People
Haley Paul, Arizona Policy Director

Haley Paul

Arizona Policy Director, Audubon Southwest

Haley Paul is the Arizona Policy Director for Audubon Southwest. In this role, she distills complex natural resource policy and water management issues—via blogs, webinars, infographics, and more—to demonstrate why policy is important and how it impacts rivers, lakes, groundwater supplies, and wildlife habitat. Alongside a powerful network of Audubon advocates, Haley seeks to improve the water outlook in Arizona and in the Colorado River Basin—for people and birds. 

As an Anthropology major in her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, Haley took a keen interest in better understanding how humans around the world and through time have organized themselves to sustain (or not) the natural resources on which they rely. While working on the student-run farm in Pullman, Washington, Haley gained a greater appreciation for agriculture and all that it takes to grow plentiful food and fiber. This led her to a graduate degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University where she examined the 1980 Groundwater Management Act and its impact on farmers and water use in central Arizona. 

With career stops along the way at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the Town of Gilbert’s water department, Haley is passionate about working with people to protect our lands and waters in the southwest. Haley believes we must work together—across the political aisle as well as across interest groups—to sustainably manage our natural resources for future generations of people and wildlife.  

Haley’s passion for birds is evidenced by her (now up to four) bird feeders and quizzing her children on the bird species hanging out in the yard.

Articles by Haley Paul

10 Things You Should Know About Arizona’s Groundwater Management Act
October 02, 2018 — Why protecting groundwater is so important for people and birds.
10 cosas que debe saber sobre la Ley de Gestión de Aguas Subterráneas de Arizona
October 02, 2018 — Por qué proteger las aguas subterráneas es tan importante para las personas y las aves.
Balancing the needs of rivers, riparian habitat, and housing while ensuring environmental protections and sustainability for Arizonans
August 23, 2018 — How a recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court fails to protect the San Pedro River and current and future residents in southeastern Arizona.
Dense Forests, Encroached Meadows, and Devastating Wildfires
August 03, 2018 — How Audubon and the Arizona Elk Society work together to protect rivers in the West.
Using less and paying more. A conundrum it seems, until you dig a little deeper
July 09, 2018 — Doing nothing about the Colorado River’s decline is too risky
Connecting the Dots: From DCP and Lake Mead to Protecting Flowing Rivers and Habitat
June 28, 2018 — Why birders and wildlife advocates should care about Lake Mead