HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__02-22-22_0419_319
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Chairman Scott Grzybowski
Vice Chairman Steven Nurney
Commissioner - VACANT
Commissioner Bill Craig
Commissioner Janice Holden
Commissioner Brian Jennings
Commissioner D.J. Willard
TIME:5:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 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 OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the meeting of
January 25, 2022
7.CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Special Meeting
of February 9, 2022
8.CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of Trail Master Plan
9.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Action Items
10.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder
11.UPDATE: Sonoran Conservancy Fountain Hills
12.ADJOURNMENT
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 22, 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 17th day of February, 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 February 22, 2022 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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: 02/15/2022 06:16 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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: 02/15/2022 06:18 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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 January 25,
2022
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 02/15/2022 06:20 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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
February 9, 2022
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 02/15/2022 06:21 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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
Trail Master Plan Edits 2-15-22
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 02/15/2022 06:23 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
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Feb 22, 2022
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.
The trails in this plan must still be qualified by a thorough vetting process, and approved by
Town Council, prior to being built.
Background
In 1996 the Town of Fountain Hills established the McDowell Mountain Preserve Commission to
“provide trails, trailhead 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.
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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 the
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 (miles)
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 the
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 on
November 17, 2018, to celebrate the opening of the trailhead. The road to the Adero Canyon
Trailhead was paved in 2020.
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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 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 suggested
several possible areas for additional trail development. After careful consideration by the
MMPC, and incorporating input from the SCFH, the Master Plan trail options were narrowed to
the following:
1. North Leg – an out and back trail, from the Promenade trail extending into the north
arm of the Preserve.
2. Upper Sonoran Trail – a trail from the northern part of the Sonoran trail to the Western
Loop, with a possible extension back to the Sonoran trail.
3. Quartz Trail Connector – a short connecting trail to an extension of the current Quartz
trail in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
4. North Leg Loop –adding a loop extension to the North Leg trail.
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5. Sunridge Loop – a loop trail extending out from the east end of the Ridgeline Trail.
An additional entry point to the Preserve may be desirable, but is not currently a possibility due
to the lack of adjacent Town property or easement.
It is important to emphasize that, even as additional trails are considered, maintenance of the
existing trail system is to take priority over new trail construction.
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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 on 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
• Availability of trail building resources
Analysis of Trail Options
Criteria common to all Options
Many of the vetting criteria and additional factors apply equally to all the trail options:
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 in terms of 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 aims to address these issues by limiting future
development to the trails specified in this plan. This is consistent with the vision of the 2004
Preserve Master Plan to allow: “Construction of specific walking trails to provide the public with
the opportunity to explore all directions within the Preserve”.
Sunridge access
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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
satisfies 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.
• The additional trails in this Plan also help to achieve the 2004 Preserve Master Plan
vision of “construction of specific walking trails to provide the public with the
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 online 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
address these potential issues.
What is the impact on Trailhead parking?
• Hiking activity in the Preserve is very seasonal. Parking capacity at Adero Canyon
Trailhead may be reached during limited hours on weekends and holiday periods (mid-
November through March). Additional trails in the Preserve will incrementally add to
this demand.
• This can be mitigated by allowing overflow parking on Eagle Ridge Drive on weekends
during the peak hiking season.
• Parking limitations will 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.
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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?
The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) reviewed an early draft of the Trail Master
Plan and provided input to the MMPC (see full comments in the Appendix). Their thoughtful
and thorough comments were discussed by the MMPC and taken into consideration in finalizing
this document.
The SCFH input was most helpful in improving this plan. Their involvement and efforts are
appreciated by the MMPC.
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Trail Specific Vetting
Following are the results of the vetting of specific trails. Note that:
• The proposed North Leg trail has been fully vetted by the MMPC. Its approval by Town
Council is recommended by the MMPC and supported by the SCFH.
• The other trails listed have been through an initial screening to determine if they
warrant inclusion in this Trail Master Plan. A complete vetting and Town Council
approval are required prior to moving forward with these.
• The descriptive names used in this document will not necessarily be the trail name.
That will be decided at the time each trail is approved.
• References to Trail Density refer to the physical proximity and visibility of other trails.
North Leg trail vetting
This is an out and back trail from the Promenade trail, extending into the north arm of the
Preserve. The trail length is 0.9 miles one way. It is a 2.8-mile round trip hike from Adero
Canyon Trailhead.
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.
• Another appeal is the ability of non-hikers to enjoy the view of the Preserve from a
distance. This trail will have virtually no effect on that view.
Does it add to the diversity of the trail system?
• This trail is 0.9 miles in length (one way) and would be rated moderately easy. It has
easy access from the Promenade and provides a new hiking option, especially for
visitors not accustomed to, or wanting more strenuous hikes.
• The trail opens an area of the Preserve not currently accessible to the public.
What is the impact on trail density?
• This trail extends to an area of the Preserve with no existing trails. Therefore, it does
not add to localized trail density. Visibility to and from other trails is minimal.
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What is the impact on bordering neighborhoods?
• There are a few lots bordering this area of the Preserve:
o Nine houses in Shadow Canyon.
o Six lots in Eagles Nest, none of which are developed.
The North Leg trail has been planned to minimize the visual impact on these residences.
What is the impact on wildlife in the Preserve?
• This portion of the Preserve is approximately 0.2 miles wide, with existing or planned
residential development on three sides. It is believed that the addition of a hiking trail
in this area will have minimal impact on any wildlife.
What is the level of effort to pursue i.e., trail building difficulty?
• Building this trail would be of similar difficulty as the Lower Sonoran and Lower
Ridgeline builds. For Trailblazers, this would be the shortest hike to the trail work,
approximately one-half mile.
What is the ability to use professional trail-building resources?
• The trail is connected to the Promenade. This is the most accessible of the trails to
transport trail building equipment, though it is expected that this trail will be built in the
traditional fashion of volunteer labor and hand tools only.
What is the availability of resources to build the trail?
• The SCFH Trailblazers leader has confirmed that Trailblazer volunteer labor will be
sufficient to construct this trail.
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Upper Sonoran Trail – Initial screening
This is a 1.2-mile trail from near the north end of the Sonoran Trail to the Western Loop Trail.
There is also a proposed leg leading back to the southern end of the Sonoran Trail.
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.
• Another appeal is the ability of non-hikers to enjoy the view of the Preserve from a
distance. This trail would not be visible from outside the Preserve.
Does it add to the diversity of the trail system?
• This trail is approximately 1.2 miles long and would be rated difficult. It connects the
eastern part of the Sonoran Trail to the Western Loop trail, with an option to rejoin the
Sonoran trail at the western end.
• The addition of this trail would provide many additional options for desirable loop hikes
when combined with the Western Loop, Sonoran, Lower Sonoran, and crossovers.
• The trail traverses a more rugged and remote portion of the Preserve, often with no
houses in view. It provides hikers with a very different experience than other trails in
the Preserve.
What is the impact on trail density?
• This trail extends through rugged terrain. Other than connection points to the Western
Loop and Sonoran Trails, no other trails are visible.
What is the impact on bordering neighborhoods?
• There are no houses impacted by this trail. It is in a remote area of the Preserve.
What is the impact on wildlife in the Preserve?
• This trail is in a more remote area of the Preserve. There is likely more wildlife in this
part of the Preserve but also more space for a trail to minimally impact the wildlife.
Additional assessment of this should be completed during the full vetting process.
What is the level of effort to pursue i.e., trail building difficulty?
• This is a more difficult trail to construct but could still be accomplished with volunteer
labor and hand tools only.
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What is the ability to use professional trail-building resources?
• The trail is connected to the Sonoran Trail a short distance from the Promenade trail.
Trail building equipment could access this trail via the Promenade trail, then down the
Sonoran.
Quartz Trail Connector – initial screening
This is a 1.7-mile trail from the Quartz Trail in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the
Upper Sonoran or Sonoran Trail in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve.
The majority of this trail is in Scottsdale. The Fountain Hills portion of the trail would be only
300 feet if connected to the proposed Upper Sonoran or 0.25 miles if connected to the
Sonoran.
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.
• Another appeal is the ability of non-hikers to enjoy the view of the Preserve from a
distance. This trail would not be visible from outside the Preserve.
Does it add to the diversity of the trail system?
• This trail is approximately 1.7 miles long and would be rated difficult. It provides an
additional connection to the Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Preserve which opens the
possibility of many additional hiking options.
• It provides access to a rugged and remote portion of the Scottsdale Preserve, often with
no houses in view. It provides hikers with a very different experience than other trails in
the Preserve.
What is the impact on bordering neighborhoods?
• There are no houses impacted by this trail.
What is the level of effort to pursue i.e., trail building difficulty?
• This is a very difficult trail to construct on the Scottsdale side. The Fountain Hills portion
of this trail would be relatively easy due to its short length.
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What is the ability to use professional trail-building resources?
• Accessibility by trail building equipment is not clear, though it is unlikely to be used in
the Fountain Hills Preserve for this trail.
What is the impact on trail density?
• This trail extends through rugged terrain and towards the Scottsdale Preserve. Other
than the connection point to either the Upper Sonoran or Sonoran Trail, no other trails
are visible from this trail.
What is the impact on wildlife in the Preserve?
• Due to the short length of the Fountain Hills portion of the trail, there would be minimal
impact on wildlife in the Preserve. The impact on wildlife on the Scottsdale side would
be addressed by Scottsdale.
North Leg Loop – initial screening
This is an extension of the North Leg connecting back near the Adero Canyon Trailhead. This
would be a 2.6-mile loop hike from Adero Canyon Trailhead.
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.
• Another appeal is the ability of non-hikers to enjoy the view of the Preserve from a
distance. This trail would have limited visibility from nine houses in Shadow Canyon.
Does it add to the diversity of the trail system?
• This trail would provide a loop option to the North Leg.
• It would also provide an additional path from Adero Canyon Trailhead for hikers to
disperse.
What is the impact on trail density?
• This extension to the North leg increases trail density near the Adero Canyon Trailhead.
The visibility to and from other trails, including the Promenade trail, is minor except for
near the Trailhead.
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What is the impact on bordering neighborhoods?
• This trail would have limited visibility from nine houses in Shadow Canyon.
What is the impact on wildlife in the Preserve?
• This portion of the Preserve is approximately 0.2 miles wide, with existing or planned
residential development on three sides. It is believed that the addition of a hiking trail
in this area will have minimal impact on any wildlife.
What is the level of effort to pursue i.e., trail building difficulty?
• Building this trail would be of similar difficulty as the Lower Sonoran and Lower
Ridgeline builds. For Trailblazers, this would be the shortest hike to the trail work,
starting just outside the Trailhead.
What is the ability to use professional trail-building resources?
• The trail begins near the Adero Canyon Trailhead, and so is the most accessible of the
trails for trail building equipment access.
Sunridge Loop – initial screening
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.
• Another appeal is the ability of non-hikers to enjoy the view of the Preserve from a
distance. This trail would be visible from the Sunridge golf course area.
Does it add to the diversity of the trail system?
• This trail is an extension of the Ridgeline trail and is approximately 0.9 miles long. It
would be rated difficult.
• The trail provides additional scenic views of the Sunridge golf course, the Fountain, and
a bird’s eye view of the Town. The addition of this loop increases hiking options when
combined with the Ridgeline and Lower Ridgeline trails.
What is the impact on trail density?
• This trail extends to an area of the Preserve with no other trails. No other trails would
be visible from this trail.
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What is the impact on bordering neighborhoods?
• This trail would be visible from a distance in the Sunridge golf course area.
What is the impact on wildlife in the Preserve?
• It is believed that the addition of a hiking trail in this area would have minimal impact on
wildlife.
What is the level of effort to pursue i.e., trail building difficulty?
• Building this trail would be of similar difficulty as the Ridgeline Trail build.
What is the ability to use professional trail-building resources?
• It would be difficult for trail building equipment to access this trail.
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Summary
The MMPC believes the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve has evolved to the point
that a long-term trail master plan is warranted. Such a plan serves to provide a coordinated
approach to possible future trails that will serve to achieve the Preserve Master Plan goal:
“to provide the public opportunity to explore all directions within the Preserve.”
while ensuring that the overall Preserve trail system achieves the best balance possible
between preservation of the Preserve and availability to the public.
The MMPC will present recommendations for approval by the Town Council of each new trail
identified in this Trail Master Plan one at a time, and only after each has been fully vetted and
potential resources to construct each trail are identified.
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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 consider the source - 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?
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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: 02/15/2022 06:25 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
MMPC Outstanding Action Items as of 02.15.2022
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
10 Parking on the street ACT next mmpc meeting Rachael
11 Map in the ACT display Rachael
12 Follow up from Parks & Rec on Promenade drainiage rerouting Next MMPC Meeting Rachael / Kevin
ITEM 10.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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 December 2021 Final
Trail Counter Activity - January 2022
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 02/15/2022 06:28 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022
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
2022 Trail Counter Activity
Botanical
Garden
Lake
Overlook
Andrews Kinsey/
Western Loop
Overlook/
Ridgeline
ACT
Promenade
ACT
Parking
Total
January 1,924 7,664 3,545 3,842 13,118 13,498 43,591
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
ITEM 11.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 02/22/2022 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: 02/15/2022 06:29 PM
Final Approval Date: 02/15/2022