Keeping Daisy Mountain free of development topic of Oct. 3 forum
Voters will learn potential impact of state land reform propositions
by Barry Cohen

ANTHEM – An Oct. 3 forum may inform voters about which of two measures on the November ballot will keep Daisy Mountain free of development.

The North Country Conservancy will discuss the potential impact of competing state land reform propositions at a Daisy Mountain Preservation Effort Voter Forum beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Anthem Community Center, 41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem.

“Keeping the mountain free of development would keep the spectacular views, raise property values, provide recreation opportunities and keep the equestrian trails that link to the Maricopa County Regional Trail,” said a preservation effort news release.

Both propositions set aside state trust land for conservation, but the specific details of each have major implications for residents in the Desert Foothills, Anthem and Scottsdale.

Prop. 105, which is backed by developers and cattle ranchers, would preserve about 43,000 acres of state trust land. It also could provide protection for an additional 400,000 acres, but in order for that to happen, the state legislature would have to approve protection for each additional parcel.

Prop. 106 is backed by conservationist groups, including the Desert Foothills Land Trust and the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

The measure would prevent the state from auctioning 694,000 acres of undeveloped state trust land to developers. Also known as “Conserving Arizona’s Future,” Prop.106 would also give local authorities the power to limit and control development of undeveloped land in their communities.

Both propositions, if passed, will also affect the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale and several areas surrounding Cave Creek, including land near Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Continental Mountain and Maricopa County’s Cave Creek Regional Park.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.