A new policy directs BLM state offices to consider how wildlife, fish, and plant habitats are connected as part of its land use planning process.

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


** Bureau of Land Management to prioritize habitat connectivity
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Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Mule deer at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, U.S Fish & Wildlife Service ([link removed])

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a new policy ([link removed]) identifying and prioritizing habitat connectivity on America’s public lands. The Instructional Memorandum ([link removed]) directs BLM state offices to explicitly consider how wildlife, fish, and plant habitats are connected as part of its land use planning process. The new policy will lead to a geospatial database that identifies lands and waters that priority species need to move between habitats, especially as those habitats shift with a changing climate.

"Tracking and prioritizing the connections between landscapes will become increasingly important as climate change and development threaten America’s plants and wildlife," Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala said in a statement ([link removed]) . "This new policy shows that Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, and their entire team are focused on building an agency to steward America’s public lands through the 21st century.”

The Instructional Memorandum recognizes that successful habitat connectivity work is a collaborative process, and may require co-stewardship with states and tribes. “This ties into work we are already undertaking with states, Tribes, conservation groups, federal agencies and others to make sure wildlife has room to roam well into the future," said Stone-Manning ([link removed]) . "The BLM looks forward to continuing and expanding these collaborations on behalf of win-wins for wildlife, natural resources, and people.”


** What the 2022 election means for public lands
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In the latest episode of CWP's Podcast, The Landscape ([link removed]) , CWP Executive Director Jennifer Rokala and political consultant Curtis Hubbard join Aaron to break down the 2022 election results—and President Biden's headwear—to find out what it all means for public lands.
Quick hits


** Increased royalty rates for oil, gas, and coal deliver extra revenue to Colorado
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Colorado Sun ([link removed])


** The environmental consequences of Arizona's shipping container border wall
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High Country News ([link removed])


** Report: Some wildfire smoke is natural, and governments can help mitigate impacts
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CapRadio ([link removed])


** Red Desert cultural sites highlight need for stronger tribal co-management
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WyoFile ([link removed])


** Tribes in the Colorado River Basin are fighting for their water
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Grist ([link removed])


** Report: Coal retirements will expand local water use options
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Casper Star-Tribune ([link removed]) | KJZZ ([link removed])


** How the Mojave Desert changed my life
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New York Times ([link removed])


** Opinion: Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument keeps 10th Mountain Division's legacy alive
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Craig Daily Press ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” Conservation isn’t just about counting acres—it requires using the best science and knowledge to identify and protect the lands most at risk today.”
—Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director, Center for Western Priorities ([link removed])
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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You can easily recognize the teddy bear cholla—the star of @JoshuaTreeNPS ([link removed]) Cholla Cactus Garden—by its densely interlaced yellow spines. Segments of their spines will latch on the slightest touch, giving these cacti the nickname “jumping cholla.”

Photo by David Olsen

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