The Bureau of Land Management confirmed the start of the Middle Gila South Transportation Plan.
The planning process started by the Bureau of Land Management's Tucson Field Office is intended to find a transportation system for multiple land use activities, infrastructure, hunting and other opportunities that include hunting deer, javelina, quail and other species, as well as off-road vehicle driving, mountain biking, equestrian riding, sightseeing, camping and other recreational activities in the Sonoran Desert mountain and canyon landscapes, according to a Sept. 26 BLM news release.
“Arizona’s growing population and increased seasonal visitation create great demand for outdoor recreation," Gila's District Manager Scott Feldhausen said in the release. "By designating and maintaining the public land access routes, visitors will enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities and the BLM will better manage the area reducing environmental impacts and conflicts with other public land uses.”
The public is invited to submit comment on this planning process Oct. 1-Nov. 17, the release reported. There will be two virtual Zoom meetings to distribute information about the project and how to participate in the planning process, planned for Oct. 19 and 20.
According to the release, the access and transportation management plan that will be developed with public feedback and the environmental impact study are expected to be completed in July 2023.
