Our projects include active, on-the-ground, and often time-limited initiatives along with long-term policy and planning initiatives that are the core of our work.
Policy and Planning
Ongoing policy, planning, and watchdog advocacy work to protect and connect Sonoran Desert open space.
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Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan
The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan serves as a model for habitat conservation plans around the country. It has long served as the foundation of our work.
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Habitat Conservation Planning
Pima County’s Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan is a ground-breaking plan that protects 44 vulnerable, threatened and endangered species around Pima County.
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Conservation Lands System
The Coalition works directly with developers and homebuilders to ensure their projects are compliant with Pima County’s Conservation Lands System, leading to better projects for people and wildlife.
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Interstate 11
Interstate 11 is a destructive, ill-advised proposal for a new interstate next to Saguaro National Park. We support co-location with Interstate 10 and increased focus on multi-modal transportation options.
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Open Space Development
Protecting open spaces is a cornerstone of our mission, including both local, state, and federal protected lands and functional open space in private developments.
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Wildlife linkages & wildlife crossings
We work to connect open spaces within wildlife movement corridors (linkages) and facilitate the construction of wildlife crossings, such as bridges and underpasses, at key points along Pima County’s major roadways.
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Mining in the Santa Ritas
The Coalition opposes the construction of the Rosemont Mine in the Santa Rita Mountains.
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Arizona State Trust Land Reform
The Coalition has been a long-time proponent of State Trust Land reform, advocating for the conservation of select State Trust Land parcels for wildlife, riparian habitat, and recreation.
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Water Resources
Through smart land-use planning and strong local policies, we advocate for the conservation of existing water resources and the riparian habitat these water resources support.
Community in Action
Ongoing coalition building and hands-on community involvement using short-term initiatives to protect and connect Sonoran Desert open space.
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Wildlife camera monitoring
Our Community Science program began over a decade ago and continues to engage people in helping study how animals move across the landscape to inform and promote wildlife linkages & wildlife crossings.
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Habitat Restoration Days
Join our Desert Wildlife Crossing Crew and improve and restore wildlife habitat on the Oracle Road wildlife crossings!
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Desert Fence Busters
Meet the group that has removed 65+ miles of outdated barbed wire fence in the name of wildlife protection and habitat connectivity!
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Roadkill surveys
Roadkill surveys help us identify where wildlife cross the road so that we can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and protect healthy wildlife populations.
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Educational resources
Download educational resources, including coloring pages and Critter Cam for Kids 4th grade curriculum activities.
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Living with Desert Wildlife
Information about living with desert wildlife, injured animals, rescuing cactus, and more.