Environmental Education Archives - Arizona Heritage Alliance

Future of AZ trail projects unknown as Congress claws back funding

September 12, 2025 by azheritage2

KAWC/by Arizona News Connection – September 10, 2025 – by Kathryn Clarley

Community advocates in Arizona say the loss of federal funding for alternative transportation projects is a major setback for revitalizing and connecting neighborhoods throughout the state.

Congressional lawmakers have repealed roughly $750 million in previously allocated funds for trails and pedestrian pathways nationwide, leaving many projects in limbo.

R.J. Cardin is executive director of the Maricopa County Trail and Park Foundation. He said federal dollars often spur state and local investments to further improve residents’ quality of life.

“It’s very critical that communities look at the federal government as a partner in this,” said Cardin, “and have some stability to continue to plan and to continue to move forward with projects.”

He said connected trail networks help drive tourism, reduce road congestion and ensure kids can safely walk or bike to school. Lawmakers say the cuts were needed to trim federal spending and extend the 2017 tax cuts.

Arizona is one of the country’s fastest growing states. It also has a higher-than-average share of older adults.

Studies show reliably maintained and connected trails help ensure residents’ stay active and engaged in their communities. Cardin said they also provide the recreation and transportation options young people are looking for when deciding where to live.

“Having quality-of-life amenities will help attract young workers to communities,” said Cardin. “So, I think it’s vital that we have not only good trail networks but good parks and open space opportunities as well.”

He noted that 1-in-3 people in Arizona typically don’t drive every day and are looking for safe alternatives, while some people rely on well-maintained walking and biking trails to get around.

He said it’s important that people who value trails let lawmakers know why they’re important and how federal dollars can help improve their community’s future growth.

A 2020 University of Arizona study found the economic value of state trails was more than $8 billion, highlighting the important role they play in Arizona’s overall economy.

Exciting News: State Parks Heritage Fund Allocated $1 Million in FY25/26 Budget

July 10, 2025 by azheritage2

Dear Arizona Heritage Alliance Members, Partners, and Friends,

On behalf of the Arizona Heritage Alliance Board of Directors, I’m proud to share three important victories in Arizona’s newly approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget – successes that underscore the real impact we’re making together to protect and promote our state’s historic, cultural, and natural treasures.

These achievements are more than policy wins – they are the result of powerful partnerships, strong public advocacy, and a shared commitment to making Arizona a better place for current and future generations.

$1 Million Secured for the State Parks Heritage Fund

Thanks to our advocacy and your support, the State Parks Heritage Fund will receive $1 million in General Fund support for FY26. This investment reflects both Governor Katie Hobbs’ focus on environmental stewardship, the Legislature’s vote of approval, and the resounding bipartisan public support for conservation across Arizona.

The numbers speak for themselves. According to Noble Predictive Insights (Oct. 2024):

84% of Arizona voters worry that young people aren’t spending enough time outdoors
80% support increased funding for state parks
76% favor restoring the State Parks Heritage Fund

This funding will expand outdoor recreation opportunities, support local economies, and safeguard our shared heritage. It’s a major step forward – but also a reminder of the work ahead to secure lasting, sustainable funding.

State Historic Preservation Office Kept Open and Funded

With the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) facing a potential shutdown by August, our collective advocacy – led by the Arizona Preservation Foundation and Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, with the Alliance as a committed partner – helped prevent a devastating loss.

Thanks to emergency gap funding supported by Governor Hobbs and advocated for by Representatives Chris Mathis and Betty Villegas, the Arizona State Parks Board can now use up to $865,000 from the State Parks Revenue Fund to cover SHPO operations should federal Historic Preservation Fund dollars lapse in FY 2025–26. This critical funding would help to preserve SHPO’s 12 full-time staff positions and ensures that Arizona’s preservation infrastructure remains intact.

$8.5 Million for Local Preservation and Park Projects

The FY26 budget also includes approximately $8.5 million in direct support for local preservation and parks initiatives statewide. This includes:

$4.5 million for historic projects in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Prescott, and Snowflake
$4 million for parks and open space projects in Peoria, Scottsdale, and the Verde Valley

These targeted investments illustrate the real, on-the-ground impact of our collective advocacy – benefiting communities, honoring heritage, and enhancing quality of life.

Moving Forward

These wins are significant, but they are not the end of the road. They are proof that coordinated advocacy works – and that the Arizona Heritage Alliance and its allies are driving real change. But we cannot stop here. We must keep building coalitions, engaging the public, and pressing for the long-term restoration of the Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund’s original Arizona Lottery funding. In a time of budget uncertainty, your voice, your outreach, and your support are more important than ever.

A Call to Action

The Arizona Heritage Alliance exists because people like you believe that Arizona’s historic places, cultural traditions, and natural landscapes are worth protecting. We are making a difference – but only if we keep going. Please continue to stand with us. Share our work, speak up, become a member, donate, and stay engaged. Every action you take strengthens our mission.

Contributions can be made online at AZHeritage.org or mailed to: Arizona Heritage Alliance, P.O. Box 16282, Phoenix, AZ 85011. Together, we can ensure that Arizona’s natural, cultural, and historic legacy endures – for our communities today, and for generations yet to come.

With gratitude,

Jim McPherson, President, Board of Directors and Russ Jones, Vice President & Legislative Task Force Chair

AZGFD and its Arizona Partners Put Record $24 million into Wildlife Conservation in 2023

September 22, 2024 by azheritage2

Press Release: Arizona Game and Fish – September 18, 2024

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), partnering with Arizona’s wildlife conservation organizations, put a combined total of $24.2 million into on-the-ground projects for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife conservation in 2023.

Equally impressive to the dollar amount was the teamwork it took to make these projects happen: 151 conservation partners helped complete 867 distinct efforts. See the summary list of projects, funding amounts and partners.

“It’s a great achievement, but we couldn’t have done it without all of our partners,” said Dan Sturla, AZGFD’s Landowner Relations & Habitat Enhancement program manager. “It’s all hands on deck to get that amount of money on the ground.” Although project selection focused on those involving game species and projects that improved hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the state, many non-game species will benefit from this work as well.

“For example,” said Kyle Dutro, AZGFD habitat enhancement coordinator, “projects that involve removing encroaching woody vegetation from historic grasslands can benefit everything from pronghorn and elk to prairie dogs, ferrets, and other grassland obligate species.”

The summary list is Arizona-specific. While federal partners make significant contributions to the state’s wildlife, this list highlights what was done by AZGFD and its in-state, non-governmental partners. “Although some of our efforts may include federal funding,” said Sturla, “we wanted to focus this list on efforts led by non-federal partners.” A record-breaking year of investment in Arizona’s wildlife is exciting on its own and it’s also helping build momentum for the future. “As soon as good things are done for wildlife, it grows and we bring in more and more partners,” said Jake Jaeger, AZGFD Landowner Relations program coordinator. “It wouldn’t surprise me if next year it’s even bigger.”

A few highlights of the conservation work benefitting Arizona and its wildlife:

Aquatic Projects

Almost $2 million dollars for fish stockings, including 51 Community Fishing Program lakes across the state; walleye, crappie and largemouth bass stockings in Region 6; five Colorado river rainbow trout stockings; youth events; and more.
Over $1.5 million for the operation and maintenance of fish hatcheries, enabling over 600 stockings of sport fish at 100 locations across Arizona.
$124,000 for aquatic habitat enhancement, including 241 structures placed at Alamo Lake; fish habitat structures installed in Show Low Lake; as well as structures installed in three reservoirs.

Terrestrial Projects

Over $14 million for habitat enhancement and restoration, including 15,000 acres of grassland, browse, and forest restoration efforts to improve forage and habitat for a variety of wildlife; the removal of 44 acres of invasive tamarisk near I-85; restoration of Tacna Marsh; migratory bird crop planting; and increased public recreational access.
$2.6 million in wildlife water building and repair, including a rain tank rebuild in Kaibab National Forest; constructing a wildlife water at Whitewater Draw; and redeveloping, constructing and performing major maintenance of wildlife waters statewide.
$725,000 for big game population surveys.
Over $200,000 in special projects, including monitoring deer and sheep for Gonzales pass crossing and translocating turkeys from Region 1 to Region 6.

Arizona Heritage Alliance Announces $6 Million in Heritage Fund Grants for FY 2024

July 24, 2024 by azheritage2

PHOENIX, AZ (July 15, 2024). The Arizona Heritage Alliance is pleased to announce the allocation of $6 million in Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund grants for Fiscal Year 2024. These grants, approved by the State Legislature and Governor Katie Hobbs as part of the state budget signed on June 30, 2023, will support 36 projects across Arizona, enhancing outdoor recreation, historic preservation, trail development, and environmental education.

The grants are distributed as follows:

50% ($3 million) for local, regional, and state parks

30% ($1.8 million) for historic preservation projects

10% ($600,000) for non-motorized trails

10% ($600,000) for outdoor and environmental education

“These grants represent a significant investment in Arizona’s natural and cultural heritage,” said Lani Lott, Executive Director of the Arizona Heritage Alliance. “From developing mountain bike parks to preserving historic buildings, these projects will enhance quality of life for Arizonans and attract visitors to our beautiful state.”

The full list of approved projects includes:

Local, Regional & State Parks:

$500,000 for DeConcini Park Development (City of Avondale)

$500,000 for Veteran & Centennial Park Upgrades and Repairs (Town of Duncan)

$500,000 for Wa:k Community Park (Tohono O’odham)

$500,000 for Sports Complex Phase I (Town of Pima)

$464,519 for Bike and Trails Park Land Purchase (Town of Snowflake)

$170,287 for 100-Acre Wood Mountain Bike Park Development (City of Tucson)

$145,770 for Remembrance Garden and Park Improvement (City of Winslow)

$110,000 for Foothills Park Development (Yuma County)

Historic Preservation:

$358,350 for Monroe Street Window Renovation (Housing Opportunity Center)

$346,678 for Main Street (Arizona Copper Art Museum)

$324,329 for Seargeant-Oldaker House Relocation & Rehabilitation (City of Phoenix)

$170,546 for Cartwright Heritage House Preservation (Cartwright School District)

$145,882 for Taawaki: Orayvi Sun Clan House Rehabilitation (Archeology Southwest)

$104,966 for Renovation of the Historic Lehi Auditorium (Mesa Historical Society)

$99,712 for St. Philip’s In the Hills Historic Church Preservation

$95,916 for Historic Rialto Theatre Restoration

$91,527 for 1908 Fair Store Sidewalk Preservation (Bisbee)

$40,136 for Romero Site Interpretive Sign (Archaeology Southwest, statewide)

$34,500 for Kerr Restoration (Arizona Board of Regents)

$30,000 for Proctor-Leiber House Condition Assessment (Town of Oro Valley)

$19,416 for Taliesin West Public Accessibility Improvements (Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation)

Non-Motorized Trails:

$120,000 for Garden Wash Phase III (City of Sierra Vista)

$120,000 for Bean Peaks Gravity Flow System (Prescott Mountain Bike Alliance)

$120,000 for Red Mountain Park Lot Improvements (Hawes Trail Alliance)

$120,000 for Frontiere Trails Project (Coconino County)

$120,000 for Verde Valley Circle Trail Segment 8 (Verde Valley Trail Fund)

$100,000 for Finger Rock & Pontatoc Canyon Trail Enhancement (National Forest Foundation, statewide)

$80,500 for Cottonwood Wash Trail (Town of Snowflake)

Outdoor Environmental Education:

$120,000 for Sky Island STEAM Express Mobile Lab (Bisbee Science Exploration & Research Center)

$119,746 for Arizona Wildlife Federation Education Program (statewide)

$119,724 for Outdoor Environmental Education Program (City of Flagstaff)

$47,541 for Maricopa Trail Safety and Environmental Education (Maricopa Trail and Park Foundation)

$40,652 for Camp Colton (Flagstaff Unified School District)

$21,756 for Bike Bell Distribution (Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition)

$21,000 for Exploring Arizona Watersheds (Grand Canyon Youth, statewide)

$16,234 for Kiosk Trailhead Update (Flagstaff Trails Initiative)

The Arizona Heritage Alliance congratulates all grant recipients and looks forward to seeing these projects come to fruition, benefiting communities across the state. Click here for more detailed information about each project. Click here to view a map of the FY21 -FY 23 projects.