Cave Creek ad hoc committee lays out $16 million plan to preserve 4,005 acres; seeks county partnership and private fundraising

An ad hoc committee appointed by the Cave Creek Town Council described detailed plans on Tuesday to pursue acquisition and long-term protection of 4,005 acres of state trust land west of town, laying out a $16 million fundraising goal and options that include private donations, partnering with Maricopa County and a possible sunsetting secondary property tax.

Steve Lamar, chairman of the Open Space Ad Hoc Committee, told the council the group organized into three work streams — outreach, finance and land-evaluation — and has prepared maps, campaign materials and a white paper the committee expects to deliver within about a month. "We committed to have the work groups communicate and work in a small group on their area," Lamar said, summarizing the committee's process and the staff support behind their materials.

Stacy Dandell, who led the communications and outreach work group, showed a…