The city of Flagstaff is seeking public input on the future of a beloved area.
Back in 2016, Flagstaff voters approved Proposition 413, ordering the city council to set aside 300 acres of city land on McMillan Mesa as permanent open space. This can only be changed by another vote of Flagstaff citizens.
Now, members of city staff are asking residents to provide input on the best ways to maintain and ultimately improve the grasslands, which are home to native plants and prairie dogs. The property also includes a section of the historic Beale Wagon road.
Last month, the city hosted a community celebration honoring the preservation of the natural area. Attendees helped with community service projects, including an invasive weed pull, and they also provided feedback on the city’s proposed management strategy.
Officials say that, because Prop. 413 was a community initiative, it’s important for residents to have their say in the future of McMillan Mesa.
The city is currently in charge of about 3,100 acres of open property, including Picture Canyon and Observatory Mesa. The McMillan Mesa area is different from the others because it is close to the center of the city.
Getting public input will help the staff refine the management plan to suit the community’s needs. The department has posted a survey on the online forum for community members to submit. Questions include what people value most about the area, what trails they prefer to use and changes they would like to see in the future.
To fill out the survey and provide valuable feedback, please visit https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/227/Issue_6127