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Bicknell board discusses seeking BLM parcels for flood mitigation and trails after state contact
Summary
Board members said a state representative advised compiling maps and narratives for BLM parcels the town wants; the board discussed targeting land near the town water tank for flood mitigation and working with BLM and state staff on trail funding and NEPA issues.
At the Jan. 30 work meeting, the Bicknell Town board discussed new state-level guidance to prepare requests for transfer or exchange of Bureau of Land Management parcels and considered whether to pursue nearby BLM lands to support flood mitigation and a connected trail system.
Why it matters: Acquiring nearby BLM land could give the town site control for flood-mitigation projects, allow placement of additional water tanks without repeated NEPA processes, and enable trail development linked to outdoor-recreation grant opportunities.
Noreen read an email relayed by staff saying that "Representative Malloy told counties and municipalities to get maps of areas they want conveyed to them or exchanged along with the narrative as why it should be conveyed or exchanged." Board members identified parcels north and east of the town water tank as primary candidates, citing flood mitigation, potential trail connections and easier siting for future infrastructure. Members cautioned that grazing and other existing uses on BLM lands would likely remain and that legal processes for conveyance could be protracted and involve court review.
The board discussed next steps: compile maps, make a formal justification for conveyance or exchange, and follow up with Brock (staff) for more detailed mapping and legal guidance. A state staffer named Carly has been coordinating with BLM on trail proposals; board members plan a BLM walking tour to refine trail alignment and assess whether NEPA review will be required. Carly told the board she may help apply this fall for outdoor recreation grant funds if BLM supports the project.
Next steps: Staff will locate and share maps and draft a narrative justification for any parcel the board wants to pursue; the board will contact Brock and coordinate a walking tour with BLM and state staff before advancing a formal request.
