Opinion

Now for the real work on enviro plan

Citizens of Pima County spoke loudly and clearly Tuesday with the overwhelming support for the open-space bond package. As has been demonstrated in previous bond elections, voters understand the value of protected open spaces for our quality of life. Success of the historic open-space bond also signals clear public support for the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, a unique and visionary regional planning effort that is now nearing completion. The plan has undergone extensive scientific scrutiny, involved thousands of community residents and been embraced by the environmental community. Bond success means that now is the time to role up our sleeves and work out conservation plan details - specifying how our community will grow into the future. The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan aims to preserve the quality of life of all Pima County residents by balancing urban development with protection of natural resources, mountain parks, ranches and cultural and historic resources. Pima's Multiple Species Conservation Plan is a subset of the regional plan, focusing on protection of native species and habitat. Bond success provides crucial resources to carry out the larger goals of the regional plan, and the more refined goals of the multi-species plan. Here is a community vision of important next steps to achieve species and habitat conservation goals. This vision should serve as guidance to county staff and committees considering the details of the multi-species plan. This vision reflects and builds on the recommendations of the regional plan's Citizens Steering Committee, a broad-based group that includes environmentalists, developers, ranchers, real estate brokers, home builders and others. This vision will also ensure the county is given the necessary flexibility to react to changes as the multi-species plan moves forward and will provide assurances to the community that Pima County will be accountable to the larger desert plan goals. For a truly effective multi-species plan, the county and committees should: ° Outline specific conservation goals for each species - The multi-species plan should actually benefit each plant and animal addressed by the plan, especially the rarest species. These goals and objectives should be based on the current status of each species, including how rare it is and what the current threats are. ° Protect the most important lands - The plan should incorporate information developed by the science technical advisory team and conserve the most biologically valuable lands in the county. The open-space bond, which will protect lands identified by biologists, is an important first step. Several different tools can be used to conserve these lands, including acquisition, voluntary incentives and improved and streamlined land-use regulations. Mitigation "banks," which consist of high-value lands purchased by the county or others, can also be used. Landowners can then purchase credits from these banks to offset development occurring on other lands with similar biological value. ° Manage and monitor conserved land. By monitoring current management systems and adjusting them, based on what works and what does not, Pima County can ensure the long-term protection of the most important lands, species and habitats. ° Provide ensured funding. This is critical to carry out the conservation plan's goals and objectives. The bond is an important first step, but more will be necessary in the future. While there are a variety of funding mechanisms, the burden of funding the plan should be shared by all beneficiaries. This includes the local public enjoying the open space, property owners and others who benefit from the expedited permits and taxpayers nationwide who support endangered species protection. ° Allow for periodic independent review of the multi-species plan's progress. This will ensure sound science continues to guide decisions and the public is provided ample opportunity to review the progress of the plan. We have made important progress in the last few years toward the goals of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. Putting flesh to this community vision will bring these important goals closer to reality, and will make Pima County a national model for effectively conserving native species and habitat while planning responsibly for growth. This will keep the region a place where people, businesses and nature can all thrive together.