BLM to conduct routine special recreation permit program audit
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SANTA FE, NM. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office is preparing to conduct a routine audit of its Special Recreation Permit Program for the 2015 through 2017 use seasons. The audit is being conducted through an independent contractor and should be completed by early December 2018.
Periodic audits are conducted every five years and are one of the ways the BLM can ensure a fair, equitable and consistent business environment for permit holders. The audit is also intended to make sure that the American public receives fair market value from the use of its public lands when permits are required. Part of the audit will look at total customer payments received by special recreation permit holders for the use of BLM-managed public land.
Special recreation permits are required for such recreational activities as commercial outfitters and guides for hunting and fishing, competitive OHV or mountain bike events and commercial guided tours of public lands.
"Through this audit, we will determine how efficiently the permit program is being run,” said New Mexico BLM Recreation Lead Terry Heslin. “While special recreation permits help Americans access recreational opportunities in New Mexico, they must also effectively support working landscapes.”
A notification letter about the audit will be sent to all special recreation permit holders who operated during 2015, 2016 or 2017. Approximately 20 permit holders will then be selected for the audit. Audits will be conducted by telephone, or a field visit.
When the audit is completed, a statewide summary will be made available to all permit holders and the public. Questions about the audit may be directed to Terry Heslin at 505-954-2184, or by email at theslin@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.