BLM Updates County on Federal Land Actions

The Churchill County Commission received a comprehensive update last week from officials with the Bureau of Land Management’s Carson City District, covering everything from wild horses and geothermal leases to road realignments and off-road racing events.

Mark Mazza and Nate Pepe, assistant field managers with BLM, addressed the board, sharing staffing news, project milestones, and ongoing coordination with local, state, and federal partners across Churchill County and the wider Stillwater Field Office.

The agency announced that Zach Reichold will begin serving as the permanent field manager for the Stillwater Field Office starting May 18. He is expected to introduce himself to the commission in June.

Mazza also reviewed several National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) projects that affect Churchill County. The Sand Canyon Road realignment project continues to move forward, with BLM acting as the lead NEPA agency while coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Navy, and Churchill County. Discussions are ongoing with grazing permit holders near B-16, south of Lahontan Reservoir, where BLM staff are conducting monitoring to support decision-making around grazing adjustments tied to a military withdrawal zone.

A Memorandum of Understanding is in the works between BLM and BOR regarding land exchange responsibilities in Section 2907 of the FY23 NDAA, including potential public transfers to Churchill County and the City of Fallon. BLM is also nearing completion of a Checkerboard Implementation Strategy Plan, which is approximately 90% drafted and expected to move into milestone planning soon.

Pepe shared preliminary results from aerial census flights conducted last month across five local wild horse and burro herd management areas. While final adjusted counts are pending statistical analysis, early numbers include:

• Pilot Table Herd: 579 horses
• Marietta Herd (burros): 155 burros and 9 horses
• Pine Nut Herd: 222 horses
• Garfield Flat Herd: 160 horses
• Wassuk Herd: 94 horses

Pepe emphasized that final population estimates will increase slightly once adjusted for terrain visibility and other survey conditions.

In addition, the preliminary Environmental Assessment for a gather near Lahontan Reservoir is now out for public comment through May 12. Residents are encouraged to weigh in during this period.

Churchill County continues to be a focus for energy exploration, with several geothermal and mineral projects underway. Two parcels totaling 3,795 acres in northeastern Churchill County have been nominated for a district-wide geothermal lease sale. These are located near the old Buena Vista magnetite mine in the Carson Sink. The Bell Mountain mine EA was completed in 2020, but development stalled due to a bonding lapse and a change in ownership. The new owner is currently raising capital to build out infrastructure. The Cosmo Dixie Exploration Project in Dixie Valley is seeking lithium brine. While drilling hasn’t started, roads and drill pads are in place, and the company plans to submit an exploration plan for up to 20 acres this summer.

As the region heads into its busy spring and summer season, BLM staff prepare for a packed calendar of off-road racing events and recreation activities. The Sand Mountain Recreation Area saw high use over Easter weekend, with BLM working alongside Renown Children’s Hospital, which provided free helmets for young riders. Upcoming races include the Vora Wild 400 in Hawthorne, Legacy Baja (based out of Pahrump), Best in the Desert, ending near Dayton in August, and Legacy Racing’s Gold Rush, which will stretch from Tonopah to Virginia City and back.

Finally, BLM noted progress on the Greenlink North transmission corridor, which runs along U.S. Highway 50. Minor reroutes have required additional reviews, with a record of decision expected in July. The agency is also reviewing a rail spur project for Western Emulsions under a categorical exclusion.