Emergency Closure of Public Lands: Graham County, AZ

Résumé

Notice is hereby given that certain public lands in Graham County, Arizona are temporarily closed to public use. This Closure Order restricts all public use on a year-round basis on public lands administered by the BLM Safford Field Office in the Watson Wash area. This Order is issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1 and affects the following public lands: Gila and Salt River Meridian, Arizona, T. 6 S., R.25 E., Sec. 14, S\1/2\, SW\1/4\: Sec. 15, S\1/2\ SE\1/4\; Sec. 22, E\1/2\ NE\1/4\; Sec. 23, NW\1/4\. The affected lands contain conditions that compromised public health and safety due to illegal activities at the site that included murder, assaults, fights, disorderly conduct, drugs, under-age drinking, weapon offenses, motor vehicle accidents, vandalism, and littering. Public health and safety hazards have increased substantially and are expected to continue to do so unless immediate management action is taken. The restriction prohibiting public entry and use will help to mitigate public health and safety threats. The BLM's immediate removal of an unauthorized hot tub, which was an attractive nuisance, will reduce the area's appeal as a party spot.