The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a new plan for land use in the Wind River Basin today/Thursday, which supporters say balances the needs of industry, conservation, and recreation.

The new Resource Management Plan is the result of a cooperative process involving federal, state, and local agencies as well as land owners and recreation enthusiasts.

Wyoming representative for The Wilderness Society, Dan Smitherman, says that the plan’s release does not mean that the conversation about how best to use these lands is over.

“This is actually what we hope is the beginning of a progressive process toward balancing demands on BLM land between conservation, energy, and other uses,” he added.

Opinions on the resource plan are mixed. Some conservationists say that it falls short in terms of protecting sage grouse habitat, while other stakeholders appreciate how much recreational land will be set aside.

The Lander BLM office will be holding public outreach meetings to cover the contents of the plan. More information about the meetings and plan can be found on their website.