NMCGA ON THE TRAIL
By: Michelle Frost-Maynard, NMCGA

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) opened a comment period on April 3, 2023 for Conservation and Landscape Health. The rule proposes significant and concerning changes to the agency's authority under the Federal Land Management and Policy ACT. The proposal was developed with no stakeholder involvement or awareness.

BLM administers 13.5 million acres in New Mexico. It operates two National Monuments, two National Conservation Areas, five Wilderness Areas, fifty-eight Wilderness Study Areas, two National Historic Trails, one National Scenic Trail, and two Wild and Scenic Rivers, all of which are visited by many visitors each year. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, birdwatching and many more activities. BLM administrates 49.94 percent of the federal lands in New Mexico, and these lands have supported our largest industries that provide food, fiber, transportation, and heating to the citizens of our state.

When a land management agency proposes new rules and regulations or amendments to current rules and regulations, there is a process of revisions, meetings, amendments, and coordination with many local, state, and federal entities. Loren Patterson, President of New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association (NMCGA) said "This proposal is a massive undertaking and needs to have a thorough review. The 75 day comment period is not enough time to allow on-the-ground entities and parties to consider how it will affect them."

Conservation has always been linked to other uses of the land. Now, BLM is proposing this use it be its own category. "Adding conservation as a new use on federally administered lands is a significant change. Affected entities need time to study and understand how the change will affect them" Patterson stated. There are over twenty new and revised definitions in the proposed rule. NMCGA requested additional time to evaluate how these and new multi-use activities will affect grazing permits.

NMCGA is also concerned that the proposed rule has the potential to be in conflict with other statutes mandating use of BLM lands including the Taylor Grazing Act, the Mineral Leasing Act and the 1872 Mining Law. "When an agency has conflicting rules to statute, it only slows the process down for all involved and creates an adverse environment" Patterson said. "NMCGA and our members are committed to conservation of the landscape using grazing in a way that sustains ongoing uses and traditions. If we don't take care of the land, the land won't take care of our livestock" stated Patterson.

BLM is hosting public meetings on the proposed rule. In person in New Mexico will be Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 5:00- 7:00 p.m. in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 2401 12th Street NW and a Virtual meeting Monday, June 5th from 9:30-11:30am. You can register for the virtual meeting at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QwRH6XZeS6amUDI70FzriA

NMCGA requested BLM extend the comment period to a minimum of 120 days. The additional time will allow NMCGA and other affected parties time to review BLM's proposed rule. Patterson said "whether it is purchasing food, fiber, gas, or enjoying the outdoors, this proposed rule will affect 100 percent of New Mexico's citizens." He encourages everyone that uses or enjoys the outdoors on BLM lands to submit comments before the deadline of June 20, 2023.

To review the proposed rule and/or to submit comments go to https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2023- 0001-0002