Colville, Washington.  The Bureau of Land Management is announcing a 90-day public comment period on an application by the U.S. Forest Service for extension of the existing withdrawal at the Halliday Fen Research Natural Area in the Colville National Forest. The extension would be for an additional 20 years.  This extension will allow the U.S. Forest Service to preserve unique and sensitive habitat for conservation and research purposes.

A notice of the USFS’s application for the withdrawal extension was published in today’s Federal Register.

The USFS is requesting an extension of the existing withdrawal established by Public Land Order No. 7614.  The withdrawal covers 646.37 acres in Pend Oreille County.  The area includes a marl fen, western redcedar, western hemlock forest, and habitat for a variety of rare plant and animal species.  It is also within the Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone to aid grizzly bear population and habitat health.  Under an extension of the existing withdrawal, the land would remain withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws, subject to valid existing rights. 

The public may request a public meeting or submit comments concerning the application until December 28, 2023. Comments received by the BLM may be made publicly available, including personal identifying information. Please send comments to Luke Poff at lpoff@blm.gov or BLM Oregon-Washington State Office, Attn: Luke Poff (936.1), P.O. Box 2965, Portland, Oregon 97208.

– BLM – 

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.

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.

– BLM – 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management invites public comment on a proposal to continue protecting nearly 200 acres of migratory bird habitat within the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  

The proposal would extend protections that have been in place for the past 40 years for an additional 100 years, securing habitat vital to the migration and nesting of several species of migratory birds and waterfowl. Under the proposal, the roughly 200 acres would be closed to mining, subject to valid existing rights, through a withdrawal from appropriation under the public land laws including the U.S. mining laws. While the BLM is reviewing the proposal and public comment, the area is temporarily protected for up to two years.  

Tomorrow’s Federal Register notice initiates a 90-day public comment period and announces an opportunity for a public meeting. The public may request a public meeting or submit comments concerning the application until Dec. 27, 2023.  

Please send comments to Luke Poff at lpoff@blm.gov or BLM Oregon-Washington State Office, Attn: Luke Poff (936.1), P.O. Box 2965, Portland, Oregon 97208.

– BLM –

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. 

PORTLAND, Ore, — The Bureau of Land Management is waiving recreation day-use fees for visitors on September 23, 2023, in celebration of the 30th annual National Public Lands Day. NPLD is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. To recognize 30 years of care and community and increase recreation access to public land, BLM leaders invite people to explore our unique and diverse natural landscapes and visitor facilities.

“National Public Lands Day serves as a connection between people and public lands,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon and Washington State Director “Whether it’s your first time on public lands or your hundredth, we invite everyone to get outside and enjoy these national treasures across Oregon and Washington.”  

Within Oregon and Washington, the BLM’s standard amenity day-use fees will be waived at the following:

• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area  
• Cape Blanco Lighthouse 
• Wildwood Recreation Site   
• Hyatt Lake Recreation Area  
• Gerber Recreation Area 
• Yakima River Canyon 
• Loon Lake Recreation Site  
• Alsea Falls Recreation Site  
• Shotgun Creek Recreation Site 
• Edson Creek Recreation Site 
• Spring Recreation Site  

The standard amenity fee waiver does not guarantee admission to some busy recreation areas where reservations for day-use, group sites, and overnight camping are recommended. Please contact the local BLM office if you have any questions about a recreation site you are interested in visiting. 

You can search all available BLM recreation opportunities to explore on your public lands at https://www.blm.gov/visit.

Want to join one of BLM's events and help restore America’s public lands? You can find a volunteer event near you at https://www.neefusa.org/npld-event-search.

Know before you go:

Be fire aware. Check for local fire restrictions and active fire closures.

Practice Leave No Trace principles and leave your public lands cleaner than you found them.

The fee waiver only applies to standard amenity fees for day-use at the recreation sites listed. The waiver does not apply to any expanded amenity fees for overnight camping, group day-use, and cabin rentals or individual Special Recreation Permit fees along permitted rivers.

Fee-free days occur each year in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.

The remaining fee-free day in 2023 will be on November 11 in celebration of Veterans Day.

For more information about the BLM’s recreation fee program, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees.

-BLM-

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.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is hiring various jobs in wildland fire across Oregon and Washington. Jobs will open for firefighters, dispatchers and to work at airtanker bases starting in October. This is an opportunity for a career that helps protect local communities and public lands.

The BLM manages over 16 million acres of forest and high desert throughout Oregon and Washington. This creates a complex fire program where no two days are the same. Joining the team takes employees to some of the most beautiful places in the country. The BLM is also part of a larger, collaborative wildland fire management community and partners with other local, state, and federal agencies.

Rogelio Galaviz works as an engine captain for the BLM in Lakeview, Oregon. He has been with the BLM for 15 years and is originally from Oregon. He finds a career in wildland fire fulfilling and likes that he can help his community and others during times of need.

"Anyone with a passion for wildland fire and land stewardship can find a position they’ll enjoy with the BLM," said Rogelio. "I've had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of wildland fire resources. I've worked on a helicopter rappel crew and multiple Interagency Hotshot crews. I've also worked with 3,000-gallon water tenders and other vehicles equipped with water tanks and pumps."

For job announcements or to apply, visit USAJOBS.gov. The work itself will begin in the late spring or early summer of 2024. Visit https://www.nifc.gov/careers/how-to-apply for information on the federal hiring process. Learn more about a career with BLM OR/WA Fire at https://on.doi.gov/3yYp0j7.

To learn more, don’t miss the national BLM Fire Hire webinar via Zoom September 20 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Panelists will discuss entry-level opportunities with BLM Fire, share information about USAJOBS.gov, resume building, and more. The link to participate is: https://bit.ly/485tsMk.

Tentative application periods by job type
• Hotshot Wildland Firefighter, GS 3-5: Oct. 2-24
• Engine Crew, GS 3-5: Oct. 23- Nov. 14
• Wildland Firefighter fuels/prevention/wildland fire module, GS 3-5: Oct. 23- Nov. 14 
• Handcrew, GS 3-5: Nov. 13- Dec. 5
• Helitack, GS 4/5: Oct. 16- Nov. 14
• Senior Firefighter, GS 6/7: Oct. 2-24
• Fire Logistics Dispatcher, GS 3-7: Oct. 23- Nov. 14, and Nov. 13- Dec. 5
• Fire Dispatcher, GS 4-7: Oct. 23- Nov. 14, and Nov. 13- Dec. 5
• Airtanker Base, GS 3-5: Dec. 4-26

Local contact numbers for BLM Oregon-Washington Offices
• Burns, Oregon: 541-573-4400
• Coos Bay, Oregon: 541-756-0100
• Lakeview, Oregon: 541-947-2177
• Medford, Oregon: 541-618-2200
• Northwest Oregon District (Salem): 503-375-5646
• Prineville, Oregon: 541-416-6700
• Roseburg, Oregon: 541-440-4930
• Vale, Oregon: 541-473-3144
• Spokane, Washington (manages all BLM lands in Washington State): 509-536-1200

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity.

-BLM-

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.
 

Coos Bay, Oregon – As a result of the Anvil Fire, the BLM is closing the Edson and Sixes campgrounds and recreation sites until further notice. This order is for the safety of the public and firefighter personnel. 

Members of the public may not enter closed areas. All uses—including hiking, hunting and camping—are prohibited.  

“This closure order is to keep the public and firefighters safe,” said Steve Lydick, Coos Bay District Manager. “The BLM continues to work closely with the fire team and county emergency managers on public safety measures resulting from the Anvil Fire.”  

Maps of the closure areas are available on the Bureau of Land Management’s website at  https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.  

For additional information about the Anvil Fire, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orrsf-anvil-fire. Information for the Flat and Anvil Fires can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023/.  

For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/. 

Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires. 

A list of fire restrictions and closure orders for BLM Oregon-Washington public lands are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon. 

-BLM- 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals. 

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management will join partner organizations to announce Inflation Reduction Act investments and collaborations for six large-scale restoration and conservation efforts. BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning and partners from Trout Unlimited and Mule Deer Foundation will be on hand to help make the announcement and share details about how the investments will help local western communities. This includes funding for potential projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

This effort is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is driving critical conservation projects in sagebrush, forest, grassland and desert landscapes and aquatic ecosystems. To ensure the long-term success of these projects, Inflation Reduction Act funding will be used leverage additional funding and collaborations. 

The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest climate investment in U.S. history. These resources are helping support America the Beautiful, the Biden-Harris administration’s initiative to advance locally led conservation efforts to conserve and restore 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. 

WHO:  

Tracy Stone-Manning, Director, Bureau of Land Management

Chris Wood, Chief Executive Officer, Trout Unlimited          

Steve Belinda, Chief Conservation Officer, Mule Deer Foundation

WHAT: Press call announcing federal funding and diverse partnerships for restoration and resilience projects across the West, as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 11:30 a.m. ET 

RSVP: This event is for credentialed members of the press only. Please RSVP Brian Hires, BLM Press Secretary, at bhires@blm.gov. 

-BLM-

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.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Bureau of Land Management is welcoming public input on a plan to inform recreation management on America’s public lands. The new Blueprint for 21^st Century Outdoor Recreation will guide Bureau decisions to proactively meet modern demands for exceptional and unique outdoor experiences, complementing the significant public land investments in President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. 

“BLM hosted more than 81 million visitors on our public lands last fiscal year – a 40 percent increase since 2012. We are thrilled at this trend, but also recognize that more guests means a need for varied and diverse response strategies,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “The Blueprint aims to help BLM meet the growing demand for exceptional recreation experiences on our public lands.” 

Managing for recreational opportunities is a core tenet of BLM’s multiple use mandate and aligns with BLM’s mission to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The increasing demand for recreational activities on public lands has provided a critical window of opportunity to advance a transformational shift in recreation management. This Blueprint will help BLM prioritize recreation investment and staffing appropriate for current and future needs.

BLM is seeking input from partners and the public, including in-person and virtual recreation Blueprint roundtables hosted by the Foundation for America’s Public Lands. Together, BLM and its partners will implement a strategy to guide the agency in providing the resources and experiences that visitors to public lands expect in the 21st century. 

The Blueprint is not a formal management plan but rather a strategic document to guide the agency’s work. The full text of the Blueprint and associated fact sheet are available on our Recreation Strategy webpage. The Bureau welcomes feedback on how BLM can best implement the Blueprint. To do so, please email blm_recreation_feedback@blm.gov.

-BLM–

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.

Sandy, Ore.  – The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the popular Sandy Ridge Recreation Site due to the nearby Camp Creek Fire, burning on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The BLM closed the area due to excessive smoke and to accommodate firefighting operations in the area. The site is closed until further notice.

The closure includes the parking lot and trail system, as the area is needed to stage wildland firefighting resources and equipment.

“As with any wildland fire, our highest priority is firefighter and public safety. Closing the Sandy Ridge Recreation Site is a necessary step to protect recreators and firefighters while there is an active fire in the area,” said Amanda Hoffman, Cascades Field Manager. 

The Sandy Ridge Recreation Site is 11 miles east of Sandy, Ore. on U.S. Highway 26. The site includes 17 miles of single-track mountain bike trails. 

Please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/mountainbike/sandyridge for additional information on the Sandy Ridge Recreation Site. Additional information on the Camp Creek Fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/ormhf-camp-creek-fire

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $75 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2016—more than any other agency in the Department of the Interior. These activities supported more than 372,000 jobs.