From Backcountry Hunters & Anglers:
WASHINGTON – Responding to this afternoon’s announcement by the Interior Department of a proposal to facilitate balanced administration of Bureau of Land Management lands, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers lauded the department’s proposal for improving public lands management and encouraged citizens to weigh in during an upcoming comment period.
The Interior’s “Public Lands Rule” outlines a long-term approach for conserving intact wildlife habitat, restoring resources impacted by wildfire and drought, expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, and guiding balanced development. It is intended to enable the BLM to increase the resilience of public lands and waters in response to climate change, ensure the conservation of critical habitat, and plan management in a way that addresses the needs of local communities, states and Tribes.
BHA President and CEO Land Tawney commended the Interior Department announcement and its inclusive management approach.
“Hunters and anglers have good cause to support the forward-looking, comprehensive management strategy being proposed by the Interior Department,” said Tawney. “This approach builds on historic investments made through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by implementing a holistic management plan that considers the broad array of diverse stakeholder needs while also establishing a focus on long-term conservation of habitat.
“This framework will give BLM managers the tools they need to manage for intact and resilient landscapes,” continued Tawney. “In addition, it prioritizes important active management prescriptions to tackle invasive species and the restoration of lands and waters through conservation leasing – an underutilized tool that will encourage partnerships and collaboration with local communities and NGOs like BHA.
“The Public Lands Rule emphasizes practical, results-oriented management and a commitment to soliciting and heeding input from members of the public,” Tawney concluded. “We thank the BLM and Interior Department for their foresighted leadership and look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure a balanced future for our public lands and waters.”
Following the proposal’s publication in the Federal Register, a 75-day public comment period will be opened. In addition, the BLM will host five information forums to discuss details of the rule with members of the public.
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