BLM Fee Sites Proposal-Public Comment Requested
From September 6, 2024 – October 21, 2024, the BLM’s Tucson Field Office is seeking comment on a proposal to change how recreation is managed in multiple sites including Ironwood Forest National Monument.
The BLM is looking for public comments about specifics of the plan in an effort to improve it. You can read the plan in its entirety at the BLM’s Draft Business Plan web page.
Below, we have extracted information from the document to give a more condensed version of the plan related to Ironwood Forest. We recommend after reviewing this that you look at the whole plan to see the proposal for Ironwood Forest in context of the whole proposal.
The BLM wants to hear from you about the proposal. They would prefer that comments reference specifics in the plan vs stating that you are for or against the plan as a whole.
Excerpts from the Draft Business Plan
Goals
Improve access to appropriate recreation opportunities,
Ensure a quality experience and enjoyment of natural and cultural resources,
Provide for and receive fair value in recreation.
The TFO (Tucson Field Office) takes a proactive approach in managing its recreation sites to meet these priority objectives: 1. Minimize conflicts with adjacent private landowners.
2. Minimize conflicts between recreation user groups.
3. Minimize conflicts with other resources and uses.
4. Provide for visitor safety and interpretive needs.
5. Provide for a quality developed recreation experience compatible with other uses.
6. Provide for quality primitive and semi-primitive recreation experience in a manner compatible with other uses
TFO believes that visitation trends will likely continue to grow due to 1) inflation prompting people to seek lower-cost recreational opportunities and 2) the anticipated draw of improved developed recreation infrastructure, which has become increasingly popular among visitors seeking these types of experiences. The additional revenue generated from fees will enable TFO to invest in these necessary infrastructure upgrades and resource protection measures, thereby improving the overall quality of the visitor experience and ensuring sustainable management of these valuable lands.
Proposed New Fee Site
Ironwood Forest National Monument (IFNM) to establish fees of $15 per vehicle per night camping ISRP for areas within the designated IFNM ISRP Recreation Fee Zone (See Appendix 1) including areas around the Silverbell Loop Rd., Pump Station Rd., Ragged Top Rd., Manville Rd., and Cocoraque Rd. 
Site specific info
There are additional plans for implementation to create developed picnic areas at the Waterman Site and Ragged Top trailhead, as well as future development at the Pump Station camping area to protect resources from damage.
IFNM projected Revenue is $93,000
IFNM planned changes:
Add camp capacity with additional camp units at IFNM.
Add shade structures to camp units that lack shading at IFNM.
Add picnic tables and improve fire rings at several camping areas including the Silverbell group site, Pump Station, and Ragged Top area on IFNM.
10.1 Overall Impacts from Changing Fees
Overall impacts from changing fees include:
• Generation of revenue to be used for labor and operational needs.
• Ensure adequate staff to halt and remediate resource damage and provide the level of
service the public has come to expect.
• Improve recreational opportunities and the quality of the experience and public
satisfaction for visitors.
• Ability to continue operations despite potential increase of costs of goods, labor,
and/or services.
• Greater fee equality with private, comparable recreation sites.
• Greater self-sufficiency for management of the recreation site.
• Preparation for the potential increase of costs of goods, labor, and/or services.
• Return visitors may find it off putting that they are now required to pay a fee with the
change.
• Encourage, facilitate, and improve partnership with and access for youth, tribes, and
underserved communities to public lands through recreation partnerships and
collaborations.
• Improve public health and safety at developed recreation sites and areas by updating
and modernizing infrastructure—including meeting accessibility standards for people
with disabilities.
• Invite education, interpretation, and recreational access for all Americans, especially
for diverse populations and those near urban areas to encourage enjoyment of BLM managed public lands and waters.
• Collaborate with community members, government organizations, nonprofits,
organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to address environmental
and health-related challenges for recreation management.
• Enhance understanding of environmental and health-related issues at the community
level.
• Improve methods for identifying, addressing, tracking, and measuring progress
toward achieving environmental justice.
• Develop and support youth education and outreach programs.
10.1.3 Impacts to the Environment
Amenity fees enable TFO to operate the recreation program. Developed sites reduce negative impacts to resources associated with higher levels of visitation. By providing developed recreation sites for visitors, the BLM can better contain impacts to these smaller areas. Associated recreation impacts, including waste, fire, and garbage, are contained and managed properly.
You can provide comment on this draft business plan by emailing TFObusinessplan@blm.gov with the subject line “TFO Business Plan” or by delivering/mailing comments to:BLM Tucson Field Office, 3201 E Universal Way, Tucson, AZ 85756
