BLM Halts Havasu Riviera Dispute with Cease and Desist Order

A dispute over the Havasu Riviera Marina has prompted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue a cease and desist order to Arizona State Parks & Trails (ASPT) and propose new regulations for events on Lake Havasu.

Emails obtained by the Today’s News-Herald reveal that the BLM had planned to alter policies concerning “any” events along Lake Havasu, including those at the Havasu Riviera Marina, which operates under the Arizona State Parks system. These policies were a source of concern for stakeholders.

In September 2023, Mychal Gorden from Desert Land Group, a partner of Havasu Riviera Marina, expressed concerns to Lake Havasu City officials. He warned that the proposed BLM policies could financially impact the Riviera’s operations by as much as 3% of its gross income.

Desert Land Group, according to the emails, collaborated with the BLM to secure a special recreation permit for all events planned for 2024. An internal APSP email from April 2023 notes that events at Lake Havasu State Park would require a permit from next year, and unauthorized activities would be shut down.

Gorden also mentioned that the BLM had considered imposing fees for lake activities but decided against implementing the new policies. Jason VanBuskirk, public affairs specialist for the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, confirmed that no new policies have been introduced. He emphasized the importance of coordination among agencies given the lake’s heavy recreational use.

“The BLM is committed to working with partner agencies through the existing Lake Havasu Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure consistent public experiences and best practices,” said VanBuskirk. A collaborative effort is set for the next year as part of this process.

The BLM is also reviewing a recreation fee proposal, independent of the Havasu Riviera Marina, which already has its fee schedules. Fees for commercial and organized group activities remain under the BLM director’s purview.

Deputy State Director for Resources and Planning, Jerry Davis, discussed the marina’s situation during a listening session hosted by Congressman Paul Gosar. He noted that the Riviera Marina’s permit comes with federal restrictions, ensuring the property’s intended use.

The BLM and ASPT previously faced tensions, reflected in internal communications. In June 2023, the BLM issued a cease and desist letter due to unsuitable legal arrangements for marina activities. Both parties, with Desert Land Group, subsequently met and worked to align operations with legal requirements.

ASTP decided to apply for a commercial lease while pursuing property acquisition from the BLM, a legislatively lengthy process. Recently, the BLM announced it would consider ASPT’s proposal to lease approximately 17 acres to expand the marina.

This expansion would include additional facilities, concessions, fuel stations, and a grocery store. Public comments on the proposal are being sought through a 45-day period ending on September 3. Comments may be emailed to sburke@blm.gov or delivered to Stacey Burke at the BLM Arizona State Office.