In August of 2017, a collaboration of local agencies – the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Area National Monuments, and Flagstaff Biking Organization – received a grant for planning assistance via the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to support a multi-agency regional trail planning process referred to as the Flagstaff Trails Initiative (FTI).
 
This agenda item is intended to introduce the FTI project and provide information about the process.

Trails and access to open space and the forest help make Flagstaff a better place to live and visit. They contribute to the quality of life, wellness, and economic development of our community by providing opportunities for residents and visitors to recreate within and experience our natural environment.   The City, Coconino National Forest, Coconino County, and Flagstaff Area National Monuments collectively manage more than 350 miles of non-motorized recreational and commuter trails, including FUTS and single-track trails, in the region. Flagstaff’s trails receive a significant amount of use from residents and visitors and are one of our most prominent community assets. Unfortunately, there are relatively few dedicated resources available for trail construction, stewardship or maintenance.   Every regional plan for the Flagstaff area – including City, County, and National Forest plans – identify trails as an important community asset that should be enhanced. However, there has not been a holistic and strategic effort specifically to address trails planning for nearly 20 years.   The FTI provides an inclusive process to assess Flagstaff’s existing trail system and plan for improvements.    FTI is a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional recreational trail planning initiative that works with stakeholders and the public to improve the quality, connectivity, and support for an integrated, regional trail system. The planning initiative will focus on strategies, actions, and implementation of projects to enhance the trail network; and help the project partners leverage future grants, funding opportunities, and volunteer work. A detailed description of the FTI project is provided in the attached summary.   A two-year process is anticipated, which means the project will be underway through 2019. The first extended stakeholder group meeting will be in late March, with opportunities for public involvement beginning this summer.