[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 4479] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-2380] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR [NV-910-1020-00] Notice of Intent To Modify Resource Management Plans and Other Planning Documents and To Prepare and Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement To Adopt Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Management in Nevada AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management. ACTION: Notice of Intent to Modify. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada intends to modify, if necessary, existing land use plans, including Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and Management Framework Plans (MFPs) and to prepare appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the adoption of Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Management as provided for in the BLM's grazing regulations (42 CFR Part 4100). Public comment is sought on the issues to be analyzed, the alternatives that may be considered, the standards and guidelines to be addressed, as well as the level of analysis which would be appropriate under the NEPA. DATES: Comments will be accepted throughout the process of modifying plans and preparation of NEPA analysis. However, comments received after April 30, 1995 may not be reflected in the alternatives considered in any draft NEPA analysis document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel C. B. Rathbun, Nevada Rangelands Standards and Guidelines Coordinator, Bureau of Land Management, 850 Harvard Way, Reno, NV 89520; Telephone (702) 785-6767. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM's new grazing administration regulations (43 CFR Part 4100), which became effective August 21, 1995, provide for the development of Standards of Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Administration. In Nevada, BLM intends to develop these standards and guidelines in consultation with the BLM's Resource Advisory Councils. Implementation of Standards and Guidelines may require some form of planning modification, ranging from simple plan maintenance to plan amendment. RMPs and MFPs possibly requiring modification are: Wells RMP, Elko RMP, Sonoma-Gerlach MFP, Paradise- Denio MFP, Lahontan RMP, Reno MFP, Walker RMP, Egan RMP, Schell MFP, Esmerelda-Southern Nye RMP, Caliente MFP, Shoshone-Eureka RMP, Tonopah MFP, Clark County MFP and Nellis Resource Plan. Simultaneous modification of Nevada BLM's planning documents is intended to streamline efforts and to provide for a broader view of rangeland ecosystems. At this point, it is uncertain what level of plan modification will be needed, if any. Similarly, the level of environmental analysis appropriate under the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR Part 1500) may vary. Should it be determined that no environmental impact statement is needed, NEPA, analysis will be accomplished through an environmental assessment or an administrative determination. Public input on Standards and Guidelines for Nevada was received at a series of workshops conducted in early September 1995. Input is also being obtained from Nevada BLM's Sierra Front-Northwestern Great Basin, Mojave-Southern Great Basin and Northeastern Great Basin Resource Advisory Councils. This notice invites additional public comment on the proposal to modify the affected Resource Management Plans. Public comment is invited on the issues to be addressed and alternatives considered in the proposed environmental impact statement or other NEPA analysis. Preliminary issues identified include: the effect adoption of standards will have on all uses and users of public lands, the effect adoption of the proposed guidelines will have on grazing management and livestock operations, and the need for flexibility in standards and guidelines. Three preliminary alternatives have been identified: (1) The continuation of current management as provided for in existing land use plans; (2) the adoption of the fallback standards and guidelines contained in the regulations; and (3) the adoption of standards and guidelines developed locally and in consultation with Nevada BLM's three Resource Advisory Councils. Dated: January 24, 1996. Ann J. Morgan, State Director, Nevada. [FR Doc. 96-2380 Filed 2-5-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-HC-M