The BLM is proactively responding to the increasing popularity of outdoor recreation on BLM-managed public lands
DENVER—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released its Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation to chart a course for the agency’s significant and expanding role as a provider of outdoor recreation opportunities.;
The Blueprint is intended to guide the BLM’s investments and outreach activities, as well as the development of partnerships and programs to respond to current demand and also meet future outdoor recreation needs. The release of the Blueprint marks an important shift in how the agency will prioritize and support outdoor recreation, transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach. This shift is meant to facilitate sustainable resource management practices that will incorporate the BLM’s mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
As part of the BLM’s proactive vision for outdoor recreation, the Blueprint identifies four strategic pillars: grow and diversify funding for BLM recreation; prioritize and embrace partnerships; expand outreach and establish a culture of inclusion; and meet demand, protect resources, and improve access. The discussion of each pillar in the Blueprint includes an outline of desired outcomes, strategies, and partnership success stories that will serve as the foundation for successful 21st century recreation management at the BLM.
The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Director of Campaigns Lauren Bogard:
“Since the establishment of the BLM’s National Conservation Lands System, the agency’s role as a purveyor of positive and diverse outdoor recreation experiences has grown exponentially. The public lands managed by the BLM encompass some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in America—and the word is out! As the BLM welcomes more visitors to its national monuments and conservation areas it must adopt a more proactive approach to manage the cumulative impact of ever-increasing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities.
“The BLM’s Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation acknowledges both the growth and importance of outdoor recreation on public lands while also emphasizing the urgency of protecting those resources from being loved to death. The guidance outlined in the Blueprint to develop new partnerships, expand outreach activities, and establish a culture of inclusion will hold the BLM accountable to realize its vision of successful and inclusive outdoor recreation across all BLM-managed public lands.”
Learn more
- Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation
- Report: The Camping Crunch [Center for Western Priorities]
- Blog: Why conservation is a winning election issue in the West [Center for Western Priorities]
Featured image: Phil’s World mountain bike trail system, BLM Colorado