Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar gave Wilderness lovers an unexpected gift over the holidays by overturning the Bureau of Land Management’s so-called “No New Wilderness” policy from 2003. The policy, constructed by then-Interior Secretary Gale Norton and the State of Utah, put a halt on inventory of wilderness-quality lands in all 50 states.
With Salazar’s recent decision, the BLM and citizens’ groups can resume inventory of wilderness-quality public lands. The BLM will once again be able to place temporary protections on these crucial areas, and consider them for Wilderness designation. This is a huge step forward for 2011!
Stay tuned for more updates on this issue. Of course, there is already pushback from the oil and gas industry. Also, while Salazar’s affirmation of “Wild Lands” is a great step forward, it remains to be seen how the BLM will carry out this new directive. We’ll be working hard in the coming months to make sure new inventories and designations are pursued!
READ MORE:
Santa Fe New Mexican Editorial 1/1/11: “Salazar Opens Doors To Wilderness Protection”
NY Times Editorial 12/28/10: “A New Day for Wilderness”
NM Wild’s annual Wild Guide is an indispensable guide to the best and wildest places in New Mexico. More info