Washington -- U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) is calling on the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to extend the public comment period on a recently proposed rule change that would affect, if not altogether end, private recreational use at BOR sites in Wyoming and across the west.

The BOR policy change, proposed this summer, would revise how they administer private use of BOR land, facilities and waterbodies. Specifically, the new rule would prohibit new private use on BOR lands and water and is likely to remove existing private uses on BOR lands once current leases expire.

Cubin sent a letter to BOR Commissioner Robert Johnson today urging him to extend the public comment period on the proposed rule change by an additional thirty days. 

“Recreation users across the western United States who utilize cabin sites, boat docks and clubs, or even those who hold grazing permits, will be affected by the new rule,” Cubin wrote. “I strongly urge you to both extend the comment period and work to increase public awareness of this proposed rule in order to ensure that all potentially impacted users have knowledge of the effects and opportunity to weigh in on the proposal.”

In Wyoming alone, popular private recreational uses at several sites, including the Alcova, Keyhole and Glendo Reservoirs, could be significantly restricted or even prohibited if the new BOR land use rule should be implemented. Private citizens, business and property owners as well as recreational users throughout the state have voiced their concerns over the newly proposed rules.  

“Many of my constituents have long enjoyed the recreational opportunities that BOR lands and waterbodies provide,” Cubin said. “They have worked to maintain a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the BOR and I am hopeful that Commissioner Johnson will take their concerns seriously.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.