FALLON RANGE TRAINING COMPLEX MODERNIZATION

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - General

1. Why is the modernization necessary?

  • The Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) is currently operating with significant gaps in aviation weapons training and ground mobility training capability. Modernization of the Bravo ranges and the Dixie Valley Training Area (DVTA) is needed to provide more realistic training capabilities to meet changing aviation and ground training requirements, while maintaining the safety of local communities.

2. When will the expanded ranges be operational?

  • The Navy is currently working to meet its legislative commitments to get the expanded ranges operational. Expanded ranges will come online as range-specific commitments are met. Timelines for each range and specific projects are shared at quarterly Intergovernmental Executive Committee (IEC) meetings and the schedule on the Project Updates > Commitments page is updated quarterly.

3. How much land is included in the modernization?

  • The total acres of land that has been withdrawn for Navy use is 791,000 acres, encompassing both the pre-modernization ranges and other training areas, and expansions to most of these areas as part of the modernization. Please refer to the Project Updates > Commitments page for information on when the expanded bombing ranges will be closed to public access.

4. Will the Navy increase training once the modernization is complete?

  • No, the number of training activities will not increase with the modernization. The purpose of the modernization is to redistribute training activities across the expanded ranges to allow for more realistic training in a manner safe to neighboring communities.

5. Is the Navy closing access to the Dixie Valley Training Area?

  • No, the DVTA will remain open and unfenced.

6. When will expanded ranges scheduled to be closed actually close to public access?

  • Closed bombing ranges will remain open in the expanded areas until the Navy puts up fencing. Timelines for fencing vary by range. Please refer to the Project Updates > Commitments page for the current proposed schedule.

7. What authorizes the modernization?

  • The Navy completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in January 2020 for the proposed modernization. A Record of Decision was signed for the EIS in March 2020. The modernization was then passed into law through the Fiscal Year 23 National Defense Authorization Act.

8. Does the Navy coordinate with Native American Tribes?

  • Yes. The Navy coordinates closely with 13 Federally recognized Native American Tribes and four Tribal Band councils on projects and plans which present environmental and cultural issues of potential interest to Tribes. The Tribes are also involved in the ethnographic and archaeological surveys for the expanded land required by the National Defense Authorization Act.

9. Will there still be access to portions of Bravo-17 for bighorn sheep hunting?

  • Yes, the Navy is working on an updated Bighorn Sheep Hunt Memorandum of Agreement with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to include the expanded lands. Please contact NDOW if you have any questions regarding Nevada hunting opportunities.

10. Will SR361 close before the new alignment is constructed?

  • No. The Navy is committed to maintaining access to the current alignment of SR361 while the new alignment is constructed. The current alignment will remain open until the new alignment is constructed and open to public traffic.

11. What is the best way to find up-to-date information on the modernization process?

  • You can fill out the subscription form to receive periodic updates by e-mail. You can find updates on each of the projects on the Project Updates > Commitments page. You can also attend the quarterly Intergovernmental Executive Committee (IEC) meetings, which are open to the public. You can find more information on the IEC page.

12. Who can I contact with general modernization questions?

FAQs - Unpatented Mining Claims

1. Why am I being notified by the Navy?

  • The Navy is contacting all holders of mining claims that will be impacted by the modernization of the Fallon Range Training Complex. The purpose of the notification is (a) to inform holders of these mining claims that their claims will be impacted and that they will lose access to their claims, and (b) to offer payments to cover administrative fees previously paid to the Bureau of Land Management by the claim holders to establish and maintain any claim(s) to which access will be lost because of the modernization.

2. Why is my mining claim being impacted/affected by the Navy?

  • The FY23 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the expansion of the Fallon Range Training Complex. If your mining claim is within the expansion areas for the Bravo-16, Bravo-17, or Bravo-20 bombing ranges, you will no longer be able to access the claim area due to the Navy’s need to ensure public safety and training mission security.

3. How does the Navy know which claimants are affected?

  • The Navy is working with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to check BLM’s Mineral and Land Records System to identify mining claims that are within the Modernization expansion areas.

4. How will my payment be calculated?

  • Payments will be calculated to cover maintenance fees and any other similar BLM-required fees that may have been paid on an impacted mining claim for the duration that the claim has been continuously held by the current holder(s) of the claim.

5. What if I do not agree with the payment amount offered by the Navy?

  • The Navy will provide the holder(s) of an impacted mining claim 30 business days from letter receipt to provide a record of fees paid on the claim if the claim holder(s) believe the Navy’s offered amount is incorrect.

6. What is the process for receiving my payment from the Navy?

  • If the holder of the mining claims returns the signed agreement, the Navy will use that as documentation to process the payment through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). To receive payments via EFT, holders of mining claims shall register on Sam.gov for a Unique Entity ID and provide the assigned Unique Entity ID to the Government.

7. What am I required to do for purposes of the payment process?

  • Holders of the mining claims will have 30 business days from receipt of letter to make a decision. If the holder(s) of a mining claim decide to accept the payment, they will need to sign and return the agreement so that the payment can be processed. The agreement will be included with the notification letter.

8. What if I choose to continue to make the annual maintenance payment to BLM?

  • The holder(s) of the mining claim will still lose access to their claim for the duration of the land withdrawal. If the holder(s) of the mining claim continue to make maintenance payments, they will re-gain access to their mining claim in the event that the Navy relinquishes its withdrawal and the lands are returned to the public lands system.

FAQs - Real Estate

1. Who can I contact at the Navy with further real estate-specific questions?

2. How will I know if my parcel is within the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) modernization range expansion area and is to be acquired?

  • A notification letter will be provided to all parcels impacted by the expansion of the FRTC.

3. When will I receive the initial letter?

  • Letters for the parcels located within the Dixie Valley Training Area (DVTA) and B-17 ranges have already been sent. Letters for parcels in the B-20 range expansion are forthcoming.

4. What if I am ready to sell immediately?

5. What does the appraiser need from me?

  • Providing the appraiser with express permission for an onsite inspection may expedite the appraisal process.

6. What if I disagree with the Navy’s appraised fair market value?

  • Please contact the Realty Specialist listed on the purchase offer letter once you receive it.

7. What will slow down the offer and escrow process?

  • Communication delays (i.e., finding current contact information for the property owner, no response to the Navy’s offer).
  • Delays in allowing the appraiser to conduct an onsite inspection of the property.
  • Title issues (i.e., if title is held by a deceased person, probate or property is not included in trust).

8. How will I get paid?

  • Cow County Title and Escrow Company will complete the escrow transactions and payment.

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