The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it is reevaluating whether it is necessary to withdraw 10 million acres of federal land from location and entry under the mining law to conserve greater sage grouse habitat. Environmentalists and conservation groups are advocating for habitat expansion.
“The withdrawal is necessary so that sage grouse can survive for future generations to enjoy, but the protected area needs to be larger to reflect the increasing threats to this magnificent bird,” said Kelly Fuller, energy and mining campaign director of Western Watersheds Project.
BLM will be issuing a new draft environmental impact statement in the near future and initiating a public commenting period. To follow the current status of the consideration, search for docket number 2021-17359 at federalregister.gov.
