Tucson Joins Oro Valley On Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan

City of Tucson Takes Step Toward Regional Conservation
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan policies now apply to annexations

Tucson, Arizona – The Tucson City Council unanimously approved a policy to implement the Conservation Lands System on all future annexations on Tuesday. “This is an important step toward regional conservation,” says Carolyn Campbell of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. “Since the inception of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan process 10 years ago, we have advocated for cooperation between all local jurisdictions.”

The Conservation Lands System (CLS) is a key component of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP). The conservation plan was adopted by Pima County in 2000. The plan seeks to protect mountain parks, riparian areas, cultural resources, and the biological diversity of the Sonoran Desert.

A team of scientists from the University of Arizona and state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona Game and Fish Department systematically identified biologically important habitat throughout Pima County. The areas within the Conservation Lands System provide habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered or vulnerable wildlife species protected under the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.

During the development process, property owners typically set aside a percentage as natural undisturbed open space. The percentage of open space required is dependent upon the biological value of the particular site. This is an important distinction for Campbell. “Science, rather than politics, determines the amount of natural open space required and development configuration for development projects.”

Councilmembers Steve Leal and Regina Romero placed consideration of a CLS annexation policy on the City Council’s Study Session agenda yesterday. The policy was unanimously adopted, and additionally staff was directed to develop policies to address conservation issues in the urban environment. Such policies could protect undeveloped areas along the West Branch of the Santa Cruz River and Tumamoc Hill.

Tucson now joins the Town of Oro Valley in adopting the CLS map and policies. The Town recently adopted a special policy for the planning and annexing of “Arroyo Grande” state lands and voted to identify other aspects of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan that can be adopted within the town code and/or the general plan.

Tuesday's vote gives Campbell hope about future cooperative efforts. “If we really want to protect what makes this area so special and unique, it is going to take a regional approach. I hope that other communities will move forward with similar policies. Wildlife cannot tell the difference between Pima County and Marana and that is why conservation policies should be consistent across jurisdictional lines.”