Public Lands News (April 7 - 11)

This week’s public lands update covers developments from April 3 through April 11, with a quick rewind to catch a few major stories we missed last week (because hey, I'm just a girl, and the news cycle waits for no one)

Topics Covered This Week:

• On April 3rd, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued a memo that designates 112 million acres of National Forest lands as part of an “emergency”
• Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum quietly issued Order No. 3426, requiring all national park closures or service changes to be approved by political leadership in D.C. (even those made for urgent safety reasons.)
• One day after the order, National Park Service employees received another “Fork in the Road” buyout offer, asking staff to resign by midnight on April 9.
• During the Senate’s budget reconciliation vote-a-rama on April 6, a proposed amendment to ban the sale of public lands failed, 48 to 51. On April 10, the House passed the reconciliation in a 216 - 214 vote.
• On April 8th, the Department of the Interior announced that the Colosseum Mine in California can resume mining operations under its existing Bureau of Land Management-approved plan.
• On April 8, 2025, the Interior Department also revealed a set of actions to revitalize the coal industry, emphasizing coal as a cornerstone of American energy dominance.
• The next day on April 9th, the Department of the Interior announced more than $13 million in grants aimed at revitalizing coal country by reclaiming abandoned mine lands in North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.
• On April 9th, over 60 outdoor industry companies have come together under a new coalition, Brands for Public Lands, to fight the increasing threats facing America’s wild landscapes.
• Two major announcements dropped on April 10th from the Department of the Interior that together mark a sharp acceleration in fossil fuel development.
• Phase 2 of the Agency Reorganization and Reduction Plan is due April 14, and more federal layoffs and budget cuts could follow.

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Links & Resources:

• • https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sm-1078-006.pdf
  • https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/04/04/secretary-rollins-announces-sweeping-reforms-protect-national-forests-and-boost-domestic-timber https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/usdas-logging-emergency-cover-widespread-forest-destruction 
  • https://www.nrdc.org/media/executive-orders-direct-massive-expansion-logging-public-lands
  • https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3426-ensuring-national-parks-are-open-and-accessible 
  • https://www.npca.org/articles/7868-parks-group-warns-secretary-burgum-s-order-will-endanger-park-visitors-and
  • https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/4/8/public-land-sell-offs-back-on-the-table-in-budget-reconciliation
  • https://www.npca.org/articles/7967-trump-administration-promotes-unauthorized-mining-in-mojave-national 
  • https://www.blm.gov/announcement/colosseum-mine-california-given-go-ahead-continue-mining-operation
  • https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-moves-restore-coal-industry
  • https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-disburses-over-13-million-revitalize-coal-communities
  • https://conservationalliance.com/2025/04/businesses-unite-to-defend-public-lands/ 
  • https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/deepening-our-commitment-to-public-lands
  • https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-announces-major-increase-gulf-america-oil-and-gas-reserves 
  • http://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-will-no-longer-pursue-lengthy-analysis-oil-and-gas-leasing-decisions-seven
  • https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/latest-memos/guidance-on-agency-rif-and-reorganization-plans-requested-by-implementing-the-president-s-department-of-government-efficiency-workforce-optimization-initiative.pdf