Search Results for keywords:"biological resources"

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated a large area in the Pacific Ocean, called the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, to protect its unique marine environment around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The sanctuary spans about 582,570 square miles and is intended to preserve its invaluable biological, cultural, and historical resources. The rules for this sanctuary involve regulating activities like fishing and anchoring, following existing management frameworks and international guidelines to ensure protection while allowing for some scientific and cultural activities. This designation is in collaboration with various partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawaii, to enhance the protection and management of this significant marine area.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the Interior Department, is proposing to withdraw over 308,000 acres of federal land in Nye County, Nevada, from mining and leasing activities for 20 years to protect cultural, recreational, and biological resources. This proposal includes a 90-day public comment period and a public meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025, at the Amargosa Community Center. The withdrawal would also apply to approximately 40,000 acres of non-federal land if acquired by the U.S. during this time. The lands will still be available for other uses, like mineral material disposals, during the withdrawal period.