Speaker Series
White Tank Mountains Regional Connectivity Initiative Speaker Series – Fall 2021
Hosted by White Tank Mountains Conservancy (WTMC) and Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA). Made possible by the support of Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
The White Tank Mountains are at a critical stage in their history as they stand in the path of one of the fastest growing metro areas in the nation. The mountain range stands out among other mountains in the Phoenix metropolitan area as especially wild and scenic and visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. However, the survival of this outstanding area of natural beauty could be in jeopardy unless steps are taken to ensure the natural wildlife corridors that animals rely on for forage, migration and genetic diversity are not cut off. Total isolation will compromise the plant and animal biodiversity that sustains the very characteristics this mountain landscape is valued for.
To prevent this from happening to the White Tank Mountains, WTMC has launched a collaborative effort called the WTMC Regional Connectivity Initiative, as well as a collection of digital stories with interactive maps, StoryMaps, that provide an in-depth look at why sustaining the natural heritage of the White Tank Mountains region is critical. The Initiative will provide a host of ecological benefits that will not only conserve this natural heritage of the mountains, but also supports a 21st century economy and quality of life for all - in one of the fastest developing regions in the country.
To learn from regional experts on the intersections of protecting open space and natural migration corridors with quality of life and economic vibrancy, listen to this three-part series hosted by WTMC and CAZCA:
Session #1 -- What's at Stake: White Tank Mountains, a Sonoran Desert Legacy
Find the White Tank Mountains Regional Connectivity StoryMap HERE.
Presenters:
- Annia Quiroz, Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, Engagement Coordinator
- Dana Warnecke, White Tank Mountains Conservancy, Biological Consultant
- Scott Sprague, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Project Manager/Road Ecologist
- Dr. Jesse Lewis, Arizona State University, Associate Professor
- Kaela Hamilton, Arizona State University, Graduate Student
- Dr. Paul J. Coseo, Arizona State University, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture / Senior Sustainability Scientist
- With an original spoken-word piece performed by Sidney Ashby, Poet / Student
A regional perspective on the values of the White Tank Mountains as open space in Maricopa County, with a summary on the unique biodiversity of the region. Hear a short history on the Regional Connectivity Initiative and the connectivity imperative to keep the White Tank Mountains wild. Local experts discuss current research on wildlife movement in the region, and how building communities around the natural environment can leverage many ecosystem services that enhance the quality of life in local communities.
Session #2 -- Booming Cities – a Tale of Urban Expansion in Western Maricopa County
Join experts for a detailed look at planned urban growth within the Connectivity Initiative's focal area and the reason the connectivity imperative exists. This session begins with the broad context of west valley growth, as it relates to economic development and quality of life in the region. Representatives from the cities of Buckeye and Surprise will discuss future land use, transportation, parks and recreation plans and goals. Examine the outdoor recreation values of two regional parks within the White Tank Mountains, including visitor use and the economic impact these parks contribute to the region. Learn how the WTMC’s Regional Connectivity Initiative could contribute to the long-term vision for the Maricopa County park system.
Find the White Tank Mountains Regional Connectivity StoryMap HERE.
Learn more about the City of Buckeye’s Wildlife Corridor Best Practices Guide HERE.
Presenters:
- Sintra Hoffman, WESTMARC, CEO
- Councilmember Chris Judd, City of Surprise
- R.J. Cardin, Director, Maricopa County Parks Department
- Adam Copeland, City of Buckeye, Deputy Director of Planning
- Robert J. Wisener, City of Buckeye, Administration & Project Manager
Session #3 -- A Connectivity Vision: Protecting Place and Passage for Wildlife and People
This final session in the speaker series focuses on envisioning a more connected world, for people and wildlife. Experts present 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. Learn about the perspective of a younger generation on open space, the potential economic gains of open space in communities, and opportunities to blend development solutions for flood control, open space, and recreation to maximize ecosystem services. The series closes with a vision for the future and a path forward to collaborate with the WTMC.
Presenters:
- Todd Hornback, DMB Community Life, Chief Advancement Officer
- Mayor Eric Orsborn, City of Buckeye
- Mayor Skip Hall, City of Surprise
- Jay Hicks, Dig Studio, Sr. Principal
- Dana Warnecke, White Tank Mountains Conservancy, Biological Consultant
- Mark Frago, Project Manager, Flood Control District of Maricopa County
- With an encore of the original spoken-word piece performed by Sidney Ashby, Poet / Student
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The White Tank Mountains Regional Connectivity Initiative needs to your support. Please consider making a financial contribution to this critical effort and becoming more involved.
Thank you to the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) for their partnership of this event series.
