Gunnison, Colo. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office has released two proposed decisions for renewing domestic sheep grazing permits in Gunnison, Hinsdale, and Ouray counties.
The final environmental impact statement (EIS), released for public review on Jan. 3, analyzed the effects of domestic sheep and goat grazing in nine domestic sheep grazing allotments on 65,710 acres of BLM-managed public land.
The decision authorizes domestic sheep and goat grazing in pastures outside Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep summer range to reduce contact between domestic sheep and goats and wild Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Additionally, terms and conditions will be implemented on the renewed grazing permits to further reduce risk of contact between domestic sheep and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, as well as minimize impacts to other resources.
“This proposed decision aims to strike a balance by allowing domestic sheep grazing without reducing their herd numbers while separating domestic sheep from bighorn sheep populations during the summer months," said Southwest acting District Manager Elizabeth Dawson.
The final EIS analyzed the potential for disease transmission from domestic sheep to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep under five alternative management strategies. Threatened and endangered plant and animal species, local and regional socioeconomics, cultural resources, Native American religious concerns, and public land health were also addressed in the analysis.
Each proposed decision is subject to a 15-day protest period before it becomes a final decision. The protest period will be followed by a 30-day appeal period for the final decision. Grazing decisions will be mailed to parties identified per 43 CFR 4160.1(a). The final EIS and supporting documents are available on the BLM’s ePlanning site at https://go.usa.gov/xQTyQ.
Grazing activities on BLM-managed lands in Colorado contributed $149 million to the State of Colorado’s economy in 2018.
-BLM-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
