Department of the Interior Extends Withdrawal for USFS’ San Francisco Peaks/Mount Elden Recreation Area
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PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Department of the Interior today announced that at the request of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, it has extended the 74,689 acres withdrawal for the San Francisco Peaks/Mount Elden Recreation Area near Flagstaff for an additional 20 years.
“The action follows a Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Extension that was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2020, followed by a 90-day public comment period,” said BLM Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas. “All comments received on the proposal support the withdrawal extension.”
Under the extension, the land will remain withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws (30 U.S.C. Ch. 2 (1994)), subject to valid existing rights.
The San Francisco Peaks/Mount Elden Recreation Area within the National Forest System is a popular recreation area for skiers, hikers, campers, mountain bikers, anglers, and hunters. This action allows for the continuation of recreational opportunities, including at the Arizona Snowbowl ski area and other facilities, as well as the protection of cultural and watershed values.
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.