Coloradans Work with BLM on Responsible Land Use
Thursday, October 2, 2014
DENVER - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is inviting stakeholders and citizens to take part this week in a new initiative to balance the protection of the land with its potential for development. Titled "Planning 2.0," the program aims to improve how the BLM makes planning decisions in the western U.S.
Harrison Topp, membership field representative for the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, says it's time for everyone to work together.
"We're looking for a balanced approach," he says. "Conservation needs to be part of the equation when considering oil and gas development. The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they need to be entirely integrated."
The BLM manages 245 million acres in western states.
Conservationists, sportsmen, landowners, farmers and outdoor enthusiasts met with BLM representatives on Wednesday to share their concerns, which include balancing energy development and conservation, efficiency in the planning process, and greater outreach to the public on key decisions. The agency is inviting public comment over the next two years.
John Gale, national sportsmen outreach manager with with the National Wildlife Federation, says Planning 2.0 is a welcome initiative for sportsmen and other outdoor fans.
"I'd say there's a lot of hope here. It's really heartening to see the Bureau of Land Management exploring a new approach like Planning 2.0," says Gale. "It's the first time we've kind of collectively acknowledged we've got some challenges we need to address."
Topp says up until now, he and other farmers have felt left out of the discussion on BLM-managed public lands. He's hoping the initiative signals a change.
"It frequently seems we're fighting against some sort of old traditions of oil and gas company priority," he says, "rather than stakeholder priority."
The Bureau of Land Management website has additional details on the plan and how to submit comments.
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