Washington, DC – March 14, 2025 – It is with great sadness that the National Wildlife Refuge Association recognizes the adoption of one of the greatest conservationists of our time. Congress member Raul Grijalva, architect for some of the most important conservation laws in our nation, went yesterday from a long struggle with cancer.
“This amazing person had an in-depth influence on the life of any American, whether they are aware of it or not,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge System. “Every one of us benefited from his passion and his driving force to make our lives better, and his heritage will continue to have this influence on future generations.”
Congress member Grijalva spent his entire 22 years in Congress to advocate the preservation of wildlife. He served in the House Natural Resources Committee all his congress period, and as the supreme Democrat of the committee for ten of these years, he was instrumental in promoting laws to protect and improve the national refugee system, including Great American Outdoors Act permanently approved Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Grijalva was also passionate about national wildlife and other public countries in his district. Cabeza Prieta and Buenos Aire’s National Wildlife Refuges were places he visited, and were in awe of wildlife calling these places home. And he appreciated both federal employees and non -profit -gain notifications that work so hard to secure wildlife as Pronghorn Antelope and Masked Bobwhite Quail Thrive for current and future generations of Americans
The Congress Member talked about the importance of the refuge system in a 2015 – The hill“National Wildlife Refugees Preserve and Restore Key Partner of Our Nature Heritage, Fuel Local Economies and provides unmatched outdoor opportunities. They are America’s insurance policy for nature. Congress should make it easier, not harder, for Americans to enjoy these benefits.”
Mr. Grijalva was one of the greatest conservation heroes our country has ever known. The national wildlife refuge system would not be what it is today without his help and support, and we will greatly miss his strength, width, passion and dedication to our nation and our country’s wildlife heritage.
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As the independent voice advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, protects, promotes and improves the National Wildlife Refuge Association and improves America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs serving the system and wildlife beyond its borders. The organization addresses the refuge system’s funding, management and strategic growth while promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.
For all media inquiries and questions, contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communication and Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.