Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2015-34:  A resolution adopting the Picture Canyon Management Plan. 

The City acquired 478 acres at Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve in 2012 using funds from the 2004 voter-approved Open Space bond and a 2012 Arizona State Parks Growing Smarter Grant. As part of the acquisition process, a conservation easement was granted to Arizona State Parks which specifically outlines construction, access, and development limitations at the Preserve. Additionally, the acquisition process requires that a management plan be in place to guide management activities and projects at the Preserve.

This decision has no financial impact on the City. 

COUNCIL GOALS:
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
8) Improve effectiveness of notification, communication, and engagement with residents, neighborhoods and businesses and about City services, programs, policies, projects and developments
9) Foster relationships and maintain economic development commitment to partners

REGIONAL PLAN:
Goal E&C.4. Integrate available science into policies governing the use and conservation of Flagstaff’s natural resources.
 
Goal E&C.6. Protect, restore, and improve ecosystem health and maintain native plant and animal community diversity across all land ownerships in the Flagstaff region.

Goal E&C.8. Maintain areas of natural quiet and reduce noise pollution.

Goal E&C.9. Protect soils through conservation practices.
 
Goal E&C.10. Protect indigenous wildlife populations, localized and larger-scale wildlife habitats, ecosystem processes, and wildlife movement areas throughout the planning area.

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 CC.1. Reflect and respect the region’s natural setting and dramatic views in the built environment.
 
Goal CC.2. Preserve, restore, and rehabilitate heritage resources to better appreciate our culture.
 
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 WR.6. Protect, preserve, and improve the quality of surface water, groundwater, and reclaimed water in the region.
 
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. 

On June 7, 2011, Council adopted Resolution 2011-22 in support of the preservation of Picture Canyon. On April 3, 2012, Council adopted Resolution 2012-12 to reclassify Picture Canyon for conservation purposes. On October 16, 2012, Council adopted Ordinance 2012-16 authorizing the purchase of Picture Canyon. On July 15, 2014, Council adopted Resolution 2014-29 in support of dedicating two trails in Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve the “Tom Moody Trail” and “Don Weaver Trail”. On April 7, 2015, Council adopted Resolution 2016-09 in support of applying for $74,446 of Recreation Trails Program grant funds to fund trail system improvement projects at Picture Canyon.

Option A – Adopt Resolution No. 2015-34 as submitted and authorize adoption of the Picture Canyon Management Plan. 
Option B – Do not adopt Resolution No. 2015-34 and do not authorize adoption of the Picture Canyon Management Plan.

As critical wildlife habitat and a popular recreation corridor, Picture Canyon is a natural and cultural amenity for the northern Arizona community. Efforts to formally protect Picture Canyon started decades ago. A milestone was achieved in April 2012 when the Flagstaff City Council approved the application to acquire Picture Canyon for conservation purposes through the Growing Smarter Grant process with Resolution 2012-12. As part of the acquisition process, a conservation easement was granted to Arizona State Parks which specifically outlines construction, access, and development limitations at the Preserve. Additionally, the acquisition process requires that a management plan be in place to guide management activities and projects at the Preserve.

Given that Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve is a very complex property with extensive cultural resources, Rio de Flag watershed implications, and sensitive wildlife habitat areas, there are various management requirements and considerations associated with managing the property and remaining compliant within local, state, and federal regulations. The Management Plan identifies specific management considerations and action items to improve the Preserve, while remaining within the legal parameters of the Arizona State Parks conservation easement. The Plan identifies five management goals for the Preserve:
 
-  Maintain, protect, and restore watershed health, including the Rio de Flag and associated wetland zones.
-  Maintain and protect diverse and healthy wildlife populations.
-  Protect all cultural resources present.
-  Provide opportunities for public use.
-  Maintain and develop partnerships that facilitate resource management and protection.

This decision has no financial impact on the City. Action items identified in the Plan are necessary to support and maintain compliance with the Conservation Easement.  Action items will be funded by a variety of sources including the Sustainability Program Open Space authorized budget, the Recreational Trails Program grant, and volunteer assistance.

Having an exhaustive management plan for Picture Canyon will allow staff to quickly address community concerns at the Preserve because appropriate processes will be place. Specific chapters outline processes to improve public access, treat invasive species, and enhance forest health and public safety by treating forest resources. These actions and processes directly benefit the Flagstaff community by reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire and the spread of invasive species to adjacent properties.
 
The action items included in the Picture Canyon Management Plan, including improving the trail system at Picture Canyon by constructing and maintaining trails, naturalizing roads, and installing trail markers and educational signs, will help protect cultural resources and improve visitor experiences at Picture Canyon. Additionally, these projects will provide an opportunity for members of the Flagstaff community to learn about geology, ecology, hydrology, and archaeology while engaging in outdoor recreation. Well-constructed trails benefit the community by providing opportunities for outdoor recreation within their neighborwoods.

Collaborate - Staff worked with many community partners to develop the Picture Canyon Management Plan, including natural and cultural resource management experts from Arizona Game and Fish Department, State Historic Preservation Office, Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff Fire Department, Coconino National Forest, Arizona State Parks, Arizona State Museum, and affiliated tribes. Experts from these agencies drafted entire chapters of the Plan while also reviewing and editing subsequent drafts until content was complete. Collaborating with experts from community partners ensures that best available science and management practices are included in the Plan.
 
On August 27, 2015, the City of Flagstaff Open Spaces Commission unanimously voted to recommend the Picture Canyon Management Plan for adoption by Council. On September 16, 2015, the Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed the Plan and had no questions or comments.

Option A – Adopt Resolution No. 2015-34 as submitted and authorize adoption of the Picture Canyon Management Plan. This option allows staff to implement collaborative processes for managing the Preserve using best available science and management practices.
Option B – Do not adopt Resolution No. 2015-34 and do not authorize adoption of the Picture Canyon Management Plan. This option would result in staff continuing to conduct management efforts at the Preserve without the guidance of a management plan.