         GREETINGS TO ALL ADOBE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS   
May 2025

      Greetings to All ADOBE Members and Friends,

   This writing serves to inform and mobilize public attention regarding a significant environmental and land-use issue presently under consideration in Pinal County, Arizona. The Salt River Project (SRP), in partnership with Arevia Power, has proposed the development of the Silver King Solar Farm—a utility-scale solar installation projected to span approximately 9,000 acres near the intersection of State Route 60 and State Route 79, close to the communities of Gold Canyon, Entrada del Oro, Superior, and Queen Valley. If approved by the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, this facility would constitute the largest solar farm in Arizona as of April 15, 2025, surpassing the current largest—Sonoran Solar Energy Farm near Buckeye, which occupies 3,000 acres. Nationally, it would also exceed the scale of the Gemini Solar Hybrid Farm in Nevada, currently the largest in the United States at 4,600 acres.    The ADOBE organization expresses its strong opposition to the proposed location of this facility. While advancing renewable energy infrastructure is broadly recognized as a necessary component of climate mitigation, the siting of such massive industrial projects in ecologically and culturally sensitive areas raises profound concerns. The proposed solar farm site lies in the foothills of the iconic Superstition Mountains—a region not only celebrated for its natural beauty but also home to numerous residents who have chosen this area for its serenity and landscape. Arizona encompasses vast expanses of arid, unpopulated land more suitable for such development, making the selection of this site particularly contentious.   Beyond its visual and aesthetic disruption, the construction and operation of a facility of this magnitude poses substantial ecological risks, particularly to avian wildlife. Evidence from existing solar projects, such as the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System near the California-Nevada border, indicates that solar farms—especially those utilizing concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies—can lead to significant avian mortality. Ivanpah, often cited as an ecological cautionary tale, has been linked to the deaths of an estimated 6,000 birds since its inception in 2014, including species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Waterfowl, in particular, are known to mistake the reflective surfaces of photovoltaic panels for bodies of water, resulting in fatal collisions. In some cases, birds flying through the concentrated beams of CSP systems are burned or incinerated mid-flight. The ecological ramifications of 9,000 acres of high-temperature, reflective solar infrastructure will likely be profound and far-reaching.   Arevia Power has scheduled a public informational session in Florence for April 30, 2025, significantly distant from the communities most directly affected. This geographic distancing raises concerns about accessibility and equitable participation in the public consultation process for residents of nearby areas such as Gold Canyon and its neighboring communities.   This message is intended as a preliminary alert to concerned citizens and stakeholders. The forthcoming period will likely involve a series of public hearings and deliberations, and community members must be prepared to voice their perspectives in an organized and informed manner. Ultimately, the decision resides with the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, including Supervisor Jeff Serdy, whose jurisdiction encompasses the proposed project site and who, like ADOBE, has strongly opposed the current proposal.   Glenn A. Walp, PhD   ADOBE –“The Voice and Heart of Gold Canyon since 1989” 

Meet Glenn Walp, President of ADOBE

ADOBE--Association for the Development of a Better Environment

         What you may not know about Glenn Walp:

Glenn Walp has done everything, been everywhere, and has lived to tell about it. He was born in Pennsylvania, and among other illustrious career acheivements, was Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. He graduated from Indiana University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Police Administration/Criminolgy, received a Master's Degree in Criminal Psychology, and later on, a PhD in Human Services. There is not enough room on this website to list all of Glenn's many contributions to Public Safety, but his stellar law enforcement career is worthy of high recognition. His service to his community is of utmost importance to Glenn, and his track record of devotion to our citizens is second to none. We are proud to claim him as our fearless leader.

Board Members 

These are our hard working Board Members who are here to serve the community of Gold Canyon

Terrilyn klucar

I'm from Pennsylvania, relocated to Phoenix area in 1997. I have a Bachelor's Degree from University of Washington and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Troy University. I've worked for 20 years with county government ( Maricopa and Pinal.) I lead our choir at Superstition Foothills Baptist Church and have been married to my husband Gerry for 19 years. I am a tortoise enthusiast and own many turtles and two African Sulcata tortoises. I love Arizona and I'm so happy to be able to help out in the thriving community of Gold Canyon!

lisa bradford

I am a 3rd generation Arizonan born and raised in the East Valley.  I am  an  avid Arizona history enthusiast and the founder of the Gold Canyon Historical and Geological Society.I have over 20 years of experience in the housing industry and encompass a passion to see businesses thrive in both AZ and in our extraordinary Gold Canyon Community. I Co- Founded the Gold Canyon Chamber of Commerce in 2021.Early in 2023 I was appointed to the Transportation Advisory Committee by Supervisor Jeff Serdy. I am honored to represent district 5 and look forward to advocating for the needs of Pinal County and its residents! I have been blessed with three dynamic children Jake, Wyatt and Jewel who I cherish beyond measures. 

DIANNA WALP
Treasurer