In April the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed new rules titled Conservation and Landscape Health. BLM’s proposed new regulations include applying land health standards to all BLM lands; elevating “conservation” to a “use” under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLMPA); and prioritizing the designation and protection of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs).

Additionally, the proposal includes the creation of Conservation leases that would be available to any entity seeking to restore public lands or provide mitigation for a particular action but would limit any other uses. The proposed rule creates sweeping changes in the multiple uses of public lands by threatening grazing, reducing public access, and compromising future management efforts.

BLM needs to hear from you! Click here to submit public comments to BLM by June 20, 2023, or attend a public meeting:

 

  • Monday, May 15, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. MT, Virtual Meeting

Register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S4-EBLxqRHa-yikYQQUNQw)

  • Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. MT, Denver, Colorado

Denver West Marriott, 1717 Denver West Blvd, Golden, Colorado

  • Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. MT, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico

  • Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. PT, Reno, Nevada

Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4950 S Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada

  • Monday, June 5, 2023, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. MT, Virtual Meeting

Register at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QwRH6XZeS6amUDI70FzriA