Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum

Meeting of January 27, 2007

An open community meeting of the Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum was held at Pioneer Hall (Fairgrounds) from 9:30 to noon on 27 January, 2007.

The agenda included:

The SCCF Board proposed, and our membership accepted a new policy to guide growth
SCCF established close working relationship with the Amado/Tubac- based CPIT group
SCCF Board provided critical input to prospective developers re proposed projects near the Crossroads
SCCF supported efforts to establish a constructive working relationship with ADOT
SCCF members played an active role in supporting efforts to oppose the proposed open pit copper mine at Rosemon
SCCF iinitiated constructive dialogs with Land Trusts (SEALT; AOLT; TPL)
SCCF and Sonoran Institute hired an intern (Adam Springer) to carry out 'asset mapping' (cultural; historical; natural)
- Provides a context for evaluating proposed developments
SCCF continued active dialog with SCC Planning Office
Website updated to allow for community dialog re key issues
SCCF active mailing list exceeds 270 individuals!

Facilitate a landholders conference (late spring)
- Aim is to identify goals and concerns of landholders
Work with land trusts, Sonoran Institute & SCC to organize a meeting re ÔtoolsÕ needed to facilitate land use planning
Identify sources of funds (Land Trusts; federal) that can be used to facilitate
- purchase of conservation easements;
- other creative means to preserve open spaces
- Preserving and/or promoting economically viable ranching
Broaden SCCF membership
- Include more landholders, ranchers, members of business community
Strengthen working relationship with CPIT
- They share many of our goals and will enhance our political reach
Develop closer working relationship with Patagonia
Complete asset mapping (historical; cultural; natural)
- Provide guidance to developers re key community assets/values