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BLM banning mining on 1,500 square miles in Nevada
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- The Bureau of Land Management is imposing a mineral mining ban across almost 1,500 square miles of federal land in southern Nevada to protect cultural, historic and wildlife sites.
BLM official Patrick Putnam in Las Vegas said Friday the 20-year ban on new mining claims covers nearly 945,000 acres in 24 separate sites dubbed Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.
He says valid existing mining claims aren't affected.
The sites were identified in 1998 for protection of endangered desert tortoise, southwestern willow flycatcher, woundfin and Virgin River chub, and others species.
A mining ban was temporarily imposed in 2002, and hearings were held on extending the withdrawal in January 2008.
The action becomes official when it is published in the Federal Register on Sunday.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- The Bureau of Land Management is imposing a mineral mining ban across almost 1,500 square miles of federal land in southern Nevada to protect cultural, historic and wildlife sites.
BLM official Patrick Putnam in Las Vegas said Friday the 20-year ban on new mining claims covers nearly 945,000 acres in 24 separate sites dubbed Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.
He says valid existing mining claims aren't affected.
The sites were identified in 1998 for protection of endangered desert tortoise, southwestern willow flycatcher, woundfin and Virgin River chub, and others species.
A mining ban was temporarily imposed in 2002, and hearings were held on extending the withdrawal in January 2008.
The action becomes official when it is published in the Federal Register on Sunday.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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