Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum

Avian Habitat Conservation Plan

presented by Sonja Macys

Conservation Plan Goal

Provide relevant scientific and ecological information to residents, ranchers, developers, resort managers, government and non-government agencies to help guide conservation decisions regarding the SCR Corridor

"Conservation Targets"

Cottonwood/Willow gallery forest

Mesquite bosque

Bunch grasslands

Cienegas

Aquatic zone

Groundwater system
bird Seasonal flood regime

Avian guilds- Groups of birds nesting and foraging within the same habitat type

Riparian obligates

Broadleaf Canopy zone (> 6 m):

Summer Tanager
Yellow Warbler
Brown-crested Flycatcher

Mid-story sub-canopy zone (2-6 m):

Bell's vireo
Vermilion Flycatcher
Black-headed Grosbeak

Understory zone (0-2 m):

Abert's Towhee
Black Phoebe

Mesquite Bosque:

Lucy's Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
Blue Grosbeak

Cienega (foraging guild):

Black-bellied Whistling Duck
White-faced Ibis
Black-necked Stilt

Bunch grassland:

Botteri's Sparrow
Cassin's Sparrow
BRufous-winged Sparrow

Aquatic zone (foraging guild):

Green Heron

Management Recommendations to Ameliorate Stresses

Allow natural flood flows (County: prevent development encroachment in the floodplain)
Promote base flows (locate wells away from the river, protect riparian vegetation along banks of the river).
Maintain or improve groundwater levels within the shallow aquifer (Limit pumping near the river. Manage for levels within 2.6 m immediately adjacent to the river).
Maintain or improve cottonwood/willow vegetation (prevent livestock from grazing in riparian habitat).
Maintain of improve mesquite bosques (encourage landowner protection and publicly protect key areas).

Next Steps

Continued individual and small group outreach
Use Esperanza C.E. restoration project as an example and model
Promote guide to best management practices for riparian habitat
Partner with other groups on land conservation measures
Work with County to explore options for land acquisition