DENVER – The Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation released by the Biden Administration is an important step in managing outdoor recreation so that our lands and waters are conserved while ensuring equitable access to those lands for generations to come. The comprehensive framework announced by the Bureau of Land Management calls for increased investment and increased collaboration with local communities and partner organizations to meet the demands of the surge in recreation. 

“Our public lands have seen record numbers of visitors in recent years while funding to steward those lands has failed to keep pace. The result is that our public lands have seen increased vandalism, misuse, and stress on wildlife,” said David Willms, associate vice president for public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “This new framework is the beginning of a long-overdue discussion about how can we best conserve the wild places that we cherish while still ensuring that all people have access to our public lands and waters.”

The framework recognizes that as the agency tries to meet increased recreation needs, it must also protect the cultural interests and needs of Indigenous Peoples and ensure meaningful collaboration and consultation with Tribes. It is important that all public land decisions are made in alignment with the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent. 

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the blueprint. Written comments can be sent to blm_recreation_feedback@blm.gov.