The state's population density is 34 people per square mile. The overall risk to ecosystems is high. Population density has increased 33 percent since 1982. The amount of developed land increased 35 percent between 1982 and 1992. Seventy percent of the state's wet marshes or cienegas have been destroyed since Europeans settled North America. Nearly 40 percent of wetlands have been lost since 1780. Nearly 90 percent of presettlement riparian ecosystems have been destroyed. Forty-six federally listed endangered and threatened species occur in the state.
Biological Diversity Policy
Arizona does not have a formal biodiversity policy. In 1990, voters approved a ballot initiative to "preserve, protect and enhance" the state's wildlife and biological diversity. Annual funding from the state lottery is allocated to the State Parks Board and the Game and Fish Commission. Other statutes also support the state's intention to conserve natural resources and wildlife. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 37-1001; Ariz. Comp. Admin. R. & Regs. 12-5-1702)
Status of Biodiversity Science
Arizona does not have a coordinated assessment system in place although it uses the Natural Heritage database and GAP information. A Bat Management Program conducts statewide bat surveys.
Endangered Species
Arizona does not have an endangered species law. A 1987 Game and Fish Commission policy calls for re-establishing threatened native wildlife. The policy does not require recovery plans or critical habitat designation. It is designed to work in conjunction with the federal Endangered Species Act. A native plants law protects certain native plants and encourages, but does not mandate, habitat protection. Violators are subject to fines of no more than $5,000 and a misdemeanor or felony citation. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 3-901 et seq.)
State Agency Management for Biodiversity
State-owned Lands
Natural resource agencies are not required to plan and manage public lands in a biologically sustainable manner. However, the Nongame Division of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is trying to form a watershed management program to identify core areas for protection. The state may prohibit motor vehicle use on public lands if it harms wildlife. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17-452)
Cooperative Efforts
Few cooperative efforts to improve land management for biodiversity across ownership boundaries exist. However, Arizona is a member of the Wildlife Violator Compact. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. 17-501 et seq.)
State Agency Training
This report did not identify any biodiversity training programs for agency staff.
Impact Assessment
Arizona does not have a "little NEPA" requiring agencies to assess the environmental impacts of proposed agency actions. The only exception is a regulation that requires power plant and transmission line sitings applications to describe the potential impacts on species. (Ariz. Comp. Admin. Regs. R14-3-219)
Habitat Acquisition
Arizona has some programs for habitat acquisition. The Game and Fish Commission and State Parks Board receive funding from the state lottery. Approximately $2.4 million is generated annually to acquire habitat for threatened, endangered and candidate species and $1.7 million is generated annually to purchase other natural areas. A Riparian Trust Fund is used to acquire lands surrounding riparian areas. A Land and Water Conservation and Recreation Development Fund partly funds the purchase of other lands. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 37-1156; 17-267) Money for these trust funds comes from other lands sales, donations and annual legislative appropriations.
Private Land Conservation
Arizona has few programs for private land conservation. Conservation easements are authorized by statute, but must be created voluntarily rather than through eminent domain. A Stewardship Program helps private landowners practice good management techniques on private forest lands.
Exotic Species
Arizona has some statutes designed to control the introduction and spread of exotic plant species. Noxious weeds may not be introduced. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 3-210) Penalties for violations range from misdemeanor citations to fines not exceeding $5,000. ( Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 3-215) The import, transport and release of any live animals into the state is prohibited without a permit. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17-306) Violations constitute a misdemeanor. All "clovenhoofed" wildlife must be tested for disease before they can be released into the state. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is attempting to eradicate the white amur, a fish species.
Predator or Animal Damage Control Activities
Arizona's animal damage control program is operated solely by the federal government under a cooperative agreement with the state. The federal program uses some nonlethal methods to protect sheep from predators. In 1994, voters passed a measure banning the use of leghold traps and foot snares.
Additional Legal Protections for Biodiversity
The state has citizen-suit provisions enabling a private party to sue for violations of air and water quality standards and environmental nuisances. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. 49-264, 407; 3-367)
Related Issues
Arizona has some wildlife education programs for the public, including Project WILD. The state in 1992 published a wildlife viewing guide.
The Game and Fish Department administers a Bat Management Program funded by state lottery proceeds. It is the only program of its kind in the country and is designed to manage the state's great diversity of bats and promote bat conservation and education.
Arizona has a takings law. Enacted in 1995, the law allows property owners to appeal restrictions placed on real property by local governments. Courts can award attorney fees, court costs and damages. A private property ombudsman was created by statute to represent private property owners in actions regarding constitutional takings.
Contacts:
Arizona Department of Agriculture
1601 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
602-542-4373
Game and Fish Department
2221 W. Greenway Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85023-4312
602-942-3000
Land Department
1616 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-542-4621
State Extension Services
Director of Cooperative Extension Service
Forbes Bldg.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
602-621-7209
Arizona ADC State Director
1960 W. North Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-640-2537
New Mexico Center for Wildlife Law
University of New Mexico School of Law
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-5006
lprovenc@unm.edu