Bureau of Land Management continues conservation efforts at Red Cliffs, Utah
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ST. GEORGE, Utah –The Bureau of Land Management recently acquired approximately 40 acres within the boundaries of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA) in Washington County, Utah for $1.7 million. The BLM acquired this parcel with funds derived from oil and gas leasing on the outer continental shelf through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Under Secretary Bernhardt’s leadership, the BLM continues its commitment to conservation stewardship and partnerships with local communities. The BLM is making good on this commitment by resolving complicated land management challenges related to a mix of private and public land ownership within the reserve. 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.
“Today, we are fulfilling President Trump’s vision and Secretary Bernhardt’s commitment to conservation by enhancing world-class recreational opportunities and protecting crucial habitat for multiple native species. The President has boldly called for full, permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Red Cliffs NCA is an excellent example of what this funding can achieve.” Said BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs William Perry Pendley.
“Getting the private land out of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve was part of the bargain struck in 1996 to recover the tortoises and allow Washington County to keep growing. I am happy to see BLM making progress in fulfilling that promise to the landowners,” said Congressman Chris Stewart (R-UT).
“This private land acquisition will be a critical piece of the land management puzzle that supports our habitat conservation efforts in the Red Cliffs NCA,” said Anita Bilbao, Acting Utah State Director. “The BLM collaborated face-to-face with a willing private seller in order to help protect species like the Mojave desert tortoise.”
“The Red Cliffs NCA is a treasure to our local communities and nation, and we are proud to work together with our partners in Washington County to find ways to best manage our lands,” said Keith Rigtrup, St. George Field Manager.
The Red Cliffs NCA is an important component of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a multi-jurisdictional land base that has been collaboratively managed by BLM, the 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. It encompasses two wilderness areas, the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, the Red Cliffs Campground, over a hundred miles of non-motorized trails, as well as heritage public use sites.
The acquisition aligns with Secretary's Order 3356, which directs the BLM and other Department of the Interior Bureaus to identify ways to expand access for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation on agency-managed lands.
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.