AZGFD Virtual Public Meetings

Meetings are to discuss plans for the future of the state's wildlife.

The Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) is updating its 10-year conservation plan - the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy (AWCS) - and is sharing the core elements of the new strategy based on public input to date.

The department will host two virtual meetings in October to discuss enhancements to the AWCS and obtain feedback from the public. The meeting times and dates are -

• Bats of Arizona - 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 7 (AZGFD). Description: Bats are completely misunderstood creatures. These flying mammals are an incredible species that fill a special niche. Learn about the different species in Arizona and their natural history.

• Origins of the Sonoran Desert - 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 14 (SWCC). Description: What is a desert? Arizona has one of the most diverse flora and faunal assemblages in the nation. Of the four deserts that cover large parts of Arizona, the Sonoran Desert has the greatest diversity. Learn more about this desert and the species that inhabit it.

To attend a meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone, visit https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/938773205. Those who haven't previously used the GoToMeeting app can download it from that link. Alternatively, people can dial in by phone at 1-669-224-3412, access code 938-773-205.

Each meeting will include information on proposed changes to the Strategy, including designation of Conservation Opportunity Areas, a Conservation Analysis Tool and Data Warehouse, and a new way for the public to engage with the Strategy online, followed by a Q&A session. The same content will be covered in all three meetings.

The AWCS encourages collaboration with partners to make focused strategic investments in the management, conservation, and mitigation of areas that will have the greatest benefit for wildlife using the best available science.

Because everyone in Arizona is integral to the success of the AWCS revision, understanding mutual interests and needs, sharing data and information (where feasible), and developing collaborative implementation strategies will maximize the plan's effectiveness and the collective efforts to conserve Arizona's fish and wildlife resources.

Developing the AWCS included a statewide survey, focus groups, and meetings with partner organizations. Following the public meetings, AZGFD will distribute another statewide survey for the public to share perspectives on the AWCS, which is slated to be completed in 2022.

For more information on the AWCS, including survey results, summaries of focus group discussions, and a link to the 2012-2022 Arizona State Wildlife Action Plan, visit https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/actionplan/