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/
