ELKO, Nev., Dec. 30, 2024 — Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced steps to protect Nevada’s Ruby Mountains, one of the state’s most unique landscapes. In response to requests from Tribes, conservationists, sportsman and the local community, the Department of the Interior is initiating consideration of a 20-year withdrawal of the Ruby Mountain area from operation of the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. The U.S.
WASHINGTON, Dec 26, 2024 -- Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has signed Public Land Order 7956, finalizing protections for the Pactola Reservoir–Rapid Creek Watershed on the Black Hills National Forest from the potential effects of mineral exploration and development. This order follows a request from the U.S. Forest Service to close 20,510 acres of National Forest System land to sale or exchange and mineral entry and leasing, for a 20-year period, subject to valid existing rights.