The Bureau of Land Management issues recreation lease to Town of Florence for the completion of Poston Butte Preserve
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PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Town of Florence signed a recreation and public purposes lease agreement for the completion of Poston Butte Preserve. Under the 25-year lease, the Town of Florence will be permitted to construct and operate recreational trails and amenities on 200 acres of public lands in Florence, Arizona.
“The Recreation and Public Purposes Act is a tool that State and local governments can use to apply for the leasing of public lands for public purposes that benefit their local communities,” said BLM Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas. “This lease will allow the Town of Florence to address a current need and increase recreation access to its residents and visitors.”
The Town of Florence currently owns a 153-acre area known as the Poston Butte Preserve. The focal point of the Preserve is the butte where Charles D. Poston, known as the ‘Father of Arizona’ was entombed in 1925. The approved lease will allow for the construction and operation of recreation trails and related amenities on 200 acres adjacent to the Poston Butte Preserve. In 2025 it will be the 100th year anniversary of Charles Poston’s burial atop the butte. Upon completion of the facilities, the Town of Florence may apply to the BLM for the conveyance or patent of the lands.
Based on the analysis in the final environmental assessment, the BLM determined that the approved actions would not cause significant impacts. The BLM signed a finding of no significant impact and issued a decision record. The approved environmental assessment and associated documents can be found online at https://go.usa.gov/xG4GJ.
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.