Department of the Interior to consider withdrawal extension request for Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark
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BOISE, Idaho — The Bureau of Land Management is processing an application submitted by the U.S. Forest Service for the Secretary of the Interior to extend the withdrawal described in Public Land Order No. 7549, The Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark, subject to valid existing rights. In 2002, PLO No. 7549 withdrew 1,328.84 acres of National Forest System land in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lemhi County, Idaho, and Beaverhead County, Montana, from mining for a period of 20 years to preserve the unique resources of Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark.
The land will remain open to the general land laws and leasing under the mineral leasing laws. An additional 176.45 acres would become subject to the terms and conditions of this withdrawal upon acquisition of the mineral estate by the United States. This notice provides an opportunity for the public to comment and request a public meeting on the proposed withdrawal extension.
A Notice of Application for Withdrawal Extension will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register, (https://go.usa.gov/xMJ3E) which initiates a 90-day public comment period.
The U.S. Forest Service requests the extension of the withdrawal for an additional 20 years to allow for the continuation of recreational opportunities; maintenance of the capital investments for the Sacajawea Memorial Recreation Area, the Continental Divide Trail, and other facilities; and protection of cultural and historic values.
The public may submit comments on the withdrawal extension application from today until January 22, 2022. Comments may be emailed to jsullivan@blm.gov or sent through the mail to:
Bureau of Land Management, Idaho
Attn: John Sullivan
BLM Idaho State Office
1387 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, ID 83709
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.