Preserve The Square: Desert Hills’ rural character at stake if state trust land sold

Adam M. Trenk

Submitted photo/Adam M. Trenk

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OPINION — Desert Hills remains among the North Valley’s few communities where open desert, horse properties and rural living define the landscape.

At the heart of it lies The Square. From 7th Avenue to 7th Street, bounded by Joy Ranch Road and Cloud Road, it is a square mile of Arizona State Trust Land enjoyed by countless hikers and trail riders every day.

Unlike designated parks, state trust land may eventually be sold for development.

As an attorney whose practice includes equine law, land use and business matters, and as a former Cave Creek vice mayor, I understand the intersection of property rights, responsible development and preservation of Arizona’s rural heritage.

Preserving The Square at the heart of our community is achievable. My late mentor, Gary Birnbaum, helped preserve Spur Cross Ranch in 2001. More recently, my colleague, Maricopa County Supervisor Tom Galvin, helped advance efforts to protect additional land adjacent to that preserve.

Arizona law provides a process for acquiring State Trust Land for conservation while compensating trust beneficiaries.

I urge Maricopa County, the Arizona Legislature and the State Land Department to work together to preserve The Square and incorporate it into the county park system. I urge you to show your support by adding your name to petitions aimed at keeping The Square untamed for future generations.

More than 230 residents signed our petition in its first 24 hours. Please add your voice and share it with neighbors: presrvethesquare.com.

Once our open space disappears, we cannot bring it back. 

Attorney, business owner and former Cave Creek vice mayor Adam M. Trenk chairs the Scottsdale Community College Equine Science Program advisory board. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to azopinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.