By Doug Ramsey | Public News Service – AZ
An ambitious proposal to protect nearly 1 million acres of federal public lands in western Maricopa County has received a major award for smart planning. The Arizona Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) said the Sonoran Desert Heritage Conservation Plan will improve the quality of life for residents, business owners and tourists.
Monty Stansbury chaired the awards committee. He said the plan deserves the group’s “Best Project” award because it isn’t just about resource conservation and preservation.
“They also linked in the community involvement from the aspect of recreational to maintenance of existing recreation opportunities, and also linking in the military,” Stansbury said.
