Public hearings set on Sloan Canyon

Monday, May 9, 2005 | 9:31 a.m.

The federal Bureau of Land Management will hold public hearings this week to take comments on the agency's management plan for the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.

The agency prepared a draft environmental impact statement and management plan for the 48,430-acre conservation area following public hearings in November.

The management plan seeks to balance public access and education with protection of the environmental and cultural resources in the conservation area. The area was created by federal legislation two years ago and covers rugged desert terrain adjacent to Henderson and south of much of the urban area.

"The plan presents various scenarios on how different resources will be managed, so we're looking for comments and ideas on how to craft the final scenario," said Charles Carroll, conservation area manager for the BLM.

He said many of those who attended last year's series of four hearings to gather initial input into the management plan will see their questions, concerns or recommendations reflected in the draft plan.

The BLM hopes to have the management plan approved and in place by November of this year.

The BLM is taking comment on the draft management plan until June 23. People can submit their comments by writing the BLM or attending one of two upcoming hearings: from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the BLM Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive. or from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Paseo Verde Library, 280 South Green Valley Parkway, Henderson.

The hearings will include brief presentations by federal officials.

Following the presentation, the remainder of the time will be available for oral comments, which will be limited to three minutes per person.