American Rivers Statement on Repeal of Public Lands Rule

Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org  

WASHINGTON D.C. — In response to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) plans to repeal the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, American Rivers issued the following statement:   

“When river systems are healthy, they serve as critical natural infrastructure that provide clean drinking water, reduce flooding, and act as fire breaks and wildlife refuges, and the Public Lands Rule was a step in the right direction in achieving these benefits for all,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “Clean water is our most valuable asset on public lands, and we must be better at managing and protecting our investment. This is a disappointing move that will slow much-needed progress.” 

Adopted in 2024 to help protect and restore healthy landscapes and wildlife habitat, the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, commonly referred to as the Public Lands Rule, balanced conservation on BLM lands with mining and other extractive uses under the agency’s multiple-use mandate. The rule also included important river conservation measures and created the Watershed Condition Framework to track water quality and health across BLM lands. 

The BLM manages approximately 8 percent of the nation’s rivers and streams, which account for drinking water sources for 1 in 10 Americans. The impacts of the rescission will risk the health of watersheds across the nation. It will also be felt by recreationists who rely on access to clean water for fishing, boating, and more.

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American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers®. AmericanRivers.org