A Southern Arizona environmental non-profit, the Borderlands Restoration Network, is facing a funding crisis due to over $1.2 million of federally approved funds being frozen, affecting 40% of its operating budget and halting various programs. Based in Patagonia, the organization co-manages 1,800 acres to maintain wildlife corridors between major units of the Coronado National Forest, aiding local species like bobcats and mountain lions while combating development pressures linked to a local housing crisis.
The Network also focuses on watershed restoration to combat erosion and increase drought resiliency, having constructed over 5,000 erosion-control structures. The freeze has led to significant operational cutbacks, including the cancellation of the Borderlands Earth Care Youth (BECY) program, which had 72 applicants eager to participate.
Despite the challenges, the executive director Rodrigo Sierra Corona remains optimistic and emphasizes the importance of their mission. The Network is actively seeking community support and has managed to secure some funding to complete a greenhouse project for native seed production. However, the lack of federal funds is threatening not only their projects but also other nonprofits across the country engaged in vital work.
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