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In 2022, 10.3 million park visitors spent an estimated $1.2 billion in local gateway regions while visiting National Park lands in Arizona, according to the National Park Service. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

New BLM rules could help national parks in AZ

As opponents to the Bureau of Land Management's new rules push back, public lands advocates are praising the agency's decision to put conservation on …

Outdoor recreation added $11.7 million to the Arizona economy in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (Adobe Stock)

AZ conservation groups pleased with Biden's move to protect public lands

Arizona conservation groups and sportsmen alike say they're pleased the Bureau of Land Management will now recognize conservation as an integral part …

The Nature Conservancy Arizona will use the funding to purchase conservation easements from willing landowners on up to 20,000 acres. (Juliana Swenson/Adobe Stock)

Millions of dollars going to Verde River conservation in north central AZ

More than $11 million in federal grant money will go to improve land and water conservation in the upper Verde River Watershed and Big Chino Grassland…

Forest and woodland habitats cover approximately 18.6 million acres or roughly 25% of the state, according to Arizona Game & Fish. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: 'Historic' plan could help improve Arizona forests' health

An Arizona conservationist is lauding the U.S. Forest Service for announcing what some are calling a "historic proposal" to conserve old-growth …

Cabeza Prieta is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the United States and contains more than 800,000 acres of designated wilderness. (Adobe Stock)

AZ coalition seeks expansion of wildlife refuge and protection of ancestral lands

An Arizona-based coalition is calling on the Department of the Interior to expand the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in addition to returning …

It's estimated there are 6,200 wild burros in the State of Arizona, according to the Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Wild Burro Management in AZ

The wild burro population in northwest Arizona is about four times the appropriate management level, according to the Bureau of Land Management…

Arizona ranks among the top five states in the nation for the total number of native bird, reptile and mammal species, according to the Arizona Wildlife Federation. (Adobe Stock)

Expert Wants Federal Investments to Help Ecological Health in AZ

Experts across the West have met to discuss the potential impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act as the one-year anniversary of the piece of legislati…

The new monument's Native American name is Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni, which refers to the ancestral footprints of Indigenous peoples. It is made up of three distinct areas to the south, northeast and northwest of Grand Canyon National Park. (Adobe Stock)

Biden Announces Historic National Monument Near Grand Canyon

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced the designation of a new national monument near the Grand Canyon. The latest move will conserve and …

According to the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, in 2022, outdoor recreation in Arizona, in places like the Grand Canyon region, generated $3.3 billion in wages and salaries. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Tribal Nations, Lawmakers Want New Grand Canyon Nat'l. Monument

President Joe Biden has designated new national monuments in Nevada and Texas - and some in Arizona say it is time to do the same for the Grand Canyon…

According to Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention, starting in late April or May many areas across the state will implement seasonal fire restrictions and then typically rescind them in September or October. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Trail, a 'Lifeline' for Many, Under Threat by Wildfires

The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across Arizona, from Mexico to Utah. The trek is considered by many a "lifeline," under threat with fire season …

According to the Bureau of Land Management, the new policy is expected to increase financial costs for state BLM offices as habitat connectivity is assessed. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Prioritizes AZ Habitat Connectivity for Wildlife

The Bureau of Land Management says it will prioritize habitat connectivity of public lands in Arizona and other states, to improve migration routes …

According to the U.S. Forest Service, any horse present on the National Forest that doesn't fall under the definition of a wild horse under the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burros Act of 1971 is not authorized, and is considered feral. (Adobe Sock)

AZ Group Wants Wild Horse Killings to Stop

Three dozen wild horses have been shot and killed in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and an Arizona group is advocating for protection for …

According to the Bureau of Land Management, there are more than 200,000 abandoned mine sites in Arizona, about 20,000 located on public land. (John Chandler Media/Adobe Stock)

Report: Reclaiming Abandoned, Degraded Lands Benefits Economy, Climate

A new study found reclaiming abandoned mines and other degraded lands could bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the U.S. economy, fight climate …

Petroglyphs and other rock formations dot the landscape in the Great Bend of the Gila, which could become a National Conservation Area. (Dawn Kish/The Wilderness Society)

Bill Would Give Tribal Leaders Stake In Managing AZ Conservation Lands

A bill to make tribal governments equal partners with the federal government in managing a pair of Arizona land preserves advanced in the U.S…

More than half of the border-wall construction since 2016 has been along Arizona's southern border with Mexico. (Scott Griesel/Adobe Stock)

Film to Document Environmental Damage Along AZ Border Wall

Conservationists say the 400 miles of walls recently built along the U.S.-Mexico border are causing significant ecological damage and blocking the mi…

Lake Mead, which holds most of the water supply for five Western states, is at a record low level after two decades of drought. (topenugato/Adobe Stock)

Voters in AZ, West Worried About Water, Climate Change

Voters in Arizona and across the West are increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change on the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains…

Glen Canyon Dam is 710 feet tall and impounds the Colorado River to form the 26-million-acre-foot Lake Powell reservoir. (mariakray/Adobe Stock)

A Contest for Engineers: What to do with Glen Canyon Dam?

A contest to "Re-Wild the Colorado River" is seeking engineering alternatives from the public for the future of Glen Canyon Dam. Conservation groups …

The Bighorn Fire burned 120,000 acres of wilderness in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson in June 2020. (Tonia/Adobe Stock) The Bighorn Fire burned 120,000 acres of wilderness in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson in June 2020. (Tonia/Adobe Stock)

Researchers at NAU Institute Fight, Prevent Climate-Driven Wildfires

Climate change and drought have intensified wildfires across Arizona and the West, destroying millions of acres of woodlands and entire communities…

A new report finds parallels between those who support the violent insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol and many of the opponents of public-lands conservation. (Flickr)

Watchdog Report Connects 1/6 Insurrection, Anti-Conservation Movement

A new report found ties between groups and individuals who supported -- and in some cases participated in -- the Jan. 6 insurrection and those who …

A sign warns of radioactivity near an abandoned uranium mine in the Horseshoe Mesa area near the Grand Canyon. (Deep Desert Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

Tribes Urge Congress to Make Grand Canyon Mining Ban Permanent

Members of native tribes living in or near the Grand Canyon are calling on Congress to make a provisional ban on uranium mining near the park permanen…

The Central Arizona Project hiking trail system runs next to its water canal network in both urban and rural parts of Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties. (CAP)

CAP Trails Provide Recreation for Thousands of Outdoor Enthusiasts

MARANA, Ariz. -- Trekking across Arizona's stunning desert landscapes is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the state, and the Central …

The National Wildlife Federation warns hunters and anglers in Arizona and elsewhere to act now to save their favorite outdoor habitats from the dangers of climate change. (Christine Glade/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Group Urges Hunters, Anglers to Fight Climate Change

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- A new report found climate change is affecting public lands used by Arizona hunters and anglers, and encouraged them to join the …

The summer tanager is a migratory species that has been restored to its original habitat along the Lower Colorado River Basin. (Flickr)

States Jointly Restoring Wildlife Habitat Along Lower Colorado River

PHOENIX -- A cooperative effort to restore habitats along the Lower Colorado River Basin is seeing the re-emergence of several threatened and endanger…

Copper-Mining Fight in Santa Ritas Continues After Feds Protect Jaguars

TUCSON, Ariz. - The battle against copper mining the Santa Rita Mountains outside of Tucson continues - even though the feds just handed a victory to …

The recently formed union Workers for Biological Diversity is part of a national movement by employees of nonprofit agencies to unionize. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Group Employees Form Union

TUCSON, Ariz. - When most people think of a labor union, images of factory workers, carpenters or pipefitters come to mind. But what about workers on …

Almost 190 miles of wall on the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona were built before President Joe Biden called a halt to construction earlier this year. (Elizabeth/Adobe Stock)

Border Map Shows Wall Construction Damages Landscape, Migration Routes

TUCSON, Ariz. - A newly released map identifies portions of the U.S.-Mexico border wall built by the Trump administration, and many conservation …

Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir situated on the Arizona-Utah border, draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year for boating and other forms of outdoor recreation. (forcdan/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

River Managers Take Emergency Steps to Refill Lake Powell

PAGE, Ariz. -- The federal Bureau of Reclamation is taking emergency measures to shore up water levels in Lake Powell, to preserve the reservoir's …

A stand of Saguaro cactus and Ironwood trees are framed by Ragged Top Mountain in Arizona's Ironwood Forest National Monument. (TeressaJackson/Adobe Stock)

Arizonans Celebrate 115th Anniversary of Federal Antiquities Act

TUCSON, Ariz. -- June marked the 115th anniversary of the Antiquities Act, a brief but powerful piece of legislation passed in 1906. It allows …

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built ranger stations, trails and ramadas at the sprawling South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix and at dozens of other parks and public lands across Arizona. (Flickr)

AZ Conservationists, Civic Leaders Back Creation of Civilian Climate Corps

PHOENIX -- An idea from the past could soon return to Arizona and other states to battle the ravages of climate change. Groups such as the Sierra …

The black-footed ferret is among the dozens of threatened and endangered species in Arizona that would be protected under the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. (iriska/Adobe Stock)

AZ Conservationists Back Bipartisan 'Recovering America’s Wildlife Act'

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Conservation groups are hailing Congress' new Recovering America's Wildlife Act as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect at-…

Oak Flat in the Tonto National Forest in considered sacred ground by several native tribes and also is a popular area for outdoor recreation. (Elias Butler/Wikimedia Commons)

Biden Order Temporarily Blocks Start of Oak Flat Mine Project

GLOBE, Ariz. -- Native Americans, conservationists and a host of other advocates are cheering a Biden administration move to delay plans for a copper …

The planned Navajo Energy Storage Station would use water from Lake Powell on the Arizona-Utah border to generate hydropower and sell it to cities in Arizona, California and Nevada. (TebNad/Adobe Stock)

Groups Call Lake Powell Hydropower Project 'Unsustainable'

PAGE, Ariz. -- Federal regulators have issued a preliminary permit for a pumped-hydropower project using water from Lake Powell, but conservation …

Sunset brings out the brilliant colors of the Arizona desert at Saguaro National Park near Tucson, part of the millions of acres of public lands across the state. (Nate Hovee/Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: People of Color Concerned for Future of Western Public Lands

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. -- A recent poll of voters in Arizona and seven other western states shows increased support for conservation policies, and deep …

A new U.S. Geological Survey map charts the annual migration patterns of the pronghorn antelope and other big-game species across Arizona and other Western states. (Rod Gardner/Adobe stock)

New Maps Help AZ Manage Big-Game Migrations

SPRINGERVILLE, Ariz. -- Wildlife managers across the West have a new tool at their disposal when it comes to protecting iconic big game. A new …

The Coconino National Forest in north-central Arizona is part of more than 11 million acres of woodlands in the state managed by the U.S. Forest Service. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Say Rule Changes Endanger Ecology of AZ National Forests

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- The U.S. Forest Service has issued a controversial rule green-lighting activities such as logging and road-building in national …

William Perry Pendley on a visit to BLM field offices in Colorado last month. Pendley was nominated in July to become permanent director of the agency, but opposition forced the Trump administration to withdraw his name. (BLM)

Court Order Removes Pendley as Acting Head of BLM

WILLIAMS, Ariz. -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) begins this week without a director. In a win for conservation groups and a number of Western …

William Perry Pendley's nomination to head the U.S. Bureau of Land Management was pulled down by the Trump administration on Aug. 15. (House Natural Resources Committee/Flickr)

Conservationists Demand Former BLM Nominee Leave Federal Agency Post

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Conservation groups felt vindicated when William Perry Pendley's nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was pulled …

Whitewater kayaking is one of dozens of activities outdoor enthusiasts participate in on public lands in states in the Mountain West. (VAIR PRO/Adobe Stock)

Conservationists Aim to Make Public Lands a 2020 Ballot-Box Issue

PHOENIX -- Conservationists say as the Trump administration continues its assault on public lands, they are looking to rally members of what is …

William Perry Pendley, testifying before the House Natural Resources Committee in 2019, is a nominee for director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. (BLM photo)

Conservation Groups Call On Senate to Reject BLM Nominee

MESA, Ariz. -- Conservation groups are calling on members of the U.S. Senate to block William Perry Pendley's nomination to lead the Bureau of Land …

Conservation groups say they fear construction of a border wall across the San Pedro River could cause flooding during the rainy season and block a migration route for endangered animals. (Flickr)

Border-Wall Project Could Block San Pedro River

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Conservation groups say the federal government is building a stretch of the border wall that could block the San Pedro River…

Advocates say discriminatory practices historically have limited Latino access to America's parks and public lands, negatively affecting their overall health and well-being. (Monart/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Advocates Urge Latinos to Support Conservation, Fight Climate Change

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Conservation and public health groups are calling on Latinos to take action to preserve public lands and combat climate change…

The Mexican gray wolf is one of several endangered species that would have its habitat reduced and fragmented if the U.S.-Mexico border wall is completed. (Roni/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Conservation Groups Sue Trump Over Border-Wall Funding

PHOENIX -- A coalition of conservation groups is suing the Trump administration to stop border-wall construction in Arizona and other states that bord…

A report shows that since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency, the Interior Department has rolled back regulations on oil and gas exploration, endangered species and mining operations. (Jeffrey/Adobe Stock)

Report: Federal Agencies Used Pandemic Crisis to Attack AZ Public Lands

TUCSON, Ariz. -- A study shows that since the Trump administration declared the COVID-19 crisis a national emergency, federal officials have been …

Biologists says drilling for water to build the border wall in southern Arizona threatens to pollute and possibly drain the fragile Quitobaquito Springs, near the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. (Flickr)

Groups Ask SCOTUS to Review Waiver to Build Border Wall

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Conservation groups are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the federal court rulings that waive environmental laws to build the …

One group involved with the campaign to keep ADEQ from assuming authority over the Clean Water Act was Save the Scenic Santa Ritas, Tucson-based activists fighting to keep an open-pit copper mine from operating in the mountain region. (mdurson/AdobeStock)

State Agency Backs Out of Managing Clean Water Act in AZ

TUCSON, Ariz. – Conservation groups are applauding the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's decision to not pursue authority over a …

The Ironwood National Forest in one of dozens of tracts of public lands in Arizona managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management. (BLM)

Conservation Groups Call Acting BLM Director Unqualified

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Conservation groups are apprehensive over the appointment of William Perry Pendley, a longtime advocate of selling public …

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which covers about 2 million acres in east central Arkansas, is one of six national forests in the state. (U.S. Forest Service)

Proposed Forest Service Rule Changes to Limit Public Input

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Conservation groups are challenging the Trump administration over proposed changes to U.S. Forest Service rules to allow …

There may be only two or three jaguars left in Arizona. The big cats' range is in the Sonoran Desert in northern Mexico and southern Arizona, but due to hunting and habitat destruction, few have been observed in the past several years. (Wikimedia Commons)

Endangered List Changes Put Some AZ Species at High Risk

TUCSON, Ariz. – Conservation groups say Trump administration changes to the Endangered Species Act could affect some rare Arizona animals in a …

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AZ: Public Lands/Wilderness