BLM seeks comments on plans to address ailing cottonwood tree at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (Extended Comment Period)
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TUCSON, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tucson Field Office is seeking public input as it plans to address safety hazards created by an ailing cottonwood tree located in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.
The large cottonwood is one of three trees located adjacent to the historic San Pedro House, a popular destination and visitor center on Highway 90 that is staffed by local volunteers. The tree is estimated to be between 90 and 130 years old.
After several large tree limbs fell along the walkways and on the house, causing structural damage, the BLM hired an independent arborist to evaluate two trees at the site. The arborist subsequently determined the tree on the west side of the house is in catastrophic failure. The arborist further noted that because the trunk is buckling, tree supports such as brace rods and cabling are not advised. The tree is currently fenced and the public is asked to stay away from it.
Based on this assessment and faced with concerns that the tree may pose a hazard to visitors or potentially damage the historic house, the BLM is considering removing the tree. However, recognizing that the tree is part of the heritage of the site, the BLM is seeking public input on potential environmental impacts of removing the tree, prior to taking any action under the National Environmental Policy Act.
The BLM will continue to assess the situation, but has no immediate plans to remove the other two cottonwood trees on the site.
The BLM is accepting substantive comments through July 29, 2016 (for a total of 30 days) . Substantive comments question with reasonable basis the accuracy of information or present new information relevant to the analysis. Comments are not considered substantive that are emotional in nature or in favor or against the project. The BLM does not take into consideration the amount of comments on one particular issue.
Scoping documents are available on the BLM ePlanning portal, https://eplanning.blm.gov
Comments may be emailed to: BLM_AZ_TFOWeb@blm.gov or mailed to: Bureau of Land Management Tucson Field Office, 3201 East Universal Way, Tucson AZ 85756.
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.