Informed by comments from ASLA members, the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule established a forward-looking framework for how the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) protects and restores America’s public lands. Grounded in science and collaboration, the rule ensures that land management decisions support ecosystem health, biodiversity, and community resilience. Now, progress is at risk.

The BLM has proposed rescinding the rule under the “Rescission of Conservation and Landscape Health Rule” [Docket No. BLM-2025-0001]—a move that would dismantle critical safeguards for our nation’s most intact landscapes. In response, ASLA has drafted a letter to Secretary Burgum opposing this proposal and calling for the 2024 rule to be retained.

ASLA’s letter emphasizes that rescinding the rule would undermine years of work by landscape architects, planners, scientists, and communities dedicated to restoring and protecting public lands. It warns that the proposal prioritizes extractive uses like mining and drilling at the expense of conservation, and that it removes essential tools for restoration, monitoring, and public participation. The letter also points out other recent assaults on our nation’s federal lands, including reduced funding and staffing for the National Park Service and the sale of federal lands using stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund funding.

Landscape architects know that healthy, well-managed landscapes reduce wildfire risks, improve water quality, and support recreation and local economies. The 2024 rule provided a clear path for achieving these goals, aligning with our profession’s values of stewardship and sustainable design.

Landscape architects are encouraged to read and sign the letter to add their voice in support of the 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, reaffirming our shared commitment to protecting the nation’s public lands for future generations.