While we may view climate change issues as a more global or national problem, our unique Sonoran Desert ecosystem is a recognized global resource; hence climate change is an important consideration in how we manage and protect our fragile desert ecosystem. This discussion is designed to promote local awareness of how climate change may impact our resources.

Conservation of the Tortolita Alluvial Fan landscape has been promoted by Pima County and Town of Marana over the past two decades. An interdepartmental team was formed to evaluate flood and debris flow hazards and the potential to create an expanded Tortolita Fan Preserve. This report provides an overview of the alluvial fan characteristics and evaluates information on the significance of the biological and cultural resources to determine of the area meets the criteria to create a federal preserve.

In this initial (interim) report, 21 different natural resource based outdoor recreational activities are identified. These activities are believed to represent the most popular natural resource based recreational activities in eastern Pima County. Based on the best information available, the document provides an overview and description of each of the noted activities. Information is also provided regarding the primary or preferred locations where the subject activity occurs. Data on participation in the individual activity is included where available. Use patterns, such as seasons when the activity is most prevalent, have been identified and trends related to changes in participation levels are discussed. Finally, issues related to the recreational activity vis-a-vis the goals of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan are also presented.

Communities, states, and countries all over the world are using a type of reporting called "state of the environment" to provide a summary of the status and trends of key natural resources across and within various regions. Specifically, the purpose of a state of the environment report is to describe and monitor the health of the environment in terms of key indicators.

To facilitate development of the Environmental Impact Statement which must accompany the Section 10 multi-species conservation proposal, a series of issue papers have been written. This study presents a brief look at outdoor recreation issues and describes the impacts of five alternative permit strategies might have on the County's ability to maintain recreation opportunities.

This study from the citizens of the Arivaca community proposes to establish an Arivaca Resource Management Zone, where a atwo level management plan integrates the otherwise fragmented land use and water policies of the various regulatory agencies. The Arivaca watershed contains one of the last remaining cienegas and perennial streams in southern Arizona. These unusual water features exist because the area is still in a state of balance, where annual water consumption is less than the natural recharge replenishing the aquifer during years of average precipitation.

This memorandum describes (1) the potential applicability to Pima County of a national initiative to institute reforms in floodplain management; and (2) an assessment of the effectiveness of Pima County's Riparian Habitat Mitigation Ordinance (attachment). An inter-departmental team was formed to formulate specific proposals for consideration as part of the Riparian Protection Element of the SDCP and the major plan amendment to the County's comprehensive plan.

Builds upon the "Biological Stress Assessment" through the identification of threats and stressors to watercourses within Pima County. It provides background on technical and water policy matters, describes potential and existing impacts to watercourses within Pima County, suggests options for reducing stressors, and outlines a number of issues for discussion withing each watershed planning unit.

Describes the relation of the current and proposed system of mountain parks and preserves to the ongoing multi-species conservation planning process. Business interests will be able to pursue land uses which impact habitat, so long as defined conservation standards are met. This report simply frames planning possibilities by outlining the known potential of twelve park and preserve areas in eastern Pima County.