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Under the extension, the land will remain withdrawn from location and entry under the United States mining laws (30 U.S.C. Ch. 2 (1994)), subject to valid existing rights.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.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
