The ARMP is designed to guide ranchers and farmers in the Navajo Partition Lands (NPL) in managing their land. It sets forth clear goals, objectives, and strategies for range management and conservation. Each ranching and farming operation will develop a customized plan tailored to its specific needs and land conditions. Factors such as seasons, elevation, water availability, and current forage levels influence these conditions. Because of this variability, each plan will differ based on what the land requires and what the users need. Six public scoping sessions helped shape these goals and strategies.
Environmental Assessment Process
To support the ARMP, ETD prepared a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). This assessment examines the potential impacts of implementing the ARMP and considers a no-action alternative. Project sponsors can use insights from this PEA to create specific environmental assessments or categorical exclusions. These documents help determine the impacts of individual range management units and agricultural lease plans.
BIA’s Commitment to NPL
On March 21, 2017, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Navajo Regional Office, kicked off the ARMP Project along with the PEA for the NPL. The BIA plans to complete and adopt the ARMP by the end of 2017. Once finalized, the BIA will reissue grazing permits for the NPL. This plan is vital for helping new grazing permit holders manage and conserve rangelands and farmlands effectively. It establishes goals to optimize the use of these essential natural resources.
Collaborative Planning Process
An Interdisciplinary Team (ID Team) leads the planning process. This team includes representatives from several departments, such as the BIA Navajo Regional Office, the Navajo Nation Departments of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fish and Wildlife. Additionally, ETD Inc. and Ecosphere Environmental Services, Inc. provide technical expertise. The ARMP will follow the guidelines set by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.
Public Engagement Opportunities
Public education and participation are crucial for this project. The planning process includes two rounds of public meetings in each precinct. A survey questionnaire will also be distributed to gather feedback from residents. The first round of meetings will share results from rangeland inventories conducted in 2016 and 2017. During these meetings, attendees will discuss possible goals and strategies.
The second round will present the final goals and strategies included in the completed ARMP. A draft of the ARMP is set to be released by December 2017. The BIA’s contractor will manage logistics, public notices, and facilitate the meetings.
Learn more about ETD’s Natural Resource Planning Services!