BLM Seeks Input on Proposed Withdrawal Revocation Near Chaco Culture National Historical Park

WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on an environmental assessment for the proposed revocation of Public Land Order No. 7923 affecting public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in McKinley, San Juan, and Sandoval counties in northwestern New Mexico.

"The BLM welcomes input from stakeholders as we analyze the environmental effects of revoking the withdrawal of public lands surrounding Chaco Canyon National Historical Park," said BLM Director Stevan Pearce. "Gathering and considering these perspectives is a vital part of our process and to our mission of managing public lands for the benefit of all Americans." 

Issued in 2023, the order closed approximately 336,404 acres to mining and mineral leasing for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. Following Executive Order 14154 and Secretary's Order 3418, the BLM is reviewing this withdrawal. The Secretary of the Interior has the authority to make, modify, extend or revoke withdrawals of public lands under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

The environmental assessment analyzes the following alternatives:

• No Action Alternative: 10-mile buffer withdrawal remains in effect 
  Public Land Order No. 7923 would remain in effect, keeping approximately 336,404 acres closed to new mineral leasing and mineral entry for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. 

• Alternative 1 (Proposed Action): Revoke the withdrawal in full    
  The Secretary or a designated Secretarial official may revoke the public land order in full, reopening all 336,404 acres to mining and mineral leasing. Management of mineral resources would conform to the provisions of the 2003 Farmington Resource Management Plan. 

• Alternative 2: Revoke the withdrawal to allow leasing and mining beyond a 5-mile buffer 
  The Secretary or a designated Secretarial official may revoke the public land order in part, reopening public lands beyond a 5-mile buffer around the park to both mining and mineral leasing. 

Additional information, including the draft environmental assessment, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the "Participate Now" option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to: BLM Farmington Field Office, Attn: PLO 7923, 6251 College Blvd, Suite A, Farmington, NM 87402. The comment period will close July 29, 2026.

For more information, please contact BLM Project Manager Sarah Scott at [email protected] or 505- 564-7689.