Draft Monument plan protects region’s exceptional biodiversity, responds to fire risk
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management today released a draft update to the management plan for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The Monument, which sits at the intersection of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southwest Oregon and Northern California, is the first U.S. national monument set aside primarily for the preservation of biodiversity. Originally established by Presidential Proclamation in 2000, Cascade-Siskiyou was expanded in 2017. The Monument is managed under BLM’s National Conservation Lands.
The BLM’s draft plan will allow the BLM to consolidate management of the Monument, currently addressed under three separate management plans, providing consistency for the BLM and the public. The draft plan updates Bureau management for the entire Monument to protect important biological, historic, and public resources, including objects of scientific interest, while addressing important resource issues, such as fire and fuels, wildlife, livestock grazing, and recreation. The draft also proposes to designate two areas of critical environmental concern within the Monument, covering roughly 354 acres.
“We appreciate how unique and important this landscape is, not just for Oregon, but for the entire United States,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “We look forward to hearing from the public about how we might better manage this landscape. Your input is essential as we work to refine this updated and expanded management plan.”
A Notice of Availability for the draft resource management plan update publishes in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 90-day public comment period for the draft plan and associated draft environmental impact statement.
BLM will host one virtual and three in-person public meetings on the proposed plan. Members of the public will have an opportunity to meet with specialists to learn more about the draft plan and provide substantive comments. More information regarding the public meetings will be posted to the events section of BLM’s website when available.
Interested parties may also submit written comments to BLM through the following methods:
Online via the “participate now” feature at the BLM National NEPA Register.
By mail to BLM Medford District Office, ATTN: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Planning, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504.
The comment period closes on July 5, 2024, or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later.
For more information or questions, contact the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument RMP Team at 458-246-8861 or blm_csnm_rmp@blm.gov.