association, the BLM is also working to update the five Fire Management Plans that pertain to all public lands managed by the BLM in Utah. These five planning areas are in the Vernal, Salt Lake City, Cedar City, Moab, and Richfield areas.
On April 2, 2004, a Notice of Intent to amend the land use plans was published in the Federal Register. Initial comments are being solicited from the public until July 21, to assist the BLM in scoping for this planning effort. Further, the public will have opportunities to submit comments and learn more during public scoping meetings in July.
Based upon initial scoping, the BLM believes the development of six Environmental Assessments (EAs) to review these plans would be appropriate. BLM is now proposing that one EA may be completed in relation to the land use plan amendments and five EAs be completed in relation to each of the separate Fire Management Plans.
Those interested in being added to the mailing list, or commenting on issues, alternatives, and/or process, should email UT_fire_comments@blm.gov or write to Matthew Higdon, Planning Specialist, BLM Utah State Office, 324 S. State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-2303.
