Gibbons wants BLM delay for Sand Mountain

U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons R-Nev., wants the Bureau of Land Management to delay its decision on off-highway vehicle use at Sand Mountain Recreation Area.

Gibbons is advocating that the recreation area near Fallon remain open if more time is taken to craft a compromise solution that protects both the Kearny buckwheat, a local plant; and the Sand Mountain blue butterfly, an almost endangered species that needs the buckwheat to survive.

Environmentalists claim the plant is endangered by vehicle use.

The butterfly's status is currently listed as species of special concern, or sensitive -- one step away from federal protection.

OHV enthusiasts are encouraged to avoid the plants when riding.

BLM's eight-member panel consists of three environmentalists, three off-roaders, one Fallon business representative and one Fallon Paiute-Shoshone tribe representative.

Elayn Briggs, BLM field manager, said the group is expected to submit its recommendations concerning the Sand Mountain blue butterfly by Sept. 1.

This spring, a BLM biologist recommended closing 1,000 acres, or 25 percent, of the popular recreation area along U.S. 50 east of Fallon to off-roaders.

"It is my understanding that the BLM plans to implement a new management plan at Sand Mountain by Labor Day. This rapid time frame will not allow for a thoroughly contemplated decision that includes consideration of numerous alternatives," Gibbons said.