PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and U.S. Department of the Interior will hold an informational public meeting on Jan. 25 in Phoenix to gather comments on a draft addendum to the environmental assessment and restoration plan at the Freeport-McMoRan Mine near Morenci.

The meeting runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 at AZGFD Headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix and will highlight a recommended project under the plan to assist in building a Wildlife Care and Educational Center on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, adjacent to AZGFD Headquarters.

During the meeting, the public can learn about the new addendum to the environmental assessment and restoration plan and have the opportunity to comment on the recommended proposed project. Copies of the plan will be on hand and the public can learn about the new proposed action and have the opportunity to comment on the draft restoration plan/environmental assessment.

Copies of the Draft Environmental Assessment and Restoration Plan will be made available at the Morenci and Clifton town libraries Jan. 18. Those wishing to provide written comments on the plan must submit them by Feb. 7 via email atrestorationplancomments@azgfd.gov or through mail at Arizona Game and Fish Department Restoration Plan Comments, Attn: Renee Wilcox, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

The plan and proposed project are part of a $6.8 million settlement from Freeport-McMoRan, through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program, which is being used for the restoration of wildlife populations and habitat in Arizona.

For more information visit, https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/send-commentsmorenci/.

Did you know?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department conserves and protects Arizona’s 800+ wildlife species but receives NO Arizona general fund tax dollars. Contribute to our on-the-ground conservation efforts at www.AzWildlifeHero.com.

Contact:

Nathan Gonzalez, Public Information Officer

(623) 236-7230, ngonzalez@azgfd.gov