BLM seeks input on proposed land lease for expansion of Poston Butte Preserve in Pinal County
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PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Phoenix District’s Lower Sonoran Field Office is seeking comments on the lease of approximately 200 acres of public land by the Town of Florence for the expansion of Poston Butte Preserve in Pinal County, Ariz.
Pinal County is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S. and there is an increasing need for recreational access on public lands for local residents and families. The Town of Florence has identified the need for the expansion of the existing park, which would include additional amenities such as hiking trails, picnic locations, restrooms, and parking spaces that would enhance recreational experiences. The BLM determined that the lease would expand access to public lands used for recreational purposes, consistent with Secretarial Order 3373, “Evaluating Public Access in Bureau of Land Management Public Land Disposals and Exchanges.”
“This is an opportunity for the public to help shape recreation options in their community,” said Phoenix District Manager, Leon Thomas. “Ultimately, public involvement helps improve experiences on public lands for all visitors to the area.”
The application has been submitted under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which allows state and local governments and nonprofit organizations the ability to lease public lands for facilities such as schools, fire stations and parks.
A Notice of Realty Action for classification and segregation of the lands included in the application was published in the Federal Register on December 20. The public can submit comments throughout a 45-day comment period which begins today and ends February 3, 2020.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments on the BLM ePlanning website at: https://go.usa.gov/xVFj6. Comments may also be mailed to the BLM Lower Sonoran Field Office to the attention of Sirita Benally at 21605 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027, faxed to 623-580-5580 or emailed to sbenally@blm.gov. Before including any personal identifying information in a comment, be aware that this information may be made available to the public at any time.
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers will receive a reply during normal business hours.
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.