There is no shortage of conservation issues facing Arizona—protecting and stewarding public lands, sustaining water supplies, restoring forests to prevent catastrophic wildfires, and responsibly siting renewable energy projects and transmission lines—to name a few. 

That is why I am honored to be appointed to Senator Ruben Gallego’s Arizona Conservation Leaders Advisory Board, which held its first meeting in September at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix.  

The Board, comprised of conservation organizations from around the state, will provide leadership, insight, and expertise to Senator Gallego on the crucial conservation issues facing Arizona.  

Audubon appreciated being able to spend some time with Senator Gallego to discuss the importance of creativity and collaboration for water management on the Colorado River, how we can celebrate Arizona's beautiful public lands, and finding ways to deploy more renewable energy and transmission to meet increasing energy demand while also protecting habitat and wildlife. 

These discussions are important to protect the places birds and people need. Policies impact rivers, lakes, groundwater supplies, and wildlife habitat. We must work together to sustainably manage our natural resources for future generations of people and wildlife. I look forward to this opportunity to continue these conversations with Senator Gallego and his Arizona Conservation Leaders Advisory Board. 

About Audubon Southwest 
Audubon Southwest is a regional office of the National Audubon Society covering Arizona and New Mexico. Audubon protects birds and the places they need using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Read Haley Paul’s biography here.