TUCSON— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva announced the inclusion of $50,000 for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona in the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

“With the severity of wildfires increasing as a result of climate change, we must undertake every effort possible to mitigate their negative impacts,” said Rep. Grijalva. “By restoring buffelgrass-infested areas in the areas surrounding Tucson, we can ensure that our deserts serve as natural mitigation barriers to protect Tucson residents. I’m proud to have secured this funding, and will continue fighting for its inclusion in the final appropriations bill.” 

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will utilize this funding for their Collaborative Restoration and Wildlife Management in the Tucson Mountains to restore 158 acres of buffelgrass-infested areas in Tucson Mountain Park, Tumamoc Hill, and Sentinel Peak Park. Buffelgrass allows wildfires to spread quickly and threatens the iconic saguaro cacti.

“The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is happy to learn of Community Project Funding for buffelgrass control. This important investment will protect the health and natural heritage of our community by reducing the fire hazard on Tumamoc Hill and Tucson Mountain Park,” said Debra Colodner, Director of Conservation Education and Science.

Rep. Grijalva submitted numerous Community Funding Projects requests to the Appropriations Committee. The status of additional requests will be announced in the coming days.

Rep. Grijalva worked with the appropriations committee to ensure the funding could be marked for the buffelgrass project, and will continue working to ensure this funding is included in the final bill.

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