Weigh In: Recreation Should Remain a Priority in Western Oregon BLM Lands Management
- Steph Noll
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Submit Public Comment by March 23rd!
The Bureau of Land Management is inviting public input for proposed updates to resource management plans that guide the management of approximately 2.5 million acres of BLM lands in western Oregon in service of the Trump administration’s priority to expand domestic timber production.
The plan area includes many beloved trails and recreation areas, both longstanding and newly under development, including the Rogue River, Mary's Peak, Alsea Falls, Valley of the Giants, Carpenter Bypass, Panther Creek, Sandy Ridge, and many other treasured places. Several of Oregon's Signature Trails could also be affected, especially the Cascade to Caves Route and the Siskiyou Skyline Trail (formerly Applegate Ridge Trail to Jack-Ash Trail.)
Two ways to submit public comment by March 23rd:
Submit your comment directly to the BLM. You can review information on their planning website and submit your comments here.
Or customize and submit comments using this easy-to-use form from the Outdoor Alliance.
Right now the process is in early stages, and we recommend asking for the following in any plan revisions:
At the least, keep existing Recreation Management Area protections as they are currently. Prioritizing recreation as an equally important use on BLM-managed lands is critical for public access to public lands and for the economic health of Oregon communities for whom outdoor recreation is a significant economic sector.
Continue to recognize existing Special Recreation Management Areas where recreation access is the top priority as well as Extensive Recreation Management Areas where recreation is an equal priority and where resources must be dedicated to rehabbing trails and recreation sites affected by timber harvest.
Support the designation of new Recreation Management Areas for trail systems currently under planning and development as these projects are driven by surrounding communities' demands for access to their public lands and the local health and economic benefits of increased recreational opportunities.
Optional: Share specific BLM-managed trail and recreation areas that are important to you and your community that you want to see protected.
