Table 5
Implementation Plan Strategy Table
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (BIO) ISSUES
BIO‐1: Endangered / threatened species and species of concern exist in the region
around Florence Military Reservation.
Location:
Florence Military Reservation
There are federally‐listed endangered or threatened species, such as the Acuna
Cactus, that are found in the area surrounding Florence Military Reservation. There
are also multiple species that are classified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need
by the Arizona Game and Fish Department located on or near the Reservation and in
and around Pinal County, including the Sonoran Desert Tortoise, the Tucson Shovel‐
nosed Snake, and the Common Black Hawk. Future development around Florence
Military Reservation may fragment vulnerable species’ habitats, increasing the
burden of AZARNG mitigation and conservation obligations.
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES
BIO‐1A: Coordinate the protection and conservation of sensitive species at the
regional level. Primary Parties:
The AZARNG, Pinal County, Town of Florence, BLM, ASLD, and regional conservation
organizations, to the extent possible, should work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) regarding the
management of species and suitable habitats to ensure that military training
operations are not unduly burdened by habitat protection. Emphasis should be
placed on minimizing future habitat loss at the regional level as new development is
considered, to ensure that actions such as habitat destruction or fragmentation
elsewhere in the region do not result in Florence Military Reservation becoming a
wildlife refuge island and a primary source of viable habitat.
Regional and local plans, such as the Pinal County Comprehensive Plan, Town of
Florence General Plan, future wildlife connectivity assessments, habitat conservation
plans for development and AZARNG natural resource plans should be prepared and
revised in a manner that incorporates updates such as inclusion of recommendations
provided in the Pinal County JLUS as part of addressing nuances in regional
perspective on protecting wildlife and preventing habitat fragmentation.
Strategy Type:
Timeframe:
Pinal County
Town of Florence
AZARNG
ASLD
BLM
Partners:
Trust for Public Lands
Nature Conservancy
USFWS
AZGFD
Other regional
conservation organizations
Geographic Area:
N/A
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Implementation Plan