A controversial measure that would have opened 14 million acres of Arizona public land for sale has been struck from the federal budget reconciliation now moving through the Senate.
Before this ruling, advocates rallied at the Arizona Capitol and Ironwood National Forest to defend public access and conservation. Two national organizations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and The Wilderness Society, also took action online, using interactive StoryMaps to inform and activate supporters.
The image above features a StoryMap created by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, integrating a map clearly visualizing the extent of lands at risk of sale with testimonials and images from supporters describing invaluable experiences they experienced on said land. Likewise, The Wilderness Society integrated a similar map with with direct calls to action, encouraging readers to contact their senators and explore the bill’s implications.
We highlight these initiatives in order to inspire the advocacy efforts of the AALC and of our member’s organizations. These initiatives show how the use of creative mediums to deliver creative storytelling, clear information, and compelling calls to action can drive engagement when urgency matters most.