Mission

Friends of Ironwood Forest is a local non-profit organization that works for the permanent protection of the biological, geological, archaeological, and historical resources and values for which the Ironwood Forest National Monument was established.

We accomplish our mission by providing resources such as volunteers, expertise, public outreach, education, and advocacy on behalf of the Ironwood Forest National Monument.

Advocacy

Maintaining Protection for Existing Public Lands

On Friday, May 5 KVOA interviewed the Friends of Ironwood Forest President, Tom Hannagan, in regard to President Trump’s Executive Order to review as many as 40 national monuments. Ironwood Forest, which was given national monument status in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, is one of the national monuments under review. To see the news story and Tom’s interview click here.

Pendley Should be Rejected, August 2020
FIF Comments on the Border Wall, May 2019
O’Halleran Calls for Support
McSally Letter to Zinke
Grijalva Calls for Monument Protection
Grijalva Holds Press Conference
Grijalva: Claims Are Disingenous
“Our Public Lands Are There To Be Protected”, by Tom Hannagan
Trump Attacks Teddy Roosevelt’s Grand Legacy
“Why America Needs the Antiquities Act”, by William Thorton
Zinke Proposes Expanding Recreational Shooting Area
Babbitt Blasts Asarco
Theodore Roosevelt IV Comments on Zinke/Trump Review of Public Lands
Tom Hannagan: Our Real National Treasures
William Thornton: Ironwood Forest Worthy of Protection
NPCA Comment on IFNM
Sierra Club – Monument Betrayal
FIF Response to Executive Order for Monument Review
Friends of Arizona’s Monuments Denounce Trump’s Order
Efforts to Repeal Protection for Monuments
Opposition to Undermining the Antiquities Act
Legality of the Executive Order

 

Opposition to the Proposed Interstate I-11

The Arizona Department of Transportation is studying alternative routes for a new Interstate 11 highway. Their apparently favored route through Avra Valley would cut between the IFNM and Saguaro NP, Tucson Mountain Park and Tribal Lands. Such a route would seriously interrupt wildlife migration and add several kinds of pollution to these public lands. If the added traffic capacity is indeed warranted, we favor ADOT expanding the exiting I-10 corridor.

Arizona Republic Opinion Piece, August 2019
Comments on Environmental Impact Statement, July 2019
Mayor and Council Oppose I-11, June 2019
A Letter from Congressman Grijalva, May 2019
Op ED by Bill Thornton on running I-11 through Avra Valley, April 2019
Friends of the Ironwood Forest Letter of Opposition to I-11
I-11 Public Information Meetings
I-11 Coalition for Sonoran Desert ProtectionLetter to ADOT, June 2017
I-11 Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection Letter to ADOT, July 2016
I-11 Meeting Flyer
A Letter from the Avra Valley Coalition
ADOT Submission Statement on the Proposed I-11 Routes

A Conservation Vision of Arizona’s Water Future
… Arizona needs to achieve a sustainable water future…

Efforts to Nullify BLM Planning 2.0 February 10, 2017
… opposition to nullify BLM Planning 2.0…

America’s Voice for Conservation, Recreation and Preservation January 30, 2017
… request strongest possible funding levels… wildlife, water, natural resources…

Efforts to Block New Parks 2017.01.17
… opposition to blocking new parks bills…

Bears Ears and Gold Butte 2017.01
… designating Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments…