Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) proposal was submitted by Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe to the BLM on April 29, 2004.

Under the Special Management section, it reads:

Special Management of the Sand Mountain 25,452 ACEC is necessary for the protection of traditional practices of the Great Basin spiritual leaders, protection of surrounding cultural and historic sites, and protection and restoration of the native species habitat within this area.

1.) One month total closure during spring for Tribal spiritual practices by Great Basin tribal Elders and Spiritual Leaders. In addition, this will let the mountain, plant and animal life a chance to rejuvenate and rest.

2.) A one-month closure to motorized vehicles but open to foot traffic activities only directly following the spiritual closure. This will further allow Sand Mountain to cleanse and heal itself through rejuvenation and rest as well as provide a safe environment for other forms of recreation such as photography, hiking and group visits such as field trips.

3.) Identification and designation of areas to be as open and closed to OHV activities. This will allow for recreation at Sand Mountain as well as habitat/sensitive species protection.

4.) Reduction of existing trails and roads throughout the recreation area.

5.) Development of a trail outside the recreation area to protect surrounding cultural and historic sites and vegetated areas.

6.) Development of a maximum capacity number to identify the number of visitors/camps that can be safely supported by the area resources.

7.) Designation of a memorial kiosk in the campground to prevent open lands surrounding Sand Mountain from becoming a modern cemetery(s).

The Tribe recommends this area to be designated as an ACEC and that the designation and management be analyzed in the Churchill County Plan.

Comments regarding the ACEC should be sent to:

Bureau of Land Management
Carson City Field Office
Don Hicks, Field Office Manager
5665 Morgan Mill Road
Carson City, Nevada 89701
Phone: (775) 885-6000
E-mail: don_hicks@nv.blm.gov
Website: http://www.nv.blm.gov/carson

Bureau of Land Management
Nevada State Office
Bob Abbey, Nevada State Director
P.O. Box 12000
Reno, NV 89502
Fax: (775) 861-6634
Phone: (775) 861-6400
E-mail: bob_abbey@nv.blm.gov

Please be polite when writing. It does our side no good if you are are over the top.....

More info:
www.sandmountain-nv.org