Groups protest plan for Sonoran Desert monument
Web Producer: Taylor Avey
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Conservation groups are questioning a proposal to allow recreational target shooting throughout the Sonoran Desert National Monument.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has released a proposal to manage 1.4 million acres in south-central Arizona, which include the monument.
The groups say the BLM hasn't explained its rationale for allowing target shooting and filed a protest by the Monday deadline.
Monument manager Rich Hanson said Tuesday that the agency believes it can manage the recreational sport without a blanket ban across the monument.
The groups further allege that the BLM's proposal could harm cultural resources and that its road system is inadequate.
The BLM is under a court mandate to finalize the plan by September 15.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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