BLM seeks input on barracks project to house veteran firefighters
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WORLAND – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking input on a proposed plan to provide housing in the Worland area for seasonal firefighters from the BLM’s Devil’s Canyon Hand Crew. This plan is in line with the BLM’s commitment to job creation and supporting veterans in the BLM workforce.
The BLM is considering the construction of barracks for 16 to 20 seasonal firefighters within the BLM’s operations center at 1801 Robertson Avenue in Worland.
The BLM had sought input for barracks on West River Road a year ago.
BLM Wyoming Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Public Affairs Officer Sarah Beckwith said, “After looking into our options, the location on Robertson is a better fit for our needs and a simpler choice, logistically and fiscally — the BLM owns the land and it’s closer to the district office and the amenities of town.
“Pending public comments, this proposal is more likely to be our path forward to provide housing for the BLM veterans firefighting crew stationed in Worland.”
DEVIL’S CANYON CREW
The BLM began assembling veteran firefighting crews, specifically designed to employ military veterans and utilize their unique skill sets, in 2012. There are currently eight such crews in the U.S., including the 20-person Devil’s Canyon Hand Crew stationed in Worland.
In an interview last September with the Northern Wyoming News, Rance Neighbors of the BLM said in the past firefighters have had to find their own housing and more recently the BLM has contracted out housing the fire crew, during the season, which typically runs May to October.
Though input related to this proposed project is welcome at any time, comments received by Sept. 23, 2019, will help ensure a well-informed environmental assessment. Comments may be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Please include “Firefighter Barracks Project” in the subject line. They can also be mailed to BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Office, Attn: Rich Zimmerlee, 101 South 23rd Street, Worland, WY 82401.
Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
