WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 14th, 2025 –It is with great sadness that the National Wildlife Refuge Association recognizes the passing of one of the greatest conservationists of our time. Congressman Raul Grijalva, architect of some of the most important conservation laws of our nation, passed yesterday from a long battle with cancer.

“This amazing human being had a profound impact on the lives of every American, whether they realize it or not,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge System. “Every single one of us benefited from his passion and his drive to make our lives better and his legacy will continue to have this impact on future generations.”

Congressman Grijalva spent the entirety of his 22 years in Congress advocating for wildlife conservation. Serving on the House Natural Resources Committee all his Congressional tenure, and as the top Democrat on the Committee for ten of those years, he was instrumental in advancing laws to protect and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System including the Great American Outdoors Act which permanently authorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Grijalva was also passionate about the national wildlife refuges and other public lands in his district. Cabeza Prieta and Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuges were places he visited and was in awe at the wildlife that called these places home. And he valued both the federal employees and non profit Refuge Friends organizations who work so hard to ensure wildlife like the Pronghorn Antelope and Masked Bobwhite Quail thrive for present and future generations of Americans

The Congressman spoke about the importance of the Refuge System in a 2015 opinion piece in The Hill, "National Wildlife Refuges preserve and restore key pieces of our natural heritage, fuel local economies, and provide unparalleled 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, wit, passion and dedication to our nation and our nation’s wildlife heritage.

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As the independent voice advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.