Air Force Locks Down 5,000 Oregon Acres for Military Secrets
Published Date: 9/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The Air Force wants to set aside nearly 5,000 acres of public land in Oregon for military use and keep it off-limits for things like mining or selling for the next 20 years. This means the land won’t be available for public use or development during that time, and the Air Force will take over managing it. If you’re a local land user or business, this change could affect your plans, so keep an eye on upcoming meetings and decisions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
5,000 Acres Withdrawn from Public Use
If you live or run a business in Oregon near the Whitehorse Ranch area, 4,988 acres of public land will be set aside and kept off-limits for settlement, sale, location, or entry (including mining and mineral/geothermal leasing) for 20 years. That land won’t be available for development, sale, or some public uses during that 20-year period.
Air Force Takes Administrative Control
The Department of the Air Force has asked that administrative control of the same 4,988 acres be transferred to the Secretary of the Air Force, meaning the Air Force would manage the land. That transfer could change how the public can use the land while it is reserved for military purposes.
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