WASHINGTON—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today issued the record of decision and final resource management plan covering 4.6 million acres of public lands in southeastern Oregon. The plan includes 417,000 acres of protections for lands with wilderness characteristics.
The protected landscape includes multicolored winding canyons, spectacular high desert rock formations, and rolling sage-brush uplands that are home to the greater sage-grouse and more than 350 other species including the pygmy rabbit, pronghorn antelope, and golden eagle. Equally important, hiking, camping, hunting, angling, and wildlife-watching are popular pastimes in southeastern Oregon and contribute to the state’s thriving $15.6 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Starting in 2014, the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council—a Department of Interior-appointed group of diverse local voices, including grazing, timber, energy, conservation, and community interests—spent more than five years developing recommendations for the BLM on how to manage the area. The council’s recommendations are reflected in today’s record of decision.
Laurel Williams, a manager with the U.S. conservation program at The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued this statement:
“Pew applauds the Bureau of Land Management for finalizing the southeastern Oregon plan. The resulting decision protects public lands that are important for wildlife and communities in Oregon and reflects the consensus put forward by the local citizen advisory committee. The plan is a balanced approach and is a significant step to ensure that current and future generations can continue to experience this vibrant and unique landscape.”