Another category that may brew up controversy is oil and gas development. Areas open to standard oil and gas lease stipulations presently cover 1,038,344 acres; under B, this would drop to 264,344; under C, it would be 427,273; and with D, it would be 797,031 acres. Other designations also would have changes.

The draft has undergone four years of preparation. During scoping meetings, members of the public and interest groups expressed their preferences concerning mineral extraction (mostly oil, gas and potash), wildlife, grazing, recreation and sites with wilderness qualities that are not part of wilderness study areas.

Pertinent reports, both the draft plan and supporting studies, are available online at blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/planning.html. The site explains how to submit comments — either in person at meetings, through mail or electronically. Comments will be accepted until Nov. 30.

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com