Overview
Title
Notice of Application for Withdrawal Extension and Opportunity for Public Meeting; Diamond Rim Quartz Crystal Interpretative Area, Arizona
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The forest keepers want to make sure nothing bad happens to a special crystal area in the Arizona forest by stopping digging for 20 more years, and they are asking people what they think about it.
Summary AI
The United States Forest Service (USFS), on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, has asked the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to extend a current protection order for an area in the Tonto National Forest, Arizona, for another 20 years. This order, known as Public Land Order No. 7664, covers 990 acres and prevents mining activities to safeguard the Diamond Rim Quartz Crystal Interpretative Area from potential mining damage. The public is invited to submit comments or request a meeting regarding this proposal by April 3, 2025. The application will be handled following specific regulations, and although personal information can be requested to be kept private, there are no guarantees it will be withheld from public view.
Abstract
On behalf of the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Forest Service (USFS) has filed an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requesting that the Secretary of the Interior extend the withdrawal created by Public Land Order (PLO) No. 7664, for an additional 20-year term. PLO No. 7664, which will currently expire on Jun 11, 2026, withdrew 990 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands located within the Tonto National Forest from location and entry under the U.S. mining laws, subject to valid existing rights, to protect the Diamond Rim Quartz Crystal Interpretative Area, located in Gila County, Arizona, from potential adverse impacts from mining. This notice provides for the public to comment and request a public meeting for the 20-year withdrawal extension application.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a formal notice concerning an application by the United States Forest Service (USFS) to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to extend a protection order for 990 acres within the Tonto National Forest, Arizona, specifically for the Diamond Rim Quartz Crystal Interpretative Area. This protection, originally put in place to prevent adverse impacts from mining, is intended to be extended for another 20 years. The public is invited to submit comments or request a meeting about this proposal by April 3, 2025.
Summary of the Document
The primary focus of this notice is on the continuation of a legal safeguard—Public Land Order (PLO) No. 7664—aimed at preserving a specific natural area from the damaging effects of mining activities. Covering a substantial part of the Tonto National Forest, this order was first established to protect the ecological and geological features of the Diamond Rim Quartz Crystal Interpretative Area. The need for a 20-year extension highlights concerns about ongoing or anticipated threats from mining that could potentially harm the area's unique environmental and recreational values.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the notice that may concern the public. First, the document states that comments made by individuals, including personal identifying information, might be publicly disclosed. This could raise privacy concerns for those wishing to remain anonymous.
Moreover, the document contains technical land descriptions and legal terms, which may be challenging for a general audience to comprehend easily. There is also a lack of clarity regarding how public meetings will be conducted or what conditions need to be met for such meetings to occur. The criteria or the methodology for deciding whether to extend the protection order remain unspecified, which might create uncertainty or skepticism about the process's fairness or thoroughness.
Additionally, it is not explicitly spelled out why the current protections are deemed inadequate, necessitating an extension. This lack of detailed justification could leave stakeholders questioning the necessity or timing of the proposal. The document is also silent on whether broader stakeholder engagement has been conducted beyond simple public comment solicitation, potentially affecting perceived transparency.
Potential Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, the document impacts the public by inviting them to participate in a decision-making process that affects public lands. People interested in the preservation of environmental areas, as well as those residing near or benefiting from the Tonto National Forest's recreational offerings, might have a vested interest in this matter. However, the potential for public comments to be disclosed could deter some individuals from participating fully.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders such as environmental groups, local residents, and businesses reliant on tourism, the extension of this protective order should be generally positive, as it seeks to preserve the ecological integrity and recreational value of the area. However, stakeholders involved in mining or those holding valid rights may view this extension as a limitation on resource development and economic opportunities.
Overall, while the notice represents a significant step to extend protections for a valuable natural site, the process's transparency and the accessibility of information could be improved to ensure more comprehensive public engagement and understanding.
Issues
• The document mentions that public comments will be made available, including personal identifying information, without a guaranteed way to keep such information confidential, which might raise privacy concerns.
• The specific coordinates and technical terms describing the lands are complex and might be difficult for a general audience to understand without additional clarification.
• The process for requesting a public meeting and the criteria for holding one are not clearly defined, potentially leading to public confusion.
• The notice does not provide specific information about how the extension will be evaluated or the criteria for decision-making.
• It is not clear why the existing protections are inadequate, leading to a request for a 20-year extension, which may warrant more detailed justification.
• The document lacks information about stakeholder consultation or engagement processes beyond public comments, which might be important for transparency.