Governor Gordon Asks for Input on Controversial BLM Purchase
Written by Andrew-Rossi on April 25, 2023
Governor Mark Gordon is calling for Wyoming citizens to comment on the Bureau of Land Management’s (B.L.M.) preliminary environmental assessment (E.A.) that provides supplemental analysis to the Marton Ranch Acquisition E.A. On Friday, April 21, the B.L.M. Casper Field Office released their supplemental analysis of the Marton Ranch purchase and announced a 21-day public comment period, closing Friday, May 12, 2023.
The 35,000-acre Marton property, located east of Alcova Reservoir, borders the North Platte River frontage and extends south into Carbon County. The B.L.M. acquired the entire property for $22 million in “the largest land purchase that B.L.M. (had) undertaken in Wyoming” to create a 118-square-mile block of land, improving public access to the North Platte River.
The B.L.M. worked with partners, including The Conservation Fund, to acquire the ranch. However, they didn’t work with Wyoming’s elected leaders, who immediately condemned the purchase once it was announced.
In June 2022, Wyoming filed an appeal challenging the B.L.M’.s purchase. This week’s announcement by the B.L.M. is a result of the settlement agreement between the State of Wyoming and the B.L.M. The B.L.M. agreed to provide additional opportunities for state agencies and public comments and supplement its environmental analysis.
“Embracing multiple use principles, which in this case includes increased public access, on public lands has many benefits to the public and Wyoming. That is why I did not oppose this project but opposed the process used. Meaningful public input and environmental analysis are critical steps in any federal land acquisition process, and this public comment period is necessary to fulfill the agreement between the B.L.M. and the State of Wyoming,” Governor Gordon stated. “I encourage interested members of the public to take advantage of this time to be involved. I also appreciate the cooperation and communication with the Wyoming and Casper B.L.M. offices, who have ensured our state agencies were consulted during the supplemental analysis. I look forward to the future land-use planning process and seeing what opportunities the future of this land may hold.”
Comments will be accepted in writing or through the B.L.M.’s ePlanning website.
In addition, hard copy comments can be mailed or hand-delivered to the B.L.M. Casper Field Office, Attn: Mike Robinson, 2987 Prospector Dr., Casper, WY 82604.
For more information, please call the Casper Field Office at (307) 261-7600.
