Bitterroot Range, Montana
BLM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Wind Turbines, Palm Springs, CA Happy Angler, Alaska Sage Grouse Strutting, Wyoming Livestock on Hillside, Montana Oil 'Donkey', New Mexico
Lands and Realty
BLM>More BLM Programs>Lands and Realty>Land Tenure>Sales
Print Page

In 1976, with the passage of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), Congress mandated the BLM to retain most public lands, significantly reducing the acreage available for disposal.  Select sales continue to remain an important component of the BLM's land management strategy, when these sales are in the public interest and consistent with publicly-approved land use plans.  Undeveloped and unimproved lands, typically near growing communities, may be candidates for sale.  These lands are predominantly located in 11 Western States and Alaska.  Although the sale authority of the BLM is the FLPMA, complimentary authorizations provide specific sale direction and use of sale receipts.

Land Tenure

Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act

The Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), Public Law 106-248, became law on July 25, 2000.  It provides for the sale of public lands identified for disposal under land use plans in effect as of the date of enactment.  The revenue generated from FLTFA sales is split between the respective State (4%) for educational purposes or for the construction of public roads, and a special account (96%) available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture for acquisition of land in certain federally designated areas, and for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the sale program.

Each BLM State Office has a FLTFA contact person familiar with the program and priorities in that state.

Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act

The Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) of 1998, Public Law 105-263, became law in October 1998.  It allows the Bureau of Land Management to sell public land within a specific boundary around Las Vegas, Nevada.  A key provision of the law is that money generated by these land sales remains in Nevada.  The money provides funding for a variety of land management activities emphasizing recreation sites.  Up to 85% of the funds received may be used for:

  • Acquisition of environmentally sensitive land in the State of Nevada, with priority given to lands located within Clark County;
  • Capital improvements at the Lake Meade National Recreation area, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (subject to an annual limitation);
  • Development of a multi-species habitat conservation plan in Clark County; and
  • Development of parks, trails, and natural areas in Clark County.

Additional information is accessible through our FAQ's page and our links page.

   
Last updated: 10-20-2009