BLM (AZ), LCNCA Interpretive Association, Tucson Field Office

Description of Program and/or Project a. Background: The current Interpretive Association for the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, the Empire Ranch Foundation, was established in 1997 to work in partnership with BLM to preserve, protect, and interpret the Empire Ranch historical buildings and landscape as an outstanding western heritage and education center. This collaboration has included strategic planning; development and implementation of interpretive and educational programs and products; volunteer coordination; operation of a visitor contact station; docent-led tours; hands-on maintenance work to protect historic buildings and structures; implementation of historic research and preservation contracts; and sponsoring tours, school field trips, and other visitor events. These programs have enabled BLM to better achieve Las Cienegas RMP objectives, and support the Tucson Field Officeâ¿¿s educational and Tribal outreach efforts. They have not only benefitted resources at the site directly, but also provide a model for cooperative, adaptive management that can serve as a framework for management of other historic sites b. Objectives: The principle purpose of the proposed agreement is to work cooperatively with BLM and other partners to support the planning and implementation of preservation, educational, and interpretive efforts at the historic Empire Ranch Headquarters.