public land policies

Public land policies govern how government-owned lands are managed, used, and protected. They balance conservation, recreation, resource extraction, and development priorities, ensuring lands serve public interests now and in the future. These policies specify rules for leasing, logging, mining, or protecting natural habitats, often through laws and regulations that involve agencies like the Bureau of Land Management or National Parks Service. The goal is to sustain ecological health, support local economies, and provide public access while safeguarding natural resources for future generations.