Over the last few months, the BLM has introduced a number of potential changes to how it manages land, which could have significant impacts on the experience of hikers and horseback riders on the CDT.
→ Over 390 miles of the CDT pass through land managed by thirteen Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Offices. Each of these Field Offices manages the land under its jurisdiction according to its Resource Management Plan (RMP), which it revises every ten to twenty years.
Congress established that the BLM follows a “multiple use mandate” in the management of lands. This means that the BLM is to manage land for a range of uses, such as energy development, recreation, timber harvesting, and more, while also ensuring that natural, cultural, and historic resources are maintained. This overarching mandate informs BLM-wide rules and policies, which are then put into on-the-ground outcomes in RMPs.
Revocation of the Public Lands Rule
Last month, the BLM announced its intention to revoke the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule (also known as the Public Lands Rule). This rule established conservation as an equal component of the management of BLM lands, on equal footing with other potential uses of land, including energy development, timber harvesting, or grazing. This rule was an essential step forwards for Continental Divide landscapes.
A public comment period is open until November 10, 2025. You can submit your own comments voicing support for the Public Lands Rule directly through the Federal Register – even one to two sentences is effective! Or, you can utilize and submit prewritten comments on this portal.
Reopening of the Rock Springs RMP
Earlier this month, the BLM announced its intention to reopen the Rock Springs Field Office RMP (which covers a portion of the CDT in southern Wyoming), despite the plan being completed just last year. Although over 90% of public comments submitted during development of the RMP supported conservation measures, the BLM is reopening the plan in order to consider allowing more activity from extractive industries in the area, including near the CDT.
The BLM is accepting comments on the Rock Springs RMP until December 18, 2025. You can submit comments directly through the Federal Register.
Not sure what to say? Even a one sentence comment stating that you support the Rock Springs RMP as it was originally written can be impactful!
Congressional Action on RMPs
The Senate and House of Representatives each recently passed resolutions using the Congressional Review Act to repeal three RMPs (coming from the Miles City Field Office in Montana, the Central Yukon Field Office in Alaska, and the North Dakota Field Office). This is the first time that Congress has ever used the Congressional Review Act to repeal an RMP. While the CDT is not directly impacted by any of the repealed RMPs, this new precedent casts doubts on the validity of every RMP adopted since 1996.
Your Voice Matters!
One of the best tools to protect public lands right now is the public’s voice. Identifying your BLM State Office and following the news that it puts out is a great way to know what’s happening on lands near you and when you’re able to share your perspective.
Thank you for being a voice for the CDT.