Public meeting to present preliminary management alternatives set for May 19 in Hereford

TUCSON, Ariz. – The public is invited to comment on management alternatives for the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, a 57,000-acre area managed by the BLM 60 miles southeast of Tucson.

The BLM Tucson Field Office has prepared four alternatives and will seek comment on them at a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 19 at the Sierra Vista Ranger Station in Hereford.

The BLM is updating the resource management plan (RMP) for the conservation area. The revised plan will guide management of the area for 15-20 years.

"This is about developing a vision with the community about BLM's long term management of an important place," says Gila District Manager Timothy Shannon, "we appreciate everyone's involvement in the process up until now, and look forward to a productive conversation."

Information about the draft alternatives will be released for public review on May 12. BLM will be accepting input on the alternatives through June 5. The alternatives will be finalized and analyzed in an environmental impact statement.

In addition to the public meeting, BLM planners will present the alternatives to formal cooperating agencies and other interested parties throughout May and early June.

Once complete, the RMP will provide a comprehensive framework for management of the conservation area including recreation and public access, river conservation, restoration, and land uses such as livestock grazing. The planning process was launched in 2013 with several rounds of public and stakeholder engagement.

Public meeting details:

Tuesday, May 19 from 6 to 8 pm
Sierra Vista Ranger Station (joint BLM/US Forest Service Office) 4070 S Avenida Saracino, Hereford, AZ
Presentation from project manager David McIntyre and other members of the planning team, followed by breakout discussions
The latest information on the San Pedro RNCA planning is available online at:http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/planning/san_pedro.html. For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist Adam Milnor 520-258-7223.