In June of this year, Congressman Steve Pearce sent a letter  to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director, Neil Kornze, regarding numerous requests that have been submitted by elected officials all over the country. These many requests petition Mr. Kornze for coordination on the Resource Management Planning Rules, 81 Fed. Reg. 8674 (Feb. 25, 2016), also known as the BLM's 'Planing 2.0' initiative. 

In this letter, Congressman Pearce points out that Section 202(c)(9) of the Federal Policy Management Act (FLPMA) requires the BLM to coordinate with state officials regarding the management of lands in their states, and rightfully so. Of the 250 million acres managed by the BLM, a large majority of those lands are found in the West, and their management directly affects the lives and livelihoods of their citizens. Devastated forests, destroyed watersheds, and decimated job growth are far more than numbers on a graph to families throughout the West. 

It is heartening to see so many elected officials who are dedicated to protecting our public lands and preserving them for generations to come. Electing people who understand the importance of the public lands, their multiple uses, sustainability, health and productivity, is crucial. Just as importantly, we must elect those who have the knowledge of what our state rights are, and have the courage to stand up for them, thereby striving to protect the citizens that they serve. 

Today, we thank the elected officials of Kane County, UT; Garfield County, CO; Chaves County, NM; Big Horn County, WY; Custer County, ID; Modoc County, CA; Winkelman Natural Resource Conservation District, AZ; Hereford Natural Resource Conservation District, AZ; and Dona Ana Soil and Water Conservation District, NM; as well as Congressman Steve Pearce, for their vigilance in protecting the people of their states and the public lands that we all cherish and depend upon. 

We will keep you informed concerning any response that may come from BLM Director Kornze's office.