Agreement reached… Now its time to raise funding
The Conservation Fund (TCF) will begin accepting donations toward the purchase of the 202 acres of recreational open space that was once the fairways of the former Vistoso Golf Course. The fundraising will occur over the next 60 days with the purchase projected by the end of December 2021.
It’s been a long road
As those who have been following this saga know, the purchase of the property proved quite challenging and required a strategic partnership approach. The Conservation Fund entered into discussion with golf course owner Romspen LLc in May of last year. Last November, the Town of Oro Valley agreed to join the negotiations. Last month, the sale of the property was agreed upon. - TCF will purchase the 202 acres.
- An outside developer will purchase the six acre parcel that is zoned for residential use.
- The town will enter into a Global Settlement Agreement to resolve any remaining issues.
The Benefits of Donating to a Nationally Recognized Non-Profit
TCF’s platinum level accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance ensures with a high degree of certainty that your donations will allow the purchase of the former Vistoso golf course to join TCF’s impressive legacy of land preservation in Arizona and throughout the country. With your tax-deductible contributions, 202 acres in Rancho Vistoso, Oro Valley will join the 1 million acres TCF has conserved in Arizona, and 8.5 million acres they have conserved within the US. In Oro Valley our motto is: It’s in our nature and very soon we will have the nature preserve to prove it!
Your help is needed to fund the Purchase
Tax-deducible charitable contributions may be made by check, wire transfer, securities transfer, and qualified charitable distribution.
There are many benefits to TCF’s involvement. Their reputation is above reproach as one of the top-rated conservation organizations in the county, with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, an A+ rating by Charity Watch, and as an organization that achieves the standards of excellence of the Better Business Bureau.
A Conservation Easement makes all the difference!
Once the 202 acres of the former Vistoso Golf Course is purchased, TCF will protect the land with a conservation easement. Think of it as a deed that will forever follow the land allowing certain recreational uses while prohibiting other activities such as development. Imagine never having to fight off another developer!
While the Town of Oro Valley is expected to be the eventual owner of the property, a qualified land trust will be named as the long-term property steward who will ensure it maintains adherence to the terms of the conservation easement.
The conservation easement is one of the most value-added features of working with The Conservation Fund to purchase the recreational open space of the former Vistoso golf course. We donate and they do all the work from purchase to protection.
The Conservation Fund has established a goal of raising $1.8 million by December 2021. A designated pledge form will direct all donations exclusively towards TCF’s purchase of the land and establishment of a conservation easement.
You can view and download the 2021 Romspen Vistoso Project Pledge Form here.
All donors should direct questions to:
All donors should direct questions to:
Kirste Kowalsky, Arizona Field Representative, kkowalsky@conservationfund.org, 480-332-3012
Mike Ford, Senior Nevada and Southwest Director, mford@conservationfund.org, 702-655-8167
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Source: Oro Valley Resident Rosa Dailey
