Governor Gordon Pleased with Final
Marton Ranch BLM Decision
CHEYENNE, Wyo. -
Today, Governor Mark Gordon received the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM)
final environmental assessment (EA) and decision record that provided
supplemental analysis to the Marton Ranch Acquisition EA. On Monday, June 26,
the BLM Casper Field Office announced the completion of their supplemental
analysis of the Marton Ranch purchase and incorporation of state agency and
public comments into their final document.
This final
supplemental EA is a result of a settlement agreement between Wyoming and the
BLM following the BLM’s purchase of the 35,670-acre Marton Ranch. The State of
Wyoming appealed the BLM’s decision to the Department of Interior’s Interior
Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) in June 2022 and reached a settlement with the BLM
and IBLA in October 2022. The BLM agreed to provide additional opportunities
for state agencies and public comments and supplement its environmental
analysis. About 350 comments were received by the BLM in the 21-day comment
period, with 44 comments noted as being substantial. Comments were incorporated
into the final EA published and signed today, which should bring a conclusion
to this matter. Planning regarding the BLM’s management of the property will
take place in the near future and include public comments and state and county
involvement.
“I thank the state
BLM for recognizing the need for additional public comment and analysis. The
Wyoming and Casper BLM offices have conducted the necessary work of
prioritizing and incorporating public and agency-specific comments into this
supplemental analysis. I am not surprised that there were substantial and
meaningful comments submitted by the public and state agencies. I am encouraged
to see the public interest in participating in the planning processes for the
future of this incredible area,” Governor Gordon stated.
“This land,
like the people and businesses reliant on multiple-use and public access of
public lands, has tremendous potential. I am confident that any future land
exchanges involving the BLM will follow the proper process,” the Governor
added. “Wyoming landowners have the right to make their own decisions about
their property, even if it means selling it to the Federal government. However,
the Federal government has the responsibility to see the process is fair and
transparent”
From the BLM’s announcement: To review the decision record, as
well as public comments received and BLM’s response to them, visit the
project’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2018049/510. For more information,
contact Mike Robinson at (307) 261-7520.
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