Newsroom
News Releases
Bureau of Land Management offices post News Releases to share news or let you know upcoming plans for their area. Below are the ten most recent news releases sorted by date. If you have questions regarding a specific News Release, contact information is at the top of each News Release. Please feel free to contact the OR/WA Office of Public Affairs with your questions or comments, at 503-808-6002 or by email.
![RSS Icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/images/xml_rss.gif)
Current Announcements
Announcement ArchiveBLM and U.S. Forest Service Announce Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (PCGP) Notice of Intent
Date: 09/21/12
![Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (PCGP) Notice of Intent](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/images/pcgp-map1-thumb.jpg)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service announced that they will consider amendment of their land management plans to make provision for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline (PCGP). The Notice of Intent to initiate the public scoping process for this effort was published in the Federal Register on September 21, 2012.
- PCGP press release - September 2012 (PDF)
- PCGP Federal Register Notice of Intent - September 2012 (PDF)
- PCGP Information (PDF)
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission website
![Let's Move! On National Public Lands Day 2012](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/news/images/npld.gif)
Let's Move! On National Public Lands Day 2012
Date: 09/12/12
On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting numerous National Public Lands Day events across the region. All ages and abilities can get involved helping to restore, beautify, and improve the wild lands and recreation areas that we all benefit from and enjoy. Volunteers who pitch-in will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a "Fee-Free Coupon," good for free admission to a federally managed recreation site. Click here for complete information on events planned near you or visit www.publiclandsday.com.
Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline
Date: 08/22/12
The BLM is a Cooperating Agency on FERC's EIS for the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.
![Forestry](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/rmpswesternoregon/images/rmp_wo_trees.jpg)
BLM Listening and Learning
Date: 06/29/12
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon is encouraging the public to provide scoping comments for the six Western Oregon resource management plans (RMPs) that provide natural resource management direction for the future of 2.6 million acres of public lands. The BLM held seven scoping public meetings throughout Western Oregon since May 16, 2012. The scoping period wraps up on July 5.
![Homesteading Day in Oregon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/landsrealty/homestead150/images/homeact.gif)
Homesteading Day in Oregon!
Date: 06/07/12
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber proclaimed June 7, 2012, as Homesteading Day in Oregon! This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act. The Homestead Act of 1862 brought about significant and lasting changes to the United States. Giving individuals from the United States and around the world the opportunity to claim free government land allowed nearly any man or woman a chance to live the American Dream. During the homesteading era over 1.6 million people stepped-up to the challenge to claim and settle more than 270 million acres of public land.
![Youth Programs](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/news/images/youth-programs.jpg)
Youth Programs Summary and Accomplishments Report
Date: 05/09/12
Throughout 2011, the Oregon and Washington BLM made significant contributions to meeting the Department of the Interior's National Youth Initiative goals, while at the same time continuing to offer meaningful opportunities to the youths and their families, teachers, and community leaders of Oregon and Washington. The annual Youth Programs Summary and Accomplishments Report is now available for download.
![Hinsdale](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/news/images/hinsdale.jpg)
Mother's Day Flower Show
Date: 05/08/12
Join us this Saturday, May 12, 10am-2pm for an open house of the O.H. Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden. Located near Reedsport on the southern Oregon coast, this garden has "rhodys" from around the world. Meet at the Dean Creek Viewing Area and enjoy this spectacular show of spring color! Read more>>
General Land Office 200 Year Anniversary
Date: 04/25/12
![General Land Office 200th Anniversary](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/landsrealty/glo200/images/glo_ann_logo.gif)
The Bureau of Land Management was officially established in 1946, but it has roots dating back two hundred years, since the foundation of the General Land Office (GLO) in 1812. The "Gateway to Land Ownership" as it was colloquially dubbed, helped millions of Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries acquire public lands for private and agricultural usage, while simultaneously generating income for the Federal Government.
This April, the GLO will celebrate its 200th birthday. The Oregon/Washington BLM invites you to learn more about our historic lands, and the enduring legacy of the General Land Office. Read more>>
![Western Oregon Forests](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/rmpswesternoregon/images/rmp_wo_map_thumb.jpg)
BLM Initiates Planning Update for Western Oregon Forests
Date: 03/09/12
On March 9, 2012, the BLM announced it was beginning the process of revising Resource Management Plans (RMP) for 2.5 million acres of forested lands across six BLM Districts in western Oregon. The BLM is seeking public input on the issues and alternatives the new RMPs should address.
BLM State Director Ed Shepard stated: "The BLM welcomes new and innovative ideas that result from this scoping process. The planning process will recognize the importance of the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of natural resource management in western Oregon. Integrating public values and perspectives into the planning process is critical to finding a sustainable path forward."
![Forestry](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/news/images/forestry.jpg)
Secretary Salazar Proposes Expansion of Ecological Forestry in Western Oregon and Update Resource Management Plans
Date: 02/22/12
During a visit on February 21 to one of three ecological forestry pilot projects in Oregon, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will apply ecological forestry principles on a broader landscape to restore forest health and to provide sustainable timber harvests for local mills and the communities who rely on the timber industry for jobs and economic strengths.
![Forestry](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121028052624im_/http://www.blm.gov/or/news/images/forestry-pilot-small.jpg)
Forestry Pilot Projects Report
Date: 02/14/12
Following up on the December 8, 2010 meeting in Washington, D.C. the BLM committed to immediately develop action plans for both the Roseburg Pilot Project and the Middle Applegate Watershed Pilot Project. Throughout 2011, the BLM, along with Drs. Norm Johnson and Jerry Franklin, held a series of public meetings, workshops, and field trips to discuss the pilot projects and learn more about the principles of ecological forestry. In February 2012, the BLM released a report regarding the Drs. Johnson and Franklin's observations about the Forestry Pilot Projects.
- Pilot Project Report (February 2012) (PDF)
- Press Release (PDF)
![Prospecting](images/prospect.jpg)
BLM Initiates Planning For Hardrock Geological Prospecting
Date: 02/08/12
The Bureau of Land Management announced that it is beginning the process to evaluate an exploration plan for hardrock geological prospecting northeast of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (NVM). Beginning in March 2011, Ascot Resources Ltd. (Ascot)—a Vancouver, B.C.-based company incorporated in the State of Washington as Ascot USA Inc.—applied for two prospecting permits.
The BLM will hold two public open houses to determine the nature and range of issues to be addressed in the environmental assessment, including alternatives: Longview—February 15; and Morton—February 16.
- Press Release (PDF)
- Public Notice (PDF)
- Additional Information
![Secure Rural Schools](images/cntypay2.jpg)
BLM Distributes Final Payments to Counties
Date: 01/20/12
The BLM announced today that it has issued payment to 18 counties in western Oregon eligible under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act extension (Public Law 110-343). The amount paid to the Oregon & California (O&C) counties was $40,037,160.
Want to learn more about RMPs for Western Oregon?