Environmental advocates, tribal leaders and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at the Arizona Capitol on Thursday afternoon to send a message: Public lands should stay in public hands.
Many present pointed out that these lands are home to wildlife, sacred sites and irreplaceable landscapes that should be preserved for future generations. And they argued that any benefits to the economy proposed changes would bring aren’t worth the damage.
Havasupai Tribal Council Leader Carletta Tilousi was among them. She said lawmakers are pushing policies that could weaken hard-fought protections for public lands and monuments like the Grand Canyon.
“They were put aside for all of us. And we need to keep holding on to that and make sure it doesn’t fall through our fingers,” said Tilousi. “Because it’s your responsibility now. It’s not just a ‘Havasupai issue,’ it’s not just an ‘Indigenous people issue,’ it’s an ‘Arizona people issue.’”
With pressure mounting from both state and federal policies, Tilousi indicated that the fight over Arizona’s public lands is far from over.
The rally comes partially as a response to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s order to open up national monuments and other federal lands to mining and extracting resources like minerals. It’s a move that could roll back protections for parts of the Grand Canyon region.
Outdoor recreation brought roughly $14 billion to Arizona’s economy in 2023.
Flagstaff resident Wolf Gumerman enjoys hunting with his father, George, who held up a sign alongside him. Enjoying the Arizona outdoors has always been part of their bond.
“Especially, I mean, you look how Phoenix and Tucson’s growing — I mean, it’s just eating up the landscape,” said Wolf Gumerman. “And we’ve gotta have places that are protected for our children and grandchildren to use.”
The pair were among many demonstrating against lawmakers’ efforts to sell off or privatize public lands, despite strong public support for conservation.
Rebeca Rodriguez told KJZZ that crews like hers, that maintain public land, are already feeling it. But she felt encouraged she said, by Thursday’s event, and seeing that attendees understand the value of what federal employees and volunteers like her do.
“They understand the value of that work and the impact that it can have,” said Rodriguez. “And it’s not immediate impact, it has to be a significant investment over the long term. So to cut programs short, it’s just setting it up for failure. You won’t see the impact; it is an investment.”
Rodriguez said she hopes lawmakers will get that message, too.
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