Protected

Arizona Native Plants

"Wonders of Nature"

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) recognizes that nowhere in the United States are there more rare and unusual native plants than in Arizona. Most of them are many years old and cannot be replaced.

Many people (and developers) desire to use these "wonders of nature" in their landscaping. However, most of these plants are protected by law. Also, all land in the State of Arizona belongs to someone, whether it be a government agency or a private citizen, and plants cannot be removed from any lands without permission of the owner and a permit from the Department of Agriculture. Lessees of state or federal land must also obtain specific authorization from the landlord agency to remove protected native plants.

Click here to learn more about the

regulations protecting these native species.

These plants are protected by law?

This information is being shared because of an inquiry by a member of the Living Desert Alliance. They witnessed a bulldozer destroying decades old saguaro cacti on property being cleared for a public storage facility. These protected plants were then buried and hidden underneath the freshly turned earth; gone forever. This was undeveloped land they had hiked frequently and were shocked to find it being cleared in the early morning hours.

Unfortunately, it's too late to stop that unfortunate illegal removal, however, you can help in future cases. If you have questions or concerns about land clearance in your area and want to know if the builder, developer, or homeowner has obtained the needed permits, or if you see the wanton destruction of Saguaros or any other protected native plants, contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Native Plant Enforcement at (602) 364-0907 or email them at mangulo@azda.gov. They will research and take appropriate actions if necessary.

Locations to Obtain Permits

Tucson Office: (520) 628-6317

400 W. Congress Ste. 124

Tucson, AZ 85701

Let's work together to

Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving.

Photo courtesy of Garden Beast.

PIMA COUNTY

Planning for a Sustainable Water Future

Pima County's interdisciplinary team is hard at work on water priorities. Formed in 2022, the Water Working Group (WWG) represents more than eight County departments. 

As outlined in the October 31st issue of Pima Can!, the WWG is crafting a new plan representative of County operational strategies, regional partnerships, and short- and long-term priorities. This plan will reflect best practices for water use, conservation and restoration, and will be integrated into comprehensive planning efforts such as Pima Prospers Water Policy and CAPCO. 

The WWG will prioritize: 

• Scarcity and degradation
• Innovation through alternate approaches to water use and collection, such as reuse
• Reducing use and demand for County buildings, facilities, turf and landscapes
• Policy and procedural modifications to align with County and regional water strategies
• Restoration and use, illustrated by innovative strategies such as El Vado Food Forest

Pima County's Water Working Group Aims to Craft Lifeline Strategy

Desert Fence Busters Two-Day Event

Friday and Saturday

November 22nd-23rd, 7:30am - 3:30pm

Get your wire cutters ready! Help the Desert Fence Busters on this two-day event to remove outdated barbed wire fencing for wildlife. This is important work to remove barriers to wildlife movement, particularly between large intact habitat blocks. You will be helping accomplish a positive and lasting improvement to the landscape and directly help wildlife by increasing connectivity between protected open spaces!

This is a two-day event with an option to camp.

RSVP HERE

Plastic Recyclables Lawsuit

Last week’s Living Desert Alliance newsletter outlined the inconsistencies and misconceptions of Hefty ReNewprogram. But the misconceptions of plastic use go well beyond the Hefty program.

An article by Jaimie Ding in the Associated Press reports that Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit alleging PepsiCo and Coca-Cola companies have misled the public about the recyclability of their plastic bottles and downplayed the negative environmental and health impacts of plastic disposal.

The article states the lawsuit asks: “Coke and Pepsi to stop the deception and take responsibility for the plastic pollution problems your products are causing."

LA County supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement. "Los Angeles County will continue to address the serious environmental impacts caused by companies engaging in misleading and unfair business practices.”

The LA lawsuit goes on to say that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have employed “disinformation campaigns” for consumers to purchase single-use plastic, believing them to be recyclable and less harmful to the environment.

Click here to read the entire AP article

What can we do?

We can make a difference now and slow the flow of plastics in our community and the beautiful Sonoran Desert by making wise purchasing decisions.

Think about this:

If one thousand people in Pima County reduce plastic bottle use by one a day, that equates to 365,000 plastic bottles not being pushed into our landfills each year. Extrapolate that across our nation. WOW!

Let's work together to

Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving.

Picture Rocks

Cell Tower

Updated Information & Clarification!

Last week the Pima County Planning & Zoning Commission voted 7 to 1 to recommend to the Board of Supervisors to DENY the permitting of an 8-story cell tower next to homes on W Massingale Rd in Picture Rocks and adjacent to Saguaro National Park East. 

The case can now proceed to be heard at the Board of Supervisors, though the developer may choose to withdraw given the level and substance of the opposition. Withdrawal is a distinct and likely possibility. 

The Picture Rocks Community thanks you for your letters! They were important contributions and part of the community's success in this case.