BLM Approves Treatments to Improve Sagebrush Habitat South Of Vernal

The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office has approved treatments to improve sagebrush habitat near Vernal. The October 9th announcement states that the decision record concerning the Sunday School Sagebrush Restoration approves lop and scatter vegetation treatments to remove pinyon and juniper trees encroaching into sagebrush habitat and minimize wildfire risk. The project area is 2,742 acres of BLM-administered lands in the Sunday School Canyon area, about 50 miles south of Vernal in Uintah County. The project description states that hand crews would travel on foot while conducting lop and scatter work and would only use established roads for vehicle travel to and from identified treatment areas. The proposed treatments would be conducted through November 30 to minimize impacts to wildlife.