Bureau of Land Management extends withdrawal for protection of Sweetwater River
Extension allows continued recreation opportunities, conservation efforts
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CHEYENNE, WY. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced it will extend the withdrawal for public lands along a nearly ten-mile segment of the Sweetwater River in Wyoming for another 20 years.
Under the extension, the land will remain withdrawn from settlement, sale, location, or entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, subject to valid existing rights.
The 9.7 miles of public land along the Sweetwater River are located on the southern tip of the Wind River Range and include 4,943.13 acres. These lands contain important historic, scenic, recreational, riparian, and wildlife values. The river in this area played a major role in the Oregon, Mormon, Pioneer, California, and Pony Express National Historic Trails. Surface activities associated with mineral exploration and development would degrade these resources. The area includes lands identified as Priority Habitat Management Area for Greater Sage-Grouse and overlaps with the Sublette Mule Deer Herd Migration Corridor designated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
The BLM published a Public Land Order to extend the withdrawal to protect and preserve significant recreational, scenic, riparian, historic, and wildlife resources. Go to: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/06/08/2022-12372/notice-of-proposed-withdrawal-extension-and-opportunity-for-public-meeting-for-the-sweetwater-river
The action follows a Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Extension that was published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2022, followed by a 90-day public comment period. All comments received on the proposal supported the withdrawal extension.
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.