On Friday, the Biden administration launched conservation.gov, a beta version of the “American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas” which will track

Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Biden administration launches 30x30 conservation tracking tool
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Monday, April 22, 2024
Interactive map exploring data related to the America the Beautiful initiative, conservation.gov ([link removed])

On Friday, the Biden administration launched conservation.gov ([link removed]) , a beta version of the “American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas ([link removed]) ” which will track the conservation status of public, state, and private lands across the U.S. This tool came about through a public comment process ([link removed]) in which the administration invited scientists and policy experts to weigh in on how to track land conservation across the country.

“Conservation.gov will serve as one tool to empower communities across the country to identify opportunities to further their vision for conservation,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in a statement ([link removed]) .

The Atlas, when complete, will be an important resource for federal, state, and local governments, communities, and advocacy groups that are working to ensure the country meets President Joe Biden’s America the Beautiful goal of protecting 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

“Creating a single reputable source of conservation data is not an easy task, and I applaud the Biden administration for taking the first steps to build a tool that will measure America’s progress,” said Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala ([link removed]) . “As states, counties, and cities add data to the Atlas, it will become an invaluable resource for America’s future. I also look forward to seeing more acres labeled as ‘protected’ as the president continues to designate and expand national monuments.”

Happy Earth Day!

April 22 is Earth Day ([link removed]) , which celebrates environmental achievements and highlights the importance of taking action towards a more sustainable future. “This work has never been more urgent,” said President Biden ([link removed]) in an Earth Day proclamation. “Climate change is the existential crisis of our time; no one can deny its impacts and staggering costs anymore.”


** Quick hits
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Biden administration launches American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas

KRQE ([link removed]) | Center for American Progress ([link removed]) | White House ([link removed]) [press release]

Western states could make billions selling renewable energy, but they’ll need a lot more regional transmission lines

Inside Climate News ([link removed])

Opinion: BLM’s new oil, gas leasing rule better aligns with Nevada’s climate, health needs

Nevada Independent ([link removed])

Report: New public lands actions turn the page on decades of conflict and mismanagement

Center for American Progress ([link removed])

BLM protects over 4,200 acres of sacred, sensitive lands in New Mexico

KRQE ([link removed]) | Department of the Interior ([link removed]) [press release]

How many people visit America's national parks? Graphics explain

USA Today ([link removed])

Bureau of Land Management’s draft plan sparks debate over sage-grouse conservation

St. George News ([link removed])

Firefighting archaeologists are protecting Colorado’s historical sites from wildfires

Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” This is truly a ‘clock is ticking’ moment. Are you ever going to get to a point where everyone is totally happy? No. That’s the nature of consensus. What is important is to look at the BLM plan as a framework rather than a prescriptive management plan.”

—Aaron Weiss, Center for Western Priorities Deputy Director, St. George News ([link removed])


** Picture This
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[link removed]

@usinterior ([link removed])
As America’s national mammal and a majestic symbol of strength and resilience, American bison are inextricably intertwined with Indigenous communities and cultures, the health of the Great Plains and nation’s history.

Thanks to investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, Interior is working to rebuild bison populations, conserve North America’s Central Grasslands and integrate Indigenous Knowledge as we restore this iconic mammal across the country.

Photo by Thomas Epsaro

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