10/12/2009 10:22:00 PM New land commissioner Baier speaks at OSA meeting Thursday
The Daily Courier
PRESCOTT - New Arizona State Land Commissioner Maria Baier will be the speaker at the Open Space Alliance of Central Yavapai County's annual meeting and potluck Thursday in Prescott.
The event takes place at 5 p.m. at the Unity Church of Prescott, 145 S. Arizona St. Everyone is welcome to this free event, but the alliance asks people to RSVP by Wednesday by calling 379-5644.
The OSA has more than a dozen group members as well as 130 individual members, President Tom Pettit said. The audience will be able to ask Baier questions after her speech.
OSA members are interested to hear the latest information about long-standing efforts to preserve some locally prominent state trust lands such as "P" Mountain, Glassford Hill and the Big Chino Valley, Pettit said. Local trails groups and governments also hope to get trail easements on trust lands to complete the Prescott Circle Trail.
Organizers are asking attendees to bring potluck dishes based on the first letter of their last names: A-I a salad or side dish, J-Q dessert, and R-Z a main dish. Organizers will provide drinks. People should bring their own tableware, cups and silverware.
Baier started her new job in June, where she oversees the management of millions of acres of state trust lands. Sales and leases on these lands support everything from K-12 education to the Arizona Pioneers' Home in Prescott.
Baier previously served as a senior policy advisor to Arizona governors on natural resources, growth and development, environmental quality and criminal justice. Other previous jobs included Phoenix City Council member and director of the Trust for Public Lands Arizona Field Office. She has a law degree from the University of Arizona.
Baier has a Prescott-area connection as a current member of the Central Arizona Partnership board of directors, which advocates responsible land development. Board members include prominent local developers and landowners. She also was a spokesperson SunCor Development, which developed projects in Prescott and Prescott Valley.
