The latest edition of our biannual newsletter is out now! In this issue we cover the latest I-11 lawsuit updates, advocacy for restored funding for wildlife crossings in the RTA Next plan, details about our new roadkill survey season launch, and more!

The following recommendations from the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection respond to the preliminary draft of the City of Tucson’s 10-year general plan, Plan Tucson 2025, and its goals, narratives and policies.

The SNAPSHOT USA project is a nationwide wildlife camera data collection initiative with the aim of monitoring biodiversity to help meet conservation objectives. CSDP contributed our camera data to this project, including the one and only observation of a Gila monster (pg. 25), captured by our DEER camera in 2022 in Oro Valley west of the Oracle Road wildlife bridge!

In 2024, the Desert Fence Busters made important progress on connecting the landscape and removing outdated fencing to protect wildlife.

Our Fall 2024 newsletter is here! This newsletter showcases all the important work your support makes possible! Check it out.

Proclaimed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, September 21st is now “Carolyn Campbell Appreciation Day”

“It’s time to reflect on last year’s activities and look forward to new adventures and
accomplishments – time to THANK YOU ALL, our friends, colleagues, members and
volunteers who make what we do possible in so many ways.” – Christina McVie, Board President

Our letter to Governor Katie Hobbs, asking her to reconsider her position on this I-11 route and to oppose its construction as it would destroy innumerable natural resources and precious Sonoran Desert flora and fauna.

Comments submitted by the Coalition, Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of Ironwood Forest, and Tucson Audubon Society

On April 11th, 2024 the Coalition signed a comment letter submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity to ADEQ with concerns about Copper World’s Air Quality Permit application.

Comments spearheaded by Save the Scenic Santa Ritas on the Aquifer Protection Permit application submitted by Hudbay to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, signed by 14 different organizations.

Our Spring 2024 newsletter is here! In this issue, learn more about: And more! Check it out ->

We’ve increased our cameras and monitoring of this linkage in the last couple years – this report has all the latest data!

The latest date from our oldest project area between the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains!

In 2023, the Desert Fence Busters made important progress removing obsolete barbed wire fencing from the landscape.

Our Fall 2023 newsletter showcases all the important work your support makes possible! Check out the following articles in the newsletter: – Taking Care of the Wildlife Crossings – New Desert […]

Thank you for having such a big impact for the Sonoran Desert in 2022!

Our Spring 2023 newsletter showcases all the important work your support makes possible.  Check out the following articles in the newsletter: Thank you for supporting a protected and restored Sonoran Desert!

In year two, the Desert Fence Busters accomplished even more for wildlife!

Final Report for the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Grant that funded this project.

Thank you for everything you made possible in 2021!

We hope our Spring 2022 newsletter brings some hope, joy, and positivity into your mailboxes and inboxes.  Check out the following articles in the newsletter: The many pieces of a connected landscape State […]

These five underpasses have been hugely successful in getting wildlife across Tangerine Road safely. Check out this report to learn more.

The wildlife crossings are getting busier and busier!

Everything the Desert Fence Busters accomplished in their inaugural year!

We hope our Fall 2021 newsletter brings some hope, joy, and positivity into your mailboxes and inboxes.  Check out the following articles in the newsletter: New project will collect wildlife data […]

These comments were submitted by a coalition of organizations on the Final EIS for the Tier 1 planning process for Interstate 11.

Check out everything we did together for the Sonoran Desert in 2020!

We hope our Spring 2021 newsletter brings some hope, joy, and positivity into your mailboxes and inboxes. Check out the following articles in the newsletter: Increasing our impact through community science […]

We hope our Fall 2020 newsletter brings some hope, joy, and positivity into your mailboxes and inboxes. Despite the many really hard situations in the world today, there is still […]

Although we know most of us are pretty preoccupied with the current global pandemic, we decided to still send out our spring newsletter, hoping to inject a little joy and […]

These gorgeous summary reports from 2019 give you a flavor of our longstanding wildlife camera program and all the impact that it has had over the years.

The August 2019 Friends of the Desert newsletter is hot off the presses! Check out the following articles: Proposed I-11 Route Faces Overwhelming Opposition (and what you can still do […]

Our comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Interstate 11 project.

Our latest Friends of the Desert newsletter is now available! Click on the image to the right to access the digital version. If you’d like a print copy, please send us […]

Our latest Friends of the Desert newsletter is now available! Click on the image to the right to access the digital version. If you’d like a print copy, please send […]

In this issue you’ll find… The Oracle Road Wildlife Crossings: A Year in Review Updates on our 2017 Remote Wildlife Camera Monitoring Program How to Add Your Nature Observations to […]

In this issue: The finalization of Pima County’s Multi-Species Conservation Plan, 18 years in the making! The expansion of our Remote Wildlife Camera Monitoring project continues. A showcase of some […]

In this issue: What’s next for Oracle Road? Find out the progress of this project and what’s next now that the wildlife bridge is complete. More Cameras, More Critters: Learn […]

In this issue: What Future do you See for the Sonoran Desert? New aerial photos showcase both recent successes and ongoing challenges; Arizona Corporate Commission Approves Destructive SunZia Transmission Line: Renowned San Pedro River Valley and highly diverse wildlife will suffer; If You Build it, They Will Come: Monitoring of the Oracle Road Wildlife Crossings Starts Soon!; and more!

In this issue: Reflecting on 2015, Looking Ahead to 2016; Carolyn’s Corner: Seasons of Successes, Challenges; Wildlife Soon to Have Safe Passages Across Oracle Road; We’re Adding Wildlife Cameras to Our Fleet!; and more!

In this issue: Wildlife Crossings Underway on Oracle Road; Carolyn’s Corner: The Time for a Bond Election is Now; More Cameras, More Critters!; Huge Victory for Wildlife in Marana; and more!

In this issue: Why We Need More Open Space in Pima County: Your input is critical to a successful 2015 Open Space Bond; What’s the Latest with Rosemont?: An Ocelot, Hudbay and the Threat of an Environmental Disaster; Protecting Wildlife Linkages near Kitt Peak; Painted Hills: Now Protected as a Community Treasure; and more!

In this issue: Birders Mean Business!: Arizona’s Watchable Wildlife worth $1.4 Billion Per Year, Jaguars in Arizona: Threats and Critical Habitat, Open Space Remains a Top Priority for Pima County Residents,The Painted Hills: A treasure for All City and County Residents; and more!

In this issue: Too Many Houses – Too Close to the Park: Coalition Supporters Make a Difference for Catalina State Park; Safe Passages Coming in 2013: Wildlife Crossing Project Awarded Additional Funding; Collaborative History in Creating Catalina State Park; Discovery Through the Lens: Wildlife Monitoring a Great Experience; and more!

In this issue: The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan Continues to Inspire; Oracle Road Wildlife Crossings: Moving Close to Completion; The Kitt Peak Wildlife Linkage: Cooperation in Promoting Connectivity on SR86; Rosemont Roundup: Mine Seeks Permission to Damage our Air, Water, and Land; and more!

In this issue: A Wild Way to Create Jobs, The Value of Conserving Wildlife, Solar Development that is Good for the Sonoran Desert?, Rosemont Mine: It Just Doesn’t Add Up, What Will State Trust Reform Really Look Like?, and more!

In this issue: Renewable Energy: Conservation Lands Must Be Protected, Planning for SR77 Wildlife Crossings Moves Forward, Looking Ahead: The Continued Need for State Trust Land Reform, Marana Borrow Pit Restoration Begins, and more!

In this issue: Voters Reject Sweep of Land Conservation Fund, Mountain Lions in the Tucson Mountains, The Arizona Preserve Initiative, Pinal Partnership Kicks Off Open Space Planning Initiative, and more!

In this issue: Wildlife Crossings Funded, Conservation Acquisition Update, Rosemont Mine Action Alert, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, and more!

In this issue: Conservation Acquisition Success, Mountain Lions in the Tucson Mountains, Safe Passages for Wildlife, Buffelgrass, Fixing the Clean Water Act, and more

In this Issue: Successes on Regional Conservation, New Science Steers Acquisition Program, 2009 Bond Process Moves Forward, Ecological Monitoring Plan Under Development, Now is the Time for Buying Open Space, Updates on Arroyo Grande and Conservation Acquisitions, and more

In this Issue: Arroyo Grande, I-10 Bypass, Buffelgrass, Widlife Linkages, Update: Open Space and Water Resource Policy, Rosemont Mine, Monthly Gifts….

In this Issue: Message from the Director, 2008 Open Space Bond needs your help, Protection for Water Resources, 15,000 house development, Tumamoc Puble Hearing Notice.

In this Issue: 04′ Open Space Update; Monitoring Grant; Rosemont Update; Friends of Ironwood Forest Update; NLCS Best Hikes Contest. 

In this Issue: NO on PROP 207, 4th MSCP released, Friends of the Ironwood Forest, Badwater Update.

In This Issue: Death Valley Fundraiser, Action: Protect Roadless Areas, Two Coalition Supporters Appreciated, Wildlife Crossing Funds, Save the Santa Ritas.

In This Issue: Draft III of the MSCP, Tucson HCP, NLCS, Marana, Website, New CSDP Staff.

In This Issue: Carnivores & Highways, the 508, Critical Wildlife Connections, CFPO Hearing, Open Space Acquisitions, Conservation in Marana?, CSDP in Defenders Magazine.

In This Issue: Action Alert: Protect the Pygmy Owl, Action Alert: Support Wildlife Crossings, The 508 (A Race for the Coalition), Hats Are In.

In this Issue:  SDCP Update; Slogan Winner; May Celebration; Outreach Activities; Hats Available! 

In This Issue: Carolyn Campbell Talks Abou the SDCP in the AZ Daily Star, Challenge Grant Met, Coalition Slogan Contest, Coalition Celebration.

Friends of the Desert January 2005, Issue #26 In This Issue: Greetings for the New Year · Expanding the Coalition’s Outreach Program · Jason Reinert’s Arizona Trail Adventure for the Coalition and a challenge grant update!

Friends of the DesertE-news Issue #25October 25, 2004 * A project of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection in Pima County, Arizona * In This Issue: · SPECIAL FEATURE–Tucson Man Hikes AZ Trail to Benefit Sonoran Desert Protection · SDCP Update: Pima County’s MSCP and CAC Committees · Update on Marana’s HCP · Manager Change at IFNM · Event Announcement: Wildlife Water Development Conference!

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #24 August 28, 2004.  IN THIS ISSUE: – Town of Marana Special Election — VOTE NO ON PROP 400 – Town of Marana HCP. Tucson HCP, SDCP Update, CAC Update, IFNM Update, AZ Conservation Alliance, AZ Trail Hike!

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #23 June 16, 2004.  IN THIS ISSUE: ACTION ALERT! Help Stop Bad Land Deal!  Open Space Bond Successful on May 18th!, Next Steps for the SDCP.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #22 March 4, 2004. IN THIS ISSUE: Special Update on the May 18th Open Space Bond Election, Draft MSCP Released, IFNM Update (La Osa), Tumacacori.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #21 October 2, 2003. IN THIS ISSUE: Join Us!! Rally to Save the Pygmy-Owl: Wednesday, October 8th, Please Help the Coalition with a Financial Gift!, Scoping Meeting for MSCP, SDCP Update, IFNM Planning Process, Open Space Bond Update, STL Reform.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #20 July 31, 2003. IN THIS ISSUE: Coalition Forum on the SDCP POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER, Coalition Forum, August 28th, The IFNM protecting with citizen participation, Open Space Bond Update, STL Reform.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #19 June 6, 2003. IN THIS ISSUE: ACTION ALERT: Board of Supervisors meeting to vote on Open Space Bond election, June 17th!!, SDCP Steering Committee Update, STL NW, Coalition Forum

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #18 April 16, 2003. IN THIS ISSUE: SDCP Steering Committee Update and Upcoming Meetings, Science Technical Advisory Team Meeting, 2003 Open Space Bond Grassroots Campaign, Sonoran Desert Day of Action, Volunteers needed for Ironwood Festival.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #17 February 21, 2003. IN THIS ISSUE: Pygmy-owl Recovery Plan, Comment Deadline Extended on Proposed Critical Habitat Designation, SDCP Steering Committee Update, How You Can Help.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #16 January 7, 2003. IN THIS ISSUE: 2nd West Branch Clean-up Day, Public Meeting on Proposed Pygmy-Owl Critical Habitat, SDCP Update, Open Space Bond Update, Fundraising News.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #15 December 3, 2002. IN THIS ISSUE: Federal Critical Habitat Designation Released for Public Comment, SDCP Steering Committee Update and Upcoming Meetings, Gearing Up for a County Open Space Bond, Fundraising News, TAS/Defenders of Wildlife Presentation and Book Signing, Book Signing Benefit for Coalition,…

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #14 September 18, 2002. IN THIS ISSUE: New Coalition Reports, Coalition Forum, September 21!!, Book Signing Benefit for Coalition, September 25, Ironwood Comments Needed, SDCP Update.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #13 May 24, 2002. IN THIS ISSUE: Important Marana Planning and Zoning Meeting May 29, New Development Proposed at Base of Tortolitas, SDCP Update, Tanque Verde Creek Public Hearing, Agua Caliente Restoration, CSDP Sponsoring Economic Forum.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #12 March 29, 2002. IN THIS ISSUE: *URGENT! — Ask your Representatives to Oppose HB2638, CSDP Recreation Forum and Road Design Forum successes!, Next Steering Committee, County SDCP Open House Series, Thanks to Raul Grijalva.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #11 January 15, 2002. IN THIS ISSUE: Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update: It’s Not over Yet!, Coalition to Host Public Forum on Outdoor Recreation, 2002 Schedule for SDCP Sterring Committee Meetings.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #10 December 10, 2001. IN THIS ISSUE: Ironwood Monument Update and Dec. 11 Meeting, Comprehensive Plan Hearing this Wednesday Dec. 12, County Science Receives High Marksfrom Peer Reviewers, Upcoming Public Forums, Attens SDCP Steering Committee Meeting.

In this issue: MARANA ANNEXATION TALK PUT OFF, Pygmy Owl Listing Upheld,City of Tucson Election Info,  IFNM Rally

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #8 September 21, 2001. IN THIS ISSUE: Coalition/SDCP Update, What You Can Do, Upcoming Events ***COALITION/SDCP UPDATE***

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue #7 August 16, 2001. IN THIS ISSUE: Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for New Monuments, Marana Upzoning in Critical Habitat – Please Attend Meeting, Marana Annexing Critical Habitat on NW Side, SDCP Steering Committee.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue # 5 March 16, 2001. In This Issue: SAHBA SUCCESSFUL WITH SUIT AGAINST PIMA COUNTY, SUPPORT INTERIM CONSERVATION MEASURES, UPCOMING MEETINGS.

Friends of the Desert E-News Issue # 4 February 16, 2001.  In This Issue: SAHBA FILES SUIT AGAINST PIMA COUNTY, TWO OWL STUDIES RELEASED, PROPOSED POWER PLANT ADJACENT TO IFNM, CORTARO/THORNYDALE BLADING UPDATE, ANNOUNCEMENTS>

Friends of the DesertE-News Issue # 3January 19, 2001. In This Issue: CLINTON DESIGNATES SONORAN DESERT NATIONAL MONUMENT, UPDATE ON CORTARO/THORNYDALE BLADING, BUILDING HALTED ON OWL HABITAT, UPCOMING REPORT RELEASE DATES, NEXT IRONWOOD MONUMENT MANAGEMENT MEETING, DAVE FOREMAN PRESENTATION JANUARY 23

Friends of the desert E-News issue# 1, november 17, 2000; In This Issue: Welcome to the FOD, County Draft Plan is Out, Upcoming Meetings, Public Forum Success, Coalition receives award from The Nature Conservancy.