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.

To facilitate discussion about which species might be considered for protection, a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with members of the local science community who have expertise in the areas of birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, plants and plant communities, and reptiles and amphibians.