BLM resource specialists monitor allotment conditions by collecting data
such as plant utilization and species composition. The data is used in allotment
evaluations to assess rangeland health and to see if we are meeting management
objectives. Evaluations are conducted periodically to address current issues,
achievement of planning objectives, and/or to renew grazing permits. BLM invites
the permit holder(s) and other interested publics to participate in the
monitoring and evaluation process as part of our consultation, cooperation, and
coordination (CCC) responsibilities. An interdisciplinary team (ID) of BLM
resource personnel also participates in, or conducts, the monitoring and
evaluation and prepares the necessary documentation. Ideally, the members of the
ID team are chosen according to the specific resource values and issues
involved with the allotment or area.
The monitoring methods used in evaluations are contained in the Nevada
Rangeland Monitoring Handbook and BLM technical references and handbooks,
including riparian properly functioning condition (PFC) and upland health
Technical References.
The data collected over time can show trend in vegetation conditions.
In Nevada, monitoring data is also commonly used to assess the Standards
and Guidelines for Rangeland Health that were developed in cooperation with the
resource advisory councils in three geographical areas of the state. The
regulations under 43 CFR 4110.3 allow for consideration of a wide range of data
collection for evaluations.
The ID team also looks at the condition of the allotment in total
including, availability of forage, riparian health, numbers of wildlife and wild
horses, and any special status species. The evaluation is also a time when a
permittee may request changes to the terms and conditions of the permit.
Regulations require that the permittee and the interested public, be provided an
opportunity to review, comment and give input during the preparation of the
evaluation found and in developing actions to solve problems that were found. In
fact, the BLM CCCs with the permittee(s) and interested publics throughout the
evaluation, documentation, and decision processes. The information in the
evaluation is used to reach a proposed multiple use decision (MUD).
The proposed MUD, and alternatives, are analyzed in a NEPA document,
often an environmental assessment, which references the data, analysis, and
rationale in the evaluation.