Jeep tour operators will now be able to take passengers out in a small part of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The city recently bought the land, which meant its ordinance against motorized vehicles in the preserve would apply to the former state land.
Kroy Ekblaw, Scottsdale’s preserve director, said some tour companies petitioned the city to either change the ordinance or allow permits for the area. The city council eventually agreed to a nine month trial period for the jeeps.
Ekblaw said companies will pay a processing fee for a permit and $3.50 per person they take out in their jeeps, which he said is consistent with what businesses pay for other kinds of activities in the preserve, like rock climbing and mountain biking.