BLM seeks input on proposed Yuma East-Gila River Travel Management Plan

YUMA, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Yuma Field Office is seeking public comment on the environmental review for a proposed travel management plan (TMP) covering approximately 700,684 acres of BLM-managed public land in Yuma, La Paz, and Maricopa counties east of Yuma.

The proposed plan would designate routes for motorized and non-motorized travel, establish maintenance guidelines, and identify use restrictions to protect resources and public safety. The proposal would maintain access for multiple uses, including off-highway vehicle use, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, bicycling, and camping.

The BLM will host two in-person public meetings to provide information about the proposed TMP and how to participate in the TMP planning process:

Meeting 1: Wednesday, June 26, from 5-7 p.m. MST, at the Yuma County Main Library at 2951 S. 21st Dr., Yuma, AZ 85364.

Meeting 2: Thursday, June 27, from 5-7 p.m. MST, at the Microtel Inn & Suites in Wellton at 28784 Commerce Way, Wellton, AZ 85356.

“We appreciate the involvement of our partners and the public in the development of this plan,” said Ray Castro, Field Manager of the Yuma Field Office. “It’s important for the BLM to conduct comprehensive planning to enable access for multiple land uses and conserve important resources, and we look forward to working with user groups, local and county governments, and state agencies.”

The public comment period begins June 26 and closes July 26, 2024. Interested parties may view the Story Map for an interactive map and an overview of the project, as well as review the draft environmental assessment (EA) and submit comments online National NEPA Register for the Yuma East-Gila River Travel Management Plan.