News Release

Finding of No Significant Impact Signed for Mesa Verde National Park Livestock Removal Plan

Date: March 15, 2019
Contact: Cristy Brown, 970-529-4608

On March 12, 2019, the National Park Service Acting Intermountain Regional Director Kate Hammond signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for an environmental assessment (EA) to remove trespass livestock in Mesa Verde National Park. After consideration of the environmental assessment and public, tribal, and agency comments, the finding concludes that the project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required.

The National Park Service (NPS) considered two alternatives in the EA. Alternative B, the approved action, will capture and remove trespass livestock from MVNP. It will include a two-phased approach through a short-term (1 to 2 years) and long-term removal process, followed by disposal of unclaimed livestock by public or private sale, auction, adoption, or donation on-site, with the NPS issuing a bill of sale. Boundary fence replacement and maintenance will be prioritized to maximize livestock exclusion. MVNP will collaborate with interested livestock advocacy groups during the capture and disposal process when and where appropriate.  

Alternative B was selected because it best meets the project purpose to remove livestock from MVNP and prevent more from reentering.

Depending upon funding, the NPS plans to implement the action in the spring of 2019. 
Read the FONSI and EA at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=60864.

-NPS-