MISSOULA – The Missoula Field Office published proposed supplementary rules in the Federal Register Aug. 4. This will allow the newly-developed Missoula Resource Management Plan to be fully implemented and give law enforcement rangers the ability to enforce new management decisions finalized through the planning process.
The field office has opened a 60-day comment period on the proposed supplementary rules that would cover the 167,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands within the Missoula area and specifically address management of the Sperry Grade Area, Garnet Ghost Town, the Dupont acquisition, Bear Creek Flats, Limestone Cliffs and the Blackfoot Special Recreation Management Area. The public comment period for the supplementary rules closes on Oct. 3.
“The proposed supplementary rules are needed to enforce protection of natural, geologic and historic resources; reduce wildland fire risk; and provide for public health and safety,” said Missoula Field Manager Erin Carey.
The rules give BLM law enforcement the ability to:
• Protect natural resources including crucial elk habitat near the Blackfoot Clearwater Game Range;
• Protect geologic resources at Limestone Cliffs;
• Protect historic resources at Garnet Ghost Town;
• Enhance public safety and experiences at important day-use recreation sites along the Blackfoot River;
• Reduce wildland fire potential with restrictions on locating campfires and burning materials on public lands; and
• Remove abandoned personal property on public lands.
To read more about the rules, visit https://bit.ly/3Q5CNKD
To submit comments on the proposed supplementary rules, email BLM_MT_Missoula_FO@blm.gov; or mail them to: Proposed Supplementary Rule, Bureau of Land Management, Attention: Erin Carey, Missoula Field Manager, Missoula Field Office, 3255 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804. Comments, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time.
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