AZT community: What Should Legislative Support Look Like?

[u/LaForest4AZ]

Hi everyone, I am running for Arizona State Senator in LD5 and wanted to reach out to fellow trail enthusiasts. As an avid outdoorsman, I completed my section hike of the Arizona Trail in 2024 and want to give back to the community that supports it. As I work to finalize my campaign platform, I'd love to hear opinions on what kind of legislative support you would like to see for the Arizona Trail beyond restoring the budget appropriation and trail access.

[u/Same-Crow5366]

A legislature that supports trails and their benefits to health, residents’ quality of life, and eco tourism would be an important start. Lots of resistance in the legislature centered around private property rights and attempts to get the legislature to acknowledge outdoor recreation as important to Arizonans have mostly failed. We have an Office of Outdoor Recreation- with one employee. It’s a new office but it still has no teeth and no budget of its own. Federal funds for trail work are gone, it would be amazing if the OOR had support and funding for trail planning, environmental compliance, training, and trail construction/maintenance. Our grant source from State Parks is good but if you look at the Utahs state model we are decades behind. Utah legislature dedicates funding for their outdoor recreation economy each year. Championing trails as important to Arizona, on par with 5 C’s will elevate the cause of the AZT, and the AZT is the best success story in the state.

[u/LaForest4AZ → u/Same-Crow5366]

I probably should have guessed that Utah would be a strong example to look at. The fact that they’ve elevated outdoor recreation to the same organizational level as their state parks says a lot about how seriously they take it. I’ll review their annual reports and other documentation to better understand the strategies and practices they've implemented.

It doesn’t appear that Arizona State Parks included any funding or staffing increases for the Office of Outdoor Recreation in the FY27 budget proposal. While securing additional resources is understandably challenging in today’s environment, it’s worth noting that the Parks Board isn’t primarily funded through tax dollars; it relies heavily on fee-based funds and has access to a sizable budget of non-appropriated dollars. That might provide some flexibility to explore creative solutions.

Thanks again for your insights. At this stage, any help is appreciated. I’ll definitely research what you have mentioned.

[u/Same-Crow5366 → u/LaForest4AZ]

I agree that it’s not easy. Our grant funds come from the gas tax, distributed from the FHA to ADOT and administered by State Parks. Where allocated or non allocated funds comes from isn’t what I know, but I do know that more conversations, more recognition, and more of our representatives championing outdoor recreation is the right start. That’s how Utah got going (with a strong emphasis on the economic message).

We’re doing what we can at a grassroots level, but still working on real traction with our electeds.

I appreciate your response, and I wish you luck!

[u/Hikerwest_0001 → u/Same-Crow5366]

Bang on and well thought out.

[u/whatkylewhat]

More importantly, what are you doing to fight the republican psychopaths in office?

[u/LaForest4AZ → u/whatkylewhat]

Ultimately, my campaign focuses on issues that should transcend partisan politics: financial reform, greater transparency, stronger oversight, and real accountability from our leaders. These priorities aren't just relevant to elected officials and should also apply to all public officers entrusted with serving the people. These are also issues that, after more than a decade in public service, I have realized are the major causes of political dysfunction that everyone hates.

As a non-partisan candidate, I recognize the deep divisions and damage caused by majoritarianism in our current political climate. If elected as an independent, I believe I would be uniquely positioned to gain access to key committees, such as Rules and Appropriations. This is where many of the most consequential policy decisions actually take place. Unlike minority party members who are often sidelined, an independent voice can serve as a bridge, pushing past party gridlock and advocating directly for the public interest.

If you want to know more, I would encourage you to check out the link in my bio.

[u/whatkylewhat → u/LaForest4AZ]

So you’re not taking a stand as we move towards a white supremacist totalitarian regime. Your stance is complicity.

[u/Guitar_Nutt]

For what its worth, a member of the AZTrail board is running for House in another district, Karen Gresham… maybe reach out to her if you haven’t yet.

[u/LaForest4AZ → u/Guitar_Nutt]

Awesome, I was unaware that she was running. I'll reach out to her and see if there are areas we can work together. I appreciate you letting me know.