BLM project improves access to recreation area
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TUCSON, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tucson Field Office is planning work at the Christmas Recreation Site, located along the Gila River upstream from the town of Winkelman. The work will occur the week of July 15 to improve access to the restroom facility in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This work is an important step in ensuring that the public land we manage is accessible to everyone,” said Tucson Field Manager Jayme Lopez.
The work will include pouring concrete parking and building a sidewalk to the restrooms. Public access to the recreation site and restrooms will continue during the work. A safety fence will be placed around the worksite for one week after the work is completed to allow the concrete to cure.
The Christmas Recreation Site is minimally developed to provide access to the Gila River for river-related recreation opportunities. River flows during the spring and summer are suitable for river floating activities through outstanding canyon scenery with diverse desert wildlife habitat. Generally, stream flows over 300 cubic feet per second provide small craft floating opportunities, including inflatable kayaks, canoes and tubing. A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site or to maneuver into driveways and parking turnouts at the recreation site. However, due to the narrow passages, motor homes and trailer RVs are not suitable in the area. Primitive campsites are available at the site. Facilities include parking, fire pits, and vault toilets.
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.