Stop ASLD From Selling More Land to Copper World

At an Oct. 8 meeting with Pima County, State Land Commissioner Robyn Sahid told Pima County officials that the land on the western base of the Santa Rita Mountains will be auctioned next year.

Hudbay, the company developing a 23 sq. mile copper mining operation in the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains, which includes a 2.5 sq. mile open pit mine, is the only likely buyer for the land the state has appraised at $993,000. The appraisal is based on the current value of the land, not on what it would be worth in the future to Hudbay. The land must be sold by May 19, 2026, before the appraisal expires.

Click here to read more about this land sale and the value of this 160-acre parcel to Hudbay.

The Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, (SSSR) a non-profit organization whose been fighting to protect the Santa Rita Mountains from the devastating effects of industrial, open-pit mining since 1996, needs YOU to send letters to Governor Hobbs TODAY requesting that she instructs Commissioner Sahid to reject Hudbay’s request to put this parcel up for auction.

The sale of this land would allow Copper World to access approximately 500 acres of land it already owns, where it will dump mine tailings adjacent to Corona de Tucson neighborhoods and schools.

Instructions:

1. Click here to download a sample letter and find email contact information for Governor Hobbs.
2. Edit the draft letter to include your name and/or your organization, along with any other edits you see fit. Please feel free to personalize these letters as much as you’d like!
3. Sign the letter with your name, address, and affiliation (if applicable).
4. Email your letter to Governor Hobbs.
5. Share this action alert with your friends, neighbors and network!

The LDA and SSSR THANK YOU in advance for taking action

to protect our beloved Santa Rita Mountains.

Protect Benson

Protect the

San Pedro River

Health Over Wealth Benson, a coalition of Benson residents, neighboring community members, and environmental advocates committed to protecting the town’s health, water, and way of life is fighting to stop Aluminum Dynamics from building a massive aluminum casting facility (secondary smelter) in the Benson community. LDA Newsletter 10/16/25.

If approved, this facility will bring heavy air pollution, toxic emissions, dangerous truck traffic, and an enormous strain on water supplies- all right next to the San Pedro River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the southwest. 

In order to stop this disaster, they are raising funds to cover legal costs and organizing efforts so that the people of Benson can stand up against corporate interests threatening their health, land, and future.

Click here to learn more about their efforts and how you can help!

Photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy

Tap into Savings!

Join Watershed Management Group's

Rebate Events

Transform Your Water Use

Discover practical ways to make the most of rain and other water resources at WMG's free, recurring rebate classes. Learn how to use greywater to nourish your landscape or collect rainwater to support a thriving garden. These classes provide hands-on knowledge to help you save money, conserve water, and meet Tucson Water rebate requirements.

Register for any or all of these upcoming classes:

• Virtual Rainwater Harvesting Class - Tuesday, October 28 - 4:30pm to 7:00pm

• In-person Rainwater Harvesting Class - Wednesday, November 12 - 4:30pm to 7:00pm

• In-Person Greywater Harvesting Class - Thursday, November 13 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm

New Highway Cleanup Opportunity

Saturday, November 8th, 9am-11am

The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection invites you, your family and friends to their upcoming highway cleanup along a NEW adopted stretch of highway at 10501 N. Casa Grande Hwy, near Avra Valley Road and the Santa Cruz River wildlife ramp!

Gloves, safety vests, snacks and drinks, trash bags, and pick-up sticks (grabbers) are provided. You’re welcome to join them for as long as you like. More specific information and directions will be sent in an email to all RSVPs.

So, come alone or with a friend, better yet, pull a team together, and join in on this great opportunity to serve your community while enjoying our wonderful desert environment. Click here to sign up.

Community Forum

Tonight, Oct 23rd

6:30–8:00 pm

Last week we reported that Management and Training Corp., a company operating ICE facilities around the U.S., has purchased the now-closed Marana Community Correctional Treatment Facility, 12610 West Silverbell Road, for millions of dollars.

Living Desert Alliance feels it is unlikely they'd spend that kind of money without a plan to build an ICE facility right in Marana’s backyard and only four miles away from the ever-expanding Gladen Farms community. The implications of this facility, with a capacity of 450 inmates, being reopened are concerning, especially regarding noise pollution, increased traffic, ancillary support and services.



To learn more, join a community forum led by County Supervisor Jen Allen from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Coyote Trails Elementary School, 8000 N Silverbell Rd., Tucson.

Let your voice be heard at this important community event.

Click here to review Supervisor Allen's latest update.