As the Vistoso Nature Preserve restoration moves forward, council members and residents have voiced several concerns that are being carefully considered to ensure the project balances ecological goals with community needs. From preserving mountain views to managing dust and invasive plants, here’s what they said at the September 17 council meeting:
Preserving Scenic Mountain Views
One of the top concerns for residents living near the Preserve is the potential obstruction of scenic views of the Catalina Mountains. As one resident stated, “Our views are a big part of why we live here. We’re concerned that tall trees planted too close to our homes could block those views.” Council members echoed this sentiment, with Mayor Winfield noting that “preserving views is a key concern for many residents.”
To address this, the restoration team is considering the types and locations of trees to ensure that low-growing plants are used in areas where views are a priority. Consultant Rebecca Field emphasized that the team is aware of these concerns and will work to ensure that “the planting plan takes into account the need to preserve the open sightlines for those living nearby.”
Another major issue raised by both the council and residents is the use of desert broom, a native but aggressive plant. While desert broom thrives in desert environments and supports pollinators, it is often viewed as undesirable due to its fast growth and invasive nature. “Desert broom may succeed in restoration,” Field acknowledged, “but it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing choice.” Residents expressed concerns that desert broom could spread quickly and take over the landscape, reducing the visual appeal of the restored Preserve.
This feedback has prompted the restoration team to consider alternative native plants that will not only thrive in the environment but also align with community preferences for aesthetics and long-term maintenance. “We want to find a balance between restoring the ecosystem and maintaining a visually appealing landscape,” Field explained.
Dust and Valley Fever Concerns During the Restoration
Residents living near the Preserve have also raised concerns about dust during restoration, particularly from the barren berm areas. “There’s a real concern about dust and valley fever,” one resident commented. Valley fever, a fungal infection spread through dust, poses a health risk to those in proximity to the Preserve.
To mitigate this risk, residents have suggested alternative approaches, including using rock material and water-harvesting techniques to stabilize the berm without disturbing the soil. “We understand that dust is a concern, especially with the health risks it poses,” Field said. “We’re exploring ways to stabilize the soil and minimize dust during the restoration process.”
Concerns About Funding
With the town investing $2 million per year into the project, there have been questions about how much money will ultimately be needed to restore the Preserve. Several council members expressed concerns about the timeline and the scale of the project. “We need to ensure that we’re using the funds wisely,” one council member stated.
Field agreed, emphasizing that the restoration will be done in phases, starting with the most manageable sections of the Preserve. “We’re starting with the perimeter, working inward. This phased approach will allow us to make steady progress while staying within budget,” Field explained.
Concerns About Maximizing Grant Opportunities
A critical issue raised during the council meeting was the need to maximize grant funding to support the restoration of the Vistoso Nature Preserve. Vice Mayor Barrett emphasized this point, stating, “I would propose to council that if we can get 1.5 million in grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, then maybe we should readjust where we spend our funds to maximize the opportunity.”
Barrett also suggested that the council consider providing sufficient flexibility in its budget so the town can qualify for the maximum amount of grant funds. She asked for an update on the status of the grant applications, raising the question of how the town can adjust its spending to align with potential grant requirements.
Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting responded, explaining the challenges of timing and flexibility in the grant process. “When we had Naranja, it was about eight months until we were given approval on the grant. That was considered a quick timeline, so we need to be mindful of the timing involved in waiting for grants.” She also emphasized that certain recreational elements in the Preserve—such as benches, shade structures, and trails—could increase the town’s chances of receiving grants from programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. “We’re already exploring opportunities,” Epting assured, while highlighting the importance of aligning the Preserve’s features with grant requirements to optimize funding.
Maximizing Community Engagement and Participation
Despite these concerns, there is a strong desire among residents to be involved in the restoration process. “The community is critical to this project,” Field emphasized during her presentation. Several residents suggested organizing seed ball workshops and involving local schools in the restoration effort. “We want to be a part of this and help restore the Preserve,” one resident said, reflecting the widespread community support for the project.
Field and the restoration team are committed to making the project a collaborative effort. “We’re planning events where people can come out, create seed balls, and be part of the restoration,” Field said. This level of community engagement will help ensure that the project is not only successful but also a source of pride for Oro Valley residents.
