Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan Jary 1998 Jan Contributors This publication was made possible through following agencies and individuals City of Flagstaff Arizona the generous financial contributions of the USDA Forest Service Coconino National Forest Flagstaff Arizona National Park Service Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance Program American Greenways Program The Conservation Fund Michael Trauscht Tempe Arizona GIS Mapping GeoEnvironmental Consulting Company Flagstaff Arizona United States Geological Survey Biological Resources Division Colorado Plateau Field Station Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Arizona Layout and Desigm Northland Printed Graphics Flagstaff Arizona by Creative Litho Phoenix Arizona The cover art was generated using part of a Landsat Thematic MapperTM satellite 400 miles on May 10 1993 from an altitude of approximately were 2 3 and 4 Landsat bands infrared near green red spectral 700 km in shades of shows various color up used to make the composite Vegetation image collected red because of its component infrared reflectance high near which was done by Miguel Geological Survey USGS Flagstaff at http TRS gov wrusgs terraweb Coconino National Forest City of Flagstaff 21 Aspen Flagstaff 520 FAX s Qffice Supervisor Division West Avenue 52O 7685 779 This FAX 7693 779 publication 2323 Greenlaw Lane Flagstaff AZ 86001 520 as Field Center and image results For additional information you may contact Planning used the red composite The image processing and manipulation were Velasco under the direction of pat Chavez at the United States in the color is printed on AZ 86001 36OO 527 520 3620 527 recycled paper can be seen Flagstaff Area Open Space and Greenways Committee Agency Representatives Citizen Members Jon Baker Michael Bencic Coconino County Parks and Recreation City of Flagstaff Parks and Fair and Recreation Commission Racing Department Bill Burke Arian Colton Arizona State Land Department Arizona Preserve Initiative Al Hendricks Arizona State Land Department Forestry Division Rick Miller City of Flagstaff Planning Division Flagstaff Resident Member Large at Jeff Johnson City of Flagstaff Beautification Commission Mark Lamberson Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Pat Loven Northern Arizona Realtors Association Jean Peters Ursula Montafio City of Flagstaff Planning Division City of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission Jean Richmond Bill Towler Northern Arizona Home Builders Coconino County Community Development Department Norm Wallen Sierra Club Advisors David R Wilcox Katherine Farr Museum of Northern Arizona Coconino National Forest Facilitators Sam Henderson National Park Service Flagstaff Area National Monuments and Conservation Assistance Program Michael Creasey Debbie Kill Coconino National Forest Peaks Ranger District Sharon Metzler Coconino National Forest Peaks Ranger District Kim Watson National Park Service Flagstaff National Park Services Rivers Trails Area National Monuments Holly Van Houten Bonnie Waninger Joe Winfield Table of Contents Executive Summary Section 1 and Open Space Categories Landscape District Descriptions 17 Open Space Categories 17 Primitive 19 primitive Semi 20 Conservation use Multiple 21 oods Neighbo 22 Cultural Facilities Recreational Historical 24 Districts Landscape Open Space Category Criteria 24 Descriptions Criteria Descriptions Section 2 Recommendations Common to all Landscape Table 1 Open Spaces Category 27 Districts and Ownership Development Land 30 31 Introduction Land 16 Within Ownership Development 31 Development in 31 Neighborwoods 32 Neighborwoods Conservation Category use Multiple Within the 34 Considerations for Burrers Between Communities and Between More Primitive 34 Landscapes 35 Recreation Trail Linkages and Access Roads General Recreation Recommendations by Open Space Category 36 Camping 37 Outdoor Facilities Groups 37 Guides and Oulrilter 39 Winter Recreation OHV Highway Vehicle Off Road Trail The Rio de 39 Use 40 Linkages System 41 Flag Linkage Methods for Developing General Access the Recommended Linkage by Open Space Category Viewing and Education 43 46 Management 47 Wildlife Corridors Wildlife 42 46 Management General Wildlife Network 44 Roads Forest Service Access Resource 35 Opportunities 49 Flagstaff Area Section 2 Open Spaces and reenways Plan continUed Shooting 49 Hunting 50 Rare and Fire Habitat Unique Species 50 Management 51 Riparian Oommunity 52 Watershed 52 Traditional American Indian Uses 52 Oultural and Historical Sites 52 Research 53 general Forest Products 53 6razing 54 Timber Management 55 Mining Firewood 56 Cuffing and Gathering 56 Community Participation Information and Education Agency Collaboration and Law Enforcement Community Padicipation in 58 Neighborwoods Management 58 Information and Education 59 Improving Communication Cooperation and Among and Belween Agencies and the Public Oollaboration 60 Law Enforcement 61 Section 3 Recommendations Unique to Specific Landscape Introduction 62 63 Space Open Retention Recommendations Desired Futures and Implications 1 Mountain A Districts Expected for Future Land Landscape Outcomes Exchanges 64 and Sales District Table 1 3Mountain A 63 65 68 Landscape District Lands Recommended for Retention Griffiths Springs Landscape Table 3 2 Griffiths District 74 Spring Londscape District Lands Recommended for Retention Kachina Peaks Landscape 77 District Table 3 Kachina Peoks 84 Landscape District Lands Recommended for Retention Mt Elden Landscape District Table 3 4 Mt Elden Landscape 89 90 District Lands Recommended for Retention 94 Table of Oontents Section 3 continued Old Caves Landscape 96 District 5 Mt Elden Table 3 Landscape District 1 O0 Lands Recommended for Retention Pumphouse Wash Landscape 108 District Table 3 6 Pumphouse Wash Landscape District 111 Lands Recommended for Retention Sunset Crater Landscape District 114 Lands e I commended for Retention in the 117 Sunset Crater Landsca 3e District Walnut Canyon Landscape Table 3 7Walnut 118 District Canyon Landscape District 123 La nds Recommended for Retention Wing Mountain Landscape 126 District Table 3 8Wing Mountain Landsccpe District 129 Lands Recommended for Retention 131 Section 4 Conclusion Creation of an Open Spaces 131 Coalition and Greenways Implementation Appendix 1 Open Spaces Appendix 2 Implementation Agencies Appendix 3 Resource Appendix 4 Memorandum of and Processes Tools 1 to A1 A1 21 1 to A2 A2 11 1 to A3 A3 9 s Mal Understanding 11 1 to A4 A4 Plan Area 0 miles thatresidentsinthegreaterFlagstaffcommunitiesbeabletoreachopenspacesinnomorethan15minutesfromtheirneighborhoods Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Greater The Greater Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan is intended to provide guidance ing and preserving existing in protect open spaces with growth Residential populations are expected to double by the year 2020 This growth will change the structure of the landscape and limit opportunities to experi the demands of urban benefits of greenways and open spaces More and more people desire to live in and ence the visit Northern Arizona The number of visitors to the cool is Phoenix area pines from the Metro expected to increase as their populations also increase Land longer management decisions can no be made without more consideration interrelationships between natural and urban needs People in the Flagstaff area need to consciously choose where and how much of the open spaces that currently surround our of the communities will continue to exist into the future Once existing open spaces oped access spaces are difficult to size and shape mere Because of these there needs to be nation and cooperation governmental entities residents and visitors to this part of Northern Arizona The values of open spaces affect the cultural and natural the resources Flagstaff area The can be even more presence of these open increasing demands more communication coordi between devel regain The distribution of open spaces important than the areas are to and connections between open of Plan following is a list of the values associated with open spaces and greenways These values are the Plan in the referred to throughout objectives recommendations and tion goals and implementa strategies community contained and identity quality scenic opportunities recreational corridors transportation motorized non development growth directed corelrdctidlirtorvfaoltesesyt wimovement habi qual air water cont flood goal objThe and the of quality principle s Flagstaff maintain to is Plan Greenways and Spaces Open by life determined year were Plan communi tby a through agencies management land tives representa and Area Flagstaff Greater the of goal primary The process planning hreety of key A areas al natur and spaces open of retention with development balance to ways finding is tions recommenda the in Flagstaff The Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan and Importance of Open Spaces Open spaces are felt to contribute significantly quality of life in the greater Flagstaff landscape The Flagstaff area is surrounded by open to the space intermixed with greenways Open Greenways spaces and greenways function Open in many ways for areas and for wildlife These people protect the natural resources that people on such as watersheds and lakes depend streams and simply undeveloped landl There are usually few roads buildings or human made structures Open space may be a wilderness a park a wildlife refuge or a vacant lot in an urban area Broad areas of open space are managed for conservation and multiple uses such as recre aquifers timber rangelands and help maintain or improve air quality They protect developed places from floods and storm water runoff In addition designated open spaces and greem ways can be used to contain and direct growth avoid the need for costly utility and infrastruc ation wildlife habitat watersheds education ture and natural resource natural be centered on space is commodities They natural features such can as moun tains and canyons or on cultural resources such as archaeological sites or are astronomical linear corridors of open rivers or follow natural features such escarpments or as made features human such as abandoned railroad corridors and scenic roadways Greenways are ridors cor link nature reserves parks cultural and historic sites with each other and features They with populated areas They are planned natural corridors linking large natural areas such as parks and national forests or wildlife refuges Greenways maintain migration routes native habitats and wildlife publicly owned privately owned and some are private partnerships public some the For exam individuals may donate a conserva along a small strip of land tion easement large parcel to a conservation agree to maintain a buffer organization of vegetation close or Some are open to strip riparian community visitors others are not to a appeal to people others attract wildlife Together open spaces and greenways provide Some a trails wildlife corridors riparian communities and utility Some of these lands are ple scenic vistas and resources bestow title of a They are beneficial for connections to larger open spaces for providing and wildlife people along trails or watercourses can of vegetation that extensions and maintain result of space in urban areas Greenways areas some are observatories Open spaces are also nature reserves recreational areas and monuments Greenways large whole that is greater than the sum of its parts Surrounding the greater Flagstaff area and adjacent communities are undeveloped lands These forested lands dotted with mountains and dissected by opportunities for and as providing water for vistas rare forested grazing while shelter corridors for wild animals many uses Residents and tourists enjoy these tranquil settings many varied recreation and traditional for est uses of timbering and ing and serving provide canyons easily accessible of wide open spaces natural communities and unbroken riparian places are ribbons Flagstaff communities that provide opportunities for people to enjoy nature These open lands bring the out doors of to people sown doorsteps Much of the land around Flagstaff is administered for the benefit of the public by landscapes These of green around the the Forest Service and National Park Service In addition State Trust lands are managed benefit of the Trust Each agency has mission and in the or a for the different past has often exchanged sold lands adjacent to urban areas These Executive Summan ownership always been guided by long range but have planning changes in have not resulted from inde pendent requests and have not always considered the long term implications Often exchange of these lands has been advantage to the agency allowing it to an divest itself of lands that are difficult to manage or that have management objec interchange on the south side of Flagstaff is currently undergoing a major expansion to handle increased traffic more efficiently The increased demand for such development underscores the importance of implementing a regi0n wide plan for determining the course 0ffuture development and controlling its pace The Interstate 17 Interstate 40 tives not in concert with the agency s mission Nonetheless one of the results has been undesirable pat terns of urban sprawl experienced by many citizens and the frustration who valued the open space character and those area use of public lands Flagstaff and nearby once are largely dependent on the communities continued retention of Forest Service and State Trust lands to maintain the local citizens are lifestyle to which Coconino County and other agencies will accustomed recognition of the unwanted conse ofthis process led to the formation of quences Area the Flagstaff Open Spaces and Greenways In 1994 Committee established and coordinated by the City Committee members included representa tives from the City of Flagstaff Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona State Land Department Coconino County local citizens and various business recreation conservation tourism and education interests the Committee were Advisory to the Forest Service Coconino National Forest and the National Park Service National Monuments All Committee were residents of the greater Flagstaff sdevelopment there Throughout the Plan members area were public forums and continual contact with interested members of the This Plan will to the future serve as public principal guide the protection of the open spaces and surrounding Flagstaff and adjacent communities Qnce adopted by the City of greenways Flagstaff and Coconino County and implemented by the cooperating agencies through changes to their management plans this Plan should become a key component of a region wide coordinated flexible growth management process The City of Flagstaff use the recommendations in the Plan to coordinate land management activities to maintain of development and open spaces This Plan is not intended to be document For example a a mix specific site the Plan does not set Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways PJan priorities for development of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System but it does indicate a open spaces and greenways will help to define the pafferns of future development prevent further need for future development of a linkage system between various locations It does not tell agen cies what to dol but makes recommendations encroachment into for agencies to consider during their s recommendations ning This Plan Open spaces and greenways are the view sheds or scenic vistas throughout the land own plan attempt strike a balance between conscious choices for the future of wildland to the needs of an expanding resident and visitor population By implementing this Plan regional land management agencies and communities will be better able to create maintain and enjoy the benefits of open spaces and green ways for local term long why on values surrounding Flagstaff Viewsheds around people can see they look beyond the subdivisions or shopping centers Through thoughtful open space planning these viewsheds can be retained even amid human made changes to the landscape when In the past open spaces have often existed general resources and and maintain communities consist ofwhat benefit The Committee identified based scape term long resources and unique locations people connections to the land s reasons characteristics open spaces and greenways were important to them These reasons by default and tern of urban term long were often temporary The pat sprawl made development of trail systems and recreation areas difficult because locations used s informally for guided the Committee trails and recreation could end up being devel development of management recommendations for lands surrounding Flagstaff The Open Spaces oped at a later time Urban sprawl increases the cost of providing services to residents and Greenways Plan was developed as a result of this collaborative effort The City of Flagstaff has long been attempting to minimize these costs in part natural Retain appearing landscapes adjacent to urban and residential areas throughout the gen eral Flagstaff area and outlying communities The an Urban Service by designating Boundary within which the City provides services such trash removal and snow as The Flagstaff Urban Trail System is a prime example of a high quality alternative mode transportation corridor between the city communities and outlying areas Such trails will enable residents to leave their homes and reach minute walk 15 a a park or water sewer plowing other open space within Executive Summary Provide continued recreational for area residents and visitors improving oppoffunities by retaining and recreational values of open lands near residential areas surrounding communi family recre ation permitted activities and gathering resource products All of these uses have increased over time and because ofthe growth of the Flagstaff and Phoenix metropolitan populations this trend will likely continue Establishing open spaces and greenways will help communities and public agencies to shift Undeveloped areas ties are used for individual and the management priorities of these lands toward uses that maintain and enhance recre while considering community health Some uses ecological safety will be altered many will not change Future ational uses and future monitoring of impacts from various going process people will be an on uses motorized transportation corridors to providing non the city between communities and between the city and outlying areas area to leave their park or residents should be able neighborhoods and reach other open space within is walk which part of a a a trail minute 15 use these routes for recreation or commut ing The network would connect the City of Flagstaff Coconino County and National Forest locations with trail corridors near paved roads for example as well as a trail remote areas to connect network in peripheral more communi ties and sites ecosystems and wildlife habitats to be compatible with human needs for recreation functioning watersheds and community safety Minimize the loss of critical wildlife habitat to keep wildlife in and around Flagstaff Conserve natural Wildlife Conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat within and adjacent to Flagstaff is an Flagstaff Flagstaff they important part of the quality of life As long as people have lived in als0 will be maintained in to some locations conducive wildlife viewing landscape a special place to live Although many people in Flagstaff enjoy seeing wildlife people and wiidlife are never completely compatible As Flagstaff has grown development has makes this disturbed wildlife habitats away from some or driven wildlife neighborhoods As places oftraditional wildlife foraging have been devel the mix of wildlife species has changed and some areas have lost much of their value as wildlife habitat Urban development without oped lifestyle currently enjoyed by Flagstaff citizens This requires access points in neighborhoods and develop ment of a network of trails and roads People will of wildlife in the Flagstaff area currently includes maintaining songbirds and small animals such as this squirrel throughout the city and surrounding communities Concentrations of them and Connect communities neighborhoods open spaces parks cultural sites and natural areas by Flagstaff The desired distribution in have considered wildlife to be part of what consideration for wildlife can lead to loss of critical wildlife habitat Wildlife movement corridors allow wildlife populations to migrate from according to seasonal patterns weather and food supply conditions If wildlife populations cannot travel to find the food shelter and water they need their numbers decrease and their populations become less viable Disruption of travelways could reduce wildlife populations on a regional rather than on a local scale The best landscape design for wildlife around Flagstaff is one in which natural areas are connected by wide cor one area to another area ridors that contain the most diverse habitats available However how wildlife use these corri dors and other open spaces will greatly depend on how humans use these corridors Many open space and greenway design considerations offs between human involve trade habitat values uses and Flagetaf Area Open Spaces and reenways PJan Downtown Flagstaff boasts a number of historic and cultural sites such as the Babbit Building which was built between 1888 and 1904 Such historic str ctures are tangible evi dence of the past and are therefore important to preserve f0 current and future generations Some open space have to be based on design decisions will the desired future distribu tion of wildlife around Flagstaff This desired distribution currently includes maintaining and small animals throughout the songbirds city and surrounding communities and concen trations of them in some locations conducive to wildlife viewing Large animals such and elk could still be seen on as riparian communities enjoying the cooler climate lush green vegetation wildlife viewing use opportunities and fishing Some riparian munities also provide com sites for outdoor educa tion activities Some American Indians attach traditional cultural values to certain springs and creeks deer the outskirts of eThe Fi ponderosa pine the Mogollon forests that including greenways that people use minimally to moderately Wildlife movement currently corridors would exist further from urban tlers arrived in the mid and late 1800s The the city and would provide migrate seasonally tions need need on more more travelways move remote areas for animals that between habitats subpopula simply or space such as bears o J I i an l Riparian communities are lands edges of bodies of water These places the should be conserved for many reasons primari ly because few natural riparian communities exist in the landscape surrounding Flagstaff a high diversity and because these habitats have of plant and animal life Where effluent systems exist or are proposed riparian opportunities should be enhanced and taken advantage of just as natural riparian communities are Wildlife and domestic animals on riparian communities for water depend People more cover Rim contain many trees per acre than when European set intense grazing at the end of the 1800s coupled with fire suppression and broad scale timber ing converged with a few fine seed years early this century to create the nearly continuous coverage of young ponderosa pine trees that is seen today There is an urgent need to reduce the number of small trees because current densities increase the risk of fire starting and spreading quickly This could be done by mechanically removing the younger trees or through the use of prescribed fire and Another benefit of prescribed fire is the reduction of debris that has accumulated on the forest floor from leaves and limbs over the years because there have been very few fires Prescribed fires intensity fires can or be started human low prescribed natural fires from Executive lightning Prehistoric and historic structures strikes that are allowed to burn J Summa tang are if they meet prescription and management objectives Prescribed fires reduce fuels such ible evidence of the past and are therefore important to preserve for current and future pine needles leaves and tree branches By reducing the amount of fuels available for wild fires through thinning and prescribed fire there generations as can be a significant reduction in the risk of life and property loss due to wildfire At the same s nab time prescribed fire programs mimic fire ural role in nutrient slued The Wares American Indians want to retain the environ mental health of these special places and have cycling ability Some locations around Flagstaff hold significant spiritual values for American Indian cultures For example some American Indians gather plants for medicinal and spiritual needs others visit certain places to pray and reflect of a piece of land to raised concerns about their future such as the or promotion and pos absorb transport and store water is influenced by many activities such as pavement and con overuse advertisement crete structures and soil consultation with American Indians is roads trails or intense compaction caused by livestock grazing Open space and greenway lands can be used to man improve or maintain the health of watersheds Vegetation and healthy surface soils can slow or capture water from rain and snowmelt Water moving over land fills intermittent streams which in turn fill larger creeks rivers and lake basins Water moving sible degradation of resources Consequently an impor tant part of planning and making decisions about open spaces and greenways age these factors to underground through the soil percolates down into aquifers Flagstaff area communities depend on snowmelt springs aquifers and lakes for water sources Therefore maintaining healthy water sheds that can successfully capture and filter water is important for the long term availability Provide buffers between communities and between more Open primitive landscapes spaces and greenways can be used to contain urban sprawl while maintaining Flagstaff and the outlying Providing a visual separation separation between communities will help each community maintain a sense of belong identity ing to the larger community through linkages Continuation of current uses on public State of its own as well Trust and private lands is as a sense one means lands to this of water The overall priority is to protect the and cluantity of the water in order to end In the case of State Trust maintain enhance and restore rivers streams lng activities will retain those lands in an open space condition and help prevent urban sprawl quality and riparian habitat Preserve the historic and history prehistoric cultural of the area tion of non urban leases and continua generab revenue Many of the same spaces and corridors that separate the communities can also serve as recreation areas and connectors with foot bike and horse trails Open spaces and greenways will help pro variety of cultural and historical resources Many of these resources link people of different cultures to their pasts Some of the more prominent cultural and his toric sites serve visitors who may observe learn tect and maintain the about and connect themselves to local history by seeing prehistoric and historic dwellings historic railroad historic In grades and prehistoric system is proposed in which primitive landscapes par the lands primitive Semi designated ticularly and Primitive are to carry less human impact A tiered buffer the and historic remains have on helped remote and and activity Lands adjacent to urbanized devel opment receive the most use with usage taper ing off on the and dendroglyphs pictographs petroglyphs addition scientific research more prehistoric describe how past cultures interacted with the environment Areas of unique scientific importance need to be preserved to allow such studies to continue ii more remote lands Flagstaff Area Open Spaces Planning he process and Greenways Ptan Process of developing this Open Spaces and began as part of the update of habitats to cultural historic values remoteness Greenways Plan visitor use the City of Flagstaff sGrowth Management Guide 2000 The OMO 2000 had identified many possi ble benefits that the City of Flagstaff and sur economic uses such as rounding oping ting Five analyses communities could realize from devel potential for social encounters and grazing and wood cut Open Space Categories emerged from of these data Primitive Open Spaces and Greenways Plan With these benefits in mind the City of Flagstaff an primitive Semi invited land management agencies and local citizens to take part in an open spaces and m Conservation use Multiple m Neighborwoods greenways committee to develop the Plan The first public forum was held in 1994 to generate ideas and gauge support for Recreational Historical Cultural These Open Space Categories represent of resource values uses and opportuni plan s open spaces and greenways ning the area Community participants expressed their a range ties and types of experiences the value of open spaces and opinions and potential obstacles to identify greenways and ing maintaining them Potential on were defined move from linkages as one area migrations that Resource assessments were then conducted serve as in which information was collected on environ ple between communities tunities benefits educational oppor scenic areas and recreational opportu economic nities The information as was study in and around the broken into nine of about 578 000 landscape biophysical are public input and incorporated changes into the final Open Spaces and Greenways Plan Ag Mountain Griffiths Elden Old Caves everything developed to classify study area The criteria included from vegetation types and wildlife provision of draft Plan copies public agency locations and libraries The Committee adjusted its informa tion and recommendations according to Finally in 1997 the agencies involved in this process prepared a Memorandum of Understanding MOU Through the MOU A set of criteria was lands within the presented at various characteristics Spring Kachina Peaks Mt Pumphouse Wash Sunset Crater Walnut Canyon and Wing Mountain public were for review and comment through open houses and was exist with recommendations specific to each district The districts developed policy suggested implementa These recommendations to the districts where similar activities and part of an overall system strategies for each open space category within each landscape district acres city of Flagstaff This areas tion tools and 1995 the Committee reviewed the inven tory assessments and public input and defined area seasonal and may provide open space buffer recommendations and In overall during trail corridors for peo In 1996 the Committee plotted onto area maps and presented to the public at open houses held in February and March 1995 an Linkages Linkages including National Forest trails and the Flagstaff Urban Trails System were also carefully considered and historic sites contemporary and traditional land uses wildlife identified to another mental conditions prehistoric were lands that allow wildlife to agencies committed to and Greenways Plan in their future II the using the Open Spaces planning Executive Surnrnary Current Land Ownership Patterns Lands currently Flagstaff used owned are as The Lands for Retention Map open space around Appendix managed primarily by or the Forest Service or the State of Arizona and political jurisdiction of either the City of Flagstaff or Coconino County Flagstaff is unique in that it is surrounded primarily by publicly owned lands In many fall within the large part in can provide open space needs There are private State Trust lands Arizona State Land These lands are not as currently guaranteed revenues sales Disposition of Federal and Trust lands often leads to urban develop through the express nor are to their own mis ate Land sales do occur whereas the S of State Trust lands Department disposes leases or ment which has an impact on adjacent unde veloped land and on the communities that for the Trust accessible lands while private individuals according disposes of land in different ways For example the Forest Service primarily disposes of lands through exchanges though limited however quasi Department for the purpose of generating its their lands sions Each government entity also acquires many of the managed by managing use of meeting open space goals by the Plan National Forest System lands pattern of State Lands in the region Each agency follows different mandates In the area covered Service 3 shows the checkerboard in and other communities private land acquisition is a presented they provide to remain as open space infrastructure services 1 Table ES City Private State Land Department National Park Service Coconino National Forest 000 578 area approximately city of Flagstaff Flagstaff beyond the San ofthis Plan covers It includes the and extends from Francisco Peaks into the piton and juniper woodlands south to the Oak Creek Canyon Qverlook 000 50 6 000 34 1 300 6 700 487 85 000 578 Area Planning acres Acres 8 1 O0 Total The study Approx Percent of Total Ownership east near Winona and West to Bellemont The Flagstaff Area Open Spaces study area after conducting resource nventories and receiving input from the public Based on later input and evaluation the southern boundary of the Plan was adjusted the to one that was more locatable on slightly ground and that will facilitate future implemen tation by the Coconino National Forest and Greenways Committee established this II Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan Goals and Objectives there goals that guide the objectives goals are the basis ofthe rec ommendations and implementation strategies derived from resource assessments public input and the work of the Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Committee Each goal is followed by the objectives and the rationale for each objective are four of the Plan These Retain existing open space to contain and direct urban growth Urban sprawl consumes land at a greater rate than population growth and is often characterized by leapfrog devel Leapfrog development opment pockets of open space that nected from This sprawl more are leaves behind often discon valuable open space lands increases the cost of providing infrastructure and makes it difficult to provide 1 Achieve a balance between the demands of open space and urban development traditional amenities Retain open space as buffers between communities and surrounding urban areas part of a comprehensive open space system Federal and state lands provide scenic views wildlife habitat and corridors community Greenways and open spaces create buffers between separate communities which to maintain community identity serve as buffers for lands well as adjacent more helps These lands sensitive or primitive providing valuable open space to urban areas and as connectors as between communities Historically public lands adjacent existing developed areas have been exchanged sold or leased by the Forest Service to or State Land Department Preserve Forest Service and State Trust ands os buffers and recreation opportunities serve as buffers to sensitive areas by absorbing many of the outdoor recreational users threatened endangered or rare or contain plant species exchange or archeological or sale decisions should be balanced with sites Future land potential gains and losses of open space values Development should be balanced with retention of open spaces that provide corridors for wildlife and where this is not possible development should at a minimum provide greenway linkages between develop ments and public open spaces Protect scenic viewsheds Retaining open space will protect scenic viewsheds Viewsheds are the visible backdrops along scenic byways transportation corridors city centers and community gateways Scenic viewsheds are valued by residents and tourists who associate the community with the scenic views unique to the area Keep human impacts to a level that provides healthy forest Attractive open spaces are often loved to death through overuse and are stripped oftheir qualitative values resulting in for a the need to close an area until it is stabilized and restored Human activities such as live stock grazing tree harvesting and recreational use should be environmental Cumulative tored and managed at levels that quality and open space use conserve values and impact should be moni adjusted to an with carrying capacity equilibrium consistent Executive 2 interconnected open space an Develop Summary and greenway network providing and recreational opportunities access Provide a range of opportunities for recreation in open spaces and greenways The different categories offer open space a wide variety of opportunities Primitive open space provide a different experience from an recreation wilt urban greenway The recreation needs for all ages abilities and skill levels can be met by retaining a diverse system of open spaces Develop a network of interconnected frails for recreation and In some instances commuting of the road is in itself a recreational is the road used to reach others activity areas to engage in non motorized recreational the use in activities An interconnected network of trails could connect separate communities and rural provide multiple access public lands monuments parks and cultural and urban areas and to sites A network of trails can serve as non Retaining open spaces will protect scenic viewsheds motorized transportation routes for commuting between residential commercial and employ such ment centers Encroaching to public Protect access to public lands development often restricts lands A limited number of centrates users which may natural the access points con adversely impact access and lessen the experience of Providing an interconnected network of trails and roads will allow to open space on impacting the multiple public lands without adversely accesses environment 3 Promote the conservation and restoration of natural and cultural resources Enhance wildlife management in and near urban areas The presence of wildlife is a valued characteristic to the residents of the Flagstaff to an and rare occurrences restricted access to of vegetation may require designated open spaces resources user area as this grove of aspen trees Viewsheds are the backdrops visible along scenic byways and other transportation corridors Yet wildlife in urban areas can be a hazard and property Wildlife in and around urban area should be carefully managed for people the benefit of both wildlife and the community Protect and restore etation and unique and sensitive veg plant communities Vegetation and important for their bio plant and habitat values scenic educational logical For protection these sensitive outstanding communities are Encourage fire management and hazard mitigation Open spaces and greenways near urban areas are susceptible to wildfires The risks should be reduced by fire management and hazard mitigation techniques This may call for the reduction of fuel tree canopy cover and vegetation density In urban areas the risk may be reduced by using appropriate building and landscaping materials Preserve and restore Riparian riparian communities communities in Arizona have dimin ished greatly due to increased development the state Riparian habitat is found along watercourses that support a greater diver sity and density of vegetation than surrounding throughout areas because of limited water in Many wildlife species depend which are must be on an also popular recreation managed and wildlife to arid land these sites areas Use protect the vegetation Flagstaff Area Open Spaces Improve watershed and Greenways Plan protection Open help in flood control by capturing runoff Open spaces are essential for the quality of water resources because they absorb and disperse pollution Encourage the protection of cultural resources through education Evidence of prehistoric occu pation and historic Flagstaff area sites exists Existing cultural Provide for sustainable economic uses of spaces and greenways are valuable to watershed health The open spaces serve as recharge areas and throughout the sites are associ ated with the traditional practices and beliefs of various communities Many of these sites located within public open spaces The importance of such sites should be recog are nized and efforts made for the protection of these sites open spaces Historic economic uses of the open spaces in and around the uses Encourage cooperation among community landowners educators residents and land management agencies in achieving the goals of this P an Encourage educational opportunities The open spaces and greenways system offers opportunities for education about history pre history and natural resources Information and education will encourage an understanding of the environment and appropriate uses as well as the values of open space should be managed to prevent irreversible to the environment while still providing the desired opportunities Create advisory coalition for the Open Greenways Plan Open spaces and greenway development and management prob lems often cross land ownership and jurisdic tional boundaries requiring the cooperation of multiple agencies and citizens to address them Spaces an and The coalition could include representatives of government agencies special interest groups ties A multitude of research projects is already under way Scientific research on a wide variety of topics should be encouraged to examine the effects of human use on the ecosystems and vice versa relationship among coalition members would assist in the implementation of the recommendations and in attaining the overall goals of the Plan Establish Neighborwoods stewardship associ ations Because of their proximity to urban areas and convenient access the Neighborwoods are some ularly of the most desired for recreation partic by nearby residents Neighborwoods associations can help public agencies pro vide care improvements maintenance and enhancement of Neighborwoods while instil ling Promote scientific research Open spaces and greenways offer invaluable research opportuni area impacts and residents A collaborative 4 Flagstaff grazing logging mining and tourism Each land managing agency has specific man agement policies governing these uses These are a sense of stewardship Executive Summary Recommendations Open spaces and greenways are put to a broad spectrum of uses This Plan proposes numerous recommendations for how open and greenways can be preserved and spaces enjoyed while also considering the continuing demands for and recreational dations 1 in growth uses residential commercial The principal recommen are Residents in the greater Flagstaff area communities should be able to reach 15walk open spaces within a minute 2 Means should be identified and pursued The County should develop a trail system sand to connect to the Forest Service for the acquisition of State Trust private and Forest Service lands through the use of various alternatives such as City systems and that connects s cultural and educational sites leases acquisition regulatory and con gressional action conservation easements fee title The Forest Service should maintain 4 ing itself of lands in the urban interface where traditional agricultural uses may as longer be feasible conflicts ecosystem through prescribed fire pro grams Mitigate the risk of property loss from wildfire while maintaining a balance among aesthetics wildlife habitat and the Efforts should be made to retain State established lands to adjacent retention of as many sistent with fire associations should be promote stewardship of to 1 developed neighbor If development should occur in the should be Neighborwoods provisions made for retaining key open space values through linkages and overall development planning to avoid changes in current public accessibility If State Trust and privately owned lands are ready to develop before they can be acquired or protected then development shall occur according to the recommendations in Section 2 Development 8 Within Neighborwoods The City and Forest Service should coordi nate and connect their trail systems large trees as is con mitigation objectives Preserve and protect traditional cultural properties and consult with American Indians about all aspects of the affect them process that may hoods and communities 7 water sources 10 Reintroduce fire s natural role in the Attempts should be made to protect private lands that have significant resource Neighborwoods riparian communities and snags Trust lands for open space activities 6 use public lands for recreational cultural and other compatible uses rather than divest values 5 by the greatest number preventing urban wildlife Maintain special habitats such habitats for more of wildlife while no park Maintain connected vegetation that pro vides wide corridors made up of diverse 9 and donations 3 to 12 planning Grazing hunting mining wood products harvesting and firewood cutting and gath ering should be continued with appropriate planning for and in consideration of recre ation and scenic and wildlife resources 13 Individual and group recreation activities should be evaluated to meet future demands provide enjoyable recreation experiences and maintain scenic wildlife and other natural resources 14 Provide educational opportunities includ ing wildlife viewing outdoor classrooms AccessRoadsCampingFacilitiesGroupsandOutfitterGuidesWinterRecreationOffHighwayVehicleUseTrailRoadLinkagesSystemRiodeFlagLinkageAccessbyOpenSpaceCategoryForestServiceAccessRoadsResourceManagementWildlifeWildlifeCorridorsandWildlifeViewingEducationOpportunitiesShootingHuntingRareandUniqueSpeciesHabitatFireManagementRiparianCommunitiesWatershedTraditionalAmericanIndianUsesCulturalandHistoricalSitesResearch Flagstaff Area Open Spaces nd Greenways Plan and ecosystem information to gain informed compliance with the laws rules and regulations that protect resource values and provide safety City of Flagstaff and Coconino County use planning effort through a regional land begin the process of amending their general plans and zoning maps C0c0nin0 National Forest Plan and use the Spaces and Greenways Plan in Open its upcoming Forest Plan revision 17 The National Parks Service should begin this Plan into its National Park Service General Management Plan and Strategic Plan Contents of the Plan Section 1 Contains spaces descriptions of the five open categories Primitive Semi primitive Conservation Neighborwoods use Multiple and Historical Cultural This Recreational section also includes descriptions of the nine Mountidf ientnahigasne 1 GrA Spri ElKachi Mt Peaks Pumphous Caves Old landscape Peacommendat 2 Section Mountain Wing Canyon Walnut Crater Sunset rWash general Ownershi Land topics following the on NeiDevel within Conservat use Multiple Categori communi lBuffers primitive more between and Recreati System Linkages Trail ndscapes rovides ghboropment woods toiensnps districts begin Department the process of pursuing the incorporation of this Plan into its 19 An Open Spaces Coalition should be estab lished to advise and aid the various govern mental entities on open spaces and green ways issues and activities 16 The Forest Service should amend the incorporating should strategic plans 15 The should 18 The Arizona Game and Fish 20 The Open Spaces Coalition should promote public understanding and support for the Open Spaces and Greenways Plan by engaging the public and other governmental in furthering its goals departments containedinthePlanAppendix2ImplementationAgentsandProcessesdescribesthemissionsandlegalandregulatorymandatesofpublicagenciesinornearFlagstaffwhoareresponsiblefordevelopingandmanagingopenspacelandsAppendix3containsrecreationwildlifeeconomicandculturalsitemapsusedindevelopingtheopenspacecategoriesItalsocontainsthelandscapedistrictslandretentionprioritydesiredfuturesandcommunitylinkagesystemmapsTheMemorandumofUnderstandingispresentedinAppendix4 Executive PrGener TiGrForest omaductzibernagsl cmeoucontrpggeseopllmmenways p4 fa Coal Open an of assi ito in Appendi ing appendi four has Plan The OAppendi Gr1 and ISpaces Tool carscont rfor the out pen posal reyatnmentaidtaintosciesnsngsnstx Pescription Enforcement Law Collaboration Agency Education Information Participation Community S 2 Section with junction con in used be should to uniclue recommendations p d3 a each For cultural economic recreational uses traditional and history pre vegetation boundary geographic generalized by district landscape the rovides ection concluding table a landscape T 4 district scape land each to unique recommendations tional addi are there Finally retention for mended recom lands indicating presented is Section Plan the of section he Gathering of and Cutting Firewood Mining Management Summary Ponderosa pine is common in lands classified as Neighborwoods extend from a neighborhood or community to a radius of Typically Neighborwoods and approximately one to one half miles People commonly use these lands for recreational activities such as walking a terrain vehicle riding jogging bicycle riding horseback riding or all Open Space Categories and Landscape District Descriptions Open Space Categories Open space lands within landscape districts fall into five open space categories Primitive Semi Multiple primitive Conservation use CNeighborwoods and Cultural MU Recreational C Historical RThe eleven H criteria used to develop the categories are surface features vegetation wildlife habitat cultural sites economic uses accessibility remoteness naturalness potential for social encounters visitor use and visitor facilities and site management These criteria and the differences between categories are displayed in the matri at the end of this section designated as an open every single criterion of criteria helped deter Not every location space category meets rather a combination mine which places Primitive fit into which category The hibit Lands in the Primitive category e scale designation with smaller process is a broad natural conditions with little evidence of cur pockets of one category or another existing with in the larger areas Lines were also drawn on a rent human activities These areas have many broad scale and should not be considered site tures such as the highest mountains deepest canyons and most unique geologic formations specific These designations will be used as a guide for describing existing conditions within the greater Flagstaff landscape Possible future changes in category designation are presented in sections of Section 3 the Desired Futures sub The Forest Service has developed a frame understanding the various recreational relationships and interactions occurring on work for National Forest lands This framework referred to as the Recreation Qpportunity Spectrum ROS has seven major classes primitive semi motorized semi primitive motor primitive non ized roaded natural rural and urban Although this Plan s open space categories may reflect some similarities to the RQS system there are differences and the two systems are significant not meant to be interchangeable The characteristics and the values functions of each open space category are described below unique significant and prominent surface fea help define the greater Flagstaff landscape provide area residents a sense of place For example most people think of Flagstaff when they see the San Francisco Peaks Walnut Canyon or the surrounding cinder cones Many people also feel spiritually connected to the that and Primitive category features and American Indians in particular have strong religious s mountains connections to many of the area and canyons These areas provide solitude which people believe can enhance their creativity physical and mental health self esteem and independence Unique and diverse vegetation throughout this category including exists mixed conifer forests riparian vegetation and vegeta tive communities such as the tundra on the Flagstaff Area and Open Spaces Greenways Plan San Francisco Peaks A large percentage of this category is Key Wildlife Habitat Key Wildlife Habitats are biologically diverse areas that contribute habitat values affect large on areas lands and would adjacent if lost or great deal to a modified Both vegetative diversity and wildlife species diver sity are high in most key wildlife areas Vegetation patches are large enough to pro mechanized use is including mountain Direct economic uses are minimal and occur in few sites though there are some benefits This category is used by many busi nesses for various purposes including outfitter guide trips livestock grazing and commercial photography projects The scenic and recre art ational values of these would be based businesses support recreation species are in these areas associated with Locally rare some areas provides ecological benchmarks or places to study nat urat ecological processes and human influences on the processes This category usually has high biodiversity and is important to maintaining term biodiversity The lands are a refuge long as bears and mountain lions that depend on large remote undis turbed habitats as well as for species adapted to unique habitats such as tundra rock wall canyon dwellers and plants birds riparian plants and animals Access to the Primitive category is restricted and trails are primarily designated for non motorized use Where designated congressionally Wildernesses exist motorized places draw many local and non local recreation uses which in turn in town Some The Primitive category also for many species such direct economic benefits and many indirect economic vide all habitat needs and space requirements for most of the native wildlife species that expected biking prohibited or people simply enjoy living near these nat even though they rarely visit them People visiting the Primitive category sel dom encounter other people The sights and ural wonders sounds of urban environments visitor facilities where and a a person are remote few exist and there are large areas can find solitude challenge close association with unaltered nature thirds of this category is Approximately two Congressionally designated Wilderness such as the Kachina Peaks while the remainder has likecharacteristics such wilderness Canyon According 1964 a Wilderness as Walnut to the Wilderness Act of is an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence without permanent improve ments or human Hikers venture into the Kachina Peaks Wilderness habitation a prime example of the Primitive landscape category Primitive lands provide s01itade which people believe can enhance their creativity physical and mental health self esteem and independence Section l Open Space Oategories roads are and Landscape District Descriptions primitive and passable only by high wheel drive roads clearance vehicles Few two exist Trail densities are low in most of the Semi primitive category with the exception of the Mt EldeWDry Lake Hills and Fisher Point areas Direct economic uses are minimal to moderate and occur in few to several sites primitive category lands offer Semi more direct economic benefits than the Primitive category because there is a somewhat greater variety of activities This category is used by many busi and individuals for various purposes including outfitter guide trips livestock grazing nesses commercial photography hunting harvesting and some types of wood product Recreationists often encounter other peo primitive Semi The primitive Semi category encompasses lands that show some evidence of past human activities but this category also has rial amount of land with a substan appearing natural conditions primitive Semi lands offer many of the same ecological values as Primitive lands but are seen as helping to maintain or buffer the Primitive category it surrounds These are larger parcels of land that tie together wildlife areas areas key Many of the Semi primitive cate unique and diverse vegeta ple but the sights and sounds of urban envi ronments are distant Visitor use has a slight to moderate impact on the Semi primitive category and some visitor facilities exist Much like the Primitive category the Semi primitive category provides solitude which people physical indepen enhance their creativity and mental health self esteem and believe can dence This category also offers scenic vistas and prominent landscape features gory lands contain tion in association with key topographical fea slopes side ridgelines which are key tures This category encompasses canyons mesas and maintaining wildlife habitat and travel corri dors scenic backdrops and outdoor recreation primi experiences Like the Primitive the Semi to tive category is largely forested primitive lands large percentage of Semi Wildlife are Key or High Quality Habitat impor tant for feeding breeding and travel corridors between winter and summer ranges High Quality Wildlife Habitats are larger parcels of land that tie together Key Wildlife habitats These areas have somewhat high plant and ani mal diversity and provide refuge for a variety of species including deer elk turkey raptors and A small mammals There areas can are large undisturbed where animals sensitive to disturbance live and where offspring can be raised The primitive Semi category also logical benchmarks Many important cultural provides safely eco sites occur in this category as do places that hold important tradi tional cultural values Access into and through the Semi primitive category is somewhat restricted because most Forest Road 420 provides a spectacular view of primitive landscape Agassiz Peak in this Semi Recreati0nists sights 0f encounter other people but the en of urban environments are distant and sounds Flagstaff ea Open Spaces and GF PIa nway high percentage of this category is High Quality Wildlife Habitat and there are pockets of Key Wildlife Habitat The plants and trees provide feeding and breeding areas A for wildlife A number of species such as elk and pronghorn antelope rely on these large tracts of ponderosa pine and piton juniper forests In some cases the MU C lands help maintain and protect the primitive Semi category that they surround by serving as a buffer and receptor of heavier human usage The distribution of cultural sites in the C category is MU important as use Multiple Conservation C MU appear natural but show some evidence of past human activities This category has rolling land features and pockets of unique and diverse plant species interspersed among ponderosa pine and piton juniper forests The C MU category is dominated by forests and contains large portions of unfrag mented open spaces Although this category has less unique geology and plant diversity wheel drive vehicles There is also unimproved variety of passable by high clearance C people travel through MU lands they feel that they are in the forest and far from developed areas even though they are likely to see other people and vehicles along these roads However people can find solitude by leaving the main road system and traveling on secondary roads or on trails Economic use ofthese lands is moderate to grasslands viduals for landscape a roads vehicles When than the Primitive and primitive Semi cate gories the conifer trees and interspersed create a familiar but many There are many opportunities to access the MU C category on roads passable by two Conservetion use Multiple Lands categorized highly variable sites do occur high and category occurs is used by in several to many sites This businesses and many indi a wide variety of purposes including guide trips livestock grazing wood products harvesting firewood gathering and hunting Indirect economic benefits are gained from large numbers of recreationists who use these areas for a variety of activities including hiking camping jogging bicycling horseback terrain vehi riding and riding motorcycles all des and off vehicles highway The MU C category provides easily accessi ble places where people can remove themselves from urban environments relax and spend time alone or with family and friends The lands offer forest scenery and to some extent they pro vide places for studying natural processes and human influences on these processes People may encounter other people sometimes to often along Forest Service roads and infre quently on trails and away from roads The sights and sounds of urban environments are distant throughout most of this category There is a moderate C high use of the MU to outfitter Pronghorn antelope and other large grazers such deer and elk rely on the large tracts 0f p0nder0sa pine and pi juniper forests common in 0n C0nservati0n lands Multiple se as category and some visitor facilities e ist Section l The forest on Observatory Mesa serves as community Neighb0rw00ds have trees beauty of developed areas by softening Open Space Categories the and Landscape District Descriptions Neighb0rw00ds for these homes in the Cheshire and rolling landf0rms that improve the edges and adding natural features grasses urban the boundaries and define the separateness of residential developments People commonly use the Neighborwoods for after workrecreational activities such as walking jogging bicycle riding horseback terrain vehicle riding State lands riding or all are often used for Neighborwoods activities but since these ation permit required or are private lands quasi hunting fishing to avoid violation of Most uses occur here under and planned a recre licenses are trespassing laws by default rather than management With increasing numbers of people using the Neighborwoods Lands Neighborwoods managed condition neighborhood involve and stewardship can help create and a more is necessary Increased ment categorized as Neighborwoods maintain the natural character and facilities exhibit natural conditions that have been of this category These places modified that residents want to care by humans Neighborwoods are open spaces near residents homes which provide easily accessible places where people can themselves from urban environments relax and spend time alone or with family remove and friends Based on patterns and intensity of recreational use the Neighborwoods are a neighborhood or community at a radius of approximately one half miles Neighborwoods a and to one located between communities help maintain mapped extending from as should be areas for and maintain open spaces Neighborwoods have trees grasses and rolling landforms that improve the beauty of developed areas by softening urban edges and adding natural features For the most part Neighborwoods have land features similar to those of the Multiple Conservation use category with relatively flat landscapes and juniper vegetation types ponderosa pine piton native grasses and small pockets with unique Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan geology or plant diversity Neighborwood help to maintain the character of the adjacent MU C and Semi primitive categories Most of this common and though deer in some category serves as habitat for usually small wildlife species larger animals such as elk and sometimes pass through High densities of cultural sites may occur many Neighborwoods Access to Neighborwoods is virtually unlimited because this category is near communities and has roads or numerous vehicular entry points Often these areas non serve as unofficial parks or as gateways to more remote open spaces Economic use of these lands is moderate Neighborwoods direct benefits include gathering grazing and beekeeping In some parts of the Neighborwoods campfires camping and firewood gathering are prohi bited Indirect economic benefits are gained when people move to the Flagstaff area because of the nearby outdoor recreation accessibility and scenic qualities of Neighborwoods People encounter other people sometimes to often and the sights and sounds of urban environments are nearby and even within this category Visitors heavily use roads trails and recreation sites in Neighborwoods Some visitor facilities exist in this category People using Neighborwoods usually feel that they are in the woods because they see forest vegetation In some firewood and see and hear wildlife CulturaVHistoricaVRecreational Lands categorized as Historical Cultural Recreational H C have been R permanently modified by highly and provide humans to facilities for local residents and visitors This category helps give Flagstaff a sense of place and pride area residents Some facilities research document and interpret cultural and natural history while other facilities offer developed recreational areas for both small and large scale events Two examples are the Snowbowl and Fort Tuthill Thousands of people visit the Arizona Snowbowl every year to downhill ski use the ski lodges see the vistas from the San Francisco Peaks and ride the skyride The Snowbowl also provides summertime access to the Kachina and Humphreys Trails The Fort Tuthill County Park is the site of the Coconino County Fair various festivals and other large scale events The Park also or provides facilities for large group family gatherings This category has diverse surface features and combinations of natural and maintained landscaped vegetation Wildlife habitat is limited due to the amount of human occupation though birds small mammals and various tiny fauna live here Much ofthis category is managed to exclude large animal species Open Space Categories Section Arizona Sn0wb0wl in the San Francisco Peaks is Recreational sites in the downhill ski use Cultural sites in these high the ski Flagstaff lodges see area areas are the vistas Access to the facilities of the C R cate H gory is open to all modes of travel on surfaced roadways economic benefits are gained the San Descriptions most visit the from people and the and sounds of urban nearby to distant Developed sites include facilities and services designed for comfort and convenience numer informational signs exhibits and obvious on activities and sites of use ous facilities Visitors choose these controls desti sights environments range from entrance and user fees at visitors centers and areas as District nation points and visitor use is high in the developed sites Users often encounter other of value Direct from Landscape Hist0rical popular Cultural facility each year to Francisco Peaks and ride the skyride of the of people one Thousands and izationanddifficulttoaccessandhasmaintainedmostofitsnaturalnessRelativetotheothercategoriesthereareveryfewsocialencountersandalmostnovisitorfacilitiesorsitemanagementSurfaceFeatureSurfacefeaturesarethegeologicformationsthatcreatelandformTheyareclassifiedaseitheruniqueprominentorsubstantialGeologicformationsthatareuniquetotheregionsuchastheSanFranciscoPeaksorWalnutCanyonareconsidereduniqueProminentsurfacefeaturesarethosehighlyvisiblesuchasthelargecinderconesofQLearyPeakorA1MountainExamplesofsubstantialfeaturesareothermaincinderconessuchasOldCavesCraterandmajordrainagessuchasPumphouseWashVegetationVegetationisdescribedasuniquediverseorcommonCommondescribesvegetation FIogsfeff Are en Spaces O Landscape landscape drawn based Gree Ple ys Districts Adjacent open space nine e lands were grouped districts The boundaries into were similar biophysical characteris Community identity was also an important factor Each landscape district may contain more on tics than one open space these category The purpose of district landscape designations is simply larger study area into more work able geographic areas for reference The nine landscape districts are to break the IMountain A Landscape District I A Mountain Observatory the Mesa adjacent communities of Fort side neighborhoods Valley and the west of Flagstaff encompassing m Griffiths Spring Landscape District encompassing Griffiths Spring lands surrounding the communities of Kachina Village and Mountainaire and lands bordered by Lake Mary Road DiKachi Landscape ePeaks ncosmtprasincinatg Kachina Wilderness in Peaks Francisco San the Prairie communities Hart Hills Hochderffer the slopes lower its and Caves Landscape Old Park Buffalo Flagstaff northern to adjacent areas Road Pass Schultz of portions including Hills Lake Dry the and encompassing District Landscape Elden Mt District encompassing lanoheescrarndscape DiiPlan Landscape map OAppendi Cat3 CriSpace dDescr a of devel delused space diopen betThe gori cate each on based prcrihavi more are one that anot than exampl cPriFor have catwas other in extent same to found not uni has fIt surface wiveget key and habi from remote most the is sdielsattealssentmoipen tvalwdcnegoreriqtritriwiugorepatctaeatileenhrteueresicnosfateivcertoeansntscpgdynxts urban Park Doney N O Caves Old encompassi District Landscape Craters Hills Turkey Mountai Village Kachina south areas Wash Pumphouse Ridge Woody Rogers communi Mary Lake the of portions and eill naitienrges Craters Leary this Q Strawberry and Monument National Volcano Hills Cinder of portions Crater Sunset the to cent adja areas encompassing District Landscape Canyon Walnut more A area study larger within units planning able manage as serve districts landscape These communities Bellemont the to adjacent areas Kendrick encompassing District Landscape Mountain Wing Anderson and Mesa Campbell Monument National Canyon Walnut nities commu Club Country Fairfield o 3 Section in given is district scape land each of description detailed f Section 1 Open Space Categories that is commonly found in this region such as ponderosa pine and grass forests or large areas and house a different and District Landscape Descriptions logs Different categories exhibit variety and intensity of these uses of pifion and juniper forests Diverse vegetation refers to mixed conifer species such as limber pine Douglas fir corkbark fir white fir aspen Economic Gain Commemial and the associated grass and shrub understories Unique vegetation refers to grass forb or shrub a species that include wood product for paper latillas for home building firewood cutting and gathering occur only in small areas or are compared to the rest of the region rare when Examples of unique vegetation include San Francisco Peaks groundsel and Bebb sWillow economic gain refers to Commercial variety of forest uses where products or ser profit Examples vices are obtained and sold for outfitter guiding and commercial photography The number and variety of uses and the where they occur vary among areas categories Wildlife Habitat Key Wildlife Habitat Land areas mapped as key wildlife habitat are for the most part undeveloped areas that are biologically diverse These areas values on if lost areas contribute adjacent a great deal to habitat lands and would affect large modified Both vegetative diver or sity and wildlife species diversity are high in most key wildlife habitats Vegetation patches are large enough to provide all habitat needs Cultural Cultural refers to prehistoric and historic present cultures to day the past Cultural also refers to the spiritual connection people hold for areas or places remains that connect Each of the categories contains a variety of remnants of the past and spiritual values Thus there is not a clear distinction between categories for this value rather cultural values throughout and space requirements for most native wildlife exist species that would be expected in these areas Locally rare species are associated with some Remoteness Examples of key the vicinity of Flagstaff Francisco Peaks Roger s Lake the Hochderffer Hills Rio de Woody Ridge the include the San Mount Elden Flag Dry Lake and Walnut Canyon High Quality Wildlife Value Areas These larger parcels of land tie together key wildlife habitats Ponderosa pine forest dominates the vegetation with shrubs oaks aspens or These support an abundance of wildlife species and vegetative diversity Disturbance from past development and other management is variable areas although these areas are Locally areas rare species as are These lands have usually more disturbed key wildlife habitat associated with high some wildlife values but are of lesser importance and greater extent than key wildlife habitat and do not have effect on wildlife values on sights and sounds of urban areas are experienced For example in some portions of the Plan area a visitor noise human voices other portions and sees or hears very little traffic dogs barking while in ofthe Plan area a visitor hears many of these urban sounds Each category has of remoteness a sights and different level other large providing additional diversity than lands designated area Remoteness refers to the level at which wildlife habitat within areas the Plan adjacent as much lands Accessibility Accessibility is tied to the road system and Some portions of the Plan points off of main highways roads and trails Other portions access points area contain many access of the Plan reached by only one or points and roads and trails are less frequent Access also refers to the mainte nance level of the roads For example some roads are easily passable by two wheel drive vehicles while others are passable only by clearance vehicles high area are two access Person01 Gain Personal gain refers to uses a variety of forest that benefit individual households Examples wildings firewood for home heating landscaping tree cutting pi on nut gathering are and rocks for home Christmas N0turalness Naturalness refers to the level of human changes to the the Plan area landscape Some contain many portions of utility lines roads trails and signs Other areas may contain many Flagstaff rea Open Spc ces and Green vays stumps fences tree water tanks evidence of human and forest or Plan other commodity described use Different categories have different levels of naturalness and fire suppression has created to as High Moderate and Moderate to High Low Low use Visitor Facilities and Site different forest condition than would appear if fire had played its natural rote Management physical structures that are used by the visitor such as developed campgrounds picnic tables grills parking Social Encounter areas and trailhead a Social encounters refers to the relative number of times or a visitor sees group of people For this another person Plan the number of social encounters is described Moderate to High as High Moderate to Low Few and Very Few with the fewest being found in the Primitive category and the highest in the Facilities refers to signs as well as services associated with these facilities These include water and toilets in some locations and infor mation and educational services in others Site management refers to the rules or con trols placed on visitors At highly developed campgrounds for example there is usually a set of rules to follow In other portions of the Recreational C Historical Cultural Rcategory H Plan area there Visitor Use Site management also refers to the number of directional signs and facilities that help the Zisitor Use refers to the level and location of recreation In some portions of the Plan levels of recreation use occur along developed sites In other portions of the study area low levels of uses occur This is a general distinction area high use main Forest Service roads or are few rules governing behavior visitor to feel secure and well guided There portions of the Plan area where directional aides and facilities exist and other portions are of the area where little exists and the visitor experiences the challenge of finding his her II own way or Open Space Categories Section l and Landscape District Descriptions Table 1 Recreational Historical Cultural R H C Facilities use visitor providing for with highly Primarily high a wide variely of level of users developed facilities and services and evidence of permanent alteration of the natural landscape areas Neighborwoods These natural areas are near neighborhoods and urbanized environments They experience sub stantial human use and serve os parks and gateways to more remote open regions Surface Features Diverse Features may be unique promi nent or substantial and significant Relatively Vegetation Maintained consists of natural Common Generally flat terrain or but is maintained and vegetation cultivated Wildlife Habitat Few habitats from Personal Gain large managed for encroachment species animal Number of uses and areas are none or Habitat serves common and wildlife usually small species Number of uses and areas are moderate very few Commercial Number of uses and areas are prevalent Number of uses and areas are moderate Economic Gain Varied Cultural Value High Remoteness Remoteness from urbanized environments Close to is of liltle sound of urbanized environments Accessibility impodance Full access is available for all modes of travel to the facility some sites with the C R area may not H be accessible Naturalness types and although High modification to accommodate facili high number of uses High number of encounters with others Visitor Use High use Visitor Facilities Developed Site Management and within sight and Vehicular accesses are numerous and there is much access for alternate modes of trans podation by vehicle ties and Social Encounters neighborhoodS Considerable modification particularly by nearby residents Moderate to high number of encounters with others at developed High sites facilities designed for comfort and convenience Numerous information signs exhibits and controls are obvious High Quality Wildlife Habitat and Key Wildlife Habitat see p 25 use on roads trails and recreation sites facilities and dispersed is available Controls are obvious Campground Prehistoric Historic and Native Inhabitants Traditional Use Areas camping Ftagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan Table 1 Conservation MU Use Multiple C Primitive Semi These areas These areas exhibit some evidence of past ties and alteration of the natural landscape v act and are defined by their multiple use comb of the choractertstics on not of other regions While there is obvious evidence aspects a of These activities are subordincrie to the overall noted for its prominent past activities there is some retention of the natural landscape and opportunities for indepen dent recreational and sporting experiences landscape Surface Features Substantial Prominent feature or cluster of substantial features Vegetation Pockets of unique and diverse vegetation which is features Unique and diverse vegetation in most of the area Wildlife Habitat High percentage of Habitat and small High Quality Wildlife pockets of Key Wildlife High percentages of Key or and High Quality Wildlife Habitat Habitat Personal Gain Number of to uses and areas are moderate high Number of uses and areas are few to moderate Commercial Number of uses and areas are moderate Number of uses and areas are few to Economic Goin to moderate Culturol Volue Varied Remoteness Sights high Moderate to and sounds of urbanized Unimproved roads are and sounds of the urbanized environment are distant Sights environment are distant in most areas Accessibility high passable by Most roads are primitive passable by high wheel drive vehicles in season and 2 wheel drive is required at other times 4 clearance vehicles Retention of natural setting in some places with some evidence of past activities Substantial retention of the natural environment Social Encounters Moderate to high number of contacts with others on roads and moderate to Iow con tacts with others on trails Few encounters with others Visitor Use Moderate to Low to moderate use Naturalness camping high use on roads at dispersed with some evidence of past activities sites Visitor Facilities Dispersed camping Dispersed Site are is available Few services are available Little control with little information Management is available Services not available Little control with little information High Qualih Wildlife Habitat and Key Wildlife Habitat see p 25 or semi and developed camping Prehistoric Historic and Native inhabitants Traditional Use Areas Section l Open Space Categories and Landscape District Descriptions Table 1 Primitive These areas exhibit a high degree of naturalness with little human impact evident They provide opportunities for solitude independence and reliance self Surface Features Unique Vegetation Unique Wildlife Habitat High percentage Personal Gain and diverse of vegetation throughout Key Wildlife Habitat Number of uses and areas are none very few or Commercial Number of uses and areas are few Economic Gain Cultural Value Varied Remoteness Sights and sounds of the urbanized environ ment are very remote if seen or heard at ali Accessibility Naturalness Access is primarily highly restricted and consists of non motorized trails Primarily unaltered natural environment with liltle to no evidence of Social Encounters Very few Visitor Use Low use overall past activities encounters with others except on heavily used trails Visitor Facilities Minimal to no Site information Management facilities High Qualily Wildlife Habitat and Key Wildlife Habitat see services or p 25 Prehistoric Historic and Native Inhabitants Traditional Use Areas Standing dead trees snags especially large ones are used by more than 40 bird species seven bat species Protecting such features in order to maintain wildlife as and at least part of the quality of life in the greater Flagsfaff landscape is of this Plan one of the primary goals Recommendations Common to All Landscape Districts Introduction Recommendations areas are organized into two Recommendations Common to All of achieving of these tools are Districts Land specific or place Landscape trail needs to names in Recommendations Landscape Unique are to a Specific of comprehensive package discrepancies may mendations Where recom occur between Sections 2 and 3 then Section 3 which is more specific takes In addition to the a menu Land The precedence recommendations These tools are Ownership potential means Neighborwoods and Conservation MU use Ccategories not the Primitive primitive Semi or Multiple onlyl of a residential commercial or industrial nature is not expected in these three latter categories However it is recognized that State Trust and privately owned lands within the primitive Semi category may be developed unless they are acquired or protected for open ready to dev acquired or protected space purposes If these lands are can be a description specific infor mation on lands recommended for retention open space recommendations the unique to district and potential specific landscape or possible expected outcomes desired futures of management recommendations according to the following subsection Development Within Neighborwoods then development shall occur recommendations in the Development Development before they one Cultural Recreational C Historical R categories H elop landscape sections contains parts district Each of the nine and Development following discussion addresses develop ment within the Management Section 3 is divided into nine for each as of implementation tools has been developed Development Enforcement District as a and parts Community Participation Information and Education Agency Collaboration and Law described Sections 2 and 3 should be considered together Ownership Resource community of connections listing Roads Access Districts and serve a see Recreation Trail Linkages and described in the Recommendations Common to All a the tables in Appendix 1 Section 2 is divided into four Section 2 and Recommendations Unique to a Specific Landscape District Section 3 For example objectives for an overall trail linkages system Landscape the recommendations For Within Because of their the Neighborwoods Neighborwoods proximity are to urban areas both the most suscepti ble to development and the most desired for retention as open space by the adjacent neigh borhoods that value them This Plan does not parcels or sections appropriate for development within the Neighborwoods Rather list specific ii AdjoiningneighborhoodsshouldplayaroleinplanningandmaintainingNeighborwoodsTheproposedOpenSpacesCoalitioncanenlisttheassistanceofNeighborwoodsassociationsinthisroleIfdevelopmentshouldoccurintheNeighborwoodsprovisionsshouldbemadeforretainingkeyopenspacevaluesthroughlinkagesandoveralldevelopmentplanningtoavoidchangesincurrentpublicaccessibilityOpenspaceplanningforurbanizedareaswithinthecitywillbeneededtosupportthiseffortLandusedecisionsintheNeighborwoodsmustbebasedonthebestinformationavailablepublicinputandontheoverallgoalsandobjectivesrecommendedinthisPlanDevelopmentsalongforestedgatewaysintoFlagstaffshouldbecomplementaryandsubordinatetothelandscapeandscreenedwithvegetationFuturesignageshouldbeminimaldiscreteandappropriateandshouldnotdetractfromthelandscapeLandOwnershipinNeighborwoodsTherecommendationslistedbelowshouldalsobefollowedwhenconsideringlandownershipchangesDevelopmentreferstoallresidentialandnonresidentialdevelopmentRecommendofionIfpubliclandsthatcontainsubstantialorsignificantevidenceofopenspacevaluesresourcesandcharacteristicsareproposedforexchangefurtherresourceinventoriesandanalysesshouldbedonetodetermineexactlocationsofthesecharacteristicsandtheirrelationshipstosurroundingareasIfresourceinventoriesandanalysesdeterminethatpubliclandsproposedfordevelopmenthavesubstantialorsignificantopen Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan such as new sewer recreation facilities tion to the or road potential facilities water and way in of rights addi demand for residential purposes The release of public lands for these needs could be appropriate ecommend I tions it is the intent of the Plan that Neighborwoods preserved to the extent possible because they create buffers between communities and provide recreational opportunities for nearby be residents The prioritization of State and Forest Service lands can nations However ing there help in making such determi s rank regardless of a section is still the need for site evalu specific ation and state or community involvement prior to any federal land ownership change or devel opment decisions It is not the intent of this Plan to stop development but rather to shape growth in accordance with the open space val ues articulated in this Plan It is a main intent of this Plan to develop growth sis on sprawl consciously consider how to in response to the For community future s example by placing primary empha infilling can within currently urbanized areas be contained Because of their and populations absorb heavy high levels of accessibility Neighborwoods proximity to recreation use thus protecting primitive and Primitive categories from Semi use and over potentially degrading impacts Many factors should play opment decisions In some into future devel cases whole parcels of land may not be needed for open space rather easements corridors or portions of the sections may satisfy open space needs It should also be noted that there may be instances in which the community will want additional land for a community purpose Section 2 Recommendations Common to All space values resources and characteristics devel they should not be exchanged or oped Various means extending from pur chase through fee title donations and conservation easements may be employed to acquire development rights If resource inventories determine that pub lic lands proposed for development are not needed in their entirety to meet open space goals provisions should be made for con necting trail linkages wildlife corridors and access points to surrounding public lands In addition provisions should be made for obtaining open spaces that provide outdoor recreational opportunities within develop ments Development should be blended into the landscape to limit visual degrada ridges slopes or major roadways and patches of natural landscape features such as large trees shrubs native grasses tion on Neighborwoods characteristics pe Districts Landsc but offer few open space or public patchwork of private land ownership and benefits to the This will reduce the and Forest Service allow for homeowners associations to man age the open space lands Consolidating land ownership where possible will ease Forest Service administration of these lands Before this occurs however site specific inventories and analyses should be done with appropriate public involve ment and access should be considered as described elsewhere in the Plan When making future land ownership change decisions consider what can be gained overall for open spaces and green ways For example certain public lands of lower priority could be offered in exchange for a highly valued privately owned parcel that may contain a riparian community Vegetation should be retained along major Local agencies could orchestrate win scenarios that work toward long term roads and retention and maintenance of the most and rock should be retained building heights limited where Land small exchanges areas can be conducted where of Forest Service land surround adjacent to private land and are highly valued by adjoining private landowners as or are Roads and trails accessible places in the greater Flagstaff landscape while still providing for desired development valued natural needed to meet scenic values Promote a mosaic of developed and undeveloped from Flagstaff area Neighb0rw00ds receive areas heavy where development recreational use from mountain bikers joggers and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts Consequently use and potentially primitive and Primitive lands from 0ver Neighb0rw00ds protect Semi degrading impacts GreenwaysPlansinceopenspacesoftenhappenedbydefaultandwereoftentemporaryThepatternofurbansprawlmakesdevelopmentoftrailsystemsandrecreationareasdifficultbecauseplacesthatareusedinformallyfortrailsandrecreationcanendupbeingdevelopedatalatertimeThedecisiontohaveandmaintainbuffersbetweenandaroundcommunitiesisintendedtoencouragethedevelopmentofcurrentlyundevelopedlandsinfillingandredevelopingareaswithinexistingcommunitiesthereforeovertimecontainingurbansprawlThisinturnrequiresdecisionsregardingwhichlandstodevelopandwhichlandstoretainasopenspacesandgreenwaysThisPlanisabeginningandtakesintoaccountthefactthatmoredetailedanalysisevaluationandpublicinvolvementarenecessaryatasitespecificlevelasthisprocesscontinuesQpenspacesandgreenwayscanbeusedtomaintainthevisualseparationthatcurrently Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways is clustered and surrounded by Plan open spaces Retain natural buffers and greenway link ages between communities Retain close home outdoor recreation opportunities to Limit resident and wildlife conflicts where possible This can creation of false wildlife movement or be done or by avoiding the dead end corridors in areas emigrating wildlife that trap migrating into neighborhoods Inform and educate residents either attract or including small mammals neighborhoods enways Gr and Spaces Open The on how to avoid attracting wildlife interpretati provide should Coalition communi Plan recreati providing addition NeiIn within lands some tunities oppor T w reasons following of more or one for system ways green and spaces open Flagstaff the to critical are ghey hborwoods onalotyn for fategory A Category Conservation use Multiple Within Development hillsides ridgelines roadways major along corridors scenic maintain fragile communities between buffers sites historical cultural linkages trail space open consideration other or travelway wildlife important provide They habitat riparian as such values resource special contain areas selected Recommendot vicinity Bellemont District Landscape Mountain Wing development zoned currently lands private particularly future developed may Nei above described guidelines csame C MU in followed be should Consi Open develop desire contributed also urban pattern provides which within Boundary Service an designat by 1982 since this done City The costs these minimize attempting been long has Flagstaff residents to services ing provid of cost the increases sprawl Urban Landscapes Primitive More and Communities Between Buffers ew ghborwoods deratioionsns Spaces and and birds in their Areasoutsideofmajorroadcorridorsdesignatedroadsandtrailsshouldprovidesolitudeandchallenge Section 2 Recommendations Common to All exists between Flagstaff and the outlying communities Providing a visual separation will help both Flagstaff and the outlying com munities keep a sense of their own identities as well as a sense of belonging to the larger community The same spaces and corridors that separate the communities can also serve as recreation areas and connectors for foot bike and horse trails provide residents with a sense to a community which is small of Plan system is proposed in which the more remote and landscapes particularly the lands Districts in this primitive designated Semi and Primitive are to carry less primitive human impact and activity Lands adjacent to urbanized development receive the most use with usage tapering off on the most remote lands Recommendations The existing communities represent many of the good points of the rural village concept which seeks to A tiered buffer Landscape belonging enough to grasp and large enough to provide essential quality life services and amenities of providing a buffer around each of the smaller communities that make up the larger community maintains the quality of life and a sense of place and home Not only should buffers and a mosaic of natural vegetation be maintained between existing communities but identification of buffers should be a consideration for new developments Conserve the more the primitive character of the categories with remote open space Neighborwoods serving as C and MU areas buffers Recreation Trail Linkages and Access Roads General Recreation Recommendations by Section 3 contains many recreation recom specific districts Below is opportunities there is tions a a to the various landscape summary of recreation in the different categories If conflict between the recommenda given in this section and the more specific specific rec precedence recommendations in Section 3 the ommendations in Section 3 take occur camping sites should be designated Congressionally Wildernesses designated should be managed as a place where natur al processes occur and human influence is minimal Limit group sizes to meet Wilderness goals Continue to provide for recreational oppor tunities while balancing this use with wilderness spiritual and wildlife values Primitive There designate camping sites camping may have to be limited to appropriate sites Where high levels of use Open Space Category mendations While this Plan does not are fewer types of outdoor recreation activities occurring in this category relative to the Semi C and Neighborwoods primitive MU primitive Semi categories visitor use Recommendations primitive Semi provides for local as well as Emphasis will be on retaining the This category nature of the category These lands should be maintained with lower a Throughout most of this category encoun ters with other people should be infre quent with the exception of popular trails such as the Humphreys Trail Trail corridors within the Primitive category can receive moderate to high levels of use while maintaining the areas between trail corridors as wild and primitive providing solitude and challenge num bers of people and fewer recreational opportu nities than the MU C and gories especially and trails Recommendations Neighborwoods cate designated roads away from Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways Plan Overnight camping opportunities provided should The Plan recognizes that be ment without impacts Conservation MU use Multiple C than This category provides for both local and visitor on develop the character of the planned uses or Neighborwoods development Therefore active management of future recreation use is needed to retain the desirable characteristics uses and recreation Recommendations This category should have a wide variety and high level of recreation opportunities including overnight dispersed camping use or prior planning could have greater qualities of Neighborwoods Recommendations Recognize the value of the Neighborwoods and encourage a sense of neighborhood interest involvement and responsibility and motorized and non motorized uses for them Neigl b0rwoods Traditionally management of the Neighborwoods has not been very active many reasons A did not money seem the trails received or use on developed someday so Manage the Neighborwoods though a changing is on outdoor safe and to provide aesthetically pleasing backyard some informal opportunities for hik ing leisure walks horseback riding bicy this assumption Urbanized increasing an with in the interim This Plan recom growth provides camping other improvements would have mends that forest experience and emphasizes daytime activities with limitations on overnight recreational improvements to be a wise choice even environment in the an Neighborwoods for primary assumption has been that the lands would be spending Maintain cling existing private lands and bird watching for example and the sale and Monitor and control the transient camps State Trust lands is that subsequent development of likely Increased numbers of people living in Neighborwoods will increase the demands for recreation opportunities surrounding public lands are established in the and pose a Neighborwoods fire risk to the surrounding communities on Further evaluate lands around Neighborwoods communities for meeting future recreation demands Actively manage future use so as to not lose the Semi primitive characteristics of nearby lands which could be encroached upon if Neighborwoods are over used in the future Recreational C Historical Cultural R H Recommendations Continue managing these sites to accom modate large numbers of people and pro vide recreation in keeping with the manag lng entities missions and overall themes Camping There on Horseback riding is just one of many recreational supported by lands categorized as Neighb0rw00ds Retaining such areas throughout Flagstaff area is a central g0al of the Plan are many opportunities for camping lands around public Flagstaff though some currently prohibit camping and campfires areas activities the Recommendations In consideration of fire safety in the danger and public Neighborwoods overnight Section 2 Recommendations Oommon to All There is many opportunities for camping on public lands around Flagstaff However controls may be necessary for camping depending on the open space category discouraged anywhere campfires could increase risk of wildfire sanitation or public safety or resource concerns on Camping within the Semi primitive category encouraged along corridors only use designed for convenience at sites by the managing agencies and In the primitive category develop Semi ment of some minor new user facilities might policies Outdoor Facilities Groups new Guides and Outfitter facilities include constructing City and County park facilities on National Forest lands entering into agreements Groups Gatherings in which the local agency can provides and adminis ters recreation use on National Forest lands working cooperatively to obtain grant monies and developing public private partnerships tions Recomrnend have Neighborwoods cate gories recreational facilities should be provided where possible to meet existing demands and maintain a balance with an of effect people on in the out doors of the land and its vegeta tion soil and animals People visit certain places with the intention of seeing or hearing few people in other locations larger groups are expected The potential for increased conflict between In the MU C and they should simple in design be appropriate but be few in number and implementing the C R H this Plan within the Primitive category to allow for recovery of vegetation category camping sites designated per management agency Ideas for provided No new facilities are recommended in R H In the C are C lands MU Facilities should continue to be main road and Within the Primitive category consider designating overnight camp sites and rotate their parking staging areas with toilet facilities picnic facilities and signs on trails If new camp grounds are needed they should be placed exist camping especially along road corridors should be protection objectives Examples of needed facilities may be additional where The MU C category is appropriate for trail Districts are different camping Landscape users and their effects on ment indicates a need to set some the environ objectives for group size and the type and location of events ecommendotions signs providing education designated in events such bike races Primitive are Wilderness Large walkathons as or mountain not recommended in the category with appropriate developing and following event s regulations designed for a location welPbeing general the Primitive category should support groups of 12 or fewer people especially on use and in Guides Outfitter guides Outfitter mountain bikes are individuals or compa nies who take clients out for a in the MU C category some group use particular recre ation experience for a fee Examples of guiding in the greater Flagstaff landscape include mountain bike tours hunter guides jeep tours and climbing expeditions It is difficult to say how many more outfitter guide activities are appropriate Because many people have strong feelings about some locations they do not want sites may need to be designated in more being prohibited In the in Wildernesses SemPprimitive category larger designated sites and groups should use use of these sites needs to be rotated to allow recovery of vegetation and to prevent overuse popular commercialism However outfitter areas such as Hart Prairie and Schultz guiding Pass Other areas in that one portions ofthe Multiple use Conservation category can support dis persed group use but monitoring should occur to ensure some sites are not the C MU category Smaller size groups such family gatherings Neighborwoods for daytime activities only Large events such as races may occur throughout the Neighborwoods on designat are as recommended in the ed road and trail routes However impacts on nearby residents must be considered Very large events such as or festivals are recommended at the C R sites where H improvements supported so that Fort Tuthill can Neighborwoods primitive categories The or Semi other words ecosystem management needs should drive the type and number of outfitter guides A community effort should be under wide by the responsible administrative agency to answer the following questions taken 1 What the large 2 any group should be accompanied by assistance from the user groups to maintenance Examples of patrols trash clean up trail adopt a adopt facility providing a on the site provide assistance include outfitter be used guides goal of using the natural while maintaining their ecologP 3 What kinds of cooperative actions might be taken between agencies and guides to provide the best outfitter education experience and information public to the The direct type and length cai health appropriate specific location by terms of How can lands sites and needs Intensive use of a the current demands from to meet the Coconino National events and their are public in of activity Forest should evaluate the demand for very simultaneously visit same area values within each of the categories In Very large C Primitive MU may be better than four Outfitter should be managed to guides meet the goal of sustaining the natural continue events are not recommended for the place use high tour with several or van ecommendotions at Fort Tuthill should be to be used as a festival site a jeep five individual vehicles facilities and parking can support the large numbers of people Efforts to raise funds for infrastructure and park expansion and alleviate impacts in help people visiting ing the overused Large events are appropriate along most major roads and trails in can goals and objectives of this Plan should be included in the Forest Service s annual operating plans and should be considered when issuing permits for outfitter guides and other recreation permits Section 2 Recommendations Common to All Agency Administration of Group Uses OHV Off Vehicle Highway Districts Landscape Use and Outfitter Guide Permits important for government agency personnel to spend time monitoring and super vising permitted activities Unfortunately the increase in the number of permits issued corre sponds with a decrease in the agencies abilities to administer permits given current staffing and This Plan does not budgets provide a solution there Currently It is miles and more are a wider demands for both variety of motorized trail opportunities in the greater Flagstaff s urban trails and Forest landscape The City Service trails are uses road mostly motorized for non Forest Service roads though driving experiences provide many Under National Forest must follow state law on all Forest to this order mits and Service roads State law requires that Forest Service roads be used by licensed drivers elimi dilemma rather the Plan reiterates the importance of monitoring and supervising per requesting stewardship and self policing by all users nating ATV All Terrain Vehicle and motorcycle users by young unlicensed drivers Other expressed by the community have been desires use Winter Recreation vert an old cinder Habitats for wildlife as many are species hibernate ranges These places human use with a are different in winter or migrate to winter then available for reduced possibility of wild pit to a motocross course and to many other people should be low in the Motorized Primitive and hibited in the winter recreation Semi categories More primitive encounters with others and a wider variety of likely to occur in the MU C category All of the C R facilities H provide year round large numbers of social encoun expected services and ters can be Recommendations w Winter motorized activities are popular Therefore the opportunities for and the impacts and conflicts of these activities need to be identified Winter wildlife needs should be considered when planning routes corridors and trails Where motor ized closures exist or are proposed it needs to be determined whether or not snow mobiles should be included in the closures Evaluate the location of designated snow play areas as safety issues access and parking continue to face the community during the snow months Currently the Forest Service provides some winter parking places where snow is plowed but they are limited additional people Recommendations appropriate uses is provide motorized trail opportunities for young experiences should be similar to summertime experiences For example the likelihood of encountering general to con other appropriate site Initiate a planning process to life conflict In or areas identify and opPortunities for summertime OHV trails and promote a managed trail system and mountain bikes use are pro designated congressionally Wildernesses of the Primitive category Education and enforcement of these rules should be increased discouraged in the prohibited within designated Wildernesses congressionally Motorized use is Primitive category and is in the Generally motorized trails primitive category Semi and should be infre are quent but should provide connections In the C MU category more summer motorized trails may be developed however more motorized trails north of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in the Deadman s Wash area are not recommended When designing motorized trails consider wildlife habitat and corridors where roads and their use can Workwith nearby location and use affect wildlife movement residents to design of roads and trails for motorized activity The Forest Service should work with other agencies QHV user groups and other recreationists to mitigate impacts in areas visitorusesuchastheFlagstaffVisitorsCenterandhotelmotelstoNationalMonumentsandculturalandeducationalsites Flagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways PJan Vehicle motorcycle and OHV Off Highway Vehicle use Ideally Flagstaff area residents should be able to leave their neigh Terrain borhoods and park or use the network to reach a trail other open space within 15 minutes The quantities of roads and trails available in the network will vary within each open space category For example the Primitive category will be roadless the primitive Semi category will have few roads and the MU C and Neighborwoods categories will have moderate Similarly the kinds of experi ences people can expect to have on roads road densities and trails will vary within category an open space In the Primitive and categories trails are primitive Semi remote and encounters with Service lands outside of the OHV area Some C category people infrequent In the MU will see evidence of people past activities on trails such as road work utility corridors and logging and will be likely to see other people In Neighborwoods people will feel that they are in a natural environment but will probably see other people and hear sounds have from urban adjacent to the Sunset Crater Volcano Monument These effects include sounds OHV tracks on the cinder cones and vehicle intrusion onto the Monument and Forest suggested that OHV activities be moved from the southern boundary of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument At this time and for the foreseeable future the Forest Service is not considering Movement of this conflicts than those worse the edge in order to choose this solution activity could cause now occurring Residentds shoul able be at the vegetation Linkages System people to for recreational and commuting purposes is desirable It will allow for additional opportu use nities in addition to the welPknown trails The network would connect the City of Flagstaff Coconino County National Monuments and National Forest lands These connections would link neighborhoods to Neighborwoods parks educational and cultural sites recreational areas other communities and People would be able to travel between specific areas where horses they can use outlying areas the network to places and to access walk jog bike and ride They would also be able to places designated for snowmobile access ATV places Recommendations of the Monument The Forest Service A network of trails and roads for Users will have to be aware even shohld continue to monitor vegetation impacts and designate trails in some areas to maintain Road Trail areas of the variety of experiences and opportunities available and the relationship of accessibility All Link Route J minutes 15 within area space open an walk their leave Road Mary Lake along Mountainaire Village Kachina to areas outlying following Link Flagstaff Downtown Monument National Canyon Walnut Snowbowl Tuthill Fort hubs College Community Coconino University Arizona Northern of Museum Observatory Lowell the as such sites educational schools parks County City with communities and neighborhoods high receive that hubs Link Valley Fort Cosnino Fernwood Timberline Bill Black Park Doney Road Mountain Woody and 66 to visit Section 2 Recommendations Common to All Connect schools to each other and to local parks and natural Construct hard surface as pathways surface trails appropriate Hard used in Neighborwoods Provide loop trails as of place as or cause trails to users and other types of recre provide general user etiquette general interpretation informa tion and Engender cooperation among agencies and communities particularly the Arizona erosion to4rails opportunities rails Explore OHV ationists Separate the various users where feasible At all times emphasize the need the social trails would disturb important wildlife habitat differing corridor widths to accomplish objectives in accommodating bicy clists social trails where undesignated Humphreys Trails Lockett Meadow as different possible designated well Use where may be best urban settings or often Create mini networks of in the Elden Kachina and public lands L n dscape Districts Provide both motorized and non motorized Department of Transportation ADOT to promote safe crossing at state and federal opportunities for the elderly and for roadways per for alternate modes of transporta methods such as signs lights sons with disabilities Locate these oppor tion Various tunities culverts near residential ble but also design and so people using tive equipment areas where possi construct wheelchairs pathways use overpasses or depending on underpasses facilities informed decisions about how and where parking with staging points along major highways to use the trail Accelerate the establishment of trails at other locations Connect the users recreation make system Flagstaff trails and roads possible and other county trail system to connect to the FUTS Forest Service trails and National Park sites and cultural recreational and Develop trail access through aggressive pursuit of Arizona Heritage funds ISTEA lntermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act funds Urban Trail System to Forest Service FUTS where letting could site conditions and types of users Seek opportunities for road way scenic buffers off roadway viewing and other assis or and can access be used sources a Pursue easements on lands as private and state needed for the linkage system educational sites Provide trail corridors lished paved parallel to estab roads for commuting and recreational opportunities Provide trail corridors roads parallel to future on Service lands for The Rio de enhanced traffic Parallel trail corridors should be or located a preference in developers building trail network a greenway connections Develop or designing and seeking trail and for new development improve trails to provide recreation opportunities such winter as cross country skiing and snowmobiling Mitigate the of some heavy trails and lands where and damaging areas on possible by wide grassy rocky sec Forest Service These sites include access considerably sections of the Rio while pro to it Walking along many sections experience unmarred noise clues to the nearby by visual urban environment However the Rio is not sible Access is cant locations embankment completely acces currently blocked in two signifi first by the Santa Fe Railroad on the east side of town where the Rio also goes through an industrial area before reaching Picture Canyon and second on is use long is an aesthetic safe distance from road traffic Work with is defined of Flagstaffs urban trail has viding in mind the keep Flag tions with dense riparian vegetation Many sections of the Rio are beautiful The City for sep arating motorized from nommotorized but Flag Linkage stream course sections and narrow City County and Forest commuting and recre ational opportunities where necessary paved The Rio de the south side of Flagstaff where the Rio privately held Additional private lands are along the Rio south of Butler Avenue located and in the southern portion of the Doney Park communities Damming and channelization Il orprovidesgrantsforthework Flagstaff Area Open Spaces have occurred in some been placed and Greenways places Plan Sewer lines have here because the Rio is the lowest part of the watershed but fortunately this also means the Rio has remained way in some a public right of places The community must be reacquainted with the Rio and its environmental educational and aesthetic values including important information By walking the Rio scientific one can envi sion what the site of Flagstaff looked like in ancient times when the tion lived Sinagua Indian popula along understanding of from pioneer settlements in Flagstaff shistory the Fort Moroni Fort Valley area to the place where the first Flag staff was erected com memorated in Thorpe Park can be gained by traveling the Rio Thus it is possible to under stand how the cultural landscape has evolved over the Rio An the last two millennia up to the present day Projects by the City the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Army Corps of Engineers have or will enhance the viability of the Rio and add to the Many institutions are public sknowledge linked along the Rio from upstream to downstream the including Museum of Northern Arizona the Francis Short Pond the Flagstaff Public Library City Hall the Chamber of Commerce a City water reclamation plant Knoles Elementary School Sinagua High School a wastewater treatment plant and Picture Canyon Recommendations J Continue to promote use of the Rio de Flag as a linkage corridor of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System extending a trail corridor farther north to Fort Valley and east to the Doney Park area In some of the wider sections of the Rio de parks Flag golf courses ballparks adaptive may be suitable and or City to large flood events rrelopporInoipmmuni vihicto pro siby trails educat matand J crsdgaraetory tuitnsasennireaitoaiegdnsl w Achieving Partnerships road developing recommended are actions following The Network Linkage Recommended Developing Methods restoration sue pur downtown through ties opportuni recreation routing re Pursue amenities other it improve its possible channel open Provide sections on opportunities watching bird Enhance if exist banks bare tate revege also appropriate etation veg riparian of pockets enhance Protect Flag de Rio along occur they where sites cultural ecological unique Preserve p a require around within network traiProad maintained marked well located ISTEA organizations funding grant agencies government include might Partners greenways develop used can efforts complementary Multiple users Service Forest county neighborhoods city serve comprehensively required entities numerous from monies signs trails new maintain construct To areas outlying in communities for one oped devel yet not County the FUTS system urban an has Flagstaff While personnel enforcement law and specialists agency ment govern associations homeowners residents individual with needed be will discussions additional corridors trail locate to example For approach artnership ell corridor trail Road a develop used be might Transportation of Department Arizona the from funding Mary Lake 180 and 89 Highways to parallel nart A Neighborwoods their in of sections adopt associations neighborhood addition In Service p a might youth for Jobs roads trails maintain and develop to formed be also could organization on Forest profit nearby System Trail Urban Flagstaff the maintain struct con plan that forces task and commissions citizen groups agency inter include could ships partner Qther parftferent the Diof process can cies diagen perin its use might one ways accompl to cont another while work snronnel eribactsuthiisehps out ThereshouldbeasystemofroadspassablebytwowheeldrivevehiclestoprovideaccessintotheseareasTrailsaremostlystandardForestServicetrailsandaccesstothemshouldbeviaForestServiceroadways Section 2 Recommendations Common to All Access 0nd Crossing Access and trail and roadways new crossing points through distributed to hotels restaurants outdoor developments and exit the use will prevent breaks help people network more easily To ensure that access and crossing points trails in the network should be sporting goods stores visitors centers and other businesses where people might request information about recreational opportunities General Access to be established and in both old and new continually are created and maintained in the trail road net work they need Districts Points in the trail road network and will enter Landscape preserved developments including Otherwise developments Where by Open Space Category possible at various locations in all network links At the same time it is important categories access should be provided to people of varying ages and abilities Information about facilities conditions and accessibility should to consider the concerns of residents be made available gated communities could block critical adjacent on to access residents points or cut off living points and minimize effects through agement of trail provided access careful design and accesses Access man and parking staging designate appropriate areas Access in the access Access from communities to woods should be points rights or easements will way of need to be acquired for the trails roads network Development could cut off access points and linkages in the network so it is important to work with developers to have access to trails Recreation and greenways These connections and homeowners can benefit by enhancing land values with this amenity Purchase or lease of trail rights way across State Trust lands of are options that should be pursued The immediate easement needs are on undeveloped private lands because are likely to be sold and developed needs are most State and these lands Easement listed in Section 3 for each district These needs landscape currently very general specific analysis and site are and will require future appropriate public involvement Information and Education Interpretive and informational brochures signs on trails and roads will help maps and people understand the trails roads network and the natural and wildlife environments around it These interpretive and informational materials help urban citizens feel connected to the forest around them Agencies organizations and other should be Neighborwoods encouraged to provide groups outdoor education information and activities at access points along the network Information about provided Neighbor via trail con nections Forest Service road connections highways developers the trail Recommendations Easements the use road systems The County City Forest Service and residents should work together to discourage uncontrolled access may make informed should be via trail connections Forest Service road connections and so users decisions about how and where to Count SerThe Forest ADOT busCity and dents resi shoul work invesicsedys communi each within buffers scenic maintain designate together recreati between conflicts reduce controlled also desi Additional owners land private appropri may tables picnic toilets as such facilities areas parking staging some at mai located designed systems road opportuni recreation adequate provide and erosion vent pre C0nserv0ti use Multiple in CAccess ARecommendat cw C MU the Neito from driving or highways main exiting by achieved be should roads Service Forest onto points access ategory 0tegory ccess ghborwoods ngtainated oninatiedso0etensttsnsy and parking staging areas Flagstaff u in Area access roads means Trails access any Qnly a access Open Spaces appropriate levels erosion resource Access in the Access to the are are not of travel roadways type of user Access in the Primitive be achieved points only foot and horse and provided are access Greenways there also should be large few primitive roads areas From the exterior category is limited to alternate designated Wildernesses Plan Road and trail maintenance should be at to this type of user category while preventing and avoiding other negative to allow any impacts primitive Category Semi ecommendotions from C roads should be highways or MU achieved by a few Forest Service roads with wheel drive clearance Other high two primitive category Semi clearance roads exist in the interior but and alternate where standard Forest Service trails and necessary to them should be via Forest Service Road and trail maintenance should be at appropriate levels to allow while preventing erosion and avoiding other negative resource impacts to this category category and this level of access should access this be maintained Category ecommendotions Access to the Primitive category should Forest Service roads and by leaving highways or main reaching exterior to the interior of the Primitive points is limited to means and travelLargeareasexistwherenoroadsortrailsshouldbeprovidedMaintenanceofthislevelofremotenessisrecommendedAccessintheCulturalHistoricalRecreationCategoryecommendationsAccesstoCHRsitesshouldbeprovideddirectlyoffofmainhighwaysPavedroadsreacheachsiteandpavedparkingisgenerallyprovidedTrailsandfacilitiesprovideaccessforpeoplewithdisabilitiesMaintainingyearroundaccessforalltypesofvehiclesisrecommendedForestServiceAccessRoadsecommendotionsforForestServiceRoodsOnlyProvideanopenroadsystemforvehiculartrafficthatincludesroadsforhighclearancevehiclesandasystemofmainroadsforpassengercarsThePrimitivecategoryshouldhaveroadsatperimeteraccesspointsonlyTheSemiprimitivecategoryshouldhaveafewpassengercarroadssomehighclearanceroadsandfairlylargenonroadedareasOntheaverageopenroaddensitiesintheSemiprimitivecategoryshouldbelessthantwomilespersquaremileInsomeareastheopenroaddensityshouldbemuchlessthantwomilespersquaremilethisrequiresfutureareabyareaanalysisTheMUCcategoryshouldhaveseveraltwowheeldriveroadswithnumeroushighclearanceroadsandsomenonroadedareasOpenroaddensitiesintheMUCcategoryshouldbeapproximatelytwomilesofroadpersquaremileOpenroaddensitiesshouldbelowestwithinwildlifecorridorareastCHRsitesshouldcontinuetohavemajorpavedaccessroadsNeighborwoodsshouldvaryintermsofthemilesandtypesofroadsSomeNeighborwoodsshouldhaveroadssimilartotheMUCcategorywithsometwowheeldriveroadsandsomehighclearancevehicleroadsOpenroaddensitiesinsuchNeighborwoodsarelikelytobetwomilespersquaremileInotherNeighborwoodsitmightbemoreappropriatetohaveonlyafewtwowheeldriveroadsthataccessoutlyingareaswhileotherroadsshouldbeconvertedtotrailsInstillotherNeighborwoodstheremaybeveryfewopenroadswithlargemotorizedclosureareasHowtheroadsystemisdesignedineachNeighborwoodsdependsonthatareaslandcharacteristicsandtheneedsofthenearbycommunitiesNeighborwoodsroadssystemsshouldbedesignedlocatedandmaintainedtopreventerosionand Section 2 Recommendations Common to Ail Landscape Districts provide access to a variety of landscape categories in the Woody including Multiple Use Conservation Semi primitive and Primitive lands Recommendations for the maintenance or establishment of Forest Service roads vary by landscape category Forest Service roads Mountain area provide adequate access to recreation opportunities Encourage the Forest Service to maintain road closed sign Current a Traveling cross country just Plan site for a very area encouraged Closed Unless to stay on roads designated Designated Open are policy needed The current road management trend on national forests is to maintain fewer roads at standards suited for two wheel clearance vehicles Overall drive low an ade cluate number of open roads will be maintained throughout Forest Service roads will be closed or lands but many obliterated One for less road maintenance and sures more reason road clo is that the Forest Service has less funding than in past years for maintaining roads Other reasons include improving wildlife habi now reducing water pollution from dirt road offl reducing dust pollution in the air and run improving recreation opportunities for non motorized recreation allows travel on policy around any road not marked also same once or twice with set tracks that stay on the can long time cles travel the and when other vehi tracks it creates a new social road Social roads and trails and quickly use However levels on develop during the Forest Service roads have increased to the point that road mainte keep up with damage in heavily used areas Even in less frequently used areas road maintenance is becoming more and more of a problem in years with large amounts of nance cannot rain or snow Too many roads and trails lessen the quality of wildlife habitat and to erosion and scenic can contribute degradation Roads contribute dust to air pollution and make it more difficult to find peace and quiet When fewer people were using the Forest Service roads the open unless designated closed policy made sense but now a change needs to be considered motorized Current Forest Service road Flagstaff wheeled vehicle last 20 years At present some areas have more roads than a frequently Roads policy allows country cross vehicle travel throughout most areas with some seasonal closures the full range of existing Recreational Opportunity Spectrum classes in the In every category road users should be tat with even though it will reduce access A closed unless may be difficult to designated open policy implement and enforce connectionsalsoprovideawayforlesshumantolerantspeciessuchastheblackbeartomovethroughthegreaterFlagstaffareawithoutbecomingtrappedinresidentialorbusinessareasManyhumamwildlifeconflictsresultfromblockedordeadendmigrationcorridorsfalsecorridorsCorridorwidthsdeterminewhichwildlifespecieswillusethesecorridorsasdifferentwildlifespecieshavevaryingneedsforsecurityfoodandshelterForexampleblackbearandturkeyrequirecorridorsthatareabouttwomileswideforregularusebutskunksandraccoonswillusecorridorsthatareonly25feetwideIngeneralwidecorridorssupportagreatervarietyofwildlifeanddependablyretainIl Flagstaff Area Open Spaces unless it is applied and on a Greenways Plan wide basis The Forest recommendation is that the Coconino National Forest consider closed unless to the changing its roads policy to designated open as a response increasing levels of road use and creation or impromptu roads Some details of social would need to be worked out such as how to continue allowing firewood cutting and other activities where limited off road use is reason able These details and the extent of closures could be worked out through a public involve ment process Recommendations clogsed a to desiunlShift pol open whi in enaticssehyd Such would ground the on designated unless allowed be not would travel country cross policy a the of many meet a objectives the of study on a undertaking without feasible be not may area Plan for it implementing however greenways effects the of there are open nated desig where except closed are roads If lands Trust State possibly and Forest National Coconino entire the If wide production forage and beauty scenic habitat wildlife water quality air on impacts reduced Finimum m a at possible not is change policy orest closed unless designated recommendation made this under motorized for available be not would they lands the and roads secondary Some access adequate ensure help will system use to is mendation recom ready a as roads closed the Resource appropriate where bicycles and riding back horse hiking for system trails open The designated of Expansion system road adequate an provide to necessary be will it change suggested this Under categories primitive Semi and Primitive the within recommended is policy may still elk or deer as such simply more or remote more movements seasonal require that animals for corridors movement and Connections great very not is use human where greenways including areas urban of skirts out the on seen be life the quality part as maintain to is greenways and space open design the in wildlife including of objective The Wildlife General Management FlIn dlin maiiA anisongbi small tand devel provi some with areas oppor wigreater vifor large future ahnesirndscape cleaolnughout gstdmwiutraodablldes niialnipednrftaidneegsf animals from removed farther lands on maintained be would space Connections w below described are concepts greenways spaces design into needs integration guide These need they habitats use and find to wildlife allow that corridors travel the provide space open of portions between populntaiatinoedns sub ranges seasonal between move animals of ability The areas urban mai be should and important is to related concepts management wildlife Several components habitat special and corridors travel wildlife can wildlifeRecommendationsThiswildlifetravelcorridorshouldbemaintainedAnyfutureintentionalincreaseinrecreationalusewouldconflictwithwildlifemovementsoitisrecommendedthatincreasesinallformsofrecreationaldevelopmentbeavoidedMaintenanceofwildlifecoverisespeciallyimportantinthiscorridorbecauseofhighlevelsofhumanuseandthenarrowwidthofthecorridorCarefulplanningisneededtomaintainthevegetativecoverwithoutincreasingfireriskunnecessarily Section 2 Recommendations Common to All more resident wildlife species than do narrow more be will There passages greater a have using W m songbirds many woodpeckers nuthatches deer turkey pigeons tailed band including ous vari shelter food pine ponderosa old munks chip cover ground on Large bat seven least at species bird 40 ones trees dead standing attracts water source dependable any example For important especially Certain wildlife by used plants native with scaped land that corridors to attracted more be will Mammals tation vege variety This mammals small birds for provide can brush oak logs large snags as such components habitat diverse the enhancement and maintenance areas urban within near topography vegetation of diversity is or sites riparian are there here of variety habi a enjoy areas urban living ple peo allows wildlife for situation best The homes their to proximity close very in mammals small and birds connect a have to is corri diwide most the of up made verse tdatsored available design considerations greenway and space open the of Many use affected human heavily be will wildlife by corridor type any or greenways and spaces open the of Use hidden between involve tradeoffs wild wildlife with associated values area natural and use human wildlife needs A maintained should that important some presents subsection This Corridors Wildlife entirely precluded be cannot they people between encounters undesirable avoid try to done planning much However plants human the serve also can corridors these of Many movements use wildlife current and historical by defined is corridor corridor is a when Only Plan the in elsewhere discussed linkages for wildlife cormoris by preclude use human would cover vegetative lacks or narrow very speci dMore lappear each dion Sect Min 1 A Cor3 Thi onl the eacisondsountmaimcsvuertsmnicdnaioetfycorspenincgts from bonfsoount corri belin is recent have widito by use clDeci road Mon 1 A the of part as made courlsuridesvedildaoriagedefesornsleisyn Block elk turkey deer movements seasonal for provides primarily corridor The Road Snowbowl south and west to Peaks Francisco San of foothills the and 10K parties night late particularly Recreation locations some in yards 400 as narrow quite is It range winter to summer from by planning of Forest District Ranger Peaks the the corridor keep to continuing in help will Service by use in Landscape Districts travelcorridorshouldbemaintainedWalnutCanyonCorridorsAreasbothnorthandsouthofWalnutCanyonserveaswildlifemovementareasBothareasareilPdefinedbutimportantAnimalsincludingelkantelopeandturkeyusetheareastomovetoandfromlowerelevationstotheeastSouthofWalnutCanyonthemovementstakeplaceallalongtherimofAndersonMesaNorthofWalnutCanyonthemovementareaisrestrictedbyInterstate40 Flagstaff Rio de Sp and Greenways Open ices Are Flag m Pl the Corridor The Rio de Flag provides a natural potential Trust move for sale and ment and concentration area for wildlife The travel corridors presence of available water enhances its value for wildlife It is mostly used by birds and small ecommendotions I mammals and provides some System FUTS Some of the best for nature education the Rio de Flag Rio could have ness along opportunities the FUTS occur in Planned flood control along the major effects on the attractive of some stretches of the Rio de Rim Corridors Mogollon Areas along the west tant for east populations Mogollon Rim are impoP interchange between wildlife and seasonal movements off the Rim to wintering areas Development on Highway 89A south of section 26 T20N R6E Interstate 17 between the south edge of section 30 T20N R7E and north of Munds Park could potentially have serious impacts ecommendotions on of outdoor education and advantage bird opportunities especially watching where unique diverse vegetation exists the east west movements of elk deer and bear refer to maps in Appendix 3 turkey A con nection is also needed east from Interstates17 Lake Upper and Lower Lakes Mary and Anderson Mesa however the placement to Mormon Maintain water availability where possible unique vegetation diverse Encourage plantings of native vegetation in some stretches of the Rio de Flag such as near the Rio de Flag Water Reclamation and maintain Plant maintained or on Flag to wildlife Take This wildlife travel corridor should be of the best bird watching opportunities within the City of Flagstaff Much of the length of the Rio de Flag not privately owned within the city is already developed as part of the Flagstaff Urban Trails of State development lands which could sever these wildlife is not as critical as other corridors and many options remain open ecommendotion This wildlife travel corridor should to enhance the area as wildlife habi be maintained tat and as a watchable wildlife education and recreation site Sunset Crater Corridor San Francisco Peaks A wide area 40Observatory 1 Naval Woody Mountain Movement Corridor Monument from This corridor connects the the interstate and south to the areas north of Mogollon Rim The movement corridor crossing Interstate 40 in the vicinity of the Naval Observatory is used mostly by birds including raptors moving along Woody Ridge and continuing around Mars Hill The ponderosa pine type oak forest vegetation is attractive to many animals This of probably more corridor for large mammals and turkey before completion of the interstate Some elk and deer apparently still use the corridor and cross the interstate helping to maintain genetic interchange between herds north and south route was a movement of the interstate Major wildlife habitat areas south of the interstate still connect to this corridor including the Woody Mountain Woody Ridge Rogers Lake and Camp Navajo areas Woody Ridge is a major movement area for elk deer and turkey south of the interstate The principal wildlife management along the top of the ridge near the entrance to Sunset Crater Volcano National concern is Highway 89 serves as a wildlife movement corridor This corridor is most used in winters with high probably snowfall Protecting the corridor would become more important if any additional development occurs north of the ridge that would block wildlife movement to the north Recommendotion wildlife This recreationalusemightcausethemtolosetheirvalueaswildlifehabitatandlessentheopportunitiesforneighborhoodwildlifeviewingNeighborhoodwildlifeviewingplacesshouldbemaintainedbyensuringthediversityofvegetationincludingavarietyoftreesizesandshrubsandbymaintainingspecialhabitatsuchaswatersourcessnagsandvegetativecovertoencouragecontinuedwildlifeuseShootingShootingnearresidentialareasraisesconcernswithpublicsafetyConflictsbetweenshootingandotherrecreationalusesandshootingwithinthecitylimitsareotherissuesofconcern Section 2 Recommendations Common to All and rural subdivisions The corridor north of the canyon potentially could become more restricted depending on which pieces of land are developed in the future It is important the wildlife north of Walnut Canyon to a corridor open to the east A corridor closer to the canyon would than one likely receive more use closer to the Interstate lng open space close to the higher priority for wildlife so maintain canyon will be a ecornrnendations wildrildifored corThis travel shoul to keep Opportuni Education Viewing maintained level high this strated demon summer elk winter eagles bald interest intense Recently popular increasingly become nhas a developed can existing example For ways accompl impact reduce efforts other In parking ing provid enhanced be could Mary Lake Lower such some Devel or blinds building by opportuni education outdoor identifies district landscape Each program benefit would demand public and educational area Flagstaff greater in on tion informa general additional devel for criteria meet do the of Many homes their near places identified have People specifically more nei to referred what these Instead Habitats Wildlife Quality High not are they because designated as These areas viewing wildlife umber ghborhood opment isthed ies number high Only a always not do areas viewing neighborhood Plan this Within enhanced or protected been have sites Many valued highly is places these in see residents that the However wildlife of ecomrnendations can t Neighborwoods the of part as included are that use wildlife high with areas greenways is near or within opportunities improved Development viewing for promoted be should use recreational increased of face the in value wildlife their retain make should and signs interpretive of use the Increase recommended avai Devel enviaddi other and rooms class routdoor Somet educat letting needed is that all oppor what iknow site some require may areas Other exist devel or curri of ment mat attenti More useful more them make to mnefcommended proromecovement nment tlatuipment ularionimioblaoiunaltesilemrspsneal additional as places viewing wildlife neighborhood the to called be not Landscape Districts aretoprotectlifeandpropertybymakingtheforestmoreresistanttofire Section 2 Recommendetions Common to Ail In some cases maintenance and preserva tion of rare plant communities can be compa tible with development construction and places to the extent that scenic biological values decline Threatened endangered and other rare or species of animals live in the open spaces and greenways system The bald eagles osprey and peregrine falcons seen along Lake Mary provide unique opportunities for environmental educa tion and wildlife viewing Tolerance of human presence species can vary widely by rare For the most fishing are com protection may be desirable or necessary Agreements between landowners or other inter ested parties volunteer efforts well planned recreation use fencing and signs are some both rare might facilitate use part the Plan relies inter team called the Ponderosa Fire agency Advisory Council PFAC The recommendations an ment and in this Plan are intended to support PFAC Reintroduce fire s natural role in the eco system through prescribed fire w of areas Where appropriate prescribed fire may be used as a tool to maintain and enhance or scattered shrubs grasslands and mosaic a of cover and openings provide and plant species diversity As many large trees as possible should be retained consis tent with other fire mitigation objectives open Recommendations Maintain or enhance plant communities landscaping interpretive signs fencing well planned trail locations of native recreational Evaluate use sites and easements plant communities to deter compatibility with various uses rare mine their and their tolerance of human impact while not compromising their biological scenic or Fire educational value Management Because the Plan area is a desert pine needles and branches do like they nutrient do in wetter climates Fire is cycling forest not break down a major agent of the SouthWest and was frequent prior to Anglo settlement and subse quent fire suppression Fire management priorities for the Neighborwoods and Multiple Conservation use categories upwind from developments are to protect life and property by making the forest more resistant to fire The goal is to create envi ronmental conditions that will keep a fire start from spreading rapidly Because of the Neighborwoods proximity to urban areas with water and other services nearby long term use programs and mitigate the risk of property loss from wildfire species and humans use comple goals Recommendations to with on Wildfire suppression in the greater Flagstaff landscape is coordinated through the species use of an area For less tolerant or more vulnerable species more by established which determine the best fire management tool to use in a given situation or location patible with of the tools that sometimes risk of wildfires judgment of community fire prevention suppression specialists in conjunction with other specialists and interested parties such as the Forest Stewardship Review Team to expressed In some cases envi ronmental education wildlife viewing boating and other types of recreation are high Districts the these educational poses a heavy recreation use In other instances use may degrade campsites Landscape realductiavngnceitnedaieoinds actFuel desishoul maibe bto a with management priorities Fire developments from upwind categories ation C0nser use Multiple and Neighb0rw00ds the for ee O F t e off A en S weys aces ond Gme tion of as many Undertake a istDevel fcfor as lsuch rfrom elk sidior be to ing botcamp canyon of out plspri parsites and roads meoivprsmmuni tquiprestanciuperartkatcioevigiriomssnaeotckedigedngps diverse including greater Flagstaff qualities wherever tions ecommend large nizing that the forest they trees as Neighborwoods campsites can continue to decline state wide exist Plo aesthetics wildlife habitat and the reten that is consistent with the fire mitigation possible objectives efforts to prevent the establishment of public agency safety multi and should while recog palette of recreational uses term camping short serve Thinning out smaller trees burning slash piles and regularly burning needles and other woody accumulations on the forest floor may be required to reduce the potential of a catastrophic fire in the urban interface Riparian Community presence of standing or Riparian communities are places where the flowing water influences the vegetation such as along lakes streams or canyon bottoms Riparian communities provide essential diverse habitats but few exist in the area and these communities it is desirable to maintain and enhance their Consequently awayfromripariancommunitiesNewdevelopmentofrecreationalfacilitiesshouldtakeintoaccounttheneedtoconserveandprotectripariancommunitiesEducationeffortsareneededtoexplaintheimportanceofprotectingthehabitatandtoencouragepeopletoprotecttheseplacesAquifersfeedingspringsshouldnotbedepletedthroughgroundwaterpumpingWatershedOverallwatershedconditionsneedtobeprotectedandmaintainedRecommendotionsPromotehealthyvegetationbydesigningandconstructingroadsandtrailstominimizeerosionMaintaintrailsingoodconditionLandmanagementagencyguidelinesforthedesignandlocationofroadstrailsfacilitiesandothergrounddisturbingactivitiesshouldbefollowedtominimizesoilerosionprotectslopesandretainvegetationTraditionalAmericanIndianUsesSeveralAmericanIndiantribeshaveimportantculturalassociationswithlandresourcesandsitesinthegreaterFlagstaffareaThesegroupsincludetheHopiNavajoHualapaiHavasupaiZuniYavapaiApacheandYavapaiFederalagencieshaveproceduresforconsultingwithAmericanIndiantribesanditisrecommendedthatallpartiestothePlanengageinsimilarconsultationsRecommendationsAmericanIndianconcernsshouldbetakenintoconsiderationinanyfuturechangesinlanduseespeciallyiftheyinvolvepotentialencroachmentonsacredplacesorlimitationsonaccesstothembyAmericanIndiansTheseincludeplantandpionnutgatheringareasandothertraditionalusesTheArizonaBurialProtectionLawof1990requiresthatanydiscoveryofIndianburialsonStateandprivatelandsbereportedtotheArizonaStateMuseumTofostercompliancewiththislawCityandCountyemployeesandthepublicneedtobeeducatedonthissensitiveissueCulturalandHistoricalSitesThereismuchevidenceofprehistoricoccupationandsometracesofpioneerhistorythroughoutthegreaterFlagstafflandscapeExistingfederalregulationsprovidefortheidentificationandstudyoftheseresourcesintheeventtheyaretobeaffectedbyfederalactionsFederalactionsincludenotonlyprojectsonfederallandsbutalsoprojectsinvolvingfederallicensingpermittingorfundingSimilarhistoricpreservationregulationsexistforStateTrustlandsandtheBurialProtectionlawof1990pertainstobothStateandprivatelandsIii andsustainabilityofthenaturallandscapesisanintegralpartofthelongtermqualityoflifeforresidentsandvisitorstothegreaterFlagstaffopenspacesEcosystemhealthincorporatesresiliencyanddiversityofavarietyofplantandanimalcommunitiesandtheprocessesthatconnectthemthroughtimeThepublicopenspacelandsaroundFlagstaffprovideavarietyofproductsThetakingofproductsfromtheNationalForestisadministeredbytheForestServicethroughapermitsystemTheStateLandDepartmentleasesareasforgrazingloggingandotherusesRevenuesgainedfromStateTrustlandsaugmenttheStateTrustLandFundInrecentyearsaphilosophicalshifthasoccurredaboutforestproductsInsteadofmanagingthelandsolelytoproduceaproducttheForestServiceandStateLandDepartmentaremanagingthelandforecosystemhealthanddiversityDesignofforestmanagementcannolongerbedoneonasingleresourcebasisWoodproductsforexamplearenowintendedtobearesultofmeetingotherobjectivesnottheendinitselfThatisthinningoftreesis Section 2 Recommendations Common to All Prehistoric ruins area are found throughout the Flagstaff This ruin is located in Walnut Canyon National Monument There also places in the greater are Flagstaff landscape associated with the cultural practices and beliefs of a variety of ethnic groups Such places are rooted in the of these communities and are history important to maintaining the continuity of their traditional beliefs and practices These places are called traditional cultural properties and for inclusion are eligible the National Register of Historic Places While many of these places are on important to American Indian other local ethnic groups such Basque and Anglo as tribes the Hispanic communities also have traditional cultural properties Existing federal regulations provide for consultation with appropriate ethnic groups concerning the management and evaluation of traditional cultural properties tions Recomrnendc Coconi FlCount of City the and estcontshoul or necessar prhias eaosaegstgrtrblivonaiueritamssnofdcyhno communiedge mote pro that studies research scientific mitting per practice expand and knowl General ecosystem the ties Forest health term long The Products knowledge researchers s public contribute studies scientific for opportunities important is It Research management evaluation concerning groups appropriate consulting practice continue should state Federal properties cultural traditional protect preserve to Qffice Preservation Historic State the and agencies federal communities ethnic with work can that Currently lands forest of Continue of ecommendcztions lands greenway space open on studies such conduct tions institu scientific other Station Experiment Range and Forest Mountain Rocky the University Arizona Northern from Landscape Districts opencutfencesorbreakdownfencesbyclimbingoverthemlivestockscatterontolandsthatarescheduledforrestfromgrazingToalleviatethisproblemcattleguardsshouldbeplacedonmajorroadsandexplanatorysignsandeducationshouldbeprovided conducted to reduce fire risk create diversity of sizes and improve habitat for some species of wildlife Being able to sell merchantable wood products is a result of this action not tree the reason for the harvesting commodity use is an the variety of products taken from Another shift in increase in public lands Historical uses were dominated by logging and domestic livestock grazing with mining To some extent these activities still carried out Now however a much wider variety of uses occurs including cutting some are of trees for latillas logs posts and poles Christmas trees and firewood for home heating gathering of pine cones and pine whorls gath ering of wildings lava malpais and common rock for landscaping and masonry work mining of cinders and aggregate rock for construction and pumice for landscaping beekeeping and gathering Over time additional products likely to be identified Currently grazing firewood gathering and wood product harvesting occur in many of the Neighborwoods However the long term trend pifion nut are is toward lower levels of these uses As Neighborwoods become more important for daytime recreation for a greater number of peo ple product needs may be a lesser priority in the Neighborwoods However as fire mitigation is extremely important in the Neighborwoods it is likely that wood products will still result from future thinning projects Recommendations Graziing hunt aspen w a itself lend does Wilderness ed designat especially The space open needs tat habi experiences ation recre desired keeping Manage resources values scenic opportunities consideration ning plan with continued wildings c C MU Trust State On purposes ment manage fire needed thinning tree ing provid while gathering above has recreation role important more greater lands managing consider Neighborwoods diversity sustain managed still must each categories all highest greatest provides Conservation use Multiple Although challenge solitude experience human habitat wildlife jeopardize not do that levels at kept but are grazing harvesting product wood cutting firewood such primitive Semi In category Primitive in occur impact low minimal only Therefore intensity high or variety a s Service Forest to input as considered be Plan this from recommendations appropriate Where generation revenue health ecosystem goals the achieve should production ity Grazing uses forest of administration for contracts and permits plans operating ommod nnual ide ImprOving the large a had elk bers num large by Grazing conditions degraded lng caus pastures some in occurred has occur can use water provide to need The forbs grasses of availability and variety density the on primary are a is species plant native quality and quantity diversity grass forage of amount The objective aey effect t grazed livestock Where history grazing past and types soil cover tree 0f density on depending varies excessive However forage available the according to pasture from moved this landscape elk of numbers greater in resulted has livestock for in be should numbers livestock and Elk present historically were than stock in live keep is livestock domestic grazing while conditions range improving key The them produce and sustain to land of ability the with balance gates leave recreationists When times designated at pastures specified relationshipsVegetationespeciallytreesshouldbeusedtoscreenurbanizedgatewaysintoFlagstaff Section 2 Recommendations Oommon to Ali ecommendotions locations with specific conditions and to increase degraded plant composition production for a and forage variety of native plant and animal species Grazing management practices need to consider recreation scenic and wildlife concerns Wherever appropriate open space mendations should be considered to the Forest Service s recom input annual operating as and permits for grazing Management A brief history of forests provides a better understanding of current forest management activities Harvesting of the region s timber railroad ties and build firewood resources as lng materials began with pioneer settlement in the 1880s The Coconino National Forest which manages the Forest Service lands of this Plan cial created in 1908 Large commer operations occurred in the early was logging 1900s and roadway by stand and structure VSS is based The different VSS classes describe young mid age and old forests There is an extensive railroad network unequal a larger percentage size were es suppressing fires relatively to pole few very young or understory ponderosa pine large and small trees This forest diversity obiective combined with fire mitigation objec tives is currently the main reason for Forest Service timber harvesting Aspen trees support wildlife species adapted to them enhance forest diversity and provide for fall color viewing Lack of fire has limited the number of new aspen stands created and grazing animals such as livestock and elk eat sprouts within existing aspen areas pre venting the young trees from growing This new combination of factors is as well these human as by bined with logging grazing and the reduction wildfires created a good seedbed and ideal ponderosa pine regeneration conditions age trees large areas of similar throughout the landscape including the thick stands of closely spaced pole size pines seen in many places today Some large wildfires This resulted in however have occurred over the years creat open grassy areas to a decline thinning is recom Recommendations Continuation of tree mended where appropriate for diversity enhancing and mitigating fire risk protect their farms ranches shaped by past leading of the acres of aspen created to support has been larger of system and activities Climatic conditions in 1919 com large of the diversity a and in the future trees in the thinned areas and a better balance Activities to re establish young aspen oak trees and shrub species as appropriate should be continued and increased Open use climatic conditions now forest health and slandscape Today few are grow faster than others The result is buildings throughout the area increasing the numbers and changing the patterns of deer elk a of VSS 3 young forest and sizes will meet the needs for Thinning constructed ing an trees at various densities allows some trees to Water sources for livestock were and of pine There of wildlife species development occurred people began and livestock currently distribution of structural stages with these operations As on tree size canopy cover and vertical structure very old trees A better distribution of age class Cattleguards should be placed on major roads and explanatory signs and education should be provided as methods of improv ing range conditions by keeping livestock in designated pastures Timber the Forest Service to describe method used density Districts is a Vegetation Structural Stage VSS Work should be done to improve plans Landscape space category objectives considered when B descriptions and described in this Plan should be designing future projects Strategies and plans should be developed with consideration of inter related bio logical social and cultural components Design of forest management should no longer be done on a single resource basis Rather management strategies should be based on ecological inter appropriateLandmanagementandjurisdictionalagenciesshouldbegintodetermineappropriateusesfordiscontinuedminingpitswithinputandassistancefromnearbycommunitiesFirewoodCuttingandGatheringFamilieshavebeengatheringfirewoodsinceFlagstaffwasestablishedandevenbeforewhentheareawasinhabitedbyearlypeoplesInrecentdecadestheForestServicehasadministeredthisusethroughapermitsystemIndividualorfamilyfirewoodgatheringiscloselyassociatedwithaccessandroadsthereforethedifferentopenspacecategorieshavedifferentlevelsoffirewoodavailabilityTheForestServicerecognizesthatlargedeadtreessnagsarenowfewerinnumberandarevaluedforthehabitattheyprovideforawidevarietyofspeciesThereasonforthereductioninsnagsisduetoacombinationofpastForestServicetimbermanagementpracticesandfirewoodcuttingInordertoretaincurrentandfuturesnagstheForestServiceseveralyearsagobeganlimitingthesizeofstandingdeadtreesthatcouldbecutforfirewood Flagstaff Area Open Spaoes reenways and Plan Mining lands There Geologic features on Forest Service Flagstaff are dominated by past around activity The Peaks San Francisco as lands volcanic well pits are active and discontinued mining these lands Recommendations Certain locations should be withdrawn from as other prominent peaks are extinct volcanoes Because of this geologic formation and type mining activity has been limited to the produc tion of on availability for mining claims include but are These not limited to large places moun tains canyons and prominent cinder as indicated in Section 3 cinders pumice and other aggregate cones material On Forest Service lands the Community needs for mining of common variety materials should be met in an envi Forest Service minerals mining under three cate regulates gories locatable common ronmentally sound manner exclusive of large mountains canyons and prominent variety and leasable minerals Locatable minerals are administered cinder cones Existing common variety operations should be administered and through the General Mining Law of 1872 and are limited to minerals of uncommon value typically precious metals such as gold or monitored silver by the responsible agency or other minerals that have unique characteris tics that make them more valuable Pumice Cinder and aggregate rock use should be consolidated to one site as much as possi is considered a locatable mineral when of ble to limit the bite out of every a certain size and economic value Common gory are rence appearance of cinder cone variety minerals the second mineral materials of common that are generally cate occur used in construction and road work Common variety materials such as cinders and aggregate rock are managed through Forest Service permits designated and operations are where sites overseen by are the Forest Service The third category leasable minerals includes energy There has been open space resources planning such as geothermal some oil and gas activity in the area Under the Mining Law of 1872 the Forest authority for locatable minerals is s Service limited to determining mitigation measures necessary to reduce adverse environmental impacts associated with the mining operations The Forest Service has the authority to recluire reasonable actions by the claimant to reduce environmental impacts but cannot deny activity valid claim Under the 1872 Mining Law unless a formal withdrawal from future mining on a claims is made new claims can be made and mining for locatable materials undertaken Existing claims cannot be withdrawn Section 3 lists specific locations desirable for withdrawal from future mining claims within each land scape district Those identified areas scenic drops back provide to communities and contain recreational spiritual and wildlife values Common variety cinders and aggregate rock are also obtained from State Trust and private m apple mining Where rehabilitation of existing rockand cinder pits is needed efforts should be undertaken to shape slopes plant vegeta re tion and clean up the sites as numberofnewroadscreated Section 2 Recommendations Common to All aspen may be Landscape appropriate These sales Districts are designed much like larger timber sales where landscape and ecosystem objectives are met through cutting of the firewood trees There are some places where snags are deficient oak is limited and roads and trails need to be on managed intensively to keep people designated roads and trails Where these conditions exist it may be appropriate to pro hibit firewood gathering No specific places are listed at this time but agement considered when gathering food as having habitat value for wildlife both high very recognized source and still is and as a very as a nesting Qak was firewood for home depend Neighborwoods determining locations account the Oak has also been as man progresses these issues should be on impact as on well as future firewood taking into households that nearby firewood gathering sites ecornmend l tions cavities for popular Continue to provide commercial firewood meet overall ecosystem objec appropriate in heating Again the Forest Service saw a decline in large oak trees resulting from a combination cutting to of permitted firewood cutting and illegal wood poaching In order to retain remaining large oak the MU C category and may also be appro has trees the Forest Service standing tives Commercial use is priate in some places in Neighborwoods to mitigate fire hazards Commercial fire wood cutting is appropriate in some parts of the Semi primitive category if needed prohibited cutting dead oak for firewood The Arizona State Land Department provides firewood gathering to meet other and cutting and objectives such as fire sal Christmas tree cutting opportunities under special circumstances with an Incidental Use vaging Commercial firewood cutting is not appropriate in the Primitive category Permit and Where appropriate continue to provide for individual and family firewood gathering through Pifion and for home commercial sale juniper heating are also firewood popular Current firewood permits demands while ensuring the presence of snags oak and other important wildlife allow the cutting of dead standing pifion and juniper of any size and some locations of green habitat components juniper are also offered piton Another recent driving to concern reach firewood has been off road areas Many people drive off of Forest Service roads and create social roads Others follow and push the firewood while new primi Semi Conservation category use Multiple provide firewood gathering in many places because there is a higher density of open roads If future restrictions on general firewood gathering occur within the Neighborwoods retain the option of special can family permits places for commercial firewood cutting For these places a contractor purchases a permit cuts the wood some firewood cutting projects in which residents and agencies work in partnership to reduce firewood The number of loca tions available for commercial firewood has the years but some areas are still available every year The primary species fuel hazards over for commercial cutting is piton juniper although ponderosa pine in the The In addition to individual diminished appropriate fire Firewood category but should be restricted to locations with designated open roads the number of new the Forest Service identifies as is use tive roads created and sells it objectives preclude gathering new is how to continue to offer reducing category the lack of roads and Wilderness wood gathering for home road farther and farther into the forest The going challenge on in the Primitive and in some places contchalAddr how fof offer to rwhi the iereduciwood ienengeluensseg FJagstaff Area Open Spaces and Greenways PJan Community Participation Information and Education Agency Collaboration and Law Enforcement The Neighborwoods are where City and County ofthe land is changed so that it the mission of the Forest Service management objectives and needs Here local meets general public recreation use on a daily basis Neighborwoods can no longer be administered by any one particular agency or used by one particular group of people The long term well being and sustain ofthese lands faceted ability depends on multi mission is to achieve recreation management Without use aging lands as longer meets Generally this no outdoor recreation needs meet Forest Service quality sustainable land a long tradition of mare urban open space this task is particularly challenging for the Coconino National Forest especially in these times of downsizing and budget reductions The Forest Service will need to create partnerships with coordination cooperation and management other government agencies and private parties This is less the to fulfill this new role Conservation in the use Multiple C Semi MU primitive Primitive case Over the past few years and Cultural Recreational C Historical R H area categories which have intensified the are farther removed from developed communities Therefore these categories are as the Flagstaff communities have grown and uses places designated Neighborwoods have experienced some degradation In some instances too many impromptu trails have developed some of the Neighborwoods contain party spots some as not dealt with here have transient camps some have been used as dumping grounds for refuse and others have abundance of two over track social an roads As Flagstaff grows these conditions could continue and the lose their Neighborwoods could as places to escape and value appeal the hustle and bustle of modern urban life The cycle push of use abuse and access development could to wildland farther and farther away from residential areas and forever change cycle however by restoring these blighted the character ofthe city This can be broken spots to their natural conditions The is that preferred vision for Neighborwoods they be a significant component of the Open Spaces and Greenways Plan and Community Participation Management in Neighborwoods resource Most of the land values Developing designated as Neighbor woods is public land managed by the Coconino National Forest Managing lands for Neighbor whole community and in woods Users can new as described in this Plan would be role for the Forest Service a Historically the Forest Service would make lands close to urban centers that are heavily munity for park like able for used by the local com recreation activities avail exchange and remove them from public ownership This is especially true if the character a benefit to the local community while providing public access and maintenance of appropriate oped recreation random access some for the locations deveP facilities might be better than which may impact larger areas and should help with management uses planning They should help determine how many and which trails and roads will be need ed Trails and roads that are not needed will be eliminated and others may need to be routed to avoid causing erosion and other re negative impacts Once the road and trail Section 2 Recommendations Common to All system for a Neighborwoods a and practices has been Neighborwoods identified the local users watch block more or group would encourage ate use see that litter does not appropri accumulate unplanned trails do not and help foster an atmosphere of develop neighborliness Identification of places to be developed as picnic sites parking areas fitness ensure that trails and potential The community especially the community of users and the local governmental agen cies needs to share the responsibility for caring and providing the stewardship need ed for Neighborwoods protect and sus rain the lands into the future Local state to and federal agencies can provide the know how while the community will be asked m provide Establish some watch block or mine how many and where roads and trails needed and identify places to be devel as picnic sites parking areas fitness trails and access points to trails are oped Information and Education In order to carry out the Neighborwoods implies neighborliness Increasing populations means changing outlooks toward nearby forests Develop ing access to wildlands for the whole com munity and designating places for devel oped mation needs to be the resources than random provided users can personal properties s Assist in habits to participate sustain protect and enjoy the outdoors envi ronment and to avoid conflicts regarding the Plan should compelling and professional manner through partnership efforts that create an opportunity and desire for the public to become an active and willing partner in the Information be delivered in resources a Presentations should build on exist ing efforts currently under way by a variety of agencies and entities that explain natural cultural and historical values Important topics for public discussion and input include but are not limited to the following Neighborwoods management m Regional s Fire land use growth management management and ecology motorized recreation non Motorized opportunities moving through the residents on Neighborwood what types of vegetation User responsibilities Economic resistant to fire Neighborwoods and opportunities s Provide education to post secondary education of adults would be very helpful in understanding the importance of the rules regulations and courtesies required to in developing appropriate people ensure that garbage and pet food as a bear and at all levels and in differ use do not become death sentences for wildlife such infor public ent venues whether school children or activities to make the forest and their more recom more to the human interaction Wildlife Neighborwoods and recreationists as well as land use users permittees Education recreation will be better for the land and natural goals mendations contained in this Plan s s enjoyment of future generations protection and preservation of finite natural of the muscle Neighborwoods association to provide land stewardship assist with management planning deter a assistance from the users to manage lands for the function of the ecornmendations to panied by direct to trails is another points partnerships In addition to questions regarding the number of roads and trails in a Neighborwoods users should become better acquainted with the local wildlife and how people can live in harmony with the birds and animals m Neighborwoods attractive to birds and small mam Intensive use of any area should be accom new access make the Districts mals thus enhancing the urban wildlife experience association could be mobilized for future maintenance and monitoring The stewardship can Landscape implications tions ecommend ieducPrnforomaviattiodnale and Plan audience Greenways Spaces Open of issues and concepts the regarding opportunities m in delivered management ecosystem forest to relationship its d a for priate appro iverse anner Flagstaff Area and Open Spaces Greenways Plan Establish strong educational programs learn enjoy recreate and make the best aimed at use informing people of the Plan s actions resources and stewardship of the impacts natural and cultural on fostering among the a sense Provide accessible sites in accordance with of resource served public the Americans with Disabilities Act and out door recreation information that allows by this Plan people Ensure a balanced and thoughtful presenta facilitate the public s tion of the issues to Share various public agency missions public as they relate with the agencies respective roles ment and interpretation education and other methods and Work to the tourism closely with the hospitality and industry to ensure that it is able to dispense accurate information to its customers Identify and use electronic opportunities to facilitate trip planning space lands Strengthen partnerships between organiza currently provide information to the public such as the National Park tions that Establish tact list for groups to a resource regarding clarification Service Forest Service Arizona Natural History Association Chamber of the Plan Ensure that Commerce and the of the Plan when it is Flagstaff of her itage resources through partnerships signs brochures site steward programs guiding in the manage preservation of open to make informed choices Continue opportunity to participate in decision making through a variety of forums policies of their time in the forest Plan Visitors are provided or con orientation to potential users of the needed interpretation presented Center Efforts should be made to brief agencies that are not part of this plan a ning effort on the content of the Plan and encourage them to include this information in discussions with the and the Public public Ensure wide distribution ofthe Open Spaces and Greenways Plan and the accompanying video and summary and through strategic locations of the Plan for and Improving Communication Cooperation and Collaboration Among and Between Agencies public review use Partnerships new or prospective especially important and protection of these lands increases Qpen space and greenway development management problems Provide information to will be for maintaining open spaces and greenways as agency funds decrease while demand for use cross and solutions land are broad in scope and ownership boundaries therefore homeowners via standard realtor packets agencies and other stakeholders in Arizona across cooperation with the Northern Board of Realtors Provide brochures and specific issues such Opportunities and Responsibilities as ATV on in information kiosks jurisdictional boundaries address these problems must work to analyze Current efforts are under way to communication and agencies This understanding improve between process reflects local agencies commitment to collaboration If agencies Incorporate information on minimum impact use with information on local attrac tions and features and the natural continue to improve their communication and interactions each can increase its efficiency and history heritage of the greater Flagstaff landscape Many visitors may not lic better As agencies better understand each smissions operations and services some other be woods wise and lack of information agencies geology may be and contributing to resource damage Lack of information also contributes to effectiveness and can duplicated by more effectively among the orient visitors to of lands for so they may safely and destructively non eliminate serve the pub public services hat are They can also other agencies unwanted traffic patterns as people wander looking for their destination Adequately opportunities and the responsibilities that accompany a visit consequently share information and skills agencies and with the public Agencies might pursue joint management a particular purpose For example there may be places where Forest Service lands are suitable for intensive recreation use This policiesofgroupselfpolicingorcooperativefundingforlawenforcementshouldbepursued Section 2 Recommendations Common to Ail use might be administered on a basis daily by the City or the County in the form of a regional park or other facility Another example would be a local school using constructed by the a wildlife viewing area Arizona Game and Fish Department and maintained by the students and schools Through partnerships agencies can antici pate open space changes rather than react to them They can also coordinate their open space efforts and make decisions about open spaces based on shared community objectives The processes described and contacts listed in this Plan will help ease the review and approval processes that agencies perform prior sales exchanges and developments to land Public involvement is crucial to the mentation of this Plan Possibilities for imple public involvement include groups ticular location or groups organized for a par organized for a partic example a group may form to help implement road trail and sign needs for the Mt Elden landscape district or a group may form to help implement the overall trail link ages system such as Friends of Flagstaff Trails Successful working groups within the com munity could be used as examples and some of the objectives ofthis Plan could be accom plished with their assistance These groups are the Ponderosa Fire Advisory Council PFAC County Regional Planning Committee City ular topic For and the current collaboration among law enforcement personnel In addition to lands and acquisition of open implementation space of management actions committees work groups and commis sions could serve as a conduit for discussions about open space issues Providing forums and developing this Plan would allow people with very different viewpoints to come together to discuss issues processes such as those used in These discussions could lead participants to win resolutions for issues related to open space development and management tions ecommend oversight An and jcoordi formed be gover County City see should citizen agency ideas acqui anisms mech seek identify It presented in assist part foster recreat opment devel funding obtain lands management tuse act sites accepti trust party donati ffacilitate provide also might group diThis for devel and owners land private cwith a as serve could coalition promote Neiof goals space open toward made progress on public the associ commi groups rwork iare help to appropri The Plan this agenci State or Federal compl handle would A aspects menmorum commendat oint commended shird terpreti plonduit formati gplcussi ehbornhbor ment enershi oment nsament iawtipers atotees hitnce oods oaaieoodnalnsntopiteosansgnl would trust land local tshird act beneficial adj land in party Commi goals meet commi and groups work establ be ccould a as serve dito for Agencies issues space open about onduit cussi ustments sistsitees hed ons should specific a for jointly lands managing agencies of feasibility the pursue appropriate Where collaboration gency intera continue to staff regulations and laws with Compliance Enforcement Law purpose providing public and ings meet at information sharing by channels communication streamline enforcement law designed are enforcement it law Although safety for providing and values resource maintaining in important is juneparcrfcloaiomsrgstmezdiucrmed under falls numer cies agen Nati AriPark Depar Fish Game Coconi DSheri s Servi FlForest of City the enfpatrol law Reoffi areas large very over out spread and few iare gain To compl provi to sary neces is ement oiona ditncaers mdotnalancedcianentousfsengofs recreation As trails a public lng recreat the to information and roads ishoul plbe the in lWher event group occur naclrge nniudednedsg Landscape Districts An aerial photograph of the Greater Flagstaff area shows large parcels of forested open areas surrounding the city and its transportation corridors Portions of five landscape districts are visible here including Mt Elden IMountain Old Caves and Pumphouse Wash A Walnut Canyon A total of nine landscape districts are presented in Section 3 The characteristics of each district are described in detail and specific recommendations for the retention or creation of open spaces and greenways are listed Recommendations Unique to Specific Landscape Districts Introduction Section 3 is divided into four sections per landscape district Description of Landscape District Recommended Policies Expected Outcomes of Management Recommendations Desired Futures and Lands Recommended for Retention as Qpen Space The focus in this or residential development Some tial and non consistent with Plan goals can Neighborwoods However within the Neighborwoods there are places vital to retain as undeveloped lands development also occur in portions of the These areas contain important resource values home outdoor valuable close4o section is on the characteristics of each land or scape district and on the recommendations C and recreation experience Where existing MU unique to to the district This section is designed the Recommendations Common supplement Landscape Districts in Section 2 If there to all is a conflict between recommendations in provide the Desired Futures Map development Appendix 3 precedence landscape districts there may not be a recom mendation for a particular function or use For some because the recommendations all landscape districts are common adequate to and refer At this time space These Retention Recommendations Lands within the existing Semi primitive and Primitive categories and lands with desired future of Semi primitive are recommended for retention scapes with appro priate public even where access adjacent to interstates and highways or as a Primitive natural land only a few private land parcels as have been identified for future acquisition assuming a willing seller There are however several other private parcels within the Plan as area high priority They have not been for retention as they farther removed from the urbanized and developed areas and are not considered a high risk for development at this time These parcels should be assessed as to their viability for meeting open space criteria and goals Nonetheless due to growth trends some outlying parcels that are currently undeveloped have the potential for development This could have major effects on adjacent Most parcels open potential are Open Space National lands within the Forest resources use Multiple through Conservation traffic loss of Ccategory MO are recommended for retention as well on Semi primitive strongly discouraged see as have been identified for retention identified ence to Section 2 is sufficient is designated lands have been Neighborwoods Section 2 and recommendations in Section 3 then Section 3 takes a increased scenic vistas increased use on and impacts sensitive wildlife these sites may be habitat specific Site evaluation and com suitable for residem munity involvement although a few of spondswiththeDesiredFuturesMappresentedinAppendix3DuetositecharacteristicsorcurrentagencymanagementpracticesthatimpactlandusagethelandsnotedintheDesiredFuturesandExpectedOutcomes Flagstaff Area Open Spaces must occur or prior development and Greenways to any land Plan ownership change decisions Mechanisms for retention include maintain ing existing ownership exchanging ownership or acquisition by other par ties such as land trusts homeowner associa between agencies tions or A Neighborwoods stewardship groups variety of tools for achieving these goals is listed in Appendix 1 Land Retention Prioritization Process The following lands are listed in the retention tables All State Trust lands within the Plan Seraighssinds NecllForest as m bovrwifocededs area Forest Service lands classified as Some a C fMU part were they functioned communities between buffers significant as served or whether Further vistas recreation culture wildlife topography wetlands riparian related features values included ranking used criteria resources critical with area Plan lands Private areas developed to adjacent where primitive Semi c retained if compromised highly function and integrity its have would tract large block m at evaluation further With recommended presently may entire an encompassing tracts instances some In state p a only that determined be might it level specific site Neighborwoods solely not but primarily district scape land each within retention ties priori display this in tables The conservation space open for needed is section the of ragmented onsolidated ortion nd ore porew except the fWith a asect C MU of Semi nd tioinson Semi of C MU lands primitive categories Fourth C MU Semi within other All in displayed not Primitive primitive the having with fourth and third second first rankings given been have Trust State needed linkages where lands indicate also tables The space open as retention for priority highest are district landscape each space conservation Forest open for tracts large require not do but needed linkages where those are lands priority purposes Some age link land of some requiring all with retention for priority low or high ranked been have lands Service Priands land priAll Semi lor C MU most and Neicategory within lands Service Forest Many retenti for priority high also are low the of ghbormiwtioodsvoen h received also have holdings than entity owned were if objective an still could as instances these In difficult Service administration making private intermixed boundaries their because ranked Forest National w inclusion considered lands Private ranking priority low or T presented Priorities depicted process prioritization this picture resulting basis dseller there If objectives goals greenways spaces other with together used be should rather adjustments future evaluating tool only not is tretention between s Section D 3 Appendix map Retention Land on direction range township number by locatable are tables following the in land sections The prevail toward move to areas some cause will management time Over Outcomes Expected Futures d a subsequently conditions of set corre and district landscape each for changes expected describes section This category space open iscrepancy hen ifferent hould esired illing igh he Section 3 Recommendations Unique to Districts Specific Landscape section of Management Recommendations sub qualify for the desired open space cate gory designations at the present time Because it is expected that conditions will change and that the lands indicated in did not section for each land the Desired Futures sub scape district will move into the Primitive or C category MU primitive Semi they have been high priority for retention if conditions change changes can included as be made to the map to reflect the new conditions and Lands recommended for retention designations as open spaces and their change except through a priority will review by not the Qpen Spaces Coalition for Future Land Implications Exchanges and Sales Management practices policies and legal mandates for the two primary land managers and owners are of and general different The implications recommendations for Forest Service and State Land Department land exchanges or sales respectively in the following sections are indicated Exchanges exchange proposals should be when lands received by the Forest pursued Service meet community open space goals Land or have important scenic riparian wildlife heritage resource values Land exchanges should be designed in cooperation with local agencies and the public to achieve an overall community benefit National Forest lands identified able to retain as retention as open space retention as as open space have been tized into two groupings desir priori high priority for and low priority for open space Lands in the low priority listing include areas that the adminis tering agency may consider for exchange or sale Decisions should be based on opportuni acquire and maintain higher priority lands through exchange Retention of linkages ties to and corridors should be considered when parcels are exchanged or sold Any proposed future exchange should continue to have public input and involve public agencies and the Open Spaces Coalition Site specific evaluation and community involvement should ownership change occur or develop ment decision Lands were prioritized with general infor As future discussions arise and only site information specific may require adjustments mation gathered more is Plan However all the future discussions and decisions should take into account the recommendations Future Forest Service Land or to any land prior provided in this Plan Some a land They community members have raised trade issue with the Forest Service want the Forest Service to retain all Forest Service lands in public ownership However the Plan recommends that land exchanges should remain a valid tool where they help achieve the acquisition of important private lands that if sold and State Trust or could have significant negative riparian values outdoor recreation opportunities or wildlife habitat There may also be instances in which the community will developed effects on want additional land for a community purpose such as new school sites water and sewer rights The way of location of the Flagstaff Medical Center example of a recent land exchange that ities landfill a or road facil current is an met community need Currently the C0c0nin0 National Forest Plan identifies National Forest lands that may be appropriate for land exchanges and calls them Exchange This system has led to for Base some misunderstanding that only lands exchange are available for for designated base exchange On the contrary all Forest Service Flagstaff lands Area are Open Spaces technically and Greenways available for Plan exchange Land trade proposals are considered on their individual merit and the Forest Service does pre which lands might be determine appropriate to exchange The Coconino National Forest is willing to consider managing all lands by using the tables and retention map not in this Open Spaces and Greenways Plan Thus it is recommended that the Forest Service its Exchange map for Base so that it includes lands identified within the ered area cov this Plan by Future land based update no longer on decisions exchange decisions must be the best information available when actually being made including public comment the overall goals and objec are tives recommended in the Open Spaces and Greenways Plan and any other community County or City long range planning documents Given past budget experience and expected trends the Forest Service has reduced resources for pursuing land exchanges will be unable to take on The Forest Service many land projects and those that are likely to proceed slowly It is exchange undertaken possible the APl applies only to lands within three miles of the city s corporate boundaries and the majority ofthe State Trust sections in the Plan beyond that limit Also there is no state funding source to assist in the acquisition of are these lands All available options need to be considered to ensure enue as productive This means usage to maximize rev the State Trust lands de facto open space though they serve are not managed for open space Future national legislation may allow the exchange of State lands for National Forest lands It is recommended that the options of or the purchase condemnation exchange and Arizona Preserve Initiative be considered to meet the needs of the open space system In the meantime State Trust lands with their current uses meet open space objectives State Trust lands have been prioritized for groupings first priority second priority third priority and fourth priority Some of these lands may be retention as open space in four main suitable for conservation purposes under the are that Arizona Preserve Initiative APl This Plan iden other agency involvement could facilitate land tifies State Trust lands within the three mile exchanges by assisting with some of the design public input and environmental analysis work radius of the city s corporate boundaries desig nated by the APl that could be considered for Such involvement is recommended where the conservationl It is important to note that land sections with very priority located at Rogers Lake which is outside of this three mile radius exchange meets community needs and lands acquired have been identified as high in this Plan for retention as open space high resource values some are Some of the State Land sections situated Future State Trust Land Sales south of Rogers Lake Some State Trust Land sections have been identified on their as potential resource open space lands based and outdoor recreation val Currently the Arizona State Constitution prohibits the State Land Department from public or private sector land exchanges ues Acquisition of State Trust lands purchase public Congressional legislation at tion An additional Initiative APl by federal condemna option the Arizona is now available for use communities and others a requires auction or if authorized Preserve by local Upon submission of formal petition and bond a community can request that the State Land Commissioner reclassify a parcel of Trust land conservation purposes The as suitable for community could then go to an auction to purchase or lease the land at fair market value However in Flagstaff are services and may be less These located far from urban likely to receive sale distant State lands are proposals currently managed as open space in conjunc tion with surrounding National Forest lands Forest commodity uses natural appearing land scapes and recreation access by permit are more available here The State Land Department should continue to administer these lands to meet open space Trail sections of State public opportunities desired through some land and the agencies and easements are should continue to work toward attaining linkages Notifying the Open these critical Spaces Coalition of impending sale or lease of State Trust lands would be beneficial to the implementation of this Plan Such notification may provide the opportunity for site specific evaluation and community involvement Section 3 Recommendations Continued communication with the director of the Arizona Preserve Initiative is also recom mended to aware keep the State Land of the desires of the Department Flagstaff community measure Unique to Specific Landscape Condemnation is a valid Districts tool that be used to acquire lands with high resource values as identified though the Open Spaces can and Greenways Plan The primary objective is for Forest Service lands identified for retention management of the Coconino Condemnation and Land Retention to remain under Recommendations National Forest However in the event that Should federal legislation be proposed to permit acquisition of lands by federal agencies through condemnation when there is a party willing to release lands the Open Spaces Coalition should strongly consider this exchange or acquisition is proposed that an serves the overall beneficial purpose of the Plan spe cific proposals should be considered by the agency with the decision authority Flagstaff Area Open Spaces 1 Mountain A and Greenways Ptan Landscape District Description The A IMountain landscape district Observatory Mesa and A 1 Mountain and is bordered by Thorpe Park Lowell Observatory and the Museum of Northern includes Arizona on the east Interstate 40 is to the south Bellemont lies to the west and the communities of Fort Hollow on are Valley and Hidden to the north Ponderosa pine with shrubs and grasses the forest floor and large grassy open areas make up most of this landscape district The i Mountain contain slopes of the Mesa and A thick forests with small of oak aspen and mixed conifer Springs and side drainages exist on the southern slopes of the Mesa There are pockets excellent views of the San Francisco Peaks from Observatory Mesa and the slopes of the facing Highway 180 provide a scenic vista Forest commodity uses ofthis district include grazing wood products harvesting firewood gathering and beekeeping Multiple recreation activities enjoyed here are hiking biking horseback riding dispersed camping mesa driving for pleasure cross country skiing snowmobiling occasional foot and bike races and hunting dog trials Residents of adjacent communities take opportunities for daily jog ging dog walking and other Neighborwoods activities An important wildlife travel corridor exists within this district for deer elk bear turkey and small mammals The landscape district connects the Woody Ridge area to the south with A 1 Mountain and north to the San Francisco Peaks Historical that are educational and cultural sites facilities and interpretive activities the Museum of Northern Arizona and provide Lowell Observatory Evidence of pioneer settle ment and use can be found in the Fort Valley along the Rio de Flag Fort Valley Experimental Forest The research facility is located in this landscape dis area and trict It was established after the turn of the 20th study the effects of logging grazing ponderosa pine and its regenerative capabilities This research is considered the most comprehensive long term study of its kind and is still pursued to this day century to and fire on Ponderosa pine with shrubs and grasses on the forest floor and large grassy open areas make up most of the A Mountain landscape district The slopes of Observatory Mesa and A I Mountain also contain small pockets of oak aspen and mixed conifer There are excel lent views of the San Francisco Peaks the mesa from Observatory Mesa and the slopes of facing Highway 180 provide a scenic vista Section 3 Recommendations Unique to Districts Specific Landscape 1 Mountain A The potential for ignition of a wildfire high in this landscape district Due to the prevailing winds the close proximity of buildings to dense stands of trees and Cur rent high levels of recreational use the proba bility of property loss is high Fire is a natural component of the ponderosa pine for is ecosystem and should be reintroduced to est catastrophic wildfire and healthy ecosystem In the future reduce the risk of to maintain a preferred forest ecosystem could be reached through the creation of a mix of forest condi tions in the Neighborwoods through the retention of large old pines the thinning of the younger trees to lower healthy densities and promoting grasses This area is heavily used by both west Flagstaff and Fort Valley residents and its value as a Neighborwoods should be protected in the future as there is a potential for more adja cent development on some State Land sections and as yet undeveloped private lands Collaboration at all levels public and private and needs to be established strengthened to accomplish needed to preserve the rain them in an or continued the goals resources and main eco environment healthy the area s open space values The Museum of Northern Arizona is also a scientific cultural and educational asset to the Flagstaff commu nity Continue to promote outdoor education opportunities in conjunction with the public event activities at the museum Fire Because of the area s close proximity to urban areas with water and other services nearby longer term campsites are sometimes Uses and Values Recommendations established here increasing the risk of wildfires public agency safety efforts Encourage multi Cultural Sites end Uses that prevent the establishment of such camps while recognizing that the forest can and should The Fort Valley Experimental Station was experimental forest established in the country Support the use of the Experimental Station as an educational and research facility Promote protection of the remaining original historic buildings the first diverse palette of recreational including shorbterm camping serve a Forest Commodity Uses existing mining claim sites require appropriate mitigation measures to lessen At the visual effects from Education and Research Highway 180 and Interstate 40 There are no areas within this Flag could provide educational opportunities prehistorical historical and ecological topics Consider partnerships with The Rio de on landscape district identified for withdrawal from future mining claims the Museum of Northern Arizona the Pioneer History Museum and other institutions to Recreation Corridors and enhance the opportunities for outdoor class of transportation is Develop Linkages and maintain alternate modes linkages between Lowell scientific cultural and educational asset to the Observatory Thorpe Park Rio de Flag the Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum Flagstaff community and Coconino Center for the Arts the Museum room instruction Lowell uses Observatory Continue to a promote out door education opportunities in conjunction with the activities at the Lowell Visitor Center of Northern Arizona and the Fort Valley Section 17 T21N R6E Experimental Forest and from these sites to neighborhoods in the City of Flagstaff and the in County Appendix see Land Retention map is owned by Lowell and adds to 3 communities of Hidden Hollow and