USSES Begins Scoping Process

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) is proposing sheep grazing and associated activities to achieve its research goals and objectives of developing integrated methods for increasing production efficiency of sheep and to simultaneously improve the sustainability of rangeland ecosystems.

To achieve these goals and objectives, the sheep station is proposing to continue historic (approximately 92 years) sheep grazing and associated activities currently occurring on ARS lands, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management allotments and a Department of Energy feedlot. The proposed action would maintain the status quo and would be considered a "no new federal action" alternative.

This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement.

Full details can be obtained from the Federal Register notice at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/2011-1333.htm. Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received on or before March 10. The draft environmental impact statement is expected June 2011, and the final environmental impact statement is expected March 2012.