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| Contacts: | Chris Rose | , 775-861-6480 | , crose@blm.gov |
BLM Issues Conservation Policies for Bi-state Sage-grouse Population in Nevada and California
Reno, Nev.— The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued an instructional memorandum (IM) that provides interim conservation policies and procedures to be applied to ongoing and proposed activities affecting the Bi-state Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the Greater Sage-grouse and its habitat.
The Bi-state DPS refers to a specific sub-population of Greater Sage-grouse in a small area of California and Nevada with different decision timelines and processes separate from the eventual decision regarding the Greater Sage-grouse.
The direction provided in the IM covers activities carried out during the current revision of resource management plans that include the area where the Bi-state DPS is located and addresses actions related to vegetation management, wildfire suppression and rehabilitation, rights-of-way, minerals, grazing, recreation, travel management and wild horse and burro management.
“Through these policies and procedures, we seek to maintain, enhance, or restore conditions for the Bi-state Greater Sage-grouse population and its habitat,” said BLM Nevada State Director Amy Lueders. “Our goal is to conserve habitat necessary to sustain Greater Bi-state populations and reduce the likelihood of listing under the Endangered Species Act.”
The IM is available online at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/wildlife/greater_sage-grouse.html
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
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