Organ Pipe

Why should it be a National Park?

Located north of the Mexican border in southern Arizona is Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. This 517-square-mile monument was set aside to preserve a pristine example of Sonoran Desert habitat. This is the only place in the United States that the Organ Pipe Cactus grows in large quantities.

Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, this area has a thriving community of plants and animals. Human stories also echo throughout this preserve, chronicling thousands of years of desert living. While the plants, animals, and humans who have called this region home for millennia may have adapted to the environment, visitors will find the hot, dry landscape a challenging experience.

Although this section of the Sonoran Desert is federally protected, its size and location along the Mexican border result in it being both overlooked by travelers and overrun by border agents.

Tourists can experience a well maintained 21 mile dirt road with views of tall buttes and towering cactus. There are a few paved roads like State Route 85, the primary route through the monument, but most are dirt or gravel. The popular Arch Canyon Trail leads to Mount Ajo 4,000 feet above the desert floor and views of the arch itself. Petroglyphs also cover the area and are remarkably well preserved for being exposed to the elements for hundreds of years.

This region was heavily mined for silver. Jeff Milton, who was the first United States Immigration agent in this area, discovered a large ore body and began his Milton Mine operation. Following the success of Milton, the New Cornelia Mining Company followed suit, and the area saw economic growth. This was also a popular grazing site for cattle, so a border wall was erected to stop the flow of cattle between nations.

The 1990s saw a rise in Mexican cartel activity as the isolation of the monument aided illegal immigrants with a low-risk border crossing. Park ranger Kris Eggle was killed in the line of duty chasing down Mexican thugs who fled into America after going on a murder streak. The suspect only received 15 years in prison. Eggle has been credited with intercepting tons of cartel drugs and weapons. The Organ Pipe Cactus Visitor Center was renamed to commemorate Eggle's sacrifice and service.

The average American doesn't know what an Organ Pipe Cactus is, let alone that we have a rare and incredible natural asset in such abundance in southern Arizona. Elevating awareness for this unique and desolate environment could go a long way in educating about the diversity and grandeur of the American landscape and bringing attention to difficulties along the border. Increased visitation and conservation could bring greater attention and infrastructure, making this garden of cacti less appealing for illegal activity.