BLM seeks local input on Rio Blanco County fence

MEEKER I The Bureau of Land Management is asking for local public feedback regarding the proposed construction of five segments of a Herd Management Area (HMA) fence in Rio Blanco County.
The proposed fence would serve to improve management of wild horses within the Piceance-East Douglas HMA.
The 137-mile perimeter of the HMA is not adequately fenced and wild horses can leave the HMA. Wild horses leaving the HMA are at risk of vehicle collisions and pose concerns to natural resources on both public and private land.
The BLM is preparing an environmental assessment (EA) for construction of these five fence segments. Public scoping began Monday and the BLM will accept feedback for 15 days regarding this proposed project. During scoping, the BLM is looking for feedback from the public regarding issues, impacts and potential alternatives that should be addressed in the EA.
This is the first opportunity for the public to be involved in this EA, and the BLM plans for the preliminary EA to be available for public review and comment later this spring.
Specific information regarding the project is available online and at the White River Field Office, 220 E Market St., Meeker, Colo., 81641. The plan is available online at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/wrfo.html
Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by March 10. Written comments can be mailed to the White River Field Office, 220 E. Market Street, Meeker, Colo., 81641. Comments can also be submitted via email to [email protected].
Before including your address, phone number, email address or any other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made public available at any time. While individuals may request the BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
For more information, call Melissa Kindall, range technician, at 970-878-3842.