The BLM is releasing the signed Record of Decision for the Missoula Resource Management Plan.  The Plan provides management goals, objectives, and direction for about 163,000 acres of surface lands primarily in the Missoula, Granite and Powell counties; and approximately 250,000 acres of subsurface lands in Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Sanders Counties.

 Key Points

 The Record of Decision/ Approved Resource Management Plan is substantially similar to the Proposed RMP with a few minor changes.

·     The Approved RMP includes three Backcountry Conservation Areas, four Special Recreation Management Areas, a Research Natural Area, and a corridor for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. 

·     The Approved RMP emphasizes recreation (hunting, mountain biking, snowmobiling, hiking, river-related, and Garnet Ghost Town), special status species and big game habitat management, timber products, and          fire resiliency through more  active vegetation management. 

·     The BLM conducted early engagement in Endangered Species Act consultation and is closely coordinating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.