Montgomery, AL – The USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have opened a 30-day scoping period, beginning January 13, 2025, to gather public and tribal input on oil and gas leasing in the Conecuh National Forest. This marks the initial step in an environmental assessment process aimed at identifying lands suitable for leasing while balancing conservation and resource development.
The public comment period will run until February 12, 2025. Comments can be submitted via email at [email protected] or through the US Forest Service NEPA Projects Home on the USDA website.
To provide clarity on the leasing analysis process, the Forest Service will host an open house on January 28, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Natural Resources Conservation Service Building, located at 580 W Bypass, Andalusia, Alabama. This session will offer an opportunity for members of the public and partners to engage directly with project representatives and address questions.
The Forest Service and BLM share responsibilities for oil and gas leasing on National Forest System lands. While the Forest Service oversees surface resources and land use, the BLM manages the federal mineral estate. This collaborative approach ensures that conservation priorities and resource needs are effectively balanced.
The environmental assessment will evaluate the effects of potential development if leases are issued. The process, guided by multiple federal laws and regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Mineral Leasing Act, includes input from tribal nations, collaborators, and the public.
The Conecuh National Forest’s current leasing availability decision stems from its 2004 Forest Plan. However, new information and changing circumstances necessitate a reassessment to determine whether adjustments to the original decision are warranted.
Spanning portions of Covington and Escambia counties and bordering Florida, the Conecuh National Forest is a vital resource managed by the National Forests in Alabama. It supports a diverse range of uses, including recreation, timber management, and natural resource development, while safeguarding ecological and cultural assets.
For over a century, the USDA Forest Service has played a pivotal role in promoting conservation, sustainable resource management, and community engagement. Managing 193 million acres of public land, the Forest Service supports ecological, economic, and social vitality, ensuring that natural resources remain accessible and protected for future generations.
For more information on the Conecuh National Forest leasing project, visit the USDA Forest Service website.