1. Results and Conclusion
Tucson’s Surrounding Protected Lands: Designating and Maintaining Buffer Zones
Author: Zachary Schmidt T.A.: Joey Iuliano Instructor: Margaret Livingston Mentor: Randy Gimblett
Introduction
Results and Conclusion
Tucson, AZ
This project was conducted to assess areas bordering the protected lands local to Tucson. Areas that lie between these lands and the built environment of Tucson were researched to see if there are any kind of buffer zones designated between the two, and if so, is it benefiting or hurting the protected land.
It was found that Tucson did not have any zoning laws specifically acting as buffer zones around protected areas. Based on zoning laws in the areas bordering protected lands, buffer zones should be designated and maintained to help conserve the health of the protected lands into the future.
These photos show how the growth in population from 7,000 people to half a million has brought new development to the borders of our protected lands, such as Saguaro National Park East.
Estes Park, CO
Missoula, MT
Methods
This project was conducted through a series of case studies on cities including: Tucson, AZ, Estes Park, CO, and Missoula, MT. Each case study looked at city growth and zoning laws surrounding the protected areas. The case studies were furthered by grounded theory methods of site analysis and aerial analysis of each of the cities.
The zoning laws in Missoula were the only zones throughout all three case studies that had zones designated to protect open space. The O.P. zones allowed for certain plots of land to be designated as open space for the sake of preserving natural resources and habitat. Only type of O.P. zone allowed for small development within it.
The zoning laws on the borders of Rocky Mountain National Park are conducive to having animals pass through yards year round.
Discussion
With the lack of distinct buffer zones in Tucson, along with the lack of land to do so outside of the protected land boundaries, the diagram above is presented as a viable option for the Tucson area.