“This critical addition to Saguaro National Park enhances trail and habitat connectivity in one of America’s most visited parks and expands access to the stunning Southwestern landscape for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land. “Saguaro is a truly unique getaway—not only a vast desert backyard for Tucsonans and Southern Arizonans, but also a destination for visitors from across the country and around the world who come to experience the natural wonders of the American Southwest. This expansion supports outdoor recreation, boosts the region’s outdoor economy, and advances TPL’s mission to connect everyone to the outdoors while protecting national treasures, like Saguaro National Park, for future generations.”
The newly protected lands will become part of the western unit of Saguaro National Park, boosting the park’s total acreage to over 92,000 acres. Visitors will now have increased opportunities to explore and savor the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert while also safeguarding the habitat of the iconic Saguaro Cactus.
“Over the last three decades, TPL has protected over 2,300 acres in and around the park, improving access and connectivity to Tucson’s big backyard while protecting critical habitat. TPL is thankful to local leaders, Pima County officials and especially the National Park Service for their continued partnership in bolstering this incredibly special place that represents some of the best the American Southwest has to enjoy,” said Jim Petterson, Trust for Public Land Mountain West Region VP.
This acquisition shields threatened Sonoran Desert habitat and strengthens the connection between Saguaro NP and Pima County’s 880-acre Sweetwater Preserve. Sweetwater Preserve, a cherished park for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, boasts 13 miles of interconnecting sustainable trails and was safeguarded in 2004 through a partnership among TPL, Pima County, and the Tucson Mountains Association.
“I’m beyond pleased to see Saguaro National Park West growing with this new addition of beautiful natural land. Being good stewards of our public lands is one of the core principles of Pima County, as laid out in the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, and it’s an honor to see our conservation partner, Trust for Public Land, continue and expand that stewardship within our community,” said Pima County Supervisor Jennifer Allen.
Located adjacent to the Tucson metroplex, Saguaro National Park draws over a million visitors annually who come to revel in its remarkable landscape and marvel at the iconic saguaro cacti – symbols of the desert Southwest – which can reach heights of 60 feet and live for over two centuries.
The park shelters a diverse array of plants and animals, including desert tortoises, mountain lions, and various bird species. Providing more than 190 miles of trails, it is a favored outdoor destination for residents and tourists alike. This newly preserved acreage expands wildlife and recreation corridors linking the rugged mountains to the west with rolling hills and expansive washes leading to the nearby Santa Cruz River.
The land was purchased with the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal source of funding which does not come from taxes but instead is a portion of the federal government’s share of offshore oil and natural gas revenues that are reinvested back into protecting our country’s natural resources. TPL received financial assistance to help with its project costs on these projects from Pima County and the Southern Arizona Hiking Club.
Since 1972, TPL has expanded the National Park System by nearly 65,000 acres through more than 220 land conservation projects across nearly 70 park sites, reflecting five decades of commitment to protecting America’s national treasures.