From WikiFAQUnited States Bureau of Land ManagementRelated Topics
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What is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)?The BLM is an agency in the Department of Interior, in the US government. The BLM manages 264 million acres of surface acres of public lands located primarily in the 12 Western States, including Alaska. The agency manages an additional 300 million acres of below ground mineral estate located throughout the country. Originally, these lands were valued principally for the commodities extracted from them; today, the public also prizes them for their recreational opportunities and their natural, historical, and cultural resources they contain. How does the BLM manage the public lands?The BLM administers public lands within a framework of numerous laws. The most comprehensive of these is the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA). All Bureau policies, procedures and management actions must be consistent with FLPMA and the other laws that govern use of the public lands. It is the mission of the Bureau of Land Management to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. What is FLPMA?The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 declared it the policy of the United States that: "....the public lands be retained in Federal ownership, unless as a result of the land use planning procedure provided in this Act, it is determined that disposal of a particular parcel will serve the national interest..." Through FLPMA, Congress made it clear that the public lands should be held in public ownership and managed for "multiple use," defined as: "...the management of the public lands and their various resource values so that they are utilized in the combination that will best meet the present and future needs for the American people..."
What recreational opportunities do BLM's public lands offer?
Where can I get more information about recreational use on public land?
Am I entitled to free land from the BLM?
What about homesteading?
I have seen an advertisement that says I can obtain low-cost land from the BLM. Is this true?No. The BLM occasionally sells land - but only at fair market value, as required by law. The advertisement by private companies not associated with the Federal government may ask you to send in money for information about how to buy land for $1.25 an acre (or a similarly low figure). The BLM recommends that you read carefully any advertisement on this subject and be cautious about sending money. The BLM will provide you free and accurate information about land sales. How does the BLM select land that might be sold?Through its land-use planning process, the BLM identifies parcels of land for potential sale that fall into one of the following categories:
May I select a specific parcel of BLM-managed public land that I am interested in purchasing?No. You may bid only for those parcels that the BLM has decided to sell on a competitive-bid basis.
Are there any lands for sale in the East?No. Sales of BLM managed lands take place only in the Western States Does the BLM sell buildings?No. The General Services Administration administers the sale of all surplus Federal property. I heard that I could get land if I have a mining claim. Is that true?No. Although current law allows you to stake a mining claim on Federal lands that are open to mineral entry, beginning in 1994 and in each subsequent year, Congress declared a moratorium on applying for a mineral patent to a properly located and recorded mining claim. While this moratorium is in effect, the BLM cannot accept mineral patent applications. You may obtain further information on locating mining claims from any BLM State Office. How can I get a copy of a land or mineral patent?You may obtain microfilm copies of land and mineral patents from any BLM State Office Information Center at a cost of $1.10 per page. In addition, some land patent records are available for selected states on the BLM's Web site (http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/). How can I get additional information?You should contact your local BLM office. You can obtain the address from the BLM's Web site or call 202-452-5125. How can I obtain BLM maps?A map index and order form are available at any BLM State Office to assist you in your selection, or if you'd prefer we will mail you copies. At this time we cannot accept orders over the Internet but hope to in the future. How much do BLM maps cost?All maps are $4 each, plus postage. What is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?The Freedom of information Act (FOIA) was enacted in 1966, and it generally provides that any person has a right of access to Federal agency records. This right of access is enforceable in court except for those records that are protected from disclosure by the nine exemptions to the FOIA. What information is available under the FOIA?FOIA provides access to agency records generated by that agency (or releasable portions of those records) except those protected from release by nine specific exemptions. The following are the nine FOIA exemptions and the information they cover:
How long will it take to answer my request?Federal agencies are required to answer your request for information within 20-working days of receipt of your request at the office responsible for the records (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays). For FOIA request received by e-mail, the "receipt" date is considered the date the e-mail message is opened by the Bureau responsible for the information. Sometimes an agency may need more than 20-working days to find the records, examine them, possibly consult with other persons or agencies, and decide whether it will disclose the records requested. If so, the agency is required to inform you before the deadline. Agencies have the right to extend this period up to 10 more working days. How do I locate and file a mining claim?Before you can locate a claim, you must determine if the lands are, in fact, open to location. You can find this out at any BLM office. No claims can be staked in areas closed to mineral entry under certain acts, regulations, or public land orders. We refer to these as withdrawn lands. The BLM State Offices and Field Offices have appropriate land and mineral status maps and records for you to make this determination, and they are readily available for your inspection. On lands open to location, you may prospect and properly locate claims and sites. If lands have already been claimed, you may want to find another location. Most State Offices maintain a record of these locations on microfiche. They are available by geographic index, serial number index, claim name index, and claimant's index. The district offices also have geographic and claimant indices for your use. If your parcel of land is open to location, the next step is staking the claim. Federal law specifies that claim boundaries must be distinctly and clearly marked to be readily identifiable. Individual state statues have more detailed requirements for marking boundaries. For specific state requirements contact the local BLM State Office. What documentation is required this year?Records of mining claims--location certificates for claims and sites must be recorded with BOTH the county recorder's office as well as the BLM State Office. Briefly, the state's deadlines for locations are:
How can I participate in the Government’s oil and gas lease "lottery"?The Simultaneous Oil and Gas leasing program, which some referred to as a "lottery," ended with the passage of the Reform Act of 1987. Now, the BLM's oil and gas leasing program is a competitive-based process. You or your representative must be present to bid. Any parcel that does not receive a bid at an oral auction is available on a first-come, first-served basis for two years following the day of the sale. However, all offers made for unsold parcels filed the day after the sale are considered simultaneously filed, and, where more than one filing is received on a parcel, a public drawing is held to select a winner. Some people may refer to this day-after process as a "lottery," as well. Please note that the BLM has received reports that some companies and individuals have misrepresented the BLM's oil and gas leasing program in their advertisements. We recommend that you be aware of the risks before making any investments. How much does a competitive oil and gas lease cost?Bidding starts at $2 per acre or fraction. Annual rental at $1.50 per acre or fraction must be paid at the beginning of each lease year, unless oil or gas in paying quantities is produced on or for the benefit of the lease. High bidders must also pay a $75 administrative fee for each parcel they win. How valuable will my oil and gas lease be?The Federal Government does not certify that the lands available for lease are prospectively valuable for oil or gas, or to the value of any lease that it issues. The marketplace determines the value, if any, of the lands placed for sale and leases issued. How can I get a lease on a first-come, first-served basis (a noncompetitive lease)?You can file a noncompetitive lease offer with the BLM State Office that has jurisdiction over the state in which the lands are located. (See Directory.) The lands in your offer must have been through a competitive sale within the last two years or they will have to go through one before your offer can be accepted. You must submit a nonrefundable filing fee of $75 and the advanced first year's rental at $1.50 per acre or fraction for each offer your make. If the BLM rejects your offer, only the advanced rent will be refunded. How long is an oil and gas lease issued for?The BLM issues oil and gas leases for a primary or initial term of 10 years. Annual rental must be paid on time for each of those years unless royalty on production becomes due. You do not have to pay both rental and royalty. Can I renew my oil and gas lease for an additional period of time beyond the primary term?No. A lease will continue beyond its primary term only under certain conditions which include:
I am not a citizen of the United States. Can I own a Federal oil and gas lease?You may not hold any interest in a Federal oil and gas lease in your own name. You may hold interest only through stock ownership in a United States corporation. Is it true the BLM sells wild horses and burros?What are wild horses and burros?A wild horse or burro is an unbranded, unclaimed, free-roaming horse or burro found on BLM or U.S. Forest Service administered land in the western United States. Wild horses and burros are descendants of animals released by or escaped from Spanish explorers, ranchers, miners, soldiers, or Native Americans. Why does the Federal Government offer wild horses and burros for adoption?The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are responsible for the management and protection of wild horses and burros on public lands. Federal protection and a scarcity of natural predators results in thriving herds that increase in population each year. What kinds of wild horses and burros are available for adoption?Wild horses are of no particular breed, but some exhibit characteristics associated with specific breeds. A typical wild horse stands about 13 to 15 hands (52-60") and weighs about 700 to 1,100 pounds. Horses are generally solid in color and predominantly sorrels, bays, or browns, although all colors occur. Horses offered for adoption range from several months to nine years of age. Most horse are five years or younger. Burros average about 11 hands (44") and weigh about 500 pounds. They are usually gray in color, although brown and black animals may be available on occasion. Jacks and jennies of all ages are made available for adoption. How wild is a wild horse or burro?When a wild horse or burro is offered for adoption it probably hasn't been more than 90 days since it was running in the wild. Therefore, they are not accustomed to people. With kindness and patience, they can be gentled and trained for many uses. How many wild horses and burros are available for adoption?Between 6,000 and 8,000 horses and 500 to 1,000 burros are offered for adoption each year. The number of burros offered for adoption is much lower because the population and habitat of the wild burro is smaller. What does it cost to adopt a wild horse or burro?The adoption fee for each wild horse and for each wild burro is $125. The is no adoption fee for unweaned foals if they are adopted with their mother. Adopters are responsible for all cost following the adoption including recapture of escaped animals. Adoption fees are non-refundable. If I adopt a wild horse or burro am I responsible for the gentling?Yes. The adopter is responsible for gentling the wild horse or burro; although there are some exceptions. Canyon City, CO has a gentling program with a prison in Colorado where inmates are allowed to gentle wild horses and burros. Other states may offer gentling programs, but generally the adopter is responsible. What does it cost to care for a wild horse or burro?The annual cost of caring for a wild horse or burro can range from $300 to $1,000 or more depending on local costs and conditions. The adoption fee will be the smallest expense. Where can I learn more about horses or burros?There is a wealth of reading and viewing material on wild horses and burros. Libraries, book stores, video stores, tack stores, and feed stores have books pamphlets, and videos for sale, rent or free for the asking. You can also read more about this subject on the web at the BLM's official website for the Adopt-A-Horse program: http://www.adoptahorse.blm.gov. Where can I adopt a wild horse or burro?Adoptions take place at locations across the United States. Some BLM locations, prison training program facilities, and BLM contract facilities have horses available year round. Adoptions also occur at satellite (temporary) adoption centers throughout the nation. Have the animals received medical care?Every wild horse and burro offered for adoption is examined by a veterinarian. Each animal receives all necessary medical treatment, is tested for disease, immunized, and wormed. A record of the animal's medical history, including a negative coggins, is given to each adopter. How many animals can I adopt?A qualified person can adopt up to four wild horses or burros within a twelve month period. The BLM can approve the adoption of more than four animals if the adopter can prove they have the facilities and the financial ability to humanely care for all animals. However, an adopter may not receive title to more than four animals within a twelve month period. How can I qualify to adopt a wild horse or burro?You must be at least 18 years old, be a resident of the United States, and have no convictions for inhumane treatment of animals. You must also have, or have arranged for, adequate facilities and the financial means to provide for the number of animals adopted. An individual who has expressed an intent to commercially exploit the wild nature of a wild horse or burro may not adopt a wild horse or burro. How can I adopt an animal?Complete an application and mail it to the BLM office serving your area. If you wish to adopt at a different location, send your application, and a note explaining why, to the office serving that location. You will be contacted during the application review process. If your application is approved, you will be notified of upcoming adoptions. At the adoption you may have the opportunity to adopt at least one animal. If and when you adopt you will be required to sign a contract, agreeing to provide humane care and treatment for each animal you adopt. Will the animal belong to me or the Federal Government?A wild horse or burro belongs to the government until the BLM issues a title to an adopter. When the adopter signs an adoption contract he/she automatically applies for title to an animal. After one year, BLM will send the adopter a Title Eligibility Letter. The adopter must obtain a statement from a qualified person (such as a veterinarian, county extension agent, or humane society representative verifying that the adopter has provided humane treatment. The adopter must return the Title Eligibility Letter and the humane treatment statement to BLM. BLM will then mail the title to the adopter. There are no additional fees involved in the title process. What facilities are required for a wild horse or burro?
What restrictions are there on using my adopted animal?In general there are no Federal restrictions on how you use your adopted wild horse or burro, other than a wild horse or burro cannot be exploited for commercial purposes that take advantage of the wildness of the animal. After leaving the range all wild animals are protected by state livestock and humane treatment laws. What should I bring to the adoption?
What kind of trailer is required to transport a wild horse or burro?Adopters must provide transportation for their animal from the adoption site to the new home. Another person may transport the animal, but all trailers must meet these standards:
Stock trailers are preferred, but other trailers that meet the standards may be used. Drop ramp and two horse trailers are strongly discouraged; some adoption centers may refuse to load a horse into a trailer so equipped. All trucks and trailers may be inspected by BLM before loading. If you have questions about the suitability of a trailer call the BLM office before adoption day. What should I feed my animal?Good quality grass hay is adequate for a wild horse or burro. Horses and burros are very sensitive to abrupt changes in when and what they're fed. Additional information about feeding your new friend will be available at the adoption. Your veterinarian can also provide information on proper care and feeding. What are some tips I should know before the adoption?
How can I adopt an animal?Complete an application and mail it to the BLM office serving your area. If you wish to adopt at a different location, send your application, and a note explaining why, to the office serving that location. You will be contacted during the application review process. If your application is approved, you will be notified of upcoming adoptions. At the adoption you may have the opportunity to adopt at least one animal. If and when you adopt you will be required to sign a contract, agreeing to provide humane care and treatment for each animal you adopt. Will the animal belong to me or the Federal Government?A wild horse or burro belongs to the government until the BLM issues a title to an adopter. When the adopter signs an adoption contract he/she automatically applies for title to an animal. After one year, BLM will send the adopter a Title Eligibility Letter. The adopter must obtain a statement from a qualified person (such as a veterinarian, county extension agent, or humane society representative verifying that the adopter has provided humane treatment. The adopter must return the Title Eligibility Letter and the humane treatment statement to BLM. BLM will then mail the title to the adopter. There are no additional fees involved in the title process. What facilities are required for a wild horse or burro?Newly adopted wild horses or burros must be kept in an enclosed corral with a minimum area of 400 square feet (20' by 20' or larger) per animal. This amount of space allows an animal to exercise.
What restrictions are there on using my adopted animal?In general there are no Federal restrictions on how you use your adopted wild horse or burro, other than a wild horse or burro cannot be exploited for commercial purposes that take advantage of the wildness of the animal. After leaving the range all wild animals are protected by state livestock and humane treatment laws. What should I bring to the adoption?
What kind of trailer is required to transport a wild horse or burro?Adopters must provide transportation for their animal from the adoption site to the new home. Another person may transport the animal, but all trailers must meet these standards:
Stock trailers are preferred, but other trailers that meet the standards may be used. Drop ramp and two horse trailers are strongly discouraged; some adoption centers may refuse to load a horse into a trailer so equipped. All trucks and trailers may be inspected by BLM before loading. If you have questions about the suitability of a trailer call the BLM office before adoption day. What should I feed my animal?Good quality grass hay is adequate for a wild horse or burro. Horses and burros are very sensitive to abrupt changes in when and what they're fed. Additional information about feeding your new friend will be available at the adoption. Your veterinarian can also provide information on proper care and feeding. What are some tips I should know before the adoption?
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