Sage grouse statement deadline extended

The deadline has been extended for almost two weeks for public comment regarding the environmental impact statement and plan to help preserve the bistate greater sage grouse, according to the Bureau of Land Management.

The U.S. Forest Service was the lead agency for preparing the environmental impact statement and land use plan amendment.

The BLM, a cooperating agency, is proposing to amend the Carson City District Office Consolidated Resource Management Plan and the Tonopah Field Office plan based on the analysis in the statement.

Public comments will now be accepted through Jan. 29.

Following release of the statement and plan, the BLM determined based on protests received and additional internal reviews additional changes to and a clarification of the Proposed Plan were required. The clarification and changes include: (1) setting disturbance caps within sage grouse habitat; (2) adjusting buffers for tall structures near active or pending leks, (3) adding a restriction for new high-voltage transmission lines, and (4) additional management direction for habitat connectivity. The environmental consequences of the proposed changes and clarification have been analyzed as part of the process.

The BLM has determined, however, these proposed changes must be released for additional public comment. After considering any public comments on these proposed changes, BLM will issue a record of decision for the Nevada and California BSSG amending the Carson City Field Office Consolidated Resource Management Plan and the Tonopah Field Office plan.

This is the second extension of the comment period. On Dec. 10, 2015, the initial comment period was extended for 30 days, to end on Jan. 15.

Comments must be limited to the changes and clarification proposed. BLM will consider the comments received prior to issuing a final decision and plan amendment for public lands in the Carson City District and the Tonopah Field Office. To review the documents go to http://1.usa.gov/1fccdry.

Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

E-mail: blm_nv_ccdowebmail@blm.gov

Fax: 775-885-6147

Mail: BLM Carson City District, 5665 Morgan Mill Rd., Carson City, NV 89701, Attn: Colleen Sievers, Project Manager.