Filtering by
- All Subjects: Bird populations
- All Subjects: Riparian restoration
- Creators: Pima County (Ariz.). County Administrator's Office
Describes a comprehensive regional policy direction to achieve meaningful riparian restoration necessary for endangered species compliance and the basic relation of water policy to conservation planning.
A restoration effort of the San Pedro River to restore sacaton grassland, riparian trees and mesquite to about half the 50 acres of fallow agricultural fields at the Bingham Cienega. The overriding goals were to (1) establish a diversity of riparian habitats in the fields which in turn will support a greater number of invertebrate, reptile, mammal and bird species; and (2) develop practical techniques for promoting establishment of native plants that require little or no irrigation.
Invasions by non-native species cause serious problems in many parts of Pima County. It will benefit from adopting policies and increasing coordination with government and non-profit groups to deal effectively with invasive species.
The Arizona population of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl was listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act in 1997. Historical records and recent surveys definitely show a decline of species. There is a wealth of historical information out there and it still trickles in every day.
The historical range of the ferruginous pygmy-owl included areas of southern Arizona, southern Texas extending south along both coasts in Mexico, through Central America into the southernmost population in Argentina. However, over the past 150 years urban and agricultural expansion within the United States has reduced its population to a few isolated pockets of uncertain stability.
Most of the owls until just the last couple of years have been found in residential areas in northwest Tucson. It take a lot of cooperation on the parts of private residents to help get the work done. These are incredible little birds that fill an interesting role in the environment since they are more diurnal versus nocturnal. Our objective is to gather as much information as fast as possible to feed into the process to make this County plan based on the best available science that we have.
Brings together and updates prior anlayses of the riparian restoration element of the SDCP to include not only the considerations of the Endangered Species Act, but also the Clean Water Act. The report defines the scope of environmental and legal issues, and describes a method for further integrating efforts to address environmental and regulatory issues.
Pima County contracted with Arizona Game and Fish Department to conduct telemetry analysis and gather information that would lead to effective conservation and recovery initiatives for the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl. During 1997, banded birds were monitored. Beginning in 1998 and during 1999, pygmy-owls were radio-marked with backpack transmitters and followed on foot or by vehicle.