Jerry Helton      Transportation/Row (Chair)
Dr. John E. Hiatt     Wildlife
Robert Maichle      Environment
Dr. Steve Parker     Academic/UNLV
Claire Toomey      Permitted Recreation
John Weisser      Dispersed Recreation
Billie Young      Wild Horse & Burro
Marta Agee      Ranching/Grazing
Mark Hill      State of Nevada
Mark N. IOLA      Mineral Development
Skip Canfield      State of Nevada
Clint Wortz      State Lands

 

Kenny Anderson     Native American
Dr. Colleen Beck     Archeology/Historic
Steve Mellington     Public at Large (vice-Chair)

 

Bureau of Land Management representatives present:

Chris Hanefeld      BLM Ely Field Office PAO
Mark Morse       BLM Las Vegas Field Office Manager
Jeff Weeks      BLM–AFM-Non-Renewables Resources
Mark Sterzer      BLM-Associate FM Battle Mountain
Rick Orr      BLM-AFM-Caliente Field Station
Dan Netcher      BLM-Lead Lands & Minerals
Joe Simpson      BLM-Public Affairs
Pete McFadden      BLM AFM-Renewable Resources

 

USFS representatives present:

Pat Irwin      National Forest Service

 

Public Attendees:
Laurie Howard      Vice-President National Wild Horse Assoc.

A copy of each attachment is listed in the text of or at the end of these minutes and is also on file with the official copy of the minutes in the Ely Field Office of the BLM.  Persons desiring to review said minutes should contact Chris Hanefeld, public affairs specialist, at (702) 515-5046.

 

Chris Hanefeld called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m.

 

8:20 a.m. Welcome & Introductions: Chris Hanefeld.  Chris collected for lunch and breakfast.  Chris will be passing out travel vouchers later in the meeting.  John Hiatt will be chairing the meeting.

 

8:20 a.m. Review & approve previous meeting’s minutes: Chris Hanefeld.  Chris will send a copy of the last meeting minutes to Jerry for Signature.

 

8:20 a.m. – DOE Rail Alignment EIS update: Jeff Weeks, BLM Ely Field Office Assistant Manager for Non-Renewable Resources.
• Jeff gave a brief history of project.
• Jeff handed out map and time line of project.
• Jeff explained there are a lot of unanswered questions; issues with wildlife, grazing, permittees, horses, caves and wilderness study areas.  These will be addressed in the EIS.
• Concerns over zigzagging across country; location of route; water; grade of land and difficulties of putting in rail line; many more.
• BLM’s role is to make sure all the issues are addressed.
• Estimated cost = $800 million.
• Public scoping meetings: Pioche, June 23, 2004; Tonopah, June 22, 2004.  Times of meetings are 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  Locations are: Tonopah -Convention center; Pioche- courtroom.

See attachment #1 and #2

 

8:35 a.m. – Southern Nevada Water Authority update: Dan Netcher, BLM Ely Field Office project manager for SNWA.
• Southern Nevada Water Authority is to develop water lines.  Maps that Dan showed didn’t include White Pine County because SNWA not sure how the lines lay in White Pine County. 
• Information is very preliminary.  Project is in beginning stages. Negotiations are being discussed.
• Dan states: BLM has no authority over Water Rights.
• Two separate projects: 1.  Surface water out of the Muddy and Virgin River; 2. Tying into first project by Highway 93 and piping into White Pine County.
• Proposal: Coyote Springs might be piped into the Muddy River
• Scoping meetings and EIS will be determined later.  Right now BLM is looking at a 2-4 year project.
• Dan is making contacts to USGS, NPS, NFWS, and NFS regarding cooperating agencies, so they can determine what information is needed from SNWA.
• No scoping meetings are scheduled right now because it is so early in the project.  Dan Netcher will provide maps to everyone before scoping meetings are held.
• Concerns over power, part of project will run along highway 93 and is in the SWP corridor.
• Concerns over congress exempting SNWA from not getting NEPA.
• Concerns will be addressed in the EIS.
• No clear timeline, project is in beginning stages.
• BLM will do hydro studies.  USGS will run the studies.
• Concerns over the sage grouse if they are listed.  These will be addressed if and when.

 

9:30 – BLM Ely District energy project proposals update: Jeff Weeks, BLM Ely Field Office AFM- Non-Renewable Resources.
• Toquop. Concerns over water.  In process of issuing monitoring wells for that project
• Wind generation – still seems popular in this area, especially in the Egan and Diamond Mountains. L&S power interested and met with Idaho Power yesterday on SWP corridor, White Pine Project and wind generation will tie into that project.  500 KV transmission lines that go from Mountain Home to North Las Vegas.
• White Pine energy project coal 3 sites; 5 miles north of duck creek turn off, 12 after that, last is by cherry creek turnoff. Preferred alternative is the middle site. Coal would be brought in by rail line which rail line would need a lot of work. Right now BLM is just working on project and roads. The company has developed an agreement with WP County for water.
• Concerns over air quality issues and will be addressed in the document.
• Internal meetings are being held right now to determine data needs.  Scoping meetings will be scheduled at a later date.

See attachment #3

Break: Helton recessed the meeting at 9:30 am, reconvening at 9:45 a.m.

 

9:45 – Virginia Aime reviewed travel vouchers. Her phone number is (775) 289-1875.

 

9:55 a.m. – BLM Ely District fuels projects presentation: Shane DeForest, BLM Ely Field Office fuels specialist:
• Completed projects: Heusser Aspen/Cottonwood; Ward Mountain Wildland Urban Interface Project.
• Partially Completed Projects: Bullwhack Prescribed burn and Greenstrips; Dale Habitat Improvement Prescribed Burn; Ella Mountain Prescribed Burn; Wilson Creek Guest Ranch Wildland Urban Interface Project; Indian Creek Aspen; East Fork Prescribed Burn (EA being done due to WSA); Beaverdam Prescribed Burn; Flatnose Prescribed Burn; Gleason Creek Stewardship (West of Ely); Gleason Creek Wildland Urban Interface Prescribed Burn (top of Robison Summit).
• Planning Efforts (2005 project planning): Winz Creek WUI Project (North Lake Valley); Acoma WUI Project; Ella Mountain Communications Site/Fire Lookout Protection; Cherry Creek WUI Project; West Schell Bench WUI Project; Wilson Creek Guest Ranch WUI completion.
• Estimated cost of treatment for mechanical with machines: $500 - $800 per acre, with additional costs of cutting and piling.  Hand treatments: approximately $1000 per acres.
• WUI definition – Northern areas shouldn’t meet those standards?  How do areas qualify as Urban Interface Projects?  Includes intermix community type which involves Wildland interface proper which is a town, intermix zone which is the dispersed ranch homes.  The location of rural areas needs to be accounted for.
• Concerns on what are Urban and what is Rural.
• Gleason Creek Stewardship (West of Ely) – contractors submit bid and can earn a conservation credit.  Contractor receives the costs of the goods and is offset by the difference.  Contractor can use the conservation credits to another project.
• Aspen projects – will they be protected from grazing.  Yes.  Not much of a problem with Elk.  If there is a problem, there will be Elk proof fencing installed. 
• Is there a time that there will be no grazing after a burn?  Yes and is based on a resource goal, a minimum of two growing seasons.
• Concerns of depleting the resources of the land.  Are there plans of replenishing the land?  This has been discussed in the interdisciplinary teams, and has been addressed the plans.

Attachment #4

 

10:45 a.m. – Lincoln County Land Act/Wilderness legislation update: Jeff Weeks, BLM Ely Field Office assistant manager for non-renewable resources.
• LCLA-brief history of appeals.  BLM in discussion with solicitors over appeal.
• Lands bill-BLM’s position is to provide maps to congress or whatever is needed.
• Concerns over deadline over EIS.  BLM has requested funding to work on EIS.
• RMP-In May in conjunction agencies (14), finalized draft RMP agency alternative:  moving to watershed analysis; watershed restoration plans; Desert Tortoise RMP; consolidate Wild Horses to 6 HMA’s; provide for disposal of public lands; LCLA; designate OHV areas; Duckcreek Basin portion of transportation plan; Outfitter and Guide permits; livestock grazing permits would be allowed based on precipitation; consultation within Native American with pinion pine harvest; fire management plan updated.
• Schedule of RMP: preliminary document is in the Washington Office and will be sent to field offices soon.  There will be two weeks to review this document with cooperative agencies.  Plan is to brief in Washington and DOI August.  Beginning of October is to brief the public.

 

11:15 a.m. - Wild Horse & Burro update: Jared Bybee, BLM Ely Field Office Lead wild horse specialist.
• The Bureau defined a need for removing excess animals from the land.  Bureau said to find it in our own budget.  Went to Congress last month and no word has been heard regarding moving the budget towards Wild Horses. 
• Without the funding, there is no money for wild horse gathers.  If the reprogramming comes through, there would be 2700 – 3300 removed by the end of this fiscal year.  Around 6600 through next fiscal year.
• Ely reprogramming comes through; emergency problems would be taken care of. Moriah (300 horses), White River (350 horses), Jakes Wash (300 horses), Diamonds (250 horses) and would get us through another year until we really have more significance problems.  If it doesn’t come through, we will have emergency situation problems by the end of the year.
• Concerns about the high numbers and the emergency situations that may arise from lack of gathers.  Jerry Helton stated in a meeting last month in Phoenix, Kathleen Clark stated that BLM is committed to Wild Horse programs.  Kathleen was going to meet with State representatives to discuss the situation.
• Concerns on drought and on adoptions.  There is no lack of healthy horses for adoptions, but the costs have arisen in order to get the drought horses healthier. 13,000 in long term holding facilities and will be 14,000 shortly.  Cheaper to keep horses in sanctuary than short-term holding.
• Ely District has approximately 3800 horses, AML is 2141 horses, and all HMA’s have AML established.  Through watershed assessments, these are being assessed.
• Big herds in Ely are pretty close to the high end of AML.  Small herds are way over AML and are a concern.
• Ely district should be recognized as having all their AML’s set for all the HMA’s.
• Research project in the North Antelope HMA, involved 1400 acres of reseeding to exclosures of about 3400 acres.  The project was carried out without the use of the measures set in the EA.  Seven horses have died as a result of this project.  Upon discovery of the horses, Jared reopened the gates and turned on the water.  Investigation is being done to determine what the major factors were.  Breakdown in communications regarding the EA.
• Certain aspects were not being accomplished within the EA.  Concerns regarding all aspects that were not being looked at regarding the research project.
• Are their plans of other projects being reviewed to see that they are failing?
• What does Dr. Jim Young do? Ag Research Services.  Concerns over finding and discussing projects with him.  Can RAC ask Dr. Jim Young for a presentation? Reports? Information?
• Concerns about if the exclosure is purposeful or not.
• Concerns about why hasn’t the investigation been completed.  It has been over two weeks, and no determinations have been met.  A lot of oversight has been committed.   The onsite investigation is done, 10 days until report is done and given to Kolkman for review. Investigation should be about half done.
• Two recommendations: RAC wants to hear the results of investigation and should be on the next agenda.  Chairman to inquire Ag Research on exclosures and other information. (Each BLM district BLM Range Specialist, Jim Young, Kari Brackley NSO.)
• Need a list of areas, then can make a request.
• May need to consult with the other RAC’s and should be brought to the Tri-RAC meetings.

 

12:10 p.m. – Break for lunch

 

1:25 p.m. – Duck Creek Travel Management Plan and proposed Mt. Wilson Travel Management Plan update: Jack Tribble, BLM Ely Field Office lead outdoor recreation specialist; and Rick Orr, BLM Caliente Field Station manager.
• Brief history of Duck Creek Travel Management Plan.
• Implementation process has started.
• GPS was used for road inventory. 
• Final numbers for closure is about 25 miles.  More work will be completed upon completion of RMP.
• Wilson Creek grazing allotment.  Mandatory settlement on grazing on that allotment.  A multiple use plan for about 1.7 million acres.  A NEPA process is just beginning to begin the same process as Duck Creek.  Cultural will be included in the NEPA.
• Time frame for NEPA analysis on Standards and Guides issue will be next year for the EIS.
• RMP alternatives will include Wilson Creek allotment, OHV.

Attachment #5

2:00 p.m. – Public Comment:
• Has comment period closed yet regarding police powers on public lands?  RAC has tried to build trust upon the public and concerns regarding going back on that.  Concerns over portable meth labs and BLM employee’s safety, shouldn’t they need law enforcement backup?  California and Colorado have these regulations.  The main issue was in the urban interface areas.  Each district has its own law enforcement; this just gives them authority, ability and tools for their safety.

 

2:45 p.m. – Jane Lake Allotment/Cal Baird update: Mark Morse, BLM Las Vegas Field Manager
• Mark Morse gave a brief history of situation and field office waiting for deadline to make a determination of action to be taken.

 

3:00 p.m. – Field Manager’s updates.
• Mark Morse-Las Vegas Field Manager.
o SNPLMA
 June 2, 2004 land sale totaled $707 million.
 Executive Committee meet June 16 and 17.  Review public comments and set projects for dispersal of $440 million.
 Next sale, January 2005 approximately 4000 acres.
o Ivanpaugh Airport
 This month-patent on 6000 acres to Clark County
 Appraisal value $20.7 million
o Laughlin Sale
 Request for 2560 acres sale in Laughlin
 Within administrative disposal boundary
 Sale proposed for early 2005
o EIS – ongoing
 Sloan Canyon NCA – EIS/Plan – on schedule
• Clark County & Henderson Cooperating Agencies
 Expanded Boundary EIS
• On schedule for November completion
• Excellent air quality data
o SNWA – Project
 3 lakes/highway 95 wells & pipeline
 Coyote Springs well monitoring
• Rick Orr, Assistant Field Manager, Caliente Field Station –
o Mt. Wilson Urban Interface Project
o Mail Summit fire from two years ago, recent 600 acre fire on same area.
o White Pine Greenup
o White Pine County Airport Expansion – NEPA being prepared.
o Lincoln County Trails Commission – First trails recreation day.
• Mark Sterzer- Battle Mountain Associate Field Manager
o June 26 race from Pahrump to Battle Mountain
o Rangeland Health Evaluation on the Fishlake allotment.
o AML will be set in Tonopah
o By-state sagegrouse plan has been approved by governor’s task force.
o Kelly bottle house, contracting firm will be selected this month to restoration, and should be done this FY.
o EIS Round Mountain Gold Hill Project MOU - BLM, Forest Service, Round Mountain Gold.
o Rail Corridor will be an impact on the Tonopah Field Station.
o Issued notices of intent to impound:

 

4:10 p.m. – Pat Irwin USFS
• Personnel changes, Steve Williams is now in Tonopah.  Ruby Jar Bridge and Spring Mountains are vacancies.
• Ely now has a hydrologist; range con, recreation technician, engine foreman.
• Will have four people on the tour the next two days and will be available for comments.
• Will be putting out an Oil & gas EIS.
• Will be doing a burn in the Kirn Range next spring.
• Next big project will be Camp Success.
• Forest Service is on the verge of putting out a decision on OHV’s.
• Wind energy applications, one was received on the Schell Creek range.
• Concerns about grazing trespasses.

 

4:20 - Billie Young update on Oliver Ranch
• Mission Statement
• Compilation of info will be made available approx August 1.
o Concerns over the impact of the land.
o Concerns over the numbers of children present.
o Project managers in place now.
• USGS will be doing pump tests.
• National trails day will be on Nevada Day.  Will be held in Boulder City.

Housekeeping (next agenda)
• Oliver Ranch
o Draft line space?
• Update on investigation at North Antelope.
• Forest Service update.
• Historic exclosures.
• SNWA update.
• RMP update
• Lincoln County Bill
• Field tour on a Manhattan & Round Mountain and a couple of reclamation sites.  Tour will be on Thursday (all day), meeting on Friday.
• Report on Elk Management Plan. (Bill Fisher and Rick Orr)

 

4:45 p.m.  Adjourn. 

**Next meeting will be August 19 & 20 in Tonopah. 

 

         APPROVED BY:  Jerry Helton, Chair, Mojave-Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council

 

Minutes provided by Melanie Peterson, BLM Ely Field Office 

Attachments:

1. DOE Project-Caliente Corridor Land Use and Ownership map
2. DOE Project-Yucca Mountain Disposal Decision Plan Timeline
3. Mojave Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council Programs update.
4. Ely Field Office Fuels Management Program
5. OHV Technical Review Team, Duck Creek Basin