BLM's Final Rule Amending Grazing Regs in Lower 48

Federal Register July 12

"SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) amends its regulations concerning how BLM administers livestock grazing on public lands. The changes ensure that BLM documents its consideration of the social, cultural, environmental, and economic consequences of grazing changes; provide that changes in grazing use will be phased in under certain circumstances; allow permittees, lessees, and others to share title to range improvements with BLM in certain circumstances; make clear how BLM will authorize grazing if a BLM decision affecting a grazing permit is stayed pending administrative appeal; remove provisions in the present regulations concerning conservation use grazing permits; ensure adequate time for developing and successfully implementing an appropriate management action when BLM finds that rangelands do not meet standards and guidelines for rangeland health and that authorized grazing is a significant factor in not achieving one or more land health standards or not conforming with guidelines for grazing administration; and revise some administrative service charges. We intend these changes to contribute to improving working relationships with permittees and lessees, protecting the health of the rangelands and increasing administrative efficiency and effectiveness. EFFECTIVE DATE: August 11, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may send inquiries or suggestions to Director (220), Bureau of Land Management, Room 204 LS, Eastern States Office, 7450 Boston Boulevard, Springfield, Virginia 22153. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Visser, Rangeland Management Specialist, Rangeland, Soils, Water and Air Group, (775) 861–6492, or Ted Hudson (202) 452–5042 of the Regulatory Affairs Group."