BLM Announces Public Scoping Period for the Unionville Cemetery R&PP Sale

Organization:

Winnemucca District Office

BLM Office:

Black Rock Field Office

Media Contact:

Dr. Matthew Yacubic

WINNEMUCCA, Nev. -The Bureau of Land Management is requesting comments from anyone interested in the possible sale of the Unionville Cemetery to Pershing County. The cemetery is located on public land currently managed by the BLM.  Prior to the sale occurring, the BLM must meet several legal obligations, beginning with scoping out any issues that might be raised by interested parties or the general public.

The 30-day public scoping period is being conducted by the BLM Humboldt River Field Office through October 8, 2017 for Pershing County's proposed purchase of the Unionville Cemetery via patent through the Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) Act. The Unionville Cemetery is located within the town of Unionville, approximately 27 miles southeast of Lovelock, Nevada.


The cemetery dates to the 1860's when Unionville was a thriving mining camp and the seat of Humboldt County. Although the cemetery has a historic component, it has been continuously used for the burial of Unionville residents and family members. The application submitted by Pershing County is for the proposed sale of ten acres of public land that is available for disposal in the current Winnemucca District Office Resource Management Plan dated May 21, 2015.  Although Pershing County plans to continue to use the property as a cemetery and no graves will be moved, no additional graves will be placed within the lands to be sold to the county.

Information about historic and cultural resources within the area potentially affected by the proposed action will assist the BLM in identifying and evaluating impacts to resources in the context of both the National Environmental Protection Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. The BLM will consult with Native American tribes on a government-to-government basis.

Public comments submitted for this Environmental Assessment, including names and addresses of commentators will be available for public review during regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be available for public review.

While individuals may request that the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so. If you wish us to consider withholding your personal information, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. Information submitted from organizations or businesses will not be withheld. 

If you wish to provide your written comments by mail, send them to the project manager at:

Dr. Matthew Yacubic, Archaeologist

BLM Humboldt River Field Office

5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

Winnemucca, NV  89445

 

Email comments can be addressed to:

BLM_NV_Unionville_Cemetery_EA@blm.gov

The Email messages should include

"Unionville Cemetery" in the subject line.

 

Information, including a map, are also available online at: http://bit.ly/2pjPSHJ.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.