...wilderness should be wilderness...What we have before us is a Great Debate--one we need to enter into intelligently and rationally armed with facts and a vision for the future.

--Editorial, Green Valley News, February 5, 2004

Wilderness areas are not set aside solely for the enjoyment of hikers and horsemen, although that is certainly a significant benefit. I have never hiked a wilderness area, but I support their creation because I recognize their importance to the preservation of many species and to the continuing existence of our fragile ecosystems.

- Keith Justice, Lakeside
letter in The Arizona Republic, January 31, 2004

With rapid growth and development quickly eroding the natural landscape of Arizona, it's important to protect for future generations remaining environmentally sensitive lands that collectively make up the backbone of the state's thriving tourist industry. Congress should move quickly to recognize [the Tumacacori Highlands] for what it is: a prime candidate for wilderness designation.

--Editorial, Tucson Citizen, January 9, 2004

Each of us should take a little time at least once a year to ask ourselves what kind of Earth we want to live on. It's also our responsibility to look out for the protection of the land around us. We can delegate a lot of that to elected officials, but, in turn, they need to hear from the people they represent about priorities.

--Editorial, Nogales International, January 20, 2004

It is true that not everyone can visit all of the wilderness areas but that is not the reason to have them. Humans don't have to be using, tramping, building or developing every piece of land on Earth. Some of it has to be set aside for other species and just a place that is quiet and serene.

- Elaine Mays, Phoenix
letter in The Arizona Republic, February 3, 2004