290 Acres Protected in Cochie Canyon
June 24, 2008 | Tucson, AZ
Arizona Open Land Trust
On June 19th the Arizona Open Land Trust and Pima County announced the protection of 290 acres of Cochie Canyon in the Tortolita Mountains. This project is the culmination of several years of conversations between the landowner and the Trust. The landowner’s commitment to protecting the property spans decades, and through our discussions with her and with Pima County we were able to craft a conservation solution that fits the needs of both parties and this remarkable land.
This property is an extremely valuable addition to Pima County’s conservation portfolio.
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It provides habitat for several federally listed endangered species including the lesser long-nosed bat and the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl; and several federal species of concern including the Allen’s big-eared bat, the Arizona shrew, Swainson’s hawk, Western burrowing owl, and lowland leopard frog.
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This part of the Canyon contains several large and small washes that provide wildlife movement corridors and serve important hydrological functions.
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The property supports plant communities that contain sensitive species, including 20 of Pima County’s Priority Vulnerable Species.
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It supports three Pima County Habitat Conservation Targets: palo verde-mixed cacti; ironwood desert scrub and Sonoran riparian scrub.
