Public input needed for Weston Hills plan in Campbell County

Press Release – In partnership with other federal, state, and local groups, the BLM is initiating a new plan for the public lands within the Weston Hills Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) in Campbell County which will consider a variety of actions to enhance or restore ecological conditions and improve recreation opportunities.  The BLM will complete an environmental assessment and will need input from interested groups and people to develop a successful plan.

The BLM has identified multiple concerns and related opportunities in the SRMA to improve recreation management, forest health, fuel loading, wildfire management, riparian health, weed management and water availability for livestock and wildlife. The BLM believes that partnership and inclusion are vital to managing sustainable, working public lands.

The proposed plan is an interdisciplinary assessment of multiple actions that could range from installation of structures such as signs, gates, barriers and water developments; to reclamation, stabilization, or creation of OHV trails; to forest and fuels treatments such as conifer thinning and prescribed fire; to weed treatments and weed wash stations. The proposed plan may explore new recreation opportunities such as interpretive sites and hiking trails and will pursue partnerships with local groups for environmental education and stewardship. The plan may provide opportunities for firewood use and business opportunities for service contracts such as tree thinning or structure installations.

The BLM will host a scoping open house on June 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Campbell County Library in Pioneer Rooms 1 & 2. Please stop by to visit about your vision for Weston Hills. Written comments can be submitted by email blm_wy_buffalo_wymail@blm.gov or postal mail to BLM, Attn: NEPA Coordinator, 1425 Fort St, Buffalo, WY 82834. Comments must be received by June 26, 2018.