Elko Daily Free Press 5-15-10 (AREN'T WE HAPPY TO HAVE DEMOCRATS IN CHARGE)

Vilsack OKs nine Nevada projects

ELKO — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has taken action on 14 projects in roadless areas of national forests, including nine in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada.

The projects would be allowed under the 2001 Roadless Rule, if it were in effect, and the exploration projects also fall under the 1872 Mining Law.

Vilsack is looking over all such proposals and letting the public know when and why he approves them, according to the Washington office.

“USDA is committed to protecting roadless areas in our national forests because of the critical importance of these areas to our natural resources, wildlife and outdoor recreation," said Vilsack.

“While the decisions announced today allow for mineral exploration in roadless areas, not only does USDA have limited authority to approve or disapprove these activities, but these actions are consistent with the 2001 Roadless Rule,” he said in the announcement..

The exploration projects Vilsack approved in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, include Dry Canyon, Green Monster, National, Quito, Uke, Wagon, Ziggurat, Merritt Mountain and Cathedral Well.

“All are small exploration projects in central and northeastern Nevada and all have gone through public scoping,” Doug Clarke of the Elko U.S. Forest Service Office said.

He said all of them have plans of operation in place, and the agriculture secretary’s approval is a step toward implementation.

Along with the Nevada projects, there are two in Utah and one in Washington that relate to mining and a 13th project allows for the drilling of 12 methane wells in Colorado.

The 14th project involves reconstruction of a campground and hiking trail in the Big Horn National Forest in Wyoming, according to the announcement.