Emails Unveil Turmoil in Havasu Riviera BLM Relations

Emails obtained by the Today’s News-Herald highlight tensions between Arizona State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over the Havasu Riviera Marina. Last September, Arizona State Parks consulted with Mike Ford of Abbey, Stubbs & Ford about patent issues involving the BLM.

Ford criticized the BLM’s stance as “arbitrary and capricious,” advising the parks department to push back. He noted that the BLM had considered using the reversionary interest provision of the Public Recreation and Purposes Act patent, potentially reverting the land to federal control if misused.

Recently, the BLM announced it might lease 17 acres of public land to expand the Havasu Riviera Marina. This move follows extensive discussions, and if approved, would allow commercial use, thereby supporting ongoing operations of the marina.

Currently, the marina is restricted from commercial use under the Public Recreation and Purposes Act. Transitioning to a commercial lease could enable state commercialization of the site and ensure the marina’s continued functionality.

An email obtained by the Today’s News-Herald showed Arizona State Parks’ partnership with Mike Ford last September. Ford reiterated his belief in the email that the BLM’s position was indefensible both legally and politically, urging resistance from Arizona State Parks.

Ford also mentioned BLM’s potential invocation of the reversionary interest provision, which could revert title to the United States if the land’s use deviates from the patent’s specifications.

In a separate email dated Sept. 29, 2023, Mychal Gorden from Desert Land Group communicated with City Manager Jess Knudson and Mayor Cal Sheehy regarding the patent. Desert Land Group is involved in developing the marina in partnership with state parks.

Gorden stated that BLM’s current stance prevents the marina from developing a restaurant and other facilities, significantly affecting Lake Havasu City’s economy and sales tax revenue. He added that events controlled by BLM are crucial economic drivers for the city.

Following this week’s lease consideration announcement, Dolores Garcia, a public affairs specialist for the BLM, said they have been working with state parks to convert the patent into a commercial recreation lease. Asked about addressing issues with boat leases and docks, Garcia confirmed that to be generally the case.