Gila Herald Staff Reports
SAFFORD — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Safford Field Office will end its public comment period for a proposed land exchange with Freeport Minerals Corporation (FMC) later this month. The proposed agreement aims to trade federal management parcels in active mining zones for non-federal parcels that feature high conservation, wildlife, and public access value across Graham and Greenlee counties.
The public comment period for the environmental assessment runs through Sept. 14, 2026, following a public meeting held in Safford on Aug. 12. To submit a comment or concern for the BLM to consider related to this land exchange proposal, mail or email your comment to 711 14th Ave. Safford, AZ 85546, or email BLM_AZ_SFO_LandExchange@blm.gov or call (928) 348-4400.
Scope of the Exchange
Under the proposal, the United States would acquire fee title to five non-federal parcels totaling approximately 5,698 acres. In exchange, the BLM would convey two federal parcels totaling approximately 24,568 acres to Freeport Minerals Corporation. Both the federal and non-federal land offerings include the underlying mineral estates.
Federal Parcels Proposed for Conveyance
- Safford Parcel: Spanning approximately 21,774 acres across four individual parcels (including the Melody Claim lands), this terrain consists of flat to rolling mountain foothills with gravelly, rocky soil and creosote brush bisected by desert washes. Existing BLM authorizations include livestock grazing, Special Recreation Permits, and utility easements. FMC plans to utilize this land for waste material storage and transportation corridors.
- Morenci Parcel: Encompassing approximately 2,794 acres across 11 scattered, steep, and mountainous parcels, this land currently sees minimal public access due to rough terrain. Authorized uses include mining exploration, historical mining, grazing, and recreation. FMC intends to use these parcels for transportation corridors and waste storage.
Non-Federal Parcels Proposed for Acquisition
- Lower Eagle Creek (1,639 acres): Features varied topography ranging from desert land above canyon walls to riparian bottomlands. BLM management plans focus on riparian habitat protection, wildlife preservation, potential cultural resources, and recreation.
- Subia Ranch / Gila River (160 acres): Located within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, this parcel offers 0.1 mile of riparian frontage along the Gila River.
- Indian Springs Ranch (1,480 acres): Situated on the western slopes of the Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness Area, this land will expand public access and protect big-game habitat, including desert bighorn sheep.
- Dos Cabezas & Emigrant Canyon (1,139 acres): Located on the southeastern slopes of the Dos Cabezas Mountains Wilderness Area, this land includes historical mining evidence and active cattle ranching uses.
Public Interest and Access Benefits
According to the BLM, the exchange addresses key public interest objectives by consolidating federal holdings and opening public access—including hunting and recreational opportunities—to roughly 200,000 acres of land previously inaccessible to the public.
Key targeted public benefits include:
- Wildlife and Habitat Protection: Securing critical riparian corridors and habitat connectivity for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and Coues whitetail deer.
- Management Efficiency: Disposing of isolated, inaccessible, or difficult-to-manage federal tracts while consolidating private ownership within active mining districts.
- Economic Support: Maintaining ongoing socio-economic benefits and tax base contributions for local communities in Graham and Greenlee counties.
Regulatory Framework and Process
Federal agencies conduct land exchanges under federal statutes that ensure equal valuation and public-interest standards. Key governing legislation includes:
- General Exchange Act of 1922
- Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA)
- Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1988 (FLEFA)
The process moves through formal proposal, feasibility and preliminary valuation, public evaluation, formal exchange processing, and final closing. The project is currently in the public engagement and evaluation phase.
For more information and a detailed map of the proposed land exchange, click here.
How to Submit Public Comments
The BLM Safford Field Office seeks public input on future land management, resource protection, and recreation priorities for the acquired parcels.
Submit written comments by Sept. 14, 2026.
- Mail: Safford Field Office, 711 14th Ave., Safford, AZ 85546
- Email: BLM_AZ_SFO_LandExchange@blm.gov
- Phone: (928) 348-4400
