BLM seeks feedback on plan for day-use equestrian area near Apache Junction

By Ron Dungan
Published: Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - 5:15pm

The Bureau of Land Management has been working on an environmental assessment for recreational development near Apache Junction, and the agency is seeking feedback on the plan.

In February, the BLM took comments and held meetings on proposals to expand recreational opportunities in the Goldfield area.

After reviewing the public’s input, the agency has drawn up plans for a day-use equestrian area.

It has set aside more than 1,000 acres for the project, which it says will reduce conflicts between hikers and horseback riders.

"As is the case in a lot of areas around Phoenix, there’s always an increasing demand for outdoor recreation," said Chris Wonderly, a spokesman for the BLM. "But sometimes that requires structuring those areas so that different users can use public lands they way they’d like without conflict between those users."

Members of the public have until Sept. 13 to comment.

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