PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on proposed exploratory drilling on approximately 13 acres of public lands within a 2,424-acre project area, south of Lone Pine in Inyo County. If approved, Mojave Precious Metals Inc. could search for mineral deposits, including gold, on public lands where they currently hold mining claims.

Mojave Precious Metals Inc. proposes to modify its existing, approved plan of operations to drill 120 exploratory bore holes at up to 30 locations. Proposed drilling would aim to gather data on known areas of minerals. The plan modification includes work such as access road reconstruction, drill pad and sump construction, and other related activities.

The proposed project supports DOI Secretarial Order 3418 – Unleashing American Energy, by encouraging exploration and production on federal lands to meet the needs of American citizens. The proposed area is designated as open to mineral exploration.

The Bureau of Land Management will hold an in-person public meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 5–7 p.m. at Statham Town Hall, 138 N. Jackson St., Lone Pine, CA 93545. BLM staff will be available during the meeting to discuss the alternatives and analysis and answer any questions.

A Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register to open a 45-day comment period. Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comment may be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Comments may also be submitted via email to BLM_CA_RI_MojavePMetals@blm.gov, or delivered to the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office, ATTN: Mojave Exploration Drilling Project, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. The public comment period closes June 16, 2025.

For more information, please contact BLM Ridgecrest Field Manager Philip DeSenze at BLM_CA_RI_MojavePMetals@blm.gov.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on the Control-Silver Peak project proposal to update existing transmission lines in Inyo and Mono counties to increase safety and reliability.

Southern California Edison proposes to replace and consolidate structures to increase ground clearance on two existing 55-kilovolt transmission lines, along approximately 61 miles of the Control-Silver Peak lines, which would meet California Public Utility Commission standards and bring the lines into compliance.

“This project ensures the safety and reliability of existing transmission lines and will improve energy transmission generation on public land,” said Shelly Lynch, BLM California Desert District Manager.

The proposed project would support approximately 350 construction jobs and would rebuild components of the existing transmission system to ensure reliability and delivery of clean energy to more than 25,000 people in the surrounding communities.

The Notice of Intent in the Federal Register opens a public comment period until Feb. 12, 2024. The public can help identify issues, suggest alternatives, or provide information for potential consideration in the Environmental Impact Statement.

As part of the scoping process, the Bureau of Land Management will hold one virtual and two in-person public meetings on the following dates/times at the BLM Bishop Field Office – USFS Inyo National Forest Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514.

• In-person: Tuesday, January 16, from 2 – 4 p.m. and Wednesday, January 17, from noon – 2 p.m.
• Virtual: Wednesday, January 24, from noon – 2 p.m. The public must register to participate in the virtual public meeting. Registrants will receive a link and phone number to join the meeting.

Public comments can be submitted in the following ways:

• Email comments to: BLM_CA_CA_TLRR_ControlSilverPeak@blm.gov   
• Mail or hand deliver comments in an envelope labeled “Control-Silver Peak Project EIS” to Joan Patrovsky, Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management, California Desert District Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
• Fax: 760-833-7199

The Control-Silver Peak line western terminus is the Control Substation, approximately five miles west of Bishop in Inyo County, and the eastern terminus is at Fish Valley Substation, approximately six miles west of the California-Nevada border. For more information contact Joan Patrovsky, Bureau of Land Management Project Manager, 951-214-1775, or visit the Control Silver Peak Project BLM’s .

BISHOP, Calif. – Inyo National Forest, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, is seeking public input on proposed gathers of wild horses outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory in Mono County, California. The proposed gathers would maintain sustainable wild horse herd management levels, protect resources on public and private lands, protect proposed critical habitat for the bi-state distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse, and address public safety concerns for motorists.

The Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory (Territory) is managed for a wild horse population of between 138 to 230 animals under the 2019 Inyo National Forest Land Management Plan. A 2020 aerial survey of the Territory and surrounding areas counted 654 horses, with most of the horses located outside of the Territory. This is at least triple the appropriate management level, a situation that is unsafe for horses and damaging to public resources and wildlife habitat.  

The wild horses are now residing 20 miles west of the Territory on the shores of Mono Lake and are a safety concern for motorists traveling on Highway 6 and Highway 120 east. 

“The BLM is motivated to work with the Inyo National Forest to improve wildlife habitat, increase public safety along roadways, and protect horses and people by reducing the risk of horse collisions with vehicles,” said BLM Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius.  

“As the lead agency, the Inyo National Forest is happy to partner with BLM in managing the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory herd,” said Inyo National Forest Mono Lake District Ranger Stephanie Heller. “The current size and locations of the herd are causing significant resource damage and safety issues.” 

The Inyo National Forest is the lead agency responsible for managing the Territory, in coordination with the BLM Bishop Field Office, BLM Carson City District, and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The BLM is the lead agency for preparing the environmental assessment for the gather plan and the Inyo National Forest would be the lead agency for an initial gather.  

More information about the project can be found online at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments can be submitted. The 30-day public scoping period is open until Dec. 7.  

Comments may also be submitted via mail to: 351 Pacu Lane, Bishop, CA 93514, or via email: BLM_CA_Bishop_MPWHT@blm.gov. Written comments must be postmarked on or before Dec. 7.

Should you have any questions or access issues, email BLM_CA_Bishop_MPWHT@blm.gov.