The Bureau of Land Management oversees more land than any other agency in the nation. It focuses on a variety of interests, and critics say it does not do a good enough job of conserving land for recreation.

That may change under a proposal by the Biden administration.

The BLM hinted last month that it would revisit the balance between conservation and other uses, such as grazing and mining. Last week, it announced a comment period for a proposed rule that would set preservation on equal footing with other uses.

The change could help the agency offset the effects of drought, wildfire and overall decline of the health of public lands.

“What this new proposed plan would do is highlight the value of conservation in terms of the planning process and it would provide a forum and opportunity for local communities and everyday Arizonans to engage with the Bureau of Land Management,” said Mike Quigley, of the Wilderness Society.

The public comment period will last for 75 days.