BLM appeal period concludes for ailing cottonwood trees at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
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TUCSON, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tucson Field Office is moving forward with the safety plan to prune two ailing cottonwood trees located in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The office did not receive any appeals during the 30-day appeal period, which ended on April 24. Several actions to improve safety will be implemented through the end of the year.
“I am pleased that we received positive feedback from the public on this plan. Now we can begin work this fall to ensure public safety, while preserving the cultural and social values of the trees,” said Tucson Field Office Manager Melissa Warren.
To avoid impacts to the yellow-billed cuckoo and the western screech-owl, other safety actions include pruning the Eastern and Western Trees, fencing the Western Tree and historic water tower, excluding public use from the fenced area, constructing an interpretive panel, and bracing the tree limb resting on the historic railroad tie cabin. The two trees will be pruned periodically to maintain the effectiveness of the safety closure and to protect the San Pedro House.
Interested parties may view the signed decision at http://bit.ly/SanPedroTree.
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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.