BLM Eyes Nevada Limestone Quarry Plan Update
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management is planning to update the Winnemucca District Resource Management Plan to include the Western Quarry Limestone Project in Humboldt County, Nevada. They’re asking the public to share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, to help shape the plan and environmental review. This update could affect local land use and mining activities, with decisions impacting the community and environment.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
RMP Amendment to Allow Quarry
The Bureau of Land Management plans to amend the 2015 Winnemucca District Resource Management Plan to evaluate the Western Quarry Limestone Project on about 874 acres of public land. The Proposed Action would allow a conventional open-pit limestone quarry with about 474 acres of surface disturbance and a project life of approximately 43 years (6 months construction, 40 years operation, 2 years reclamation).
Jobs From Mine Operations
Under the Proposed Action, mine operations would employ 78 people part-time and 16 people full-time. These jobs would correspond to the roughly 40-year operating phase of the project.
Visual Resource Management Change
The BLM would change about 872.5 acres in the project boundary from Visual Resource Management (VRM) Class II to VRM Class III, so the project area would be managed entirely as VRM Class III. That change requires an amendment to the 2015 Winnemucca District RMP to modify VRM direction and objectives for the area.
No-Action Alternative Limits Disturbance
Under the No Action alternative, the BLM would not approve the proposed Western Quarry Limestone Project or amend the RMP; exploration could still continue under an existing Notice that allows up to 3.89 acres of disturbance. The No Action alternative preserves existing visual management direction and prevents the larger 474-acre disturbance described in the Proposed Action.
Tribal Government-to-Government Consultation
The BLM will consult with Indian Tribal Nations on a government-to-government basis and will give due consideration to Tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources. Tribal input will be invited during scoping and may be considered in the environmental analysis.
Public Scoping and Comment Deadline
The BLM initiated public scoping and requests comments on the scope of analysis, potential alternatives, and relevant information by October 28, 2026. The BLM will hold one public scoping meeting, with its date and time announced at least 15 days in advance on the project's NEPA web page.
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Key Dates
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