BLM extends comment period, announces upcoming events

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has shared several recent updates on ongoing project developments and upcoming events, including extending the public scoping period for the Jackalope Wind Energy project, hosting local meetings on greater sage grouse land use plan amendments and hosting wild horse and burro adoption events.

Jackalope Wind public comment period extended

The BLM Rock Springs Field Office announced this week that they have extended the public scoping period for the Jackalope Wind Energy project to May 2.

"This 15-day extension will provide time for additional public input to inform development of an environmental impact statement for the project," a press release explained.

As currently proposed, the Jackalope Wind Energy project includes approximately 213 wind turbine generators and associated infrastructure, which could generate up to 600 megawatts of clean electricity.

Jackalope Wind, LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, proposes to construct the commercial wind energy project on 293,100 acres of public and private lands.

Sage grouse meeting to be hosted in Rock Springs

The BLM has been working on amendments to the greater sage grouse land use plan, proposing stronger conservation. Public meetings on the amendments are being held in multiple Wyoming cities, with the meeting for Sweetwater County set to be hosted from 5-7 p.m. next Monday, April 22, at the White Mountain Library in Rock Springs.

"The Bureau of Land Management manages the largest single share of sage grouse habitat in the United States-nearly 67 million acres of 145 million total acres," a BLM press release explained. "The draft plan offers a range of alternatives for sustainable management of these lands. Balancing a consistent management approach across the range while addressing conditions and policies unique to individual states, BLM will be able to work more effectively with state and local managers to protect and improve sagebrush habitats on public lands."

Wild horse and burro adoption coming up

The BLM will be hosting a wild horse and burro adoption event in Rock Springs.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility on Saturday, April 27. There will be approximately 40 untrained horses and 10 untrained burros up for adoption.

Starting the following week, potential adopters can schedule appointments on Thursdays or Fridays, according to a BLM press release. Those who are interested can call the facility to view available horses and burros.

To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 years old and have facilities that meet the BLM's requirements.

"Wild horses and burros for adoption were removed from overpopulated herds roaming Western public rangelands," the BLM explained. "As part of our efforts to find every animal a good home, the BLM offers up to $1,000 to adopt an untrained animal."