NPCA Applauds Public Lands Plan to Balance Conservation, Development and Recreation

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today published a draft plan that aims to balance public land management for the long-term. The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) website stated, “The proposed rule directly responds to the growing need to better manage public lands, waters, and wildlife in the face of devastating wildfires, historic droughts, and severe storms that communities are experiencing across the West, as well as to deepen BLM’s collaborative work with communities, states and Tribes to support responsible development of critical minerals, energy and other resources.”

Statement by Kristen Brengel, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association

“America’s parks and public lands are critical for conserving nature and for people to enjoy and escape. They are places of exploration and inspiration. And under the BLM’s proposal, we will be able to provide even more opportunities to preserve the great outdoors.

The BLM’s vision provides a more balanced approach to conservation, development, and recreation on our public lands. As the climate crisis continues to forever change our parks and landscapes, land managers must also adjust the way they work together, to protect and connect wildlife and ecosystems. Now is the time for action, and we commend the Biden administration for this proposal.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org