Collaborative partnerships: the key to successful conservation planning in America’s fastest growing metropolitan area

Authors: Rick Fridell, Melinda Bennion, Martin Schijf, Kody Callister, Sarah Siefken, Erik Woodhouse

Year: 2022

Abstract

Washington County has been the fastest growing county in Utah over the previous 30 years and one of fastest growing areas by percentage in the United States. The current growth rate of St. George is above 19% making it the fastest growing small metro area in the United States in 2022. This rapid population growth is projected to continue well into the foreseeable future. Washington County lies at the intersection of the Mohave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau leading to a diverse mosaic of habitats and making it the most biological diverse area in Utah. Land and water development to accommodate rapid growth coupled with this unique biological diversity has led to the potential for conflicts between economic development and sensitive / endangered species conservation. Several largescale collaborative programs between local, state, and federal entities have been established to manage these potential conflicts. We will provide a summary of many of these long-term cooperative planning efforts including the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program and the Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan. Thoughtful land use and water development planning is instrumental in continuing to find solutions to maintain quality of life for the human population while enhancing sensitive wildlife and aquatic species habitat.