Sandy Bahr, sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org, (602) 253-8633
PHOENIX -- Rep. Gosar (R-AZ) has introduced an amendment to an Interior Department funding bill that would withhold funding to manage Ironwood Forest National Monument, de-facto stripping the area and its resources of protections afforded by the monument.
In response, Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Director issued the following statement:
“Ironwood Forest National Monument is a special place that was, and has remained, protected as a national monument thanks to strong community support. The Tohono O’odham Nation, Pima County, Pinal County, and people throughout the region and the state, have been advocates for protecting the wonderful and resilient ironwood trees for which it is named, a small endangered cactus, and the significant cultural resources. Due to the strong affection for these lands, hundreds of volunteers have worked doggedly over many years to remove invasive plants to protect it and other monument resources. Arizonans have a lot invested in this beautiful diverse landscape, as well as our other national monuments, and we won’t allow it to be desecrated by the short-sightedness of an out-of-touch congressman.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.