Desert bighorn sheep establish two desert areas in southwestern Arizona to help preserve the desert bighorn sheep: Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. In 1941, the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico was added. Desert bighorn sheep populations have trended upward since the 1960s when their population was estimated at 6,700-8,100. The upward trend was caused by conservation measures, including habitat preservation. In 1980, desert bighorn sheep populations were estimated at 8,415-9,040. A state-by-state survey was conducted a few years later and estimated the overall US desert bighorn sheep population at 15,980. The 1993 estimate of
Painted Desert Project the reservation about the work as well as between tourists passing through the area and local residents. In a small way the art brings people together and stimulates conversations that might not otherwise occur. Artists who have been involved with the Painted Desert Project include: Tom Greyeyes, Troy Lovegates, Thomas "Breeze" Marcus, Monica Canilao, Overunder, Doodles, Labrona, Gaia, Roa, JB Snyder, Pixel Pancho, 2501, Ever, Jaz, Alexis Diaz, Hyuro, Mazatl, Stinkfish, LNY, Nanook, Jess X. Chen + Mata Ruda. The Painted Desert Project is ongoing as of 2016. Thomas hosts a Google map of sites of the Painted Desert Project