Habitat Harmony Inc. - Study Group for Wildlife and Open Spaces






		Study Group for Wildlife and Open Space Flagstaff scientists advocating for preservation Map of vegetation, wildlife corridors & habitat hotspots Supports purchase of Hoffman Tank Participating in revision of Regional Plan Supports Conservation Lands System Commenting on Regional Transportation Plan The mission of Habitat Harmony’s Study Group for Wildlife and Open Spaces is to contribute scientific expertise to the planning process for preservation of wildlife and open spaces in the greater Flagstaff area. We have organized a network of scientists to contribute their expertise to the city and county planning processes when it involves wildlife, wildlife linkages and open spaces. In addition to individual scientists, Arizona Game & Fish and Coconino County Parks and Recreation are part of the Study Group. Habitat Harmony, Inc. has been involved with wildlife and open space issues in the larger Flagstaff area for ten years. We coordinated scientific input for Urban Open Spaces Plan which is part of the Regional Plan passed by voters in 2002. Dr. Larry Stevens, member of the Study Group, is working with city and county staff and experts in various scientific areas to create GIS information and a map of vegetation, wildlife corridors and habitat hotspots in the Flagstaff area. This information will be given to the Consultant for the revision of the Land Development Code, city and county staff, and the Citizen’s Advisory Committee revising the Flagstaff Regional Code. This is part of Habitat Harmony’s goal of making information for preservation available at the time development happens. With letters and speeches, the members of the Study Group publically supported the purchase of Hoffman Tank recommended by the Open Spaces Commission. The scientists were able to show how Hoffman Tank is a part of wildlife corridors that needed to be preserved. The City Council voted to purchase the property. One of the ways members of the Study Group have participated in the revision of the Regional Plan is by reminding city staff of the work that was done for wildlife and open spaces in the creation of the Urban Open Spaces Plan in 2000. The maps and natural resource inventories are now a part of the revision process for the Regional Plan. A statement of the affirmation in principle of the preservation of wildlife and open spaces was drafted by the Study Group and submitted to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee to be included in the vision of the Regional Plan. Members also participate in Open Houses, Focus Groups and Town Halls. A small group of scientists from the Study Group have volunteered to study to possibility of a Conservation Lands System being created as a part of the revised Regional Plan. The Conservation Lands System was suggested by AZ Game & Fish and would be patterned after the Plan in Pima County. This is a very important part of coordinating the efforts for preservation of the natural world in the greater Flagstaff area. Habitat Harmony submitted comments on the draft Regional Transportation Plan which will be passed by the Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization before the end of 2009. Important issues addressed included: requiring that the Transportation Plan be subject to the new Regional Plan which will not be in effect until 2012 objection to bypasses which would have a negative impact on wildlife corridors and wetlands support for a Conservation Lands System, Best Management Practices, and the need for a city staff biologist. One way to articulate the goals of the Study Group for Wildlife and Open Spaces is to say that we want the voice for preservation of wildlife, habitat, corridors and open spaces to be heard loud and clear! We would be glad to talk with anyone who is interested, and, of course, we have a sign-up sheet if you go to our Contact Us page. Back To: What's New Public Policy Advocacy Prairie Watchable Wildlife Site Wildlife Reference Guide