[Dale]

Ben Avery was the subject of speculation of closing some months back because developers wanted the property and used Ben Avery's closeness to existing and future homes and businesses as a tool to get the county and state to close it down.

However, after much debate the state announced they would not close Ben Avery but I don't think they meant to say that Ben Avery will be forever protected nor could they make that broad of a statement.

But, some supporters of Ben Avery saw the state's reluctance to close Ben Avery down the same as saying it would never close.

But, I think it's just a matter of time before just the right person is pressured, or a law suit is filed, or the price becomes 'right',etc., and Ben Avery shuts down.

I know a few of the Game and Fish Officers that work there and I am still hearing that the state is looking for a suitable replacement site....somewhere far removed the encroaching Phoenix and Peoria annexations.

So, in my mind something is still brewing.