HECHO Statement on Final BLM Public Lands Rule
To restore degraded habitats and balance responsible development, the Department of the Interior announced today the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s Public Lands Rule, which gives conservation the same importance as other land uses, such as oil and gas extraction and mining.
HECHO supports this rule that will modernize the way the BLM manages the 245 million acres under its stewardship, conserving and restoring public lands and waters for future generations.
“The Public Lands Rule was long overdue. This is a step forward to a more sustainable land stewardship. For far too long, the agency has put a premium on resource extraction while wildlife, fragile watersheds, recreation, and the protection of cultural resources have taken second place. This new rule will help mitigate climate-related impacts, restore fragmented habitat, expand opportunities to connect with nature, and increase the collaboration with and involvement of Tribes and local communities in the decision-making process,” said Camilla Simon, HECHO executive director.
The impacts of climate change and the harm caused to our public lands by extractive industries have negatively impacted the health of the environment and communities. This new rule will open leasing for the purpose of conservation and restoration of degraded landscapes and watersheds, providing organizations and the public the opportunity to play a role in rehabilitating degraded lands and waters.
“More than 3,000 wildlife species can be found on public lands managed by the BLM. These species depend on healthy landscapes to survive and thrive. Unfortunately, many BLM lands have been degraded by the impacts of climate change and the activities of extractive industries. This Public Lands Rule provides a pathway to restore and conserve our public lands, which will benefit wildlife, sporting traditions like hunting and angling, and communities across the Southwest,” said Max Trujillo, HECHO New Mexico Senior Field Coordinator, San Miguel County Commissioner District 3, and hunter.
Nearly 40% of public lands in the United States are overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. As the largest land manager in the country, it is the job of the BLM to safeguard our public lands with an approach that balances conservation, recreation, and development for the benefit of current and future generations.
“With the growing demand for access to the outdoors, the Public Lands Rule ensures our country’s precious public lands and waters are stewarded in a manner that acknowledges and protects the public use. As a conservationist and avid outdoor enthusiast who takes pride in and often explores and enjoys Arizona’s public lands, I support and welcome the plan of the largest land manager in the country to manage our public lands, natural resources, and energy development responsibly while prioritizing healthier ecosystems and increasing access to outdoor recreation,” said Orlando Cazarez HECHO Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council member and CEO of Arizona Sustainability Alliance.