Legally Designated Open Space Management Plan - McMillan Mesa Natural Area Management Chapter:

Provide comment on the proposed McMillan Mesa Management chapter of the Legally Designated Open Space Management Plan. With City Council input the chapter will be brought back to City Council in early 2020 to be adopted into the Legally Designated Open Space Management Plan, which is the guiding document for managing the natural area within Flagstaff.

Community members and local organizations have advocated for the preservation of the greater McMillan Mesa area for decades. On November 8, 2016, approximately 86% of Flagstaff voters voted in favor of Proposition 413 – Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park. Even though the current zoning allows for the passive recreation uses required by the proposition. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment (Resolution Number 2018-50) on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. The resolution went into effect on November 15, 2018. The rezoning application is currently in process, although the submission requires an unfunded cultural study. Given the situation of the budget and revenues in the general fund, the City is suggesting this cultural study is considered as part of the upcoming budget process.
 
The land affected by Proposition 413 is zoned as Public Facilities and Rural Residential (as of March 2019), both of which permit “Outdoor Public Uses, General” and “Passive Recreation” as allowed uses (Zoning Code 10-40.30.030 and 10-40.30.060). Therefore, the City can plan and develop trails, trailheads, parking, and other amenities consistent with the initiative. According to the Ordinance, the City cannot sell the land or permit any of the other allowed uses under Public Facilities and Rural Residential. Therefore, it is protected as de facto conservation land given the development limitations. Staff surveyed the community to gather their input on how to manage the property. Over 400 community members provided input. Respondents indicated a preference that developments/improvements be minimized, and that the property is kept as natural as possible. People stated that infrastructure, such as signage, trails, and restrooms be minimal. There was also an emphasis on maintaining the health of the ecosystem, protecting viewsheds, and preventing encroachment on the property. Based on community feedback, staff prepared the management plan to ensure proper and effective management, to provide continuity of management, and to form a framework for decision making.
 

Previous Council Input:

• March 2007: Open Spaces Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission developed a common plan for the City owned properties on McMillan Mesa. City Council provided direction related to next steps.
• June 2007: Council considered the McMillan Mesa Public Properties Concept Plan prepared jointly for the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Open Spaces Commission.  City Council provided feedback.
• November 2016: City Council approved Proposition 413 ballot measure for poll.
• October 2018: City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment (Resolution Number 2018-50).
• November 2018: McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment resolution went into effect.

 
Proposition 413:
Proposition 413 restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation (Initiative Number 2016-02). The results of the election were canvassed and approved by Resolution Number 2016-38 on November 28, 2016. The preservation of these lands was enacted through the voter initiative process and, therefore, can only be amended by the City Council if the proposed amendment furthers the original purpose of Proposition 413. Any substantive changes that do not further the purpose would have to go back to the voters. This provides the highest level of protection available.
 
Community Survey:
The community survey was open from March 29, 2018, through October 5, 2018. Staff received 366 responses to the community forum, 25 written comments, and approximately 20 verbal comments. 96% of participants reported using the FUTS trails and sidewalks to access the natural area, while 65% reported using the AZ Trail. When indicating what they most value about McMillan Mesa Natural Area, 41% selected recreational opportunities, 33% ecological resources, and 14% views of San Francisco Peaks. Community members indicated using the natural area for a wide variety of recreational activities:

• 91% walking/hiking
• 56% watching wildlife
• 54% biking
• 44% dog walking
• 43% running
• 22% cross country skiing
• 19% snowshoeing

 
Connection to Council Goal and Regional Plan: 
Council Goals: 
Enhance public transparency and accessibility
Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources
 
Regional Plan: 
Goal OS.1. The region has a system of open lands, such as undeveloped natural areas, wildlife corridors and habitat areas, trails, access to public lands, and greenways to support the natural environment that sustains our quality of life, cultural heritage, and ecosystem health. 
Goal LU.3. Continue to enhance the region’s unique sense of place within the urban, suburban, and rural context (Policy LU.3.3). 
Goal CC.2. Preserve, restore, and rehabilitate heritage resources to better appreciate our culture. 
Goal ED.7. Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff’s unique sense of place as an economic driver. 
Goal REC.1. Maintain and grow the region’s healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.