BLM continues shared stewardship and conservation efforts at Red Cliffs
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ST. GEORGE, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently acquired approximately 35 acres within the boundaries of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in Washington County for $2.5 million to continue to protect natural resources and to expand recreation access. The BLM acquired these parcels with funds derived from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the sale of public land in Washington County.
“The acquisition of these lands in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area signifies tremendous progress for the collaborative work happening with communities and our partners in Washington County,” said Color Country District Manager Gloria Tibbetts.
The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is a vital part of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a multi-jurisdictional land base that has been collaboratively managed by the BLM, State of Utah, Washington County and local municipalities since 1996 to protect populations and habitat of the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise and other at-risk native plant and animal species. Congress designated the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in Utah through the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Since the development of the Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan in 1996, and commitments made by the plan, the BLM has assisted in the county’s efforts to consolidate habitat ownership. Through shared stewardship and collaboration with local communities, the ongoing resolution of complex land management challenges has helped protect wildlife habitat and enhance the world-class recreational opportunities within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.
This project supports the America the Beautiful initiative, a decade-long challenge to pursue locally led and voluntary efforts nationwide to conserve 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030. The initiative centers on collaborative conservation, expanding access to public lands and making outdoor recreation accessible.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.