BLM seeks public input on proposed mineral withdrawal for Amargosa Valley and Ash Meadows
Affected lands: about 308,890 acres (~482 sq. mi.) of public lands surrounding and including the existing Ash Meadows ACEC, Amargosa Mesquite ACEC and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. An additional approximately 40,000 acres (~62 sq. mi.) of private lands are enclosed within the segregation perimeter. The affected lands are situated entirely in Nye County, Nevada, immediately north of the California line. (click here to see map)
Current situation: BLM has initiated a segregation of the affected lands from operation of the mining laws and from minerals and geothermal leasing for up to two years to assess the need for a long-term withdrawal to protect biological and hydrological resources of the area.
Proposed Action: If the BLM finds that the affected lands require long-term protection, it will recommend that the Secretary of the Interior withdraw the lands from mineral entry for up to 20-years. A withdrawal would likely restrict mineral entry in a manner similar to that of the segregation. Generally, Secretarial withdrawals can be renewed/extended with relative ease.
While the segregation and proposed withdrawal apply only to federal lands, any enclosed private lands which are subsequently acquired by the federal government would be subject to the minerals withdrawal.
Comments:
To be considered, your comments must be in writing and received by BLM by April 15, 2025.
Mail your comments to: 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 Email: blm_nv_sndo_amargosa@blm.gov
For more information, contact: Nicholas Pay, Field Manager, Pahrump Field Office at (702) 515-5042
Also: BLM will host a public meeting on the proposal at 5:30pm on February 27, 2025 at the Amargosa Community Center, 821 E. Amargosa Farm Rd., Amargosa Valley, NV 89020.
Click here for a map of the proposed withdrawal area along with other key information prepared by NMEC member Richard Knox. It was last updated 24-February-2025