Legislation Would Abolish Two National Monuments, Ignoring Wishes of Indigenous Community and Local Governments, Arizona Voters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) would abolish the Ironwood Forest and Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon national monuments in an affront to Indigenous communities, local governments and Arizona voters.

"These landscapes provide immeasurable benefit to wildlife as well as hold strong cultural connections and deep historical importance to Tribes throughout the southwest. The remarkable ecological, cultural, historical and recreational opportunities of these areas would be threatened without the protections of monument designation," said Garrit Voggesser, senior director of Tribal partnerships and policy at the National Wildlife Federation. "Abolishing these two national monuments would be a direct violation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and a lapse in the federal government's responsibility to protect sacred landscapes significant to both the Indigenous community and general public."

"Arizonans overwhelmingly support these national monuments," added Scott Garlid, executive director of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. "The designations themselves were thoughtfully drafted with input from many different stakeholders, and they not only protect the cultural values of the lands but assure future access for outdoor recreation of all kinds. Abolishing them in order to satisfy special interests, while ignoring the desires of Arizonans, takes the management of our public lands in the wrong direction."

"The designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni reflects years of collaboration and advocacy by Tribal Nations, local communities, and outdoor enthusiasts who recognize the unique value of this landscape," said Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO. "This monument is not just about protecting cultural resources and land parcels with exceptional scientific and ecological value; it's also about safeguarding the local tourism economy in northern Arizona and maintaining the water quality of the Colorado River."

Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument has support from 80 percent of Arizona voters in protecting nearly 1 million acres of the Grand Canyon region and watershed, which has cultural connections to at least 12 Tribes and Nations.

Ironwood Forest National Monument is a 129,000-acre monument approximately 25 miles northwest of Tucson and renowned for its rich biodiversity supporting more than 600 species, some of which are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Beyond its ecological significance, the Ironwood Forest National Monument holds substantial archaeological value and more than 200 sites from the prehistoric Hohokam period (600 A.D. to 1450 A.D.) have been recorded, featuring a variety of artifacts. The Tucson City Council just last week passed a resolution in support of Ironwood Forest National Monument and in May, Pima County passed a resolution in support of the monument. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Ironwood Forest National Monument, the Pima County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Marana, and the City of Tucson came also together to issue official proclamations that recognized June 9, 2025, as Ironwood Forest Day.