Breckenridge Grazing Decision Signed

Lake Isabella, CA: The Forest Service (FS) has signed the Decision Notice for the Breckenridge Grazing Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This environmental assessment discloses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts that could result from the proposed action and alternatives. Livestock grazing in this area has been part of the rural economy and the lifestyle of generations since the 1880s. Existing term grazing permits for Hobo Ridge, Cow Flat, Breckenridge and Pechacho allotments allow for grazing on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, adjacent to the small communities of Walker Basin, Havilah, and Lake Isabella.

NEPA procedures require that a FS decision to issue term grazing permits be accompanied by documentation that analyzes and discloses the environmental effects of the decision. The Rescissions Act of 1995 allowed for the reissuance of term grazing permits without NEPA at that time, as long as NEPA analysis was conducted according to a schedule; and this EA satisfies these requirements. “This EA provides a plan to effectively manage this area’s natural ecology while maintaining its proud tradition of grazing livestock,” stated District Ranger Rick Larson.

For more information, contact Mark Stieler, Range Specialist, by email at mstieler@fs.fed.us; by mail at US Forest Service, Kern River Ranger District, P.O. Box 3810, Lake Isabella, CA 93240; or by phone at (760) 379-5646 ext. 580.