Don Simpson, Director of the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, signed the Record of Decision Thursday for the agency's Lander Resource Management Plan. Simpson said the Plan updates a nearly 30-year old document based on best available science, landscape-level planning and public comment.

Governor Matt Mead said it is the first of the BLM’s resource management plans to address management of important greater sage-grouse habitat.

In addition, the Lander plan protects congressionally designated scenic and historic trails, and establishes BLM’s first master leasing plan to balance development of energy resources while protecting biologically important lands and natural areas.

U.S. BLM Director Neil Kornze said "we appreciate the close cooperation of the State of Wyoming and other partners in developing this balanced plan that provides opportunities for energy and minerals development, as well as protection for wildlife, cultural properties, and special areas.”

The approved plan, last revised in 1987, provides direction for managing about 2.4 million acres of BLM-administered surface land and 2.8 million acres of BLM-administered sub-surface mineral estate, primarily in Fremont County, Wyoming.

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