The Las Cruces District Office of the Bureau of Land Management will host a public meeting in Las Cruces on January 26, 2010, to provide information about the planning process the agency is using to develop a management plan for the recently designated Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.
I would encourage local residents to take part in this event. The Paleozoic Trackways are an amazing local treasure that should be preserved for the public to enjoy!
The open house will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Best Western Mission Inn, El Pueblo Room, at 1765 S. Main Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The BLM will present information about natural resources that occur in the area around the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, and solicit comments and resource information from the public; the information will guide the agency in developing a final management plan for the 5,280-acre monument northwest of Las Cruces.
The public can also provide written comments to the BLM before the scoping period ends on February 10, 2010. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing by the following methods:
- Website: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Las_Cruces_District_Office.html
- E-mail: lcfo_rmp@nm.blm.gov
- Fax: (575) 525-4412
- Mail:
BLM, Las Cruces District Office
Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Planner
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
“We encourage all interested members of the public to participate in our planning process,” said Lori Allen, Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Planner. “The open house meeting will allow staff to explain our planning and study process, as well as present information regarding the resources and uses that occur within the Planning Area.”
For further information about this effort contact and/or to have your name added to the BLM’s Prehistoric Trackways mailing list, contact Lori Allen at (575) 525-4454 or write the BLM at the address listed above; you can also e-mail Lori at Lori_Allen@blm.gov.
The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the planning process. Preliminary issues for the planning area that have been identified by the BLM, other agencies, and other stakeholders include Paleozoic resource protection, scientific research, off-highway vehicle use/recreation, plus interpretation and education.
The BLM will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify the management decisions that are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns within the scope of the BLM’s legal authorities. The agency will use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified. Specialists with expertise in the following disciplines will be involved in the planning process: Planning and NEPA, Paleontology, Outdoor Recreation, Minerals and Geology, Archeology, Wildlife, and others as may be needed.
The BLM manages more land – 253 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
