What's happening with Woodland?

By: Sue Sitko, Woodland Lake Park Acquisition Committee
07/20/2007 'Pinetop-Lakeside Talk of the Town' -

Most of you know that Woodland Lake Park and its adjacent areas surrounding Walnut Creek and Big Springs is owned by the U.S. Forest Service. 
With time-limited special use permits granted to both the town and the Blue Ridge School District for various public uses. The town's top strategic priority is to acquire this 583-acre parcel once and for all to maintain its value as a natural resource amenity for our community.

However, we have a difficult road ahead, as our limited financial resources are certainly not enough for the high price tag of this park, and there is simply no easy way to accomplish this goal. But we recognize the importance of this natural area to our town and are actively seeking solutions.

Nearly a year ago, the town contracted with the Tejido Group and Dr. Mark Fredrickson to explore various alternative ideas for acquiring this town "jewel." Many of you participated in the numerous Tejido public meetings, and it was clear that your energy and passion for this land, its wildlife and its recreational values is of paramount importance to you as well. We all appreciate your input!

While this plan delineated various scenarios for acquisition, it provided only a broad-brush approach regarding which alternative, or combination of alternatives, could be pursued. The "nitty-gritty" details of each alternative need to be researched and balanced against each other for the town to adopt an approach.

One of the very first decisions made by the new Town Council was to literally "get down to business" in figuring out our action plan to acquire the park. We created an ad-hoc committee to lead and oversee the process of researching alternatives, shape an action plan and obtain your input as we progress.

Three council members, Barbara Teague, Larry Vicario and Norris Dodd, sit on this committee, as does Town Manager Kelly Udall. Two town staffers, Finance Director Kent Brooksby, Parks and Recreation Director John Vuolo and a rotating town staff member provide staff support.
Committee members also include four individuals representing various local interests: Mike Aylstock, Blue Ridge School District Superintendent; Jeannie Boyce, the incoming president of our Chamber of Commerce; Tom Jernigan from the 20/20 Vision Committee; and Sue Sitko, representing The Nature Conservancy and the White Mountains Land Trust.

Advisors include Ed Collins of Lakeside District Ranger; Beverly Stepp of the Chamber of Commerce; and Penny Pew, staff to Congressman Rick Renzi.

This "Blue Ribbon Task Force" has met once already and will hold regular meetings as we delve deep into our research. Each member will take part in overseeing the various alternatives outlined in the Tejido plan, as well as others as they arise. This oversight may come in the form of various subcommittees, as members will solicit expertise from others within the community and from around the state to get information on one particular option.

Look on the town's Web site, www.ci.pinetop-lakeside.az.us for our meeting notes and updates. As we find out more about the various alternatives, we will hold periodic public meetings to share that information and to get your feedback. Our goal to acquiring the Woodland Lake Park tract will certainly need your help!