BLM is proposing to construct a new interagency fire facility on five acres
of public land at the base of Prison Hill, just east of the intersection of
South Edmonds Drive and Koontz Lane in Carson City, Nev. The new complex
would include office and support buildings for BLM wildland fire engines
and seasonal housing for both BLM and Humboldt Toiyabe National
Forest-Carson Ranger District (USFS) fire fighting personnel. This
includes cooking, shower and bunk facilities sufficient to meet the needs
of up to 40 federal firefighters.
The purpose of the proposed fire facility is to enhance federal fire
fighting capacity locally, regionally and nationally. Wildland fire
fighting is seasonal and temporary by nature. Most employees are hired in
the spring and terminated in the fall. It is very difficult to recruit
employees to work for five months, a typical fire season, from outside the
commuting area without being able to provide affordable seasonal housing.
Having this facility available would aid in the recruitment and retention
of highly qualified firefighters who currently find it difficult to find
summer housing in the area.
The proposed action will be discussed at the Carson City Planning
Commission meeting on February 25, 2009, 5:00 p.m., Carson City Community
Center (Sierra Room), 851 East William Street, Carson City.
Federal, state and local agencies and other organizations or individuals
who may be interested in, or affected by, a BLM decision to issue the
right-of-way grants for the proposed project are invited and encouraged to
participate in the scoping process and to provide written comments on
issues to be addressed in the Environmental Assessment.
The public scoping period for public comment is open until the close of
business on March 11, 2009.
Scoping comments may be sent by mail, e-mail, or fax to: BLM Carson City
District, Attn: Keith Barker, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV
89701 Phone: (775) 885-6120, Fax: (775) 885-6106. E-mail:
kdbarker@blm.gov.
