Shaping the Future of Papago Preserve: Your Voice Matters!
Clean Up Papago has been actively collaborating with the city to ensure the preservation and enhancement of our beloved natural oasis, and we're excited to share the latest developments. The City of Tempe is currently collecting feedback on a future Papago Preserve Management Plan, our team attended a public meeting this week to provide feedback and discuss best practices on behalf of our community.
A Recap of the Public Meeting:
On November 13th, the City of Tempe hosted a public meeting to discuss the intent and goals of the Papago Preserve Management Plan. During this informative session, city representatives outlined their vision and objectives for the plan, which include:
Identifying specific management areas within the preserve.
Integrating sustainable recreation opportunities for everyone.
Seeking partnerships to conserve the preserve's unique environment.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural and historical landmarks within the preserve, recognizing its significance to the O’Odham (Pima) and Piipash (Maricopa) communities.
The presentation shed light on the expansive Papago Preserve, which covers approximately 227 acres. It encompasses SRP facilities, ASU buildings, utility lines and pedestrian bridges. The area offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, gravel riding. The preserve is also home to cultural gems such as Lo Piano, Loma del Rio ruins.
Additionally, the city is actively engaged in cultural resource considerations, conducting a Class III survey, tribal outreach, and Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) study to ensure the preservation of archaeological sites and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, we learned about budget allocations from the Capital Budget to support the Preserve Management Plan, ensuring that this initiative has the necessary resources to succeed.
Your Voice Can Shape the Future:
Now, it's time for you to take action and make a difference! The City of Tempe is seeking input from the community to actively participate in shaping the future of Papago Preserve. Your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions matter greatly.
In addition to the information presented, Clean Up Papago has been advocating for several key priorities as part of the Management Plan:
Official Trail Map: We advocate for the development of an official trail map to eliminate spider trails, ensuring a clear and safe trail system for all park users.
Solid Signage System: We aim to implement a robust signage system that guides visitors effectively, enhancing their experience and minimizing any confusion.
Inclusive Trail Design: Our goal is to create trails that accommodate a wide range of park users, including hikers, bikers, bird watchers, and more, fostering a sense of inclusivity and accessibility. We are advocating for the City to preserve the current Papago Jumps (Marigold and cross-cut canal intersection) and create an official and secure mountain biking skills area.
Desert Replanting: We are actively advocating for desert replanting efforts to restore and protect the unique desert ecosystem of Papago Preserve.
Your insights, in addition to these priorities, will help inform the management plan, ensuring that it aligns with community needs, values, and aspirations.
This is our chance to collectively contribute to creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and accessible preserve for current and future generations to enjoy. Your voice matters, and your involvement is crucial in securing the beauty and significance of Papago Preserve.
We encourage all Clean Up Papago enthusiasts, residents, and nature lovers to take a few moments to complete the survey and help shape the future of this cherished natural gem. The deadline is November 27th 2023.
Let's work together to ensure that Papago Preserve remains a thriving and meaningful part of our community.
