Planning
Using the principles in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) as our 'multiple use' handbook, we create what can be called "balanced" management of public land and its resources. This is based on the principles of multiple use and sustained yield which means--land managers are required to take into account the long-term needs of present and future generations as they make important decisions in the management of renewable and nonrenewable resources, such as recreation, timber, minerals, watershed, fish, wildlife, rangeland, scientific and historical values.
As a neighbor to private and state landowners, in countless communities, we strive to bring local governments, tribes, conservation organizations, industry and the public together in collaborative planning efforts to identify the many different uses of these lands.
These land use plans are fundamental to the longevity, productivity, and enjoyment of our public lands. There are several
planning efforts under way across the State and we encourage your participation. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are looking for a planning document that is not on this list, please contact the
field office in that area.
Find out more about Planning and NEPA
Cooperating Agencies
Tribal, federal, state, and local governments can actively participate in the NEPA and land use planning processes by becoming a cooperating agency. The cooperating agency role derives from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), which calls on federal, state, and local governments to cooperate with the goal of achieving “productive harmony” between humans and their environment. At the beginning of a NEPA project, the BLM invites government entities with jurisdiction by law or special expertise in the project area to become cooperating agencies. The cooperating agency relationship is formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the BLM and the government partner.
In May 2012, the BLM issued an updated Desk Guide to Cooperating Agency Relationships and Coordination with Intergovernmental Partners (see News Release) as a reference for managers and BLM partners in understanding the commitments, roles, and responsibilities, of the BLM and cooperating agencies during land use planning and project development. To find out more about the cooperating agency relationship and to download the desk guide, please visit the WO BLM Cooperating Agency Web Page.