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Roadless Wild Lands...A Great Place to
Hunt and Fish in Arizona
Roadless areas are undeveloped tracts of public land, generally without roads that are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. America’s globally and regionally outstanding inventoried roadless areas are found mainly in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Scientists conclude that roadless lands belonging to the U.S. Forest Service are some of the most important natural areas remaining in the nation. Their status as “roadless” could have lasting and far-reaching effects for conservation, recreation, wildlife, and our economy.
In fact, a new report from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Arizona-based Sonoran Institute shows the links between habitat protection, hunting and fishing, and the West's economy. For example, total annual expenditures for hunting and fishing in Arizona exceed $548 million dollars.
Hunting and Fishing is Best on Roadless Wild Lands
According to numerous state wildlife agencies and sportsmen’s groups around the country, the quality of fishing and hunting is markedly better in areas with few or no roads.
 When roads divide large landscapes into smaller patches, wildlife populations may become isolated from each other, reducing genetic mixing necessary for species diversity and health.
Read more about the value of roadless lands to hunting and big game. Click here. 
Roadless Conditions Protect Streams and Headwaters for Fisheries
Roads have unavoidable effects on streams regardless of how well they are located, designed, or maintained. Because roadless areas remain largely undisturbed, it is less likely that erosion, sedimentation, and disruption of water flows will occur in those locations.
Roadless headwaters provide the primary source of cold, clean water for popular mainstem fisheries and premium, uncrowded angling opportunities for fishermen.
Read more about how roadless areas protect fishing streams and headwaters in Arizona. Click here.
Other Resources on Roads and Wildlife
How Many is Too Many: A Review of Road Density Thresholds for Wildlife (Switalski)
Road Closures and Density and Success for Elk Hunters in Idaho (Gratson, Whitman)
The Importance Of The Roadless Backcountry For Big-Game Hunting Opportunity And Success On Montana Public Lands: What The Science Tells Us (TRCP)
Organizations working on outreach and education to hunters, anglers, and other sportsmen include:
The Phoenix Zoo • Arizona Audubon Chapters • Arizona Wilderness Coalition • Arizona Wildlife Federation • Sierra Club • Grand Canyon Trust • Center for Biological Diversity • Grand Canyon Wildlands Council • Sky Island Alliance • AZ PIRG • Trout Unlimited • Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership • Republicans for Environmental Protection • Arizona League of Conservation Voters • Center for Sonoran Desert Protection • Defenders of Wildlife • Tucson Herpetological Society
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