family with toddler standing in grass looking over landscape with mountains and rain clouds in the distance.

Laws and Regulations 

The BLM manages public lands and subsurface estate under its jurisdiction under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, or FLPMA, which became law in 1976. Despite the rapidly changing environment in which we work, the BLM remains committed to its core mission under FLPMA – a careful balancing of multiple use and sustained yield.  
 

Photo montage from the cover of the booklet Federal Land Policy and Management Act



Along with FLPMA, other laws, regulations and internal policies shape our work. 

@mypubliclands FLPMA Flickr album, view historical and current photos that reflect the BLM's work as a Federal land management agency.

BLM staff member examines a mahogany plant on public lands
BLM range conservationist examines a mahogany near Canon City, Colorado in 1958. BLM Photo