BLM Elko Releases the Environmental Assessment for Drought Management

ELKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Elko District Office, has completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Management and Mitigation of Drought Impacted Rangelands. This EA is available online at bit.ly/ElkoDrought

Prior to the development of the EA, the Elko District opened a 30-day public comment period on Oct. 15, 2012. Scoping letters were sent to 358 individuals, organizations, companies, agencies and Native American Tribes. The EA was released to the public for a 30-day review period on Feb. 12, 2013. After the public review, extensive changes were made to the EA and a second public review period was conducted Feb. 3, 2014 for 30 days. All public comments and BLM’s response are posted along with the Finding of No Significant Impact at bit.ly/ElkoDrought.

The plan for Management and Mitigation of Drought Impacted Rangeland lays the framework for a rapid response to drought in order to alleviate the impacts of multiple authorized uses on natural resources at risk of being adversely affected by drought. The effects of drought are often times far reaching, impacting the environment, and subsequently the economy of an area.

The plan includes a range of drought response actions that could be used to mitigate the effects of drought and to address emergency situations for livestock grazing management, wild horse management, wildlife needs, riparian resources, and a variety of other resources.

“Multiple use and sustainability are at the core of BLM’s mission. It is our job to balance the wants and needs of the public who rely on public land and to protect the lands for future generations,” said District Manager Jill Silvey. “Land use decisions may not be favorable to all public land users, but the Elko District will continue to make these decisions in good faith using the best available science and information available.”

For more information on the EA, please contact Aaron Mier at (775) 753-0200.