Our Current Activities
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan Details
Since the formation of the Coalition we have been a leader in environmental issues in Pima County. Our focus is concentrated on Pima County's Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) . The Coalition continues to work with staff and other stakeholders on the overall conservation plan, with Coalition representatives currently sitting on advisory committees addressing the conservation aspects of the SDCP (outlined in the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Draft), the purchase of Open Space using 2004 Pima County Bond Funds, and the improvement and adoption of land use codes and ordinances concerning land use. There are currently many technical aspects of the plan that need to be worked out. The Coalition will continue to work towards the inclusion of these aspects as outlined in the Community's Vision. The Coalition also monitors on-going development to ensure that they are environmentally sensitive and adhere to the intent of the yet to be adopted Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
We continue to partner with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Pima County, and other transportation agencies in order to ensure that there are safe and sufficient wildlife passages across roads, highways, and interstates. By providing safe crossings for wildlife, we not only provide important landscape connections, we also increase public safety and reduce the tens of thousands of road kill incidents that happen each year in Pima County. Pima County is dedicated to purchasing lands adjacent to identified critical crossings using 2004 Open Space bond funds. Coalition Director Carolyn Campbell sits on the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Regional Transportation Authority, and is working to secure funds to construct new wildlife crossings in Pima County. Click here to see a short video, provided by the Humane Society, on the importance of building such crossings.
Ironwood Forest National Monument Activities
The The Ironwood Forest National Monument is a ruggedly beautiful area found just northwest of Tucson and is an important part of the Coaltion's work. We were leaders in the conception, promotion, design, and designation of the Monument, which celebrates its fifth Anniversary in 2005. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has released draft alternatives for its Resource Management Plan for the monument, and is seeking public input. Click here to read more about the Ironwood Forest National Monument, the BLM management plan, and opportunities for public involvement. The Coalition is also involved with the promotion of the National Landscape Concervation System (NLCS), which the Ironwood Forest National Monument is a part of.
Conservation Activities in other Jurisdictions
The Coalition is working with the Town of Marana on its Habitat Conservation Plan. To begin addressing environmental issues in this area, Marana is working on adopting conservation guidelines. This will be followed with an ordinance aimed at preserving the natural resources in northeast Marana, also known as the Tortolita Fan, for the residents of Marana. We hope to continue to work closely with Marana staff and elected officials to determine how to preserve the lush desert in this area as the Town continues to grow into the future.
The city of Tucson is also developing a Habitat Conservation Plan. As of yet, no specifics about the extent of the plan has been released. We currently have a Coalition representative sitting on the Stakeholders Advisory Committee and another sitting on the Technical Advisory Committee.
The Coalition is working with the town of Marana on their own Habitat Conservation Plan, which is currently on hold. To deal with environmental issues in this area, Marana is working on passing administrative guidelines to be followed up with an ordinance with the goal of preserving the natural resources in north east Marana, also known as the Tortalita Fan, for the residents of Marana. We hope to continue to work closely with Marana staff to determine how this area will grow in the future while preserving the lush desert in this area.
The Coalition hopes to build on the success of Pima County's Conservation Plan by ensuring that Tucson's and Marana's plans compliment the SDCP by also considering regional implications during the planning process.
Community Outreach Activities
One of the Coalition's major projects for this year has been to expand our current Outreach Program. The success of the May 2004 Open Space Bond proved that the community at large — regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or income — agrees with us about the importance of protecting our Sonoran Desert. But, unfortunately, many still are largely unfamiliar with the SDCP, and its significance to our future.
We need to build on the pride and concern for our native ecosystem, and mobilize those who share their feelings of community responsibility toward our Sonoran Desert home. In the upcoming months, we will be reaching out to the community through presentations to neighborhood groups, tabling at community events, hosting public forums, and canvassing door-to-door. We will continue to develop other materials to get the word out about this important plan, including newsletter and newspaper articles, as well as a short Outreach video.
In order to convince Pima County's elected officials to adopt a conservation-minded SDCP, we will need to show as much public support as possible for that vision of the plan as the September 2005 deadline approaches.
Only with a groundswell of community support will the SDCP become the great plan we've worked toward and adequately protect our desert home in the face of the second-highest growth rate in the U.S.
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