The Phoenix District, Hassayampa Field Office is continuing to evaluate proposed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Routes on public lands north of Phoenix. The effort is currently concentrating on the eastern and southern portions of the field office and includes 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 that will be available to a variety of users while limiting impacts to the natural resources.
Initial public scoping began in April of 2007 and several public meetings were held to discuss the beginning of this comprehensive travel management effort. Interested agencies, organizations and individuals were informed of the designation process and the type of information from the public needed for constructive input to the process was described. The general timeline for the process was also presented. Afterwards interested parties were invited to participate in the process by providing input regarding route connectivity, existing or potential conflicts and current or desired access. Comments received at these meetings and during the comment period were used to produce preliminary route designation 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 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 A 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. More detailed maps of the alternatives are being made and will soon be available on this website. The large maps and 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 a Recreational Trails Program Grant. 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 designation 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
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