Pima Association of Governments has worked with County staff for over two years on a series of riparian and water resource studies related to the SDCP and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The three studies found within this document represent the final versions of (1) Water Quality in Pima County; (2) Water Quality of Priority Streams in Pima County; and (3) Water Quality Requirements of Native Aquatic Species in Pima County.

Provides a brief review of the rules, listing history, and biological issues relevant to the status and protection of the pygmy-owl in Pima County. Land use in unincorporated northwest Pima County is analyzed to determine existing commitments and conservation opportunities, and in order to begin to answer the question of whether a general biological goal of conserving 80 percent of the pygmy-owl's habitat can be achieved.

Provides an overview of types of mitigation banking activities that have evolved from the Army Corps of Engineers wetlands banking. The discussion provides important distinctions between traditional practices in the area of mitigation banking and banking for endangered species purposes. The potential role of private sector in this market is described, as well as the roles of federal and local government participants.

Report is a review and compilation of existing data on water quality requirements of eight aquatic species. By identifying the water quality requirements of priority vulnerable species of concern, and assessing the quality of water that serves or might serve as potential habitat, we begin to understand which sources will support priority aquatic species identified by the SDCP.

Water quality is an important issue in the alternatives analysis of the SDCP and as a component of the Environmental Planning Element of the Comprehensive Plan that requires analysis, policies and strategies to address anticipated effects of plan elements on air quality, water quality and natural resources associated with proposed development under the Plan.