Identifies key potential threats and stressors to vulnerable species in Pima County, and to the biological and hydrological resources that support these species. Emphasis has been placed on identifying the specific components of past, existing, and proposed land and water uses that pose the greatest potential threats over the next 30 years to focal species and special habitats, plant associations, and communities.

Mr. Proudfoot, the leading pygmy-owl biologist in the United States, has worked for the last two years to gather and analyze the data that allows us to address issues regarding the genetic viability of ferruginous pygmy-owls in Arizona and to establish a framework for future management efforts. The two major questions addressed are (1) do populations of concern lack genetic variation relative to putative healthy populations, and (2) how unique are geographically distinct populations within a species of special concern?

A preliminary analysis that has been drafted in conjunction with participating federal agencies. Land managing entities provided information and later a detailed review of fact sheets that summarize each reserve in terms of its size, ownership, authorizing documents, land use activities, priority vulnerable species, exotic and non-native species, baseline information, GAP status, acquisitions, management plans, research, monitoring and recovery programs. The study proposes eight Reserve Management Areas that include land managers who could work together across administrative boundaries.

A great deal of additional information is now available regarding the area designated as containing biological resources as indicated on the "purple map" attached to the March 19, 2001 report. The Science Technical Advisory Team has worked on differentiating the resources within this area and assigning biological resource values to refine the SDCP and allow informed judgements regarding future uses of lands within the areas of biological sensitivity.