Date: July 9, 2004

CONTACT: Jamie Thompson, Public Affairs Officer, (775) 623-1500

BLM SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT PLAN FOR SOLDIER MEADOWS HOT SPRINGS

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has developed a draft management plan to address sensitive resources in the Soldier Meadow Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) located in northwestern Nevada within the boundaries of the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. The Soldier Meadow Activity Plan, which was signed in 1997, proposed similar actions, but was never implemented. The revised plan would incorporate new information about recreation use and sensitive species in the area.

The draft recreation management plan includes management actions and infrastructure development that would support levels of public use at approximately the current visitation levels, while protecting sensitive species including a fish on the federal threatened species list, the Soldier Meadow Desert Dace found nowhere else in the world, and cultural resources in the area. Proposed projects include, but are not limited to, development of designated camping areas and public outreach materials for the ACEC, road closures/reroutes/hardening, and extensive rehabilitation efforts to restore upland areas associated with sensitive habitats that have been impacted by vehicle and camping use. The proposed management would provide continuing opportunities for recreation uses that are consistent with protection of resources.

The Draft Soldier Meadows Recreation Plan and Environmental Assessment is available for review at the Winnemucca Field Office, 5100 East Winnemucca Blvd, Winnemucca NV 89445-2921 or online at http://www.nv.blm.gov/Winnemucca  Questions regarding the draft plan or environmental assessment should be directed to Dave Lefevre, Outdoor Recreation Planner, at the Winnemucca Field Office at (775) 623-1500 or to david_lefevre@nv.blm.gov  Members of the public are asked to submit written comments to Mr. Lefevre by the close of business on Monday, August 9, 2004. BLM thanks the public for its interest and participation in this important planning process.

- BLM -