13 – Wildlands Network concept (2001)

On August 22, 2001, CRC sponsored an illustrated lecture at the Portal Fire and Rescue classroom by David Hodges and Kim Vacariu on the Wildlands Network concept, involving Core Reserves (mainly wilderness areas), Compatible-Use Areas (buffers) and Linkages (corridors between native habitats).

CRC Directors believe this model for preserving and linking pristine habitats is crucial to conservation worldwide and is especially pertinent to the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the premier Sky Islands of the Southwest. The speakers stressed that cooperation between government agencies and private landholders is essential to attain conservation goals.

(David, who then worked for Sky Island Alliance, is now a CRC Board Member. Kim retired from working for The Wildlands Project and continues to promote conservation through Heritage Days and as a Board Member for the Friends of Cave Creek Canyon.)