AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN MONITORING

In the summer of 2023 I participated in an internship with the Burns BLM, where I reviewed established management plans for the district's ACECs (Areas of Critical Environmental Concern) and RNAs (Research Natural Areas) and completed monitoring activities for those plans. These are areas of critical importance for management due to the competing factors such as livestock grazing, natural species protection, and recreation. The monitoring results identified several challenges and opportunities for improving the management of these areas. For example, some of the ACECs are not adequately protected from grazing or other human activities. Additionally, some of the monitoring plans are outdated or have been overall neglected. In the short-term the goal of the project was to complete the monitoring activities and identify challenges and opportunities for improvement.The long-term goal of this project is to provide information that will help the BLM improve the management of the ACECs within the original intent of their establishment. With proper management plans and techniques we can continue to preserve and protect these unique environmental areas.