2A - Motion to approve the OSMP West Trail Study Area
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CITY OF BOULDER
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: March 15, 2011
AGENDA TITLE Consideration of a motion to approve the Open Space and Mountain
Parks West Trail Study Area Plan
PRESENTERS
Jane S. Brautigam, City Manager
Paul J. Fetherston, Deputy City Manager
Michael D. Patton, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks Department
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The West Trail Study Area (TSA) includes lands owned and managed by the City of
Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) west of Broadway from
Linden Avenue to Eldorado Springs Drive. The TSA contains both a diversity of
ecological features and many popular destinations for visitors. The West TSA Plan (Plan)
(Attachment A) describes actions to be taken over the next ten years to balance the
protection of natural and cultural resources with improvements to the visitor experience
while maintaining a physically and environmentally sustainable trail system.
In response to significant public interest, the West TSA planning process included an
increased role for direct community participation. The OSMP Department and Open
Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) established a Community Collaborative Group (CCG)
made up of 14 members of the community and one OSMP staff member. The CCG
members were selected by their peers to represent recreational, conservation, cultural
resource and neighborhood interests. The group developed consensus recommendations
about what practical actions would benefit these interests in the West TSA.
In addition to the CCG's contributions, the Plan also includes components prepared by
staff to cover items the CCG did not discuss or topics on which they did not reach
consensus. The CCG was able to reach consensus on most major issues including new
trail construction, reroutes, the designation or closure of many undesignated trails, and
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dog and equestrian access. The only issue on which CCG could not reach consensus was
mountain bike access. In the Plan, staff recommends pursuing two regional connections
through the West TSA: 1) Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road on Chapman Drive, and 2)
Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch along a route yet to be determined.
Collectively, the recommendations in the West TSA Plan provide significant
improvements to natural resource protection, trail sustainability, and the quality of the
visitor experience. The Plan, as submitted to Council, would result in the addition of 20
miles of new designated trail and improvements to another 26 miles of trail.
These trail changes will markedly increase the opportunity for visitors who want either
more voice and sight opportunities or trails that are dog free. There is a net increase of
eight miles of new voice and sight trails and nine miles of dog-free trails. Equestrians will
have access to 71 miles of trails.
Equally important is the protection of natural and cultural resources. The
recommendations of the CCG increase the extent of the most significant wildlife habitats,
remove trails from riparian corridors and establish protections of globally imperiled
tallgrass prairie and declining populations of ground-nesting grassland birds.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following
motion: Motion to approve the West Trail Study Area Plan included as Attachment A
and as amended by the Open Space Board of Trustees indicated in Attachment C.
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENTS AND IMPACTS
• Environmental: The programs and spaces managed and offered by the city's
OSMP Department, which receive significant community support, are recognized
as international leaders in the preservation of open space. The land acquisition,
land and resource management and visitor service programs help preserve and
protect the Open Space values of the surrounding publicly-owned lands.
The Plan recommends actions that will have the overall effect of enhancing
ecological sustainability of the West TSA, providing a more sustainable network
of recreational trails, and ensuring that residents of the city, Boulder County and
the region have sustainable access to the unique natural settings of the mountain
backdrop and surrounding areas.
• Economic: The Open Space and Mountain Parks contribute to the economic
vitality goal of the city by providing the setting for the diverse and vibrant
economic systems that sustain services for residents. The land system and the
quality of life it represents attract visitors and help businesses to recruit and retain
employees.
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The West TSA is the venue for many local businesses such as climbing guides,
nature educators and photographers. It is also the most dramatic landscape in the
OSMP land system which, in addition to providing a desirable and frequently
used icon for local businesses, attracts tourism from throughout Colorado and
across the United States. The Plan proposes management actions that will insure
environmental sustainability while providing for a high-quality visitor experience
and a sustainable set of trails, trailheads and other visitor amenities, which will
attract visitors and serve the community over the next ten years and beyond.
• Social: Since the Open Space land system is equally accessible to all members of
the community, it helps support council's community sustainability goal.
For Boulder residents, the West TSA has been likened to "a national park in
Boulder's backyard." Visitors travel to the West TSA from other parts of the
county and region to visit the trails and other attractions of this area. The strong
community interest in the stewardship of the area led OSMP to recommend a high
level of public involvement in the development of the Plan. The CCG developed
consensus recommendations on a large number of topics-all of which have been
integrated into the Plan.
OTHER IMPACTS
• Fiscal - The Plan encompasses projects with significant capital costs and is
intended to be implemented over a ten-year period with a total estimated cost of
approximately $5.85 million, including $1.25 million in property acquisitions.
Trail and facility improvements and other related costs are projected at
approximately $4.6 million or $460,000 annually over the next ten years.
• Staff time - While significant staff time will be invested in Plan implementation,
it has been anticipated as part of the annual work plan, budget and budget
allocation process for 2011, and will be integrated into the development of
budgets and work plans in the future.
PUBLIC COMMENT AND PROCESS
The Open Space Board of Trustees was provided with updates on the West TSA planning
process over the past 16 months, with the matter specifically discussed at 11 meetings.
Community members were kept informed of the Plan's progress through a mailing list.
Several public meetings were held by OSMP to share information about the CCG
selection process, the work of the CCG, and its recommendations. There was also an
opportunity for public input at each of the 30 CCG meetings. Agendas, notes and
supplemental information related to CCG meetings were posted and remain available on
the project Web site (www.westtsa.org). Over 1000 written comments about the West
TSA were received by OSMP via the project Web site, e-mails, faxes and letters sent to
staff, OSBT members and City Council. A compendium of public comments received is
available at www.westtsa.or . After the release of the draft Plan, the OSBT hosted a
public hearing on February 9. A public hearing on a revised draft Plan was held by
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OSBT on February 23. Most community comments have been focused on either support
of or opposition to:
• Allowing mountain bike access.
• Management of dogs.
• Construction or designation of additional trails.
And:
• How to strike a balance between providing recreational opportunities and natural
resource protection.
The majority of community input to the process focused on mountain bike access. The
OSBT and staff received many statements from community groups presenting their
positions on mountain bike access. Plan Boulder, Friends of Boulder Open Space
(FOBOS), Audubon Society, Boulder County Nature Association (BONA), the WILD
Foundation, Boulder Bird Club, Colorado Mountain Club, and Sierra Club each provided
individual statements opposing mountain biking and also submitted a joint statement
supporting staff's proposal to provide mountain bike access from Eldorado Canyon to
Walker Ranch and from Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff on Chapman Drive. The Colorado
Mountain Club also submitted a statement opposing mountain biking other than as
proposed by staff. Other community groups such as Save Open Space (SOS) and the
Devil's Thumb and Shanahan Ridge home owners associations have similarly opposed
mountain biking but supported the staff recommendation.
The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) supported mountain biking and has
recommended that several mountain bike opportunities in addition to the staff
recommendation be included in the West TSA.
More information about the West TSA public process is summarized in Appendix A in
the Plan, which is included as Attachment B to this memo.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the Plan is to provide management direction and implementation
strategies that protect natural and cultural resources, improve the visitor experience, and
provide a physically and environmentally sustainable trail system in the West TSA.
The West Trail Study Area, which is comprised of OSMP lands west of Broadway and
Colorado Highway 93 from Linden Avenue to Eldorado Springs Drive, includes the
following:
o 11,250 acres of OSMP-managed lands including Passive Recreation Areas
(1,500 acres), Natural Areas (5,240 acres), Habitat Conservation Area (3,960
acres), and federal lands (550 acres);
o a diverse set of forested and grassland ecosystems at the boundary of the Rocky
Mountains and the Great Plains; and
o many historic and paleontological resources.
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Due to its natural setting, recreational opportunities, and interesting cultural features, the
West TSA is a popular and regular destination for Boulder residents and visitors from
throughout the region. The combination of significant resource values and high levels of
visitation creates many challenges to sustaining the health of ecosystems while
simultaneously providing high-quality visitor opportunities. A complete description of
the natural, recreational and cultural resources of the West TSA is available in the West
TSA Inventory Report available at www.westtsa.or .
In response to significant public interest, the West TSA planning process included an
increased role for direct community participation. The CCG was comprised of 14
community members representing recreation, nature conservation, cultural resources, and
neighborhood interests selected by a community caucus process in September of 2009.
One OSMP staff member also served on the CCG. The CCG was charged with
developing consensus-based management recommendations that were practical and
would improve conditions in the West TSA.
The CCG recommendations represent a package of consensus agreements among
individuals from diverse backgrounds who agree are beneficial to the West TSA and
practical for OSMP to implement. The recommendations represent an interlaced set of
agreements that include many trade-offs for each respective interest. Though presented
as individual recommendations, the recommendations are a balanced package of
agreements.
Open Space Board of Trustees Actions and Feedback
The CCG recommendations, presented to the OSBT on January 19, 2011, were
unanimously recommended for inclusion in the Plan by the OSBT.
The draft Plan, released on February 1, 2011, was the subject of an OSBT public hearing
on February 9 at which over 95 people spoke. The draft Plan was discussed by the
OSBT during a February 10 study session. The focus at both the public hearing and study
session was on mountain biking opportunities in the West TSA. The OSBT asked staff
to provided follow up on two items:
1. Take steps to heighten public awareness of staff recommendations in the West
TSA Plan that are not associated with mountain bikinp_.
This reflects the Board's concern that the community's focus on mountain biking
opportunities may have overshadowed other issues of significance.
In response to OSBT guidance, staff updated the project Web site with specific
information about the portions of the Plan that were developed by staff. An email to
the West TSA mailing list highlighted the staff recommendations in the Plan.
2. Analyze the benefits, feasibility and costs of six mountain biking trail alternatives.
Three of the six alternatives (numbers 4, 5 and 6) were identified in response to a
Boulder Mountambike Alliance (BMA) proposal for mountain biking in the West
TSA. The BMA proposal was posted on February 4, after the draft Plan had been
released.
1. A trail along the east side of National Center for Atmospheric Research
(NCAR) property from Table Mesa Drive to Bear Mountain Drive.
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2. A (eastern) north-south connection from Greenbriar Blvd. east to Thomas
Lane and along South Boulder Creek to the south Mesa Trailhead.
3. A variation of the above alignment to end at the South Boulder Creek Trail
and create a new trail on the THP property east of Saddleback Lane at
Eldorado Springs Drive.
4. A (western) north-south mountain biking connection from Greenbriar Blvd.
along Big Bluestem to the Mesa Trail and parallel to the Mesa Trail on to the
south Mesa Trailhead
5. Include mountain biking on the southernmost of the two loops recommended
by the CCG on Anemone Hill.
6. A variation of the above alignment with an additional 1.7 mile bike-only
descent trail on the north side of the Anemone loop.
Based on OSBT input, minor editing changes were made and a revised draft was released
on February 18, 2011.
Since the BMA-proposed Anemone Hill Loop was only recently proposed, a site visit
with OSBT was conducted on February 20 to better understand the prospect for mountain
biking in this area.
On February 23, the OSBT held a final public hearing on the Plan. After the public
hearing, the meeting focused on reviewing the six mountain biking alternative OSBT had
requested analyzed.
The OSBT agreed that neither the NCAR or THP alignments were feasible. Based on the
site visit, the OSBT was skeptical of the viability of building a trail on the Anemone
Loop for a number of reasons including all of the other demands of the Plan. Individual
Board members suggested staff not to invest "a lot of effort," or "staff time" on
investigating opportunities and to consider it a relatively low priority. The OSBT did
agree, however, that while no immediate action would be proposed, it was willing to have
staff consider some future action. In considering the two alignments from Shanahan to
the south Mesa Trailhead, OSBT agreed the western route was not acceptable. The
Board discussed and ultimately decided that the only mountain biking in the southern
portion of the West TSA be as recommended by staff - the potential connection from
Eldorado Springs State Park to Walker Ranch and from Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff on
Chapman Drive.
During the February 23 meeting OSBT took the following action:
1. Unanimously approved the non-mountain bike portion of the West Trail Study Area
Plan with the following changes:
• Move the recommendation regarding safe access on Highway 93 and 170 to a
different part of the report - possibly visitor infrastructure.
• Change the language in Access Points - General recommendations - Install bike
racks at access points (delete where appropriate). List all access points that need
bike racks - Appendix C or in the report.
• Add implementation language, something along the lines of -
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Due to community interest and the large amount of work outlined in the West
TSA Plan, OSMP will engage in a public process during implementation similar
to that of the VMP implementation process. OSMP will provide public "open
dialogue" forums at least once a year to coincide with the timing of OSMP
assessment of monitoring results and formulation of the annual work plan. Also
note the importance of citizen input.
• Add language to reexamine a sustainable route from the northeast corner of
Chautauqua meadow to Bluebell Baird Trail.
• Add language to clarify that the second bullet describing the trail connecting
Fern Meadow Trail to the Cragmoor Road access point on page 30 is the primary
consideration for locating the trail.
• Edit the benefit rank for South Boulder Creek access from south Mesa in
Appendix B to match the Plan and edit the reroute of Skunk Canyon Trail in
Appendix B to match the Plan.
2. Unanimously accepted the staff recommendations on Chapman Drive subject to the
modification of the third bullet to say: "mitigation measures will be required possibly
including creating separated trail surfaces for uphill and downhill bike travel;
enhanced patrol by staff and volunteers, speed reducing features, and trail changes to
increase trail sustainability and safety."
3. Unanimously accepted the staff's plan regarding mountain biking connection
between Eldorado Canyon State Park and Walker Ranch with the amendment to add
"Use best eLorts to work with Eldorado Canyon State Park, Boulder County Parks
and Open Space (BCPOS) and community groups to examine the feasibility of a
multiple-use trail connection from Eldorado Springs to Walker Ranch. This includes
the potential use of a portion of the Eldorado Canyon Trail on OSMP land."
4. By a vote of 3-2 (Feinberg and Billig opposed), recommended taking no immediate
action on a loop or a trail on Anemone Ridge but continue to investigate the
possibility of either a loop or connector trail in the future.
5. By a vote of 3-2 (Briggs and Isaacson opposed), accepted the staff's
recommendations for mountain bikes on the south end of the system as stated in the
Plan. This motion reflected the Board's decision not to approve mountain biking in
the southern part of the system except for the Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch
route proposed by staff.
6. Unanimously accepted the West Trail Study Area Plan subject to all the conditions
and contingencies (noted above) of the five previous motions.
Staff proposes changes to the West TSA Plan as detailed in Attachment C to reflect
recommendations of the OSBT.
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ANALYSIS
As recommended by the OSBT, the full set of CCG recommendations was included in
the Plan. The Plan also includes recommended actions from OSMP staff to address items
for which the CCG made no recommendations. Staff has made recommendations for:
• Mountain Bike Access, the one CCG non-consensus item
• Proposals discussed by the CCG that did not result in recommendations
• Recommendations on topics that the CCG agreed were best addressed by
staff
• Items not specifically discussed by the CCG
Alternatives for mountain bike access are discussed in this memo. A summary of
non-mountain biking recommendations by staff is described in Attachment D. This
attachment also includes an analysis of benefits and disadvantages for selected trail
recommendations.
West TSA Issues of Significant Community Concern
The two West TSA topics over which there remains substantial community debate are
staff's recommendations for mountain biking and the CCG's recommendations for dog-
free trails. These items are discussed in the following sections of this memo.
1. Issue: Mountain Bike Access
Although the CCG dedicated an entire meeting to mountain biking access and worked to
reach consensus, no consensus was reached. The outcome of CCG deliberations reflects
strongly divided opinions of the broader community about providing mountain biking
opportunities in the West TSA. With no consensus proposal from the CCG, it became
staff's responsibility to recommend whether and how mountain biking access would be
included in the Plan.
Staff analyzed six alternative routes for mountain biking in the West TSA. This analysis
was included in the OSBT memo for the Board meetings held on February 9-10. An
additional, seventh, alternative was discussed in the information on mountain biking
provided by the director as an addendum to the draft Plan (analysis included as
Attachment E to this memo). In examining each proposal, staff considered
improvements to the mountain biking experience, visitor conflict, effects on natural
and cultural resources, trail sustainability and equity.
The seven mountain bike opportunities initially considered by staff were:
1. A "North-South" Connection from Baseline Road to Eldorado Springs Drive
(including connections to central and south Boulder neighborhoods)
2. A Shanahan to Eldorado Springs Drive Connection
3. Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch Connection
4. Red Rocks/Anemone Hill Connection to Betasso Preserve
5. Anemone Hill Loop
6. South Boulder Creek/Big Bluestem/Shanahan "Near-Town" Loop
7. Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road Connection on Chapman Drive
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Staff's recommendation is that mountain biking access should be provided from Boulder
Canyon to Flagstaff Road on Chapman Drive, and from Eldorado Canyon to Walker
Ranch (Boulder County Parks and Open Space) along an alignment yet to be determined.
Both of these routes will provide mountain biking with important connections and will
serve to connect OSMP lands with extensive mountain biking opportunities to the west.
A map of mountain biking opportunities in Boulder County beyond the West TSA and a
map of bikeways near the West TSA are available in Attachment F.
During the February 10 study session, OSBT requested further analysis of variations of
three mountain bike options that had been previously evaluated as described below:
Further Analysis Requested by OSBT
N-1 A trail along the east side of NCAR property from Table Mesa Drive to Bear
Canyon Drive.
S-1 A (western) north-south mountain biking connection from Greenbriar Blvd. along
Big Bluestem to the Mesa Trail and parallel to the Mesa Trail on to the south
Mesa Trailhead.
S-2 A (eastern) north-south connection from Greenbriar Blvd. east to Thomas Lane
and along South Boulder Creek to the south Mesa Trailhead.
S-3 A variation of the above alignment to end at the South Boulder Creek Trail and
create a new trail on the THP property east of Saddleback Lane at Eldorado
Springs Drive.
A-1 Include mountain biking on the southernmost of the two loops recommended by
the CCG on Anemone Hill.
A-2 A variation of the above alignment with an additional 1.7 mile bike-only descent
trail on the north side of the Anemone loop
N-1 Mountain Biking Opportunity along East Side of NCAR Property
During initial conversations with NCAR about mountain biking access on their property,
NCAR officials have indicated a willingness to consider proposals for a bike trail along
the eastern boundary of their property (see Figure 1). As proposed, this would be a
separate mountain biking trail slightly west of the dirt road along the property boundary.
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Figure 1: East NCAR Mountain Biking Alternative
Issues relevant for considering this biking opportunity include:
Benefits
• A separate bike trail could be designed and constructed to increase trail sustainability
and reduce potential visitor conflicts in this heavily used area.
• Trail would provide an off-street natural surface alternative.
• Trail would be near an existing trail corridor thus minimizing new natural resource
impacts.
Impacts
• Trail positioned along the eastern NCAR property line and adjacent to homes could
cause neighborhood conflicts from increased visitor activities.
• Southern end of trail would junction with Bear Canyon Trail presenting the prospect
for illegal use of non-bike trails.
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• This proposal will require approval from NCAR
Cost: $25,000 for 0.75 miles
Three of the alternatives involved a north-south connection from Shanahan Ridge and
two were loops on Anemone Hill. Staff assessed the benefits and impacts of each
alternative using five factors: the mountain biking experience; visitor conflict; trail
sustainability; changes to environmental, cultural and agricultural resources; and the
estimated cost. A detailed matrix of the alternative evaluation is available in
Attachment G.
Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive
The proposed Shanahan - Eldorado Springs alignment (Figure 2) would begin in the
Shanahan Ridge area near Lehigh and Greenbriar Blvd. and end at Eldorado Springs
Drive either near Saddleback Lane or at the south Mesa Trailhead. Three alternative
routes have been proposed for this connection:
• S-1: a west route adjacent to existing trails connecting South Shanahan Trail to
Mesa Trail,
• S-2: an east route from Greenbriar to South Boulder Creek West Trailhead and
continuing to south Mesa Trailhead,
• S-3: the Greenbriar to South Boulder Creek West with a new trail connection
through the THP property out to Eldorado Springs Drive near Saddleback Lane.
All options include creating new parallel trails designed and intended for mountain biking
(but not necessarily excluding other activities) that would be adjacent to either existing or
new trails proposed in the West TSA Plan. Sections of existing trail that are sufficiently
wide and generally level such as the eastern section of South Boulder Creek West Trail
would not require a separate, adjacent trail.
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Figure 2: Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive Mountain Billing Alternatives
The three Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive alternatives share some common
benefits and impacts.
Benefits
• Trail constructed within existing trail corridors minimizes resource impacts
• Minimizes fragmentation of main Tallgrass West grassland habitat block
• Provides new mountain biking trail opportunity in the West TSA
• Provides safe, off-street, soft-surface trail connections to the Doudy Draw area
• Potentially reduces the need to drive to mountain biking opportunities
• Sections of trail designed for mountain biking can be more physically sustainable
• Potentially reduce visitor conflict - since portions of each of these trails would be
designed and intended primarily for mountain biking they would not encourage
pedestrian or equestrian use and potentially reduce visitor conflict
Impacts
• Vegetation and soil disturbances near the trail fostering weed establishment
• Potential for increased nighttime riding impacting wildlife
• Potential for displacement of non-bike visitors. Pedestrians may choose to avoid
bikes and continue to use or establish new social trails.
• Parallel trails could lead to cross-cutting and trail widening
• Potential for illegal use of trails not designated for mountain biking
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• Potential increase in neighborhood impacts: illegal parking, congestion, noise and
trash
• Double trailing adds mileage for maintenance and repair
• If bike-designed trail is closed or less desirable for any reason, cyclists might use
nearby pedestrian/equestrian trail.
Alternative S-1: West Connection: Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive at
the south Mesa Trailhead.
Benefits
• Provides an experience through varied terrain, woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands
impacts
• A section of the parallel mountain bike trail must follow an unsustainable route
already wide, braided, and heavily eroded
• Further fragments part of the Tallgrass West grassland
• Would require multiple drainage crossings and shrubland impacts
• Wider zone of trail impacts could affect potential northern leopard frog habitat
Cost: $ 35,000 for 2.7 miles
Alternative S-2: East Connection: Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive at the
south Mesa Trailhead.
Benefits
• Access to this alignment from the South Boulder Creek Trailhead provides for a
future potential connection with the South Boulder Creek Trail east of Highway 93
• Parallel trail sections along the South Boulder Creek Trail reroute and the new
Greenbriar to Big Bluestem connection allow both the horse/hiking and biking trails
to be aligned more sustainably
impacts
• Would require multiple drainage crossings and shrubland impacts near Greenbriar
• Wider zone of trail impacts could affect potential northern leopard frog habitat
Cost: $ 80,000 for 2.7 miles
Alternative S-3: East Connection: Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive near
Saddleback Lane (0.3 miles west of intersection of South Broadway and Eldorado
Springs Drive).
Benefits
• Creates a new trail connection from South Boulder Creek Trail to Eldorado Springs
Drive, provides opportunity for further trail development south to Community Ditch
• New trail connection for Eldorado Springs Drive residents to access South Boulder
Creek Trail
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• Parallel trail sections from the Greenbriar to Big Bluestein connection allow both the
horse/hiking and biking trails to be aligned more sustainably
impacts
• Introduces trail and creek crossing and associated human disturbances to South
Boulder Creek riparian and wetland area
• New crossing could lead to riparian/aquatic habitat degradation through social trails
leading to the creek
• Fragments a large block of tallgrass in the Colorado Tallgrass Natural Area
• A lack of trail connection south of the road could lead to increased use and impacts to
this grassland bird protection area
• Area south of the creek is an extensive wet meadow
• OSMP lessees pasture bulls in the winter
• Requires multiple drainage crossings and shrubland impacts
• High water table and wet conditions require tread to be raised and the use of imported
materials for a boardwalk or causeway
• Raised trail would need to be 8-feet wide as multiple use trail, widening zone of trail
impact
• Substantial cost associated with bridging South Boulder Creek and boardwalk
Cost: $190,000 for 1.5 miles
Staff Recommendation
Unless a new trail connection to Community Ditch was constructed, the Shanahan Ridge
to Eldorado Springs alternative would end at Eldorado Springs Drive east of the south
Mesa Trailhead. This trail, beyond the boundaries of the West TSA, would (a) fragment
the grassland bird protection area and high quality native grassland, (b) need to avoid a
large prairie dog colony, and (c) require a ditch crossing.
Of the three options, S-3 has the highest cost, the most alternative-specific impacts, and
relatively fewer benefits. The expense of the trail crossing over South Boulder Creek and
the associated natural resource impacts are significant. Additionally, the crossing would
require both a wetland permit and a Preble's meadow jumping mouse clearance from US
Fish and Wildlife, which may be difficult to obtain since a reasonable alternative is
available. As a result, option S-3 is the least preferred.
Both S-1 and S-2 provide connections to south Mesa Trailhead. Alternative S-2 has the
additional benefit of providing a connection to South Boulder Creek Trail east of
Highway 93 and has fewer natural resource impacts. Additionally, with the construction
or reroute of two sections of trail, the parallel biking trail and horse/hiking trail would
allow construction of a more physically sustainable trail.
Anemone Hill Loop
As part of its report, the CCG recommended designing two loop trails on Anemone Hill
and closing a number of undesignated trails. On February 4, 2011, the Boulder
Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) posted a map on its website proposing a single, large
mountain biking loop in this area differing significantly from the CCG's
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recommendation. Staff assessed this new proposal and included it among mountain bike
options reviewed during the February 10 study session. There was general agreement by
the OSBT not to replace the loop trails recommended by the CCG but to have staff
analyze two options:
• A-1: Allowing mountain biking on the southernmost of the two Anemone loops
proposed by the CCG; and
• A-2: A variation that modifies the loop by adding a separate 1.7 mile mountain
bike trail for descent on the north side of the loop.
An analysis of the common benefits and impacts shared by both Alternatives A-1
(Figure 3) and A-2 (Figure 4) is provided below.
Benefits
• Terrain will provide a challenging mountain bike experience.
• Trail would be designed for mountain biking allowing sustainability factors to be
included in initial construction.
• Potential reduction of parking demand if some visitors could cycle to the trail
• Minimize habitat fragmentation and trail impacts by using a proposed
hiking/equestrian trail (or portions of the proposed trail).
• Provide a near-city mountain biking opportunity
Impacts
• Current crowding at Red Rocks could require separate trail for mountain bikes on
both assent and descent.
• Potential displacement of non-bike visitors - addition of another use to an already
high-use area could cause visitor conflict. OSMP experience indicates that where
authorized, mountain biking becomes the dominant use implying conflict and
displacement of other users.
• Pedestrians might choose to avoid bicyclists, leave the trail, create social trails and
degrade important habitat.
• Potential for illegal parking when trailheads reach capacity
• Potential increase in existing mountain bike trespass on adjacent private property
Cost: $ 60,000 for 3.2 miles
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Figure 4 Anemone Loop Mountain Biking Alternative A-1
Additionally there are benefits and impacts specific to each of the alternatives.
Alternative A-1: Anemone Loop as a Multiple-Use Trail.
This alternative would add mountain biking as an authorized use on the southernmost of
two pedestrian/equestrian loops proposed by the CCG on Anemone Hill. Final alignment
has not been established. This trail would begin at the Settler's Park Trailhead.
Benefits
• None identified specifically for this alternative
Impacts
• Ridgeline section of trail would need modifications to sustain mountain biking.
• Visitor displacement - steep terrain increases potential for unsafe bicycle speed and
visitor conflict.
Cost: $ 20,000 for 2.1 miles
16
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Ammum P1kE Ptll rWUPI OME Wi)aY A-1 - I`
kY kPamfirn 1 1 f•A 1--di XI - k,6 lil Ffw~ I. V14 KVVW Any
Figure 4 Anemone Loop Mountain Biking Alternative A-2
Alternative A2: Anemone Loop: One-Way Bike Travel with a North Side Bike
Descent Trail.
This alternative would add mountain biking as an authorized use on the southernmost of
two pedestrian/equestrian loops proposed by the CCG on Anemone Hill. Final alignment
has not been established but this trail would begin at the Red Rocks Trailhead. The trail
would require clockwise mountain-bike use, for ascent using the southern section of the
CCG proposed trail. To address unsafe speeds and user conflicts for bicycles on descent,
a new section of trail would be built north of the currently proposed ridgeline section of
the CCG trail. This new trail section would be designed for mountain bikes only and
would provide separation from pedestrians on the steep descent.
Benefits
• Directional travel and separation of mountain bikes and pedestrians on descent will
reduce visitor conflict.
Impacts
• Trail would fragment large block of ecotonal ponderosa pine forest.
• New trail construction could spread myrtle spurge and make control of the large
patches present in the area more difficult.
• Very steep, difficult terrain would require substantial additional costs.
17
Staff Recommendation
Of the two alternatives, A-1 has lowest cost, the fewest resource impacts, while providing
a challenging mountain biking experience near to town. However, staff does not see a
practical way to provide sustainable access from nearby trailheads that avoid significant
visitor conflict.
2. Issue: Dog Access
Dog access in the West TSA was another very difficult and contentious activity discussed
by the CCG. During initial discussion of trail proposals, the CCG struggled with finding
consensus on dog access. Of particular concern was how to reach consensus for dog
access on individual trails without knowing how dog access would be balanced across the
entire West TSA. The CCG concluded that in order to make progress on trail
discussions, of dog access would need to be deferred until after trail proposals had been
discussed throughout the West TSA. Any trail agreements reached would be contingent
on finalizing dog access discussions.
After completing discussions on trail proposals, and before beginning final deliberations,
the CCG agreed to form a subgroup to address dog access. The dog subgroup, which
included six CCG members and one staff representative, met for two facilitated half-day
sessions held on weekends. During the second session, the subgroup shifted its
discussion from trail by trail to a broader combined "package" of recommendations,
which resulted in a package of agreements for the CCG to consider. The package, which
included proposals for new voice and sight trails, new leash trails, and new "no-dog"
trails and areas, was agreed to by the entire CCG as part of its overall consensus
recommendations. Please see Attachment H for a map of existing OSMP dog-free trail
opportunities.
Key Elements of the CCG's Dot Access Consensus Recommendation
The key elements of CCG consensus recommendation pertaining to dogs were as follows:
A. New Voice and Sight Trails (pg. 42)
• Anemone loop (new trail)
• Upper Fern Canyon (previously leash-required trail)
• New trails in the Shanahan area including:
o Fern Meadow Trail (new trail)
o Trail connecting the Fern Meadow Trail to the Cragmoor Road access
point (new trail)
• Stony Hill Drive HOA (neighborhood) access to the North Fork of the
Shanahan (new trail)
o Middle Fork of the Shanahan/Hardscrabble Trail (new trail)
o Connector from Middle Fork of the Shanahan/Hardscrabble to the South
Fork of the Shanahan (new trail)
o Cragmoor Road access point to the Middle Fork of the Shanahan (new
trail)
18
• Upper Big Bluestem Trail-Monday thru Friday (previously voice and sight with
seasonal leash required)
• New trails in the Sanitas Passive Recreation Area, Chautauqua Meadow,
Enchanted Mesa, and the Flatirons/Mountain Backdrop Natural Area (except for
Saddle Rock)
B. No Dog Trails (pg. 40)
• West Sanitas perimeter trail (new trail)
• Tenderfoot and Chapman Drive (previously voice and sight)
• Saddle Rock Trail (previously voice and sight)
• E.M. Greenman Trail from Saddle Rock Trail intersection to Ranger Trail
(previously on-leash)
• Towhee Trail (previously on-leash)
• Trail from Greenbriar Blvd. to Big Bluestem Trail (new trail)
C. Leash Required Trails (pg. 41)
• Lower Big Bluestem (previously voice and sight on corridor with seasonal leash)
• Sunshine Loop (new trail)
• Upper Big Bluestem Trail-Saturday and Sunday (previously voice and sight
with seasonal leash required)
• Old Mesa Trail (new trail)
D. NCAR and NIST Recommendations! (pg. 43)
• Skunk Canyon Trail from Kohler Mesa to Table Mesa - voice and sight
(previously leash)
• Dogs prohibited on the trail from Table Mesa to NCAR parking lot and on the
nature trail on the eastern side of the NCAR mesa. (previously on-leash)
• All other new trails (on-leash)
The CCG dog consensus package attempts to balance an increase in a significant number
of existing voice and sight opportunities while adding some dog-free trails and
maintaining or increasing resource protection in the Tallgrass West and West Sanitas
areas. The CCG assessed and identified new no-dog opportunities consistent with
direction from the Visitor Master Plan to "Establish additional no-dog opportunities on
some trails." As proposed, the dog recommendations add approximately eight miles of
new voice and sight trails, nine miles of no-dog trails and a slight increase in on-leash
trails. (Attachment I).
PLAN IMPLEMENTATON
Collectively, the recommendations in the West TSA Plan will accomplish some
significant improvements for natural resource protection, trail sustainability, and the
many visitors who enjoy a variety of activities. When fully implemented, the Plan adds
' Dog access recommendations for both NCAR and NIST properties will need to be proposed and
then agreed to by the respective entities.
19
20 miles of trail to the West TSA through newly constructed trails, trail reroutes and the
`official' designation of 25 percent of trails that are currently undesignated. Twenty-six
miles of trail have been identified for major maintenance or reroute.
The recommendations in the West TSA Plan will significantly improve wildlife habitat.
Closing undesignated trails, moving designated trails and establishing wildlife protection
measures contribute to widespread ecological benefit. OSMP staff measured an increase
in the extent of Highly Suitable Habitat for five species identified as indicators of
ecosystem health in the West TSA. The first table in Attachment I provides information
regarding these improvements.
Implementation Costs and Funding
Each recommendation, or set of closely related recommendations in the Plan, was
assigned an implementation cost. Three cost categories (and corresponding symbols)
were used:
• projects of less than $10,000 (symbol =
• projects ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 (symbol= and
• projects over $50,000 (symbol =
A ranking of the projects by cost category is available in Attachment J.
The total estimated cost of implementing the Plan is approximately $5.85 million. This
estimate includes (a) the costs of acquiring property to provide a mountain bike trail
connection on Chapman Drive, and (b) recommendations related to sign projects, user
activity changes, and general estimates for projects that will require additional feasibility
studies and are currently difficult to project.
The total estimated cost for trail projects and infrastructure improvement
recommendations is $4.6 million. Over the West TSA Plan's ten-year implementation
period, this amounts to $460,000 per year, not including land acquisition costs.
West TSA capital projects are identified in Attachment K. Each year the department
submits a six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) schedule to the OSBT and City
Council. When the Plan is finalized, staff will begin to include identified capital projects
as part of its annual CIP submission.
West TSA project recommendations in the less than $50,000 and less than $10,000 cost
category will typically be funded through the department's operating budget.
Capital funding for these projects is available from two sources:
• Visitor Infrastructure CIP: which has been developed to fund projects related to
trails, resource protection and trailheads; and
• Lottery Funds: which are typically used for major capital projects in the western
part of the city's Open Space system.
Upon adoption of the Plan, prioritization of projects and identification of specific funding
sources will be finalized. Annual projections for the Lottery Fund and Visitor
Infrastructure CIP are projected at $425,000 and $450,000 respectively for the six-year
period ending 2016, with the intent to allocate 100 percent of OSMP's Lottery funds to
20
West TSA implementation. Approximately 50 percent of the Visitor Infrastructure CIP is
also intended for allocation to implement the Plan. Combined, these two funding sources
would provide $650,000 annually to the Plan's implementation. This funding stream
could reduce the expected ten-year implementation period to approximately seven years.
Prioritization and Phasing of Implementation
Prioritization
The Plan recommendations were ranked by considering the benefits of each strategy
based on trail sustainability, visitor experience and environmental advantages. A strategy
received a higher ranking if the benefits of a strategy were especially widespread or long
lasting. Each recommendation was categorized as high, medium, or low depending on
the overall benefit of the strategy (Attachment J).
Additional factors that will be integrated into project prioritization include:
• Projects recommended by the CCG demonstrate a high level of community support
and are of greater priority than projects which are otherwise the same
• Projects that afford immediate resource protections and trail projects that coincide for
meeting visitor access
• Project costs and fiscal constraints
Phasing
In order to achieve the implementation of the Plan over the next ten years, different
phasing approaches will be developed for projects depending on a number of factors
including locale, season and affinity with other West TSA projects. For example, staff
will work simultaneously to designate and bring social trails up to standards where
directed by the Plan, and close nearby undesignated trails slated for restoration. Minor
projects such as signing may simply be included as a part of ongoing maintenance
OSMP will also look for additional opportunities to implement the West TSA Plan
including:
• grant funding opportunities;
• existing and new partnerships; and
• other capital projects (e.g., transportation, ecological restoration or agricultural
infrastructure improvements).
West Trail Study Area Plan Schedule
March 15 City Council Public Hearing (public comment opportunity)
March 30 City Council deliberation and possible action on West TSA Plan (no
public hearing)
21
ATTACHMENTS:
A. West Trail Study Area Plan
B. Public Input Opportunities for the West TSA Plan
C. West TSA Plan Changes Approved by the Open Space Board of Trustees
D. West Trail Study Area Staff Recommendations Summary
E. West TSA Staff Mountain Biking Opportunity Analysis
F. Boulder County Mountain Biking Opportunities and Bikeways near the West TSA
G. Mountain Bike Opportunities Evaluated
H. OSMP Current Dog-Free Opportunities
1. West TSA Plan Effectiveness Forecast
J. West TSA Plan Implementation Benefit and Cost Ranking
K. West TSA Capital Projects
22
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City of Boulder
Open Space and Mountain Parks
P•'y as
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February 2011
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Appendices
Appendix A: Summary of Public Input Opportunities.......67
Background .............................................................2 Appendix B: Benefit and Cost of Recommendations.......71
Need fora Trail Study Area Pla.. .........................2 Appendix C: Existing Infrastructure and Recommended
Planning Goals ...............................................2 Improvements for Trailheads, Access Points,
Context /Existing Conditions .............................2 and Recreational Facilities........................75
Planning Process ............................................3
West Trail Study Area-Wide Recommendations ...............5
Trail Recommendations ..............................................7
Sanitas, Anemone, and Red Rocks Sub-area 9
Western Mountain Parks HCA and Sub-area 15
Chautauqua and Flatirons Sub-area 21
Shanahan and South Mesa Sub-area 27
Recreational Activity Recommendations ........................35
Dog Management ...........................................37
Horseback Riding ...........................................44
Mountain Biking ..............................................47
Hang Gliding / Paragliding ................................48
Sledding .......................................................49
Fishing .........................................................49
Visitor Infrastructure Recommendations ........................51
Signs ...........................................................53
Trailheads ....................................................58
Access Points ................................................60
Concentrated Use Areas ..................................61
Monitoring ..............................................................63
Glossary ................................................................65
West Trail Study Area
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The West TSA forms the spectacular mountain backdrop to the City of Boulder. It includes OSMP lands west of Broadway and State Highway 93 from Linden Dr
to Eldorado Springs Drive. The West TSA is 11,250 acres.
1
Background
Need for a Trail Study Area Plan
The Open Space and Mountain Parks Visitor Master Plan (VMP) was _
accepted by City Council in 2005. The VMP sets the priorities and describes ManagemewtZwe Designations
the strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and deliver a high Habitat Conservation Area
quality visitor experience and sustainable trail system on OSMP. The VMP Natural Area
identifies area-specific plans, such as Trail Study Areas, as a way to provide /
-
specific on-the-ground actions to do this. ~G Passive Recreation Area
Federal land
Planning Goals
Other 6overnment lands
Trail Study Area (TSA) planning focuses upon the designated trails, Q West TSA Boundary
undesignated trails, and activities on these trails. TSA plans describe how
existing trails can be modified to improve:
Quality of the visitor experience ~ou~J r
Protection and restoration of natural and cultural resources
Visitor access opportunities _
Physical sustainability of the trails system
This plan articulates the management actions that will best balance these -
goals in the West TSA.
Context / Existing Conditions r4
Management Areas L
The VMP categorized OSMP lands under one of four management area
designations. The West TSA contains Passive Recreation Areas
(1,500 acres), Natural Areas (5,240 acres), and Habitat Conservation Areas
(3,960 acres). There are no lands in the West TSA designated as F
Agricultural Areas. Two properties in the West TSA are owned by the federal '
government and for which the city has limited management responsibilities.
These are the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and
National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). Recommendations ` Air-- - "
that involve property owned by NCAR or NIST are subject to their agreement
and could change..
Management area designations provide the foundation for determining what
recreational opportunities are allowed and where, the level of resource
protection, and the level of trail and facility development. At one end of the
spectrum are Passive Recreation Areas which are located closer to where
people live and work. These areas are designed to accommodate a higher`
level of visitor activity while ensuring environmental sustainability and
protection- At the other end of the spectrum are Habitat Conservation Areas
where the emphasis is on protecting high quality habitats while providing a I J
more remote visitor experience.
2
Context/Existing Conditions Cont.
Recreational Resources Conservation Corps (CCC) still used by visitors today. The well known
Recreational opportunities abound in the West TSA. Many consider the area Flatirons are iconic of Boulder and showcase its geological history and
a world-class recreational destination. The West TSA offers a range of contribute to the beauty of Boulder's mountain backdrop.
recreational opportunities- from rock climbing, trail running, horseback riding, A full inventory of the recreational, natural and cultural resources of the
and dog walking to hiking, contemplation, and nature study. The area
receives 40-45% of the total number of person visits annually to OSMP West TSA can be found on the West TSA website (westtsa.org).
(2004/05 Visitation Study), which equates to roughly two million visits each Planning Process
year (Vaske, Shelby, & Donnelly, 2009).
Trail System The proximity of many city neighborhoods and a strong community interest in
There are approximately 78 miles of designated trails, and 51 trailheads and the stewardship of the West TSA contributed to OSMP's decision to
designated access points that provide entry to this popular area. Many of the recommend a process that included considerable public involvement in the
trails were developed in the early 1900s, and the majority of these older trails development of this plan. Fundamental to this planning process was the
were not located or built with attention to the current understanding of creation of the Community Collaborative Group (CCG). The CCG was
physical and environmental sustainability. Fifty-eight miles of undesignated comprised of a dedicated group of citizen-elected volunteers representing a
trails (aka social, informal or visitor-created trails) have been mapped in the cross section of community interests including recreation, conservation,
TSA. These trails were not intentionally designed or built and most are not neighborhoods, and cultural resources. An OSMP staff member also sat on
physically or environmentally sustainable. While some undesignated trails the CCG_
provide access to destinations not served by designated trails or provide
desired trail connections, others duplicate designated trails serving the same The CCG met for 14 months to discuss ideas and proposals on a variety of
destination. topics throughout the West TSA. Their discussions identified opportunities,
raised concerns, asked and answered questions, and explored options. The
Natural Resources CCG found agreement on many challenging and important issues throughout
The West TSA is home to a diverse community of plant and animal species. the West TSA.
Large contiguous blocks of ponderosa pine woodlands and mixed-conifer
forests provide habitat for wide-ranging animals and allow them to move The CCG's recommendations were presented to and accepted by the Open
across the landscape. Riparian areas and cliffs are much smaller in relative Space Board of Trustees on January 19t", 2011 with the recommendation
size but provide unique habitats for some of the rarest species on the OSMP that they be included in the West TSA Plan_ The full set of CCG
system. Forest/grassland edges or ecotones support unique vegetation recommendations are included in this document and denoted by a CCG
associations and virtually all the local wildlife species spend at least a portion symbol
of their lives in these openings and along these edges.
The West TSA plan includes additional recommendations by OSMP staff.
The West TSA is one of the most biologically rich areas in the Colorado Front These include items upon which the CCG could not reach agreement either
Range. The area includes two of Colorado's 83 designated State Natural because of differences of perspective or lack of time. Staff also addressed
Areas highlighting the area's state-wide and regional significance. It is home items the CCG agreed would be best addressed by OSMP.
to 14 imperiled or critically imperiled plant species, over 1,000 acres of
imperiled or critically imperiled vegetation associations, and many animals OSMP recommendations were informed by many CCG discussions, input
that are rare or sensitive according to the Colorado Natural Heritage provided by the community, public comments, the West TSA inventory
Program, the US Forest Service, or the Colorado Division of Wildlife. reports and the expertise and experience of OSMP staff and external
advisors.
Cultural and Geological Resources
The West TSA contains many significant paleontological, archaeological,
historic, and geologic resources. There are cultural features important to
indigenous people, sites and structures indicative of European settlement
and mining, and trails and structures constructed by the Civilian
3
Note Regarding the Maps and Associated Terminology
All new trail alignments illustrated on the maps are conceptual. The specific alignment will be developed by OSMP staff during implementation.
Reroute Reroutes are illustrated in two ways: 1) with a new conceptual alignment or 2) in cases where a new conceptual alignment has not been
identified, the old alignment is simply shown in yellow. The term only applies to the designated trail system. In other words, undesignated
trails are not rerouted, they are designated.
Construct
The construct term and symbology applies to newly designated trails for which there is no or minimal existing tread.
Designate The designate term and symbology applies to newly designated trails in an existing undesignated trail corridor. Current undesignated trails
will not necessarily be designated as is; rerouting or additional trail work may be required.
Key Key destinations are distinct landscape features, sites or infrastructure that have their own appeal and/or provide a place for visitors to
Destination linger. There are two categories of key destinations. The first category includes facilities, vistas, natural features, structures or popular
gathering spots. The second category includes popular climbing and bouldering sites. (Popular was defined as a formation or boulder that
was estimated to receive greater than 300 visits per year.)
Akk Other Symbols
Denotes a CCG recommendation. In some instances, OSMP added details to a CCG recommendation. Where this occurs the additional
CG OSMP added details are identified with an asterisk
Three categories were used to estimate the associated costs for the recommendations. $ =under $10,000 = $10,000 through $50,000
and = above $50,000.
Benefit This ranking is based on the benefits for improving natural or cultural resources, trail sustainability, and the visitor experience/opportunity.
More weight was given to actions with wide spread and/or enduring benefits.
Some recommendations do not include cost or benefit symbols. There are several reasons for this: general policy or guiding statements,
costs and benefits are unknown, actions will be implemented opportunistically with the completion of related trail projects, part of a related
recommendation that has an estimated cost and benefit.
4
West TSA-Wide Recommendations "Intended to reduce visitor use and impact on wildlife sensitive to human
presence during the nighttime hours, since many animals use nighttime
.CCG Trail Standards, Design, and Construction as solace and refuge from humans." (VMP pg. 43)
OSMP shall at times deviate from their best trail standards in order to u( Provide more bike racks at trailheads and access points.
accommodate habitat conservation or visitor experience considerations. For
example, excessive trail switchbacks that criss-cross a riparian area and Address troublespots (muddy/icy trail conditions) as soon
disrupt more acres of habitat are discouraged under certain circumstances. ccc. )
All natural resource values will be considered when developing trail as possible on an ongoing basis.
alignments. The development of each new trail alignment will include
extensive evaluation and survey by natural resource staff. Resources such C.[.C Follow the adaptive management practices called for in the
as rare plants, unique wildlife occurrences or habitats, and rare plant VMP.
communities will be a priority in trail placement. Trails shall be routed to OSMP will follow the adaptive management practices called for in the VMP
avoid invasive weeds, consider soil types and avoid seeps and wet spots to including the monitoring of trail conditions. If visitor use proves to be
enhance sustainability, and use existing tread where feasible to reduce unsustainable - causes unexpected or excessive environmental, safety or
impacts. Conservation-oriented trail construction practices (as used for the maintenance issues - then adjustments in management shall be made per
E.M. Greenman reroute) shall be used to avoid weed/invasive plant growth the VMP p 30.
(e.g., the growth that comes with deposition of spoils to the side of trails) and
leave intact the habitat through which the trail is routed. OSMP should CC All trail modifications will be evaluated to ensure they
evaluate how effectively an old tread can be revegetated based on soil types meet with the established guidelines to protect these sites.
and visibility from the new tread. Sensitive resources such as significant Native American sites and
indefensible settler/miner sites.
ccG Education and Enforcement Established guidelines include, but are not limited to, consultation with
With the large amount of designated trail mileage and the increasing number the United Tribes of Colorado, the Colorado State Historic Preservation
of visits in the West TSA, adequate education and enforcement are Office, and both the City of Boulder and Boulder County landmark
necessary to help preserve the high-quality resources and enhance visitor boards.
experience. Additionally, any adaptive management decisions require
information that can only be gathered by "boots-on-the-ground". OSMP is ccG Place Cultural resource signs and interpretation where
encouraged to increase ranger staffing and patrols. appropriate.
_c"" Increase maintenance of existing trails. / Interpretive signs should be at obvious cultural sites with high visitation.
.
Over the last years, many trails have become severely eroded due to lack of / Place trail signs to give the less frequent visitor, interested in cultural
maintenance. Increased maintenance will greatly reduce the impact of trails resources, important information such as location keyed to a map,
with respect to erosion, silting of streams, trail braiding, etc. An increase in mileage, and altitude to the sites. For instance, areas rich with resources
trail crews is strongly recommended. such as the South Mesa Trailhead area should be interpreted first with a
general sign to let people know about resources they may see on their
ccc' Encourage OSMP to implement the nighttime curfews as hike and then more specific informative signs at those sites.
Information should continue to be made available on the OSMP website
stated in the Visitor Master Plan through education and outreach,
possibly using signs. or in printed material describing the cultural history of the area.
"Continue nighttime parking curfew, trailhead parking prohibited 11 p.m. to 5 Providing printed information, such as brochures at the highly visited
a.m. and encourage a nighttime curfew one hour after dusk to one hour areas will be considered when staff time and funding allow.
before dawn in Habitat Conservation Areas." (VMP pgs. 43 and 53) / Explore using docent representatives at highly visited sites in order to
Driving Factors/Benefits enhance the visitors' experience; if staff funding and time allow.
"Aims to provide a higher level of resource protection in HCAs."
5
All CCG members agreed to the following statement.
The Open Space and Mounatin Parks department abstained.
After the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT), the City Council and the
City Manager review the Community Collaborative Group's (CCG) West
Trail Study Area Recommendations and they conclude their own public
processes and decisions, the CCG respectfully asks that Council and the
City Manager direct the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department to
implement the results in a timely manner. Considerable time and effort
were contributed by members of the CCG over the past year and a half to
conclude the community participation process, and successful
implementation of its recommendations will require adequate OSMP
staffing and funding. Sufficient voter-supported funding sources exist to
fill the many vacant OSMP positions essential for the success of the long-
term management of these lands held in such high regard by the
community and to implement the West Trail Study Area Plan.
6
- - - -
SWail Recommendation
- - - .
7
8
Sanitas, A mmohe 6 Red Rocks Subarea
Lin
trail Recommendations Subarea Boundary
(Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
trailhead 1
Designate ~
= Construct Access Point
9P" r
14-route (No OSMP provided parking) / ' Hayti Rid
Ke air 001 Conservation Easements r i x
P N , V4
- - - - - Kestore/Ciose Management Zone Designations ~
No Kecowinievidation Habitat Conservation Area
- trails Not Managed By oSMP Natural Area s w
Passive Keereation Area ♦ w
Undesignated Trails Federal Land 1 Y
1 ' y
a U5 o fi \ o
Miles
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10
Sanitas
Repair Mt. Sanitas Trail.
ccc; Designate a trail from Linden Dr and 4tl'St to the Goat Trail. Minor changes to or shifts of the Mt. Sanitas Trail.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Designate a more eastern corridor. Improve trail sustainability.
Close and restore the more western corridor. Cost Medium Benefit
Fix fence.
Sign access point.
Connect to Juniper Avenue. Trail Recommendations
Driving Factors/Benefits (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Protects the sensitive wildlife in the area. Construct
Current alignments are unsustainable. Designate
Provides a highly desired connection. Re-route y'
Consolidates multiple undesignated trails. Zepair
Cost $ Medium Benefit - - - - - - Restore/Close
No Recommendation
ccc Provide access to Quarries 2, 3, and 4. undesignated trails
Provide access from the Sanitas Valley Trail. ® Conservation Easement
Close and restore the access along the undesignated trail from the East Key Destination to Serve
Ridge Trail. . • -
Sign the Quarry Trail with an interpretive sign and dead-end notice at the l
Sanitas Valley Trail junction. ` Quarry 5
Do not provide access to Quarry 1.
Driving Factors/Benefits
The quarries were identified as key destinations. ;
Cost Medium Benefit `
ccG Designate undesignated trail on Dakota Ridge.
-,Quarry 2
Parallel trail to Dakota Ridge Trail
i Do not encourage use by omitting the trail from maps, removing signs (if Quarry 3--
any), not adding signs. Quarry 4
f Maintain the trail.
Driving Factor/Benefits
This new trail provides a different visitor experience from the current
Dakota Ridge Trail. It is on the east side of the hogback providing
different views.
Cost $ Low Benefit
cc[, Designate access to Sanitas stone shelter. 90
5
Loop trail
f Close and restore the other undesignated trails.
Driving Factor/Benefits ,
The stone shelter was identified as a key destination. Sanitas
Stone
Consolidates a network of undesignated trails. Shelter-:
Provides access to and helps protect a cultural resource- ,
Cost $ Low Benefit °
wA
f
11
Sanitas, Cont. . Two-year closure in the interior of the property. Closure will be lifted in
two years if the undesignated trails are reclaimed. If the trails are not
ccG Reroute the East Ridge Trail. reclaimed the area will remain closed and will be reassessed annually.
f No parking on private roads. Parking at the hairpin will be permitted.
Maintain character of trail. There will be no trailhead; little to no infrastructure.
* Note: The reroute description is divided into segments. The segments Driving Factors/Benefits
could be rerouted together or separately as individual projects. The , Increases habitat block size in an important, high-quality, ponderosa pine
following segments are listed generally from east to west: ecosystem.
f *Decrease the average grade of the initial switchbacks to r Provides a new visitor opportunity.
approximately 15%. Although this grade exceeds OSMP trail Eliminates highly unsustainable undesignated trails fragmenting a
guidelines, it will maintain the character of the trail while reducing ponderosa pine habitat block.
erosion. Cost High Benefit
i * Repair the trail that goes to the quarry to the north (Quarry 5).
} * Keep the trail in the rocks as it climbs to the north facing slope-
Better define the trail; techniques could include building rock steps,
arranging rocks to define the path, etc.
* Keep the trail on the north facing slope. However, decrease the
trail grade and address drainage issues. While ice build-up will
decrease, it will not be possible to eliminate due to the lack of
direct winter sun. t
* Organize and define the approach to the summit; trail will remain
in the same corridor. - ' - " ' - - Z.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Visitors currently get lost. r
Trail is severely eroded and braided. `
Winter conditions are often icy and difficult to navigate. Quarry S
* The current trail is difficult to follow.
* Trail has a maximum grade of 35% and is up to 9ft wide in some
places.
*As indicated by the presence of undesignated trails, there appears to be
a desire to visit Quarry 5 to the north. '
Cost High Benefit - = -
Clean up trails and restore historical views from the Mt. Trail Fecommetidations Quarry
CCC (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
-
Sanitas summit. construct
Quarry 3=----- I`
Driving Factors/Benefits Designate
Visitors get lost on the summit area. Ke-rom Quarry ate.
Consolidates a network of undesignated trails. repair
Cost $ Low Benefit - - - - - - Restore/close
No Kecommendation Q~
' Undesignated trails
CCG Designate a trail in West Sanitas/Wittemyer. VP, ®ConservafionEasement
't
Locate along the perimeter of the property. A Key Destination to Serve
Locate connector (to loop on the south side of lower Sunshine Canyon `J
Drive) as close as reasonably possible to the street.
12
Anemone
Quarry 4-CCC' Designate a loop on the south side of lower Sunshine
Canyon Drive.
A trail extension will continue west and cross Sunshine Creek as a
connection to the trail in West Sanitas/Wittemyer. l
The loop may differ from the current undesignated trail alignment. '
Reroute steep sections.
Reroute away from rare plants.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Provides a new visitor opportunity from a trailhead that is moderate in
both trail length and difficulty.
Cost Low Benefit P
A' Designate an Anemone loop. n
Locate the trail on the ridge. f
End before going onto private property.
Maintain access to some of the viewpoints. = =
Close and restore the undesignated trails that lead onto private property
and those from Boulder Canyon. I i
"Coordinate access to the pipeline with the City of Boulder Public Works
department-
Driving Facto rslBenefits r _
New alignment addresses trespassing issues-
Creates a new visitor opportunity that replaces a network of existing
undesignated trails.
Provides designated access to desired viewpoints. Trail Recontmendaiions ; ' -
"City of Boulder Public Works department will need to access the (Trail Alignments areConceptual) pipeline corridor in the near future for pipeline inspection and possible I.o.~~
•!.~ canstruet
rehabilitation. This may require some form of heavy equipment. _ _ - vesig"ate
- - RestorelClose
Cost High Benefit
No Recommendation 'i
Undesignated trails
® Conservation Easereent
13
Red Rocks
ccc Better define the primary trail near the rock formation - 1 All Red Rocks recommendations Cost Low Benefit
Do not put much effort into restoring the undesignated trails around the r
"slick rock" formation and nearby ridge.
Driving Factors/Benefits Cew
Area has very high visitation.
Visitors like to explore the rock formation and scenic views.
i Restoration around the "slick rock" formation and nearby ridge is not p
anticipated to provide much benefit. , r .
Designate a trail on the east side of the point - 2 ° z
a
Close and restore the undesignated trails in the area, including the
undesignated trail that drops off the point to the south.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Provides access to a desired viewpoint.
Consolidates undesignated trails.
ccc. Consider designating access to the ditch - 3
Close and restore the undesignated trail along the ditch; appears to
receive little use. _
Driving Factors/Benefits ♦ 4 d ;
Visitors can continue to access the ditch.
Construct an east/west connector - 4
Connects across the north of the large group area from east to west. e e e
Driving Factors/Benefits _ .,,;.gip -
Area where large groups gather is an old reservoir and was identified as ! 2
a key destination.
> Provides a desired connection between two designated trails, allowing e~
for consolidation of the other undesignated trails.
{ { Repair, replace or remove old structures. c v
Driving Factors/Benefits
Many structures are in disrepair and no longer functioning. Old! ,
Trail Recommendatiovis s
Clearly mark designated and undesignated trails. Reservoir
(Trail Alignments are Conceptual) ♦ g
~ 8 Q
Designate a trail connection from the Knollwood Dr access construct
c.c, l7esignate
point to Settler's Park. •
Driving Factors/Benefits Ke-route
Kepair®_
r Provides a desired neighborhood connection.
00
Cost $ Low Benefit - - - - - Kestore/Close 13 otti
Evaluate the possibility of providing a trail that is more No Kecowttxendafion
UndesignatedTrails
accessible to people with disabilities. O Key Destination to Serve
14
1 i
Qead St.
Western Mountain Parks RCA
6- Flagstaff Subarea - Pve
Bounder . Halfway
norama
caoro"~ BoyS House P Point r
'{en - Fla 01, l a ~o Summit` Fl agstaff - Ft
Pad' 1t ¢View SLmmit East ..Crown:
Maa P X e~ ♦ 9 e~a~l J
L A Y
1
♦ J'e 4 9
~ ~ ~ sr staf _ C
Gregory
X Realiz tibn
. 7.; \\\P-oirSt" Canyon
LO Gulch t p1a9 `
ppp S
Ov2f~ IOOk c 4~~
Cathedral lac ` J
v I ,
0,4
-7n
Grey
Al'Ullain west Ri/d e
1
h-nssler ~ 'J ~j<ee`
r Luke
~O
rydte
eed
Canyon
~ pp
(lf 2~1,. ed
\ / A
1t ed~
we
3f
9e
- C N~ X
N
6 ~A
eea
u~
Trail Recommendations L-- Subarea Boundary
(Trail Alignments are Conceptual) Trailhead
Designate
Construct Access Point
Re-route (No OSMP provided parking)
Repair N r0/1 Conservation Easements i'
- - - - - Kestore/Close Management Zone Designations
No Kecommmdation Habitat Conservation Area
r
- trails Not Managed By OSMP Natural Area
Undesignated Trails Passive Keereation Area
Federal Land
0 025 0.5
Miles ~
\ X
jI
16
Flagstaff
CCG Key Destinations.
CCG' Reroute lower section of the Flagstaff Trail to connect into Provide designated access to the following:
the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. / 3-of-a-Kind Wall
Driving Factors/Benefits f Candel Area (south of Crown Rock, north of Gregory Canyon)
> Improves visitor safety by eliminating one road crossing. J Upper Area
Reduces visitor confusion by beginning the Flagstaff Trail at a trailhead. *Retain access and encourage dispersed use to the following:
Cost Medium Benefit J Holiday Star
Cost/Benefit - included with the Crown Rock Trailhead Recommendation.
Reroute the portion of Flagstaff Trail between Upper Crown Rock
and the Baseline picnic area to the north side of Flagstaff Road.
Continue to serve the Baseline picnic area with a spur from the Flagstaff J a
Trail. Reroute this portion of the trail.
Conduct in-corridor maintenance along the entire length of the trail. 1
Incorporate the Plains View Trail loop. Holiday S"ter
J
Driving Factors/Benefits `
Eliminates two road crossings.
f Sections of the Flagstaff Trail and current Plains View Trail are
unsustainable.
Consolidates a network of undesi gnated trails. Upper
Sunrise Area/3-of-a-Kind Wall
The reroute will be part of a larger effort to improve delineation of Amphitheater
climbing/bouldering access around Upper Crown Rock and Contact '
Corner. - -
Cost High Benefit
Rework each section +Ji liI~.t .
Flagstaff Road.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Although the road crossings have crosswalk stripping, the sight lines for
both pedestrians and vehicles are poor due to the terrain and the trail
being located below the road grade. The rework will help address safety
concerns. '
Cost High Benefit Baseline
Picnic Area
Trail KeCOnffxeNdaitONS r
Restore and maintain historic views from the Sunrise
c:cc, (Trail Alignments are Conceptual) Candel
.
Amphitheater. construct Area
Close undesignated trails leading to other viewpoints. ° - Designate
Driving Factors/Benefits Ke-route
The undesignated trails previously used to gain the view will no longer be Kepalr
necessary. - - - - - - . Kestore/Gose
Cost $ Low Benefit No Keconftnendation . ° ^
r
Undesignated trails Cr`~
A Key Destination to Serve
c - "emu'
17
Flagstaff, cont.
UWS
Repair May's Point (a.k.a. Boy Scout).
Better define the trail to the lookout. 'el POW
Driving Factors/Benefits
f The trail is difficult to locate. Visitors get confused and have created a o•
network of undesignated trails.
Cost $ Low Benefit Continental \
Divide
Overlook -
RC-r0l,lie northern portion of the Tenderfoot Traii.
Close and restore the undesignated trail that descends from the %
Continental Divide Overlook (a.k.a. View Point spur).
Decrease the length of the spur trail that accesses the Continental Divide
Overlook.,
Use fencing and HCA signs to discourage off trail travel.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Reduce social trailing from the viewpoint.
f Replaces the current alignment with a more sustainable trail. i '
11 Removes an undesignated trail is in the HCA.
Cost High Benefit l~
e
Reroute the Ute and Range View Trails.
A single trail will begin at Realization Point and split into the Ute and Trail Recomimmdations ,
Range View trails. The Ute Trail will continue along the ridge to Flagstaff (Trail Alignments are Conceptual) ! i
Summit. The Range View trail will traverse the west side of Flagstaff Re-route
Mountain. Repair f
Restore the segment of the Ute Trail so that it meets OSMP accessibility - - - - - - - Kestore/efose
guidelines. No Recommendation
Driving Factors/Benefits Undesignated trails e
Replaces the current alignments with more sustainable trails. A Key Destination to Serve
Cost Medium Benefit
18
Western Mountain Parks HCA
CCG Reroute lower Ranger Trail.
Reroute out of riparian drainage. ,
Driving Factors/Benefits I'- -
Current trail is highly eroded, braided, and has many steps because it is • y1-
located on the fall line.
Current alignment is in a drainage; the reroute better protects the riparian
area.
Current alignment is in black bear and shrub-nesting bird highly suitable
habitat.
Improves the visitor's experience. i ;
Improves trail sustainability.
Cost High Benefit '
X
Saddle
Lust Gulch _
~ccs Retain Long Canyon alignment with reroute on upper section. Overlook - ` ~ Rock view-Ay
No reroute in the lower/eastern portion of the canyon along the creek.
f Keep current access point on upper Flagstaff Road.
Minor corridor repair work for the length of the trail. 1
Reroute western section from the creek to Flagstaff Road. athcd r I
Driving Factors/Benefits ~i
Reroute improves trail sustainability.
Maintains the existing and desired visitor experience.
Cost High Benefit
a
Close and restore the undesignated "ridge" trail connecting -
cc:t
Gregory Canyon and E.M. Greenman.
Driving Factors/Benefits Trail Recommmdations
Removes a parallel/redundant undesignated trail. (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Ranger reroute will incorporate some of this visitor experience.
This undesignated trail is in the HCA. Designate
Will improve protection of rare plant communities. Ke-route
Closure will minimize the impacts to black bear and Preble's mouse habitat. Kepair X
Cost $ Low Benefit
- - - - - - - Kestore/Close
ccc Leave upper Ranger, E.M. Greenman, and upper Green No Keeommendation ~r
Mountain West Ridge intact with minor reroutes to improve Wdesigmted trails
sustainability. ® Conservation Easement
Retain rugged character of hike. ® Key Destination to Serve tip
Driving Factors/Benefits
Maintains the desired visitor experience.
Cost Low Benefit
19
Western Mountain Parks HCA, cont.
ccc Reroute Green Mountain West Ridge. ,
Move trail so visitors do not see houses.
Trail should remain largely unchanged at the west end. As the trail goes east
00
transition to the north side of the ridge, then switch back on the south slope Q
of Green Mountain. r`
Terminate at the current intersection with Ranger Trail.
Move intersection with the rerouted Green Bear farther west.
Should not go very far into Panther Canyon because of rare plant concerns - ~don~ p
in the upper reaches of the drainages. [U.
Reclaim and revegetate the old trail. X
Driving Factors/Benefits '
Current view is into houses, backyards, and road. /
Improves trail sustainability.
Current alignment has steep grades that result in trail braiding and erosion.
Provides the visitor a different visitor experience.
Cost Medium Benefit
h e rte.
Reroute Green Bear Trail. r,,,, 1.
f Proposed reroute is part of a separate OSMP process and will include ' f
public review apart from the West TSA planning process. Trail Recommendations
(Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Re-route
Actively close and restore all undesignated trails in the HCA. = Repabr
Driving Factors/Benefits - - - - - - - Restare/Close
A permit is required for off-trail travel in the HCA. The closure of No Reeotxntendation
undesignated trails in the HCA will reduce prohibited and undesirable off trail UMesignated trails
travel. ® Conservation Easement
Improve habitat block size and effectiveness.
Cost $ High Benefit
20
' l
U)
Chautauqua Flatirons Subarea
Baseline Rd.
:a
/ 8aselie "Chautauqua A!:Gregory
Gtego f~MCan.yo . 'S 8!"ebe do-' Enchanted
~A M era
0
je~
(cock ) d;Eatiron
n V)
' r: c4
E,yl , ti t f a F
t9.o~ ~o k Canyon
+ CY.--
r
r f,- -
r
~ J
trail recommendations p Subarea Boundary
(Trail Alignments are Conceptual) Trallhead
Construct
vesignate 0 access Point
/ Re-route N (No OSMP provided parking)
Repair ~ Conservation Easements
- - - - - Restore/Close Management Zone Designations
1 ot~ G No Recommendation Habitat Conservation Area
trails Not Managed By OSMP Natural Area
' Undesignated Tr'a'ils Passive Recreation Area
Federal Land
0 025 0.s
Miles
21
22
Gregory Canyon, Saddle Rock, 1St and 2nd Flatiron Repair the Amphitheater Trail.
f Rework the trail west of the intersection with Amphitheater Express.
ccc' Work on Gregory Canyon. . Minor repairs will be made along the entire trail.
Consider using the existing old road grade approximately 100 yards f It will intersect the Saddle Rock Trail in generally the same location;
north of the Crown Rock bridge. however, due to the change in dog regulations on Saddle Rock, OSMP
Reroute some sections of the trail. will look at the best way to create a transition between a no-dog trail and
Driving Factors/Benefits a Voice & Sight trail.
Improves trail sustainability. Driving Facto rs/Benefits
Cost Low Benefit f Will help address climbing access in the area.
Many sections of the trail are unsustainable.
c:c:c; Reroute Saddle Rock. / Much of the trail infrastructure is in disrepair and not functioning.
Serve the following climbing access points with either a spur or Cost Medium Benefit
switchback-bottom of Spy, top of Spy, exit of Baker's Way, start of North
Arete, rescue spot A, and top of the 1 st and 2nd Flatiron Trail.
Close and restore the undesignated trails in the area.
Designate access to the Saddle Rock View, a key destination. Candei
*Providing designated access to the Saddle Rock View depends on the Area -
~14
reroute; it will be evaluated when determining the trail alignment.
Driving FactorslBenefits
The current alignment is unsustainable with many stairs, trail widening,
and erosion. The reroute provides access to the 1St and 2nd Flatiron Trail, making it ,
possible to close other undesignated trails in the area.
Cost High Benefit -
Close and restore the former logging road that connects Gregor.,
Canyon Trail to Saddle Rock. '
Driving Factors/Benefits
r
r Eliminates a redundant trail. ~ +
Improves a large habitat block.
Cost $ Low Benefit X
~ P
_ Close and restore the undesignated trails connecting the 1s` Saddle °r
c cf Flatiron to E.M. Greenman Rock View
.
Do not designate or construct a connector.
Driving Factors/Benefits '4
Closes redundant undesignated trails in the HCA.
Decreases visitor confusion. Trail Keeortimmdatims
Cost $ Medium Benefit (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Repair Amphitheater Express climbing access trail. ve~ynate
Ke-route ~ t
Re-establish the trail tread. Kepair -
Driving Factors/Benefits - - Restore/Close
The west side of the loop is in disrepair and difficult to locate. As a
result, there is a network of undesignated trails. NoKeeommmdation Ghetto
Cost $ Low Benefit Undesignated trails
Bouldering
A Key Destination to Serve
PO
2
Chautauqua, Four Pines r Runs southwest from the area near the Enchanted Mesa water tank-
Driving Facto rs/Benefits
CC(i Designate and reroute the Baseline Trail, the 6th Street Provides an experience distinct from that of the Enchanted Mesa Trail.
connector, and the trail from the northeast corner of Chautauqua Cost $ Medium Benefit
meadow to Bluebell Baird. Close and restore the undesignated trail connecting the
Close remaining undesignated trails in the area. McClintock/Enchanted Mesa cut-off with the Enchanted Mesa
Driving Factors/Benefits Trailhead (northwest of the water tank).
Provides a desired connection which in turn allows closure of the Driving Factors/Benefits
remaining undesignated trails. The trail is steep and unsustainable.
Cost $ Medium Benefit Cost $ Low Benefit
(ai Work on the trails in the area of Chautauqua, Bluebell ccc Reroute the Four Pines trails.
Baird, and Serpentine. OSMP will negotiate with NIST to maintain access and designate the
Minor changes to or shifts of the trails in the Chautauqua area. undesignated trail that adjoins to Kohler Mesa.
Includes drainage improvements. Designate the trail that connects Four Pines to Kusch Road.
Driving Factors/Benefits Close redundant undesignated trails.
Increases trail sustainability by improving water drainage- Driving Facto rslBenefits
Cost Medium Benefit Improves trail sustainability.
Simplifies the trail connection onto NIST.
ccc Improve parking at Chautauqua. Cost Medium Benefit
OSMP will pursue parking improvements to the existing Ranger Cottage
parking lot (e.g. diagonal parking and one-way entrance and egress). 1 trail Recommendatiom
Pursue the bus parking/loading on east side of median (west side of (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Kinnickinnic). Designate
(This action is part of another planning process involving the Chautauqua Ke-route
Association, City Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Planning, and the Kepair
City Manager's Office.) - - - - - - Kestore/ciose
Cost $-$$$(dependent upon Chautauqua planning project) Medium Benefit NoKecommendation
MY. Undesignated Trails
- ® Canservow Easement
CCG Close the undesignated spur trails off of upper and lower
McClintock. Key Destination to Serve
OSMP staff will designate a small number of high value access areas.
Encourage visitors to stay on trail by having a well-maintained enjoyable I -
trail.
Add education and interpretive information. ;
Cost $ Low Benefit
Designate the undesignated trail connecting the Enchanted
Mesa/Kohler spur intersection to the Mesa Trail
Driving Factors/Benefits
Provides a desired connection.
Will provide access to the Woods Quarry Trail.
Cost $ Low Benefit }
Designate the undesignated trail between the McClintock and
Enchanted Mesa Trails.
Ghetto ~~(p
Bouldering',
w
2 4 n,
Skunk Canyon, Royal Arch c.cc Fix and reroute portions of the Royal Arch Trail.
Designate trail connectors from the Hollyberry Ln access Try to hit the viewpoint of the Royal Arch Trail.
point to lower Skunk Canyon. Driving Factors/Benefits
Two connectors from Hollyberry Ln to Skunk Canyon. 11 Improves trail sustainability.
Minor realignment needed to make the more northern trail more sustainable. Cost Medium Benefit
Trail should not be realigned farther east than the existing undesignated trail.
Two short connectors from Hollyberry Ln to the NCAR Skunk Canyon ccc- Key Destinations
service road. *Retain access and encourage dispersed use to the following:
Driving Factors/Benefits . Hillbilly Rock
Provides a gentle, short, flat loop opportunity. . Ghetto Boulders
Provides desired neighborhood connections. Fifth Flatiron
Cost Medium Benefit : Ridge 4
c:cx Reroute the Skunk Canyon Trail *Lost Sentinel and Sentinel Boulders
Cost $ Low Benefit
• Reroute the section of Skunk Canyon Trail that connects the southern
most "elbow" of Kusch Road to the intersection of the Skunk Canyon
Spur and Skunk Canyon. Connect into the intersection of Skunk Canyon
Spur and Skunk Canyon in a sustainable and logical way.
• Not too far up the hillside, but sufficient distance away from the riparian
corridor. '
• *Reroute the section of trail west of the intersection of Skunk Canyon Spur r'
and Skunk Canyon.
1 *The reroute will rejoin the existing alignment where the trail turns to go °
south and will parallel the Mesa Trail across the drainage. °
tMt
• *Reroute north and uphill out of the riparian area. NGhe'"o
Driving Factors/Benefits Bouldering
• *Reroute will put the upper portion of the trail on OSMP property.
/ *Will improve trail sustainability.\cSenti ;l trail Recommendations
Boulders
*Will still provide visitors an opportunity to be in the riparian area on a portion (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
of the trail and in the shaded forested area below the Mesa Trail. Lost ' Designate
Senti nals ' Re-route
• *Will minimize impacts to the riparian drainage by moving a large portion of
the trail uphill, out of the riparian vegetation. Fifth • Repair
Cost Medium Benefit /Flatiron-, - - - - - - - - Restore/Close
No Recommendation
-r.c-(= Reroute the Woods Quarry Trail. - Hillbilly uwdesignatedTrails
Reroute both entrances to Woods Quarry. _ /Rook ® Conservation Fasemettt
* The Woods Quarry Trail will begin at the intersections of Enchanted Mesa / Key Destination to Serve
Road and the Kohler Mesa cut-off, continue northwest and intersect the
Mesa Trail at a new junction. /Ridge a
Provide access to the 3rd Flatiron Quarry. - -
f Close undesignated trails; *close and restore the old Woods Quarry Trail Front f -
Porch
alignment.
Driving Factors/Benefits ,Back
Replaces current alignment with a more sustainable trail.
Cost Medium Benefit
25
Mallory Cave
ccc Clean up Mallory Cave Trail.
Two out and backs to serve the climbing formations.
Extend a Class 0 climbing access trail to Porch Alley.
Close the undesignated trail that creates a loop between the ,
Fumbledeedum access and the Back Porch.
Driving Factors/Benefits Trail Reeowtmendatiom
Provides access to multiple key destinations. (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Improves trail sustainability. Designate
Cost Medium Benefit Re-route
Repair - -
- - Keston2/Close i ' - '
:ccc Reroute Mesa Trail at Skunk Canyon crossing.
Move trails to the west minimizing the grades in and out of the drainage. No Recommendation
Build a short bridge as necessary. Undesignated trails
g
f Reroute the trail out of the mud on the south side of Skunk Creek, behind Key Destination to Serve Front
NCAR if possible. Lost 'Porch
Driving Factors/Benefits 'Porch
• Decreases erosion into the drainage. Back
f Decreases trail widening. 'Porch
*Minimize the distance that the Mesa Trail spends in the Skunk Canyon
V
drainage.
Cost High Benefit '
•Fumbledeedum
Reroute Mesa Trail from Skunk Canyon crossing to intersection
with Bear Canyon. w '
> Consolidate redundant trails leading from NCAR to the Mesa Trail.
Driving Factors/Benefits T v
t
Improves trail sustainability. `Fee ,
Cost High Benefit
v
ccc, Key Destinations
Provide designated access to the following:
Fee
Front Porch, Back Porch, and Lost Porch
Top of Fumbledeedum route
Concern about avoiding the riparian area.
Cost $ Low Benefit
26
Trail Recommendations p Subarea Boundary
Shanahan f South Mesa Subarea Ian nn (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Seasonal Protection Area
Mesa Dr. DeSlgnate May 1 - July 31
~m Construct
tea" fratlhead
Re-route
Repair Access Point
t N
(No OSMP provided parking)
NCAR , - - - - - Restore/Close
No Recommendation COnSerVattON IraSemenlS
Trails Not Managed 6y OSMP Management Zone Designations
I ~ -
Habitat Conservation Area
Undesignated trails
' - ° Natural Area
-ya' gearV p 0.25 0.5 Passive Recreation Area
e Miles Federal Land
l rStoney
yNc m
• ao3 a Y ,•''oo i / / i
r ems` r
s o~
Mid Shanahan HarQsv ar j Y' -
- South
atn Fork `Boulder
-5~ ana~ han V i Greek West
1 ~ -
Byte str n'
~ 8t9
d0o ~
Big 6/,,PS/em =
I 1
4f, Q~.
J
~ - ~o SQ
6 o \
I o ~SOUth F 'A f-i I
27
28
NCAR, Bear Canyon
Designate a trail connecting the Bear Canyon Service Road
- to the Wildwood Connector.
Provide designated access to the Ant Hill, a key destination.
Driving Factors/Benefits
• Consolidates the undesignated trails.
More sustainable trail- trail Keeonimwda- ions -
- -
Cost $ Low Benefit (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
COnsiruct
ccc Repair Bear Canyon Trail. Designate
i Near the power line Ke-route
- • Kestore/Close ,
f * Upper section located immediately west of Mesa Trail No Keeommendaiim
Consider using stepping stones or boardwalks. UMesipnated Trails
Driving Factors/Benefits Key Destination to Serve
Trail widening ,i
Muddy conditions ,
Cost $ Medium Benefit
Cc(. Designate a nature loop on the east side of the NCAR Q 'mesa.
Connect into the Table Mesa-NCAR connector trail near the parking lot-
Evaluate the possibility of increasing accessibility for those with _
disabilities- F
Driving Factors/Benefits o
Consolidate a network of undesignated trails.
Provides a short, gentle loop opportunity.
Cost Medium Benefit
Close and restore the undesignated trail connecting the Mesa Anthill
trail with the Bear Canyon Service Road. • '
Driving Facto rs/Benefits
Eliminates a redundant trail that parallels riparian habitat and bisects a
wet meadow.
Will improve black bear highly suitable habitat.
Cost $ Low Benefit
.r
Designate a trail connecting the Wildwood Ln access point with
the NCAR parking lot.
Driving Factors/Benefits
r Provides a desired connection.
Cost Low Benefit
29
Shanahan Trails Evaluate the possibility of providing a trail in the Shanahan area
that is more accessible to people with disabilities.
50; Designate a Fern Meadow Trail.
Involve OSMP ecologist to determine trail alignment - concerns about Close and restore the undesignated trails leading from the
areas of high-quality native vegetation and seeps. neighborhood, trails not from designated access points.
Driving Factors/Benefits Encourage dispersed use.
Highly desired connection. Do not put much effort into closing and restoring these trails.
Improves trail sustainability. Driving Facto rslBenefits
Cost Low Benefit Encouraging dispersed use will allow the neighbors to access the
designated trail system with minimal impact.
Designate a trail connecting the Fern Meadow Trail to the Cost $ Low Benefit
Cragmoor Rd access point.
The trail will be directly behind the homes. Key Destinations
> The specific alignment and distance from the homes will be determined Provide designated access to the Shanahan stock pond.
during implementation, it will be as far away from the homes as feasible, Cost /Benefit- Included in the Shanahan trails recommendations-
given natural resource concerns, while maintaining its function as a
neighborhood collector trail. %
Driving Factors/Benefits a o
Designates a single trail for neighborhood access; consolidates multiple
undesignated trails.
• Provides access to Fern Meadow area from a designated access point
(Cragmoor)-
Cost Low Benefit ;
° o o
a °
ccc, Designate multiple connectors in the Shanahan area.
Stony Hill Dr HOA neighborhood access to the North Fork of the _
Shanahan- there are currently two spurs connecting the Stony Hill Dr Shanahan
y g y Stock Pond °
access point to the North Fork of the Shanahan. One of the two spurs
will be designated. Alignment to be determined during implementation.
Middle Fork of the Shanahan/Hardscrabble- new alignment should
protect the riparian drainage and salamander pond-
Cragmoor Rd access point to the Middle Fork of the ,
Shanahan/Hardscrabble
Middle Fork of the Shanahan/Hardscrabble to the South Fork Shanahan
Driving Facto rs/Benefits
Provides desirable connections. trail Recommendations
Cost Low Benefit (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Construct
Reroute South Fork of the Shanahan west of the water = Designate
ccr~
tank. Fe-route
Driving Factors/Benefits Repair
More direct alignment of the South Fork of the Shanahan. - - - - - - • Kestore/Close
Cost $ Medium Benefit No Recommendation
- _ Undesignated Trails
~PLp~ A Key Destination to Serve
Seasonal Protection Area
May 1 - July 31
30
Fern Canyon
CCG Repair upper Fern Canyon.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Improves trail sustainability.
Improves visitor safety due to highly eroded surfaces and steep grades. Trail Keeonimoida-funs
Cost High Benefit
(Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
Piomtruct
Redesign the Fern Canyon, Shanahan, and Mesa Trail junction. 0.0 Vesignate
Reroute the Mesa Trail to the west. Ke-route
Replace lower Fern Canyon and Shanahan-Mesa connector trails with a Repair ;
single trail that connects to the Fern Canyon Trail. Create a T- - - - - - - Wore/Close
intersection. Close and restore the lower Fern Canyon and Shanahan- No Recmils ndanon
Mesa connector trails. ul+aesignated trails seal
Provide access to the Terrain Boulders (Funk Soul Boulder, Animal Chin ` Key Destination to Serve Rock
Boulder, The Ice Cube-Fairview Boulder) with a climbing access trail
originating off of the Mesa Trail reroute. Close and restore the -
undesignated trail along the fall line currently providing access to the i_ .
Terrain Boulders.
Provide access to the Slab with the new section of trail.
Driving Factors/Benefits /
Eliminates a confusing "box" trail intersection.
Eliminates parallel and redundant trails. The Slab
The Mesa Trail reroute will eliminate a portion of the trail that is wet year
round and icy in the winter.
The new alignment will shift the trail to the edge of two diverse forest
openings. Funk Soul
Will eliminate one trail in Abert's squirrel highly suitable habitat and Boulder
`o.' '
increase the size of the habitat block. Animal Chin
_ - "
Improves trail sustainability. Boulder
Cost High Benefit 1 The Ice
X Cube-Fairview
Boulder
t=`' Key Destinations: ' ' - - -
Provide designated access to the following:
Animal Chin Boulder
J Funk Soul Boulder
J Seal Rock (climbs between Bear Canyon and Fern Canyon)
The Ice Cube-Fairview Boulder
Cost/Benefit- Included in the Fern Canyon, Shanahan, and Mesa junction
redesign.
31
Upper Big Bluestem
Reroute upper Big Bluestem. °
Reroute north, higher up the slope and out of the riparian area. trail Recommendations
Driving Factors/Benefits (Trail Alignments are conceptual)
Will decrease the miles of trails in riparian areas in the West TSA. X Designate
Increases the black bear highly suitable habitat block and habitat for other - - . _ ♦ Re-route
species using foothills drainages. - - - - - - - Kesiore/Close
Reduces potential conflicts between black bears and visitors.
The reroute brings the trail farther away from the Brammier Cabin, reducing No Kecon+n+endation
the potential for vandalism. ` Undesigmted Trails
Reroute will eliminate the seasonal on-leash requirement. / A Key Destination to Serve
Cost High Benefit Seasonal Frotecfion Area
May 1 -July 31
Repair Shadow Canyon
Driving Factors/Benefits "
11 Trail is braided and difficult to follow-
f
Improves trail sustainability.
Cost Low Benefit The +
/Maiden
ccc Key Destinations:
Provide designated access to the Maiden.
Cost $ Low Benefit
w
w
32
Lower Big Bluestem, South Boulder Creek ccc, Reroute South Boulder Creek Trail.
Avoid rare plant communities.
Designate a lower Big Bluestem Seasonal Grassland Proposed alignment is on the mesa top, away from the riparian area.
Cris Protection Area. / * Evaluate the possibility of making the trail more accessible to people with
Area closed to all off-trail travel from May 1 to July 31. disabilities.
Driving Factors/Benefits Driving Factors/Benefits
Protects a key grassland bird nesting area during the mating, nesting, and / Increases habitat block size.
fledging season. / Habitat and wildlife protection.
Cost Medium Benefit Improves trail sustainability.
Cost High Benefit
Repair the trail connecting the Greenbriar Blvd/Lehigh St
access points to the South Shanahan connector.
Fence should remain unchanged for grazing management. j
No gates cree _
tG
Driving Factors/Benefits • ° ° ° - f
Improves trail sustainability. CJBO ,
Cost Low Benefit '
CCG Designate/construct a trail from the Greenbriar Blvd access -
point to Big Bluestem. i°
*Close and restore the undesignated trails that currently run south from the uth
Greenbriar Blvd access point to Big Bluestem. oUlde,
Driving Factors/Benefits { reel,
Provides year round designated trail access from the Greenbriar Blvd access
point to Big Bluestem
Provides access through the Grassland Protection area, which is closed to
off trail travel from May 1 - July 31.
Addresses the network of undesignated trails in the area.
Minimizes fragmentation to the habitat block. •Current undesignated trail connection follows the fence line and is highly
unsustainable.
Cost Medium Benefit
c'cc; Pursue (provide) a safe pedestrian crossing across Highway 100
93, connecting South Boulder Creek Trail from east to west (near
the South Boulder Creek West Trailhead). Trail Kecommmdatims
*A variety of solutions could improve this crossing including: at-grade ;O (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
pedestrian crossing/striping/warning signs, underpass, overpass, pedestrian Construct
signal lights, etc. Designate
*OSMP will work with the city, county, and other potential partners to identify yam. Ke-route
the best option for this crossing. repair
Driving Factors/Benefits. - - - - - - Kesiore/Close
*There is a desire by visitors to connect South Boulder Creek Trail from east No hoommendaiton
to west, requires crossing Highway 93. UndlesigmUd Trails
*This connection appears in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan trails Seasonal Protection area
map and the VMP as a critical road crossing. May 1 -July 71
Cost Medium Benefit
33
Towhee, Homestead, Old Mesa trail from maps, removing old signs, and leave trail largely as is with minor trail
work.
cc(. Reroute Towhee. Cost $ Low Benefit
Close and restore upper part of Towhee. ccc' Designate a trail from Shadow Canyon south to Dinosaur
Maintain lower part as it currently is (retain narrow trail).
Angle up to the west, joining the Mesa Trail after going through the viewpoint on Dakota Ridge.
ponderosa pine stand. , Use west route, close and restore east route.
*Close and restore the undesignated trail that connects the Towhee and the Do not encourage use by omitting the trail from maps, removing signs (if
Mesa Trails. any), not adding signs,
Driving Factors/Benefits Maintain the trail.
Decreases the trail length in the riparian area and increases riparian habitat Driving Factors/Benefits
block size. Topography may not allow for sustainable trail design.
Improves shrub nesting bird habitat. Provides access to the Dinosaur viewpoint on Dakota Ridge, a key
Angling up west allows a slightly longer Towhee valley experience with good destination.
views up to the mountains and a nice ponderosa tree experience. Cost Medium Benefit
Cost Medium Benefit ccc Key Destinations.
:ccc Reroute Homestead. Provide designated access to the following:
Construct a bridge across the drainage. . The Matron
Driving Factors/Benefits / *Move trail out of the riparian drainage.
Current alignment contains many highly degraded steps and is severely . Provide designated trail access to the town of Eldorado Springs.
eroded. Cost Low Benefit
Decreases the trail length in the riparian area and increases riparian habitat
block size. Trail Kecommmda- ions
Cost Medium Benefit (Trail Alignments are Conceptual)
r
Provide access to South Boulder Creek from Mesa Trailhead. Designate
1 Designate creek access along the north bank. Ke-route
Close and restore the remaining undesignated trails to the creek. Ma den N
- - - - - - o KecKnemmendation
Use a combination of fencing, trail improvements, native vegetation No ontwle
restoration, and bank stabilization to improve management of the Undesigmied trails
recreational activities in the area. a Key Destination to Serve
Evaluate the possibility of making the trail more accessible to people with Seasonal Froftlon Area
disabilities. May 1 -July 31
Driving Factors/Benefits
Designated creek access points will help direct the current visitor activity.
Limiting the number of access points will help protect the creek bank and o • - 4oc1 .
riparian area. The p -
South Boulder Creek is a very popular destination among visitors to the Matron
South Mesa Trailhead. Dinosaur
Cost High Benefit viewpoint
Dakota Ridge
ccc Old Mesa Trail - - 00
Work with Eldorado Canyon State Park and all other land owners to establish
public access options from public lands to the Old Mesa Trail. Examine
possibilities for an Old Mesa alignment that is sustainable and meets visitor
needs without damaging natural resources. In the meantime, leave the trail as is
with some possible minor work. If negotiations are not successful, designate as Eldorado
a dead end trail and do not encourage increased use on the trail by omitting the springs
M
s
34
RFRecreational Activity
ecommendations
35
36
Dog Management Recommendations General Dog Management Recommendations
The following dog management section contains: t~ Seasonal Restrictions and Closures
Unless explicitly stated in a CCG recommendation, none of the
r A map of the new/changed dog management recommendations recommendations is intended to impact current seasonal leash requirements
or closures. The CCG's recommendations do not affect OSMP's policy of
The Dog Management Recommendations for: implementing such restrictions.
J Dog-Free Opportunities
Leash Required Trails _
Voice and Sight Opportunities Trails with no CCG Dog Management Recommendation
NCAR Designated trails without a CCG dog management recommendation
remain unchanged. This includes but is not limited to: trailhead leash,
seasonal restrictions, and on-corridor requirements.
{ For newly designated trails, for which the CCG made no
recommendation, the dog management will be determined pursuant to
the VMP Management Areas designation or in accordance with any
specific dog regulations in the area.
Changes to Dog Regulations in the West TSA:
Current Conditions in the West TSA West TSA Plan Recommendations
Total miles of Designated Trails 78 97.7*
Dog Regulations miles % of trail miles miles % of trail miles
Voice and Sight 50.7 65% 59* 61%
Leash Required 19.6 25% 21.6* 22%
No Dogs 4.1 5% 13.1 * 13%
On Corridor Leash or Voice and Sight 4.1 5% 2.6* 3%
V&S M-F, Leash Required S-S 0 0% 1.4* 1%
* Based on conceptual trail alignments
37
38
West TSA Pog Regula-fions
[=West TSAR Boundary I'- trailhead Management Zone Designations
Other Government Land trail Not Managed 6y OSMP Habitat Conservation Area
OSMP Conservation Easement Natural Area
0 0.5 Passive Recreation Area
Miles Federal Land
x
J
Unchanged Dog Regulations New or Changed Dog Regulations
• • : : R.~3e Voice and Sight Control Voice and Sight Control
• x . Leash Required Leash Required
c
No Dogs No Dogs
X
e VAS M4, Leash Required S-S
r
® trailhead Leash Area trailhead Leash Area
Seasonal Trail Restrictions Dog Closure Area
are not Shown
• r+
\ All new trail alignments are conceptual
Centennial
Settler's
Park. - - - LL..
~0ul:.F:r
Halfway - - -
House Panorama
Point
Tenao Fla staff 1
I yf•~ Summit West Flagstaff I _
cnar uminit East A\\ f
• + Crown- t
X Rock
1 ~
A~{~°n - Chautauqua
C'raaorf • i
X : - Yon f•
•.Rmlizati on, e r._.f`- nyon hr Enchanted
-•PoinY Ca Mesa
a vt _ NL' - r-I
1 z~ ryn ° f
Lost Guleh x
F
Overlook
Cathedral •••,C • • • . - _ ~o`\... 1,.LlJ!
z„ ~ r~ • tc,~r
~o pay • -
•~~~o fan -
fem. `o, M<n ! R - }kU;~k ..•i•r.o - -
( Green M /
°~nta~n West Ridge X ~
GeeoO" ` NCAR • f ' '
ter' •
Lake
- - rm
a
ae
L&
-
.B ' SmneDy f '
ear i _ i'c
a s• ao•° o° W
.J t' Fnrn ~onahayr" h f
9 L ~ ~ ± Eoyh ~ ~a _ J
`sy Noi h •
P i • -
Fe`rii Ea;o "
%
esr J "y • .o°
9p Mitl Shanahan -Fa • ~ %
1, • •
South
Boulder
x se i Fo sn:, `a G eek West
yen,
0oz _ ~ 8:9 ei,res
N Marsh II
X # ~ • • • as else M
_ • • 'see
sa
OF OG~ _ o~".•
F . i Homestead
ion
iJ South
._.Mesa Dourly
q,
J ° Draw
I 1, ~lJ~t~J~
iii ~9 oo,y s'w aw or real ~m,°n .a rW+y~°rc°o Dart cm~r=.o.... wrnmecn. cone..
- oa eD~ea sDna aea aeagrmaca represenwmn on v. wn k.a,me au.menu °ere.,ewn ~a mMe.~m
I--• 39
MaDAUUrary s:naxas..ce er prov ceenogam°e sprees or mp w.xnm r
wmpebrew olne mmrmatlan eoxaneu nereontl
- •ar •ar'-
Dog-Free Opportunities a~,tas
a Dog Trail Regulation Recommendations
No Dogs
17c, The following trails will become dog-prohibited: Dogs Prohibited
West Sanitas perimeter trail (previously an undesignated trail system)
Active enforcement of dog regulations. If compliance seems insufficient,
OSMP will increase enforcement. Non-compliance in this area is
considered egregious and a court appearance and maximum fine will be i DuUIdE'r
recommended.
Tenderfoot Chapman loop (previously voice and sight)
Saddle Rock (previously voice and sight with a seasonal leash
requirement August 15 to November 1 on lower section of the trail)
E.M. Greenman from intersection with Ranger to intersection with Saddle Tentle~°
Rock (previously leash required)
McClintock from the Enchanted Mesa bridge down to the trail junction
with the trail connecting to the Enchanted Mesa Trailhead (previously
leash required) - the eastern portion of lower McClintock remains
leashed. °
Towhee Trail with new shortened connection to Mesa Trail (previously aaa\a
leash required)
Trail from Greenbriar to Big Bluestem (previously an undesignated trail)
3 ~ PR ,T\
-ccU' The following areas will become dogs prohibited year
round:
Lower Big Bluestem Grassland Protection Area (revised boundary of
existing dog-free area and includes the former small voice and sight area
adjacent to Greenbriar) ~J
Area surrounding the Towhee Trail - including the riparian corridor
adjacent to the Homestead Trail crossing ` c,.
Area surrounding the Saddle Rock Trail B`'9
Area bordered by the Tenderfoot Chapman loop
West Sanitas/Wittemyer
r
X
Towhee
~f X ' Eltl~,~d~
40
Leash Required Trails ~ -
x T .4
0 0,
°St 'A Dog Trail Regulation Recommendatims
The following trails will become on leash: leash Required
Lower Big Bluestem (previously on-corridor voice and sight with a s~ VM M4, Leash Required S-S
seasonal leash requirement from May 15 to July 15) ~Sh'^e co Trailhead leash area
Upper Big Bluestem on Saturday and Sunday (previously voice and sight °p
with a seasonal leash requirement from August 15 to November 1) ~~ul1~r
Lower Sunshine Canyon loop and western spur (previously an l -
l
undesignated trail system)
Old Mesa (previously an undesignated trail)
Trail connecting the Bear Canyon Service Road with the trail connecting TI,
the Wildwood access to Bear Canyon road (previously an undesignated
trail)
Trail across NIST connecting Four Pines to Kusch Road (previously an x
undesignated trail) `
Trail connectors from Hollyberry to lower Skunk (previously {
undesignated trails) I _
Two connectors from Hollyberry to Skunk Canyon TurFines - Kusch Road
Two short connectors from Hollyberry to the NCAR Skunk
Canyon service road I ,Hollyberry -Skunk
"Connector from Wildwood/Bear Canyon Service Road up to the NCAR r
parking lot (previously an undesignated trail) i r
i
105/wildWood to NCAR
Bear.Connector
cec The following are new trailhead/access point leash
recommendations:
Forest and Hawthorne on-leash from access points to trail junction.
For voice and sight trails, where appropriate, trailhead/access point on-
leash requirements will be made by OSMP consistent with the VMP
(pages 44-45).
~ x 0~p' Broeste~ ~
1
eaa
0y
O
i
41
Voice and Sight Opportunities Homestead - Dogs must be on leash at the bridge / riparian crossing, dogs
prohibited in drainage. Monitoring recommended.
;ccc The following trails will become voice and sight: Greenbriar/Lehigh to South Shanahan Connector - Trailhead leash to be
determined.
(all previously undesignated trails/trail systems unless noted Skunk Canyon - Seasonal leash requirement will remain unchanged. Only a
otherwise) portion of the trail is being rerouted out of the riparian corridor.
> Trail from Linden Dr and 4th St to the Goat Trail
Trail to Sanitas stone shelter ,l I I
Anemone loop ar<_ -
Red Rocks J cf
Trail to Sanitas Quarries 2, 3, and 4- with the following condition: Emphasize
and prioritize enforcement in this area over areas with fewer dog N'
management issues. o W
Trail on Dakota Ridge, east side of the hogback -with the following o Dog Trail Regulation ILecowtwtendations
condition: Emphasize and prioritize enforcement in this area over areas with a _ VAS M-F, Leash Required S-S
fewer dog management issues.
Connection from the Knollwood Dr access point to Settler's Park one Voice and Sight Control
Baseline Trail, 6th St connector, and trail from the northeast corner of 400
a ~eyfi ~
Chautauqua Meadow to Bluebell Baird. Trailhead leash requirement on the a , I
Baseline Trail to be determined. -
Upper Fern Canyon (previously leash required) with the following condition:
Add enforcement signs to keep dogs out of the HCA
Fern Meadow Trail J.
~r
Trail connecting the Fern Meadow Trail to the Cragmoor Rd access point - x -
Trailhead leash requirement to be determined..
qhauta-
Stony Hill Dr HOA (neighborhood) access to the North Fork of the Shanahan B :luebenqua Meadow q/ 6th Street Connector
Bluebell BairdCP f-~
Middle Fork of the Shanahan/Hardscrabble Trail
Connector from Middle Fork of the Shanahan/Hardscrabble to the South j i
Fork of the Shanahan
Cragmoor Rd access point to the Middle Fork of theShanahan sµ°nk canyon
Trail from Shadow Canyon to the Dinosaur viewpoint on Dakota Ridge
Any trails designated to the following key destinations will be voice and sight: _ X y - f IT
the Holiday Star, 3-of-a-Kind Wall, Candel Area, Upper Area, Fee, Ghetto _ 4.;- -
Boulders, Fifth Flatiron, Front Porch, Back Porch, Lost Porch, top of
Fumbledeedum route, Animal Chin, Funk Soul Boulder, Seal Rock,
The Ice Cube - Fairview Boulder, Shanahan stock pond, The Maiden, and _
The Matron _
*Connector from the Enchanted Mesa/Kohler spur intersection to the Mesa > Genyon Shana~anjta`\e
Trail
*Trail between the McClintock and Enchanted Mesa Trails x.
A _
ccG The following trails will remain voice and sight with the
following conditions: x 1-0 ' . _
> Sanitas East Ridge- Emphasize and prioritize enforcement in this area over " Sig ej~PS' ~6
areas with fewer dog management issues. r re
> Upper Big Bluestem- Monday through Friday
South Boulder Creek West- Extend the fence along the trail to reinforce the a X41 -
grassland protection area boundary
42
NCAR and NIST
Both NCAR and NIST require dogs to be leashed. All dog management
changes on NCAR are subject to NCAR's discretion for making changes
involving public access on their property.
Trail Recommendations - NCAR / NIST
CCG The CCG recommends that OSMP present the following package Leash, Or Voice avid Sight Control
proposal to NCAR for their consideration. Leash Required
vogs
m
Skunk Canyon Trail from Kohler Mesa to Table Mesa access point is ° ' • No e
"Dog management proposals on NCAR
voice and sight. S pr, are subject to their policy discretion
Dogs Prohibited on the trail from Table Mesa to NCAR parking lot and NeMe \
nature trail (if approved) on the eastern side of the mesa below the ~aa
parking lot.
r
N NC'AR ~ o
43
Horseback Riding
CCG On-Trail Activity
Please see the map on the following page for the trail recommendations. ccc, Towhee Trail will be designed for pedestrian use with horses allowed
on trail. The Towhee Trail reroute and future maintenance should not
Every trail in the West TSA was classified into one of the below three preclude equestrian travel.
categories: _
1) Horseback Riding Allowed, Design Use Equestrian CCG Western spur from the lower Sunshine Canyon loop will be built
Trails in this category will be built and maintained using OSMP's to pedestrian standards with horses allowed. Future construction and
equestrian trail standards. Designating an existing trail with a design maintenance should not preclude equestrian travel.
use of equestrian does not imply that the trail is now being identified
for a reroute or specific trail improvements to bring the trail up to Off-Trail Activity
standards. Rather, if the trail has already been identified for a
reroute, or is in the future, along with any other trail maintenance /
improvements, all trail construction and maintenance will be done ccc Horses allowed off trail in Passive Recreation and Natural
using equestrian trail standards. Areas, except in:
2) Horseback Riding Allowed, Design Use Pedestrian West Sanitas/Wittemyer area (no horses allowed in the area)
Trails in this category will be built and maintained using pedestrian Towhee Drainage Area around Towhee drainage to be reasonably
trail standards. Riders will use their own discretion to determine if defined per OSMP. Horse access off trail will be allowed outside the
the trail is appropriate. drainage.
3) Horseback Riding Not Allowed CCG
Trails in this category will be built and maintained according to their Horses not allowed off trail in the HCA.
designated design use (not equestrian)- . Visitors with horses are not eligible for permits
Horse Trailer Parking
ccc' Upper Gregory Canyon Trail will be designed for pedestrian use
with horses allowed- In addition: Horse trailer parking is included in the Visitor Infrastructure, Trailheads
OSMP will meet with stakeholders (including equestrians, section of this plan.
conservationists, hikers, cultural resources representatives, etc.) on a
Gregory Canyon Trail fieldtrip to discuss options for trail improvements
that could make the trail passable for all allowed user groups
(pedestrians and equestrians). OSMP will notify CCG members.
If no way can be found to make the Gregory Canyon Trail passable for The equestrian recommendations in this plan after
equestrians, other options and alternatives will be discussed at a one implementation will result in the following:
time meeting, including (but not limited to) 1) providing comparative cost
information about what it would take to make the trail passable for s Trails with horses allowed/Designed Use Equestrian
equestrians (if cost is an issue); 2) ways of increasing available funding will be 28.4* of the 97.7* miles or 29%.
for the necessary upgrades (if cost is an issue) 3) making Crown Rock Trails with horses allowed/Designed Use Pedestrian
and Flagstaff passable for horses as an alternative route, 4) allowing '
horses on Saddle Rock and E.M.Greenman as an alternate route. will be 42.9* of the 97.7* miles or 44%.
Agreeing to discuss these options does not mean that OSMP or other f Trails prohibited to horses will be 26.4* or 27%.
stakeholders are agreeing to implement them; this is an agreement to
discuss these and other ideas. *based on conceptual trail alignments.
The fieldtrip and following discussion will be facilitated by Peak
Facilitation, or another facilitator.
44
45
0 West TSA Boundary Trailheads Management Zone Designations
OSMP Conservation Easement Trails Not Managed By OSMP Habitat Conservation Area
Other Government lands Natural Area
0.5 0 0,5 Passive Recreation Area
Miles Federal land
rake ;Wonderland
ti
Lake -
X~~ r
V ` - Horses Allowed
Design Use = Equestrian
Horses Not Allowed
Horses Allowed
Design Use = Pedestrian
Trailer Parking Provided
X
Investigate Areas for Trailer Parking
Horses Allowed Off trail
• = 4 Seasonal Protection Area
A (May 1 July 31)
• Centennial,
All new trail alignments are conceptual
• •dw', _ Park
- - ~o rErler
- - ~ Hallway • .-clc~aLO 4ve.
r Panorama
~ - Harms - -
_ - BoY S Point
TenaN Flag a~f c°rrt
Ch o SummmW--. + Flagaff
a
P
n
SummitlEal
(ATI
x rRoc
2 -
J y
"Chau auqua
\ X - -Rea 1 101, ~y Y
II Point •~req" 'Ch n Ep knchanted
F `G o M e~a
r H~ Ur•. P+.~P~~ . W o LLI
Lost
Gulch 9~~ • X !n
i~ et.C - \e Rock '•d Flat.r •a f
~ a• 1~ ea r/' / i.
Cathedral '
°c Pdo roe •R°~ 'Canyon - r e . a r
no?" s J 4
Gree, Moun" ra~~ Be1`
West Rld X
KosJ of ~~i ~ ~~i, G eec0aa` • ~ NCAR ~ ~ ~ "
Lake ryCAR _
f
f/ ~ ~z• - gearUaa{f f
Canyon ,
.1 yA • Fem• GanYo' y ?~..r. -
i ~ - - _ - ~ South
X' Fork : Boulder1
+ i • • SO~~h •Shanahan, Meek West
ee •Bi9~g1ue5. •
a~
• Marsiz II~
v
X z•
_OE BO~t~ `t Sao°• n, :.'i~
~ ~.~~1 I ~ ~ • °nres e "
p any. _ t as
- - o South r
n v Q~
`fix • . • ; h1e
8k1o~`R~ r Doudy
V X
_ E ~ ~ u.y.n re~ eaurnem,p nam,a•.~o. o,.m.ea ~are~ane.«oror ae eme.sema ra~ar~.r.e sopea.
ma~nx~a orrear..o.na Ana rway,n wmn ormpan wemnr~..pr..am.ncen ure cmaao.w.r.
- e: ~M~mao~.ep~~.p~.,.eaa:a9rma~.repreaenr~a~~~>wmk~,ae~,m eu ~e.n~mo~p~e.~a
~ ? wrairnapnxunq srmaa-ac.:rte cr: ow nproHcee no guarmte. sprees or mpu me al ura}:ic r
wmpe[ersss orme aaimanar soranea nereontl
46 4 3
Mountain Biking A safe route associated with the transportation system could substitute for a
new alignment or multi-use trail on OSMP, eliminating resource effects of
Work with Eldorado Canyon State Park, Boulder County Parks and new trail construction or visitor conflict associated with multi-use trails.
Open Space (BCPOS) and community groups to examine the feasibility
of a multiple-use trail connection from Eldorado Springs to Walker
Ranch. This includes the potential use of a portion of the Eldorado
Canyon Trail on OSMP land. 1
Driving Factors/Benefits
Recommended in the VMP (pgs. 39, A-51). -
Appears as a conceptual trail alignment in the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (trails map). -
Connects public lands and provides access from OSMP lands to significant
mountain biking opportunities on BCPOS lands.
Requires additional agreements, acquisitions, and/or easements. o x
Continue pursuing a mountain bike/multiple-use trail connect:'., x
between Flagstaff Road and State Highway 119 (Boulder Canyo-.
Chapman Drive.
OSMP is negotiating property acquisition to make this connection. X
OSMP is working with the Colorado Department of Transportation and {
Boulder County to assess the feasibility of extending the Boulder Creek Bike
Path west to Chapman Drive. OSMP is Pursuing Dike
Mitigation measures may be required including creating separated trail Connections in this Area
surfaces for uphill and downhill bike travel; enhanced patrol by staff and
volunteers, speed reducing features, and trail changes to increase trail Trail Manged by OSMP
sustainability and safety.
Driving Factors/ Benefits 7 Trail Not Managed Dy OSMP
Recommended in the VMP (p. A-50)
Proposed for inclusion as a conceptual alignment in the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan trails map as part of the 2010 update.
Provides a desired off road bike connection from Boulder Canyon to
Flagstaff Road and Walker Ranch.
Provides an alternative route for bicyclists to avoid the busy vehicle traffic on
lower Flagstaff Road.
Requires additional agreements, acquisitions and/or easements ' x
There is a long-standing public desire to make this connection. .
Work with other agencies to provide safe access for cyclists from the
south end of Boulder to the south Mesa Trailhead through x..
X
improvements Colorado Highways 93 and 170 (South Broadway and
Eldorado Springs Drive)
Continue conversations with the Colorado Department of Transportation and
Boulder County Transportation Department.
Pursue as an alternative to a north-south mountain biking opportunity on "
Open Space and Mountain Parks lands. v
Driving Factors/Benefits
Improvements would provide a connection with considerable mountain biking
opportunities in the south part of the OSMP land system. X
1 a•~3-'l1 I
47
Hang gliding/Paragliding
No hang gliding launch or landing sites will be designated in the
Western Mountain Parks FICA or in the South Mesa/Shanahan _ r - -
sub-area.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Off-trail access in HCAs and in the grasslands of the South
Mesa/Shanahan sub-area is discouraged.
Work with local hang gliding and paragliding organizations and a
other interested members of the community to determine if there
are launch and landing sites that should be designated
elsewhere in the West TSA.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Sites must be designated if hang gliding and paragliding are to occur in n
the West TSA. 41Z
f Impacts to soils, vegetation, and habitat values can occur with repetitive
access to and use of launch and landing zones.
48
Sledding
Retain the designated sledding area in Chautauqua Meadow.
The boundary of the designated sledding area in Chautauqua Meadow is
west of the north-south drainage in the Meadow, north of Ski Jump Trail,
south of Baseline Road and east of Bluebell Baird Trail.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Sledding can only occur on OSMP lands on designated sites.
Long-standing designated area where people have enjoyed family-oriented
sledding.
The Chautauqua Meadow is served by a designated trail system and parking
is available at Chautauqua and along Baseline Road. OPeM to sleddivig
Sledding will be prohibited in the previo~
Bluebell Road west of the Ranger Cotta,
Driving Factors/Benefits
Bluebell Road is a highly used trail; sledding creates conflicts and hazardous
conditions for pedestrians and sledders.
Sledding compacts the snow, creating a persistent layer of ice on the trail.
This presents a hazard to all visitors.
Bluebell Road exits Chautauqua near Baseline Road where there is a risk of
sledders may collide with motor vehicle traffic.
Since portions of Bluebell Road are plowed to provide emergency access,
the road cannot be maintained for sledding.
Prohibit (by City Manager's Rule) the us.
(when heel is fixed to the ski) in designated sledding locations.
Snowboarding and downhill skiing are considered a sliding activity and only
allowed in designated areas on OSMP.,
Driving Factors/Benefits
Snowboarding and downhill skiing conflict with family oriented sledding. ti+}u1h-
The amount of snowboarding has increased in Chautauqua resulting in more I~aiiil{3 r i'-
conflicts with sledders.
Snowboarders construct jumps which can increase resource damage and
sledding hazards.
Private resorts and US Forest Service lands provide many opportunities for r
lift service and backcountry skiing and Snowboarding.'
Fishing T+
Maintain fishing access along South Boulder Creek.
Where OSMP property abuts South Boulder Creek.
Driving Factors/Benefits OSMP Lang - Fishing Access
Fishing can only occur on OSMP lands where designated.
Private Property - No Access 00
OGMP Conservation CasemeW
(No Public Access)
49
50
• Infrastructure
Recommendations
51
52
, t
Signs `14 i' Y
`lr.
General Recommendations;
AI
Use the fewest signs/structures possible to convey the necessary
information.:,'' a.
Decrease the number of signs/structures in the West TSA.
Remove redundant and unnecessary signs/structures.
-MOW
Place signs with a consideration for setting. For example, natural resting
points along a trail or near interpretive opportunities. 's -6
By 2016 remove outdated or inaccurate signs and replace them as r
necessary with signs consistent with the 2009 Sign Manual (The 2009
Sign Manual identifies the colors, style, etc. for OSMP signs.)
Driving Factors/Benefits a~
Numerous and unnecessary signs degrade the visitor experience.
Properly placed interpretive wayfinding, regulatory, and interpretive signs
enhance the visitor experience.,
Research indicates that: Upgrade and standardize all signs across the system.
Most people spend little time reading signs, especially repeat
visitors.
A sign is most likely to be read if it is at a natural resting point along
a trail, or a place where people congregate and wait on the trail.
Signs at trailheads are not as likely to be read. .L ,ry
Old signs tend to be inaccurate poorly placed, or may not interpret the t r 7 f'h-"
most relevant messages. , N
S S
1
Example of the need to minimize the number of sign structures.
53
Wayfinding and Regulatory Signs
Signs in Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs)
Decrease the number of signs in the HCA.
Post regulations on only one side of the trail.
Place signs at significant entry points into an HCA to indicate applicable
regulatory changes including no off-trail travel and no dogs off leash.
Driving Factors/Benefits
New regulations may be posted on both sides of the trail. However, one
sign structure will be removed after some time.
There are currently 3.4 sign structures per trail mile in the HCA; OSMP
considers this too many.
Signs in Natural Areas (NAs)
> Post regulations on only one side of the trail.
Do not exceed 3.5 sign structures per trail mile. (Currently there are 3.5
sign structures per trail mile.)
Driving Factors/Benefits _
New regulations may be posted on both sides of the trail. However, one
sign structure will be removed after some time.
Wayfinding Signs at Designated Trail Intersections
Install wayfinding signs at all designated trail intersections. Wayfinding
signs usually consist of a trail name with directional arrows or a map.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Currently only 68% of designated trail intersections have wayfinding
signs.
WaYfindin9 signs help visitors navigate the designated trail system and
- ;
decrease confusion.
Some visitors' experiences are diminished because they are lost or
unsure of the right way to go.
fir. 1. i Y;{° Signs at the Intersection of Designated and Undesignated Trails
Post closure/restoration signs at all undesignated trails where they {
intersect with designated trails. w_
Driving Factors/Benefits
It is often difficult to distinguish between designated and undesignated
trails.,
Visitors wanting to remain on the designated trail system will be better
able to do so.
Undesignated trails often cause ecological impacts such as reduced Example of a wayfinding sign.
habitat effectiveness and habitat connectivity, vegetation loss, and
spread of weeds.
54
Natural Resource Interpretive Signs
Chautauqua
New kiosk at trailhead with interpretive signs. r ,
There are multi jurisdictional discussions about a new design for the y
Chautauqua area. The design of a new Open Space and Mountain
4
Parks trailhead kiosk will be informed by the outcome of these .
conversations.
Interpretive Topics ~c1,;,,
Biodiversity
Geology
Chautauqua Meadow History -
Driving Factors/Benefits
Chautauqua's high visitation provides a good opportunity to relay
information.
'lip
Chautauqua draws the most new visitors to the system. New visitors
a a
'4 11
lingering before their hike are more likely to read a trailhead
interpretation display than repeat visitors at other trailheads.
Y F :Y 5' 4j .t.,
Crown Rock Grasslands Need Grazers
Interpretive sign near one of the popular bouldering problems. Example or natural resource interpretive sign.
Interpretive Topic ,f I h- 1, 1
Leave No Trace - reduce impact on the land
Low impact bouldering
Driving Factors/Benefits
Large groups congregate and cause resource damage such as
vegetation loss and erosion.
Habitat Conservation Area (HCA) Welcome Signs
Install welcome signs where trails enter an HCA. In the West TSA, there
Lost Gulch Overlook are about five highly visible locations where this type of welcoming,
11 Peak finder sign located at the overlook. natural history sign would be informative to the hiker.
Interpretive Topic Interpretive Topic
The dramatic Front Range and Indian Peaks were shaped by water; J The remarkable plants/animals that inhabit the area.
J erosion from glacial melt carved the landscape. Each sign will feature a different species as its topic. Sample species
Driving Factors/Benefits could include: bobcat, black bear, wild turkey, Abert's squirrel, red
The overlook has a parking lot and provides a spectacular view where crossbill, Shryver's elfin butterfly, flammulated owl, peregrine or prairie
people linger to look at the Indian Peaks. falcons, Preble's meadow jumping mouse, white adder's mouth orchid,
Williamson's sapsucker, paper birch.
It is a highly-visited, popular viewpoint. Driving Factors/Benefits
r Increase public awareness, understanding of HCA purpose, and
compliance with the HCA's requirements.
55
Cultural Resource Interpretive Signs
Site specific signs will be included at all cultural resource sites regarding the
protection of the resource.
The Driving Factors/Benefits for cultural resource interpretive signs are to Halfway House
promote the protection of the sites and appreciation of our heritage. , Halfway House Interpretive sign on the patio.
Interpretive Topics
Sanitas area - Dakota Shelter Volunteer efforts shape the land system, including the Civilian
Interpretive sign by hut, stone arch folly and stone bench. Conservation Corps and the Lion's Club construction of Halfway House.
Interpretive Topics
1 Guests of the Boulder Sanitarium rested and exercised here while
recovering from tuberculosis and other ailments. -
f Opportunity to explain pronunciation and origin of the name "Sanitas".
Flagstaff Summit
Interpretive sign at Flagstaff Summit near the Stone Shelter and picnic
tables.
Interpretive Topics j
r Flagstaff Mountain properties were among the first citizen-led land
purchases for conservation in Colorado.
Volunteers built the picnic shelters, amphitheatre, and trails.
Chapman Drive
Interpretive sign either at the gate where Chapman Drive intersects
Flagstaff Road and/or the intersection of Tenderfoot Trail and Chapman -
Drive. - i„
Interpretive Topics
The Chapman Drive construction project brought the Civilian
Conservation Corps to Boulder_ The Halfway House
Settler's Park
Green Mountain Lodge . Interpretive sign at the ruins of the old farm, to the right side of the trail
Green Mountain Lodge interpretive sign should be placed to be visible head, where the picnic table currently sits.
from the intersection of the three trails, the outhouse and the lodge. Interpretive Topics
Interpretive Topics . Thought to be the first camp-site of Euro-Americans in the Boulder area.
Civilian Conservation Corps constructs lodge for citizen use such as Boy Driving Factors/Benefits
Scout and community meetings. . Location of the old farm foundations
Interpret Gregory Canyon wagon road. . Handicapped accessible location
56
Cultural Resource Interpretive Signs Cont.
Dunn House Manchester Site Recommendation
Three interpretive signs: at the intersection of the Towhee, Homestead Interpretive sign on Big Bluestem Trail with a view of the Manchester
and Mesa Trails, at the stone wall and corral, and at the apple orchard. site.
Interpretive Topics Interpretive Topics
Site map to help locate all six South Mesa Complex sites. The story of the John Manchester family "Old Plantation," of striving for a
f Stone wall-story of stones used before barbed wire fencing was widely better life, working with ditch companies and agriculture.
available.
f Apple orchard-homesteader life before grocery stores.
Modernize the interpretive sign at the Dunn House.
Brammeier Ruins
Interpretive sign on the Big Bluestem Trail with a view of the ruins.
Interpretive Topics
A tale of tragedy and strife over water rights and the challenges of -
homesteading in the West.
Schoolmarm's Cabin Ruins
Interpretive sign on the Mesa Trail with a view of the ruins site.
Interpretive Topics
The story of Miss Lane, a school teacher in Denver in the 1920s and
1930s, and her mountain cabin escape.
McGilvery Cabin, Interpretive sign with a view of the cabin.
Interpretive Topics`' `
A story of family homesteading, summer recreation and gardening. A - - " .
Y v~ ,
Stockton Cabin Recommendation r;..
Y,j
Interpretive sign on Shadow Canyon Trail in front of Stockton Cabin. "'`a4 <''a^y F
Interpretive Topics s`
4 4
Flavorful characters come to light in the rock climbing, artist-naturalist h~ 4
Stockton family and their cabin which housed a piano and space for a'
Rattlesnake fries. ~b
The Dunn House
57
Trailheads
General Recommendations
Bring trailhead infrastructure into compliance with the OSMP Classes Several trailheads in the West TSA need to be looked at comprehensively
and Standards for Trailheads, Access Points and Recreations Sites. and are recommended for future site plans. These site plans will help
Appendix D identifies the existing infrastructure at each trailhead along determine how to best design the areas and determine what level of
with the infrastructure needed to bring it up to standard. infrastructure is appropriate. Detailed site plans will include
Ensure consistent and basic facilities at all trailheads based on the drawings/descriptions of the locations of the proposed improvements. A site
visitation numbers and standards. plan usually shows building footprints, travel ways, trails, parking, and major
Replace older trailhead kiosks. landscaping features. The following trailheads have been identified for future
Evaluate the possibilities of increasing access for people with disabilities site plans:
where feasible. South Boulder Creek West
Replace infrastructure that is in disrepair.
ccc Add horse trailer parking.
The following trailheads need the infrastructure listed below to bring them up , Maintain OSMP storage areas and publicly accessible firewood
to standard. No additional work has been identified for the following distribution area.
trailheads. Cost Medium Benefit
Cost Medium Benefit
Crown Rock and Contact Corner
Halfway House Because they are close to each other, they will be analyzed together-
> Install a kiosk. Consolidate and define the trails accessing the climbing/bouldering
Install a dog station. features. Close and restore remaining undesignated trails.
r Install a bike rack. Provide designated access to 3-of-a-Kind Wall, Candel Area, and Upper
NCAR area (key destinations).
Driving Factors/Benefits
Install a kiosk. The trails accessing the climbing/bouldering features are difficult to
Realization Point distinguish from the extensive undesignated trail network.
Install a kiosk. This area receives a great deal of use and parking is limited. This results
Paint striping and repaint ADA parking spot. in cars parking unsafely along Flagstaff Road.
' Cost High Benefit
South Mesa Chautauqua/Enchanted Mesa
> Install a kiosk. The site plan for this area and both trailheads is part of a process that
Replace out house. involves the Chautauqua Association, and other city departments.
Replace fire danger sign. Crc Make best effort and include in the multi-jurisdictional conversation the
Panorama Point possibility of using the bus off-loading area for horse trailer off-loading
Install a kiosk and/or any other horse trailer parking possibilities at Chautauqua.
Driving Factors/Benefits
Settler's Park ~ This area is very congested and often unsafe.
Replace two of the existing picnic tables with ADA tables. Cost Medium Benefit
Install a kiosk.
58
Trailheads, cont.
Flagstaff Summit (East and West) Additional Horse Trailer Parking Recommendations
The trailhead, multiple parking areas, nature center, and historic large-
group facilities are included in this site plan. ccc, Horse Trailer Parking should consider times of day or day
Consolidate and define trail access from parking areas to facilities and allocations as a last resort.
trails.
Driving Factors/Benefits c cx= Consider sharing bus parking with horse trailers.
This area is very congested and often unsafe.
There is an extensive network of undesignated trails.
Cost Medium Benefit ccc Make best effort to pursue horse trailer parking between
Eben G. Fine Park and Linden Dr.
Gregory Canyon
f Improve and better define parking along the entrance road.
Driving Factors/Benefits c.cxa Make best effort to pursue horse trailer parking west of
This area receives a great deal of use and parking is limited. Realization Point.
Consequently cars park along the entrance road creating a single-lane Minimize impact to the HCA.
that must be used for cars both entering and exiting the trailhead.
During the winter the entrance becomess very icy.
This trailhead is also congested and difficult to navigate.
Cost (depending on outcome of site plan) Medium Benefit
Lost Gulch/Cathedral Park
Driving Factors/Benefits
Currently these two sites are not connected by a designated trail,
however as indicated by the presence of undesignated trails, there
seems to be a desire to connect them.
Cost Medium Benefit
Chapman Drive Trailhead
Pursue opportunities to acquire property for a trailhead near the junction
of Chapman Drive and State Highway 119.
Driving Factors/Benefits
There is a long standing public desire to connect from State Highway
119 to Flagstaff Road using Chapman Drive. Providing parking and
facilities to accompany this trail connection would enhance the visitor
experience-
Cost (depending on outcome of site plan) Medium Benefit
59
Access Points The following are existing Access Points that will be closed:
> Baseline Trail at Gregory Canyon
Unlike trailheads, access points do not include parking on OSMP property; . Flagstaff Trail at Gregory Canyon
rather they are places where visitors can access the system. Access points Driving Factors/Benefits
may have infrastructure such as signs, trashcans, and dog stations. The Baseline and Flagstaff Trails will no longer intersect the OSMP
property boundary. Due to their reroutes, both trails will start at the
General Recommendations Gregory Canyon Trailhead.
Bring access point infrastructure into compliance with OSMP standards.
Replace older access point kiosks. (tom.
Evaluate the possibilities of increasing access for people with disabilities Iris
Ave.
where feasible. Eta
All trashcans will be Bear Saver trashcans. X 8
Install bike racks at access points where appropriate. a 6
Ensure consistent and basic facilities at all access points based on the a Buff
volume of use and established infrastructure standards. Eta St
s
Cost Medium Benefits
The following are new designated access point ~
Linden Dr
Juniper Ave at 4'" Street
West Sanitas at Sunshine Canyon Dr hairpin
West Sanitas at Timber Ln
Sunshine Loop at the west property boundary
Red Rocks north road hccessPoiKts
Red Rocks north trail 9A p New
Upper Flagstaff trail access Kernove
Upper Crown Rock
1.5 mile marker at the hairpin turn of Flagstaff Road
Baseline at 6tn 7tn and 8m Streets
Table Mesa at the water tank
~ ~ ~HIEB
Knollwood Dr
Deer ValleyRd at Hollyberry Ln
Greenbriar Blvd
Driving Factors/Benefits -M
Several designated trails previously intersected the OSMP property
boundary without a designated access point. X
Several undesignated trails were designated resulting in new
intersections where a designated trail intersects the OSMP property
boundary.
Cost Low Benefit
. iY
60 n
Concentrated Use Areas/ Recreational Facilities
Green Mountain Lodge
OSMP will explore the viability of creating opportunities for the
community to enjoy the building, restoring its original purpose.
Install a kiosk.
Replace two of the existing picnic tables with ADA tables. it r_ - 'fr k p
Driving Factors
Green Mountain Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in
1935 for the citizens of Boulder community to enjoy. It has been <c4' `qW.
rehabilitated and is again suitable for visitor use.
Cost $ Low Benefit
.-..sib .;tTIP_= th
Green Mountain Lodge
Bluebell Shelter
Replace facilities that are in disrepair and no longer functioning.
Driving Factors
Bluebell Shelter is enjoyed by the community but has not been
maintained to meet OSMP standards.
Y ~r
Cost Low Benefit `
wp -r
I X4.
r
Bluebell Shelter
61
62
OSMP Monitoring and the West TSA
Monitoring is an integral component of OSMP's adaptive management Recreational resource monitoring projects
framework. OSMP uses monitoring to determine whether our management
strategies have been effective in achieving our objectives. Monitoring also Visitor survey: The Visitor Survey is given to visitors leaving the OSMP-
allows the department to track the current condition of recreational, cultural, managed land system after a visit. It provides OSMP with information on
and ecological resources and the level of threats (e.g., visitor conflict, non- visitor characteristics (e.g. visitor residency, frequency of visitation, etc.), visit
native species, etc.) to these resources. Additionally, repeated monitoring characteristics (e.g. length of visit, activities engaged in during visit, etc.), and
allows us to track trends in the condition of and threats to the recreational, visitor evaluations of their experience (e.g. level of satisfaction with
cultural, and ecological resources on OSMP-managed lands. infrastructure and services, experience with other visitors, etc.). If one
assumes that most visitors who exit OSMP from an access point located in
The objectives for OSMP resource conservation and management are the West TSA spend most of their visit in the West TSA, then data from the
described in three resource plans approved by the Boulder City Council. In survey can be used to better understand the characteristics of West TSA
addition to setting objectives, the Visitor Master Plan (OSMP, 2005), Forest visitors, including their trip characteristics and evaluations of their experience
Ecosystem Management Plan (OSMP, 1999), and the Grassland Ecosystem while visiting the West TSA. The Visitor Master Plan provides some
Management Plan (OSMP, 2010) also provide standards against which standards against which results of the survey can be evaluated. The Visitor
OSMP may compare data collected during monitoring to determine the status Survey is repeated on a five to ten year cycle.
or condition of the resource. For example, one measure of grassland
condition is the number of native species. The Grassland Ecosystem Trail condition monitoring: OSMP surveyed the entire designated trail
Management Plan sets a numerical standard' for the number of native system on OSMP-managed lands in 2007-2008. Staff evaluated and
species that must be present for the grassland to be in acceptable condition. compared physical trail conditions (e.g. trail grade, trail incision, etc.) to
OSMP trail standards. Data from this monitoring project includes data on the
The West TSA will be managed adaptively according to the standards in the condition of trails within the West TSA. Staff uses the results of the
OSMP resource plans. Many of the objectives and standards in the plans monitoring to prioritize and direct trail maintenance and to identify areas in
noted above are applicable to resources in the West TSA and can be used to need of more significant work. This monitoring project informed staff's
help guide monitoring and evaluation of West TSA resources. recommendations on trail reroutes and reconstruction projects in the West
TSA. Repeated monitoring will allow OSMP to assess the effectiveness of
OSMP has developed several "system-wide" monitoring projects to provide projects undertaken to maintain long-term sustainability of the trail system in
an understanding of OSMP resource condition and measure OSMP's the West TSA. Trail condition monitoring is scheduled to be completed on a
progress toward achieving its recreation enhancement and natural/cultural ten-year cycle.
resource conservation objectives. The design of many of these monitoring
projects also allows OSMP to examine the status of and threats to Undesignated trail mapping: OSMP mapped the presence and length of
recreational, cultural, and ecological resources in the West TSA specifically. undesignated trails OSMP-managed lands, including the West TSA area, in
Ongoing implementation of these system-wide monitoring projects will be 2006-2007. The Visitor Master Plan provides a standard for some areas of
used to adaptively manage the West TSA resources. OSMP, primarily HCAs, against which results of the undesignated trail
mapping can be evaluated. Undesignated trail mapping is scheduled to be
Examples of system-wide monitoring projects include: completed on a five to ten-year cycle. Another of the primary objectives of
TSA planning is the designation or closure of undesignated trails.
Undesignated trail mapping is OSMP's primary tool to assess the success of
undesignated trail closure efforts.
1 More precisely, the Grassland Management Plan establishes a range of values as the
standard for number of native species.
63
Natural resource monitoring projects
Informal Assessments
Grassland vegetation monitoring: In 2009, OSMP began a system-wide In addition to regularly-scheduled system-wide monitoring, OSMP also
grassland vegetation monitoring project focusing on measuring plant conducts inventories and informal assessments to determine if actions are
composition (including species richness) and abundance. Several of the having the desired result (see Sidebar).
grassland monitoring transects lie within the West TSA and data from these
transects can be used to evaluate the health of grassland vegetation within Inventories are not connected to specific resource conservation/management
the West TSA. The Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan provides goals or objectives, but rather serve to document the presence or absence of
standards against which results of the monitoring can be compared. target species in specific locations or across all OSMP-managed lands. Both
Grassland vegetation monitoring follows a two-year "on" followed by four staff and volunteers conduct inventories on OSMP-managed lands.
year "rest" cycle 2. Examples include frog, bat, forest raptor, and cliff-nesting raptor inventories.
Grassland bird monitoring: In 2010, OSMP began a system-wide
grassland bird monitoring project focusing on measuring avian composition
(including species richness) and abundance. Several of the grassland bird
monitoring transects lie within the West TSA and data from these transects Informal Assessments
can be used to evaluate the health of the grassland bird community within
the West TSA. The Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan provides The management actions in the West TSA plan
standards against which results of the monitoring can be compared. received considerable discussion and revision.
Rare plant inventory: OSMP maintains maps of existing rare plant Despite the level of effort and thought that went
populations, sub-populations and occurrences of rare plants on OSMP- into the recommendations, there were some
managed lands. Additionally, volunteers search potential habitat for new rare areas where community and staff members were
plant occurrences. For grassland portions of the West TSA, the Grassland unsure if their best recommendation was going to
Ecosystem Management Plan provides standards against which results of work. In these cases, OSMP committed to
the monitoring can be compared. Rare plant mapping occurrences are visited
once every five years, at a minimum. assessing the situation and recommending
changes to management if necessary. Such
Rapid assessment of non-native vegetation (RAM): Over the past three to informal assessments have the benefit of being
four years, OSMP has mapped the location, aerial size, and abundance of a inexpensive and relatively quick. They differ from
small set of specific weeds. To date, OSMP has mapped most of the OSMP- formal monitoring because they tend to be more
managed lands, including a portion of the West TSA. Staff uses the results
of this mapping to direct and prioritize Integrated Pest Management efforts. subjective, and rely upon profession judgment
For grassland portions of the West TSA, the Grassland Ecosystem rather than time-consuming repeated
Management Plan provides standards against which results of the monitoring measurements. The following assessments are
can be compared. RAM mapping occurs on a five to ten-year cycle. part of the West TSA Plan: West
Cultural resource monitoring projects Sanitas/Wittemyer trails (watch the success of
undesignated trail closure efforts) and the
OSMP is developing a program to monitor cultural resources. Homestead creek crossing (are people/dogs
staying on the trail out of the creek?)
z This is a rough approximation of the cycle.
64
Glossary and freezing and thawing, and the wear and tear from traffic create
significant erosion problems on trails.
Boardwalk: An elevated, fixed-planked structure, usually built on pilings in
areas of wet soil or water to provide dry crossings. Fall Line: Steepest line across a given contour or the direction water flows
down a slope (path of least resistance) under most circumstances.
Braiding: Parallel, redundant trail tread(s) adjacent to an established trail Constructing a trail on the fall line encourages water to run down the trail and
caused by visitors avoiding the established trail and wearing in a new leads to erosion-
path(s). Folly (architectural): A building or structure that has not purpose other than
Concentrated Use Area: A discrete place containing a concentration of to be purely decorative.
facilities and services used to provide and support recreation opportunities. Foothills: The Foothills Zone has an elevation range between 6,000-8,000
Examples include: trailheads, overlooks, amphitheater, picnic areas, access feet in the east slope of the Front Range in Colorado. Geographically
points, road crossings, large group areas. defined as gradual increases in hilly areas at the base of a mountain range.
Corridor, Trail: The full dimensions of the trail, including the area (2 to 3 They are generally larger than hills, but not as tall as nearby mountains. Also
referenced as the Lower Montane Zone.
feet) on either side of the tread and the space overhead (10 to 12 feet) from
which brush and obstacles need to be cleared. The area of passage of the
trail, including all cleared and managed parts above, below, and adjacent to Grade: The vertical distance of ascent or descent of the trail expressed as a
the tread. percentage of the horizontal distance, commonly measured as a ratio of rise
to length or as a percent. For example, a trail that rises 8 vertical feet in 100
Cultural resource: a building, structure district site or object that is horizontal feet has an 8% grade. Grade is different than angle; angle is
significant in our history, architecture, archaeology or culture. measured with a straight vertical as 900 and a straight horizontal as 00. A
grade of 100% would have an angle of 450.
Designated Trails: Trails which are signed, shown on public trail maps, and
maintained. Grade, Average Trail (Overall Trail Grade): The average steepness of a
trail over its entire length.
Designed Use: Refers to the allowed use on the trail which dictates how it is
designed, built and maintained. All City of Boulder Open Space and Grade, Sustained: The steepest acceptable grade permitted over the
Mountain Parks trails fall into one of six designed uses: Official Vehicle, ADA majority of the trail length.
accessible, Equestrian, Biking, Hiking or Climbing Access.
Grade, Trail: The average grade over the length of a trail or long section of
Drainage Structure: A water diversion structure constructed across the trail trail.
tread to remove water flowing down the trail tread or to prevent it from
entering the tread. Habitat Connectivity: Patches of habitat across the landscape that are
Ecosystem: The dynamic complex of organisms and their environment uninterrupted by barriers to movement.
contained within a specified area during a specified time. Systemic elements Habitat Effectiveness: An area that meets a range of required
include interactions and feedbacks between components. characteristics, including environmental factors and lack of disturbance, and
Ecotones/Ecotonal: A transitional zone between two biological communities supports all stages of a species lifecycle.
containing the characteristics of each. Interpretation: The educational methods by which the history and meaning
Erosion: Natural processes (water, wind, ice, or other physical processes) of historic sites, buildings, objects, districts and structures are explained by
by which soil particles are detached from the ground surface and moved use of docents, leaflets, tape recordings, signs, film and other means.
down slope, principally by the actions of running water (gully, rill, or sheet
erosion). The combination of water falling on the trail, running down the trail,
65
Non-Native Species: Also called alien or exotic species, these species have
been introduced, by various means, into areas where they were not originally
found.
Riparian Areas: Areas along streams and rivers, including related
vegetation communities.
Saddle: Ridge between two peaks.
Site Classification: All trailheads, access points and recreation sites on
OSMP lands are classified based on visitor use levels. Each class identifies
a set of required facilities, optional facilities and a maintenance schedule.
For more information, please refer to the Classes and Standards for
Trailheads, Access Points and Recreation Sites document dated 12/08.
Strategy: A systematic long-term plan to deploy a sequence of actions
toward achieving one or more goals and associated set of management
objectives.
Switchback: A sustainable sharp turn on a hillside (usually on a slope of
more than 15%) to reverse the direction of travel and to gain elevation. The
landing is the turning portion of the switchback. The approaches are the trail
sections upgrade and downgrade from the landing.
Trail Infrastructure: Any managed or constructed features or components of
those features on or associated with a trail. Examples include: walls, steps,
bridges, water bars, culverts (this is not an exhaustive list).
Tread (Treadway): The surface portion of a trail upon which visitors travel
excluding backslope, ditch, and shoulder. Common tread surfaces are native
material, gravel, soil cement, asphalt, concrete, or shredded recycled tires-
Undesignated Trails: Trails created or worn into the landscape by visitors
repeatedly walking off of designated trails. Sometimes, undesignated trails
begin as wildlife or cattle trails that attract the interest of hikers or other
visitors. They are not shown on public trail maps and are not maintained-
Visitor Survey: Exit survey of people leaving OSMP system and typically
repeated every five years- The main purpose of the survey is to obtain
demographic information, trip characteristics, and experience evaluations.
(2004).
66
Appendix A:
Public Input Opportunities for the West TSA Plan
How the public made their voice heard in the West TSA
* Community Collaborative Group Process
r Open Space Board of Trustees Meetings
i Open House Meetings
r Written, Electronic and Verbal Communication
The Community Collaborative Group Process
The Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department committed to the community having an extensive voice in the West TSA
Plan. A collaborative, representative, and transparent public process was needed for the West TSA as it is the backdrop to the City of
Boulder, has enormously popular trails, a long history of use, diverse natural systems, and many adjacent neighborhoods, and
therefore many different and divergent community interests. To address these varied community interests, OSMP staff and the Open
Space Board of Trustees recognized the benefit of using a collaborative community process to develop recommendations. The
Community Collaborative Group (CCG) was selected by community peers to represent resource conservation, recreation, cultural
resource and neighborhood interests and charged to develop consensus recommendations for the West TSA Plan.
The CCG met twice monthly for 14 months. Every CCG meeting was open to the public and time was set aside at the beginning of
each meeting to hear public comment. CCG members met throughout the process with their constituents and received hundreds of
individual comments from the community.
Dates of CCG Meetings
January 6, 2011: Review and Finalize CCG Recommendations
r November 15, 2010: Negotiate West TSA-wide Preliminary Package of Proposals
November 9, 2010: Negotiate West TSA-wide Preliminary Package of Proposals
i October 26, 2010: Negotiate West TSA-wide Preliminary Package of Proposals
October 12, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Shanahan / South Mesa
September 28, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Shanahan / South Mesa
September 13, 2010: Mountain Biking (entire West TSA)
67
September 1, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Chautauqua / Flatirons
August 16, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Chautauqua / Flatirons
i August 4, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Flagstaff / Western
July 21, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Flagstaff / Western Mountain
• July 7, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Sanitas Anemone Red Rocks
r June 17, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Sanitas Anemone Red Rocks
r June 2, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Sanitas Anemone Red Rocks
May 17, 2010: CCG Questions and Answers on CCG Refined Individual Proposals
May 3, 2010: CCG Refined Individual Proposals
r April 13, 2010: CCG First Round Individual Proposals & Identifying which Key
Destinations should be served with a Designated Trail
r March 30, 2010: Identifying how Key Destinations should be served
March 15, 2010: Key Destinations, Desired Future Conditions
March 3, 2010: CCG Desired Future Conditions
February 18, 2010: CCG Desired Future Conditions
February 3, 2010: CCG Desired Future Conditions
January 23, 2010 Shanahan Field Trip
January 20, 2010: Visioning and Work Planning
January 7, 2010: Collaborative Learning, Special Topics
December 10, 2009: Existing Conditions for Recreational Resources
December 3, 2009: Existing Conditions for Natural and Cultural Resources
i November 10, 2009: West TSA Sideboards and Guidance from Existing Plans
October 21, 2009: CCG Kick off and Orientation
Septemberl5, 2009: Community Caucus to Select CCG Representatives
OSBT Meeting Dates and Topics
r January 19, 2011 Community Collaborative Group Final Recommendations
• December 15, 2010 Study Session on Community Collaborative Group Preliminary Recommendations
• December 9, 2010 - OSBT heard public comments on the CCG's Preliminary Recommendations.
68
• June 9, 20 10 CCG Process Mid Course Update
* October 14, 2009 Convening of the CCG
i September 9, 2009 CCG Planning Process
August 12, 2009 Update on West TSA Plan Process
July 8, 2009 CCG Member Selection and Revised Sideboards
June 24, 2009 Study Session on West TSA
r April 22, 2009 The Community Collaborative Process
September 24, 2008 Beginning the West TSA Study Session
Open House Meetings
OSMP hosted public "Open Houses" to inform the public about the West TSA process and to seek community input. The open house
meetings were held on
• October, 12008, (Pre CCG)
July 14, 2009,, (Pre CCG)
r September 15, 2009
• December 6, 2010
Written and Electronic Communication
OSMP received several hundred separate comments during the development of West TSA Plan from the WestTSA.org web page, e-
mails, written letters, written comments submitted at open houses, and verbal statements. OSMP created a compendium of public
input containing the individual comments submitted as part of the West TSA planning process.
69
70
Appendix B
West TSA Plan Recommendations Cost and Benefit
CCG
Plan Recommendation Cost Benefit Recommendation
Reroute the East Ridge Trail High CCG
Designate / construct West Sanitas[Wittemyer Trail and implement area closure and High CCG
monitoring
Designate / construct Anemone Loop High CCG
Reroute lower Ranger Trail High CCG
Reroute of Saddle Rock Trail High CCG
Repair Upper Fern Canyon Trail High CCG
Reroute the upper section of Flagstaff Trail (and Plains View) High
Crown Rock and Contact Corner site plan, close and restore all undesignated trails High
not designated, includes several key destinations
Reroute Green Mountain West Ridge Medium CCG
Work on Chautauqua, Bluebell Baird, and Serpentine area trails Medium CCG
Fix and reroute a portion of Royal Arch, designate access to Ghetto and 5th Flatiron Medium CCG
Work on Mallory Cave Trail and designate trails to climbing accesses (key Medium CCG
destinations)
Pursue pedestrian crossing at South Boulder Creek West Medium CCG
Reroute Homestead Trail Medium CCG
South Boulder Creek West site plan and improvements Medium
Flagstaff Summit (east and west) site plan and improvements Medium
Chapman Drive Trailhead Medium
Reroute Ute and Range View trails Medium
General access point updates to bring to bring up to standards Medium
Minor reroutes of upper Ranger, E.M. Greenman, and upper Green Mountain West Low CCG
Ridge
Work on Gregory Canyon Trail Low CCG
Improve parking at Chautauqua Medium CCG
Chautauqua/Enchanted Mesa Site Plan and Improvements Medium
Gregory Canyon site plan and improvements Medium
Reroute Long Canyon upper section High CCG
Reroute Mesa Trail at Skunk Canyon High CCG
Reroute South Boulder Creek Trail High CCG
Reroute Mesa Trail from Skunk Canyon to Bear Canyon High
71
CCG
Plan Recommendation Cost Benefit Recommendation
Redesign the Fern Canyon, Shanahan, and Mesa Trail junction, provide access to High
Terrain Boulders and Slab
Reroute upper Big Bluestem Trail High
Reroute northern portion of Tenderfoot Trail, close and restore undesignated trail High
from overlook
Rework each section of trail that approaches and crosses Flagstaff Road High
Designate a lower Big Bluestem Grassland Protection Area with fence sections Medium CCG
along South Boulder Creek West Trail
Provide trails to quarries 2,3 and 4 Medium CCG
Reroute lower section of Flagstaff Trail Medium CCG
Reroute Four Pines trails Medium CCG
Reroute entrances to Woods Quarry, retain access and encourage dispersed use to Medium CCG
Lost Sentinels and Sentinel Boulders
Designate trail connections from Hollyberry to lower Skunk Medium CCG
reroute Skunk Canyon from Kusch Road to Kohler Spur Medium CCG
Designate a nature loop on east side of NCAR Mesa, determine feasibility for Medium CCG
people with disabilities
Construct Greenbriar to Big Bluestem trail Medium CCG
Reroute Towhee Trail Medium CCG
Designate Dinosaur Viewpoint Trail Medium CCG
Repair Mt. Sanitas Trail Medium
Repair Amphitheater Trail Medium
Reroute Skunk Canyon Trail Medium
Provide access to South Boulder Creek from South Mesa Trailhead Medium
General Trailhead updates to standards and new kiosks Medium
Lost Gulch / Cathedral Park site plan and improvements Medium
Designate a loop on the south side of Sunshine Canyon Low CCG
Red Rocks trail and site improvements, site plan, assess access for people with Low CCG
disabilities
Designate Fern Meadow Trail Low CCG
Designate Stony Hill to Cragmoor trail Low CCG
Designate Multiple Connectors in Shanahan Area, Cragmoor to Middle Shanahan, Low CCG
connector to South Shanahan, Middle Shanahan
Repair Greenbriar / Lehigh to South Shanahan connector Low CCG
Designate access to Matron Low CCG
Designate a connector trail from Wildwood/Bear Canyon Service Road up to NCAR Low
parking lot
72
CCG
Plan Recommendation Cost Benefit Recommendation
Repair Shadow Canyon Low
Designate new access points and bring to standards (15 sites) Low
Bluebell Shelter updates Low
Actively close and restore all undesignated trails in the HCA $ High
Designate trail from Linden to Goat Trail $ Medium CCG
Close and restore undesignated trails from 1 st Flatiron to E.M. Greenman $ Medium CCG
Reroute west end of Baseline Trail, designate the 6th Street connector and $ Medium CCG
connector to Bluebell Baird.
Reroute South Fork Shanahan west of water tank $ Medium CCG
Repair Bear Canyon Trail $ Medium CCG
Designate the undesignated trail connecting the Enchanted Mesa/Kohler spur $ Medium
intersection to Mesa Trail
Designate the undesignated trail between McClintock and Enchanted Mesa $ Medium
Designate east Dakota Ridge trail $ Low CCG
Designate access to Sanitas stone shelter $ Low CCG
Restore historical views from Mt. Sanitas summit, clean-up trails $ Low CCG
Designate Knollwood to Settler's Park trail $ Low CCG
Maintain historic views from Sunrise Amphitheater $ Low CCG
Close and restore undesignated trail on ridge from Gregory to E.M. Greenman $ Low CCG
Close spur trails on upper and lower McClintock $ Low CCG
Key destinations, retain and encourage dispersed use to Hillbilly Rock and Ridge 4 $ Low CCG
Designate access to Fee, Front Porch, Back Porch etc. $ Low CCG
Designate trail from Bear Canyon Service Road to trail connecting Wildwood to Bear $ Low CCG
Canyon (by Ant Hill)
Designate or reroute Old Mesa Trail $ Low CCG
Repair May's Point Trail $ Low
Close and restore old logging road between Gregory and Saddle Rock $ Low
Repair Amphitheater Express $ Low
Close and restore McClintock/Enchanted Mesa cut-off trail to Enchanted Mesa $ Low
Close and restore the undesignated trail that connects Mesa Trail to Bear Canyon $ Low
Service Road
Close and restore undesignated trails on Shanahan from non designated access $ Low
points
Provide designated access to the Maiden $ Low
Provide public use of Green Mountain Lodge $ Low
73
74
Appendix C: Existing Infrastructure and Recommended Improvements for Trailheads, Access Points, and Recreational Facilities in the West TSA.
In 2008, OSMP classified all trailheads, access points, and recreational facilities based on visitation levels. Information from the 2004-05 Visitor Survey and staff
knowledge was used to estimate the visitation levels. The following table displays types of trailheads, access points, and recreational facilities. The estimated
use for each category breaks down as follows: 1-10,000 visits/per year were classified as very low, 10-25,000 as low, 25-50,000 as medium, and 50-90,000 as
high, and 90-110,000 as very high.
Types of Trailheads, Access Points, and Recreational Facilities
Type Class Description Estimated Use
Trailhead TH1 Simple/Minor Developed Trailhead Very Low Use
Trailhead TH2 Developed/Improved Trailhead Medium Use
Trailhead TH3 Fully Developed Trailhead High to Very High Use
Access Point AP1 Access to trails Very Low Use
Access Point AP2 Access to trails Medium to High Use
Access Point AP3 Access to trails Very High
Recreational Facility RF1 Does not provide designated trail Low to Medium Use
access. Includes picnic areas,
viewpoints, and bench sites.
Recreational Facility RF2 Does not provide designated trail High to Very High Use
access. Includes picnic area,
viewpoints, and bench sites.
Each class has associated amenities that must be present to comply with the standard OSMP inventoried all the trailheads, access points, and recreational
facilities in the West TSA and identified the improvements needed to bring sites into standards. The following table lists what is currently present at the sites
and what is needed.
75
Name Type Class Existing Infrastructure What is Needed
Trash Cans (2)
Picnic Tables (9) T1 Kiosk
Halfway House TH T1 Grills (2) Dog Station
Stone out house Bike Rack
Bench
Out house
Picnic Tables (1)
South Boulder Creek West TH T1 Pedestrian Gate Site Plan
Trash Can
Dog Station
Outhouse
Picnic Tables (3)
Centennial TH T2 Dog Station (2) None
Kiosk
Trash Cans (2)
Paved Parking
Fee Station and Sign
Crown Rock TH T2 Out house Site Plan (includes Contact Corner)
Picnic Tables (3)
Kiosk
Trash Can (2)
Trash Can
Picnic Tables(2)
Dog Station
Site Plan
Enchanted Mesa TH T2 Grill
Kiosk
Bike Rack
Bench
Directional Sign
Trash Can (5)
Picnic Tables (6)
Benches(2)
Flagstaff Summit East TH T2 Grills (3) Site Plan (One site plan will address
Bike Rack Flagstaff Summit East and West)
Paved Parking
Kiosk
Parking Fee System
Out house
76
Name Type Class Existing Infrastructure What is Needed
Directional Sign
Trash Can (8)
Benches (4) Site Plan (One site plan will address
Flagstaff Summit West TH T2 Picnic Tables (46)
Flagstaff Summit East and West)
Grills (8)
Fire Access Gate
Paved Parking
Education and Outreach Board
NCAR TH T2 Trash Can (NCAR managed) T2 Kiosk
Dog Station (NCAR managed)
Picnic Tables (2)
Trash Can
Bike Rack T2 Kiosk
Realization Point TH T2 Striping
Kiosk
Fee Station Repaint ADA Parking Spot
Paved Parking
Bike Rack
Out house
Picnic Tables (7) T2 Kiosk
South Mesa TH T2 Trash Cans (4) Replace Out house
Dog Station Replace Fire Danger Sign
Fire Danger Sign
Bench
Benches(3)
Picnic Tables (3) Site Plan (will include Cathedral
Lost Gulch Overlook TH T2 Trash Can Park)
Fee Station and Signs
Semi-paved Lot
Picnic Table
Bike Racks (2)
Trash Cans (4)
Chautauqua TH T3 Paved Parking Site Plan
Dog Stations (2)
Kiosk (2)
Vehicle Access Gate
Picnic Tables
Gregory Canyon TH T3 Trash Cans(2) Site Plan
Dog Station
77
Name Type Class Existing Infrastructure What is Needed
Bike Rack
Out house
Fee Station and Signs
Vehicle Access Gate
Kiosk
Picnic Tables (3)
Trash Cans (2)
Overlook Deck
Benches (3)
Panorama Point TH T3 Gee Station and Signs T3 Kiosk
ADA pathway
Paved Parking
Wood Information Booth
Grills (2)
Picnic Tables (3)
Trash Cans (2)
Settler's Park TH T3 Dog Station Replace 2 ADA Tables
Bike Racks (2) T3 Kiosk
Kiosk
Contact Corner RF R1 Trash can Site Plan (included in same site plan
as Crown Rock)
Trash Can Site Plan (included in the same site
Cathedral Park RF R2 Vehicle Access Gate plan as Lost Gulch)
Picnic Tables (3)
Out house
Top Shop RF R2 Vehicle Access Gate None
Picnic Tables (2)
Kiosk
Out house
Trash Can
Picnic Tables (5) Al Kiosk
Green Mountain Lodge RF R2 Grills (2) Replace 2 ADA Tables
Flag Pole
Wood Foot Bridge
Wood Foot Bridge (trail)
Vehicle Access Gate
1.5 Mile Marker Hairpin AP Al None Wayfinding/regulations sign
Deer Valley Rd at Hollyberry Ln AP Al None Wayfinding/regulations sign
78
Name Type Class Existing Infrastructure What is Needed
Upper Crown Rock AP Al None Wayfinding/regulations sign
Hospital Parking Lot Access AP Al None Wayfinding/regulations sign
Upper Flagstaff Trail Access AP Al None Wayfinding/regulations sign
Juniper Ave at 4th St AP Al No structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Knollwood Dr AP Al No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Table Mesa Water Tank AP Al Vehicle Access None
Red Rocks North Road AP Al None None
Wildwood Ln AP Al None None
Bear Mountain Drive at Wildwood Ln AP Al Trash Can None
Dog Station
Baseline Picnic Area AP Al Trash Can None
Picnic Table
Sunshine Loop at west property
AP Al No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
boundary
Elephant Buttress AP Al No Structures None
West Sanitas at Sunshine hairpen AP Al No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
West Sanitas at Timber Ln AP Al No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Four Pines at 15th AP Al No structures None
Four Pines at Sierra AP Al No Structures None
Kohler Mesa Trail Road at NIST Road AP Al Kiosk Wayfinding/regulations sign
Dog Station
Trash Can
Sanitas Valley North AP Al Kiosk Al Kiosk
Vehicle Access Gate
Bench
Shanahan Ridge at Galena Way AP Al Trash Can None
Dog Station
Trash Can
Shanahan Ridge at Hardscrabble AP Al Dog Station Wayfinding/regulations sign
Kiosk
Table Mesa Trail at North Vassar AP Al No Structures None
Table Mesa Trail at South Vassar AP Al No Structures None
Trash Can
Viewpoint AP Al Kiosk Wayfinding/regulations sign
Dog Station
Trash Can
Viewpoint Trail at University AP Al Dog Station Wayfinding/regulations sign
Kiosk
79
Name Type Class Existing Infrastructure What is Needed
Dakota Ridge trail at 4th and Maxwell AP Al Trash Can None
Dog Station
Long Canyon AP Al Trash Can Wayfinding/regulations sign
Kiosk
Bluebell Road at Bogess Circle AP Al Trash Can None
Trash Can
Dakota Ridge Trail at 3`d and Forest AP A2 Vehicle Access Gate None
Dog Station (2)
Trash Can
Dakota Ridge Trail at Hawthorne AP A2 Vehicle Access Gate None
Dog Station (2)
Cragmoor Rd AP A2 Trash Can None
Dog Station
Greenbriar Blvd AP A2 No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Linden Dr AP A2 No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Baseline & 6th St AP A2 No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Baseline & 7th St AP A2 No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Baseline & 8th St AP A2 No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Red Rocks North Trail AP A2 No Structures Wayfinding/regulations sign
Trash Can
Four Pines at 17th AP A2 Dog Station Wayfinding/regulations sign
Vehicle Access Gate
Kiosk
Green Mountain West Ridge AP A2 No Structures None
McClintock at Bellevue AP A2 No Structures None
North Fork Shanahan at Lehigh AP A2 No Structures None
Skunk Canyon Trail at Deer Valley and
AP A2 Regulation Sign Wayfinding/regulations sign
Hollyberry Ln
Dakota Ridge trail at 4th and Valley View AP A2 Dog Station None
Baseline Trail at Bluebell Road AP A3 See Chautauqua See Chautauqua
Mt. Sanitas Trail at Sunshine Canyon Dr AP A3 No Structures None
Sanitas Valley South at Hospital AP A3 Vehicle Access Gate None
80
ATTACHMENT B
Public Input Opportunities for the West TSA Plan
How members of the public made their voices heard in the West TSA
Community Collaborative Group Process
Open Space Board of Trustees Meetings
:Open House Meetings
Written, Electronic and Verbal Communication
The Community Collaborative Group Process
The Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department committed to the community having
an extensive voice in the West TSA Plan. A collaborative, representative, and transparent public
process was needed for the West TSA as it is the backdrop to the City of Boulder, has
enormously popular trails, a long history of use, diverse natural systems, and many adjacent
neighborhoods, and therefore many different and divergent community interests. To address
these varied community interests, OSMP staff and the Open Space Board of Trustees recognized
the benefit of using a collaborative community process to develop recommendations. The
Community Collaborative Group (CCG) was selected by community peers to represent resource
conservation, recreation, cultural resource and neighborhood interests and charged to develop
consensus recommendations for the West TSA Plan.
The CCG met twice monthly for 14 months. Every CCG meeting was open to the public and
time was set aside at the beginning of each meeting to hear public comment. CCG members met
throughout the process with their constituents and received hundreds of individual comments
from the community.
Dates of CCG Meetings
January 6, 2011: Review and Finalize CCG Recommendations
' November 15, 2010: Negotiate West TSA-wide Preliminary Package of Proposals
November 9, 2010: Negotiate West TSA-wide Preliminary Package of Proposals
October 26, 2010: Negotiate West TSA-wide Preliminary Package of Proposals
October 12, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Shanahan/South Mesa
September 28, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Shanahan/South Mesa
September 13, 2010: Mountain Biking (entire West TSA)
September 1, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Chautauqua/Flatirons
August 16, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Chautauqua/Flatirons
August 4, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Flagstaff/Western Mountains
July 21, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Flagstaff/Western Mountain
July 7, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Sanitas/Anemone/Red Rocks
June 17, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Sanitas/Anemone/Red Rocks
June 2, 2010: CCG Collaborative Proposals for the Sanitas/Anemone/Red Rocks
May 17, 2010: CCG Questions and Answers on CCG Refined Individual Proposals
May 3, 2010: CCG Refined Individual Proposals
? April 13, 2010: CCG First Round Individual Proposals & Identifying which Key
1
Destinations should be served with a Designated Trail
March 30, 2010: Identifying how Key Destinations should be Served
March 15, 2010: Key Destinations, Desired Future Conditions
March 3, 2010: CCG Desired Future Conditions
February 18, 2010: CCG Desired Future Conditions
February 3, 2010: CCG Desired Future Conditions
January 23, 2010: Shanahan Field Trip
January 20, 2010: Visioning and Work Planning
January 7, 2010: Collaborative Learning, Special Topics
December 10, 2009: Existing Conditions for Recreational Resources
December 3, 2009: Existing Conditions for Natural and Cultural Resources
November 10, 2009: West TSA Sideboards and Guidance from Existing Plans
October 21, 2009: CCG Kick off and Orientation
September 15, 2009: Community Caucus to Select CCG Representatives
OSBT Meeting Dates and Topics
February 23, 2011: OSBT heard public comments on West TSA Plan and approved West
TSA Plan
February 10, 2011: Study Session on Draft West TSA Plan
February 9, 2011: OSBT heard public comments on Draft West TSA Plan
January 19, 2011: Community Collaborative Group Final Recommendations
December 15, 2010: Study Session on Community Collaborative Group Preliminary
Recommendations
December 9, 2010: OSBT heard public comments on the CCG's Preliminary
Recommendations.
June 9, 2010: CCG Process Mid Course Update
r October 14, 2009: Convening of the CCG
September 9, 2009: CCG Planning Process
August 12, 2009: Update on West TSA Plan Process
July 8, 2009: CCG Member Selection and Revised Sideboards
June 24, 2009: Study Session on West TSA
April 22, 2009: The Community Collaborative Process
:September 24, 2008: Beginning the West TSA Study Session
Open House Meetings
OSMP hosted public "Open Houses" to inform the public about the West TSA process and to
seek community input. The open house meetings were held on:
February 9, 2011 (Draft West TSA Plan)
! December 6, 2010 (CCG Preliminary Recommendations)
September 15, 2009 (Selection of the CCG)
July 14, 2009 (West TSA Inventory Report)
October 1, 2008 (Introduction to West TSA)
2
Written and Electronic Communication
OSMP received several hundred separate comments during the development of the West TSA
Plan from the WestTSA.org Web page, e-mails, written letters, written comments submitted at
open houses, and verbal statements. OSMP created a compendium of public input containing the
individual comments submitted as part of the West TSA planning process.
3
ATTACHMENT C
West TSA Plan Changes Approved by the Open Space Board of Trustees
The following changes to the West TSA Plan will be made as approved by the Open Space
Board of Trustees.
• On page 3, in the Planning Process description, a paragraph about community involvement
during implementation will be added.
Due to substantial community interest and the large amount of work outlined in this plan,
OSMP will engage in a public process during implementation similar to that of the Visitor
Master Plan implementation process. OSMP will provide public "open dialogue" forums at
least once a year to coincide with the timing of OSMP assessment of monitoring results and
formulation of the annual work plan, budget, and capital improvements program
development. This type of community consultation process will give community members
an opportunity to provide feedback on what is working and what is not, and discuss
priorities. It will help OSMP refine management strategies and ongoing implementation
efforts.
• On page 24, a bullet will be added to the recommendation.
Designate and reroute the Baseline Trail, the 6' Street connector, and the trail from the
northeast corner of Chautauqua meadow to Bluebell Baird
o *Use the most sustainable trail alignment to connect the northeast corner of
Chautauqua meadow to Bluebell Baird.
• On page 30, a clarifying statement for the second bullet (underlined) will be added to the
following recommendation:
Designate a trail connecting the Fern Meado,o, Trail to the Cragmoor Rd access point.
o The trail will be directly behind the homes.
o *The specific alignment and distance from the homes will be determined during
implementation. The primary consideration for locating the trail will be that it is as
far away from the homes as feasible, given natural resource concerns, while
maintaining its function as a neighborhood collector trail.
• On page 47, the Eldorado-Walker recommendation will be changed to include the underlined
addition:
Use best efforts to work with Eldorado Canyon State Park, Boulder County Parks and
Open .Space (BCPOS) and community groups to examine the feasibility of a multiple-use
trail connection from Eldorado Springs to Walker Ranch. This includes the potential use
of a portion of the Eldorado Canyon Trail on OSMP land
• On page 47, the third bullet in the Chapman Drive recommendation will be changed from
"Mitigation measures may be required..." to "Mitigation measures will be required; possibly
including creating separated trail surfaces for uphill and downhill bike travel; enhanced
patrol by staff and volunteers, speed reducing features, and trail changes to increase trail
sustainability and safety."
1
• On page 47, the recommendation Work with other agencies to proi,ide safe access for
cyclists fron7 the south end of Boulder to the south Mesa Trailhead through inaprorenrents
on Colorado Highwgt,s 93 and 170 (south Broadwat, and Eldorado Springs Dr.) will be
moved to a new page in the Shanahan South Mesa subarea. The recommendation Pursue
(1)ro7,ide) a safe pedestrian crossing across Highirgl- 93, connecting South Boulder Creek
Trail.from east to west (near the South Boulder Creek TI est Trailhead) will also moved to
this new page.
• On page 60, the words "where appropriate" will be removed from the general
recommendation about installing bike racks at access points.
• Bike racks will be added to the access point infrastructure in Appendix C.
• In Appendix B, the recommendation to reroute Skunk Canyon will made consistent with the
language in the plan.
The following edits will also be made to the plan by staff (non-substantive changes).
• On page 5, some of the general recommendations will be made consistent with the other
recommendations by reorganizing into a bulleted list.
• On page 24, the recommendation to Inrprore parking at Chautauqua will be consolidated
with the other Chautauqua recommendations on page 58.
• On page 30, asterisks were added to portions of the recommendation
Designate a trail connecting the Fern .lleadoir Trail to the Cragrnoor Rd access point
o *The specific alignment and distance from the homes will be determined during
implementation...
0 *Designates a single trail for neighborhood access; consolidates multiple
undesignated trails.
• The recommendations in Appendix B will be made consistent with the language in the plan
and re-ordered.
• Page numbers and the Table of Contents will be changed to accommodate the new page in
the South Shanahan subarea.
• Some minor wording changes/corrections will also be made throughout the report.
2
ATTACHMENT D
West Trail Study Area
Staff Recommendations Summary
Items that the CCG Agreed were Best Addressed by OSMP
Early in the CCG process, the CCG discussed which West TSA issues were in their
purview, and which they thought should be addressed by OSMP staff. The following
were left to staff: recommended general improvements to trailheads, access points, and
recreation facilities (picnic sites, shelters). Other general infrastructure improvements
including trail physical improvements, signs, and determining trails and facility
enhancements for people with disabilities were also identified as staff's responsibility.
The CCG also opted to have staff work on management recommendations for sledding,
fishing, and hang gliding/paragliding.
Proposals Discussed by the CCG Not Resulting in Recommendations
There were several issues discussed by the CCG, but for which they were unable to reach
consensus. For the purposes of clarification, these are referred to as "proposal," while the
items upon which the CCG did reach agreement are called "recommendations." In some
cases, the lack of consensus resulted from a shared understanding that there was little
expectation of agreement. In other cases, the CCG could not find the appropriate
package to balance trade-offs among community interests. Sometimes, there was not time
to complete discussions.
The West TSA Plan includes staff's recommendations on some of the CCG proposals.
Staff routinely used the CCGs proposals as a starting point for its analysis.
Staff reviewed the benefits of each management proposal; those believed to improve trail
sustainability, enhance the visitor experience and improve or minimize impacts to natural
and cultural resources. CCG proposals that staff felt were either not feasible, or did not
provide significant benefit were not included in the West TSA Plan.
Items not Specifically Discussed by the CCG
The CCG recommended closure or designation for many of the undesignated trails in the
West TSA. Some trails were discussed by the CCG but unresolved and left for staff's
recommendations. Small spur trails, parallel trails, cross-cut trails, and various
neighborhood or private property entrance trails that were not specifically discussed by
the CCG fell to staff to make designation or closure recommendations.
Staff also looked at additional trail improvements that would improve sections of trail,
and have identified these in the plan. Examples include the repair of Amphitheater Trail
1
and Amphitheater Express, repair of Mount Sanitas and rerouting of the Mesa Trail from
Skunk Canyon crossing to the Bear Canyon intersection.
Select Staff Trail Recommendations included in the West TSA Plan
Recommendation Benefits Disadvantages
(Plan page number in
parenthesis)
Reroute the Flagstaff Trail • Eliminates two road • The terrain is steep,
from Upper Crown Rock to crossings to reduce rocky, difficult and
the Baseline picnic area to the road crossing hazards costly to work.
north side of Flagstaff Road. . Improves the physical • Places the trail closer
(pg. 17) sustainability of the to a golden eagle nest
trail site closure
• Consolidates a • Creates a new trail
network of disturbance on the
undesignated trails north side of Flagstaff
• Improves climbing and Road
bouldering access to • May alter the
the Upper Crown Rock experience for
and Contact Corner visitors who are
areas accustomed to the
trail's location
Reroute the Ute and Range • Replaces rerouted • Creates a new trail
View Trails. (pg. 18) sections with a more disturbance
sustainable trail • May alter the
• Reduces some experience for
redundancy of trails to visitors who are
create a larger habitat accustomed to the
block locations of the trails
• Moves the trails away
from existing rare
plant locations
Reroute the northern portion • Will help minimize • May lead to short-
of Tenderfoot Trail. (pg. 18) undesignated trail cutting where new
development off the trails are in close
viewpoint and aid in proximity
closing undesignated . Creates a new trail
trails in the HCA disturbance
• Replaces the rerouted . May alter the
sections with a more experience for
sustainable trail visitors who are
• Increases the size of accustomed to the
the forest opening trail's location
2
Recommendation Benefits Disadvantages
(Plan page number in
parenthesis)
along the ridge
Designate the undesignated . These trails provide • The section of trail
trail between McClintock desired trail from the covered
Trail and Enchanted Mesa connections that have reservoir down to
Trail. Designate the been used for many Enchanted Mesa Trail
undesignated trail connecting years. is recommended for
the Enchanted Mesa/Kohler • Offers an alternative to closure and
Spur intersection to the Mesa the wider service road restoration as this
Trail. Close and restore the experience on section is steep,
undesignated trail that Enchanted Mesa eroded and is not
connects the • Can be managed to be physically
McClintocWEnchanted Mesa physically sustainable sustainable.
cut-off trail north and down • Disperses visitors in an Fragments an area of
towards the Enchanted Mesa area of high use potential highly
Trail northwest of the water suitable Abert's
tank. (pg. 24) squirrel habitat
Reroute Skunk Canyon Trail • Relocates trail upslope • The visitor
from the intersection of and out of the riparian experience of being
Kohler Spur west to where area close to the riparian
the trail crosses the drainage • Improves trail physical area is changed for
and goes south. (pg. 25) sustainability the rerouted section
• Rerouting only the of trail.
lower section of trail • Maintains a portion
will allow the trail to of trail in a sensitive
retain the existing riparian area near the
connection to Mesa Mesa Trail
Trail. • Creates a new trail
• Section that is not disturbance
rerouted will continue
to provide experiences
in the riparian area and
in the shade of the
forest.
Reroute Mesa Trail from the • Improves trail • Moves the drainage
Skunk Canyon crossing to the sustainability and a crossing and creates a
intersection with Bear section of trail that is new disturbance in
Canyon. (pg. 26) commonly very muddy the riparian area
and icy • Creates a new trail
• Eliminates multiple disturbance
trails from the NCAR
property
3
Recommendation Benefits Disadvantages
(Plan page number in
parenthesis)
• hnproves the creek
crossing and
minimizes the
potential for erosion
into the creek
• Creates a more direct
crossing and
minimizes the amount
of trail in the riparian
area
Designate a connector trail • Provides a desired • The closure of the
from the network of connection from Bear undesignated trails in
undesignated trails going Canyon to the NCAR this area will
from the Wildwood access parking lot atop the consolidate visitors
and Bear Canyon Service mesa onto a designated trail
Road up to the NCAR • Providing a trail potentially increasing
parking lot. (pg. 29) connection will crowding.
increase success in • Difficult to maintain
closing the other a sustainable trail on
undesignated trails. the steep mesa slope
• Eliminates redundant that visitors will use
trails in the open
grassland habitat
Redesign the Fern Canyon, • Eliminates a confusing • Visitors will need to
Shanahan, and Mesa Trail "box" trail intersection use the T-intersection
junction; provide access to • Eliminates parallel and for undesignated trail
Terrain Boulders and the redundant trails closures to be
Slab. (pg. 31) • Improves a portion of successful.
the Mesa Trail that is • Creates new trail
wet year round and icy disturbances in the
in the winter riparian drainage,
• Eliminates much of the forest openings and in
trail in the large forest the Terrain
opening along Mesa bouldering area.
Trail
• Rerouted Mesa Trail
would be at the edge
of two diverse forest
openings for a nice
visitor experience.
• Consolidates
redundant trails and
4
Recommendation Benefits Disadvantages
(Plan page number in
parenthesis)
increases the overall
habitat block size
• Improves trail
sustainability
Reroute upper Big Bluestein • Relocates trail upslope • Impacts a small
Trail. (pg. 32) and out of the riparian portion of highly
area thus decreasing suitable Abert's and
the extent of trails in wild turkey habitat
riparian areas • Changes the visitor
• Increases the highly experience of being
suitable habitat block near the riparian area
for black bears and
other riparian
dependent wildlife
• Minimizes potential
conflicts between
black bears and
visitors
• Reroute brings the trail
farther away from the
Brammier Cabin, an
important cultural
resource, reducing
vandalism.
• Improves trail physical
sustainability
• Reroute would
eliminate the need for
a seasonal leash
restriction during fall
bear-foraging season.
5
ATTACHMENT E
West TSA
Staff Mountain Biking Opportunity Analysis
1. Statement by the Director of Open Space and Mountain Parks
II. Mountain Biking Considerations for the Draft West Trail Study Area
Plan
III. Staff Mountain Biking Opportunity Analysis for the West Trail Study
Area Plan
i
I. Statement by the Director of Open Space and Mountain Parks
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
Open Space and Mountain Parks
66 S. Cherryvale Road, Boulder, CO 80302: 303-441-3440
http://www.osmp.org
February 1, 2011
Thus far, the West Trail Study Area (TSA) planning process has included a tremendous amount
of public involvement, most notably, the Community Collaborative Group (CCG). Members of
the CCG have done an excellent job of finding common ground on nearly all of the key issues
aimed at preserving one of the most precious parts of Open Space and Mountain Parks while also
providing for an improved visitor experience. The CCG's consensus recommendations included
strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide for climbing, hiking, running,
horseback riding and dog walking opportunities. Although discussed, the CCG did not reach
consensus on mountain biking, and this topic was left for staff to address.
Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) considered the interests, issues and concerns that our
community has expressed over the last 14 months of the West TSA process. We have tried to
understand and appreciate opposing views and reexamined the views expressed during the
CCG's September 13 deliberations on mountain biking. We have also reviewed and considered a
variety of options. The OSMP staff understands the complexity and difficulty of the issue. In the
end, we fall back to what we believe is the most fundamental charge by the community - to
preserve the OSMP system in perpetuity. Our aim is to fulfill that charge.
After careful consideration, our decision is to focus upon two important local connections for
mountain biking. These recommendations leverage OSMP's unique position to connect the City
of Boulder and extensive mountain biking opportunities to the west.
The draft plan includes a recommendation to acquire private property that will allow the use of
Chapman Drive to connect Boulder Canyon with Flagstaff Road. The plan also recommends
that OSMP continue its efforts to connect Eldorado Canyon with Walker Ranch. Beyond these
two connections, we propose no other mountain biking in the West TSA.
These decisions are based on a number of concerns, the most substantial of which is the
irreconcilable visitor conflict in the most densely used part of the OSMP system. While
providing separate trails designed for mountain biking may be a way to resolve these conflicts,
we do not believe this is a reasonable option from either an environmental or a cost perspective.
In this decision, there is no intent to imply that the majority of mountain bikers are anything
other than responsible users and advocates for a fast-growing sport. Our conclusion simply
reflects our belief that the addition of an extremely popular sport in the most heavily used part of
2
the Open Space system is fraught with detriments to the existing visitor experience that we are
not able to successfully address.
The City of Boulder, including OSMP, and other land management agencies have collectively
invested to provide world class mountain biking opportunities in Boulder County. Over the past
five years, Open Space and Mountain Parks has provided additional mountain biking in Eldorado
Mountain/Doudy Draw and the Marshall Mesa/Southern Grasslands TSAs. Mountain biking
opportunities will certainly be part of the conversation during the development of upcoming TSA
plans.
Thank you,
Michael D. Patton, Director
3
II. Mountain Biking Considerations for the Draft West Trail Study Area Plan
2/1/2011
The Land
The West Trail Study Area (TSA) is by far the largest TSA planned by Open Space and
Mountain Parks (OSMP). It encompasses more than 11,200 acres and is the city's western
boundary and the place where urban and natural lands meet. The West TSA is the city's front
door to Open Space. There are 51 formal access points and countless, informal paths from yards
and neighborhoods into the TSA. There are 78 miles of designated trails and nearly 60 miles of
undesignated trails. The trails of the West TSA are among the most heavily used in the entire
OSMP system. At the north end of the TSA, Chautauqua and Sanitas Valley Trails both have
nearly 150,000 visits annually while in the south, the Mesa Trailhead has just over 81,500 visits
each year. As much as 45 percent of all visits to the OSMP system take place in the West TSA -
an estimated 2,000,000 visits each year.
In addition to being the most popular, the West TSA also contains some of the richest
environmental features on city Open Space lands. This is where the Great Plains meets the
Rocky Mountains to create a wild variety of habitat types, which support a richness of
biodiversity unlike anywhere else. Critical riparian/wildlife corridors, globally imperiled
tallgrass prairie and pockets of eastern woodland vegetation thought to have persisted from the
time of glaciations lie immediately west of the city. Rare, sensitive and threatened species
inhabit the foothills and mountains of the West TSA. There remain large untrailed habitat
patches that see little human activity and provide sanctuary for sensitive wildlife. Many parts of
the system are fragile, others more durable and able to withstand and support fairly intense
human use. The lands of the West TSA are well loved, well used, fragile and deserving of our
community's commitment to preserve them in perpetuity for "our grandchildren and their
grandchildren."
The Issue
The most significant unresolved question from the Community Collaborative Group (CCG)
process is whether mountain bikes are allowed in the West TSA or not. The community is
divided on this point, and there appears to be almost no common ground on this issue. Although
the CCG dedicated an entire meeting to the subject and worked for hours, in the end they could
not reach consensus. The issue of mountain biking in the West TSA was left to OSMP staff.
The issues and perspectives behind the opposing views are varied, complex and deeply held.
The staff recommendation considered all of the public input, interests, and concerns provided
during the 14 months of CCG meetings. OSMP staff considered the following factors:
4
• Environmental Impacts
• Equity & Mountain Biking Opportunities
• Visitor Conflict
• Sustainability & Carrying Capacity
• Enforcement
• Carbon Footprint
Environmental Impacts
There are two general ways to provide mountain biking opportunities in the West TSA. One is
constructing new trails for mountain biking, the other is providing access on existing trails.
Constructing new trails carries with it a host of environmental effects unrelated to mountain
biking. These include habitat fragmentation, degradation of the habitat near the trail, and
vegetation and soil disturbances that can lead to the establishment and spread of weeds.
The incremental effect of adding mountain biking to existing trails is not well studied. There are
likely to be additional impacts to soils, vegetation and wildlife relative to the amount of
additional trail use. Scientists and land managers hypothesize that faster speeds and longer trip
lengths can increase the number of bike interactions with wildlife. Longer trip lengths also
increase the potential for weeds to be transported farther. Greater nighttime disturbance to
wildlife is possible with the availability of high intensity bike and helmet-mounted lights.
Chapman Drive connects Flagstaff Road to Boulder Canyon Drive. While part of this road is
owned by the city, the lower portions of the road are privately held. OSMP has attempted for
many years to acquire the private property necessary to make this connection. The department is
now in active negotiations and very close to what we hope will be an agreement which will allow
OSMP to provide a Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road connection. The land acquisition, trail,
and trailhead development costs will approach $1.5 million.
Since Chapman Drive is an existing road, much of which is a designated trail, there would be
few impacts to natural resources associated with opening it to mountain biking. Because of its
historic importance, improvements to Chapman Drive would need to be consistent with cultural
resource protection requirements.
Although the introduction of mountain biking on Chapman Drive has the potential to result in
visitor conflict, the width of the existing trail offers opportunities to mitigate these concerns.
Additionally, the department has begun conversation with the city Transportation Department,
Boulder County and the State of Colorado regarding possible extension of the current Boulder
Creek path farther up Boulder Canyon to Chapman Drive and on to the county's Betasso trail
system. This extension would allow an off-road bike access to Chapman Drive, Flagstaff Road,
and the Betasso Preserve.
The trail proposals by mountain biking advocates include a connection to the Mesa Trailhead
from the southern portion of the West TSA. Mountain bikers have expressed their preference for
a newly constructed trail designed specifically for bikes to avoid anticipated visitor conflicts.
5
The area known as Tallgrass West offers habitat for a variety of rare and declining wildlife
species and represents the largest and highest quality block of tallgrass habitat in the state. Rare
butterflies, the federally threatened Preble's meadow jumping mouse, and grassland-nesting
birds all depend on the habitat provided in Tallgrass West. Monitoring in the area has
documented 53 bird species and the five grassland specialist bird species (horned lark, Savannah
sparrow, vesper sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, western meadowlark) found on the OSMP
system. This level of grassland bird diversity is only found in a few areas of the entire OSMP
system. Tallgrass West has been identified by the Nature Conservancy as habitat critical to the
global conservation of rare skipper and butterfly species. Tallgrass prairie was once common in
eastern Colorado; however, most is now destroyed. Today, across North America, the tallgrass
prairie has been reduced to about 1 percent of its original area. This makes it one of the rarest
and most endangered ecosystems in the world and of statewide and global significance. In 1984,
the Colorado Natural Areas Program designated a large portion of Tallgrass West as The
Colorado Tallgrass Prairie State Natural Area, recognizing it as the largest and highest quality
tallgrass remnant in the state.
Recreational use of the area, being addressed through the West TSA Plan, influences the habitat
size and quality at Tallgrass West. Research completed on OSMP has found that near trails,
grassland-nesting birds are less likely to nest, are less abundant, and experience lower nesting
success (Miller et al., 1998). As a result, trails through the Tallgrass West area serve to fragment
and reduce the functional size of habitat blocks for species of grassland-nesting birds.
During CCG discussions, the ecological importance of the Tallgrass West area was closely
considered. In order to enhance and protect the habitat value of this area, the CCG agreed to
move the South Boulder Creek Trail south to increase the overall block size, designate a new
trail connector from Greenbriar to eliminate social trail development, and designate a lower Big
Bluestein grassland protection area during the ground-nesting bird breeding season. All of these
actions were intended to maintain the integrity of the habitat block, increase habitat function
where possible, and maintain the high value visitor experience in the area. If enacted, these
recommendations would increase habitat block size in Tallgrass West beyond the necessary 250
acres to create grassland habitat that could support moderate populations of area-sensitive
grassland specialists. These visitor management strategies combined with other habitat
restoration and improvement actions would increase the likelihood that grassland-nesting birds,
globally rare skipper and butterfly species, and their ecological functions will be preserved.
The addition of a new designated trail through this area would make long-term preservation of
these important resources less likely. A new trail would fragment the habitat block, lowering its
suitability for area-sensitive species. As a result, a new trail through this habitat block is
inconsistent with both the CCG's focus on the conservation of this area and OSMP's
management objectives for grasslands.
For the southern mountain biking connection, OSMP also considered an alternative to the
suggestion for a separate mountain biking trail. This was to allow mountain biking on the CCG-
proposed trail connecting Greenbriar Drive to the Big Bluestein Trail and on the South Boulder
Creek Trail to the Mesa Trailhead.
6
While this alternative is possible, it runs counter to the purpose of the Greenbriar-Big Bluestem
connector, which was to reduce the number of social trails in an environmentally valuable area.
This recommendation was made specifically to redirect neighborhood use off the undesignated
trails and onto the Greenbriar-Big Bluestein connector. Adding mountain bikes to what is
intended as a neighborhood trail could result in conflict, displacing pedestrians onto the social
trails.
Open Space and Mountain Parks also considered mountain biking opportunities in a variety of
places throughout the West TSA, such as loop trails in the Anemone and Big Bluestein areas.
However, the same issues regarding conflict, environmental impacts and visitor displacement led
OSMP staff to conclude that providing mountain biking opportunities in these areas was
inconsistent with the West TSA objectives of improving the visitor experience and protecting
natural resources.
Equity & Mountain Biking Opportunities
Mountain biking proponents are concerned that providing mountain bike opportunities in this
TSA is simply a matter of fairness. Mountain bikers feel that they should be allowed in all parts
of the system.
To understand the availability and opportunity for mountain biking, OSMP looked first at what
the city offers. There are a total of 49 miles of mountain bike accessible trails on OSMP and an
additional four miles at Boulder Reservoir bringing the city's total to 53 miles. In the past five
years, OSMP completed two trail study area plans and included new mountain biking
opportunities in both. OSMP added a total of 15.4 miles of new mountain biking opportunities,
including 12.2 miles of newly constructed trails in these TSAs.
There are considerable mountain biking opportunities apart from city lands. Approximately 440
additional miles of trails are available elsewhere in Boulder County, on lands managed by the
county, state and federal government. Most of these trails are in the western, mountainous part
of the county. Nearby, mostly in Jefferson County, there is an additional 200 miles of trails-not
counting Forest Service lands. Larimer County and Fort Collins offer over 125 miles of
mountain biking trails.
7
Mountain Biking Opportunities
in and Around Boulder Count
Area/Jurisdiction Miles
Local: Boulder County
(thought to be complete)
City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks 49
Boulder Count Parks & Open Space 69
US Forest Service in Boulder Cou5n5ty
Trails 103
Unpaved forest roads 210
Other
State Parks, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, etc 57
Subtotal Boulder Count 488,
Nearby Mountain Biking Opportunities
incom lete-USFS trails/forest roads missing)
Jefferson Co Open Space 177
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Jefferson and Gilpin Counties 23
Total "Nearby" 200
Mountain Biking Opportunities Farther Afield
incom lete-USFS trails/forest roads missing)
Larimer Count Open Space 48
Fort Collins Natural Areas 80
Total "Farther Afield" 128
TOTAL (excepting USFS in Jefferson, Gilpin
and Larimer County) 816
In addition to these mountain biking trails, the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department
is nearing completion of the Valmont Bike Park. The park is designed to provide a unique set of
mountain biking opportunities and includes a network of single-track trails, dirt jumps, a terrain
park and other challenging features. When completed in the spring of 2011, Parks and Recreation
will have invested roughly $2.5 million. Most importantly, exclusive bike use will preclude the
conflicts associated with non-bike users in a natural setting.
Visitor Conflict
Public input to West TSA planning process about conflict fell into two main categories: the loss
of serenity (contemplative or quiet, passive activities) and visitor safety. For both of these the
outcome was the displacement of non-biking visitors.
The speed of mountain bikes, the increasing predominance of bikes on trails, and apprehension
about approaching bikes were the major contributors to visitors' loss of serenity. Safety concerns
were mostly due to speed, bikes failing to yield, pedestrians surprised by bikes (especially in
8
narrow or steep areas) and the inability for dogs to avoid bikes. The most emotionally delivered
safety concerns were about the inability of young children or older visitors to avoid fast-moving
cyclists.
The preferred experiences of mountain bikers and that of the leisurely hiker or runner are
different. Trails designed for mountain biking tend to be narrow, curvy, single tracks with pinch
points, switchbacks and obstacles both for the experience and to reduce speeds. On trails like
this, hikers, runners and equestrians express concern over being surprised by approaching bikes
because of poor sight lines, of being crowded or having to move off sometimes steep trails to let
a bike pass.
OSMP monitored the level of visitor conflict on the Spring Brook Loop. Spring Brook Loop is
OSMP's newest trail built to accommodate mountain biking west of Colorado Highway 93. The
conflict survey consisted of interviews with 766 visitors from June 18 to August 2, 2009.
There appeared to be a pattern of conflict between hikers and mountain bikers. Twelve percent
of hikers reported conflict, 90 percent of which was attributed to mountain bikes. Of mountain
bikers who experienced conflict, 20 percent attributed their conflict to hikers.
On OSMP, the highest level (43 percent) of "day of survey" conflict for all visitors was
attributed to mountain bikers. Similarly, Boulder County found that 52 percent of all "day of
survey" conflict was attributed to mountain bikers. The next highest source of conflict was 20
percent.
OSMP determined that mountain biking is the predominant use on the Spring Brook Loop.
Mountain biking was found to be the primary activity reported by 68 percent of the survey
respondents. Very similar proportional use rates for mountain biking were recorded during
observational studies in 2009 (69.3 percent) and 2010 (67.3 percent).
In 2010, the department undertook a survey of Boulder residents to better understand their
interests, observations and concerns about Open Space and Mountain Parks. Four hundred
Boulder residents were called and asked a series of approximately 35 questions. Two questions
dealt with the quality of the visitor experience as affected by other visitors. One question asked
whether a list of activities on open space made an experience more or less pleasant. Forty-three
percent of respondents felt that mountain bikes made their visit less pleasant. Mountain bikers
were also the activity group least likely to make a visitor's experience more pleasant-overall,
only 11 percent responded that encountering a mountain biker made their experience more
pleasant (see figure below).
9
Impacts of Activities on Visit Experience
23
Runners 73%
5%
35%
Hikers 64%
1%
29%
Dogs on leash 60%
11%
21% ■ more pleasant
Horseback riders 47% ❑ no effect
32%
110/0 El less pleasant
%
Mountain bikers 45%
43%
20%
Dogs off leash 36%
144%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Percent of Respondents
02010N 1-1 Reach Ce°e1, Inc.
Another question asked to residents who reported visiting open space was what activities they
felt produced conflicts. The top two responses were conflicts between runners and mountain
bikers (28 percent) and mountain biking in general (12 percent).
Activities with Conflicts
Observed in OSMP areas
Bikers with hikers/ runners 28%
Biking/ Mountain Biking in 2%
general
Dogs off leash 11
Bikers with 10%
horses/ horseriders
Don't see any %
8
Florseback riding in general 7%
A1Wsnowmobiles/recreation
6%
vehicles"
Bikers with dogs/ people 5%
walking dogs
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Percent of Respondents Who Flad Visited osMPAreas*
zo
Visitor conflict is a common management challenge. OSMP staff contacted other agencies that
manage mountain biking to learn more about successful conflict reduction strategies. In nearby
Jefferson County, managers tried a number of alternatives to reconcile conflicts between bikers
and other users with limited success. Currently Jefferson County separates bikers and other users
on one of the most popular mountain biking trails and requires one-way mountain bike travel on
another.
10
Managers at Boulder County Parks and Open Space also experienced conflicts between bikes
and pedestrians. They also attempted to resolve conflict through a number of strategies. In the
end, the county chose to prohibit mountain biking use two days each week.
Sustainability & Carrying Capacity
OSMP examined trail sustainability and the potential for increased maintenance costs.
Experience with trail widening, braiding and erosion on recently constructed mountain bike
trails, particularly at Marshall Mesa, have raised concerns about the rate and level of regular
maintenance on trails popular for mountain biking.
Narrow trails will inevitably widen where heavy levels of use and differential speeds result in
visitors frequently leaving the trail to pass each other. Repeated travel off the trail (either to wait
alongside the trail edge for bikers to pass, or to leave the trail to go around others) incrementally
widens the trail until the entire length becomes wide enough for mountain bikers and hikers to
travel side by side.
Continued population growth in Front Range communities and particularly in the Denver
metropolitan area may be the greatest threat to the long-term sustainability of OSMP resources.
Boulder's Open Space is a destination for hikers, bikers, runners, and others wishing to recreate
outdoors. Because of the opportunities here, Boulder is featured in many hiking, biking,
climbing, running and other outdoor guides, magazine articles, and travel books. Most of the
estimated 5 million visits on OSMP are visits by people who enjoy natural beauty and identify
with the natural environment.
However, we may have begun to love our land beyond its capacity. The department receives
regular calls about crowded conditions on trails, the need for more parking, and that once quiet
trails are now noisy. Introducing any additional activity, especially in the most highly visited part
of the OSMP system, will exacerbate this situation.
Enforcement
Some public input has argued that a greater ranger presence will control conflicts among visitors.
Unfortunately, staff finds no evidence to support that conclusion. There are no existing
regulations, nor has staff found any in other jurisdictions, that address the primary concerns
expressed by visitors who experience conflicts with mountain bikers. Trails currently have no
speed limits and if they did, OSMP would have limited means of enforcing them. While OSMP
has posted enforceable yielding requirements, as a practical matter, the level of ranger presence
necessary to result in consistent (and persistent) compliance with yielding requirements or other
regulations is simply not feasible. On any given day, there are no more than four to five rangers
covering a system 20 miles long and 10 miles wide with over 144 miles of trail.
Carbon Footprint
Staff looked carefully at the argument that providing mountain bike access to the Mesa Trailhead
would get visitors out of their cars and thereby reduce carbon emissions. The City of Boulder
has invested heavily in alternate modes of transportation. The Go Boulder bike map shows that a
bicycle can be ridden on a specific bike path, bike lane or designated bike route to several
trailheads in the southern part of the OSMP system. A bike rider can easily get to South Boulder
11
Creek Trail on South Boulder Road, to the Bobolink Trailhead or to the Marshall Mesa
Trailhead. It is possible to reach the entire southern complex of mountain biking trails on OSMP
lands via existing designated bike routes from most places in the City of Boulder.
In addition to the existing bikeways, OSMP is currently working with the State of Colorado,
Boulder County and the city Transportation Department to explore the possibility of new bike
improvements for accessing the Doudy Draw mountain biking trails.
Any reduction in carbon emissions from a mountain biking connection through the West TSA
would be offset by displacement of other users. Hikers and more contemplative or passive users
have stated they would be forced to drive to other areas to avoid conflicts with mountain bikers.
A related concern for a new mountain biking route from the southern part of the system to Mesa
Trailhead is the potential impact on neighborhoods. Such a route would become popular with
mountain bikers and others. Despite recently expanded parking at Doudy Draw there is already
far more demand than capacity. Even now, on weekends dozens of cars are illegally parked
along Eldorado Springs Drive. Illegal parking on Eldorado Springs Drive presents a risk to
pedestrians and vehicle owners who walk in the roadway. OSMP is concerned that over time
there would be a level of congestion similar to what occurs at Doudy Draw in the more densely
populated neighborhoods of south Boulder.
12
III. Staff Mountain Biking Opportunity Analysis for the West Trail Study
Area Plan
(Analysis section from OSBT memo for February 9 and February 10 meetings)
Staff considered the following mountain biking opportunities based upon the proposal by the
mountain biking representative on the CCG, and subsequent written requests provided to OSBT
and staff from mountain biking advocates:
• A "North-South" Connection from Baseline Road to Eldorado Springs Drive (including
connections to central and south Boulder neighborhoods)
• Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch Connection
• Red Rocks/Anemone Hill Connection to Betasso Preserve
• Anemone Hill Loop
• South Boulder Creek/Big Bluestem/Shanahan "Near-Town" Loop
• Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road Connection on Chapman Drive
In examining each of these proposals, OSMP staff considered improvements to the mountain
biking experience, visitor conflict, effects upon natural and cultural resources, trail
sustainability and equity.
Staff also considered the relative benefit of the six proposals. Since these proposals were
advanced by mountain biking advocates, it was assumed that each provided some improvement
to current conditions; however, the degree of benefit varies from one proposal to another.
• North-South Connection from Baseline Road to Eldorado Springs Drive
(ca. 4 miles)
This route would extend from the Chautauqua area through OSMP and federal lands to the Mesa
Trailhead along Eldorado Springs Drive. This alignment has been proposed to lie generally east
of the Mesa Trail. The Doudy Draw Trailhead lies across the road from this trailhead and
provides access to extensive mountain biking opportunities on OSMP and Boulder County Parks
and Open Space (BCPOS) lands. Two alternatives have been proposed for this connection, 1)
allowing bikes on existing trails and 2) creating new trails designed and intended for mountain
biking (but not necessarily excluding other activities).
Pros:
Mountain biking advocates have identified this route and associated neighborhood access points
as a significant improvement over the present situation for several reasons. This proposal would
expand access to the mountain backdrop from south and central Boulder neighborhoods,
establish a connection with extensive mountain biking opportunities to the north and south, and
provide aesthetic conditions for cyclists by providing an off-road alternative. They also contend
that such a route will also eliminate the need to drive to trailheads.
For mountain biking on existing trails: Adding mountain biking as an allowed use on existing
trails would have only a small proportion of the direct environmental impacts of constructing a
new trail designed for mountain biking use.
13
For construction of a new mountain biking trail • A trail designed and built specifically for
mountain biking would reduce the level of visitor conflict. Such a trail could also be built to
sustain mountain biking.
Cons:
The Chautauqua and south Mesa Trailhead areas are very popular and busy (see table below).
Adding mountain biking to existing trails, already perceived as crowded by many, would result
in significant visitor conflict. Conflict would degrade visitors' experiences and may cause
people to stop visiting the area. While some portions of existing trails are former roads that could
mitigate some conflict associated with multiple use, many segments are narrow footpaths.
Allowing bikes in the West TSA may result in significantly higher levels of visitor activity not
only because of local mountain bikers, but because bikers will be drawn from throughout the
region.
Increased visitation, especially from throughout the region, will bring more cars to trailheads.
Parking at both the Mesa Trailhead and Chautauqua are already regularly beyond capacity.
Increased parking in the Chautauqua neighborhood will result in neighborhood conflicts, and
illegal parking on Eldorado Springs Drive is the source of hazardous conditions for visitors and
drivers alike. Community members have expressed their concerns about parking issues as well
as increased noise, trash, loss of privacy, and vandalism.
Measured Trailhead/Access Estimated Annual
(ranking out of 39 measured access points) Number of Visits
(2004-5)
Bluebell Road (9) 91,260
Chautauqua (3) 115,000
Lower Bear Canyon (22) 42,000
North Fork Shanahan (21) 45,000
South Boulder Creek (South Broadway) (28) 26,000
Mesa Trail (Eldorado Springs Drive) (11) 82,000
For comparison, Boulder County estimated that there were
110, 000 visits to Walker Ranch in 2003.
The effect of adding mountain biking to existing trails in this area will have incremental impacts
to soils, vegetation and wildlife relative to the amount of additional trail use. It is reasonable to
believe that faster speeds and longer trip lengths will increase the number of bike interactions
with wildlife. Longer trip lengths also increase the potential for weed seeds to be transported
farther in mud on tires and attached to clothing. Greater nighttime disturbance to wildlife is
possible with the availability and growing popularity of high-intensity bike and helmet-mounted
lights.
As with any locale for new trail construction, there are a number of effects not specifically
related to mountain biking or any particular activity-but associated with the construction of the
trail itself. These impacts include habitat fragmentation, degradation of the habitat near the trail,
and vegetation and soil disturbances that can lead to the establishment and spread of weeds.
14
The West TSA identified Highly Suitable Habitat (HSH) for a variety of species. The CCG and
staff have sought to reduce impacts to these HSHs as a way to provide measurable ecological
benefit. The creation of a new trail designed for mountain biking in this area would create
additional impacts to HSH patches (mostly east-west running drainages) offsetting some of the
gains from other recommended actions in the plan. Impacts to Skunk Creek and Bear Creek
would be unavoidable in both alternatives as there are no existing crossings suitable for use by
mountain bike. Bear Creek is occupied habitat for the federally threatened Preble's meadow
jumping mouse. (No designated trail runs east of the Mesa Trail between Bear Canyon and the
North Fork of the Shanahan Trail).
Farther south, adjacent to Shanahan neighborhoods, is the area known as Tallgrass West which
offers habitat for a variety of rare and declining wildlife species and represents the largest and
highest quality block of extremely rare tallgrass habitat in Colorado. Rare butterflies such as the
prairie Arogos skipper and the Ottoe skipper, the federally threatened Preble's meadow jumping
mouse, and grassland-nesting birds all depend on the habitat provided in Tallgrass West.
Monitoring in the area has documented 53 bird species and the five grassland specialist bird
species (horned lark, Savannah sparrow, vesper sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, western
meadowlark) found on the OSMP system. This level of grassland bird diversity is only found in
a few areas of the entire OSMP system.
Tallgrass parcels on OSMP, including Tallgrass West, have been identified by the Nature
Conservancy as habitat critical to the global conservation of rare skipper and butterfly species.
Tallgrass prairie was once common in eastern Colorado; however, most has been reduced to
about 1 percent of its original extent. This makes it one of the rarest and most endangered
ecosystems in the world. In 1984, the Colorado Natural Areas Program designated a large
portion of Tallgrass West as The Colorado Tallgrass Prairie State Natural Area, recognizing it as
the largest and highest quality tallgrass remnant in the state.
Recreational use of the area being addressed through the West TSA Plan influences the habitat
size and quality at Tallgrass West. Research completed on OSMP has found that near trails,
grassland-nesting birds are less abundant, less likely to nest, and experience lower nesting
success. As a result, trails through the Tallgrass West area fragment and reduce the functional
size of habitat blocks for species of grassland nesting birds.
During CCG discussions, the ecological importance of the Tallgrass West area was closely
considered. In order to enhance and protect the habitat value of this area, the CCG agreed to
move the South Boulder Creek Trail south to increase the overall block size, to designate a new
trail connector from Greenbriar Blvd. to eliminate social trailing from the Shanahan
neighborhood, and to designate a lower Big Bluestein grassland protection area during the
breeding season of ground-nesting birds. All of these actions were to maintain the integrity of the
habitat block, increase habitat function where possible, and maintain the high value visitor
experience in the area. If enacted, these recommendations would increase habitat block size in
Tallgrass West beyond the necessary 250 acres to create grassland habitat that could support
moderate populations of area-sensitive grassland specialists. These visitor management strategies
combined with other habitat restoration and improvement actions would increase the likelihood
15
that grassland-nesting birds, globally rare skipper and butterfly species, and their ecological
functions will be preserved.
The addition of a new designated trail through this area would make long-term preservation of
these important resources unlikely and create conditions that distanced OSMP further from
reaching the conservation objectives articulated in the Grassland Plan. A new trail would
fragment the habitat block, lowering its suitability for area-sensitive species. As a result, a new
trail through this habitat block is inconsistent with both the CCG's focus on the conservation of
this area and OSMP's management objectives for grasslands.
Indirect impacts to natural resources are also a concern-especially for the alternative of adding
mountain biking as a designated use on existing trails. One of the objectives of the West TSA
Plan was to eliminate undesignated trails because of their undesirable characteristics. If visitors
experience conflict and are displaced from designated trails, it is likely they will travel
elsewhere, creating parallel social trails, impacting soils, vegetation and wildlife habitat.
The existing trails along this route were not designed for mountain biking. Biking in this area
would be very popular and result in high use. In the absence of extensive modifications, high
levels of mountain biking will degrade many segments of this alignment. Identifying
neighborhood access points, so visitors join the trail between its origin and destination, would
require additional improvements to those neighborhood access points. This trail alignment
(either a new trail, or if existing trails were designated for mountain biking) would include
roughly 26 intersections with other trails-none of which are proposed as mountain biking
opportunities. Without an effective means to limit prohibited use of these trails by mountain
bikers, it is likely there will be some loss of trail sustainability.
Trail Segment Number Intersections
with other Trails
Baseline to Bear Canyon 15
Bear Canyon to Greenbriar 8
Greenbriar to Mesa Trailhead 3
• Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch Connection (ca. 2.5 miles)
The 2005 OSMP Visitor Master Plan recommended that OSMP examine the feasibility of a
multi-use trail connection from Eldorado Springs to Walker Ranch (owned and managed by
BCPOS). Various options have been explored over the years including: retrofitting the Eldorado
Canyon Trail for bikes, creating a new bike trail, or a hybrid of these options. OSMP has also
explored acquisition of trail easements on private property in this area.
Pros:
Mountain biking advocates identified this connection as one of their objectives for the West
TSA. OSMP lands are well positioned to contribute this connection. When combined with other
links, such as Chapman Drive, this route has the potential of providing off-trail access from the
city to nearby and extensive mountain biking destinations.
16
The potential for significant conflict in this area is low. This is one of the least visited and most
remote areas on the OSMP land system. Better access in the immediate area provides Eldorado
Springs residents with preferable destinations.
Although the terrain presents significant challenges for trail construction, a new trail can be
designed to be sustainable for mountain biking. In addition, there are likely to be few, if any, trail
intersections for this alignment, reducing the potential impact of mountain bikers who choose to
travel on non-mountain biking trails.
Cons:
Mountain biking advocates have indicated that, given the costs and the low feasibility of OSMP
obtaining the agreements necessary to build this trail, they do not assign much mountain biking
benefit from a commitment to pursue this trail connection.
Although only a small amount of HSH was identified on OSMP near this proposed alignment,
the remoteness of this area and the block size (especially when combined with other public lands
in the area) contribute to a block of important habitat. The same new trail effects described
above would apply to this proposal as well.
• Red Rocks/Anemone Hill Connection to Betasso Preserve (ca. 2.5 miles)
The proposed connection would provide mountain biking access to Red Rocks Park and
Anemone Hill and connect with the Betasso Preserve (owned and managed by BCPOS). This
trail would provide an off-street alternative to biking in Boulder Canyon. No specific trail
alignments have been proposed. This alignment would require the acquisition of private
property.
Pros:
Mountain biking advocates consider both access from OSMP to Betasso Preserve and an
alternative to biking in Boulder Canyon desirable and beneficial.
Conflict on the trail depends upon how this trail intersects, approaches or integrates the
Anemone Loop and its popularity among hikers, runners and other visitors.
This connection would require the construction of a new trail which could be designed to sustain
mountain biking.
17
Cons:
As with the "Eldo-Walker" connection, because of the need to obtain property or permission
from other landowners, mountain biking advocates do not consider "a commitment to pursue"
this connection as a significant benefit.
This proposal would require a significant capital expense to purchase land.
Visitation in this area is high (see table below). Most visitor use is concentrated in the network
of trails at the base of the Red Rocks. Designating a multiple-use approach to Anemone Hill
would result in significant conflict with other visitors.
Social trails are abundant in this area as are the corresponding natural resource impacts. Open
Space and Mountain Parks and the CCG have proposed significant social trail closures and
designations to improve both the visitor experience and resource conditions. Visitors displaced
because of conflict may form social trails. This would negate some of the benefits from other
plan recommendations.
A large block of HSH occurs on Anemone Hill. The sustainable alignments from the proposed
origin to the proposed destination would require significant disturbance to this area.
Measured Trailhead/Access Estimated Annual
(ranking out of 39 measured access points) Number of Visits
(2004-5)
Sanitas Valley Trail (4) 114,000
Settler's Trailhead West (12) 80,000
For comparison, Boulder County estimated that there were
110, 000 visits to Walker Ranch in 2003.
• Anemone Loop (ca. 1 mile)
Staff has little information and no written documentation from mountain biking advocates about
this proposal. As part of their report, the CCG recommended designating a loop on Anemone
Hill and closing a number of undesignated trails. The alignment of the loop trail has not been
finalized, however, at least half of the loop will probably be a new trail.
Pros:
Mountain biking advocates have suggested that this loop (or another loop on Anemone Hill), if
opened to cyclists, could fill a needed niche by providing an opportunity near to the city where
cyclists could enjoy a quick and easily accessible ride.
The direct natural resource effects of opening a newly constructed/designated trail to mountain
biking are not thought to be significant.
This trail will be newly constructed and could be made sustainable for mountain biking.
18
Cons:
The same conflicts would apply to this loop as were described for the Red Rocks/Anemone to
Betasso connector. In addition, if a single loop were constructed it would combine pedestrians
and cyclists. Experience on the Spring Brook Loop and High Plains Trails (both designed for
mountain biking) suggest true multi use may be hard to achieve, with mountain biking emerging
as the dominant use in both locations. This suggests that other visitors may be displaced, decide
to travel off trail, and re-establish the undesignated trails that the loop was intended to replace.
Visitors may also leave the trail and create new trails to other destinations.
There are also concerns associated with this proposal for trail sustainability. In the absence of a
designated Betasso connector, there will be considerable desire among cyclists to make the
connection themselves. Not only would this result in the development of undesignated trails, but
also in trespass across private property as there are no public lands adjacent to Fourmile Canyon
Drive. Some cyclists may also be attracted to access the undesignated trail that follows the
aqueduct.
The desire to explore these areas could also lead to social trail creation that would impact the
large block of HSH described for the Red Rocks/Anemone to Betasso connector.
• South Boulder Creek/Big Bluestem/Shanahan Loop (ca. 2-6 miles)
This proposed shared-use trail would incorporate segments of the existing Shanahan Trails and
the Big Bluestein Trail and the South Boulder Creek Trail and possibly other newly-constructed
trail segments. No specific alignment has been proposed.
Pros:
The trail is being proposed to enhance the visitor experience for mountain bikers by providing
opportunities close to neighborhoods and for those without the time to complete a longer
distance ride. (This proposal fills a similar niche in a different location to the proposed
Anemone Loop).
Because shared-use trails are more likely to be successful where use levels are low, mountain
biking advocates selected this location to avoid the higher-use areas to the north (Chautauqua)
and south (Mesa Trailhead).
There are likely to be few significant direct impacts to natural resources if this loop can be
created by designating existing trails as multi use.
Cons:
Although use levels in this area may be lower than at Chautauqua, the proposed loop area is still
a busy place with frequent visitation. During the West TSA planning process, local residents and
others expressed significant opposition to the introduction of mountain biking to the existing
trails in this area.
As described above, should conflict result in displacement of visitors from the system of
designated trails, closed social trails are likely to be reactivated or new ones formed. These
19
indirect effects of allowing mountain biking are important considerations, especially as OSMP
embarks upon a significant effort in the area to close social trails.
If the creation of this loop necessitated the creation of new trails, there would be significant
natural resource impacts. Despite this area's ecological values (reflected in its designation as a
Natural Area rather than a Passive Recreation Area), it is bisected by several designated trails. It
is likely that any additional trail construction would create a situation where trails would be
readily visible from each other. This would reduce the aesthetics of the area, but also result in
shortcutting and the proliferation of additional undesignated trails.
Most of the trails in this area were not constructed to sustain mountain biking. Establishing a
sustainable loop trail may not be possible on existing trails without considerable reconstruction.
Such disturbances would have effects similar to the construction of new trails.
• Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road Connection via Chapman Drive (ca. 2 mi)
This proposed connection would link Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road using Chapman Drive.
This trail connection is not currently possible because the land at the bottom of Chapman Road is
privately held. OSMP has been investigating options with private landowners to complete this
connection.
Pros:
Mountain biking advocates have requested this connection. It provides benefit for mountain
biking because it would provide an off-road alternative to dangerous and unpleasant biking on
lower Flagstaff Road.
This trail currently has relatively low levels of visitor activity and is relatively wide. The CCG
recommended making this a dog-free trail which further reduces levels of use and potentials for
conflict.
Although not constructed for mountain biking, the road is generally capable of sustaining
mountain biking.
Mountain biking would be allowed on the existing trail tread. Significant additional resource
disturbance could be avoided.
Cons:
As with other connections that are dependent upon uncertain real estate negotiations, mountain
biking advocates do not consider this alternative to be of substantial benefit for mountain biking.
The sustained downhill creates potential for very high bicyclist speeds and dangerous collisions.
Chapman Drive has cultural resource value and improvements (if any) would need to be done in
a manner consistent with cultural resource protection guidelines.
20
Equity
Staff also considered concerns expressed by mountain biking proponents about fairness. Many
mountain bikers feel that mountain biking should be allowed throughout the OSMP system
where hiking and other activities are allowed.
To understand the availability and opportunity for mountain biking, OSMP looked first at what
the city offers. There are a total of 49 miles of mountain bike accessible trails on OSMP and an
additional four miles at Boulder Reservoir bringing the city's total to 53 miles. In the past five
years, OSMP completed two trail study area (TSA) plans and included new mountain biking
opportunities in both. OSMP added a total of 15.4 miles of new mountain biking opportunities,
including 12.2 miles of newly constructed trails in these TSAs.
There are considerable mountain biking opportunities apart from city lands. Approximately 440
additional miles of trails are available elsewhere in Boulder County, on lands managed by the
county, state and federal government. Most of these trails are in the western, mountainous part
of the county. Nearby, mostly in Jefferson County, there is an additional 200 miles of trails-not
counting Forest Service lands. Larimer County and Fort Collins offer over 125 miles of
mountain biking trails.
In addition to these mountain biking trails, the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department
is nearing completion of the Valmont Bike Park. The park is designed to provide a unique set of
mountain biking opportunities and includes a network of single-track trails, dirt jumps, a terrain
park and other challenging features. When completed in the spring of 2011, Parks and Recreation
will have invested roughly $2.5 million. Most importantly, exclusive bike use will preclude the
conflicts associated with non-bike users in a natural setting.
Conclusion
OSMP staff determined that only in the cases of the Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch and
Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road via Chapman Drive proposals did the pros outweigh the cons.
The most substantial and recurring concerns were the levels of visitor conflict in the most
heavily used part of the OSMP system. Though providing separate trails designed for mountain
biking has been suggested to avoid these conflicts, trail construction has significant
environmental and monetary costs.
Staff's recommendations in the Draft West TSA Plan reflect the conclusion that adding an
extremely popular activity to the most heavily used part of the OSMP system will result in types
and levels of degradation to natural resources or the visitor experience that OSMP cannot, or
cannot afford to address.
21
ATTACHMENT F
BOULDER COUNTY MOUNTAIN BIKING OPPORTUNITIES
AND
BIKEWAYS NEAR THE WEST TSA
1
Mountain Flkhig OpportwMes M Foulder Coutity
N _ I
~17 F, I
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USFS -Apt-
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Boulder County Open Space 297
Boulder County CE
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Mountain Biking Opportunities
Miles,
0 1 2 4
f
Data is the best available information provided by
i~ ~ Bw ldrrRrsrnor
numerous agencies. The City of Boulder Open Space
& Mountain Parks Department is not responsible for -
data outside of our trait system nor under-reported ! 1 ,
mountain bike access in this analysis.
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anpeme¢tlre nhmWSmm~neokren -
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
West Trail Study Area Plan
Mountain Biking Opportunities Boulder County and Beyond
2/4/2011
Area/Jurisdiction Miles
Local: Boulder County
City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks 49
Boulder County Parks & Open Space 69
US Forest Service in Boulder County
Trails 103
Unpaved Forest Roads 210
Other
(State Parks, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, etc) 57
Total Boulder County 488
Nearby Mountain Biking Opportunities
(incomplete-USFS trails/forest roads missing)
Jefferson Co Open Space 177
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
(Jefferson and Gilpin Counties) 23
Total "Nearby" 200
Mountain Biking Opportunities Further Afield
(incomplete-USFS trails/forest roads missing)
Larimer County Open Space 48
Fort Collins Natural Areas 80
Total "Further Afield" 128
GRAND TOTAL
(excepting USFS Lands in Jefferson, Gilpin and
Larimer counties) 816
Notes:
These numbers represent the best available information. Given the number of styles and skill levels among
mountain bikers, not all these trails would necessarily be provide a high quality visitor experience to every
mountain biker.
Information about opportunities on US Forest Service (USFS) lands in Boulder County was provided by USFS
staff.
This chart also underestimates the availability of "nearby" and "further afield" opportunities because OSMP
did not obtain information from the USFS for mountain biking opportunities on forest service lands outside
Boulder County.
3
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ATTACHMENT G
Mountain Bike Opportunities Evaluated
SHANAHAN RIDGE TO ELDORADO SPRINGS DRIVE <<
Alternative S-1: West Connection-Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive at the south Mesa Trailhead
Alternative S-2: East Connection-Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive at the south Mesa Trailhead
Alternative S-3: East Connection-Shanahan Ridge to Eldorado Springs Drive near Saddleback Lane (0.3 miles west of intersection of South Broadway and Eldorado Springs Drive)
Key Considerations:
1. Bike trail will be located within an existing or CCG recommended trail corridor.
2. The use of a single multiple-use trail will be considered for existing wide sections of trail that are maintained as service access for vehicles.
3. For trail sections other than where wide multiple-use trails are used, will consider a separate and new bike trail constructed within either an existing trail corridor
or CCG recommended trail
corridor.
4. Other types of activities would not be excluded from separate bike trails.
ANEMONE HILL LOOP <<
Alternative A-1: Anemone Loop as a Multiple-Use Trail
Alternative A-2: Anemone Loop: One-Way Bike Travel with a North Side Bike Descent Trail
Cyclists would be required to travel only clockwise under this alternative. The south side of the Anemone loop would be a multiple-use trail with uphill bike travel. A separate
north-side trail and
connection from Red Rocks would be constructed to allow cyclists to ride separately from hikers and equestrians. Cyclists would not be allowed on the CCG-recommended north-side
trail.
Key Consideration:
1. Mountain biking alternatives will not replace either of the proposed CCG loop trails, and to the largest degree practical, use the CCG-recommended Anemone Loop.
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Alternative Ecological/Cultural/Agricultural Mountain Biking Experience Recreational Conflict Trail Sustainability Estimated Costs of
Resources Mountain Biking Improvements
Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: $35,000 for parallel bike-preferred
Mountain biking trail constructed • Mountain bike advocates support • Providing a separate trail for mountain • Trails specifically designed and trail along
North Shanahan, Big
within existing trail corridor, this connection to opportunities biking would reduce visitor conflict built for mountain biking are Bluestem Connector, and Lower
Big
minimizes impacts to natural in the Doudy Draw area. • Reduces need for some visitors to drive more physically sustainable Bluestem trails and modifications for
S-1 resources • Would provide a safe, off-street, to trailhead, reducing parking issues and • Biking trail can be maintained and access to south Mesa Trailhead
Impacts: soft surface trail connection from neighborhood conflicts. changed to improve performance
• Vegetation and soil disturbances near south Boulder neighborhoods, and sustainability without Total: $35,000
West the trail degrades habitat and can lead bikeways and Boulder's transit Impacts: affecting other activities
Connection to the establishment of weeds system to the Doudy Draw • Potential for illegal use of trails not Example: Bike-designed and
• Parallel trails widen the zone of trail trailhead-a gateway for designated for mountain biking at eight pedestrian trails could be closed
impact mountain biking opportunities on (8) intersections. Such use is referred for different periods during wet
Shanahan • popular nighttime riding by cyclists may OSMP to as "poaching" or muddy conditions depending
Ridge to impact wildlife during especially • Would provide an additional • Limiting bike access to the ends of the upon trail vulnerability to
Eldorado sensitive times of day 2.7miles of new mountain biking trail makes it likely that cyclists will particular activities.
• Pedestrians may choose to avoid bikes trail opportunity on OSMP/in the poach intermediate access points. Impacts:
Springs and may disturb and degrade habitat West TSA Example: People at South Boulder Constraining the location of a
Drive at the by establishing social trails in a large . Provides an experience through Creek West Trailhead might choose to mountain biking trail to an
south Mesa grassland blocks with the varied terrain of access a new bike trail by poaching the existing corridor will compromise
• Parallel trails could lead to cross- woodlands, grasslands and Big Bluestem Trail. design and alignment options.
Trailhead cutting, widening and further erosion shrublands South Mesa Trailhead is very popular The result will be trail segments
• A part of the parallel biking trail must • Eliminates the need for some to and perceived as crowded' adding that are less sustainable and
2.7 miles follow a unsustainable route that is drive to a mountain biking mountain biking would increase require greater maintenance.
already wide, braided and heavily opportunity visitation, conflict, and degrade Example: A bike trail parallel to
eroded experience for those not biking and the Big Bluestem Connector Trail
• Fragments Tallgrass West grassland may result in displacement. could not be built to sustainability
habitat block • Could increase illegal parking, and standards.
• Would require multiple drainage neighborhood noise and trash, • Parallel trails add mileage for
crossings and result in shrubland resulting in neighborhood conflicts in maintenance and repair
impacts near Big Bluestem the Greenbriar area • If bike-designed trail is closed or is
• Increased use and wider zone of trail less desirable for any reason,
impacts could affect potential northern cyclists might poach the nearby
leopard frog habitat pedestrian/equestrian trail.
105MP estimated 82,000 annual visits to the south Mesa Trailhead In 2004-2005
3
Alternative Ecological/Cultural/Agricultural Mountain Biking Experience Recreational Conflict Trail Sustainability Estimated Costs of
Resources Mountain Biking Improvements
Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: $40,000 for the section of parallel
• Minimizes the fragmentation of the • Mountain bike advocates support • Providing a separate trail for mountain . Trails specifically designed and trail along
South Boulder Creek trail
Tallgrass West grassland habitat block this connection to opportunities biking would reduce visitor conflict built for mountain biking are and entrance to south Mesa
• Mountain biking trail constructed in the Doudy Draw area. • Reduces need for some visitors to drive more physically sustainable Trailhead
within existing trail corridor, minimizes • Provides a safe, off-street, soft to trailhead, reducing parking issues and . Biking trail can be maintained and
S-2 impacts to natural resources surface trail connection from neighborhood conflicts. changed to improve performance $5,000 to re-surface South Boulder
south Boulder neighborhoods, and sustainability without Creek Trail service road/multiple-use
Impacts: bikeways and Boulder's transit Impacts: affecting other activities trail section
East • Vegetation and soil disturbances near system to the Doudy Draw • Potential for illegal use of trails not Example: Bike-designed and
Connection the trail degrades habitat and can lead trailhead-a gateway for designated for mountain biking at five pedestrian trails could be closed $35,000 for
the section of parallel
to the establishment of weeds mountain biking opportunities on (5) intersections for different periods during wet trail from Greenbriar to Big Bluestem
Shanahan • Parallel trails widen the zone of trail OSMP • South Mesa Trailhead is very popular or muddy conditions depending
impacts • Creates approximately 2.7 miles and perceived as crowded, adding upon trail vulnerability to
Ridge to • popular nighttime riding by cyclists may of additional mountain biking mountain biking would increase particular activities. Total: $ 80,000
Eldorado impact wildlife during especially trail opportunity on OSMP/in the visitation, conflict, and degrade Parallel trail sections along the
Springs sensitive times of day West TSA experience for those not biking and reroute of South Boulder Creek
Drive at the • Pedestrians may choose to avoid bikes • Eliminates the need for some to may result in displacement. Trail and the new Greenbriar to
south Mesa and may disturb and degrade habitat drive to a mountain biking • Could increase illegal parking, and Big Bluestem Trail provide
Trailhead by establishing social trails in a large opportunity neighborhood noise and trash, resulting opportunities for both the biking
grassland blocks • Access to this alignment from the in neighborhood conflicts in the and the horse/hiking trail to be
• Parallel trails could lead to cross- South Boulder Creek Trailhead Greenbriar area aligned sustainably.
cutting, widening and further erosion provides opportunity for a
• Would require multiple additional connection with the South Impacts:
2.7 miles drainage crossings and shrubland Boulder Creek Trail east of • Partial parallel trails of this
impacts near Greenbriar Highway 93. alignment adds additional
mileage for maintenance and
repair
• If bike-designed trail is closed or is
less desirable for any reason,
cyclists might poach the nearby
pedestrian/equestrian trail.
4
Alternative Ecological/Cultural/Agricultural Mountain Biking Experience Recreational Conflict Trail Sustainability Estimated Costs of
Resources Mountain Biking Improvements
Impacts: Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: $100,000: Bridge (ca. 80-foot span)
• Would introduce a trail, creek crossing • Mountain bike advocates support • Would provide a bike connection to • Trails specifically designed and over South
Boulder Creek
and associated human disturbances to this connection to opportunities Eldorado Springs Drive from the less built for multiple use are
S-3 the South Boulder Creek riparian area in the Doudy Draw area. congested South Boulder Creek physically sustainable $35,000: Two ditch crossings.
• A new crossing could lead to • Provides a safe, off-street, soft Trailhead
East riparian/aquatic habitat degradation surface trail connection from • Creates a new trail connection from Impacts: $45,000: Causeway.
Connection through social trails impacts similar to south Boulder neighborhoods, Eldorado Springs Drive to South Boulder • Multiple use design may be
those at the nearby south Mesa bikeways and Boulder's transit Creek Trail for access by Eldorado vulnerable to mountain biker $15,000 Ramp to Roadway
Shanahan Trailhead. system to the Doudy Draw Springs residents. This could minimize behaviors (e.g., cutting corners,
• Would fragment a large block of trailhead-a gateway for trespassing by local residents seeking hard braking) Total: $190,000
Ridge to tallgrass and the Colorado Tallgrass mountain biking opportunities on access to OSMP. • This area has a high water table
Eldorado Natural Area south of the creek OSMP and the ground is generally wet
Springs • The lack of a trail connections from the • Creates approximately 1.5 miles Impacts: year round. Most of the trail
terminus at Highwy 170 could result in of new mountain biking trail • Potential for illegal use of trails not would need to be raised on a
Drive near increased use and impacts of social opportunity on OSMP/in the designated for mountain biking at two boardwalk or a causeway of
Saddleback trails in the grassland bird protection West TSA (2) intersections imported materials.
Lane area south of the road • Eliminates the need for some to • Would increase the amount of use in
• South Boulder Creek is braided in this drive to a mountain biking the area and would direct visitor traffic Due to the trail being raised and
0.3 miles area which indicates and unstable opportunity into the neighborhood. multiple use, it would need to be
west of bank. Changes in stream alignment • Creates a new trail connection • Possibility of increasing hazardous 8 ft. wide to allow enough room
intersection could complicate bridge design and from South Boulder Creek Trail to parking conditions along Eldorado for visitors to pass safely without
could interrupt natural stream patterns Eldorado Springs Drive and Springs Drive being forced from the trail.
of South • The area south of the creek is an provides an opportunity for • The trail would traverse an area used by
Broadway extensive wet meadow with high water further trail development south an OSMP agricultural tenant to pen
and tables and wet conditions year-round2. to Community Ditch their bulls in winter. Fencing or other
• This alignment would affect areas used measures would be necessary to
Eldorado by OSMP lessees to hold bulls in the Impacts: address visitor safety concerns.
Springs winter • Cyclists tend to prefer trails
Drive • Would require multiple additional designed specifically for
drainage crossings and shrubland mountain biking over multiple-
impacts near Greenbriar to create use trails
parallel access
1.5 miles
2Federal and local wetlands protection regulations would require OSMP to demonstrate that there are no less damaging practicable alternatives in order to obtain permission to affect
wetlands. OSMP may face similar requirements from the US Fish and Wildlife Service if it is
determined that the trail crossing would adversely affect the critical habitat for Preble's meadow jumping mouse which has been designated along South Boulder Creek from Baseline
Road upstream to Eldorado Springs.
5
Alternative Ecological/Cultural/Agricultural Mountain Biking Experience Recreational Conflict Trail Sustainability Estimated Costs of
Resources Mountain Biking Improvements
Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: OSMP estimates that the Anemone
• Minimizes habitat fragmentation and • Mountain Bike advocates support • This alignment would require separation • New sections of trail would be Coop construction
will cost
trail impacts by providing mountain this opportunity of mountain biking on the approach and designed for multiple use and approximately $80,000 whether
1 biking and other activity opportunities . Provides a near-town ("lunch descent trails through Red Rocks tend to be more sustainable constructed for multiple-use
or
A-1 a single trail loop") experience reducing conflict equestrian/hiker use.
• Steep terrain creates a very • Reduces need for some visitors to drive Impacts:
Impacts: challenging biking experience to trailhead, reducing parking issues and • Some existing trail sections from $20,000 for trail improvements and
• Pedestrians may choose to avoid bikes . Provides an experience through neighborhood conflicts. Settler's Park and/or Centennial changes necessary to configure
Anemone and may disturb and degrade habitat the varied terrain of rock Trailhead were not designed for approach/descent trails from
Loop by establishing social trails in a large outcrops, grasslands and forests Impacts: mountain biking and are less Settler's Park and Centennial
grassland blocks. This may slow • Eliminates the need for some to • Multiple-use design is likely to lead to physically sustainable Trailhead to the loop trail.
as a revegetation following the recent drive to a mountain biking conflicts between cyclists and • Multiple-use design may be
Multiple-Use Dome Fire opportunity pedestrians. vulnerable to mountain biker
• The anticipated high levels of use • Potential for illegal use of trails not behaviors (e.g., cutting corners, Total: $20,000
Trail would lead to trail widening Impacts: designated for mountain biking at hard braking)
• Vegetation and soil disturbances near • Cyclists tend to prefer trails many intersections in Red Rocks area • The north side of the loop as
2.1 miles the trail degrades habitat and can lead designed specifically for • Private property owners west of the proposed is located on the ridge
to the establishment of weeds mountain biking over multiple- loop may encounter an increase in and would quickly degrade with
• Popular nighttime riding by cyclists may use trails trespassing by cyclists accessing the addition of mountain biking
impact wildlife during especially Fourmile Canyon and biking
sensitive times of day opportunities to the west This section of trail would likely
• Settler's Park, Centennial and Sanitas need to be rerouted--essentially
Valley3 trailheads are very popular and necessitating the construction of
busy; adding mountain biking would alternative A-2 (or something
increase visitation, conflict, and similar). Removing trail from the
degrade experience for non-biking ridge would be inconsistent with
visitors and may result in displacement. the CCG's recommendations.
• Could increase illegal parking, and
neighborhood noise and trash,
resulting in neighborhood conflicts in
neighboring areas
• Steep trails, higher bike speeds and
high visitation creates potential for
dangerous conditions and negative
visitor interactions.
3 OSMP estimated 80,000 annual visits to the Settlers Park Trailhead, and 114,000 annual visits to the Sanitas Valley Trailhead in 2004-5
6
Alternative Ecological/Cultural/Agricultural Mountain Biking Experience Recreational Conflict Trail Sustainability Estimated Costs of
Resources Mountain Biking Improvements
No Benefits Identified Benefits: Benefits: Benefits: OSMP estimates that the Anemone
• Mountain Bike advocates support • This alignment would require separation • Trail segments that are Loop construction will cost
Impacts: this opportunity of mountain biking on the approach and specifically designed and built for approximately $80,000 whether
• Pedestrians may choose to avoid bikes • Provides a near-town ("lunch descent trails through Red Rocks mountain biking or multiple use constructed for multiple-use
or
and may disturb and degrade habitat loop") experience reducing conflict are more physically sustainable equestrian/hiker use.
A_2 by establishing social trails in a large • Steep terrain creates a very • Reduces need for some visitors to drive
grassland blocks. This may slow challenging biking experience to trailhead, reducing parking issues and Impacts: $40,000 for bike preferred north side
revegetation following the recent • Provides an experience through neighborhood conflicts. • Some existing trail sections from of ridge trail construction
Dome Fire. the varied terrain of rock • Directional travel may reduce conflict. Settler's Park and/or Centennial
Anemone • The anticipated high levels of use outcrops, grasslands and forests Trailhead were not designed for $20,000 for trail improvements and
would lead to trail widening • Eliminates the need for some to Impacts: mountain biking and are less changes necessary to configure
Loop . Vegetation and soil disturbances near drive to a mountain biking • Potential for illegal use of trails not physically sustainable approach/descent
trails from
the trail degrades habitat and can lead opportunity designated for mountain biking at • Multiple-use design may be Settler's Park and Centennial
One-Way to the establishment of weeds many intersections in the Red Rocks vulnerable to certain mountain Trailhead to the loop trail.
Bike Travel • Popular nighttime riding by cyclists may Impacts: area biker behaviors (cutting corners,
with a North impact wildlife during especially • One-way travel will reduce the • Private property owners west of the hard braking, etc.) Total: $60,000
Side Bike sensitive times of day variety and diversity of the biking loop may encounter an increase in
Descent • Trail would fragment large block of experience trespassing by cyclists accessing Trail ecotonal ponderosa pine forest with • Cyclists tend to prefer
trails Fourmile Canyon and biking
high wildlife diversity and special designed specifically for opportunities to the west
importance to the Abert's squirrel, one mountain biking over multiple- • Settler's Park, Centennial and Sanitas
3.2 miles of the management indicator species use trails (half of this alignment Valley trailheads are very popular and
for the West TSA follows a multiple-use trail) busy; adding mountain biking would
• Multiple stacked trails on the north increase visitation, conflict, and
side of the hill would dramatically degrade experience for non-biking
decrease habitat block size in the area visitors and may result in displacement
• New trail construction could spread • Could increase illegal parking and ,
myrtle spurge and make control of the neighborhood noise and trash,
large patches present in the area more resulting in neighborhood conflicts in
difficult neighboring areas
• Steep trails, higher bike speeds and
high visitation creates potential for
dangerous conditions and negative
visitor interactions.
• Multiple-use design is likely to lead to
conflicts associated with speed
differential
7
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ATTACHMENT I
West Trail Study Area Plan
Effectiveness Forecast
The summary information below describes approximate changes to the West TSAtrail system based on both
Community Collaborative Group (CCG) recommendations and OSMP recommendations.
Some of the trail recommendations are conceptual. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate exact changes to trail
miles. Inferences based on the recommendations are approximate and subject to change. The West TSA Plan
provides details of the recommendations.
Changes to Highly Suitable Habitats
West TSA (acres)
Highly Suitable Habitat
Current West TSA Plan
Abert's squirrel (ponderosa pine
woodlands and savannahs) 538 608
Northern goshawk (mixed conifer 313 329
forests)
Wild turkey (forest openings) 145 196
Shrub-nesting birds (foothills 25 34
montane riparian)
Grasshopper sparrow (grasslands) 212 280
Length of undesignated trails in
7.32 (miles) .45 (miles)
highly suitable bear habitat
Dog Regulations on all Lands Managed by OSMP
Current Conditions
All OSMP Lands
Total Miles of Designated Trails 144
Dog Regulations on Trails miles % of trail miles
Leash or Voice & Sight 84.4 59%
Leash Required 41.2 28%
No Dogs 14.6 10%
On Corridor Leash or Voice & Sight 4.1 3%
1
Changes to Dog Regulations in West TSA
CCG
Current Conditions Recommendation
West TSA for West TSA West TSA Plan
Total Miles of 78 96* 98*
Designated Trails
% of trail % of trail % of
Dog Regulations on miles miles miles miles miles trail
Trails miles
Leash or Voice & Sight 50.7 65% 57.4 60% 59.2 61%
Leash Required 19.6 25% 21.4 22% 21.6 22%
No Dogs 4.1 5% 13.1 14% 13.1 13%
On Corridor Leash or
4.1 5% 2.6 3% 2.6 3%
Voice & Sight
V&S M-F, Leash S-S 0 0% 1.4 1% 1.4 1%
* Based on conceptual trail recommendations
Additional Summary Results
CCG Recommendations West TSA Plan
Total Miles of Designated Trails West TSA
96* 98*
miles % of trail miles miles % of trail
Horse Trail Designations miles
Horses Allowed -Designed Use
Equestrian 28.3 30% 28.4 29%
Horses Allowed -Designed Use
Pedestrian 42.1 44% 42.9 44%
Horses Not Allowed 24.9 26% 26.4 27%
miles % of trail miles miles % of trail
Undesignated Trails miles
Total Miles 57.5 57.9**
To be Closed 19.2 33% 42.0 73%
To be Designated 12.1 21% 15.9 28%
To be Determined 26.2 46%
To be Retained 2.9 5%
Designated Trails miles miles
To be Repaired 7.4 10.6
To be Rerouted 9.2 15.4
2
* Based on conceptual trail recommendations
Map updates resulted in adjusted total miles
3
ATTACHMENT J
West TSA
Plan Implementation Benefit and Cost Ranking
($-less than $10,000) ($$-between $10,000 and $50,000) ($$$-over $50,000)
# Plan Recommendation Cost Benefit CCG
Category Rank Recommendation
1 Reroute the East Ridge Trail High CCG
2 Designate/construct West High CCG
Sanitas/Wittemyer Trail and
implement area closure and
monitorin
3 Designate/construct Anemone High CCG
Loo
4 Reroute lower Ranger Trail High CCG
5 Reroute Green Mountain West Medium CCG
Ridge
6 Minor reroutes of upper Low CCG
Ranger, E.M. Greenman, and
upper Green Mountain West
Ridge
7 Work on Gregory Canyon Trail Low CCG
8 Reroute of Saddle Rock Trail High CCG
9 Work on Chautauqua, Bluebell Medium CCG
Baird, and Serpentine area
trails
10 Fix and reroute portion of Medium CCG
Royal Arch, designate access
to Ghetto and 5th Flat
11 Repair Upper Fern High CCG
12 Designate a lower Big Medium CCG
Bluestem Grassland Protection
Area with fence sections along
South Boulder Creek West
Trail
13 Work on Mallory Cave Trail Medium CCG
and designate trails to climbing
accesses (key destinations
14 Pursue pedestrian crossing at Medium CCG
South Boulder Creek West
15 Reroute Homestead Trail Medium CCG
16 Reroute the upper section of High
Flagstaff Trail (and Plains
View
17 South Boulder Creek West Site Medium
Plan and Improvements
1
Cost Benefit CCG
# Plan Recommendation Category Rank Recommendation
18 Crown Rock and Contact High
Corner, close and restore all
undesignated trails (udt) not
proposed to be designated,
(Site Plan) includes several
key destinations
19 Flagstaff Summit (East and Medium
West) Site Plan and
Improvements
20 Chapman Drive Trailhead Medium
21 Reroute Ute and Range View Medium
trails
22 General access point updates Medium
to bring to standards
23 Improve parking at Medium CCG
Chautauqua
24 Chautauqua/Enchanted Mesa Medium
Site Plan and Improvements
25 Gregory Canyon Site Plan and Medium
Improvements
26 Provide trails to quarries 2, 3 Medium CCG
and 4
27 Designate a loop on the south Low CCG
side of Sunshine Canyon
28 Red Rocks trail and site Low CCG
improvements, site plan,
assess access for people with
disabilities
29 Reroute lower section of Medium CCG
Flagstaff Trail
30 Reroute Long Canyon upper High CCG
section
31 Reroute Four Pines trails Medium CCG
32 Designate trail connections Medium CCG
from Hollyberry to lower Skunk
33 Reroute Skunk Canyon from Medium CCG
Kusch Road to Kohler Spur
34 Reroute Mesa Trail at Skunk High CCG
Canyon
35 Designate a nature loop on Medium CCG
east side of NCAR Mesa,
determine feasibility for people
with disabilities
36 Designate Fern Meadow Trail Low CCG
37 Designate Stony Hill to Low CCG
Cra moor trail
2
Cost Benefit CCG
# Plan Recommendation Category Rank Recommendation
38 Designate Multiple Connectors Low CCG
in Shanahan Area, Cragmoor
to Middle Shanahan, connector
to South Shanahan, Middle
Shanahan
39 Repair Greenbriar/Lehigh to Low CCG
South Shanahan connector
40 Construct Greenbriar to Big Medium CCG
Bluestem trail
41 Reroute South Boulder Creek High CCG
Trail
42 Reroute Towhee Trail Medium CCG
43 Designate Dinosaur Viewpoint Medium CCG
Trail
44 Designate access to Matron Low CCG
45 Reroute entrances to Woods Medium CCG
Quarry, retain access and
encourage dispersed use to
Lost Sentinels and Sentinel
Boulders
46 Rework each section of trail High
that approaches and crosses
Flagstaff Road
47 Repair Mt. Sanitas Trail Medium
48 Repair Amphitheater Trail Medium
49 Reroute Skunk Canyon Medium
50 Reroute Mesa Trail from Skunk High
Canyon to Bear Canyon
51 Designate a connector trail Low
from Wildwood/Bear Canyon
Service Road up to NCAR
parking lot
52 Redesign the Fern Canyon, High
Shanahan, and Mesa Trail
junction, provide access to
Terrain Boulders and Slab
53 Reroute upper Big Bluestem High
Trail
54 Provide access to South Medium
Boulder Creek from South
Mesa Trailhead
55 Repair Shadow Canyon Trail Low
3
Cost Benefit CCG
# Plan Recommendation Category Rank Recommendation
56 General trailhead updates to Medium
standards and new kiosks
57 Lost Gulch/Cathedral Park Site Medium
Plan and Improvements
58 Designate new access points Low
and bring to standards (15
sites
59 Bluebell Shelter updates Low
60 Reroute northern portion of High
Tenderfoot Trail, close and
restore udt from overlook
61 Designate trail from Linden to $ Medium CCG
Goat Trail
62 Designate east Dakota Ridge $ Low CCG
trail
63 Designate access to Sanitas $ Low CCG
stone shelter
64 Restore historical views from $ Low CCG
Mt. Sanitas summit, clean up
trails
65 Designate Knollwood to $ Low CCG
Settler's Park trail
66 Maintain historic views from $ Low CCG
Sunrise Amphitheater
67 Close and restore udt on ridge $ Low CCG
from Gregory to Greenman
68 Close and restore udts from $ Medium CCG
1st Flatiron to E.M. Greenman
69 Reroute west end Baseline $ Medium CCG
Trail, designate the 6th Street
Connector and connector to
Bluebell Baird.
70 Close spur trails on upper and $ Low CCG
lower McClintock
71 Key Destinations retain $ Low CCG
encourage dispersed use:
Hillbilly Rock, Ridge 4
72 Designate access to Fee, Front $ Low CCG
Porch, Back Porch etc.
73 Designate trail from Bear $ Low CCG
Canyon Service Road to trail
connecting Wildwood to Bear
Canyon b Ant Hill
74 Reroute South Fork Shanahan $ Medium CCG
west of water tank
75 Designate or reroute Old Mesa $ Low CCG
Trail
4
Cost Benefit CCG
# Plan Recommendation Category Rank Recommendation
76 Repair Bear Canyon Trail $ Medium CCG
77 Repair May's Point Trail $ Low
78 Actively close and restore all $ High
udts in the HCA
79 Close and restore old logging $ Low
road between Gregory and
Saddle Rock
80 Repair Amphitheater Express $ Low
81 Designate the udt connecting $ Medium
the Enchanted Mesa/Kohler
spur intersection to Mesa Trail
82 Designate the udt between $ Medium
McClintock and Enchanted
Mesa
83 Close and restore $ Low
McClintock/Enchanted Mesa
cut-off trail to Enchanted Mesa
84 Close and restore the udt that $ Low
connects Mesa Trail to Bear
Canyon Service Road
85 Close and restore udts from $ Low
neighborhood and from non
designated access points
86 Provide designated access to $ Low
the Maiden
87 Provide public use of Green $ Low
Mountain Lodge
Total Estimated Cost for Trail
Related Projects and $4,318,000
Infrastructure Recommendations
Estimated Total Implementation Cost for All Recommendations
Examples of recommendations not included above but included in total implementation cost estimate.
1) Bikes - Chapman Drive; 2) Best effort to pursue horse trailer parking Realization Point; 3) Bikes -
Eldorado to Walker Ranch; 4) General Sign Recommendation, remove outdated or inaccurate sign
and replace if needed; 5) Implement new dog-free opportunities
Total Estimated Implementation
$5,857,000
Cost
5
ATTACHMENT K
West TSA
Capital Projects
Benefit CCG
Plan Recommendation Rank OR Approximate Cost
STAFF
Reroute the East Ridge Trail High CCG $ 100,000.00
Designate/construct West Sanitas/Wittemyer Trail High CCG $ 65,000.00
and implement area closure and monitoring
Designate/construct Anemone Loop High CCG $ 80,000.00
Reroute lower Ranger Trail High CCG $ 65,000.00
Reroute Green Mountain West Ridge Medium CCG $ 60,000.00
Minor reroutes of upper Ranger, E.M. Greenman, Low CCG $ 75,000.00
and upper Green Mountain West Ridge
Work on Gregory Canyon Trail Low CCG $ 100,000.00
Reroute of Saddle Rock Trail High CCG $ 125,000.00
Work on Chautauqua, Bluebell Baird, and Serpentine Medium CCG $ 90,000.00
area trails
Fix and reroute portion of Royal Arch, designate Medium CCG $ 100,000.00
access to Ghetto and 5th Flatiron
Repair Upper Fern High CCG $ 110,000.00
Pursue pedestrian crossing at South Boulder Creek Medium CCG $ 750,000.00
West
Reroute Homestead Trail Medium CCG $ 55,000.00
Reroute the upper section of Flagstaff Trail (and High STAFF $ 120,000.00
Plains View)
South Boulder Creek West Site Plan and Medium STAFF $ 100,000.00
Improvements
Crown Rock and Contact Corner, close and restore
all undesignated trails not designated, (Site Plan) High STAFF $ 150,000.00
includes several key destinations
Flagstaff Summit (East and West) Site Plan and Medium STAFF $ 100,000.00
Improvements
Chapman Drive Trailhead Medium STAFF $ 200,000.00
General access point updates to bring to standards Medium STAFF $ 100,000.00
Improve parking at Chautauqua Medium CCG $ 100,000.00
Chautauqua/Enchanted Mesa Site Plan and Medium STAFF $ 100,000.00
Improvements
Gregory Canyon Site Plan and Improvements Medium STAFF $ 75,000.00
Work on Mallory Cave Trail and designate trails to Medium CCG $ 75,000.00
climbing accesses (key destinations)
Reroute Ute and Range View Trails Medium STAFF $ 65,000.00
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