Coconino advisory group reviews parks, open-space and trails chapter; debate focuses on wording, mapping and OHV impacts

Coconino County’s comprehensive-plan advisory group reviewed the draft Parks, Open Space, Trails and Recreation chapter during a hybrid advisory meeting, with Parks and Recreation staff and wildlife planners answering questions and advisory members proposing wording changes, map corrections and policy additions.

The draft chapter was presented by county Parks and Recreation staff, who described county-managed parks, natural areas and the trails the department maintains. Cynthia Newman, Parks and Recreation director, introduced the county parks material and staff: “I’m Cynthia Newman, and I’m the Parks and Recreation director.” Jessica Simmons, wildlife planner, added her role: “I’m Jessica Simmons. I’m the wildlife planner for the county. I work with Melissa, and, incidentally, I also work for Parks and Rec.” Liz, Parks Recreation staff, answered trail and recreation questions: “This is Liz from Parks Recreation. I can speak to a little bit of that.”

Advisory members requested specific edits and clarifications. Several members asked for wording changes to the chapter’s climate language: advisory member Jim Parks proposed removing the word “mitigate” and inserting “weather patterns” in the phrase that currently reads “mitigate and adapt to climate change.” After discussion, some members and staff supported keeping “mitigate” to preserve an active responsibility in the language; advisory member Thad said, “I tend to like mitigate in the sentence also because it it reminds us that as we make decisions and do things that we want to take into account the impact.” The group agreed to…