Conservationists have embraced the Biden administration’s America the Beautiful Initiative, which would set aside about a third of America’s lands for conservation by 2030.
But it will need help from one agency in particular.
The initiative calls for a collaboration of government agencies, tribes and private landowners to preserve lands for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat.
It would also help combat climate change.
Because the Bureau of Land Management oversees more land than any other agency in the country, it could play a major role in the initiative, said Michael Carroll of the Wilderness Society.
“If the Biden administration is really going to get to achieving their goals around the America the Beautiful Initiative, it really requires the BLM across the country to take bold steps towards protecting the lands that they already manage.”
He said that some offices could meet conservation targets by updating their management plans.
The agency oversees about 12 million acres in Arizona.
