Two transmission towers in the distance, behind yellow flowers.

Planning and NEPA in the BLM

Landscape view of Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area in Colorado. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of America’s public lands and roughly 700 million acres of its subsurface mineral estate for the benefit of current and future generations.

We believe partnerships and inclusion are vital to managing sustainable, working
public lands. This means respecting the ties that communities have to these lands
by welcoming and valuing diverse views. We are proud of our strong record of taking local voices into account.

To guide our efforts, we develop resource management plans (RMPs) that serve as blueprints to keep public landscapes healthy and productive. These plans encompass highly varied terrain, from Alaska’s North Slope to California’s Mojave Desert,
to the open space surrounding many rapidly growing cities in the western U.S. 
 

View featured plans in development and plans in effect 
 

Public Involvement

Citizens, user groups and businesses can participate in crafting RMPs. State, county, local and Tribal governments can serve as cooperators in these efforts. Working with others helps us develop the best possible overall plans. 

How can I get involved in the planning process? 

NEPA Reviews

We make sure that our RMPs meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), either with detailed environmental impact statements, less complex environmental assessments or related documents. Most of these environmental reviews also offer the opportunity for public comment and participation. 

Learn more about NEPA in the BLM 
 

Special Designations

Many RMPs include areas that are designated for special management, with a particular focus to provide for public recreation or to conserve a significant resource.