News Archives - Arizona Heritage Alliance

Arizona Heritage Alliance Applauds State Parks Board Approval of FY2025/2026 Heritage Fund Grants

March 31, 2026 by azheritage2

The Arizona Heritage Alliance commends the Arizona State Parks & Trails Board for approving Fiscal Year 2026 Heritage Fund grants totaling $848,847 across three funding categories: Historic Preservation, Environmental Education, and Local, Regional, and State Parks (LRSP). The grants, reviewed and approved at the Arizona State Parks & Trails Board’s March 19 meeting in Phoenix, represent a broad and meaningful investment in protecting Arizona’s historic places, connecting residents — especially young people — with the natural world, and improving park infrastructure in communities across the state.

FY26 Heritage Fund Historic Preservation Grant Awards — $453,130

Naco Heritage Alliance — $60,000 for preservation and structural stabilization of Barracks A4 at Camp Naco, one of the best-preserved remaining Buffalo Soldier border posts in the country, constructed in 1919.
Arizona State Parks — $60,000 for repair of the historic fireplace, chimney, windows, doors, and adobe structure of the Kannally Ranch House at Oracle State Historic Park, preserving interior wall paintings and supporting continued public programming.
Arizona Historical Society — $60,000 for Phase 1 planning to preserve two surviving World War II prisoner-of-war structes from Camp Papago — a 1943 POW camp in Phoenix — with a long-term vision to create a museum exhibit at the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe.
Friends of San Rafael State Natural Area — $43,640 for structural repairs to the historic San Rafael Ranch House, including the wrap-around veranda, dormer windows, and double-hung windows, with plaster repairs to address past water damage.
City of Tucson Planning & Development Services — $58,180 for Phase 1 of a historic resource survey of parks and recreation facilities across Tucson, establishing the historical context and analytical framework to guide future evaluation and designation efforts.
St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church Preservation and Endowment Foundation — $60,000 for Phase 2 stabilization of the mud adobe south facade wall of Saint Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, which has separated from its framework and poses a structural risk.
Patronato San Xavier — $60,000 for rehabilitation of the decorative retablo facade at the Mission San Xavier del Bac, including replacement of the central wooden balcony — a defining architectural feature last replaced in 1953 — at this active parish church serving the Wa:k O’odham community.
St. Michael’s School — $51,310 for rehabilitation of character-defining historic wood features on the west wing of the St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and School campus in Tucson, supporting continued use as active classroom space.

FY26 Heritage Fund Local, Regional, and State Parks Grant Awards —$296,200

City of Willcox — $100,000 for construction of pickleball courts at Keiller Park, expanding recreational amenities for residents of Willcox and surrounding communities.
La Paz County — $96,200 for water system development at Hippie Hole, a popular recreational destination along the Colorado River, improving infrastructure and visitor access.
Dishchii’bikoh Community School — $100,000 for construction of a community baseball field, providing critical outdoor recreational space for the students and families of the White Mountain Apache community.

FY26 Heritage Fund Environmental Education Grant Awards — $99,517

Beyond Foundation — $20,000 to support Beyond Summer Mountain Bike Camps, connecting youth with Arizona’s outdoor environments through trail-based education and recreation.
EmpoweRanch — $20,000 for accessible and inclusive outdoor camps for youth with disabilities, based on the H.O.R.S.E.E. (Horsemanship, Outdoor Recreation, Service, Education, and Empowerment) format.
Advocates for Snake Preservation — $19,517 to develop a Snake Advocate Toolkit, expanding public education and appreciation for Arizona’s native snake species.
Grand Canyon Youth — $20,000 for an education and adventure program connecting Arizona youth with Arizona waterways, combining river-based learning with environmental stewardship.
Wheel Fun — $20,000 for the Empowering Tomorrow program, using cycling and outdoor recreation to engage youth in environmental education and community connection.

“These grants touch every corner of Arizona — from a frontier military post near the border to a community baseball field on the White Mountain Apache homeland to a working mission church in Tucson that has served its community for more than two centuries,” said Jim McPherson, Board Chair of the Arizona Heritage Alliance. “This is exactly what the Heritage Fund was designed to do: invest in the places, programs, and people that make Arizona extraordinary. The Arizona Heritage Alliance is deeply grateful to Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona State Legislature for approving the funding that makes this grant cycle possible. Their commitment to Arizona’s historic, cultural, and natural resources is felt today in every community represented in these awards. We renew our call on the Legislature to go further and fully restore the Heritage Fund so that every worthy project has a fighting chance. The voters who created this Fund deserve nothing less.”

“Arizona State Parks and Trails is proud to administer these Heritage Fund grants on behalf of Arizona’s communities,” said Bob Broscheid, Executive Director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. “Today’s awards span historic preservation, youth environmental education, and local park improvements — reflecting the full scope of what the Heritage Fund was built to accomplish. From stabilizing a 100-year-old adobe barracks to funding summer camps that inspire the next generation of outdoor stewards, these investments will be felt in Arizona communities for decades to come. We thank Governor Hobbs and the Legislature for their support of this funding, and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life across the state.”

“What strikes me most about this grant cycle is the breadth of communities we are able to serve,” said John Sefton, Board Chair of the Arizona State Parks Board. “Whether it is a small town in Cochise County, a tribal community school in the White Mountains, or a nationally significant mission church in Tucson, the Heritage Fund has the reach to make a difference everywhere in Arizona. I am proud of the work this Board does to ensure these dollars are directed to the projects that need them most, and I am grateful to the many organizations and communities who put their faith in this process.”

About the Arizona Heritage Alliance Formed in 1992, the Arizona Heritage Alliance is a bipartisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded solely through private donations, grants, and memberships. The Alliance’s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Arizona’s historic, cultural, and natural heritage. The Alliance actively monitors legislative and agency activity, advocates for sustainable and dedicated funding for Arizona’s historic and cultural initiatives, and educates Arizonans about the benefits of the state’s wildlife, open spaces, parks, and historic resources. For more information, visit azheritage.org

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.

Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023

September 15, 2024 by azheritage2

A group of visitors stands at the rim of the canyon taking photos of the sunrise — Yavapai Point sunrise, Sept. 2023

NPS Photo/J. Baird

News Release Date: September 11, 2024

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications

A new National Park Service report shows that 4.7 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park in 2023 spent $768 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 10,100 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $1.0 billion.

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”

“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

The National Park Service report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income and $55.6 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. The restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.

An interactive tool is available to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, and total economic contribution by sector for national, state and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available on the NPS website.

To learn more about national parks in Arizona and how the National Park Service works with state name communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to https://www.nps.gov/state/az/index.htm