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Home > Programs and Policy > Habitat Conservation > Federal Lands > National Forests and BLM Lands

National Forests and BLM Lands

Defenders is working to promote effective wildlife and resource management on our national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands.

These lands are managed for multiple uses such as timber production, grazing, mining, recreation, and wildlife habitat. In order to ensure that no one single use predominates an entire national forest or BLM unit, and that a balance is struck between these different uses, ecological sustainability must be the fundamental building block of planning for and managing these lands. This will ensure healthy lands, a robust economy, and health and quality of life.

Our Public Land Priorities

Defenders has a vision for effective wildlife and resource management on federal lands. Below is a blueprint for public lands priorities Defenders is working to have enacted over the next several years.

  • Restore environmental review of federal lands management by fully implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
  • Support administrative action and legislation to maintain viable wildlife populations on National Forest and BLM lands.
  • Fully protect all remaining roadless areas on national forests and other public lands
  • Fully consider the impact of global warming on wildlife and habitats on federal lands and incorporate measures to assist wildlife adaptation to global warming in federal land management plans.
  • Ensure that energy development on federal lands and waters does not harm crucial wildlife habitats.

Legal Cases

Defenders also uses the courts to protect our nation’s forests, parks,wildlife refuges, and other public lands. Our expert attorneys are currently working on cases to support strong forest management plans.

Public Lands Case >>

Protecting Wildlife

Our public lands are incredibly rich and diverse, providing key habitat for nearly 3,000 wildlife and 10,000 plant species, many of which are rare and/or imperiled. Defenders protects many species dependent on public lands.

Wildlife on Public Lands >>

America's Wildlife Heritage Act

America’s Wildlife Heritage Act, will require the Forest Service and BLM to maintain wildlife populations on public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

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America's Public Lands Legacy

The United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administer 449 million acres of land – 20% of the land area of the U.S. – and play an essential role in protecting the nation’s wildlife and plant species.

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Unmatched Recreational Opportunities

Our public lands offer limitless recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to hang gliding. Recreation on public lands also bolsters local economies.

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