Emails Expose Turbulent Ties Between Havasu Riviera Marina and BLM

Earlier this week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its intent to lease 17 acres of public land for the expansion of the Havasu Riviera Marina. This decision follows months of complex negotiations with Arizona State Parks.

Presently, the Havasu Riviera Marina operates under a Public Recreation and Purposes Act patent. This act prohibits the marina from utilizing the land for commercial activities. Transitioning to a commercial recreation lease would enable the state to develop the site commercially, thus ensuring the marina’s continued operation as a significant public amenity.

Following the BLM’s announcement, emails obtained by Today’s News-Herald revealed that Arizona State Parks had consulted with Mike Ford of Abbey, Stubbs & Ford last September. Ford advised against the BLM’s actions, describing them as “arbitrary and capricious” and legally indefensible.

In his email to Arizona State Parks Board Executive Director Bob Broscheid, Ford disclosed that the BLM claimed grounds to invoke the “reversionary interest provision” and urged Arizona State Parks to relinquish their rights voluntarily. Under the Public Purposes Act, a reverter clause typically returns the land title to the United States if the land is used outside the designated purposes or changes ownership without BLM consent.

Further correspondence dated September 29, 2023, involved Mychal Gorden of Desert Land Group, who emailed City Manager Jess Knudson and Mayor Cal Sheehy. Gorden highlighted that State Parks were limited in their capacity to develop additional amenities like a restaurant due to BLM’s stance. He pointed out the economic and sales tax repercussions on Lake Havasu City from the lack of development.

Gorden also emphasized that the events on the lake, which BLM aimed to control, are significant economic drivers for Lake Havasu City. However, it seems BLM’s position has since evolved.

Following this week’s lease consideration announcement, Dolores Garcia, BLM’s public affairs specialist, shared that the BLM has been collaborating with Arizona State Parks to convert the patent into a commercial recreation lease. This move is anticipated to bring issues concerning boat leases and dock regulations into compliance.

Garcia confirmed, “Yes, that is generally the case,” when asked if the new lease aims to resolve compliance issues.

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