BLM issues decision for Pine Nut Fuels Reduction and Restoration Project
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management, Sierra Front Field Office has issued a decision for the Pine Nut Fuels Reduction and Restoration Project that will allow BLM to implement vegetation reductions in targeted areas within the Pine Nut Mountain range up to a total of 45,000 acres within restoration-focused units and fuel breaks along major roads. Methods used will depend on site characteristics, condition, and need, and may include herbicide application of imazapic (aerial and ground); targeted grazing; shrub mowing or mastication; pinyon and juniper tree removal via mastication or lop and scatter (only in previously treated units for retreatment purposes); and native species revegetation via aerial seeding, drill seeding, and/or hand planting.
Fuel reduction would occur in uplands and would exclude riparian areas and other exclusionary areas as defined in the decision. The reductions would be implemented within the next 10-year period, in phases consisting of 2,000-5,000 acres each, and will typically occur during the fall and early winter. The goals of the project are to mitigate extreme wildfire behavior, protect currently ecologically intact areas, and restore degraded areas within the project area.
A determination has been made that previous National Environmental Policy Act documents and identified required design features and mitigation measures included in the decision adequately cover the proposed action. The decision provides rationale for approving the proposed action.
The decision and other documents have been made available for a 30-day public review and appeal period until August 30, 2025. These documents along with the appeal form are available electronically on the project’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2038764/510
For further information, please contact Cassy Rivas, Natural Resource Specialist, or Melanie Hornsby, Planning and Environmental Coordinator, at (775) 885-6000.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.