PLS Blog
Keeping you informed on the issues that matter.
More than half a million acres set to be auctioned off in Utah
Aug 1, 2018
More than half a million acres set to be auctioned off in Utah by Katie Ross | Aug 1, 2018 Approximately 334 parcels set for September, December oil & gas lease sales Later this year, the Utah office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be offering up over...
Interior announces mineral withdrawal for Wyoming’s Johnny Behind the Rocks
Jun 11, 2018
Interior announces mineral withdrawal for Wyoming’s Johnny Behind the Rocks by Katie Ross | Jun 11, 2018 Popular Mountain bike trail system protected from mining for 20 years Last week Interior Secretary Zinke announced a 20-year mineral withdrawal for the Johnny...
Court keeps implementation of Methane Rule on hold
Jun 5, 2018
Court keeps implementation of Methane Rule on hold by Katie Ross | Jun 5, 2018 Case to revive the rule can continue On Monday June 4th, a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against a request from California, New Mexico, and various environmental groups asking to...
Local elected officials travel to DC and voice support for the recreation economy
May 4, 2018
Local elected officials travel to DC and voice support for the recreation economy by Katie Ross | May 4, 2018 Recreation investments and the Land Water Conservation Fund key to economic prosperity Last week, Public Land Solutions (PLS) and a group of local elected...
Outdoor businesses speak out against methane rule revisions
May 3, 2018
Outdoor businesses speak out against methane rule revisions by Katie Ross | May 3, 2018 Companies of all sizes express concerns over rollback Public Land Solutions (PLS) recently submitted a letter signed by 35 outdoor industry businesses outlining concerns over the...
Report: national public lands in Western states see 290 million visits annually
Apr 3, 2018
Report: national public lands in Western states see 290 million visits annually by Katie Ross | Apr 3, 2018 Estimated visitor numbers equivalent to 90 percent of U.S. population The Center for Western Priorities (CWP) released a report last week estimating that the...
Public Land Solutions kicks off recreation economy project
Mar 23, 2018
Public Land Solutions kicks off recreation economy project by Katie Ross | Mar 23, 2018 New effort highlighting outdoor recreation communities around the nation As part of its Prosperous Communities Initiative, Public Land Solutions has begun a survey of communities...
Methane Rule revisions open for public comment
Mar 14, 2018
Methane Rule revisions open for public comment by Katie Ross | Mar 14, 2018 Proposed changes would roll back taxpayer and environmental protections After multiple failed attempts at repeal, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has published its draft revision the 2016...
Forest Service proposes streamlining environmental review procedures
Feb 6, 2018
Forest Service proposes streamlining environmental review procedures by Katie Ross | Feb 6, 2018 Changes needed to clarify permitting process In recently submitted comments, Public Land Solutions (PLS) offered several suggestions on the United States Forest Service’s...
Land and Water Conservation Fund up for permanent renewal
Jan 30, 2018
Land and Water Conservation Fund up for permanent renewal by Katie Ross | Jan 30, 2018 Bill to fund conservation program gains large co-sponsorship A bipartisan bill (H.R. 502) to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has gained 219...
Reservation system proposed for Arches National Park
Jan 19, 2018
Reservation system proposed for Arches National Park by Katie Ross | Jan 19, 2018 New system would drastically cut down on overcrowding, wait times National Parks, long the crown jewels of our country’s natural wonders, have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent...
Good Start for Proposed Utah Ozone Regulations
Jan 2, 2018
Utah’s Division of Air Quality board will vote January 3 on whether to adopt the proposed rule changes to the way oil and gas development is regulated on public lands in the state. The updated rules could go into effect later this month. Below is Public Land Solutions’ statement on the current proposed rules.
National Monument cuts evoke swift response
Dec 5, 2017
National Monument cuts evoke swift response by Katie Ross | Dec 5, 2017 Tribal, environmental groups sue over the reduction of Utah’s protected lands On Monday, in front of a crowd of handpicked supporters at Utah’s capital in Salt Lake City, President Trump issued...
Public Land Solutions Urges the Bureau of Land Management To Reconsider Oil and Gas Leases Near Chaco Culture National Historic Park
Oct 20, 2017
Today Public Land Solutions urged the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reconsider proposed oil and gas leases near Chaco Culture National Historic Park and more carefully analyze how these developments may negatively affect the regional recreation economy, including...
Methane rule safe for now
Oct 16, 2017
Methane rule safe for now by Katie Ross | Oct 16, 2017 California court rules Interior Department must continue with regulations Earlier this month, a federal court in California ruled that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) unlawfully postponed key compliance dates...
Utah Representative co-sponsors Recreation Act
Oct 13, 2017
Utah Representative co-sponsors Recreation Act by Katie Ross | Oct 13, 2017 Rep. Mia Love joins others on Recreation Not Red-Tape bill Last week, Utah Congresswoman Mia Love joined Reps. Simpson (R-ID), Beyer (D-VA), and Polis (D-CO) in co-sponsoring the Recreation...
Grand County, Utah Affirms Support for Moab Master Leasing Plan
Oct 10, 2017
Grand County, Utah Affirms Support for Moab Master Leasing Plan by Katie Ross | Oct 10, 2017 County Council approves letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke urging use of planning tool Utah’s Grand County Council voted to send a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan...
BLM defers two controversial lease parcels near Dinosaur National Monument
Sep 28, 2017
BLM defers two controversial lease parcels near Dinosaur National Monument by Katie Ross | Sep 28, 2017 Agency moves forward other contested parcels Earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it will not include two parcels of land near...
Directive threatens balanced recreation planning
Sep 8, 2017
Directive threatens balanced recreation planning by Katie Ross | Sep 8, 2017 Administration imposes clumsy changes to NEPA, our bedrock environmental protection law Prior to Labor Day weekend, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued Secretarial Order 3355 (SO 3355)...
Recreation spending report highlights importance of BLM sagebrush lands
Aug 15, 2017
Recreation spending report highlights importance of BLM sagebrush lands by Katie Ross | Aug 15, 2017 Sagebrush habitat contributes heavily to the economies of six Western states Today, Public Lands Solutions (PLS) pushed back against Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s...
BLM proposes leases near Dinosaur National Monument
Jul 14, 2017
BLM proposes leases near Dinosaur National Monument by Katie Ross | Jul 14, 2017 Energy development proposals at Dinosaur National Monument jeopardize businesses and recreation economy The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently proposed several parcels of land for...
PLS urges Interior Secretary against shrinking monument
Jul 10, 2017
PLS urges Interior Secretary against shrinking monument by Katie Ross | Jul 10, 2017 Zinke’s interim Bears Ears report leaves landscapes vulnerable In a document released in June, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recommended shrinking the borders of Bears Ears...
BLM defers leases threatening Zion National Park
Jun 6, 2017
BLM defers leases threatening Zion National Park by Katie Ross | Jun 6, 2017 Gov. Herbert, Zion communities urged deferral of leases On June 1, the Utah state office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a decision to defer three controversial lease...
Huge Victory for Public Lands!
May 15, 2017
The BLM Methane Rule survived an attempt to repeal the regulation under the Congressional Review Act, ensuring protections for public lands and recreation remain in place.
Public Land Solutions Brings the Recreation Conversation to DC
May 3, 2017
On April 27 Public Land Solutions partnered with the Outdoor Industry Association and The North Face on Trails to Prosperity ( this will be a link), a briefing and panel highlighting the Prosperous Communities Initiative.
PLS Report: Balancing recreation and energy development
Apr 25, 2017
A new PLS white paper outlines proven strategies and policies for allowing recreation and energy development to exist in harmony.
Public Land Solutions Whitepaper Highlights Economic Potential for Bears Ears National Monument
Apr 20, 2017
PLS discuss the cultural tourism white paper with Senator Orrin Hatch and staff in Moab.
Outdoor businesses oppose Methane Rule rollback
Apr 4, 2017
On March 7 several leading outdoor businesses, such as Patagonia, Petzl, Woolwich, and Oars wrote Congress urging member of the US Senate to vote against the use of the Congressional Review Act for the Bureau of Land Management Methane and Waste Prevention Rule.
Local businesses oppose proposed oil and gas leasing near Zion
Mar 7, 2017
Today, approximately 25 local businesses sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management St. George Field Office opposing a plan to sell three oil and gas leases near to Zion National Park. The businesses join a chorus of concern for the leases. Washington County, the City of Springdale, and over 40,000 citizens have also voiced concerns for the proposed lease sale.
Businesses Alarmed By Congressional Effort To Kill Methane Waste Rule
Feb 1, 2017
A group of companies with a financial stake in the Obama administration's strategy to reduce emissions on public lands are sounding the alarm on President Trump's likely attempt to walk back the Bureau of Land Management's methane rule.
City of Moab Thanks Bureau of Land Management for ‘Balanced’ Final Moab Master Leasing Plan
Jan 27, 2017
Urges the BLM to implement the strongest plan possible to protect tourism and recreation values on our public lands and rivers while facilitating the responsible development of oil and gas drilling and potash mining.
Congress Set To Rollback Rule Preventing Harmful Natural Gas Waste
Jan 26, 2017
$330 million-worth of natural gas is wasted annually through deliberate burning and venting of natural gas, short-changes taxpayers who lose as much as $23 million in annual federal royalty payments.
Outdoor Recreation Industry, Small Businesses and Recreation Advocates Applaud Interior Department’s Final Moab Master Leasing Plan
Dec 21, 2016
This plan is a win-win for all stakeholders and marks an important milestone for the recreation industry.
BLM, local community join together for protection
Dec 9, 2016
Across the nation, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices and the local communities they serve are working together to enact smart-from-the-start planning to eliminate conflicts between resource extraction and recreation development. Master Leasing Plans (MLP), such as the Moab MLP and proposed Tres Rios MLP, are one example of this planning.
Outdoor leaders head to Washington, DC to tout business letter
Oct 21, 2016
Ashley Korenblat, Managing Director for Public Land Solutions, recently accompanied two outdoor industry business leaders to Washington, DC to present the Outdoor Industry Business Letter on Energy Reform, which was signed by 30 of the biggest outdoor companies in the nation.
30 outdoor recreation businesses applaud the Obama Administration’s approach to balanced energy development, common sense regulations
Sep 28, 2016
Download the Outdoor Industry Business letter sent to the Obama Administration regarding energy reform. Download now.
Economic and Social Benefits Resulting from the Southwest’s Largest Outdoor Climbing Festival
Aug 5, 2016
Economic and Social Benefits Resulting from the Southwest’s Largest Outdoor Climbing Festival, Contributed as much as $1 million to the Las Vegas economy
Public Land Solutions Support for Federal Coal Program Review
Aug 2, 2016
The hallmark of any successful policy is continuous evaluation and, if necessary, reform. The federal coal leasing program has not gone through a programmatic review in more than 30 years, and we applaud the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for pausing federal coal leases and taking this necessary step to ensure our public lands are managed appropriately.
Time to support common sense solutions that cut natural gas waste on our public lands
Jul 29, 2016
Reps. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Kevin McCarthy (R-California) recently sent a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewel calling on her to halt efforts to finalize the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s draft rule that would cut natural gas waste by limiting flaring and venting and ensuring modern technologies are used to address leaky equipment for oil and gas wells on public and tribal lands.
Final Moab Master Leasing Plan Brings Balanced Oil and Gas Development to Southeastern Utah
Jul 20, 2016
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today the Final Moab Master Leasing Plan that will bring balanced zoning for oil, gas and potash development in and around the Moab area, including the federal lands between Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Utah BLM Announces Master Leasing Plan for San Rafael Desert
May 19, 2016
The Bureau of Land Management issued a notice of intent on Tuesday May 17,2016 to prepare a Master Leasing Plan (MLP) for over 500,000 acres of the San Rafael desert in Southern Utah. The plan aims to consider oil and gas leasing and post-leasing development, as well as areas to be protected.
Colorado becomes first state to celebrate Public Lands Day
May 11, 2016
The Colorado state legislature recently passed a bill to officially mark the third Saturday of May as Public Lands Day. The bill sparked heated debates between Colorado’s Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-controlled House.
Community Support Builds for Proposed Tres Rios Master Leasing Plan
May 2, 2016
Local communities around the county are often faced with challenging land planning decisions. And while the decisions may not actually be theirs, it’s still vital that the local communities and citizens exercise their right to be involved in land planning processes.
BLM Announces Public Meetings as Part of Federal Coal Program Review
Apr 27, 2016
As the next step in the Department of the Interior’s comprehensive review of the federal coal program, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced the dates and locations for a series of public meetings in May and June to solicit public input.
National Park Week 2016 Marked By Positive Federal Initiatives
Apr 26, 2016
This year’s National Park Week officially wrapped up on April 24. This annual celebration of our country’s greatest public lands is a great reminder of the privilege and responsibility we have as American citizens to these resources.
County votes 4-3 to support BLM Master Leasing Plan
Nov 19, 2015
The Grand County Council, in a split vote Nov. 17, has approved a list of recommendations it will ask the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to consider as the agency finalizes its Moab Master Leasing Plan (MLP). BLM officials have said the MLP, which covers approximately 785,000 acres of local public lands, will provide a guiding document for land-use decisions, including leasing stipulations, management practices and development constraints for new oil, gas and potash leasing for the next 15 years.
Moab Sun News (11/19/15): County weighs in on Master Leasing Plan
Nov 19, 2015
If federal land managers want to know where Grand County stands on their proposed Master Leasing Plan for the greater Moab area, they only have to look back to the county council's recent discussions about eastern Utah's public lands initiative.
OIA, BlueRibbon Coalition, Public Land Solutions and more voice support for balancing recreation and energy development
Nov 16, 2015
Today, the Outdoor Industry Association, BlueRibbon Coalition, Public Land Solutions, and over 75 Utah-based business sent letters to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in support of a balanced approach to managing public lands as part of the Moab Master Leasing Plan.
Draft MLP strikes a balance for multiple uses
Oct 24, 2015
What a long way Moab has come since the 2008 controversy that made it to the pages of The New York Times, when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed 77 oil and gas leases in the Moab area close to important natural areas and popular recreation sites. The original 77-lease proposal even considered drilling just 1.3 miles from Delicate Arch.
Groups weigh in on Master Leasing Plan
Oct 24, 2015
Stakeholders and local officials have begun to weigh in on the long-awaited Moab Master Leasing Plan, which, when finalized, will regulate future oil, gas and potash development on public lands within Grand and San Juan counties. The federal effort seeks to balance the often-competing interests of resource development with recreation, tourism and the protection of scenic landscapes for which the region is famous.