Desert Messenger

September 20, 2023 www.DesertMessenger.com 21 Salome High updates PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS from Page 20 BLM seeks public comment on proposed wild burro management plan in western Arizona KINGMAN, Ariz. —The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), King- man Field Offi ce has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) for the Big Sandy, Alamo, and Lake Havasu Herd Management Areas Wild Burro Gather and Population Control Plan located on approxi- mately 955,000 acres of public, state, and private lands in Mohave, Yavapai, and La Paz Counties in northwestern Arizona. The EA in- cludes analysis of four action alter- natives and a no action alternative. The action alternatives describe different options to, over the next 10 years, remove excess wild bur- ros, achieve and maintain the es- tablished appropriate management levels, and implement fertility con- trol for wild burros on lands within and near the Big Sandy, Alamo, and Lake Havasu Herd Management Areas, also referred to as the Three Rivers Complex. The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public com- ment period for an environmental assessment that analyzes a 10-year plan to remove excess wild burros and implement herd fertility con- trols in and near the Alamo, Big Sandy and Havasu herd manage- ment areas south of Kingman, col- lectively known as the Three Rivers Complex. The comment period will close Oct. 11, 2023. The proposed plan is designed to help the BLM achieve the estab- lished appropriate management level and reduce herd population growth over time. Currently, the wild burro population in the Three Rivers Complex is estimated to have grown to approximately 2,300 ani- mals. This population is nearly four times the appropriate management level, creating impacts to wildlife habitat, local communities, road- ways and the herds themselves. Wild burros have very few natu- ral predators, resulting in a rapid increase in population. If not man- aged appropriately, herds can dou- ble in size every four to fi ve years. To maintain wild burros in good physical condition and protect the health of public lands and native wildlife habitat, the BLM actively manages herd population growth. The draft environmental assess- ment and other available documents are available for review and public comment at the BLM National NEPA Register https://eplanning.blm.gov/ eplanning-ui/project/2025809/510 and at the Kingman Field Offi ce, 2755 Mission Blvd., Kingman, AZ 86401, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. M–F. For additional information, please contact Angelica Rose at adrose@blm.gov or (928) 505-1200. Salome High School embarked on another school year journey start- ing on July 31st. This academic term began with an enrollment of 122 students. Our team welcomed three new staff members: Ms. James as the new librarian, Mr. James assist- ing with interventions and serving as the dean of students, and Coach Nichelson, who supports volleyball and contributes as a special educa- tion aid. During the second week, we had testing from Monday to Wednesday, followed by a large assembly with enjoyable games and meaningful activities on Thursday. When asked about the fi rst few weeks, one student remarked that they felt good about start- i n g school, while another mentioned feeling pressure about the testing and intervention, but in a positive way. Volleyball season is currently in full swing at Salome High School. Exciting home games to anticipate include matches against Wick- enburg on Thursday, August 24, Tonapah on Wednesday, August 30, and Mayer on Friday, September 1. Despite Head Coach Soto acknowl- edging our team's limited height as a potential weakness, he believes our solid lineup holds the capability to secure victories. Football season has also kicked off at Salome High School. The Fight- ing Frogs' inaugural home game on August 25th against North Phoenix Prep at 7 p.m. will hopefully set a great tone for the season. Subse- quent home games are scheduled against Williams on September 1st, Superior on September 15th, Mo- have ALC on October 6th, and An- them Prep on October 13th. Coach McCarty aspires for the team to perform at their utmost, defending their region title. However, he ac- knowledges that the challenge lies in managing a roster with numerous new, young, and inexperienced players. Despite these roster changes, the Frogs are going into this season with high expectations. As school life gains mo- mentum, it's not only the sports teams that engage in exciting activities. The SHS Student Council is set to par- ticipate in one of the state spirit conferences facilitated by the Arizo- na Association of Student Councils. Our students will attend the confer- ence hosted by Cesar Chavez High School on August 24th. This oppor- tunity allows students to connect with fellow school leaders, acquire invaluable leadership skills, and brainstorm ideas for future school events and fundraising. Kaniece Thomas, looking forward to her fi nal year, expressed excitement about meeting new individuals and gaining fresh ideas to enhance school activities. BLM seeks public comments

• Cover