Proposal to Reduce Recreational Target Shooting Area in Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Significant Reduction in Recreational Target Shooting Area

The Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has put forward a plan to significantly reduce the area for recreational target shooting within the Sonoran Desert National Monument in Arizona. The proposal, announced by the agency on Friday, would allow target shooting on 5,295 acres of the monument, while the remaining 480,496 acres would be designated as no-shooting zones.

Current Permissions and Proposed Changes

At present, target shooting is permitted on 435,700 acres of the monument, covering parts of Maricopa and Pinal counties. However, under the new plan, only a small fraction of this area would remain open to recreational shooting. The BLM has clarified that target shooting is still permitted on other bureau-managed lands in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Sonoran Desert National Monument, established in 2001, encompasses diverse and fragile ecosystems, including unique desert flora and fauna.

Reasoning and Controversy

The BLM's proposal aims to safeguard the natural and cultural resources of the monument, citing concerns raised by critics who argue that recreational target shooting poses a significant threat to the cultural and natural heritage the monument was designated to protect. They assert that instances of shooting have resulted in damage to objects such as saguaro cacti and Native American petroglyphs, which hold great cultural and historical significance. Considering these concerns, the BLM has sought to restrict this activity to preserve the integrity of the monument's resources and cultural artifacts.

Public Comment Period

An announcement initiating a 60-day public comment period on the proposed closure of target shooting areas is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Monday. This period will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to express their views, opinions, and concerns regarding the BLM's proposal. This inclusive approach allows for a comprehensive consideration of the potential impacts and benefits associated with the proposed changes.

BLM's Scope and Responsibility

The BLM, an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, oversees the management of more than 245 million acres of public land, predominantly located in 12 Western states. The bureau's responsibilities include the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the protection of cultural and historical sites, and the facilitation of various recreational activities on public lands. The proposed amendment to the resource management plan aligns with the broader mission of the BLM to ensure the responsible stewardship of public lands for the benefit of present and future generations.

As the public comment period commences, stakeholders, local communities, and proponents of recreational shooting will have the opportunity to engage in a transparent and participatory process to voice their perspectives on the proposed changes. Ultimately, the decision-making process will seek to balance the preservation of the Sonoran Desert's natural and cultural heritage with the recreational opportunities available within the monument.