The Bureau of Land Management will focus on 21 “Restoration Landscapes” across 11 western states through $161 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding, the Department of the Interior announced on May 31. The efforts will support collaborative ecosystem restoration and resilience projects ranging from restoring wildlife habitat in the sagebrush steppe of the high desert to re-creating wetland meadows to repairing watersheds on former industrial timberlands. The Restoration Landscapes were chosen based on ecological need as well as importance to communities and have potential for additional cross-boundary partnerships with other federal and state agencies, local governments, tribes, private landowners, and partner organizations.

“The pressures on our public lands – from invasive species, unprecedented wildfires, drought, and increasing use – are being exacerbated by the climate crisis, degrading landscapes and impacting public uses. If we are going to ensure America’s public lands are available to everyone, we must invest in their health,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through the President’s Investing in America agenda, we will increase the ability of public lands to provide clean water, habitat for fish and wildlife, opportunities for recreation, and other important benefits.”

The specific Restoration Landscapes are listed in the press release and are featured in a story map with more detailed information.