Input sought on Tumalo thinning, trails project

The Prineville District, BLM is requesting public input on a proposed project that analyzes alternatives to thin trees and removes biomass on up to 725 acres of an 800-acre BLM parcel located 3 miles southwest of Tumalo.

Proposed actions would protect existing old-growth trees and increase the amount and diversity of understory shrubs and grasses. Over time, the resulting forest/woodland structure and composition would more closely resemble historic mature Ponderosa pine, juniper woodland and shrub-steppe plant communities.

This piece of BLM-administered land was designated non-motorized in 2005 under the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan. As part of the implementation of this designation, the Tumalo Project also analyzes the option to establish a non-motorized trail system of 10-12 miles. The trail system would provide connections to the Deschutes National Forest, Cascade Timberlands, and other private property, as well as provide a series of internal loops.

The public is invited to review the range of alternatives and provide input. The Tumalo Vegetation and Trail Management Environmental Assessment is available online under “Documents Currently under Review” at http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/plans/index.php or by requesting a paper copy from the Prineville District Office at (541) 416-6700.

The BLM will accept comments until April 22, 2013 via:

FAX: (541-416-6798)

MAIL: 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754

EMAIL: BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov (Attn: Tumalo EA)

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available. While you can ask us withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.