Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, Colorado. BLM photo by Bob Wick.

August 4, 2024 - WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking additional input on public lands that should be made more accessible for recreation. Under the Dingell Act, the Department of the Interior is directed to ask for the public’s help nominating public lands that are ideal places to hunt, fish, ride, hike, or play, but that have little or no existing public access. The American public responded with enthusiasm in the first round of nominations, submitting more than 6,000 suggestions since 2020. 

“Americans love public lands and deserve access to them,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “We are grateful that thousands of passionate people on the ground are guiding BLM in our work to unlock access for hunting, fishing, and recreation.” 

Lands nominated for the BLM Dingell Act Priority Access List must be managed by the BLM, encompass at least 640 contiguous acres, and have significantly restricted or no public access. BLM would then attempt to improve access to these lands through the application of easements, rights-of-way, or land purchases from willing sellers. The agency considers the likelihood of resolving access issues before submitting nominations to Congress for funding consideration. 

As in past years, the BLM has created a new web portal. Valid suggestions must include the location of the nominated lands, total acreage affected (if known), a description or narrative describing the lack of access, and any additional information the BLM should consider. The agency will not include personal identifying information concerning owners or ownership of any nominated parcels in preparing the priority access list or related congressional reports. Nominations will be accepted until Aug. 30, 2024. 
Source: BLM