By far, the biggest threat to our public lands and the wildlife that depend on them is development. Pressures to maximize revenues or monetize these lands result in fragmented habitats that no longer provide the necessary connections and corridors, or sufficient food, water, and shelter for wildlife. And once developed, there’s no turning back.

Although we support multiple use on public lands, we strive to assure that everyone clearly understands their outdoor recreation value, their value to wildlife, their value as open spaces, and their value to Arizona communities.

Yet every year, we see legislation that threatens public lands and our access to them in a myriad of ways—some directly calling for the outright disposal of public lands, others affecting much-needed funding, and yet others that take land management decisions away from the experts in the field or limit public input. 

See the AWF Position Paper and Fact Sheet on Public Lands for more information.