The Department of the Interior has introduced the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Materials Access Program, which aims to make it easier and less costly for the public to obtain mineral materials such as sand, gravel, and stone. The initiative also includes a new online mapping tool that helps users locate nearby material pits.
According to the Department, this program is intended to support efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and costs for families and small businesses in accessing basic construction materials. It aligns with current administration priorities of making public lands more accessible for all Americans.
“This program is another example of the Department of the Interior working to cut red tape, lower costs for Americans, and help families and communities get the resources they need to build and maintain essential infrastructure,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Lands and Minerals Management Lanny Erdos.
The new BLM policy introduces standardized procedures for noncompetitive mineral materials sales. It establishes two pricing tiers for purchases outside established community pits: Tier 1 covers 0–50 tons at a flat fee of $400 per transaction, suitable for small personal or community projects; Tier 2 covers 51–150 tons at $1,500 per transaction, targeting local businesses or agricultural operations.
State and field offices will implement these procedures on lands designated as open to mineral materials disposal in resource management plans. This is consistent with existing regulations.
A key feature of the program is the Community Pits Mapper. Built with data from the U.S. Geological Survey, this mobile-friendly map displays locations of existing community pits along with information about available materials, pricing, and contact details. It also identifies areas where mineral materials may be available outside established pits and provides options under the new tiered pricing system or through requests to open new sites.
“This new tool with help rural families and small business better access resources on public lands,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “With the Community Pits Mapper and streamlined tiered pricing, we’re simplifying requirements and putting clear, mobile‑friendly information at people’s fingertips. These changes lower costs and help communities get projects done—roads repaired, water lines maintained and homes built—without compromising the values we manage on public lands.”
