RECORD OF DECISION AND THE APPROVED SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT

The Notice of Availability for the Record of Decision and Approved Special Status Species Resource Management Plan was published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2008.  The ROD/Approved RMPA selects the Preferred Alternative, Alternative B, which was identified in the Proposed RMPA/Final EIS.  Alternative B adopts concepts of a Conservation Strategy that was developed by a stakeholder group during the planning process, and adds measures to provide greater protection of lesser prairie-chicken and sand dune lizard habitat.

In addition to the Preferred Alternative, the BLM will also establish the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).  This ACEC is a modification of the proposed ACEC as described in Alternative E of the Draft RMPA/EIS and Proposed RMPA/FEIS.  The purpose of the ACEC is to maintain and enhance habitat for the lesser prairie-chicken and sand dune lizard.  The lesser prairie-chicken has a high potential for listing as a threatened or endangered species by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The Service will review the status of the lesser prairie-chicken in 2009, therefore, the establishment of this ACEC is included as part of the decision to mitigate the potential for listing this species. 

Questions about the ROD and Approve RMPA can be directed to Howard Parman, RMPA/EIS Team Leader, by calling 575-627-0212 or by mail at the address below.

Howard Parman, RMPA/EIS Team Leader
Bureau of Land Management
Pecos District Office
2909 West Second Street
Roswell, New Mexico 88201

PROPOSED SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The Proposed Special Status Species Amendment and Final Environmental Impact Statement were released for public review on November 2, 2007.  The Proposed RMPA/Final EIS incorporated public comments submitted on the Draft RMPA/EIS. 

DRAFT SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The Draft Special Status Species Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement were designed to address land-use decisions affecting special status species, primarily the habitats of lesser prairie chickens and sand dune lizards. The 90-day comment period for the amendment closed January 18, 2007.

The Draft RMPA/EIS analyzed the impacts of continuing current management, the No action Alternative, and the impact of five alternatives.

Documents Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment (12MB) Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment / Final Environmental Impact Statement Download Entire Document (20MB) Download All Appendices (8MB)   Cover Dear Reader Letter Plan Protest Critical Item Checklist Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Table of Contents Executive Summary Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 2 - Alternatives Chapter 3 - Affected Environment Chapter 4 - Environmental Consequences Chapter 5 - Consultation and Coordination Glossary, References, Index, Acronyms Maps Maps Appendices Appendices Cover, Contents Appendix 1 - Interim Management Appendix 2 - Collaborative Conservation Strategies for the Lesser-Prairie Chicken and Sand Dune Lizard in New Mexico Appendix 3 - Lesser-Prairie Chicken Area of Critical Environmental Concern Nomination Appendix 4 - USFWS Policy For Evaluating Conservation Efforts Appendix 5 - Best Management Practices Appendix 6 - Monitoring and Implementation Appendix 7 - Review of the Reasonable and Foreseeable Development Appendix 8 - Habitat Suitability Criteria for Lesser-Prairie Chicken Habitat Appendix 9 - Grazing Allotments within the Planning Area Appendix 10 - Biological Assessment and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Response Appendix 11 - Comments and Responses from the Draft Special Status Species Resource Management Plan Amendment