BLM-AZ, Black Canyon Heritage Park Public Information Center (PDO)

Description of Program and/or Project Background: This is a continuation of FA L10AC 20544. The Black Canyon City Community Association (BCCCA), will continue partnering with the BLM and others in the development, management and operation of a building and facilities located at the Black Canyon Heritage Park (BCHP) that will serve as the public information center (Center) for visitor education and outreach. The site will also function as the Gateway to the BLM Agua Fria National Monument (AFNM), linking visitors to the AFNM, the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail (BCNRT) and other surrounding lands available to the public. The Agua Fria River runs through the property along which habitat restoration projects are held, and a one and a half acre pond surrounded with lush native plants and stocked with endangered fish is also located on the property. Both will allow visitors to get hands-on learning experiences about riparian native flora and fauna, conservation and restoration through interpretive tours and volunteer projects. The BCCCA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with one of its primary missions to educate and increase awareness for the visiting public regarding the regionâ¿¿s cultural, historical, biological and recreational resources along with managing a sustainable volunteer program. The site is in the perfect location to serve as the regionâ¿¿s Gateway as it is easily accessible from Interstate 17 on the main road in Black Canyon City. The unincorporated town is adjacently located southwest of the AFNM, and surrounded by a mix of BLM and state lands which are also bounded by two national forests, Lake Pleasant Regional Park and the north Phoenix/New River area. Development of the BCHP is the result of the efforts of many organization and agency partners that have been involved in the parkâ¿¿s vision since the beginning. Objectives 1 The purpose of program is to aid in the management of the ONA through the protection, preservation and enhancement of the seven key values of the site recognized by Congress in the designation of the site as part of the National Conservation Lands. As such, the following objectives are established to support visitor services, and preservation of historic and cultural values. Objective 2 The main objectives of this agreement is to finish the work needed to prepare the building and facilities for the grand re-opening to the public, and continue providing on-going managerial and operational support of the center. This will include staffing, providing interpretive materials and maintaining the web-site; conducting and/or hosting site tours, presentations, educational events, workshops, volunteer restoration projects, etc. both on and off site; and covering all other overhead costs such as grounds maintenance, utilities, supplies and materials.