February brought steady movement across a number of issues that directly affect livestock producers on federal lands. From strengthening cooperative monitoring to advancing key legislative priorities, the month underscored the importance of keeping practical, producer‑focused solutions at the center of federal land and wildlife policy.
One of the most meaningful developments was the finalization of a new memorandum of understanding between the Public Lands Council (PLC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperative monitoring on BLM grazing allotments and outlines mutually approved data‑collection methods. It also creates a clear pathway for permittee‑collected data to be incorporated into agency decision‑making with the same weight as agency‑collected information. Building on the similar agreement PLC reached with the U.S. Forest Service in 2022, this new MOU reinforces the shared commitment to recognizing permittee expertise and expanding rangeland monitoring capacity at a time when federal agencies face significant resource constraints.
As agencies work to modernize their processes, the Department of the Interior finalized its updated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures and published them in the Federal Register. These updates complete DOI’s transition to the government‑wide NEPA changes issued earlier in 2025 and are intended to bring greater clarity and consistency to environmental reviews across the Department. Attention also turned to the management of wild horses and burros. BLM and the U.S. Forest Service opened applications for six positions on the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, with nominations due April 11, 2026.
Wildlife policy remained a major focus throughout the month. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized the court‑ordered delisting of both the northern and southern distinct population segments of the lesser prairie‑chicken. While the immediate regulatory burden tied to the listing is lifted, the Service simultaneously initiated a new 12‑month petition finding process and opened a 30‑day public comment period to gather updated scientific and commercial information. Producers in affected states should expect continued attention to habitat conditions and conservation measures as the agency evaluates new data.
On Capitol Hill, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the nomination of Steve Pearce to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Senators questioned Pearce on his past positions related to public lands and permitting, and stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of having confirmed leadership at BLM as the agency navigates major decisions affecting grazing, permitting, and land management.
Congress also continued its work on permitting reform, an issue that remains central for producers across the West. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has begun drafting the Water Resources Development Act, which has historically served as a vehicle for Western water priorities. At the same time, the Senate is considering the SPEED Act as part of broader permitting reform efforts. PLC remains an active member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Permit America to Build Coalition, which recently urged congressional leadership to modernize federal permitting laws to reduce delays and litigation risk.
The month also saw important progress on grazing policy. Ty Checketts, President of the Association of National Grasslands and PLC board member, testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining in support of S.2787, the Grasslands Grazing Act of 2025. The bill would ensure that ranchers who graze on national grasslands receive the same due‑process protections under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) as other federal grazing permit holders. In the House, the Natural Resources Committee advanced Congresswoman Hageman’s companion bill with bipartisan support, and it now awaits consideration by the full chamber. March is shaping up to be an especially active month, with major legislative work, agency actions, and ongoing rulemaking all moving at once. These next few weeks will require strong engagement from producers across the West, and there will be no shortage of opportunities to connect with congressional delegations and reinforce the livestock industry’s priorities. Staying involved and staying vocal will be essential as we work together to secure durable, practical outcomes for the months ahead.
Garrett Edmonds PLC Director – 2026
