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Palo Verde Regional Park Recreation & Public Purposes Act Lease
Pinal County has applied for a lease under the Recreation & Public Purposes Act to create a county park that will include several amenities catering to local outdoor enthusiasts. The project area is located on 393 acres of public land in the Palo Verde Mountains just west of Maricopa, Arizona, in a popular OHV area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The proposed park consists of three regions and does not encompass the mountain range.
The county is introducing a non-motorized trail system, a day-use OHV staging area, an archery range, approximately 35 campsites with utility hookups, an RV dump, and several other improvements. There will be non-motorized trailhead parking areas and equestrian staging areas. These areas include bathrooms and shade canopies, signage, monuments, trash receptacles, maintenance facilities, and a host camping area.
Pinal County will improve the park with paved roads to access the park. Culverts will be installed at dry wash crossings to make internal roads accessible to park visitors. The county will install pipe fencing with an entry station and control gates around the perimeter.
The Palo Verde Reginal park will take up approximately 493 acres of public land and cost around 31.5 million dollars to construct. It will be managed by the Pinal County Open Space & Trails Department, and entrance fees will be determined at a later date.
Not bad for motorized users
The estimated 3.7 million dollar OHV area will provide motorized users a place to offload their toys to enjoy the motorized trails around the area. It will include a 16.5-acre open OHV riding area that will allow cross-country travel and facilitate access to federal public lands.
The day-use OHV Area will include 20 pull-through parking lanes and a single parallel parking lane. There will be vault toilets and a host campground installed onsite with maintenance facilities and trash receptacles. The county will install steel pipe and wire fencing around the perimeter and throughout the park to control traffic. An Iron Ranger self-pay station will induce an honor system to collect payments from park visitors.
The OHV Area will also provide access to the proposed non-motorized Accent Trail that leads to the Desert Loop Trail in the Palo Verde Mountains and will provide access to the network of proposed hiking trails.
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The Bureau of Land Management is asking for public comments.
Public comments are currently open for five different documents, and we are asking for your help in shaping the proposed plan. Please review the documents and provide your input to the Bureau of Land Management. This is your opportunity to help shape the language, procedures, and operation of this Pinal County Park.
Our Concern
Existing Roads
In general, we support these proposals because they assert local control over public lands, as long as the proposal doesn't affect our access. However, the future existence of several roads and other recreation areas concerns us. These roads would interfere with the proposed non-motorized trail system and would likely be closed along with popular target shooting areas sometime in the future.
One road provides access to a wonderful lookout near the top of the Palo Verde Mountains and would provide motorized users a route from the OHV area to the proposed archery range and non-motorized trailheads. The other road travels along the base of the Palo Verde Mountain range from north to south on the western side. This road circles the range in the valley below and is a significant part of the motorized trail system in the area.
We intend to assure the county will guarantee access to the surrounding areas by including specific languages in the proposed plan to recognize nearby roads as valid. We would like to see the BLM issue a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest in Land to the area's existing motorized and non-motorized roads and trails. Additionally, we would like to see the OHV staging area allow overnight camping and the park allow E-Bikes on some single-track trails.
Target shooting, dispersed camping, and "dispersed recreation" areas.
The Palo Verde Mountains are surrounded by existing dispersed camping and target shooting areas that this proposal could threaten in the future as conflicts may arise among users, and management may favor restricting use to the park.
We believe the Bureau of Land Management should clarify that dispersed camping, target shooting, and other forms of dispersed recreation can continue as normal in their current locations outside of the county park. Likewise, the county should consider including an outdoor shooting range or making improvements to existing target shooting areas to avoid future closures. These things would significantly improve the experience of users who take advantage of the park's facilities and protect future access to public lands.
Documents open for comment
We encourage you to review the documents below and submit a comment on each one. Please tell the Bureau of Land Management how to improve and perfect this proposal.
- Be sure to mention specific sections of the document and describe how the plan can be improved.
- Give solutions to achieve the goal of creating a county park.
- Tell how often you visit the area and how this proposal will improve or harm your recreation experience in the Palo Verde Mountains.
Substantive comments would:
- Question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of the information in the Environmental Assesment;
- Question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of, methodology for, or assumptions used for the environmental analysis;
- Present new information relevant to the analysis;
- Present reasonable alternatives other than those analyzed in the Environmental Assessment; and/or
- Cause changes or revisions in one or more of the alternatives.”
You can use the links below or visit the project website to submit your comments.
You must comment on each document sepperatly.
The Draft Environmental Assessment and the Plan of Development have the most meaningful information.
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Another scenic drive threatened with closure.
Castle Hot Springs Road is among the most amazing scenic drives in Arizona. The road is approximately 35 miles long and crosses the Yavapai and Maricopa county line traveling from Morristown, Arizona, to Lake Pleasant meandering through the incredible foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains. The road is vested in local history and has been maintained by the County for decades.
This primitive county road is graded smooth and provides access by passenger car to several recreation opportunities in the surrounding area, including the Hells Gate Wilderness and several thousand acres of public and state land. In between the vast amount of private land, there are several opportunities for adventure along the trail including rock climbing, four-wheeling, hiking, mountain biking, gold prospecting, and more.
Castle Hot Springs Road was built sometime in the late 1890s and was originally a wagon road that traveled from the train stop in Morristown Arizona to the famous Castle Hot Spring Resort. During its time, Castle Hotsprings Resort was enjoyed by many of the most prominent individuals. John F. Kennedy stayed at the resort to recover after serving in World War 2 and it was the first place in Arizona to have a telephone.
A formal Proposal to errect gates and build a bypass.
Today, the Castle Hot Springs Resort has been restored and is back open after being closed for decades. The owners don’t like that there is a county road traveling through the property. Therefore, the new owners of Castle Hotsprings Resort have made a formal proposal to Yavapai County to erect gates blocking Castle Hot Springs Road on either end of the property to limit access. The landowners are proposing an alternate route around the resort. If approved, this plan will forfeit a long-standing RS 2477 Right-Of-Way protected under state and federal law.
Currently, Yavapai County Attorneys are reviewing the legality of limiting public access through the property and utilizing the bypass. The county is unsure who will maintain the road as any new roads added to the system will need to be built to current county standards. This means pavement, bridges, signs, and other improvements that are not realistic for a primitive road.
Historic Roads must be protected!
An act granting the right-of-way to ditch and canal owners over public lands, and for other purposes.
“The right-of-way for the construction of highways over public lands, not reserved for public use, is hereby granted.”
Sec. 8 of the Act of July 26, 1866, 14 Stat. 253, later codified at 43 U.S.C. 932
The mining act of 1865 is quite possibly the most important law ever passed by the US Congress. Section 8, better known as Revised Statute 2477, granted Western Settlers the basic human right to freely pass over public lands and establish those paths as highways. RS 2477 was a self-executing grant, required no permission from the federal government, and repeatedly covering a path to establish a visible way constituted construction. Once constructed, an RS 2477 right-of-way could not be blocked by any newly claimed land under the various homestead or mining laws.
RS 2477 rights-of-way apply to any established path over federal land, including pack trails, hiking trails, wagon roads, animal trails, railroads, bridges, motorized roads, and interstate highways. The key factor with RS 2477 is “public lands, not reserved for public use.” This term limited RS 2477 rights-of-way to lands that were not claimed under the various homestead and mining laws or lands that were withdrawn or set aside by an act of Congress or executive order such as National Parks, Forest Reserves, and Wilderness Areas.
Construction on RS 2477 roads must have begun before the land was withdrawn from public entry and any new claims under the mining or homestead laws that overlapped RS 2477 Rights-Of-Way included easements.
This practice continued for over 110 years until 1976, when the Mining Act of 1865 was repealed by the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA). However, FLPMA specifically recognized all land rights that were in existence at the time, including rights-of-way. From 1976 to today, all new roads constructed over federal land are permitted by the federal government, and RS 2477 does not apply.
The Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) states:
“Nothing in this Act, or in any amendment made by this Act, shall be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, right-of-way, or other land use right or authorization existing on the date of approval of this act.“
FLPMA 701(a), 43 U.S.C. 1701 note (a).“All actions by the Secretary concerned under this Act shall be subject to valid existing rights.“
FLPMA 701(h), 43 U.S.C. 1701 note (h).“Nothing in this title [43 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.] shall have the effect of terminating any right-of-way or right-of-use heretofore issued, granted or permitted.“
FLPMA 509(a), 43 U.S.C. 1769(a).
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How does this apply to Castle Hot Springs Road?
Early federal regulations and several supreme court cases have determined that RS 2477 rights-of-way are governed by state law and held by the state on behalf of its citizens. Arizona Revised Statute 37.931 asserts a claim to RS 2477 Rights-Of-Way. It determines how RS 2477 roads are governed by the state, county, and municipal governments while laying out the requirements to close or abandon roads that are subject to the statute.
Attorney General Mark Bronovich has also issued an opinion on RS 2477 roads. In that opinion, he states:
“Under limited circumstances (e.g., emergencies), the owner of the servient estate may temporarily bar an easement owner from accessing a right-of-way. Still, the validity of certain emergency interventions does not legitimize either closures in the absence of an emergency or closures of such extended duration that the use of the easement is completely frustrated. In cases of unreasonable interference with the public’s access, the officials and employees of the State and its political subdivisions should seek injunctive relief in court and may perform such self-help remedies as may be available and would not breach the peace.“
Castle Hot Spring Road was there before the resort.
The road is shown on survey plats as early as 1891 and was originally a wagon road that guided visitors from a train stop in Morristown, Arizona, to the world-famous Castle Hot Springs Resort. The road was built over unsurveyed public land managed by the General Land Office. Exactly when the first path was constructed is unknown, but we know the wagon road existed before the homestead was patented at Castle Hot Springs Resort.
This means that Castle Hot Springs Road met the requirements of Revised Statute 2477 and therefore provides a fundamental right of passage to the citizens of Arizona that we entrusted to the local government and thus is governed by ARS 37.031.
The First Homestead Filed in 1894
It wasn’t until March 15, 1894, that Thomas Holland filed application No. 890 for a 161.88-acre homestead at Castle Hot Springs. Thomas was awarded Homestead Certificate No. 308 signed by US President Grover Clevland. However, by this time, Castle Hot Springs Road had already been built.
Right on the last line of the homestead description, in bold letters, it states, “there is reserved,” and continues to acknowledge, “from the lands hereby granted, a right of way thereon for ditches and canals constructed by the authority of the United States.” This last sentence referred to the Mining Act of 1866 and reserved “the right of way to canal and ditch owners over public lands” and specifically recognized a RS 2477 Right-Of-Way as “reserved” from the claimed land.
In other words, the official Homestead Certificate acknowledges an easement through the property for Castle Hot Springs Road. The easement is a public way that is technically 60 feet wide.
A new bypass will not have the protections under ARS 37.931 or RS 2477 and will be built to new standards.
There is no doubt that this road falls under RS 2477 and ARS 37.931 and should be protected on its current path. Although we understand private property owners can lock gates on certain properties, we also understand the protections attached to Revised Statute 2477 roads. This is not just a random dirt road in the desert. This is an actual county road that has been maintained in its current condition for decades.
Allowing the resort to install a gate and deny access to the public on a county road in exchange for an alternate route would be forfeiting a fundamental RS 2477 right-of-way to a portion of the road. Any new bypasses will not inherit the protections of pre-FLPMA, RS2477 roads.
This bypass will require a new road to be built over the adjacent public, state, and private land and impose an undue burden on the county. The road will need to be paved and have guard rails with bridges and other unnecessary improvements. It will require a National Environmental Policy Act procedure for construction and any improvements. It is also likely that accidents will occur as speeds will increase on a paved road.
The proposal includes the assumption that the surrounding landowners would pay for the maintenance increase of the new road. However, maintenance on a public road built to new standards could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, ultimately jeopardizing the alternate route if disputes among landowners and the county arise.
Download and read the following presentation by the Castle Hot Springs Resort.
This was presented to the county supervisor to convince the county to accept the Castle Hot Springs proposal. Please understand, the OHV photos in the following presentation ARE NOT Castle Hot Springs Road and the Castle Creek Wash only floods during heavy monsoon storms.
Yavapia County wants to hear from you!
We have arranged to collect comments from our readers for Yavapai County. Yavapai County officials are interested in what the Motorized Community has to say.
Would you please tell the Yavapai County official your thoughts on this proposal?
The information contained in this article has been sent to the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, and they are waiting for your message.
Our system will send the information collected in the form below directly to the Yavapai County Cleark of the Board and the Yavapai County Attorneys.
Comments Sent
Comment on Castle Hot Springs Road proposed closure.
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It is now more important than ever for motorized users to defend motorized access. For just 30 cents a day you can become part of the solution. Your support will help us meet our goals and continue to challenge the radical green agenda.
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PLEASE BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY.
It is now more important than ever for motorized users to defend motorized access. For just 30 cents a day you can become part of the solution. Your support will help us meet our goals and continue to challenge the radical green agenda.
Sponsors
Advertise with us! Send a message to kevin@azbackroads.com
Share this with a friend!
Motorized access around Sedona, Arizona is threatened by city officials.
City officials in Sedona, Arizona, are proposing to regulate the use of 4×4 vehicles in and around Sedona, Arizona, due to ongoing concerns of residents.
The beautiful Sedona, Arizona.
Sedona, Arizona, is among the most prized destinations in the world for all forms of outdoor recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, and exploring the hidden remains of pre-historic cultures. Among the vast opportunity for adventure are some of the most awesome 4×4 trails in Northern Arizona. Thousands of motorized enthusiasts use these trails, from street-legal vehicles and motorcycles to rental UTVs and Jeeps operated by novice users.
The 4×4 trails in the area are located on public land in the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District. Some of the well-known 4×4 trails are Broken Arrow, Greasy Spoon, Soldiers Pass, Schnebly Hill, and several others that provide access to trailheads, campsites, and places of significant destination value.
The 4×4 situation in Sedona, Arizona
In 2013 the City of Sedona, in partnership with the US Forest Service, established an OHV workgroup upon multiple ongoing complaints from local homeowners associations along access routes to the most popular 4×4 trails around Sedona. The OHV workgroup consisted of local environmental advocacy groups, Sedona Homeowners associations, and various 4×4 tour and rental companies in Sedona. The workgroup was convened to study and help mitigate what they concluded to be adverse environmental impacts that threaten the health, safety, and mental well-being of Sedona residents caused by an increase in OHV use around Sedona.
In May of 2019, the workgroup published the Sedona Off-Highway Vehicle Report detailing the challenges facing the surrounding community due to an uptick in demand for motorized access. In this report, the Workgroup fails to define an OHV according to Arizona law and quotes the Arizona State Parks and Trails definition of OHV, and goes on to cite ARS 28-1171 while altogether leaving out roll cage, width, weight, and restraint requirements under ARS 28-101, essentially lumping all 4×4 users in the same category.
“Simply put, any motorized vehicle used to travel over unpaved roads and trails is an off-highway vehicle.”
Arizona Trails 2015, A Statewide Motorized and Non-motorized Trails Plan
The study suggests several improvements to help 4×4 tour, and rental companies mitigate these issues, including switching to Electric Vehicles, switching to quieter vehicles, and utilizing improved equipment and technology and goes on to recommend acquiring Arizona OHV funding to accomplish the goals of the Workgroup. Among their detailed recommendations are education programs, a website, sound regulations, law enforcement, road restrictions, staging areas, and alternative access.
The workgroup acquired $300,000 in OHV grant money from the Arizona Parks And Trails to accomplish some of the goals of the workgroup. The funding paid for Forest Service staff, including an OHV coordinator, two seasonal employees, and increased law enforcement presence. In addition, the grant helped pay for comprehensive planning and interagency coordination of the OHV Workgroup. The workgroup was able to accomplish 33 miles of trail maintenance, rehabilitate approximately 3/4 of a mile of closed forest roads, install 53 new signs, and promote education programs, maps, and information.
Despite their efforts, the perceived issues the OHV Workgroup sought to mitigate did not change and only got worse. A small group of residents continues to complain about loud noise and speeding vehicles. They argue that 4×4 vehicles are pulverizing the dirt, covering the trees, blocking them from photosynthesizing, ultimately killing them.
One resident who has gone on a campaign to harass and destroy local rental companies hired a “professional” to discover why trees are dying in her front yard. Dust from passing offroad vehicles, they concluded, is the cause of mortality of trees along the road, although there is no documented scientific evidence of this ever happening. Furthermore, she claims that noise from 4×4 vehicles harms her mental well-being, and the RROCC, media, local politicians, and environmental groups are parroting her story.
However, the Coconino National Forest around Sedona is known to have several insect infestations. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of documented occurrences of Beatles, Saw Flies, and Tussock Months infesting several species of trees in the area. Many large areas have suffered complete mortality of several species of trees due to bug problems.
The workgroup addressed concerns to help mitigate the effects of 4×4 traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods. The concerns raised to the workgroup included:
- Multiple OHVs passing by at one time and groups of OHVs.
- People talking loudly and playing loud music while driving through neighborhoods.
- OHV noise that can be heard by people on non-motorized trails.
- UTVs sharing the road with larger vehicles.
- ATVs that do not have seatbelts or roll bars.
- Impacts on cultural resources (archaeological sites or artifacts).
- The impacts of dust on prehistoric rock art.
- Air quality impacts from vehicle exhaust and dust.
- Black tire marks on the red rocks.
On July 21, 2021, Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West sent a letter to all 4×4 rental and tour companies in the Verde Valley threatening hard closures if something isn’t done to mitigate the harmful impacts of OHV use around Sedona. In response, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, which defines itself as an “advocacy group,” expanded the Sedona OHV Workgroup and established the Red Rock OHV Conservation Crew (RROCC) as part of the city’s “Sustainable Tourism Plan” in partnership with Tread Lightly!, and other environmental advocacy groups like Keep Sedona Beautiful, Verde Front Collaborative, Red Rock Trail Fund, Oak Creek Watershed Council, Home Owners Associations, a handful of OHV users, and 4×4 tour and rental companies.
The participating 4×4 rental and tour companies pledged 1% of sales, which is estimated to generate over $400,000 for the Coconino National Forest over the next year. However, the City of Sedona and Tread Lightly! are portraying RROCC as solely driven by the 4×4 industry, which isn’t true.
Many of these groups are responsible for the previous force to establish the surrounding area as the Red Rock National Monument in 2015. Luckily, residents were able to stop the designation from taking place, but now the deck is stacked against us.
Sedona City officials plan to regulate 4×4 use in and around Sedona.
Public meetings scheduled.
It’s Important to understand, as mentioned above, this proposed action affects ALL 4×4 users who enjoy motorized access to public lands around Sedona, Arizona. This proposed action does not single out UTV users.
Sedona City officials are ready to discuss “possible action regarding the regulation of Off-Highway Vehicles within the Sedona City limits and the surrounding area” in their upcoming City Council meeting on October 26 at 4:30 pm. Keep Sedona Beautiful reported the Council will be discussing “how to manage the uncontrolled OHV traffic on Forest Service Roads 525 (the road to Palatki) and 152C (the unpaved section of Boynton Pass Rd).“
We ask our readers to get involved with this public meeting and voice your support for motorized access around Sedona. We intend to show the Coconino National Forest and the Sedona City Council that most motorized users recreate responsibly. You do not need to be a resident of Sedona or Arizona to take action on this proposal. Public land is public land, no matter where it is.
We want as many 4×4 users as possible to sign our pledge below. Please consider adding your name to the list.
Sign The Pledge
Sign the pledge and tell the City of Sedona and the Coconino National Forest that you promise to respect the residents of Sedona and responsibly use National Forest Roads.
people have signed the pledge.
Show support for motorized access to public lands around Sedona, Arizona.
Public Meeting
October 26, 2021, at 4:30 pm
City Hall
120 Roadrunner Drive
Sedona, Arizona 86336
We will live stream the City Council meeting on October 26th at 4:30 pm on our social media.
Meeting Starts
Updates
- Sedona City Council in favor of restricting access
The Sedona City Council is asking the Coconino National Forest to implement a limited use permit system for motorized trails in the greater Sedona area similar to the Soldiers Pass Trail. The council meeting included discussions on whether or not the city can require quieter mufflers, impose nighttime restrictions on OHV use, force moratoriums on OHV businesses, limit OHV businesses by zoning, or licensing. Officials also discussed conducting an Environmental Impact statement to lay the basis for regulatory action through the Coconino National Forest.
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As part of President Biden’s push to increase renewable energy projects on public land, The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments regarding the Lava Ridge Wind Project. Magic Valley LLC, is looking to lease 73,000 acres of BLM land northeast of Twin Falls, Idaho. This will be the biggest wind project in Idaho, and one of the biggest wind projects in the world. If you recreate in southeastern Idaho, it is likely this project is in your backyard. We’ve consulted with local clubs and they have concerns that several well-used roads aren’t included in BLM’s analysis. The proposed project includes up to 400 wind turbines. Many off-road recreationists access this area, and this project could greatly restrict future access if we don’t make our voices heard. The Deadline for commenting on the project is 10/20/2021.
We’ve put together an action alert that identifies some of the key issues BRC members should be aware of. We’re hopeful the BLM can develop alternatives that will minimize impacts to recreation, but they need to hear from us. The tool below makes it easy for you to submit a comment with just a few clicks, and you also have the ability to customize your comment if you have more familiarity with the project and want to express your specific concerns. Of course we’ll be engaging on this issue as an organization as well.
PLEASE BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY.
It is now more important than ever for motorized users to defend motorized access. For just 30 cents a day you can become part of the solution. Your support will help us meet our goals and continue to challenge the radical green agenda.
Sponsors
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We have been spending extra time on the Federal Register to keep a close eye on the policy put through the federal government, and this one caught my attention. It’s not often that we pay regard to anything other than environmental policy, but this falls in that category for one reason, it’s hypocritical. It’s impressive to see this policy being put through while a significant energy shift is taking place right now. With major utility companies switching to solar by 2030 and environmental groups pushing to destroy nuclear energy, this policy is wholly contradictory to the narcissistic ecological concerns of the Biden administration.
The Department of Defence is currently asking for public comment concerning the testing of small, portable nuclear reactors that will be used to provide 1-5 megawatts of electricity for use in the United States Armed Forces Remote Operating Bases. The testing will take place at the Idaho National Laboratory Testing Facility and will last a total of 5 years. They intend to test if they safely assemble, run, disassemble, and store the gas-cooled nuclear microreactor.
You can see the project website to learn more about this proposal.
According to The Office of Nuclear Energy, microreactors can produce up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy used for heating, producing electricity, desalinating saltwater, and hydrogen fuel production. On their website, the Department of Energy claims to “support various advanced reactor designs including gas, liquid metal, molten salt, and heat pipe cooled concepts” and lumps microreactors in with renewable energy claiming a seamless integration.
You can find all the documents concerning this project in the Federal Register or on the project website, including a detailed description of the proposed actions. It’s an interesting read. Have a look!
Notice of Availability of Draft Construction and Demonstration of a Prototype Mobile Microreactor Environmental Impact Statement
Comments are due by November 8, 2021.
Document Number: 2021-20546
Notice of availability and public hearings; request for comment.
The DoD, acting through SCO and with the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) serving as a cooperating agency, announces the availability of the Draft Construction and Demonstration of a Prototype Mobile Microreactor Environmental Impact Statement. SCO is also announcing a public comment period and public hearings on the Draft EIS. SCO prepared the Draft EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of alternatives for constructing and operating a prototype mobile microreactor capable of producing 1 to 5 megawatts of electrical power (MWe).
Proposed Action
The Proposed Action in the Draft EIS consists of constructing and demonstrating a prototype mobile microreactor at the INL site that would be capable of producing 1 to 5 MWe. The mobile microreactor is expected to be a small, advanced gas-cooled reactor using high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. TRISO fuel is encapsulated and has been demonstrated to be capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Celsius (°C), allowing for a reactor design that relies primarily on simple passive features and inherent physics to ensure safety.
Mobile microreactor fuel loading, final assembly, and demonstration would be performed at the INL Site using DOE technical expertise and facilities at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) and Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex (CITRC). Reactor fuel would be produced from DOE stockpiles of highly enriched uranium (HEU) located at DOE’s Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that would be converted to an oxide form at the Nuclear Fuel Services (a subsidiary of BWXT) facility in Erwin, Tennessee, and down blended to HALEU and fabricated into TRISO fuel at the BWXT facility in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Demonstration Activities at the INL Site
The Project Pele activities to be performed at the CITRC and MFC facilities on the INL Site, would involve demonstration that the proposed mobile microreactor could produce reliable electric power onto an electrical grid that is separate from the public utility grid and that the mobile microreactor can be safely disassembled and moved. At the end of an approximately 3-year demonstration, current plans are that the mobile microreactor would be shut down and placed into a safe storage mode at the INL Site.
The mobile microreactor would arrive at the INL Site for installation at MFC without reactor fuel. The possible locations to perform the fueling of the mobile microreactor are either the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) or the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF). Final assembly of the mobile microreactor modules would be performed at the site of the initial startup testing. The initial startup testing of the mobile microreactor could be performed at the Demonstration of Operation Microreactor Experiments (DOME) facilities in the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR II) building.
Improvements to the DOME are planned in support of other programs at the INL Site. These improvements to the DOME, while not a part of Project Pele, are necessary for the DOME to be capable of supporting the initial startup testing phase of the mobile microreactor demonstration. Should these improvements not be made in time to support Project Pele schedule, final assembly and startup testing would be performed at CITRC. At either location, final assembly entails connecting the mobile microreactor modules. The modules within the CONEX containers would be attached via cables, conduit, and pipes that would have been transported with the mobile microreactor to the INL Site. During this phase of the demonstration, the mobile microreactor would not be connected to an electrical distribution grid. Startup testing would be performed to verify that the mobile microreactor would perform as designed. The startup and initial testing phase is anticipated to take 6 months to complete.
Disassembly and transport would occur between the startup testing phase and the operational testing phase at CITRC regardless of where startup testing would be performed. In either case, the disassembly and transport would provide proof-of-concept of the mobility of the mobile microreactor. The mobile microreactor would be disassembled at the startup testing site with minimal temporary laydown requirements. The mobile microreactor would be placed in a safe shutdown mode in which decay heat would be removed via the passive heat removal systems. This phase is anticipated to take around 5 weeks to complete.
Mobile Microreactor Activities at CITRC
CITRC is part of the INL’s 61-mile 138-kilovolt (kV) power loop electric test bed and supports critical infrastructure research and testing. CITRC includes a configurable and controllable substation and a 13.8-kV distribution network. Four test pads are located at CITRC within the CITRC distribution grid. Some testing connects multiple test pads using the CITRC microgrid distribution infrastructure. These graveled/paved test pads furnish areas to place test equipment ( e.g., transformers, circuit breakers, switches). Test pads also serve as parking areas for personnel performing setup and testing. Preparation of the CITRC site would be performed over the course of up to 6 months prior to the arrival of the mobile microreactor at the site. Preparation would involve construction of a 200-foot by 200-foot concrete pad about 8 inches thick to create a level surface for the CONEX containers.
Upon arrival at CITRC test pad area B, C, or D, the mobile microreactor would be offloaded from the transports to the new concrete pad at the test pad area and the mobile microreactor modules reconnected. The temporary shielding, consisting of concrete T-walls, steel-reinforced concrete roof panels, concrete wall blocks, steel bladders for water shielding, and HESCO® bags, would be installed. The completed shielding structure would be about 5,000 square feet and up to 30 feet tall around the microreactor module. A limited version of the startup tests performed at DOME (or CITRC) would be performed to verify that no modules were damaged during transport.
At CITRC, the mobile microreactor system would be connected to the CITRC microgrid which is separate and distinct from the INL/commercially supplied electrical grid. Diesel generators and load banks would be attached to the microgrid. The generators and load banks would apply realistic loads and supplies to the microgrid to test the mobile microreactor in a realistic setting. Additional pads would be used to house the load banks and diesel generators to simulate a microgrid (electrical power loads for the mobile microreactor) during testing.
At-power testing, performed according to test procedures yet to be developed, would verify the ability of the mobile microreactor to operate at its rated power level for an extended period under normal, off-normal (but expected), and upset (not expected but anticipated) conditions. Transient tests performed would demonstrate mobile microreactor features, not push it to damage conditions. Transient testing would demonstrate upset conditions that would last at most a couple of days but more likely hours. In addition, the CITRC site would require a mobile office trailer that could contain a restroom, potable water, donning/doffing facilities, equipment storage, charging stations, etc. The mobile microreactor operations phase at CITRC is anticipated to take around 2.5 years to complete. Start Printed Page 53041
Temporary Storage
After operational testing, the mobile microreactor would be disassembled and placed in temporary storage, awaiting eventual disposition. There are two options for temporary storage of the mobile microreactor system (within their CONEX containers) at the INL Site: the RSWF receiving area (MFC-771) and ORSA (MFC-797). A reinforced concrete pad would be constructed at either of the temporary storage locations, and minor upgrades in fencing and instrumentation would be required if stored at ORSA.
Post-Irradiation Examination and Disposition
After the mobile microreactor’s useful life is complete and after a period of temporary storage, all of the materials would be disposed. The mobile microreactor components would be disposed of through the appropriate waste streams. It is anticipated that the mobile microreactor would be deconstructed and parts and/or fuel removed to aggregate like-class wastes. After deconstruction, irradiated materials would be safely stored with other similar DOE-irradiated materials and experiments at MFC, most likely in the HFEF or the RSWF. Ultimate disposal of the irradiated materials that have been declared waste would occur along with similar DOE-owned irradiated materials and experiments currently at MFC.
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COMMENTS NEEDED
on Los Angeles City Council Website
Please take action today to preserve
rodeo, animal exhibitions, and cultural events
in
Southern California
We have been writing about the proposed rodeo and animal exhibition ban in the City of Los Angeles which has been ongoing since the beginning of 2021.
The LA City Attorney was tasked to write the ordinance based on language used in a Pittsburgh ban which contains over reaching and dangerous language. Specifically the Pittsburgh ordinance reads, “any (sic) event in which animals are induced or encouraged to perform through the use of any practice or technique;”.
This language is extremely alarming and everyone who owns and competes with animals should take notice.
Should this legislation move forward all animal activities are at risk. Dog shows, horse shows, including reined cow horse, reining, breed shows, barrel races, hunter jumper and dressage shows would fall under this language as well.
Livestock shows and 4-H and FFA exhibitions would also be included as well as educational exhibitions. Training is exactly what the Pittsburgh ordinance was attacking when they used the words, “practice or technique.”
Animal Extremists Have Now Set Their Sights on the Santa Barbara Spanish Days Fiesta and Rodeo
As we have warned,
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The BLM Arizona Strip Field Office is seeking public comment for a proposed change in rules that will limit dispersed camping to 14 days in the Virgin River Recreation Area.
According to the BLM:
This action is necessary because an increasing number of users of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area have established long-term residency under the pretext of recreational camping. Public concern about the effects of this long-term occupancy requires the BLM to address this issue. The proliferation of residential use interferes with legitimate recreational use of public lands and creates other health and safety concerns including hygiene and sanitation issues (i.e., no access to showers or waste dump stations; accumulation of miscellaneous equipment and housewares and the occasional long-term presence of dogs and their associated waste). In addition, this action would reduce damages to natural resources that occur from trash dumping, accumulation or abandonment of equipment or vehicles, loss of vegetation, and contamination of nearby waters.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/15/2021-12279/notice-of-proposed-supplementary-rule-for-public-lands-at-virgin-river-canyon-recreation-area-in?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list
Upon reviewing the need for this rule change it appears that this management area has a special rule that exempts it from the 14 day camping limit that is typical in other BLM lands that allow open, dispersed camping.
We have been researching this issue to determine what would be the best approach for ensuring that this area remains open to dispersed camping use. If this is an area you enjoy using, you can share your comment by August 16.
Click Here to Find the Comment Submission Page
Also, with overlanding, boondocking, vanlifing, and dispersed camping exploding in popularity, we want to know what you think about the 14-day camping rules in general. Do you think this is good policy? Do you think there should be areas where people can camp longer? Is 14 days too long? Let us know in the comments below (but be sure to share your feedback with the BLM as well).
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We have been tracking the progress of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal in the U.S. Senate. This is a $1.5 trillion dollar spending package that impacts a wide range of issues. There are two amendments to this bill that our members and supporters need to be watching.
RTP Funding
We ask that you support an amendment to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal to increase the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding by the same percentage increase that the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is increased each year.
A long-delayed report from the Federal Highway Administration was just released analyzing the amount of federal gas taxes paid by non-highway recreational activity confirms that the total is nearly $300 million annually. This is more than three times the current funding of the Recreational Trails Program. We believe this new information should inform funding levels for RTP in the infrastructure bill currently being considered by the Senate.
Many of our members are other organizations who regularly apply for RTP grant projects to maintain OHV trails. These projects almost always include extensive volunteer efforts from our members and allies. This work contributes to the goodwill that we are able to create with federal and state land managers to ensure that all recreation users have strong voice in public land management decisions.
Because Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds fall well short of providing rural counties with extensive federal land with adequate financial resources to manage county administration, RTP funds are an important funding source for helping counties maintain their roads, trails, and recreation infrastructure.
We encourage you to contact your Senators and request that they support this amendment.
Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program
We are also strongly opposed to SEC. 40801. FOREST SERVICE LEGACY ROAD AND TRAIL REMEDIATION PROGRAM of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. As we read this section it would amend the Forest Roads and Trails Act to create a new program called the Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program. We are concerned that this provision would force closure of any roads and trails that don’t currently appear on a USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). We regularly participate in the administrative processes to inform the creation of MVUMs, and these processes are incredibly fluid and ongoing across the entire USFS system and over a timespan measured in decades. It is often the case that MVUMs miss important roads and trails, and they require updating. The creation of these maps should be open and fluid and strongly informed by local coordinating agencies and stakeholders.
The inclusion of this provision is enough to compromise the integrity of the entire package for those who depend on access to National Forests for their livelihood and recreation. The USFS currently faces significant challenges in fighting increasing numbers of large wildfires. An adaptable road system is necessary to provide a safe operating environment for our wildland firefighters. It is necessary to provide reasonable access to private property owners, grazing permittees, and owners of mineral rights. Outdoor recreation use is exploding on public lands, and arbitrarily closing countless miles of roads through statutory action will reduce opportunities for all forms of outdoor recreation with the impacts most acutely felt by motorized recreation and dispersed camping communities.
We support the amendment offered by Senator Lee to strike this provision from the final bill.
We encourage you to contact your Senators and request that they support Senator Lee’s amendment to strike the Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program from the Infrastructure Bill.
Here is the problematic language that should alarm all users of USFS roads, trails, and transportation networks:
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BlueRibbon Coalition/ShareTrails
As part of the ongoing travel management process in Utah where access to over 10,000 miles of roads and trails are at stake, The BLM is currently requesting scoping comments for the Book Cliffs Area in Uintah County. This is some of Utah’s wildest country with herds of elk, deer, bison, and bighorn sheep drawing hunters from around the world to the area. It is also used by bear hunters and cougar hunters. It is also popular for shed collecting. Like many of Utah’s counties, Uintah County and the town of Vernal have started promoting the off-road recreation opportunities of the area, and organized groups are starting to discover this area that has been accessed by hunters for years. This area receives heavy use from the oil and gas industries. It is also an area with significant potential for free, open dispersed camping. The area also has a rich history of supporting grazing uses.
With almost 2,000 miles of routes being analyzed, this is an area with extraordinary amounts of access to cater to the numerous users who use this landscape. As part of the 10,000+ Project, BlueRibbon Coalition encourages all of its members to make a public comment to preserve access to this area.
The Deadline for Submitting Comments is July 23. Here is the link to the BLM planning page where you can make a comment: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/79313/570
The best comments will provide unique feedback from those with experience in the area. If this is an area where you enjoy using public land, we encourage you to share you feedback with the BLM.
Users can also add their voice to give weight to several of the issues we will be raising our public comment. Here are some of the issues we will be highlighting:
This area receives heavy use from multiple user groups. BLM should keep open as many routes as possible to prevent overcrowding.Many of the routes that travel through side canyons and spurs and to scenic lookouts or pulloffs from main routes have high recreation value as dispersed camping sites. BLM should not be making decisions based on lands included included in pie-in-the-sky legislative proposals that have never been passed into law.BLM should not be closing county R.S. 2477 roads in this area. If R.S. 2477 routes are reclaiming, BLM should work with Uintah County to maintain the roads for public use.This area has high recreation value for hunting, off-road exploring, shed hunting, rock hounding, wildlife viewing, photography, and camping.Roads that travel through and into wilderness study areas should be kept open. Wilderness is supposed to be land that is untrammeled by man, so an area with that includes roads in it shouldn’t even qualify as a wilderness study area. Without the process called “cherry-stemming,” where the roads that cross wilderness designations aren’t counted as part of the contiguous land area, these areas wouldn’t even be eligible for wilderness consideration. Because these roads complicate the potential for wilderness designation, wilderness advocates will be pressuring BLM to close roads in this area. BLM should consider removing these lands from wilderness inventories before they consider closing any of the roads in these areas.
Also, the best comments will also identify specific routes, camping spots, and areas where you like to recreate. You can describe these briefly in your comment, or you can make route specific comments on the BLM’s interactive map:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/EPLCommentMap/?itemId=5df1b974bd494a1e85b6e7245077003a
This video demonstrates the process for making a comment about a specific route:
It’s not required to make route specific comments, but if you’re familiar with the area, and you have on-the-ground knowledge of this area, this is the point in the process where it is important for you to share your feedback.
PLEASE BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY.
It is now more important than ever for motorized users to defend motorized access. For just 30 cents a day you can become part of the solution. Your support will help us meet our goals and continue to challenge the radical green agenda.
Sponsors
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