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U.S. Forest Service proposes sweeping changes to enforce state laws on federal lands.
The US Forest Service has proposed a new rule to enhance its law enforcement on National Forest System lands by enforcing state laws, raising constitutional concerns. Critics argue it oversteps federal authority, infringes on state sovereignty, and creates potential conflicts with state law enforcement, given that the Tenth Amendment reserves such powers for states. The…
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This map Visualizing Road closures on public land will shock you
We have compiled an interactive map illustrating road closures through travel management planning on Bureau of Land Management land and National Forest land in Arizona. Although this map is incomplete and does not include travel management plans completed between 1997 and 2014 on Bureau of Land Management land, it showcases federal agencies’ extensive efforts to…
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The Unconstitutional Reach: Federal Overreach into State Jurisdiction on NFS Roads
Order #03-00-23-002, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service, imposes sweeping motor vehicle restrictions on National Forest System (NFS) roads in the Southwestern Region, encompassing parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma. While the order claims to be in the interest of public health and safety, it represents a…
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ACTION ALERT | City of Sedona proposes ban on aftermarket equipment within city limits
The Sedona City Council has proposed a city ordinance that will prohibit the use of motor vehicles and decimate small business within city limits. Minute AB 2950 at the City Council’s May 23, 2023 meeting introduced discussion regarding an amendment to title 10 of the city code that adds chapter 10.30 Improper Motor Vehicle Equipment.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife releases biological opinion on the use of fire retardants on National Forest lands
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a Biological Opinion on February 15, 2023 as part of a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the use of aerial fire retardant on National Forest lands. If finalized, the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement will establish additional “avoidance areas” that prohibit the use of fire retardant within…
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Arizona Backcountry Explorers files FOIA request seeking information on USFS & BLM Employees
We have filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information on U.S. Forest Service employees in Arizona. We are requesting the first and last name, year hired, professional title, position of employment, job description, yearly salary including bonuses and tips, Forest Service employee phone number, and Forest Service employee email address.
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ACTION ALERT | permit zones Tonto NF | $10 fee Bulldog Rolls Sycamore St Clair Desert Vista
The US Forest Service Tonto National Forest is proposing off Hwy vehicle permit zones that will limit access to over 300 miles of roads on a total of 116,988 acres of public land
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RED ALERT | Additional 31,000 Acres Added To Sedona Camping Closure (81k Acres)
The Coconino National Forest has issued a forest order to initiate camping prohibitions and permanent fire restrictions west of Sedona Arizona on an additional $31,000 of public land.
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COMMENTS NEEDED ASAP | ADOT 5 Year Plan | No Apache Trail
The Arizona Department of Transportation has released its tentative five-year plan. Please take action now and send your comments to ADOT.
