Decision Memo Completed

Santa Rita Abandoned Mine Land Closures 2025

Coronado National Forest Pima; Santa Cruz, Arizona Nogales Ranger District

Closure of 57 mine features, including shafts, tunnels, and open cuts to secure the workings against threats to human and wildlife safety using bat gates, cupolas, polyurethane foam, and fencing.

Location

Project is centered on 57 abandoned mine land features on the Nogales Ranger District in Santa Cruz County, AZ, approximately 2.5 to 10 miles north/northwest of Patagonia, AZ.

Project timeline

1
Scoping Start
12/06/2024
2
Decision
03/2025 (Estimated)
3
Implementation
03/2025 (Estimated)

NEPA / regulatory detail

Categorical Exclusion32.2 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityAbandoned Mine Land Clean-Up
Santa Rita Abandoned Mine Land Closures 2025Decision Signed Date: 03/07/2025
ForestsCoronado National Forest
DistrictsNogales Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionTownship 20 South, Range 14 East, Sections 25 and 35 and Township 21 South, Range 14 East, Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 25 and 35 and Range 15 East, Sections 3, 10, 15, 29, and 35.
Minerals and geology