BLM extends withdrawal of Oregon's Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area
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CURRY COUNTY, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management has extended the withdrawal of the Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest for another 20 years. This extension allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to continue managing the 334-acre site to support forest science research and to protect the region’s unique natural heritage, including the Research Natural Area’s rare plant and animal species.
The Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area has been closed to mining development since 1983 to protect the site’s high-quality native ecosystems, which are home to rare species, including Oregon’s northernmost redwood trees. The Forest Service requested an extension of the withdrawal for an additional 20 years to continue these important protections.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest expects no changes to the Research Natural Area’s operations, policy, management practices, or allowable uses as a result of the withdrawal extension.
The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for processing requests for Federal land withdrawals on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. Today’s action follows a Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Extension published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2023, which opened a 90-day comment period. Under the extension, the land remains withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws, subject to valid existing rights.
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.