Managing Semi-Arid Watersheds: Watershed Basics - Public Land Management and Land Ownership in Arizona

There are 72.9 million acres of land in Arizona. The USDA Cooperative Extension System, through the University of Arizona, provides educational programs throughout the state in land management.

Approximately 12.9 million acres, or 18%, in Arizona are privately owned. The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service is responsible for assisting private landowners.

Approximately 9.6 million acres in Arizona, or 13 %, are managed by the State of Arizona. The Arizona State Land Department is responsible for the management of the state trust land.

Approximately 20.1 million acres in Arizona, or 27 %, are held in trust by the United State Government for native Americans. The Tribal governments and the USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs are responsible for the management of rangelands on reservations.

Approximately 30.3 million acres in Arizona, or 42 %, are owned by the citizens of the United States. These public lands are managed by the USDA Forest Service, the National Park Service, military organizations, and USDI Bureau of Land Management.