Zinke to BLM: We Need More Local Input

Statement

Last week, Congressman Ryan Zinke led fourteen of his House colleagues to strongly urge the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to increase opportunities for local input in critical land management decisions. In a letter to BLM Director Neil Kornze, Members emphasized how problematic Washington, DC's "one-size-fits-all" approach has been on states with expansive federal land reserves. The agency has consistently removed control and consideration from local communities, thereby failing to manage its assets effectively. Just last month, Congressman Zinke held a town hall meeting in Malta where over 150 concerned citizens showed up to voice their concerns over the proposed Flat Creek Allotment Change in Use. These same frustrations were echoed regarding Yellowstone National Park's Bison Quarantine Plan. In both scenarios, Congressman Zinke successfully led efforts with Senator Steve Daines to extend the comment period to allow for maximum local input.

"Lack of local input has become a cornerstone of the BLM's operations," Zinke said. "The blame doesn't fall on the agency alone. Congress has passed legislation over the past 80 years that has given the federal government powers that deprive local communities from having a say in these land management decisions. It doesn't matter if it's a grazing permit change-in-use or recreational access -- at the end of the day, those who are impacted the most are not included in the decision-making process. We need to ensure there is not only more transparency behind these decisions, but also adequate time and opportunities for stakeholder participation. My colleagues and I agree something must change for the betterment of our constituents."

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