BLM seeks input on proposed protections for Amargosa Valley & Ash Meadows
LAS VEGAS – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposal to withdraw approximately 308,890 acres of public lands in Nye County in order to protect the region’s unique biological and hydrological resources, including at the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and help avoid impacts to nearby communities from mining activities. The proposal is in response to requests from local and Tribal governments and communities, environmental groups, recreational users, and the public. The BLM is also seeking input related to ongoing and projected mining activities within the study area for sepiolite, saponite, and bentonite to inform any potential adjustments in a final recommendation to the Secretary.
“This proposal would protect the cultural, recreational, and biological resources of these lands,” said Pahrump Field Manager Nicholas Pay. “We encourage public comments during this time help inform BLM on any concerns.”
The BLM submitted an application to the Secretary of the Interior to consider withdrawal of these lands for up to 20 years. The proposed Secretarial protections would withdraw the lands from the operation of the mining laws, and from leasing under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. The lands would remain open to disposal under the mineral materials laws. The lands will be segregated from the mining and mineral leasing laws for up to two years while the BLM assesses whether long-term protections for the area are appropriate. The segregation and withdrawal will not impact other public land uses, including outdoor recreation.
A Notice of Proposed Withdrawal will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to begin a 90-day comment period. Written comments may be submitted to the BLM Pahrump Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management, Pahrump Field Office, Attn: Amargosa Withdrawal, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130, or via e-mail at blm_nv_sndo_amargosa@blm.gov. The BLM will not consider comments via telephone calls. The comment period ends April 15, 2025.
The BLM will host a public meeting on the withdrawal proposal on February 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. PST at the Amargosa Community Center located at 821 E Amargosa Farm Rd., Amargosa Valley, NV 89020.
For more information, contact Nicholas Pay, Field Manager, Pahrump Field Office at (702) 515-5042.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.