Frequently Asked Questions
Answers and Links to More Information
How is wilderness designated?
Wilderness is designated from America 's public lands - land already set aside as national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is created by specific acts of Congress designating particular areas as wilderness. Today, there are more than 105 million acres of wilderness protected in national forests, wildlife refuges, parks, and BLM lands. Nearly two-thirds of this designated wilderness is in Alaska .
> Read more about wilderness.
How was wilderness established?
In 1964, the United States Congress passed the hallmark Wilderness Act. The idea of designating areas as Wilderness had overwhelming support - of the 474 Senators and Representatives at the time, only 13 voted against it. Since 1964, more than 100 million acres have been added to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Wilderness is designated from America 's public lands -- land already set aside as national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is created by specific acts of Congress designating particular areas as wilderness. Today, there are more than 105 million acres of wilderness protected in national forests, wildlife refuges, parks, and BLM lands. Nearly two-thirds of this designated wilderness is in Alaska .
> Read more about wilderness history.
What does wilderness designation mean?
The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System to allow Congress to designate certain public lands as wilderness areas "for preservation and protection in their natural condition." and "administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness..." Wilderness is the highest level of protection for federal public land available in the United States . There are 643 congressionally designated wilderness areas in the United States today. A little more than 4% of the continental United States is protected as Wilderness.
> Read more about wilderness.
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How is wilderness managed?
Management (monitoring and controlling the use of wilderness) is required to safeguard the values that wilderness was established to preserve. Wilderness management, most often, is not the management of physical and biological resources but of the human activities affecting those resources. The Wilderness Act sets forth congressional policy regarding some aspects of wilderness management. But the everyday details are left to the federal agencies that manage wilderness. In 1992, The Wilderness Society in association with the US Forest Service published Keeping It Wild: A Citizen Guide to Wilderness Management . This handbook outlines the operative principles of wilderness management for managers and citizens.
Why not use some other form of protection for the Tumacacori Highlands... why wilderness?
A wilderness area is protected by law (the 1964 Wilderness Act) and the status can only be changed by an act of Congress. Congress has carefully defined wilderness, established a uniform national system of wilderness, and given clear guidance as to how wilderness must be managed. Other designations such as primitive areas give temporary protection but the protection can be modified or removed by the signature of an appointed administrative official. Other categories, such as conservation areas and recreation areas, lack the statutory foundation of the Wilderness Act to guide their permanence and integrity.
> Read more on Wilderness.
>Read the article "Why Wilderness?"
What is a wilderness area?
The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System to allow Congress to designate certain public lands as wilderness areas "for preservation and protection in their natural condition." And so that these lands "shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness..." Wilderness is the highest level of protection for federal public land available in the United States . There are 643 congressionally designated wilderness areas in the United States today. A little more than 4% of the continental United States is protected as Wilderness.
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What is a Wilderness Study Area?
A wilderness study area (WSA) is designated to allow an area to be studies and considered by Congress for possible designation as wilderness. WSAs are to be managed in a manner so as not to impair their suitability -- or their untrammeled nature -- for preservation as wilderness. WSAs may eventually gain true wilderness status, or they may eventually be denied wilderness protection.
How "natural" must the land be to qualify as wilderness?
An area is considered to be natural if the imprints of human intrusion are "substantially unnoticeable". The Wilderness Act specifically permits trails, bridges, fire towers, pit toilets, fire rings, fish habitat enhancement facilities, fencing, and research monitoring devices. Other human impacts are permitted in wilderness areas, so long as their overall impact is substantially unnoticeable.
What activities are allowed in wilderness?
Non-motorized recreation including horseback riding, herb gathering, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting are allowed. Agencies may maintain and construct trails in wilderness. The use of wheelchairs, including motorized wheelchairs, is permitted in wilderness areas when the wheelchair is a medical necessity. Grazing is allowed to continue at levels consistent with sound resource management if it existed prior to the designation of the area as a wilderness. Activities are encouraged that allow the public to experience wilderness without harming this resource for future enjoyment.
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What activities are not allowed in wilderness?
In order to preserve the outstanding natural characteristics of an area, the Wilderness Act generally prohibits such activities as mining, chaining, water development, and timber harvest (although mining may occur where there is a valid pre-existing right to mine). The Wilderness Act also prohibits use of motorized vehicles in wilderness except under emergency circumstances or under special use permit (fire, rescue, infrequent maintenance). This means that mountain bikes, chain saws, trucks, cars, bulldozers, off-road vehicles, helicopters, and other motorized equipment, generally cannot be used within wilderness areas. These activities are considered damaging to the natural appearance and quality of the landscape.
Exceptions have been made for emergency and border security purposes. To learn more about these exceptions, see The Border and Wilderness.
What's the difference between wilderness and a national park?
Many National Parks contain Wilderness Areas, although the Park itself is not a Wilderness in entirety. Wilderness areas are defined as roadless areas on public lands that have been designated by Congress to be preserved in a primitive condition. Parts of many national parks are also preserved in a highly natural condition in which roads, mechanical devices, and permanent structures are not allowed. While national parks can also include developed, roaded areas-wilderness areas do not. With few exceptions, grazing and hunting are not allowed in National parks, whereas they are allowed in wilderness areas.
What other wilderness areas are in Arizona?
Wilderness is created from public lands, of which there are 31 million acres in Arizona. Of this, 4.5 million acres are currently designated as Wilderness - that is 6% of the state's public lands. Arizona has 90 separate wilderness areas. The largest is the Cabeza Prieta Wilderness, which is approximately 800,000 acres within the Cabeza Prieta National Forest. The smallest is the Baboquivari Peak Wilderness, which is about 2,000 acres. Both were designated in 1990.
For a complete list of the Wilderness areas in Arizona, visit www.wilderness.net.
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Why do the Tumacacori Highlands need protection?
The Tumacacori Highlands are a national treasure. The large, remote roadless lands offer visitors a unique opportunity to hike, hunt, and explore one of Arizona’s remaining true wildlands. Home to magnificent species such as the jaguar, elegant trogon, and Chiricahua leopard frog, in addition to hosting a great diversity of cultural and historic sites, the Tumacacori Highlands are now threatened by off-road vehicle use and impacts from an expanding population. Wilderness designation will secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness, which shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment.
> Read more on Threats.
Where are the most scenic places for a day trip or hike?
One of the wonderful things about the Tumacacori Highlands is its primitive condition - a true wilderness! There are many beautiful and exciting places to explore... if you would like some ideas and a list of popular destinations, see some Suggested Hikes. But don't take our word for it, there are many places to explore on your own as well!
I'm going to be in the area for a day trip or weekend. What else is there to do nearby?
There are many interesting activities and places to see or visit very close to the Tumacacori Highlands.
See Nearby Attractions for suggestions and contact information.
Where are the Tumacacori Highlands?
The Tumacacori Highlands are northwest of Nogales, Arizona in the Coronado National Forest. From Tucson, take Interstate 19 south approximately 56 miles to Ruby Road Exit 12 and continue west on Ruby Rd (State Hwy 289) to Pena Blanca Lake and the town of Ruby. Or take Interstate 19 south approximately 34 miles to Arivaca Road Exit 48 and continue west to the city of Arivaca. From Arivaca you can turn southeast on Ruby Road (Forest Road 39) Pena Blanca Lake, or northwest on Ruby Road to South Sasabe Road (State Hwy 286) and Arivaca Lake.From Nogales, take Interstate 19 north for 8 miles up to the Ruby Road exit. Be prepared to drive on dirt roads. Driving time from downtown Tucson to the town of Ruby is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
> See maps.
How do I get to Sycamore Canyon?
Take the Pena Blanca Lake/Ruby Road/Hwy. 289 exit (Exit 12) off I-19 and proceed west on Ruby Road. Ruby Road is paved for 9 miles to the Pena Blanca Lake Recreation Area and then becomes a graded dirt road called Forest Road 39. Continue for 8.5 miles on FR 39 to Sycamore Canyon Road (FR 218). Turn left (south) and proceed a short distance to the tree-shaded parking area. From the parking area follow the trail towards the canyon.
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How can I help?
There are many ways to support the Tumacacori Highlands wilderness proposal. Take action by writing your elected officials, encouraging them to support the H.R. 3287 Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness Act of 2007. Financially support Sky Island Alliance to help promote the bill, or participate with on the-the-ground research, road-closures, and community outreach. > Take Action!
Who supports this proposal?
A diverse coalition of organizations, businesses, landowners and individuals approached Representative Grijalva in 2003 seeking Congressional protection for the Tumacacori Highlands. Congressman Grijalva continues to work with Sky Island Alliance to collaborate with stakeholders and seek local support.
> Read more about the sponsors and supporters of the proposal.
Who opposes this proposal?
Some people oppose wilderness for the Tumacacori Highlands due to border security or road access. Some individuals believe that wilderness designation for the Tumacacori Highlands will decrease the security of the border, and restrict Border Patrol performing its duty. This is not true. Homeland Security and Arizona Border Patrol are not restricted from performing their duty on wilderness. In fact, wilderness can actually increase security on the border by preserving the natural barrier characteristics of the Tumacacori Highlands.
> Read more on Border Security.
The goal of wilderness designation is to preserve the current natural condition of the Tumacacori Highlands by prohibiting off-road vehicle use and the creation of new roads. This means that some recreational and hunter Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users who prefer to recreate off-road may oppose this proposal. Every effort has been made to maintain access on designated Forest Service system roads while also providing protection to the wilderness area.
> Read more on Access and Roads.
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Which part of the Tumacacori Highlands are being proposed for wilderness designation?
Approximately 84,000 acres in southern Arizona, entirely public lands within the Coronado National Forest, Nogales District are being proposed for wilderness designation. The area includes the Pajarito Mountains, Atascosa Mountains, Tumacacori Mountains, and important connecting valleys such as Bear Valley, Bartolo Canyon, Peck Canyon, Apache Pass, and others, and is roughly bounded by the international border and the existing Pajarito Wilderness on the south, Pena Blanca Lake and Wise Mesa on the east, Arivaca Lake on the west, and Red Springs Pass Road (also called the Hunters' Access Road) on the north. The proposed Wilderness is entirely within Arizona Congressional District 7, Mr. Grijalva's district, with the north side bordering Arizona Congressional District 8. The currently proposed wilderness boundaries are subject to change as collaborators and stakeholders adjust the proposal to meet the needs of the public.
> See Maps of the proposed Wilderness area.
When will the Tumacacori Highlands become wilderness?
The Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness proposal must pass both the House and the Senate before reaching the desk of the President of the United States for signing into law. This process can take time. You can help this process by writing to your State Representatives and Senator encouraging them to support this bill. Updates on the current status of the bill, and next steps, are posted on the Home page.
> Write your Representatives!
> Check the Status of the Bill.
Which roads will close, and why?
The majority of system roads will remain open to provide access and dispersed camping. A detailed list of roads within the proposed wilderness area is available, with post-designation changes noted (download the pdf file here). Most non-system roads (roads created illegally through off-road vehicle use) will be closed and restored to their natural condition, and some roads required for the periodic ranch maintenance will remain open or restricted to administrative access. On-the-ground surveys conducted by Sky Island Alliance volunteers helped inform scientific decisions behind making road closures, in addition to input from Colorado National Forest, local ranchers and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The Colorado National Forest will continue to maintain these roads after the Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness bill is passed. After wilderness designation, any future road closures that may occur will be the discretion of the Forest Service.
> Read more on Access.
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What happens with private and state land and mining leases in proposed wilderness areas?
Extractive uses that existed before wilderness designation, including valid mining claims and oil leases, are allowed to continue until either they expire, are purchased by the government, or are abandoned by the owner. Existing dams, developed springs, pipelines, and other water projects are allowed indefinitely.
My friend is a rancher... how will wilderness affect the way he has always practiced ranching?
Under both the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 1990, domestic livestock grazing is specifically allowed in Wilderness. Congress released very specific instructions to allow grazing to continue in Wilderness Areas. Maintenance and replacement of grazing facilities — such as fences, water wells, and stock tanks — is permitted in Wilderness, as is the use of motorized vehicles for needed maintenance or emergency purposes under special use permits. As a long-standing tradition of southwest Arizona, sustainable grazing practices in the Tumacacori Highlands can continue to play a role in the ecosystem and in our history.
> Read more on Grazing.
I'm a hunter/recreational driver with an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). When the Tumacacori Highlands become wilderness, how can I get access to my favorite camping and hunting spots? Can I use my off-road vehicle to retrieve game?
The Tumacacori Highlands provide excellent hunting and recreational opportunities. One of the most serious threats to this pristine area of biodiversity is excessive off-road use (see Threats). The Tumacacori Highlands will remain accessible to hunters by most existing roads, like Ruby Road, and by designated roads that enter the wilderness area to provide access to selected spots by vehicle, such as water tanks or dispersed camping grounds. However, to protect the habitat and a quality wilderness hunting experience, wilderness designation prohibits driving off-road. You will be able to use your ATV, car or truck on designated system roads only - which means you will have access to most water tanks and camping areas by vehicle, but cannot retrieve game off-road. Every effort has been made to retain adequate hunter access, in collaboration with concerned hunters and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. If you are concerned that this may inhibit your ability to hunt, consider how successful hunters have used traditional hunting practices that may add new skills and dimensions to hunting in the Tumacacori Highlands.
> Read more on Hunting.
> Read more on Access.
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What happens if I'm lost or an emergency arises in a wilderness?
Wilderness designation allows rescue by emergency vehicle or helicopter in wilderness areas. Part of the attraction of wilderness is a sense of adventure, self-reliance and remoteness... but unfortunately this also means accidents may occur. While emergency rescue is possible in these remote areas, visitors should take care to let other people know where they plan to go and when they plan to return. In these remote areas, cell-phone coverage is not usually available. Basic first-aid supplies, updated maps, and plenty of drinking water are advisable for long hikes or overnight trips.
What considerations are being made regarding the border and homeland security?
The Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness proposal explicitly refers to Border Patrol's own procedures, signed by Secretary Chertoff and authorized by the Department of Homeland Security in 2006, to ensure they can continue to aggressively pursue and capture illegal immigrants and drug smugglers in wilderness areas (see The Border and Wilderness).
These procedures state: "Nothing in this MOU is intended to prevent CBP-BP agents from exercising existing exigent/emergency authorities to access lands, including authority to conduct motorized off-road pursuit of suspected CBVs [cross-border violators] at any time, including in areas designated or recommended as wilderness..." [Section IV, B, 4].
How do we respond to fire in wilderness?
Fire may be fought in Wilderness with any actions necessary. The Wilderness Act provides that, “such measures may be taken as may be necessary in the control of fire, insects, and diseases, subject to such conditions as the Secretary {of Agriculture} deems desirable.” [Source: The 1964 Wilderness Act § 4(d); 16 U.S.C. 1133(d)]. This means that while Wilderness areas are protected from motorized vehicles, motorized equipment is allowed to enter wilderness areas when fighting wildfires or to respond to other types of emergencies.
> Read more about Fire and Wilderness.
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What makes the Tumacacori Highlands so diverse and biologically special?
The Tumacacori Highlands are located in middle of one of the most biologically special places of southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Animal and plant species are diverse here due to the meeting of four different ecosystems: the Sonoran Desert, the Chiricahua Desert, the temperate and alpine Rocky Mountains and the subtropical Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. This means that in this place, species found as far north as Canada, like the black bear, can be found in the same habitat as species found in the southern subtropical ranges of Mexico, such as the elegant trogon and jaguar.
> Read more about the Biodiversity of the Tumacacori Highlands.
What is the story on jaguars in Arizona and in the Tumacacori Highlands?
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is a charismatic symbol of the diversity and health of the place that it lives. Once found as far north as the Grand Canyon, jaguars were hunted until they were thought to be extinct in the U.S. With nothing to document their presence, jaguars were not included as a U.S. Endangered Species when the Act was passed in 1972. Then in 1996, two different jaguars were documented on camera in two separate mountain ranges in Arizona, spurring ongoing study. There are several teams and organizations dedicated to learning more about the return of jaguars to the United States.
>
Read more about jaguars.
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What game species are in the Tumacacori Highlands?
The Tumacacori Highlands are rated as "Excellent" by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for white-tail deer. Other game species found here include Coue's deer (a smaller, northern subspecies of white-tail), mule deer, javelina, Mearn's quail, Gambel's quail, jackrabbit, and cottontail rabbit. The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides general suggestions about where to best find these game species in the hunt unit.
What birds can I see in the Tumacacori Highlands?
The Tumacacori Highlands are well known for its large diversity of birds. From here you can find birds in the United States visiting from Mexico or at their northernmost range, in addition to the many species found in the desert southwest. Canyons here open south into Mexico supporting precious strips of riparian habitat. Bird species including the elegant trogon, rose-throated becard and five-striped sparrow reach their northernmost extent in the excellent riparian habitat, brushy hillsides and oak-sycamore canopy lining Sycamore Canyon. The canyon has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society for its breeding species in unique habitats and its status as an outstanding landbird stopover. Over 130 species of birds inhabit the canyon, which has been preserved as the Goodding Research Natural Area. Other birds to look for include the thick-billed kingbird, Arizona
woodpecker, painted restart, varied bunting, whiskered screech-owl,
northern pygmy owl, Mexican spotted owl, dusky-capped flycatcher, northern
beardless-tyrannulet, rufous-crowned sparrow,
Montezuma quail, black vulture, peregrine falcon and golden eagle.
What are the threatened, endangered and species of concern that are found in the Tumacacori Highlands?
The Tumacacori Highlands are home to many different plant and animals species, some common, some rare in the U.S., and some that are recognized as state or federally threatened or endangered. These species are most sensitive to habitat loss and disturbance. Some of these include the Mexican spotted owl, Chiricahua leopard frog, Lesser long-nosed bat, Desert pupfish, Gila topminnow, Gila chub, Sonora chub, jaguar and ocelot. The Tumacacori Highlands are the last refuge and stronghold for some of these struggling species... for others a promise of secure, healthy habitat for returning populations. > Read more about Endangered Species.
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Who are Sky Island Alliance and Friends of the Tumacacori Highlands?
Sky Island Alliance is a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the rich natural heritage of native species and habitats in the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. SIA works with volunteers, scientists, land owners, public officials, and government agencies to establish protected areas, protect and restore healthy landscapes, native species, and wildlife connectivity, and to promote public appreciation of the region's unique biological diversity. ... "Protecting our Mountain Islands and Desert Seas."
> Learn more about Sky Island Alliance.
> Become a member!
Friends of the Tumacacori Highlands is a locally derived, locally driven special interest group formed by Sky Island Alliance, local businesses, organizations and citizens who share an enthusiasm for the Tumacacori Highlands region. Friends of the Tumacacori Highlands (FOTH) seeks to promote protection of the Tumacacori Highlands for future generations through wilderness designation and community outreach. It is funded as a project of Sky Island Alliance and by small individual donations. Becoming a Friend of the Tumacacori Highlands is FREE.
> Join us!
> Become Involved!
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