Phoenix lies within some of the most beautiful and biologically rich desert in the world. In an effort to maintain this, since 1999, the city of Phoenix has purchased more than 2,000 acres of State Trust land to form the Sonoran preserve. The land, located north of the Central Arizona Project, represents a commitment to maintaining our quality of outdoor recreation, while balancing both population increases and preservation of the Sonoran Desert .

As chair of the City Council Environment and Land Use Subcommittee, I'm proud to be part of this time when we are working so well with the state to grow smarter in Phoenix and keep the natural beauty of our neighborhoods intact.

The planned Sonoran Desert Preserve encompasses approximately 20,000 acres of hillside, washes and open desert. It will place neighborhood and possibly community level parks adjacent to the preserves, incorporating a design concept learned from other mountain preserve areas.

In cooperation with the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve Committee, the city of Phoenix worked on the Sonoran Preserve Master Plan, which was approved by the City Council in 1998. With sensitive planning, a commitment to maintaining our quality of outdoor recreation, and quick action, both population increases and preservation of the Sonoran Desert can be accommodated. The preserve was designed based on a system that functions biologically and provides a recreational resource tailored to the needs of the public.

The city was able to purchase the state land with money from the Growing Smarter Land Conservation Fund and the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative. With more than 2,000 acres that make up the Sonoran preserve, Phoenix neighbors have more land to treasure.

Don't hesitate to call my office if you have any questions about the preserves or any other issues in District 2. You are also invited to join me at my monthly Issues & Info breakfasts and learn about topics that impact your neighborhood and family. Take the opportunity to ask questions about issues that are important to you. The next one is 7 a.m. Friday, March 19, at Jillian's at Desert Ridge. Please call my office for more details. I hope to see you there.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at (602) 262-7445 or via e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.