BLM sets meetings on NPR-A plan, extends comment period

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

Bureau of Land Management staff specialists will be on hand to explain the upcoming planning for 10 million acres in the northwest corner of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska at two public meetings. The agency said both meetings will open with an informal question and answer session at 6 p.m. followed by presentations at 7 p.m.

BLM said its planners are interested in the public's concerns and factual information that will help them write the plan.

Planning for the northwest portion of NPR-A follows a similar effort in 1997-98 that identified areas suitable for oil and gas leasing on 4 million acres in the northeast corner of the NPR-A.

BLM also said it has extended the public comment period for this phase of the planning effort until Feb. 15.

The Fairbanks meeting will be Jan. 15 at the BLM Northern Field Office, 1150 University Ave. The Anchorage meeting will be Jan. 16 at the BLM Anchorage Field Office, 6881 Abbott Loop Rd.