Nevada Lawmakers Demand Answers from BLM on Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plays a crucial role in managing public lands, impacting everything from grazing to mining and energy production. This makes it essential for Nevada lawmakers to engage with the agency to address their constituents' concerns.

Republican lawmakers often advocate for more lenient policies on mining and grazing, while Democrats focus on conservation and renewable energy. During a recent session, lawmakers questioned BLM's Nevada State Director, John Ruhs, on various public land issues.

Wild Horse Population Control

Assemblyman Jim Wheeler, R-Gardnerville, inquired about BLM's plans to use public-private partnerships to manage wild horse populations, particularly in the Virginia Range near Reno. While some advocate for contraceptive programs, others, like ranchers, view horses as competition for livestock.

“What you call wild horses I call feral and stray,” Wheeler said. “The overgrazing going on with these horses obviously is a problem.”

Ruhs mentioned a successful small-scale program in southern Oregon that could potentially be implemented in Nevada.

Gold Butte Monument and Land Restoration

Assemblywoman Leslie Cohen, D-Henderson, asked about potential partnerships with Bear's Ears Monument managers to promote Gold Butte Monument. She also inquired about plant restoration efforts in Gold Butte, an area affected by Cliven Bundy's standoff with BLM agents in 2014.

Ruhs admitted he was unaware of the restoration status, stating, “That is kind of down in the weeds for me.”

Land Sales and Fire Suppression

Sen. Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, questioned the allocation of funds from land sales under the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. Ruhs clarified that none of the $3.5 billion goes to the U.S. Treasury; instead, it funds state land and resource projects.

Goicoechea also raised concerns about the BLM's fire suppression budget. An aide later reported that in 2016, 348 fires burned 260,697 acres, costing $23,255,762 in suppression efforts.

Wilderness Study Areas

Assemblyman John Ellison, R-Elko, sought answers on the 60 wilderness study areas covering about 2.5 million acres in Nevada. These areas are evaluated for potential federal wilderness designation, a process that can take decades.

“I don’t know how long they can be studied, we need to get these things off this list,” Ellison said.

Ruhs explained that decisions on these areas typically require congressional action.

Interestingly, no lawmakers addressed proposals to transfer federal land control to states or private entities.

Originally posted by Reno Gazette-Journal