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03-20-06
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands and National Forests SUMMARY
The 109th Congress is considering issues related to the public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the national forests managed by the Forest Service (FS). The Administration is addressing issues through budgetary, regulatory, and other actions. Several key issues of congressional and administrative interest are covered here. Energy Resources. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 affects energy development on federal lands in a variety of ways. Significant new regulations are expected in response to the law, including changes to the federal oil, gas, and coal leasing programs and application of environmental laws to certain energy-re- lated agency actions. Wild Horses and Burros. Controversial changes to the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 gave the agencies author- ity to sell certain old and unadoptable animals and removed the ban on selling wild horses and burros and their remains for commercial products. BLM has resumed animal sales with provisions to prevent their slaughter. Bills have been introduced to overturn the changes (H.R. 297/S. 576) and to foster adop- tions and sales (H.R. 2993/S. 1273).
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Wilderness. Many wilderness recom- mendations for federal lands are pending. Questions persist about wilderness review and managing wilderness study areas (WSAs). Bills to designate areas have been introduced, and the 109th Congress may address wilder- ness review and WSA protection. Wildfire Protection. The Healthy Forests Restoration Act, President Bush's Healthy Forests Initiative, and other provi- sions may help protect communities from wildfires by expediting fuel reduction. Some believe that more effort is needed; others are concerned that current and additional stream- lining will increase timber sales and damage the environment. Legislation for research and post-fire rehabilitation of federal lands is being considered. The 109th Congress also has held hearings on fire protection and on litiga- tion over fuel treatments and use of fire retar- dant. Other Issues. The Administration and Congress are addressing other issues as well, including grazing management, hardrock mining, FS NEPA categorical exclusions, national forest roadless areas, federal land sales, and R.S. 2477 rights of way. The Library of Congress CRS
