FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2025

CONTACT: 

Russell Kuhlman, executive director, Nevada Wildlife Federation: [email protected] 

Devin O’Dea, western policy & conservation manager, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: [email protected] 

Ruby Mountains Administrative Mineral Withdrawal Cancelled

ELKO, NEVADA - The Ruby Mountains Mineral Withdrawal announced by the Department of Interior at the end of last year has been cancelled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Last December, the Department of the Interior initiated the process to withdraw the Ruby Mountains from geothermal, oil, and gas development with the support of hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreators which came with a temporary two-year moratorium. In February, a virtual public meeting on the withdrawal application was cancelled but the 90-day comment period stayed open to the public which generated over 2,400 supportive comments by the sporting community.

Over 60 percent of Westerners prefer oil and gas companies to drill in areas with known deposits. The large majority of Nevadans also want leaders to place more emphasis on protecting water, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities over maximizing the amount of land available for drilling and mining.

“Nevadans are proud that the Ruby Mountains support world class hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, while providing grazing and ranching opportunities,” said Russell Kuhlman, executive director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. “The one activity the Ruby Mountains has never been able to produce is energy development. We are disappointed that the current administration failed to listen to local stakeholder input on how Nevadans would like their public lands managed.”

In addition to the administrative mineral withdrawal – which, if finalized, would have conserved 260,000 acres encompassing important fish and wildlife habitat in the Ruby Mountains for twenty-years – Congress should advance the bipartisan Ruby Mountains Protection Act to permanently protect these public lands.

“The Ruby Mountains Mineral Withdrawal would have conserved important habitat in the migratory corridor for Nevada’s largest mule deer herd as well as streams and lakes populated by Lahontan cutthroat trout,” said Devin O'Dea, western policy and conservation manager for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Canceling the withdrawal circumvents years of broad, bipartisan support from a variety of stakeholders who recognize the value of these lands and waters to hunters, anglers and the American people.”

About Nevada Wildlife Federation: The Nevada Wildlife Federation is an affiliate of National Wildlife Federation and the oldest statewide conservation organization dedicated to sustaining Nevada’s wildlife through conservation and education.

About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. 

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