From the Native Fish Society:
Over the past year, the U.S. Forest Service and BLM have received over 45,000 public comments on the proposed Southwestern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal. Most asked for a 20-year withdrawal— to provide the maximum interim protection from mining, while Congress considers legislation to make it permanent. A mineral withdrawal will protect ~101,000 acres of public lands from new mining claims and also require existing claim holders to show they can comply with validity requirements before any mining activities can begin.
Over the past year, the Forest Service and BLM completed an Environmental Assessment, evaluating both a 5- and 20-year option for this proposal. In response to overwhelming public support for the 20-year option, they are now amending their original notice to consider extending the duration of the proposed withdrawal.
At this critical juncture, we need to show strong support one more time!
