parcel. The court also concluded that while the evidence supported an inference that a pygmy owl used the parcel, the allegation that the construction would harm the owl lacked such support, and was weakened by inconsistent facts. As to harassment of the pygmy owl, the court determined that the evidence did not show that the bird's behavioral patterns would be adversely affected by construction of the school. In the court's view, only speculation supporting the assertion that human activity associated with the school would harass the owl. Defenders of Wildlife appealed the District Court decision, and the case proceeded to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The court held that the school district could not be prevented from building a school on the site. The court asserted that critical habitat designation played no role in the case. At the time of appeal, FWS had not yet made a critical habitat designation for the pygmy owl. The Ninth Circuit found that the insufficiency of Defenders' evidence was the main issue, and any critical habitat designation would not have altered the outcome of the case. Establishment of IRHS The school district finally began construction of the high school following the decision in early 2000, and Ironwood Ridge opened for students in fall 2001, eliminating the overcrowding issue at Canyon del Oro High School. Feeder schools Ironwood Ridge is fed by Richard B. Wilson K-8 School and Coronado K-8 School. Rivals Ironwood's major rivals include the nearby Canyon del Oro High School and Cienega High School from Vail. Notable alumni Alex Bowman, racing driver References External links Educational institutions established in 2001 Public high schools in Arizona Schools in Pima County, Arizona 2001 establishments in Arizona