BLM ‘deserves the condemnation’ of Nye

The Nye County Commission passed a replacement non-binding resolution asserting that the Bureau of Land Management “fully deserves the condemnation of Nye County” for a variety of reasons at a meeting of the commissioners Feb. 17.

The original resolution, passed on Jan. 20, with the same 3 - 2 vote, contained less inflammatory language, which called on BLM to extend deadlines for public input on the Resource Management Plan.

The third passing vote was not the charm, as a resolution, no matter how many times it is passed, has no authority.

The resolution, favored by commissioners Donna Cox, Frank Carbone and Butch Borasky is critical of BLM’s proposed Resource Management Plan which provides guidance in management of public lands in Nye County.

The revised language which reverts the resolution to its original form, alleges that the BLM “continues to disregard local customs, traditions and culture while violating Nye County Code, federal policies and procedures.”

The replacement resolution also contains original language which commissioners Lorinda Wichman and Dan Schinhofen found to be objectionable, including the use of the word “repugnant” in describing BLM’s conduct in land management. Carbone and Cox agreed that reverting to the original language lends more “strength” and “weight” to the opinions and of Nye County.

The replacement resolution further accuses BLM of not allowing local government and members of the public to participate in the planning process. Rather, the resolution states, they were forced to choose from alternatives designed and selected by BLM officials.

The public comments period for possible changes to the 1998 RMP, which outlines permitted uses of public lands, has been extended twice. The current extension expires on March 6. The extension addresses one of many complaints Nye County voiced in formulating written comments - the lack of time to adequately address all of the options listed in the voluminous 2,400- page proposal.

Nye County Geoscience Manager Levi Kryder, who was tasked with providing written comments to the RMP, said the county will take advantage of the additional time, to delve deeper into the document and offer further commentary.

The re-examination of the resolution also spurred Wichman to impose a new procedure for future board meetings. The resolution, Wichman said, was re opened to ensure that “all possible measures” were taken by the board to engage the public. To avoid “similar confusion,” Wichman said, any reconsideration of action taken by the board, where a second vote will be taken, will be agendized for a future meeting.