Practice

Public Lands

Strategic Guidance for Public Land Use and Development

Sheppard advises developers, public agencies and energy companies on navigating complex regulations for projects on public lands.

We help clients secure approvals, minimize risk and move projects forward efficiently through agency processes and environmental compliance. 

Your Partner for Public Land Development

With experience across energy, infrastructure, real estate and conservation projects, Sheppard’s Public Lands team provides integrated counsel for success in this highly regulated area. 

We represent clients in securing, developing and operating leases, rights-of-way, permits and licenses on lands administered by federal and state agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation and state land commissions. Our work spans energy, infrastructure, mining, telecommunications and recreation projects across the West and beyond. 

Our team handles every stage of the process, from site selection and due diligence to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and compliance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act and other federal statutes. When disputes arise, we represent clients in administrative proceedings and federal court, defending permits, leases and development rights against challenges. 

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