Wild Horse and Burro Gather and Removal Operations In/Near Designated Wilderness and/or Wilderness Study Areas

In Reply Refer To:
4720/6300 (NV-930)P

United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Nevada State Office
P.O. Box 12000 (1340 Financial Blvd)
Reno, Nevada 89520-0006
http://www.nv.blm.gov

April 20, 2005

EMS TRANSMISSION April 21, 2005
Instruction Memorandum No. NV-2005-053
Expires: 9/30/2005

To: Field Managers, Nevada Deputy State Directors and Staff Chiefs, NSO

From: State Director, Nevada

Subject: Wild Horse and Burro Gather and Removal Operations In/Near Designated Wilderness and/or Wilderness Study Areas

This Instruction Memorandum provides policy and guidance regarding wild horse and burro gather and removal operations in/near designated Wilderness and/or Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs).

In accordance with Instruction Memorandum (IM) No. NV-2004-043, a minimum 30-day public notification period is required for proposed action(s) with potential impacts to wilderness resources prior to the decision date for the proposed action(s). Public notification must be site-specific to allow the public to understand the potential impacts to wilderness resources as well as provide for meaningful analysis of the potential impacts in the environmental assessment.

To comply with this direction, Gather Plan environmental assessments must specify the locations and the extent to which gathering activities and/or facilities may occur within Wilderness or WSAs. Additionally, Task Orders issued for wild horse and burro gather operations must specify the locations and the extent to which gathering activities and/or facilities may occur within Wilderness or WSAs.

In the rare instances when an emergency removal of wild horses and burros is needed due to unplanned, unforeseen events, the requirement for 30 day prior public notification may be waived at the discretion of the authorized officer (H-8550-1). In such instances, the gather plan will make every effort to avoid unnecessary impairment of wilderness values. Once the emergency gather is completed, notification to the public advising them of the emergency and the actions taken is recommended.

If you have any questions regarding this memorandum, please call Susie Stokke at (775) 861-6469.

Signed by:
Margaret L. Jensen
State Director, Acting

Authenticated by:
Ellyn Darrah
Staff Assistant