Project Description:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Hassayampa Field Office is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that will describe potential environmental impacts resulting from the approval of a 8,637-acre, approximately 16 square mile, land acquisition in the southern White Tank Mountains. The purpose of the project is to establish the Town of Buckeye White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The need stems from intense growth in the west valley and an increased demand for open space and recreational activities. The land is currently managed by the BLM and would be leased with the intent to provide patent to the Town of Buckeye (which is similar to selling the land to the Town of Buckeye) through the authority of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act.

Proposed Project Location
Facilities to be included in the proposed park over the initial 5-year phased plan approach:

• Parking
• Camping
• Ramada
• Gathering area
• Improved trails
• Portable toilets
• Entry/fee station

Park Exhibits
Along with the five-year plan would come recreational use for mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, equestrian use, stargazing, education and interpretation and ranger-led activities. The activities would be provided within 48 acres located in the southern Watson Road entrance to the park.

Watson Road Entrance
Over time, the Town of Buckeye plans to have additional facilities spread throughout the park, such as:

• Visitor center
• Small amphitheater
• Park caretaker residence
• Improved restrooms
• Equestrian parking
• Utilities to support the site

NEPA Process:
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires that Federal agencies fully disclose impacts that would occur from major Federal actions. Public input is specifically requested during this process to help identify the scope of the EA and to provide comments on the adequacy of the draft EA before it is finalized.

The EA is prepared to determine whether a Federal action would significantly affect the environment and thus require a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If significant impact is not found, then the agency issues a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The proposed project can begin after the final EA is produced with a Decision Notice (DN).

Environmental Assessment Process:
Detail of Environmental Assessment Process

Environmental Assessment:
The EA document for this proposed project will address issues relating to the project and its impacts on the environment. Aspects that will be studied in the document include:

• Biological resources
• Earth and water resources
• Cultural resources
• Air quality
• Land use
• Transportation
• Noise
• Visual resources
• Socioeconomics
• Recreation
• Hazardous materials
• Health and safety
• Cumulative impact