FOR RELEASE: October 24, 2007

CONTACT: Mike Brown, (775) 753-0386; mbrown@nv.blm.gov

 

            The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Elko Field Office has prepared Environmental Assessments for the Scott Creek Fire and West Fork Fire Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Plans. The public is invited to review these documents before the Decision Record is signed.

The environmental documents for the rehabilitation plans are available on line at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/elko_field_office/blm_information/nepa.2.html or go the BLM Elko Field Office home page, click on Information, click on NEPA, and then scroll down to Environmental Assessments. Comments will be accepted until November 1, 2007.          

            The Scott Creek Fire burned approximately 55,000 acres and the West Fork Fire burned about 155,000 acres of public and private lands. Various grasses and shrubs will be drill seeded and aerially seeded on specific portions of the burned areas on public lands. Other treatments include the construction and repair of fences, and noxious weed inventory and spraying.

The Elko Field Office is proposing to start implementing Emergency Burned Area Stabilization and Rehabilitation treatments on the 2007 Scott Creek and West Fork Fires. Due to short windows for implementing these treatments it is necessary that these actions begin as soon as possible. The nature of the emergency is to implement treatments that will stabilize soil to reduce wind and water erosion, deter cheatgrass from invading burned areas, identify and treat areas of noxious weed infestations, and provide for human safety.                 

For questions or more information, please contact Tyson Gripp (775) 753-0362, email tgripp@nv.blm.gov, or mail to the BLM Elko Field Office.

                                                            -blm-