Topic: Guidelines for Comments to BLM on OTR DEIS

I applaud the Mountain Mail for printing many details from the DEIS for the proposed OTR project.

Most people are unfamiliar with state and federal environmental impact documents, and it is important to know more about them.

There are 5 levels of impacts/effects ranging from "No, Negligible or Minor effect" through "Moderate or Significant effect." Significant is the highest level of impact or effect. Of the 53 items ranked in the 14-page summary, Alternative 1 (Christo's preference) shows 58% of them have the potential for moderate or significant impacts. Tinkering within Alternative 1 makes only one ranking change. The most reduced alternative (with the exception of the "No Action Alternative,") will have the potential for moderate to significant effects on 43% of the ranked items.

The purpose of soliciting public input is to draw upon the wisdom, insight, experience and expertise of the affected community. Although I have not completed my analysis of this lengthy document, it is clear that critical information is lacking or out of date (daily traffic volumes), and many assumptions are unwarranted or unsupported (length of traffic delays). The output of the analytical models (traffic, projected attendance) can only be as good as the data input, much of which is questionable. Rankings are also based on documents and studies that are mere sketches (restoration) or have not yet been completed (archaeology).

Pick an issue that concerns you. Read carefully and provide the BLM with information, analysis and conclusions based on what you know and have experienced. The plan is available at the AHRA, Salida library and Howard volunteer fire department. Or on CD from the BLM. Send your comments to the BLM at 3028 E. Main St., Canon City, CO 81212 or by e-mail at co_otr_comments@blm.gov (note the two underlines).

Ellen T. Bauder, PhD
Salida, CO

Letter to Editor: Mountain Mail, published 8/16/2010