Support Our Community Vision

As the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP) moves forward, the county will be providing an opportunity for the public to comment, which is scheduled for this fall. This will be our best chance to influence the SDCP. Like the 2004 Open Space Bond, wide-spread support will be needed to remind the Pima County Supervisors the community is in favor of a strong, science-based Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.

The final approval of the SDCP will not be voted on by the public. Instead the county elected officials will vote on whether or not to approve the plan for submittal to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We have a good chance through the public comment and participation process, to ensure that the final SDCP is as strong and conservation-oriented as possible.

We know you care about our Sonoran Desert home and want future generations to see and experience it like we do now. That's why we need your help to make sure that the Pima County Board of Supervisors pass a Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan that includes the necessary steps to protect what's best about Tucson and Pima County. Don't wait until it's too late. We need our Pima County elected officials to know that you support the "Community Vision" of the SDCP. The "Community Vision" is a document created by the Coalition that takes into account the desires and needs of the community as a whole.

This vision includes:

• Acquisition of the most biologically important lands
• Specific conservation goals for each of the 55 species covered
• Voluntary incentive & regulations for landowners to protect important lands
• Formation of mitigation banks to purchase additional Open Space
• Proper management and monitoring of protected lands
• Assured funding to the SDCP
• Improved and simplified land use codes
• Requirements for periodic, independent review of the plan's progress

Click here to see the "Community Vision".

The Coalition is creating a list of people that support our work so the when the comment period opens we can let you know when and how to contact your elected officials.

By making a phone call, sending a letter or post card, or by coming to a public meeting you will help achieve what so many have worked towards for many years. This is our best chance to leave behind a legacy of open spaces, clean air and water, and a sustained quality of life for generations to come.

Please join the thousands that support a strong SDCP by signing up for our e-Newsletter or by contacting Sean at 388-9925, or at Sean@SonoranDesert.org. We will let you know when and how to make your voice heard when the comment period opens up!

To protect our way of life.