More Time To Comment On Owyhee Land Swap

People will have more time to weigh in on a planned land swap between the federal government and state aimed at consolidating territory within federally-protected wilderness in Idaho's Owyhee canyon lands.  The Bureau of Land Management announced this week the comment period will run until Aug. 31.  Officials from the BLM's Boise District Office say they wanted to give individuals and groups a sufficient chance to speak up on the exchange that foresees the BLM acquiring state lands within or next to the Owyhee wilderness created by Congress in 2009. According to the proposal, the Idaho Department of Lands would get federal territory, in exchange.      The state and federal agencies contend the swap will enhance and increase efficiencies in managing and using these lands, by simplifying their patchwork of ownership.