Press Coverage May 2020

ARIZONA: McDowell Mountain working with that type of The best campsite Regional Park in Maricopa equipment. And again, if it’s windy in every state County out, just wait and do the work DARCY SCHILD, MATTHEW another day.” WILSON MAY 29, 2020, 6:42 AM The fire started in the area of 24th Street and Hills, 4 miles • Camping is a popular way north of Cave Creek Regional to relax, unplug, and have Park, around 1 p.m. May 17. an adventure while maintaining social According to Davila, four or five distancing guidelines. homes, including a vacant one, were • From the Redwood evacuated early on and provided of California to Florida’s structure protection. vibrant natural springs, Sue Stokes/ShutterstockMcDowell Mountain Regional Park. nature enthusiasts can Aircraft were ordered to assist ground crews with the fire, which explore a variety of “Easy to find a private space to Davila said moved around the campsites in the US. camp. Backside of McDowells are homes and “creeped back down a • Insider compiled a list not as popular so if you are like me hill into open space.” Around 8 p.m., of top-ranked campsites in you will love quiet. I have seen all however, high wind gusts caused it every state based on ratings kinds of wildlife from to pick back up and head toward from Yelp and (no monster ) to deer,” wrote Yelp Cahava Springs. TripAdvisor. user Mer B, who gave McDowell

Mountain Regional Park and its That night, and into the next If baseball is America’s pastime, stunning desert landscape five stars. morning, roughly 130 homes were camping might as well be runner-up. evacuated and provided structure For nature-lovers, nothing compares The park has 76 individual sites for protection. to stargazing in the forest, making tent or RV camping, according to Davila said additional resources s’mores, and exploring beautiful its official website. arrived on the scene by the morning, parks and trails. including engines, hotshot crews and With many summer attractions East Desert Fire additional aircraft. Roughly 250 to 400 firefighters were on-site at one closed due to the coronavirus contained, cause pandemic, camping is a way to have point. a memorable summer adventure under investigation while maintaining social distancing May 28, 2020 jtaylor 46 Views That day, the Federal Emergency guidelines. Be sure to call ahead to By CONNOR DZIAWURA Management Agency (FEMA) reserve a spot – campgrounds in Foothills Focus Staff Writer Region IX administrator approved a some states are still closed or acting request from the state of to at a limited capacity. With the East Desert Fire contained use federal funds to fight the fire, after having burned 1,492 acres, citing any damage that could happen In order to make your next outdoor officials are investigating what was to nearby residences, the downtown adventure one for the books, Insider determined to be a human cause, area, and cultural and historical sites compiled a list of top-rated according to the Arizona as a “major disaster.” campsites in every state, based on Department of Forestry and Fire ratings from Yelp and TripAdvisor. Management. The Fire Management Assistance From highly acclaimed national Grant (FMAG) covers up to 75% of parks to hidden gems local campers “This is an excellent reminder for eligible firefighting costs with federal love, the US is home to a variety of people to use caution outdoors,” funds. The Disaster Relief Fund campsites that offer experiences for warned Tiffany Davila, a provides allowances for FMAGs, everyone. spokeswoman for the department. which cover expenses for field “Avoid burning on windy days and camps, equipment use, materials, Keep reading to discover the best don’t use equipment that can throw supplies and mobilization, and camping spot in each state. sparks, i.e., torches, chainsaws, etc. demobilization activities. Always use a spark arrester when

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Press Coverage May 2020

Crews spent May 18 to May 20 bring excessive traffic, noise and battling the flames, ultimately Residents protest crime to their pacific neighborhood, building a fire line and boxing it in to developments which looks out to White Tank prevent further spread. The next By Tom Scanlon, West Valley View Mountain Regional Park. several days were dedicated to Managing Editor mopping up and monitoring for May 27, 2020 A third group is protesting plans to hotspots. The incident was estimated develop Allen Ranch, a massive, contained at 4 p.m. May 22. 800-acre property north of Goodyear’s PV303. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department lifted the evacuation at It is too early to tell if the residents’ 6 p.m. May 19. protests will stop the developments. Cotton Properties, an area at the After a closure, the Cave Creek Loop 303 and Bethany Home Road Regional Park reopened May 21 with that includes a proposed Love’s trail restrictions to be lifted the Travel Center, was annexed from following day, according to the C.J. Unzen, center, and a group of Litchfield Park unincorporated Maricopa County Maricopa County Parks and and Waddell residents vigorously oppose a Love’s into Glendale in January, despite Recreation Department. Travel Center planned near Loop 303 and Bethany outcry at meetings from Unzen’s Home Road. West Valley View photo by Tom Scanlon group. The fire’s rapid spread is attributed to dry vegetation and winds, which When word of a new development Cotton Properties next goes to the posed a challenge for on-site crews. comes along, some simply say, “Oh Glendale Planning Commission at 6 Davila reported some wind gusts of well—there goes the neighborhood.” p.m. June 4, when the developer’s up to 25 to 30 miles per hour. request to rezone from agricultural But not people like John Connolly to commercial uses will be heard. Though officials determined the fire and C.J. Unzen. They say, “Oh no— to be human caused, the source don’t ruin the neighborhood!” As for the Kiernan West “cross- remains under investigation. dock” facility, a developer’s request Both are residents of Litchfield Park. for a military compatibility permit “Stage II fire restrictions are in place Connolly lives at Litchfield Greens, for the project at Falcon Golf on state-owned and managed lands, on the east side of the Loop 303. Course was heard by the Maricopa with the exception of Coconino Unzen lives on the west side of the County Planning and Zoning County, south of the Grand freeway, which has become the hub Commission. Canyon,” Davila emphasized. “With of development. that, campfires are not allowed. But, after 77 harshly critical emails Target shooting and fireworks are A few months after Unzen heard were read during an online meeting never allowed on state lands at any about a Love’s Travel Center May 14, a vote by the commissioners time of the year. brewing in her neighborhood, was delayed until the commission’s Connolly learned of plans to turn the next meeting, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, “While private property is exempt of Falcon Golf Course—just outside May 28. It is also scheduled as online restrictions,” she continued, “it’s Litchfield Park and Goodyear—into only. (To view, more important now than ever that a “cross-dock” transportation visit attendee.gotowebinar.com/regis people pay attention to weather facility. ter/3164624669529885968.) conditions and stay vigilant when working outside. Do not burn on Neither of them liked the projects The cities of Goodyear and windy days, and avoid the use of any one bit. Litchfield Park as well as Luke Air equipment that can start a fire. Force Base also sent letters Vegetation is very dry. Once a fire Connolly is leading opposition to challenging the proposed gets started in those fine fuels, fire what could bring thousands of transportation facility. moves rapidly and grows very trucks daily to West Camelback quickly, becoming almost impossible Road. Connolly is a manager with the for someone to extinguish on their Federal Aviation Administration, so own.” Unzen and a group of neighbors she he was not intimidated by complex helped organize say a truck stop will documents explaining the project.

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He said he moved to Litchfield Park “I’m definitely against the Love’s “We discovered three major issues a due to his wife’s deep roots there. truck stop,” he said. “I had two truck stop would bring to our area “Her family is third-generation previous homes, in Nevada and that would be detrimental to our native and has been farming here California, where they tried to put quality of life: crime, air quality, and since back in the day,” Connolly truck stops in within a mile and a traffic impact on safety. A fourth said. half of my home. We fought against factor, a decrease in property values, it.” was also identified.” While he understands the West Valley is no longer a farming He said he and his neighbors won While some in the group put community, he was already growing one of the battles but lost another. together a highlighted “fact sheet,” frustrated at big trucks roaring up others hit the streets, delivering it and down Camelback Road “all day So what was having a truck stop in door to door (in pre-pandemic days) and all night with no regard for the his neighborhood like? and emailing it. residents.” “It was terrible,” Kidwell said. “It “Homeowners begin pitching in, Then he read about the cross-dock was loud, it was congested, it stunk telling their neighbors, posting on project, two weeks before a of diesel fumes—and the noise.” neighborhood message boards and scheduled vote. “When people saw sending emails,” Unzen said. that this project has been worked in Ironically, Kidwell had to yell to be a vacuum for years and that the heard, as Luke Air Force Base jets Grassroots protest tips ‘optics’ were poor, we were all mad raced overhead. But, Kidwell noted, With the rapid growth of the West as heck, but anger only goes so far. the jets stop at night. He and others Valley, others are certain to have Why were we not informed, asked to are concerned about big trucks idling developers interested in big, participate or collaborate?” Connolly all day and night. industrial projects that might come said. as an unpleasant surprise to quiet Kidwell and a dozen of his neighborhoods. While Facebook “Stop the Cross neighbors met a few months ago at Dock” pages were popping up and the Cotton Lane Baptist Church Connolly and Unzen say residents an online protest gained thousands parking lot. They pointed across don’t have to just sit by and let big of signatures, Connolly decided to narrow, two-lane Cotton Lane at the projects roll over them. help take the challenge to the next sprawling farmland. level. “ “I’d say if you don’t like what you As the year began, as it had long hear or see, say something or ask a “We needed to organize and align been, the farm was unincorporated question or two,” Connolly said. with each other, and fast,” he said. Maricopa County. “That’s when I started to network “Others may have a different with the adjacent HOAs, like Palm On Jan. 14, it became Glendale. perspective that may in turn change Valley Phase V, and reached out to your mind or they’ll have the same Mayor Tom Schoaf of Litchfield “That’s Glendale,” said Jennifer concerns creating an opportunity to Park to ensure we had common Bloomberg, of Waddell, pointing network, organize and unite so your interests and that our goals were across the street. “This is not. The message is loud and clear and you aligned.” residents of Glendale are not will be taken seriously.” affected by this.” Truck stop protest And, he stressed for those who Months Connolly rallied forces to Unzen was at that meeting but might not be comfortable in fight the cross-dock, residents of far- stressed she was one of many leadership, “everyone has a role.” west Litchfield Park and Waddell helping organize the fight against the were trying to put the brakes on a truck stop. Unzen is a retired program manager truck stop. who moved here from Southern “I was able to engage a handful of California “for the rural John Kidwell, who lives in the neighbors from surrounding environment and low crime.” Russell Ranch development of communities, and we started actively Litchfield Park, said he has personal researching the negative aspects of “The key to being engaged in an experience to back up his concerns. living near a truck stop,” she said. effort of this nature is to remain

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focused and ignore the naysayers. Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:00 The moderate 2-mile hike on There’s always a risk associated with am Deer Trail allows visitors to see the every effort but there’s also the Sun City West Independent desert in a different light -- by reward of making new friends and By Steve Stockmar moonlight -- during a walk through gaining knowledge,” she said. the . Close-toed shoes are recommended, and always “I knew a truck stop would change bring water. Flashlights are optional. the landscape of this area forever, and that is why I became so Dogs are welcome to remain at passionate about coordinating home. efforts to try to convince Love’s and A fire ban is in effect at White Tank the city of Glendale to find a more Mountain Regional Park, and the appropriate location for the truck Nature Center is currently closed. stop.” The Waterfall Trailhead, including the parking lot and restrooms, are Similarly, Connolly feels a cross- closed to help ensure safe social- dock facility would forever change distancing. Mesquite Trailhead is the landscape of his neighborhood. open.

Like Unzen, he stressed the When parking restrictions are in importance of collaboration. place, do not park along the roadway or create parking spots. “Doing this alone would be [RUTH WELSCOTT/SPECIAL TO impossible. Everyone involved has INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA] Due to COVID-19, the park hours now ‘lawyered up,’ so I decided to are blooming at the White Tanks Regional have been changed. Until further do the same,” Connolly said. Park, 15 miles southwest of Sun City West. Guests notice, hours are 5 a.m.-8 p.m. can easily stay in a car to see them, as Ruth Welscott Sunday through Saturday. of the Sun City Camera Guild did to capture this He and a neighbor, Dave Morgan, image May 1. who previously fought a proposed Nearly 30,000 acres makes White racetrack adjacent to Luke, got to IF YOU GO Tank Mountain Regional Park the work. “We interviewed multiple law What: Full Moon Walk on Mule largest regional park in Maricopa firms, partnered with Palm Valley Deer Trail County. Phase V and started a GoFundMe When: 7-8:45 p.m. Friday, June 5 The range, deeply serrated with Campaign.” Where: White Tank Mountain ridges and canyons, rises sharply Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank from its base to peak at over 4,000 At gofundme.com/f/stop-the-cross- Mountain Road, Waddell feet. Infrequent heavy rains cause dock, $6,000 has been pledged—a More Information: 602-506-2930 flash floodwaters to plunge through long way from the $100,000 needed White Tank Mountain Regional the canyons and pour onto the plain, to pay lawyers, Connolly said. Park according to Maricopa County Parks 20304 W. White Tank Mountain and Recreation. These torrential Seeing all the projects going up Road flows, pouring down chutes and around the West Valley, others who Waddell, AZ dropping off ledges, have scoured came here to escape the urban woes out a series of depressions, or tanks, for rural peace and quiet might share While there are fire bans and social in the white rock below, thus John Connolly’s worry: distancing requirements, White Tank giving the mountains their name. Mountain Regional Park is open for Call 602-506-2930. “Are we just a dumping ground for fun. warehouses and industrial The park, located about 15 miles expansions?” southwest of Sun City West at 20304 Campfires banned W. White Tank Mountain Road, this Memorial Day Waddell, will host a Full Moon Walk Walk by moonlight on Trail 7-8:45 p.m. weekend due to at upcoming White Friday, June 5. wildfire risks By Nicole Garcia Tanks event Published 3 days ago Social distance among the saguaros Page 4

Press Coverage May 2020

wildfires, according to officials, has distancing. Mesquite Trailhead is Campfires banned due to fire not been restricted. open. restrictions this Memorial Day weekend "What causes most of our fires in When parking restrictions are in Arizona is vehicle use," said Garcia. place, do not park along the roadway The restrictions came as forestry "As you travel, make sure you have or create parking spots. officials issued a red flag warning for no metal or things dragging from parts of the state. your vehicle." Due to COVID-19, the park hours have been changed. Until further PHOENIX - Arizona forestry Officials also recommend making notice, hours are 5 a.m.-8 p.m. officials have issued a red flag sure your tires are inflated before Sunday through Saturday. warning in Coconino and Mohave you go, as sparks from blown tires Counties, due to high winds, heat, and rims dragging on pavements are Nearly 30,000 acres makes White and heavy traffic in open areas this another common cause of wildfires. Tank Mountain Regional Park the Memorial Day weekend, boosting largest regional park in Maricopa the fire danger across the state. County. Walk by moonlight While it’s a beautiful weekend to get at upcoming White The range, deeply serrated with outdoors, and people are flocking to ridges and canyons, rises sharply lakes and campgrounds. At Lake Tanks event from its base to peak at over 4,000 Pleasant Regional Park, there were Social distance among the saguaros feet. Infrequent heavy rains cause cars at parking lots, as well as spots Posted Tuesday, May 26, 2020 9:00 flash floodwaters to plunge through along the road. Families were eager am the canyons and pour onto the plain, to enjoy the sun and outdoors. Sun City West Independent according to Maricopa County Parks By Steve Stockmar and Recreation. These torrential "This is great to get out in the open flows, pouring down chutes and and everything and enjoy being While there are fire bans and social dropping off ledges, have scoured around people," said one person at distancing requirements, White out a series of depressions, or tanks, the park. Tank Mountain Regional Park is in the white granite rock below, thus open for fun. giving the mountains their name. Along with large crowds and social The park, located about 15 miles Call 602-506-2930. southwest of Sun City West at 20304 distancing, parks and state officials also worried about the increased fire W. White Tank Mountain Road, danger, in a week when firefighters Waddell, will host a Full Moon Walk Things To Do in have battled several wildfires and on Mule Deer Trail 7-8:45 p.m. Phoenix For brush fires across the state. Friday, June 5. Memorial Day Fire officials are on high alert, The moderate 2-mile hike on Mule It's still possible to celebrate hoping all the human activity doesn’t Deer Trail allows visitors to see the Memorial Day 2020 in Phoenix, spark a major wildfire. With high desert in a different light -- by here's how. winds and dry conditions, Arizona moonlight -- during a walk through By Amanda Savage, Patch Staff has been placed under Stage 2 fire the Sonoran Desert. Close-toed May 23, 2020 9:27 pm restrictions, which means campfires shoes are recommended, and always MT | Updated May 23, 2020 9:28 are banned. bring water. Flashlights are optional. pm MT

"Bans on charcoal use, target Dogs are welcome to remain at shooting," said Dolores Garcia with home. the Bureau of Land Management. A fire ban is in effect at White Tank Propane tanks must be at least six Mountain Regional Park, and the feet away from brush or grass. Nature Center is currently closed. Welding, smoking outdoors, and using engine tools are prohibited. The Waterfall Trailhead, including the parking lot and restrooms, are However, the cause of most Trails will be packed in Phoenix for Memorial Day closed to help ensure safe social- 2020. (Shutterstock)

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• Yard House • State PHOENIX — In Phoenix, • Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Historic Park Memorial Day is traditionally • LongHorn Steakhouse offers a • National Parks, Statewide celebrated with large groups outside, social media hotline for grilling • Some of Arizona's national but holiday celebrations will be advice from "certified Grill parks are opened with indefinitely different while there is Masters" too. restrictions. Parks like The no cure for COVID-19. , Petrified Forest, Phoenix City Parks, Citywide Lake Mead and Glen Canyon Here are some ideas of things to do Phoenix city parks are semi- have different policies that are on Memorial Day. operational. with some Some city listed on each park website.

pools are open with restrictions. All Octane Raceway, Scottsdale indoor recreation facilities are still Octane raceway offers high-speed closed. Outdoor recreation facilities Arizona Wildfire kart racing, an arcade with virtual like trails and golf courses are open Which Sparked reality games and minibowling. with some limitations. Large Octane Raceway re-opened May 22 gatherings are not permitted. Evacuation of Park with new hours and with a transparent sanitation system. Caused by Humans Maricopa County Parks, BY EWAN PALMER ON 5/22/20

Countywide AT 10:01 AM EDT Topgolf, Scottsdale Hiking is currently one of the only Newsweek Topgolf Scottsdale is the only accessible activities at county parks. location currently open in the state. Nature centers, playgrounds, An Arizona park has been forced to They have implemented social campgrounds and picnic areas are temporarily close following a wildfire distancing, disinfecting measures and closed. The county is also which was later determined to be employee health checks. monitoring social manmade.

distancing protocol, so large groups People hiking or biking in the Castles-n-Coasters, Phoenix White are not recommended. Lake Pleasant Castles-n-Coasters has reopened but Tank Mountain Regional Park Regional Park has some unique rules near Phoenix were forced to their specific safety policies are currently in place. evacuate on Thursday as a result of unclear. the blaze in Area 4.

Arizona State Parks, Statewide Salt River Tubing, Mesa According to azstateparks.com, state "All of the appropriate response This Valley pastime has reopened parks are open for teams are on the scene and working with some changes. Face coverings "responsible outdoor recreation." on the wildfire," Maricopa County are required to wear on the river and However, the following historical Parks officials said in a statement. the facility is providing free sites are still closed: bandanas to all attendees to enforce • - The park and trails will remain this new rule. There are also camping loops D&E closed throughout May 22. additional changes to their shuttle • transport system and more, which State Historic The Arizona Department of can all be viewed on their website. Park Forestry and Fire Management later • Fool Hollow Lake Recreation confirmed the flames were caused by Grill To-Go, Citywide Area - double campsites limited humans and an investigation into the Many Phoenix-area restaurants offer to one side incident has been launched. ready-to-grill options this weekend. • Fort Verde State Historic Park

Here's a list of some of the Valley • Jerome State Historic Park There are no reported injuries as a restaurants with this offering, check • Kartchner Caverns cave tours result of the blaze. out their website for details. • McFarland State Historic Park • Mastro's • Riordan Mansion State Historic The fire broke out • ZuZu's Park after Maricopa County Parks and • Sandbar • State Park Recreation Department brought in a • Pedal Haus - trails to the bridge and fire ban on May 11 in a bid to • The Capital Grille reservations at Goodfellow prevent any wildfires spreading. • Eddie V's Lodge

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"Given the abundance of rain we've the flames were caused by humans received this year, we had a beautiful State Forestry: but not sure exactly how yet. wildflower season in the parks. As Brush fire burning temperatures begin to rise, the parks One of our viewers who was less are left with dangerous loads of on the White Tank than a mile away described dried-out brush on the ground that Mountains seeing heavy brown smoke, and then can ignite a wildfire with just a small By: abc15.com staff seeing red/orange flames across the spark," R.J. Posted at 9:49 PM, May 21, 2020 top of the peaks. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director said in a BUCKEYE, AZ — Arizona State No injuries have been reported from statement. Forestry says a brush fire burning on the fire. "As a land manager, we believe the White is now implementing a fire ban at this time 60% contained. The fire is burning on the southeast is the responsible thing to do to side of the park, about 3 1/2 miles ensure visitor and park resource The fire is burning on the southeast west of Waddell. The White Tank safety." side of park. Mountain Regional Park is located west of the Phoenix area. It's Use of campfires, fire pits and Officials first said the fire was about the largest regional park in the charcoal grills are prohibited as a 35 acres, but it grew to about 128 county, and is known as a rugged result of the ban, although acres as of late Friday morning. area with trails for hiking, biking and gas/propane grills are still allowed in horseback riding. certain designated areas. It is unclear exactly what sparked the fire, but officials have determined it It has been a hot, dry day, and this is While smoking in the parks is is human-caused. Fire investigators the third wildfire to break out allowed, people are discouraged to are working at the scene to learn around our state. Earlier in the do so in the park because of the more. day the 190-acre Purcell Fire started extremely dry conditions. Those who burning southwest of Anthem. That do smoke are being advised to fully fire was located west of Interstate 17 extinguish all cigarettes properly and Hiking trails and Daisy Mountain Drive near the place them in trash receptacles. evacuated after federal prison.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park human-caused Later, the Park Fire forced 150 is one of the parks affected by the wildfire in White homes to evacuate in Bagdad in ban, along with others such as Yavapai County. That fire was Adobe Regional Park, Lake Tank Mountain Park burning in the neighborhood of Pleasant Regional Park, Spur Cross azfamily.com News Staff Lindahl, Navaho and east Park Ranch Conservation Area and Cave Updated May 22, 2020 | Posted on drives. YCSO had sent out a Code Creek Regional Park. May 21, 2020 Red "Go" message to people who The National Weather Service live in the area. Just after 7:30 p.m., currently has a Red Flag fire NEAR WADDELL, AZ the evacuations were lifted. warnings in place for northwest (3TV/CBS5) -- Hikers and bikers in Arizona which affects locations the White Tank Mountain The Arizona Department of near Fredonia, Grand Canyon, Jacob Regional Park were evacuated from Forestry and Fire Management has Lake, North Rim and Valle and parts the trails and park is temporarily its own wildfire risk portal aimed at of the . closed after a wildfire broke out in helping individual communities and The warning are in place as a result the area early Thursday evening. homeowners prepare. The site lets of strong gusty winds and low homeowners type in their address to relative humidity in the area, which The Tank Fire has burned about 128 see their individual wildfire risk and can contribute to extreme fire acres and is 60 percent contained on threat. behavior. the southeast side of the park. The Surprise Police Department said “One of the biggest pushes that we A Red Flag warning means that White Tank Park is temporarily shut do throughout the year is working critical fire weather conditions are down while crews try to put out the with homeowners to create either occurring or are imminent. fire. The Arizona Department of defensible space around their Forestry and Fire Management said property,” Davila said. “It’s a two-

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way street. We have to do our part Chelsea Hofmann, Arizona responsible outdoor recreation, in a and the homeowners have to do RepublicPublished 5:55 p.m. MT post to Twitter on Friday. their part as well.” May 22, 2020 | Updated 7:04 p.m. MT May 22, 2020 Elevated fire weather danger For homeowners, that means conditions will exist across much of making sure their grass is cut, their Meteorologists warned of dangerous south-central Arizona tomorrow. gutters and roofs are clean, there are fire weather conditions in portions Make sure to do your part in no dead trees and limbs hanging of the state on Friday afternoon as preventing wildfires! #azwx over their houses, grills are moved crews continued to battle two fires away from homes and more. that started a day earlier.

Thode said there are other The National Weather Service in preparations that are often Phoenix said elevated fire weather overlooked: Whether there is a conditions were in effect on prescribed fire or wildfire, she said, Friday across most of south-central people tend not to prepare for the Arizona with critical conditions in amount of smoke in the air, making some northern areas of the it harder to breathe and see, state, according to a tweet on especially with high winds. Thursday.

“Being prepared ahead of time, A red flag warning was in effect for Park Fire in Yavapai County grows having a plan for your family, having Coconino County from 1 to to nearly 100 acres a list of the kinds of things that you 6 p.m. Friday, Weather would take if you were evacuated, Service officials tweeted Thursday. A fire burning in the Yavapai those become even more important County community of Bagdad, a for elderly folks and people with Fires continued to burn in Yavapai small mining town about 60 miles disabilities so that those lists are in County and near the White Tank west of Prescott, consumed 98 acres place and someone could come in Mountain Regional Park area on by Friday morning. and help after being handed a list,” Friday, according to the Arizona Thode said. Department of Forestry and Fire The fire prompted the evacuation of Management. Both fires had ignited 65 homes on Thursday, an order that She said it’s particularly important to Thursday. was lifted later that night as crews take preventive actions this year, gained control, according to the when firefighters will face the Crews on Friday also monitored for Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. challenges of battling blazes while hot spots after fire burned an area coping COVID-19. Arizonans southwest of Anthem the day Some homes were 20 feet from the should be raking their pine needles, before. flames, but no structures burned and cleaning out their gutters, holding no one was injured. off on starting campfires at the A small fire burned nearly 4 acres on wrong times and taking other Thursday evening on Mount Crews also were able to contain the measures to “work ahead of time Lemmon, near Tucson. The fire, Park Fire by Friday evening, because that always keeps the risk to dubbed the Busch Fire, was caused according to the Yavapai County our firefighters down.” by an abandoned campfire, without a Sheriff's Office. fire retaining ring, which was left The blaze was first reported about “It’s harder to fight fire safely this smoldering while the forest was 2:45 p.m. Thursday off Pima Road in year,” Thode said, noting that fewer under campfire restrictions, Bagdad and reached 60 acres by 8 fires will mean less time firefighters p.m., Arizona Department of and others are exposed to the officials said on Facebook. Forestry and Fire Management COVID-19 virus. officials said. Gov. Doug Ducey provided a list of precautions that Arizona residents The fire was determined to be Fire crews increase can take to minimize the risk of human-caused. The Yavapai County containment of wildfires, such as ensuring trailer Sheriff's Office said five juveniles chains don't drag and practicing had been seen running away from Arizona fires the area of the fire.

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Waddell, forcing the evacuation of Summer means a heightened threat the park, officials said. of wildfires. There are commonsense precautions we can take to minimize The blaze was burning along the risk southeast side of the park and about three miles west of Waddell, @azstateforestry according to a tweet from the 10:35 AM - May 22, 2020 Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire burns 128 acres near White Fire Management. The agency Tank Mountain Regional Park estimated the fire had grown to 30 to Lake Pleasant remains open, but with a number of 50 acres by 8 p.m. restrictions. Photos courtesy Maricopa County Department of A fire burning near the White Tank Parks and Recreation Mountain Regional Park in Waddell, The White Tank Mountain Regional about 35 miles west of Phoenix, was Park is located about 35 miles east of A fishing group is upset about mapped at 128 acres by Friday Phoenix. The nearly 30,000-acre changes at Lake Pleasant, where morning with 60% desert park is the largest regional the Maricopa County Department of containment, according to a park in the county and features trails Parks and Recreation is enforcing tweet from the Arizona Department for biking, hiking and horseback social distancing, reducing hours and of Forestry and Fire Management. riding. boat launches and limiting the number of people. The blaze — dubbed the Tank The fire in Waddell marked the Fire — was found to be human- fourth blaze that fire crews battled “How could this be fair?” Cynthia caused, and investigators are throughout the state on Thursday. Bihary asked. “I can sit and dine and working to determine the source, do grocery shopping where people officials said. Earlier in the day, an approximately are walking feet from you, even cut 190-acre fire broke out southwest of your hair, but I can’t enjoy the The fire had burned 50 acres on the Anthem, just west of Interstate nature where people are more spread southeast side of the park by 8 17. Officials with the Bureau of out. This doesn’t make sense at all.” p.m. Thursday, officials said. Fire Land Management Arizona said all crews worked through the night to forward movement of the fire had Phil Branson of Glendale and others conduct burnout operations and been stopped in the midafternoon. are upset about one of the main boat secure a fire line, officials said. launches being closed during the Another fire — dubbed the Park week. The fire had forced an evacuation of Fire — reached approximately 60 the White Tank Mountain Regional acres in Bagdad in Yavapai County. “This is forcing everyone to Park on Thursday. The regional park About 150 homes were ordered to congregate at one one ramp to is a 30,000-acre desert park, about evacuate, but residents were able to launch our boats—which is far from three miles west of Waddell, and is return home after the evacuation social distancing,” he said. the largest regional park in Maricopa was lifted a few hours later. County. Barry Worman of Litchfield Park A fourth 2-acre fire also was also doesn’t understand the reported near on restrictions. White Tank Thursday evening. Mountain Regional “Fishing is probably the safest and Contact the reporter most social distancing you can do Park evacuated at [email protected] besides hiking,” he said. “You’re 100 after fire breaks out om. to 300 yards between another boat, Helena Wegner, Arizona Republic if you even see another boat. The Published 10:15 p.m. MT May 21, lake is huge.” 2020 Fishing enthusiasts upset over changes Donna Taylor, a parks and A fire burned up to 50 acres in recreation spokeswoman, said White Tank Mountain Regional at Lake Pleasant Peoria Times Staff restrictions are staying in place— Park on Thursday evening in May 21, 2020 despite Gov. Doug Ducey lifting the

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stay-home order and allowing AZ State Forestry@azstateforestry businesses to reopen. New guidelines at EVACS LIFTED. At 6 pm, Lake Pleasant “We’re still practicing social evacuations due to the Peoria Times Staff distancing,” Taylor said. #EastDesertFire will be lifted. May 21, 2020 Please use caution when you re-enter “We’re experiencing really high as crews continue to work & trucks Those planning a trip to Lake traffic on the weekends,” she said. travel up and down the roadways. Pleasant over Memorial Day #AZFire #AZForestry weekend should be ready for a few “Guidelines have been put in place @CaveCreek_AZ @MaricopaEmerg changes. to help people social distance. … Typically during the summer we put According to information released According to the Maricopa County restrictions in place anyway because by the Department of Forestry and Parks and Recreation website, “All volume is so high. Fire Management on Saturday, the individuals, when in public (e.g., fire is 100% contained, and has parks, outdoor recreation areas), “We go into temporary closures over charred 1,492 acres of land. should maximize physical distance the summer. It’s not anything new,” from others. Social settings of more Taylor said. The fire began burning Sunday than 10 people, where appropriate afternoon near 24th Street and distancing may not be practical, Desert Hills Drive, four miles north should be avoided unless Evacuation orders of Cave Creek Regional Park. precautionary measures are prompted by East It forced the evacuation of 130 observed.” homes near the Cave Creek area. Desert Fire now County parks will continue to limit lifted; fire 100% “We were mandatorily evacuated, so the day-use capacity to comply with we did," said evacuee Karen state and Centers for Disease contained Acker. "We packed up and left, and Control and Prevention guidelines. By FOX 10 Staff now we’re exhausted." “Once the park has reached day-use Published May 21 capacity, entrance into the park will be restricted to a one-out, one-in Residents begin returning to homes practice or closing completely and after ‘East Desert Fire’ evacuations reopened when capacity is at a safe end. number again,” according to the website. Residents have begun returning to their homes near Cave Creek Camping reservations can be or by after evacuation orders ended at 6 calling 602-506-2930 ext. 1. p.m. Tuesday. According to Arizona Department CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - Evacuation Nature centers and park playgrounds of Forestry and Fire Management orders prompted by the East Desert are closed, as are group picnic areas. spokesperson Tiffany Fire have been lifted, according to Davila, winds picked up on Sunday, officials with the Arizona “This has been a learning experience causing fire to spread through a Department of Forestry and Fire for all of us, and we’ve come to green space, into the desert, over a Management. realize that the COVID-19 strategies mountain, and move towards that are working well in our neighborhoods. Earlier on Tuesday, officials with the mountain parks do not fully meet

Town of Cave Creek say the orders, the lake’s needs. Over the past week, One of the problems faced by fire which were issued late Sunday night, we’ve worked closely with the lake crews is a dry weed called stink net, may be lifted if conditions continue staff to develop a plan that will which blankets much of the Sonoran in the right direction. provide a safe environment for both Desert, and is extremely flammable. our park visitors and my team,” said "It’s really pretty with those little R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks yellow bulbs on top, but it’s very and Recreation Department director. dangerous," said Cave Creek Mayor “The new changes we’re making take Ernie Bunch. the guessing out of when we’re

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closing and will eliminate the long PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Fire continue to use a lot of aircraft on lines. This, in turn, will help park crews working the East Desert Fire our wildfires just to help reduce the visitors better plan their outing at the near Cave Creek are making number of people on the ground.” lake.” progress. As of Wednesday morning – day four of the fire – the size was Davila said firefighters also would be Park hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., but still about 1,492 acres, but practicing social distancing in their Lake Pleasant Park will not allow containment jumped to 80%. camps. “If they’re going to be in entry from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. their tents, if they’re going to be Saturday and Sunday at the main Around 6 p.m. Arizona State sleeping on the ground, they have to park entry. Forestry officials announced the be at least 6 feet away from one evacuation order was lifted. another,” Davila said. “Things have The 10-lane boat ramp is open from changed a little bit in fire camps now 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Today crews will continue to secure because of [the pandemic].” One of the fire line and check for hotspots. those changes includes pre-packaged The north entrance and four-lane food for the crews rather than a boat ramp are closed during the More than 130 homes – some 200 buffet-style setup. week but open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. people – were evacuated. Fire crews Saturday and Sunday. All boaters are continuing to work the fire and “It’s just a different world we’re must exit the area by 4 p.m. on Cave Creek Regional Park will working in right now – something weekends. remain closed. nobody has had to deal with,” Davila said. “We’re kind of taking this one There is no primitive, shoreline or “Just because you don’t see fire, see fire at a time. Some things might boat camping available at the lake. flames, see smoke doesn’t mean work. Some things might not.” there’s [not] activity happening According to a press release, “All behind the scenes,” Tiffany Davila ABOUT THE EAST DESERT changes will remain in effect until of the Arizona Department of FIRE COVID-19 restrictions have been Forestry and Fire Management The East Desert Fire was started lifted. For additional COVID-19 explained Tuesday morning, urging Sunday afternoon, and while regional park system updates, people to be patient. “We are doing investigators have confirmed it was visit bit.ly/MaricopaCountyParksCO our best to get you back into your human-caused, they are not sure if it VID-19.” homes. … What we don’t want to was intentional or accidental. do is put you back in your homes Lake Pleasant Regional Park is at and have to re-evacuate you again. While crews are making headway, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road. … As of now, it’s looking like – best officials say residents still should be Castle Hot Springs Road is located case – tomorrow morning.” ready to leave if ordered. roughly near Mile Marker 19 on the Carefree Highway (Hwy. 74). "Crews are prepared for possible The Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical alignment with the wind that could Department tweeted shortly before 1 For more information, cause fire activity and rate of spread p.m. Monday that residents who live visit maricopacountyparks.net. to increase," according to fire east of 24th Street and north of managers. Carefree Highway need to be ready to evacuate. East Desert Fire CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC near Cave Creek up ADDS CHALLENGES Fighting wildfires is always to 80% complicated, but the coronavirus containment, pandemic has added unique challenges. But fire officials say Daisy Mtn Fire & evacuation orders they’re prepared. Medical@DaisyMtnFire lifted azfamily.com News Staff “One of the biggest things we’re Residents in the Daisy Mountain Updated May 20, 2020 | Posted on doing this year is using an increase in Fire District WEST of 24th Street May 17, 2020 aviation,” Davila explained. “That’s do NOT need to prepare for going to help alleviate the number of evacuation. Per @CaveCreek_AZ, ground resources. … We’re going to residents who live EAST of 24th

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Street and North of Carefree By Sunday night, the fire had started Highway should prepare to evacuate. moving east and northeast toward https://twitter.com/CaveCreek_AZ Cahava Springs in Cave Creek. /status/1262451415483588613 … The Red Cross initially opened its Town of Cave emergency evacuation center at Cave Creek@CaveCreek_AZ Creek Town Hall, but they have PREPARE for Evacuation. The since moved it to the main gym at Town of Cave Creek and Shadows High School (5802

surrounding areas are warned of the E. Dove Valley Road). "Our main concern right now is growing #EastDesertFire. Stay we're protecting the residents. We're aware of the latest news and Update: The Emergency Evacuation getting them out," Schickel said information - watch local media and Center for the East Desert Fire has Monday. "Our second concern is follow the Town on social media. been moved to the main gym at the protecting their property." Get updates from AZ Fire Cactus Shadows High School (5802

Management E. Dove Valley Road, Cave Creek At this point, no homes have been https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/ AZ 85331) Please bring a mask and lost and no injuries reported. 6712/ except appropriate social distancing. "I think everbody's a little panicked #redcross with the uncertainty that comes with "We're anticipating a lot of wind a fire like this," Cave Creek Mayor tomorrow," Paul Schickel of the Ernie Bunch said Monday morning. Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical "We've got a tremendous amount of Department said early Monday brush out there. We pride ourselves morning. He was looking ahead to on the beauty of the Upper Sonoran the "wind event" Davila mentioned Desert and we're losing an awful lot Tuesday. "We think that's going to of that now." drive the fire quite a bit, and we

think that's really going to be our Like the weather, that "tremendous challenge." amount of brush" is creating

challenges for firefighters. To try and get ahead of it, four large

air tankers started making runs at 9 "We've got a lot of fuel -- more than a.m. Monday There also were we've ever seen before," Schickel helicopters in the air. Davila said said. "We're estimating [that we those air operations would continue. have] 600 times more brush than at

this same time last year." And there goes the first of the morning. #EastDesertFire At last check, about 250 fire

personnel were assigned to the East Desert Fire.

The East Desert Fire started as a relatively small brush fire in north Phoenix, near 24th Street and Joy Ranch Road early Sunday afternoon, according to Arizona State Forestry officials. It was less than 10 acres when it was first reported, but quickly exploded to around 1,000 acres. Officials say that wind was pushing the fire through dry vegetation. Maricopa County’s regional parks start annual fire ban Page 12

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Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:04 pm the fire ban goes into effect, park The approval came Wednesday, May Peoria Independent supervisors have been authorized to 6, creating the opportunity for the issue temporary fire bans to ensure two entities to develop and maintain public safety and protect the park’s a nature and wildlife conservation resources. When temporary fire bans center at McDowell Mountain are issued, the information will be Regional Park. posted on the website, and park visitors will be notified as they enter In 2017, the Maricopa County Parks the park. The parks will also stop and Recreation Department began selling firewood during this time. exploring the possibility of entering into a government or non-profit While smoking in the parks is still public-private partnership to develop permissible, it is discouraged due to and manage a native wildlife rescue the extremely dry conditions. If one conservation center at McDowell This season, campfires along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park are included in the fire ban must smoke, ensure all cigarettes are Mountain Regional Park. This due to higher than usual water levels and dried brush properly extinguished and placed in piqued the interest of Southwest along the shoreline. [Submitted photo] trash receptacles. A date to lift the Wildlife Conservation Center, which fire ban has not been identified and had outgrown its 10-acre facility The Maricopa County Parks and will be determined by the amount of located just north of the park. Recreation Department initiated its rain Maricopa County receives annual fire ban May 11. during the monsoon season. “The Parks and Recreation Department often pursues “Given the abundance of rain we’ve The following Maricopa County recreational opportunities through received this year, we had a beautiful parks are affected by the fire ban: the use of concessionaires to provide wildflower season in the parks,” said Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye residents and visitors of Maricopa R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks Hills Regional Park, Cave Creek County a safe and meaningful and Recreation Director. “As Regional Park, Estrella Mountain outdoor experience,” said Supervisor temperatures begin to rise, the parks Regional Park, Hassayampa River Steve Chucri, District 2. “The park are left with dangerous loads of Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional provides the perfect environment for dried-out brush on the ground that Park, McDowell Mountain Regional a wildlife conservation center, and can ignite a wildfire with just a small Park, San Tan Mountain Regional I’m thrilled with the educational spark. As a land manager, we believe Park, Spur Cross Ranch opportunities this relationship will implementing a fire ban at this time Conservation Area, Usery Mountain bring to those who visit.” is the responsible thing to do to Regional Park, ensure visitor and park resource Recreation Area, and White Tank Through the partnership, Southwest safety.” Mountain Regional Park. Wildlife Conservation Center will Call 602-506-2930 or have the ability to construct a A fire ban is initiated to limit the visit maricopacountyparks.net. shared-use facility with the park. The possibility of starting a brush fire, new facility will contain a which could cause serious damage to conservation and veterinary area, the parks. The fire ban includes the Southwest Wildlife wildlife rescue/rehabilitation and use of campfires, fire pits, and plans to bring wildlife sanctuary, park nature center charcoal grills; however, it is still and related office and administrative acceptable to use gas/propane grills conservation center spaces on approximately 100-acres at in designated areas such as the semi- the park. developed and developed camping to MMRP May 19, 2020 sites. Violation of this park rule, Rule Fountain Hills Times Development may be phased over a 113, may result in a citation. 15-year period. The project will be

The Maricopa County Board of funded through fundraising efforts It is also important to note that Supervisors has approved a Use by the Southwest Wildlife during this time of year, the National Management Agreement between Conservation Center. Weather Service often issues red flag the county and Southwest Wildlife warnings across central Arizona to Conservation Center (SWCC). “My team is very excited to welcome alert land management agencies that the Southwest Wildlife Conservation conditions are ideal for wildfire Center to the park, and we look ignition. Should this occur before Page 13

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forward to the partnership possible to avoid being in close opportunities the center will bring,” proximity on the ground. EAST DESERT FIRE FAST said County Parks and Recreation FACTS: Director RJ Cardin. “We don’t Residents of the area have had Location: Near Cave Creek anticipate SWCC will break ground growing concerns about fire safety Size: 1,492 acres on the new facility for several years with the activity seen thus far this as they will be working on year. EVACS LIFTED. At 6 pm, conceptual plans and fundraising for evacuations due to the this important facility. Matt Sharp, who lives nearby, said, #EastDesertFire will be lifted. "In the last couple of years, Please use caution when you re-enter “Still, we look forward to the day particularly with all the rain that we as crews continue to work & trucks when we’re all housed under one had and all the vegetation grew and travel up and down the roadways. roof.” then everything dried out, so yeah #AZFire #AZForestry these brush fires have been @CaveCreek_AZ @MaricopaEmerg To view a copy of the Use happening literally just this summer. Management Agreement, Firefighters say strong winds fueled visit bit.ly/SWCCUMA2. We've already had like four or five the fire through dry grass and brush. Information about McDowell big ones just around this immediate Mountain Regional Park can be area." The fire moved east-northeast found at maricopacountyparks.net/. toward Cahava Springs in Cave Fire officials believe the fires were Creek, threatening multiple caused by humans, but there is still a structures. 'East Desert Fire' long ways to go before they are able An additional six hotshot crews, 10 Burning North of to determine a definite cause. engines, and aircraft were called in to help fight the fire, according to Cave Creek Arizona State Forestry officials. Regional Park 'East Desert Fire' JACQUIE CADORETTE fully contained MAY 18, 2020 - 11:00 AM north of Cave Creek Regional Park By: abc15.com staff Posted at 2:29 PM, May 17, 2020 and last updated 2:25 PM, May 24, 2020

The brush fire burned a motor- Photo credit Getty Images No homes have been damaged, and fire officials have contained the fire home and shed, and crews say at least four homes nearby were Homes have been evacuated after a to 50%. temporarily evacuated Sunday brush fire just 4 miles north of Cave afternoon. Officials say the fire Creek Regional Park ignited on flared up later Sunday night causing Sunday afternoon. more evacuations.

As of Monday morning, the fire twas Resident Enrique Murray thought 20% contained, but still expands for sure he and the nearly 40 animals 1,500 acres. The fire is being fueled he cares for would be forced out of by strong winds, sweeping the fire their homes. through dry grass and brush. It is "It's surreal. I still don't even believe expected to be a concern for the CAVE CREEK, AZ — Fire officials that it was like happening, you know next few days, ABC15 reports. say multiple homes were evacuated what I mean? Those planes are after the human-caused "East Desert coming right over." Fire crews are working to keep the Fire" ignited approximately four Thankfully, the fire changed blazes south of Tonto National miles north of Cave Creek direction keeping Murray and his Forest. They are working to fight the Regional Park on the afternoon of animals out of harm's way. fires by air methods as much as May 17. Page 14

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and we think that's really going to be this mission. There are 10 engines "I'm happy right now that my horses our challenge." and aircraft also on standby for got to stay on the property. No one Monday morning. Some 400 got hurt. Everyone is safe." To try and get ahead of it, four large firefighters are assigned to the East air tankers will start making runs at 9 Desert Fire, according to fire Others in the area tell ABC15 they a.m. There also will be helicopters in managers. are concerned with how much fire the air. activity they've seen so far this year. The Red Cross is at Cave Creek "Our main concern right now is Town Hall (37622 N. Cave Creek "In the last couple of years, we're protecting the residents. We're Road) to help those affected by the particularly with all the rain that we getting them out," Schickel said. fire. had and all the vegetation grew and "Our second concern is protecting then everything dried out, so yeah their property." these brush fires have been Fire ban at Maricopa happening literally just this summer. The weather isn't the only challenge Parks We've already had like four or five firefighters face. 5/14/2020 big ones just around this immediate Fountain Hills Times area," said Matt Sharp, who lives "We've got a lot of fuel -- more than nearby. we've ever seen before," Schickel The Maricopa County Parks and said. "We're estimating [that we Recreation Department has have] 600 times more brush than at initiated its annual fire ban effective East Desert Fire this same time last year." Monday, May 11, 2020. sparks evacuations, The East Desert Fire started burning “Given the abundance of rain we’ve burns 1,500 acres in north Phoenix, near 24th Street received this year, we had a beautiful near Cave Creek and Joy Ranch Road early Sunday wildflower season in the parks. As azfamily.com News Staff afternoon, according to Arizona temperatures begin to rise, the parks Updated 1 hr ago | Posted on May State Forestry officials. are left with dangerous loads of 17, 2020 dried-out brush on the ground that The fire quickly exploded to around can ignite a wildfire with just a small PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- A 1,000 acres. Officials say that wind is spark. As a land manager, we believe human-caused wildfire that has pushing the fire through dry implementing a fire ban at this time grown to about 1,500 acres near vegetation. When the fire was first is the responsible thing to do to Cave Creek sparked the evacuation reported, it was only at 5 to 8 acres. ensure visitor and park resource of as many as 150 homes, the Daisy safety,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa Mountain Fire & Medical Crews from Arizona State Forestry County Parks and Recreation Department said early Monday and the Daisy Mountain Fire and Director. morning. Paul Schickel, the Medical Department have been at department's spokesman, said windy the scene battling the flames. They A fire ban is initiated to limit the weather expected today and are advising people to stay out of the possibility of starting a brush fire, tomorrow are a major concern. area. which could cause serious damage to the parks. The fire ban includes the The East Desert Fire is threatening A state fire investigator confirmed use of campfires, fire pits, and about 30 homes. At this point, no the fire is human-caused, but it's not charcoal grills; however, it is still house have burned and no injuries clear whether it was intentional or acceptable to use gas/propane grills have been reported. accidental. in designated areas such as the semi- developed and developed camping Schickel said the fire finally quieted While crews are trying to extinguish sites. down at about 3 a.m., but it is the blaze, air support is also helping expected to flare back up as the day fight the flames from above. This season, campfires along the goes on. shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional By Sunday night, the fire had started Park are included in the fire ban due "We're anticipating a lot of wind moving east and northeast toward to higher than usual water levels and tomorrow," he said. "We think that's Cahava Springs in Cave Creek. Six dried brush along the shoreline. going to drive the fire quite a bit, hotshot crews have been added to

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Violation of this park rule, Rule 113, post-football career but on Monday may result in a citation. he took a scary tumble while at an effect across state It is also important to note that Arizona lake. on Tuesday during this time of year, the National BY MICHAEL LUCIE Weather Service often issues red flag Manziel posted a video of himself MAY 12, 2020 AT 4:05 AM warnings across central Arizona to jumping from a cliff into Lake alert land management agencies that Pleasant at Lake Pleasant Regional PHOENIX — Arizona will be conditions are ideal for wildfire Park in Peoria. The former taking additional steps to prevent ignition. Cleveland Browns quarterback wildfires by enforcing Stage 2 fire appeared to slip while trying to make restrictions across the state While smoking in the parks is still the leap. beginning Tuesday. permissible, it is discouraged due to the extremely dry conditions. If you “Flawless execution,” he captioned The new restrictions are due to must smoke, please be responsible the series of photos on Instagram. continued dry conditions and an and ensure that all cigarettes are increased likelihood of wildfires, properly extinguished and placed in Manziel, who won the Heisman according to a joint press released trash receptacles. A date to lift the Trophy while at Texas A&M, has issued Monday by the Arizona fire ban has not been identified and not played a down of football since Department of Forestry and Fire will be determined by the amount of he was in the Alliance of American Management, Bureau of Land rain Maricopa County receives Football last year. Management and Bureau of during the monsoon season. Reclamation. He tweeted in February he would be The following Maricopa County fine if he never picked up a football Stage 2 fire restrictions will apply to parks are affected by the fire ban again. all BLM and BOR administered include McDowell Mountain Park public lands in Arizona and all state- adjacent to Fountain Hills, as well as “If I never pick up a ball again it’s all owned and managed lands — except Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye love. I was the most lit, most for those in Coconino County. Hills Regional Park, Cave Creek relatable college football player to Regional Park, Estrella Mountain ever do it. Did things my way and also Regional Park, Hassayampa River made it way further than I ever announced in a separate press release Preserve, Lake Pleasant Regional could of imagined. The game gave that it would be joining DFFM, Park, San Tan Mountain Regional me life and I’ll forever be grateful,” BLM and BOR in implementing Park, Spur Cross Ranch he wrote. Stage 2 fire restrictions on Tuesday. Conservation Area, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Vulture Mountains He also added that he was the “best According to the Recreation Area, and White Tank I’ve been in a long time” and said he Department of Agriculture, the Mountain Regional Park. was focusing most of his time on focus of stage 1 fire restrictions are playing golf while out in Arizona. to prevent wildfires caused by Any questions regarding the fire ban campfires and smoking whereas can be directed to the Maricopa Manziel played for the Memphis Stage 2 restrictions encompass County Parks and Recreation Express of the AAF before the additional activities. Department at 602- 506-2930, or league folded in the middle of its visit maricopacountyparks.net/. inaugural season. He played for the Prohibited activities on public lands Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the includes: Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian • Building or maintaining a Ex-NFL quarterback Football League. fire, campfire, charcoal, Johnny Manziel coal or wood stove He was drafted in the first round in • Smoking outside of an takes scary tumble 2013 by the Browns. He played in 15 enclosed vehicle or building into Arizona lake games and recorded 1,675 passing • Using tools with an internal By Ryan Gaydos | Fox News yards with seven touchdown passes. combustion engine, such as May 13, 2020 a chainsaw New Arizona fire • Welding or using a tool Former NFL quarterback Johnny with an open flame Manziel appears to be enjoying his restrictions to take

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• Detonating fireworks or usual; shooters must make Most of the new guidelines, such other incendiary devices reservations online and adhere to as social distancing, will be self- • Discharging a firearm when social distancing guidelines. enforced, according to the range. not engaged in lawful hunting activities Reservations can be made online "These guidelines rely heavily on the at azgfd.gov/scheduleashoot. self-regulation and cooperation of The use of propane tanks are Ammunition and safety gear can be our membership and guests," permitted within areas of at least six reserved online, as well. Reservations President Scott Krushak said in a feet or more that have been cleared are not needed for the archery range. statement. "Currently RSSC does not of flammable material such as grass Reservations can't be canceled or have the staff or resources necessary and brush. rescheduled. to constantly monitor for compliance of these guidelines." Earlier on Monday, Maricopa The range will have a zero-tolerance County Parks and Recreation policy for anyone who violates As toilet paper flew off shelves, so Department began enforcing its guidelines. did ammo annual fire ban applicable to parks Before Ducey gave a stay-at-home across the county. "We want to maximize the shooting order, household supplies like toilet opportunities that this world-class paper, paper towels and bottled facility has to offer, while water flew off store shelves. Ben Avery shooting maintaining common sense health Ammunition did, too. practices," shooting sports branch range will reopen chief Mike Raum said. Metro Phoenix gun store owners Wednesday with said they were busier than ever and For more stories that matter: Click had record-setting sales numbers. online reservations, here to subscribe to azcentral.com. social distancing Gun stores, which can have indoor Joshua Bowling, Arizona Republic Other ranges expanding services shooting ranges, were deemed Published 6:00 a.m. MT May 12, Other public shooting ranges scaled "essential" businesses in Ducey's 2020 back services during Gov. Doug executive orders and were able to Ducey's stay-at-home order. stay open.

The Usery Mountain Shooting Reach reporter Joshua Bowling Range, off Ellsworth Road near the at [email protected] or 602- Usery Mountain Regional Park in the 444-8138. Follow him on East Valley, limited services to curb Twitter @MrJoshuaBowling. the spread of the new coronavirus. The range announced it Support local journalism. Subscribe will fully open again on Friday, when to azcentral.com today. Ducey's stay-at-home order is set to Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix will expire, and will require shooters and reopen on May 13 after shuttering last month due to Maricopa County COVID-19. (Photo: Arizona Game & Fish instructors to practice social Department) distancing. regional park fire

Metro Phoenix shooting ranges are The range, operated by the Rio ban set to take gearing up to reopen this week Salado Sportsman's Club on Arizona effect Monday after closing to the public or limiting Game and Fish Department land, in BY KTAR.COM services in early April because of an announcement recommended MAY 10, 2020 AT 5:20 PM COVID-19. that guests shoot at off-peak hours, use touchless payment methods PHOENIX — In order to limit the The Arizona Game and Fish when possible and stay at least six spread of brushfires within park Department announced that Ben feet away from other people. It lands, the Maricopa County Parks Avery Shooting Facility in north discouraged people who are at-risk and Recreation Department has Phoenix, off Interstate 17 and the from participating in group activities. announced its annual fire ban will Carefree Highway, will reopen take effect Monday. Wednesday. It won't be business as

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The fire ban includes the use of campfires, fire pits and charcoal Cave Creek takes “Some of them are hillsides, so there grills, according to a statement from first step to expand is a potential that there would be the department. houses looking down at you while “As temperatures begin to rise, the Spur Cross you’re walking into the park.” May 8, 2020 jtaylor 341 Views parks are left with dangerous loads By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski of dried-out brush on the ground The properties have been on and off Foothills Focus Executive Editor that can ignite a wildfire with just a the market for the last several years, small spark,” said Maricopa County so Kautzman said it’s time to move. The Maricopa County Board of Parks and Recreation Director R.J. Supervisors will discuss during its Cardin. “We understand there may be some May 19 meeting an motivation for those people to sell,” intergovernmental agreement with “As a land manager, we believe he said. “We need to work so we can the town of Cave Creek to split the implementing a fire ban at this time get our appraisal values back and cost of appraisals for property along is the responsible thing to do to look at what the value would be, the Spur Cross Ranch ensure visitor and park resource then we could consider moving Conservation Area. safety.” forward. The hope is to expand Spur Cross

Ranch Conservation Area. The ban will apply to the following Vicki Preston, the executive parks: director/conservation director of The Town Council unanimously • Desert Foothills Land Trust, said her Adobe Dam Regional Park agreed to enter into the IGA with nonprofit is suffering financially, so • Buckeye Hills Regional Maricopa County. Now the county the partnership is key to Park must do the same. However, conservation. • Cave Creek Regional Park appraisals do not guarantee that the

• Estrella Mountain Regional town will allocate funds to purchase “Having the county and town Park any parcels. working together is great,” Preston • Hassayampa River Preserve said. “The way to get things done is The approximate acreage that will be • Lake Pleasant Regional through good partnerships. appraised is 94 acres split between Park 12 parcels, which includes the • McDowell Mountain “A number of properties adjacent to Harmony Hollow Ranch. The Regional Park the conservation area is pretty Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) • San Tan Mountain critical to adding to open space. The has been a proactive partner with the Regional Park development would be right against Town, providing the request for Spur Cross. A lot of these properties • Spur Cross Ranch proposal (RFP) of the appraisal and have been on the land trust radar for Conservation Area utilizing contacts with appropriate a long time. We worked several years • Usery Mountain Regional appraisers. to acquire these properties, but Park nothing came to fruition. The county • Vulture Mountains The RFP identifies a parcel or and town are great partners.” Recreation Area parcels of land best suited for the

• White Tank Mountain acquisition of open space and The town and county’s resources are Regional Park conservation. Although DFLT had limited, so the two are going to see an appraisal done on the Harmony “what we can do with the biggest Park visitors may still use propane Hollow property last year, the listed bang for the buck.” grills in designated camping areas. price was much higher than

appraised, which prohibited DFLT Kautzman said one developer was A date to lift the fire ban has yet to from moving forward in its attempt hoping to replicate Desert Mountain. be determined and will be identified to purchase the land.

based upon the amount of rainfall “When the residents in the town got Maricopa County receives during the “There are properties that are a notification from Maricopa County monsoon season. contiguous to Spur Cross Ranch that this was going forward, we all Conservation Area that are privately worked at a quick pace to work with held that could be developed with county, state and the developer to residences,” Cave Creek Planning acquire it,” Kautzman said. Director Luke Kautzman said. Page 18

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particularly well versed in “It’s really the crown jewel of the environmental properties. “For over 30 years since their town. Obviously, it’s unrealistic to brother’s passing, the Cross family preserve every square inch of land, NATURE AT HARMONY allowed many artists to live at but we try to set aside property that HOLLOW Harmony Hollow where they could shouldn’t be touched. That’s the one Harmony Hollow is a 28-acre piece create their art,” according to Zimet. thing we can leave for our children of land that is surrounded on three and grandchildren that’s sides by the Spur Cross Zimet described the Cross family as undisturbed.” Conservation area. There is an supportive of those who share their abundance of naturally growing respect for the land. “Now, after the Preston agreed. desert plants and greenery—as well Harmony Hollow resident artists as a seasonal watercourse that serves moved on, and as the Cross siblings “It’s crazy to think that all of that as a wildlife corridor. prepare for their retirement, they was going to be developed with golf must sell the ranch.” Zimet said. courses, homes and schools,” she Warde described the vegetation on added. “The people of Cave Creek the land as unique. “Because of the PRIOR TO OWNERSHIP and all of Arizona worked together water that runs through Harmony The history of Harmony Hollow so Spur Cross will be forever Hollow, you’re going to see different began long before Jeffrey Cross protected. It’s really an amazing plants—and you get an interesting purchased the ranch. Evidence thing.” element of because there shows that the first human visitors are so many different parts to on the ranch date back to A.D. 500, Harmony Hollow,” Warde said. according to Zimet. An Inside Look at Harmony Hollow THE CROSS FAMILY After A.D. 675, Zimet said the By Sonoran News For Judy Zimet, the history of tribe arrived to Harmony May 6, 2020 Harmony Hollow would not be Hollow—followed by the crossing complete without knowing the story of Yavapai and tribes until of the Cross family. the 1870s’. In 1969, the land was purchased by Jeffrey Cross—a metal artist and bell Although the land is known for its maker, said Zimet. history of being home to Native American tribes for many years, Cross started a company known as Zimet confirmed that there haven’t “Harmony Hollow Bell Works,” been any ruins, pit houses or pueblos while living on the land. In the mid- found on the property.

1970s’, the bell company moved to By Madison Cerro Michigan where it became MORE THAN LAND

recognized internationally, Zimet “Harmony Hollow is not just raw CAVE CREEK – Harmony Hollow said. land,” said Zimet. Artists built the has evoked whispers of wonder, three-story house that sits on the concern and curiosity in Cave Creek. In 1977, Jeffrey Cross passed away. property. Across the way, there is a

Since then, the Cross family— strong producing well that once fed Much like a childhood story of a lost including his siblings: Bradley, Harry a tree farm. treasure chest, there is imagination and Joan—have funded the Jeff and ideas of what the treasure Cross Memorial Art Award. In the early 1970s’, several artists and beholds. metal workers lived in the home

This award, according to Zimet, is a with Jeffrey Cross. Because nothing Judy Zimet and Hannah Warde have scholarship given to a high school has been done with the property opened the chest to offer an inside seniors in Cave Creek who exhibits since then, entering the house is like look at the rich history and high dedication to the arts and a taking a step back in time, Zimet information of the treasured desire to attend art school. This is said. Harmony Hollow. Judy Zimet is the the 41st year the Cross family has real estate agent for the Harmony awarded the scholarship to a local On the inside of the home, the wood Hollow property. Hannah Warde is student. is branded with “J+”—a Jeffrey assisting Zimet with the property. Cross signature. There are also According to Zimet, Warde is Page 19

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colorful stained glass windows of Supervisors will still need to approve differing designs. the IGA before the costs of the appraisals can be shared, but the Just outside the home is the area in Town could still proceed with which Cross would create his metal appraisals if the Maricopa Board pieces. chooses not to approve the IGA. If the Board approves the IGA then According to Warde, “This is a place it will pay up to 50 percent of the where artists were living and appraisal costs. However, appraisals breathing their craft.” do not guarantee that the Town will allocate funds to purchase any parcels. Arizona officials try The approximate acreage that will be to reduce man- appraised is 94 acres split between 12 parcels, which includes the made wildfires Harmony Hollow Ranch. The through campfire Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) ban has been a proactive partner with the 12 News Town, providing the Request for Author: Hunter Bassler Proposal (RFP) of the appraisal and Published: 6:21 PM MST April 21, utilizing contacts with appropriate 2020 appraisers. Updated: 8:57 AM MST May 4, 2020

The purpose of an RFP is to identify The campfire ban was already in a parcel or parcels of land best suited effect at national in Arizona for the acquisition of open space and and will go into effect for Maricopa conservation. Although DFLT had County parks later this month. Jeff Cross an appraisal done on the Harmony Hollow property last year, the listed price was much higher than Cave Creek Takes appraised, which prohibited DFLT First Step to Expand from moving forward in its attempt to purchase the land. Spur Cross Conservation Area “The Town and its land By Sonoran News conservation partners continue to Make sure your campfire is completely out before you leave it. May 6, 2020 monitor the availability of land

where the acquisition would produce ARIZONA, USA — Wildfire season CAVE CREEK – The Cave Creek the most value to the public in terms is almost upon us. Town Council made its first step in of preservation. Having these parcels attempting to expand the appraised is a necessary first step to Spur Arizona had numerous wildfires last at begin to examine which lands Cross Ranch Conservation Area year and, according to the Bureau of its meeting on April 20, 2020. provide the most ‘bang for the Land Management, the state is buck’,” said Cave Creek Planning projected to have a similar season in The Town Council unanimously Director Luke Kautzman. 2020. agreed to enter into an

Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) The Maricopa County Board of In an effort to lower the number of with Maricopa County that would Supervisors has added this item to its man-made fires, the Southwest allow both entities to split the cost May 19 agenda. Region of the Forest Service is of property appraisals for parcels enacting a campfire ban order located contiguous to the Spur Cross throughout all of its forests, Conservation Area (SCRCA). including all six Arizona National

Forests. The Maricopa County Board of

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The order includes all igniting, "As temperatures begin to rise, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation over building, maintaining, attending or parks are left with dangerous loads the weekend began limiting access to using a fire, including charcoal grills of dried-out brush on the ground some of the city’s most popular and barbecues, coal and wood- that can ignite a wildfire with just a hiking areas, including ’s burning stoves, the forest service small spark. As a land manager, we Hole in the Rock and the trailheads said in a press release. It is set to believe implementing a fire ban at at ’s Echo begin April 22 at 6 p.m. this time is the responsible thing to Canyon and . do to ensure visitor and park Gilbert on March 28 closed all town Many are heading to forests looking resource safety." playgrounds and other park to get outdoors as all businesses amenities, and suspended recreation listed as "non-essential" have been The fire ban includes the use of programs and classes. closed during the global COVID-19 campfires, fire pits, and charcoal pandemic. While starting a campfire grills . The new measures come as Arizona next to a pitched tent may be on the parks and trails have seen a surge of mind for those individuals, reducing However, is still acceptable to use visitors going outdoors as a way to the risk of destructive fires is the gas/propane grills in designated get exercise while keeping social service's top priority, according to areas such as the semi-developed distancing in place due to the Acting Regional Forester of the and developed camping sites. COVID-19 outbreak. Southwest Region Elaine Kohrman. Campfires along the shoreline at near Tucson "We are providing some recreation Lake Pleasant Regional Park are has temporarily closed restrooms opportunities where we can while included in the fire ban due to higher and visitor centers and halted public protecting and keeping employees, than usual water levels and dried events. the public and our communities safe brush along the shoreline. Andy Fisher, chief of interpretation from the virus and unwanted and a spokesman for the park, said human-caused wildfires," Kohram the trails last weekend were packed. said. Despite some park “We had a couple instances where The forest service has provided an restrictions, most cars were creating their own parking interactive map to provide more Arizona parks and spots,” he said. “There were several information on all other activities trails remain open hundred people that were gathering people can do inside the parks. It EXPERIENCE AZ | 4 May kind of through one of our major can be found here. | CRONKITE NEWS trailheads, which of course is not social distancing. Those who violate the campfire ban may face fines, federal court “March tends to be our busiest appearances, and possible jail time, month of the year anyway. I think according to the forest service. because there are closures around Forest visitors will still be permitted the community that there are folks to use pressurized liquid or gas that are finding their way to us.” devices, like stoves, grills or lanterns with shut-off valves, without any On March 19, Gov. Doug Ducey issue. ordered the closure of bars, gyms

and many restaurants, yet most of The Maricopa County Parks and Although Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay- Arizona’s city, county, state and Recreation Department will at-home order exempts outdoor national parks remain open during initiate its annual fire ban on May exercise, some city parks in Arizona the COVID-19 outbreak. Last week, 11. are taking measures similar to those Ducey issued an executive order that park restrictions adopted by Grand outlines essential services that will “Given the abundance of rain we’ve Canyon and Saguaro National parks remain open, including outdoor received this year, we had a beautiful to slow the spread of COVID-19, recreation. wildflower season in the parks," said such as closing certain facilities and R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks limiting access to popular areas. As of March 24, Petrified Forest and Recreation Director. National Park has temporarily closed, and Monument Valley Tribal

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Park, which includes Antelope people year-round on a variety of Canyon and Canyon de Chelly on things that they need to do to be the Nation Reservation, safe,” Bach said. has closed all its parks. Phoenix Parks and Recreation is Grand Canyon National Park using infographics that lay out social remains open with limited services, distancing in public parks and trails but it recently announced as a way to help educate people. modifications to river operations. Phoenix Parks and Recreation Grand Canyon river rafting trips are spokesman Gregg Bach said this “The National Recreation and Parks also suspended until May 21. time of year is always busy on the Association put out some great trails because of the weather and guidelines that we’ve posted,” Surprise last Tuesday closed all city tourism, and that the volume of Erickson said. “We’ve posted in park amenities and facilities “to traffic now occurring from social English and Spanish at our minimize the potential spread of distancing “is a very similar volume trailheads, and we’ve also posted illness to reduce opportunities to as to what we would have normal more specifics, like wash your hands, gather,” according to the Surprise times of the year.” if you’re sick don’t come to this Parks & Recreation website. facility, don’t use this trail.” However, most Arizona state and City parks director Inger Erickson, national parks are only closing in an interview with Arizona Amy Hagin, park manager for indoor facilities and programs, and Horizon on Wednesday, said, “We Flagstaff, said her staff is seeing a keeping outdoor activities open to saw a spike on the weekend, but in higher number of people using trails the public. the last couple of days we’ve actually rather than parks. She said she seen it level out to our normal believes this is because residents are Phoenix Parks and Recreation last numbers that we would see on a using their neighborhoods to get weekend started limiting access to typical day.” fresh air rather than going to public many of the city’s most popular places. hiking areas, including Papago Park, Currently, Maricopa County has Camelback Mountain, South the highest number of COVID-19 “We’re seeing a lot of walking on the Mountain and Piestewa Peak. cases in Arizona. But despite this, streets and sidewalks,” Hagin said. “I most parks in metro Phoenix remain think people are taking those mental The main parking lot for Hole in the open. health breaks outside as they can, Rock at Papago Park is closed as of but still providing that physical March 28, and access for hikers is In a statement to Cronkite News, the distancing and social distancing.” limited. However, other parking lots Maricopa County Parks and and trails at Papago Park remain Recreation Department said it has In Phoenix, Erickson said the city open for now. “canceled all park programs and wants to keep the parks and the trails events, closed all park nature centers open. However, she said they are Although Cholla Trail at Camelback and group ramada reservations, emphasizing that people be mindful Mountain is closed for two weeks, closed group/youth campgrounds, to bring their own wipes, hand Echo Canyon Trailhead is open with and stopped accepting future sanitizers, and other items to keep traffic and parking controls to reservations for these areas.” themselves safe. prevent overcrowding. Both Pima Canyon Trailhead and Dobbins The county is advocating social “We look at things every day,” Lookout in South Mountain, as well distancing – staying 6 feet apart – to Erickson said. “We communicate as Piestewa Peak Trailhead, are still slow the spread of novel twice a day on what people are accessible with traffic and parking coronavirus, the respiratory virus seeing, so that we make sure we’re controls in place. that causes COVID-19. Bach said addressing the need in a timely that Phoenix Parks and Recreation is fashion.” using “education and communication” to prevent the Bach, the Phoenix Parks spokesman, spread of COVID-19. said Arizonans value parks and trails.

“Our preference really is to keep “Now I think people are valuing it these amenities open and to educate even a little bit more,” he said. “We

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just need to keep people mindful and located with easy freeway access, it is make sure that they’re doing it in close proximity to retail and major responsibly in terms of all the employers as well as regional current events that are going on.” amenities including the White Tank Mountain Regional Park.”

Land Advisors sells Land Advisors continues to advise 23 acres in Surprise clients on this product type and is working on several additional A view of the wildlands of Scottsdale whereas city for $3.65M complementary projects in the area. REAL ESTATE | 3 May | AZRE | leaders have just reinvigorated its cooperative aid agreement with the Arizona Department of Forestry ArizonaBigMedia.com According to Hancock and Fire Management. Communities, TruGold will consist of 245 luxury, one- and two- The Arizona Department of bedroom rentals. With Tuscan and Forestry and Fire Management and Santa Barbara flair, this community the City of Scottsdale are joining includes a gorgeous pool, spa, and forces to protect the municipal covered ramada with linear fireplace forest and wildlands embodied as the and outdoor TV viewing. McDowell Sonoran Preserve among state land boundaries. The community located welcomes Scottsdale City Council approved on residents with a gorgeous entry portico and large open green spaces consent an intergovernmental Land Advisors with shaded picnic areas. The project agreement between the municipality Organization Scottsdale announced breaks ground on May 5 and will be and the Arizona Department of the sale of a 22.99-acre site planned completed in September 2022. Forestry and Fire Management. for 245 units in Surprise, Arizona. Hancock Communities handled all The unanimous vote occurred The property is located at Cotton the predevelopment, site plan, and Tuesday, April 21 at City Hall, 3939 Lane and Sweetwater Avenue and zoning work on this project. That N. Drinkwater Blvd. sold for $3.65 million to NPC makes seven completed SFR Trugold, LLC. The sale of this parcel communities for Hancock, seven “The state forester wishes to enter is significant as it is one of the first under construction an additional into a cooperative agreement with multi-family acquisitions on the west eight to 10 in the design phase. the City of Scottsdale for the protection of its forest and side of the Loop 303 in the emerging Loop 303 corridor. wildlands,” said Scottsdale Deputy Arizona Forestry Fire Chief Adam Hoster in his The sale was arranged on behalf of joins Scottsdale report to City Council. the seller by Mike Schwab, Bret Rinehart, Ryan Semro and Ben forest and wildlands “It is within the best interest of the Heglie of Land Advisors City of Scottsdale and the state of preservation effort Arizona to have wildland fires Organization Scottsdale who In event of forest fire cooperative detected and suppressed quickly and specialize in home builder aid agreement in place efficiently. The Arizona Department developments and master planned INDEPENDENT of Forestry and Fire Management is communities throughout Arizona. NEWSMEDIA/ARIANNA responsible for the coordination and GRAINEY reimbursement of the resources “The project, Trugold, will bring the Posted Friday, May 1, 2020 3:20 pm required to suppress fires on federal hybrid rental product that has been successful across the Valley to the and state land within Arizona and, Loop 303 corridor in Surprise,” upon request, to other states.” Rinehart said. “We expect the success of this project to match that Those Scottsdale wildlands include, of several existing communities but not limited to, the Sonoran located east of the Loop 303 in Preserve. Surprise. This site is strategically

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The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve encompasses 30,000 acres of land within the rough boundaries of the Pima Road alignment to the west, McDowell Mountain Regional Park to the east, Stagecoach Road to the north and Via Linda Road alignment to the south.

Technically, Mr. Hoster explains in his report, the City of Scottsdale is updating terms with the state land department to put in place cooperative plans if a wildfire were to begin within city limits on Preserve and or adjacent state lands.

“This agreement is mutually beneficial to both organizations because the city’s boundaries are near or adjacent to state land,” he explained.

“If a wildland fire started on state land, it could quickly spread to communities within the City of Scottsdale. The City of Scottsdale has the ability to respond and suppress fires in a timely manner and effective basis within its boundaries or adjacent lands quicker than any other assets or resources in the state.”

Scottsdale fire officials report the cooperative aid agreement will not cost any funds nor additional staff time.

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