Exploration News and Events

What’s Below? 

  • 24-October-2024 – BLM issues ROD for proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine in Nevada
  • 19-September-2024 – BLM issues final analysis for proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine in Nevada
  • 9-September-2024 –DOD and DOE approve Record of Decision for Greenlink West Transmission Project
  • 28-June-24 – BLM announces adjustments to mining location and maintenance fees
  • 11-June-24 – BLM issues final environmental analysis for Greenlink West transmission line
  • (Updated 28-May) 12-April-2024 –BLM takes next step on proposed Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine in Nevada
  • 20-March-2024 – The 2021 Greater Sage-grouse Land Use Plan Amendments
  • 14-March-2024 –BLM seeks comment for the Robertson Mine Project in Nevada
  • 6-November-23 – BLM seeks public comment for proposed Esmeralda 7 Solar Projects in Nevada
  • 26-October-2023 – BLM Approves Plan for Critical Mineral Mine in Nevada Project expected to supply 60% of U.S. demand for Vanadium
  • 8-August-2023 – Direct link to payments timeline for Fallon Range Training Complex land withdrawals
  • 2-August-2023 – Intergovernmental Executive Committee Meeting for the Fallon Range Training Complex
  • 5-July-2023 – Nevada Department of Transportation Notice of In-Person & Virtual Public Information Meeting for State Route 361 Realignment Project
  • 26-June-2023 – BLM added the latest module to its Mineral Lands and Record System (MLRS) available online.
  • 15-June-2023 – BLM Extends public comment period on proposed Public Lands Rule
  • 13-June-2023 – Forest Service (USDA) propose to increase fees on application for mineral-related activities.
  • 10-May-2023 – Update: BLM releases public meeting information for proposed public lands rule 
  • April 7, 2023 – Working draft of the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act  released for public review
  • April 3, 2023 – BLM published a proposed rule adding conservation to the list of uses within FLPMA  (Federal Land Policy Managements Act)

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24-Oct-24 – Major lithium mine approved in Nevada in latest effort to support a domestic supply of critical minerals

RENO, Nev.  – Today the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the approval of  the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron mining project. The project, when completed, could supply enough lithium to power nearly 370,000 electric vehicles annually. Located in southern Nevada’s Silver Peak Range, the project will include significant protections for the local ecosystem, while providing robust engineering, construction, science and technology employment opportunities for the local community and Tribal members through hundreds of good paying jobs.  

The BLM’s Record of Decision for the project approves the preferred alternative outlined in the final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), released in September. The FEIS assessed and identified significant protections – developed by the BLM in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – for the endangered Tiehm’s buckwheat.  The project proponent, Ioneer, modified its project proposal to limit impacts on the plant and its critical habitat.  

In developing the FEIS for the proposal, the BLM worked closely with the State of Nevada, Tribal and local governments, and national and local stakeholders to identify and assess potential impacts of development.  

As proposed, the mine will employ up to 500 workers during construction and about 350 workers during operations. The company expects to generate an estimated $125 million in wages annually during the life of the mine and is investing in the community through future job training programs and scholarship opportunities.   

The Rhyolite Ridge project will also produce significant quantities of boron, used extensively in the glass and ceramics industries. Boron is also used as a component in abrasives, cleaning products, insecticides, insulation, for defense applications, and in the production of semiconductors.   

Publication of a Record of Decision is the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act process, which requires federal agencies to determine if proposed actions will have significant environmental effects.  

Click here for the full press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/major-lithium-mine-approved-nevada-latest-effort-support-domestic-supply-critical

Click here for Ioneer’s press release via Business Wire https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241023742388/en/Ioneer’s-Rhyolite-Ridge-Lithium-Boron-Project-Receives-Final-Permit-Approval-from-U.S.-Federal-Government-Construction-Planned-for-2025

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19-September-2024 – BLM issues final analysis for proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium mine in Nevada 

TONOPAH, Nev. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management advanced the proposed Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine Project near Tonopah, Nevada, by releasing a final environmental impact statement for the critical mineral project. The proposed mine would be located in southern Nevada’s Silver Peak Range and could potentially produce enough lithium to supply nearly 370,000 electric vehicles each year.

If approved, the mine would employ up to 500 workers during construction and up to 350 workers during operations, generating an estimated $125 million in wages annually during the life of the mine.

The proposed project area encompasses the only known populations and critical habitat for Tiehm’s Buckwheat, a flower endemic to the site. The BLM’s final EIS for the project assesses and identifies significant protections for the plant, which the BLM developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The BLM also worked with the project proponent, Ioneer, to modify the project proposal and minimize impacts to the plant and its critical habitat. Protections include redesigning and relocating features of the project, funding Tiehm’s buckwheat propagation work, and developing a formal Tiehm’s buckwheat protection plan.

Publication of a Notice of Availability in tomorrow’s Federal Register will open a 30-day public review period, ending on Oct. 21, 2024. The Bureau expects to issue a Record of Decision no earlier than 30 days after publication of the final environmental impact analysis.

Click here for the full press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-issues-final-analysis-proposed-rhyolite-ridge-lithium-mine-nevada

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9-September-2024 – DOD and DOE approve Record of Decision for Greenlink West Transmission Project

WASHINGTON – The Departments of Interior (DOI) and Energy (DOE) approved the Record of Decision (ROD) for the project.  Now, the affected land-management agencies (BLM, BIA, DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration and NPS) are free to issue their individual authorizations to allow construction of a set of power lines from Reno to Las Vegas.  The project is no longer subject to protest or appeal. 
 
 
Construction is slated to start in December 2024 and conclude in June 2027.  The schedule and maps are available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2017391/200514145/20118878/251018858/Construction%20Schedule.pdf
 
NEPA-related documents and a KMZ file of the preferred alternate route and associated facilities can be downloaded from the BLM’s eplanning page at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2017391/510

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28-June-2024 – BLM announces adjustments to mining location and maintenance fees

WASHINGTON –The Bureau of Land Management today announced upcoming fee adjustments for the location (or “staking”) and maintenance of mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites. The location fee will increase from $40 to $49, and the maintenance fee will rise from $165 to $200. The final rule adjusting these required fees will publish in the Federal Register Monday, July 1. 

Since Fiscal Year 1993, mining claimants staking new claims or sites have been required to pay a one-time location fee. Claimants must also pay an annual maintenance fee in lieu of performing annual assessment work and making annual filings. 

Federal statute requires that the BLM adjust these fees every five years to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. The last fee increase was in 2019; the latest adjustments are based on the change in the CPI from Dec. 31, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2023, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The adjusted annual maintenance fee is due on or before Sept. 1, 2024, for existing claims and sites. For lode claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites, the annual maintenance fee will be $200 per claim or site. For placer claims, the fee for each claim will be $200 for every 20 acres. For instance, if a placer claim contains 40 acres, the fee would be $400; if a placer claim contains 45 acres, the fee would be $600. 

Mining claimants must begin paying the new location and initial maintenance fees for any mining claim or site located on or after Sept. 1, 2024. Those who have already paid their annual maintenance fee for the 2025 assessment year will be given an opportunity to pay the additional amount without penalty, upon notice from the BLM. 

Media Contact,  BLM Press  blm_press@blm.gov

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11-June-2024 – BLM issues final environmental analysis for Greenlink West transmission line

LAS VEGAS – BLM announces the completion of the final environmental analysis of the proposed Greenlink West Transmission Project, a series of transmission lines that would connect Reno and Las Vegas, helping deliver clean energy from the Nevada desert to the Western electric grid. If completed, the project, which crosses approximately 470 miles of BLM-managed public land, could transmit up to 4,000 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power at least 1.2 million homes.

The Greenlink West Transmission Project, proposed by NV Energy, includes the construction, operation and maintenance of a system of new electric transmission facilities crossing Clark, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey and Washoe counties. The project would also include expansions of four substations and construction of two new substations to help bring clean energy to the Western grid. Under the BLM’s preferred alternative, the line would run through regions of the state with potential for clean energy development and would connect Nevada clean energy to the California electric grid.  

A Notice of Availability will publish in Friday’s Federal Register for the associated final environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments, beginning a 30-day protest period that ends on July 15 and a 60-day Governor’s consistency review that ends on August 13. Input received during this time will inform a Record of Decision expected later this year. 

Click here for the full press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-issues-final-environmental-analysis-greenlink-west-transmission-line

Additional Comments by NMEC

The Final EIS/Proposed RMP Amendments document can be found at:
 
A short text file, EIS Reorganization, which explains why the EIS/RMP exceeds the normal page limits, is located at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2017391/200514145/20113680/251013671/4_EIS%20Reorganization.pdf
 
Many related appendices and some map data files are available on the Documents and Map Data tabs on the Eplanning project home page at : https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2017391/510
 
Also, the Participate Now tab provides a way to submit your protest electronically.

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Updated 28 & 21-May-2024 & 15-April-2024, see below 

12-April-2024 – BLM takes next step on proposed Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine in Nevada – 

Draft analysis incorporates protections for endangered Tiehm’s Buckwheat

TONOPAH, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Mine Project. If approved, the project, located in southern Nevada’s Silver Peak Range, could potentially produce enough lithium to supply nearly 370,000 electric vehicles each year. 

  • BLM conducted its review in close coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to identify significant protections for the endangered Tiehm’s Buckwheat, a desert flower endemic to the area. The project proponent, Ioneer, modified its mining proposal at the request of the BLM and FWS to minimize impacts to the plant and its critical habitat. The protections include redesigning and relocating project features, funding Tiehm’s buckwheat propagation work, and developing a formal Tiehm’s buckwheat protection plan.

Click here for the full news release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-takes-next-step-proposed-rhyolite-ridge-lithium-boron-mine-nevada

Interested parties may review the draft environmental assessment and meeting information and submit comments online via the BLM National NEPA Register. Publication of the draft EIS for the proposed mine opens a 45-day public comment period, ending on June 3, 2024.

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Update 28-May-24 – NMEC submits comments on the proposed Rhyolite Ridge projects’s Draft EIS  Click here to view the comment letter.

Update 21-May-24 – The Rhyolite Ridge Project is located in Esmeralda County within the Silver Peak Range.  The Project is projected to produce approximately 26,800 tons per year of lithium carbonate (quadrupling existing U.S. supply and enough lithium to power approximately 370,000 electric vehicles per year), in addition to 219,000 tons per year of boric acid which is used across hundreds of different commercial applications.

The Project is also projected to generate millions of dollars annually to local and state governments, while creating 500 construction jobs and 300-350 full-time operating jobs once in production – becoming a major economic driver for this region of Nevada for decades (the Project is being permitted for a 26-year mine life).

NMEC encourages their members and the public to send comments to the BLM. The BLM is currently accepting comments until June 3, 2024, and you can email your comments to the BLM at BLM_NV_BMDO_TFO_NONRENEWABLE@blm.gov .  You can comment directly online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2012309/530 . On left side menu, click on the ‘How to Get Involved’ then click the green ‘Participate Now’ (this may take a couple tries).  In the new window to the right click on the green ‘Participate Now’ button and add your comments.

Update 15-April-24– BLM published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.  Click link: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-04/Rhyolite%20Ridge%20DEIS%20-%2020240415_508.pdf

Update 15-April-24– BLM will be hosting three public meetings to discuss the Draft EIS. Click this link for details National NEPA Register.

  • Monday, May 6, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM PDT: Open house, in-person meeting at the Community Center in Dyer, Nevada. No registration necessary to attend.
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM PDT: Open house, in-person meeting at the Tonopah Convention Center in Tonopah, Nevada. No registration necessary to attend.
  • Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM PDT: Virtual, online meeting conducted via the Zoom platform. Registration required to attend. Please click the following link or copy and paste the URL into your web browser to register for the meeting:https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Wsv9k-jhS52b7U6kWRKmog.

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20-March-2024 – The 2021 Greater Sage-grouse Land Use Plan Amendments

Project Description – The BLM is amending specific greater sage-grouse goals, objectives and management from previous planning efforts in 77 resource management plans across ten western states (California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming). These changes are to enhance greater sage-grouse conservation through management of sagebrush habitats on BLM-managed lands. This effort builds on the 2015 and 2019 greater sage-grouse planning efforts and is focused on changing those actions and decisions for which additional scientific information has emerged, or which will enhance conservation while allowing for continued multiple use on BLM-managed lands.

What’s New – Draft EIS Available for Public Review and Comment – The BLM made the Draft Resource Management Plan Amendments (RMPA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Greater Sage-Grouse Rangewide Planning available for public review. The 90-day public comment period for this Draft RMPA/Draft EIS runs from March 15 through June 13, 2024.

Click the link below for further information and how to review or download the draft EIS.  Starting on March 15, interested parties are encouraged to submit comments through the “Participate Now” function located at this same link https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016719/510

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Update: 22-Mar-24: To assist the public, the Nevada Division of Minerals has developed a map viewer where the Sage-Grouse alternatives can be easily reviewed with respect to other information layers.  “CLICK HERE to visit the Sage-Grouse Alternative Viewer.  

If you have any problems reach out to Lucia Patterson of the Nevada Division of Minerals for assistance with the web application at lmpatterson@minerals.nv.gov

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14-March-2024 -BLM seeks comment for the Robertson Mine Project in Nevada

BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposal from Nevada Gold Mines, LLC to construct, operate, and eventually close and reclaim the proposed Robertson Mine Project on approximately 5,990 acres in Lander County. A Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register and begin a 45-day public comment period.

The BLM is hosting two public meeting to discuss the project. An in-person meeting will be held at Crescent Valley Town Hall in Crescent Valley, Nev., at 6 p.m. PDT Apr. 2. A virtual meeting will be held at 2 p.m. PDT Apr. 1; please register at the BLM National NEPA Register to attend. No formal comments will be collected during the meetings.

All comments must be received by April 29 and should reference the Robertson Mine Project. Comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option at the BLM National NEPA Register.  See link below for additional ways to leave comments.

Click here for the full press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-seeks-comment-robertson-mine-project-nevada

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8-August-2023 – Direct link to payments timeline for Fallon Range Training Complex land withdrawals

Below is a direct link to the timeline schedule for payments for the Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization the land withdrawal and taking of unpatented mining claims, private lands, etc.  The bar chart shows it beginning in Q1 2025 to Q4 2027.

https://frtcmodernization.com/Project-Updates#8590236-mining-and-mineral-resources

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6-November-23 – BLM seeks public comment for proposed Esmeralda 7 Solar Projects in Nevada

Proposed renewable projects would add up to 5.3 GW of clean energy to the grid

Battle Mountain, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposal to evaluate the impacts of the proposed Esmeralda 7 (E7) Solar Projects near Tonopah in central Nevada. If approved, the seven projects are expected to generate a total of up to 5.3 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 4 million households.

Approximately 118,631 acres of public lands have been withdrawn from mineral entry for a period of two years in Esmeralda County’s Big Smoky Valley near Tonopah while the projects are being considered.

“This effort is a high priority for BLM Nevada and will be a significant source of renewable energy in support of reaching the country’s clean energy goals,” said Battle Mountain District Manager Doug Furtado. “I am very proud of the work each of these companies have done working together with my staff to ensure a timely and efficient permitting process for the E7 Solar Projects and we look forward to hearing public comment on the proposal.”

The seven projects are:

  • Esmeralda Energy Center Project, proposed by Boulevard Associates LLC
  • Gold Dust Solar Project, proposed by Gold Dust Solar LLC
  • Lone Mountain Solar Project, proposed by Lone Mountain Solar LLC
  • Nivloc Energy Project, proposed by Nivloc Solar LLC
  • Red Ridge 1 Project, proposed by 335ES 8me LLC
  • Red Ridge 2 Project, proposed by 336SP 8me LLC
  • Smoky Valley Solar Project, proposed by CG Western Renewables III LLC.

The proposal to amend the Tonopah Resource Management Plan and prepare an associated Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement will assess potential impacts to air, biological, hydrological, and visual resources, as well as cultural, Native American, socioeconomic, and environmental justice interests.

The publication of a Notice of Intent is expected to publish in the Federal Register next week to open a 30-day public comment period.  (Click here for 13-Nov-23 Federal Register listing)

Click here for additional information from BLM on public comment, then click the green ‘Participate Now’ button on the left to leave a comment.  Note: Public comment closed 15-December-2023.

For more information, please contact Supervisory Project Manager Scott Distel at (775) 635-4093 or sdistel@blm.gov.

Click here for the full press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-seeks-public-comment-proposed-esmeralda-7-solar-projects-nevada

 Update: Click here for public scoping comments and figures that NMEC submitted to the BLM

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26-October-2023 – BLM Approves Plan for Critical Mineral Mine in Nevada Project expected to supply 60% of U.S. demand for Vanadium

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Bureau of Land Management announced today approval of the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project outside Eureka, Nevada, green-lighting a proposal to develop critical minerals on BLM-managed public lands. Vanadium is a U.S. Geological Survey-designated critical mineral used in steel manufacturing, aerospace applications, and battery technology.

The mine is expected to operate for approximately seven years and will employ about 120 people. The project is expected to produce nearly 10 million pounds of vanadium annually, which represents roughly 60% of U.S. demand.

Additionally, the mine itself will rely on clean energy to power its operations. The BLM-approved Plan of Operations includes the construction of a solar photovoltaic array and battery storage system that will power the mine entirely with clean energy. Haul trucks and other mine equipment will also be powered by electricity and will rely on clean energy generated by the solar array.

The Record of Decision and Plan of Operations approval is available for review at the project’s website on the BLM’s National NEPA Register at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2000633/510.

Click here for the full press release: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-approves-plan-critical-mineral-mine-nevada

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2-August-2023 – Intergovernmental Executive Committee Meeting for the Fallon Range Training Complex to be held Aug. 8, 2023

The Department of the Navy and Department of the Interior have established an Intergovernmental Executive Committee (IEC) for the purpose of facilitating government-to-government and intergovernmental coordination, as well as the exchange of views, information, and advice in matters regarding the management of the natural and cultural resources within the existing and approved modernization withdrawal for the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) land area and airspace. The IEC is designated as a leadership advisory panel of all stakeholders across northern Nevada.

Click here: For the next meeting of the FRTC IEC to be held Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. PDT. The meeting will be held virtually as well as in person at the Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way, Fallon, NV 89406

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5-July-2023 – Nevada Department of Transportation Notice of In-Person and Virtual Public Information Meeting for State Route 361 Realignment Project

Click here for further information on the meeting; dot.nv.gov/SR361

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING: The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, the Federal Highway Administration, and the United States (U.S.) Navy, invites you to participate in a public information meeting to learn about plans to realign State Route (SR) 361 between Middlegate and Gabbs in north-central Nevada. This public meeting will take place online and in person. The meeting will inform the traveling public, business owners, and residents about the proposed roadway alignment alternatives, potential impacts, next steps and solicit public feedback regarding the development and evaluation of alternatives. This project is a Planning and Environmental Linkages study being used to identify and screen alternatives within a study area to advance the most feasible alternative(s) into a future National Environmental Policy Act study.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT: In response to the US Department of the Navy’s Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization expansion, SR 361 needs to be relocated to east of the newly expanded training range. NDOT, in cooperation with its federal partners, will be responsible for the realignment of the SR 361 roadway.

PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION: The public meeting will be available 24-hours-a-day via the internet at dot.nv.gov/SR361 from July 3, 2023, through August 4, 2023.

IN-PERSON EVENT: The in-person event will be held July 18, 2023 at the Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way Fallon, NV 89406 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a formal presentation at 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization, click here:  www.FRTCModernization.com

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26-June-2023 – BLM added the latest module to its Mineral Lands and Record System (MLRS) available online. 

Information of the newest features can be found at the links below:

Seven Things to Know About the Expanded Mineral & Land Records System:  https://www.blm.gov/blog/2023-06-27/seven-things-know-about-expanded-mineral-land-records-system

Additional info is here:  MLRS Overview  https://www.blm.gov/services/land-records/mlrs
 
Access the MLRS reporting system here:  https://reports.blm.gov/reports/mlrs

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15-June-2023 – BLM Extends public comment period on proposed Public Lands Rule

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management is extending the public comment period for the Public Lands Rule by 15 days. This brings the time collecting public feedback on the proposed rule to a total of 90 days. The new deadline to provide input is July 5, 2023.

For more information see below or click here: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-extends-comment-period-proposed-public-lands-rule or here https://www.blm.gov/public-lands-rule

Update: 20-June-23 – NMEC sent a letter to Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of Interior and Director Bureau of Land Management

The NMEC letter lays out in succinct bullet points the many ways NMEC believes the proposed public lands rule would alter the BLM’s role and how it affects all activities on BLM managed public lands.  Please review and use any portion in personal letters. Click here to read/download the letter https://nvmec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-06-20-NMEC-Comments-Conservation-Rule.pdf

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Original NMEC information post below:

10-May-2023 – UPDATE: BLM RELEASES PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION FOR PROPOSED PUBLIC LANDS RULE – Rule would protect healthy public lands, promote habitat conservation and restoration and further thoughtful development

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management has updated its schedule for five public meetings that will provide forums across the country for the public to learn more about the proposed Public Lands Rule and have questions answered.

The proposed Public Lands Rule, which was announced in late March, would provide tools for the BLM to protect healthy public lands in the face of increasing drought, wildfire and climate impacts; conserve important wildlife habitat and intact landscapes; better use science and data in decision-making; plan for thoughtful development; and better recognize unique cultural and natural resources on public lands.

The BLM intends to host two virtual and three in-person meetings to provide detailed information about the proposal. Members of the public will have an opportunity to ask questions that facilitate a deeper understanding of the proposal. The dates and cities of the meetings are:

  • Virtual meeting on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. MT
  • Denver, Colorado, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. MTDenver West Marriott, 1717 Denver West Blvd, Golden, Colorado
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. MTIndian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Reno, Nevada on Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. PTReno-Sparks Convention Center, 4950 S Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada
  • Virtual meeting on Monday, June 5, 2023, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. MTRegister at https://swca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QwRH6XZeS6amUDI70FzriA

The proposal would help the BLM fulfill its mission, ensuring public lands and the resources they provide are available now and in the future. The proposed rule would build on the historic investments in public lands and waters, restoration and resilience, and clean energy deployment provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. It would not prevent new or continuing recreational or commercial uses of our public lands, such as grazing, energy development, camping, climbing, and more.

In addition to these informational public meetings, the BLM wants to hear from the public on the proposed Public Lands Rule. To learn more about this proposed rule, or to provide comment, please visit the Conservation and Landscape Health rule on https://www.regulations.gov. The public comment period is open until June 20, 2023.

Click lick below for BLM pdf fact sheet on proposed rule: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-04/Public%20Lands%20Rule%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

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13-June-2023 – Forest Service (USDA) propose to increase fees on application for mineral-related activities.

Public Comment Period Open Until August 14, 2023

FEDERAL REGISTER: The Forest Service proposes regulations to impose new fees to recover the agency’s costs for processing proposals related to mineral activity on National Forest System lands. This would include costs for actions such as environmental review and analysis, monitoring authorized activities, and other processing-related costs. The proposed rule would establish a fee schedule based on categories of Federal hours needed to complete processing for most mineral-related actions and charge a fixed fee for low-volume mineral material disposals. This proposal to recover costs is based on statutory authority, which authorizes Federal agencies to charge for work it performs to provide a service or benefit to identifiable entities.

To see the full proposed rule, and document information, click here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/06/13/2023-11622/minerals-cost-recovery?blm_aid=47112  

To submit a public comment click here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/06/13/2023-11622/minerals-cost-recovery?blm_aid=47112 then click on the upper right green box titled SUBMIT A FORMAL COMMENT.  Or you also comment via Regulations.gov at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2023-0009-0001.

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April 7, 2023 – Working draft of the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act  released for public review and comments – THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS JUNE 6, 2023

Senator Jacky Rosen has posted a “working draft” of the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act at https://landsbill.org/    PDF maps showing (1) southern Washoe County and (2) several specific rural areas that highlight some of the massive withdrawals proposed by the bill can be accessed via well marked links on the page.  Scroll down to the “CONSERVATION DESIGNATIONS:” section for links to the specific area maps.

Text of the “Discussion Draft” is available at: https://landsbill.org/files/Discussion%20Draft%20-%20Truckee%20Meadows%20Public%20Lands%20Management%20Act.pdf.   Or as a link box titled ‘Discussion Draft: Truckee Meadows Public Land Management’ at the bottom of the page https://landsbill.org/

Senator Rosen’s April 7, 2023 press release can be found at: https://www.rosen.senate.gov/2023/04/07/rosen-unveils-working-draft-of-washoe-county-lands-bill-announces-public-feedback-period/

Send comments to TMPLMA_comments@rosen.senate.gov 

The following excerpt is from Friends of Nevada Wilderness site https://www.nevadawilderness.org/wild_washoe_plan_released  “The proposal calls for more than 223,000 acres of new Wilderness Area and nearly 540,000 acres of new BLM National Conservation Areas. Nearly 177,000 acres of popular recreation areas would be withdrawn from mining, leasing and other appropriations. With the addition of a new Cultural Heritage Area and a new Special Management Area, the amount of land that would receive some level of conservation protection would total nearly a million acres (977,491 acres).” [emphasis added by NMEC]

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April 3, 2023 – BLM published, in Federal Register, a proposed rule adding conservation to the list of uses within Federal Land Policy Managements Act (FLPMA) – Submit comments by June 20, 2023

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes new regulations that, pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, and other relevant authorities, would advance the BLM’s mission to manage the public lands for multiple use and sustained yield by prioritizing the health and resilience of ecosystems across those lands. To ensure that health and resilience, the proposed rule provides that…

To see the full proposed rule, and document information, click here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health

To comment on the proposal rule click here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/03/2023-06310/conservation-and-landscape-health then click on the green text link box near the top right with the text ‘Submit a Formal Comment’.  Or at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/BLM-2023-0001-0001   Submit comments by June 20, 2023

American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) published a summary letter of the proposed rule:

Last week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would significantly change the way the agency manages the 245 million acres of land it oversees, most of it in western states…..

Provisions proposed in the rule include adding conservation to the list of uses within the Federal Land Policy Management Act’s (FLPMA) multiple use framework; creating “conservation leases”; applying land health standards to all BLM-managed lands, not just grazing allotments; and opening the door to expanded use of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) as a conservation tool.

Click here for the full summary letter https://nvmec.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AEMA-Summary-of-Proposed-Rule-adding-conservation-to-FLPMA.pdf

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