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Strategic Objective

Manage Non-Energy Mineral Development

Strategic Objective

Manage non-energy mineral development.

Lead Office: BLM

Themes:

Natural Resources and Environment

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Overview
Progress Update

Overview

Non-energy minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, sodium, potash, lead, and zinc, clay, sand, gravel, and building stone, are vital components of basic industry and life in the United States and support local infrastructure and economic development.

Progress Update

The increasing number and size of exploration and mining authorizations, as well as the required analysis of complex technical and environmental issues, continues to increase the time and cost required to evaluate these authorizations. Additionally, as demand for non-energy mineral development has increased, fewer acres are available for reclamation as operators keep mines open longer, slowing the number of mined acres reclaimed annually from a high of approximately 2,200 to 1,300.

The BLM conducts the required environmental analysis of complex issues necessary to authorize use on BLM public lands, to meet the increasing demand for non-energy solid leasable minerals (especially potash and phosphate). The BLM prioritizes resources with emphasis placed on inspections and production verification to manage existing leases; any remaining time and funds have been spent on processing new non-energy mineral applications.

The FY 2015 results for non-energy mineral exploration were as expected. Mined acres reclaimed exceeded expectations when multi-year reclamation at several locatable operations met acceptance standards criteria.

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Strategic Goals

Strategic Goal:

Sustainably Manage Timber, Forage, and Non-Energy Minerals

Statement:

Interior lands designated for multiple use offer harvestable timber, grasslands for grazing, and deposits of non-energy minerals. Interior will manage these lands sustainably to enhance public benefit, promote responsible use, and generate economic value.

Strategic Objectives

Manage Timber and Forest Product Resources

Statement:

Manage timber and forest product resources.

Description:

Timber and by-product sales contribute to the economic stability of local communities and industry. Additionally, since most forest health treatments are accomplished through the sale of timber and by-products, timber and by-product sales also lead to increased forest restoration and forests maintained in healthy and desired condition.

The Public Domain Forest Management program manages over 58 million acres of forests and woodlands mainly in the western states. BLM forests and woodlands serve a variety of purposes and provide many important benefits, offering timber and other forest products and recreational opportunities that support local economies. There resources serve as valuable wildlife habitat, and play an important role in carbon storage and clean water and air. Using timber sales as a tool to restore and treat forests, the program focuses on ecosystem restoration and health, protection, and management for multiple objectives including biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development for local communities. The program also coordinates with the Wildland Fire management program to leverage funds for hazardous fuels reduction projects.

The Western Oregon Forest Management program includes all costs associated with management, maintenance, and enhancement of forests and woodlands on the public lands, including the Oregon and California (O&C) Grant lands, the Coos Bay Wagon Road lands, and Public Domain land within western Oregon, except for activities directly related to reforestation and forest development. The program offers for sale timber and other forest products in such a way as to sustain a permanent source of timber supply while also maintaining forest health.

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Provide for Sustainable Forage and Grazing

Statement:

Provide for sustainable forage and grazing.

Description:

Livestock grazing contributes to food production and adds to local economic stability, and it can be used in certain areas to maintain and improve land health by reducing hazardous fuels and minimizing the impact of catastrophic wildfires.

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