Eureka County joins multi-state opposition to some BLM planning actions and backs groundwater research funding

At its March 19 meeting the Eureka County Board of Commissioners took several actions on natural-resources matters.

Natural Resources Manager Jake Tibbitts briefed the board on recent federal actions: the Bureau of Land Management released a draft environmental impact statement for the Robertson mine project (a public meeting is scheduled April 2 in Crescent Valley), NV Energy’s Greenlink North transmission project re-opened analysis for public comment (virtual meeting March 26), and the BLM will host a grazing-program update meeting March 29. Tibbitts said he will present to the Legislative Public Land Subcommittee on local water solutions and use the Diamond Valley plan as an example.

Commissioner Marty Plaskett moved that Eureka County join a multi-state effort to oppose BLM non-local land-use planning (citing programmatic solar and sage-grouse processes); Vice Chair Michael Sharkozy seconded and the motion passed 2-0. The board also approved a letter supporting the Nevada Division of Water Resources’ federal funding request for expanded groundwater research and voted to remain signed on to "The Path Forward" management plan for wild and free-roaming horses and burros for federal FY2025 funding support (motions carried 2-0). The board amended the NDWR action to have Chair Rich McKay sign the letter outside the meeting.

The board encouraged public participation in upcoming federal meetings and noted staff will monitor comment periods and report back on any formal responses or county-led filings.