Unchecked Energy Development and the Future of Hunting Across the West

• National Wildlife Federation
• Apr 21, 2020

As Westerners we are blessed to have access to expansive public lands and wildlife that support our outdoor pursuits and sporting heritage. Mule deer, pronghorn, and elk roam these lands in abundance and provide ample hunting opportunities. Much of this wildlife habitat is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is tasked with managing 245 million acres of surface land and an additional 700 million acres of the subsurface estate that contains minerals, oil, and gas. The BLM is required to manage the land for multiple use, which can include energy development, grazing, conservation and recreation. Its mission statement is very clear: the agency must “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.