Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

Grasslands Habitat Initiative COA

Habitat restoration in grassland and Great Basin conifer woodland habitats is imperative to conserve a high biodiversity of wildlife species while protecting the connectivity of populations and their genetic diversity. Restricting connectivity means a loss of genetic diversity for populations of American pronghorn found within this COA. The USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program awarded funds to AZGFD under the 2018 Farm Bill which helped fund the establishment of the Northern Arizona Grassland Initiative (NAGI). This COA falls within the NAGI boundary and presents prime opportunities for working with partners on shovel-ready projects for habitat and connectivity improvements.

Conservation Goals

  • Restore and protect habitats to maintain a broad diversity of self-sustaining game and nongame species, and for recreational activities including wildlife viewing and hiking.
  • Improve connectivity by removing barriers to wildlife movement and improve habitat connectivity and thermal cover.
  • Improve the hydrologic and ecological function of the watershed conditions and the habitats they support.

Map

Primary Threats

1. Agriculture

1.3: Livestock farming and ranching

3. Climate Change and Severe Weather

3.1: Habitat shifting and alteration
3.2: Droughts

7. Human Intrusions and Disturbance

7.1: Recreational activities
7.3: Work and other activities

8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species

8.1: Invasive non-native species
8.2: Problematic native species

9. Natural System Modifications

9.1: Fire and fire suppression

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.2: Invasive/problematic species control
  • Control the spread of invasive and problematic rangeland plant species.
2.3: Habitat and natural process restoration
  • Increase connectivity by removing barriers and impediments to species movement.
  • Maintain natural fire regimes on the landscape through prescribed burns and natural fire management.

3. Species Management

3.1: Management of specific species of concern
  • Establish and augment populations of wildlife species within historic ranges.
  • Conduct research that includes surveying and monitoring species and habitats to determine status and conditions so that resources can be appropriately allocated where they are most needed.

4. Education and Awareness

4.3: Awareness and communication
  • Engage with wildlife enthusiasts through diverse outreach programs to cultivate an interest in and appreciation for wildlife and natural areas.

6. Livelihood, Economic and Other Incentives

6.4: Conservation payments and programs
  • Partner with Arizona agricultural producers and private landowners on a variety of habitat enhancements that benefit both livestock and wildlife.

7. External Capacity Building

7.2: Alliance and partnership development
  • Establish partnerships with agricultural producers, wildlife conservation organizations, and private landowners.

Habitats Present

Strategy Species

Amphibians

Arizona Toad, Chiricahua Leopard Frog, Northern Leopard Frog

Birds

Bald Eagle, Flammulated Owl, Mexican Spotted Owl, American Goshawk (Northern Goshawk), Northern Pygmy-Owl, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, Red-faced Warbler, Common Nighthawk, Lark Sparrow

Mammals

Abert's Chuska Squirrel, Allen's Lappet-browed Bat, American Pronghorn, Arizona Montane Vole, Arizona Shrew, Big Free-tailed Bat, Black-footed Ferret, Colorado Chipmunk, Dwarf Shrew, Gray-collared Chipmunk, Gunnison's Prairie Dog, Hoary Bat, Least Chipmunk, White-bellied Long-tailed Vole, Long-tailed Weasel, Merriam's Shrew, Mexican Gray Wolf, Mexican Vole, Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat, Southern Red-backed Vole, Southwestern Cottontail, Southwestern Myotis, Uinta Chipmunk, Western Water Shrew

Reptiles

Arizona Black Rattlesnake, Narrow-headed Gartersnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Slevin's Bunchgrass Lizard, Yarrow's Spiny Lizard, Milksnake, Sonoran Spotted Whiptail, Black-necked Gartersnake

Fish

See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.

Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value

  • Wright and Cottonwood Creeks Riparian Cultural ACEC
  • Willow Creek Riparian Area

Potential Partners

  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Big Sandy National Resource Conservation District
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Private Landowners
  • Arizona State Land Department
  • Arizona Department of Fire and Forestry Management
  • Hualapai Tribe
  • Arizona Elk Society
  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  • Arizona Antelope Foundation
  • Arizona Mule Deer Organization
  • Mule Deer Foundation
  • Arizona Deer Association
  • Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever
  • Audubon Southwest
  • Chino Winds NRCD

Relevant Conservation Plans

Associated Aquatic COAs