Oro Valley council, residents debate draft standards for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve; maintenance, homeowner access contested

Town staff presented draft guidance on Jan. 8 for homeowners who border the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and heard more than a dozen residents demand clearer, more permissive rules and faster town maintenance of the former golf course land.

Parks and Recreation Director Miss Epting summarized the legal framework: the preserve is protected by a 2022 conservation easement that “is a 35‑page legally binding document” and names Archaeology Southwest as the conservation easement holder, she said. Epting told council that Archaeology Southwest tours the property regularly and flags areas where work may be required to remain in compliance with the easement.

Residents said the preserve is in poor condition and that the town’s draft do’s‑and‑don’ts unfairly restrict homeowners while the town fails to restore the property. Rosa Daley, who said she lives on the former Vistoso golf course, told the council that “the conservation…