BLM to host public meeting on future Marton Ranch management

< All Press Releases

BLM to host public meeting on future Marton Ranch management

Organization:

BLM Office:

Media Contact:

Casper, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking the public's input on the future management of the Marton Ranch property southwest of Casper. To provide information and facilitate feedback, the BLM will host a public open house meeting from 6-8 p.m. on May 14 at the BLM Casper Field Office located at 2987 Prospector Dr. in Casper, Wyo.

In November 2023, the BLM held a public scoping meeting and comment period to gather feedback from the community. This input, as well as coordination with partnering agencies and tribes, was used to develop potential alternatives for future management of the property. Preliminary proposals for management activities include recreational development and access, vegetation management, and livestock grazing.

"The input we received previously was instrumental in shaping these preliminary proposals," says Larry Sandoval, BLM Casper Field Manager. "We've listened to the community, and those perspectives are reflected in the ideas we're sharing now. As we move forward, continued public involvement is key to refining these proposals and developing a long-term strategy that truly reflects the values and needs of public land users."

At the upcoming open house, BLM will display and discuss the preliminary proposals and solicit comments from the public. Comments may also be submitted via email to blm_wy_casper_wymail@blm.gov, or by mail to the BLM Casper Field Office, ATTN: Dustin Burger, 2987 Prospector Dr., Casper, WY 82604.

The preliminary management proposals can be reviewed here.

The BLM purchased the 35,668-acre Marton Ranch in 2022 with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, connecting 40,000 acres of existing BLM and State of Wyoming managed lands and creating a 75,000-acre contiguous block of land available to the public. Since the purchase, the BLM has applied existing management decisions to the newly acquired property, managing the area the same as adjacent public lands. Additional information about the Marton Ranch land acquisition can be found on the BLM's National NEPA Register.

For more information, please contact Dustin Burger, supervisory natural resource specialist, at 307-261-7515, or dcburger@blm.gov.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.