Council to take action on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buckeye, an Arizona municipal corporation, and the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, an Arizona non-profit corporati

4.E
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 06/16/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.E. CSD - White Tank
Mountains Conservancy MOU for
FY2027
DATE PREPARED: 06/11/26
DISTRICT NO.: 4 & 6
STAFF LIAISON: Robert Wisener, Interim Community Services Director,
rwisener@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6621
DEPARTMENT: Community Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Buckeye, an
Arizona municipal corporation, and the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, an Arizona non-profit
corporation, for fiscal year 2027; and authorize the Mayor to execute and deliver said MOU on behalf of
the City of Buckeye.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
A Safe and Sustainable Quality of Life
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The White Tank Mountains Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, has worked alongside the
City for several years since becoming a non-profit in 2015.  The Conservancy's mission to inspire all to
conserve and enjoy the natural and cultural resources of the White Tank Mountains which complements
the City's Skyline Regional Park located in the southern half of the mountain range.  The MOU formalizes
the partnership with the City and helps accomplish common goals for the long-term protection and
preservation of the White Tank Mountains.  This MOU covers activities during FY2027.  As part of the
deliverables under the scope of services, the Conservancy will provide research and education,
advocacy, and volunteer support to Skyline Regional Park.  Volunteers will monitor trails and pick up
trash in the park and alert City staff to any issues.  The volunteers will also provide support for City-
offered interpretive programs and events, such as Stargazing programs and nature-based hikes, and will
map and monitor invasive species, such as buffelgrass in Skyline Regional Park.  The Conservancy will
coordinate at least two field trips to Skyline Regional Park that will be targeted to Buckeye youth to
educate them on the resources found in the Park.  As part of the scope of services, the White Tank
Mountains Conservancy provides an annual report to the City highlighting their accomplishments, of
which the FY2026 report is provided.
BENEFITS:
The White Tank Mountains Conservancy has been a valued partner with the City since its formation in
2015.  The Conservancy is well-positioned to provide the scope of services through its strategic
partnerships and volunteer base that will help promote and protect the White Tank mountain range for
future generations to enjoy.  The Conservancy has also been a key partner in wildlife connectivity
initiatives to ensure the mountain range remains connected to other large-scale habitat blocks, such as
the Hassayampa River.
FUTURE ACTION:
The MOU is for a one-year period for FY2027, from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.  The MOU
approved by Council for FY2025 contemplated two additional renewal terms of which this would be the
second of the two.  City staff will work with the Conservancy to prepare another MOU for FY2028 that will

outline the scope of services and deliverables to be provided to the City from the Conservancy.  
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
The City will provide compensation to the Conservancy in the amount of $20,000 as detailed in the
agreement, which is budgeted in FY2027 in the Community Services Department.  The $20,000 will be
paid in a single payment to the Conservancy upon Council's approval of the MOU renewal after July 1,
2026.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
$20,000
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
FY2027
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
10004150-520038 Contributions to Civic Organizations
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
WTMC Accomplishments 2025-26 for COB.pdf
FY27 WTMC Annual MOU FINAL Signed.pdf