Cave Creek Canyon: A Unique Area in Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico
When looking at a map of Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico, one might not even notice Portal, Arizona, or Rodeo, New Mexico. These poor rural areas often go overlooked due to their absence on many maps. But the unique ecology, geology, zoology, and biology of this area demonstrate that there is much more than meets the eye. Despite not appearing on most maps, the residents fiercely protect their biodiversity.
Cave Creek Canyon serves as an exceptional ecological classroom in the United States due to its extraordinary diversity. It attracts professional and amateur naturalists from all over the world. The American Museum of Natural History operates the non-profit biological Southwestern Research Station at the head of the canyon and offers a wide range of classes focused on nature observation.
The station also organizes birding and nature tours along with hummingbird seating areas and gift shops open to researchers, students, and visitors alike. Additionally,a Visitor Information Center (VIC) operated by Friends of Cave Creek Canyon in partnership with the US Forest Service serves as a hub for sharing bird sightings and distributing information about trails, roads,and canyon events withinthe community.
Among community engagement initiatives is promotingiNaturalist website use during bio blitzes—events which aim to identify as many species as possible within a set area overa specific timeperiod.As an example,the region’sApril bioblitz successfully identified 383 species from 57observersand 1,o36 observations taken mainlyfromcommunity members but also involving visiting studentsand teachers.Such activities reflecton-going local activism aimed at preserving Cave CreekCanyon’s floraand fauna.
What measures has the Air Force stated they will take to minimize the impact on the environment?
The Air Force’s Controversial Plan Puts Cave Creek Canyon at Risk
The serene and ecologically diverse Cave Creek Canyon in Arizona is under threat due to a controversial plan proposed by the United States Air Force. The plan, which involves conducting military exercises and low-altitude flights over the area, has sparked outrage among environmentalists, residents, and nature enthusiasts.
The Air Force’s proposal raises significant concerns about the potential impact on the delicate ecosystem of Cave Creek Canyon. The area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are endangered or unique to the region. Additionally, the canyon is a popular destination for birdwatching, hiking, and camping, attracting nature lovers from around the world.
This article aims to shed light on the potential risks associated with the Air Force’s plan and the implications it could have for Cave Creek Canyon and its surrounding areas.
The Controversy Unveiled
The Air Force’s proposal to conduct military exercises and low-altitude flights over Cave Creek Canyon has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders. Here are some of the main points of contention:
Environmental Impact: The increased noise levels and disturbance caused by military exercises and low-altitude flights can disrupt the natural habitat and breeding patterns of wildlife in the area. The use of pyrotechnic devices and flares during training exercises can also pose a fire hazard to the surrounding vegetation.
Ecological Concerns: Cave Creek Canyon is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered ones. Any disruption to the delicate balance of the ecosystem could have far-reaching implications for the biodiversity and overall health of the canyon.
Tourism and Recreation: The proposed military activities could deter tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from visiting Cave Creek Canyon, impacting the local economy and depriving people of the opportunity to experience the area’s natural beauty.
Public Safety: The potential risks posed by low-altitude flights and the use of pyrotechnic devices in a recreational area raise valid concerns about public safety and the well-being of visitors and residents.
The Air Force’s Response
In response to the backlash, the Air Force has emphasized the importance of conducting realistic training exercises to prepare for real-world scenarios. They have also stated that they are committed to minimizing the impact on the environment and taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
However, many critics remain unconvinced and are calling for a thorough environmental impact assessment before any military activities are allowed to proceed in Cave Creek Canyon.
The Battle for Preservation
Local conservation groups, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens have
The active role played by community members in caring for Cave Creek Canyon includes everything from trail maintenance to trash pick-upwhich arisesfroma deep affection foranimals suchasCoues deer,raccoons,collared peccariesandmultiplebirdspecies including Elegant Trogons,Mexican ChickadeeandMexicanJay.And whileprotectingthis pristineenvironment hasbeenan ongoing endeavorfordecades,this shared passion now faces potential threat posedby Air Forceproposals.Increasing sorties from3,,450to8,,000 per year could seriously jeopardizeeveryaspectof biodiversity.Accordingly,the proposalto allow supersonic flights only5000 feet above groundlevelcould cause significant disturbance inclimate zones,flying animals,and local habitat.This unacceptable plan lacks focus onsensitivewildernessareas needwhatprotection nor does it account for harmful impacts on wildlife populations.Thereno doubt that theringing noiseassociatedwith lowflyoverswill affectbreeding,migration patterns,anddistributionoffeedingsitesfor prominent native avian species likeMexicanSpotted Owl orYellow-billed Cuckoo.At suchlow levelsit will alsohit local humanpopulationsin termsofsolitude,gasstationsandsocialenvironmentsnecessitating adeeper level offocusfordisruptivenoiseeffectsEmergingbecausethe Air Forceunveilsitsanfordlessinformed plansthatmightenvelopelarge swatheof SE Arizonaintraininggrounds.Thenoteworthy omissionofPortallackinclude public consultationreflectsadvocatesaroundmilitaryexpansion.Hence,this AZ,NMresidents’demandforcefulaccountabilityondraft levelflight ratestoForce.Toexpresssupportorextendopinionvisithere [tucne.ws/1qr9].Thus,residentsmustuniteinsolidaritywritingUSAFetosharecommentsonthisplanbeforetimeexpiresOctober9]toISOStringpermitfollowingguidelinestosubmit includedhere.Another initiative strengtheninglocal preservation effortisworthnoticing.ReneDonaldsonalongsidehusbandbasedinPortalsinceyear1997workswithFOCCCaddingnatureoriented initiativestoBoardstressimportanceeducationalengagement
practiceachievedforsolongmanagementWillowTankhelping avianfaunacloselysetChiricahuabasin,whe likewiseheldadmiredlibrarianrolealmostadecadehalfThatvigilantrespectforcaringtowardscultivatingPOSITIVEWILDLIFEXPRES MANAGEMENTSTRATEGIES guaranteeprosperityfuturewildlifekingdom
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