November 30, 2012 – The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have published a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to amend the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Carson City, and Battle Mountain Resource Management Plans (RMP), which provide management frameworks for public lands in western Nevada and eastern California.
This proposed action is part of a national strategy implemented by USFS and BLM to aid in the conservation of the greater sage-grouse and to provide that conservation measures are included in each respective RMP across the western United States. These actions could significantly impact OHV and Rockhounding access in addition to other current land uses.
This NOI represents the beginning of the scoping process and comment period. The purpose of the scoping process is to determine relevant issues relating to the conservation of the greater sage-grouse that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including the development of management alternatives. Initial issues to be considered as part of the EIS planning process include recreation management, transportation system and facilities management, and rights of way management.
Comments on the scope of the analysis will be accepted until January 30, 2013. It is important that OHV enthusiasts get involved in the designation process by contacting Forest staff. Comments should be submitted to James Winfrey, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks, NV 89523.
