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NPS Photo
Contact: Sue Walter, (520) 387-6849 x7301 Ajo, Arizona –On March 19th, staff from the Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar (Pinacate), a Sister Park with Organ Pipe Cactus NM;Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument;the Arizona Game and Fish Department;the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service –Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Arizona Ecological Services Office;and a U.S. Border Patrol's Public Lands Liaison met to discuss animals and plants they have in common. The plants and animals that were discussed are either listed or proposed to be listed as endangered or threatened and are of special concern to the land managers. The agencies agreed to continue collaborative efforts to conserve and manage the species of special concern common to both sides of the border. The agencies have built strong partnerships over the years and have been very engaged on a number of projects to conserve binational species like the Sonoran pronghorn, lesser long-nosed bat, Quitobaquito or Rio Sonoyta pupfish, Sonoyta mud turtle, Le Conte's thrasher, flat-tailed horned lizard and many more.The meeting provided opportunities to meet and introduce new members of each agency;review background information on each agency's mission and role in conserving shared species;and provide updates on the population, monitoring, and conservation status of species of concern to all the partner organizations.The meeting adjourned with all parties continuing to commit resources and plan for future joint projects. For more information about recreational opportunities at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument please visit www.nps.gov/orpi or call About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 407 national parks and work with communities across the |
Last updated: April 10, 2015