"The U.S. Forest Service has withdrawn the final environmental impact statement for a huge copper mine near Superior, temporarily halting a land swap that would have given the mine's owners title to a parcel deemed sacred by many Apaches and other Southwestern tribes.

In a statement released Monday, Tonto National Forest said the federal government had received significant input from many parties after the release of the final environmental impact statement on Jan. 15.  As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture directed the forest service to rescind the decision it made based on the review document.

Tonto officials said a recent memorandum issued by President Joe Biden regarding tribal consultation and strengthening nation-to-nation relationships was a factor in the decision."

Debra Utacia Krol reports for the Arizona Republic March 1, 2021. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"USDA Puts Brakes On Land Transfer For Arizona Copper Mine" (AP) [3]