BLM scales down Priest Hole Rec Area plans
The Bureau of Land Management Prineville District Office said Wednesday it is issuing a decision to implement a scaled-down combination of actions in the Priest Hole Recreation Area, 12 miles northwest of Mitchell.
All of the actions are designed to improve the recreational experience while protecting wildlife habitat and water quality, officials said.
“After careful analysis and considering public input, BLM decided to implement a scaled-down version of the original proposed action,” the announcement said.
“As a result, the project will not develop any designated campsites, will not close any roads, and will not add a trash dumpster to the area,” the agency said.
BLM will install a temporary restroom (port-a-potty) while gaining public input on the best location for a permanent vault toilet.
Once a site is identified for the permanent toilet, a gravel parking area will be developed to allow pull-through trailer access. The decision also includes modifications for the food and cover crop plots and irrigation for the fields.
Any person adversely affected by this decision may appeal to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Hearings and Appeals, Interior Board of Land Appeals (Board) in accordance with the regulations contained in 43 CFR, Part 4 and Form 1842-1 (form available at Prineville BLM) within 30 days from the decision. Only signed, original hard copies of a notice of appeal will be accepted at the Prineville BLM office. A notice of appeal must include a statement of reasons showing that the decision is in error and must be filed with the Board within thirty (30) days after the notice of appeal was filed.
The Priest Hole Site Plan EA Decision Record 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. More information about the proposed actions can be found at http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/plans/priest.php. Please contact the Prineville BLM if you need more information about the appeal process.
