Propositions 490 and 491 Would Ensure The Future Of The McDowell Sonoran Preserve For Generations
By Mary Manross
The future of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is in the hands of Scottsdale voters this election day as they decide on Props 490 and 491.
It’s more than 30 thousand acres, and it all began 30 years ago on October 3rd, 1994. That’s when the Scottsdale City Council held a special meeting at the foothills of the McDowell Mountains and voted to establish the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, dedicating the first parcels of land in a plan to permanently protect one third of the city as natural open space.
The first 30 years have seen the Preserve evolve into a local treasure and an international attraction. Props 490 and 491 will protect and preserve what is now America’s largest urban preserve for the next 30 years, and beyond. Indeed, two women who blazed the trail to create the Preserve are leading the effort to protect it.
Carla, Preserve Pioneer and Vote Yes-Yes Scottsdale Campaign Coordinator, spoke at that meeting in 1994. She says now “If you love our Preserve, then vote YES on Propositions 490 & 491 to give her the best birthday present – ever.”
Mary Manross, Former Mayor, Preserve Pioneer, and Chair of Vote YES-YES, was a Councilperson who participated in the momentous vote in 1994, said today, “The Preserve is to Scottsdale what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona. It’s our responsibility to protect and sustain it for future generations. Vote YES YES for Props 490 and 491.”Prop 490, in addition to helping revitalize and maintain Scottsdale’s parks, beginning in the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, would provide ongoing care and protection for the Preserve for the next thirty years. That includes wildlife habitat protection and the long-term health and sustainability of the land.
It would also provide funding to prevent and fight fires in and around the Preserve, a need that became very apparent during the most recent wildfire season. The measure would fund invasive weed management, and the Scottsdale Fire Department would receive funding for additional fire fighting resources, providing faster responses to wildfires and for a second Technical Rescue Team for mountain rescues.
Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association President Sasha Weller said, “We are fortunate to have firefighters with the skill and dedication to safeguard the Preserve and surrounding areas. But if the recent wildfires have taught us anything, we need more resources to provide the best service possible as well as protecting Scottsdale’s largest investment.”
490 would also fund additional Police Rangers to patrol trailheads for increased security. Prop 491, which would adjust spending limits imposed by the state nearly 20 years ago, will ensure all these programs and services can be implemented.
The Vote Yes-Yes Scottsdale PAC is supporting Props 490 and 491. The latter would adjust state spending limits giving the city the ability to spend the money it already has on services and public safety. Prop 491 was sent to the ballot by a unanimous vote of the Scottsdale City Council, and it would not raise taxes.
Carla added, “The funds used to create the Preserve 30 years ago were used responsibly and effectively. Considering the unprecedented legal protections included in Prop 490 there will be 100% accountability again.”
For more information on go to www.VoteYesYesScottsdale.com.