The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District today announced the start of the Resource Management Plan (RMP) process for the Basin and Range National Monument and is inviting the public to participate in this important planning effort. The RMP and associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under development will serve as a roadmap to guide the management of lands within the monument. The published Federal Register Notice of Intent is available at http://1.usa.gov/1O5EiqF.
A resource management plan is a blueprint explaining how the BLM will manage areas of public lands over a period of time—in this case 20 to 30 years. RMPs are developed using a collaborative approach and robust public participation is a key component in the planning process.
The RMP will focus on about 704,000 acres in Lincoln and Nye Counties, designated by Presidential Proclamation in July 2015 as the Basin and Range National Monument. The monument contains extraordinary geological, cultural and natural resources, including unique areas like the White River narrows and the Shooting Gallery rock art site. The proclamation also directed the BLM to complete a RMP and associated EIS within three years of designation.
Public participation in the Basin and Range RMP effort will start with a 30-day public scoping period, which begins tomorrow and runs through July 1, 2016. The purpose of the public scoping period is to give anyone interested an opportunity to help the BLM identify issues and concerns that should be analyzed in the plan and EIS.
The BLM is seeking public input on a wide range of potential issues, including but not limited to traditional uses, cultural and visual resources management, and outdoor recreation. Commenters may also bring forward additional issues and concerns not already identified by the BLM.
Written comments will be accepted at public scoping meetings that will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers, and the Basin and Range National Monument website at http://on.doi.gov/1LT79wP and the BLM-Nevada Ely District website at http://on.doi.gov/1lGnDYC. Comments may also be submitted via mail, email and fax using the following:
