Exciting news! After many long years of negotiations, consistent public involvement, and two open space bond initiatives, the County has reached an agreement to purchase Painted Hills west on Tucson! This 286-acre property is located between Speedway and Anklam Roads west of Greasewood.
Saguaro covered slopes at Painted Hills
With an estimated 9,000 saguaros, Painted Hills includes abundant wildlife, wash corridors peaks and ridges of scenic value, and lush upland desert habitat. Painted Hills is a key piece of open space that will now be preserved in perpetuity.
The full payment of $7.5 million will be completed in 2016, with the first payment of $3 million being made this fiscal year utilizing open space bonds approved by voters in 2004.
The Coalition and two of our member groups, Tucson Mountains Association and Gates Pass Neighborhood Association, have been actively involved in coordinating and advocating for this purchase.
We are so happy to announce this accomplishment for open space and the Sonoran Desert. Thank you for your involvement and your voice that helped make this purchase a reality! The Board of Supervisors is anticipating voting on this at their July Board meeting. Stay tuned!
Check out this article about Painted Hills in the Arizona Daily Star