Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection

On January 18th, 2012, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection submitted its comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Rosemont Copper Project to Jim Upchurch, Forest Supervisor for […]

September 29th, eNewsletter

Photo by Ray Goodwin. http://www.sonoranconnection.com With Pima County’s recent approval of the City of Tucson’s request for an industrial solar farm in Avra Valley, both the city and the county signaled they are serious about pursuing local renewable energy facilities. In addition to providing renewable energy, the project site has been identified as important for a number of vulnerable desert species. The Coalition has been encouraged by the willingness of Pima County, FRV Tucson Solar, and the City of Tucson to negotiate a viable environmental mitigation plan that allows the project to move forward while also appropriately mitigating for impacts to the Conservation Lands System.

Read our full letter to the Oro Valley Town Council encouraging them to not rescind Resolution No. (R) 07-55, which they passed in April 2007. This resolution stated the Town’s opposition to the proposed Rosemont Mine and clearly outlines numerous reasons why the Rosemont Mine will be detrimental to the long term health of oureconomy, water resources, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and recreational and scenic values. The Rosemont Valley and site of the proposed pit. Photo courtesy Save the Scenic Santa Ritas.

Pima County will purchase Sweetwater Canyon, expanding Sweetwater Preserve. This property is crossed by the Sweetwater Wash and two small tributaries, providing space for wildlife movement.

Coalition staffers authored a chapter for the new book Safe Passages: Highways, Wildlife, and Habitat Connectivity. This chapter highlights the successes and challenges of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan and the Regional Transportation Authority. Order your copy today!

Wildlife crossings are successful and speak to the value that Arizonans place on the future of this region, writes Tony Davis of the Arizona Daily Star. Story published 21 February 2010.

Advocates say three structures would minimize road kill, increase animal health.  By Patrick McNamara, as published in The Explorer on July-15-2009.