The Bureau of Land Management invites public comment on proposed conveyance to Fry Fire District

Sale would aid fire district in stabilizing revenue and increasing important services

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Gila District Office

Media Contact:

June Lowery, Public Affairs Specialist

TUCSON, Arizona — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment regarding the conveyance of 2.5 acres of land to the Fry Fire District in southern Arizona. Under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act in 1985, the BLM conveyed use of the land to the fire district. The proposed conveyance would remove federal restrictions on the property and enable the fire district to commercially lease its facilities, allow for the placement of infrastructure such as cell towers, and generate revenue to support its firefighting and emergency medical services to the public.

“The BLM prioritizes being a good neighbor and supports efforts to modernize America’s infrastructure,” said Jayme Lopez, Tucson Field Manager. “We believe the conveyance would have substantial, positive impacts for the Fry Fire District, the community, and visitors to the area.”

In support of Secretary’s Order 3373, Evaluating Public Access in BLM Public Land Disposals and Exchange, the BLM analyzed the impact of the proposed land conveyance on the public’s ability to access Federal lands for recreation.  There is no existing recreational access/recreational usage on the lands being considered for conveyance. If the lands are conveyed, it will not impact the public’s recreational access to the nearby public lands. Access to the nearby public lands in the vicinity will remain available.

Copies of the maps and additional information is available online and at the BLM Tucson Field Office at 3201 E. Universal Way, Tucson, Arizona 85756. As part of its decision-making process, the BLM will consider public comments on this conveyance. Comments may be submitted by mail, fax and email. The 45-day comment period ends Jan. 29, 2021. All comments will be made available to the public.

A Notice of Realty Action on the sale of the reversionary interest in Recreation and Public Purposes Act Patent to Fry Fire District published in the Federal Register on Dec. 15, 2021.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.