Raffin: Attention All Open Space Lovers!

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on August 24, 2024
- 6:03 am

By CELESTE RAFFIN
Parks and Recreation Board
Open Space Working Group

Here is a progress report on the Open Space and Trails Management Plan for Los Alamos County from the Open Space Working Group of the Parks and Recreation Board.

Sites Southwest is the company contracted to develop the Open Space and Trails Management Plan (OSTMP) for Los Alamos County. Their mission is to consolidate all the previous plans from 2013 on, consider all the concerns and issues, resolve conflicts between the plans, and develop a single management plan that supports and provides guidance on the management of trails and open space for the benefit of all Los Alamos residents.

Currently Sites Southwest is in the process of studying the existing plans (see OSTMP web page on the County’s website for list here). They are also reviewing and compiling the community member input from the public listening sessions held in late May and early June 2024. They have not yet published the feedback from the listening sessions; however, you can view the June 4 session by clicking on the link on the OSTMP web page. They are still accepting public comment on the OSTMP webpage here. They are also holding an Interactive Engagement session on Aug. 29, 2024.

What should Open Space Lovers do?

Go to the web page. Click on Comment Form. You can comment on as many subjects as many times as you want.
Attend the next Interactive Engagement Session: Aug. 29, 2024 at 5 p.m. at Fuller Lodge
Follow along on the OSTMP web page, this is where all updates will be posted.
Tell your family, friends, frenemies. Get them involved, too.

What should you comment on? Anything. This is YOUR plan about YOUR Open Space. The plan will address both open space protection and trails planning. You can write about preservation of undeveloped and partially developed open space, trail conditions, trail improvements, trail reroutes, new trails, activity specific trails issues for equestrians, hikers, bikers, and runners, ADA compliant trails, mountain bike and BMX parks, trash removal, trail head improvement, better avenues for community involvement, Adopt a Trail programs, preservation of viewsheds; whatever is important to you.

But remember: