BLM implementing temporary closure of portion of public lands west of Phoenix
Organization
Media Contact:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is temporarily closing approximately 1,000 acres of public lands located off Miller Road in Buckeye, Arizona, to ensure public safety and in order to address damage to critical West Valley telecommunications infrastructure.
The Temporary Closure, which goes into effect on February 20, is necessary for the safety of the recreating public and those conducting power line repair and fiber optic line burial. only affects approximately 1,034 acres of BLM-managed lands in the White Tanks/Miller Road-area, located north of Interstate 10 and within the limits of the City of Buckeye.
The duration of the closure will be determined by the length of time necessary for utility providers to carry out infrastructure repairs, the BLM to carry out efforts to clean the area of debris and trash, and the analysis of longer-term management options for the site.
The BLM is processing an application by Cox Communications to bury the Tartesso fiber optic line under the existing 69kV transmission and telephone line. This infrastructure provides vital telecommunications service to citizens in the West Valley.
While the BLM understands the temporary closure will impact recreational opportunities in the White Tanks/Miller Road-area, it is necessary in order for crews to safely perform infrastructure repair work at the site.
To find other nearby BLM lands where camping, hiking, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, and recreational target shooting is allowed, please call or visit the Phoenix District Office at 623-580-5500.
Permittees will continue to have administrative access to leased lands during this closure.
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the BLM has completed a Final Environmental Assessment for the temporary land use closure. Documents and map of the closure area can be found on-line at the following website: https://go.usa.gov/xn
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.