Bureau of Land Management December 12, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This order extends the duration of the withdrawal created by Public Land Order No. 7233 for an additional 20-year period, which would otherwise expire on January 1, 2017. Public Land Order No. 7233 withdrew 2,090 acres of National Forest System lands within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest from location and entry under the United States mining laws, but not from leasing under the mineral leasing laws. This extension is necessary to continue to protect the Rabbit Ears-Falcon Wildlife Area, Rogue River Wild and Scenic Corridor, Union Creek Historic District, Abbot Creek and Mill Creek Recreation Sites, and the Prospect Ranger Station Administrative Site.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is amending its regulations that establish the procedures used to prepare, revise, or amend land use plans pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). The final rule affirms the important role of other Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes, and the public during the planning process and enhances opportunities for public involvement and transparency during the preparation of resource management plans. The final rule will enable the BLM to more readily address resource issues at a variety of scales, such as wildfire, wildlife habitat, appropriate development, or the demand for renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and to respond more effectively to change. The final rule emphasizes the role of using high quality information, including the best available scientific information, in the planning process; and the importance of evaluating the resource, environmental, ecological, social, and economic conditions at the onset of planning. Finally, the final rule makes revisions to clarify existing text and to improve the readability of the planning regulations.