FR 2025-06827

The recent publication by the Interior Department outlines a Public Land Order (PLO) affecting approximately 109,651 acres of federal land across Dona Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo Counties, New Mexico. This order withdraws the specified land from settlement, sale, and various types of resource extraction for a period of three years. It is designated for use by the Department of the Army in efforts related to border security. Additionally, this action transfers administrative responsibility from one federal agency to another.

General Summary of the Document

The main purpose of this public land order is to support border security by making it clear that certain federal lands will not be available for sale or other uses that might interfere with security operations. The land in question is located along the United States' border with Mexico, adjacent to what is known as the "Roosevelt Reservation." The purpose of the withdrawal is to mitigate emergency situations that could lead to the loss of particular values.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One primary issue arises from the highly technical nature of the document, particularly the legal descriptions using the township and range system. These descriptions can be difficult to understand for most of the general public, which might create barriers to public knowledge and civic engagement.

Furthermore, the document provides limited transparency regarding the specifics of how these lands will be utilized for border security. While it denotes an emergency situation, it doesn’t clarify what specific actions or "extraordinary measures" are planned, nor does it specify which values are at risk.

The reference to historical legal statutes, such as the Presidential Proclamation of May 27, 1907, might be unclear for those who are not familiar with those laws and their implications. This could leave many readers without the necessary context to fully understand the document’s legal framework.

Finally, while the expiration date of the withdrawal is mentioned, there is no indication of what criteria might lead to the extension of this order. The lack of clarity around future evaluations or plans could raise questions about long-term intentions.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this order impacts the public by potentially altering land use policies that could affect local economies, especially those tied to natural resource extraction. Residents or stakeholders in these New Mexico counties might experience reduced opportunities for resource development or land sales during the withdrawal period.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For Local Economies and Residents: Resource development in the affected counties may be limited, affecting industries reliant on mining, mineral leasing, or similar activities. Residents who might have planned on land use or development within these areas could be directly impacted by these restrictions.

For Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations focused on environmental protection might view this withdrawal positively if it helps preserve natural landscapes from potentially disruptive development.

For the Department of the Army: The transfer of administrative control potentially expedites their operational capacity in managing border security efforts, potentially leading to more efficient implementation of related measures.

Overall, while the order's intent is clear in its fundamental action, the lack of detailed transparency regarding implementation and long-term implications poses several questions for public understanding and participation.