Public Lands

Only 17 percent of Arizona’s land is privately owned – over 80 percent is owned by various federal, state, and tribal organizations. Many of these lands are managed for multiple uses, including grazing, timbering, agriculture, ranching, mining, and oil and gas exploration and production. Nevada, New Mexico, and other Western states have similar ownership patterns.

Given the complex ownership structure of public lands in the West, Lewis Roca's natural resources lawyers have developed a robust body of knowledge regarding public land issues. We regularly counsel mining companies, ranchers, farmers, utility companies, and other users of public and tribal lands on a wide range of challenges involving the use and development of these lands.

We regularly assist with and advise on:

• Agricultural and grazing leases
• Commercial leases
• Mineral rights
• Public land exchanges
• Public land sales
• Rights-of-way
• Various permitting issues
• Various special use permits

Our regulatory experience includes issues in connection with:

• The Federal Land Policy and Management Act
• The National Environmental Policy Act
• The National Forest Management Act

We represent clients before federal and state administrative agencies, in administrative appeals, and, when necessary, litigation. Our lawyers have also developed extensive experience with federal and state administrative agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and the State Land Department, ensuring that we have the ability to guide clients through their highly complex processes.