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Open Space Trail Report
Use this form to tell us how our trails are looking.
The mission of the Open Space and Trails Program is to create a network of cultural, historical, recreational and natural open spaces and trails throughout Santa Fe County that achieve the goals outlined in the Open Land and Trails Plan to benefit current and future generations.
The program aims to develop open space and trails planning and management based on integration with existing regulations and requirements as well as cooperative efforts between private entities, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Based on existing conditions of individual sites, open space and trail facilities are to be developed with an emphasis on multi-purpose functionality, cost effectiveness, community stewardship and affordable maintenance. Acquisition of property is based on voluntary participation from land owners.
The Open Space and Trails Program was initiated in 1998 with backing from the public to develop a coordinated open space program to benefit the citizens of the County. Population growth and continuing urbanization have created a need to protect some of the County’s most distinctive landscapes. The growth has also created a need for additional recreational opportunities. The Open Space program is working to develop a network of cultural, historical, recreational and natural open spaces and trails throughout the County.
County voters approved two bond measures in 1998 and 2000, totaling $20 million, to be applied towards the purchase and maintenance of open space and trails throughout the County. These bond elections received overwhelming support from voters. The bonds identified the following areas to be protected through the Open Space and Trails Program:
All property acquisitions for the Open Space and Trails Program are completely voluntary on the part of the landowner(s) and are based on fair market value of the property. Currently the County holds 19 properties that include approximately 3,385 acres and has received approval for additional acquisition totaling approximately 1,300 acres. These open space lands are combined with approximately 19 parks and recreation properties to form the core of the County’s open space inventory.
COLTPAC was originally formed in 1998 to develop the County’s Open Lands and Trails Plan and included 30 members. Following completion of the Plan, the committee was reorganized as a permanent oversight body to help advise the County on management and acquisition of open space and trail properties. The committee is made up of 13 volunteer members from across the County and representing many diverse communities and interests. As required in the bond measures approved by County voters, the purpose of the committee is to advise staff and the Board of County Commissioners regarding:
The Open Space and Trails Program relies on voluntary participation from land owners as well as from volunteer efforts by community members in identifying important parcels, developing management plans for acquired properties and in creating local stewardship programs. The program is an opportunity for County residents to directly participate in the protection and management of open space properties in their own communities.
The Open Space and Trails Program is part of the Operations Division of the County’s Projects and Facilities Management Department. Staff work to develop joint-cooperative efforts between communities, private individuals and organizations, non-profit groups and government agencies in the acquisition and management of open space properties.
As the Program develops and evolves, one of our primary goals is to develop management plans for acquired properties while continuing to work directly with communities and residents in all aspects of planning and management. The Open Space Program aims to create multipurpose and multi use management and operations for open space properties while maintaining the environmental, cultural, historic and recreational values associated with each unique property.
Colleen Baker, Program Manager,
(505) 992-9868 / cbaker@co.santa-fe.nm.us
Scott Rivers, Field Coordinator,
(505) 992-9867 / srivers@co.santa-fe.nm.us
Cynthia Lovely, Field Coordinator,
(505) 992-9887 / clovely@co.santa-fe.nm.us
Mailing Address:
Open Space and Trail Program
Santa Fe County
PO Box 276
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0276