Most of the land in and around Factory Butte is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As the BLM's Richfield field manager, I am responsible for managing this area. I appreciate the many comments and concerns that have been sent directly to the BLM and reflected in the media.

Some writers have accused the BLM of ignoring OHV issues around Factory Butte. This statement is far from the truth. We have signed the area and posted information on bulletin boards encouraging riders to concentrate their use in the play area, which was designated in our existing land use plan. We have also increased patrols in an effort to educate riders who use this area. We have increased monitoring of the area and established an on-the-ground study to evaluate the impacts of OHV use on soils. This study is on-going.

We are also currently in the process of revising our land use plan that will address, among many other issues, off-highway vehicle management on the 2.1 million acres of public land managed by the Richfield Field Office. Several options for future management of OHV use around Factory Butte will be included in the draft plan scheduled to be released this summer. These options cover the full spectrum from keeping the area open to OHV use, closing it to OHV use, and a variety of options in between.

The planning process provides you an opportunity to help us. The draft plan will be released for a 90-day public comment period. During that time, you will have the chance to comment on the Factory Butte area and other issues at hand. This is an excellent opportunity for all interested individuals to review the facts, become knowledgeable about the issues and provide perspectives on how these areas should be managed.

BLM is charged with managing public lands to protect the health, diversity and productivity of the land for present and future generations. To that end, the Final Resource Management Plan will reflect an informed decision derived from public input and the best available science. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens by striking a balance between multiple uses of public lands entrusted to our care.

Continued public participation in the resource management planning process can only result in a better plan in the end, one that will address the needs and concerns of all those who value the land.

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Cornell Christensen is Richfield field manager for the Bureau of Land Management.