Network Meeting Summary

20 November 2003

I.           Announcements: 

              CTF announced that with the co-sponsorship of the League of Women Voters, a public forum featuring State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons as speaker will be given on February 25, 2004.  A place and time has not yet been decided.

II.          Update on CTF meetings with city and county staff was given.  The subject of the meetings was a review of Network activities in the past year and an opportunity for input by staff to the upcoming Network projects.  CTF is now being scheduled to appear before the City Parks and Rec Board, City Planning and Zoning, a work session at City Counsel, County Commission and ETZ.

III.         Paul Cusumano from National Parks lead a discussion on goals of the Network which were taken from the taxonomy prepared by the “Vision” subgroup several months ago.  A discussion of the word “protect” in several of the goals followed.  George Rawson from LC Homebuilders Assoc. suggested using “promote” or “provide opportunities” instead.

              Beth Bardwell from World Wildlife suggested adding language to establish funding mechanisms which all stakeholders would have input into. She will draft a proposed 10 goal for discussion next time.

              Tim Sanders from BLM said that the goals should include some recognition of development patterns so that areas for growth are recognized. Rick Kieser from NMSU said open space can be in the form of green belts and trails and not always in large park form. 

              The Goals will be reviewed in the next meeting for inclusion of additional ideas.

IV.        Potential projects for the Network were discussed.  There was widespread support for three projects:  Exploring the potential for development of a local land trust; Continuing work on a Regional Open Spaces Plan; Implementation of the MPO’s trial plan and river corridor.  In addition, the process for the upcoming BLM land use plan revision was discussed.  Tim Sanders will bring to the next meeting an outline of the process.

              It was decided that work should progress in all the above mentioned projects.

The next Network meeting is scheduled for December 17 at the Branigan Cultural Center.