Prineville, Ore. — Portions of the Cline Buttes/Buckhorn Motorized Recreation Area will be closed Saturday, April 20, 2024, for the Technical Endurance Challenge hosted by Bend Racing. The racecourse will be closed at multiple points of entry for the safety of participants and the public. The start and end point for the race is the Buckhorn Staging Area.

Runners and bicyclists will race on portions of the off-highway vehicle trail systems on both sides of Highway 126 and the Cascade View Trail System, located west of Redmond. The closure will mostly affect the Buckhorn area, as participants traverse portions of trails 99, 93, 95, 85, 90 and Buckhorn Road. They will cross Highway 126 from Buckhorn to Barr Road, continue down Barr Road, and move into the Cascade View Trail System. Within the Cascade View Trail System, the race will use Blue Belly, Blue Belly Stem, and Stringer trails. 

OHV trails south of Highway 126, accessed from Barr Road North Staging Area, will not be closed. However,  the public should be aware of runners/bicyclists on Barr Road. Cascade View Trail System will not be closed during the race. Security will be staged at entrance points into the racecourse throughout the weekend. Flaggers and signage will also be present along both Buckhorn and Barr roads and staging areas. 

“We manage several hundred miles of trails within the Millican Plateau, North Millican, and South Millican OHV Trail Systems,” said Lisa Clark, Deschutes Field Office Manager. “This allows us the unique opportunity to permit a multi-sport race like this while also ensuring numerous other trails are still available to the public during the event.” 

Mountain bikers and hikers can use the nearby Maston trail use area. The Millican Valley OHV Trail System is an alternative site  for motorized use. It is  most easily from George-Millican Road south of Prineville.

The high-quality trails and facilities within the Cline Buttes/Buckhorn Motorized Recreation Area are collaboratively managed by the Central Oregon Combined Off Highway Vehicle Operations (COHVOPS). COHVOPS is a partnership which includes the Prineville District BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Program. 

For more information about the race, please visit Bend Racing’s website. For questions about the trail closures, please contact the Prineville District office at (541) 416-6700. 
 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Finalized rule to further promote responsible solar and wind energy development on public lands, including through 80% lower fees

WASHINGTON — The Biden-Harris administration today announced a series of historic milestones and actions to promote responsible clean energy development on public lands and help achieve President Biden’s goal of creating a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.  

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced that the Department has now permitted more than 25 gigawatts of clean energy projects – surpassing a major milestone ahead of 2025 – enough clean energy to power more than 12 million homes across the country. This includes solar, wind and geothermal projects, as well as gen-tie lines on public lands that are essential for connecting clean electricity projects on both federal and non-federal land to the grid.

“Since Day One, the Biden-Harris administration has worked tirelessly to expand responsible clean energy development to address climate change, enhance America’s energy security and create good-paying union jobs. Surpassing our goal of permitting 25 gigawatts of clean energy by 2025 underscores the significant progress we have made in helping build modern, resilient climate infrastructure that protects our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Interior Department will continue to advance projects that will add enough clean energy to the grid to power millions more homes and help ensure a livable planet for future generations.”

The Department today also announced a final Renewable Energy rule from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that will lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve renewable energy project application processes, and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands. Consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to create high-quality jobs in the clean energy economy and support American manufacturing, the final rule includes additional incentives for use of project labor agreements and American-made materials.  

“Our public lands are playing a critical role in the clean energy transition,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis. “Finalizing the Renewable Energy Rule is a significant milestone that will allow the Interior Department to continue leading the way on renewable energy while furthering President Biden’s commitment to building a clean energy economy, tackling the climate crisis, protecting lands and waters, promoting American energy security, and creating jobs in communities across the country.”

In addition, the BLM announced that two solar projects – the Arica and Victory Pass projects in California – are now fully operational, adding 465 megawatts of clean electricity to the grid. With these two projects coming online, more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy are currently being generated on public lands, powering more than 5 million homes across the West.

“Renewable energy projects like Arica and Victory Pass on public lands create good-paying jobs and are crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “Investing in clean and reliable renewable energy represents the BLM's commitment to addressing climate change. BLM personnel are working tirelessly to efficiently review and approve projects, with significant and thoughtful engagement from states, Tribes and other partners, to ensure we supply families and communities with clean energy that will lower costs and help tackle climate change.”  

Surpassed President Biden’s Goal of 25 Gigawatts by 2025 
The Department and BLM have worked diligently to review and approve dozens of new clean energy projects, including solar, wind, and geothermal projects, as well as interconnected gen-tie lines that are vital to clean energy projects proposed on non-federal land.

Today’s announcement that the Department has surpassed the goal to permit 25 gigawatts of renewable energy includes the approval of more than double the number of projects than were approved during the previous Administration. The Department has now permitted nearly 29 gigawatts of clean energy – enough to power more than 12 million homes across the country. In addition to specific project approvals, the Department has also leased eight new areas in Solar Energy Zones with the capacity to generate nearly 2.5 gigawatts of additional clean energy.  

As the Department continues its momentum to spur a clean energy future, the BLM is currently processing permits for an additional 66 utility-scale clean energy projects proposed on public lands in the western United States. These projects have the combined potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs, add more than 32 additional gigawatts of renewable energy to the western electric grid and power millions of more homes. The BLM is also undertaking a preliminary review of about 200 applications for solar and wind development, as well as more than 100 applications for solar and wind energy site area testing. The BLM continues to track this clean energy permitting progress through an online dashboard.  

These investments in a clean energy future help further the President’s Bidenomics strategy and Investing in America agenda, which are growing the American economy from the middle out and bottom up – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over half a trillion dollars in new private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating good-paying jobs and building a clean energy economy that will combat the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient.  

Finalized Renewable Energy Rule to Continue Responsible Development 
The Department today also announced the update of its renewable energy regulations to promote the development of solar and wind energy on public lands. The final Renewable Energy Rule will reduce capacity fees for these projects by 80 percent and facilitate development in priority areas by streamlining application review, delivering greater certainty for the private sector and the opportunity for more clean energy for American households.

The Energy Act of 2020 authorized the BLM to reduce acreage rents and capacity fees to promote the greatest use of wind and solar energy resources. The BLM initially reduced these fees through guidance in 2022. Today’s final rule codifies further reductions, improving financial predictability for developers pursuing long-term projects on public land.

The final Renewable Energy Rule will facilitate development in identified priority areas for wind and solar energy while maintaining appropriate flexibility to ensure a fair return for the use of public lands. It expands the BLM’s ability to accept leasing applications in these priority areas without first going through a full auction but retains the BLM’s ability to hold competitive auctions where appropriate.  

The final rule continues the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to creating American manufacturing jobs while helping to build a clean energy economy, including by providing financial incentives for developers to use project labor agreements and domestic materials. The BLM sought comment on these additional incentives in last year’s proposed rule and developed the final provisions following public feedback, including from labor unions and a wide range of clean energy industry stakeholders.  

Today’s rule also complements the BLM’s ongoing efforts to advance responsible clean energy development by updating the Western Solar Plan. The BLM is currently taking comment on a draft analysis of the Utility-Scale Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, with the goal of streamlining the BLM’s framework for siting solar energy projects across the West in order to support current and future national clean energy goals, long-term energy security, climate resilience, and improved conservation outcomes.  

Announced California Solar Projects are Fully Operational 
In another step towards achieving President Biden’s vision of a fully carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, the Department today announced the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects are both fully operational. These projects, the first two approved under the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP), are located in eastern Riverside County, California. With the completion of these two solar projects, the BLM has also surpassed 10 gigawatts of renewable energy generation from projects on public lands.

The two projects represent a combined infrastructure investment of about $689 million, will generate $5.9 million in annual operational economic benefit, provide power to nearly 139,000 homes, and add up to 465 megawatts of clean energy generating capacity and 400 megawatts of battery storage. The Department issued final approval for construction of the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects in 2022.  

The DRECP is a landscape-level plan created in collaboration with the State of California for more than 22 million acres, focused on 10.8 million acres of public lands, in the desert regions of seven California counties that balances renewable energy development with the conservation of unique and valuable desert ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities. To approve these sites for renewable energy projects, the Department and the BLM worked with Tribal governments, local communities, state regulators, industry and other federal agencies.

The BLM today also announced the beginning of construction for the Camino Solar project in Kern County, California. The 44-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility is expected to power nearly 13,400 homes. The project will employ around 150 people during peak construction, include a 34.5-kV underground electrical collector line, and connect to the existing Southern California Edison Whirlwind Substation through the Manzana Wind Substation and associated 220 kV generation-tie line.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

UPDATED with National Rivers Project link

PORTLAND, Ore, — Oregon river information is now more accessible than ever on the National Rivers Project’s recreational river map. In collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management, the River Management Society recently added or updated over 1,000 miles of Oregon rivers to the NRP website. This includes nearly 700 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, iconic whitewater reaches, and beginner-friendly sections.

“Whether you want to paddle through Oregon’s high deserts and canyons or explore the rainforests and coastal waterways, the National Rivers Project is a really convenient first stop in the planning process,” says David Ballenger, BLM Oregon/Washington Recreation Lead.

The NRP website offers intuitive search features for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Users can sort sections by difficulty and recreational amenities such as fishing, camping and boat ramps. Each listing provides river access and permit details, with links to more information.

“Recreating on Oregon rivers gives people a stronger sense of stewardship,” says Lauren Pidot, BLM Oregon/Washington National Conservation Lands Program Lead. “Visitors are interested in protecting these public resources. We’re excited to help people more easily find these opportunities.”

Some of the recently added sections are very accessible with developed launches, while others are more wild and remote. BLM rangers remind boaters to check local weather conditions, water levels and permit requirements before departing on a river trip.

“All of our river and access information is sourced and reviewed by managing agencies, so boaters can feel confident when they begin their trip planning on our website,” says James Major, NRP Coordinator. “We want to give special thanks to BLM Oregon for their invaluable assistance on this project.”

-BLM- 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

Medford, Ore. — Bureau of Land Management leaders are thrilled to introduce Serena Richelle as the 2024 Artist-in-Residence at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Richelle is a gifted scientific illustrator. She combines science and art to raise awareness about the relationships that exist between species, their importance, their endangerment, and what we can do to preserve them.

The prestigious Artist-in-Residence program invites talented creators to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the monument and create works that celebrate its unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
 

“I am so excited by the opportunity to be inspired by and make art about the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument’s unique ecology,” said Richelle. “This is a dream come true and I look forward to every part of this adventure.”
 

Richelle will spend two-weeks in the Monument this June. She’ll be surrounded by the lush forests, rugged mountains, and pristine waters that define this remarkable landscape. She will have the opportunity to explore the monument, sketch, paint, and create in an environment that inspires creativity. You can follow Richelle on Instagram @serena_richelle. 
 

As part of her residency, Richelle will host a public presentation. Additional information about the presentation will be available in the coming weeks. Samples of Richelle’s completed artwork will become part of CSNM’s collection, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of art, conservation, and public lands.
 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Buck Prairie Winter Trail System in Cascade Siskiyou National Monument covered in fresh snow. BLM photo.

Draft Monument plan protects region’s exceptional biodiversity, responds to fire risk 

MEDFORD, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management today released a draft update to the management plan for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The Monument, which sits at the intersection of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southwest Oregon and Northern California, is the first U.S. national monument set aside primarily for the preservation of biodiversity. Originally established by Presidential Proclamation in 2000, Cascade-Siskiyou was expanded in 2017. The Monument is managed under BLM’s National Conservation Lands.

The BLM’s draft plan will allow the BLM to consolidate management of the Monument, currently addressed under three separate management plans, providing consistency for the BLM and the public. The draft plan updates Bureau management for the entire Monument to protect important biological, historic, and public resources, including objects of scientific interest, while addressing important resource issues, such as fire and fuels, wildlife, livestock grazing, and recreation. The draft also proposes to designate two areas of critical environmental concern within the Monument, covering roughly 354 acres.

“We appreciate how unique and important this landscape is, not just for Oregon, but for the entire United States,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director. “We look forward to hearing from the public about how we might better manage this landscape. Your input is essential as we work to refine this updated and expanded management plan.” 

A Notice of Availability for the draft resource management plan update publishes in the Federal Register tomorrow, kicking off a 90-day public comment period for the draft plan and associated draft environmental impact statement.  

BLM will host one virtual and three in-person public meetings on the proposed plan. Members of the public will have an opportunity to meet with specialists to learn more about the draft plan and provide substantive comments. More information regarding the public meetings will be posted to the events section of BLM's website when available.  

Interested parties may also submit written comments to BLM through the following methods:

Online via the “participate now” feature at the BLM National NEPA Register.

By mail to BLM Medford District Office, ATTN: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Planning, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504.

The comment period closes on July 5, 2024, or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later.

For more information or questions, contact the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument RMP Team at 458-246-8861 or blm_csnm_rmp@blm.gov. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

WASHINGTON – In support of access to reliable high-speed internet service for every American, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is updating regulations for developing and operating broadband infrastructure on public lands. The final rule on Broadband Authorization, Cost Recovery, and Vegetation Management for Fire Risk Management also reduces fire risk along power lines.

“Internet access is essential in an increasingly digital world, and ensuring that every American has reliable, high-speed access is a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration,” said Tracy Stone-Manning, BLM Director. “Internet opens the door to job opportunities, educational resources, health care information, government services, and social networks. By making it easier for service providers to put communications infrastructure on public lands, BLM is helping to ensure communities across America are connected.”

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration is committing $83.1 billion to provide affordable, reliable high-speed internet to everyone in the United States.

As the nation’s largest land manager, BLM plays a major role in connecting communities to the internet in the Western United States. Updates in this final rule provide consistency in BLM’s review of applications to locate communications facilities on Federal land, allow project applications to be submitted electronically, and commit the agency to making a decision on applications within 270 days.

The rule also addresses the risks of wildfire to and from powerlines on BLM-managed public lands. Hazard trees and other vegetation near transmission and distribution lines can be ignition points for fires or become fuel for fires that start elsewhere. Clarifying requirements for vegetation management will enhance public safety while helping protect investments in infrastructure and resources on public lands.

In addition, the rule updates BLM’s cost recovery fee schedule for authorizing broadband projects, which will help ensure the BLM is fairly compensated for its work.

There are approximately 1,500 communications sites on BLM-managed lands, many of which include towers for cellular and wireless services. Additionally, BLM administers 5,000 miles of energy corridors for power transmission (connected to 1,000 miles of similar corridors on U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service lands), which are compatible with uses such as fiber optics and phone lines.

For more information on the BLM broadband rule, visit www.blm.gov/broadband-rule. For more information about BLM’s efforts to build and secure the nation’s infrastructure, visit our infrastructure site.

–BLM–

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations