McFO Land Exchange

Date: July 31, 2007

Contact: Mark Jacobsen (406) 233-2831

BLM Invites Comment on Land Exchange Near Miles City

The Bureau of Land Management Miles City Field Office invites the public to comment on the first phase of the proposed Pumpkin Creek Ranch land exchange located about 13 miles south of Miles City. The public has until Sept. 3, 2007 to submit written comments regarding the exchange.

The land exchange would be implemented in two phases which when completed will result in over 20,000 acres available for public access.

The contiguous sections of public land are anticipated to offer varied opportunities for multiple use and resource management including grazing, wildlife habitat enhancement, fuels-forest initiatives programs and recreation near Miles City.

The exchange is being made on an equal value basis based on approved appraisals of both federal and non-federal lands. Most of the federal tracts which will be exchanged are located in Custer and Carter county, have limited or no access and are difficult to manage because of their small size and intermingled location with private land.

The Notice of Decision was initially published on July 20, 2007 after Miles City Field Manager Elaine Raper issued a decision July 16 to approve Phase 1 of the land exchange with The Conservation Fund.

A copy of the decision is available by writing or visiting the BLM Miles City Field Office at 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City, MT 59301 or by calling 406-233-2846. A link to the document can also be found on the web at:

http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/fo/miles_city_field_office.html.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their written comments or objections to the BLM Miles City Field Office at the above address. Facsimiles, telephone calls and emails are not acceptable means of submission and will not be considered.

Before including address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in comments, persons should be aware that their entire comment –including personal identifying information– may be made publicly available at any time. Persons may request that their personal identifying information be withheld from public review; however the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.

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