Volunteers Needed For Raptor Survey; Land Swap Enhances Recreational Opportunities

BLM Released this information about its upcoming raptor nest survey:

The Bureau of Land Management Utah is seeking volunteers to help conduct the annual Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS) this spring in northern Utah. RINS offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to become involved as “citizen scientists” in a long-term raptor nest monitoring project. The RINS organization collects and manages vital data regarding the ecology of eagles, falcons, hawks, osprey and owls.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer do not need previous experience or science credentials. The requirements are that you enjoy Utah’s outdoors, particularly the West Desert, have a desire to help the magnificent birds of prey and attend one training session. It is recommended that you own a pair of binoculars, a GPS unit, and have an e-mail address. The time commitment involves two field days per month from March through July to effectively monitor an assigned area.

Those individuals wanting to volunteer, contact RINS at 801-554-0807 or info@rins.org. For more information, visit www.rins.org.

Land Trade Will Enhance Recreational Opportunities, Land Management

BLM has also been involved in a land trade with the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. This news release has full details. Below are excerpts:

The BLM will acquire 58 parcels with high conservation and recreation value, totaling 25,034 acres, primarily in Grand County. These parcels will expand the BLM backcountry with world class recreation sites like Corona Arch and Morning Glory Arch. This exchange will improve the quantity and quality of recreational experiences for visitors to public lands and waters managed by the BLM. The State will acquire 34 parcels with high mineral development potential, totaling 35,516 acres, primarily in Uintah County. The state expects development of these high potential parcels to boost public school funding across Utah.

The appraisal documents and revised maps showing the parcels to be exchanged will be available for public inspection for 30-days from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the BLM-Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City. The exchange maps and additional documents supporting the exchange, including the environmental assessment and Decision Record, are available online at http://blm.gov/drld.

For a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this release, interested parties may submit written protests to the BLM-Utah State Director at the address below. Written protests may be mailed, hand delivered, or faxed. Telephone calls and email will not be accepted.

Mail

Bureau of Land Management

Utah State Office

Attn: State Director

440 West 200 South, Suite 500

Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

Fax

(801)539-4237