BLM's Yuma Field Office Releases Environmental Assessment for La Posa Travel Management Plan
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YUMA, Ariz. - The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Yuma Field Office has released the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the La Posa Travel Management Plan (TMP), establishing a 1,100-mile comprehensive system of roads and trails that will provide extensive motorized access to public lands in La Paz and Yuma Counties, while ensuring long-term protection of natural and cultural resources.
The plan, which is the culmination of eight years of public, stakeholder and agency input, was designed to meet current and future needs for access to public lands, resolve conflicts between public land users and sustain the resources and landscapes that draw visitors and residents to the area.
In addition to providing access to the area’s most popular recreation areas, the plan also ensures miners retain access to their mining claims.
“We listened to our stakeholders and understand they want adequate, well-maintained access to public lands for recreation as well as for permitted mining and other commercial purposes,” said John MacDonald, Yuma Field Manager. “We’ve worked hard to develop a plan that provides that access while also ensuring the health and viability of the public lands for current and future generations of Americans.”
The TMP can be viewed online at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/travel_mgmt/la_posa.html. The public may also request a copy by contacting the BLM Yuma Field Office at 7341A East 30th St, Yuma Arizona 85365; by e-mailing blm_az_yfoweb@blm.gov ; or by calling 928-317-3200.
Public availability of the EA begins the final phase of the planning process. It provides an opportunity for administrative review and filing of an appeal by any person who believes they may be adversely affected by the decision. Written appeals must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the document was signed, or by April 7, 2016.
The La Posa Travel Management Area (TMA) surrounds the community of Quartzsite, Arizona and covers approximately 628 square miles. The majority of the TMA is located in La Paz County (538 square miles) and a smaller portion in Yuma County (90 square miles).
For more information, please contact the Yuma Field Office at 928-317-3200.
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.