PRINEVILLE – The Bureau of Land Management’s Central Oregon Resource Area signed a decision on April 4 to dispose of four parcels of public land in Grant County in exchange for previously acquired private lands located throughout northeastern Oregon.

This decision completes the agency’s responsibilities under the Oregon Land Exchange Act of 2000. The act directed the exchange of certain federal lands for private lands in order to consolidate ownership and enhance resource conservation and management.

The BLM disposed of mostly upland parcels that were difficult to manage because of their isolation or distance from other public lands. In exchange, the BLM acquired important aquatic and riparian habitat, mainly along the North and South forks of the John Day River, and contiguous blocks of lands that are more efficient to manage, according to the agency.

The signed decision is available for public review at the BLM Prineville District Office, 3050 N.E. Third St., Prineville or on the Prineville District’s Web site: www.or.blm.gov/Prineville.