Arizona Land and Water Trust

Arizona Land and Water Trust
Name	Arizona Land and Water Trust
Founded	1978
Location	Tucson, Arizona
Focus	Land conservation, Water rights
Method	Conservation easement, Acquisition, Water stewardship

Arizona Land and Water Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting southern Arizona's critical landscapes and water resources. Founded in 1978, it works to safeguard working ranches, wildlife habitat, and riparian areas through strategic land acquisition and innovative water management. Its efforts are concentrated in the biologically rich regions of the Sonoran Desert and the Sky Islands, collaborating with private landowners, government agencies, and other conservation groups. The organization's work is vital for preserving the region's ecological integrity, agricultural heritage, and water security in the face of development and climate pressures.

History and mission

The organization was established in 1978 by a coalition of community leaders, including prominent ranchers and conservationists concerned about the rapid loss of open space and wildlife corridors around Tucson, Arizona. Initially named the Trust for Public Land's Arizona affiliate, it later became an independent entity to focus specifically on the unique challenges of the Southwestern United States. Its core mission is to permanently protect southern Arizona’s vanishing landscapes, ensuring the future of its working lands, wildlife, and water. This mission directly addresses threats from urban sprawl, exemplified by expansion from cities like Phoenix and Tucson, and the increasing scarcity of water in the Colorado River Basin.

Conservation projects

The organization has protected over 70,000 acres across southern Arizona, focusing on ecologically significant corridors and watersheds. Key projects include the protection of the Cienega Creek natural preserve, a vital perennial stream supporting endangered species like the Gila topminnow and Southwestern willow flycatcher. It has also conserved large tracts of grasslands in the Altar Valley, crucial for pronghorn and lesser long-nosed bat migration. Other notable efforts involve safeguarding portions of the San Pedro River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the American Southwest, and preserving historic ranches in the Santa Cruz Valley and the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains.

Land protection methods

Primary tools for achieving permanent protection include the use of conservation easements, which are voluntary, legally binding agreements that limit future development while keeping land in private ownership. The organization also engages in fee-title acquisition, purchasing properties of high ecological value, which may later be transferred to public agencies like the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Furthermore, it employs strategic land exchanges and assists public entities, such as Pima County through its Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, in identifying and securing critical parcels for regional conservation goals.

Water rights and stewardship

A central and innovative component of its work involves the acquisition and retirement of water rights to restore flow to depleted rivers and streams. This process often involves working with agricultural water holders under the principles of Arizona water law to transfer rights instream. A landmark project secured water for the Davidson Canyon and Cienega Creek watershed, helping to sustain riparian habitat. The organization also promotes sustainable groundwater management in accordance with the Arizona Groundwater Management Act and partners with entities like the Central Arizona Project to explore solutions for long-term water security in the arid region.

Partnerships and funding

The organization operates through extensive collaboration with diverse partners. These include federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, state entities such as the Arizona State Land Department, and county governments like Pima County and Cochise County. It also works closely with other nonprofits, including the Nature Conservancy and the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. Funding is derived from private donations, grants from foundations like the Walton Family Foundation, government conservation programs, and contributions from corporate partners.

Impact and recognition

The cumulative impact of its work has been the creation of a connected network of protected lands that support biodiversity, sustain rural economies, and provide climate resilience. Its efforts have been recognized with awards from groups such as the Arizona Wildlife Federation and have contributed significantly to regional conservation plans. By permanently protecting landscapes and water, the organization helps ensure the survival of species ranging from the jaguar and Mexican gray wolf to the Yaqui chub, while maintaining the cultural heritage of ranching in the American West.

Category:Environmental organizations based in Arizona Category:Conservation organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1978