Call to Order
Minutes from July 20th Meeting
Minutes for the July 20, 1999 STAT meeting were approved by all members present, with no revisions.New STAT Member and Staff
Dr. Robert Steidl was introduced to the members of the STAT. A motion was made to have him replace the spot vacated by Dr. Steve DeStefano. This motion was approved by the STAT. Neva Connolly was introduced as a new staff member who will be working with Julia Fonseca and David Scalero on SDCP activities.Revisions to Focal Species
A new list containing vulnerable species for the SDCP was distributed along with a chart showing the number of species within each category. Comments to the list included: (1) the Peregrine Falcon has been delisted as of August 20; (2) Bell's Vireo should be added to Subcategory 2 of the vulnerable species list; and (3) a new species has been identified which may be included on the vulnerable species list (pseudo-scorpion). Any comments or recommendations from the STAT regarding the various focal species lists should have been provided to either David Scalero or Julia Fonseca by August 27th.Existing Land Stewardship Map
Julia Fonseca displayed a map showing protected lands for all of Pima County. So far, approximately 24 percent of the land in Pima County is under protection through parks, refuges reserves, etc. The goal of this activity is to produce a map that displays the level of protection for all of the land within Pima County. Gary Nabhan commented that there are some wilderness areas within the Tohono O'Odham Nation. He also asked about the status of Tumamoc Hill. Staff will look into these areas for possible inclusion onto the land stewardship map.An aside discussion was made regarding the possible addition of a member of the Tohono O'Odham Nation onto the STAT. Staff will work on setting this up or, at least, discussing their attendance to future STAT meetings.
Natasha Kline made a suggestion to develop a map showing existing barriers to wildlife movement (i.e., four lane roadways, canals, etc.). Julia mentioned that Pima County staff is currently working on a map displaying features which compromise the hydrologic functioning of streams, and could also produce a map of wildlife movement barriers as well. Sherry Ruther suggested looking into the protection given to preserving Central Arizona Project crossings by the various agencies who manage the reserves.
Independent Peer Reviewers
A discussion was held regarding the best way to utilize the expertise of the guest speakers who will be making presentations to the SDCP Steering Committee on September 18th. A conclusion to this discussion was to hold the next STAT meeting after the Steering Committee session (see Future Meetings)
Status of Data Collection
Julia discussed the handout on riparian vegetation mapping efforts which was provided in the package mailed to the STAT members. She also mentioned some other sources of information not included on the list which have been obtained by Pima County staff (Habitat Data Management System, data from the U.S. Geological Survey and data from the Arizona Department of Water Resources). A request was made to the STAT members to supply staff with sources of information as they become aware of them.
Sub-area Planning and SDCP Updates
Maeveen discussed the reasoning for the sub-area concept reports which will be made available to the Steering Committee members and the general public in December 1999. The main goal for the concept reports is to notify people of the current state-of-the-knowledge, so that they will become aware of the various land and resource issues relevant to their communities and understand the need for continuing studies to improve the knowledge. Dr. Cecil Schwalbe said it sounds like the sub-area plans will not contain any landowner assurances covered by the "no surprises" policy, which was a concern of his.A major status report on SDCP progress will be issued in August 2000. The status report will help show the County's progress towards a regional conservation and land use plan, which should keep the communities and the federal government interested in continuing support for the SDCP.
Future Meeting Dates
Julia Fonseca provided the STAT with a list of dates for future meetings. The next meeting is set for Saturday, September 18th after the Steering Committee Meeting which is being held from 9:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. An informal lunch with guest speakers Reed Noss and Michael Gilpin will be held prior to this meeting. Tentative dates for the following three meetings are October 21st, November 18th and December 16th. All of these meetings will be held at the Water Resources Research Center on 350 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, Arizona.Announcements
The next meeting of the SDCP Steering Committee will be on Saturday, September 18th at the Sonoran Desert Museum. Transcripts from all of the past meetings will be located on the SDCP web site. Handouts for the past meetings will be distributed to all STAT members.
Call to the Public
Trevor Hare asked if there had been any discussion of the evaluation process. Dr. Bill Shaw said that the Science Technical Advisory Team would be evaluating the proposals. Andy Holdsworthsaid that the speakers to the Steering Committee should be asked to limit their presentations to a time frame that allows more time for questions.
Request for Proposals and Scope of Work for the SDCP
A discussion session was held regarding the Request for Proposal and Scope of Work for the biological consultant. This session was closed to those who may have a conflict of interest related to the contract.
ATTENDANCE LIST
STAT Members Present:
William Shaw School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona
Natasha Kline Saguaro National Park
Steve Prchal Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute
Gary Nabhan Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Sherry Ruther Arizona Game and Fish Department
Doug Duncan U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Tucson)
Cecil Schwalbe School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona
Mima Falk Coronado National Forest
Robert Steidl School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona
Staff:
Julia Fonseca Pima County Flood Control District
David Scalero Pima County Flood Control District
Neva Connolly Pima County
Others:
Maeveen Behan County Administrator's Office
Lori Woods Recon Environmental Consultants
Paul Fromer Recon Environmental Consultants
Trevor Hare Tucson Herpetological Society
Andy Holdsworth Sky Island Alliance
Gayle Hartman Citizen
Links Endangered Species in Pima County Species of Concern - A discussion paper for the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan