The Bureau of Land Management implements mask requirement
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, February 5th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY– (Release by the Bureau of Land Management) To protect the health of those who live, work and visit BLM-managed public lands and facilities, and in support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, the Bureau of Land Management is immediately implementing a mask requirement for employees, visitors, partners and contractors in all BLM facilities and buildings. Additionally, masks are required outdoors on public lands where physical distancing is not feasible.
“Ensuring people use masks when physical distancing is not an option and washing hands is the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Mike Nedd, BLM deputy director of operations. “Getting outside and enjoying our public lands is a great way to be active during the pandemic. We want to make sure our employees and visitors remain safe while recreating on BLM-managed land.”
Face masks are now required in all BLM-managed facilities and buildings. Masks are also required on BLM-managed public lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks, and historic homes.
While continuing to deliver essential services to the greatest extent practicable, the BLM is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and working with state and local health authorities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We encourage visitors to contact or visit the website of their local BLM state or district office for the latest office hours and availability, which are subject to change as this situation evolves. Please follow recommendations from the CDC and your state and local health authorities before visiting your public lands to best protect yourself, BLM employees and our volunteers.
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 11 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $111 billion in economic output across the country in fiscal year 2020—more than any other agency in the Department of the Interior. These activities supported more than 498,000 jobs.
