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  • Native Plant Salvage and Preservation

    About the Native Plant Salvage Program (NPSP)

    The Pima County Department of Transportation (PCDOT), through the Native Plant Salvage Program (NPSP), offers governmental agencies and non-profit native plant organizations the opportunity to salvage native plants that will conflict with new construction. This program is a key component of the Department’s strong commitment to fiscal and environmental responsibility in roadway improvement projects.

    Successful salvaging of native plants relies on the harvested plants being replanted soon after the time of salvage. This is not possible on roadway projects. Two years or more may occur between the time when roadway construction is started and final landscaping is complete. PCDOT is therefore offering these native plants to partnering organizations that have more immediate uses for these plants.

    How it Works

    Projects with opportunities for salvage will be posted on this web page as they occur. Notices will also be sent out to non-profit native plant organizations who contact PCDOT Community Relations. If you are a member of a non-profit organization that has an interest in salvaging plants in the Pima County right of way, provide your organization’s name and contact information to PCDOT at 724-6410. Your organization’s name will be placed on a list that will be notified when salvage opportunities occur.

    The following information will be provided by Pima County on this website:

    • Dates when salvage opportunities will be allowed
    • Listing of the available plants
    • Links to necessary permits (see below)
    • PCDOT project contact information: County Project Manager

    Agencies and non-profit organizations will be responsible for the following:

    • Obtaining a Right of Way Permit (Fee will be waived)
    Contact PCDOT at (520) 724-6410 for permit application information.

    Obtaining necessary plant tags from the Arizona Department of Agriculture
    Supplying all labor and equipment necessary for plant salvage
    Individuals wishing to participate should contact a Partnering Organization

    Pima County DOT’s Requirements for Agencies and Participating Organizations

    • Non-profit organization supervisor or designated agency field supervisor shall be knowledgeable of accepted safety practices.
    • Participants must adhere to all Pima County Safety Rules and Regulations.
    • Participants must wear safety vests, which should be supplied by the participating organization.
    • Participants must adhere to safety rules and regulations.

    Safety Rules and Regulations

    Safety of the volunteers is the number one priority of the Native Plant Salvage Program. The following guidelines are designed to help ensure the safety of each volunteer and must be adhered to at all times.

    • All participants must be at least 18 years of age.
    • Salvage activities must be scheduled through the Project Manager and must be performed only in daylight hours and during good weather conditions.
    • Participants should assemble away from the designated work site and carpool to reduce the number of cars at the project site. Vehicles must be parked at least four feet away from the roadway.
    • Safety vests must be worn by all participants at all times during the native plant salvage project.
    • Participants must not distract motorists with horseplay or abrupt, erratic movements. Horseplay of any kind is strictly forbidden.

    Previous Projects

    • Plant Salvaging Opportunity – Orange Grove Road: Camino de la Tierra to La Cholla Boulevard - December 5, 2011
    • Plant Salvaging Opportunity – La Canada Drive: River Road to Ina Road - August 2, 2011
    • Plant Salvaging Opportunity – La Cholla Boulevard-Magee Road to Overton Road - July 7, 2011
    For more information, contact the TCSS: www.TucsonCactus.org

    Phone: (520) 256-2447
    Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society

    For those individuals not currently involved in a non-profit native plant organization but wanting the opportunity to salvage plants, the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society (TCSS) welcomes and invites new members to join and participate through their organization. The TCSS will only permit TCSS Members to work with them due to insurance coverage and to be able to guarantee that participants follow all its rules and procedures as well as all State requirements. TCSS memberships are $15 for individuals and $20 for families.

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    Transportation

    201 N. Stone Ave., 4th Fl.
    Tucson, AZ 85701

    (520) 724-6410


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