Extended Comment

The initial public comment period ends December 28th, Please leave a comment ASAP!

There are certain criteria that need to be met for a comment to be considered within the SEIS (Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement) process. Comments which are considered “Substantive” and especially those which present new information, or point out any deficiencies with the original SEIS which was conducted before 2021. The BLM is obligated to respond to all comments which meet this criteria. Below is an example of an effective comment. Feel free to copy from this example, to create a comment of your own:

1. Sample Introduction: 

I would like to bring the following information to the attention of the Bureau of Land Management and the Fish and Wildlife Service, and I request a response to my concerns about possible threats to the protection status of Zone 6. 

2. Sample Paragraphs (Please add more personalized information)

The Zone 6 area is important habitat for a variety of endangered and threatened species, including hundreds of Mojave Desert Tortoises, a thriving population of Gila Monsters, and critical habitat for the endangered Dwarf Bear Poppy flowers, which occur nowhere else on earth. The habitat in Zone 6 is some of the most densely populated habitat for desert tortoises rangewide. Because of its unique position at the northern end of the Mojave desert, tortoises thrive in this area and contribute greatly to the overall ecosystem of our deserts. I believe that additional studies need to be conducted to analyze the ecological significance of Zone 6 to prevent further development from forever destroying these precious resources. In light of the 2020 catastrophic human-caused fires that burned 9,000 acres of tortoise critical habitat, I respectfully request BLM and FWS analyze an alternative that protects Zone 6 as additional habitat conservation for the federally-threatened Mojave desert tortoise. We urge the protection of Zone 6 as additional habitat necessary in maintaining and recovering the tortoise population.

The recreational opportunities within Zone 6 are unique and invaluable to the health of locals, and also to the economic health of the surrounding communities adjacent to this beautiful area. With over 65 miles of non-motorized trail systems, this area contributes to the physical and psychological health of the locals who enjoy the trails, including Zen trail, Bear Claw Poppy trail, and others on a daily basis. In addition the trails bring in important revenue for the local economy, several large scale events occur every year, including True Grit and others which would not be possible if this area becomes fragmented. Also there are several world-renowned climbing and bouldering areas within Zone 6. These include Moe’s Valley, Zen Wall, Mario Land, and Green Valley Gap. People travel here from all over the world to climb, and also to attend the annual climbing and cleanup events which happen in this area. These travelers are spending a significant amount of money at local businesses. I request additional studies to be conducted which analyze the recreational significance in the area, both in terms of health but also economic contributions to the local economy. I request language be included in the SEIS plan, or other management prescription for Zone 6 that explicitly notes “rock climbing as an appropriate recreational activity” within the area. In addition, existing trails to access climbing resources should be recognized and allowed along with appropriate stewardship and maintenance within Zone 6. 

There is important cultural and historical significance within the area which is still mostly unknown since archeological surveys here have been mostly neglected. There is evidence of habitation by the Ancestral Pueblo people and others in this area going back at least 1000 years, with many areas exhibiting pottery fragments and arrowheads, preserved corn cobs, and some caves which contain possible human remains which have not been thoroughly studied by any organization. An archaeological survey was conducted in which several sites were nominated to be included in the National Register of Historic Places, however this process was never completed. One of these petroglyph sites was used in ancient times as a calendar precisely marking winter solstice within a carved stone spiral. It was recently sold to developers and has subsequently been damaged by vandalism and unmitigated encroachment from the neighborhood. I am concerned about what other cultural and historical treasures are potentially at risk of destruction within the Zone 6 area. I request the BLM and/or SITLA to conduct a comprehensive study of the area to analyze these historical resources. Also I request that the BLM and RCDR take proactive steps to engage with any Tribal authorities who might be interested in the important cultural resources which are at risk, and if there is anything that can be done to enhance protection of the area which has recently been sold. 

3. Sample Closing Paragraph:

Thank you for your consideration of these important issues. I strongly urge the BLM, SITLA, and the RCDR to conduct further analysis. And I ask that the administrators consider how important the Zone 6 area is to the locals, but also important and unique nationally and globally. The preservation of Zone 6 should be guaranteed, regardless of the outcome of the Northern Corridor. 

Feel free to Copy the text above, and use it as the basis for leaving a comment of your own at: BLM Comments Register 

For more information sources check these links: 

Dwarf Bear Poppy Wiki endangered flower which grows nowhere else on earth

Desert Tortoise Wiki threatened species thriving in Moe's

Gila Monster threatened species which is very rare and unique 

Petroglyph sites near Moe's Summary of archaeological survey conducted in 2009

The Virgin Anasazi An article published in The Journal of Prehistory

Shivwits Band of Paiutes Local tribe who has made this area home for hundreds of years

About Red Cliffs NCA The National Conservation Area which is threatened 

Climbing Magazine Article ranking Moe's in top areas of USA