The Maricopa County Regional Trail System is a collection of trail corridors under the jurisdiction and control of many different agencies. Maricopa County has identified the Sun Circle and Maricopa Trails as its highest priorities for completion. At any time, should the opportunity arise, lower priority segments may be developed. The County’s priority designation may or may not coincide with the priorities of any agency whose trails have been identified as components of the regional system.

With the passage of the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1973, the stage was set for a confrontation between urban development and the provisions of Federal Law. Language was amended to the Act that established standards that a plan would have to meet before the Fish and Wildlife Service could approve it and issue a permit for the take of a listed species. In those jurisdictions that have adopted this approach, conservation of natural resources is no longer an afterthought but a major element that has to be considered during the regular land use permitting process.