Saguaro National Park Expansion Bill Introduced by Chairman of National Parks Subcommittee

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Saguaro National Park Expansion Bill Introduced by Chairman of National Parks Subcommittee

Rincon and Tucson Mountain District expansion will protect high prioirty conservation areas. This House Bill Proposes 583 Acres to Protect Rincon Creek and Link Sweetwater Preserve.

TUCSON, ARIZONA — The Rincon Institute, Sonoran Institute and Tucson Mountain Association announce the introduction of the Saguaro National Park Expansion Bill to the U.S. House of Representatives to expand the boundary of Saguaro National Park by approximately 583 acres. The additional lands are currently under private ownership that would fall within the Park’s boundary once the bill is passed, and include 283 acres in the eastern section of the Park, and 300 acres in the west. The bill’s lead sponsor is Arizona Congressman and newly appointed Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee Raúl Grijalva. The bill is also cospsonsored by newly elected Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

Annie Wallace, Executive Director of the Rincon Institute explains, “The 283 acres within the Rincon Mountain District will protect more of Rincon Creek, an important water and habitat resource for Saguaro National Park East. The 300 acres located within the Tucson Mountain District includes parcels that will connect Saguaro National Park West with the Sweetwater Preserve. Protecting important habitat and water resources along with connecting protected lands is a vital step to preserving the unique character of the Sonoran Desert.”

Michelle Zimmerman, Executuve Director of the Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project and former Director of the Rincon Institute explains, “As the August 2006 flooding has shown, adding these specific properties will help to protect resources, support wildlife movement corridors, maintain bird habitat, and protect some of the last remaining productive waterways for the Park. As an example, the additional lands in Saguaro East will protect vital portions of Rincon Creek, while lands in Saguaro West will now connect the Park with the Sweetwater Preserve. With the increasing pressure on the park from the rapid growth of Tucson, it is important to ensure buffer lands adjacent to the park are protected as much as possible and keep development out of harm’s way from flooding.”

The Saguaro National Park Expansion bill was introduced during the 109th Congress and enjoyed bipartisan support with former Representative Jim Kolbe sponsoring the bill and Representative Raul Grijalva co-sponsoring it. This year’s early introduction by the newly appointed Chairman of the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee and southern Arizona’s recently elected Gabrielle Giffords holds promise for the success of the bill and future protection of these important lands.

“Representatives Grijalva and Giffords understand that parks and natural areas are among the region’s greatest economic assets,” said Luther Propst, Executive Director of Sonoran Institute, an Arizona based non-profit that promotes community decisions that respect land and people. “The quality of life offered by the experience of wild lands attracts tourism visitors and people who appreciate it so much they decide to relocate their businesses here, which in turn helps diversify our economy.”

A diverse group of citizens and organizations have worked diligently with Rincon Institute including Tucson Mountains Association, Sonoran Institute and the National Park Service over several years to make this expansion a reality. “We are fortunate to have this partnership between landowners, the Park Service, Congress and the community to make protection of these 583 acres a reality. This fits into our communities’ vision for growth,” says Propst who also sits on the Board of the Rincon Institute.

The bill also provides for a study to examine the natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic values and characteristics of lands to be included in future boundary adjustments and to make a report on the study findings, conclusions, and recommendations within two years.

"This expansion will help to preserve the values of Saguaro National Park,” said Sarah Craighead, Superintendent of Saguaro National Park. “It continues our work for the protection of the ecosystems that sustain our fragile Sonoran Desert. The Rincon Institute has done an excellent job of working with the Park and many partners as well as our congressional representatives to get this bill introduced."

The Rincon Institute, Sonoran Institute and Tucson Mountain Association are committed to protecting lands of high conservation priority so that future generations can appreciate and benefit from the natural heritage, beauty, and biodiversity of this region. They continue to work together to gain support for this bill locally and nationally.