In a historic milestone for land conservation and cultural restoration, the Yavapai-Apache Nation (Nation) has secured the return of 3,200 acres of ancestral land through a landmark land exchange agreement (land exchange) with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This land exchange allows the Nation to reclaim land of profound cultural, historical, and environmental significance, creating an opportunity to steward its resources and honor its heritage.
A Historic Exchange Years in the Making
This land exchange has been decades in the making, highlighting the dedication and commitment of the Nation, federal agencies, and numerous stakeholders. The acquired lands represent a portion of the Nation’s original territory and a fraction of the 575,000-acre reservation in the Verde Valley that was revoked by the U.S. government in 1875. The land exchange provides the Nation with an essential foundation to build a thriving homeland for current and future generations.
ERO’s Role in Supporting Indigenous Land Reclamation
At ERO Resources Corporation (ERO), we are honored to have played a role in advancing this project through the necessary regulatory analysis required pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Working in collaboration with the USFS and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), ERO provided expertise and guidance on several critical components:
- Environmental Analysis: ERO conducted comprehensive evaluations for air quality and climate, land use and planning, watershed resources, and environmental justice impacts, ensuring that the environmental review complied with NEPA and aligned with federal and tribal goals.
- Biological and Cultural Evaluations: In support of the ESA Section 7 consultation, we prepared a Biological Assessment and, under the NHPA, we completed a cultural resources survey and report to safeguard the rich cultural heritage present on these lands.
- Collaborative Coordination: ERO facilitated the review process across four Arizona national forests, coordinating multiple agency requirements, species lists, and resource concerns.
Project Impact and Future Vision
The land exchange carries far-reaching benefits, both ecological and cultural. For the Nation, regaining this portion of their homeland opens doors for housing, economic growth, community facilities, and recreation spaces, all essential to supporting their members and their connection to the environment. The USFS will benefit from consolidating strategic parcels to streamline federal land management, supporting wildlife habitat and migration corridors, protecting critical watersheds, and securing recreational opportunities such as hunting, hiking, and scenic viewing. The BIA is responsible for implementing the department’s land acquisition policy to facilitate tribal self-sufficiency, self-determination, and economic development. The land exchange and trust taking accomplish these goals and represent an inspiring model for future land exchange efforts
Community and Cultural Significance
The Nation has celebrated the land exchange as a meaningful restoration of land to their tribal homeland. It provides a means to fulfill the United States government’s trust responsibility to the Nation by creating space for homes, economic ventures, and public services, and preserving their cultural heritage. The Nation’s future plans for the land will ensure that it remains a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come.
Celebrating This Historic Moment
On November 4, 2024, a signing ceremony was held at the Tunlii Community Center in Camp Verde, commemorating this historic land exchange. Federal and tribal representatives, along with the community, gathered to celebrate this milestone achievement and to honor the collaboration that made it possible.