County discusses historic grazing lease on Bella Vista Ranch state trust land

Cochise County officials are taking steps to secure a historic grazing lease on state trust land adjacent to the Bella Vista Ranch property, ensuring its continued use for agricultural purposes. During the recent Flood Control District meeting, board members discussed the importance of maintaining this lease, which has been in place for decades and is crucial for local ranching operations.

The county currently pays $1,585 annually to keep the lease active, a cost that does not generate any revenue from the grazing activities conducted by an operator managing the land. This operator has been in place since the county acquired the property, which was previously part of a larger ranching operation. The discussions highlighted concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers, as the county does not recover any costs from the grazing activities.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the relationship between the Bella Vista Ranch property and Fort Huachuca, a nearby military installation. The land's grazing lease is part of a broader strategy to maintain a buffer zone around the fort, which is supported by funding from the Army's Compatible Use Buffer program. Board members expressed the need for further discussions on potential financial support from the military to help offset the costs associated with the lease.

The board plans to schedule a working session to delve deeper into these issues, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management and the economic impact on the community. As Cochise County navigates these challenges, the outcome of future discussions will be critical in determining the viability of local ranching and conservation efforts.