Supporters say a new Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge would enhance the Tucson metropolitan area and beyond. Currently, paths along the river are popular for pedestrians, bicyclists and other users.
Pima County is in its eighth year of implementing its Multi-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), a permit that was issued in 2016 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to support conservation alongside public and private development.
In compliance with Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the county partners with the Regional Flood Control District (RFCD) to protect species and their habitats from incidental harm.
The county recently released its report for 2023, highlighting conservation efforts such as removing trash and waste from local rivers and lands and combating invasive plant species in addition to surveying species.
Kris Gade, director of conservation lands and resources for the county, said there are 44 different plant and animal species monitored under the plan– 10 of which are currently federally listed.
“Some of the main takeaways are that we completed our monitoring for the western yellow-billed cuckoo and flycatchers in some of our riparian areas and then we also did monitoring for the cactus ferruginous pygmy owl in the Altar Valley,” Gade said. “That’s helping us look for suitable sites to provide additional nest cavities.”
The permit streamlines ESA compliance for certain projects in areas where covered species may be impacted, eliminating the need for surveys and site-specific consultation.
Gade added that Pima County is one of the few counties nationwide to have a plan like this that covers multiple species.
“Under this plan, we are advancing the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan,” Gade said, which is the county’s plan that balances conservation and protection of cultural and natural resources.
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