Nevada Lands Stay Off-Limits for Air Force Comms Sites
Published Date: 4/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Air Force is getting a 20-year extension to keep certain Nevada lands off-limits to the public. This land helps protect important communication sites for national defense on the Nevada Test and Training Range. No sales or settlements are allowed, but mineral leasing can continue, ensuring safety and security without disrupting mining rights.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Public access remains closed for 20 years
You cannot access the roughly 264 acres on Halligan Mesa that are reserved for the U.S. Air Force; public access remains restricted. The extension takes effect April 11, 2025 and lasts 20 years (until April 11, 2045) to protect a communications site used for national defense.
Land sales and mining claims prohibited
About 264 acres are withdrawn from settlement, sale, location, or entry under the general land laws, including the United States mining laws, so you cannot make new land purchases or locate new mining claims on this parcel. The withdrawal is extended for 20 years starting April 11, 2025 (expires April 11, 2045).
Mineral leasing may continue on the parcel
The withdrawal does not apply to leasing under the mineral leasing laws, so mineral leasing on the parcel may continue despite the extension. This status continues as of the Order effective April 11, 2025 and for the 20-year withdrawal period.
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