The Forest Service wants to protect about 3,700 acres of national forest in Arizona from mining.
It wants to protect the Hassayampa River riparian corridor in Yavapai County from mining operations.
It published a notice in the Federal Registeron Tuesday morning stating it has asked the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw 3,700 acres of national forest land from being made available for use under mining laws.
The application keeps the land segregated from potential inclusion for up to two years and starts a public comment period. Requests for a public meeting about the application are due with the BLM in Arizona by Sept. 5.
