MUIRNet-News

"The scoping report summarizes public comments and identifies land use planning issues to be addressed in a draft RAMP/EIS, which will affect approximately 150,000 acres of public lands in Imperial County," said Vicki Wood, BLM El Centro Field Office manager.

The draft RAMP/EIS will provide management guidance to balance recreational uses with protection of natural and cultural resources. The scoping report was developed through a collaborative planning process with other federal, state and local agencies, as well as the public. The scoping period ran from April 4, 2008, to May 31, 2008, and included public meetings in San Diego, Phoenix, and El Centro.

The primary scoping issues received by the El Centro Field Office include concerns regarding the management of the newly designated critical habitat for Peirson’s Milkvetch, providing opportunities for motorized recreation, protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources, and other emerging issues such as invasive species management.

The scoping report for the ISDRA RAMP/EIS is available on the El Centro Field Office website (http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/ca/pdf/elcentro/planning/2008/isdra.Par.97215.File.dat/ISDRA_Scoping_Report.pdf) or by request. Additional opportunities for public involvement will be announced at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media news releases, and mailings. Under the current schedule, BLM expects to publish a notice in the Federal Register in April 2009 announcing the availability of the ISDRA draft RAMP/EIS, followed by a ninety (90) day public comment period and additional public meetings.

For additional information contact Erin Dreyfuss, Planning and Environmental Coordinator, at the El Centro Field Office, 1661 S. 4^th Street, El Centro, CA 92243; telephone: 760-337-4436, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .