The Bureau of Land Management’s Stillwater Field Office is requesting public comment on the Preliminary Environmental Assessment for the Marietta Herd Management Area Burro Gather in Mineral County. This includes seeking information and identifying historic properties in or near the project area. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 22. “The BLM’s priority is to conduct a safe, efficient, and successful burro gather operation while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals gathered,” said Stillwater Field Office Manager Jake Vialpando. The project would occur in the southern Mineral County along the state highway 360 corridor and extending northwest toward Hawthorne. The proposed action is to gather and remove excess wild burros from within and outside the Marrietta Burro Range to achieve the established appropriate management level. The PEA analyzes the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects from implementation of the project. The proposed action is to reduce impacts to rangeland health and wildlife habitat inside and outside of the Marietta HMA. The EA will be used to facilitate gathers, and removals of excess wild burros in accordance with 43 CFR 4700 regulation and the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, as amended (Public Law 92-195). The appropriate management level for the Marietta HMA is 78-104 burros. In 2021 and 2022, BLM conducted aerial census flights; as a result, BLM estimates the current burro population to be 450-500 burros. BLM requests comments to be submitted via the ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xuxxA. Comments may also be submitted via mail to 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701, via email blm_nv_ccd_whb@blm.gov or faxed to 775-885-6147. Before including address, phone number, email-address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request that the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so. If you wish us to withhold your personal information you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, available for public disclosure in their entirety. For technical information, any questions or access issues, email blm_nv_ccd_whb@blm.gov.
