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The Commission opted to open business items with the Observatory Mesa Trail Plan (OMTP) discussion. Southwest Decision Resource representative Mark Loseth provided an introduction to the trail plan and provided some insight on what commissioners would see during the field trip. He also mentioned items that they should try to observe during the outing.
Representatives from Coconino National Forest were present prior to the group walk to discuss multi-agency collaboration. Forest Service representatives provided some background on their involvement and insight on how the trail plan could help meet the needs of the community. They also provided some information regarding how the trail plan could be implemented with the proper permit application from the city of Flagstaff (COF). If a permit was approved, it would allow the COF to construct and maintain trails on Forest Service lands. Forest Service representatives then took questions from the commissioners. Topics/questions that were discussed included:
- Identification of land parcels owned by the Forest Service.
- Examples of the Forest Service partnering with other land managers on similar trail projects. Examples identified: Sheep’s Crossing with the COF, and the Fort Tuthill to Rogers Lake trail segment in partnership with Coconino County.
- E-bike considerations were discussed with questions about where they are currently allowed, since the Forest Service identifies them as motorized vehicles.
- E-bike regulation enforcement if e-bikes were permitted in the OMTP area.
- The continuation of motorized traffic, grazing permits, and hunting on Forest Service lands associated with the trail plan project area.
- E-bike classes and examples of the Forest Service providing opportunities for classes I and II (San Juan National Forest).
Following these discussion points commissioners and staff embarked on the field walk at 3 P.M. The walk introduced Commissioners to the McAllister Ranch parcels, the BNSF underpass, and trail plan alignments 5.20, 5.25, 3.36, and 3.37. During the field walk, topics of discussion included:
- BNSF partnership in designating a new formal underpass for pedestrian use. It was noted that the AZ Trail Association did work out a recent agreement with BNSF on the east side of town.
- Resource preservation related to trail corridors avoiding springs, tanks, oak stands, and other wildlife important locations.
- Mountain biking features and how trails could accommodate multi-use.
- Adaptive Trails: trail width (36”), and trails designated for this specific use. It was noted the number of adaptive trails was reduced, and the entire plan was adjusted to be more 'trail-light', based on public comment and wildlife considerations. If the Flagstaff Loop Trail (managed by the county) could be wider (36”), it could be used by adaptive bikes and provide better options for adaptive users.
- Cost for trail construction was discussed and estimated at approximately $25-30k per mile, or $4-$5/foot. The trail plan proposes approximately 18 miles of new trail. A rough estimate provided is around$500,000 to enact this plan. This would be accomplished through grants and donations; and would be done in stages rather than all at once.
- Inclusion of language to the trail plan for “adaptive management” should be included to allow for needed flexibility for changes in visitation, needs, etc.
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