Story Map

NOW LIVE!

The White Tanks Mountains are in danger of total isolation. Natural corridors to and through the mountain range are critical to a healthy ecosystem and thriving community.

The White Tank Mountains Conservancy's Regional Connectivity Initiative is a collaborative effort to envision, enable and sustain a landscape-scale plan to preserve natural wildlife corridors that connect the White Tank Mountains to other regional mountain ranges and surrounding open space.

This four-volume StoryMap collection provides an in-depth look at the benefits of maintaining connectivity, including sustaining the natural heritage of the mountains, preserving a healthy interconnected ecological system, enhancing quality of life, and fostering economic vibrancy across the west valley and beyond. Through interactive maps and vibrant imagery, you’ll learn what the Conservancy and our partners are doing to preserve the White Tank Mountains and what you can do to help.

Learn more about the answers to these important questions:

• What makes the White Tank Mountains ecosystem special?
• What are the future plans for urban growth and infrastructure development (transportation and flood control) in the region?
• What do we know about wildlife movement and occurrence?
• Where would conservation of wildlife corridors make the most sense; and compliment urban development, parks, trails, flood control and other urban amenities?
• How can I get involved?

This conservation and urban growth story is told through a collection of four main topics that can be interpreted collectively or independently:

The Connectivity Imperative - the story collection opener

What's At Stake - a summary of the unique biodiversity, recreation values, and ecosystem services that the Connectivity Initiative seeks to protect in the White Tank Mountains region

Booming Cities - a detailed look at planned urban growth within the Connectivity Initiative's focal area and the reason the connectivity imperative exists

A Connectivity Vision - a compelling vision for ecologically sustainable desert cities that integrate the natural and built environment to harness ecosystem services that promote a high quality of life, economic opportunity, and conservation of rich natural history in the region

You’re invited to explore the richness and complexity of the WTMC Regional Connectivity Initiative through the StoryMap in one or more sittings. The Conservancy and partners then invite you to provide comments, feedback and support.