Imagine the Thorpe Park disc golf course and urban trail area crisscrossed by a new paved road (or roads), buzzing with thousands of cars per day, all going to and from a heavily developed area approximately 74% (nearly three-fourths) the size of NAU. This could happen unless you act NOW by signing this petition!

In 1910, the US Forest Service gave nearly a square mile (615 acres) of our pristine National Forest land, known as Section 17, to Lowell observatory to only be used “for observatory purposes.” This land is located immediately west of Lowell Observatory, and was intended to protect the dark skies on Lowell’s western boundary. If this land is developed for any other purpose, the U.S. government mandated that our 615 acre gift would be taken back by the American people.

NOW, Lowell Observatory wants to change the terms of the gift. It is seeking new legislation that will REMOVE the requirement that the land be used “for observatory purposes.” If their new legislation passes, Lowell Observatory will be able to develop the 615 acres any way it wants. (They may need to get a rezoning for the new development, which will only require a majority vote of the City Council.) This proposed change, if approved, would result in a blank check for massive development on Observatory Mesa very likely requiring a new paved road (or roads) that would likely cut through Thorpe Park Open Space.

Section 17 is directly adjacent to extremely valuable community resources. It’s surrounded by Thorpe Park Open Space, the 2,251 acre Observatory Mesa Natural Area, and Coconino National Forest. If developed for anything other than Observatory use, it could DESTROY the heart of FLAGSTAFF.

This proposed legislation is bad for Flagstaff.

1. We urge the Flagstaff City Council to adopt a resolution opposing this proposed legislation and any attempts to weaken the federal protections on Section 17.
2. We urge Senator Kelly and Representative O'Halleran to keep the requirement that Section 17 be used "for observatory purposes".

After signing this petition please increase your impact by sending an email to the Flagstaff City Council at Council@flagstaffaz.gov to voice your opposition to the Lowell's proposed legislation. 

On Tuesday, November 9 at 3PM the Flagstaff City Council is planning to discuss and vote on its response to Lowell Observatory's request that the Council pass a resolution in support of Lowell's proposed legislation. Please attend and speak to Council to keep Observatory Mesa free of massive development.

Also, please follow up with Senator Kelly and Representative O'Halleran and tell them that you want the existing "for observatory purposes" requirement in the existing legislation to remain in effect. (Please go to their websites and use the 'contact' form to send your email.)

Thank you for your time and effort, Joe