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Spur Cross Ranch: A Gift to the Future
After nerve wracking and delicate negotiations, a deal was in hand. Maricopa County and the state of Arizona were in. Now it was up to a population of fewer than 4,000 to kick in the final 1/3 by voting to tax themselves and raise $6,000,000.
Twenty-five years have passed since the overwhelming turnout and "yes" vote by Cave Creek’s citizens created the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.
In a David and Goliath story, the former dude ranch had been destined for development, with golf courses and enough homes to quadruple the town’s population, overrun the quiet town’s streets, and change forever Cave Creek’s character.
A groundswell of opposition grew with understanding of the project’s impact. The property’s year-round water sources supplied wells. Ancient people took advantage of the water sources and left a rich record of their lives in petroglyphs, dwellings and rock alignments. The “Jewel of the Creek,” one of only nine riparian areas in the state, along with the creek, would be threatened by future runoff from golf courses, landscaping and lawns. Overall, the raw unmatched beauty of the area would be restricted to all but a favored few.
The tireless efforts of many drew support from local and state officials, as well as the influence of Senator John McCain, resulting in an agreement to purchase the land with Maricopa Parks Department overseeing it.
As a result of the foresight and courage of the supporters and voters, any and all can now hike, enjoy magnificent vistas, or rest in solitude and beauty.
January 2001 saw the opening of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Look north and marvel at the achievement to preserve this beautiful expanse of land.
~Stephanie Bradley
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