In 2020, about 2.9 million people came from across the nation to Arizona’s 30 state parks and historic sites, which include Picacho Peak, where the westernmost Civil War battle was fought to a draw; the Tombstone courthouse where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday faced trial; and a memorial to the Granite Mountain Hotshots, 19 firefighters killed in a 2013 wildfire.... Read more»
Four directors of Arizona state government departments are leaving, with a pair out effective immediately: State Parks & Trails head Sue Black, who had been on administrative leave, and State Forester Jeff Whitney.... Read more»
Scores of environmentalists from around Arizona joined Bahr for Environmental Day at the Capitol to back action on environmental issues such as protecting the endangered Mexican gray wolf, supporting state parks and promoting renewable energy.... Read more»
For 10 years now, the Big Room at the Kartchner Caverns has been open to visitors from mid-October through mid-April, when its resident bats migrate elsewhere, complementing the Throne Room that opened to visitors in 1999. Arizona State Parks celebrated the Big Room’s anniversary earlier this month with special speakers and presentations.... Read more»
Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill aimed at protecting Arizona State Parks’ revenue from legislative sweeps, but supporters said Friday they are optimistic about sending her a revised version this session.... Read more»
A lawmaker’s attempt to have Arizonans decide whether to revive the voter–approved Heritage Fund is stalled in the House.... Read more»
In 2010, lawmakers eliminated the Heritage Fund, pulling the plug on dozens of approved, construction-ready projects. Now, a state lawmaker is moving forward with a resolution that would put the Heritage Fund back on the ballot in November.... Read more»
Arizona State Parks would be able to protect the revenue it raises from budget sweeps and use it for park operations under legislation proposed by a rural lawmaker.... Read more»
Owners of off-highway vehicles aren't purchasing the $25 tags required to ride on state land. Leonard Driscoll said he won't purchase a sticker because he doesn't like how state agencies use the money and doesn't feel obligated to fund programs that he says don't benefit riders. (with video)... Read more»
Since the city of Tombstone took over Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park in April, after state budget cuts threatened the park and 18 others, the number of visitors has jumped 20 percent.... Read more»
Rock concerts and raffle tickets are saving endangered state parks across Arizona from closure.... Read more»
The state Senate approved a bill Wednesday that would allow local governments, private companies and American Indian tribes to temporarily take over operations and management of state parks.... Read more»
With the Homolovi Ruins State Park closed on Monday due to deep cuts to the Arizona State Parks budget, archaeologists and Hopi leaders worry about a return to the free-for-all days.... Read more»1
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