The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Navajo Region, announces the availability of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Draft Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP) for the Former Bennett Freeze Area (FBFA) of the western portion of the Navajo Nation. The IRMP is a strategic, vision-based, long-range management plan based on Navajo Nation members’ interests, needs, and concerns for their lands and natural and cultural resources. The Draft PEA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The 30-day public comment period begins May 24 and ends June 23, 2021.
Proposed AlternativesAlternatives for implementing the Former Bennett Freeze Area (FBFA) Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP) were developed through community input received during the planning process and internal scoping with the project Interdisciplinary Team.
Alternative 1: No Action.
Alternative 2: Balanced Growth Emphasis Alternative: Developed to incorporate community goals and objectives of the affected communities while taking into consideration natural, environmental, and cultural resources, and existing infrastructure in the FBFA.
How to Submit Comments:The 30-day public comment period for the PEA begins May 24, 2021, and ends June 23, 2021. Written comments may be submitted during the scoping period via email, fax or mail. Please submit comments by June 23, 2021. In the subject line of your mail, fax or email, please address as “Comments for the FBFA EA”.
Email: FBFA-Comments@bia.gov | Fax: (928) 283-2215 or Mail:
BIA – Western Navajo Agency
C/O: Renee Benally, Natural Resource Specialist
P.O. Box 127, Tuba City, Arizona 86045
