BLM proposes to transfer 160 acres to Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge
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SODA SPRINGS, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on a proposal to transfer approximately 159 acres of public lands in Bonneville County to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Idaho. The proposal would connect wildlife habitat, including for trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes, and protect the lands from mineral mining and leasing.
The refuge was established in 1965 through a cooperative agreement between the USFWS, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local landowners. The more-than-19,000-acre refuge protects the historic Grays Lake marsh and hundreds of species of birds that rely on the refuge as a safe place to eat, rest, and raise their young. The refuge boasts one of the largest concentrations of breeding sandhill cranes in the continental United States.
“BLM is committed to supporting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in its management of National Wildlife Refuges now and for the future,” said BLM Idaho Falls District Manager Mary D’Aversa. “We are partnering with our sister agency to support this transfer, which will support refuge management and conserve essential wildlife habitat, including areas for trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes.”
The lands proposed for withdrawal are within the administratively established boundary of the refuge, and are currently grazed by two BLM grazing permittees. If the lands are withdrawn and transferred to the USFWS, existing grazing permits would be honored through their existing terms. New permits, and those seeking permit renewal once existing permits expire, may be issued by USFWS according to the competitive Cooperative Agriculture program.
A Notice of Proposed Withdrawal will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to withdraw the land for two years from settlement, sale, location, or entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, and from leasing under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. There are no existing mining claims or mineral operations on the lands proposed to be withdrawn and transferred.
Written public comments will be accepted until Nov. 1, 2024. Comments and requests for a public meeting can be emailed to BLM_ID_LLID933000_Withdrawal@blm.gov or delivered to
BLM Idaho State Office, Attn: ID-933/Grays Lake Transfer, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709.
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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.