4100 (MT923) P 1792 EMAIL TRANSMISSION – 11/09/2011 Instruction Memorandum No. MT-2012-010 Expires: 09/30/2013 To: Montana/Dakotas Leadership Attention: Field Managers, Field Office Range Staff From: State Director Subject: Request for Review of Draft Guidance on Addressing Alternative Development in Livestock Grazing Permit Renewals DD: 11/21/2011 Program Area: Range Management Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) formally transmits a draft directive and requests comments prior to the IM being finalized to ensure consistency among ongoing permit renewal analyses in the Montana/Dakotas organization. Policy/Action: The intent of this IM is to ensure field offices are addressing a reasonable range of alternatives when conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis on grazing permit renewals. Timeframe: Please provide any comments to Floyd Thompson, Montana/Dakotas Range program Lead (MT923), via email, by close of business November 21, 2011. Budget Impact: Effect on budget is expected to be minimal, although additional staff time may be required to ensure ongoing NEPA analyses are consistent with guidance once it becomes final. Background: This guidance was developed as a result of recent court findings regarding range management and NEPA compliance. Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: None. Coordination: Preliminary coordination and review with select WO and MSO staff. Contact: If there are any questions regarding this IM, please contact Floyd Thompson, State Range Program Lead, at 406-896-5025. Signed by: Authenticated by: Katherine P. Kitchell Janie Fox for Jamie E. Connell Staff Assistant (MT920) State Director 1 Attachment |
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