The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Elko District is seeking public input on the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for management of livestock and wild horses within the Elko District during drought conditions. Input is needed prior to Nov. 15, 2012.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Nevada is currently experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. The proposed EA will be prepared to allow the BLM to respond to current and future drought conditions. Some of the factors to be examined will be winter/spring precipitation; water availability for livestock, wild horses, and wildlife; residual forage from previous growing seasons; current year's forage plant growth; plant vigor; soil moisture content; soil/site stability and hydrologic function; riparian health and function; plant community composition; and wildlife habitat condition. Other factors may also be incorporated as needed.
The proposed EA will analyze a wide range of temporary drought response alternatives that could be used to mitigate the effects of drought. Input can be submitted via email to BLM_NV_ELDO_DroughtEA@blm.gov, or mailed to BLM, Elko District, 3900 E. Idaho St., Elko, NV 89815 or faxed to (775) 753-0255.
Questions or comments regarding the EA can be addressed to Casey Addy, Rangeland Management Specialist, at (775) 753-0202, or Terri Dobis, Project Manager, at (775) 753-0290.
From the Bureau of Land Management
