Network Resources

While National Conservation Lands are generally protected from oil and gas development, adjacent leasing and drilling can undermine their ecological integrity and conservation values. Oil and gas planning and leasing remains a critical area of engagement to safeguard vulnerable BLM lands—including Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) and lands with wilderness characteristics—that may be eligible for future conservation designations. This training will provide an overview of how the Bureau of Land Management’s oil and gas program works—from long-range planning in Resource Management Plans (RMPs) to individual lease sales—and how the Friends Grassroots Network can effectively engage at every stage. Participants will learn how oil and gas development decisions are made on public lands, including how areas are designated for leasing, how lease sales are conducted, and where public input fits into the process. The attached resources will also cover threats to public lands and conservation goals posed by recent policy shifts, administrative rollbacks, or expanded leasing efforts. Explore: How the oil and gas program is structured and how decisions move from RMPs to lease sales. Where and when grassroots advocates can intervene effectively. Strategies for submitting public comments, organizing community pressure, and using local media and storytelling to elevate. About our presenters: Nashoba Consulting was formed by Nada Wolff Culver, former Principal Deputy Director for the BLM, and Natalie Landreth, former Deputy Solicitor for Lands for the Department of the Interior, to connect Tribes and the public with their public lands - and each other - drawing from their extensive experience working with advocates and the federal government on public lands and Tribal policy issues. 📚 Resources From The Webinar: CLF Workshop - Oil and Gas 101 DOI New NEPA Regs - Guidance - Advocating for Public Lands Current DOI Authority Governing Lease Sales BLM Planning Process Flowchart Leasing Flowchart 2025

These tools will train participants to write strong, effective comments in response to BLM Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and other implementation activities without relying on weakened NEPA regulations. The materials presented focus on using enduring statutory authorities—FLPMA, NHPA, and National Conservation Lands laws—to ground comments in legal requirements that remain intact. Further, we’ll discuss high-level talking points to keep campaigns on message, rather than succumbing to distracting announcements from the administration. Key Objectives: Learn how to utilize enduring legal mandates to write strong comments. Use FLPMA’s multiple-use and sustained yield requirements and the laws and mission of the National Conservation Lands to challenge extraction-heavy plans. Emphasize NHPA’s consultation obligations and the need to protect cultural/historic resources. About our presenters: Nashoba Consulting was formed by Nada Wolff Culver, former Principal Deputy Director for the BLM, and Natalie Landreth, former Deputy Solicitor for Lands for the Department of the Interior. 📚 Resources From The Webinar: Workshop slides BLM planning process flowchart Advocating for public lands in the new NEPA environment Advocating for BLM landscapes through commenting Relevant laws and regulations for comments

Bruce Passmore of TREC co-hosted our August call as we rolled out our National Public Lands Day Action campaign. Viewers will learn about events from around the Network and access tips to assist their NPLD activities.

Bruce Passmore of TREC co-hosted our August call as we rolled out our National Public Lands Day Action campaign. Viewers will learn about events from around the Network and access tips to assist their NPLD activities.

Join us for a special conversation with Taldi Harrison, Chief Program Officer at the Foundation for America’s Public Lands—the official charitable partner to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). With nearly two decades of experience in public lands policy and partnership building, Taldi will share insights into the Foundation’s mission to ensure BLM-managed lands work for all communities now and into the future. She’ll also highlight upcoming grant opportunities, the Foundation’s approach to community engagement, and how grassroots organizations can align with their strategic goals. Learn how your work connects to this vital national vision and how to tap into resources to support your efforts.

This two-part webinar series supports small, largely rural organizations to continue to build an effective and equitable conservation movement, even in the face of attacks on public lands and DEI work. Our facilitators, Aparna and Cianna, are from the Avarna Group. The Avarna Group works to empower nonprofit, private, and public sector institutions driven by people-centered values to transform their ecosystems toward justice, fairness, and belonging. They complete this mission through strategic planning, facilitation, assessments, coaching, learning experiences, curriculum development, toolkits, and resources.

Session 1 - Social Media Bootcamp 🥾🪖

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands, join us for this interactive call designed to empower FGN members with strategies for planning successful events. This is a terrific opportunity to both celebrate our National Conservation Lands and increase your organization's impact and growth. We will discuss ideas and strategies to create impactful and memorable events that celebrate your legacy while securing vital resources for your mission. In addition to the February 18th group call, there will be three optional calls with Mackenzie for more personalized support. These optional calls are a time to receive customized planning help, check in on planning progress and ask specific questions for your organization. The calls are scheduled to be: 2/25/25 at 2:00 pm PST; 3/7/25 at 1:00 pm PST; 3/12/25 at 3:00 pm PST. Bio: Mackenzie Banta, Impact Creator  Mackenzie is a philanthropic and leadership advisor with the personal ethos that “giving is an act of love” and each of us can make an impact with our money and time. As an executive coach providing consulting and training, she works with people, communities, and nonprofits across the U.S. and abroad to overcome challenges, innovate systems, and fulfill their critical missions. For over 20 years she has helped numerous NGOs raise money and create cultures of fundraising and sustainability. Recorded February 18, 2025, during the February FGN Call.