As funds become available; the Arizona Wildlife Conservancy will identify habitat areas suitable for use by its associate member clubs and will prioritize funding to accomplish agreements that will permit responsible use. The Arizona Wildlife Conservancy will also identify and prioritize improvement projects that will enhance habitat for our user groups. The AWC has identified several important programs that we hope to accomplish in 2006.

Current Projects: We have noticed that many sporting dog clubs utilize an area of land at the Empire-Cienega BLM properties near Sonoita. This area is adjacent to a dirt airstrip. The BLM has recently installed a real nice restroom there. We have also noticed a nearby well head that might possibly serve the camping area with water for horses and dogs, an improvement that all users would really appreciate.

We are undertaking the task of working with the BLM to provide them with the resources to lay an underground pipeline from the well up to the camping area. This project is not a major one, but is one that will greatly enhance the quality of events there. Our Project Manager, Trustee Dave Higgins of Sierra Vista, Arizona has met with the BLM and other stakeholders and reports that the project has been well received and pending BLM design approval, it should be completed this year.