February 29, 2008   

Contacts:  Otto Jose 303-236-8156

                 David McGillivary 303-236-4411

 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks Public Comment for Roosevelt Upland Bird Management Unit Land Disposal near Roosevelt, Duchesne County, Utah

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) prepared to address the State of Utah’s proposed project entitled “Disposal of the Roosevelt Upland Bird Management Unit” involving lands owned by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).  Public comments will be accepted until March 15, 2008.

 

The 117.38-acre tract, which included 46.5 shares of irrigation stock, was purchased in 1948 by the DWR.  The land was purchased with funds through a Federal Aid grant with the Service.  Federal funds provided 75 percent of the cost of the land and water purchase.

 

The property was purchased to provide habitat for ring-necked pheasant and California quail production.  When the property was originally purchased, hunting was prohibited on the property but in the early 1950s, this management approach was re-examined and the property was open to hunting.  The Unit also provided for the rearing and release of chukar game birds for hunting.  The DWR discontinued the upland bird rearing and release efforts in the mid-1980s due to limited long-term benefits for hunting opportunities.  Over time, increasing residential development and agricultural lands has diminished hunting opportunities on the land.

 

The purpose of this proposed action is to dispose of 117.38 acres of the Roosevelt Upland Bird Management Unit located near Roosevelt in Duchesne County.  This parcel no longer provides hunting opportunities for Utah hunters due to the close proximity to residential homes, relatively small size, and limited wildlife value.   

 

Detailed information on each alternative considered for this proposed project is contained in the DEA and is available online at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/federalassistance.  Those without internet access may request copies by calling the Services’ Division of Federal Assistance at 303-236-5420 or writing to:  Chief, Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO 80225.

 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

 

-FWS-

Email Us: MountainPrairie@fws.gov