BLM has other mandates from Congress as well. These mandates require that 

 the BLM do any and all things necessary for preservation, protection, ad- 

 ministration, and regulation of the NRL's. They require that BLM authorize 

 that use or combination of uses which will best achieve the objectives of 

 multiple-use, and to prepare appropriate environmental analysis and impact 

 statements for actions significantly affecting the quality of the human 

 environment . 



Some of the new legislation passed by Congress in response to public 

 concern are the National Environmental Policy Act, the Sikes Act, the 

 Cultural Resoiorces Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Endangered 

 Species Act. 



Livestock grazing and range management is just one of a number of uses 

 that is made of the NRL's. They must be tied more closely into the Bxireau's 

 resource planning system. Livestock is a very valuable tool in administer- 

 ing these lands. By manipulating livestock use, we are able to enhance 

 wildlife habitat, recreation potential and other multiple-use opportunities. 

 Therefore, it is not just how livestock are grazed to improve range condi- 

 tions, but how livestock will be grazed in combination with other uses of 

 the land and resources to enhance all the resources. The Bureau has the 

 responsibility to determine what this combination will be. It is important 

 that public land users recognize that in most cases these lands are not man- 

 aged for a single use but a number of uses. With the complex land pattern 

 in Montana of Federal, State and private lands being intermingled, cooper- 

 ation of all concerned is of the utmost importance. 



Even though a recent report showed that 95?^ of the Montana's public 

 range (NRL) was in fair to excellent condition, it does not mean that the 

 BLM can maintain its current level of management. Forty-two (42) percent 

 of the range is in fair condition and only one season of drought or other 

 unfavorable occurrence could drop this into poor condition. 



Another item of interest is the court decision requiring BLM to pre- 

 pare environmental impact statements on the Bureau's livestock grazing pro- 

 gram and the subsequent agreement between BLM and the Natural Resource De- 

 fense CoTincil for the schedule and procedures for implementing the court 

 decision. 



57 



