For Immediate Release
Contacts: Tom Bickauskas (623) 580-5502 or Thomas_Bickauskas@blm.gov
Penny Foreman (623) 580-5528 or Penny_Foreman@blm.gov
Route Evaluations Continue for Public Lands North of Phoenix
PHOENIX, Ariz., February 13, 2008 – The Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District, Hassayampa Field Office is continuing to evaluate proposed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Routes on public lands north of Phoenix. Public lands involved in this effort include the Black Canyon Corridor west of Interstate 17, the Lake Pleasant and Hieroglyphic Mountains areas north of State Route 74, and the Wickenburg Mountains east of Highway 93 and north of State Route 74. The ultimate goal of this evaluation and designation process is to create a managed network of roads and trails within the field office that will be available to a variety of users while limiting impacts to the resources.
Initial public scoping began in 2007 and several meetings were held to afford interested agencies, organizations and individuals the opportunity to participate in the process and provide input to the route designation process. Comments received at these meetings have been used to produce preliminary route designation alternative maps which are now being made available to the public for review.
Three maps have been created to provide a range of preliminary alternatives for consideration. The Proposed Route Alternative map seeks to create a management network of routes available to a variety of users while limiting potential impacts to lands and resources. The Alternative 1 map provides less OHV access due to dust management concerns, resource and land ownership issues, and other factors. The Existing Routes Alternative map reflects the current status of OHV routes and travel management.
On February 15, 2008 the maps will be available for public review on the Arizona BLM website at http://www.blm.gov/az/outrec/travel_mgmt/index.htm. These maps and more detailed versions will also be available to the public at the BLM Phoenix District office.
The route evaluation process is being conducted with cost share funding from Arizona State Parks through the State OHV Fund. A formal environmental analysis, written in conjunction with the development of a Travel Management Plan (TMP), will occur in late 2008 or early 2009 upon approval of the Bradshaw-Harquahala Resource Management Plan. The TMP will designate OHV routes as open, closed or restricted for motorized travel and will also designate some non-motorized routes for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Public comments on the preliminary route alternatives will be accepted until September 30, 2008. Written comments may be provided by mail, e-mail or fax at the addresses or phone numbers listed below. Tom Bickauskas, Transportation and Access Planning Coordinator, may be contacted at (623) 580-5502 for more information. The BLM Hassayampa Field Office thanks you for your continued support and participation during this process.
Bureau of Land Management
Phoenix District, Hassayampa Field Office
21605 North 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Office: (623) 580-5500
Fax: (623) 580-5528
E-mail: AZ_PDO_Routes@blm.gov
 |