U.S. Bureau of Land Management issued the following announcement on Aug. 17.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tucson Field Office, in partnership with The Arizona Land and Water Trust, has acquired 477 acres of land utilizing Land and Water Conservation Fund Sportsmen/Recreation Access funds. The acquisition provides and improves access to the 5,080-acre Coyote Mountains Wilderness Area, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Tucson. 

“This acquisition supports the administration’s ongoing efforts to expand and improve access for hunting and other recreational activities on public land,” said BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs William Perry Pendley. “We are excited about the increased opportunities this acquisition will provide to those that hunt and recreate in this area.” 

The acquisition furthers a number of Department of the Interior initiatives, including those found under Secretary’s Order 3347, Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation; and Secretary’s Order 3356, Hunting, Fishing, Recreation Shooting and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes and Territories. These orders direct Department of the Interior agencies, including the BLM, to assess ongoing efforts and develop new opportunities to enhance and expand public access to lands and waters administered by the Department for hunting, fishing, and other forms of outdoor recreation. The acquisition will also allow for parking and direct legal access to the wilderness area and remove the potential for trespass to the visiting public. 

The BLM conducted an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act, including public scoping, and issued a decision in which no appeals were received. The BLM received letters of support from the Southern Arizona Hiking Club, Pima County, and Rocks and Ropes.  

Go to BLM’s ePlanning website for more information on the land acquisition. 

Original source can be found here.