[Number range CHAPTERMojave-Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory
Council]{.underline}

Meeting Minutes

Friday, April 4, 2003

BLM Las Vegas Field Office

Resource Advisory Council members present and category represented:

> Marta Agee Ranching/Grazing
>
> Dr. Colleen Beck Archeology/Historic
>
> Maurice Frank-Churchill Native American
>
> Thalia Dondero Elected Official
>
> Dr. John E. Hiatt Wildlife
>
> Mark N. Ioli Mineral Development
>
> Robert Maichle Environment
>
> Steve Mellington Public at Large (vice-Chair)
>
> Dr. Steve Parker Academic/UNLV
>
> Ben Patterson Ranching/Grazing

## Mark Hill State of Nevada

> John Weisser Dispersed Recreation
>
> Billie Young Wild Horse & Burro

Resource Advisory Council members absent:

# Patrick John Chicas Permitted Recreation

> Jerry Helton Transportation/Row (Chair)

Bureau of Land Management representatives present:

> Libby Aberant Realty Specialist, Land Sales & Acquisitions Division
> (SNPLMA)
>
> Karen Eller BLM Battle Mountain Field Office PAO
>
> Stephanie Connolly BLM Ely Associate Field Manager
>
> Phil Guerrero BLM Las Vegas Field Office PAO
>
> Chris Hanefeld BLM Ely Field Office PAO
>
> Angie Lara BLM Las Vegas Associate Field Mgr
>
> Bill Fisher BLM Battle Mountain Assistant Field Mgr
>
> Juan Guzman BLM Carson City Field Office Open Space Manager
>
> Gene Kolkman BLM Ely Field Manager
>
> Mark Morse BLM Las Vegas Field Manager
>
> Stan Rolf BLM Las Vegas Field Office archeologist
>
> John Singlaub BLM Carson City Field Manager
>
> Jim Stobaugh Acting Project Manager, Land Sales & Acquisitions
> Division (SNPLMA)
>
> Michelle Yapp Project Specialist, Land Sales & Acquisitions Division
> (SNPLMA)

USFS attendees

> Steve Holdsambeck District Ranger, Spring Mountains NCA

Stephanie Phillips Deputy Forest Supervisor

Public attendees:

Margot Allen Senator Ensign

> Senator Richard Bryan
>
> John Ellison NE Great Basin RAC member
>
> Lulani Huntsaker Senator Reid
>
> Jon Hutchings Eureka County, Natural Resources Council
>
> Jerry Kier UNR
>
> Helen Mortenson Tule Springs
>
> Dr. Jackson Ramsey RRCIA
>
> Terri Robertson Friends of Gold Butte
>
> Damon Young Congressman Porter

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 Las Vegas Field Office of the BLM. Persons desiring to review
said minutes should contact Phillip Guerrero, public affairs specialist,
at (702) 498-6088.

> A quorum present, vice-Chairperson Steve Mellington called the meeting
> to order at 8:10 a.m.

8:11 a.m. -- Welcome by RAC vice-Chairperson Steve Mellington, Pledge of
Allegiance.

8:15 a.m. -- Forest Service issues: Steve Holdsambeck, District Ranger,
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA).

-   Holdsambeck provided the RAC with a brief power point highlighting
    the Spring Mountains NRA and issues created by Off Highway Vehicle
    (OHV) use on user-created trails, including damage to cultural and
    historic areas, riparian areas, overall habitat and wildlife. The
    power point focused on a proposed action that would mitigate the
    issues created (see attachment 1). A brief discussion ensued. Thalia
    Dondero proposed an education effort for OHV users. John Hiatt asked
    if All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) dealers had been notified of the
    proposed action, suggesting it be done. Hiatt suggested that any
    trails constructed be engineered so as to be sustainable under
    long-term usage. Dondero asked if OHV registration would be a
    possibility. Hiatt suggested adequate signage for education
    purposes. Bob Maichle suggested an entry fee. Steven Parker asked if
    RS2477 was an issue. Holdsambeck said he had been asked about
    RS2477on several occasions. He said RS2477 would not be a direct
    issue.

-   Holdsambeck discussed the Spring Mountains NRA Special Orders (see
    attachment 2). A brief discussion ensued re: canine leash lengths,
    geo-caches, discharging a firearm.

1.  Colleen Beck questioned leash-length restrictions. Holdsambeck
    responded that the language in question is standard federal
    regulatory language.

2.  John Hiatt suggested extending geo-cache restrictions to the entire
    forest, not just Wilderness Areas, so as to prevent the creation of
    new trails, etc. Marta Agee said geo-caches would appear to be
    harmless, unless they are allowed to remain on-site for an
    indefinite period of time. Hiatt said geo-caches are allowed to
    remain for an indefinite period of time.

3.  Thalia Dondero pointed out that the firearm restrictions might be
    inadequate to protect other area users. Hiatt suggested extending
    the firearms restrictions further. Agee pointed out that the paint
    ball restrictions are tighter than restrictions on firearms.
    Holdsambeck said he would prefer to restrict firearms NRA-wide, but
    it might not be possible. Steven Parker pointed out the dangers of
    firearms to other users. John Weisser, a firearms user, suggested
    eliminating firearms "mountain-wide." Billie Young said she has
    personally seen people in the area using firearms in a careless
    manner. Bill Fisher asked where such restrictions would end, e.g.,
    eliminating hiking, horseback riding, etc. A brief discussion
    ensued. Dondero also pointed out that firearms usage "trashed" the
    area utilized. A brief discussion ensued. Steve Mellington suggested
    the RAC determine what action it should take. Parker asked
    Holdsambeck what action he would prefer the RAC take. Holdsambeck
    suggested the RAC write a letter. A brief discussion ensued. Hiatt
    suggested the RAC designate a subcommittee to write the letter. Mark
    Ioli said there appeared to be no consensus among the RAC members at
    this time. A brief discussion ensued. Mellington asked a RAC member
    to make a motion re: writing a letter. Young made a motion to name a
    subcommittee to develop a letter. Parker seconded the motion. A
    brief discussion ensued, concluding only when Marta Agee reminded
    the RAC that it was beginning to micro-manage the letter-writing
    process. The vote was taken. Thalia Dondero, John Hiatt, Steven
    Parker, John Weisser, and Billie Young voted yes. Marta Agee,
    Colleen Beck, Mark Ioli, Bob Maichle and Ben Patterson voted no.
    Maurice Frank-Churchill and Steve Mellington abstained. Mark Hill is
    an ex-officio member and was not permitted to cast a ballot. John
    Hiatt, Maurice Frank-Churchill and Billie Young agreed to write the
    letter.

9:23 a.m. -- BLM Tonopah Field Manager's Report, Bill Fisher, Associate
Field Manager, Tonopah (see attachment 3).

-   A brief discussion ensued re using four vacant grazing allotments
    for "grass banks," with Marta Agee and Ben Patterson requesting
    clarification of the permittee selection process, e.g., asking if
    abusers of allotments would be excluded from the "grass bank"
    selection process. Thalia Dondero pointed out that federal law
    requires allotment abusers to repair any damage done. A brief
    discussion ensued re the difficulties of determining specific
    responsibilities re allotment damage. Billie Young asked if any of
    the vacant allotments included Herd management Areas (HMAs) and if
    those HMAs had been "zeroed out" for Wild Horses. Fisher said the
    HMAs had not been "zeroed out." A brief discussion ensued. Gene
    Kolkman commended the Tonopah office for moving forward with the
    "grass bank" process, pointing out the need for such "conservation
    reserves" or "grass banks."

-   John Hiatt asked if the BLM was taking into account local water
    levels and related issues, e.g., habitat and wildlife, which could
    potentially surround a direct sale of BLM-managed public lands to
    the Ponderosa Dairy. Fisher said the State Engineer had already
    allocated the area's water rights to the Ponderosa Dairy. Marta Agee
    said she would like to see the Ponderosa Dairy expansion handled
    properly, adding that it would have a positive economic benefit on
    Nevada's farming and ranching communities. Bob Maichle echoed
    Hiatt's concerns. A brief discussion ensued.

\- Mellington recessed the meeting at 10:07 a.m., reconvening at 10:27
a.m. -

10:28 -- Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) subcommittee report: Bob Maichle.

-   Maichle said very few (unspecified) changes had been made in the OHV
    Administration Guidelines for Nevada Public Lands since the Tri-RAC
    meeting in October 2002. The RAC tabled the report until later in
    the meeting.

10:32 a.m. -- BLM Ely Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement (RMP/ EIS) and BLM Ely Field Manager's Report, Gene Kolkman,
Field Manager, Ely (see Ely RMP/EIS Scoping Document, attachment 4; Ely
RMP/EIS Planning Bulletin, attachment 5; Ely RMP/EIS Questions &
Answers, attachment 6; and BLM Ely Field Manager's Report, attachment
7).

-   Gene Kolkman updated the RAC re the Ely RMP/EIS, referring to
    Stephanie Connolly, BLM Ely Associate Field Manager, for an update
    on public scoping meetings held recently in Caliente, Ely, Las
    Vegas, Mesquite, Reno and Tonopah. A brief discussion ensued.
    Kolkman discussed briefly with the RAC issues the Ely RMP/EIS
    intends to address, e.g., Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
    (ACEC), catastrophic fire, lands & realty, oil & gas leasing, OHV
    use and wild horses. Marta Agee suggested that the BLM consider in
    the Ely RMP/EIS so-called Areas of Economic Opportunity. A brief
    discussion ensued.

-   Steven Parker asked for an update on the placement of anemometers
    within the Ely District. Kolkman said anemometers are in place at
    specific locations and the related wind energy projects are moving
    forward. A brief discussion ensued.

-   Steven Parker asked about organized OHV events in the BLM Ely
    District and impacts thereof. A brief discussion ensued re damages
    done by organized OHV use.

-   Billie Young asked who would replace Alan Shepard, a Wild Horse &
    Burro specialist, in the BLM Caliente Field Station. Kolkman
    responded that Wild Horse & Burro Specialist Jared Reddington would
    assume Shepard's responsibilities in the Wild Horse & Burro program.
    A brief discussion also ensued re the Monte Cristo Herd Management
    Area (HMA) wild horse numbers.

-   Kolkman explained briefly the Ely and Mount Wilson Fire Hazard
    Reduction Projects. A brief discussion ensued.

-   Kolkman updated the RAC on efforts by Nevada's congressional
    delegation to write and have passed a public lands bill for eastern
    Nevada that would include language re Wilderness Areas.

11:20 a.m. -- BLM Las Vegas Field Manager's Report, Mark Morse, Field
Manager, Las Vegas.

-   Mark Morse provided the RAC a brief update on Cal Baird, the Clark
    County Public Lands Bill, the Henderson Exchange, the Hughes
    Exchange, the Ivanpah Airport, Lake Las Vegas, Mesquite Land Sale,
    the Nellis Plan, a "Shooting Range" Bill, the Sloan Canyon National
    Conservation Area (NCA), and SNPLMA.

1.  Morse said the BLM Las Vegas Field Office hopes within 30 days to
    implement a contract for the Sloan Canyon Plan.

2.  Morse said the BLM Las Vegas Field Office hopes soon to complete and
    implement plans for Areas of Critical Concern (ACEC) and Wilderness
    Areas (WA).

3.  Morse said a "Shooting Range" Bill has been approved and the BLM Las
    Vegas Field Office is prepared to patent lands for the facility.

4.  Steven Parker asked if money collected through SNPLMA land sales
    were in jeopardy due to federal budgetary needs. Morse said no,
    though the proceeds might shift in direction at a future date. A
    brief discussion ensued. Morse said future SNPLMA concerns, i.e.,
    developmental issues will include air and water quality, resulting
    in additional studies being conducted over the next year.

5.  Morse updated the RAC on Cal Baird issues (see attachment 8).

11:53 a.m. -- Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) subcommittee report (continued):
Bob Maichle.

-   Bob Maichle provided the RAC a copy of the OHV Administration
    Guidelines for Nevada Public Lands (see attachment 9).

\- Mellington recessed the meeting for lunch at 12 p.m. -

LUNCH

\- Mellington called the meeting to order at 12:37 p.m. -

12:38 p.m. -- Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) subcommittee report (continued):
Bob Maichle.

-   The RAC conducted a review of the OHV Administration Guidelines for
    Nevada Public Lands. Bob Maichle suggested the document be provided
    to the public with the Standards for Rangeland Health. Gene Kolkman
    and Steve Mellington suggested that the RAC determine if the
    document needs to undergo a significant change instead of picking it
    apart line-by-line, thus delaying finalization as it undergoes
    further review. Ben Patterson made a motion to either accept or deny
    the document in its current form. Mark Ioli seconded the motion. The
    vote was unanimous among those present at the time of the vote.
    Marta Agee, Colleen Beck, Maurice Frank-Churchill, John Hiatt, Mark
    Ioli, Bob Maichle, Steve Mellington, Ben Patterson, John Weisser and
    Billie Young voted to approve the OHV Administration Guidelines for
    Nevada Public Lands.

12:50 p.m. -- Plan agenda for June RAC meeting in Ely, Nev.

-   The RAC tabled the June RAC meeting agenda until later in the
    meeting.

12:59 p.m. -- Review the RAC letter re Spring Mountains NRA Special
Orders.

-   The RAC reviewed a draft letter re Spring Mountains NRA Special
    Orders. It was determined to remove all terminology referring to a
    leash's length. Further discussion was tabled until later in the
    meeting, provided there is sufficient time.

1:08 p.m. -- Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA): Round
4 Nominations, Jim Stobaugh, BLM Nevada State Office and/or Libby
Aberant, BLM Las Vegas Field Office.

-   Jim Stobaugh introduced himself to the RAC members and provided a
    brief overview of SNPLMA and the amendment, Public Law 107-282. He
    also explained briefly how the project office has since merged into
    the BLM Las Vegas Field Office as the Division of Land Sales and
    Acquisitions. Stobaugh provided the RAC members with the SNPLMA
    website, which is
    [www.nv.blm.gov/snplma](http://www.nv.blm.gov/snplma).

-   Also discussed was:

    1.  Implementation Agreement (March 2003) (see attachment 10).

        a.  Conservation Initiatives

        b.  Acquisition Nomination Proposals require "Willing Seller
            Letters"

        c.  On-hold status

        d.  Full or partial payments for projects

        e.  Overview of process flow chart (see attachment 11)

        f.  Round Three (3) holdovers

> 2\. Round 4 Preliminary Recommendation (see attachment 12)

a.  \$296.65 Million for all categories overall, i.e., land, capital
    improvement, park, trail and natural area, conservation initiatives,
    and MSHCP

b.  Working Group evaluated a total of 156 acquisition and project
    proposals.

c.  Land Acquisition summaries (see attachment 13)

d.  Two lists for acquisitions -- Recommended and Not Recommended.
    Nominations not recommended will not rollover to the next Round;
    these nominations must be re-submitted

e.  Land Acquisition proposals (Recommended):

> 11 -- Clark County
>
> 4 -- Nye
>
> 8 - Washoe
>
> 3 -- Carson City
>
> 1 -- Lyon, Humboldt, Elko and Douglas
>
> Total of 30 recommended proposals
>
> Land Acquisition proposals (Not Recommended)
>
> 4 -- Washoe
>
> 3 -- Carson City
>
> 4 -- Elko
>
> 8 -- Douglas
>
> 1 -- Esmeralda
>
> 1 -- Lyon
>
> Total of 21 not recommended proposals

f.  Preliminary Recommendation subject to change by Executive Committee
    and/or consideration/approval of the Secretary

g.  Open public comments period (60 days) - 3/19/03 thru 5/19/03

h.  RAC was asked to review the land matrix. Explained the list is not
    in priority order; instead in alphabetical order and can be found on
    the SNPLMA website. Both recommended and not recommended lists are
    subject to change

> 3\. Overview of Development of Final Recommendation
>
> a\. Final recommendation is transmitted to the Secretary; the
> Secretary list consists of both the budget and priority lists.
>
> b\. Approval for the estimated values + 10% contingency (any unspent
> balance will carry over to the next acquisition or project by
> priority).
>
> c\. Secretary approval completes the nomination process - - which is
> forwarded to the BLM State Director to carryout what is approved.

-   RAC questions/comments:

    1.  Nevada First O'Callaghan River Ranch -- Water Rights?

> A: (Singlaub) Conservation Easements on ranch / partial water rights.

2.  Will conservation easements be broken?

> A: (Singlaub) It will be in perpetuity.

3.  Land acquisition values accuracy?

> A: (Stobaugh) Some values are high and some not high enough. Work in
> process to the Implementation Agreement for mechanisms to better
> improve information on appraised values up front. Must tighten up the
> requirements for information provided. Success of acquisitions depends
> on the quality of information that we have.

4.  There is still no current owner listed on the land matrix (no column
    title "current owner") only Nominated by is listed.

> A: (Stobaugh) Explained that the list provides the
> administering/managing agency. Will add a column to show current
> owner.

5.  The Act allows evaluating the cumulative effects of acquisitions
    locally? Rd 1, 2, 3 etc...parcels acquired in a region - - what
    impacts on Economy and infrastructure?

> A: (Stobaugh) The Act requires consultation with the State and local
> governments of the impacts of an acquisition prior to nomination. The
> State is looking at this mechanism for meeting the intent of the Act.
> There are mechanisms that would address this to carry out.

6.  Reason for environmentally sensitive lands first? This Round only
    15% is for land while the remaining is for projects. Why such a low
    percentage being recommended for land?

> A: (Stobaugh) Personal perspective -- local governments are giving
> better development plans and nominations. Addresses the emphasis for
> Clark County.

7.  The Act should restrict only land acquisitions in Clark County; then
    the amount of money generated could cover Clark County and have
    remaining funds.

> Due to Clark County position - - population, economic activity - - the
> entire state is affected by Clark County. It's not unreasonable that
> funding be throughout the state since Clark County residents recreate
> all over the state.
>
> A: (Stobaugh) Provide comment.

8.  Forward all nominations on recommended and not recommended lists.
    Why is the acquisition process so slow? Land is our heritage...the
    timeline is too long. What is the future plans of process? What
    about pre-appraisals?

> A: (Stobaugh) We look at, "What exactly are the proposals? What is the
> estate being offered and expectations?"
>
> If appropriate, this office will process an appraisal task order for
> pre-appraising. SNPLMA will reimburse without cost to the agency. Once
> again, directed the group to the Implementation Agreement, which
> explains the process to implementing the Act.

9.  Acquisition hampering opportunity for development?

> A: (Stobaugh) Referred group to page 10 of the Implementation
> Agreement.....shall consult with State....necessity with making
> acquisition the intent of the government.

10. Nevada First O'Callaghan River Ranch.....very pleased to see it on
    the list.

11. Thalia Dondero expressed concern with Ensign's intent of the Act
    that all land acquisitions not be in Clark County. There is concern
    with the use of proceeds from Las Vegas Valley land sales. People of
    Clark County make up 70% of the State so why isn't Clark County
    getting full benefits of Las Vegas sales? What about other sales
    within the state per the Federal Lands Act such as BACA?

> A: (Stobaugh) Amendment to the Act....Baca proceeds will be used for
> Virgin River MSHCP. Baca stays within the state of Nevada.
>
> A: (Senator Bryan) The Act keeps proceeds of the Las Vegas sales in
> the state...these monies don't go back to Congress. This program is
> special and remarkable. Money stays in Nevada...this is Good!

-   End of questions from RAC members. Jim thanked the RAC members and
    other interested participants.

2 p.m. -- Public Comment re: SNPLMA

Senator Bryan started with his concern on a not recommended land
acquisition -- IL Ranch.

-   Comparable to Jarbridge

-   Forest Service in support

-   Department of Wildlife supports

> Very significant expenditure! The appraised value may seem
> intimidating. Maybe the Working Group felt that all the money is to be
> allocated at one time. This is not the case. It is suggested that the
> purchase be phased in a period of time. No one Round will pre-empt
> ability of other considerations.
>
> Concern of the possession of all the estate? We have a mining lawyer
> who is drafting a letter to the BLM of these issues.
>
> The Executive Committee will be asked to reconsider. This is an
> extraordinary opportunity!
>
> Q: (RAC) Why is the above the appraised value of most lands in Elko?
>
> Senator Bryan: Mineral Values!!!! Preliminary valuation -- subject to
> an appraised value.
>
> How about a preliminary appraised process?
>
> Q: (RAC) What is Dean Rhodes take?
>
> Senator Bryan: Talked with Dean. Folks recognize what are the
> implications to the County. Money from the state goes directly to Elko
> County to compensate for loss....we are talking about \$50K a year.
>
> Q: (RAC) Expand on sensitive species and priority of phases?
>
> Senator Bryan: Page 2 of the IL Ranch nomination package explains the
> natural resource values. Considering the time spent with the federal
> agencies (BLM, FS and FWS) believes that the species mentioned are
> accurate

Jerry Kier, Division of Nevada Conservation COR at UNR

-   Big money raised for conservation.

-   \$250M is a lot for contracting...would like to see the money go
    back into public non-profit work.

-   Division of Nevada Conservation has a cooperative agreement with all
    federal agencies.

-   Consider our program to do the work! (Ameri Corps)

> Q: (RAC) Contract to private entities for conservation...for example,
> IL Ranch.
>
> A: (Kier) We are a Non-profit agency and cannot work with private
> entities. We can work with the BLM and throughout the state.
>
> Q: Have you worked with Tamarisk?
>
> A: (Kier) We have hand crews in Death Valley and have worked with BLM
> on Virgin River.
>
> Q: How big is your staff?
>
> A: (Kier) 50 interns/others...in the summer we expand to 120. We have
> worked with Senator Reid's office in Southern Nevada Wilderness
> Management.
>
> Walking Box Ranch review and visit on how to house crews out there.
> This program would be a great learning experience for graduates and
> undergraduates.

Jacques Etchegoyhen (Chair) and Tina Nappe (vice-Chair) of the Sierra
Front-Northwestern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council

-   SNPLMA - - 80% spent in Clark County, which fits with the intent of
    the Act. This is a wonderful thing for both Clark County and Nevada.

-   Consider acquisition should consider all parcels and not have a Not
    Recommended list.

-   Require a signed option agreement.

> Q: Why take an acquisition off the recommended list knowing of the
> upcoming large land sales?
>
> A: (Mark Morse) Although, the factor is not 100%, the \$296 million is
> projected over the next two sales.
>
> Juan Guzman, BLM Carson City Field Office open space manager

-   Carson City is 75% developed; not much left available.

-   Main principal is urgency....supports proposal on Not Recommended
    list....refers to #32 (Round 4 list) Carson River Bernhard property.

-   Gilbert and Swafford properties are ready to be developed similar to
    Carson River Bernhard, however, it's surrounded by Forest Service
    and therefore, it is more appropriate for the Forest Service to be
    the administering/acquiring agency to manage these lands.

-   Concern with the acquisition process taking too long...wish to
    reduce the timeframe.

-   Saving land in Nevada is a top priority. Need more emphasis on
    Northern Nevada than Southern Nevada. Land values are not the same;
    money generated from the south is huge; however, equalize the use of
    these funds.

> John Ellison, Elko County Commission

-   Elko mining is dying. Oppose acquisitions closer to cities. Greys
    Lake outside of Clover Valley has some residential growth
    possibility. Would hate to tie up something so close to town for
    growth.

-   Mentioned concern with no consultation in prior Rounds, however,
    this Round is doing great. The County is being consulted with prior
    to nominations being submitted to BLM. For example, Greys Lake,
    Clover Valley One and Two, IL Ranch and Rock Creek.

-   Concern that just because land is acquired does not mean mining
    claims are lost.

> Q: What is the board's opinion on Rock Creek (Lander County)?
>
> A: (RAC) No objection to Rock Creek. Make sure there is still mining
> and mineral rights. RAC agrees and supports consultation with the
> County prior to nomination.

John Hutchins, Eureka natural resource manager

> Follow-up to Mr. Ellison's comments...
>
> Two Benefits:

1.  Preservation of Open Space and change land management as mentioned
    above.

2.  Opportunity for urban areas to move toward economic stability.
    Because the intent of the Act goes to Clark County only.....let's
    consider modifying the Act for economic benefit.

Jackson Ramsey, Executive Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Station

-   Supports Education and Interpretation of Desert Environment of Red
    Rock under BLM.

-   Red Rock Visitor Center on Round 4 list - - Visitor Center is 20 yrs
    old; glad to see on list. Appreciate seeing it so high on the
    priority list and should continue high priority since there are 700K
    visitors a year.

\- End of SNPLMA -

3 p.m. -- Public Comment re: Issues other than SNPLMA.

Terrie Robertson and Elaine Holmes (Friends of Gold Butte)

-   Terrie gave a presentation on "Save Petroglyphs at Gold Butte" and
    provided photos through an overhead projector. Petroglyphs mentioned
    near scenic byways and highways and from a multiple listing. Focus
    of area is the Gold Butte allotment map. Terrie discussed a special
    land design of Gold Butte. Also mentioned a Southern Nevada site
    stewardship program through the Outside Las Vegas Foundation (OLVF)
    and how it would include BLM, FS and NPS lands. Protection is the
    critical point of this program. A site stewardship program would
    help the federal managers take care of the lands.

-   Comment (RAC -- Agee): Is public acquisition is the best way to
    preserve the lands? They thought that by putting riparian area in
    public ownership it would save it, but instead it destroyed the
    value. Sometimes public ownership is good. When we acquire these
    lands to save we are going backward; achieving a strangulation of
    rural counties. Maybe committing rural counties to private ownership
    vs. acquisition.

-   Comment (RAC -- Maichle): Ranches will still be ranches. There are a
    lot of ways to make things better for future generations than
    putting in federal trust....acquisition isn't always the best
    option. Not recommended parcels would be beneficial in public trust.

Helen Mortenson, Tule Springs

-   Helen discussed Tule Springs per an invitation by Dr. Beck, MOSO RAC
    member. Tule Springs is approximately 1,000 acre (980 acre site).
    Mentioned the 40-year scientist reunion, the Nevada State Museum &
    Historical Society, which was a big event out at Lorenzi Park. Helen
    referred to a big display on what has happened to Tule Springs,
    which will be available to view until October 2003.

-   Helen talked about Shadow Ridge High School, which is scheduled to
    open August 2003. She mentioned that Dr. Roland and Dr. Paul Buck of
    DRI had talked with Kathy Andrew, Shadow Ridge High School
    principal, about including a curriculum -- Education of Partnership
    for high school studies on Paleo studies. This would be an
    interpretive program for a base quality of teachers and learning.
    Dr. Paul Buck applied for a \$341,066.00 NST grant for this program.

-   Helen's concern is whether BLM is looking at modifying the
    boundaries in any way. She questioned why a National Register Site
    was put in the disposal boundary when there is geological study
    opportunity and a unique paleontological laboratory next to the high
    school. We need to protect this land. If land is chiseled away this
    is not good. We need to re-look at priorities and protect what we've
    got.

-   Comment (RAC): The wash out at Corn Creek....offensive to expand
    site for long-term. We are looking for more support from electric
    company and BLM.

-   Comment (Stanton Rolf, BLM Archeologist): Stan discussed the
    Resource Management Plan (RMP) disposal boundary designated
    October 1998. Stan said BLM has no intention of disposing of the
    Tule springs national register site or changing the site boundaries
    form the current 980 acres. Site investigations in the 1960s never
    determined the presence of early man in association with
    paleontological resources. Cultural and paleo investigations
    conducted in conjunction with the Harry Allen to Mead 500Kv
    transmission line project failed to identify early man in
    association with paleo materials. This is not an archeological site
    except for the particular scientists working on the site. What we
    really have at Tule Springs is a fantastic collection of significant
    Pleistocene mega fauna. As such, paleontological sites, which do not
    contain a cultural component, are not covered by the National
    Historic Preservation Act. If we revisit the site boundaries, Tule
    Springs will probably vanish as a national register site; however,
    we don't want this to occur.

-   Comment (Dr. Beck): Discussed Pinto site....still pretty
    early....expressed three concerns...

    1.  Leave the current boundary the same? Answer (Stan): Yes.

    2.  Test Pits and Excavation -- geomorphic; soil arising; and
        mammoth.

    3.  Is there any archeological subsurface? Answer (Stan): No.

End of Public Comment

4 p.m. -- Adjourn/Optional field tour of Kern River pipeline through Red
Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Led by Mark Morse, BLM Las Vegas
Field Manager.

\- There being no further business, Mellington adjourned the meeting at
4 p.m. -

APPROVED BY:

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Date Steve Mellington, vice-Chair

Mojave-Southern Great Basin

Resource Advisory Council

> Minutes provided by:
>
> Chris Hanefeld, BLM Ely Field Office public affairs specialist, and

Michelle Yapp, Project Specialist, Land Sales & Acquisitions Division
(SNPLMA)

Attachments:

1.  Spring Mountains NCA Power Point presentation

2.  Spring Mountains NRA Special Orders

3.  Tonopah Field Manager's Report

4.  Ely RMP/EIS Scoping Document

5.  Ely RMP/EIS Planning Bulletin

6.  Ely RMP/EIS Questions & Answers

7.  BLM Ely Field Manager's Report

8.  Cal Baird issues paper

9.  OHV Administration Guidelines for Nevada Public Lands

10. SNPLMA hand out

11. Overview of process flow chart

12. Round 4 Preliminary Recommendation

13. Land Acquisition summaries