The Department of the Interior announced its “strategic plan for fiscal years 2026-2030,” outlining the department’s priorities for managing public lands, water and natural resources across the nation.
Guided by the vision of “Manage resources. Improve lives. Create opportunity,” the plan focuses on balancing resource development with conservation and becoming an energy-dominant nation.
“Today, managing America’s public lands and waters is more important than ever,” the plan said. “Through responsible stewardship and sustainable use of natural resources, the Department can increase opportunities for safe enjoyment of our public lands to sustain our communities, ensure a safe and secure future for the Nation, promote mental health and well-being and advance American Energy Dominance. Our lands, rich in energy and mineral resources, biodiversity, heritage and recreational value, are among the most valuable assets held in trust for current and future generations.”
The plan outlines the sale of public lands to state, local and tribal governments to reduce the amount of federal land within a state. A portion of the proceeds from the sale would be returned to the buyer and recommended to be used for conservation efforts.
According to Deseret News, the federal government owns 64% of the land in Utah, 62% of Idaho and 80% of Nevada. In total, the DOI manages 750,000 square miles of federal land in western states, including Alaska, an amount larger than Texas and California combined.
The report doesn’t name specific land parcels for sale or a timeline of proposed sales. SUU News will continue to follow public land sales as new information becomes available.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo: Don Friedman, AP News
Editor: Charlee Steed
outdoors@suunews.net
