Public Land Order No. 7963; National Defense Operating Area Withdrawal, Dona Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo Counties, NM
This Order withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, approximately 109,651 acres of Federal lands from settlement, sale, location, and entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, mineral leasing laws, and geothermal leasing laws, for a period of 3 years for use by the Department of the Army for border security purposes. This withdrawal also transfers administrative jurisdiction of the lands to the Department of the Army.
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.