BLM and USFS to host virtual public meetings on proposed withdrawal in Cook, Lake and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service (USFS) are inviting the public to participate in a series of online meetings regarding the USFS application to withdraw approximately 225,378 acres on the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota from disposition under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws over a 20-year period, subject to valid existing rights.

On Oct. 21, 2021, the BLM published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its receipt of USFS application, available online at https://go.usa.gov/xesF7. A two-year segregation period is in place, which prohibits the BLM from issuing any new Federal mineral leases within the proposed withdrawal area. The segregation does not apply to pre-existing leases or private lands. During the segregation period, the USFS will prepare a science-based environmental assessment to evaluate potential impacts of mining on the area's natural and cultural resources.

The announcement initiated a 90-day public comment period, which will close on Jan. 19, 2022 - instructions for submitting comments are available in the online Federal Register publication. Comments received during the public comment period will assist in informing the USFS environmental assessment.

Virtual public meetings will be held on the dates and times below, via Zoom. The Zoom link to register for the meetings will be available online no later than two weeks before the first meeting at https://go.usa.gov/xesF7.

• Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 1-4 p.m. CST
• Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST
• Tuesday, January 18, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. CST

Before including your address, phone number, email, or other personal identifiable information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment - including this personal information - may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request the BLM to withhold personal information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.