BLM issues updated management plan guiding public land use for North Dakota
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
DICKINSON, N.D. – The Bureau of Land Management released its proposed resource management plan and final environmental impact statement for the North Dakota Field Office. The proposed plan updates the 1988 North Dakota RMP to better balance energy and mineral development while supporting outdoor recreation, cultural resources, and sustaining healthy habitat for priority plant, wildlife, and fish species across approximately 58,500 acres of BLM-managed surface lands and 4.1 million acres of BLM-administered subsurface minerals in North Dakota.
“This plan represents a significant step forward in guiding public land use and balancing energy and mineral development in North Dakota,” said Wendy Warren, Eastern Montana/Dakotas District Manager. “We appreciate the public and stakeholder’s valuable review and input during the comment period, which helped shape the proposed plan we released today.”
Under the final EIS, BLM identifies Alternative D as the proposed plan. BLM will close areas to oil and gas leasing if they have low development potential or are state-designated drinking water source protection areas. The proposed plan also allows federal coal to be leased within 4 miles of existing coal mine permit boundaries. In addition, Alternative D updates management strategies for potential National Scenic River sections, visual resource management, and land tenure issues and identifies one special recreation management area, two backcountry conservation areas, and one area of critical environmental concern.
During the plan’s development, BLM worked closely with local communities, energy producers, and other stakeholders to determine areas appropriate for future development, including protections for private property owners near BLM lands. During the 90-day comment period on the draft plan, which included a 30-day extension granted at the request of the Governor’s office, BLM received 535public comments, which informed the selection of the proposed plan.
A Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to begin a 30-day protest period. For information on how to submit a protest and to view the documents for the Proposed Resource Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement, please visit the BLM National NEPA Register.
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.