THE EXPLORER: Weds., Sept. 17, 2008
Town’s conservation plan moving forward
By Nick Smith
Marana is moving closer to creating a comprehensive wildlife plan to protect more than a dozen species found within the town limits. The habitat conservation plan is being drafted so that as Marana develops and grows, areas of open space, wildlife corridors and conservation zones can be identified.
“It gives us the certainty that if any of the 13 species that we are going to list, then we’re covered and our capital improvement project still be able to move forward as well,” said Jennifer Christelman, director of the town’s environmental engineering division.
In December, the plan should be open for public input, with a final version scheduled for approval in May 2009. Thirteen species have been selected for protection so far, including the pygmy-owl, the desert tortoise and the lesser long-nosed bat.
FULL STORY: http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/09/17/
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