MND Local: Golf course, green spaces and industrial growth in San Miguel

San Miguel has been in the news recently, with discussions about a potential new golf course, tree planting, a possible parking garage, and significant industrial investments in the area. The city is currently home to three golf courses: Malanquin and Las Ventanas, both 18-hole, and Zirandaro, which is a nine-hole course.

A petition against a proposed fourth golf course near El Charco del Ingenio, a botanical garden and nature preserve, has gathered 19,050 verified signatures and numerous comments. Opponents express concerns about environmental impact and water supply. Despite Lorena Ochoa, a renowned Mexican golfer, backing the project, no permits have been applied for or granted.

Parque Juárez, a popular park in San Miguel, is receiving a boost of 35 mature ash trees as part of the city's urban conservation and maintenance initiative. These trees are replacing those that have reached the end of their lifecycle and will help renew the park's canopy. The trees are native to Mexico and can thrive in subtropical and tropical highland climates.

However, some nearby residents have expressed concern about dead trees and limbs falling into public pathways, seating areas, and streets, as well as evidence of pests and woodpeckers on some of the ash trees.