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The BLM issues final analysis on Shurtz Canyon Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project

Utah
Color Country DO
Cedar City FO
Media Contact

CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Bureau of Land Management announced approval of the Shurtz Canyon Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project environmental assessment. The project aims to reduce wildfire risks, improve landscape resiliency, and protect public safety, infrastructure, and crucial wildlife habitats through various treatments in the Shurtz Canyon area of Iron County, Utah. 

“We appreciate all the input provided during the comment period,” said Acting Cedar City Field Office Manager Jacqueline Russell. “The feedback has been instrumental in shaping the project and ensuring that we can take proactive measures to protect both the community and the landscape from wildfire risks.” 

The environmental assessment covers 30,725 acres between the Cedar Highlands and Trails at Shurtz Canyon subdivisions, areas identified as high wildfire risk zones. While the area includes state, Tribal, and private entities, this project will focus on approximately 5,000 acres of lands managed by the BLM. 

The project would enhance species composition, stand density, and structure within various vegetation types. The desired outcomes include creating fuel breaks on public land, slowing fire spread on ridgelines, and improving sub-watershed conditions that feed into the greater Escalante Desert Watershed. This equates to improved safety for firefighters and improved landscape resilience. 

Treatment will focus on pinyon-juniper and sagebrush areas, including mastication, hand-thinning with pile burning, harrowing, and herbicide application. The work, slated to begin in fall 2024, will be conducted over several years.  

Details on the planned treatments can be found online at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please visit the Cedar City Field Office at 176 E DL Sargent Dr. Cedar City, UT 84721, or contact 435-865-3000. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.