SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management proposes to extend a 25-year public land withdrawal for continued military use and training at Fort Irwin National Training Center in San Bernardino County. Federal Register publication of Notice of the Army’s withdrawal extension application initiates a public comment period that will end on Oct. 24.

Fort Irwin National Training Center supports a key area for conducting arms military training, development, and testing of military equipment. The order affects approximately 117,700 acres of public land, which would remain closed to settlement, sale, location, and entry under the general land laws, including the mining laws.

The BLM and the U.S. Army welcome public comments on the proposed order and will host an in-person public meeting, with a virtual option to attend, on Monday, Sept. 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Barstow Field Office, located at 2601 Barstow Road in Barstow, CA 92311. Please register here to attend virtually.

Written comments should be sent to Sarah Naranjo, Realty Specialist at BLM California State Office, 2800 Cottage Way W-1928, Sacramento, CA 95825-1886, or by email at BLM_CA_SO_FortIrwinComments@blm.gov.

The BLM is responsible for administering the Department of the Interior’s land withdrawal program and for processing all withdrawal-related applications or proposals for public lands. For more information, please contact Sarah Naranjo, Realty Specialist, Bureau of Land Management, California State Office at snaranjo@blm.gov.

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.