VALE, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management is analyzing alternatives to improve for rangeland health management in the Louse Canyon Geographic Management Area (LCGMA). Managers are seeking public input on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS).

This draft EIS analyzes alternative livestock management and restoration actions. The multi-pronged goal is to promote landscape health, by meeting agency standards, while providing continued opportunities for grazing. Potential outcomes include alternative grazing systems and schedules, restoration in upland sagebrush and riparian meadow habitats, and adjustments to livestock administration.

“Public input is key to ensuring we have considered all reasonable alternatives and potential impacts,” said Jonah Blustain, BLM Malheur Field Manager. “It’s also an opportunity for you to provide information the we may not have addressed.”

Public comments will help prepare the final environmental analysis and develop the proposed rangeland management plan. The most useful comments identify an issue and offer factual and unbiased information.

The LCGMA encompasses the southeastern corner of Oregon and a small area in northeastern Nevada. The area is comprised of five grazing allotments (more than 530,000 acres) in Malheur County, Ore., and two grazing allotments (more than 11,000 acres) in Humboldt County, Nev.

The BLM will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies as well as Tribal partners to complete the plan.

The BLM will host two public meetings: December 6th at 2pm in McDermitt Nevada at the Community Center and on December 9th at 6pm in Ontario, Oregon at the Malheur County Library. Staff will be on hand to discuss the alternatives and analysis, answer questions, and accept written comments. Managers will announce the date, time, and location of meetings at least 15 days in advance.

The Louse Canyon GMA Draft EIS and accompanying background documents are available on the LCGMA website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1501965/510.