BLM seeks input on plan for Louse Canyon Management Area
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VALE, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a plan to improve rangeland health and livestock grazing management within the Louse Canyon Geographic Management Area. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) considers a range of management actions for public lands that include five grazing allotments covering more than 530,000 acres in Malheur County, Ore., and two grazing allotments covering more than 11,000 acres in Humboldt County, Nev.
“This draft EIS, and the public’s input on it, will inform the final analysis that will guide decisions on the best livestock management and restoration actions for these public lands,” said BLM Malheur Field Manager Jonah Blustain. “The BLM will continue to collaborate with Tribal partners and local, state, and Federal agencies to complete the plan.”
The draft EIS, informed by the best available science and input from cooperating agencies, considers management options to help BLM meet land health standards, including efforts to address habitat restoration needs in the area. BLM’s management alternatives consider a range of livestock grazing practices and management options, implementation of rangeland restoration actions, and potential rangeland improvement projects. The EIS responds in part to a 2015 court settlement on the protection of research natural areas in the region.
The BLM will hold at least one public meeting on the draft EIS in the local area, and will announce the date, time, and location 15 days or more in advance through BLM web and social media sites. BLM staff will be on hand to discuss the alternatives and analysis, answer questions, and accept written comments.
A Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to begin a 45-day public comment period. Additional information, planning documents, and maps are available for review at BLM National NEPA Register, where written comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option (preferred). Comments may also be emailed to BLM_OR_VL_Louse_Canyon_GMA@blm.gov; or delivered to Vale BLM, Attn: Louse Canyon GMA, 100 Oregon St., Vale, OR 97918. The comment period closes Jan. 13, 2025.
For additional information, please contact Malheur field manager and project lead Jonah Blustain at 541-473-6250.
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.