One of the most pressing growth related problems is the proliferation of wildcat subdividing, or lot splitting. It is generally defined as the proliferation of new residential parcels without the benefit of subdivision regulation. Often these areas are devoid of any basic infrastructure, standard environmental regulation, subdivision standards, or infrastructure requirements. This report addresses seven areas of concern.

In the early 1990s, a study of the Tanque Verde Creek by Dr. Julie Stromberg and others described the relationship between the depth to groundwater and the health of the mesquite woodland habitat in the area. This report revisits the Stromberg study to describe variations in groundwater levels since the report was completed early last decade. They identified around 3,000 acres of riparian vegetation in the Tanque Verde-Agua Caliente shallow groundwater zone.

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.

Describes methods that are used in order to prepare reserve design alternatives in the area of biological conservation. The report also provides a brief history of reserve design theory, and demonstrates how the principles of biological reserve design have been extended to the other Elements of the Sonoran Desert conservation plan.

We have an opportunity now that we have not had in the past 25 years to develop some comprehensive planning so that we can continue to enjoy the environmental amenities that make it so nice to live in Tucson. These species include not only the common one that we live with on a day to day basis, but also some of the rare species that most of us are not lucky enough to see (but still care about preserving).

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.