Join in advocating for science-based, ecologically appropriate management of Tucson-area parks

The founding members of Alliance for Ecological Park Management (AEPM) invite you to join us in advocating for science-based, ecologically appropriate management of Tucson-area parks. We collaborate with the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department and other stakeholders in working toward AEPM’s vision. Our statement of purpose and goals is attached.

Our intention is to create a roster of organizations and individuals who support AEPM’s goals. Together, we can be a powerful force not only for advocacy but also for sharing experience and expertise in best practices. In this way, we can protect the biodiversity that Tucson-area parks harbor and the ecological services that they provide.

You or your organization can join this roster by signing the attached statement of support. By signing this statement, you indicate only general support for AEPM’s purpose and goals. If AEPM takes a position on a particular issue in ecological management, individuals and organizations will have the opportunity to endorse that position—but your endorsement would be strictly optional.

We also invite supporters on the advocacy roster to indicate areas of expertise and technical assistance that they might be able to offer to park managers in accomplishing our mutual goals. Examples include restoration ecology, landscape architecture, biological inventory, and rainwater harvesting. The attached statement of support includes a space for indicating your or your organization’s areas of expertise and potential technical assistance.

If you have any questions or need more information, please e-mail Jennifer Shopland at ecologicalparkmanagement@gmail.com. You can also fill out an online sign-up form here.

Thank you very much for considering this invitation. We’re encouraged by the groundswell of interest and support that AEPM has received so far, and we hope to see your name on the advocacy roster.

With all good wishes,

Sheila Bowden, Friends of Fort Lowell Park

Barbara Jones, Friends of Danny Lopez Park

Kendall Kroesen, former Tucson Parks and Recreation Commissioner

Jennifer Shopland, Friends of Rio Vista