Can you cut down a saguaro cactus in Arizona?
May 04, 2020 · If a person is caught cutting down a saguaro it is actually considered a felony criminal damage charge that can result in 25 years in prison. Any other type of vandalism, theft and attempts to transplant the cactus will also result in pricey fees and jail time.
How long does a saguaro cactus live?
if you’re in Arizona and you don’t have the proper permit, cutting down a saguaro is a crime punishable with up to 25 years in prison and a hefty fine, even if the cactus is on private property. 102 views ·
Can you go to jail for cutting down a cactus in Arizona?
Nov 09, 2021 · Cutting down a cactus, like Arizona's iconic saguaro, is a crime punishable with up to 25 years in prison and a hefty fine. How long does it take a saguaro cactus to grow an arm? Because saguaros grow so slowly, it might take 50 to 75 years for them to grow their first arms. Arms are important to them because they store extra water.
Is it legal to decorate a saguaro cactus on your property?
Feb 24, 2021 · Destruction or theft of a saguaro is illegal under state law and can result in fines and a class 4 felony.
Can you cut down a saguaro cactus on your property?
If you have a Saguaro cactus on your property, cutting it down is a crime. Landowners are required to notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The department will place a permit upon and tag the plant in the instance that you would like to remove it.Apr 20, 2015
Is it illegal to cut a saguaro cactus?
It's illegal to shoot or deface the iconic cactuses or to remove them from parks, where the slow-growing succulents can reach more than 60 feet and live up to 200 years. Violators are pursued by state agricultural police, or “cactus cops.”Feb 26, 2020
Why is it illegal to cut saguaro cactus?
The reason this law stands is because the saguaro cactus, prevalent in Arizona, takes an incredibly long time to grow. These plants have a lifespan that is estimated to be from 150 years to 200 years if they aren't cut down and if they have the right conditions.Mar 5, 2020
Is it illegal to remove a dead saguaro cactus?
You may have heard that a saguaro is illegal to remove. This is partly true. You cannot intentionally remove a saguaro without a permit; you need permission to do so.Jun 3, 2021
Can I remove a saguaro in my yard?
On federal land such as Saguaro National Park, it's illegal to remove any plant, including saguaros, according to the National Park Service. As for state, tribal or private land, removal or destruction of saguaros in Arizona is illegal without the landowner's permission and a permit.Feb 23, 2021
How much is a 20 foot saguaro cactus worth?
Saguaro cactus costs about $100 per foot, with average prices ranging from $20 to $2,000 in the US for 2020 according to DFRanchandGardens. osieOnTheHouse says, “The smaller the saguaro, the less it will cost. But generally, they go for about $100 or more a foot if they are just spears and are in excellent condition.
Are saguaro cactus only in Arizona?
While the saguaro cactus has become a symbol of the American West, the saguaro cactus will only grow in the Sonoran desert. As a desert indicator species, the range of the saguaro cactus is limited to southern Arizona.Aug 22, 2019
What is the fine for digging up a saguaro cactus?
About 350 plants are on the list of state and federally protected plants, and officers who find anyone disturbing a specimen without a permit may issue a warning or press charges. Violating the law could mean fines of $500 a plant, plus six months in jail.Mar 11, 1996
Is it legal to pick up saguaro skeletons?
It is illegal to remove Saguaro and Cholla skeletons from the desert, unless you have permission from the owner. Specimens can sometimes be purchased at certain plant nurseries that specialize in cacti.Jan 21, 2022
Can I move a saguaro on my property?
As a home owner, you have the right to remove, sell or give way any native plant growing on your property. However, any Saguaro over four (4) feet tall must have a movement permit obtained from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
How do you get rid of saguaro cactus?
0:137:24Removing A Fallen 14 Foot Saguaro Cactus From Your Back YardYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore we start this video away remind you that the sororal pectus is a protected plant in ArizonaMoreBefore we start this video away remind you that the sororal pectus is a protected plant in Arizona so we took it very serious. So the first thing we did once it did fall down is contact Department of
What are the threats to saguaro?
Some of the biggest threats to saguaros are the growing human population, land development, theft and vandalism, according to the National Park Service. Destruction or theft of a saguaro is illegal under state law and can result in fines and a class 4 felony. Landowners have the right to destroy or remove plants on their land, ...
How tall are saguaros?
Wiedhopf said it can cost thousands of dollars to remove saguaros that are 15 to 20 feet tall and the survival rate is lower for relocating these saguaros. Micela said his company will replace saguaros that break or are dead when they tried moving them at the end of the building process.
Is it illegal to remove a saguaro plant?
On federal land such as Saguaro National Park, it's illegal to remove any plant, including saguaros, according to the National Park Service. As for state, tribal or private land, removal or destruction of saguaros in Arizona is illegal without the landowner's permission and a permit. Many municipalities also have additional requirements ...
How long do saguaro cactus live in Arizona?
These plants have a lifespan that is estimated to be from 150 years to 200 years if they aren’t cut down and if they have the right conditions.
How long can you go to jail for cutting down a cactus?
If you cut one down without permission, you could go to jail for up to 25 years. Clearly, this is not a mistake you want to make.
What to do if you are arrested?
If you are arrested or learn you are under investigation, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
How long can you go to jail?
The maximum time you could get in jail is 25 years. This is not a mandatory term that is handed out to everyone. If you make an honest mistake, you’re far more likely to get a much lighter sentence. If the judge feels like throwing the book at you, though, you could, technically, be locked up for quite some time.
Can you defend yourself in Arizona?
Defending Yourself. As you can see, a simple mistake can be costly in Arizona. This law is often touted as strange or overly aggressive, but the authorities are serious about protecting the habitat. If you’re ever accused of something like this, make sure you know what legal defense options are available.
