Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Arizona between the city of Yuma and the town of Quartzsite in La Paz and Yuma counties. The Corps of Engineers is investigating and monitoring this area through the Formerly Used Defense Sites, or FUDS Program, for munitions and explosive hazards that may remain from previous military activity. This page provides information on McPherson Pass Practice Landmine Area, which is part of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge FUDS.
The McPherson Pass Practice Landmine Area project comprises 1,295 acres and is located in the southwestern portion of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge FUDS. The project was used for bivouac-related training in which temporary encampments were set up in unsheltered areas. Antitank mines were used during these activities. Previous inspections have uncovered only one finding of these munitions at the project area.
Today, the property is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website, more than 80 percent of the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is designated as wilderness. It offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy wildlife watching, photography, hiking, camping and limited hunting.
The Corps of Engineers continues to investigate the McPherson Pass Practice Landmine Area and is planning a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study to determine if additional clearance activities are required.