FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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THOROUGH EIS FOR JARBIDGE RIVER ECOSYSTEM IN NEVADA 

The Jarbidge River system in northern Nevada is home to a tiny, isolated population of bull trout in a canyon adjacent to the Jarbidge Wilderness. In 1995 the west fork of the Jarbidge River flooded and 1.8 miles of road were washed out from the Pine Creek campground to the wilderness boundary. In 1998 the bull trout was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species under the Endangered Species act. In July of 1998, bulldozers of Elko County invaded their habitat to try to reopen the road. On July 4, 2000 the Elko County "shovel brigade" tore apart the stabilizing landscape fabric that was designed to keep sediment out of the stream.

Following this action, a settlement agreement was reached between the Forest Service and Elko County stipulating that the Forest Service would not contest Elko County's claim that it has a right-of-way for the South Canyon Road but stating that the Forest Service must do an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the river and the bull trout habitat before any work is done. Scoping has been completed for the EIS.

Environmentalists are requesting that this EIS address the entire ecosystem of the river based on scientific data and prepare a watershed analysis. They also request that a "restoration alternative" be addressed in the EIS. Under this alternative, motorized access would stop at the Pine Creek Campground, and a low-impact horse and foot trail would be built. Streambank stabilization projects and plantings to keep sediment out of the river would be included in this alternative.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs strongly supports preparation this year of a watershed analysis and inclusion of an alternative in the EIS that provides for restoration. Protection of the bull trout habitat and habitat restoration must be the basis for the EIS process.

Contact: For further information contact Marge Sill at msill@juno.com