How We Work on BLM Lands
BLM Lands
From Utah's canyon country to Colorado's Vermillion Basin, the lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are some of America’s most valued places for recreation, scientific research and wilderness.
These western American lands are at risk when the BLM does not manage them in a way that protects, conserves and balances how they are used. Our work aims to ensure the BLM manages the land wisely.
Why Bureau of Land Management lands
The BLM oversees more land than any other government agency, including the National Forest or National Park Service. All together the BLM manages:
- Over 245 million acres
- 27 million-acre National Landscape Conservation System
- 700 million acres of minerals, like oil, gas and coal that are found beneath the surface
A 1976 law (the Federal Land Policy and Management Act or FLPMA) requires that the BLM manage these lands for a variety of uses, including:
- Recreation
- Protection of natural, cultural and historical resources
- Energy development
- Livestock grazing
- Fish and wildlife habitat
How we work on BLM lands
Lands controlled by the BLM face unparalleled threats from oil and gas drilling, unchecked off-road vehicle use and other destructive activities. These pressures will only intensify as the BLM amends dozens of resource management plans across the West. Local input and citizen involvement in the process will make a difference. Our research, analysis and legal expertise help train citizens and keep pressure on the BLM to limit threats to our shared lands.
BLM planning
The Bureau of Land Management is developing land use plans to determine how regional BLM field offices manage millions of acres for the next 20 years.
BLM protection
Our western lands face increased pressure from climate change, population growth, misuse and energy development, so it is more important than ever to put in place plans that protect some of America’s last great wild lands and wildlife for future generations.
BLM Conservation Lands
Some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and most valuable natural and cultural treasures can be found in the National Landscape Conservation System (Conservation Lands).
BLM lands FAQs
Have more questions about the Bureau of Land Management? Our BLM Lands FAQs can help.
Notes from the Hill
Stay current on legislation moving in Congress, issues affecting wilderness and wilderness designation campaigns with our Notes from the Hill.
Take Action
Add your voice to important wilderness causes and take action to stop threats to our wildlands by joining our community of wilderness activists.
Policy and Science Library
Find fact sheets, reports and other resources related to wilderness policy and conservation.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013If the Senate is any indication, your support of wilderness bills may meet success this year.
Saturday, June 15, 2013Whether you intend to visit a major city, or you live in one and are looking for a quick weekend trip, a visit to Wilderness is often nearby.
Friday, June 14, 2013Just as you rely on wild places to rejuvenate and restore you, those places rely on you to keep them in good condition.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia transmission project raises serious concerns about impacts to Arizona’s sensitive San Pedro Valley.
Friday, June 7, 2013The memorandum specifically calls on federal agencies to collaborate on identifying suitable places on public lands that avoid sensitive na
Wednesday, May 15, 2013Yet, here we are, with people and the government unable to stop furloughs, job losses, and lower revenue to keep the government functioning. Our public lands have certainly not been spared from this indiscriminate budget ax.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013Like a dutiful sentinel, the lookout quietly watches over the wild, waiting for visitors to make their way through beautiful alpine meadows to the summit of Green Mountain.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013But Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski refused to accept that decision. She and residents of the tiny community of King Cove are fighting to have the decision overturned.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013Birdwatchers travel from far and wide to northwest Colorado to see male sage-grouse strut their stuff in hopes of attracting a mate. Early spring is prime season to catch these timid grouse dancing on the lek and shaking their tail feathers through organized tours.
A support letter for H.R. 908/S. 404, the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act, introduced in February by Reps. DelBene and Larsen and Sens. Murray and Cantwell.
Dear Representative Gosar:
On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo), I am writing to express our support of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (H.R. 596). This landmark legislation would extend royalties and lease income from solar and wind projects developed on Federal lands to home states and counties.
Dear Representative Gosar:
We are writing to express our support for sharing with states and counties renewable energy royalty revenues from federal lands. The language contained in the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (HR 596) which you have introduced in the House would enact such revenue sharing.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013Contacts:
Alan Rowsome, (202)285-8134, alan_rowsome@tws.org
Emily Diamond-Falk, (202) 841-8605, emily_diamond-falk@tws.org
WASHINGTON (June 18, 2013) – The Wilderness Society today took a position on several bills being marked-up in the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia Southwest transmission project was released today by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identifying the agency’s preferred routes in Arizona and New Mexico.
- Friday, June 14, 2013
Ken Salazar receives Ansel Adams Award
Washington, DC (June 14, 2013) – Former Colorado Senator and Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, received the Ansel Adams Award on Thursday for his enduring dedication and commitment to America’s wild public lands.
The Ansel Adams Award is presented to a current or former federal official who has shown exceptional commitment to the cause of conservation and the fostering of an American land ethic.