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

Priorizando la seguridad del agua para las aves y las personas de Arizona
January 15, 2020 — Un avance de la política de la sesión legislativa del año 2020.
Why Groundwater Matters for Arizona’s People and Birds
November 26, 2019 — We need to ensure its continued protection.
Arizona Legislature Wraps up with Wins for Birds, Water, and Public Lands
May 31, 2019 — New budget includes funding for invasive plant removal, wastewater infrastructure, and water department staff.
International Infrastructure Issues Threaten Arizona’s Santa Cruz River
May 09, 2019 — Why fixing a nine-mile sewage pipe is crucial for people and birds.
Problemas de infraestructura internacional amenazan el río Santa Cruz de Arizona
May 09, 2019 — Por qué arreglar una tubería de alcantarillado de nueve millas es crucial para las personas y las aves.
Arizona Needs to Resolve Long-Running Lawsuit in Order to Protect Rivers
April 23, 2019 — Tied up in court for over 40 years, water rights uncertainty surrounds the state’s rivers.
Audubon Gives Testimony In Support of Funding to Remove Invasive Plants Along Arizona's Rivers
February 15, 2019 — The grant funding would help restore native plants and habitat.
What happened in Vegas? When it comes to water, this doesn’t stay in Vegas
December 20, 2018 — Feds don’t want to gamble on risky water future—and give new urgency to complete the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan.
What is Going on with Water Planning in Arizona?
December 04, 2018 — Work continues on a drought plan that will better prepare Arizona for a drier future for people and birds.
Eight Natural Resource Issues for the next U.S. Senator from Arizona
November 13, 2018 — No issue defines Arizona’s past and its future more than water.