BLM Updates Challenges and Opportunities Map
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PORTLAND – The Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land management (BLM) has updated their “Challenges & Opportunities” map and Website to include even more information than before. The most significant map changes include a new category of “BLM Priority Wind Projects” and a new Geographic Information Systems data layer for “Historic Golden Eagle Nesting Locations” that was developed in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Eagle Foundation. The Website includes an interactive map online that includes more layers and allows the user to select data layers that are of specific interest to them. The BLM anticipates adding more layers to this map based on stakeholder need and feedback.Additional updates include a current list of projects and revised or updated text throughout the website. The BLM is providing this map of potential wind energy development information and key regional natural resource information in eastern Oregon to foster collaborative solutions in the planning and siting of infrastructure projects on public lands. Just as with the original version released last year, the BLM worked collaboratively with numerous stakeholders and partners to provide the new "Challenges & Opportunities" map.The map identifies, at a regional scale, natural resource issues of importance such as Greater Sage-grouse habitat areas, Pygmy rabbit habitat areas and Mule deer winter range areas while adding historical Golden Eagle nest locations. The juxtaposition of those areas with lands having wind power potential in eastern Oregon provides the public and energy developers a better understanding of potential complexity within a given area. The map is not a decision document or comprehensive, as many other issues, such as resource management plan decisions, habitat for certain rare species, cultural resource sites and others, can only be appropriately identified at the site specific levels.The map can be viewed and downloaded from the BLM site at: blm.gov/or/energy/opportunity/index.php.For more information on the priority projects please visit blm.gov/priorityprojects.
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.