how to become engaged in the process

[cmc]

From the AZGFD...

 

Public input process

Each planning effort includes a public process for providing comments so that your issues are considered. The different Forest Service districts and BLM field offices are in various phases of the planning efforts. More information can be found on the USDA Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (Arizona) Web sites.

 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been working, and will continue to work, to ensure that wildlife habitats, wildlife management, and wildlife-based recreation are considered in each planning effort. However, the public must also be engaged throughout the entire process to ensure that issues important to you are considered.

 

Informational meetings on how to become engaged in the process

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host a series of meetings across the state to provide an overview of the Forest Service and BLM planning processes and how you can become engaged.

 

How do you know if you should be engaged? Review the Forest Service and/or BLM proposed alternatives and ask yourself the following questions:

 

Access and roads

 

Where do I go to enjoy the outdoors, and how do I access those areas?

Which roads should remain open and which should be closed?

Will these areas be available to me in the new plan?

What areas are important to access for hunting, wildlife viewing, etc.?

What modes of transport do I enjoy to access those areas?

 

Camping and recreation

 

Where and how do I camp now?

Where and how will I be able to camp once these plans are final?

Will I be able to choose my own campsite, or will I be limited to identified sites only?

Will I be able to collect firewood, or will I have to bring it in?

 

Hunting and game retrieval

 

How am I able to retrieve downed big game currently? (Motorized, non-motorized, etc.)

Will I be able to camp near where I hunt?

How will the revised plans change or modify those allowances?

 

Note: Certain designations on BLM or Forest Service lands may dictate the approach to these issues, such as congressionally designated wilderness, national monuments, etc.

 

Meeting schedule

Informational meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

 

Monday, April 16, 6-9 p.m., Mesa, Arizona Game and Fish Department Mesa regional office, 7200 E. University Drive.

Tuesday, April 17, 6-9 p.m., Flagstaff, Arizona Game and Fish Department Flagstaff regional office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.

Monday, April 23, 6-9 p.m., Pinetop, Arizona Game and Fish Department Pinetop regional office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.

Monday, May 7, 6-9 p.m., Yuma, Arizona Game and Fish Department Yuma regional office, 9140 E. 28th St.

Friday, May 11, 6-9 p.m., Sierra Vista (location yet to be determined; keep checking the Arizona Game and Fish Web site).

Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. to noon, Tucson, Arizona Game and Fish Department Tucson regional office, 555 N. Greasewood Rd.

 

The meetings will include information on the Forest Service and BLM planning processes; facts about the new policies and direction, from both a statewide and local standpoint; how you can become involved in the process, including the Forest Service and BLM public meeting schedules and comment periods; and resources where you can learn more information. Regional Game and Fish Department staff will be on hand with maps and information on local areas.

 

If you want to learn more about the management and travel planning process and how it could affect the way you recreate on public lands, you will want to attend one of these meetings.

 

The schedule for additional meetings will be publicized at azgfd.gov as those dates become available.