On April 3, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed a rule that would prioritize the health and resilience of ecosystems across public lands.
The rule aligns with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, which mandates the management of public lands for multiple uses, including outdoor recreation, grazing, energy development, and more. In response to this proposed rule, the RV Industry Association (RVIA) submitted comments highlighting the need for outdoor recreation to be considered on par with other land uses.
The Association’s comments emphasized four key areas. First, they agreed that outdoor recreation aligns with the Bureau’s goal of creating resilient public lands and ecosystems, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
They recognized the importance of maintaining the resilience of ecosystems across the Bureau’s lands and agreed that the term “multiple use” includes outdoor recreation access and sustainable management of public lands.
Second, the Association agreed that outdoor recreation does not degrade landscapes. They support balanced policies that maintain federal lands for current and future generations of Americans to access and enjoy.
They also encouraged the Bureau to coordinate with local communities and outdoor recreation stakeholders during the planning process to maximize public use of the areas being restored.
Third, the Association believes that coordination with local communities and recreation partners will be critical to developing reasonable restoration objectives. They understand the Bureau’s imperative to steward public lands and maintain functioning ecosystems.
They encourage the agency to consider limits on the acreage or areas that can be closed via conservation leases at any one time to achieve stated objectives or, alternatively, to try pilot programs first.
Lastly, the Association believes that the “casual use” definition related to conservation leases should not preclude the public from accessing public lands for camping and other outdoor recreation activities.
They expressed concern about the Bureau’s authorization of conservation use on public lands and encouraged public lands leased for conservation purposes under the proposed rule to remain open.
RVIA’s comments on the BLM’s proposed rule highlight the importance of outdoor recreation and camping in managing public lands. They argue that the outdoor recreation economy, which is worth $862 billion, is dependent on responsible and sustained use of the nation’s public lands and waters.
They also point out that RV camping provides the public with opportunities to participate in America’s iconic outdoor recreation experiences and encourages stewardship, conservation, and enjoyment of federal lands.
For more information, visit https://www.rvia.org/.