Input sought on proposed temporary​ ​Flat Creek Allotment livestock change

(MALTA, Mont.) – Public input is being sought regarding an application by the American Prairie Reserve (APR) to change the kind of livestock grazed on an allotment in south Phillips County, Mont.

Under consideration is a proposal to issue a grazing permit for a period not to exceed one year, which would authorize APR to change the type of livestock from cattle to bison on the Flat Creek Allotment.

The allocated Animal Unit Months (AUMs) and the current May 1 to November 15 grazing season would remain unchanged from the current permit. All regulations for grazing on public lands would apply and grazing would continue to adhere to the Standards for Rangeland Health.

APR had made an earlier application for the use of the Flat Creek Allotment to change the type of livestock from cattle to bison, to remove interior fences and to change season of use to year around.

BLM issued a proposed decision on Dec. 28, 2015 that would have approved those changes. In light of the protests received, the BLM is vacating the proposed decision and will revise the NEPA analysis of the long-term application to address the protest points raised.

The BLM’s Malta Field Office is preparing to conduct an environmental analysis of APR’s request. Substantive comments about this application must be submitted in writing by May 25 in order to be considered. Comments may be sent to the Malta Field Office, 501 South 2nd Street East, Malta, MT 59538 or via email to [email protected].

Entire public comments, including an individual’s address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information if submitted, may be subject to a Freedom of Information Act request.

For more information, please contact the Malta Field Office at 406-654-5100.

– BLM –

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BLM Montana/Dakotas Malta Field Office + 501 S. 2nd Street East + Malta, MT 59538 + http://www.blm.gov/mt

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land for the American people, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from​ a​ctivities occurring on public lands.