Pima County Supervisors OK Possible Wildlife Corridor

On Sept. 3^rd the Pima County Board of Supervisors (PCBS) voted unanimously to approve an exception to the county's Multi-Species Conservation Plan allowing construction of new wildlife crossing on property near I-10 near Marana.

Camille Hal, Community Engagement Manager for the county's Flood Control District stated: “As it exists right now, the slope of the levee is too steep to be accessible to the wide variety of wildlife that will use this area.”

This ramp would be the first step in Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources Department's plan connect wildlife from the Tortolita Mountains to those in the Tucson Mountains with safe passage over I-10. Pima County Regional Flood District plans to start construction in October of this year.

Click here for Exception to the Multi-Species Conservation Plan Restricted Covenant RESOLUTION NO. 2024 - FC4

Cheers to the PCBS for taking this important step to

Keep our Desert and Community Livable and thriving.

Tucson Water's Zanjero Program

Offers Free Water Efficiency Audit

Tucson Water's Zanjero program (Zahn-HAIR-oh, or water manager) program helps residential customers manage their home water use. Customers can request a free, individualized survey that gives them tips and information on how to lower water use and water bills.

Tucson Water Zanjeros have extensive training in indoor and outdoor water conservation and efficiency. A Zanjero audit includes checking for excessive water consumption, measuring flow rates of showerheads and faucets, looking for special water uses such as spas, pools, or misting systems, and analyzing the efficiency of an irrigation system. During an audit, new low-flow fixtures, faucet aerators, or other water-saving devices may be provided.

To request a Zanjero water audit, call (520) 791-3242 or email TW_CustomerService@tucsonaz.gov and include your name, service address or account number, and a telephone number to reach you. An adult must be present at the time of the audit.

Click here for more information

River Run Network Restoration Workshop Tanque Verde Arundo Removal

Sunday, Sept 21st

Join Watershed Management Group's community effort

to restore Tanque Verde Creek!

WMG is inviting people of all ages, ethnic and racial backgrounds, beliefs, and other diverse communities to participate in restoring our heritage of seasonal and year-round water flows.

Come work with WMG staff and other River Run Network volunteers to remove the invasive species Arundo donax (giant reed) along Tanque Verde Creek in east Tucson and contribute to the restoration of surface flows and the riparian forest.

Click here for more information and to register

for this important community event.

Synopsis of the ADEQ Copper World Air Quality

Public Forum:09/10/24

Approximately 250 people attended Tuesday’s ADEQ Public forum to address air quality issues surrounding Hudbay Inc./Copper World's Santa Rita mountains open pit mine request. Attendance seemed evenly divided between pro- and anti-mine positions.

Trade unions were identifiable by their colored T-shirts. Many opposition folks wore “Save The Scenic Santa Ritas” t-shirts, but not all. An official representative of Hudbay was in attendance, sitting with union members in back. Three or four unidentifiable media representatives (photographers and reporters) were there.

A stripped-down contingent of ADEQ representatives from Phoenix attended voicing minimal remarks at the outset.

Supportive comments concerned jobs, new business for South Arizona, the need for copper, the great new methods of mining for copper, the need to trust Hudbay, and taking acceptable risks for the minerals we need.

Opposition was split between those who thought ADEQ should deny the permit and those who felt the ADEQ's hands are tied, and approval was likely. A few of the opposition remarks were the best presented so far concerning various aspects of the toxic effects of dust-borne particulates, their chemical make-up, and their serious health hazards. The topic of lead came up several times. Cadmium was singled out. Several well-informed speakers said that this proposed mine operation was different from other operations around the state because of its location at a higher altitude above residential areas and schools. 

Things got raucous about an hour into the speeches when opposition speakers refused to adhere to the three-minute time limitation. ADEQ tried cutting off the microphone, but that seemed to incite the speakers who didn't want to their time to be limited.



Since this was a forum to gain additional public comment, no final decisions from ADEQ were made. LDA will keep you posted.