The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management is considering four sites near Phoenix for a recreational shooting pilot program.
A variety of management options for enhancing access and safety for shooting enthusiasts will be e valuated by the BLM.
“We’re excited to learn from this pilot program to identify ways that we can provide greater recreational shooting opportunities while ensuring that other activities and public uses can continue to the greatest degree possible,” said Casey Hammond, principal deputy assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management, in a press release.
The intended pilot sites in Maricopa County and in Pinal County would be equipped with some combination of firing lines, backstops, side berms, concrete pads and restrooms.
On the BLM’s ePlanning website, descriptions and maps of the areas at Saddleback Mountain, Box Canyon, Church Camp Road and Narramore Road are available.
According to the release, the locations were selected because they are accessible but have minimal conflicts with other outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking.
Existing shooting and hunting access on public lands won’t be impacted by the pilot.
Until July 2, the BLM is accepting public comments on the project. They can be submitted via email at [email protected] or through the ePlanning site. Public comments can also be mailed to the BLM Phoenix District Office at 21605 N. Seventh Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, to the attention of Tyler Lindsey or faxed to 623-580-5580.
Make sure to include “Rec Shooting Microsites” in the subject line.
BLM officials will also be available to discuss the program at two public meetings next week: Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Buckeye Community Center (201 E. Centre Ave., Buckeye), and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters in the Eagle Conference Room (5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix).
