(Press release) — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on the Environmental Assessment for the High Plains District portions of the August 2016 competitive oil and gas lease sale.

The initial list of parcels derived from public nominations within the district contains 43 individual parcels (totaling 22,895 Federal mineral acres) varying in size from 40 to 2,380 acres. Nine parcels are located within the Casper Field Office, 34 within the Newcastle Field Office. No parcels were nominated in the Buffalo Field Office for this sale. They are offered in compliance with the Casper Resource Management Plan/Record of Decision approved in December 2007, and the Newcastle RMP/ROD approved in September 2000.

The draft EA is available online.

Two alternatives are analyzed: under Alternative A, the No Action, no parcels would be offered for lease; under Alternative B, the Proposed Action, 39 parcels (22,495 Federal mineral acres).

Public comments are an important component of the National Environmental Policy Act process and help identify issues, concerns and mitigation opportunities not covered in the EA. Mail or deliver written comments to: Randy Sorenson, High Plains District Office, 2987 Prospector Dr., Casper, WY 82604. Comments can be e-mailed to Casper_WYMail@blm.gov with “August 2016 Lease Sale Parcels” in the subject line. Comments will be accepted until February 18, 2016.

For more information, please contact Randy Sorenson at (307) 261-7522 or e-mailrandy_sorenson@blm.gov.

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