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Wildlife and wild places are important to the people of Arizona. Repeatedly, we have sent clear messages to politicians and bureaucrats that Arizonans care deeply about the future of wildlife and wild lands, and we have voted to put our money where our mouth is in support of that commitment.

The Heritage Initiative, which dedicates a portion of lottery revenue to the conservation of Arizona's natural legacy, and measures like the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, are two examples of our support.

Arizona is experiencing rapid human population growth and urban sprawl, and our wildlife habitats and open spaces are losing ground quickly — literally.

Wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and mule deer need large spaces to thrive, as do endangered species such as the desert tortoise, the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl and the California condor. The Arizona Strip represents a place where, with proper management, wildlife will thrive for generations.

As a wildlife biologist and member of Arizona's Game & Fish Commission, I have a vested interest in the proper management of wildlife on public lands.

Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the Arizona Strip management plan, which includes the rich but fragile Grand Canyon-Parashant and Vermilion Cliffs national monuments in Northern Arizona. The BLM needs confirmation that conserving our wildlands, protecting our cultural resources and allowing reasonable access not excess, is right for the Arizona Strip and on all of our national monuments.

Comments for these scenic areas are due today, e-mail: Arizona_Strip@blm.gov

Resource Management Plans are also being drafted by BLM for the Agua Fria, Ironwood, and Sonoran Desert national monuments near Phoenix and Tucson.

If you love the outdoors, pay attention. Your lands need better protection. Public involvement in protecting Arizona's world-renowned natural legacy is more important than ever. Your voice is needed. Comments on Agua Fria are due April 5; e-mail: az_afnm_bradshaw@blm.gov

Only an involved citizenry will protect our natural heritage. More on Arizona's national monuments and planning: www.blm.gov/az/LUP/planning. htm