LVEA in Action Fall 2006

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Why wilderness? Because we like the taste of freedom; because we like the smell of danger.

-Edward Abbey, Beyond the Wall

NEW WORKING GROUP:

Wilderness Study Areas

In 1964, Congress passed the Wilderness Act. The BLM became involved with the wilderness review process when the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) was passed in 1976. Since that time, the BLM has been evaluating undeveloped public lands for review to becoming Wilderness Areas.

Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) are lands that have defined wilderness characteristics and are being studied for possible wilderness designation. Each WSA must possess the following characteristics:

Size: Roadless areas of at least 5,000 acres or of a manageable size, and roadless islands

Naturalness: Generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature

Opportunities: Provides outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined types of recreation.

Once a WSA is established, the BLM will manage the area to preserve its wilderness suitability. Examples of the activities allowed in WSA’s are: hunting, fishing, rockhounding, motorized vehicle activities, horseback riding, hiking and mining (without use of mechanized equipment). Existing livestock grazing may continue as long as it is conducted in a manner that avoids unnecessary impacts to wilderness resources.

The guidelines for Wilderness Area usage are more restrictive than that of the WSA. In order to preserve the character of each area, the BLM will manage the area according to procedures set up in the Wilderness Act. For instance, the use of motor vehicles, mechanical transport and motorized equipment is prohibited except by use of special

permit or along boundary roads. Activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting are permitted under state and federal laws.

After lengthy review, the final decision to designate a WSA as a Wilderness Area is made by Congress. Public participation is encouraged during this process and is a cornerstone to the wilderness program.

In Churchill County, there are three WSA’s that have been considered for wilderness designation. The Clan Alpine and Desatoya areas are both being recommended for Wilderness Area designation, while the Stillwater Range is being recommended as “no wilderness”.

LVEA is coordinating a Wilderness Study Area Working Group to evaluate the impact of designating Wilderness Areas in Churchill County. The Working Group hopes to develop legislation that will eliminate the WSA’s, changing the areas in question to either Wilderness or Non-wilderness areas. The public is invited to participate in this effort. For more information call: (775) 423-0525 or e-mail: office@lvea.org.