The largest remaining roadless wildlands in Arizona could soon find respite from reckless off-road vehicle use and the pressures of an expanding urban population. Located 50 miles southeast of Tucson, the 83,400 biologically rich acres of the Tumacacori Highlands may soon become wilderness thanks to legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ).

Over the past few years, The Wilderness Society worked closely with Rep. Grijalva and a variety of grassroots partners to help craft a bill that has broad support from hunting and religious groups, four neighborhood associations, and dozens of businesses from Tubac to Nogales who value the Tumacacori for its treasured hiking, hunting and ruggedness.

"Few areas so richly deserve wilderness designation," William H. Meadows, president of The Wilderness Society, said. "Seventeen years have elapsed since the last Arizona wilderness bill passed Congress."

Americans of future generations will feel the benefits of this enduring resource. The area will be devoted to the public for recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use, as defined by the Wilderness Act. Rep. Grijalva hopes to hold hearings on his bill later this year and get it passed by the House before the 2007 session of Congress ends.