Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/35322
BY JULIE MIKOLAJCZYK Where Man T raditionally, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) has been reactionary— developers and planners consult with natural- resource agencies as a final step prior to breaking ground. Leaving this collaboration to a late stage in the planning process often means significant and costly alterations to project designs to accommodate AGFD recommendations. But when ecosystem concerns are considered early in the planning process, designs often can incorpo- rate wildlife-friendly measures at significantly reduced costs. Although AGFD has limited regulatory options for influencing land-management decisions for most Arizona lands, developers and planners are attuned to the fact that Arizona citizens value its natural resources and open spaces. The missing link is a set of analytical tools and relevant data indicating areas of important biological value to help inform land-management decisions. To that end, AGFD envisions the creation and preservation 14 GEO W ORLD / JUL Y 2O11 Meets Wildlife Geotechnology Helps Both Coexist in Arizona of interconnected networks of large natural areas (crucial habitats) supporting viable populations of wildlife, while providing ample opportunity for people to enjoy and benefit from the presence of wildlife—all of which contributes to a positive quality of life and a healthy economy. To achieve this vision, the crucial areas and con- nections between these areas must be spatially represented, and AGFD has been working to develop and make publicly available these datasets and data- viewing tools. Unique Landscapes and Habitat Arizona is home to more than 800 native wildlife species. The diverse ecosystems, natural features and abun- dant wildlife create extraordinary outdoor opportuni- ties that draw visitors by the millions each year, with many deciding to stay and make Arizona their home. From 1970 to 2010, 5 million people moved to Arizona, and the state’s population now exceeds 6.5 Planned Conservation