BLM and FWS extend the Public Scoping Period until December 28, 2023.

BLM, FWS review potential impacts of Northern Corridor highway in Utah 

ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are gathering public input to inform a scientific analysis of the proposed Northern Corridor highway in Washington County.  

The Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the result of the settlement of pending litigation and will address the Northern Corridor highway right-of-way and any corresponding effects to the FWS’s approved incidental take permit for the Mojave desert tortoise. 

“BLM takes seriously our responsibility to protect natural and cultural resources, including those resources in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, alongside our commitment to support local communities,” said Color Country District Manager Gloria Tibbetts. “We encourage everyone to provide input so that every voice is heard, acknowledged, and considered in the decision-making process.” 

“Public involvement in this scoping period is essential for a thorough NEPA analysis that considers both conservation objectives and the needs of Washington County,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Josh Rasmussen. 

The publication of the Notice of Intent in the Federal Register officially opens the scoping period, and the BLM will accept comments until Dec. 16, 2023. The scoping period is an opportunity for the public to provide information for the BLM and FWS to consider as the agencies collaboratively develop the draft Supplemental EIS. A meeting from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6, 2023, at the Dixie Center, 1835 S Convention Center Dr. St. George, UT 84790, will provide the public the opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback regarding development of the draft Supplemental EIS. 

To review the project website, visit BLM’s associated National NEPA Register website. 

Interested parties may submit comments the following ways:  

• Online via the “participate now” feature on the National NEPA Register. 
• Mail:   Bureau of Land Management, 

      Attn: Northern Corridor SEIS 

      345 East Riverside Drive, 

      St. George, UT 84790 

For further information concerning the BLM process, visit our Planning and NEPA homepage or contact the National Conservation Area Manager at 435-688-3200 or [email protected].