BLM reopens the Rock Springs RMP for additional input
The Rock Springs area, located in the southwest part of the state is distinctly Wyoming, with rugged badlands and sagebrush expanses that extend seemingly endlessly into deep aspen groves. These vast landscapes support immense populations of wildlife such as Greater Sage-Grouse, mule deer, elk, antelope, cutthroat trout and more. The Sublette mule deer and antelope migration corridors, some of the longest documented ungulate migrations in the world also traverse this landscape. Additionally, this part of the state supplies abundant natural resources, such as trona and oil and gas, that we rely on in our everyday lives.
In early October, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their intention to amend the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP), a plan that was implemented in late 2024. The Rock Springs RMP applies to 3.6 million acres of public BLM land and directs management for virtually everything that occurs on that land, including energy extraction, recreation, and wildlife habitat. The amendment process is currently in the ‘scoping’ period and the BLM is still determining what specific aspects of the plan to change. Per the agency press release, they will be reevaluating mineral restrictions and special management designations to better align with Executive Order 1414, Unleashing American Energy.
The History of the Rocks Springs RMP
The Wyoming Wildlife Federation and our partners worked diligently for over a decade to ensure balanced land management was implemented in the Rock Springs area. Our management recommendations emphasised conserving the most valuable wildlife habitat like those found in the Greater Little Mountain Area, the Big Sandy Foothills and the Jack Morrow Hills, while also allowing for responsible energy development, which local communities rely on. It was a long road and a lot of work, but we believe the current plan strikes that balance well.
Why Does This Matter?
Amending the RMP could mean that the balance achieved in the current Rock Springs Plan is upset. This could lead to development encroaching on valuable wildlife habitat. Antelope hunters could see further declines in populations, and anglers could see cold water fisheries disrupted.
The cornerstone of public land management is that the public has a say and the public has had a lot to say about the Rock Springs RMP. Prior to implementing the current plan, the BLM offered a 150 day comment period and received nearly 40,000 comments. Additionally, Governor Gordon assembled a stakeholder task force to work through the most controversial aspects of the plan. Many aspects of the original draft plan were adjusted due to public comment and roughly eighty percent of the task force recommendations were included in the current plan.
Your Voice can have an Impact - Again
Now it is time to make your voice heard again. Public comments will be accepted on the BLMs website through December 18. Click here to comment.
The BLM is also planning a public meeting for December 3 at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs from 3-6pm.
Suggested Talking Points:
- Please retain management actions for the Greater Little Mountain area, including those discussed in the Governor’s Task Force, to ensure the incredible wildlife, hunting and fishing resources in the region are conserved into the future.
- To support iconic migrations, please retain management that is consistent with Wyoming’s executive order 2020-1, Wyoming Mule Deer and Antelope Migration Corridor Protection Executive Order.
- Big game crucial winter areas, parturition areas, stopover areas, and migration corridors should be recognized in the plan, and surface disturbing activities should be avoided.