Pima County is now finalizing the long-awaited Multi-species Conservation Plan, which, if approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will streamline public-sector and private-sector development compliance with the Endangered Species Act while protecting endangered species and their habitats. In the coming months, the public will have a chance to comment on the MSCP through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s formal public comment process before it goes to the County Board of Supervisors for final adoption.This report reviews the history of the MSCP, its relationship with the award-winning Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, what benefits the MSCP will bring to the community, and what obligations the County, developers, and the taxpayers will have over time. The report also highlights other benefits of conservation actions undertaken by Pima County, including economic, recreation, and health benefits.
The purpose of this report is to highlight lands acquired with 1997 and 2004 voter-approved bond funds, provide a historical record of Pima County’s land conservation efforts and consider how these properties contribute to Pima County’s long-term vision – the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. The report also provides a special feature on the evolution of conservation and land use planning in Pima County.
On the County's behalf, the Arizona Open Land Trust has entered into two purchase agreements for the Buckelew Farms property. Under this conservation acquisition proposal, farming would continue in the areas currently farmed, grazing would continue on a seasonal basis, and the popular annual pumpkin festival would continue. However, the County and the Buckelew's would work together to enhance opportunities for wildlife habitat on the farm and grazing lands.
This report was drafted to facilitate discussion about protection of cultural resources under the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. The first part of the report provides an overview of historic preservation in Pima County, while the second part provides analysis and recommendations for improving Pima County's historic preservation policy.
On March 2, 1999, the Board of Supervisors of Pima County, Arizona adopted the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. This Plan is the largest and most comprehensive regional multi-species conservation plan in the United States. These memorandums of understanding record the agreements made with cooperating agencies.
Recommends where riparian land acquisitions would be most effective in serving as mitigation that would cover all priority vulnerable species identified in the SDCP. Priority is given to reaches of watercourses.
Since habitat loss and fragmentation by roads and other infrastructure pose major challenges to wildlife movement in these areas, high priority should be given to identifying, preserving, and reconnecting habitat linkages.
Pima County in partnership with the Arizona Open Land Trust has the opportunity to purchase 500 acres of land in fee simple from the Buckelews at a per acre price of $1,800, for a total of $900,000 plus closing costs.
Pima County's grant proposal for the 640.4 acre in-holding in the Ironwood Forest National Monument known as Lord's Ranch was selected by the U.S. Department of the Interior.