jraya
05-19-2004, 05:09 PM
Ironwood Forest National Monument Fact Sheet
The Ironwood Forest National Monument is located 25 miles northwest of Tucson, and about one hour by highway south of Phoenix.
Brief Description
This 129,000-acre national monument contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000 year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Access
There are two main points of entry - Interstate 10 at Avra Valley Road, and Interstate 10 from the Red Rock exit, southwest on Sasco Road to Silverbell Road.
Permits Required
Activities that were permitted on these public lands before the designation are still permitted, except for new mining claims and geothermal leasing. Commercial activities require a permit. The BLM processes new permits for special activities mostly involving recreation, such as mountain biking events.
Recreational Opportunities
With a stunning diversity of bird and animal life, the monument offers visitors many opportunities for viewing wildlife. A dazzling display of spring wildflowers result from abundant winter rains. There are no facilities. Camping is allowed up to 14 days. Taking your vehicle off roads or trails is prohibited.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Resource Management Planning Meetings
Public Workshops
Wednesday, May 26, 2004: Vegetation and Special Status Species
Wednesday, June 9, 2004: Cultural Resources
Wednesday, June 16, 2004: Soil, Water, Air, and Geology and Minerals
Wednesday, June 23, 2004: Recreation and Visual Resources
Wednesday, June 30, 2004: Transportation and Access
Wednesday, July 21, 2004: Livestock Grazing
Wednesday, July 28, 2004: Mining, Lands and Realty
All workshops will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pima County Parks and Recreation center, 3500 West River Road, Tucson, Arizona.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Planning
How to Get Involved
BLM expects collaboration with agencies, organizations, insitutions, and individuals from the community to occur throughout the planning process. BLM will announce specific opportunities to participate as the planning process progresses.
If you have questions, concerns, or want to find out more information about the Ironwood Forest National Monument planning process, please contact:
Larry Shults, BLM Planner, at 520.258.7242;
Tony Herrell, Manager, IFNM, 520.258.7203;
or Darrell Tersey, Natural Resource Specialist, 520.258.7218
or write to Tucson Field Office, 2661 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85748
To hear recorded information or to be added to the project mailing list, please call 866.331.1795 (toll free).
The Ironwood Forest National Monument is located 25 miles northwest of Tucson, and about one hour by highway south of Phoenix.
Brief Description
This 129,000-acre national monument contains a significant system of cultural and historical sites covering a 5,000 year period. Possessing one of the richest stands of Ironwood trees in the Sonoran Desert, the monument also encompasses several desert mountain ranges including the Silver Bell, Waterman and Sawtooth, with desert valleys in between. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 4,261 feet. Three areas within the monument, the Los Robles Archeological District, the Mission of Santa Ana del Chiquiburitac and the Cocoraque Butte Archeological District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Access
There are two main points of entry - Interstate 10 at Avra Valley Road, and Interstate 10 from the Red Rock exit, southwest on Sasco Road to Silverbell Road.
Permits Required
Activities that were permitted on these public lands before the designation are still permitted, except for new mining claims and geothermal leasing. Commercial activities require a permit. The BLM processes new permits for special activities mostly involving recreation, such as mountain biking events.
Recreational Opportunities
With a stunning diversity of bird and animal life, the monument offers visitors many opportunities for viewing wildlife. A dazzling display of spring wildflowers result from abundant winter rains. There are no facilities. Camping is allowed up to 14 days. Taking your vehicle off roads or trails is prohibited.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Resource Management Planning Meetings
Public Workshops
Wednesday, May 26, 2004: Vegetation and Special Status Species
Wednesday, June 9, 2004: Cultural Resources
Wednesday, June 16, 2004: Soil, Water, Air, and Geology and Minerals
Wednesday, June 23, 2004: Recreation and Visual Resources
Wednesday, June 30, 2004: Transportation and Access
Wednesday, July 21, 2004: Livestock Grazing
Wednesday, July 28, 2004: Mining, Lands and Realty
All workshops will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pima County Parks and Recreation center, 3500 West River Road, Tucson, Arizona.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Planning
How to Get Involved
BLM expects collaboration with agencies, organizations, insitutions, and individuals from the community to occur throughout the planning process. BLM will announce specific opportunities to participate as the planning process progresses.
If you have questions, concerns, or want to find out more information about the Ironwood Forest National Monument planning process, please contact:
Larry Shults, BLM Planner, at 520.258.7242;
Tony Herrell, Manager, IFNM, 520.258.7203;
or Darrell Tersey, Natural Resource Specialist, 520.258.7218
or write to Tucson Field Office, 2661 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85748
To hear recorded information or to be added to the project mailing list, please call 866.331.1795 (toll free).