Even before the land is officially acquired, El Paso County is seeking master plan proposals for use and preservation of 1,067 acres known as the Pineries Open Space.Proposals, due July 1, are to analyze trees, noxious weeds, threatened or endangered species, drainage, water quality and other aspects of the acreage, along with how the land will be used.The master plan is important, because it will guide how the open space, much of it forested, will be developed for recreation and how wildlife habitat and flora will be protected. The land contains several types of rare plants.Developers Mark Morley and Paul Howard have agreed to donate the land next month. The open space encircles their 2,378-acre Sanctuary in the Pines subdivision where they plan to build 389 homes on lots from 2.5 to 5 acres northeast of Shoup and Vollmer roads several miles east of Black Forest Regional Park.Most of the donated land was placed under a conservation easement years ago by its previous owner. The gift of land means the county will manage it for recreational use and as a wildlife refuge in perpetuity.The Palmer Land Trust, which holds the conservation easement, is cooperating with the transfer to the county.According to the master plan request for proposals, available at www.elpasoco.com under the procurement site, the $50,171 planning project will be funded with $37,510 from Great Outdoors Colorado, $11,605 in county funds and $1,056 from private fundraising.The contractor, to be hired in July, must conduct several public meetings while researching the plan, which is due Nov. 1.The master plan process will be overseen by a citizen committee appointed by county commissioners earlier this year.Call the writer at 636-0238

Texas’ Connor Rowe made sure the game-ending home run Friday night against Arizona State wasn’t a walk-off. Photo by AP PHOTO