Why do some management decisions overlap areas (layering) in the plan?
The Bureau of Land Management has different tools that allow us to manage areas for different purposes. For this reason, management decisions may overlap areas in the plan. An example would be the Range Creek area in the Bookcliffs. The State of Utah manages a narrow strip of property and has gated the area. They are considering offering educational programs in the future. The BLM public lands in the area are Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs). These areas are protected, but do not necessarily prescribe managing for educational program. In order to be consistent with the state property and still maintain the wilderness values, Range Creek is being proposed as an Area of Critical Environment Concern. This land would remain a WSA until Congress decides to designate it or not as Wilderness; however, under the ACEC designation the Bureau could manage and partner with the state for educational programs.
