DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

The Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership released its draft Management Plan and Environmental Assessment on June 4, 2011. To download a PDF copy of the Draft Management Plan and Environmental assessment CLICK HERE (Note: This file is 8.3mb).

As a reminder, the Great Basin National Heritage Area was designated by Congress in 2006. The Act creating it required the local coordinating entity (the non-profit Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership) to develop a proposed management plan that indicated how the Heritage Area was to be managed for a period of 10 to 15 years

The draft plan is open for review and public comment until July 20, 2011. Responses will be considered for incorporation into the proposed plan to be submitted as required to the Secretary of the interior in September of this year. The Draft Plan is composed of several sections. An Executive Summary begins on page ix. A general introduction begins on page 2 followed by an historic introduction on page 8. An extensive inventory of heritage features (archaeological, historical, cultural, natural, scenic, and recreational) begins on page 30. This section also includes an inventory of demographics and socioeconomic conditions in the area and an inventory of organizational resources that may be available to the heritage area. A technical explanation of the plan begins on page 140 and the environmental assessment begins on page 182.

In reviewing the plan we ask you to pay particular attention to several items. First review the executive summary and check the proposed list of projects proposed to be undertaken in the first two years after approval of the plan.

Secondly, if you are a partner or potential partner or otherwise affected by or benefitting from one of the projects, let us know how you may be willing to help support the program or project.

Finally, should you notice any factual errors we would appreciate being notified. Any other comments, suggestions are welcome as well.

A vital component of the planning process is public involvement.

Comments should be submitted to Executive Director, Great Basin Heritage Area Partnership,
P.O. Box 78 Baker, NV 89311.
They may also be made by e-mail to greatbasinheritage@wirelessbeehive.com.

Also, meetings will be held in Nevada and Utah during the review period to present the plan and receive comment. Persons interested in attending a meeting should contact the GBNHA at the address above for further information.