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BAKER CITY, Ore.—The Bureau of Land Management is considering an operator’s plan to mine for gold across 820 acres of public land in Baker County. The BLM manages almost a third of the nation’s minerals, and gold mining is a critical piece of the administration’s effort to and build a more secure domestic supply chain.

“Gold has been an important part of Oregon’s mining history and economy,” said Mike Decker, acting Vale District Manager. “Oregon’s mineral resources are helping America build a more secure domestic supply chain.”

Over the next 20 years, the Reeds Gulch Mining Plan proposes mining activity on about half of that land. Planned activities include exploration test pits, excavation pits and trenches, a processing site, and three settling and recycling ponds. Before mining is even complete, the operator would begin restoration work under the proposal. The operator would mine at individual sites, closing and reclaiming each site as mining work moves to the next area. Both mining and restoration work would occur concurrently throughout the proposed 20-year operation. The proposal does not include blasting for mining.

The BLM is accepting public comments on its environmental assessment of the Plan. The comment period closes Nov. 20, 2026. Project planning documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments can be submitted through the “Participate Now” option (preferred). Comments may also be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to: BLM Baker Field Office, Attn. Reeds Gulch EA, 1550 Dewey Ave, Suite A, Baker City, OR 97814.