Public comment period open for business plans for Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and El Malpais NCA
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Albuquerque, NM. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rio Puerco Field Office is accepting comment on proposals to increase the standard amenity fee at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and establish an expanded amenity fee at Joe Skeen Campground in El Malpais National Conservation Area. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 authorizes the BLM to regulate the use of public lands and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) authorizes the BLM to collect recreational fees when sites and areas meet specific criteria. Comments can be submitted to the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office through July 9, 2021.
Comments can be submitted by email to BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator Marshall Farris at mfarris@blm.gov and by mail to BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, 100 Sun Ave., Suite 330, Albuquerque, NM, 87109. Please indicate which business plan you are making comment on in the subject line with either “El Malpais Joe Skeen Business Plan” or “Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Business Plan.”
The Draft Business Plan for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument proposes a fee increase that will enable the agency to improve services and amenities at the site, ensuring they remain operational for years to come. Although operational and maintenance costs have increased over the years, fees at the Monument have not changed in more than 25 years. Historically, fees have been based per vehicle and have been set at $5 per vehicle (1-8 visitors); $25 per vehicle (9-25 visitors); and $100 per vehicle (26+ visitors). To help offset operating costs, incorporate standard amenities, and to reduce dependency on appropriated funding sources, the BLM proposes an increased Recreational Use Permit fee per person of $5 or $10 (instead of a per vehicle charge), depending on the input from the Pueblo de Cochiti, a local gateway community to the Monument with whom BLM works in close cooperation. While the Monument is closed at this time, this business plan will take effect upon reopening. Further information will be released to the public when reopening dates have been set. The full business plan can be found here https://www.blm.gov/albuquerque-do/public-room/strategic-plan/draft-kasha-katuwe-tent-rocks-national-monument-business.
The Draft Business Plan for the Joe Skeen Campground in El Malpais NCA includes details about the area’s facilities and outlines the potential establishment of an expanded amenity fee. The proposed fee will enable the agency to improve services and amenities at the site, ensuring they remain operational for years to come. Although operational and maintenance costs have increased over the years, fees have not been present at the Joe Skeen Campground since its establishment in 2006. To help offset operating costs, incorporate standard amenities, and to reduce dependency on appropriated funding sources, the BLM proposes a new recreational use permit fee at Joe Skeen Campground. The proposed fee will be $5 per site, per night, for up to two vehicles. Extra vehicles will be $5 per vehicle, per night at each individual site. The full business plan can be found here https://www.blm.gov/albuquerque-do/public-room/strategic-plan/draft-el-malpais-national-conservation-area-business-plan.
For more information about the proposed fees or business plans, please contact the Rio Puerco Field office at 505-761-8700 to be directed to an Outdoor Recreation Planner.
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.