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Arizona Secretary of State http://www.azsos.gov |
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:
A. The legislature has significantly expanded the 1998 growing smarter act to promote a more sensitive and rational development of land. This proposition presents to the voters several components of the expanded growing smarter act to reform the way state trust land is managed, to permit conservation of some unique state trust land, to modernize the management of the remaining trust land and to more directly benefit public schools and other trust beneficiaries.
B. In particular, this proposition:
1. Enables the state land department to transfer certain trust lands to school districts at no cost to the districts.
2. Authorizes the designation of Arizona conservation reserve lands to protect from development state trust lands that have important cultural, historical, paleontological, natural resource or geologic features and designates initial Arizona conservation reserve lands, notwithstanding the criteria prescribed for subsequent Arizona conservation reserve lands.
3. Permits land exchanges and conveyances for conservation purposes.
4. Establishes that land designated for conservation or donated for schools may enhance the value of adjacent state trust land.
5. Permits up to five per cent of the income generated by the state land department to be appropriated to better manage the state trust land.
6. Authorizes agricultural and grazing trust land leases for longer than ten years without advertising or public auction to promote sound stewardship and long-term agricultural and grazing productivity.
2. Article X, section 1, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
1. Acceptance and holding of lands by state in trust
Section 1. A. All lands expressly transferred and confirmed to the state by the provisions of the enabling act approved June 20, 1910, including all lands granted to the state and all lands heretofore granted to the territory of Arizona, and all lands otherwise acquired by the state, shall be by the state accepted and held in trust to be disposed of in whole or in part, only in THE manner as in the said enabling act and in this Constitution provided, and for:
1. The several objects specified in the respective granting and confirmatory provisions.
2. THE CONSERVATION OF CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, PALEONTOLOGICAL, NATURAL RESOURCE OR GEOLOGIC FEATURES OF THE TRUST LANDS DESIGNATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 14 OF THIS ARTICLE.
B. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 7, SUBSECTION A, PARAGRAPH 1 OF THIS ARTICLE, the natural products and money proceeds of any of said lands shall be subject to the same trusts as the lands producing the same.
3. Article X, section 2, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
2. Unauthorized disposition of land or proceeds as breach of trust
Section 2. A. Disposition of any of said lands, or of any money or thing of value directly or indirectly derived therefrom, for any object other than that for which such particular lands (or the lands from which such money or thing of value shall have been derived) were granted or confirmed OR AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 14 OF THIS ARTICLE, or in any manner contrary to the provisions of the said enabling act, shall be deemed a breach of trust.
B. THIS SECTION DOES NOT PREVENT THE APPROPRIATION OF A PORTION OF TRUST PROCEEDS FOR PURPOSES OF MANAGING TRUST LANDS AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 7, SUBSECTION A, PARAGRAPH 1 OF THIS ARTICLE.
4. Article X, section 3, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
3. Mortgage or other encumbrance; sale or lease at public auction
Section 3. A. No mortgage or other encumbrance of the said lands, or any part thereof, shall be valid in favor of any person or for any purpose or under any circumstances whatsoever.
B. Said lands shall not be sold or leased, in whole or in part, except to the highest and best bidder at a public auction to be held at the county seat of the county wherein the lands to be affected, or the major portion thereof, shall lie. , Notice of which public EACH auction shall first have been duly BE given by advertisement, which shall set forth the nature, time and place of the transaction to be had AUCTION, with a full description of the lands to be offered. , and THE NOTICE SHALL be published once each week for not less than ten successive BEGINNING AT LEAST FIVE weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published regularly at the state capital, and in that newspaper of like circulation which shall then be regularly published nearest to the location of the lands so offered; nor shall any BEFORE THE DATE OF THE AUCTION IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW. NO sale or contract for the sale of any timber or other natural product of such lands MAY be made, save EXCEPT at the place, in the manner , and after the notice by publication provided for sales and leases of the lands themselves.
C. Nothing herein, IN THIS SECTION or elsewhere in THIS article X contained, shall prevent ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. The leasing of any of the lands referred to in this article in such manner as the legislature may prescribe, for grazing, agricultural, commercial and homesite purposes, for a term of ten years or less, without advertisement OR AUCTION OR FOR LONGER TERMS IN AGRICULTURAL OR GRAZING LEASES FOR LONG- TERM PRODUCTIVITY OF TRUST LANDS, AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 10 OF THIS ARTICLE. ;
2. The leasing of any of said lands, in such manner as the legislature may prescribe, whether or not also leased for grazing and agricultural purposes, for mineral purposes, other than for the exploration, development , and production of oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances, for a term of twenty years or less, without advertisement , or AUCTION. ,
3. The leasing of any of said lands, whether or not also leased for other purposes, for the exploration, development , and production of oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances on, in or under said lands for an initial term of twenty (20) years or less and as long thereafter as ANY oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substance may be procured therefrom in paying quantities, the leases to be made in any manner, with or without advertisement, bidding, AUCTION or appraisement, and under such terms and provisions , as the legislature may prescribe, the terms and provisions to include a reservation of a royalty to the state of not less than twelve and one-half per cent of production.
4. THE SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF LANDS DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS WITHOUT ADVERTISEMENT OR AUCTION AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
5. THE SALE OF NATURAL PRODUCTS OF THE LAND IN SMALL QUANTITIES FOR NONCOMMERCIAL PURPOSES WITHOUT ADVERTISEMENT OR AUCTION AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
5. Article X, section 4, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
4. Sale or other disposal; appraisal; minimum price; credit; passing of title
Section 4. A. All lands, lease-holds LEASEHOLDS, timber, and other products of land, before being offered, shall be appraised at their true value. , and
B. No sale or other disposal thereof shall be made for a consideration less than the value so ascertained, nor in any case less than the minimum price hereinafter fixed, nor upon credit unless accompanied by ample security , and , EXCEPT THAT:
1. LANDS THAT ARE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS PURSUANT TO SECTION 14 OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE SOLD FOR NOT LESS THAN THE APPRAISED TRUE VALUE OF THE LAND, MINUS THE VALUE OF THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS, IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW.
2. LANDS MAY BE DONATED TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR SCHOOL SITES AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 13 OF THIS ARTICLE.
3. THE LEGISLATURE MAY PRESCRIBE PROCEDURES FOR DONATION OF TRUST LAND FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRUST LANDS PLANNED FOR DEVELOPMENT IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THE DONATION WOULD RESULT IN HIGHER NET VALUE TO THE TRUST LANDS TO BE DEVELOPED.
C. EXCEPT FOR LANDS DONATED FOR SCHOOL SITES OR FOR CONSERVATION UNDER SUBSECTION B, PARAGRAPH 2 OR 3, the legal title shall not be deemed to have passed until the consideration shall have been paid.
6. Article X, section 7, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
7. Permanent funds; segregation, investment and distribution of monies
Section 7. A. A separate permanent fund shall be established for each of the several objects for which the said grants are made and confirmed by the enabling act to the state. , and whenever Any monies shall be THAT ARE in any manner derived from any of said lands , the same shall be DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS:
1. NOT MORE THAN FIVE PER CENT OF THE MONIES DERIVED FROM SALES OR LEASES OF THE LANDS MAY BE APPROPRIATED FOR PURPOSES OF MANAGING LANDS HELD IN TRUST PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE, EXCLUDING PERSONNEL EXPENSES, BUT INCLUDING TRUST LAND USE PLANNING.
2. ALL REMAINING MONIES SHALL be deposited by the state treasurer in the permanent fund corresponding to the grant under which the particular land producing such monies was, by the enabling act, conveyed or confirmed.
B. No monies shall ever be taken from one permanent fund for deposit in any other, or for any object other than that for which the land producing the same was granted or confirmed.
C. All such monies shall be invested in safe interest-bearing securities and prudent equity securities consistent with the requirements of this section.
D. The legislature shall establish a board of investment to serve as trustees of the permanent funds. The board shall provide for the management of the assets of the funds consistent with the following conditions:
1. Not more than sixty per cent of a fund at cost may be invested in equities at any time.
2. Equities that are eligible for purchase are restricted to stocks listed on any national stock exchange or eligible for trading through the United States national association of securities dealers automated quotation system, or successor institutions, except as may be prohibited by general criteria or by a restriction on investment in a specific security adopted pursuant to this subsection.
3. Not more than five per cent of all of the funds combined at cost may be invested in equity securities issued by the same institution, agency or corporation, other than securities issued as direct obligations of and fully guaranteed by the United States government.
E. In making investments under this section the state treasurer and trustees shall exercise the judgment and care under the prevailing circumstances that an institutional investor of ordinary prudence, discretion and intelligence exercises in managing large investments entrusted to it, not in regard to speculation, but in regard to the permanent disposition of monies, considering the probable safety of capital as well as the probable total rate of return over extended periods of time.
F. The earnings, interest, dividends and realized capital gains and losses from investment of a permanent fund , shall be credited to that fund.
G. The board of investment shall determine the amount of the annual distributions required by this section and allocate distributions pursuant to law. Beginning July 1, 2000 and except as otherwise provided in this section, the amount of the annual distribution from a permanent fund established pursuant to this section is the amount determined by multiplying the following factors:
1. The average of the annual total rate of return for the immediately preceding five complete fiscal years less the average of the annual percentage change in the GDP price deflator, or a successor index, for the immediately preceding five complete fiscal years. For purposes of this paragraph:
(a) "Annual total rate of return" means the quotient obtained by dividing the amount credited to a fund pursuant to subsection F for a complete fiscal year, plus unrealized capital gains and losses, by the average monthly market value of the fund for that year.
(b) "GDP price deflator" means the gross domestic price deflator reported by the United States department of commerce, bureau of economic analysis, or its successor agency.
2. The average of the monthly market values of the fund for the immediately preceding five complete fiscal years.
H. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the annual distribution from the permanent funds for fiscal years 1999-2000 through 2002- 2003 shall be as follows:
1. For fiscal year 1999-2000, the greater of five per cent of the average of the monthly market values of the funds for fiscal years 1994-1995 through 1998-1999 or the average of actual annual distributions for fiscal years 1994-1995 through 1998-1999.
2. For fiscal years 2000-2001 through 2002-2003, the greater of the average of the actual annual distributions for the immediately preceding five complete fiscal years or the amount of the distribution required by subsection G.
7. Article X, section 10, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
10. Laws for sale or lease of state lands; protection of residents and lessees; stewardship incentives
Section 10. The legislature shall provide by proper laws for:
1. The sale of all state lands or the lease of such lands. , and shall further provide by said laws for
2. The protection of the actual bona fide residents and lessees of said lands, whereby such residents and lessees of said lands shall be protected in their rights to their improvements (including water rights) in such manner that:
(a) In case of lease to other parties the former lessee shall be paid by the succeeding lessee the value of such improvements and rights. and
(b) Actual bona fide residents and lessees shall have preference to a renewal of their leases at a reassessed rental to be fixed as provided by law.
3. AGRICULTURAL AND GRAZING LEASES FOR LONGER THAN TEN YEARS WITHOUT ADVERTISEMENT OR AUCTION TO PROMOTE SOUND STEWARDSHIP AND LONG-TERM AGRICULTURAL AND GRAZING PRODUCTIVITY OF TRUST LANDS.
8. Article X, Constitution of Arizona, is proposed to be amended as follows, by adding sections 12, 13 and 14, if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor:
12. Land exchanges for conservation purposes
SECTION 12. A. AFTER PUBLIC NOTICE, THE STATE MAY EXCHANGE LANDS GRANTED OR CONFIRMED BY THE ENABLING ACT FOR OTHER PUBLIC LANDS AS THE LEGISLATURE MAY PROVIDE BY LAW IF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET:
1. THE EXCHANGE IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE STATE LAND TRUST.
2. THE PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE IS TO CONSERVE OPEN SPACE ON TRUST LANDS OFFERED BY THE STATE IN THE EXCHANGE.
3. AT LEAST TWO INDEPENDENT APPRAISALS SHOW THAT THE TRUE VALUE OF ANY LANDS RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THE TRUE VALUE OF THE LANDS THE STATE EXCHANGES.
4. AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED EXCHANGE SHOWS:
(a) THAT THE PROJECTED INCOME TO THE TRUST AFTER THE EXCHANGE EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THE INCOME TO THE TRUST BEFORE THE EXCHANGE.
(b) THE FISCAL IMPACT OF THE EXCHANGE ON EACH COUNTY, CITY, TOWN AND SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH ALL THE LANDS INVOLVED IN THE EXCHANGE ARE LOCATED.
B. LAND MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED UNLESS:
1. PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE EXCHANGE IS PROVIDED THAT INCLUDES A LEGAL AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCATION OF THE LANDS TO BE EXCHANGED, THE APPRAISED VALUE OF ALL PARCELS OF THE LANDS AND THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH 2 OF THIS SUBSECTION. THE NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN BEGINNING AT LEAST FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE EXCHANGE IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE HELD AT THE STATE CAPITOL AND IN A LOCATION OF GENERAL ACCESSIBILITY IN THE VICINITY OF THE STATE LANDS BEING EXCHANGED.
C. LAND EXCHANGES ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE SALES FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE.
13. Donation of trust land for school sites
SECTION 13. A. THE LEGISLATURE MAY PROVIDE BY LAW FOR THE NOMINATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL LANDS THAT ARE SPECIFIED IN THE ENABLING ACT FOR DONATION TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT, WITHOUT COMPENSATION OR PUBLIC AUCTION, FOR USE PRIMARILY AS A SITE FOR KINDERGARTEN, COMMON OR HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTION.
B. THE LEGISLATURE SHALL PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF THE NOMINATION IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW. THE REVIEWING AGENCY SHALL:
1. CONSIDER ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED DONATION, INCLUDING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT TO THE PERMANENT STATE SCHOOL FUND AND TO THE STATE GENERAL FUND.
2. HOLD AT LEAST ONE PUBLIC HEARING AND SHALL RECEIVE AND CONSIDER ALL WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS.
C. THE REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF THE NOMINATION ARE AN EXERCISE OF DISCRETIONARY JUDGMENT. THERE IS NO PRESUMPTION OR EXPECTATION THAT ANY LAND NOMINATED MUST BE DONATED TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT. THERE IS NO RIGHT OF ACTION TO COMPEL THE DONATION OF ANY LAND TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT.
D. LANDS THAT ARE DONATED TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE USED PRIMARILY FOR KINDERGARTEN, COMMON OR HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTION. THE TITLE TO THE LAND SHALL INCLUDE A COVENANT THAT THE LANDS ARE SUBJECT TO THAT REQUIREMENT AND REVERT TO THE STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL LAND TRUST IF THE DISTRICT CONVEYS TITLE TO THE LAND OR DISCONTINUES ITS USE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
14. Designation of Arizona conservation reserve lands
SECTION 14. A. THE LEGISLATURE SHALL PROVIDE A PROCESS TO SELECT LANDS HELD IN TRUST BY THIS STATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 1 OF THIS ARTICLE, THAT HAVE SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, PALEONTOLOGICAL, NATURAL RESOURCE OR GEOLOGIC FEATURES, FOR DESIGNATION AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS.
B. THE AGGREGATE AREA OF THE LANDS THAT ARE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS MAY NOT EXCEED THREE PER CENT OF THE AREA OF LANDS HELD IN EACH TRUST FOR EACH BENEFICIARY PURSUANT TO SECTION 1 OF THIS ARTICLE ON THE DATE THE ENABLING ACT IS AMENDED TO AUTHORIZE TRUST LANDS TO BE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS. THIS LIMITATION DOES NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS THAT ARE EXCHANGED FOR THEIR FAIR MARKET VALUE.
C. LANDS MAY BE NOMINATED FOR DESIGNATION AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS EXCLUSIVELY AS PROVIDED BY THIS SECTION. THE GOVERNING BODY OF A CITY, TOWN OR COUNTY MAY NOMINATE LANDS WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. THE LEGISLATURE SHALL PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF THE NOMINATION IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW.
D. A LIST OF LANDS THAT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE REVIEW AND EVALUATION PROCESS AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW SHALL BE TRANSMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE, WHICH SHALL CONSIDER ALL OF SUCH LANDS IN THE FORM OF:
1. A BILL THAT MUST RECEIVE THE APPROVAL OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE MEMBERS OF EACH HOUSE OF THE LEGISLATURE AND BE PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNOR. THE LEGISLATURE MAY VOTE TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE BILL AS A WHOLE BUT MAY NOT AMEND THE BILL, OTHER THAN TO CORRECT MINOR TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL ERRORS. IF THE GOVERNOR APPROVES THE BILL, THE GOVERNOR SHALL SIGN IT, AND THE LANDS ARE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS. IF THE GOVERNOR VETOES THE BILL, IT MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED BY THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF AT LEAST THREE- FOURTHS OF THE MEMBERS OF EACH HOUSE OF THE LEGISLATURE, AND THE LANDS SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS.
2. A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION. THE LEGISLATURE MAY VOTE TO APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE RESOLUTION AS A WHOLE BUT MAY NOT AMEND THE RESOLUTION, OTHER THAN TO CORRECT MINOR TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL ERRORS. IF THE LEGISLATURE PASSES THE RESOLUTION WITH THE APPROVAL OF AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF EACH HOUSE OF THE LEGISLATURE, THE RESOLUTION SHALL BE TRANSMITTED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WHO SHALL PLACE THE PROPOSITION ON THE NEXT REGULAR GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT. TO BE APPROVED, THE PROPOSITION MUST RECEIVE AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS VOTING ON THE MEASURE. ON APPROVAL BY THE VOTERS, THE LANDS ARE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS.
E. THE LEGISLATURE SHALL PROVIDE BY LAW FOR A PROCESS TO REFER TO THE NEXT REGULAR GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT THE NOMINATED LANDS THAT THE LEGISLATURE FAILS TO CONSIDER PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION D, PARAGRAPH 1 OR 2.
F. LANDS THAT ARE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS MAY BE SOLD, WITHOUT PUBLIC AUCTION, TO A STATE ENTITY OR A CITY, TOWN, COUNTY OR TRIBAL GOVERNMENT, FOR THE FAIR MARKET VALUE MINUS THE VALUE OF THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS IN A MANNER PRESCRIBED BY LAW. THE TERMS OF A SALE OF STATE TRUST LANDS DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS SHALL INCLUDE THE CONDITION THAT THE CONVEYANCE OF TITLE IS SUBJECT TO A COVENANT THAT RUNS WITH THE LAND AND THAT THE LAND SHALL BE USED ONLY FOR PURPOSES THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH CONSERVATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 1, PARAGRAPH 2 OF THIS ARTICLE.
G. THE PROCESS OF DESIGNATING LANDS AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LANDS IS AN EXERCISE OF DISCRETIONARY JUDGMENT AND LEGISLATIVE PREROGATIVE. THERE IS NO PRESUMPTION OR EXPECTATION THAT ANY LAND NOMINATED MUST BE DESIGNATED AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LAND. THERE IS NO RIGHT OF ACTION TO COMPEL THE DESIGNATION OF ANY LAND AS ARIZONA CONSERVATION RESERVE LAND.
9. Initial Arizona conservation reserve lands; procedure
A. The following state trust lands are designated as Arizona conservation reserve lands:
North Phoenix - Union Hills area
North Phoenix - Pyramid Peak area
White Tank mountains - south parcels
Interstate route 19 and Valencia road archaeological site
Superstition mountains (east parcels of Gold canyon)
B. The boundaries of these lands are shown on maps filed in the office of the Secretary of State on or before February 15, 2000, subject to minor changes to correct technical or clerical errors or subsequent surveys.
C. The Secretary of State shall:
1. Include the list of lands on the ballot with the proposition for authorizing the designation of trust lands as Arizona conservation reserve lands pursuant to article X, section 14, Constitution of Arizona.
2. Include the list with a description of the lands in the official publicity pamphlet for the general election as provided by law.
The Secretary of State shall submit this proposition to the voters at the next general election as provided by article XXI, Constitution of Arizona.
In 1910, the United States Congress passed the Arizona-New Mexico Enabling Act, allowing Arizona to become a state. The Enabling Act granted Arizona millions of acres of land, referred to as "state trust land". The state land trust is intended to produce revenue for various public institutions (schools, colleges, prisons, etc.), the largest of which is the public schools which own 87% of the land. The state can lease or sell trust land, and the natural products (timber, minerals, etc.) of the land, only to the "highest and best bidder" at public auction.
Proposition 100 proposes a series of amendments to the state constitution that, together with changes to the Enabling Act, will allow some state trust land and trust land income to be used for additional purposes as follows:
The following approximately 70,000 acres of trust land will be designated as Arizona Conservation Reserve Lands if Proposition 100 is approved. The actual boundaries of these parcels are shown on maps filed in the office of the Secretary of State.
In addition, the location and boundaries of these sites are shown on maps at the Arizona state land department website:
www.land.state.az.us/alris/proposed/propinfo.html
By voting YES on Proposition 100, Arizonans have a unique opportunity to change the way State Trust Lands are managed. Our founding fathers could not have foreseen the effects that 88 years of migration and changing technology would have on our environment. The Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) and other conservation organizations throughout Arizona have been working diligently for several years to develop methods to insure the preservation of state trust lands. All agree that changing the Constitution and Enabling Act to allow sensitive areas to be set aside before they are buried by urban sprawl is the most effective way to permanently preserve these unique lands.
Proposition 100 creates the Arizona Conservation Reserve to protect forever the most awe-inspiring of these trust lands near our cities and towns. 70,000 acres are specifically and immediately preserved with this package. They include beloved sensitive habitat and vistas in the Superstition Mountains, the McDowells near Phoenix, Badger Hill in Prescott, the Tortolita Mountains near Tucson, and in the north, lands near the Petrified Forest and Walnut Canyon. The Arizona Conservation Reserve also provides a means to preserve another 200,000 plus acres around the state. At present, all State Trust Lands must be purchased or leased at the highest bid. Proposition 100 changes that. When Prop 100 is adopted, nearly 300,000 acres will be placed in the Arizona Conservation Reserve -- protected -- free and forever -- from development.
Prop 100 is a precedent-setting first step. A first step which will open the door to an environmentally and socially balanced use of our state trust lands.
For Open Spaces and Wild Places, please vote YES on Prop 100.
Executive Board of the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT): |
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* protect State Trust Land from development in Arizona's urbanizing areas,
* allow for exchanges of Trust Land so the state and federal government and private land owners can better manage their lands and
* end years of costly regulation and litigation for lessees of State Trust Land.
Proposition 100 is supported by the Governor and the Legislature. It is part of the Arizona solution, known as "Growing Smarter", to protect open space and control sprawl.
Preserving a portion of State Trust Land, as open space, in urbanizing areas, and allowing the remainder to continue to be leased to generate income for education, is a compromise voters should support. Trust Lands currently provide $70 million for the education of our children.
Allowing Trust Lands to be exchanged with federal and private land, for conservation purposes, will eliminate current management conflicts because lands are under different jurisdictions and ownership.
Lessees of Trust Land, that continue to provide income for education, are given the opportunity to extend their leases under a "sound stewardship" requirement. Extended leases reduce costly and burdensome regulations and is in the "long term benefit of the Trust".
Opponents of this proposition want no limits placed upon the amount of Trust Land that is to be preserved. Preservation means little or no income from that land to the Trust or to education.
Vote "YES" on Proposition 100. A "YES" vote supports a balance between protecting open space and continuing the State Trust Land's commitment to educating our children.
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Andy Kurtz, Chief Administrative Officer, Arizona Farm Bureau, Phoenix |
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I am voting "yes" on Proposition 100. It is the most important proposition in the state's history in terms of preserving the magical tapestry of Arizona's deserts, forests, streams and wildlife.
Proposition 100 is the cornerstone of Arizona's new growth management plan, "Growing Smarter," which will enable every community to better meet the needs of citizens through greater involvement, more certain planning, and the conservation of hundreds of thousands of acres of land otherwise threatened by development.
Proposition 100 balances the need to preserve our natural treasures with the need to maintain a vital source of funding to our public schools. It has several provisions, each aimed at better management of our State Trust land. Perhaps the most remarkable is the creation of the Arizona Conservation Reserve, which will allow us to set aside for free about 270,000 acres of State Trust land for conservation, including 70,000 already identified acres in 13 counties.
Perhaps even more significant to our long-term conservation efforts will be the ability to preserve State Trust land through land exchanges. There are significant safeguards to this process. First, the State land that is traded MUST be conserved. Second, land exchanges must be with governments only.
As an ardent supporter of better funding for schools, I am also very proud of Proposition 100's provision that will allow us, for the first time, to give free land to public schools for school sites. This will significantly reduce school construction costs, and help to build new schools more quickly.
I worked hard to ensure that every element of Proposition 100 is responsible and responsive to growth concerns related to our vanishing open spaces.
I sincerely hope you will join me in voting "yes" on Proposition 100. It's our gift to Arizona's future.
Like the State of Arizona, I celebrated my 88th birthday this year.
I plan to honor our grateful passage into the new millennium by voting "yes" on Proposition 100 and leaving a legacy of untouched landscapes.
I have lived long enough to witness miracles and inventions and achievements of every kind. And yet, all these bits of so-called "progress" still pale alongside that which was here before us: the mountains, streams, deserts and forests.
My special passion is mountains. There is no match for them. Three decades ago, I joined a group of visionary individuals in search of ways to preserve our Valley's mountains. At first, it seemed like we'd never get there, but tenacity and hard work has its rewards.
Our efforts eventually led to the creation of the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. These Mountain Preserves have come to be known as the nation's most exquisite system of natural parks.
Most important, the Preserves provide sanctuary and recreation, and serve as a constant reminder of the importance of conservation.
We now have an opportunity to add - at no cost - thousands of acres of pristine desert to our Mountain Preserves. This opportunity is offered through Proposition 100, which creates the Arizona Conservation Reserve. In all, the Arizona Conservation Reserve will allow us to save 270,000 acres of State Trust land.
Proposition 100 is a robust proposal that can be build upon for generations. And while I may not be around to do it, I have faith Arizonans will continue the legacy with passion and pride.
Next to my child and grandchildren, I consider the Mountain Preserves my life's greatest accomplishment. I am confident the conservation opportunities of Proposition 100 will lead to that same feeling for Arizonans for years to come.
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Ruth Hamilton, Chair, Preserve Arizona - Yes on Proposition 100, Phoenix |
The United Phoenix Firefighters Association has a history of getting involved in programs that benefit the community. One such effort is Proposition 100, and we encourage a vote of "YES on 100" this fall.
Proposition 100 will significantly advance open space planning and lead to the preservation of hundreds of thousands of acres in the places that Arizonans treasure the most.
In the Valley, Proposition 100 is especially vital because it can help complete the work already done by the City of Phoenix with it's Parks and Preserve Initiative, which we supported last fall. Through Proposition 100, thousands of acres can be added to our plan at no cost.
Proposition 100 is part of the Governor's strategy for better growth management called "Growing Smarter." The United Phoenix Firefighters applaud the Governor for her efforts in this regard. We believe Growing Smarter and its centerpiece, Proposition 100, will go a long way toward improving the way our communities plan and carry out those plans.
Firefighters have a genuine concern for the good of the community. Perhaps its because we have so much interaction with the people in our communities every day and because we raise our families in the same neighborhoods where we work. Efforts like Proposition 100, which is the result of significant community involvement, deserves the support of those who care about our future.
As concerned citizens, the United Phoenix Firefighters Association believes Proposition 100 is a good plan for Arizona. Please join us in voting "YES on 100."
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Billy Shields, President, United Phoenix Firefighters Association, (representing firefighters in Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, and Tempe) |
Proposition 100 deserves your support because it is a new tool for managing Arizona's growth, and for the first time permits the conservation of State Trust Lands for open space at no cost. Arizona is required to sell or lease Trust Lands that are ready for development and use the proceeds to support government, principally K-12 schools. Proposition 100 will allow some of Arizona's most environmentally important Trust Lands to be preserved for open space without compensation. This plan was adopted after months of public input, and represents a delicate balance of competing interests.
If adopted, Proposition 100 will immediately preserve 70,000 acres as the first installment in Arizona's investment in open space. It also will establish stringent criteria for setting aside eligible lands, so that the trust beneficiaries are not adversely affected.
Proposition 100 will complement two existing state programs that help preserve trust land: the Arizona Preserve Initiative (API), which gives the State Land Department's authority to sell State Trust Lands to local governments and nonprofit organizations for open space; and Proposition 303, passed in 1998, which allocates $220 million in state funds to match local sources for acquisition of State Trust Lands as open space. The combination of API, Proposition 303, and Proposition 100 will permit conservation of large amounts of State Trust Lands in areas threatened by developed.
Proposition 100 was created with the help of more than 1,000 Arizonans who care about this state and want to see growth managed effectively. We should adopt Proposition 100 and give this combination of policy measures time to work.
Let's stop the rapid loss of desert open space on the edge of our urban areas. Vote YES on Proposition 100.
Proposition 100, if passed, will allow the State to preserve additional desert land in and around the metro areas. This will increase the land that already can be protected under Proposition 303, which was approved by voters in 1998. Proposition 303 directed the State to spend $220 million to help communities acquire and preserve valuable open space befor it is urbanized.
Proposition 100 won' t require any additional funding. It will simply allow the transfer of up to 300,000 acres owned by the State Land Trust into the Arizona Conservation Reserve. To be eligible for such transfer, the land must be environmentally, historically, or culturally significant, or it must be an important regional or statewide landmark. This is intended to save our "crown jewels" such as desert peaks and sensitive washes.
Once transferred, the land is forever protected from development, leaving a wonderful legacy for our children.
While this is only 3% of the total State Trust land, it will all be located adjacent to Rapidly urbanizing metropolitan areas. This will mean its protection will benefit the most Arizona residents. If setting aside 3% of the land is determined to be not enough, more can be set aside via future actions by the State Legislature and/or voters.
Since only 3% of the State Trust land is being taken off the market in this fashion, the trust can still perform its primary function of generating funds for our state's schools by selling or leasing the remaining land.
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance supports Proposition 100. The Alliance comprises more than 4,200 businesses in the communities of Ahwatukee Foothills, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe as well as the East Valley Partnership.
The members of the Alliance believe that Proposition 100 is a responsible approach to growth management in our state. This plan allows economic growth and jobs development to continue. This is critical for our economy to remain strong and for our quality of life to not be irreversibly altered. Unlike Proposition 202, this approach will not choke our state's economic prosperity. The emphasis on improved planning and citizen involvement in land use decisions is wise and prudent.
The Alliance also supports the provision of Proposition 100 to set aside 3% of the most pristine State Trust Lands. Permanent removal of larger amounts of State Trust Lands would put at risk the value of the actual "Trust" created at statehood to fund public education. As a strong proponent of education, the Alliance finds it imperative a majority of these lands continue to be available for revenue generation. Proposition 100 will enable this practice to continue.
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Craig Ahlstrom, Chairman-Elect, East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, Mesa |
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Vote yes on Prop. 100 to permanently protect as open space more than 270,000 acres of Arizona's most spectacular lands including 12,000 acres near the Superstition Wilderness. This proposition creates the Arizona Conservation Reserve and designates the first 70,000 acres of State Trust Land for immediate protection and enables another 200,000 acres to be added to the Reserve.
As authors of the Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wilderness, we are very familiar with 12,000 acres of the initial Reserve lands on the southern boundary of the Superstitions to be protected as open space. These exceptional lands contain four magnificent canyons (Randolph, Whitlow, Tule and No Name), three miles of the Elephant Butte Valley, the Buzzard's Roost rock formation, a three mile expanse of rolling hills and several hill tops. This lush Sonoran desert is abundant with wildlife, archeological treasures and stunning views. An important one mile section of Coffee Flat Trail 108 on State Trust Land in Randolph Canyon is part of the initial Reserve lands.
Equally precious areas throughout the state are included in the initial Reserve lands. Other special areas can be locally nominated for inclusion in the Reserve.
Proposition 100 provides for conservation of far more than the 270,000 Reserve acres. It allows unlimited additional State Trust Land to be saved as open space through land exchanges and through transfers of open space to local governments as part of a development plan.
Prop. 100 does not affect public access or recreational activities. It protects grazing and lease rights of permittees. This is a fair proposition that gives consideration to both rural and urban areas.
Proposition 100 deserves a "YES" vote.
Arizona is a magical state. Its rivers, deserts, forests, mountains, canyons and wildlife reflect our highest values as citizens of the American West.
Now we have to balance the needs of our people and our mandate for environmental protection. Proposition 100 provides that reasonable and sensible balance.
I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy the best of Arizona for many years to come. Proposition 100 is the best way to preserve and protect our beautiful state for future generations.
Valley Forward Association supports Proposition 100, the proposal to set aside a portion of State Trust Lands for conservation. We believe that this proposal takes an important step in acknowledging that some State Trust Lands have greater value to our community and our State in their natural, undisturbed condition than they do as developed land. While the State Trust Lands have served our citizens well for nearly a century, we need to take this first, small step to respond to our growing state's need for desert preservation.
At the same time, Proposition 100 establishes appropriate checks and balances to make sure that the process of donating these valuable public assets is carefully thought out and tailored to the unique needs of each situation. Valley Forward endorses this more moderate approach, as opposed to issuing some sort of blanket change that treats all State Trust Lands alike.
Valley Forward has been a longstanding supporter of ongoing, reasonable efforts to preserve important open spaces. Most recently, Valley Forward encouraged voters to pass the Phoenix Parks & Preserve Initiative which preserved 15,000 acres of State Trust Land and enhanced nine regional parks, a measure which was approved by approximately 80% of that City's voters.
A 31-year-old organization, Valley Forward brings business and civic leaders together to improve the environment and quality of life in Valley communities.
The Arizona Association of Industries (AAI) encourages a "yes" vote for Proposition 100. AAI is composed of more than 400 manufacturers and their suppliers across the state. It represents more than a quarter of a million employees of companies and related industries that manufacture, mine, move, assemble, distribute, and warehouse products in Arizona.
Our membership understands the importance of maintaining a high quality of life for the people of Arizona. The continued economic prosperity of the state will be based to a large degree on the quality of life enjoyed by working men and women. Proposition 100 will allow the people of this state to participate in the protection of our environment, and to play a vital role in the growth and development of the communities in which they live.
In 1998, the Arizona Legislature passed the Growing Smarter Act to give local communities a greater ability to manage growth. This year, the Legislature approved Growing Smarter Plus, which gives local communities new powers to regulate development and allows more opportunities for citizens to participate in growth management. It also includes the creation of the Arizona Conservation Reserve -- state trust land that will be set aside permanently, at no cost, for conservation.
Under Proposition 100 and Growing Smarter Plus, local communities will nominate state trust lands to be included in the Arizona Conservation Reserve, so that the people who are most affected by the use of state trust lands will be primarily responsible for their conservation. Additionally, every city and town in the state must submit their mandated development plans to local voters after initial approval.
Proposition 100 is the most effective tool for Arizona citizens and local communities to control growth and development, and to preserve open space. Vote "yes" on Proposition 100.
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Judith Allen President/CEO, Arizona Association of Industries, |
Chuck White, Chairman, Board of Directors, Arizona Association of Industries, Phoenix |
I write in support of Proposition 100.
Proposition 100 will allow voters to amend the State Constitution to allow conservation of State Trust land at no cost to Arizona taxpayers. It will also allow certain State Trust lands - the jewels of our shared heritage - to be permanently preserved as open space through trades with other governmental entities. This Proposition will significantly enhance the conservation efforts that many other Arizonans and I have vigorously pursued for years.
Proposition 100 is part of Arizona's growth management plan known as Growing Smarter. I have reviewed this plan, and I believe it is a responsible way for Arizona communities to tailor their short- and long-range plans to restrain growth in areas where restraint is needed. It does not, however, impose "one size fits all" restrictions on local governments. Growing Smarter is the result of the input of hundreds of Arizona citizens from across our state, and it reflects the striking diversity we enjoy in Arizona.
Proposition 100 will be an extraordinary legacy for future generations. I commend Governor Hull for making it part of her conservation agenda, and I hope you will join me in voting for Proposition 100.
Because it holds so much promise for local conservation efforts, including those in my hometown of Flagstaff, I will vote "yes" on Proposition 100.
Proposition 100 will allow us to conserve about 270,000 acres of State Trust land in and near our urban areas. About 70,000 acres in ten counties have already been identified for conservation. In Coconino County, the parcels included are Dry Lake, Naval Observatory Ridge, Rio de Flag, Rogers Lake, Turkey Hills, Walnut Canyon, Wildcat Hill and Woody Mountain.
All of these places are special and deserve protection. Proposition 100 allows us to do so.
This will be an enormous step forward for many local conservation programs, most certainly including the Flagstaff Open Space and Greenways Plan.
Please join me and vote "yes" on Proposition 100 and for the preservation of the State's best hideaways.
I want to stop the rapid loss of desert open space on the edge of our urban areas, so I am going to vote YES on Proposition 100.
Proposition 100 will allow the State to preserve additional desert land in and around Arizona's metro areas. This will increase the amount of land that already will be protected under 1998's Proposition 303, which directs the State to spend $220 million to help communities stop the development of valuable and scenic open space.
Proposition 100 will significantly enhance the City of Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative (which the citizens passed overwhelmingly last fall) by adding thousands of acres at no cost to the Phoenix Mountain Preserves. To me, as a member of the Phoenix City Council and a committed citizen, this is extremely important.
In all, Proposition 100 will allow the State Land Trust to transfer nearly 300,000 acres of its lands into the Arizona Conservation Reserve at no cost. Proposition 100 is intended to save our crown jewels and so the land protected by it will be of the most environmental, historical, and cultural significance to its community. Once transferred, this land will be forever protected from development, leaving a wonderful legacy for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Proposition 100 is part of the Governor's Growing Smarter plan, which requires better planning for cities and communities in Arizona. I am a supporter of Growing Smarter because it is balanced and genuinely reflects the complexity of urban planning solutions.
I encourage all citizens of Arizona to vote "YES on Proposition 100." It will ensure a more beautiful Arizona for our children and a more hospitable home for our mother nature.
As a fourth-generation Arizona farmer, immediate past president of the League of Cities and Towns, former mayor of the rapidly growing community of Queen Creek and, most important, father of four, I encourage you to vote "yes" on Proposition 100.
Proposition 100 is part of Arizona's grassroots growth management policy called "Growing Smarter." Growing Smarter is a sweeping proposal that requires greater community participation and long-term planning for our cities, towns, and counties. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that Growing Smarter provides the tools that communities need to better manage growth, by planning and using space wisely.
Equally important, Growing Smarter includes Proposition 100, which will allow us to conserve 270,000 acres of State Trust land that have special natural characteristics. Every region of the state will be enhanced by measures offered through Proposition 100.
I was proud to have been appointed to the Growing Smarter Commission, which helped developed the proposals within Growing Smarter and Proposition 100. There were dozens of public discussions attended by thousands of citizens that helped the Commission to come up with solutions that fit the Arizona lifestyle. That is why Growing Smarter and Proposition 100 work so well for all communities.
As I watch my four children grow up, I hope they will be able to see and enjoy the amazing Arizona landscapes I saw growing up. Proposition 100 will go a long way towards making sure this happens. For the sake of our natural heritage, I will VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 100.
The Valley Business Council represents thousands of men and women whose businesses, employees and families benefit from a vital economy in Arizona.
But we don't just work here; Arizona is the place we call home. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Arizona has become one of the world's most desirable places to live. It's no surprise that every year, so many more people decide to make it their home, too.
Like you, we want to make sure that the Arizona we treasure today is the Arizona our children will know tomorrow. That's why we're supporting Proposition 100. We think Proposition 100 will go a long way toward conserving Arizona's most beautiful lands and vast open spaces for all generations of Arizonans.
Proposition 100 ensures conservation of Arizona's State Land Trust, one of our nation's greatest endowments of natural resources. Proposition 100 is a key part of Growing Smarter, an overall approach to guiding and disciplining growth in Arizona's communities. We think it's a positive and promising response to citizens' concerns about the impact of growth.
As men and women in business, we honor the American ideal of private enterprise, and we want to ensure high-quality jobs for our people.
But continued economic prosperity shouldn't come at the expense of the natural resources that make Arizona so unique. Arizona's state lands are priceless, and we intend to protect them by supporting Proposition 100.
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Valerie Manning, Phoenix, Secretary, Valley Business Council |
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The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 4,000 individual business members throughout metropolitan Phoenix, represents thousands of men and women whose businesses, employees and families benefit from a vital economy in Arizona.
But we don't just work here. Arizona is the place we call home. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Arizona has become one of the world's most desirable places to live. It's no surprise that every year, so many people decide to make it their home, too.
Like you, we want to make sure that the Arizona we treasure today is the Arizona our children will know tomorrow. That's why we're supporting Proposition 100. We think Proposition 100 will go a long way toward conserving Arizona's most beautiful lands and vast open spaces for all generations of Arizonans.
Proposition 100 ensures conservation of Arizona's State Land Trust, one of our nation's greatest endowments of natural resources. Proposition 100 is a key part of Growing Smarter, and overall approach to guiding and disciplining growth in Arizona's communities. We think it's a positive and promising response to citizens' concerns about the impact of growth.
Continued economic prosperity shouldn't come at the expense of the natural resources that make Arizona so unique. Arizona's state lands are priceless, and we intend to protect them by supporting Proposition 100.
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Mary Pahissa Upchurch, Mesa, Chairman, Greater Phoenix Chamber |
Valerie Manning, Phoenix, Secretary, Valley Business Council |
Arizona's beef producing families have a long history of protecting open spaces and conserving our State School Trust Lands. Proposition 100 is a great opportunity to further conserve and protect special State School Trust Lands.
Proposition 100 will enhance and protect open space on State School Trust Lands through long-term agricultural leases. These leases will assure that the open space value and conservation of these lands will continue for many generations.
In addition to allowing a permanent designation of open space for the most extraordinary State School Trust Lands, through the Arizona Conservation Reserve, it will allow free lands to be provided for school sites for our children.
Proposition 100 is the greatest opportunity, since Statehood, to protect the famous rural Arizona landscape. All of Arizona's citizens will win with the passage of Proposition 100. We urge you to vote YES on Proposition 100.
The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce last month passed a resolution pledging the support of our organization to the Governor's Growing Smarter Plus plan. Proposition 100 will be the final step in the completion of this plan. We did this because we believe that Proposition 100, as part of Growing Smarter, is the best possible solution for preserving open space and our flourishing economy.
Proposition 100 provides many ways for the State to preserve the most endangered Trust land at no cost to the voters. The Arizona Conservation Reserve (ACR) is only one of these ways, and it alone will contain 3% of all the land that is currently in the Trust. Other options for conservation will include: the ability for conservation based land exchanges and long term leases on Trust land for farmers and ranchers.
Growing Smarter as a whole is an example of the sound planning that is needed to achieve a sound environment, successful economy and a well run city. Growing Smarter demands that cities strengthen their community plans, increase the citizen involvement in this planning process, and uses the ACR to preserve the threatened open spaces in and adjacent to the cities. Through this, Growing Smarter will be able to effectively curb urban sprawl and preserve the urban areas' open space without forcing new growth into the heart of the city. This will contain density, housing prices, and in turn the total cost of living.
As an Arizona resident I support preserving our open space. As Executive Director of the Lake Havsau Area Chamber of Commerce I support preserving our economy and quality of life. I hope you will join me in supporting Proposition 100.
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Gary L. Powers, Lake Havasu City, Executive Director, PRESERVE ARIZONA YES ON 100 |
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Neither "Growing Smarter Plus", nor the Serria Clubs "Citizens Growth Management Initiative" stop all growth plan contains funding for the road improvements we desperately need for travel and commerce. Neither plan is perfect but only Growing Smarter Plus provides funding for open space preservation and protection of our heritage. Please vote YES on Prop 100 the Growing Smarter Plus plan. For more information visit www.GrowingSmarter.org
Arizona is a young state; so young that we still have hundreds of residents who were alive when we entered the union. In most states in America, actions have already been taken which have set in place the lasting characteristics of the communities. But in Arizona, we are making many of the decisions right now that will shape our communities and environment and our culture for decades to come.
Proposition 100 is one of those decisions. It deserves the support of every voter who believes in preserving what is most wonderful about Arizona - - our extraordinary environment. Our state continues to grow and prosper. As it does so, each of us must do our part to protect Arizona's spectacular vistas and desert landscapes.
How carefully we act to protect our beautiful lands will shape our character as a state, but more importantly, will help protect our natural resources for future generations.
This proposition is one piece of a larger vision for guiding, shaping and disciplining growth in Arizona, a vision now known as Growing Smarter. But it is an essential part. It sets forth nearly 300,000 acres of Arizona's best lands to be preserved in their God-given state. It is a conservation measure in the finest tradition of Theodore Roosevelt; and it is being pursued the right way, through full public participation. It is another critical step down the path of wise stewardship of our God-given assets and resources. It is an opportunity to do something that lasts.
For the sake of our future, please vote yes on Proposition 100.
As Attorney General of the State of Arizona throughout the nineties, I worked hard to help preserve our beautiful Arizona environment and lifestyle. We live in one of the world's most special places, but it is a fragile place that needs our help in preservation and conservation. I believe that Proposition 100 is an important step in preserving our environment for centuries to come.
The Governor and Legislature have worked hard to establish significant planning tools at the local level to control and manage growth. These new laws require comprehensive planning and mandate that voters themselves will set the character and limits if growth in their city or county. In addition to these welcome changes, they have given us the chance to permanently protect hundreds of thousands of our most precious lands from any development at all. Your Yes vote on Proposition 100, then, will complete these important changes.
Your Yes vote will allow Arizona to continue to prosper economically while still preserving the natural beauty that attracted so many here in the first place. Our state will continue to change. With this vote, we can make that change a positive one that enhances our quality of life rather than diminishes it. I urge you to vote Yes on Proposition 100.
Our organization, made up of Arizona's working men and women, is always on the lookout for ways to improve the community. We believe Proposition 100 can be part of that process, and will therefore be voting Yes on Proposition 100 this November.
Proposition 100 will allow us to set aside about 270,000 acres of land nearby the places where we live, work, go to school, and of course, play. It will give us additional outdoor destinations close to home, and will preserve the scenery that we treasure.
Proposition 100 is the crowning achievement of the Governor's Growing Smarter Plan. The Arizona State AFL-CIO has supported Growing Smarter for the past three years because we think it is a reasoned approach to managing the state's high rate of growth. Growing Smarter requires communities to involve citizens in planning decision, and makes it much more difficult to change those decisions once the community has made them.
Best of all, Growing Smarter accomplishes it's goals without erasing economic opportunities for Arizona's working families. Under Growing Smarter, working families will still be able to afford to own a home. But, from now on, thanks to Growing Smarter the neighborhoods surrounding our homes will be better planned, and the risk of unwanted change in the neighborhood will be greatly reduced.
Looking to the future, we believe Proposition 100 is the right choice for Arizona. It will help us preserve our most special places, and it will complete the important work that's in progress to plan a safe, stable, and beautiful community for our children and ourselves.
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Charles R. Huggins, Secretary/Treasurer, Arizona State AFL-CIO, Phoenix |
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Anyone who likes to hike, ride horses, or mountain bikes should vote for Proposition 100.
As an avid proponent of urban trails and open space, I support the Governor's Growing Smarter plan and specifically Proposition 100. I believe that Proposition 100 is the only way to preserve both the beauty and traditional lifestyle that is sustained by these urban oases.
Proposition 100 differs from other conservation plans because it protects the open space in and around our urban areas, rather than simply rural land on the very outskirts of town and far away from the majority of the State's population. To do this, Proposition 100 creates the Arizona Conservation Reserve (ACR) to hold, for permanent conservation, the 3% of State land that is closest to our towns and cities and therefore most threatened by development.
Growing Smarter as a whole recognizes the necessity of such things as urban trails, along with other forms of open space, the need for sound city planning and zoning, and the importance of citizen input. Through this plan, all of these will be required of cities and counties when doing any future growth planning.
Through Proposition 100, current urban trails of every kind, equestrian, bike, walking, and multiple-use can continue to bring enjoyment to every resident in Arizona. And rather than feeling threatened by encroaching developers, general plans that include these trails, along with the additional ACR land, will allow them to not only remain but to expand.
To save our land as well as our lifestyle, I encourage you to vote YES on Proposition 100.
When we think of Arizona, we think of vast stretches of land, unmatched for majesty. No other state has been endowed with so great a gift.
There is scant terrain within Arizona's boundaries that remains undiscovered to us. It seems like, between us, we've traversed almost every square mile of this state - on foot, on horseback, sometimes even in a car. We've spent the greater part of our lives outdoors, and have come to know the canyons and slopes and arroyos in a very personal way. As a cowboy and an artist, our experiences have led to an abiding respect for the beauty and the force of nature.
Proposition 100 will allow us to pay tribute to Arizona's landscapes by setting aside - permanently - 270,000 acres and by allowing long-term leases for agricultural stewardship and productivity. It will also authorize land exchanges where State Trust land will be conserved. When added to existing conservation efforts in the state, we can be assured that Arizona's most sensitive State Trust lands will never see a bulldozer.
Proposition 100 will also allow the state, for the first time, to donate school sites to Arizona's public schools. This will mean new schools can be built and existing schools expanded more quickly and for less money.
Proposition 100 is part of a growth-management plan that was developed by Arizonans called "Growing Smarter." We were proud to have been a part of that effort and believe the results of Growing Smarter will benefit our state for generations. Growing Smarter is a balanced program that calls for better planning in cities and counties, but does so while protecting our property rights and protecting the integrity of the School Land Trust.
We hope you will vote "VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 100."
I am voting YES on Proposition 100. It is the one proposition dealing with open space that recognizes that agriculture productivity and tenure are critical to keeping vast spaces open, and healthy.
Arizona's open space, including ranch and farm lands, is some of the most beautiful and beneficial in the West today. Agricultural operations - Arizona's Working Landscapes - protect thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and historic sites. They provide clean air, clean water, and dark skies. However, increasing growth related impacts are threatening the stability of these longtime operations, making it more difficult for ranches and farms to remain intact and economically viable. Proposition 100 addressees this concern by providing for long-term agricultural and grazing leases on State Trust land to help to preserve not only the land, but a time-honored Arizona way of life as well. Through Proposition 100, the opportunity for long-term productivity and security will be guaranteed to farmers and ranchers throughout the State, and the only cost to citizens will be that we get to keep our beautiful views and open space.
Proposition 100 also takes a giant step in determining how we preserve our State Trust lands by putting into permanent conservation 270,000 acres that are closest to cities and in the most danger of development, and by providing other avenues for conserving even more State land. It provides money to better manage the planning of what land is best conserved, and what land is best used to support our children's education.
Please join me in supporting the traditions and ways of life that have brought so many of us to Arizona, and helping to ensure that they are around for future generations to enjoy.
Qwest is an international company and one of the largest employers in Arizona. As we have grown through this era of rapid technological advances and expanding telecommunications services, we have been here to play an essential part in the growth of nearly every other business in our state.
In our business you keep your focus on the future. Lose your sense of where you are heading next, and you cannot deliver for your customers. Wake up late to change, and you will pay a heavy price.
The people of Arizona are in the same position regarding growth. Because Arizona is a wonderful place, it is enjoying the benefits of growth. That beats the alternative, as people who lived through the 1970's in my native Iowa and other parts of the Midwest can attest. But growth brings its own set of challenges. We want to preserve the things about Arizona that make it such a wonderful place to live, raise a family and build a business.
Proposition 100 is a vital open space component of the Growing Smarter vision for preserving Arizona's world-class beauty and quality of life. It will permit conservation of beautiful stretches of land as open space, and provide State Trust lands for location of new public schools. It is part of the right solution for intelligent management, guidance and containment of growth in our communities. Other critical components of that solution have already been enacted into law. It is a far cry better than the foolish response to growth you will see elsewhere on this year's ballot.
Most businesses and employers thrive on growth, and ours is no exception. But we do not embrace growth at any cost. Qwest believes strongly in the responsible environmental stewardship behind Proposition 100.
As Chairman of the Apache and Navajo Counties Mayors and Councilmembers Association, I am pleased to offer this letter in support of Proposition 100. Proposition 100 has several provisions each aimed at better management of our State trust lands. Perhaps, the most important part is the creation of the Arizona Conservation Reserve. I am also pleased with the provisions for long term conservation efforts by creating the ability to preserve State trust land through land exchanges.
Proposition 100 contains a provision that will allow for the first time the State to give free land to public schools to use as school sites. This proposition (100) will also provide the opportunity for land exchanges between the State Land Department and federal or local government when the State lands are to be sold for conservation purposes. I see Proposition 100 as a win-win situation.
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Jim Boles, Mayor, City of Winslow, Chairman, Apache & Navajo Counties, Mayors & Councilmembers Association, Winslow |
We are fortunate to live and work in a state that truly represents the pioneering spirit of this great country. Our economic vitality and quality of life in Arizona are complimented by the uniquely beautiful and diverse landscapes that our state has to offer. The responsibility falls to all of us who live here to preserve many of these unique natural treasures of Arizona's landscape for all generations to enjoy. That is why the Arizona Chamber of Commerce supports Proposition 100, a key component of the Growing Smarter process.
Proposition 100, establishes the Arizona Conservation Reserve to allow three percent of State Trust land of significant beauty or cultural values to be set aside in a reserve so that it is never developed. These special parcels of land would be set aside at no cost to the communities that want to preserve them.
Working with citizens throughout the state, the Arizona Conservation Reserve, created by Proposition 100, preserves our heritage and wide-open spaces. And it puts the people in charge of balancing the needs of Arizona's families with our natural environment. We urge you to support Proposition 100.
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Greg Denk, Chairman of the Board, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix |
Samantha A. Fearn, VP of Public Affairs, Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix |
The Sonoran Institute is dedicated to promoting community-based conservation. A key element of this mission is to help communities shape their own destinies, and preserve their own unique natural and cultural heritage.
Proposition 100 would undermine the ability of Arizona communities to protect critically important state trust lands as part of conservation or growth management efforts. We urge Arizonans to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
Make no mistake about it: Prop 100 would severely limit the ability of communities and conservation organizations to protect valuable state trust lands. In fact, only 3% of state trust lands would even be eligible for conservation if Prop 100 becomes part of the state Constitution. The remaining 97% of state trust land would be excluded from protection.
Please VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100, and help keep communities and citizens involved in the preservation of Arizona's natural heritage.
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Luther Propst, Executive Director, Sonoran Institute, Tucson |
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The Desert Foothills Land Trust opposes the passage of Proposition 100, the Arizona Conservation Reserve (ACR), for the following reasons:
As a non-profit conservation organization, the Desert Foothills Land Trust has worked diligently for ten years to find viable means of protecting state lands to create a permanent legacy of preserved lands for future generations. To that end, the Desert Foothills Land Trust participated in the Growing Smarter process and strongly supported the recommendations of the Governor's Conservation Task Force. Unfortunately, Proposition 100, as it emerged from the Arizona State Legislature, is not reflective of the task force recommendations. Instead, Proposition 100, the proposed Arizona Conservation Reserve, will severely restrict meaningful conservation of sensitive state lands.
To preserve wildlife habitat and the irreplaceable natural beauty and cultural resources of Arizona, we urge you to vote no on Proposition 100 .
As trustee of the State Permanent Trust, I am opposed to Proposition 100. Proposition 100 would steal State Trust Land from the original beneficiaries, primarily our school children, without compensation. This land was granted to Arizona upon admission to the union. The grant required that it be placed in trust for our children's education. Taking this land without compensation is equivalent to raiding our children's piggy bank when we run short on money. It isn't ours to take! The proponents argue that this is our land to do with as we will. Their argument fails to recognize our obligation under the trust, not only to our children, but also to those who granted it to us.
Additionally, the 3% of State Trust Land acreage that can be set aside for conservation and open space purposes could easily consist of more than 80% of the total value of all trust lands. The most valuable land held by the trust is near major urban areas. These same lands are the candidates for open space conservation. To remove this land from the trust is an unconscionable raid on trust assets.
Proposition 100 is not a proposal that will benefit all Arizonans. Instead, it benefits only a select few communities at the expense of all Arizona children. We must not let this injustice occur.
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN'S TRUST . Join me in voting "No."
We learn from the world around us. Our landscapes provide portraits of ourselves - our values and our desires. The grandeur of the Arizona landscape attracts millions to visit and to live. The environment of our state provides an immense natural capital.
Our state lands are a trust for our children. What greater legacy for the education of future generations can there be than the most possible open land - Sonoran deserts, pine forests, and riparian corridors? Relegating only three percent of state lands for preservation is a travesty. Image the other 97 percent: seas of parking lots, convenience stores and gas stations on every corner, street after street of tract housing, ever larger shopping malls, and so on.
Proposition 100 is a bad idea because we would squander our capital, rather than investing it so that future generations could live off the interest. Proposition 100 would change the Arizona Constitution and, thus, make it difficult to undo this misguided initiative.
As an environmental planner and educator, I have devoted my life to smart growth and conservation. Proposition 100 is neither smart or conserving. The proposition would lock in a small amount of lands, with little development potential anyway, for preservation. The remaining 97% of state lands would be open to development. The children of the state deserve better. We should not hamstring their ability to make wise choices about the Arizona landscape in the future. As a result, I urge all citizens concerned about smart growth and conservation to vote No on Proposition 100.
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Frederick Steiner, Professor of Planning and Landscape Architecture, Tempe |
The Grand Canyon Trust is committed to the conservation and restoration of the Grand Canyon region. Arizona State Trust lands are a critical element of this ecoregion. Proposition 100 does not provide for meaningful protection of environmentally significant state lands and therefore we urge you to vote NO.
Current law requires the state land department to manage state trust land solely to make money, as much as possible. Many people believe that mission needs to be modernized to include conservation of some state lands. In an effort to head off meaningful change, the legislature-developed Proposition 100 will, at best, protect only 279,000 acres. This leaves more than 9 million acres to be sold, developed, paved over and forever lost as wildlife habitat, open space and a land heritage for our children and grandchildren. We can do much better by voting NO on Proposition 100 and passing real reform in 2002.
Only 90,000 acres of state land are guaranteed protection under this measure, and they are mostly undevelopable mountain ridges and washes. For example, this measure will "protect" a steep ridge along Dry Lake, but not the developable areas. The same is true for other identified lands in Northern Arizona. Proposition 100 totally fails to preserve ecologically important lands deserving of protection.
The other 200,000 acres that might someday be protected under Proposition 100 are not identified, and would have to run a gauntlet of bureaucratic and legislative hurdles to be protected, a process that could take as long as four or five years. Preservation of state trust land can't wait that long. Vote NO on Proposition 100.
When we amend our Constitution, let's do it right. Proposition 100 is wrong. VOTE NO.
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Evelyn Sawyers, Deputy Secretary, Grand Canyon Trust, Flagstaff |
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This proposition radically reduces local control of growth. Its key point is that the state land department must set aside only 3% of state lands for conservation purposes; it can't reserve more. There are NO growth management tools in the proposition. It diminishes what local influence exists for managing growth. Vote NO on Proposition 100 for your community.
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John L. Michael, President, Citizens for Good Government, Sonoita |
Anna Ostholthoff, Treasurer, Citizens for Good Government, Sonoita |
As a local chapter of the National Audubon Society whose mission is to preserve ecosystems so that birds and other wildlife can flourish and enrich the diversity of all life on earth, the Maricopa Audubon Society urges citizens of Arizona to VOTE NO on Proposition 100, the Arizona Conservation Reserve, for the following reasons:
The Arizona Conservation Reserve will permanently limit conservation of state lands to 3%, while essentially mandating development and destruction of 97% -- an area of approximately 9 million acres.
Lands designated for preservation under ACR will effectively isolate hilltop biota, limiting gene flow between populations, which, ultimately, will stress the genetic variability needed to sustain them.
Present and future generations of Arizonans deserve a legacy of respect for the intrinsic value of natural open space that contributes so greatly to quality of life.
The State Constitution must be changed to accommodate the growing recognition of the importance of wild lands, but Proposition 100 falls far short of being a measure which insures true conservation. In order to construct a constitutional change that will address Arizona's needs for preservation of natural open space, Proposition 100 must be defeated.
We encourage all Arizonans to join in this effort.
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Herbert S. Fibel, Treasurer, Maricopa Audubon Society, Phoenix |
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Sierra Club says "NO" on Proposition 100
The Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter strongly urges Arizona voters to reject Proposition 100, a measure written by and for developers. While the proponents would like us to believe it is a land preservation measure, it is not. It would allow only up to 3% of our state trust lands -- the least developable lands -- to be placed in the Arizona Conservation Reserve. That means the lands that would enhance the value of developers' property would be added to the Conservation Reserve, but the lands important for wildlife habitat, recreation, etc. would still be subject to the onslaught of bulldozers.
Proposition 100 will not protect wildlife, it will not ensure open space for recreation, and it will not curb the urban sprawl that in the Phoenix area eats up an acre of our precious desert each hour.
We need to protect Arizona's state trust lands, but this measure doesn't do it. We urge you to reject this change to Arizona's constitution and Arizona's state trust lands -- they are too important to the future of all Arizonans.
Please vote no on Proposition 100!
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Ted Gartner, Treasurer, Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter, Chandler |
Sharon Galbreath, Conservation Chair, Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter, Flagstaff |
My family has lived in Arizona for generations and has seen unparalleled changes in the last 100 years. The Arizona we hold dear (the vast open spaces, places to hunt, fish and otherwise enjoy the great outdoors) has attracted a booming tourist business as well as many new residents to our state. Unfortunately, Arizona is also infamous for its inadequate planning and zoning which has resulted in chaotic growth, urban (and now rural) sprawl, and decimation of wildlife habitat, to name just a few of the negative consequences. Prop. 100 claims to address these issues. However, it is a weak effort that will undermine real grassroots efforts to preserve the best of our Arizona. For example, Prop. 100 virtually prohibits any growth boundaries which leaves development as the path of least resistance. Think about that the next time you drive more than an hour and a half to get across town. Furthermore, under Prop. 100, we will lose 97% of state land to housing and other development. Over and over we hear that loss of habitat is the single most important threat to the continued existence of our precious Arizona species of plants and animals. When will we finally listen and vote accordingly? When 97% of state land is gone, Arizona will be a diminished place.
The richness of Arizona lies in the diversity of its landscape. Strip malls and track housing are not rich legacies to leave our grandchildren. Our quality of life in Arizona should not be defined by the deep pockets of developers. If, as Milton wrote almost 400 years ago, "Beauty is Nature's coin," we must act now to preserve the value of the beauty of Arizona. Vote "No" on Prop. 100. Some things are too precious to lose.
As an organization dedicated to preserving our Sonoran Desert and its mountains for the benefit of this and all future generations, it is with deep regret that the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust must urge all Arizonans to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
You will read misleading information from proponents saying for example that the McDowell Mountains will be saved by voting yes on Proposition 100. In fact the limited steep mountain area they are talking about is already reclassified for conservation. And in the Granite Mountain area where we need to land to be conserved only 679 acres - out of the 16,600 acres desired for preservation - will be protected. Literally just the tips of the mountain and the very bottom of the wash. This is NOT preservation!
Constitutionally limiting preservation to only 3% of Arizona's 9.3 million acres of state lands is not enough for communities statewide to plan for the open space so vital to their quality of life. This arbitrary cap discourages local control. In addition, the land selection criteria are unacceptable for achieving true preservation because they prevent protection of sustainable wildlife habitat. Preserving just the "tips" of mountains as a neckless of development chokes them is not sufficient.
Changing our Constitution is a serious step that must be done right the first time. Please join us in defeating Proposition 100, which is an empty promise. Then we can all work together to craft a constitutional change that will meet Arizona's open space needs.
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Laura Fisher, Chair, McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, Scottsdale |
Carla, Executive Director, McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, Scottsdale |
Growing Smarter Plus adds up to a big minus for Arizonans.
This ballot measure, masquerading as a preservation and growth control law, will in fact do the opposite. By restricting the amount of State Trust Lands that can be set aside for open space preservation to a minuscule 3 percent, Proposition 100 is in fact a guarantee to developers. And by embedding it in the State Constitution, the supporters will make it very difficult to repeal.
Open space and open space recreation are crucial components of quality of life in Arizona, and among our greatest assets. When we lose them, they are lost forever. After our natural areas are bulldozed and covered with subdivisions, there will be little reason to visit or live here. And employers will have one more reason to locate elsewhere.
Don't be fooled by the supporters who will try to tell you this is good for Arizona. Unless you are a developer looking for a quick profit, Proposition 100 is nothing but bad news.
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Mark Flint, Co-chair, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, Tucson |
Mark Kobayashi, Co-chair, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, Tucson |
On behalf of the over 1,300 members of the Coalition Of Pinnacle Peak, Inc., we want to go one record that we oppose the Growing Smarter Plus referendum known as Proposition 100.
Proposition 100 inadequately provides for conservation by permanently limiting to 3% of the total, or 279,000 acres, the amount of state trust lands that can be set aside for conservation under the Arizona Conservation Reserve. The remaining 9 million acres will still be eligible to be auctioned to the highest bidder for development. It also establishes unnecessary barriers and controls that will delay or prevent the conservation of state land in a timely manner.
Proposition 100 would also limit conservation lands to areas that will, by their very nature, remain undeveloped such as mountain tops and major washes. While such areas are desirable for conservation, other lands have as great an appeal for the enjoyment of Arizona residents and should not be excluded by irresponsible legislation. Piecemeal conservation will only create management chaos and, as such, ineffective results.
We strongly urge voters to reject Proposition 100 and to demand legislation that will adequately protect a significant portion of state land, our land, for future generations.
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Robert J. Vairo, President, Coalition of Pinnacle Peak, Inc., Scottsdale |
Daniel Basinger, Treasurer, Coalition of Pinnacle Peak, Inc., Scottsdale |
Friends of Flagstaff's Future is committed to growth management and the maintenance of our high quality of life in the greater Flagstaff area. Open space is a critical part of this quality of life not only in the greater Flagstaff area, but also throughout the state. We urge all Arizonans to Vote No on Proposition 100, the Arizona Conservation Reserve (ACR) for the following reasons:
We urge you to think about Arizona's spectacular landscapes, wildlife habitat, and quality of life deserving of protection. Proposition 100 won't protect the parts of Arizona we all cherish. Vote NO on Proposition 100.
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Becky Schipper, Executive Director, Friends of Flagstaff's Future, Flagstaff |
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Ahwatukee Citizens for Recreation, Environment and Sports do not support Proposition 100. This proposition will not conserve significant State Lands in our community.
The criteria, designated in Proposition 100 for conserving State Lands, are too restrictive and do not address landscapes that have significant conservation implications. State Land conservation should include sensitive landscapes, wild life and vegetation habitats, not just mountaintops and streambeds. In addition, the process for conserving State lands within Proposition 100 is cumbersome and time consuming and is designed to ultimately place the decision for conserving State Lands into the hands of the legislature with the results being minimal progress in conserving State Lands.
It is important that we acknowledge the value of conserving ecologically valuable and significant lands and the need to include State Lands within this conservation framework. Conservation should be achieved through a holistic approach; urban and rural State lands are an important component within this conservation equation. This cannot be achieved by limiting the conservation of State Lands to 279,000 acres or 3% of the total acres of State Land. It is for this reason we urge all citizens concerned about conserving the landscapes we have come to appreciate in Arizona to vote No on Proposition 100.
Pinal County, like the rest of Arizona, has experienced explosive growth within the last decade. The rural lifestyle that Pinal County residents have enjoyed is vanishing. Why is it vanishing? State land surrounding communities like Oracle are slated for development and only development. A closed system exists that exclusively encourages development and allows no other alternative uses. This system doesn't recognize the value of undeveloped land.
Help stop urban sprawl and protect Arizona's rural lifestyle. Safeguard recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and health conscious lifestyles. Vote No on Prop 100.
We must provide a mechanism to conserve state lands but Prop 100 is not the answer.
The Arizona Open Land Trust was established in 1978 for the purpose of protecting open space and wildlife habitat in Arizona. We are elated that in recent years the citizens of Arizona have become outspoken about their interest in preserving Arizona's beautiful natural landscape and wildlife habitat. It is for this reason that the Arizona Open Land Trust feels it necessary to urge Arizonans to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
Some of Arizona's most stunning landscapes and valuable wildlife habitat are state lands. While Proposition 100 is aimed at preserving sensitive state lands through changing the State Constitution, it unfortunately misses the mark. In fact, Proposition 100 will make it harder to save these precious lands.
Proposition 100 would constitutionally limit preservation of our nearly 10 million acres of state land. In fact, Prop. 100 seeks to protect only 3% of Arizona's 9.3 million acres of state land. This is not the kind of land protection that the citizens of Arizona are telling us sustains their quality of life. Prop. 100 specifies land selection criteria that fall short of achieving true conservation. The criteria yield preservation areas that are scattered and unconnected - something Arizonans have come to realize does not sufficiently protect our landscape and our indigenous wildlife.
If we change our Constitution through Proposition 100 we will impact the future of Arizona for many generations to come. Please join us in defeating Proposition 100. The citizens of Arizona have voiced the desire for a much better solution. We can work together in 2001 to create a truly meaningful constitutional change that will meet Arizona's needs.
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Michelle McCarthy, Treasurer, Arizona Open Land Trust, Tucson |
Diana B. Freshwater, Executive Director, Arizona Open Land Trust, Tucson |
State Trust Lands Referendum (Proposition 100), if passed, would be a step backwards from present law and an impediment to future efforts to set aside state lands for preservation and conservation purposes.
Arizona has 9.3 million acres of state trust lands. Proposition 100 will only set aside 279,000 acres, or 3% in a Conservation Reserve. If Proposition 100 becomes law, the other 97% will not be eligible for preservation and will be eligible for auction to the highest bidder. The Proposition sets up new barriers and a cumbersome bureaucratic process that could take up to four years or more to place any portion of the 279,000 acres in a Conservation Reserve. The lengthy nominating process will leave important lands worthy of conservation highly vulnerable to development. Private non-profit organizations will be restricted from nominating or acquiring lands for protection. Conservation of state trust lands will be limited to non-developable mountain tops and washes, leaving other lands essential to wildlife and other values unprotected.
Should Proposition 100 pass in the November 2000 election, future efforts to amend and improve it will be much more difficult. In addition to approval by the Arizona voters, an Act of Congress will be required to amend the federal Enabling Act before Proposition 100 can become law. A second Act of Congress would be required before any future voter approved amendment could become law.
The McDowell Park Association urges a NO vote on Proposition 100. You will get another chance to preserve state trust land. A broad-based coalition of Arizonans has been formed to promote a citizens initiative for 2002 to do it right.
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Robert R. Eidsmoe, President, McDowell Park Association, Fountain Hills |
Jack Fraser, Vice President, McDowell Park Association, Fountain Hills |
Don't allow 97%, some 9 million acres, of Arizona's State Lands to be left to the developers. Please vote NO on Proposition 100 or that is what will happen to most of the State Lands surrounding our larger cities where some of the last, best examples of Arizona's wildlands still persist.
Much more than the remaining 3% (about 279,000 acres) of those lands needs to be considered for permanent protection. If Prop 100 passes that will not be possible nor would past land protection successes such as the San Rafael. Most of the 70,000 acres now being praised for their soon-to-be-protected status are little more than wash bottoms, cliffs and mountaintops, i.e. undevelopable lands - hardly a worthy conservation effort - but you are not being told those worrisome little details. And for good reason. The politicians and developers who are bringing you this referendum don't want you to know the truth. They don't want you to know that their 3% cap (in the constitution) is an "up to" situation and that the process to nominate lands for inclusion in that small amount is so onerous that little more than those 70,000 acres is likely ever to be preserved.
Think about the need to assure the continued existence of natural places for wildlife, ourselves and future generations and vote NO on Prop 100 so that a ballot measure for genuine conservation of State Lands can be presented to the voters in 2002.
Proposition 100 is a blatant giveaway to development interests, permitting permanent preservation of only 3% of Arizona's State lands. What is to become of the remaining 97%? This proposition is environmentally unsound and creates a legislative nightmare. Friends of Scenic Highway 82 strongly opposes Prop. 100.
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Annie McGreevy, President, Friends of Scenic Highway 82, Sonoita |
Barbara J. Wincn, Secretary, Friends of Scenic Highway 82, Sonoita |
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Susan B. Belt, Board Member, Friends of Scenic Highway 82, Sonoita |
Don't throw away the future: Vote No on Prop 100
Defenders of Wildlife urges the citizens of Arizona to vote NO on Prop. 100.
Prop. 100 asks voters to amend the Arizona Constitution to preserve a maximum of 3% of state lands for "conservation." Don't be hoodwinked by supporters who claim it's good because it allows preservation of up to 279,000 acres. What they haven't told you is that the remaining 9 million acres would be ransomed for development. Prop. 100 is political gimmickry, not responsible management.
If adopted, millions of acres of pristine open space and irreplaceable wildlife habitat would remain in jeopardy of destruction. Worse, the token 3% this proposition would "conserve" would not be based on "best science", but on the fact that these so-called "reserves" are comprised of washes and mountaintops inconvenient for development.
It is disingenuous to tout Proposition 100 as conservation; it will encourage the destruction of the vast majority of our state-managed public lands. These high resource value lands are owned by the public and are to be managed for the highest and best use. Certainly in the 21st century preserving awe-inspiring landscapes and a diversity of wildlife is a higher and better use than irreversibly destroying habitats and replacing them with sprawl and traffic congestion. State lands are a five-course meal, don't let the land speculators pushing this proposition leave you with only table scraps.
The amount of state lands which could be preserved under this proposition is unacceptably small and the effects would be irreversible. We urge you to vote NO on Prop. 100.
Defenders of Wildlife is a non-profit corporation with over 388,000 members and supporters nationwide, nearly 9,000 of whom reside in Arizona.
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Craig Miller, Southwest Director, Defenders of Wildlife, Tucson |
Susan George, State Counsel, Defenders of Wildlife, Albuquerque, N.M. |
The International Sonoran Desert Alliance is dedicated to encouraging a healthy, positive relationship between the Sonoran Desert, its inhabitants and the needs of humanity. ISDA supposes that among the needs of humanity are natural places that can nourish our aesthetic and spiritual lives.
While Proposition 100 is called the "Growing Smarter" amendment, it appears to be more of a `Trojan Horse' amendment by omitting 97% of State trust lands from constitutional protection.
Plans for a real conservation measure should include continuing community input for all state trust lands. When that happens, ISDA will be happy to join in support of such a measure. But now, regretfully, Proposition 100 does not merit that support, and ISDA urges all who feel the need for genuine conservation of irreplaceable natural spaces to resist Proposition 100.
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Carlos Nagel, President, BOD, International Sonoran |
Reynaldo Cantú, Executive Director, International Sonoran |
The Pima Trails Association opposes Proposition 100, the "Growing Smarter Plus" ballot measure because it would destroy critical opportunities for preserving important open space.
If this measure passes, if will effectively kill much of Pima County's plan to preserve mountain parks and open spaces, because that plan relies on acquiring neraly 400,000 acres of State Trust Lands.
By restricting the amount of State Trust Lands that can be set aside for open space preservation to 3 percent, Proposition 100 prevents, rather than enhances, open space preservation. And by making it part of the Arizona Constitution, this restriction will be all but impossible to reverse.
Open space and open space recreation are important to Arizonans. The Pima Trails Association has worked hard to provide trail opportunites in Southern Arizona, and Proposition 100 would prevent expanding these opportunities to meet the needs of a growing population.
We urge everyone to vote no on Proposition 100
Vote No on Prop 100. Its intent is to conserve Arizona's natural heritage. However, it has serious limits and flaws that undermine its expressed goal of preserving Arizona's uniquely beautiful landscapes, wildlife habitats, riparian areas and grasslands.
There are approximately 9.3 million acres of state trust lands in Arizona. Proposition 100, if passed, would conserve a mere 3% or maximum of 279,000 acres statewide. The majority of the lands earmarked for the Arizona Conservation Reserve are limited to streambeds and mountaintops. It does nothing to protect lands rich in plant and animal life and wildlife corridors which are necessary for their survival.
In Yavapai County grasslands are vanishing at a rapid rate. These lands are critical to sustain antelope herds. As grasslands disappear so do the antelope. How would Proposition 100 affect grasslands preservation? Grasslands that are a conservation priority are a mix of private and state trust lands. Conservation efforts on private lands will be unsuccessful if we are unable to protect the adjacent state trust lands.
Of the 279,000 acres that would be preserved through Prop 100 the majority is located in Maricopa and Pima counties. Prop 100 will create competition and conflicts between the counties and set back local conservation efforts. Under the 3% cap there is no opportunity to conserve open space and protect critical habitat in other areas of the state.
Voters are being asked to make a constitutional amendment that will change state trust land provisions of the state constitution. If prop 100 passes, any future changes such as increasing the 3% cap will require another constitutional amendment, which will be very difficult. Prop 100 is not the right solution to conserving Arizona's beautiful landscapes, vistas and wildlife habitats, Vote No on Prop 100 .
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Rebecca Ruffner, President, Central Arizona Land Trust, Prescott |
Marcia Sansoucy, Treasurer, Central Arizona Land Trust, Prescott |
The Sky Island Alliance is a group of concerned citizens dedicated to preserving and restoring natural ecosystems in Arizona. We recognize our State Trust Lands as possessing extremely valuable natural characteristics that are essential to native plant and animal communities and to the preservation of our quality of life.
Proposition 100 will leave at least 97% of our state lands open to development, fragmenting critical habitats and seriously jeopardizing the integrity of the natural landscape. It will automatically eliminate the current possibilities of community and county conservation plans, and takes the power of conservation planning away from the local level. We as citizens must VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
The greater public interest has been ignored in PROPOSITIION 100. The State Constitution needs a law allowing for the protection of state lands - this Proposition will work against that goal. Long term ecological integrity will far outweigh the short-term benefits of selling state lands to the highest bidder for development.
VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100, and contribute to keeping citizens and communities in control of the destiny of our natural heritage.
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Roseann Hanson, Executive Director, Sky Island Alliance, Tucson |
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The mission of the Southern Arizona Grasslands Trust, Inc. is to preserve of the natural beauty, economic value and biological diversity of the grasslands of Southern Arizona. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with landowners in the area to protect the historic legacy, rich wildlife and working landscapes of our region.
SAGTI has worked for three years to protect out beloved grassland valleys. We urge Arizonans to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
State trust lands are an important part of the Southern Arizona landscape. The 3% cap on state trust lands eligible for conservation would hurt our efforts at preserving the open spaces and biological diversity of our area. If passed, Prop 100 would undermine the stewardship ethic SAGTI has been promoting. Prop 100 would open 97% of state trust land to development. Land, natural resources and wildlife habitat protected by landowners as part of their stewardship could be diminished by development on adjacent state trust lands.
Please VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100. Our natural and cultural heritage is too precious to allow this arbitrary and permanent cap on the conservation of state trust lands.
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Jake Kittle, President, Southern Arizona Grasslands Trust, Inc., |
Chris Peterson, Vice President, Southern Arizona Grasslands Trust, Inc., Sonoita |
Our organization works for the preservation of neighborhoods. We consider the conservation of adequate open space to be critical to a satisfactory life-style for Arizona residents.
While Proposition 100 has been billed as Growing Smarter Plus it should really be titled Growing Smarter Less. We are strongly opposed to this proposition for the following reasons:
The undersigned opposes Prop 100 for the following reasons:
1. 3% (279,000 acres) protection afforded by the "Arizona Conservation Reserve" out of the 9.3 million is a mere pittance in a state that contains some of the most beautiful topography, unique wildlife, outstanding riparian areas etc. in the USA. Recommended minimum is 10%/930,000 acres.
2. Prop 100 grants protection to areas that already contain topographic features that automatically make it unsuitable for development. e.g. Pistol Hill itself (385 acres) is not suitable for development. The area surrounding it that will not be protected contains a beautiful saguaro forest that will more than likely be destroyed and developed as the sprawl continues.
3. Prop 100 authorizes open ended/unlimited agricultural or grazing leases with no scheduled termination or reassessment of rental amount. THIS IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST . Lease terms should have a maximum of 10 year term with a tentative option to renew plus reassessment of rental amount at end of each 10 year term.
4. Prop 100 prohibits nonprofit organizations from nominating state trust lands for protection or purchasing & managing lands for conservation values.
Prop 100 is NOT in the public interest.
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Marvyl M. Wendt, Owner, Wrong Mountain Wildlife Reserve, Vail |
The Cholla Group, LLC encourages every Arizonan to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100. If passed, this measure will ultimately lower the quality of life enjoyed by Arizona's present and future citizens. The 3% cap on the amount of state trust lands eligible for conservation does not take into account the future open space needs of the state, nor does it help to encourage innovative and creative developers seeking to "grow smarter". It has been shown that property that is located near natural open spaces with scenic beauty is worth more than property surrounded by urban sprawl. However, Prop 100 will effectively open up 97% of state trust lands to development, leaving only the very tops of mountains, steep slopes and washes protected as permanent open space.
Not only is the amount of state trust lands eligible for conservation limited to arbitrary amount, Prop 100 contains no growth management measures at all. Arizona deserves to have its growth management needs addressed, and Prop 100 will only exacerbate Arizona's problems with rapid sprawling growth. Please VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100. We can work together to find a real solution to our growth issues, and still preserve the scenic beauty that defines Arizona.
Prop 100, GROWING SMARTER PLUS, is a measure which is clearly a giant step backwards in managing growth in Arizona, as it undermines the protection of State Trust Lands. This bill will sell all but 3% of State Trust Land (your land) to the highest bidder (the developers), at prices already proposed well below local market values. Selling state trust land does not put more money in the classroom, it funds less than 2% of our education budget. A good percentage of the land that's being "protected" is worthless for building! Governor Hull is trying to satisfy her developer friends by making it possible for them to buy your land, and covering the cost of education by raising new taxes, which you are paying for! This is the largest land fraud scheme in this state ever, and you and your children are the losers.
When Arizona became a State, the Federal Government ceded lots of land to the new State of Arizona, and the Arizona Constitution provided for wise management of publicly owned lands. Specifically, the Constitution allows the state to sell off public lands to private uses and, thus, raise money for schools and other public purposes.
For over 80 years this has been the law, and it has allowed us to raise money for schools etc. without raising taxes. At the same time, this wise framework has diluted state tyranny over land and put more property where it belongs - in private hands.
Now, today, even though the Federal and State governments own and control approximately 90% of all land in our state, special interests want to amend the Constitution to prevent the continuing sale of land to private citizens at public auctions and reduce the amount of dollars generated for schools and other public purposes. All in the name of "Conservation".
If these groups want to conserve public land, they should buy it at public auction with their own funds, rather than, literally, take money away from our schools and force us to raise sales taxes to educate our children.
As you read through this election booklet, you will quickly see that the various proposals listed for your consideration and vote raid your wallet for increased for increased taxes and pay raises for politicians and their pet projects, while, at the same time, deny you the right to use existing money-producing State resources to provide for public needs, without raising taxes.
For more details about this proposition and the Libertarian Party's views on the environment and conservation, please visit our website at www.azlp.org.
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Katherine "Kat" Gallant, Chariman, Maricopa County Committee, |
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This act is a whopper. It will give the state government unprecedented control over private property and property development. Lobbyist land developers will swarm over the capital. Corruption will inevitably ensue. This act is an obscene power grab by the bureaucrats. Have a look at just one part of this act, proposing definitions for adult entertainment:
9. "Adult theater" means a theater, concert hall, auditorium or similar commercial establishment that predominantly features persons who appear in a state of nudity...
10. "Cabaret" means an adult oriented business licensed to provide alcoholic beverages pursuant to title 4, chapter 2, article 1.
11. "Discernibly turgid state" means the state of being visibly swollen, bloated, inflated or distended.
12. "Massage establishment" means an establishment in which a person, firm, association or corporation engages in or permits massage activities, including any method of pressure on, friction against, stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of external soft parts of the body with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance.
13. "Nude model studio" means a place in which a person who appears in a state of nudity or who displays specific anatomical areas is observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed or otherwise depicted by other persons who pay money or other consideration. Nude model studio does not include a proprietary school that is licensed by this state, a college, community college or university that is supported entirely or in part by taxation.
And on and on. Lets down-size the "turgid" bureaucracies that want more and more control of private property, including your body parts, every year.
"Growing Smarter" means a growing bureaucracy. Vote NO on Proposition 100!
If this measure passes, it will ensure that 97% -- the vast majority -- of state trust land will be sold to the highest bidder for development. Arizona has 9.3 MILLION acres of state trust land. Much of this land is pristine, and needs to be protected. This measure, placed on the ballot by the Legislature as a diversion tactic to prevent effective growth management, will LIMIT the amount of these lands that can be conserved to a paltry 3% of the total. This limit will be set in stone in our state constitution if this measure is approved. It will also make it extremely difficult to implement Pima County's Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, an ambitious land preservation plan currently being developed. Vote NO on Proposition 100.
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Rich Genser, Chair, The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Tucson |
Carolyn Campbell, Executive Director, The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, Tucson |
The Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum urges Arizonans to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100. The 3% cap on the designation of State Trust Lands for inclusion in the Arizona Conservation Reserve (ACR) and the lands proposed for inclusion in the ACR do not adequately provide for the future conservation needs of our rural communities. The acreage cap and the lands selected are the results of an arbitrary and exclusive legislative process that does not serve the conservation goals of rural Arizona. Significant conservation issues including provisions for rural planning authority, the preservation of high value State Trust lands for open space, and the establishment and funding of a program for purchase of development rights are not addressed by Proposition 100.
Enactment of Proposition 100 requires amendment of the State Constitution and congressional approval - no small undertaking. Let's make sure the conservation goals of the citizens of Arizona are truly addressed before we embark on such a cumbersome process. The Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum urges you to VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
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Sheldon Clark, President, Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum, |
Steve Wenzel, Treasurer, Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum, |
I served on the Governor Growing Smarter Commission, but I oppose Proposition 100.
My colleagues on the Commission worked hard to produce a balanced, responsible plan for more effectively managing growth in Arizona. That plan was sent to the Arizona Legislature, but what emerged from the Legislature is deeply discouraging.
The Legislature ignored or gutted all of the Commission's significant recommendations. Proposition 100, the Legislature's proposed Constitutional Amendment, is the most troubling result of this process.
If approved, Proposition 100 will undermine current efforts to protect ecologically important state trust lands. Even then, no more than 3% of state trust land would be protected, leaving 97% unprotected.
Proposition 100 creates significant barriers to the preservation of Arizona's rich natural heritage. The people of Arizona deserve better. Please join me and VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 100.
REP America, a national grassroots organization of Republicans for Environmental Protection, and its Arizona members strongly urges a "No" vote on Proposition 100. The imposition of a 3% cap (279,000 acres maximum in a state with over 9 million acres of state trust land) for protection of state lands debunks Proposition 100 as a conservation measure. Lands offered for protection in Proposition 100 are for the most part undevelopable -- primarily limited to mountain tops and washes -- while lands rich in plant and animal wildlife, and wildlife corridors crucial to their survival, are left unprotected.
Proposition 100 also restricts private non-profits having the scientific expertise to identify state lands possessing the greatest conservation values from nominating, acquiring or managing lands for protection. In a time when government is promoting private conservation, why then does Proposition 100 shut out these non-profits and exclude everyone except government?
Proposition 100 is supported by developers, provides no growth management tools, restricts private land trust participation, and will not protect and conserve state lands. Please vote a resounding NO.
In Arizona, the protection of sensitive state trust lands, comprising about 9.3 million acres, 12.8% of total lands in Arizona, is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and wildlife habitat. PROP 100, however, will undermine the protection of important state trust lands, and we ask that the citizens of Arizona VOTE NO on PROP 100.
Amending our Constitution to place an arbitrary 3% cap on the amount of land eligible for conservation will be counterproductive. Not only is it insufficient to protect important state trust lands already identified by counties and local conservation groups, but it limits our options for future conservation. Once the 3% cap is reached, additional state trust land won't be eligible for protection, regardless of future need.
Arizona is one of the most beautiful states, and we are fortunate to have such rich biodiversity and scenic splendor. Arizonans have an opportunity to work together to meaningfully protect our precious state trust lands. Let's not trade that opportunity for just a 3% solution. Join us in voting NO on PROP 100.
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Kevin Dahl, Executive Director, Tucson Audubon Society, Tucson |
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Proposition 100 has nothing to do with growth management - it is a flawed and limited proposal about state trust lands. In fact, Prop 100 will do nothing to help Pima County or other local governments manage growth. Rather, Prop 100 would create significant barriers to local efforts to protect open space.
The 3% cap on state trust lands eligible for conservation would hinder efforts in Pima County to implement the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP), our local plan to protect endangered species and our natural heritage while also meeting the economic needs of the citizens of Pima County.
Nearly 400,000 acres of state trust lands in Pima County should be designated for permanent conservation to achieve the goals of the SDCP. The 3% cap will limit the amount of land we could protect, thereby severely diminishing the SDCP's effectiveness.
Our citizens deserve a plan that actually helps to better manage growth and protect open space. We don't need Prop 100, which in effect places additional hurdles on local government's ability to manage growth. Please VOTE NO on PROPOSITION 100.
As you read through the statements being made for and against Proposition 100, one thing you'll notice is this: Virtually every Arizona organization involved with conservation, habitat and wildlife protection, or the environment is urging you to vote NO on Proposition 100.
These organizations have read and studied every word of Proposition 100 very carefully. Their conclusion, and ours, is that Proposition 100 is the worst land deal in Arizona history.
When all the complex legal language and political double-talk is stripped away, Proposition 100 boils down to this:
1. If Proposition 100 passes the Arizona Constitution will be changed so that we will never be able to protect more than 3% of our state trust land from developers.
2. The remaining 97% of our state trust land is then available to real estate developers.
In other words, a "yes" vote means you are saying okay to a land deal in which Arizona's citizens get 3% of our own state trust land and developers can get the remaining 97%.
That is why there is such strong opposition to Proposition 100 all across Arizona.
It is the worst land deal in Arizona history.
Please vote NO on Proposition 100.
If you would like to learn more about Proposition 100 and what you can do to help stop this land deal, please visit our web site at: www.noprop100.com
The Nature Conservancy strongly opposes Proposition 100 because it will harm our ability to achieve meaningful conservation on state trust lands. The Nature Conservancy is well known for its reasonable, science-based approach to conservation, but Proposition 100 is so deeply flawed that we must stand up and urge Arizonans to VOTE NO.
Many of the 9.3 million acres of state trust lands are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but ecologically priceless. They include sources of clean water for our cities and rural communities and much of our state's valuable wildlife habitat. Arizona's constitution currently ignores these conservation values and requires our state trust lands to be managed solely for maximum financial return. The legislature had its chance to address this issue and to eliminate the current practice of offsetting state trust land revenues rather than supplementing school funding with the nearly $80 million a year generated by the trust. Unfortunately it failed to do either.
Instead, legislators are offering us a thoroughly inadequate proposal in the guise of a conservation measure. The so-called Arizona Conservation Reserve (ACR) that Proposition 100 will establish through an amendment to the state constitution will protect no more than 3% of our state trust lands. That leaves 97% -- a whopping 9 million acres -- eligible for sale to the highest bidder. If that isn't bad enough, the process for adding new parcels to the ACR is so lengthy and laborious that it is very unlikely that any lands beyond the initial 3% cap could ever be protected. This paltry figure also fails to take into account the importance of protecting wildlife habitat and migration corridors. It mainly "protects" washes and mountaintops that couldn't be developed anyway.
We must do better. We can do better. We need a real conservation measure for our precious state trust lands and we can get it through a ballot initiative in 2002. Let's do it right the first time. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 100.
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