Arizona opinion: Protecting public lands is good for national security

As a veteran, I've often found solace in the embrace of nature. Arizona, with nearly half of its acres designated as public lands, offers a stunning refuge — from the ochre walls of the Grand Canyon to the soaring pinnacles of the Chiricahuas. These landscapes have been my sanctuary, a place to reflect and re-acclimate to civilian life after service. This is why protecting our state's public lands is so important to me and my fellow veterans.

Recently, I had the privilege of flying over the proposed Great Bend of the Gila National Monument in southcentral Arizona with EcoFlight and Tribal members. Snaking the Gila River's bend between Phoenix and Yuma, where the proposal gets its name from, this volcanic landscape is quintessential Sonoran Desert. Here, the river valley has been witness to our region's history, with tens of thousands of petroglyphs carved by Indigenous peoples and later contributions from Spanish, Mexican, and Euro-American settlers. It is a sacred place, rich in biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and deeply significant to Tribal communities.

Designating this area as a national monument is not just an act of conservation; it's also a step toward enhancing our national security. With urbanization encroaching on areas around Phoenix and Yuma, wildlife increasingly finds refuge on public lands, including military zones like the Barry M. Goldwater Range. This can lead to conflicts that endanger both wildlife and military operations. By protecting the Great Bend of the Gila, we maintain Sonoran Desert habitat, large-scale landscape connectivity, and alleviate the pressure on military installations allowing them to focus on and secure their missions.

Veterans have shared a profound connection with public lands throughout our nation's history. From President Theodore Roosevelt, who championed conservation, to Earl Shaffer, the first person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, we recognize the importance and refuge of these landscapes.

For Arizona's tribal communities, there exists a profound spiritual bond with the land. Members of tribal communities serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other demographic, and their commitment to preserving these lands reflects their ongoing dedication to our nation.

Now is the time to take action and designate the Great Bend of the Gila as a national monument. By doing so, we can ensure that this unique and irreplaceable landscape is preserved for generations to come. This is not just about protecting the land; it's about honoring the legacy of those who have served, conserving biodiversity, and nurturing the profound connection we all share with the great outdoors. Join me and sign the petition to designate the Great Bend of the Gila at www.respectgreatbend.org .

Harrison Tarter is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division and lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

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