On January 10, 2004, in Tubac, AZ, Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) along with members of the community, local elected officials and environmental groups, will unveil a proposal for permanently protecting Arizona's Tumacacori Highlands. Rep. Grijalva has been working with local groups and stakeholders to develop a proposal for legislation to designate approximately 85,000 acres of this magnificent, roadless landscape as wilderness.
According to a media advisory from Grijalva's office, the Congressman plans to launch his effort by first seeking public input and support for the proposal before sending it to Congress for consideration. Further, the media advisory stats, "A bill preserving Southern Arizona's Tumacacori Highlands as wilderness would provide a refuge and safe haven for the area's rare and sensitive plant and wildlife species. Additionally, wilderness designation will benefit outdoor enthusiasts, by preserving the area's incredible scenic values and historical sites, ensuring exceptional hiking, backpacking, bird-watching and hunting opportunities for years to come."
A January 9, 2004, editorial in the Tucson Citizen titled "Our Opinion: Preserve Tumacacori Highlands" states, "With rapid growth and development quickly eroding the natural landscape of Arizona, it's important to protect for future generations remaining environmentally sensitive lands that collectively make up the backbone of the state's thriving tourist industry." The editorial concludes, "Congress should move quickly to recognizes the area for what it is: a prime candidate for wilderness designation."
Background
Located 15 miles northwest of Nogales, Arizona, on the west side of the Santa Cruz River, the Tumacacori Highlands are known for their spectacularly eroded, lichen-drenched cliffs and undulating hills of grass and madrean oaks.
The area, which lies within the Coronado National Forest, is home to an array of sub-tropical and northern plant and animal species, many of which are rare and do not exist anywhere else in the United States. These mountains host over fifty sensitive species -- one of the highest concentrations of imperiled species in the state -- and offers refuge for many endangered species, such as the jaguar, peregrine falcon, Chiricahua leopard frog, and Mexican spotted owl. The Tumacacori Highlands also provide prime habitat for game animals such as while-tailed deer and javelina.
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