Tucson Broadband • Entered by Andrea Hoerr on August 31, 2023
Protest against land development amendment
July 1, 2023 – August 1, 2023
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 30 |
| Post Admin hours | |
| Activity Hours | 0 |
| Participants | 0 |
| Total Hours | 30 |
Key Issue: Oil, Gas, or Mineral Development
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Tucson Audubon Society, Center for Biological Diversity,
Short Description of Activity
Concerned community leaders in Rio Rico reached out to the Broads National office about a proposed amendment to the Santa Cruz County Comprehensive Land Plan that would open the door for mineral refinement. The issue was referred to Tucson. Rio Rico is within 30 miles of the mining that has started in the Santa Rita Mountains which may include manganese. Manganese smelting is a notoriously problematic process, with negative outcomes. The land in question is a historic Spanish Land Grant property, and is adjacent to the Santa Cruz River. The Santa Cruz River flows through Arizona and Mexico and is a critical migration corridor.
Reflection/Evaluation
The goal was to alert the public to the situation and provide information on how to register opposition to the proposed amendment. I got the word out to the Tucson Broadband and the Border Wall Resistance. The plan was withdrawn after close to 100 people showed up at the public hearing and voiced their opposition. The land owner withdrew his application. We will continue to watch the situation and will be ready to get the word out should another attempt be made.