Bureau of Land Management Working on 20-Year Extension for San Francisco Peaks/Mount Elden Recreation Area
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PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management is considering a request from the U.S. Forest Service to extend the San Francisco Peaks/Mount Elden Recreation Area withdrawal. Under the requested extension, the 74,689 acres of National Forest System lands would remain managed primarily for recreation, cultural and conservation purposes for the next 20 years.
“The San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden Recreation Area offer outstanding recreational opportunities, as well as incredible views of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, 80 miles away. From skiing to wildlife watching, hunting and fishing, this area has proven popular with visitors from across the nation, and the BLM supports efforts by the Forest Service to keep these opportunities available to all Americans,” said Arizona State Director Raymond Suazo.
Public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management under its multiple-use mandate are typically eligible for development under United States mining laws unless specifically withdrawn. In October of 2000, BLM withdrew this acreage for a 20-year term from location and entry under the United States mining laws, but not from leasing under the mineral leasing laws, under Public Land Order 7467.
The Forest Service proposal seeks to extend the withdrawal for an additional 20 years, allowing for the continuation of recreational opportunities, capital investments for the Arizona Snowbowl ski area and other facilities, and protection of cultural and watershed values. Extending the withdrawal would also continue conservation stewardship efforts on lands that support hundreds of native species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals.
The San Francisco Peaks/Mount Elden Recreation Area is a popular recreation area for skiers, hikers, campers, mountain bikers, anglers and hunters. The area also contains valuable wildlife habitat and is open to permit hunting during certain parts of the year.
A Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Extension was published in today’s Federal Register, which initiates a 90-day public comment period.
The public may submit comments on the proposed withdrawal extension from today until September 14, 2020. Comments may be emailed to BLM_AZ_Withdrawal_Comments@blm.gov or sent through the mail to:
Bureau of Land Management, Arizona
Attn: Sara Ferreira
One North Central Avenue
Suite 800
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
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.