IFNM Resource Management Plan
A resource management plan (RMP) is being developed for the IFNM for two reasons: to specifically address management of lands within the IFNM in reference to the monument designation, and to implement BLM’s policy to prepare a stand-alone RMP for all National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) units, including the IFNM. Presently, the land within the IFNM is managed under the 1989 Phoenix Resource Area RMP (Phoenix RMP) as amended by the Arizona Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Administration (USDI, BLM 1997), the Arizona Statewide Land Use Plan Amendment for Fire, Fuels, and Air Quality Management (USDI, BLM 2003a), and the 1987 Eastern Arizona Grazing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), when decisions in these documents are consistent with the Proclamation.
Wildlife habitat plans, such as the Silver Bell Habitat Management Plan, and allotment management plans provide specific management direction and actions for wildlife and range programs on lands within and immediately adjacent to the IFNM. In addition, BLM has been following an interim guidance document for managing public land within the IFNM until the new RMP is completed and approved (USDI, BLM 2001a).
The BLM Tucson Field office released the Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (DRMP) for the Ironwood Forest National Monument on March 2, 2007. The 90-day pulic review and comment period on the BLM Draft RMP closed on May 30, 2007. BLM is currently analyzing comments for incorporation into the Proposed RMP and Final Environmental Impact Statement
What’s next?
When the Proposed RMP plan is released there will be a 30 day public review period.
The Friends of Ironwood Forest looks forward to assisting the BLM in implementing a Resource Management Plan that protects the Monument and the rich cultural, historic and ecological resources for which the IFNM was designated. If you would like to be kept informed of the RMP planning process please contact FIF at info@ironwoodforest.org.