Idaho Delegation Presses BLM Director on Change to Multiple-Use Approach for Public Lands

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher (all R-Idaho) wrote the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tracy Stone-Manning regarding her department’s efforts to change the multiple-use approach of federal land management and the Biden administration’s failure to hold in-person public meetings in Idaho regarding this proposed rule.

“Idaho has twelve million acres of BLM managed land, and this rule will significantly impact how Idahoans interact with those public lands. By categorizing conservation as a use, rather than an outcome, this rule will effectively ensure the uses Idahoans have traditionally enjoyed on our public lands will be placed in competition with conservation, rather than in harmony. This action is in direct conflict with the congressional mandate to manage public lands for multiple use,” wrote the Idaho delegation.

“Given the impact this rule will have on all Idahoans, we urge you to hold in-person meetings in Idaho to gather feedback from the stakeholders that this proposed rule will impact,” continued the Idaho leaders.  “[I]t is imperative that the BLM hears directly from Idahoans, in the state of Idaho, in-person.  We would also encourage you to personally attend these in-person meetings as head of the BLM. That would offer both direct feedback and good interaction with your Idaho State Director and her team.”

Read the full letter HERE.

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