The Department of Interior this week announced three new actions to aggressively increase broadband internet access in rural communities and reduce wildfire risks. 

The Bureau of Land Management issued a proposed rule that would make it easier for industry to co-locate infrastructure, manage trees to enhance electric reliability and avoid fire hazards. 

The proposal also seeks to update the Bureau’s cost recovery fee schedule for right-of-way activities. 

The proposed regulatory amendments complement ongoing efforts to reduce the vulnerability of public lands to wildfires and make it easier for firefighters to access and contain wildfires. 

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule will streamline its regulations for permitting of rights-of-way. 

And, the National Park Service has amended Telecommunication Sites of Management Policies to allow the Service to accept applications for communications sites from additional applicants. 

Publication in the Federal Register will open a 60-day comment period for each rule, and the respective notice will include information on how to comment.

(Story Courtesy of the NAFB News Service)