The Lincoln National Forest is proposing that the Secretary of Interior to withdraw approximately 28,513 acres of National Forest System lands south of Queen, NM from mineral exploration and development for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights.
Location
The proposed withdrawal area is located about 30 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM on the Guadalupe escarpment between Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Project timeline
1
Scoping Start
05/24/2023
2
Comment Period
07/21/2023
3
Objection Period Start
09/15/2023
4
Decision
05/2024 (Estimated)
5
Implementation
05/2024 (Estimated)
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Land Use Adjustments |
| Guadalupe Cave Resource Protection Area Mineral Withdrawal | Decision Signed Date: 05/23/2024 |
| Forests | Lincoln National Forest |
| Districts | Guadalupe Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |