Libertas: Conservation and Recreation Plan for Lost Dog Trails: Resources

Informative article that provides an overview of land management from a federal to local level.

Straddling the Franklin Mountains, the Hueco Bolson (to the east) and the Mesilla Bolson (to the west) together are considered to be a major aquifer by the Texas Water Development Board.

The plan includes a mix of shopping, work-places, entertainment and civic uses. The plan is organized around a series of public spaces: arcaded shopping streets, neighborhood main streets leading to large central squares, and a number of smaller neighborhood park

The mountains, the desert, the river…El Paso wouldn’t be the same without them. Yet as the City grows, the special places our families remember are disappearing one by one. The El Paso Open Space Plan seeks to preserve some of those special places, so that future generations have a city that is vibrant, beautiful, and truly one of best places to live on this planet.

Open Space is any area that has not been developed or that currently has no significant structures on it. These spaces have some combination of natural scenic beauty, natural resources that are deemed worthy of preservation, or have a cultural or historic significance to the area or region. Open space lands may be under public or private ownership.

A Vision Statement for Open Space - The Franklin Mountains and the Rio Grande River Corridor will be at the heart of a densely interconnected network of trails, parks and natural areas covering our entire City. Critical arroyos, irrigation canals and drainage features will serve as “green infrastructure” with links to neighborhoods, schools, libraries, museums, public transit terminals, workplaces, shopping areas, parks, native habitat preserves and grand open spaces. El Paso’s Open Space and Trail Network will be attractive and easily accessible to all. It will be the site of many kinds of healthy recreational activities, and provide numerous opportunities for educating the public about Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems. Through a carefully-planned balance of development and preservation, El Paso will be recognized as a city uniquely in harmony with its natural setting, and become a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, eco-tourists and people seeking an excellent quality of life.”