A resource management plan (RMP) is a land use plan that provides the framework to guide decisions for every action and approved use on BLM-administered lands. An RMP establishes specific goals, objectives, allowable uses, management actions, and special designations for managing lands pursuant to the multiple-use and sustained yield mandate of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) (43 U.S.C. 1701–1785).

The Eastern Colorado RMP planning area encompasses more than 35 million acres of land under various jurisdictions, including 7,177,100 acres of federal mineral estate. However, the uses and actions considered in the plan only apply to 658,200 acres of BLM-administered surface land and 3,311,900 acres of BLM-administered mineral estate within the planning area. This is the decision area, for which the BLM has the authority to make planning decisions. Although the BLM administers minerals under 3,463,000 acres of National Forest System lands, those lands are not included in the decision area because the U.S. Forest Service planning process determines which of those lands are open to leasing and development and which stipulations apply.

The area covered by this plan is enormous and incredibly diverse. The complexity of accounting for those differences requires a substantial amount of time and effort. Because of the timing of that effort, it also spanned three administrations and had to be revised to incorporate the priorities of each. In the end, all of this has served to refine and improve the plan to best reflect the needs of the people it serves.

Many of the decisions in the plan were in direct response to public comment. This plan represents the best possible balance between public interests and scientific land management principles.

The plan represents a substantial effort to avoid any significant economic impacts. While some acreage is closed to mineral development, it is generally in areas with little-to-no mineral potential. Additionally, many of these proposed closures are necessary to protect sensitive wildlife habitat and areas of vital human water sources.

Colorado’s wild horses are all located outside of the area managed by this plan.

We consulted with 17 Native tribes during the developmental stages of this plan, and we maintain regular and open communications with their leaders. We continue to welcome their perspective and expertise as we manage public lands in Colorado.

The Approved Resource Management Plan takes effect on the date the Record of Decision is signed.