Center for Biological Diversity
BECAUSE LIFE IS GOOD

Protecting endangered species and wild places through
science, policy, education, and environmental law.

NEWS ALERT: Friday, July 18, 2003

BUSH ADMINISTRATION PREPARED TO IGNORE THE LAW AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY STAFF, WILDLIFE AGENCIES, CONSERVATION GROUPS AND LOCAL TRIBE. BLM WILL SERVE OFF-ROAD INDUSTRY BY ALLOWING UNRESTRICTED USE AT SAND MOUNTAIN DESPITE DOCUMENTED SIGNIFICANT RESOURCE DAMAGE.

Contact:
Daniel R. Patterson, Desert Ecologist, CBD 520.906.2159
Karen Schambach, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility 530.333.2545
Charles Watson, Nevada Outdoor Recreation Association 775.883.1169
More information: California Deserts

CARSON CITY, NV -- BLM Carson City Field Office Manager John O. Singlaub revealed today that he will not follow several applicable laws and regulations, or a compromise recommendation by his staff supported by the Fallon-Paiute Shoshone Tribe, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservationists to close sensitive habitat to off-road vehicles at Sand Mountain, Nevada. Singlaub said this morning that he intends to issue (as soon as today) a decision that only encourages voluntary avoidance of 1000 acres of remaining vegetated habitat within and adjacent to the 4700 acre Sand Mountain Recreation Area.

Earlier this spring BLM staff recommended closure of the best remaining habitat at Sand Mtn. (much has already been lost) to protect the Sand Mtn. blue butterfly, its host plant Kearny buckwheat, and other rare endemic species. BLM convened a subgroup of conservationists, off-roaders and a representative of the tribe to make a recommendation. Conservationists focused on protection of the 1000 acre habitat area, and at no time proposed closure of more popular off-road riding areas, despite severe environmental damage there. Off-road industry groups were unwilling to consider any closure, demanding the entire Sand Mountain area be open to intensive off-roading. The subgroup did not agree on any recommendations, but BLM's statewide Resource Advisory Group of political appointees voted anyway to recommend implementation of only voluntary measures. BLM is obligated to follow applicable laws and regulations, not recommendations of advisory groups.

"BLM must follow the law to conserve public lands resources with balanced management, not just meekly ask off-roaders to please not trash the area." said Daniel R. Patterson, Desert Ecologist with the Center for Biological Diversity who represents the national conservation perspective on the BLM's Sand Mountain subgroup. He adds, "This is a one-sided toothless political move that ignores the compelling national interest for conservation and balanced public land use."

"The law requires land managers to close areas to off-road vehicles where clear damage to natural resources it occurring, as it is at Sand Mountain. It does not allow managers to avoid needed closures with voluntary approaches." said Karen Schambach of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. "When asked, BLM could not identify anywhere where voluntary off-road vehicle restrictions have worked to conserve or restore habitat."

"BLM has shamefully allowed Sand Mountain to be taken over by destructive off-roading, and now they make a political decision to avoid upsetting the industry that will allow continued harm to endemic species and cultural sites." said Charles S. Watson Jr. longtime Nevada conservation champion and director of the Carson City-based Nevada Outdoor Recreation Association.

Copies of comments are available upon request.

Contact John Singlaub at 775.885.6151.

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