The Arizona Department of Agriculture is investigating a private Marana golf course for cutting down two saguaro Cactuses in order to make way for hospitality tents during the LIV Tournament.
A video of a landscaping company removing two mature saguaro trees from The Gallery Golf Club’s property was released in February. This prompted outrage and questions by the state agriculture department.
According to Jeremy Duda, The Gallery Golf Club General Manager, the removal was caused by Santa Rita Landscaping’s error. Santa Rita Landscaping did not request permission from management.
Saguaros can grow up to 50 feet and are only found in the Sonoran Desert. They have a lifespan of between 150 and 175 years. They are well-known in Arizona and are protected under Arizona’s native plants law.
This law gives landowners the right to remove or destroy protected native plants on their land. However, the AZDA must be notified at least 20 to 60 days before the destruction. During this notification process, they must also apply for permits from the AZDA.
This is what The Gallery Golf Club’s landscaping company failed to do when they removed the two saguaros in order to make way for temporary hospitality tents for the LIV Golf Invitational Tournament.
Rickie Fowler at the sixth hole tee during the semifinal round at the World Golf Championships- Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club of Dove Mountain. This year, the course will host a LIV Golf event. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry – USA TODAY Sports
Heather Flowers, Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy, AZDA, stated that records of a permit or notice to intent for The Gallery Golf Club to reduce the two saguaros were not identified by the AZDA. She also said that they are currently investigating the matter.
State law states that removing a saguaro or other native plant without obtaining a permit from the AZDA constitutes a class one misdemeanor and is punishable with a civil penalty of not more than $5,000.
Duda stated that she was under the impression they would be relocated. This is despite what the landscaping company told management. “That’s all they told us, and they cut them down without our permission.”
According to AZDA, saguaros can be relocated on the same property without requiring a permit.
Duda stated that The Gallery Golf Club fully cooperated with the AZDA’s investigations and plans to replace the saguaros after the tournament ends.
Reach breaking news reporter Ellie Willard at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllieWillardAZ.
