The Trust joins stakeholder taskforce for Pinal County’s Open Space and Trials Master Plan
The 54% growth rate in Pinal County between 1990 – 2000 is just one of the reasons why the county is taking on the task of creating an Open Space and Trails Master Plan.  With continued growth swarming from the north in Maricopa County and the south in Pima County, it is due time to look into planning for the future of Pinal County’s natural resources and treasures. 

The Trust’s Southern Arizona Habitat Conservation Priorities map ties in nicely with the Open Space Master Plan project, as we have already identified conservation targets for southern Arizona, including Pinal County.  Data used for our study is being shared with Pinal County planners as they craft their own open space plan.  Important natural resources such as riparian areas, native grasslands, areas with significant biological diversity, and streams and rivers, will be incorporated into the three draft master plans, from which the stakeholder taskforce will help create a preferred alternative to present to the public. 

The County held the first series of public meetings in late June in Apache Junction, Coolidge and Oracle.  Attendees discussed values, issues and needs they have for open space and trails within the County, and identified potential open space areas, areas of historic and cultural significance, trails and trail opportunities, and riparian areas.  This information is being added to the base information to create the draft Master Plan in coordination with the stakeholder taskforce. The draft Master Plan will be presented at a second series of public meetings, expected to occur in mid to late September 2006.  Check back for updates!

Check out the Pinal County website for updated drafts and public meeting information.