BLM Defers Leasing on Spanish Valley Parcel

Contact: Shelley Smith, Canyon Country District Manager (435) 259-2100

Salt Lake City—November 19, 2008—Following discussion with Grand County officials regarding a portion of one of the parcels proposed for leasing in the Bureau of Land Management Utah’s December oil and gas lease sale, BLM will defer the Spanish Valley parcel near Moab from further consideration, pending more in-depth conversations with Grand County.  After the proposed parcel list was posted, the county identified a conflict with local ordinances.  A portion of parcel 225 (Spanish Valley), is split estate (where surface ownership is private and subsurface mineral ownership is federal) and underlies private homes and a golf course near Moab.  Though no surface occupancy would be allowed on this parcel, BLM recognizes the concerns of the County and the private landowners.

“Following the release of our six resource management plans, implementation of those plans and continuing public involvement processes are effective,” said Selma Sierra, BLM Utah State Director.  “ We value the County’s partnership efforts both during planning and now at the implementation stage.  Protections for the environment were increased through the planning effort.  We also continue to work with our sister agency, the National Park Service, to further refine these lease offerings and clarify protections offered on each lease parcel.”

The public review period for the proposed parcels in the Dec. 19 geothermal, oil and gas lease sale ends on Dec. 4.