Subject: (BLM-2015-00110) Re: 1278(MT954.DD) Debbie DeBock
From: Kathryn QannaYahu <kathryn@emwh.org>
Date: 2/6/2015 1:53 PM
To: "FOIA, BLM_MT" <blm_mt_foia@blm.gov>

Debbie, below is my reply clarification from December, in which you asked about my request for information on communications between BLM and the Wilks on the Durfee Hills land exchange (Item 5). Your question involved my request, stating that the BLM decision was to not pursue that land trade. My reply is below. As the BLM, Stan Benes, has brought a land exchange between the Wilks involving the Durfees back up to the discussion 3 times from Jan 15, 2015 to the press release on Feb. 3rd, I would like to request the status of my FOIA request. If it is not going to be available in the next week, then I am requesting that at least that portion of my FOIA be expedited as it is now of "compelling need or urgency to obtaining the records."

Thank you,
Kathryn QannaYahu
406-579-7748


On 12/23/2014 8:05 AM, FOIA, BLM_MT wrote:
Good morning.

Thank you for the detailed explanation.  I will pass this additional information on so we can begin our search for responsive records.  With the holiday season, it may take some extra time to search for the records.  

The letter addressing your fee waiver request is routing for signature.  Once signed, I'll get that letter emailed to you.  I'm hoping it will be signed before tomorrow.  If I don't see it by late today, I'll track it down to see when it will be signed.

In the meantime, if you have questions, please let me know.  Thank you for your patience as we work through your request.  

Happy Holidays!
Debbie





On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 8:53 PM, Kathryn QannaYahu <kathryn@emwh.org> wrote:
Ms DeBock, forgive me for my reply delay, I was attending to other date sensitive issues and this last week I have had a concussion, apparently have accidentally deleted your last request for additional information. Thankfully I printed a copy out and hopefully am coherent in my reply.

Item 4. December 2010

Item 5. Yes, I am requesting communications between the BLM and the Wilks (or their representatives) concerning the BLM parcels listed. I am aware of the BLM decision to not pursue that land trade as I was the one to suggest the online change.org petition (March 2nd) and created the cadastral map images used in the petition presented to Jamie Connell by Ron Moody and the Central Montana Hunters on. On April 22, 2014 the Wilks Brothers LLC purchased the web domain of www.montanapublicaccess.com (ironic) to promote their own petition and proposal to the BLM in August. On Aug. 18th the BLM issued a news release stating, "The Bureau of Land Management announced today it is no longer considering a land exchange with Wilks Ranch Montana, Ltd. to restore motorized public access to the Bullwhacker area." But, it did not state that they were no longer pursuing any land trades involving the Durfee Hills, simply addressed the Bullwhacker aspect. As the Durfees keep being mentioned, such as recent public Bullwhacker Access Road scoping meetings, rumors of the Wilks pressuring for the Durfees, I am requesting those communications concerning our public lands.

Item 6. The BLM solicits bids for a wide variety of projects on BLM lands, including mineral materials sales, noxious weed control, etc. I am inquiring if the Wilks have received or have applied for any bids associated with these Durfee Hills BLM parcels.

Item 7. Bald Butte  - 6 parcels
S08, T12 N, R22 E, SE4NE4, S2
S17, T12 N, R22 E, N2, N2SW4, NW4SE4
S18, T12 N, R22 E, N2NE4
S18, T12 N, R22 E, SE4SE4
S20, T12 N, R22 E, NW4NE4
S17, T12 N, R22 E, S2SW4, SW4SE4

Time frames
Item 8 - 2010 to present
Item 9 - May 2014 to present
Item 10 - May 2014 to present

I hope these answers provide the clarification required.

Thank you,
Kathryn QannaYahu
406-579-7748
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