PHOENIX — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) invites public comment on a request from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to withdraw 3,739 acres of land in the Prescott National Forest for 20 years. The requested withdrawal would protect federal land along the Hassayampa River from potential impacts from new mining, oil and gas, and geothermal development, subject to valid existing rights.  

The area requested for withdrawal is home to lush Hassayampa River riparian vegetation that provides habitat for sensitive wildlife species. This riparian corridor’s unique plant community occurs exclusively within the requested withdrawal area, and nowhere else in the Prescott National Forest. The USFS has requested the 20-year withdrawal to protect this unique natural resource. The Hassayampa River corridor is located near a historically active mining area.  

The USFS is the lead agency for the National Environmental Policy Act process for the proposed withdrawal, with the BLM participating as a cooperating agency. The BLM is the delegated authority to make withdrawals on public domain lands, including National Forest System lands.  

A Notice of Withdrawal Application published today in the Federal Register. This publication temporarily protects the land for two years while additional analysis takes place, initiates a 90-day public comment period, and provides an opportunity for interested parties to request a public meeting.   

The public may submit comments and requests for a public meeting on the withdrawal application until Sept. 5, 2023. Comments may be emailed to BLM_AZ_Withdrawal_Comments@blm.gov or sent through the mail to:  

Bureau of Land Management, Arizona  Attn: Michael Ouellett  One North Central Avenue  Suite 800  Phoenix, Arizona 85004   

For more information on the proposal please contact Rem Hawes at rhawes@blm.gov or (602) 417-9219. 

Original source can be found here