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Residents press Oro Valley for action on Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve maintenance, seek buffer guidance
Summary
Preserve Vistoso and neighborhood residents asked council to convene staff, Archaeology Southwest and stakeholders to draft guidance protecting private property values and reducing wildfire, pest and overgrowth risks adjacent to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.
Multiple speakers at the March 5 Town Council meeting asked for faster action and clearer guidance for homeowners bordering the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, citing overgrown vegetation, pests and wildfire risk along preserve edges.
Bill Sugars, who said he serves on the board of Preserve Vistoso, told council that homeowners who helped preserve the property deserve a timely response. "We hope the consultant and the council will let us know what's going on in the near future," Sugars said, and he requested a meeting involving staff, Archaeology Southwest and Preserve Vistoso to draft a short document homeowners can use to protect property values and reduce hazards.
Sugars said Archaeology Southwest produced a draft document in November that council rejected and that Preserve Vistoso has repeatedly requested a follow‑up meeting. He called for a working session that could produce an initial draft within a few hours and be before council by mid‑April.
Other speakers described the pond and adjacent landscape fronting Stosso Highlands as overgrown and unkempt. Lynette Mock called the area "a disgrace to our town," and said she would accept grass, cactus or other landscaping but asked the town to address the condition sooner rather than later. Pat Thibault said the preserve became town property about four years ago and residents were told action would begin this year; he urged council to move more quickly.
Town staff and next steps
During call to audience, Mayor Winfield noted staff had scheduled further discussion of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve with consultant presentations planned for April 16. Town staff previously referenced Archaeology Southwest memos; Preserve Vistoso said it has repeatedly sought a joint meeting with staff and council members to develop homeowner guidance on buffers, defensible space and pest control.
Speakers asked for a concise, actionable document homeowners and HOAs can use to reduce overgrowth, limit encroachment of weeds and grass, and help reduce wildfire and pest risks. Preserve Vistoso said a draft could be prepared quickly for staff review and council consideration.
