HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__01-25-22_0828_309
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Chairman Scott Grzybowski
Vice Chairman - Vacant
Commissioner Thomas Aiello
Commissioner Bill Craig
Commissioner Janice Holden
Commissioner Steven Nurney
Commissioner D.J. Willard
TIME:5:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022
WHERE:FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Commissioners of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s Council, various Commission, Committee or Board members may be in attendance at the Commission meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child. Meetings
of the Commission are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present may be subject
to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town Clerk to such
recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be made. If a
child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to A.R.S.
§1-602.A.9 have been waived.
REQUEST TO COMMENT
The public is welcome to participate in Commission meetings.
TO SPEAK TO AN AGENDA ITEM, please complete a Request to Comment card, located in the back of
the Council Chambers, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion of that item, if
possible. Include the agenda item on which you wish to comment. Speakers will be allowed three
contiguous minutes to address the Commission. Verbal comments should be directed through the
Presiding Officer and not to individual Commissioners.
TO COMMENT ON AN AGENDA ITEM IN WRITING ONLY, please complete a Request to Comment card,
indicating it is a written comment, and check the box on whether you are FOR or AGAINST and agenda
item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Grzybowski
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to reasonable
time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on matters raised
during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion
of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter, or
(iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.
4.CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the meeting of
November 23, 2021
5.CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the special meeting
of January 5, 2022
6.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appointment of a Vice Chairperson
7.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Commission Vacancy
8.CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of Trail Master Plan
9.DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Golden Eagle and Adero Canyon Trailhead Info Signs
10.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Action Items
11.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder
12.UPDATE: Sonoran Conservancy Fountain Hills
13.ADJOURNMENT
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of January 25, 2022 2 of 3
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing notice was duly posted in accordance with the statement filed
by the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission with the Town Clerk.
Dated this 20th day of January 2022.
___________________________________________
Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5199 (voice) or
1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Commission with this agenda are
available for review in the Community Services' Office.
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of January 25, 2022 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language):
CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the meeting of November
23, 2021
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/19/2022 12:52 PM
Final Approval Date: 01/19/2022
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language):
CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the special meeting of
January 5, 2022
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/20/2022 09:50 AM
Final Approval Date: 01/20/2022
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language):
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appointment of a Vice Chairperson
Staff Summary (Background)
Ms. Goodwin and Chairman Grzybowski received the resignation notification from Tom Barberic due to
moving out of Fountain Hills. It will be necessary to appoint a new Vice Chairman to MMPC.
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/04/2022 10:22 AM
Final Approval Date: 01/04/2022
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): REVIEW AND
DISCUSSION: Commission Vacancy
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/20/2022 08:29 AM
Final Approval Date: 01/20/2022
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language):
CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of Trail Master Plan
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
MMPC Trail Master Plan - Jan 10, 2022
SCFH Comments Plan B
Master Plan 2004
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/19/2022 12:55 PM
Final Approval Date: 01/19/2022
Jan 10, 2022
January 10, 2022 revisions Draft – Part 1
Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve
Trail Master Plan 2022
Purpose
It is generally acknowledged that trails in the Preserve are a significant benefit to the Town and
add to the quality of life in Fountain Hills. However, at some point in the future the Preserve
trail system will be “built out”.
The purpose of this Trail Master Plan is to determine and specify what, if any, additional trails
may eventually be added to the Preserve over time, while maintaining an appropriate balance
of the criteria specified by the Town, the 2004 Preserve Master Plan and the MMPC Guidelines.
It is anticipated that no additional trails will be constructed in the Preserve beyond those
presented in this Master Plan. Additionally, in the future each proposed trail must be qualified
by a current and thorough vetting process.
Background
In 1996 the Town of Fountain Hills established the McDowell Mountain Preserve Commission to
“provide trails, trail head locations and safeguard the Preserve”.
Specifically, the Town’s stated intention is, in part, to “maintain the existing, undisturbed desert
landscape” and accomplish the following:
1. Provide for the development of a trail system within the Preserve
2. Grant public access into the Preserve
3. Limit human encroachment to specific areas within the Preserve
4. Protect wildlife habitat
In 1997 the MMPC voted to establish the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills, with the
stipulation that their Board must include one or more MMPC Commissioners. Trail building was
a high priority, with all work and programs in the Preserve based on MMPC requests and
approvals.
In 2004 the FH Town Council approved a comprehensive Preserve Master Plan which provides
further detail regarding their intent. The 2004 Preserve Master Plan mission statement is:
The mission is to preserve this setting for present and future residents
as an open space-conservation Preserve.
Pertinent to the development of this Trail Master Plan is an action item from Goal 4 of the 2004
Preserve Master Plan: “Construction of specific walking trails to provide the public with
opportunity to explore all directions within the Preserve”.
In 2020 the MMPC adopted “Guidelines for the Management of the FH Preserve”. They are
consistent with the 2004 Preserve Master Plan. The Guidelines anticipate further trail
development and include additional criteria for trail design and trail density:
1. Provide a diversity of experiences on Preserve trails
2. Consider trail density and usage
3. Be sensitive to impact on neighboring communities
To add perspective and basis to the Trail Master Plan, a forward-looking document, it is helpful
to first assess the current state and character of the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain
Preserve. The existing trail system evolved prior to the current MMPC vetting criteria.
The Promenade, Overlook, Western Loop, Easy and Sonoran trails were the “foundation” trails
in the Preserve spelled out in the 2004 Preserve Master Plan. In the last eight years the
Andrews-Kinsey, Lower Sonoran, alternate Bike Route, and Ridgeline trails were constructed by
the Trailblazers. The Lower Ridgeline trail will be completed by early 2022.
The chronology of current trails in the Preserve:
Date Trail Name Distance
2002 Promenade 0.8 (existing Jeep trail)
2003 Overlook 0.6
2006 Western Loop 1.3
2007 Easy 0.1
2008 Sonoran 1.8
2009 Sonoran to Dixie Mine 0.6
2014 Andrews-Kinsey 0.5
2017 Lower Sonoran 2.1
2018 Bike Loop 0.5
2019 Ridgeline 1.3
2022 Lower Ridgeline 0.8
Until 2010 access to the Preserve was restricted to guided hikes only, led by SCFH members.
Hikers were then allowed to park about one mile from the Preserve entrance and hike up an
unpaved road to the trailhead. Public access over an unpaved road to the Adero Canyon
trailhead was allowed beginning in 2012. This was then limited to weekends only during early
construction of the Adero Canyon housing development. Construction of the Adero Canyon
Trailhead (ACT) was completed in 2018. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held November 17,
2018 to celebrate the opening of the trailhead. The road to the Adero Canyon Trailhead was
paved in 2020.
The MMPC believes the existing FH McDowell Mountain Preserve trail system adheres to the
intent of the Town, the 2004 Preserve Master Plan and the MMPC Guidelines and would pass
the vetting process to which future trails are subject.
Some neighborhood concerns have been expressed with previous trail additions. Eagles Nest
residents expressed concerns relative to the Lower Sonoran trail when it was proposed.
Meetings with the Eagles Nest HOA and some minor rerouting of the trail alleviated those
concerns. One outcome from those discussions was that 300 feet of separation between a
residential property line and a trail was an acceptable offset. One Shadow Canyon homeowner
expressed his concern regarding the Lower Ridgeline trail, but only after the trail was approved
and well under construction.
Neighborhood impact is clearly a sensitivity that must be managed prior to the building of any
new trails in the Preserve.
The MMPC believes the current public view of the Preserve is highly positive. Community input
to the Community Services Master Plan of 2021 has indicated a strong desire for additional
trails.
However, there is a recognition by the MMPC that there is a limit to how many additional trails,
if any, are appropriate in the Preserve. The challenge the MMPC has is to maintain a balance
between keeping the current character of the Preserve with providing additional public access
for its enjoyment.
This Trail Master Plan contains the MMPC’s analysis and recommendations regarding a long-
term vision of future trails in the Preserve. It does not address the timing of trail additions,
other than recommending the next trail to be built.
Trail Options
The geographic footprint of the Preserve and the existing trails in the Preserve suggest these
possible areas for additional trail development:
1. North Leg – a trail, initially out and back only or potentially later a loop trail, from the
Promenade trail extending into the north arm of the Preserve.
2. Upper Sonoran Trail – a trail providing an additional option from the Sonoran Trail with
a possible connection to the Western Loop trail.
3. Sunridge Loop – a loop trail from near the end of the Ridgeline Trail.
4. Quartz Trail Connector – a trail connecting to an extension of the current Quartz trail in
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Another option, a new access to the Preserve at the junction of Sunridge Drive and Desert
Canyon Drive, would accommodate an easy connection to the Sunridge Loop.
This additional access point to the Preserve is part of the long-term Trail Master Plan. However,
it is contingent on the completion of the Sunridge neighborhood park and parking lot by the
Town, as well as obtaining access to the Preserve via an easement through Sunridge HOA
property. The timing of these is highly uncertain.
Therefore, assessment of a trail from a Sunridge Access point has been tabled until the
uncertainties and timing of the Sunridge Park, parking lot, and HOA easement is resolved.
Sunridge access
Quartz Trail
Connector
Process for Trail Master Plan development
The various options were considered, both individually and in the aggregate, and vetted via the
MMPC Guidelines vetting process (see Appendix).
Additional factors included in the analysis are:
• Impact on the image of the Town of FH
• Impact on Trailhead parking
• Impact to wildlife
• Impact on neighboring communities
• Impact on trail density
• Difficulty level of building the trail
• Ability to use professional trail builders, i.e., equipment access
Analysis of Trail Options
Each of the three trail options are geographically separated. Therefore, each trail is considered
on its own relative to trail density.
Criteria common to all Options
Many of the vetting criteria and additional factors apply equally to the remaining three trail
options considered:
Do they meet the Guiding Principles?
• The Guiding Principles are to: maintain the natural beauty of the Preserve, minimize
human impact, prioritize conservation over development, and provide public access.
While the addition of new trails will impact the natural state of the Preserve and
increase human impact, the Plan intends that new construction will be carefully
considered and carried out in a way that will minimize impact while providing the public
with additional, desired trails.
• The ability to give priority to conservation over development will require that each
proposed trail in the future be thoroughly vetted at that time
Do they complement or conflict with the mission to Preserve the Preserve?
The additional trails present a challenge – how to maintain a balance between keeping the
current character of the Preserve and providing additional public access for its enjoyment. The
Trail Master Plan 2022 attempts to solve for these issues.
Do they take into consideration Town input?
• The Town of Fountain Hills has tasked the MMPC with, among other things, “to provide
for the development of a trail system within the Preserve”. Community input to the
Community Services Master Plan of April 2021 has indicated a strong desire for
additional trails, including Greater Trail Connectivity, Long Range Trail Plans,
Environmental Education Center, Development of Outdoor and Environmental
Programs, Fitness and Wellness Programs. The unique characteristic of the Preserve
could satisfy many of these aspirations
What problem or need do they satisfy?
• The addition of trails in the Preserve serves to help accomplish the Town of Fountain
Hills desire to provide for the development of a trail system within the Preserve and
serves to help fulfill community input for a desire for additional trails.
• Additional trails also help to achieve the 2004 Preserve Master Plan vision of
“construction of specific walking trails to provide the public with opportunity to explore
all directions within the Preserve”.
What are the funding requirements?
• Funding requirements are minimal. Labor to build and maintain the trails is done on a
volunteer basis. Minor funds will be required for signage and updating of on-line trail
maps.
• Future trail building & maintenance could become problematic for this volunteer group
in terms of safety, expertise, training and equipment. Funding may be required to solve
for these potential issues
What is the potential impact on the image of the Town of FH?
• One of the appeals of Fountain Hills is the Preserve and the ability of people to enjoy the
Preserve via a trail system. Additional hiking options in the Preserve will enhance that
image.
•
What is the impact on Trailhead parking?
• Hiking activity in the Preserve is very seasonal. Parking capacity at Adero Canyon
Trailhead may be reached on weekend mornings during the high hiking season (mid-
November through March). This is approximately 5 per cent of the time the Preserve is
open for hiking. Additional trails in the Preserve will incrementally add to this demand.
This can be mitigated by the Town by allowing parking on Eagle Ridge Drive on
weekends during the peak hiking season.
• Parking limitations will actually improve trail user density. If the amount of parking
spaces remains the same, it will limit additional users regardless of how many new trails
are added.
What is the impact on wildlife in the Preserve?
• Without an extensive study on wildlife movements, it is difficult to anticipate the impact
on current habitats. However, years of continuous construction in the adjacent
neighborhoods have likely already forced alternate environments for some of the
Preserve’s wildlife.
• The impact on wildlife will be considered when vetting any potential new trails.
What is the input from SCFH?
• [This section waiting on SCFH input]
APPENDIX
IDEA FLOW AND MMPC IDEA VETTING PROCESS
The following idea qualification process was adopted by the MMPC in 2019.
This process would be applied as additional consideration filters following
compliance with the Guiding Principles and used by the working groups to
assess new ideas and issues. Step 1 - VETTING:
1. Does it meet the Guiding Principles?
2. Does it complement or conflict with our mission to Preserve the Preserve? 3. Does it take the source into consideration - Town, Community, SCFH, within MMPC? (Town source should take priority) 4. What problem does it solve or what need does it satisfy?
5. What are the funding requirements? (both capital and expense as well as
necessary or long-term funding sources) 6. What is the level of effort to pursue? (Is it achievable within the means of the MMPC?)
Step 2 – APPROVAL (presented by Working Group at a monthly MMPC meeting) 1. Outline the problem or need.
2. Provide several possible scenarios with pros and cons for each. 3. If appropriate, provide a recommendation for approval/disapproval. Step 3 – PRIORITIZATION (once approved)
1. Are there time constraints in implementing the idea? (budget deadlines, seasonal considerations, resource availability, etc.) 2. Will funding complexities affect completion?
1/17/2022 Page 1 of 6
SCFH COMMENTS ON THE
MMPC MASTER PLAN
January 2022
A.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) has been asked to provide its input on the MMPC’s
(McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission) Trail Master Plan. SCFH agrees that the Fountain Hills
McDowell Mountain Preserve (Preserve) is either approaching or at “build out” of trails.
Our Preserve is not set in a wilderness environment. It is an “Urban” Preserve. Therefore, it is incumbent
upon the MMPC, SCFH and the Town of Fountain Hills (Town) to take a conservationist’s approach to
preserving the essence of the Preserve, including careful vetting of additional trails, ensuring additional
trails add value, minimizing the impact on trail density, supporting user safety, and managing to properly
maintain trails to ensure that the Preserve remains a place where Open Space is protected while the user
experiences the natural desert environment.
Furthermore, a highlight to living in Fountain Hills is the readily available access to McDowell Sonoran
Preserve (30,500 acres with over 225 miles of trails), McDowell Mountain Regional Park (21,099 acres
with 50 miles of trails), and the Tonto National Forest with nearly 3 million ‘wilderness ’acres for
recreational opportunities. There is no need to unnecessarily over populate our 824 acre Preserve.
Preservation of the view of the Preserve from the Town was identified in the 2004 Preserve Master Plan
vision and is important to the Town and to its residents. Minimizing impact is critically important.
B.RECOMMENDATIONS
The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills Board (Board) reviewed the Trail Master Plan in detail. It
reviewed it for consistency with the MMPC’s Guidelines and SCFH’s Mission Statement and Objectives
(Exhibit A). It also considered the possibility that no additional trails will be built or that any additional trails
may be built in phases over the next 10 years. If proper and thorough vetting by the MMPC concludes
that additional trails are acceptable, the Board agreed as follows:
1. NORTH LEG TRAIL - The Board supports an out and back only trail from the Promenade Trail
extending into the north arm of the Preserve.
2. UPPER SONORAN TRAIL - This trail has not been fully vetted by the Board yet the Board would
support further vetting taking into careful consideration the difficulties in access and construction.
The Board agrees that this trail may be difficult to construct due to the rugged terrain. Difficulty of
construction should therefore be considered during vetting. The Board does not agree that foot
access would necessarily be an issue since access is only one mile at the near end and two
miles at the far end. However, during full vetting the difficulty of access and determination of
whether equipment use is required should be evaluated.
3. SONORAN QUARTZ CONNECTOR TRAIL - The benefit of this proposed trail is that it would
offer a second interconnect between Fountain Hills and Scottsdale Preserves, as well as
providing access to one of the tallest peaks in the McDowells. It also offers the least impact on
1/17/2022 Page 2 of 6
the Preserve because the majority of this trail resides in a remote section of the McDowell
Sonoran Preserve. This trail was considered several years ago by the City of Scottsdale and the
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. It remains under consideration although there is no current
plan for action. This trail is only possible with Scottsdale’s participation, although a joint venture
with the Town could be explored. This would be the last trail to be built in the Preserve. Full
vetting should be considered for a starting point at the Sonoran Trail or Upper Sonoran Trail and
a trail leading into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (see Exhibit B).
4. BUILD-OUT STATUS - SCFH recommends that the Preserve be considered “built out” should
the above three trails be completed.
5. PRESERVE ENTRANCE - The Plan should consider improving the entrance to the Preserve on
the Promenade Trail as a priority to make it safer for users.
6. CRITERIA - Vetting, design and construction should proceed in a measured, methodical fashion.
For each trail under consideration, the decision to approve a trail and move forward with design
should only be approved following a full vetting utilizing the process described in the MMPC’s
Guidelines and in consideration of additional vetting criteria described below (section D).
C.OBJECTIONS
SCFH does not support the following trail builds described in the Trail Master Plan:
1. SUNRIDGE LOOP – The level of effort to construct this trail outweighs the value to the
community. Access and construction would be difficult with no differentiating value offered within
the Preserve. Value is not added to the natural desert hiking experience as views are of the
Sunridge golf course, the Fountain and the Town. Views of the Fountain and Town are already
available on most existing trails. SCFH further questions how adding a view of a golf course adds
to the natural desert hiking experience.
2. SUNRIDGE ACCESS TO THE PRESERVE - SCFH recommends that this access point be
removed in its entirety from the Trail Master Plan. If the Sunridge Loop Trail is removed for
consideration, there is no reason for an access point. If it is not removed, a new access point
should not be considered further unless the following issues are resolved: (i) resistance from the
Sunridge HOA (ii) potential issues with another access point to the Preserve, (iii) trail visibility,
and (iv) difficulty of trail build.
3. NORTH LEG LOOP - The Board does not support a loop back to the Promenade from the
supported North Leg Trail. A loop would be difficult to build as several washes must be crossed.
Further, the loop would be visible from the Promenade and possibly from homes below the trail.
There is also a higher risk of spider trail(s) being created.
D.APPLIED VETTING CRITERIA
a) TRAIL DENSITY - Though each proposed trail in the Trail Master Plan is geographically separate
from the other, each of the trails is not geographically separate from other existing trails. The
Trail Master Plan does not consider whether a proposed trail adds value to the existing trail
network. How visible will the proposed trail be to users on another trail or from Town? How does
the proposed trail enhance the user’s experience in the Preserve? Is the proposed trail close
1/17/2022 Page 3 of 6
enough to another trail to encourage the development and subsequent management of spider
trails?
The Plan also does not consider that different trail density and usage may be appropriate for
different portions of the Preserve. The MMPC's Guiding Principles include minimizing human
impact within the Preserve. However, trails and areas immediately around the Adero Canyon
Trailhead ("ACT") receive heavier usage than the Sonoran Trails. All of the trails in that area
(Overlook, Easy, Ridgeline and parts of Andrews-Kinsey) can provide a way for users to
experience the natural beauty of the desert and views of the mountains. However, these are not
views of pristine desert as views of the Town and houses and noise (including construction
activity) from nearby developments are also part of the user experience. It is also too early to
know what additional impacts may result from the build out of Adero Canyon and Eagle’s Nest.
Users of the Sonoran Trails, however, enjoy a much more pristine experience dominated by
wilderness-like desert views. These factors should be considered in vetting any additional trails
so that the user’s experience is positive.
b) TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION - SCFH recommends that a Trail Maintenance
Plan be incorporated into the Trail Master Plan. Maintenance of existing trails is to take priority
over further trail construction. The Plan should also consider what the Town might do in the
event that there are not enough volunteers available or experienced volunteers to train them.
Presently, Trailblazers, a group of SCFH volunteers, perform all work on the trails.
Organizationally, the Trailblazers has a Lead. There is a group of Trail Stewards, one for each
trail, whose function is to do light maintenance to their trail at least twice a year and to inform the
Trailblazers Lead if more extensive work is periodically needed. There is a group of trained Crew
Leaders whose function is to lead a crews in building and maintaining trails.
c) GUIDING PRINCIPLES - Any additional trails will further impact the natural beauty of the
Preserve and result in additional human impact to the Preserve. The Trail Master Plan should
require that impacts be considered when vetting any additional trails and, if impacts cannot be
minimized, the trails should not be approved for design and construction.
d) COMPLEMENT OR CONFLICT WITH MISSION TO PRESERVE THE PRESERVE - The Trail
Master Plan does not explain how additional trails complement the mission to Preserve the
Preserve. All of the existing trails adversely impact the preservation of the Preserve in its natural
state. The desire to Preserve the Preserve must be balanced with the desire to provide user
access.
e) CONSIDERATION OF TOWN INPUT - Rachael Goodwin (Fountain Hills Community Services
Director) indicated the Town would support a Plan from the MMPC, whether or not it comes to
fruition, that includes a recommendation from the SCFH, approval by the Town Council and,
ultimately meets the residents of Fountain Hills (Community) needs. (That reference goes, in
part, to the April 2021 town survey in which the Community indicated its desire for Greater Trail
Connectivity, Environmental Education, Development of Outdoor and Environmental programs,
Fitness and Wellness programs, Long Range Trail Plans).
The Board encourages the Town to secure feedback from the Community in advance of plans to
approve a new trail. Without Community input there is no way of knowing whether the
Community desires will be met by more trails in the Preserve or whether the Community really
desires more trails or access to more recreational opportunities within the Town itself or other
nearby areas.
f) PROBLEM OR NEED SATISFIED - The Town has asked for a Trail Master Plan to determine
whether the Community’s desires may be met, in part, by more trails in the Preserve. During the
1/17/2022 Page 4 of 6
vetting process, the MMPC needs to identify what problem is being solved or what need is being
satisfied through the pursuit of any new Preserve trail.
g) FUNDING REQUIREMENTS - While funding requirements are minimal as long as labor is
provided on a volunteer basis, the MMPC should consider during vetting whether equipment or
vehicles may be appropriate for further trail development; particularly, for any trail sections that
are difficult to reach or extremely time consuming to access on foot. It is the Board’s hope that
only trails that can be constructed via historical manual means be approved within the Preserve.
h) IMPACT ON IMAGE OF THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS - SCFH’S Board agrees that one of
the attractions of Fountain Hills is the Preserve and the ability for people to enjoy the Preserve via
a trail system. For most people, however, the draw to Fountain Hills is simply the view of the
Preserve and surrounding mountains from the Town. As additional trails are vetted, the impact
on the Town’s image from both perspectives should be considered. (*Reference following note
from Town website banner: “Living in Fountain Hills offers views and recreation which is hard to
beat. Residents in Fountain Hills are provided with some of the best scenery in the state of
Arizona. From golf course living, to views of the Four Peaks and beautiful sunsets over the
McDowell Mountains. Fountain Hills is the height of desert living”).
i) IMPACT ON TRAILHEAD PARKING - SCFH agrees that parking capacity at the Adero Canyon
Trailhead is likely to be reached during limited hours on weekends and holiday periods between
mid-November through March. Overflow parking along Eagle Ridge Drive can mitigate this issue,
although that parking is currently restricted. The same situation already occurs at the Golden
Eagle Trailhead during periods of peak usage and is resolved by allowing street parking. Limited
parking capacity has its own benefits as it helps protect against heavier usage of the Preserve
and minimizes overall user density even with additional trails.
j) IMPACT ON WILDLIFE IN THE PRESERVE - Although SCFH has not conducted a wildlife
assessment, the Board feels that visitor impacts and surrounding community and construction
activities have likely reduced some wildlife habitats in the Preserve. During vetting of the Upper
Sonoran Trail and Sonoran/Quartz Trail, it may be appropriate to consider wildlife impacts as
these two trails would be in more remote areas.
E.References:
1. December 10 Draft – Part 1 Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve Trail Master Plan
proposed by the MMPC (2022)
2. The MMPC’s Guidelines for Management of the McDowell Mountain Preserve
3. September 2004 Master Plan for Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve
1/17/2022 Page 5 of 6
EXHIBIT A
SCFH MISSION AND OBJECTIVES
MISSION: The mission of SCFH is to protect and promote the Preserve, the Botanical Garden and the
Lake Overlook Trail for the benefit of the community.
OBJECTIVES:
(I) To support the Town’s plan for the operation and maintenance of the Preserve and other
natural resources and open spaces.
(II) To provide recreational opportunities for the community to enjoy these natural resources.
(III) To create educational opportunities that raise awareness and promote the value of these
open spaces.
(IV) To advocate and take appropriate action to minimize impact to the Town’s natural resources.
1/17/2022 Page 6 of 6
EXHIBIT B
SONORAN/QUARTZ CONNECTOR TRAIL
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION
WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Golden Eagle and Adero Canyon Trailhead Info Signs
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Golden Eagle Trailhead Info Sign
Adero Canyon Trailhead Info Sign
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/20/2022 10:08 AM
Final Approval Date: 01/20/2022
PUBLIC
RESTROOMS
CROSS STREET
TO
HIKING TRAIL
RULES FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND TRAIL
PARKING LOT AND TRAILHEAD WILL BE OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET
NO OVER-FLOW PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE STREET LEADING UP TO
THE GATEHOUSE.
NO OVERNIGHT PARKING SHALL BE PERMITTED IN THE PARKING LOT.
OPEN 365 DAYS/YEAR
NO HORSES SHALL BE PERMITTED.
NO ATVS, MOTORIZED BIKES, OR SCOOTERS SHALL BE PERMITTED.
LEASHED DOGS SHALL BE PERMITTED; OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PICK UP
AFTER THE DOG AND DISPOSE OF FECES PROPERLY.
NO PICNICKING SHALL BE PERMITTED IN THE PARKING LOT.
NO LITTERING.
NO SMOKING ON OR IN THE PUBLIC FACILITIES OR THE TRAIL.
BUSES OR VANS MUST DROP OFF HIKERS IN THE PARKING LOT AND WILL NOT
BE ALLOWED TO DROP OFF GROUPS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARK IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD.
BUSES OR LARGE VANS WITH A SEATING CAPACITY OF MORE THAN 12
PERSONS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARK IN THE PARKING LOT.
NO LOUD MUSIC SHALL BE PERMITTED.
NO PERSON SHALL DEVIATE FROM THE SIDEWALK TRAIL TO THE PARK GATE
OR WANDER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
NO SOLICITING THE RESIDENTS OF EAGLES NEST.
Questions or Concerns
Mon - Thur 7AM - 6PM
(480) 816-5100
After Hours, Holiday &
Weekend Emergencies
(480) 797-5741
FOUNTAIN HILLS
McDowell Mountain
P R E S E R V E
FH.MMP
FOUNTAIN HILLS
PARKS
RECREATION
AN
D
A Division of Community Services
PUBLIC
RESTROOMS
HIKING
TRAIL
RULES FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND TRAIL
PARKING LOT AND TRAILHEAD WILL BE OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET
NO OVERNIGHT PARKING SHALL BE PERMITTED IN THE PARKING LOT.
NO HORSES SHALL BE PERMITTED.
NO ATVS, MOTORIZED BIKES, OR SCOOTERS SHALL BE PERMITTED.
LEASHED DOGS SHALL BE PERMITTED; OWNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PICK UP
AFTER THE DOG AND DISPOSE OF FECES PROPERLY.
NO LITTERING.
NO ALCOHOL OR GLASS CONTAINERS.
NO SMOKING.
NO LOUD MUSIC SHALL BE PERMITTED.
STAY ON DESIGNATED AND POSTED TRAILS.
DO NOT DISTURB WILDLIFE OR ALTER, DEFACE, PLACE OR REMOVE ANY
MATERIAL, INCLUDING ROCKS, ANIMALS OR VEGETATION, ALIVE OR DEAD.
NO HUNTING, TRAPPING OR OTHERWISE HARMING OR HARRASSING ANY
WILDLIFE.
Questions or Concerns
Mon - Thur 7AM - 6PM
(480) 816-5100
After Hours, Holiday &
Weekend Emergencies
(480) 797-5741
FOUNTAIN HILLS
McDowell Mountain
P R E S E R V E
FH.MMP
FOUNTAIN HILLS
PARKS
RECREATION
AN
D
A Division of Community Services
ITEM 10.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): REVIEW AND
DISCUSSION: Action Items
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Action Items
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/19/2022 12:56 PM
Final Approval Date: 01/19/2022
MMPC Outstanding Action Items as of 01.20.2022
0
No.Item Due Status Owner
1 Publish November meeting minutes next MMPC meeting Patti
2 Complete Lower Ridgeline Trail as resources allow Phase 1 Completed, commenced Phase 2 BC
3 Does it make sense to take the guiding principal to counsel ongoing discussion chair
4 What is the criteria for closing our trail heads?next MMPC meeting should we close and if so why chair
5 NNIP action in the fall/winter, how bad is bad, then what do we do next MMPC meeting Janice
6 Establish criteria for new trail development In work In Work All
7 add sign standard to the guidelines Next MMPC Meeting In Work chair
8 map the new trail options next mmpc meeting In Progress All
9 large map display for fairs for photos Next year Rachael
ITEM 11.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): REVIEW AND
DISCUSSION: Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Trail Counter Activity November-December 2021
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/19/2022 12:58 PM
Final Approval Date: 01/19/2022
Estimated
Not in service
ACT restricted access start/stop
Fountain Hills Trail Counter
Activity
Botanical
Garden Trail
Lake Overlook
Trail
Sonoran Trail
- North End
Andrews-Kinsey & Western Loop
Trails
Overlook & Ridgeline
Trails
ACT Promenade
Gate
ACT Parking
Lot Entrance YTD Ttls
2017
Jan 6121 400 250 6771
Feb 8699 500 338 9537Mar81507003889238
Apr 5402 600 399 6401
May 3118 300 300 3718Jun25633003003163
Jul 2377 300 300 2977
Aug 1750 300 300 2350Sep21003003002700
Oct 4000 325 300 4625Nov59003753006575
Dec 7097 425 300 7822
2017 Total 0 57277 4825 3775 0 0 0 65877
2018
Jan 6984 483 240 7707
Feb 6448 737 1059 8244Mar249199481581146115481
Apr 1262 5153 2409 500 9324
May 925 3356 898 300 5479Jun563181610423003721
Jul 439 1646 500 300 2885Aug37016225003002792
Sep 650 1935 500 300 3385
Oct 1030 3715 500 450 5695Nov163054636556288376
Dec 2251 5001 487 2101 7363 17203
2018 Total 11611 53087 10292 7939 7363 90292
2019
Jan 2291 6969 677 2550 10237 22724
Feb 2467 5505 731 2250 9010 19963Mar32958080115041501656433239
Apr 1452 5488 1581 1879 6645 17045May945393875412126667515
Jun 449 2471 254 115 183 3472
Jul 402 1736 152 200 200 2690Aug38615332002002002519
Sep 690 2588 350 300 300 4228
Oct 1087 3759 500 500 500 6346Nov172054966527007009268
Dec 1818 3913 707 1083 1040 8561
2019 Total 17002 51476 7708 15139 46245 137570
2020
Jan 1904 7657 915 1676 1548 13700Feb3784723010641284140814770
Mar 4163 9112 1549 789 1342 2479 19434
Apr 1997 7423 1356 597 347 2163 13883May13355817382346579508887
Jun 933 2189 316 263 109 850 4660
Jul 633 2540 286 494 17 1100 5070Aug4322410278365208654370
Sep 853 3031 511 188 74 400 5057
Oct 1231 4644 492 580 433 1500 8880Nov1767662874715001500801320155
Dec 2070 6362 775 3000 3599 11747 9510 37063
2020 Total 21102 65043 8671 11082 7498 33023 9510 155929
2021
Jan 2430 2035 923 3831 4001 14103 9854 37177Feb2341230798340804703142681316441846
Mar 4006 9677 970 4402 4819 15317 13652 52843
Apr 2000 5757 697 2879 3315 9401 7720 31769May17505232856167622495586584123190
Jun 725 2153 149 1078 1105 4300 3669 13179
Jul 466 2100 282 900 949 2526 2979 10202Aug500200035074810012770346310832
Sep 800 3000 500 951 1100 2894 3422 12667
Oct 1200 4009 600 2018 2234 7368 6502 23931Nov13915485700227930679566761430102
Dec 1100 4197 800 2964 2617 10197 6536 28411
2021 Total 18709 47952 7810 27806 31160 98296 84416 316149
67
7
1
95
3
7
92
3
8
64
0
1
37
1
8
31
6
3
29
7
7
23
5
0
27
0
0
46
2
5
65
7
5
78
2
2
77
0
7
82
4
4
15
4
8
1
93
2
4
54
7
9
37
2
1
28
8
5
27
9
2
33
8
5
56
9
5
83
7
6
17
2
0
3
22
7
2
4
19
9
6
3
33
2
3
9
17
0
4
5
75
1
5
34
7
2
26
9
0
25
1
9
42
2
8
63
4
6
92
6
8
85
6
1
13
7
0
0
14
7
7
0
19
4
3
4
13
8
8
3
88
8
7
46
6
0
50
7
0
43
7
0
50
5
7
88
8
0
20
1
5
5
37
0
6
3
37
1
7
7
41
8
4
6
52
8
4
3
31
7
6
9
23
1
9
0
13
1
7
9
10
2
0
2
10
8
3
2
12
6
6
7
23
9
3
1
30
1
0
2
28
4
1
1
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Total Monthly Tallies
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
11
6
1
1
53
0
8
7
10
2
9
2
79
3
9
73
6
3
17
0
0
2
51
4
7
6
77
0
8
15
1
3
9
46
2
4
5
21
1
0
2
65
0
4
3
86
7
1
11
0
8
2
74
9
8
33
0
2
3
95
1
0
18
7
0
9
47
9
5
2
78
1
0
27
8
0
6
31
1
6
0
98
2
9
6
84
4
1
6
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
Botanical Garden
Trail
Lake Overlook Trail Sonoran Trail -
North End
Andrews-Kinsey &
Western Loop Trails
Overlook &
Ridgeline Trails
ACT Promenade
Gate
ACT Parking Lot
Entrance
Annual Tallies
2018
2019
2020
2021
24
9
1
12
6
2
92
5
56
3
43
9 37
0
65
0
10
3
0
16
3
0
22
5
1
22
9
1
24
6
7
32
9
5
14
5
2
94
5
44
9 40
2
38
6
69
0
10
8
7
17
2
0
18
1
8
19
0
4
37
8
4
41
6
3
19
9
7
13
3
5
93
3
63
3
43
2
85
3
12
3
1
17
6
7
20
7
0
24
3
0
23
4
1
40
0
6
20
0
0
17
5
0
72
5
46
6
50
0
80
0
12
0
0
13
9
1
11
0
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Botanical Garden Trail
2018
2019
2020
2021
61
2
1
86
9
9
81
5
0
54
0
2
31
1
8
25
6
3
23
7
7
17
5
0
21
0
0
40
0
0
59
0
0
70
9
7
69
8
4
64
4
8
99
4
8
51
5
3
33
5
6
18
1
6
16
4
6
16
2
2
19
3
5
37
1
5
54
6
3
50
0
1
69
6
9
55
0
5
80
8
0
54
8
8
39
3
8
24
7
1
17
3
6
15
3
3
25
8
8
37
5
9
54
9
6
39
1
3
76
5
7
72
3
0
91
1
2
74
2
3
58
1
7
21
8
9
25
4
0
24
1
0
30
3
1
46
4
4
66
2
8
63
6
2
20
3
5
23
0
7
96
7
7
57
5
7
52
3
2
21
5
3
21
0
0
20
0
0
30
0
0
40
0
9
54
8
5
41
9
7
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Lake Overlook Trail
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
40
0
50
0
70
0
60
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
32
5
37
5
42
5
48
3
73
7
15
8
1
24
0
9
89
8
10
4
2
50
0
50
0
50
0
50
0
65
5
48
7
67
7
73
1
11
5
0
15
8
1
75
4
25
4
15
2
20
0
35
0
50
0
65
2
70
7
91
5
10
6
4
15
4
9
13
5
6
38
2
31
6 28
6
27
8
51
1
49
2
74
7
77
5
92
3
98
3
97
0
69
7
85
6
14
9
28
2
35
0
50
0
60
0
70
0
80
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sonoran Trail -North End
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
25
0
33
8
38
8
39
9
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
024
0
10
5
9
14
6
1
50
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
45
0
62
8
21
0
1
25
5
0
22
5
0
41
5
0
18
7
9
12
1
2
11
5
20
0
20
0
30
0
50
0
70
0
10
8
3
16
7
6
12
8
4
78
9
59
7
34
6
26
3
49
4
36
5
18
8
58
0
15
0
0
30
0
0
38
3
1
40
8
0
44
0
2
28
7
9
16
7
6
10
7
8
90
0
74
8
95
1
20
1
8
22
7
9
29
6
4
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Andrews-Kinsey & Western Loop Trails
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
13
4
2
34
7
57
10
9
17 20
74
43
3
15
0
0
35
9
9
40
0
1
47
0
3
48
1
9
33
1
5
22
4
9
11
0
5
94
9
10
0
1
11
0
0
22
3
4
30
6
7
26
1
7
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Overlook & Ridgeline Trails
2020
2021
73
6
3
10
2
3
7
90
1
0
16
5
6
4
66
4
5
66
6
18
3
20
0
20
0
30
0
50
0
70
0
10
4
0
15
4
8
14
0
8
24
7
9
21
6
3
95
0
85
0
11
0
0
86
5
40
0
15
0
0
80
1
3
11
7
4
7
14
1
0
3
14
2
6
8
15
3
1
7
94
0
1
55
8
6
43
0
0
25
2
6
27
7
0
28
9
4
73
6
8
95
6
6
10
1
9
7
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
ACT Promenade Gate
2018
2019
2020
2021
95
1
0
98
5
4
13
1
6
4
13
6
5
2
77
2
0
58
4
1
36
6
9
29
7
9
34
6
3
34
2
2
65
0
2
76
1
4
65
3
6
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
ACT Parking Lot Entrance
2020
2021
ITEM 12.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 01/25/2022 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE:
Sonoran Conservancy Fountain Hills
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 01/19/2022 12:59 PM
Final Approval Date: 01/19/2022