PAST NONPROFIT COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

Bureau of Land Management
Agua Fria National Monument Capacity Building Project

The Agua Fria National Monument was established in 2000 and comprises 71,000 acres of cultural, natural and scientific resources that offer diverse habitats and vegetation. The Monument supports one of the largest undeveloped expanses of desert grassland in Arizona, as well as an array of wildlife species including the lowland leopard frog, the Mexican garter snake, the desert tortoise, herds of pronghorn and four species of native fish. Here, visitors have the opportunity to not only experience solitude, but also to enjoy scenic vistas, view wildlife in their native habitat and explore archaeological sites. Details may be found at: http://www.az.blm.gov/aguafria/pmesa.htm

During 2004, the Bureau of Land Management contracted with the ASU Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management to help it develop, nurture and sustain a volunteer organization, Friends of Agua Fria National Monument. Through training and technical assistance provided by the ASU Center during the past year, the group was organized and a mission statement and bylaws were developed.

As noted by the Agua Fria National Monument’s Lead Outdoor Recreation Planner, Mary Skordinsky, “Whenever there’s community involvement, you have support and the ability to accomplish tasks on a much greater level of success than when working alone. The relationship is symbiotic. With the establishment of the Friends’ group, there is the possibility of reaching out to a much grander radius of people,” she continues. “The Friends Group will help provide leverage by helping us close the gaps in providing services ot he public’s enjoyment and also provide for greater scientific and research support. These services may include educational programs, resource monitoring programs and fundraising opportunities – all essential for prudent management actions.”

For more information please contact the principal investigators on this project:

Robert F. Ashcraft, Ph.D. (602) 496-0500 Arizona State University University Center - Mail code 4120 411 N. Central Ave, Suite 500 Phoenix, AZ 85004-0691 E-mail: ashcraft@asu.edu

Patricia Lewis, ACRFE (602) 496-0500 Arizona State University University Center - Mail code 4120 411 N. Central Ave, Suite 500 Phoenix, AZ 85004-0691 E-mail:patricia.lewis@asu.edu