Updated Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive Species List for Nevada
In Reply Refer to:
6840 (NV934) P
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Nevada State Office
P.O. Box 12000 (1340 Financial Blvd.)
Reno, Nevada 89520-0006
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en.html
June 27, 2011
EMS TRANSMISSION
Instruction Memorandum NV-2011-059
Expires September 30, 2012
To: District and Field Office Managers, Nevada
From: State Director, Nevada
Subject: Updated Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive Species List for Nevada
Purpose: This Instructional Memorandum identifies the sensitive animal and plant species on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-administered land in Nevada in compliance with BLM Manual Section 6840.
Background: Attached is the updated Nevada BLM Sensitive Species List. The spreadsheet is sorted by: (1) new additions since 2003, (2) by District, and (3) a “master” tab that allows the user to sort using other criteria. Changes from the 2003 list include deletions of 92 species and addition of 22 animal and 60 plant species for reasons of rarity, endemic status, genetic or species that are receiving increased scrutiny and concern for their status among wildlife or botanical researchers and managers. Sixty-one species were also added because of their threatened, endangered, or candidate species designations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. These changes resulted from coordination meetings among Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada Natural Heritage Program, Nevada Department of Forestry, BLM Nevada biologists and botanists and State Office Program Leads for Wildlife, Fisheries and Threatened and Endangered Species.
Guidance for management related to BLM sensitive species is found in Manual Section 6840. Criteria used for BLM Nevada Sensitive Species include:
1. information that a species has recently undergone, is undergoing, or is predicted to undergo a downward trend such that the viability of the species or a distinct population segment of the species is at risk across all or a significant portion of the species range, or
2. the species depends on ecological refugia or specialized or unique habitats on BLM-
administered lands, and there is evidence that such areas are threatened with alteration such that the continued viability of the species in that area would be at risk.
Also included are species under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.
To relieve possible confusion: bats that were on the 2003 list but do not meet the criteria 1 or 2 above, were included in the updated list because of the continued concern of White Nose Syndrome. Furthermore, species with potential roost site protection problems were not included in the 2003 or this updated list. All roost sites are considered sensitive and require special habitat management or special consideration by District Offices, regardless of species that occupy them.
Nevada Department of Wildlife recommended all three species of Bighorn sheep: desert (Ovis canadensis nelson), Rocky Mountain (O. canadensis canadensis) and California (O. canadensis californiana) occurring in Nevada be covered under O. canadensis.
Policy/Action: The Nevada BLM Sensitive Species List is dynamic. Upcoming policy changes or direction from Washington regarding climate change or results of climate change vulnerability assessments conducted by Nevada Department of Wildlife and Nevada Natural Heritage Program may result in an amendment to this list to include those species most vulnerable to climate change.
Timeframe: This list remains in effect until updated or amended.
Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: Manual Section 6840 is affected.
Contact: If you have questions, please contact Sandra Brewer (775-681-6626) for mammals, birds, reptiles (except desert tortoise), mollusks (except aquatic gastropods) and all insects; or Kim Dow (775-681-6681) for all fish, all plants, desert tortoise, all amphibians, and aquatic gastropods.
Signed By:
Amy Lueders
Acting State Director
Authenticated By:
Ellyn Darrah
Administrative Assistant
Attachment
1- Nevada BLM Sensitive Species List