The cross bar management area interpretive plan and site design project seeks to educate visitors about the cross bar management area and the diverse recreation opportunities at this site in…

This cooperative agreement award from the Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management New Mexico Region provides $145,504.38 to the Public Lands Interpretive Association to develop an interpretive plan and site designs for the Cross Bar Management Area in northern Texas from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2025. The interpretive plan and site designs will educate visitors about recreational opportunities and the historical significance of the area as a strategic helium reserve under the Bureau of Land Management's Recreation and Visitor Services program (CFDA 15.225). Deliverables include developing an interpretive plan with signage and outreach concepts, designing interpretive panels and amenities at a retired helium well site, and coordinating community outreach and feedback to enhance access to and understanding of the area's diverse resources. The Public Lands Interpretive Association will collaborate closely with the BLM field office throughout plan development and design.

The cross bar management area interpretive plan and site design project seeks to educate visitors about the cross bar management area and the diverse recreation opportunities at this site in northern texas, as well as its historical significance as a strategic helium reserve the objective of this project is for the public lands interpretive association and the BLM amarillo field office BLM to develop an interpretive plan for the area as well as a specific site design for a retired helium well while this area has the potential for horseback riding opportunities, mountain biking, and views of vast grassland prairie, many people are not aware of this site, which is only a half hour drive north of amarillo in addition, this site has maintained a helium reserve since 1931, when the federal government prioritized helium storage for national defense uses and for aeronautics this project will raise awareness about the opportunities in the area and provide guidance and education for how best to appreciate the area s diverse resources this project will seeks to accomplish the following priority tasks develop a site interpretive plan for the area, including interpretive signage and concepts for outreach programs this plan will include a variety of ways to connect with local communities and identify ways to enrich the visitor experience develop site designs at a retired helium well and develop interpretive panels for the site draft ideas for visitor amenities, such as picnic ramadas, trails, and outdoor classrooms develop a draft budget for construction projects, including a design for a helium atom model that would be installed at the retired helium well site coordinate community outreach and gathering feedback for the interpretive plan and visitor enrichment projects this project enhances access to the area by developing an interpretive plan that will enhance the recreation and education opportunities while connecting local communities to their nearby public land community feedback will also help BLM staff better understand how people would like to enjoy their public lands and ways that the area could further benefit them the project will be a joint collaboration with the BLM field office and community members in around amarillo the BLM field office will be integral to each stage of concept development for the project the field office will review all aspects of interpretive plan development and site design development as part of this application, plia has submitted attachments that demonstrate what the helium model could look like as well as ideas for potential interpretive signs