BLM updates management plan for south-central Oregon

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BLM updates management plan for south-central Oregon

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LAKEVIEW, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management today announced the release of the record of decision and approved resource management plan for the Lakeview planning area, which covers 3.2 million acres of public lands in Lake and Harney counties. The amendment updates the 2003 plan, providing management direction for livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use to protect important landscapes while providing continued public access. It also preserves natural landscapes and protects 415,000 acres of lands with wilderness characteristics.

"These expansive, natural landscapes are special places that provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation," said Lakeview District Manager Todd Forbes. "This update will help shape BLM's management of these lands and resources for the next two decades."

Tribal governments, local and state agencies, the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council, and members of the public provided valuable input and feedback during the planning process. The BLM considered approximately 1,300 comments while developing the plan amendment. The BLM's updated analysis responds to requirements of a 2010 settlement agreement on the Bureau's management of lands with wilderness characteristics, off-highway vehicle use, and grazing management.

To preserve unique and special landscapes, cross-country off-highway vehicle use will be limited to about 70,000 acres within the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and other areas scattered across the planning area where cross country use is already occurring. Vehicular use will be allowed on existing or designated routes across 3.1 million acres in the planning area.

The amendment also provides additional guidance on the implementation of Standards for Rangeland Health and processing of voluntarily relinquished livestock grazing permits.

The resource management plan and associated final environmental impact statement is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.