Utah Land Stays Off-Limits for 20 More Years to Save Water System
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The government wants to keep protecting 6,559 acres of land in Utah for another 20 years to support the Diamond Fork water system. They fixed some land details and are inviting the public to share thoughts by May 26, 2026, with a virtual meeting on April 9. This affects local communities and anyone interested in land use, but it won’t change current mining or leasing rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
20-Year Withdrawal of 6,558.96 Acres
The Interior proposes to extend a land withdrawal for the Diamond Fork water system for an additional 20-year term covering 6,558.96 acres in Utah County. Those acres would be withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws (so new mining claims cannot be located), subject to valid existing rights.
Two Parcels Corrected as Non-Federal (80 acres)
The agency corrected the record to show two parcels totaling 80 acres in Utah County are non-Federal land and are not currently part of the withdrawal. If the United States later acquires those parcels, they would become subject to the withdrawal.
Mineral and Geothermal Leasing Still Allowed
The withdrawal proposal removes the lands from location and entry under mining laws but does not stop leasing under the mineral or geothermal leasing laws. The lands would also remain open to other uses authorized on National Forest System lands.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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