Durango, Colorado — Today, the Trump administration announced it will reopen the recently finalized Rock Springs, Wyoming Resource Management Plan (RMP), a blueprint that guides the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) management of nearly 3.6 million acres of public lands in southwestern Wyoming for the next two decades. Conservation leaders criticized the move, calling it a step backward that undermines years of public engagement, Tribal consultation, and science-backed planning.  The Rock Springs RMP, finalized just months ago, reflects over a decade of collaboration between local communities, Tribal nations, state officials, and federal land managers. Over 92 percent of public comments submitted during the draft stage supported conservation efforts within the plan, and the final plan reflected 85 percent of recommendations from the Wyoming Governor’s own task force. The plan strikes a meaningful balance—protecting the wild landscapes and migration corridors of Wyoming’s Northern Red Desert while leaving two-thirds of the acreage open to oil and gas development. Below is a statement from Charlotte Overby, Vice President of Conservation Field Programs of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, including the National Conservation Lands: “Reopening a carefully balanced plan that took more than a decade to develop is a glaring disservice to the people who shaped it. The Rock Springs Resource Management Plan incorporated extensive public input, respected the work of the Governor’s task force, and reflected what science, Tribal nations, and communities have been calling for: smart, modern, and carefully balanced land stewardship. People across Wyoming and the nation care deeply about how their public lands are managed. They showed up in this process, and their voices deserve to be respected—not sidelined. “The final plan protected irreplaceable values while still allowing oil and gas leasing in areas with production potential. For example, the plan protects the Northern Red Desert region, which is a critical cultural and ecological landscape and includes vast unfenced land home to iconic wildlife migrations, some of the most intact sagebrush steppe left in the West, and cultural resources sacred to Indigenous communities. Areas of critical environmental concern were appropriately designated to protect important resources and allow public access to these beloved landscapes. Reopening this process creates uncertainty, wastes taxpayer resources, and ignores the clear consensus of the people who live, work and recreate on these lands. “It’s deeply concerning that the notice to reopen the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan was published the same morning the federal government shut down. As a result, the agency has failed to take the required next step in the planning process–an immediate example of how the shutdown is already causing confusion in land management. This timing undermines transparency and meaningful public participation.” ### Contact: Kris Deutschman, kris@conservationlands.org

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of celebrating National Public Lands Day with our amazing staff and Friends Network partners in New Mexico, Congressional champions, and public land enthusiasts in the community to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands. The contrast between public lands celebrations and today couldn't be starker. Today’s federal government shutdown marks the latest blow to unprotected public lands across the country. The shutdown, combined with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s plan to designate oil and gas permitting as "essential" and the administration’s threat to lay off thousands more federal employees, makes it clear that this administration prioritizes corporations over communities. Here's what they can't shut down: our resolve. Despite an administration historically opposed to public lands and conservation, our collective voice has been able to fight off every attempt to sell off public lands. That's the power of what we've built together—and it's why we can't stop now. In this newsletter, you'll find two urgent threats that need your voice right now, celebrations worth sharing, a tribute to our founding trustee Richard Moe, and ways to deepen your connection to this growing movement. Your action matters—let's get to work.

Twenty-five years ago, a bold vision took root—one grounded in people, place, and possibility. In 2000, the Department of Interior established the National Conservation Lands system, a remarkable system of protected public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that has grown to encompass over 38 million acres across more than 900 extraordinary landscapes. As we celebrate a quarter-century of conservation triumphs and community-driven stewardship, we're delighted to share a new publication from the George Wright Society's Park Forum Journal: a special edition dedicated to the National Conservation Lands. This special issue of Parks Stewardship Forum , guest-edited by Conservation Lands Foundation staff, brings together voices from across our Friends Grassroots Network, the Bureau of Land Management, and the broader conservation community to celebrate the National Conservation Lands' remarkable diversity and BLM's innovative management philosophy. The research and insights gathered in this Park Forum Journal special edition offer both celebration of achievements and roadmaps for the future. Whether you're interested in the history of the National Conservation Lands system, partnership models, or the on-the-ground stories of stewardship success, these papers provide a deep dive into one of America's most dynamic land management systems. View the Park Forum Journal National Conservation Lands themed articles below:

Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration today published a notice of proposed rulemaking to rescind the common-sense and widely-supported Conservation and Landscape Health Rule (“Public Lands Rule”) that ensures balanced management and public access to national public lands throughout the western U.S. The announcement indicated a 60-day public comment period, which is legally required of such changes. Below is a statement from Jocelyn Torres, Chief Conservation Officer of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), including the National Conservation Lands: “The repeal of the Public Lands Rule is a betrayal of the public trust and a reckless step backwards for land stewardship in America. Americans have already raised their voices—loudly and clearly—in support of this rule. During the original rulemaking, which was finalized last year, 92% of public comments supported it. This action is a slap in the face to every American who is proud of the natural beauty we have on offer, free of charge, to everyone. “The Public Lands Rule provides land managers with clear, commonsense tools to protect what Americans cherish most about public lands—clean water, abundant wildlife, cultural resources, recreation, and natural beauty. Its repeal dismisses science-based management and undermines the values of millions who depend on these lands for more than just extraction. “Perhaps most troubling is the claim that conservation is not a valid multiple use under BLM’s guiding laws. That is blatantly false. The law explicitly requires that public lands be managed for a range of uses, including watersheds, wildlife habitat, fisheries, and scenic and recreational values—not just for development. Conservation is not a fringe idea; it’s a legal obligation. “America has no shortage of energy resources. What we need is leadership committed to balanced, future-focused land management that serves public access and wildlife—not policy reversals that favor short-term exploitation over long-term stewardship. The Public Lands Rule should remain on the books as a fair, lawful and widely supported guide for managing public lands for generations to come. ### Background on the Public Lands Rule: The Public Lands Rule, which took effect on June 10, 2024, establishes a “framework to ensure healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water, and balanced decision-making on our nation’s public lands.” BLM’s webpage on the Public Lands Rule. The BLM’s 90-day public process that shaped the final rule was transparent, inclusive, and accessible. Contact: Kris Deutschman, kris@conservationlands.org

Summer is winding down and as we start to dream of fall excursions, we remember that every trail hiked, every sunrise witnessed, every moment of peace we find on public lands depends on our continued vigilance and advocacy. That's why your support of the Conservation Lands Foundation is so crucial. When equipped with the resources we need, we remain the fierce advocates these places deserve. The threats to public lands are mounting, and our collective defense grows stronger every day to meet them. In this newsletter, we cover the upcoming appropriations fight in Congress and our move to defend Chuckwalla National Monument (CA) in court. We also share key moments of celebration and strength with our Friends Grassroots Network.

Washington, DC - Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its Fiscal Year 2026 Interior appropriations bill, which rejected the steep cuts the White House requested for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The bill provides marginal reductions in funding for the BLM, while ensuring funding for the National Conservation Lands system is maintained at $59.135 million, equal to what was enacted in Fiscal Year 2025. The bill cleared markup with a bipartisan vote of 26-2. Below is a statement from David Feinman, Vice President of Government Affairs of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management including the 38 million acres of National Conservation Lands. "The Conservation Lands Foundation applauds the Senate Appropriations Committee for delivering a clear bipartisan, bicameral rejection of the White House's proposed cuts to critical public lands programs. While we are disappointed by the slight reductions in overall Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) funding, we applaud the Committee for recognizing the need to protect the National Conservation Lands system from the nearly 75% cut in funding proposed by the White House. “We particularly commend Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) and Rep Dina Titus (D-Nevada) for their exceptional leadership in championing funding for the BLM and National Conservation Lands. We’d also like to thank the members of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee including Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) for understanding the vital need to properly fund the National Conservation Lands system, which protects 38 million acres of irreplaceable public lands across the United States. “While we are pleased that the bill maintains National Conservation Lands funding at $59.135 million, preventing harmful cuts proposed by the White House, we remain concerned about the historical underinvestment to the nation’s largest public land manager and the conservation lands it stewards. “The BLM and National Conservation Lands system have been chronically underfunded for years, and the agency needs meaningful funding increases to address decades of deferred maintenance, visitor services and resource protection. Nevertheless, we urge swift adoption of the Senate's funding levels, which at minimum provide stability for the agency to fulfill its mission. “In addition, we applaud the Committee for including provisions that will ensure the BLM maintains adequate staffing levels and protects vulnerable and valuable landscapes across the West. Prohibiting preleasing and leasing activities within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument boundaries in Utah, protecting the Chaco Canyon cultural landscape in New Mexico, and directing the BLM to conduct government-to-government consultation with Tribal governments in relation to Caja del Rio in New Mexico demonstrates principled stewardship of irreplaceable cultural and natural treasures. “These provisions are in stark contrast to the several harmful policy riders included in the House FY26 Interior appropriations bill, which would prevent the implementation of widely-popular policies and land management plans shaped by and for the public like the Public Lands Rule and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Resource Management Plan. “The Conservation Lands Foundation calls on Congress to swiftly pass the Senate's responsible approach to public lands funding and reject the harmful policy riders in the House Interior appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026.” ### Contact: Shevawn Bell, shevawn(at)conservationlands.org

Washington, DC – The Conservation Lands Foundation today condemned the White House Office of Management and Budget’s FY26 budget proposal for the Bureau of Land Management, which delivers devastating cuts that would cripple the agency's ability to steward America's public lands and fulfill its legal mandates. Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of Conservation Lands Foundation: “The White House’s FY26 Bureau of Land Management budget blueprint is the latest assault in this administration's relentless campaign to dismantle public lands and gut the agencies that protect them. By cutting the Lands and Resources account by more than $460 million and slashing the National Monuments and National Conservation Areas account by 72.%, the administration is making it clear that it does not value these irreplaceable public lands and waters, the communities and rural economies that depend on them, the wildlife that calls them home, or their essential role in our climate future. Instead, the White House would rather gut vital programs like the National Conservation Lands to fund tax breaks for billionaires. “The Bureau of Land Management oversees more public land than any other federal agency—245 million acres across the American West—yet has been chronically underfunded and understaffed by Congress for decades. A well-funded BLM is essential to preserving outdoor recreation and public access, supporting rural economies, and safeguarding local watersheds and wildlife, but has been historically underfunded and understaffed. “Now the White House is slashing the National Conservation Lands system to just $15 million - $16.3 million less than the lowest amount Congress has provided in the program's history ($31.301 in FY2010). Since then, the National Conservation Lands system has grown by more than 12 million acres through acts of Congress and Antiquities Act proclamations by presidents of both parties. These staggering budget cuts mean closed trails and visitor centers, damaged wildlife habitats, and forsaken conservation commitments that span generations of bipartisan leadership. “This budget blueprint follows Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's testimony last month before the House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees, which revealed an administration more interested in extracting short-term profits than protecting our lands, water, wildlife and the public’s access to the outdoors. Despite carefully crafted rhetoric about 'responsible resource management,' the Secretary’s actions tell a different story: this administration prioritizes corporate interests ahead of the American people and future generations. “While we recognize the need to balance the use of public lands with responsible energy development and production of domestic critical minerals, we believe in the longstanding, bipartisan tradition that all activities on public lands must respect outdoor recreation access, environmental laws, the rights and traditions of Indigenous people, and the long-term preservation of the land and essential wildlife habitats that are part of the natural and national legacy that belongs to all of us. “We’re encouraged that lawmakers from both parties support keeping America’s public lands in public hands and we commend Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington) for their statements opposing public land sell-offs in the recent budget hearings. Since the White House refuses to provide the BLM with the resources necessary for the agency to fulfill its responsibilities under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Congress must take the lead where the administration has fallen short. “We’re grateful to America’s public lands champions in Congress, including Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) and Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nevada), who led letters in the Senate and House of Representatives , respectively, and their 33 colleagues who signed their letters urging appropriators to reject the White House budget request and provide robust funding for the BLM and National Conservation Lands in FY2026. “We call on Congress to reject the administration’s proposal that shortchanges effective stewardship of America’s public lands. Congress must also scrutinize this administration's continued wasteful spending on legally questionable efforts to weaken national monument protections. We will hold Secretary Burgum to his commitment—made to Senator Heinrich—that no monument boundaries will be altered without meaningful local consultation. “America's public lands belong to all of us. Full Stop. Congress has the opportunity—and the responsibility —to ensure these treasures remain protected for current and future generations.” ###

Washington, DC – The Trump Administration today announced its intention to dismantle critical protections for 13.3 million acres in the Western Arctic’s National Petroleum Reserve. This alarming action, which initiates a 60-day comment period, comes alongside ongoing threats that Western Arctic drilling provisions could be added back into the budget reconciliation package as it moves to the Senate. Together, these actions demonstrate a clear intent to fast-track the liquidation of public lands while minimizing public scrutiny. Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management including National Conservation Lands and similar protected public lands in the Western Arctic: “Let’s be clear–there is no energy crisis. The U.S. is already the world's largest producer of oil and gas and the oil industry already has the majority of the nation’s most valuable lands for oil and gas development under lease. The administration knows how popular protecting these public lands are, which is why they’re trying to invent a fictional energy crisis and set the public up with a false choice of either protecting the environment or producing more energy. “Allowing development in the country’s largest remaining piece of intact public land, which is in the Western Arctic and which supports the livelihood of Indigenous people as well as critical wildlife habitats, is a shortsighted action that silences the voices of the Alaska Native communities and disregards the overwhelming public support for its protection – support that included over two hundred and fifty thousand comments. “By ignoring established procedures and scientific expertise, this administration is putting at extreme risk the critical habitats for iconic wildlife, from endangered whales and polar bears to the migratory birds that connect this region to all corners of the globe. Removing these safeguards, particularly for areas like Teshekpuk Lake, which is vital for caribou calving and millions of nesting and molting birds while supporting the Iñupiat people for millennia, will inflict profound and lasting damage. “This rollback comes alongside a destructive partisan budget reconciliation push by Congress that would mandate biennial oil and gas sales on at least four million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve, gut key environmental safeguards, and strip judicial oversight, all as an attempt to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. “This shortsighted pursuit of fossil fuels in a region warming at four times the global average will only accelerate climate chaos, all while failing to deliver meaningful relief at the pump. Instead of more energy development on public lands, the vast majority of Westerners want their elected officials to protect more clean water sources and wildlife habitats, and provide more opportunities to visit and recreate. “Protecting public lands is a political priority for voters from all walks of life and we won’t stand by as the administration touts a fake ‘energy crisis’ to take away these enduring benefits from the American people. We call on the Senate to reject any language that mandates oil lease sales in the Western Arctic, and we urge the American public to participate in the 60-day comment period to voice their opposition to the dismantling of Western Arctic protections.” ### Background on the Western Arctic The Reserve is the largest single unit of public lands in the nation, spanning nearly 23 million acres. It contains vital habitats for wildlife like polar bears, muskox, fish, and millions of migratory birds and their eggs. It is home to three caribou herds, including the 150,000-strong Western Arctic Caribou Herd. Today, more than 40 Indigenous communities continue to rely on sustenance resources within the Reserve. Within the Reserve exist five designated Special Areas covering more than 13 million acres that have significant ecological significance – Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon, and Peard Bay. In late 2020, the Trump administration revised the Reserve’s Integrated Activity Plan, which opened 82% of the Reserve (18.6 million acres) to oil and gas leasing, including in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area. Following a legal challenge by Conservation Lands Foundation and others, the Biden administration overturned these changes to the plan and completed a final rule in 2024 (Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska) following extensive engagement with the public, Alaska Native Tribes, and Alaska Native Corporations. The 2024 rule and guidance for managing the Reserve successfully balances the needs of tribes, local communities, and ecosystems, and ensures maximum protection for significant land, water, and wildlife for 13.3 million acres of Special Areas in the Reserve while supporting subsistence uses and needs for Alaska Native communities. The Trump administration’s current policy is an attempt to revert back to the reckless Reserve policies from 2020 that harm local communities, biodiversity, and cultural values.

Powerful advocacy begins with simple conversations. When we share why we treasure certain places—a favorite fishing spot, a special hunting ground, a memorable trail, we transform abstract policy into tangible, personal stakes. Talking to people about the places that matter to us creates ripples that become waves of action. And it’s working. Our collective advocacy has prevented nefarious attacks on public lands and waters - and we must remain loud as the threats build. In this newsletter, we cover our recent DC Fly-In, threats to national monuments, and proactive bills that protect nature.

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Trump administration took a significant step toward dismantling key protections for America’s public lands by placing several widely supported conservation rules under regulatory review. Among them are the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule (“Public Lands Rule”) and the Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Rule (“Western Arctic Rule”). These safeguards are essential to preserving public access and ecological health across the Western Arctic and the broader western United States. Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, including National Conservation Lands and similar protected public lands in the Western Arctic. “The Public Lands Rule and the Western Arctic Rule reflect what most Americans—across the political spectrum—want: stronger protections for our shared lands, clean water, and wildlife. These rules are grounded in science and robust public involvement. “The Western Arctic is one of the last intact landscapes in the U.S., vital to Indigenous communities and wildlife. The Public Lands Rule helps ensure conservation and recreation are treated on par with energy development. “Despite the administration’s claims, there is no energy crisis—the U.S. is already the world’s top oil and gas producer. What Americans are asking for is balance. These rules deliver that balance, and we are fully prepared to defend them—because the future of our public lands, communities, and climate depends on it.” ### Background on the Public Lands Rule: The Public Lands Rule, which took effect on June 10, 2024, establishes a “framework to ensure healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water, and balanced decision-making on our nation’s public lands.” BLM’s webpage on the Public Lands Rule.

Washington, DC –The Department of the Interior has announced a plan to allow oil and gas development on 82% of America’s largest remaining piece of intact public land–the 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in the Western Arctic. Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management including National Conservation Lands and similar protected public lands in the Western Arctic. “This plan will blow up the delicate balance the community achieved between allowing industrial development and maintaining the natural resources that support the people, cultures, and wildlife for the region. It’s shortsighted and irresponsible and worsens the threats facing Arctic lands, which are warming at more than twice the rate of the rest of the planet. “This plan will harm irreplaceable landscapes, essential wildlife, and the Indigenous peoples who rely on them for their way of life–not in the name of necessary energy production but to pad the pockets of billionaire CEOs. The U.S. is already the world's largest producer of oil and gas. “Areas within the Western Arctic, including Teshekpuk Lake have supported the Iñupiat people for millennia, who still rely on it to sustain a way of life that has been passed down through generations. This policy will inflict tremendous damage on them and other communities throughout the region. “It’s possible to improve Western Alaska’s financial and social health and sustainability by protecting the quality of its public lands and waters and we will continue to stand with the people of the Western Arctic and use all tools necessary to defend the vulnerable public lands from privatization.” #### Background: The Reserve is the largest single unit of public lands in the nation, spanning nearly 23 million acres. It contains vital habitats for wildlife like polar bears, muskox, fish, and millions of migratory birds and their eggs. It is home to three caribou herds, including the 150,000-strong Western Arctic Caribou Herd. Today, more than 40 indigenous communities continue to rely on sustenance resources within the Reserve. Within the Reserve exist five designated Special Areas covering more than 13 million acres that have significant ecological significance – Teshekpuk Lake, Utukok Uplands, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon, and Peard Bay. In late 2020, the Trump administration revised the Reserve’s Integrated Activity Plan, which opened 82% of the Reserve (18.6 million acres) to oil and gas leasing, including in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area. Following a legal challenge by Conservation Lands Foundation and others, the Biden administration overturned these changes to the plan and completed a final rule in 2024 (Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska) following extensive engagement with the public, Alaska Native Tribes, and Alaska Native Corporations. The 2024 rule and guidance for managing the Reserve successfully balances the needs of tribes, local communities, and ecosystems, and ensures maximum protection for significant land, water, and wildlife for 13.3 million acres of Special Areas in the Reserve while supporting subsistence uses and needs for Alaska Native communities. The Trump administration’s current policy is an attempt to revert back to the reckless Reserve policies from 2020 that harm local communities, biodiversity, and cultural values.

Washington, D.C. — A recently-announced Executive Order on critical minerals mining continues the Trump administration’s pattern that replaces balance and consideration for the multiple needs of public lands management with bulldozers and a disregard for any policy outcome other than destruction of public lands. A statement from the White House on March 20, 2025 outlined “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production.” Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. “We recognize the need to produce domestic critical minerals, but to do so without any regard for environmental protections or public input, and prioritizing mining over all other uses of public lands, is lazy, reckless, and ignores the financial values that natural landscapes are providing for rural communities, ranching, recreation, hunting, and fishing across the west. “Public lands management is supposed to balance the needs of responsible energy development and resource extraction with people’s right to access and enjoy these areas. Instead, this Executive Order replaces balance with bulldozers. National public lands are not one big manufacturing facility for oil and gas companies or international mining firms that will export our precious natural resources to benefit others. “Necessary and appropriate critical minerals production must respect environmental laws, the rights and traditions of Indigenous people, and the long-term preservation of the land and essential wildlife habitats that are part of the natural and national legacy that belongs to all of us. “We support balanced and responsible uses of public lands but will fiercely fight against irresponsible, exploitative, and egregious efforts to plunder our national public lands that are essential wildlife habitats, water sources, recreation areas —for short-term profit that does not benefit American taxpayers.” ####

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee held a hearing on "Restoring Multiple Use to Revitalize America's Public Lands and Rural Communities,” which spread misinformation in service of an agenda to sell off America's public lands to the wealthy and well-connected – effectively blocking access to regular Americans for hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Below is a statement from Jocelyn Torres, Chief Conservation Officer of the Conservation Lands Foundation, in response to today’s hearing: “Today's House Natural Resources Federal Lands Subcommittee revealed that they know America doesn’t face an energy crisis that only public lands can solve. Featured witnesses instead spun up a truth crisis and set the table for the biggest public lands sell off in the country’s history. “By presenting outrageous claims about public lands management and popular conservation tools, they are willfully ignoring three facts: the majority of voters overwhelmingly support protecting natural resources on public lands; the U.S. is already the world's largest producer of oil and gas ; and there’s plenty of public lands available for energy development. The country doesn't have to choose between the environment and the economy, and gutting public land protections won’t lower the cost of groceries.” THE FACTS ABOUT AMERICA'S PUBLIC LANDS: Americans Overwhelmingly Support Conservation: 70% of voters across party lines prioritize protecting natural resources on public lands Public Lands Rule Has Massive Public Support: 92% of public comments submitted to the Bureau of Land Management supported the Public Lands Rule Majority of BLM Lands Already Open for Development: Roughly 85% of BLM lands are currently available for oil and gas development, with nearly half of existing leases not being used Northern Corridor Highway Environmental Impact: Scientific analysis confirms the proposed highway through Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in Utah would destroy critical desert tortoise habitat, increase wildfire risk and violate five federal environmental laws Congressional Underfunding Reality: Decades of systematic underfunding by Congress has hampered the Bureau of Land Management’s ability to manage public lands, while Congress criticizes the very problems it created “Members of Congress have a legal and moral obligation to present facts to the American people and to seek meaningful bipartisan solutions for the lands and waters that communities rely on. The Conservation Lands Foundation will continue to advocate for fact-based public land policy that serves all Americans, not just the wealthy few.” ####

Interior Department’s Internal Review of National Monuments and Protected Public Lands Is About Selling Off the Country’s Natural Resources Not Energy Dominance Washington, D.C. — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has issued secretarial orders that set the stage for gutting protections of the country’s beloved and ecologically valuable natural landscapes. The orders mandate a 15-day internal review of national monuments and all lands withdrawn from fossil fuel and mining development.  Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. “Conducting a slap dash, secret review of national monuments shows that this administration is scared of public scrutiny because they know how popular these public lands are. The majority of the country continues to show their love for public lands, including during the first Trump administration’s attempt to privatize the country’s sacred, historic and recreationally and culturally significant landscapes. “These orders also willfully ignore the rural residents and communities whose personal and local incomes rely on these lands being protected from privatization. Outdoor recreation on BLM lands contributes more than $11 billion to the economy and substantial income to individuals, small and large businesses, and rural communities through hunting, fishing, camping, climbing, riding off-highway vehicles, and many other activities. “With roughly 85% of BLM lands already available for energy production–and roughly half of existing oil and gas leases not being used –it's crystal clear that these recent orders targeting the 15% of public lands that are protected for the public’s use have nothing to do with the nation’s energy portfolio. “There’s really no explanation other than this administration is trying to sneakily and greedily sell off the 15% of protected public lands to the wealthy and well-connected, thereby blocking access for everyone else. It’s an attack that flies in the face of America’s ideals and the Conservation Lands Foundation will be unrelenting in our fight on the side of the people– 85% of voters in the west –who support keeping public lands in the public’s hands.” ####

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate confirmed Doug Burgum, a former North Dakota Governor, as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. “The message we have for Secretary Burgum is that no one has to choose between energy production and protecting the public lands we all love and need. The U.S. is already the world's largest producer of oil and gas , –has been for the last six years– and companies are already optimizing their production. “With the vast majority of public land under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) already available for energy production, and roughly half of existing oil and gas leases not being used for production , it’s clear that protecting public lands for the public’s use, for local economies, and for the health of our shared environment is not an obstacle to the country’s energy position. “Public lands that are currently protected for recreation, hunting, fishing, and more are overwhelmingly popular and are an important source of income for individuals, small and large businesses, and local communities. In fact outdoor recreation on BLM lands contributes more than $11 billion to the economy and substantial revenue to state and local governments for improvement projects and public services. “As for the effectiveness of the BLM rising to meet our current challenges, it’s not over-regulation that’s blocking responsiveness–it’s the historic strangling of funding and resources that prevent it from carrying out its mission to manage public lands for multiple purposes. The BLM is the largest federal land management agency, yet it receives the least amount of resources. “We urge Secretary Burgum to work with Congress to help secure the resources BLM needs to be more effective and to heed the clear mandate from the people to maintain existing protections that allow the public to access their public lands. We stand ready to help and hold him accountable to this objective that benefits everyone.” ####

Groups intervene to block Utah and Wyoming lawsuit against Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule.