Old-timers and newcomers alike, we are drawn to NE Santa Cruz County by the natural beauty of the desert grasslands and foothills, the long vistas to the surrounding mountains, and views of the stars undiluted by city lights. Opportunities for outdoor recreation and a diversity of wildlife are also part of the attraction. An opinion survey conducted by a University of Arizona graduate student helps confirm how important an unspoiled environment and the opportunity to see wildlife are to residents and visitors. See Appendix E for more information on this survey.
Ranching is the historic use of the NE Santa Cruz County landscape. We commemorate the ranching heritage in local events: horse races, rodeo, and county fair. But grazing is gradually being replaced by residential use, fragmenting the landscape into small parcels.
In drafting this policy, we identified the most important open space resources in NE Santa Cruz County: the large blocks of federal land in the Empire-Cienega Resource Conservation Area and Coronado National Forest, and protected private lands, like the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch and The Nature Conservancy Preserve in O'Donnell Canyon, What we value in this landscape can be maintained only by keeping these lands intact as habitat, viewsheds, and watersheds, and by linking them via corridors of state trust and private lands that remain in ranching use. The map on page 16 shows which lands are included in the Open Space Framework. Appendix F explains how the Open Space Working Group developed the Open Space Framework map.
Maintain the natural attractions of NE Santa Cruz County by preserving the remaining large patches of habitat and functional connections between those patches. This will create a framework' of open space that sustains healthy, diverse plant communities and wildlife populations, and protects scenic views. It will also promote wildlife-related recreation, like birding; protect water quality and groundwater recharge areas; attract visitors; and contribute substantially to the value of adjacent properties.
The private lands that are within the Open Space Framework should remain in ranching use, being protected via the gift or purchase of development rights wherever possible. Fee simple acquisition is usually not necessary or desirable, but may be appropriate for small inholdings within large blocks of public lands or the expansion of existing preserves. Where development rights cannot be acquired, residential development that is consistent with the natural values of the site will be permitted.
Creation of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, as called for by Policy 1, would be a significant step toward implementing this policy. Remember that the regulatory strategies proposed here apply to land use changes, not established uses.
| An impact fee is a one-time fee collected at the time a building permit is issued. Arizona counties may collect such fees for water, sewer, streets, parks, and public facilities (ARS §11-1102), but not for the acquisition of conservation easements. Impact fees may not exceed a fair proportional share of the cost of the improvements necessitated by the development from which they are collected. |
The rural character that draws people to NE Santa Cruz County is a function of open space: the views, the opportunity to see wildlife, and the chance to see the stars undimmed by city lights. These values can best be sustained if there is some open space in all developments. There is also excellent evidence that integrating open space into residential subdivisions makes sense for the developer. The Resources section of this plan lists two references that document the positive impacts of preserving open space on real estate values throughout the nation. Locally, lots in developments that incorporate open space, like the Crown C or Casas Arroyos, command premium prices.
Maintaining an open, rural character is essential to our community's continuing quality of life, market appeal, and property values. Open space should be integrated into all developments.
NE Santa Cruz County has been proposed as a possible route for high voltage electric power lines serving Mexico and Nogales, Arizona. The Sonora-Arizona Interconnection, proposed by the Public Service Company of New Mexico in late 1998, would link the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station west of Phoenix with a substation at Santa Ana, Mexico. One possible route would follow the existing gas pipeline north from I-10 to Highway 83, then follow that road and Highway 82 from Sonoita through Patagonia.
Citizen's Utilities is currently considering alternative routes for a high voltage power line that would correct service deficiencies in Nogales. Citizens' is considering both the route described above for the Sonora-Arizona Interconnection, and running a transmission line from Huachuca City across the Babocomari Ranch, then along Highway 82 to Nogales. This line could provide local service through an agreement with the Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.
Construction of overhead high voltage power lines that do not provide local service is not consistent with the open space and scenic values that attract residents and visitors to our community, or with sustainable local economic development, which will be based on those values. If a high voltage power line is permitted, its construction should be mitigated through the protection of remaining scenic values.
One of NE Santa Cruz County's most valuable natural resources is a dark night sky. This resource is a vital part of our rural character and essential to the astronomical observatories in the area. It also requires protection beyond what is offered by the present county ordinance. That protection can be provided by encouraging outdoor lighting practices that provide ample illumination for homes and businesses, while conserving energy (and money). Proper outdoor lighting practices also protect property rights by reducing light trespass.
Use education and appropriate outdoor lighting standards to help maintain the rural character of NE Santa Cruz County and preserve the dark sky needed for the astronomical research carried out in our area.
Next: Rural Residential Development
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