Cave Creek, AZ – Residents in the Rancho del Oro and 64th Street area are raising concerns after several iconic saguaro cacti, previously portrayed by local Artists, disappeared in 2018. Witnesses claim they saw the Cacti being chopped up and discarded in trash bins when a family cleared the lot to build a home.
The development of the home, built on a corner lot, reportedly led to the disappearance of a family of approximately six saguaros. Unlike natural causes of decline, these cacti did not wither over time—they were deliberately removed and discarded, according to multiple neighbors who witnessed the event. The saguaros, which had stood for decades, were not only significant natural landmarks but also part of the community’s artistic and cultural heritage. Their abrupt removal has sparked outrage and raised questions about whether proper permits were obtained for their disposal.
After clearing the lot, the homeowners replaced the natural desert landscape with artificial grass and reshaped the wash, further altering the ecosystem of the area. Residents worry that these changes not only impact the region’s biodiversity but also set a precedent for future developments that disregard native plant protection laws.
Under the Arizona Native Plant Law, saguaros are protected, and their removal requires specific authorization from the state. Any unauthorized destruction of these cacti can result in severe penalties, including fines. Local environmental advocates and residents are calling for an investigation to determine whether legal protocols were followed.“It’s heartbreaking to see these majestic plants, which have been part of this landscape for so long, simply disappear,” said one concerned resident. “If this was done illegally, there need to be consequences.”
The Arizona Department of Agriculture and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are responsible for overseeing the protection of Native Plants. Community Members are urging Authorities to look into the situation and verify whether the construction project complied with state regulations.
Local conservation groups, including the Desert Botanical Garden and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, have also expressed interest in ensuring saguaros are properly handled in the face of development. However, progress in addressing these concerns has been slow, as is often the case in the Maricopa CREEKERhood, where change moves at a gradual pace.
As of now, no official response has been given by the construction company or property owners involved. Residents remain vigilant, hoping that raising awareness will prevent further losses of these beloved desert icons.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to report it to the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Plant Services Division at 1602-542-4373.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
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