“I’m concerned that local knowledge and expertise is not being utilized as well as possible,” Supervisor of Starr Valley Conservation District Leslie Lotspeich said. “I’m excited to hear about the goals. I think they need to bring the information in small areas so we can develop a working plan for sage grouse because we currently don’t have anything to develop it. That part needs to change.”

The breakout groups where people could submit their verbal concerns with the amendments were divided into sagebrush focal areas and habitat management area mapping; minerals, lands and realty; livestock grazing; and wildlife and habitat resources. Members and experts from the BLM answered questions as scribes wrote down the key points to be addressed on paper easels with bold colored markers.

“The county’s concerns are the management of multiple lands and habitats, and the impact that will have on all sectors from ranchers, miners, outdoor recreation, and other outdoor uses,” County Manager Rob Stokes said. “We would like to see the amendments to be as non-invasive as possible. The less restrictions we have, the better.”

The comments submitted will allow the federal BLM, Fish and Wildlife, and Forest Service to analyze the issues with alternatives incorporated into a draft for the new amendments.