BLM approves lithium exploration in southeast Oregon (Photo)Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 12/12/25 6:53 AM
VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nev.
With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017.
“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain.
The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment.
Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well.
Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or ogardus@blm.gov" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">lbogardus@blm.gov.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 12/11/25 10:04 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management continues a highly successful prescribed burn season, having treated more than 18,000 acres of public lands since the beginning of September. These efforts reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, and build more resilient landscapes across the region.
“BLM fire staff have stayed prepared, so we’re ready to capitalize on windows with the safest burning conditions,” said Michael Solheim, fire management specialist. “We’ve been waiting for rain and for drought conditions to gradually improve. These conditions are essential to executing treatments effectively and maintaining our commitment to protect communities and restore landscape resilience.”
Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools land managers have to reduce excessive vegetation and restore native ecosystems. This season’s burns have helped return nutrients to the soil, stimulate new plant growth, and maintain open spaces, while also supporting a sustained yield of timber and forage for cattle.
Many landscapes in Oregon and Washington have evolved with fire, making it a vital, natural process. Through careful application, prescribed burning helps maintain watershed health, protect water quality, and sustain the biodiversity that characterizes these fire-adapted ecosystems.
Crews rely on detailed weather monitoring, fire-modeling tools and careful planning to ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively. The BLM works closely with rural fire departments, federal and state agencies, and nonprofit partners throughout the year to focus on critical work.
“We’re grateful to our neighbors for supporting this work,” said Solheim. “Prescribed fire requires patience, especially when smoke is visible, but it’s an investment in long-term safety and healthier public lands.”
For more information about prescribed fire and ongoing fuel reduction efforts, visit the BLM’s website.
-BLM-
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Attached Media Files: Franks_Creek_Rx_Burn_2025.jpg , Buckshot_Timber_Sale_Rx_Burn_2025.jpg , West_Castle_Rock_Unit1_ValeBLM_2025.jpeg
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M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust - 12/10/25 10:30 AM
Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Summer 2025 Grants Report. The report announces:
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125 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $25,747,000.
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This includes $7,400,500 through 35 grants to nonprofits serving the Washington community.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.
360.694.8415 // colbyr@murdocktrust.org
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust - 12/10/25 10:30 AM
Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Summer 2025 Grants Report. The report announces:
-
125 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $25,747,000.
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This includes $1,792,500 through 10 grants to nonprofits serving the Idaho community.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.5 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.
360.694.8415 // colbyr@murdocktrust.org