By Gila Herald Staff
GRAHAM COUNTY — The Coronado National Forest’s Safford Ranger District is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a special use application by Camp Columbine, Inc.
The proposal would authorize Camp Columbine, Inc. to operate and maintain an organizational camp for 20 years within the Pinaleño Ecosystem Management Area. The camp would occupy the grounds of the former Arizona Church of Christ Bible Camp in the Pinaleño Mountains.
Under the U.S. Forest Service proposal, the Forest Service would continue to maintain and operate existing facilities at the site under the new long-term special use permit.
The project is governed by Forest Service land management regulations under 36 CFR 218 (Subparts A and B). Public comments will be accepted for 30 calendar days following the official publication of a legal notice in the newspaper of record. If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, comments will be accepted through the following business day.
How to Review Documents and Submit Comments
- Online Review: The draft Environmental Assessment and project details are available on the Coronado National Forest Project Page.
- Electronic Comments: Written comments can be submitted directly through the U.S. Forest Service Public Comment Portal.
- Mail Submissions: Physical comments may be mailed to:
- Alysa Hansen c/o Kerwin S. Dewberry
- ATTN: Camp Columbine
- 300 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701
To maintain eligibility to file a future objection under 36 CFR 218 regulations, individuals or entities must submit timely, specific written comments within the public comment window. Submissions must include the commenter’s name, postal address, title of the project, and signature or verification. Individual members of organizations must submit their own comments to retain individual standing.
For specific questions regarding the proposal, contact Alysa Hansen, Special Uses Program Manager, via email at Alysa.Hansen@usda.gov.
