Archives
June 28, 2018
Endangered Gila topminnow once again swims the Santa Cruz River
In fall 2017, local scientists had a surprising discovery in the Santa Cruz River – the return of the endangered Gila topminnow. This small inch-long fish is one of 44 species targeted by Pima County’s Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Scientists speculate that Pima County’s efforts to clean up the treated effluent that feeds this stretch […]
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Pima County open space and tax base impacts
In May 2018, Pima County released an important memo that explains succinctly why Pima County open space properties have a positive impact on the tax base. This was in response to an allegation made by Representative Vince Leach during the state legislative session that Pima County could receive more taxes if open space lands were […]
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Pima County purchases 3,200 acres of new open space
Great news! On June 19, 2018, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of 3,200 acres of new open space on the east side of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Tesoro Nueve Ranch contains parts of Buehman Canyon, an important tributary to the San Pedro River and a crucial wildlife linkage between the […]
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May 5, 2018
Sonoran Desert wildlife crossings featured in Zocalo magazine
Zocalo magazine published a fantastic article about Sonoran Desert wildlife crossings in its April issue. Titled Animal Avenues, this article features both the successful Oracle Road wildlife crossings and plans for more wildlife crossings on Tangerine Road and La Cholla Boulevard. Check out the full article, including a new aerial photo of the Oracle Road […]
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Lesser long-nosed bat removed from Endangered Species List
Last month, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced that the lesser long-nosed is being removed from the endangered species list. The lesser-long nosed bat is one of Pima County’s Priority Vulnerable Species and is covered by the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. More than anything, we are glad the bats are doing well! We support […]
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May 2, 2018
Pima County Publishes 2017 Annual Report on the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan
In early March, Pima County published its 2017 Annual Report on the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. According to Pima County, highlights of the report include: The permit was used to cover impacts of 14 private development projects and 33 County Capital Improvement Projects. Over 200 acres of land has been allocated as mitigation so far, […]
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April 24, 2018
Action Alert: Speak out today in support of the Endangered Species Act!
The Endangered Species Act is under assault in Congress and we need your help! A new Farm Bill package just passed out of the House Agricultural Committee and will be going to the full House for a vote soon. This bill contains a provision allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to approve pesticides without analyzing the […]
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April 18, 2018
Clean and Quiet Shuttles Come to Sabino Canyon in 2019
The Coalition has been partnering with both Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) for many years, both on long-range transportation planning and passage and implementation of the RTA voter-approved plan that includes $45 million for wildlife crossing infrastructure. Recently, PAG and the RTA formed a non-profit called the Regional Partnering […]
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March 30, 2018
Leading the next generation out into the field!
by Jessica Moreno It was a clear, crisp day on March 6, and the freshly brewed coffee was almost as invigorating as the arrival of several school bus-loads of fourth graders and parents from Manzanita Elementary. Over 100 curious minds boiled out into the lower parking lot of the Santa Catalina Catholic Church on Oracle […]
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Emerging issues with the Oracle Road wildlife crossings create opportunities for stronger community connections.
by Jessica Moreno Once a wildlife crossing is built, the project still isn’t done. CSDP has remained actively involved with the wildlife bridge and underpass project on Oracle Road since its completion, helping to install educational signage, planning re-vegetation and erosion control, engaging on emerging issues like motorized use and other encroachments, and, of course, monitoring […]
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