Superstition Summit: Arizona Outdoors in Action
- Kate Mayeski
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
APACHE JUNCTION, AZ
By Kate Mayeski
Transparency Note: This article is not sponsored or supported by any organizations, companies, or public agencies mentioned. Everything shared here is based on my research and experiences.
Arizona’s Outdoor Economic Engine
Special shout out to my colleague Michelle Ramos, Arizona Program Manager at Tread Lightly!. Michelle is a powerhouse connector and advocate for responsible recreation across Arizona. Tread Lightly! works nationwide to promote outdoor ethics and stewardship, especially on motorized trails—and Michelle is doing that work on the ground right here in our state.
Why Summer Safety Still Matters
Michelle invited me to the Superstition Region Public Land Managers meeting at Central Arizona College in Apache Junction this morning. As always, it was energizing to be in a room filled with land managers, fire and law enforcement teams, tourism officials, and community advocates all working together to protect, steward, and celebrate the iconic Superstition Wilderness and its surrounding public lands.
Jeff Serdy, District 5 Supervisor for Pinal County, opened the meeting by grounding us in purpose: we’re here to collaborate, not compete—to plan proactively for the pressures our region faces as growth and recreation use accelerate in the urban-wilderness interface. He underscored two urgent concerns: summer heat and looming land use conflicts. “It may look like you're right outside of town,” he warned, “but if the rise of heat-related deaths is any indication, the mountains and trails are more dangerous than you think.”
“This land that looks like it’s not being used… it’s being used. We’re just as much of a destination. We’re not as remote as they think.”
On proposed BLM land sales and a proposal from a California company to bring solar to the East Valley, Serdy’s point was blunt: if you want to bring solar to Arizona, put it in a part of Arizona where people don't drive past daily.
Trails to Tourism: Land Use & Economy
One of the most exciting updates came from Scott Hamilton, Pinal County’s Director of Open Space, Trails, and Regional Parks. Having started his career as an intern with Arizona State Parks, Scott’s journey now brings him full-circle to lead some of the region’s most critical land-use initiatives—from trail connectivity and signage enhancements to regional park planning and heat-safety education.
With summer conditions intensifying, he emphasized their seasonal pivot: “We’re focused on bringing the outdoors in.” Scott and Jeff also co-star in a new heat safety PSA that delivers life-saving tips like hydrating the night before your hike, planning turnaround points based on water supply, and avoiding the mountains in months without an “R.” Watch the video here.
Storytelling, Collaboration & Tourism Data
Speaking of partnerships, Neil Large from the Arizona Office of Outdoor Recreation delivered a standout presentation on the emotional power of storytelling in driving sustainable tourism. “People who feel connected to a place are more likely to return,” he said, urging us to shift our marketing from promoting activities to promoting emotions. He also challenged agencies to better capture data and leverage social media—still massively underutilized by many government and nonprofit stakeholders.
Heat, OHVs & Public-Private Efforts
Gina Salinas of Pinal County Communications & Marketing gave a behind-the-scenes look at the Superstition Region web portal—a year into its launch. It’s packed with resources but needs more visibility. Increasing content collaboration between cities, counties, and tourism offices could unlock significant traffic and engagement.
Michelle Carpenter, Economic Development Coordinator for Pinal County, followed with a look at the region's tourism trajectory. Her data made one thing clear: outdoor recreation isn’t just about fresh air—it’s a driver of jobs, local revenue, and long-term resilience. She introduced the Explore Pinal County initiative and the Tourism Advisory Group, weaving together towns, chambers, and trail systems into a single narrative. Her ask was simple: tell us your stories, share your events, and help us shape the future of destination development with authenticity and heart.
Jason Scow, Recreation Program Manager with the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, closed the presentations with updates on the OHV permit program. New staging areas, increased patrols, and permit zone enforcement are slowly but surely transforming chaotic use into managed momentum. As Jason put it, “This OHV program isn’t perfect, but it’s a step toward accountability and safety.” Budget cuts have made staffing difficult, but the direction remains clear: more structure, more stewardship.
Solar, Land Sales & Recreation Policy
As we broke for lunch, I found myself reflecting on how much more coordinated, collaborative, and creative this region has become in just a few years. It wasn’t long ago that everyone worked in silos. Today, we share trail maps, policy templates, and yes—sometimes frustrations—but we do it face-to-face. If you care about public lands in the Superstition region, now’s the time to step in, show up, and be part of the solution. Your voice helps drive awareness, action, and appreciation for Arizona’s public lands.
