SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY TEAM

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 17, 2006

Attendees: Bill Shaw, Marit Alanen, Sherry Barrett, Rick Brusca, Carolyn Campbell, Susanne Cotty, Mike Cross, Julia Fonseca, Ted Herman, Ken Kingsley, Christina McVie, Susy Morales, John Regan, Sherry Ruther, George Ruyle, Tom Van Devender, Lori Woods, and Annette Plicato

Absent: Doug Duncan, Mima Falk, Natasha Kline, Cecil Schwalbe, and Bob Steidl

Call to Order and Opening Remarks

Chairman Shaw called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.

Approval of January 12, 2006 Minutes

The minutes were approved as written.

STAT Update/Discussion for the Pygmy-Owl

Sherry Ruther discussed the maps that were on display and the handouts that were distributed. The maps highlighted potential breeding areas and the five Priority Conservation Areas. The handouts included the minutes from the subcommittee’s last meeting and a draft of the species conditions for the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. The subcommittee agreed that a map of acquisition priorities should be pursued. STAT members approved a motion to forward the species conditions to Pima County.

STAT Discussion/Approval of Biological Monitoring Plan Development

Dr. Shaw began a lengthy discussion on the draft Biological Monitoring Program memo that was in the agenda packages. The two areas of concern were located on Page 3 of the memo. The sentence, “However, Pima County is not proposing to conduct species-specific population monitoring except for contributing to the overall surveys for cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls and Pima pineapple cactus, and certain aquatic species” will be removed. STAT members felt the wording was too constraining. Also, the section entitled, “Phasing” will be clarified. STAT members approved a motion to adopt the memorandum subject to the discussed revisions. The memo, which will be addressed to C.H. Huckelberry, will be finalized for Chairman Shaw’s signature.

STAT Discussion/Approval of Effluent Memorandum

The memo drafted by Julia Fonseca and included in the agenda packages was discussed. Sherry Ruther expressed concern that the memo stresses the Santa Cruz River while downplaying the other areas. As a result, STAT members approved a motion to adopt the memorandum with the incorporation of the STAT adopted guidelines. The memo will be finalized for Chairman Shaw’s signature.

Agenda Items and Schedule for Future STAT Meetings

The next meeting will held on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. at the Water Resources Research Center located at 350 N. Campbell Avenue.

Announcements

Maeveen Behan needs all comments on the Multi-Species Conservation Plan by March 23, 2006.

The meeting adjourned at 10:08 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, Annette Plicato