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Camelback Mtn: Make it a Mountain Preserve
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Reviewed Ideas
Forwarded to PlanPHX Leadership Committee and appropriate city department
Camelback Mtn:  Make it a Mountain Preserve
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I propose the City designating Camelback Mtn a mountain preserve like Piestewa Peak.

Currently, Camelback Mtn is a mountain park and not preserve. The City cannot enforce "staying on trail" at Camelback Mtn if the land is no designated as a mountain preserve. Most mountain rescues are from "off trail" hikers and users. Usually, an air unit (helicopter) is involved and the cost of a rescue can run as much as a few grand per hour for the rescue. The costs on the degradation to the environment caused by off trail hikers and users is more than the cost of the rescue.

The Cholla side of the mountain can be better marked to help aide hikers to stay on trail.

2 Comments
  • David B45

    by David B45 I had no idea there was a legal distinction between Camelback and other hiking areas. That should absolutely be remedied.

    Jan 14, 2013 at 9:20 AM  
  • Nicole R11

    by Nicole R11 Yes, it's odd there hasn't been a change from "park" to "preserve" due to the high volume of mountain rescues pertaining to off trail hikers and users. I don't think anyone will be at loss if Camelback is re-designated as a "preserve". Papago Park is the other land area that is not designated a preserve. I'm not so sure it could be designated a "preserve".

    Jan 15, 2013 at 10:47 AM  

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