In Case You Missed It: Interior Continues to Safely Restore Access to Public Lands

05/26/2020

Last edited 09/29/2021

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON - This week, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt traveled to New Mexico and Arizona before joining President Donald J. Trump at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland to commemorate Memorial Day. The Secretary met with Tribal leadership, staff from the National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and visitors to our public lands to ensure the Department of the Interior is safely restoring access to America’s public lands.

Honoring America’s Heroes

On Monday, President Donald J. Trump held a Memorial Day ceremony at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. Secretary Bernhardt joined the President to honor and memorialize the service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in defense of our great Nation.

President Trump and the First Lady at Fort McHenry Nationa Monument and Historic Shrine in Maryland for a Memorial Day ceremony. Photo by National Park Service.

Upholding our Trust Responsibilities to Tribal Communities

Secretary Bernhardt met with Tribal leaders from the Navajo Nation and the All Pueblo Board of Governors to support their efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He also visited the Gila River Indian Community along with Arizona Senator Martha McSally. In addition, the Secretary extended the comment period on the Farmington Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, which includes areas near Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, by 120 days as we work with Tribes to combat the coronavirus. Read the Albuquerque Journal’s article for more.

Secretary Bernhardt wears a mask and stands on a metal walkway over a wetland talking with two other men wearing masks. — Secretary Bernhardt and Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis inspect a river restoration and groundwater recharge project at the Gila River Indian Community. Photo by Tami Heilemann, Interior.

secretary-bernhard-visit-may-2020-doi-photo-tami-a-heilemann-4.png — Secretary Bernhardt is greeted by Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) at the Gila River Indian Community, Chandler, AZ. Photo by Interior.

Expanding Access to America’s Public Lands

Secretary Bernhardt visited Petroglyph National Monument and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque, NM, which have remained accessible throughout the pandemic. Read the Albuquerque Journal’s article for more.

He also visited Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona to thank park staff for their work to safely restore access to the public.

Secretary Bernhardt stands on a hiking trail next to some boulders and talks with a white male park ranger. — Secretary Bernhardt and NPS staff at Boca Negra Canyon, Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque, NM. Photo by Tami A. Heilemann, Interior.

secretary-bernhard-visit-may-2020-doi-photo-tami-a-heilemann-6.jpg — Secretary Bernhardt inspects building plans for Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, Albuquerque, NM. Photo by Tami A. Heilemann, Interior.

A small group of people wearing masks stand in a courtyard holding signs that say "Thank You for Re-opening the Grand Canyon." — Visitors at Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Tami A. Heilemann, Interior.

Public Lands Provide Opportunities for Communities to Thrive

Secretary Bernhardt was joined by Representative Paul Gosar (AZ-4) to announce two critical projects that support President Trump’s America First, all-of-the above energy development agenda. The land conveyance in La Paz County, AZ under the Dingell Act of 2019 will facilitate the development of a massive solar facility, that has the potential of producing up to 850 Megawatts of power, which would be the largest solar project in the nation. Read the Parker Pioneer's article for more.

The Secretary also announced the completion of a land exchange 26 years in the making. This final step allows for the expansion of hunting and recreation access, responsible mineral development and significant benefits for endangered species, riparian habitat and established wilderness areas in Pinal, Gila, and Mohave Counties in AZ.

Find more information here.