14.A.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 04/02/2013
- Submitted For:
- McKenzie Jones, Sustainability Specialist
- From:
- McKenzie Jones, Sustainability Specialist
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State Parks: The purpose of the Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State Parks is to outline mutual responsibilities in implementing the Arizona Site Steward Program at Picture Canyon.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
-
Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Arizona State Parks to implement the Arizona Site Steward Program at Picture Canyon.
Policy Decision or Reason for Action:
Approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement is necessary to implement the Arizona Site Steward Program at Picture Canyon.
Financial Impact:
Approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement results in no cost to the City of Flagstaff and has the potential to reduce maintenance and security costs due to the presence of volunteer surveillance through the Arizona Site Steward Program.
Connection to Council Goal:
Fund existing and consider expanded recreational services.
As critical riparian habitat, a popular recreation corridor, and home to over 125 Northern Sinaguan petroglyph panels, the Picture Canyon Preserve is a natural and cultural recreation amenity for northern Arizona. Picture Canyon hosts a segment of the Arizona Trail and provides for future Flagstaff Urban Trail System segments that promote connectivity for non-motorized transportation and recreation. Arizona Game & Fish has identified Picture Canyon as an important wildlife habitat and a significant site in their Watchable Wildlife program. The Arizona Site Steward Program will increase informal surveillance of the Picture Canyon Preserve through the use of volunteers trained to inventory archaeological sites and report vandalism. Participating in the Site Steward Program will assist with cultural resources protection, which supports Resolution 2012-12 and helps fulfill the requirements of the State Parks conservation easement.
As critical riparian habitat, a popular recreation corridor, and home to over 125 Northern Sinaguan petroglyph panels, the Picture Canyon Preserve is a natural and cultural recreation amenity for northern Arizona. Picture Canyon hosts a segment of the Arizona Trail and provides for future Flagstaff Urban Trail System segments that promote connectivity for non-motorized transportation and recreation. Arizona Game & Fish has identified Picture Canyon as an important wildlife habitat and a significant site in their Watchable Wildlife program. The Arizona Site Steward Program will increase informal surveillance of the Picture Canyon Preserve through the use of volunteers trained to inventory archaeological sites and report vandalism. Participating in the Site Steward Program will assist with cultural resources protection, which supports Resolution 2012-12 and helps fulfill the requirements of the State Parks conservation easement.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
In 2012, Council passed Resolution 2012-12, a resolution adopting a cultural resources policy for Picture Canyon. The resolution requires that the City comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, standards, procedures, and guidelines governing the protection of cultural resources at Picture Canyon.
Options and Alternatives:
· Option A – Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State Parks.
· Option B – Not approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona State Parks and utilize City staff to track vandalism of archaeological sites.
Community Involvement:
Involve
The public has been actively involved throughout the entire Picture Canyon Preserve acquisition process. On February 14, 2012, Arizona State Land Department held a public comment hearing on the reclassification of Picture Canyon for conservation purposes. Over 300 community members attended and all of the testimony received was in support of the conservation of Picture Canyon. Now that the City owns the Picture Canyon Preserve, staff have continued to involve the public in discussions about the long-term management of the property. As the citizen commission dedicated to open space management, the City Open Spaces Commission has been informed of the potential partnership with Arizona State Parks. In addition to the Open Spaces Commission, City staff meets monthly with the Picture Canyon Working Group, a group of citizens dedicated to the long-term management and conservation of Picture Canyon. With the assistance of the Picture Canyon Working Group, staff are currently working to develop the long-range management plan for the Picture Canyon Preserve.
The public has been actively involved throughout the entire Picture Canyon Preserve acquisition process. On February 14, 2012, Arizona State Land Department held a public comment hearing on the reclassification of Picture Canyon for conservation purposes. Over 300 community members attended and all of the testimony received was in support of the conservation of Picture Canyon. Now that the City owns the Picture Canyon Preserve, staff have continued to involve the public in discussions about the long-term management of the property. As the citizen commission dedicated to open space management, the City Open Spaces Commission has been informed of the potential partnership with Arizona State Parks. In addition to the Open Spaces Commission, City staff meets monthly with the Picture Canyon Working Group, a group of citizens dedicated to the long-term management and conservation of Picture Canyon. With the assistance of the Picture Canyon Working Group, staff are currently working to develop the long-range management plan for the Picture Canyon Preserve.
Council Action:
04/02/2013 - EAB - Council approved unanimously.