Threats to the Landscape
An inimitable, enduring, yet surprisingly sensitive landscape.
Regional population growth tied to metropolitan Phoenix increases recreational use of public lands. It also brings the threat of land “disposal” (sale of public land to developers) and conversion of natural open space to subdivisions.
Aerial map of metropolitan Phoenix in 1984, courtesy of Google Maps.
Aerial map of metropolitan Phoenix in 2020, courtesy of Google Maps.
Other ongoing and rapidly expanding threats include:
Vandalism and theft of cultural resources
Irreparable damage to cultural resources and animals from target shooting
Impacts from unimpeded off-road vehicles to geoglyphs, other cultural sites, cryptobiotic soils, plants, and animals
The potential for industrial energy development
Sale or transfer of public lands to private interests
Increased desertification driven by climate change
The “choking” of native vegetation by invasive plant species
Shot up fire extinguishers and other trash left behind by irresponsible recreationists is an all too common sight in the Great Bend. Photo: David Wallace Visuals
banner image: Andy Laurenzi