As part of the Trump Administration’s effort to increase recreational and sporting opportunities on public lands, the Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District Office is proposing supplementary rules governing developed recreation areas and sites within the district, including those associated with newly approved recreational shooting sports sites, in Gila, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai counties.

The proposed rules are designed to ensure the safety of recreational shooters at the five new shooting sports sites and that of other visitors to public lands adjacent to these sites, according to a release.

“The BLM is proud to support the expansion and enhancement of recreational shooting in the Phoenix area,” stated Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas. “These proposed rules are designed to ensure that recreational shooting at each site occurs in a safe and responsible manner, while also protecting the safety of those visiting developed recreation areas and sites in the district for other recreation opportunities.”

To ensure safe use at each facility and at all developed recreation areas — or sites — within Phoenix District boundaries, the proposed rules would implement restrictions and long-term closures of areas adjacent to shooting facilities. These restrictions and closures would maintain safe distances from shooting sites to protect hikers, mountain bikers, and other visitors from potential ricochets or stray bullets. Appropriate signage will be posted along perimeter fencing adjacent to each site for the closure areas, once approved.

In January, the BLM authorized the construction of five recreational shooting sports sites: Baldy Mountain, Box Canyon, Saddleback Mountain, Church Camp Road and Narramore Road. Construction began at Baldy Mountain in May, with construction expected to take around six months. Three of the remaining shooting sports sites are expected to start construction in the coming months, with each one opening to the public as it is completed.

A Notice of Proposed Supplementary Rules for Selected Public Lands in Gila, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai counties was published in the Federal Register Monday, Aug. 17 and is available along with maps and other information at https://go.usa.gov/xmfVv.

A 60-day public comment period for the proposed supplementary rules, including the long-term closure rule, ends Oct. 16. Upon the conclusion of the public comment period, the BLM will respond in a reasonable manner to any comments received.

A final decision — in compliance with Public Law 116-9, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act — on the proposed closures will be made available at https://go.usa.gov/xmfVv. A notice of final supplementary rules will be published in the Federal Register. This information will also be made available at the BLM Phoenix District Office, 21605 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027 and online.

For further information, contact Braden Yardley at the Phoenix District Office by phone at 623-580-5500.