Earlier this year, the Santa Cruz River was designated one of America's most endangered rivers by the environmental group American Rivers.
In response, environmental groups have advocated for the river to be designated a national wildlife refuge, which would extend federal protections to about seven miles of riparian habitat.
That process, which involves a comprehensive conservation plan, finally moved forward with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approving a Landscape Conservation Design (LCD), or footprint, outlining species and habitats in need of protection in the Southwest region, and Tucson’s Urban Partnership Program proposal.
The plan focuses on the Sonoran Desert highlands, canyon environments and riparian habitats that are home to federally listed species such as the Southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo and Mexican garter snake, according to Department of Environmental Protection officials.
For the area to be included in the National Wildlife Refuge system, the designation must go through several stages of planning, a process that Nancy Brown, public affairs specialist for the agency, described as a community-driven effort.
“They asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to look at it and the service approved it, so the scenic conservation plan is basically saying they think this is worthwhile,” Brown said.
Officials will evaluate how the designation aligns with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and how it will maintain the biological integrity of the area.
“What are the underlying demographic and socio-economic needs? There are a lot of factors to consider, including the health of that river,” Brown added.
Next week, the Department of Water Resources, in collaboration with local partners, will host two community workshops at Pima Community College's Desert Vista campus that will focus on action planning and community-based conservation efforts with the goal of developing a balanced and comprehensive strategy for the long-term protection of the river.
