BLM’s new public lands rule makes conservation, public access equal priorities to resource extraction, development

By Eric Tegethoff, Oregon News Service

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Conservation and public access are on equal footing with other considerations for U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands under a recently announced rule.

The BLM's Public Lands Rule ensures that the agency's multiple-use mandate includes conservation as a priority alongside other uses, such as extraction.

The BLM manages about 15.7 million acres of land in Oregon - about a quarter of the state's acreage.

Oregon Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Board Co-chair Ian Isaacson celebrated the decision and said he hopes it will help reverse some of the neglect on BLM lands.

"Having this conservation tool in their toolbox is going to be really, really important," said Isaacson, "to enhance and protect those landscapes that are near and dear to the hearts of so many hunters and anglers in this state."

The rule requires BLM managers to prioritize designating more "Areas of Critical Environmental
Concern" in their land-use planning.

Cultural lands protection, conservation, access to nature, wildlife, and climate-change mitigation are among the concerns for management under the new rule.

Isaacson said one could argue that extraction and development were prioritized too much before this rule.

"Extractive industries, grazing, things like that have had an overabundance of impact on the landscape," said Isaacson, "while not recognizing the benefits to both hunters and anglers and the rural economies that the pursuits of hunters and anglers have in those spaces."

Oregon's outdoor-recreation economy supports more than 70,000 jobs in the state. It contributes $7.5 billion to the economy, representing 2.5% of the state's GDP.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.