BLM approves plan to enhance recreation facilities in the Sonoran Desert National Monument
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For Immediate Release January 18, 2017
PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a plan to enhance recreation facilities and reopen certain motorized routes within the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
The Juan Bautista de Anza Recreation Management Zone (RMZ) Recreation Plan includes the development of three recreation areas, which would include facilities such as picnic areas, campsites, trail exhibits, and three group use areas. The plan also includes improvements and upgrades to existing roads in the recreation areas.
In 2008, the BLM temporarily closed approximately 88 miles of travel routes in the RMZ to motorized use, because of the damage to natural and cultural resources on the Monument caused by off-highway vehicle travel. Recognizing the importance of public access to the Monument for responsible recreation, the BLM completed a Transportation and Travel Management Plan in 2012 that officially designated approximately 57 miles of travel routes in the RMZ for motorized public use.
The new Recreation Plan takes this process a step further by developing recreation facilities and routes that will not only enhance visitors’ experience, but will provide increased protection of the Monument’s natural and cultural resources by providing clearly marked routes and designated recreation areas.
The BLM anticipates it will take two to three years to complete all phases of the Implementation Plan. Upon completion of the plan, the new recreation facilities will be open for public use and enjoyment.
The Recreation Plan, Implementation Plan and maps are available on-line at: http://bit.ly/2ikYdmo
For more information, please contact Dallas Meeks at dmeeks@blm.gov or 623-580-5681.
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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.