Public lands news can be a lot. By design, the threats keep coming fast enough that you're supposed to feel overwhelmed and tune it all out. But you haven't. Neither have we. Here's where things stand, how we keep pushing, and what you can do to make a difference in May. |
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| Mining Threat Re-Emerges at Hot Creek
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KORE Mining has resubmitted a proposal to the USFS for exploratory drilling at the Hot Creek Geologic Site: a world-class fly-fishing destination, a critical watershed, a vital wildlife habitat, and a place of deep Indigenous cultural significance.
Four years ago, we beat them in court. This time, the current administration has dismantled key environmental protections and the public isn't even being asked for input. We need your help more than ever to protect Hot Creek. |
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| Kiley Cosigns Public Lands in Public Hands Act |
Representative Kevin Kiley has finally heard our demands for him to co-sponsor the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. The bipartisan bill (H.R. 718) would ban the sale or transfer of our public lands and waters without congressional approval, ensuring their protection for generations. Join us in thanking Kiley for this move in a state, and district, which relies so heavily on the protection, stewardship, and use of public lands.
Send Kiley a Message → |
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| BLM Approves Drilling at Conglomerate Mesa
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On April 8th, the Bureau of Land Management released a Record of Decision (ROD) on K2 Gold’s proposal for an expanded mining exploration drilling project at Conglomerate Mesa. The BLM chose the Modified Helicopter Alternative, meaning no roads will be built in this phase, reducing the disturbance from over 13 acres to less than half an acre. We will continue to fight for permanent protection of Conglomerate Mesa.
Read More → |
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Congress is threatening to permanently remove this National Monument’s protections. If their resolution (H.J. Res. 151) passes, it would set a precedent for Congress to do this to every national monument in the country using an obscure law.
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Roadless Rule 15 Day Comment Period - The Forest Service will release the Draft Environmental Impact Statement soon and open a short comment period of just 15 days. The Trump administration is determined to repeal this successful rule despite 99.8% of 2025 comments opposing this decision.
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| Developments in Water Justice |
Our team has been fighting to keep more water in the Eastern Sierra. LADWP just released its annual estimates for groundwater pumping. Inyo County will provide comments with public input. Help us advocate for water protections on Eastern Sierra Water Alliance’s website and learn more about current water management in Inyo County from Revealing Payahuunadu's water management series recordings.
Water Management Series →
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| A Successful Owens Lake Bird Festival |
We couldn’t be more grateful to the 150 people who celebrated the bird migration down the Pacific Flyway and into Owens Lake with us. Huge thanks to those who donated to and participated in our silent auction, everyone who attended tours, and, of course, the wonderful staff at the Lone Pine Museum of Western Film History and Coachwhip Cafe for being a part of the magic. |
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Friends of the Inyo appreciates the following organizations and local businesses for their generous sponsorship of our programs: |
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