Strong BLM Rock Springs plan will protect Northern Red Desert and Big Sandy Foothills

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management signed its final Record of Decision on the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, which will guide the agency’s stewardship of nearly 3.6 million acres of public land in southwestern Wyoming for the next two decades.

The BLM’s plan makes much-needed improvements to the 1997 version, culminating a decade of planning and extensive public involvement. It incorporates conservation measures supported by 92% of the public comments submitted on the draft plan, and 85% of the recommendations made by the group of local community members that Governor Mark Gordon assembled to suggest improvements.

The following are statements from advocacy organizations in response to the news:

Julia Stuble (Wyoming State Director, The Wilderness Society):

“This is how conscientious, transparent land-use planning is supposed to work. The agency listened to local communities and acted in the public interest when deciding to protect the remarkable wildlife habitat and cultural sites of the Northern Red Desert and Big Sandy Foothills from oil and gas and other development. While we are dismayed the BLM did not close crucial stopover sites in antelope and mule deer migration corridors to oil and gas drilling, this plan is nonetheless a good-faith effort to provide durable guidance that balances conservation, access to outdoor recreation and energy needs. The respect paid to Governor Gordon’s task force, by including so many of their recommendations, is noteworthy.”

Rev. Annemarie Delgado (Executive Director, Wyoming Interfaith Network):

“The magnificent creation found in the unique wild lands of the Northern Red Desert provides spiritual connection for many people from diverse faith traditions. These are sacred lands that we need to offer serenity to our souls. This place deserves the protections BLM finalized today. It is evident that the BLM has dutifully listened to many voices and issued a plan that reflects the best possible solution while meeting its mission for present and future generations.”

Kara Matsumoto (Public Lands Policy Director, Conservation Lands Foundation):

“With the finalization and signing of the Record of Decision for the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, it’s time to focus on putting the plan into action. After more than a decade of effort, this balanced plan provides much-needed certainty for local and national stakeholders whose input helped shape it. The RMP offers a clear path forward, protecting vital landscapes in Wyoming’s Northern Red Desert while supporting recreational opportunities and local economies. We look forward to working with local partners and the Bureau of Land Management to implement this common-sense approach to land management for the benefit of current and future generations.”

Contacts:

Julia Stuble, The Wilderness Society: [email protected] 307-399-2924

Rev. Annemarie Delgado, Wyoming Interfaith Network: [email protected]

Kara Matsumoto, Conservation Lands Foundation: [email protected] 240-997-6928