Arizona’s public lands and water are vital resources, supporting wildlife, providing recreational opportunities, and contributing to the state’s economy. Covering over 30 million acres—nearly half of the state’s land—these public lands are used for hiking, hunting, camping, and fishing. However, both our land and water are under threat from drought, increasing temperatures, development, and fragmentation, making it essential to protect these resources for future generations.

Safeguarding public lands means balancing conservation with other uses, including outdoor recreation, development, and the extraction of natural resources. The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) advocates for responsible and thoughtful development and educates stakeholders about the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of these lands.