FAIRBANKS , AK – Based on public comment on the Eastern Interior Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP)/Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering changing the boundary of the proposed Fortymile Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and designating a new ACEC on the Mosquito Flats, also in the Fortymile region.

The BLM is providing additional information on the proposed ACECs for public review and comment in a Federal Register notice published Friday.

The proposed Mosquito Flats ACEC (30,000 acres) provides unique wetland and aquatic habitats and supports a variety of wildlife species. Mosquito Flats is an important moose calving area and summer habitat for the regional moose population. The area also supports short-eared owls and nesting trumpeter swans. The proposed ACEC would be recommended to be closed to new mineral entry and leasing. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) would be limited by season with no summer use allowed except by permit.

The Fortymile ACEC (685,000 acres) boundary presented in the Alternatives of the draft RMP/EIS was reconfigured to improve manageability and maintain effective caribou and Dall sheep habitat and mineral licks. The ACEC would be recommended to be closed to new mineral entry and leasing and to have a limited OHV designation with seasonal limitations on uses within one mile of mineral licks.

A 60-day public comment period for the proposed ACECs began January 3, 2015. The public is invited to provide comments related to the new ACECs. Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods:

• Email:  EasternInterior@blm.gov
  Fax:  907–474–2282
• Mail:  Eastern Interior Field Office, Attention-Eastern Interior RMP, Bureau of Land Management, 1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, Attn:  Jeanie Cole

Comments must be received by March 3, 2015 to be considered. For maps and information about the proposed ACECs, visit the Eastern Interior RMP website at www.blm.gov/ak/eirmp or contact the BLM at (907) 474-2340 or (800) 437-7021 (within Alaska).

  mosquito flats, public comment, regulations