News Release

For Release: Sept. 12, 2008
Contact: Jeff Fontana (BLM) (530) 252-5332       
CA-N-08-92

Modoc-Washoe Stewardship Group Meets Sept. 25-26 in Cedarville

Members of the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship (ESP) Steering Committee will tour the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and discuss wide-ranging natural resource topics when they meet Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25-26, in Cedarville.
 
On Sept. 25, the members will depart at 7:30 a.m. for the field tour and discussions of issues being considered in the refuge’s development of a new management plan.
 
On Sept. 26, the meeting convenes at 8 a.m. at the Cedarville Community Church Hall, Center at Bonner Streets. 
 
Agenda items include updates from the Bureau of Land Management, Modoc National Forest and ESP member agencies.  The committee will also discuss a BLM grazing decision for the Calcutta Allotment, hear a report on the bighorn sheep herd in the Hays Range, discuss conservation easements and discuss planning for the 2009 national ESP meeting to be held in Cedarville.
 
The committee will also consider requesting cooperating agency status in the Sheldon National Wildlife refuge planning project, discuss the 2009 Modoc Forum and hear a report from the Sage Steppe Technical Review Team.
 
The steering committee advises the BLM’s Surprise Field Office and the Modoc National Forest’s Warner Mountain Ranger District on natural resource issues and livestock grazing management on public lands.  One of three such committees established by Congress, the group works on a full consensus basis to promote innovate range management approaches and to provide incentives for excellence.
 
Members represent a wide range of interests, including livestock grazing permit holders, California and Nevada state wildlife agencies, BLM, Forest Service, resource conservation districts, timber interests, environmental groups, sporting groups and local government.

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Bureau of Land Management-Surprise Field Office    
US Forest Service-Modoc National Forest