The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has reduced the size of a land closure in Garfield and Eagle Counties due to the Derby Fire. The decision was made as a result of the agency’s ongoing mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands. The BLM is responsible for managing about 245 million acres of public land, primarily located in 12 western states, including Alaska.
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In addition to overseeing public lands, the BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s aim is to ensure these lands are used and enjoyed by both present and future generations. The reduction in land closure size in Garfield and Eagle Counties is part of this broader mission.
The specific details about the extent of the reduction were not provided in the announcement. However, it signifies the BLM’s commitment to balancing environmental protection with public access to natural resources. The Derby Fire, which prompted the initial land closure, is one of many challenges the BLM faces in managing public lands.