The Public Lands Foundation General Land Office and Homestead Act Commemoration Project 2012

Click here to download a printable brochure in PDF format.

Goals:  Capture the history of the public lands and the Bureau of Land Management from the creation of the General Land Office to the present day.  Educate a variety of audiences regarding that history and the value of the public lands.  Influence current and future leaders in natural resource management.

The citizens of the United States have a unique heritage and treasure of public lands.  In 2012 the United States will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the General Land Office and the 150^th anniversary of the passage of the Homestead Act.  Much has been written on how the United States acquired its western lands by treaty, conquest and purchase. However, few people know much about the background of land ownership patterns at the time of acquisition and how these patterns have affected present day ownership and define the scope of future ownership, opportunities and uses of the public lands.

The General Land Office's rich history and sweeping land use policies were important factors in setting the stage for the formation of the Bureau of Land Management in 1946 and its responsibilities for management of the approximately 245,000,000 acres currently under the stewardship of the BLM. 

The history of the public lands and the BLM is a complex one filled with controversy and varied and often conflicting objectives.   It is important to understand the history of the public lands to appreciate their value and the important role they play in the future of our nation.  In looking at the historical context of land management, policy makers, land managers and members of the public will have a better information base on which to develop and evaluate future initiatives and management activities.

The Public Lands Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national, independent organization whose goals include keeping the National System of Public Lands managed by the BLM in public ownership and increasing understanding of and support for the proper management, protection, development and enhancement of those lands.

The Public Lands Foundation has undertaken a project to further the understanding of the National System of Public Lands and BLM's unique history and role in public land management. The key points in public land activities will be identified including significant policies, legislation and regulations.  Ties to the BLM's current management will be explored, including its multiple use mission.  It is imperative that this history be captured quickly as many of the individuals who played integral parts in policy development and implementation have retired or will be retiring in the very near future.    

Project Components:

·         Conducting interactive demonstrations of land status information available through maps, data, etc. These demonstrations would occur at computer labs at several schools in 2012.  Members of the public would have a hands-on experience showing how to access records and would be shown the link to trace genealogy and their individual history as landowners.  Examples of the genealogy of several prominent figures would be posted for information on what can be done. Displays would also be set up at the schools depicting the history of the public lands and showing the variety of BLM programs.  Original land documents of historic significance may be available for review at certain locations.

·         Presenting a Symposium to be held in Boulder, Colorado, and sponsored by the Center of the American West and the University of Colorado.  The Symposium will discuss the history of public lands; the value of the public lands from a variety of perspectives, including those of Native Americans; current and future challenges; and, the future role of the public lands in this country. There would be several components, including a Student Congress bringing together students from across the country to capture their ideas on the future of public lands.   Those ideas would be utilized in a broader roundtable discussion made up of individuals with extensive experience in public land policy. The proceedings and recommendations resulting from the Symposium would be published and submitted to several entities, including the Administration taking office in January 2013 and key Congressional members and Committees.  The Public Lands Foundation and Center of the American West would take the responsibility to ensure that specific follow up on the resulting recommendations took place.

·         An interview of the Director of the BLM regarding how the public land laws have shaped the current BLM and what may lie in store for the future.
 

·         A Reenactment Event with Theodore Roosevelt and a character from the future tracing the history of the General Land Office, the Homestead Act and other significant public land laws. The look to the future would discuss the values on the public lands and potential solutions the public lands may provide to the challenges faced in this country.
 

·         A juried art competition for high school students in selected schools throughout Colorado, focused on the public lands. The winning artwork would be on display at various locations and utilized in a variety of publications.
 

·         A one-semester college course regarding the history of the public lands and the various BLM programs would be designed and conducted at the University of Colorado. Films would be produced depicting the different programs and the overall mission of BLM. The films would be made available to a wide variety of audiences for their use.  The course curriculum would also be available to other institutions.
 

·         Conducting oral interviews with retired and current employees on their experiences working for BLM, particularly in the development of key legislation and regulations.
 

·         Updating the history of the managers, offices and organizations of the BLM, published in 1984.
 

·         Updating the story of BLM told in the book “Opportunity and Challenge” through 2010.  
 

·         Developing traveling exhibits to share the history of the public lands, including the cadastral survey system, and the various programs and role of the BLM in public land management.
 

·         Presentation of a panel discussion on the history of the GLO; major public land laws; and, the roles of the Judicial, Executive and Legislative Branches in the development and implementation of public land laws.  The discussion would include the challenges faced in responding to the directions received from these three entities by those responsible for accomplishing activities on the ground.  A specific discussion on the history and land ownership patterns in the State of Arizona will also be conducted to complement other activities in conjunction with the 100^th Anniversary of Arizona’s admittance to statehood in 2012.  This event will be held in Phoenix, Arizona.
 

Public Lands Foundation contacts for information on the individual projects:

Interactive Demonstrations at Schools:  Kathy Eaton

Symposium, Student Congress, College Course, Juried Art Competition, BLM Director Interview, Reenactment Event:  Mike Ferguson; Lee Barkow

Travelling Exhibits:  Elaine Brong

Managers Update: Glen Collins

Update of “Opportunity and Challenge: The Story of BLM” and Oral Interviews:  Geoff Middaugh

Arizona Panel Discussion :  Beau McClure

The overall coordinator for the Project is:  Elaine Zielinski

The President of the Public Lands Foundation, Henri Bisson, and all Board Members are fully committed to making these events happen.

The Public Lands Foundation is committed to producing the highest quality products and increasing the understanding and support for the variety of opportunities and challenges the vast public lands present. We will not be content with documents that sit on the shelf. 

The PLF is working closely with the Bureau of Land Management as a partner.  Several other organizations are also active partners.

We are seeking additional partners to be sponsors for these exciting, informative and very pragmatic events. 

Contact any of the PLF members listed to offer your assistance and become a sponsor for the future!!