The BLM has announced plans to roll back the Public Lands Rule, a ruling made just last year rule that helps protect 245 million acres of land for recreation and conservation values.
Last year, the BLM finalized its Public Lands Rule to better balance conservation and recreation values with development on the lands it oversees. The rule was a major step forward in ensuring that outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and clean water are considered equally alongside energy and mineral development.
Now, the Department of the Interior has announced its plan to rescind the Public Lands Rule, putting recreation and conservation at risk and rolling back critical tools it could use to help protect climbing areas, trails, river corridors, and backcountry landscapes across the West.
Above is a 10,000 foot view of the lands potentially affected by this ruling. Zoom in on the map to see what’s at risk here.
The stated goal of the rescission is to “eliminate unnecessary barriers to energy development and support the multiple-use mandate of the BLM by not prioritizing conservation over all other uses.”
We all know that once land has been put to use for private energy and mining operations, it never fully comes back into the public’s domain. And if it does, it’s not in good shape.
The Outdoor Alliance explains the risk in more detail. Use the form at the bottom of that page to take action by contacting your representatives – it only takes a few seconds, do it now and keep public lands in public hands.
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