BLM announces temporary closure of public lands for ongoing construction at recreational shooting sports sites
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PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District Office has temporarily closed public lands to all entry to continue construction at sites that are part of the Recreational Shooting Sports Project. All temporary closures are intended to provide for the safety of workers and the recreating public.
The project consists of five sites, including Baldy Mountain, Narramore Road, Church Camp Road, and Saddleback Mountain sites in Maricopa County, and Box Canyon site in Pinal County. The temporary closures will be in effect at each site for up to one year or until construction is complete, whichever comes first. Once construction at a site is complete, the closure at that site will be lifted.
“Our top priority is the safety of the public, our staff and contractors,” said Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas. “Temporary closures will ensure workers and members of the public are safe around the construction areas.”
A Notice of Closure of Selected Public Lands appears in the Federal Register on August 4 and is available along with maps and other information at the National NEPA Register. A copy of the temporary closure notice and map will be posted at the main entry points to each site, at the Phoenix District Office and on the project website.
This project will provide more active management of recreational shooting sports to provide enhanced access for recreational shooting while also ensuring public safety, stewardship of natural resources, and protecting critical telecommunications and energy infrastructure.
For further information, contact Chelsea McKinney at the Phoenix District Office or by phone at 623-580-5500.
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.