The Arizona Wildlife Federation thanks Rep. Raúl Grijalva for his consideration and efforts resulting in the emergency protection of federal lands adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park with regard to mineral development and entry.

Our concern about claims and planned mining activities in this area stem from the lack of any major reform to the Mining Act of 1872, which heightens the risk to all species dependent on these lands and waters.

The federation believes Congress must establish environmental standards to protect water, fish and wildlife, and create a fund to clean up pollution from abandoned mines through major reforms to the Mining Act of 1872. It must also require multinational mining companies to pay royalties to the U.S. Treasury for the millions of dollars of minerals they take from our public lands.

Until such time as they accomplish this, outdoor recreationists from all walks of life will be setting their sights on ensuring respect and balance for iconic landscapes, fish, wildlife and water resources.

Re: the July 15 Tucson Time Capsule "Mayor Murphy's non-event."

Did anyone else get the irony of Tucson time capsule? The photo was of a 1983 ceremony for the newly completed improvements to Congress Street in Downtown. The description noted that they had started planning the improvements seven years earlier (1976!).

The kicker? The project was part of a Downtown-revitalization plan. I've got a new slogan for TREO, Rio Nuevo and all their other silly projects — "Downtown Revitalization; over 25 years and still going strong."

Re: the July 15 opinion "Conservative Tony Snow made Fitz's dream reality" by David Fitzsimmons.

I have been a conservative all my life and thus take issue with many of Fitz's offerings. It was interesting to see Fitzsimmons' remembrance of Tony Snow next to William Kristol's article.

I suggest that the Star assign Fitz to writing more as his obvious affection for Snow went to the heart while Kristol's went to the head. If that is the liberal way, so be it. I can live with that.