Arizona’s public lands are the foundation of our outdoor traditions, supporting world-class opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and countless other recreational activities. These lands are not just open spaces—they are critical habitat for over 800 species of wildlife and the driving force behind Arizona’s $14 billion outdoor recreation economy, which supports over 110,000 jobs and fuels small businesses across the state.

Proposals to sell off public lands jeopardize these irreplaceable benefits, stripping Arizonans and all Americans of their collective ownership and access to the lands that define our way of life. Instead of short-sighted land sales, Congress should prioritize collaborative conservation efforts and investments in public land management to ensure continued access, economic growth, and wildlife protection.

“The value of our public lands cannot be overstated—they provide space to hunt, fish, hike, and camp while safeguarding vital wildlife habitat and supporting Arizona’s economy,” said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “Selling off these lands is not going to solve the housing crisis or balance the federal budget — it will permanently take away opportunities for outdoor recreation, conservation projects, and sustainable, long-term economic growth. We urge Congress to reject these proposals and invest in keeping our public lands intact for future generations.”

Public lands belong to all Americans, and their responsible management benefits everyone. The Arizona Wildlife Federation stands with sportsmen and women, outdoor enthusiasts, and local businesses in opposing any efforts to sell off these lands. We call on all of Arizona’s elected leaders to defend the landscapes that fuel our economy, support our communities, and define our outdoor heritage.

Recent orders issued by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior pose a serious threat to America's public lands. These actions elevate drilling and mining activities as the favored uses of our public lands. They walk back common-sense nonpartisan reforms that protect wildlife and public access for outdoor recreation including hunting and fishing, while putting the cost burden of clean-up on the shoulders of American taxpayers.

The secretarial orders specifically target regulations that have helped balance conservation with responsible development, including the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands and Renewable Energy Rules. These regulations reflect years of careful work to balance the values of wildlife, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation spaces with other land uses including grazing, mining, oil and gas extraction, and renewable energy development.

“America’s public lands — including our national monuments, wilderness areas, and other treasured places — are vital to our way of life,” says Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation, “These recent orders prioritize extraction over conservation and access while sidestepping the public’s right to have a say in how our lands are managed.”

A particularly concerning provision calls for a 15-day review of all public lands including national monuments, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges, which could open up these areas for extraction without public input. This expedited process ignores years of detailed agency analysis and public review, including thoughtful discussion and debate, and explicitly seeks to undo the vital protections put in place by those public processes to safeguard America’s unique lands and wildlife.

“A central part of the American identity is our public land. People want to see these places managed responsibly so they can continue to enjoy them and see their children and their grandchildren explore them,” Cravens says, “We hope Secretary Burgum will reconsider his approach and listen to the public who depend on these lands for their livelihoods and outdoor traditions.”

The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) proudly hosted its 6th Annual Camo at the Capitol event at the Arizona State Capitol this past Tuesday, bringing together over 20 conservation and sporting organizations and key decision-makers to discuss critical issues impacting Arizona's wildlife and public lands.

"Camo at the Capitol is an incredible opportunity for sportsmen and women to come together, learn about the issues affecting our wildlife and public lands, and engage directly with decision-makers who shape the policies that impact conservation efforts," said Michael Cravens, AWF's Advocacy and Conservation Director.

The event provided attendees with valuable insights into current legislative issues and advocacy strategies to support wildlife conservation and public lands. Throughout the day, participants engaged in informative discussions covering a wide range of topics, including effective ways to engage with legislators, key legislation AWF is currently tracking, and what is expected in the legislative session. Informational handouts addressed critical issues such as Arizona's water challenges, best practices for solar implementation, a breakdown of public land designations, and much more.

Camo at the Capitol wasn't all business though! Attendees also enjoyed a taste of the wild with a delicious lineup of game meals prepared by participating organizations. These included Abert’s Tassel-eared squirrel with sun-dried tomato and basil stuffed mushroom caps, dove and duck chili, mule deer tacos, wild goose Reubens, elk meatballs, and wild turkey nachos, capped off by some fresh espresso. Participants also took part in fly-casting demonstrations!

AWF extends a special thanks to the following participating organizations for their support and dedication to conservation: the Tucson Chapter of Safari Club International (AZSCI), the Phoenix Chapter of Safari Club International (AZSCI), Arizona Antelope Foundation, Arizona Elk Society, Audubon Southwest, Arizona Trail Association, Arizona Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), Arizona Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Southern Arizona Quail Forever (SAQF), Arizona Ducks Unlimited, American Rivers, The Wilderness Society, Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society (ADBSS), Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), Arizona Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (AZBHA), the Peregrin Fund, North American Non-Lead Partnership, Arizona Predator Callers, Arizona Trappers Association, and Sky Island Falconry Experience.

AWF also extends gratitude to the legislators who took the time to share their insights and perspectives with attendees on the Capitol lawn, including Senator Tim Dunn, Representative Frank Carroll, Representative David C. Farnsworth, Senator Analise Ortiz, Senator Priya Sundareshan, Representative Alma Hernandez, and Representative John Kavanagh.

The decision by Arizona officials to support a Utah lawsuit – questioning the constitutionality of the federal government owning unappropriated public lands – poses a disturbing risk to wildlife, recreation, and our sporting heritage in Arizona and across the nation. Despite support for this lawsuit from Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and Speaker of the House Ben Toma, their stance does not reflect the views of Arizonans,  an overwhelming majority of who support protecting and conserving public lands. These lands sustain iconic western species like bighorn sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn, support a huge outdoor recreation economy, and are vital for Arizona’s rich outdoor heritage.

"Arizona's public lands provide vital habitat for wildlife, migration corridors, and countless opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, you name it," said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF). “The stakes in this case extend far beyond Utah and the outcome of this lawsuit threatens to set a precedent that could undermine public access and conservation priorities for generations.”

The lawsuit seeks state control over 18.5 million acres of federal public lands in Utah, but the outcome could have severe implications for Arizona’s iconic landscapes and outdoor traditions. If successful, the lawsuit could pave the way for the privatization and development of public lands, threatening the integrity of wildlife habitats, and limiting public access. These lands belong to all Americans and provide essential ecological, recreational, and economic benefits, which are at risk if ownership shifts to states with a mandate to maximize revenue. States also face immense challenges managing lands on a scale comparable to the federal government, including critical wildfire suppression, habitat conservation, and public access maintenance. 

For over 100 years, the Arizona Wildlife Federation has championed the right of all Americans to access and enjoy Arizona’s unique landscapes. This commitment is precisely why AWF stands firmly against Utah’s lawsuit, which threatens to undermine public land protections and the outdoor heritage that Arizonans value deeply. 

“Arizona’s public lands are irreplaceable,” said Scott Garlid, Executive Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “We urge Arizona officials who have extended their support of this lawsuit to listen to the overwhelming voices in Arizona who want to keep our public lands in public hands.”

On Tuesday, September 24, Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation, was honored as the 2024 Leader of the Year in Public Policy (Government category) by the Arizona Capitol Times. This prestigious annual award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to statewide growth and enhanced the quality of life for all Arizonans.

Michael, along with his wife, two young children, and their German short-haired pointer, proudly call the mountains of Arizona home. When he’s not exploring the state’s stunning public lands in pursuit of rising trout or healthy game to feed his family, he is working tirelessly to safeguard the access and environments that make these pursuits possible.

Michael earned this recognition for his dedicated advocacy at the State Capitol, where he passionately champions Arizona’s wildlife, habitats, and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

He unites diverse stakeholders and strives to ensure that elected officials and decision-makers clearly understand what must be done to protect our wildlife and how each person can play a vital role in that mission. Michael inspires others to care and diligently keeps them focused on the critical tasks ahead.

In addition to his role with the Arizona Wildlife Federation, he serves as the Vice Chair for Arizona Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

We couldn’t be prouder of Michael and are honored to see his remarkable contributions formally recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times.

The Arizona Capitol Times is a weekly publication focused on state politics and government, based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Author: Michael Cravens, AWF's Advocacy and Conservation Director

As a hunter deeply rooted in northern Arizona who has chosen to raise my children here, my connection to the land extends far beyond the thrill of the hunt. It's about a profound respect for the delicate balance of our ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by a rapidly changing world. 

The over 12 million acres of national forest lands in Arizona are not just scenic vistas; they are essential to our way of life. They provide clean drinking water, diverse wildlife habitats critical for healthy game populations, and economic benefits through the outdoor recreation industry, which is vital to many rural communities. They are the places I often choose to camp, hunt, and fish with my family. Yet, our forests and old growth are facing unprecedented vulnerabilities. The fire season that once came with a sense of annual anticipation has now turned into a year-round crisis, with increasingly severe and frequent wildfires becoming the norm. This is especially concerning for our old growth, which provide vital habitat, contribute to carbon storage, and have cultural significance.

As hunters and stewards of the land, we see the impact firsthand: remote wildlife water catchments that once thrived on regular rainfall and snowmelt now need hundreds of thousands of gallons hauled in by volunteers and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The same stressors affect our forests and old growth, which need to be resilient enough to endure prolonged dry spells, which don’t appear to be going anywhere.

In June this year, the U.S. Forest Service published its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed national old-growth forest plan amendment, which seeks to standardize guidelines for the stewardship, conservation, and regeneration of old-growth forests across U.S. national forests. The amendment emphasizes proactive management to address threats like wildfires and climate change through adaptive strategies informed by local data, sound science, and Indigenous knowledge. This landmark proposal offers a crucial step toward addressing these issues. 

However, we must ensure that the guidelines set forth in the amendment are flexible enough to address the unique characteristics of our regional forests. The old-growth forests in Arizona differ greatly from those in states like Washington or Oregon, and our management strategies must reflect these differences. Old-growth trees here take much longer to mature, and our forests' ecological dynamics are distinct. As we navigate periods of longer drought and more frequent and intense wildfires, we need an intentional management style that assesses and adapts to the needs of our forests while actively collaborating with local communities and tribes.

Now is the time for us, as conservationists, to advocate for the future of our forests and old growth, and in turn, the future of our wildlife and hunting heritage. 

Our old growth forests are a legacy we must protect, not just for ourselves but for future generations. Let us come together to support this critical amendment, ensuring that our national forests remain vibrant and resilient, continuing to offer their myriad benefits for years to come.

The U.S. Forest Service published its  Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed national old-growth forest plan amendment in the Federal Register on June 21st, opening a 90-day public comment period. This amendment seeks to standardize guidelines for the stewardship, conservation, and regeneration of old-growth forests across U.S. national forests, emphasizing proactive management to address threats like wildfires and climate change through adaptive strategies informed by local data, sound science, and Indigenous knowledge.

The old-growth forest amendment is a landmark proposal, marking the first national policy focused on the conservation of these vital ecosystems, which offer clean air and water, provide critical habitat for wildlife, and hold traditional values for all people.

“We appreciate the Forest Service’s dedication to preserving our old-growth forests through proactive, science-based management,” says Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “The draft EIS is a crucial step toward enhancing the resilience of our forests against wildfires and drought, which have significant repercussions in Arizona.”

The Arizona Wildlife Federation is eager to learn about the specific guidelines for each state. Any guidelines must reflect the unique characteristics of forests in different regions, especially here in Arizona where our old-growth is quite different from states like Washington or Oregon. The definition of old-growth varies by geography and climate, and the amendment should be flexible to account for these differences.

During the comment period, the Forest Service will hold public engagements and field tours, including virtual sessions. They will also consult with Tribes and collaborate with state and local governments, conservation districts, and other agencies.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce our partnership with the City of Tempe in its commitment to becoming a certified Monarch City through the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. 

"Given the enormous loss of habitat including native milkweed populations across the country, it is essential to support vital pollinators such as the monarch butterfly through collaborative conservation efforts,” says Keith Ashley, Development Director and Coordinator of Gardening for Wildlife for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, “The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge is an innovative opportunity allowing the Arizona Wildlife Federation to work together with local governments and communities in our state to support Arizona's native wildlife.”

The monarch butterfly’s western populations have declined by 99% in recent years. With support from the Arizona Wildlife Federation and Arizona State University, the City of Tempe joins the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and commits to taking specific actions to create and conserve monarch butterfly habitats within city limits.

“Tempe is fully committed to environmental stewardship,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “By becoming a Monarch City, we are taking a strong stance towards protecting this iconic species and ensuring a healthy ecosystem for generations to come.”

The City of Tempe has several action items it will accomplish in 2024 as a part of its pledge, including the launch of a public campaign encouraging residents to plant monarch gardens in their communities and working with developers, planners, and community leaders to identify opportunities for creating monarch habitat in new developments.

The Tempe City Council accomplished the first action item — issuing a proclamation to raise awareness about the need for monarch conservation — at their meeting on May 21. You can watch a video of the proclamation and follow along as Tempe completes these action items at tempe.gov/Monarch. 

Good News for Wildlife, Public Lands, and Taxpayers

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its finalized rule to reform oil and gas leasing late last week. This common-sense rule secures fair market royalty rates, which have not been increased in more than 100 years, and increases bonding rates to a reasonable level, ensuring that funds are available for necessary clean-ups and reclamation. The rule also raises the rates companies are charged for leasing public lands. Leasing criteria will also be applied to companies, reducing the practice of speculative leasing and thereby lessening development pressure on areas that contain sensitive wildlife habitat, cultural resources, high recreational usage, or other special resources and values. 

“We are pleased to see the Department of the Interior take strong action to conserve public lands by finalizing their new oil and gas rule. For too long, unnecessary oil and gas leasing on lands with high conservation value and low energy potential have placed critical wildlife habitats and ecosystems at risk,” says Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation, “These pragmatic reforms will ensure fair returns for taxpayers and shift the burden of post-drilling clean-up to the companies that made the mess.”

More than 260,000 Americans, including thousands of Arizonans, submitted comments for the draft proposal and 99.4 percent of those responders supported the common-sense reforms.

“The BLM’s new rule is the right thing to do for our public lands nationally. Our public lands belong to the American people — whether they are in an oil field in New Mexico, a natural gas site in Colorado, or a helium field in Arizona. The Arizona Wildlife Federation supports the responsible management of natural resources, proper stewardship of our public lands, and a fair return to taxpayers,” says Scott Garlid, Executive Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation.

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) final “Public Lands Rule” balances conservation alongside other public land uses like grazing, mining, oil and gas extraction, and the usage of solar and other renewables. This rule restores balance to the stewardship of our public lands, which all U.S. citizens are owners of, by giving equal standing to the conservation of these lands. The BLM manages over 245 million acres of public lands across the U.S., all of which support fish and wildlife species, safeguard cultural resources, and provide communities with energy and water, as well as recreational opportunities like hunting, hiking, and fishing.

To date, only 12 percent of the 12 million acres managed by the BLM in Arizona have been protected for their outstanding conservation values. “The new public lands rule gives the agency the tools it needs to restore degraded ecosystems so that the wildlife, outdoor recreation, and rural communities that depend on healthy public lands can thrive for generations to come,” says Scott Garlid, Executive Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation.

A critical piece of the BLM’s Public Lands Rule is the ability to lease lands for conservation and restoration. These restoration leases allow the BLM to lease acres for the purpose of restoring them in the same way a mineral lease would allow for mining. Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation, explains, “A solar company could lease acres for restoration in order to mitigate the impact of the solar field, or a hunting organization could lease acres to remove invasive species in a big game migration corridor.”

The Arizona Wildlife Federation heartily supports these rule changes and thanks the BLM for their ongoing stewardship of our public lands and forward thinking with reasonable policies like the Public Lands Rule.