BLM to implement temporary public land closure for recreation area construction in Sonoran Desert National Monument
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PHOENIX – As part of an effort to expand recreation opportunities for public lands users, the Bureau of Land Management’s Lower Sonoran Field Office will temporarily close some public lands in the Sonoran Desert National Monument for construction of the Estrella-Wayside Recreation Area. The closure begins August 17, 2022, and will be in effect for up to two years, or until construction is completed.
“The Estrella-Wayside Recreation Area is the first of three recreation areas planned along the Maricopa Road in the Sonoran Desert National Monument,” said Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas. “We expect these recreation areas will become the heart of visitation to the monument and will enhance the recreational experience for monument visitors.”
The Estrella-Wayside Recreation Area is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza Recreation Management Zone Recreation Plan and follows the 2012 Sonoran Desert National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan.
New facilities at the recreation area will include primitive campsites, a visitor contact station, educational signage, parking areas and road improvements. The closure is necessary to protect public health and address safety risks during the construction of the recreation area facilities and infrastructure. The BLM will post closure signs at main entry points to this area.
A Notice of Temporary Closure of Selected Public Lands is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on July 18.
Maps and information on the project and impacted closure area are available online at the BLM’s National NEPA Register and at the Lower Sonoran Field Office at 21605 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix.
For further information, contact Katie White Bull at the Lower Sonoran Field 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.