Conservation Wins in Arizona

• The anti-wildlife, anti-voter Prop 109 was defeated. This awful ballot initiative would have opened the door to extreme wildlife killing methods, put special interests ahead of sound wildlife management and diminished the ability of Arizona voters to protect wildlife in the state.
• Proposition 301, a misguided attempt by conservative state legislators to raid State Land Conservation Funds was resoundingly defeated (75% to 25%) showing that, even in difficult economic times, voters choose conservation.
• In state Congressional elections, it appears likely that stalwart conservation champion Raul Grijalva will weather a tough challenge to win re-election and continue fighting for wildlife in Arizona and beyond. Congressman Ed Pastor, a longtime friend of Defenders and wildlife conservation overwhelmingly won re-election. And, though not yet official, it looks like Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a stalwart champion of renewable energy, will also prevail.

Thanks to conservation minded voters who turned back initiatives that would have devastated wildlife in Arizona. The diversity and abundance of Arizona wildlife amazes me everyday. I can't express how much I appreciate that the people of Arizona have spoken out in favor of keeping the state a haven for wildlife.

Thank you for supporting the future of conservation in Arizona.

Ray Goodwin

Sonoran Connection