Arizona Trail to get new management plan

The 800-mile-long Arizona Trail that spans the length of the state is getting a new level of management.

It will come in the form of a comprehensive plan aimed at better protecting and preserving the trail’s resources, whether they are located on federal, state, county, municipal or private land.

Federal agencies released an initial draft of the plan earlier this month and as a first step, are reaching out to the public for feedback.

Included in the initial draft of the comprehensive plan is:

  • A framework for locating or relocating segments of the trail. One specific priority is to reroute the trail where it shares an alignment with dirt roads.
  • Establishment of a corridor that extends one-half mile on either side of the trail on federal lands that will be managed to benefit the Arizona Trail experience.
  • A list of certain side and connecting trails proposed for designation as part of the Arizona Trail system, which opens them up for more funding opportunities.
  • A process for estimating visitor capacity to determine how much use the trail can take before the resources become damaged or degraded.
  • Calls for working with local governments, landowners and other entities to maintain the trail corridor and natural character of the surrounding landscape.

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