The Southern Arizona Buffelgrass Coordination Center (SABCC) received “Partners in Conservation” award from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
In southern Arizona, the rapid spread of buffelgrass and conversion of fire-resistant desert to flammable grassland rivals climate change and drought as the region’s most pressing environmental issue.
Buffelgrass not only impacts native ecosystems, it also poses a serious threat to life, property, tourism and the regional economy.
Tucson Electric Power (TEP), a longstanding partner in land stewardship, joined this effort in 2008. As Marketing Communications Manager, I led TEP’s efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of mapping buffelgrass across the region, and coordinating control efforts across jurisdictions.