Flagstaff plan narrows proposed trail mileage on Observatory Mesa after four years of public input

Summary

City staff and consultants presented a draft trail plan that reduces proposed new trail mileage, prioritizes restoration of unauthorized routes and sets phased implementation pending council adoption and state review; the plan drew sharp public comment both for and against more managed trails and for preserving habitat buffers around springs.

City of Flagstaff open‑space staff and consultants presented a revised Observatory Mesa area trail plan May 13 that reduces proposed new trail mileage and lays out phased adoption and restoration steps; staff said they will return to council in June with a resolution asking for formal adoption and then seek Arizona State Parks review under the property’s conservation easement.

Robert Wallace, open‑space program staff, said the city purchased the four sections that comprise Observatory Mesa with bond match funds and a Growing Smarter grant; the purchase included a conservation easement held by Arizona State Parks that requires the property be retained for conservation with recreational access. Wallace said staff consulted Arizona State Parks and Coconino National Forest while developing the plan and believes the revised concept fits within the deed’s restrictions.

Mark Loeseth, the project consultant, outlined a public process that ran in phases and produced three…

Flagstaff plan narrows proposed trail mileage on Observatory Mesa after four years of public input

Summary

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