Stream flow disappearance due to groundwater pumping, floodplain development, and habitat loss due to erosion have significantly altered the biologically rich and diverse riparian corridors of eastern Pima County. Today, there are new opportunities to recreate our watercourses as a gathering place for people and wildlife.

Provides background information on improved mapping techniques that have led to a proposal to update the Watercourse and Riparian Habitat Protection and Mitigation Requirements Ordinance adopted in 1994. New riparian classification maps will be forwarded to the Board to consider for adoption during 2003.

Recommends where riparian land acquisitions would be most effective in serving as mitigation that would cover all priority vulnerable species identified in the SDCP. Priority is given to reaches of watercourses.