Written by Nico Lorenzen, Wild Arizona Conservation and Wildlife Associate.
In the latest attack on our public lands, last week Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) introduced two separate Bills targeting Arizona national monuments. Together, both Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon and Ironwood Forest National Monuments would have their status removed should these heinous bills get passed. This is a broadly unpopular move with 80% of Arizonans in favor of these national monuments.
Removing National Monument status would allow for rapid degradation of these natural treasures. In Ironwood Forest, development could imperil populations of saguaro, stands of ironwood trees and rare elephant trees along with the multitude of endemic wildlife that gives the region its character.
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni is sacred land to at least 12 tribes and protects the greater Grand Canyon Ecoregion, including its ponderosa stands, majestic canyons, springs and the condors that soar overhead. Prior to the establishment of the monument there were 600 uranium mining claims, many within 5 miles of the rim of the Grand Canyon. Without protection, new mines could pump away springs and the toxic tailings from mining could poison the Colorado River, a river that provides water to over 40 million people.
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon NM. Photo by Jim Dublinski.
Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon NM. Photo by Jim Dublinski.
A Ray of Hope?
In a welcome development, a bipartisan group of 20 legislators (10 Democrats and 10 Republicans) came together to form the Public Lands Caucus. The same legislators, namely Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) have proposed the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. The bill would stop the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from selling public land greater than 300 acres or contiguous with public land areas greater than that size. Although this bill in no way absolves the other attempts to sell off, weaken or harm our public lands, it shows that prescient legislation would take heed of the overwhelming support of public lands among the American people and work to strengthen them, not weaken them.
What can you do?
Celebrate our public lands! And… write your legislator (use our petition). Go for a hike, a ride, or any way you like to be outside. Take a photo, post it, tell your friends. And tell your legislator what these majestic places mean to you. Maybe you’ll catch us and the Wild Stew Crew out there!
