The Adaptive Management workshop proceedings continue the series that is underway to support the development of the Ranch Conservation Element. The verbatim proceedings and materials from the workshop are included.
Describes some of the highlights of the approach by the Science Technical Advisory Team during the study of the last three years and brings emphasis to a few of the simple guiding principles that might not have been noted during the last years of research and reporting.
Species re-establishment is the attempt to establish a species in an area which was once part of its historical range, but from which it has been extirpated or become extinct in the wild. Pima County and other agencies have proposed to re-establish species at a number of sites. Relevant laws and regulations governing re-establishment efforts are discussed. Case studies illustrate how previous efforts have been conducted and how the populations have fared.
Pima County assembled a comprehensive land cover map for the the SDCP and in the process of doing so, identified the strengths and weaknesses of prior mapping efforts. In order to combine the best aspects of past efforts, a common language had to be established among the classification systems.
The cornerstone of any habitat conservation plan is the establishment of a set of reserves that are ultimately managed to preserve or enhance populations of a particular species or suite of species. Also, with any priority species in a particular region there are geographic areas that are much more important to the species than others. Identifying those areas is an important part of the planning process and a required activity to help assure that the best habitat areas for each species are identified and targeted for inclusion within the reserve system.
Documents the representation of aspects of biodiversity within both the existing system of protected land and the biologically preferred alternative of the SDCP. It is necessary to think not only in terms of species, but also in terms of vegetation communities. Aspects of both were incorporated into the design of the SDCP. This study provides a detailed look at the twenty-one special element conservation targets that were considered by the Science Technical Advisory Team for the Plan.
A preliminary analysis that has been drafted in conjunction with participating federal agencies. Land managing entities provided information and later a detailed review of fact sheets that summarize each reserve in terms of its size, ownership, authorizing documents, land use activities, priority vulnerable species, exotic and non-native species, baseline information, GAP status, acquisitions, management plans, research, monitoring and recovery programs. The study proposes eight Reserve Management Areas that include land managers who could work together across administrative boundaries.
Mr. Proudfoot, the leading pygmy-owl biologist in the United States, has worked for the last two years to gather and analyze the data that allows us to address issues regarding the genetic viability of ferruginous pygmy-owls in Arizona and to establish a framework for future management efforts. The two major questions addressed are (1) do populations of concern lack genetic variation relative to putative healthy populations, and (2) how unique are geographically distinct populations within a species of special concern?
Two studies that describe the progress of riparian mapping that is being developed as part of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
Identifies key potential threats and stressors to vulnerable species in Pima County, and to the biological and hydrological resources that support these species. Emphasis has been placed on identifying the specific components of past, existing, and proposed land and water uses that pose the greatest potential threats over the next 30 years to focal species and special habitats, plant associations, and communities.