Public Lands

Three senators asked the **Department of the Interior** to explain reported plans for data centers and related infrastructure on nearly 18,000 acres across six western states. DOI was asked to respond by November 16, 2026; the inquiry signals potential land-use and oversight issues, not an announced procurement opportunity.

The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration are scheduled to begin a multiyear safety and rehabilitation project on about 42 miles of roads in Mojave National Preserve on November 16, 2026. The work is expected to run through 2029 and is partly funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund; no contract value, contractor, or open solicitation is identified.

The U.S. Forest Service is initiating pilot projects for improved recreation monitoring across public lands, collaborating with various federal agencies. This initiative seeks to modernize data collection methods, presenting new procurement opportunities in data analytics and emerging technologies.

The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with the Boone and Crockett Club and 14 organizations to improve recreational access in national forests. This initiative presents opportunities for contractors specializing in outdoor recreation and habitat conservation, reflecting a federal commitment to sustainable land use.

The U.S. Forest Service is allocating over **$80 million** for 15 conservation projects in 2026 that aim to protect more than **34,000 acres** of privately owned forests. This funding offers procurement opportunities for contractors in forest management, conservation services, and wildfire mitigation.