Sonoran Desert Heritage Campaign News Releases

PHOENIX – In the newly introduced “Arizona Sonoran Desert Heritage Act of 2013,” Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-Dist. 3) seeks to preserve critical tracts west of Phoenix that serve as important wildlife and recreation areas, safeguard the viability of Luke Air Force Base and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, and protect environmental amenities to boost economic opportunities for West Valley communities.

For a high-resolution map, visit www.sonoranheritage.org.

PHOENIX - A report released today by the Sonoran Institute and the Arizona Wilderness Coalition analyzes the critical relationship between land use and military installations in western Maricopa County and how conservation can help sustain Arizona's $9 billion military industry.  

PHOENIX – The Department of Defense announced this week that Luke Air Force Base remains the preferred
location for the new F-35A Training Center. This is good news for Luke AFB,
good news for Arizona, and good news, in particular, for Glendale and the west
valley. Important considerations that give Luke an advantage over other
potential sites include its open space, potential for future growth, and easy

PHOENIX - The Sonoran Desert Heritage conservation initiative-a broad coalition of communities, organizations, developers, military interests, and faith groups-is inviting the public to provide candid feedback on its proposal to conserve and protect additional public lands in western Maricopa County.

A broad coalition of communities, organizations, developers, military interests and citizens today unveiled a proposal to conserve and protect additional public lands in western Maricopa County. Called the Sonoran Desert Heritage Proposal, the conservation initiative requires action and approval by Congress.