The first in a series of installments in a regional synthesis of cultural and historical resources that will be produced to develop the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.

This report describes the different, and sometimes conflicting, conceptions of land use that have been held by residents of southern Arizona during the past 500 years. Briefly outlining major events in the Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo experience, the report provides a chronology of events.

Reviews the planning efforts and analyzes the existing background reports, master plans, and management plans of parks and preserves owned by Pima County. A comparison of the planning documents, natural and cultural resources, threats and stressors, inventories, monitoring and research activities is presented.