BLM invites public comment as it begins Environmental Assessment for permitting of events on the Iditarod National Historic Trail
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The BLM is seeking public input for updating its Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing effects of winter competitive events and commercial recreational uses of BLM-managed public lands and facilities along the Iditarod National Historic Trail.
These events include the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the Iron Dog (snowmobile) Race, among others, which are authorized by BLM Special Recreation Permits. Permits are issued for ten-year increments, with the most recent being issued in 2008. The BLM-managed sections of the Trail affected by the permits are between the Alaska Range and Nikolai and between Kaltag and Unalakleet.
The most recent Environmental Assessment was completed in 2008 and is being updated to consider emerging issues such as:
- Shorter winter-use seasons;
- Use of BLM public shelter cabins by event staff;
- Avoidance of potential conflicts between casual and permitted uses and between commercial or competitive events;
- Trash and human waste; and
- Maintenance and improvements to the Iditarod Trail and public facilities to accommodate continued use.
Partnerships and inclusion are vital to managing sustainable, working public lands. The BLM welcomes and values diverse views. We would like to ensure the public’s concerns and ideas regarding the effects of commercial and competitive activities are adequately considered and evaluated.
Please submit comments by June 30, 2017. Comments can be made online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office. Using the “Advanced Search” function, enter the document number: DOI-BLM-AK-A010-2017-0012-EA. Comments may also be submitted to the BLM Anchorage Field Office, Attn: Iditarod, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identification information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
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.