The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 246 million acres of the nation’s public land—from ecologically diverse southwestern deserts, to panoramic red rock country, to the sage-steppe, to Alaska’s boreal forest.
Originally, the intent was to develop these lands for oil, gas, and mining, as well as use them for their range land resources. In recent decades, however, there has been an evolution in response to public opinion. Hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, and more outdoor enthusiasts all enjoy these public lands. As a result, the BLM is placing more emphasis on conservation.
More video and facts on the Pew Charitable Trusts’ U.S. Public Lands Conservation.