County sends comment letter opposing BLM sale plan without fuller review for Anaconda site

The Lyon County Board of County Commissioners voted Jan. 16 to send a comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management seeking more information and urging caution regarding a proposed sale of public lands and the underlying federal mineral estate associated with the Anaconda Copper Mine site.

The county manager presented a draft letter for the commission’s approval; staff said BLM clarified some procedural issues and had contacted existing right‑of‑way holders. The draft letter asks BLM to address lingering concerns about access, reclamation, potential contamination, staging and the management of adjacent federal lands. Staff told the commission that parts of the acreage flagged for sale lie outside the mine cleanup perimeter and that BLM explained its approach to parceling the land.

Public comment at the meeting included written submissions from area advocates urging the county to oppose the sale or request a full environmental impact statement (EIS). One community group representative asked that the commission change its prior neutral stance to active opposition unless BLM conducts a full EIS. Another commenter said she had filed formal comments with the BLM and asked the board to incorporate that language in the county letter.

Vote and outcome: After public comment and brief board discussion, a commissioner moved and the board approved the draft comment letter to BLM as presented; the motion passed on a roll call voice vote.

Ending: County staff will transmit the letter to BLM on behalf of the commission and continue to monitor the federal review process. Commissioners and staff said they will keep the public informed of federal responses and next steps in the land‑disposition review.