Exotic species and their effect on Pima County's aquatic environments have become a priority issue for those involved with managing aquatic ecosystems in eastern Pima County. Invasion of exotic aquatic species presents a major challenge when preserving and restoring native aquatic species in the region.

Provides a brief discussion of the need for the federal government to afford special protection for the Ironwood forest found in the Ragged Top and Silverbell Mountains. A proposed Ironwood Preserve would conserve one of the most valuable stands of the ancient Ironwood forest within the Sonoran Desert ecoregion.