Ecological Restoration of Disturbed Areas Environmental Assessment and NHPA Programmatic Agreement

The National Park Service, as lead agency, is proposing strategies and treatments to protect and restore natural resources as described in a Draft Environmental Assessment - Ecological Restoration Plan (EA-ERP). The purpose of the ERP is to address the ongoing effects of border-related activities and invasive species colonization and expansion within the project area. The NPS has prepared an Environmental Assessment to address the environmental impacts of proposed restoration.

The project area for this proposed EA- ERP includes disturbed lands on Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (OPCNM), Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge east of the Pima County line (CPNWR), and a portion of the Bureau of Land Management's Lower Sonoran Desert Field Office (BLM) - Ajo Block. This EA-ERP will address requirements outlined in two Biological Opinions and provide a framework for ongoing restoration within the project area. Restoration strategies include a passive, facilitative, or active approach; while treatments include manual labor, plantings, use of mechanized equipment and herbicides, and a preventative approach to restoration.

Contact Information

Rijk Morawe, Chief of Resources
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
10 Organ Pipe Drive
Ajo, Arizona 85321