BLM Extends Withdrawal of SW Oregon's Wheeler Creek Research Natural Area
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.
BLM officials said this extension allows the US Forest Service to continue managing the 334-acre site to support forest science research and to protect the region's unique natural heritage including 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 restrictions.
The 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 BLM is responsible for processing requests for federal land withdrawals on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior.
Under the extension, the land remains withdrawn from location and entry under United States mining laws, subject to valid existing rights.
Posted on 10/12/23 6:14AM by Sam Marsh
