Multi-Species Grassland Restoration in the Bonita Area of Southeastern Arizona

Local ranchers drove the restoration of semi-dessert grassland to create diverse and connected habitats for pronghorn, quail, and other grassland species, as well as improve rangeland productivity for cattle on private lands and state trust lands. The project focuses on mechanical removal of mesquite that has reduced nesting habitats and cover of forage for wildlife and caused habitat fragmentation. By 2018, mesquite was removed from over 20,000 acres, and over 105 miles of fence were modified into wildlife corridors. This project was a collaborative effort among Quail Forever, AAF, NRCS, NRCD, Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), Pheasants Forever, and private ranches.