FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(WASHINGTON D.C.-April 18, 2024) – The Division of the Inside has revealed a final rule for the Bureau of Land Administration (BLM) that can be certain that tens of millions of acres of public lands are higher ready for drought, wildfires and different results of local weather change, in addition to managed for a number of makes use of, which is able to increase the well being of wildlife, ecosystems and communities.
“As we speak’s rule lastly restores stability to the stewardship of America’s iconic public panorama – and pays it ahead to future generations,” mentioned Dr. Elizabeth Grey, chief government officer of the Nationwide Audubon Society. “Within the face of staggering biodiversity losses, it is a nice day for maintaining our ecosystems wholesome, our wildlife thriving, and our communities sturdy and wholesome.”
Almost 245 million acres, nearly 40 percent of U.S. public lands, are overseen by BLM. Greater than 300 fowl species depend on these landscapes for his or her survival, which embrace rolling sagebrush hills, desert expanses, and vibrant river corridors – and which additionally assist financial advantages by stimulating recreation and tourism.
However for many years, the company has largely centered on oil and fuel, mining and different extractive makes use of. As we speak’s public lands rule establishes a framework to make sure that extraction is balanced responsibly with conservation — together with restoration and stewardship of intact landscapes, delicate wildlife habitat, cultural lands safety, and entry to nature – in step with the Company’s statutory mandates.
“Defending cherished landscapes and conserving habitat for wildlife to outlive and thrive is essential to giving our kids and grandchildren their finest probability for a wholesome life,” mentioned Jon Hayes, government director for Audubon Southwest. “All of us reside right here, no matter the place we sit on the political spectrum. All of us need to see thriving ecosystems within the locations we love.”
“Wholesome ecosystems are essential to the way forward for the American West,” mentioned Alison Holloran, government director of Audubon Rockies. “That’s why there’s a lot public assist for a balanced method.”
An amazing 92 percent of public comments submitted supported the brand new rule – together with greater than 14,000 feedback submitted by Audubon members, a comment letter from the Nationwide Audubon Society, and a letter signed by 194 impartial Audubon chapters in 41 states.
“Fulfilling the promise of this rule for wildlife and communities means implementing it faithfully,” mentioned Felice Stadler, Nationwide Audubon Society vice chairman of presidency affairs. “Meaning BLM should work intently with states, ranchers, the power business and the conservation group to get the following steps proper. We’ll be watching intently.”
Help for conservation is broad and bipartisan within the Intermountain West: 82 % of voters support a nationwide aim of conserving America’s lands and waters within the subsequent decade, together with over two-thirds of conservative Republican voters. 4 in 5 voters additionally say lack of open pure areas is an issue throughout the West.
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CONTACT:
Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org; 415-595-9245
About Audubon
The Nationwide Audubon Society protects birds and the locations they want, immediately and tomorrow. Audubon works all through the Americas utilizing science, advocacy, schooling, and on-the-ground conservation. State applications, nature facilities, chapters, and companions give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches tens of millions of individuals every year to tell, encourage, and unite numerous communities in conservation motion. A nonprofit conservation group since 1905, Audubon believes in a world through which folks and wildlife thrive. Study extra at www.audubon.org and on Fb, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.