RBC I The White River and Douglas Creek conservation districts, in partnership with Rio Blanco County, hosted four input sessions for the Land and Resource Use Plan across Rio Blanco County on March 8 and 9.
Input sessions were held in Meeker, Rangely and at the Piceance Creek Clinic.
The districts and county received great input from those that attended. The sessions were formatted to give citizens of Rio Blanco County an opportunity to review and comment on each section of the plan, including maps and policy statements for each section.
The conservation districts and the county are developing this plan to represent Rio Blanco County citizens and would like as much feedback as possible. Once finalized, the plan will be applied to federal regulatory frameworks that govern the management of public lands in regards to rangeland, water, wildlife, forestry, travel management, energy resources and climate/air.
Federal law requires federal agencies to give meaningful consideration to policies asserted in plans such as this that have been developed by local governments, including conservation districts.
Those who were unable to attend one of the input sessions are strongly encouraged to visit the website at www.RioBlancoLUP.com for an electronic copy of the plan and directions on how to provide your input in the most efficient manner, or stop by the district office at 351 7th Street in Meeker.
The plan is also available for review in Rangely at the Rangely Chamber of Commerce, the Rangely Public Library and the County Annex building. The plan will be open to public comment through the month of March. All comments must be submitted on line or to the Conservation District Office by 5 p.m. on March 31.
The White River and Douglas Creek conservation districts are made up of locally elected landowners who provide leadership in the wise use of natural resources within the boundaries of their district.
As permitted by state statute, the districts, in partnership with Rio Blanco County, have developed this Land and Resource Use Plan. With your input, the plan will identify the districts’ and county’s policies to facilitate, protect and preserve the utilization and conservation of natural resources on public lands.
These policies will support agricultural concerns, protect private property rights, protect and enhance the customs, cultures, and the economy, protect the tax base, assure the well-being of the people and provide for the public health, safety and welfare of the County citizens.
Contact Chris Colflesh or Callie Hendrickson at the conservation district office by calling 970-878-5628, Ext. 101 with any questions regarding the plan and/or to comment.
