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Arizona Important
Bird Areas Program / Tucson Audubon Society Arizona Important Bird Area Program In an effort to further the conservation of birds and their habitats in Arizona, the National Audubon Society, Arizona Audubon Council, Arizona Partners in Flight, and other participating organizations are seeking information on sites that may qualify as Important Bird Areas in Arizona. The primary goals of the IBA Program are to: (1) identify and designate key sites for birds; (2) establish priorities for land managers; (3) activate public participation in bird conservation efforts (including avian and habitat citizen science monitoring); and (4) provide public education and outreach opportunities. DEFINITION: An Important Bird Area is a site that provides essential habitat to one or more species of Arizona’s breeding and non-breeding birds. They are generally discrete sites that support one or more high-priority species, large concentrations of birds, exceptional habitat, and/or have substantial research value. Such sites may be protected or unprotected, public or private, and any size amendable to conservation efforts. BACKGROUND Important Bird Areas have no legal land-use implications, are broadly applicable, and generally work as just one piece of the conservation puzzle. Even in states where many sites have been nominated, they should not be viewed as the only sites important to birds, or as the only sites in the state needing protection. They are voluntary means of attaining local conservation by building and mobilizing networks of birders and conservation professionals. The can attract funding and can effect land-use planning at the local level. IBA PROGRAM OUTLINE & GUIDELINES: A. The IBA program follows three steps to formal designation: 1) Nomination and compiling data of potential IBAs, 2) Identification of sites by a Scientific Review Committee, determined on a scientific basis, to meet IBA site criteria, and 3) Designation, with landowner consent and with the prior drafting of an agreed upon “Avian Conservation Plan.” B. Sites already designated as conservation areas, such as National Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas, Nature Conservancy Preserves and other conservation sites, may be nominated, as well as other, unprotected sites. Whether or not a site meets one or more of the criteria should be the sole basis for nomination as an IBA. (Nomination step) C. Sites with Partners in Flight-designated priority species and habitats are of high priority for the IBA program. D. Sites on the public/private land interface are open to nomination. E. Sites near urban centers can be nominated. These sites have the potential as “demonstration” sites to emphasize public access and educational opportunity. F. Sites need to meet only one of the Criteria to qualify as an IBA, though many will meet more than one. G. Review of sites submitted for consideration will take into account the likelihood of continued avian use and habitat suitability of the site, including any potential effects that selection may have on increased visitation and resultant disturbance by visitors. H. A Scientific Review Committee, comprised of nominators, Arizona expert birders, biologists, agency land managers, conservation professionals, Arizona Partners in Flight members, and state Audubon chapter representatives, will review compiled site nominations for acceptance as Arizona IBAs. This will lead to an eventual (portfolio) publication of the, “Important Bird Areas of Arizona.” (Identification step) I. Landowners and/or public land mangers of potential IBAs will be consulted by the State Coordinator or by Scientific Review Committee members (nominator may also participate), prior to the completion of the state IBA portfolio. J. Formal designation and public recognition of sites as an Arizona Important Bird Areas, will be conducted with participating landowners, after the completion of an “Avian Conservation Plan,” drafted with the landowner(s)/manager(s) of each site and approved by the Scientific Review Committee. (Designation step) K. The cooperation and participation of private landowners and public land managers is key to the success of the IBA Program. When considering any site as an Important Bird Area, whether public or private, great discretion should be exercised in order to respect the rights and authority of landowners and manager, and to avoid the creation or perception of potential conflict. The IBA Program offers potential recognition and assistance for good land stewardship, and should be used to foster trust and cooperation with landowners and managers.
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