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Trail Maps (pdf/5.5mb/4pp)
Planned Preserve - 36,400 acres
(pdf/2.9mb/1p)
State Trust Land Status
(pdf/2.6mb/1p)
Preserve Ordinance (pdf/360kb/11pp) |
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Hot Topics
Scottsdale launches campaign against invasive weeds --
The City of Scottsdale has created a new brochure that outlines the top eight Invasive Weeds (pdf/973kb/2pp) identified to exist in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For a printed copy, please call the Scottsdale Fire Department at (480) 312-FIRE or (480) 312-3111. More Info...
Have you spotted the rare crested saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve? -- This unique plant specimen is located near the small amphitheater at the Lost Dog Wash Access Area.
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While the exact cause of this unusual form is unknown, Botanists theorize it may result from genetic mutation or damage from a lightning strike or freezing temperatures.
The majestic plant, prohibited by state law from commercial sale, was seized by the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Preserve staff worked with the Department to find a safe and permanent home in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for this unusual giant. The crested saguaro is now standing watch along the Lost Dog Wash Trail.
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State Land Reform
For a number of years a broad based, diverse consortium of interests from around the State have been meeting to achieve State Land reform. This effort is important to Scottsdale because 16,100 acres of State Trust Land in the planned Preserve Boundary has been reclassified as suitable for conservation by the State (State Trust Land Status). Numerous strategies have been attempted including working through the State Legislature and submitting a proposition to Arizona voters.
There is general consensus the rules and regulations that control the use of the millions of acres of State Trust Land need updating. Existing State Land laws were put in place at the time of statehood in 1912. Most agree the Arizona of today is much different than the Arizona back then. Laws pertaining to State Land need to be modified to address the needs of the State today. This is particularly urgent and necessary in Arizona's urban areas.
Currently, the State is required by law to sell State Trust land at its highest and best use value. Proceeds go to aid State institutions, primarily the public schools. The State Constitution does not recognize conservation as a possible use of State Trust land. In 1996, then Governor Symington signed into law the Arizona Preserve Initiative (API). The API provided a tool for appropriate State Land in urban areas to be conserved. Strict criteria relating to biological, scenic, and intrinsic values were used to determine whether proposed State Land was eligible for conservation consideration. Eligible land would still need to be sold at the highest and best use price. Recently, issues with the legality of the API have surfaced. This is all the more reason many have been advocating State Land reform.
Gateway Access Area to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
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| In June 2008, construction began on the Gateway Access Area. The Gateway is located east of Thompson Peak Parkway, one-half mile north of Bell Road (map). This Access Area is the largest and most significant entry point to the Preserve. The facility will have 200 parking spaces, restrooms, shade ramadas, a dog comfort station, water fountains, and an equestrian staging area with 16 trailer parking spaces, water troughs, hitching rails, and a shade ramada. The Gateway is also the site of the planned Desert Discovery Center. |
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Construction is anticipated to be complete in the spring of 2009.
View conceptual Gateway plans.
The Gateway is designed to have a minimal impact on the fragile desert environment. Green building elements incorporated in the facility include solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, solar water heating, rammed earth walls constructed of native soil from on-site excavation, structural steel made of high recycled content, highly efficient mechanical equipment, native landscaping, and parking lot and path surfaces made of stabilized decomposed granite.
Proposed Desert Discovery Center at the Gateway to the Preserve
Planning continues for establishing a Desert Discovery Center in the Gateway to the Preserve. The discovery center is envisioned to provide opportunities for residents and visitors to discover the story of the Upper Sonoran Desert. Through exhibits and environmental experiences - presented in a natural setting, the center will inspire learning about the desert through its programs which encourage preservation and instill a sense of harmony with and respect for the desert.
A task force comprised of Preserve Commission and Tourism Development Commission members was formed to manage a consultant study by ConsultEcon, Inc. Exhibit Design Associates, who were hired to develop concepts for the desert discovery through a public involvement process. The completed report is attached. The consultants will present the report to both commissions in July and to the City Council in August or September. The report identifies next steps the community should consider to move the planning process along.
View the Report (PDF/16MB/205 pages) May take time to load.
Contact
The Preservation Division coordinates all activities involving the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for City of Scottsdale.For more information on the City's preservation program you may call Bob Cafarella @ 480-312-2577. For specific questions on Preserve trails or access, contact Scott Hamilton at (480) 312-7722. For questions on Preserve management, please call Claire Miller @ 480-312-2504. You may also reach us at Preservation@scottsdaleaz.gov.
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Related Sites:  (sites listed below are not part of the City of Scottsdale web site)
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Center for Native & Urban Wildlife |