Title
Introduction and Presentation of the Updated Trails and Open Space Management Plan
Body
In 2024, Los Alamos County contracted with Sites Southwest Consultants to review the five existing plans that provide guidance for trails and open space management, gather feedback from the community, and develop a single, comprehensive Open Space and Trails Management Plan. The goal of this plan is to evaluate and enhance the County’s open space and trail resources by identifying current services, opportunities, and needs, while also consolidating and updating relevant planning documents.
As part of this effort, Sites Southwest conducted a thorough review of existing County plans. They worked to reconcile overlapping recommendations, resolve conflicts, and incorporate best practices. The resulting Plan integrates and builds upon the work from several prior planning efforts, including:
— 2013 - Los Alamos Community Trail Plan (consolidated)
— 2015 - Los Alamos County Open Space Management Plan (consolidated)
— 2017 - Bicycle Transportation Plan
— 2022 - Los Alamos County Trailhead Assessment (consolidated)
— 2022 - Los Alamos County Audit and Transition Plan
— 2022 - Los Alamos County Trails Management Planning Documents (Trail Policy Plan, Proposed Additions to Trail Network, Trail Needs Assessment and Trail Standards) (consolidated)
— 2022 - Americans with Disabilities Act Audit and Transition Plan
— 2023 - Community Services Department Integrated Master Plan
— 2023 - Los Alamos County Canyon Restoration Feasibility Assessment (consolidated)
This single Open Space and Trails Management Plan (see Attachments A-D) provides a comprehensive set of recommendations to guide the future development, maintenance, and management of the County’s open space and trail systems. Building on previous plans, it resolves existing conflicts and integrates updated community input. The plan identifies strategies to meet the diverse needs of all users, with a focus on improving accessibility, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing recreational opportunities.
Public engagement was a critical component of the planning process. A series of community meetings and workshops were held to gather input:
--May 21, 2024, in-person meeting at Fuller Lodge
--June 5, 2024, a virtual listening session
--August 29, 2024, an interactive in-person engagement session at Fuller Lodge
--January 21, 2025, virtual community workshop seeking feedback on the plan
A representative from Sites Southwest will provide a brief presentation to the Council, highlighting the recommendations included in the Plan. See Attachment E.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
Currently, the cost of implementing the plan is uncertain. Staff will implement the strategies outlined in the plan as recommended and submit a budget request for funding to address both short-term and long-term needs.
Attachments
A- LAC-Trail-OS-Plan - 9.27.25
B- Appendices 4.4.25 - Pt.1
C- Appendices 4.4.25 - Pt.2
D- Strategies - For Public
E- Open Space and Trails Management Plan Presentation