BLM seeks input on plans to modernize management of Arizona recreation sites
PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on six draft Recreation Business Plans that would modernize the way recreation fee sites in Arizona are managed. The proposed business plans include changes to the fee structures at some campgrounds and recreation areas, including:
- Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area near Safford
- Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) and amenity sites near Ehrenberg, Quartzite, Oxbow and Yuma
- Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground near Gila Bend
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area near Hereford
- Stateline Campground near Kanab, Utah
The draft business plans include information on the existing and proposed recreation fee sites, proposed fee changes, operation and maintenance costs, and planned expenditures. All recreation fees collected at sites are reinvested directly back into the local recreation program to expand and improve recreational opportunities, as authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) of 2004.
The BLM conducted a market analysis of current recreation fees statewide that revealed fee rates were below local market prices. “The BLM has not updated business plans for our recreation sites to reflect market conditions in decades,” said Gerald Davis, BLM Arizona Deputy State Director for Resources and Planning. “The updated plans would enable the BLM to improve services and amenities in order to ensure these sites provide the exceptional experiences that visitors to public lands deserve.”
Over the past five years, visitation to public lands in Arizona has increased from 4.9 million to 6.8 million. However, BLM’s budget per visitor has not kept up with the increased use and visitation.
“Those increases have caused wear and tear,” Davis said. “The BLM is seeking public input on proposed fee increases that would help us keep pace with the rising cost of operations and maintenance.”
For a full list of all the proposed fee changes and for information on how to provide comments, please visit the interactive StoryMap or the Draft Business Plans website. The comment period closes Oct. 21, 2024.
The BLM will host two virtual public information sessions about the proposals at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Yuma Field Office will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; an in-person public meeting in Quartzsite on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; and two public information sessions on Nov. 6 at Imperial Dam LTVA and Nov. 20 in Quartzsite from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Public meetings are interactive where attendees are invited to ask questions and provide comments. Information sessions are presentations where attendees can learn about planned updates from BLM experts. Please click the bold italicized links to register for virtual events.
Outdoor recreation is an $11.7 billion industry in Arizona. Recreation opportunities on BLM-administered lands contribute more than $276.2 million to Arizona’s economy.
The BLM’s “Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation” provides guidance on how to proactively respond to increasing visitation by diversifying recreation investments and carefully consider recreation demand, program needs, and investment opportunities so that public lands are available for current and future needs and enjoyment.
For a version of this video with audio descriptions, visit BLM Arizona's YouTube channel.
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.