Pima County conservation plan named finalist for environmental award

Pima County’s Multi-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) continues to earn recognition for its innovative approach to balancing community development and environmental conservation. The Phoenix-based public interest coalition Arizona Forward named the MSCP a finalist for its Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future to be presented during the organization’s 37^th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony September 23, 2017, at Scottsdale’s Westin Kierland Resort. The Governor’s Award recognizes projects from around the state that foster “Arizona’s sustainable future through creative initiatives, public policies and/or collaborative efforts that enhance the environmental quality, economic vitality and social fabric of the Grand Canyon State.”

“Reaching the finals is extremely gratifying,” said Sherry Ruther, Environmental Planning Manager with Pima County. “Arizona Forward engages business and civic leaders to cooperatively promote environmental sustainability and economic vitality across the state.  We are thrilled to be recognized as an example of how it’s possible to accomplish both without sacrificing either.”

The MSCP is an element of the County’s award-winning Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan that provides for the conservation of our unique environment while supporting economic development in Pima County. One of its more noteworthy accomplishments is providing landowners with a voluntary, hassle-free opportunity to develop their properties without harming endangered species.

“The success of the MSCP is ongoing and testimony to the commitment of the many stakeholders in the community who believed in the vision of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan and were willing to trust the process, engage in dialogue, and find the best solutions to balance growth and conservation.  We are honored to be considered a finalist for this award.”