Sonoran Desert National Monument

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Sonoran Desert National Monument
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Sonoran Desert National Monument
Location: Arizona, USA
Nearest city: Phoenix, AZ
Coordinates: 32°59′66″N, 112°26′78″W
Area: 496,337 acres (2,008 km²)
Established: January 17, 2001
Governing body: U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Sonoran Desert National Monument is located in the U.S. state of Arizona. Created by Presidential proclamation on January 17, 2001, the 496,337 acre (2,008 km²) monument is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management already managed the lands, however under monument status, the level of protection and preservation of resources is enhanced. Sonoran Desert National Monument protects but a small portion of the Sonoran Desert, which is 120,000 square miles (311,000 km²), and extends well into California and the country of Mexico. The North Maricopa Mountains, South Maricopa Mountains and the Table Top Wildernesses protect the richest regions of desert habitat from any future development.

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