2008-02-22_APPLICATION CORRESPONDENCE - C2008086 (2)

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CNAliERFNE Public Involvement summary • Broadening the information base for decision-making • Informing the public about the DEIS and proposed RMP and the potential impacts associated with various management decisions Ensuring that public needs and viewpoints are brought to the attention of the agency 5.2.1 Scoping Period Publication of the N4I on July 27, 2006 initiated the scoping period and announced the BLM's intention to prepare a DEIS. Scoping for the DEIS took place from July 27, 2006 to September 25, 2006. The BLM utilized the public scoping process to identify planning issues to direct (drive) the formulation of alternatives and to frame the scope of analysis in the EIS. A total of 53 written comments were received during the scoping period. The scoping report provides a general summary of the issues found in these letters. 5.2.2 Scoping Notice The BLM prepared a public scoping notice and mailed it to federal, state, and local agencies; interest groups; and members of the general public. In the scoping notice, the BLM solicited written comments on the EIS, issues, and impacts and invited the public to a public scoping meeting. In addition, the scoping notice provided general information on the planning area, background information on the planning process, and date and location scheduled for the public scoping meeting. A display advertisement was placed in the CJrand Junction daily newspaper, The Daily Sentinel, on Friday, August 11, 2006. This ad briefly described the project and the need for the public meeting. It gave the meeting time and place as well as stating the scoping period end date of September 25, 2006. A postcardlmailer was mailed to all individuals on the BLM mailing list, CAM-Colorado, LLC SCAM} mailing list, and specific property owners whose property fell within one-half mile on either side of the proposed rail spur line right-of way ?R4w}. A press release was issued by the BLM to their media contacts for immediate release on July 28, 2006. Included in the press release was a brief project description, information about when and where the public scoping meeting was to be held, the purpose of the meeting, and the duration of the scoping period. 5.2.3 Scoping Meeting A public scoping meeting was held at the City of Fruita Council Chambers on Thursday, August 24, 2006. The meeting consisted of brief presentations of the project and the NEPA process by BLM and CAM, followed by an open house-style question and answer period. Handouts included the project description, map, and comment sheet. 5-4 DRMS ? 46