The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the temporary closure of over a thousand acres of public land near Apache Junction, a move that has stirred up the local community. The shutdown, meant to last up to two years, is part of an effort to construct the new Goldfield Recreation Area intended for non-motorized day use, featuring specified trails and staging areas. The project, designed to mitigate land damage from increased trail access, was approved back in October of last year.
Despite the future recreational benefits touted by BLM, the closure has not been without its critics. According to ABC15, residents have voiced concerns about the displacement of transient campers and the rise of illegal activities such as dumping and squatting. “They would leave copious amounts of trash, they’d also leave human waste, they would destroy the natural desert,” Colleen Campos, a local resident, told ABC15.
Specifics about the establishment of the Goldfield Recreation Area were detailed by Leon Thomas, Phoenix district manager, who in a statement praised public input in shaping the projected development. “The public provided important input in shaping the final plan. We hope this new area will provide valuable recreation opportunities for visitors and nearby residents alike," Thomas was quoted in The Federal Newswire.
The enforced closure will primarily affect the land along State Route 88 and is expected to start from Feb. 5, 2024, as indicated in the official announcement in the Federal Register. Exempt from the restrictions are federal, state, or local officers and employees on official duties, as well as individuals with specific authorization from the BLM. In the face of challenges presented to some of the unhoused population, the BLM has reported teaming up with community partners to assist those in need, providing information on camping rules and available services. “Everything's got to be out. We’ve got to get out. We don’t know where we’re going. Wal-Mart parking lot. I don’t know,” shared Sharee Chavez, an individual experiencing homelessness, in a conversation with ABC15.
Amidst the discourse, BLM has emphasized that safety is paramount during this transition. "Our top priority is the safety of the public, our staff, and contractors. We are excited to work on this area that will increase equestrian, hiking, and biking opportunities," Thomas reiterated, suggesting a silver lining for outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, enforcement will be stringent throughout the closure, which could indeed see the Goldfield Recreation Area come to fruition within the span of the next couple of years.
