BLM seeks input on proposed location for homeland defense radar
MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. – The BLM is seeking public comment on a U.S. Air Force proposal to set aside roughly 5,000 acres of public lands near Fields in Malheur County for 20 years and transfer administrative jurisdiction of the lands to the Secretary of the Air Force. If approved, the Air Force could construct, operate, and maintain a homeland defense over the horizon radar system referred to as the Whitehorse Ranch Project.
The proposal would set aside the land for Air Force use, withdrawing it from settlement, sale, location, and entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, mineral, and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights, and reserve the lands for military purposes.
A notice of application for withdrawal and public meeting will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to set aside the lands for two years while the Air Force develops an environmental impact statement and the BLM processes the application.
Written comments may be emailed to [email protected] (preferred) or sent to: BLM Oregon/Washington State Office; Attn: Luke Poff (BLM OR-936.1); 1220 SW 3rd Ave., 11th Floor; Portland, OR 97204.
For more information, please contact BLM Realty Specialist Luke Poff at [email protected] or 503-808-6249.
The BLM manages about 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.