1 - Final Draft - Eldorado Mountian/Doudy Draw Trail Study Area (TSA) Plan
Final Draft
Open Space and Mountain Parks
(OSMP) Department
Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail
Study Area (TSA) Plan
September 13, 2006
Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department
Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area (TSA) Plan
Table of Contents
Page #
Guidance from the Visitor Master Plan
7
Plan Vision for the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area
8
Trail Study Area Planning Goals
Visitor Experience / Recreational OpportunityGoals
9
Visitor Facility Goals
9
Resource Protection Goals
9
Planning Context for the Trail Study Area
9
The Land: Cultural Historyand Natural Qualities
10
ExistingRecreationalActivities
11
Plan Benefits
12
Public Input and How Key Questions Were Handled
Visitor Access Opportunities and HabitatProtection in the EldoradoMountain
HabitatConservationArea
15
Dog Management Opportunities in the Trail StudyArea
16
Trail Study Area Recommendations
16
A. GeneralRecommendationsfor the Trail Study Area
Implement major maintenance projectsfortrailsand trailheads to improve physical and
A.1 18
environmental sustainabilityand the visitor experience.
Manageundesignated trails in the EldoradoMountain Habitat Conservation Area (HCA)
A.2 18
and the DoudyDrawNatural Area(NA).
Implement BestManagement Practices for trail construction and maintenance.
A.319
Provide opportunitiesfor trailsand facilitieswhichare accessible to mobility-impaired
A.4 19
persons.
Stabilize,restore, protect, and interpretcultural and paleontological resources.
A.520
Control jointed goatgrassandother noxious weeds in the TSA.
A.6 20
Identifyand provide opportunitiesfor visitors to learnaboutand appreciate important
A.7 20
natural and cultural features through interpretive guided hikes, interpretive signs,
brochures, and other materials.
2
Provide sufficient resources for effective enforcementof visitor use regulations in
A.821
the TSA.
Acquire available adjacent undeveloped properties forOSMP purposes.
A.9 21
Establish appropriate monitoringand research in the Trail Study Area.
A.10 21
Evaluateimplementation of the EldoradoMountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area
A.1123
Plan periodically andadjust as needed.
B. Management Recommendationsfor the Community Ditch Subarea
Improve thefunctioning of the Doudy DrawTrailhead andthepedestriancrossing of
B.1 23
S.H. 170 between the Doudy Draw and SouthMesatrailheads.
Map 1, Location # 1
Providemultiple-use access on the Doudy Draw Trail and make appropriate changes to
B.2 24
thetrailto support sustainable bike use.
Map 1, Location # 2
Allow paragliding /hang glidingactivities in designatedzones ona two-year trial
B.324
basis.
Map 1, Location # 3
Provide neighborhoodaccess to the TSAthrough a pedestrian gate southof
B.4 25
Senda RocosoDrive. Close or fence offother gates in the areaand reclaim
theirassociated undesignated trails.
Map 1, Location # 4
Discourageoff-trailvisitoraccess into the prairie dog colonyand strongly encourage
B.526
dogsto be on-leash when traveling nearor through thecolony.
Map 1, Location # 5
Implement a seasonal ground-nesting birdclosurefrom May 1-July 31 north of
B.626
Community Ditch toEldorado Springs Drive.
Map 1, Location # 6
Do notbuilda LowerDoudy Draw Trail Loop.
B.726
Map 2, Location # 1
Evaluate a trail connection fromtheFlatironsVista Trailheadto theMatterhorn
B.827
underpass if the CommunityDitch underpass is not built,andevaluate a connection from
this TSA to South Boulder Creek trails when planning the Shanahan / South Mesa Trail
Study Area.
Map 2, Location # 2
C.Management Recommendationsfor theFlatirons Vista Subarea
Buildthe Doudy Draw-Flatirons VistaTrailLoops.
C.1 27
Map 1, Location # 7
3
Improve thefunctioning andefficiencyof the FlatironsVista Trailhead by re-configuring
C.2 28
the existingparking lot layout and providingnew “pull-through” horse trailer parking.
These trailhead improvementsare contingenton not triggering expensiveaccess
improvements on S.H. 93.
Map 1, Location # 8
Continue to investigatea regionaltrail connection toJefferson County.
C.3 28
Map 1, Location # 9
Monitorvisitor use and off-trail travel in thexeric tallgrass prairie habitatblock north of
C.4 28
the Doudy DrawTrailto CommunityDitchand reevaluate how toprovide sustainable
visitoraccess tothis areain the future.
Map 2, Location # 3
Discourageoff-trailvisitoraccess into the prairie dog colonyand strongly encourage
C.529
dogsto be on-leash if visitors travelnear or through thecolony.
Map 1, Location # 10
Implement a seasonal ground-nesting bird closurefrom May 1-July 31 north of the
C.629
Doudy Draw TrailfromFlatirons Vista Trailheadto theedge ofthe Flatirons Vista Mesa.
Map 1, Location # 6
Maintain visitor access throughthe Matterhorncattle underpass during times
C.730
when seasonal access closures to protectground-nesting birds arenotin effect.
Reevaluate whether to maintain visitoraccessthrough the Matterhorncattle underpass
once theCommunity Ditch underpassisconstructed.
Map 1, Location # 11
Remove the existing east-west interioraccess gate nearthe FlatironsVistaoverlook
C.830
and close and reclaim the unsustainable trail on the west side of the overlook.
Map 1, Location # 12
D. ManagementRecommendations for the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook Subarea
Build a new Fowler toDoudyDraw Trail.
D.1 30
Map 1, Location # 13
Build a DoudyDraw-Spring Brook LoopTrail.
D.2 31
Map 1, Location # 14
If approved by the ColoradoState Parks Board, OSMPandEldoradoCanyonStatePark,
D.3 32
allow mountain bikes on the Fowler Trailonatrialdemonstration basis.
Map 1, Location # 15
Maintain the informalon-street parking on County Road 67 north of theOSMP
D.433
property gate.
Map 1, Location # 16
Designatea Post Office Trail connection tothe FowlerTrail; close and reclaim the
D.533
otherundesignated trail on OSMP.
Map 1, Location # 17
Continue to investigatea regional trailconnectionto Walker Ranch.
D.6 33
Map 1, Location # 18
4
Allow dogson-trail andon-leash westof DoudyDraw on the Fowlerto DoudyDrawTrail
D.733
and Fowler Trail only.
Map 1, Location # 19
Requireon-trail equestriantravel in theDoudyDraw / Spring Brook subarea.
D.835
Map 1, Location # 20
Extend the current seasonal dog on-leashrequirement on the Doudy Draw Trail to
D.935
include theDoudyDraw Trail fromthe switchback to the intersection with theXcel
powerline easementon the top of the mesa.
Map 1, Location # 21
Close public access to Lindsay Pond using fences and signs.
D.10 36
Map 1, Location # 22
Evaluatethe need foradditional specialresource measuresafter trails are built.
D.11 36
E. Management Recommendationsfor the Eldorado Mountain Habitat ConservationArea
Continue the existing cliff-nesting raptor seasonal visitor access closure from February
E.1 36
1 through July 31.
Map 1, Location # 23
Continue no-dog access in the EldoradoMountain Habitat ConservationArea.
E.236
Build the MickeyMouse Access Trail.
E.3 37
Map 1, Location # 24
Buildthe Goshawk RidgeTrail.
E.4 37
Map 1, Location # 25
Requireon-trail equestrianaccess in the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area.
E.5 38
Do notallow equestrianoff-trail travelunder the HCAoff-trail permit program.
Do not buildan Upper DoudyDraw / Bull Gulch Trail, and provide pedestrianaccess
E.6 39
throughthe HCA off-trail permit program.
Map 2, Location # 4
Provide HCA off-trail permit access, monitor visitor usepatterns and impacts,and
E.739
determine theappropriate number of annual permits and seasonal wildlife closures.
Costs and Scheduling for Recommended Trail Study Area Programs and Projects
40
Plan References
42
Appendices
Appendix 1.UndesignatedTrail Classificationon Opens SpaceandMountain Parks Lands
43
Maps
Map 1.EldoradoMountain/ Doudy Draw Trail Study AreaPlan Map
5
Map2.Eldorado Mountain / Doudy DrawTrail Study Area – TrailAlternatives
Not Recommended
Map3.Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area UndesignatedTrailsand
Priority for Management Actions
Map4.Eldorado Mountain / Doudy DrawTrail Study Area – Existing and ProposedDog
ManagementDesignations
6
Guidance from the Visitor Master Plan
Guidance for the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area (TSA) Plan is provided by
the Visitor Master Plan (April 2005). The Visitor Master Plan (VMP) sets goals that establish an
overall framework for providing visitor services and protecting resources.
To achieve these goals, plan initiatives and management strategies were identified. Completing
Trail Study Area Plans throughout the OSMP system was one of the strategies to provide a
quality visitor experience while protecting natural and cultural resources. Trail Study Area
planning involves assessing visitor access and resource protection needs and developing
proposals for new sustainable trails and improvements, management activities for specific
recreational activities, and special resource protection measures.
The Trail Study Area planning process includes the following steps:
Inventory and assess natural, cultural, and recreational resources
Assess existing visitor access and use patterns
Identify desired visitor destinations, connections, and activities
Identify and evaluate alternatives for trails, management activities, and resource
protection
Select the most desirableand feasible alternatives
Adopt and implement the plan
Monitor results and modify trail improvements and management activities as needed
Natural, cultural and recreational resources were inventoried by OSMP staff and detailed in the
Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area Inventory Report (February 2006). This
report also presented information on visitor access and use patterns and identified desired
destinations, connections and activities in the TSA.
OSMP staff, community groups, and interested members of the public identified alternatives for
trails, management activities, and resource protection. The results of this process are presented
in the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area Alternatives Report (May 2006).
Both of these documents are available on the OSMP website.
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area Plan presents recommendations for
trails, recreational activities, and resource protection measures.
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area (TSA) includes two Management Areas
defined in the Visitor Master Plan. The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area Plan
Map (Map 1) shows Visitor Master Plan management area designations, subareas used for
inventory, analysis, and organization of the plan recommendations, and other public lands
adjacent to the TSA.
7
The management areas and respective acreages include:
Doudy Draw Natural Area (the area west of State Highway 93 and east of the Denver
Water Department canal)—2,126 acres
Community Ditch Subarea (739 acres)
o
Flatirons Vista Subarea (809 acres)
o
Doudy Draw / Spring Brook Subarea (578 acres)
o
Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area (the area west of the Denver Water
Department canal)—1,033 acres
Total area for the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area—3159 acres
Plan Vision for the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study
Area
The Eldorado Mountain-Doudy Draw area is a part of the Great Plains grassland-Rocky
Mountain foothills ecotone. This transition area from the high plains prairies to foothills forests
is extremely valuable in Colorado. The natural diversity found here has attracted and supported
hundreds of plants and animals as well as humaninhabitants over many millennia. As more and
more of Colorado’s mountain front is lost to development, these foothills prairies and forests are
more threatened and rare.
The Eldorado Mountain-Doudy Draw area is on the “wilder” end of the natural lands continuum
found on Open Space and Mountain Parks lands. The Trail Study Area Plan for this area
proposes to preserve a sense of “wildness.” The vision for this area is to maintain viable habitats
for the native plants and animals in the area to live and for visitors to this special place to
appreciate and enjoy.
This plan for the future of the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area charts out how
opportunities will be enhanced for both recreational activities and resource protection.
Constructing physically and environmentally sustainable trails can provide travel opportunities
that visitors enjoy while allowing the natural ecosystem conditions and processes to be preserved
and restored. In some cases, limitations on visitor travel and activities are necessary to
adequately protect the high-quality resources.
The key to simultaneously enhancing visitor access and protecting resources is to provide a
continuum of visitor opportunities and resource protection, wherehigher levels of recreational
use are allowed in areas where visitor use impacts can be minimized, and where more limited
visitor opportunities are provided in areas with higher ecological values. The intended use,
design, and alignment of trails are matched to the specific setting. These details are critical to
providing a quality visitor experience and protecting the mostvulnerable resources needing a
higher level of protection.With proper planning, both natural ecosystems and recreational
opportunities can be sustained over the long term.
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Trail Study Area Planning Goals
Visitor Experience / Recreational Opportunity Goals
Provide high-quality visitor experiences based on a continuum of:
Degree of naturalness--from highly natural to more human-modified
o
environments.
Ease of visitor access--from remote to close-in areas relative to where developed
o
access points are.
Level of visitor use--from remote, low-use areas to easily accessed, higher-use
o
areas.
Level of facility development--from minimal facilities designed for low-use levels
o
to highly-developed facilities designed for high-use levels.
Provide recreational opportunities for pedestrians, equestrians, bicyclists, dog walkers,
paragliders / hang gliders and people with mobility impairment.
Provide educational / interpretive opportunities for the Trail Study Area for natural and
cultural resources and low-impact visitor techniques.
Visitor Facility Goals
Locate, design, and manage trails and facilities that are physically and environmentally
sustainable.
Provide trails to major destinations, trail connections, and loop trail opportunities where
appropriate.
Provide additional vehicle parking at some locations.
Close inappropriate undesignated trails.
Resource Protection Goals
Protect rare, imperiled, and highly-vulnerable resources.
Maintain and restore the high quality and natural diversity of plant and wildlife habitats.
Prevent the spread of invasive weeds.
Stabilize, protect and interpret cultural and historic resources.
Planning Context for the Trail Study Area
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area contains exceptional ecological values
that result from:
A diverse mix of overlapping habitats and ecosystems that occur in the transition zone
between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, which supports a high level of
diversity of plant and animal species and communities.
Relatively intact ecosystems, including the large habitat blocks that are penetrated by few
if any roads or trails.
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The larger landscape of protected public lands that are physically connected to the Trail
Study Area and allow wildlife to travel unencumbered by barriers (from the high peaks to
the plains).
The TSA offers opportunities for quality visitor experiences because of the combination of:
A rich mix of different ecosystems that provides many different types of experiences;
visitors can learn about and appreciate these ecosystems as they experience them.
The high elevation gain from the prairie to the mountain peaks, which provides a diverse
range of recreational opportunities and challenges.
The feeling of remoteness (due to location and varied terrain).
Opportunities exist to enhance visitor access in the Trail Study Area by providing new
sustainable trails to popular destinations and to lessen the impactof current visitor use on natural
and cultural resources by eliminating undesignated trails and implementing special protection
measures.
The Land: Cultural History and Natural Values
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area has a rich cultural history. Aboriginal
tribes lived in and roamed through the area prior to European settlement. Railroads, mining,
farming, ranching, and rock climbing activities over the last 150 years have left a legacy that
continues to the present. Archeologists and historians have identified many individual cultural
sites in the TSA. Management actions are needed to protect and stabilize the cultural resources.
Opportunities exist to interpret the cultural resources in the TSAto provide visitors with an
understanding of history and an appreciation of how the human presence has changed over time.
Historical human use has left a legacy that continues today. However, current ecological
conditions in the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area support many high-value
habitat areas, rare native plant communities, and several threatened plant and animal species.
The Trail Study Area is a diverse transitional area between the foothills and the plains. As such
the area has high habitat values for birds and mammals. The wide expanse of continuous habitat
is large and intact enough to support a large suite of wildlife species, some of which are sensitive
to human presence and impacts and require large areas of habitat.
In the TSA the large matrix of forest, woodland, and grassland habitats connected by riparian
corridors is able to support wide-ranging species such as elk, black bears, and mountain lions.
Relatively rare butterflies associated with montane / foothill habitats and tallgrass habitats utilize
this area.
The TSA includes extensive and diverse north-facing shrub communities along Doudy Draw and
Bull Gulch, forest meadows and outwash mesa tops with xeric tallgrass,and riparian areas for
Doudy Draw, Spring Brook, and other drainages.The area also includes several pockets of
forest interior habitat and mature forest, which harbor wildlife species dependent on these rare
habitats (such as northern goshawk, flammulated owl, and hairy woodpeckers).
10
The grasslands in the TSA are part of the largest complex of native grassland habitat in Boulder
County and provide habitat for grassland nesting birds, wintering elk, hunting raptors, and many
other species. The TSA also includes a large active prairie dog colony, which is part of a
designated Prairie Dog Habitat Conservation Area.
Unlike many other parts of the OSMP land system, the lands that surround this Trail Study Area
are mostly publicly protected natural areas (other OSMP lands, state parks, national forest, and
county open space), and the adjacent private land uses are low intensity. Consequently, the
ecosystems in this Trail Study Area function morenaturally than those in closer proximity to
more intense or interspersed human land uses.The Boulder City Council recognized the unique
natural qualities of the Trail Study Area and directed that OSMP: closely monitor this area to
ensure that any undue impacts do not occur as a result of visitor use; and develop and implement
a restoration plan for this area to ensure that the health of the ecosystem is restored.
The high-value natural resources in the TSA require management actions to protect and restore
them. Opportunities exist to interpret the natural resources in the TSA to provide visitors with an
understanding and appreciation of them, and thereby foster visitor stewardship of the resources.
The larger Eldorado Mountain / South Boulder Creek area is a place that both residents and non-
residents feel connected to because they highly value its special cultural, natural, and recreational
qualities. People have demonstrated a deep commitment to protect the area from the incursion of
new development and resource extraction activities. Over the last 30 years, citizens have
organized against various proposals for development, rock quarrying, hard rock mining, radio
towers, and hydro-electric power facilities. People who love the place have been successful in
defeating these various proposals. They have also been successful in advocating expansion of
Eldorado Canyon State Park and OSMP’s acquisition of the extensive land holding that would
otherwise have been further mined and developed for residential subdivisions. Citizens have
also contributed countless hours toward the reclamation of the Conda Mine on the front side of
the mountain backdrop. Planning for the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area
greatly benefits from the continuing contribution of those who love this place.
Existing Recreation Activities
Many different opportunities exist to recreate in a variety of natural habitats in the Eldorado
Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area. The levels of visitor use by pedestrians, mountain
bikers, equestrians, and dog walkers is moderate but has increased steadily over time in the TSA,
fueled by its “discovery” by new visitors.The estimated visitor use in the TSA is 90,000-
100,000 visits per year. Visitors enter the TSA at three major access points (Doudy Draw
Trailhead on S.H. 170 / Eldorado Springs Drive, Flatirons Vista Trailhead on S.H. 93, and the
County Road 67 parking area) and several other lesser-used locations. The popular Community
Ditch Trail and Doudy Draw Trail, and the lesser-used Fowler Trail, serve the northern and
eastern parts of the TSA.
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw TSA is located on the outskirts of the Boulder Valley and
requires most visitors to drive to this destination. For visitors using the Doudy Draw and
Community Ditch Trails, they are likely to seemany other visitors during weekends, weeknights,
11
and other busy times. For visitors traveling off-trail in the western and southern portions of the
TSA, which are more remote and currently do not have any designated trails, their visit will feel
more like a backcountry experience where few other visitors are seen much of the time.
A significant amount of off-trail visitor travel occurs in the southern and western parts of the
Doudy Draw Natural Area and in the Eldorado Mountain HCA, on a network of undesignated
trails created by users or on old roads. This off-trail travel has been expanding and dispersing in
areas not served by designated trails, as indicated by the expansion of the undesignated trail
network over time. This off-trail travel has caused significant natural resource damage. Most of
the undesignated trails are located along and north of the Community Ditch Trail, south of the
Doudy Draw Trail (west and south of the Flatirons Vista Trailhead), and the area around Lindsay
Pond. Undesignated trails are used by climberstraveling to the Mickey Mouse Wall in the HCA,
several of which cross private property or the railroad right-of-way. This climbing area is
accessible only part of the year and is not heavily used. Mickey Mouse Wall has a raptor closure
from February 1 to July 31.
Current dog management on the Community Ditch Trail and the Doudy Draw Trail is on-leash
or voice-and-sight control, except for a portion of the Doudy Draw Trail that is seasonally on-
leash because of bear protections. On the Fowler Trail from County Road 67 and the segment
that connects to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, dogs are required to be on-trail and on-leash. Since
the mid-1990s, dogs have been prohibited in the western portion of the Doudy Draw Natural
Area (west of the Doudy Draw Trail to the Denver Water Department Road) and the Eldorado
Mountain HCA.
Plan Benefits
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area Plan provides the direction to maintain
or improve the quality of visitor experience, visitor access opportunities provided by trails and
trailheads, and the integrity of natural and cultural resources. Some of the things that the plan
provides are:
Improved Accessibility for Visitors to Destinations and Connections
New sustainable designated trails will significantly enhance on-trail visitor accessibility
in the southern and western portions of the Trail Study Area. Sustainable, multiple-use
trails in desirable locations will be providedin currently un-trailed areas. Internal and
external trail connections to desired destinations will increase recreational opportunities
and options for long-distance travel. A number of new trail loops will provide diverse
travel opportunities of different lengths, challenges, and experiences.
Existing designated trails in the TSA are 7.2 miles. New designated trails in the TSA are
estimated to be 8.7 miles (more than doubling existing miles). These new designated trail
miles include construction of 7.6 trail miles and designation of 1.2 trail miles of
connecting roadway links (i.e., the road fromthe C.R. 67 gate / beginning of the Fowler
Trail and the Denver Water Department road). Some of the new trails follow portions of
12
existing undesignated trails as modified to improve sustainability. The specific new
designated trails include (see Map 1):
Doudy Draw-Flatirons Vista Trail Loops
o
(2.7miles,Map 1, Location # 7)
Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail
o
(1.8 miles, Map 1, Location#13)
Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Loop Trail
o
(1.8 miles, Map1, Location#14)
Post Office Trail
(.1 mile, Map1, Location # 17)
o
Mickey Mouse Access Trail
o
(.5 mile, Map1, Location # 24)
Goshawk Ridge Trail
o
(1.8 miles, Map 1, Location # 25)
Total new trails
o
(8.7 miles)
Opportunity for A Unique “Wilder” Visitor Experience
An opportunity for a more remote and rugged experience will be provided in the TSA,
where the natural qualities ofthe ecosystems are preserved and maintained, especially in
the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea and the Eldorado Mountain HCA. In these areas,
protection of wildlife habitats is emphasized,and sustainable trails are located to allow
visitors to experience and appreciate the highly valuable and unique natural features. In
the Eldorado Mountain HCA, a backcountry experience will be maintained by providing
low trail density, more primitive trails, and a lower intensity of visitor use. Fewer visitors
and slower travel in the HCA will provide the opportunity for solitude and contemplation.
Changed and Improved Opportunities for Various Passive Recreational Activities
Existing multiple-use trails in the TSA (allowing pedestrians, mountain bikers, and
equestrians) include 2.7 miles out of the total existing 7.2 miles(38%). The total
multiple-use trail miles will now include 13.6 miles out of the total 15.9 miles (86 %).
This increase is accomplished by adding new multiple-use miles and allowing mountain
bikes on the entire Doudy Draw Trail (adding 4.5 miles).
Hiking
Trail opportunities for hikers and runners will be substantially expanded with new trails
and loop trails in desirable locations serving multiple destinations. Internal and external
trail connections will increase recreational opportunities and options for long-distance
travel. Hiking off-trail will be possibleunder the HCA off-trail permit program with
some limitations.
Mountain Biking
Opportunities for mountain bikers will be expanded: bike access from the Fowler Trail to
OSMP trails east of Doudy Draw to the Flatirons Vista Trailhead and Marshall Mesa area
trails; bike access from OSMP to Eldorado Canyon State Park and its challenging
Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (under an agreement between OSMP and the State Park); stacked
loop trail opportunities in the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook and Flatirons Vista subareas;
and new bike access to the Doudy Draw Trail (along with existing bike access on the
Community Ditch Trail). These trails provide a diverse set of riding opportunities that
vary by trail length, challenge, and experience. Providing new bicycle trails west of
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Broadway / S.H. 93 is a major departure from the long-standing City Council policy of
prohibiting new bicycle trails in this area.
Equestrians
Horseback riders will enjoy additional trail opportunities provided by new trails, trail
loops, and trail connections. Off-trail travel will be allowed in parts of the Doudy Draw
Natural Area, but not in the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea in the Natural Area or
the Habitat Conservation Area. New equestrian pull-through parking will be provided at
the Flatirons Vista Trailhead.
Paragliders / Hang Gliders
Access to paragliders / hang gliders will be re-opened in the Flatirons Vista Mesa area,
under conditions intended to adequately protect the resources and ensure compatible use
with other visitors (see recommendation B.3). This site will provide an important
opportunity for flying activities given its north and northeast wind aspects. A two-year
trial demonstration will provide the user group with the opportunity to prove that this area
can support sustainable flying activities and thereby gain long-term designation.
Dog walkers
Dog walkers will have expanded access. Dog walkers will be provided voice-and-sight
opportunities with new trails in the Flatirons Vista subarea. Dog walkers will now be
able to access the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea (on-trail and on-leash), which is
not currently allowed except for the Fowler Trail; and they can make the trail connection
from the Flatirons Vista Trailhead to the Doudy Draw Trail and new trails east of Doudy
Draw to the Fowler Trail. No-dog opportunities will be provided for pedestrians in the
HCA on the Mickey Mouse Access Trail and the Goshawk Ridge Trail. The Visitor
Master Plan commits OSMP to expand no-dog opportunities on some trails, with
emphasis on new trails to meet this community desire.
Improved Trailhead Access
The Doudy Draw and Flatirons Vista Trailheads will be improved with delineation of
parking spaces, safer pedestrian access (Doudy Draw), and new pull-through horse trailer
parking. The C.R. 67 parking area turnaround area will be improved and on-street
parking spaces delineated.
Protecting Valuable Resources
A high level of protection for valuable and fragile resources will be provided. Trails will
not be built that would critically fragment large habitat blocks or create impacts to highly
sensitive areas. New trail alignments and designs will be selected to minimize resource
impacts. Closing 14 miles of undesignated trails will allow repair of damaged habitat and
restoration of larger undisturbed habitat blocks. New trail alignments and designs will
provide an incentive to stay on the designated trail. Dog management requirements in the
Doudy Draw / Spring Brook Area (restricted to on-trail on-leash on the Fowler to Doudy
Draw Trail, no dog access on the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Loop Trail, and no off-trail
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dog access) and the HCA (no-dogs) will providea higher level of resource protection
than is normally provided in the Natural Area and the HCA, respectively. Visitor access
closures will be used to protect vulnerable resources at key times (e.g., seasonal bear
feeding, cliff-nesting birds, ground-nesting birds, and potentially others), and Lindsay
Pond will be legally closed to visitors to protect unique and rare aquatic resources. A
higher level of resource protection will beprovided by OSMP strongly encouraging dogs
to be on-leash in prairie dog colonies and an extension of seasonal dog on-leash
requirements to protect foraging bears in the fall (Doudy Draw Trail).
The proposed recommendations in this plan could result in unintended impacts to wildlife
and plant species and communities. OSMP staff will work closely with community
groups and researchers to design and implement monitoring projects to provide baseline
information and detect unintended impacts early. These efforts will ensure impacts to
important resources are avoided, minimized and mitigated.
Public Input and How Key Questions Were Handled
Two planning issues and choices are highlighted by this TSA, for which public input was
diverse and decisions required a balancing of the issues and concerns.
Visitor Access Opportunities and Habitat Protection in the Eldorado Mountain
Habitat Conservation Area
The Visitor Master Plan designates Habitat Conservation Areas with a management
emphasis on resource protection. The HCAs represent the largest, relatively least human-
altered blocks of wildlife habitat remaining in the OSMP system. Some visitors desire to
visit these habitat areas, both to get away to more remote destinations and experience the
remnants of functioning natural ecosystemsstill present in HCAs. OSMP seeks to
provide visitor opportunities in HCAs with a minimum number of low-impact trails
designed to accommodate low levels of use and locating these trails in places that will
protect the natural functioning of these wildlife habitats. This approach is designed to
minimize additional human influence and impactson the high quality habitat that remains.
Many wildlife species are highly sensitive to human presence and will be displaced or
disappear if humandisturbance is intolerable for them.
The Eldorado Mountain HCA has unique attributes that contribute to its high value as
native plant and animal habitat. The HCA is located in the ecotonal transition zone
between mountain and plains where a high level of biological diversity still remains, is
connected to large swaths of other protected public wildlands, is remote from
development, and contains a large un-trailed and un-roaded habitat block. Because of
these attributes, many people consider this HCA as one of the best places in the OSMP
land system to preserve and restore habitat for wide-ranging grazing animals and
predators that prey on them, forest interior habitat specialist species, and many species
that are especially shy or vulnerable to human impacts. Many people have suggested that
the HCA offers a unique opportunity to preserve a refuge for wildlife to live, move, and
reproduce with little interference from humans traveling either on-trail or off-trail. They
15
prefer that no trails be designated or constructed in the HCA, in order to not degrade its
habitat quality or natural processes, and they do not want any off-trail travel in the HCA.
At the same time, many public comments expressed the desire to travel on multiple-use
trails in the Eldorado Mountain HCA and travel off-trail under the HCA off-trail permit
program. Many recreational activities are desired in the HCA: hiking and running, rock
climbing, bicycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching and nature study, and quiet
contemplation. Many people want more trails than what is proposed in the plan. In
contrast to what the plan recommends, many bikers want to be able to ride the
challenging steep terrain in the HCA and many equestrians want the option of riding off-
trail under the HCA off-trail permit program.Many dog walkers want to hike and run in
the HCA with their dogs.
The plan recommends visitor access in the HCA be provided by building the Goshawk
Ridge Trail (pedestrians and equestrians, no bikes) and a spur trail to the Mickey Mouse
Wall climbing area (pedestrians only), while minimizing the resource impacts of visitor
travel. These trails will be designed to be physically and environmentally sustainable and
to preserve the special qualities of the Eldorado Mountain HCA—both as a place where
visitors can feel they can get away and experience remote and rugged areas and where
wildlife can feel safe and secure and can thrive without a significant amount of human
presence and impact.
The Goshawk Ridge Trail and the Mickey Mouse Access Trail will be located in the
eastern portion of the HCA, leaving most of the HCA un-trailed. These trails will be
designed to focus visitor travel to the trail and contain visitor resource impacts to the trail
corridor (i.e., the area of “trail effects”). OSMP estimates that over three thousand annual
visits occur in the HCA, and the impacts of this unmanaged dispersed visitor travel are
evident. While building the trails may increase the overall level of visitor use, it is
expected that resource impacts will be lessened by concentrating the impacts rather than
dispersing the impacts, which would occur with dispersed off-trail travel under the HCA
off-trail permit program. The expectation is that most visitors to the HCA will travel on
the new trails, thereby reducing the number of off-trail visits. In addition to reducing
overall impacts, the proposed new trails will provide a unique primitive backcountry trail
experience for HCA visitors.
Some recreational activities will be limited in the HCA. Bikes will not be allowed in the
HCA. Equestrians will be required to stay on trail in the HCA. Off-trail equestrian travel
will not be allowed under the HCA off-trail permit program to minimize impacts on steep
slopes and erosive soils. Dogs will continueto be prohibited in the HCA and some areas
immediately to the east in the Doudy Draw Natural Area.
Dog Management Opportunities Provided in the Trail Study Area
In this TSA a continuum of recreational opportunities and resource protection is proposed
(see Map 4 that shows existing and proposed dog management for this TSA). The “front-
country” areas closer to development, roads, and trailheads are where a higher level of
16
visitor use is planned; these areas will be accommodated with higher trail densities. The
“backcountry” areas that are more remote and removed from human development and
easy access are where a lower level of visitor use is planned; these areas will be
accommodated with lower trail densities and less-developed trails. The areas that
contain natural resources that are most sensitive to human impacts will be provided a
higher level of protection. Eldorado Mountain HCA and Doudy Draw / Spring Brook
subarea contain concentrations of rare and sensitive natural resources that require careful
attention to protect them.
Dog management in the Trail Study Area is in line with this continuum of recreational
opportunities and resource protection. Dog management strategies are proposed to be
more protective and restrictive when one moves from east to west in the Trail Study Area.
Specifically, this continuum provides that dog management east of the Doudy Draw Trail
offer the option of voice-and-sight control; west of the Doudy Draw Trail to the Denver
Water Department (DWD) Road, dog management would be on-trail, on-leash on the
Fowler Trail and the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail (but dogs prohibited off these trails);
and west of the DWD Road (in the HCA) dogs would be prohibited. This continuum for
dog management is intended to offer the opportunity for dog walkers to travel across the
OSMP system and connect with Eldorado Canyon State Park while still providing a high
level of protection for sensitive areas and resources.
Public input was diverse on dog management in the TSA. Some people have advocated
that the current prohibition of dogs west of Doudy Draw be continued to provide extra
protection for the relatively abundant wildlife that persist, which would mean no dogs
would be allowed in the HCA or any of the trails in the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook
subarea. Other people feel that only the “default” management strategies as identified in
the Visitor Master Plan should be implemented for Natural Areas (voice-and-sight
control) and HCAs (on-trail and on-leash).
The plan recommends continuing the current dog prohibition in the HCA and most of the
Doudy Draw / Spring Brook Area. This dog prohibition is intended to continue these
areas as a refuge for wildlife that need minimal disturbance from humans and are
vulnerable to impacts from dogs. Some people have expressed the opinion that allowing
any dogs in the Spring Brook area, even if they are restricted to on-trail and on-leash on
two trails, would be a significant harm to the wildlife. The plan provides limited dog
access on-trail and on-leash (no off-trail access) while also providing dog management
strategies for the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea that are more stringent than would
normally be employed in Natural Areas or HCAs.
If the compliance level for dogs to be on-trail and on-leash for the two trails in the Doudy
Draw / Spring Brook subarea is high, then protection for wildlife can be maintained. The
plan proposes that a standard of 85-90% for compliance be set. Monitoring would assess
whether or not this standard is met over time. Given these results, OSMP will be able to
decide if changes in dog management need to be implemented to ensure that wildlife and
other sensitive resources are adequately protected. Changes could involve increased
17
education and enforcement efforts to improvecompliance or restricting dogs from trails
in the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea in the future.
Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area
Recommendations
A. General Recommendations for the Trail Study Area
Map 1 identifies the location of recommendedtrail and trailhead improvements, management
actions for specific recreational activities, and special resource protection measures.
Implement major maintenance projects for trails and trailheads to improve physical
A.1
and environmental sustainability and the visitor experience.
Achieving and maintaining the desired conditions for trails and trailheads requires
periodic maintenance. The identified projects will correct existing trail deficiencies.
They involve retrofitting the existing Doudy Draw, Community Ditch, and Fowler trails
to reduce soil erosion, trampling of vegetation, and spread of weeds. Examples of these
projects include improving the Doudy Draw Trail switchback and creek crossings to
eliminate erosion and provide easier access, and re-routing the connection to the Doudy
Draw Trail from the Flatirons Vista Trailhead to make it more sustainable.
Manage undesignated trails in the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area
A.2
(HCA) and the Doudy Draw Natural Area (NA).
Map 3 identifies currently known undesignated trails and classifies them by type and
priority of management actions, including, (1) designate; or (2) close and re-vegetate.
Authorized vehicle accesses are also classified as, (1) open to non-motorized visitor
access; or (2) visitor access by permit only (applies to Habitat Conservation Areas).
Appendix 1 provides the context for recommended management actions and a description
of definitions and methods used in classifying undesignated trails by management action.
A number of undesignated trails and old roads exist in the Eldorado Mountain HCA and
Doudy Draw Natural Area from railroad and canal building, settlement, mining and other
activities. Updated mapping of undesignated trails in the Trail Study Area show an
estimated 20 miles of undesignated trails and 4 miles of authorized vehicle accesses open
to non-motorized visitor travel (comparedto 7.2 existing designated trail miles).
Some of these undesignated trails (5.3 trail miles) will be designated with the
construction of new sustainable trails in the same general location (i.e., the Mickey
Mouse Access Trail, the Goshawk Ridge Trail, and the Flatirons Vista Trail Loops).
Others will be closed to visitor access and restored to natural conditions (14 trail miles)
where they are not needed as part of the trail system and are not environmentally
sustainable. Some of the undesignated trails are located on roads used for official
18
purposes that are open for visitor use and others will be retained for limited visitor access
under the HCA off-trail permit program (4.1 miles).
Closure and restoration of undesignated trails will be scheduled before or simultaneously
with development of new trails. Monitoring activities will occur to detect the creation of
newly forming undesignated trails early so they can be closed and restored effectively.
In the Doudy Draw Natural Area, strategies will be evaluated and implemented to
minimize undesignated trails created by cattle.Preserving historic agricultural activities
in the Boulder Valley is one of the defined purposes of OSMP lands, and OSMP seeks to
preserve this activity in the eastern portion of the Doudy Draw Natural Area, while
providing quality recreational opportunities. Cattle grazing can create undesignated trails
that damage natural resources. Cattle-created undesignated trails in the Doudy Draw
Natural Area create a situation where visitors sometimes travel on these undesignated
trails causing additional resource damage.
OSMP will implement ways of minimizing cattle trails and allow re-vegetation to occur
to reduce resource impacts and visitor use of cattle trails. Some of these strategies may
include: 1) develop a multi-year grazing rotation that provides adequate rest periods (both
duration and seasonality) to allow the vegetation to recover; 2) reduce cattle trailing by
moving salt supplements; and 3) redevelop the well on the mesa top near S.H. 93 (south
edge of the Matterhorn open space property) for cattle and remove the existing water tank
on the steep hillside on the WestRudd property west of S.H. 93.
Implement Best Management Practices for trail construction and maintenance.
A.3
Best Management Practices (BMPs), which are currently under development, will guide the
selection of trail locations, design, construction, and maintenance. BMPs are intended to
support both physical and environmental sustainability for trails and facilities. Physically
sustainable trails hold up over time with minimal regular maintenance. Environmentally
sustainable trails minimize impacts on the natural environment. Location and design of trails,
using Best Management Practices, provide travel routes that encourage users to stay on-trail
and minimize degradation of habitat.
rovide opportunities for trails and facilities which are accessible to mobility-
A.4 P
impaired persons.
OSMP is committed to providing trails and trailheads that meet the needs of mobility-
impaired persons in appropriate places. In this Trail Study Area, constructing new trails
and retrofitting existing trails and trailheads can provide facilities that are accessible.
Some of the potential accessibility improvements include:
Retrofitting the existing Doudy Draw and Community Ditch trails for
accessibility for the mobility-impaired.
Providing a trail link from the Flatirons Vista Trailhead to the Doudy Draw Trail
that is accessible for the mobility-impaired and provide parking spaces for
vehicles that transport mobility-impaired persons.
19
Providing trail grades and surfaces which are accessible for the mobility-impaired
on the Doudy Draw-Flatirons Vista Trail Loops.
Improving the trail surface on the FowlerTrail from the gate at County Road 67,
to make it a more accessible trail.
Stabilize, restore, protect, and interpretcultural and paleontological resources.
A.5
The Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area contains a rich collection of
cultural and paleontological resources. Artifacts from prehistory and from mining,
railroad building, and canal building activities are located in many areas. Interesting
geological and fossil features are present. These resources typically need stewardship to
maintain and protect them.
Cultural and paleontological features also provide opportunities for OSMP visitors to
learn about the rich human and natural history of this area of the Boulder Valley. In the
Trail Study Area plan, the location of cultural and paleontological resources has been
taken into account in formulating trail recommendations. Additional planning will be
undertaken to adequately protect, restore, and interpret important cultural and
paleontological resources.
Control jointed goatgrass and other noxious weeds in the TSA.
A.6
Weed management activities are extremely important as part of the overall program to
construct and maintain trails. Integrated weed control methods will be implemented
before and after trails are built, and onan ongoing basis to ensure effective weed
management. Ongoing monitoring of weeds will be key to prevent further weed invasion,
gauge the degree of progress in implementing weed control strategies, and adjusting
weed control efforts.
Jointed goatgrass was recently discovered along Doudy Draw Trail south of the trailhead
and along the Fowler Trail. Weed management began in these areas in 2006. However,
current methods for controlling jointed goatgrass in heavily used recreational areas on
OSMP have not been successful. To control and prevent the spreadof jointed goatgrass,
visitors will be asked to cooperate by staying on designated trails and complying with a
possible dog on-leash requirement in goatgrass infested areas. In addition, temporary
trailside fencing may be installed, undesignated trails in the area may be closed,
appropriate herbicides may be applied, native grasses will be seeded, and Best
Management Practices for trail construction will be followed. Pre-treatment and post-
treatment monitoring will guide ongoing jointed goatgrass control activities.
Identify and provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and appreciate
A.7
important natural and cultural features through interpretive guided hikes,
interpretive signs, brochures, and other materials.
Interpretive opportunities will provide significant benefits and add to the enjoyment of
the Trail Study Area. This TSA contains a wealth of local sites and scenic vistas where
20
interpretation can provide important stories and information about natural ecosystems,
wildlife, geology, fossils, history of Native American and Euro-American occupation and
settlement, past and current land use, and current land management and restoration
activities.
Different methods and venues for interpretation will be employed, targeted to the specific
types of resources to be interpreted. In some cases, interpretation will occur on-site with
guided hikes or interpretive signs at important viewpoints or places where the resources
occur. In other case, interpretation will occur with information provided off-site, through
trailhead signboards, brochures, or website material.
As detailed planning is undertaken for new trails and trailhead improvements, interpretive
opportunities will be identified and implemented. In some areas, providing short
destination spur trails will be considered.
Provide sufficient resourcesfor effective enforcement of visitor use regulations in
A.8
the TSA.
To provide and maintain acceptable conditions for natural and cultural resources and for
the visitor experience, OSMP will devote sufficient management resources to enforce
regulations dealing with seasonal and permanent visitor access closures, use restrictions
for specific recreational activities, and on-trail, on-leash, and no-dog requirements.
Adjustment of enforcement activities will occur over time, as needs change and levels of
visitor compliance evolve.
Acquire available adjacent undeveloped properties for OSMP purposes.
A.9
Acquiring properties adjacent to OSMP properties will further protect lands around
Eldorado Canyon State Park, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Jefferson County
Open Space, and OSMP. Land acquisition could provide a larger protected habitat block
and preserve the whole Bull Gulch drainage, improve management of climbing at the
Industrial Wall and associated raptor protection areas, and preserve many sensitive
resources. It could also expand recreational opportunities and provide connections to
other public lands.
Establish appropriate monitoring and research in the Trail Study Area.
A.10
Monitoring will be used to determine the effectiveness of management strategies to
improve conditions where necessary and maintain acceptable conditions elsewhere.
Measuring the effectiveness of strategies involves several steps including identifying the
range of acceptable conditions, selecting indicators that will be measured, developing
protocols for measuring those indicators, and then implementing the monitoring on the
ground. Effectiveness monitoring often requires the collection of baseline data to
formally document existing conditions before a strategy is put into action. Monitoring
provides the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department with information not only to
21
assess how well the TSA plan strategies are working, but also to refine the nature,
location, or extent of implementation.
Specific monitoring actions proposed for this TSA include:
Trial Demonstration of Specific Recreational Activities
Three activities are proposed on a trial basis in selected areas; paragliding / hang
gliding in the Flatirons Vista Mesa area, mountain biking on the Fowler Trail on
OSMP and Eldorado Canyon State Park lands, and on-trail equestrian travel in the
HCA. Monitoring will help determine whether these activities can be managed
successfully and impacts on resources and other visitors are within an acceptable
range. After the trial demonstration periods, decisions will be made on whether to
allow these activities on a long-term basis.
Dog Management in the TSA
The plan proposes to prohibit dogs in the HCA, dogs be on-trail and on-leash in
the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea, and on-leash or under voice-and-sight
control in the rest of the Trail Study Area (see Map 4 that shows existing and
proposed dog management for this TSA).The quality of the visitor experience
and the health of the natural ecosystem in the area are influenced by compliance
with dog management regulations. Monitoring and assessment of dog
management will utilize surveys of visitor experience and direct measurement of
environmental impacts.
On-Trail Use
On-trail travel is required in the Eldorado Mountain HCA and proposed in the
Doudy Draw Spring Brook subarea for selected uses (bikes, equestrians, and
dogs).Maintaining the ecological integrity of the HCA and the Doudy Draw /
Spring Brook subarea relies upon compliance with the on-trail requirement.
Compliance will be assessed through direct observation and evaluation of
physical impacts in off-trail areas.
Trail Condition
Annual or periodic monitoring of trail condition can be used to direct maintenance
activities and identify segments of trail that are physically unsustainable.
Indicators of trail condition include trail widening, erosion, and braiding.
Undesignated Trail Development
Periodic surveys by OSMP staff will establish the location and extent of
undesignated trail development. Undesignated trails will be managed using the
undesignated trail classification system (see Appendix 1).
Reclamation of Native Vegetation
Closure and reclamation of undesignated trails and restoration of other disturbed
areas will be assessed by measuring changes in vegetative cover and composition.
22
Establishment and Spread of Weeds
New trails, trailheads, and other visitor facilities will be constructed to minimize
the establishment and spread of weeds. Monitoring will help OSMP staff set
standards, make needed corrections, and determine when disturbed areas are
successfully restored. The composition of the plant communities will be measured,
including the relative proportion of native plants, weeds, and bare ground.
Effects on Wildlife
Changes in trails and access patterns have the potential to affect the abundance,
diversity, and use patterns of wildlife in the TSA. Baseline data are available
from some areas of the TSA, but more information will be needed where trail
modifications and new trails are proposed. These data will be compared with data
collected after changes are made (new trails, undesignated trails closed, etc.). A
variety of techniques will be used to measure wildlife abundance, distribution and
behavior.
A detailed long-term monitoring plan with sufficient funding will be developed to guide
TSA plan implementation. As part of this monitoring plan, baseline information will be
collected where needed and monitoring criteria to measure success in implementing plan
goals will be developed.
Evaluate implementation of the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw Trail Study Area
A.11
Plan periodically and adjust as needed.
OSMP staff will periodically assess the status of the Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw
TSA Plan implementation to track progress and evaluate projects. This assessment will
take into account new information regarding the success management efforts (e.g.,
education and enforcement of new on-trail and dog management requirements, the
Habitat Conservation Area off-trail permitprogram, and management decisions for
specific recreational activities), and progress in building trails and improvements.
Progress in implementing the plan will be reported during the annual public meeting to
review implementation activities for the Open Space and Mountain Parks Visitor Master
Plan.
B. Management Recommendations for the Community Ditch Subarea
Improve the functioning of the Doudy Draw Trailhead and the pedestrian crossing
B.1
of S.H. 170 between the Doudy Draw and South Mesa trailheads.
(Map 1, Location # 1).
Most of the time, parking is ample at this trailhead.Congestion at the Doudy Draw
Trailhead occurs only 40-50 days a year, even though the Doudy Draw Trailhead
sometimes functions as overflow parking for the busy South Mesa Trailhead.
Consequently, there is no current need for trailhead capacity expansion.
23
However, the rectangular parking lot is deficient in how it functions and accommodates
horse trailers. Vehicle parking sometimesis inefficient and contributes to parking
congestion and overflow parking on S.H. 170. The lack of dedicated “pull-through”
horse trailer parking spaces at this trailheadand at the South Mesa Trailhead has limited
access for equestrians and can lead to inefficient parking for all vehicles. Ingress and
egress of horse trailers is difficult, particularly at the Doudy Draw Trailhead.
Parking spaces and vehicle flow in the Doudy Draw Trailhead will be delineated to
improve utilization and functioning of the trailhead. In addition, a limited number of new
dedicated horse-trailer parking spaces maybe provided within the existing trailhead area,
if it is feasible without a significant reduction of overall parking capacity or major access
improvements on S.H. 170. Providing a limited number of dedicated horse-trailer
parking at the South Mesa Trailhead will also be evaluated.
Crossing S.H. 170 between the South Mesa Trailhead and the Doudy Draw Trailhead can
be unsafe. OSMP will work with the Colorado Department of Transportation to provide
a safe pedestrian crossing of S.H. 170. Consideration will be given to installing
crosswalk striping, a flashing pedestrian light and a connecting trail along the south side
of the highway.
To better ensure visitor safety, OSMP will work with the Boulder County Sheriff to
enforce the current no-parking regulation along S.H. 170.
Provide multiple-use access on the Doudy Draw Trail and make appropriate
B.2
changes to the trail to support sustainable bike use
(Map 1, Location # 2).
Only the section of the Doudy Draw Trail from the Doudy Draw Trailhead to the
Community Ditch Trail currently providesbicycle access. Providing bicycle access on
the rest of the Doudy Draw Trail provides trail connections for mountain bikes between
Marshall Mesa area trails, trails in Flatirons Vista subarea, trails in the Doudy Draw /
Spring Brook subarea, the Fowler Trail on OSMP and trails in Eldorado Canyon State
Park.
Realigning portions of the Doudy Draw Trail are needed to provide new sustainable
bicycle access. Realigning the switchback from the Flatirons Vista Mesa approximately
thirty feet to the south would allow the trail grade to be reduced, provide a wider turning
radius, and allow the steps and water bars to be removed. This retrofit would provide
more functional and sustainable access for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists, as well
as eliminate current deficiencies in water drainage and soil erosion.
Allow paragliding / hang gliding activitiesin designated zones on a two-year trial
B.3
basis
(Map 1, Location # 3).
A two-year trial demonstration is proposed to determine whether flying activities in the
area are compatible with resource protection and other Visitor Master Plan policies.
24
Undesignated trails, weed spread, and compliance with other conditions placed on the
flying activities will be monitored during the trial. If problems surface during the
demonstration period, corrective action will be taken to improve how the activities are
managed. The trial will be evaluated at the end of the demonstration period to determine
whether to provide long-term flying activities in the area. Details of this proposal are
presented in a report entitled “Activity Assessment for Paragliding and Hang Gliding
Activities in the Flatirons Vista MesaArea”, which is available on request.
Three launch zones and two landing / ground handling zones dispersed over a large area
in the “bowl” of the Flatirons Vista Mesa edge will be designated for paragliding and
hang gliding activities.
Access to the sites will originate at the Doudy Draw Trailhead. Travel to the sites will be
on off-trail travel corridors identified in the management plan for paragliding / hang
gliding activities in the Flatirons Vista Mesa area.
Provide neighborhood access to the TSA through a pedestrian gate south of Senda
B.4
Rocoso Drive. Close or fence off other gates in the area and reclaim their associated
undesignated trails
(Map 1, Location # 4).
Several gates were installed years ago with no plan for sustainable visitor access. As a
result, unsustainable undesignated trails that climb steep hills lead from many of these
gates. Access through these multiple gates created damage to vegetation and soils,
spread weeds (including jointed goatgrass), disturbed ground-nesting birds and other
wildlife, and created numerous undesignated trails.
One gate to the south of Senda Rocoso Drive will provide convenient neighborhood
access where impacts can be minimized. Other gates will be closed or fenced off to
consolidate neighborhood access and reduce undesirable impacts. Visitors will be asked
to disperse their travel south from the gate. Visitor use levels and travel patterns will
determine whether a new designated trail will be needed from the gate to the Community
Ditch trail in the future.
Discourage off-trail visitor access into the prairie dog colony through visitor
B.5
education and strongly encourage dogs to be on-leash when traveling near or
through the colony
(Map 1, Location # 5).
To minimize impacts to prairie dogs and reduce prairie dog / human conflicts, several
management actions are recommended. These include but are not limited to educating
visitors, marking the boundaries of the prairie dog colony, installing signs that discourage
off-trail access into the prairie dog colony, and strongly encouraging dogs to be leashed
within the established boundary.
25
Implement a seasonal ground-nesting bird closure from May 1 to July 31 north of
B.6
Community Ditch to Eldorado Springs Drive
(Map 1, Location # 6).
This seasonal ground-nesting bird closure is located in parts of both the Flatirons Vista
subarea and the Community Ditch subarea.
This un-trailed habitat block includes high-quality xeric tallgrass, a plant community
designated as rare and sensitive by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. Studies have
shown this area supports a high concentration of grassland ground-nesting birds and is
similar in quality to the grassland bird habitat east of Highway 93 in the Doudy Draw
Natural Area and the Southern Grassland Habitat Conservation Area. Seasonal ground-
nesting bird closures are in effect in these areas. The three month closure to protect
ground-nesting birds is important for their reproductive success. Grassland birds have
shown dramatic population declines throughout their range, and OSMP seeks to conserve
these species.
Do not build a Lower Doudy Draw Trail Loop
B.7(Map 2, Location # 1).
This trail loop would circumnavigate a small mesa and would be approximately a half
mile in length. It was considered as an opportunity for a no-dog trail and / or a trail
accessible to mobility-impaired persons. The major rationale for not building this trail is
that it would be less than ideal as a destination for people seeking a dog-free opportunity
or a wheelchair accessible trail. While this short trail loop would be conveniently located
next to the Doudy Draw Trailhead and would offer some nice views and interpretive
opportunities, it would probably not be desirable for very many visitors because of its
distance from most city and county residents. Most visitors drive to the Doudy Draw
Trailhead seeking a medium or long hike.
The trail loop would not be very suitable for people with mobility impairment. The only
place where the trail could ascend to the top of the mesa without numerous switchbacks
would be on the south side of the mesa, which is not close to the Doudy Draw Trailhead.
The trail grades on the south side of the mesa would push the limits of wheelchair
accessibility guidelines. The trail would also be very exposed to sun and wind and very
hot with only minimal shade.
In the absence of building a designated trail, the numerous undesignated trails in the area
will be closed and restored, which is especially important to prevent the spread of jointed
goatgrass from the Doudy Draw Trail corridor to nearby areas.
Evaluate a trail connection from the Flatirons Vista Trailhead to the Matterhorn
B.8
underpass if the Community Ditch underpass is not built, and evaluate a connection
from this TSA to South Boulder Creek trails when planning the Shanahan / South
Mesa Trail Study Area
(Map 2, Location # 2).
Current visitor use levels and patterns do not support the need for a trail connecting
Flatirons Vista Trailhead to the Matterhorn underpass. However, a trail connection may
26
be needed if the Community Ditch underpass is not built. Resource issues for this trail
connection include crossing of the large prairie dog colony and potential impact on xeric
tallgrass vegetation.
A trail connection to South Boulder Creek Trails poses many feasibility issues related to
crossing Eldorado Springs Drive, two irrigation ditches, wetlands, riparian habitat of
South Boulder Creek, the designated Tallgrass Prairie Natural Area, and agricultural
operations. The evaluation of a possible trail connection to South Boulder Creek trails
will be addressed in the Shanahan / South Mesa Trail Study Area planning process.
C. Management Recommendations for the Flatirons Vista Subarea
Build the Doudy Draw-Flatirons Vista Trail Loops
C.1(Map 1, Location # 7).
These trails will connect with the existing Doudy Draw Trail and form two
interconnected “stacked” trail loops (a “figure 8” design). These loops will provide
options for trips of varying length. The trails are proposed for multiple-use allowing
pedestrians, equestrians, mountain bikers, and dogs under voice-and-sight control.
Undesignated trails in the middle of the “figure 8” and near the Flatirons Vista Trailhead
will be closed and reclaimed. The Xcel power line easement and maintenance road will
not be designated as a trail but will remainopen to visitor travel. The alignment of the
western portion of the trail loops will be located to protect cultural resources and
encourage on-trail travel in the Doudy Draw riparian area. The conceptual trail
alignment is shown on the map. The actual trail alignment will be determined after
detailed on-the-ground evaluation of factors such as trail grade and cross slope, soil type,
drainage characteristics, location of sensitive resources and wildlife protection needs, and
visitor experience characteristics.
In this area with higher levels of use and fewer sensitiveresources, dog walkers will be
provided the option of voice-and-sight control (see Map 4 that shows existing and
proposed dog management for this TSA). The trail will be routed away from and out of
sight of Lindsay Pond, a high-value habitat area that will be protected with a visitor
access closure.
Improve the functioning and efficiency of the Flatirons Vista Trailhead by re-
C.2
configuring the existing parking lot layout and providing new “pull-through” horse
trailer parking. These trailhead improvements are contingent on not triggering
expensive access improvements on S.H. 93
(Map 1, Location # 8).
Most of the time, parking is ample at this trailhead. Significant congestion at this
trailhead is estimated to occur less than 40 days a year. Consequently, there is no current
need for significant expansion for auto parking.
27
The rectangular trailhead currently is deficient in how it functions and accommodates
horse trailers. At times, vehicle parking is inefficient, especially when horse trailers are
present. In addition, ingress and egress of horse trailers is difficult, and there is often
unsafe overflow of horse trailer parking along S.H. 93.
Parking spaces and vehicle flow in the Flatirons Vista Trailhead will be delineated to
improve utilization and functioning of the trailhead. In addition, four to six additional
dedicated “pull-through” horse trailer parking spaces will be provided. These
improvements will require enlargement of the trailhead parking lot to the north. The
expansion area does not contain any sensitive resources and is comprised of mostly non-
native grasses.
Expansion of trailhead parking is contingent on the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) not requiring installation of costly acceleration / deceleration
lanes on S.H. 93.
Continue to investigate a regional trail connection to Jefferson County
C.3(Map 1,
Location # 9).
OSMP will continue to cooperate with Jefferson County Open Space and other agencies
and landowners for a regional trail connection. However, because of physical and land
ownership constraints, a regional trail connection may not be possible in the near future.
Where opportunities exist, OSMP will use acquisition and trail easements to facilitate the
trail connection.
Monitor visitor use and off-trail travel in the xeric tallgrass community north of the
C.4
Doudy Draw Trail to Community Ditch and reevaluate how to provide sustainable
visitor access to this area in the future.
(Map 2, Location # 3).
This area is one of the largest, high-quality un-trailed grassland habitat blocks on the
OSMP system. High diversity of grassland bird species is documented here. The habitat
is large enough for many prairie inhabitants to thrive, including a large prairie dog colony.
The tallgrass community, which is considered very rare nationally and globally, is habitat
for several rare plants. One rare plant in particular is the grassy slope sedge, located
along the mesa rim and known from only one other location in Boulder County. The
ground disturbance associated with constructing a formal trail would remove rare plant
and community habitat, and reduce the resistance of the remaining trailside habitat to
weed invasion.
Off-trail visitor travel across this high quality tallgrass habitat block often involves
visitors traveling through the Matterhorn cattle underpass under S.H. 93. Currently
visitor use is at a low level and does not create unacceptable resource impacts.
Continuing the option of off-trail access (during times when grassland birds are not
nesting) is considered a better option than providing a trail at this time because of the
current low use levels and associated minimal resource impacts. A Doudy Draw-Mesa
Rim Loop Trail was considered, with various options as a multiple-use trail including
28
mountain biking, a no-dog trail, and an interpretive prairie trail. However, the drawbacks
of a potential trail outweigh it potential benefits at this time. If a trail loop were provided,
much higher visitation to the area would occur. While most visitor travel would be on
trail, providing a designated trail would encourage a higher level of use that could
negatively affect the sensitive resources in this area by introducing non-native invasive
weed species and enticing visitors to travel up and down the steep mesa edge and through
the core of the xeric tallgrass habitat block to the south.
Visitor use levels and off-trail travel in the area will be monitored to document any
change in the volume or extent of visitor travel. Monitoring will allow OSMP to identify
any increased impacts before they reach an unacceptable level and reevaluate options for
possible trails and resource protections that may be needed.
Discourage off-trail visitor access into the prairie dog colony and strongly encourage
C.5
dogs to be on-leash if visitors travel near or through the colony
(Map 1, Location #
10).
This prairie dog colony is located in a designated prairie dog habitat conservation area
because of its location in a native grassland habitat, its size, and its remoteness from land
uses that may conflict with prairie dogs. To avoid or minimize the disturbance to prairie
dogs by dog walkers and their dogs traveling off-trail, a number of management actions
will be implemented. These include but are not limited to educating visitors, marking the
boundaries of the prairie dog colony, installing signs that discourage off-trail access into
the prairie dog colony, and strongly encouraging dogs to be leashed within the
established boundary.
Implement a seasonal ground-nesting bird closure from May 1 to July 31 north of
C.6
the Doudy Draw Trail to the edge of the Flatirons Vista Mesa
(Map 1, Location # 6).
This seasonal ground-nesting bird closure is located in parts of both the Flatirons Vista
subarea and the Community Ditch subarea. See recommendation B.6 for details.
Maintain visitor access through the Matterhorn cattle underpass during times
C.7
when seasonal ground-nesting bird closures are not in effect. Reevaluate whether to
maintain visitor access through the Matterhorn cattle underpass once the
Community Ditch underpass is constructed
(Map 1, Location # 11).
The proposed Community Ditch underpass would provide a safe and convenient below-
grade solution for visitors crossing S.H. 93. However, it is not yet certain that the
proposed trail crossing using the Community Ditch underpass will be built. Although not
optimal for equestrian safety, the Matterhorn cattle underpass provides an alternative for
visitors to cross the highway other than at the existing stoplights at S.H. 128 and at
Eldorado Springs Drive.
When the ground-nesting bird closure is in effect, the cattle underpass will be closed to
visitor travel. The west side of the cattle underpass leads to a prairie dog colony. OSMP
29
will strongly encourage dogs to be on-leash when they are in the vicinity of the prairie
dog colony.
Once the Community Ditch underpass is constructed, the need for continued access
through the Matterhorn cattle underpass will be reevaluated.
Remove the existing east-west interior access gate near the Flatirons Vista overlook
C.8
and close and reclaim the unsustainable trail on the west side of the overlook
(Map 1,
Location # 12).
The existing east-west access gate allows access to a very steep slope on the west side of
the Flatirons Vista Mesa to and from the Doudy Draw Trail. This off-trail visitor travel
has created an undesignated trail that is deeply-incised, eroding, and unsustainable.
Removing the east-west gate will discourage visitor access to this unsustainable
undesignated trail and allow its closure and reclamation.
Closing the existing undesignated trail will also help prevent the spread of jointed
goatgrass. A severe infestation of this noxious weed is located near the Doudy Draw
Trailhead and close to the undesignated trail. Jointed goatgrass is difficult to control, and
a sustained effort will be needed to control this weed.
D. Management recommendations for the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook Subarea
Build a new Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail
D.1(Map 1, Location # 13).
This multi-use trail will provide a connectionfor pedestrians, equestrians on-trail (see
D.9 below), mountain bikers on-trail, and dogs on-trail and on-leash (see D.8 below and
Map 4 that shows existing and proposed dog management for this TSA). The alignment
will be located on diverse terrain in grassland and forested environments and will
minimize impacts to crossing the Spring Brook riparian area and other sensitive resources.
The conceptual trail alignment is shown on the map. The actual trail alignment will be
determined after detailed on-the-ground evaluation of factors such as trail grade and cross
slope, soil type, drainage characteristics, location of sensitive resources and wildlife
protection needs, and visitor experience characteristics.
The trail will be on diverse terrain and would be winding, providing for travel speeds
conducive to appreciating and protecting the area’s natural values but also providing
interest and challenge for the visitor.
The trail connection will provide mountain bikers the opportunity for long-distance rides
and access to other mountain biking destinations in Eldorado Canyon State Park,
Marshall Mesa, and potentially Walker Ranch and Jefferson County.
30
This trail, along with the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Loop Trail and the Denver Water
Department canal road, would form a loop within the subarea. Fencing and signs will be
used to guide visitor travel to designated trails.
Visitor compliance with the on-trail requirements for this trail (bikes, horses, and dogs) will be
monitored during the first two years after the trail is built. Changes to the types of allowed
visitor uses will be considered during or after this period if compliance with on-trail
requirements does not meet management goals.
Build a Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Loop Trail
D.2(Map 1, Location # 14).
This multi-use trail will create a loop by connecting with the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail
and the Denver Water Department Canal Road. The trail allows pedestrians, equestrians
on-trail (see D.8 below), and mountain bikers on-trail. Dogs would not be allowed on
this trail to support a high level of resource protection in the Spring Brook area and
provide a no-dog trail opportunity (see D.7 below and Map 4 that shows existing and
proposed dog management for this TSA). By providing a loop trail, in addition to a trail
connection between the Fowler Trail and the Doudy Draw Trail, visitors will have more
opportunities to travel in and experience this portion of the Natural Area.
The alignment of the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Loop Trail will be located on diverse
terrain in grassland and forested environments and will avoid sensitive riparian and
mature forest areas. The trail will be routed away from and out of sight of Lindsay Pond,
a high-value habitat area that will be protected with a visitor access closure. The
conceptual trail alignment is shown on the map. The actual trail alignment will be
determined after detailed on-the-ground evaluation of factors such as trail grade and cross
slope, soil type, drainage characteristics, location of sensitive resources and wildlife
protection needs, and visitor experience characteristics.
OSMP is working with the Denver Water Department to provide appropriate public
access on the canal road and address potential concerns including facility security, water
quality issues, and visitor safety. The Denver Water Department is concerned about
visitor travel in the vicinity of the water siphon (at the head of the above-ground water
pipe), which would occur if visitors travel between the Natural Area and the Habitat
Conservation Area by crossing the canal at the existing bridge. The possibility of
constructing a new visitor access bridge north of the existing bridge at some distance
from the siphon is being discussed. The alignment of the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook
Loop Trail and the Goshawk Ridge Trail (see E.4 below) would need to be adjusted if a
new bridge crossing were constructed.
Dogs would not be allowed on the trail located on the Denver Water Department Road,
both to protect water quality and to providea no-dog trail opportunity (see D.7 below).
Visitor compliance with the on-trail requirements for the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Trail
(bikes and horses) and the no-dog requirement will be monitored and assessed during the first
two years after the trail is built. Changes to the types of allowed visitor uses will be
31
considered if compliance with on-trail and no-dog requirements do not meet management
goals.
If approved by the Colorado State Parks Board, OSMP and Eldorado Canyon State
D.3
Park, allow mountain bikes on the Fowler Trail on a trial demonstration basis
(Map
1, Location # 15).
If the Fowler Trail were open to mountain bikes on both OSMP and State Park lands,
bikers could travel from Marshall Mesa area trails, through the Eldorado Mountain /
Doudy Draw Trail Study Area to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail in Eldorado Canyon State
Park. The Fowler Trail on OSMP and State Park lands currently do not allow mountain
bikes. In the State Park, the Fowler Trail is currently ADA accessible and includes a self-
guided nature trail. These uses may create user conflicts and safety concerns.
If approved by the Colorado State Parks Board, and upon completion of a cooperative
agreement between OSMP, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Boulder Mountainbike Alliance,
and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, mountain bikes will be allowed on
the Fowler Trail on OSMP and Eldorado Canyon State Park during a trial demonstration
program. This cooperative agreement will set out roles and responsibilities for the
participating entities to address potential issues and opportunities and implement
management activities intended to make the mountain biking demonstration successful.
Some of the issues that needto be addressed include ensuring that bicyclists maintain a
speed safe for all visitors; providing an effective system for collecting state park user
fees; and implementing education, outreach, signing, enforcement, monitoring, and
maintenance activities.
The trial mountain biking demonstration will be monitored to determine if management
goals have been met. If after the trial period the State Park and OSMP determine there
are minimal resource impacts, user conflicts, and safety issues, then mountain biking
would be an approved use on the trail, providing no significant issues arise in the future.
Maintain the informal on-street parkingon County Road 67 north of the OSMP
D.4
property gate
(Map 1, Location # 16).
In cooperation with Boulder County, limited improvement to the existing parking
situation will be considered to provide better parking turnaround and improved safety.
With Boulder County approval, six-to-eight on-street parking spaces would be delineated
on C.R. 67 and other on-street parking would be prohibited. This approach will maintain
an informal parking opportunity and provide safer parking.
Designate a Post Office Trail connection to the Fowler Trail; close and reclaim the
D.5
other undesignated trail on OSMP
(Map 1, Location # 17).
This trail will direct visitors onto one designated trail on OSMP land and allow closure of
the other undesignated trail on OSMP lands.
32
Continue to investigate a regional trail connection to Walker Ranch.
D.6
(Map 1, Location # 18).
This trail would provide longer, more challenging mountain bike rides and provide a
connection to Walker Ranch without driving or riding up Flagstaff Road. The Eldorado
Canyon Trail currently provides a connection for pedestrians to Walker Ranch, but
bicycle access on this trail is not feasible. Opportunities to provide a trail connection will
likely require securing a traileasement on private roads or utility rights-of-way, which
have not been feasible in the past because of lack of support by the private property
owners.
Allow dogs on-trail and on-leash west of Doudy Draw on the Fowler to Doudy Draw
D.7
Trail and Fowler Trail only.
(Map 1, Location # 19).
Dogs are currently restricted from this area based on dog management agreements
implemented in the mid-1990s. The intent of prohibiting dogs was to provide an extra
level of protection for the many sensitive resources in this un-trailed area. The Doudy
Draw / Spring Brook subarea contains high value natural resources that are sensitive to
the impacts of visitor use and dogs specifically. The subarea also contains many of the
same resources as the Upper Doudy Draw / Bull Gulch area. Some of these resources
include:
-high-quality riparian areas and shrublands
-fawning areas for deer
-bear foraging habitat
-critical habitat for the federally threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse
-forest interior / mature forest habitat areas that support bird and mammal species
with a low tolerance for human disturbance including wild turkeys, large
predators, and elk
-Native American and Euro-American cultural resources
Requiring dogs to be on-leash and on-trail on the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail and the
Fowler Trail (Map 1, Location 19), will help protect wildlife species that are particularly
sensitive to disturbance from dogs.As discussed below under E.2, research has
demonstrated that dogs reduce the suitability of wildlife habitat for many birds, small
mammals, and other species, displacing themfrom areas they would otherwise inhabit
(especially species that perceive dogs as predation threats) (Lenth 2006 and, Miller et al.
2001, and others). The area prohibition for dogs will continue west of the Doudy Draw
Trail to the Denver Water Department canal road.
Restricting dogs to the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail and the Fowler Trail will provide
several benefits:
Restricting dogs to the two trails (on-leash) will reduce the impacts of dogs along
the trail corridors (an area of influence some distance from the trail). The on-trail
33
and on-leash requirement is stricter than the default dog management strategy in
Natural Areas, which allows dogs on-leash or under voice-and-sight control.
However, the highly valuable and vulnerable resources in the Doudy Draw /
Spring Brook subarea justify a more restrictive approach.
An extra level of protection to wildlife and other vulnerable resources will be
provided by excluding dogs in most of the subarea, with many wildlife species
benefiting, including, but not limited to:grassland and shrubland birds; forest
interior birds such as hawks, owls, and many others; wintering and calving elk;
deer and their fawns; and wide-ranging predators such as bears, coyotes, and lions.
The combined area that will be dog-free, including areas in the western portion of
the Doudy Draw Natural Area and the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation
Area, will be large enough to protect wildlife species sensitive to dogs. In a
regional context, this dog-free area provides one of the few places that offer
protection of wildlife from dogs. In addition, this dog-free area will provide
enhanced opportunities for visitors to view deer, elk, blue grouse, wild turkeys,
and other wildlifespecies.
This recommendation would mean that dogs would not be allowed on most of the
Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Trail Loop. A newno-dog trail opportunity would be
provided by not allowing dogs on the western and eastern portion of the loop (i.e.,
the Denver Water Department Canal Road and the trail link on its southern
terminus to the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail). Dogs would be allowed on-trail
and on-leash on that portion of the loop formed by the Fowler to Doudy Draw
Trail. The need for new no-dog trail opportunities is recognized as a priority in
the Visitor Master Plan. The dog-free portion of the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook
Trail Loop would connect with the Goshawk Ridge Trail in the HCA, which
would provide a combined 3.6 miles of trail offering a dog-free visitor experience.
Allowing dogs on the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail will also provide several benefits:
Dogs will continue to be allowed on the Fowler Trail (on-leash) and on the Doudy
Draw Trail (voice-and-sight control) and will be able to travel between these two
and their connecting trails to the west in Eldorado Canyon State Park and to the
east in the Doudy Draw Natural Area and further east in the Marshall Mesa Area
and beyond.
The proposed new Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail will provide a new dog access
opportunity in the area where dogs are currently prohibited (as indicated in the
Visitor Master Plan) but still provide a high level of resource protection with the
requirement for dogs to be on-trail and on-leash. Allowing dogs on the Fowler to
Doudy Draw Trail offers a degree of functionality and fairness for dog walkers
while still providing a high level of protection for sensitive lands.
Realizing a higher level of protection for wildlife and other resources will require a high
level (85-90%) of compliance with the on-trail and on-leash requirements on the Fowler
Trail and the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail. OSMP will evaluate compliance with the on-
trail and on-leash requirements for two years after the trails are built and determine
whether any adjustments to dog management are needed.
34
Require on-trail equestrian travel in the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea
D.8
(Map 1, Location # 20).
An on-trail requirement for equestrians in this subarea would provide a sustainable way
for horses to travel in the subarea and provide an extra level of resource protection for the
high-value resources. Requiring equestrian on-trail travel in this subarea is warranted
because of the high concentration of sensitive resources thatcan be damaged particularly
by horse travel. The subarea includes wetlands, riparian areas, pockets of mature forest,
and other sensitive wildlife habitat areas. In the Spring Brook drainage and the Lindsay
Pond area, especially on steep terrain and erosion-prone soils, there is evidence to suggest
that off-trail travel by equestrians has created or intensifiedthe high level of
environmental impacts from past visitor use, including soil compaction and erosion,
trampling of vegetation, weed dispersal, and creation of undesignated trails. Requiring
equestrian on-trail travel in the Doudy Draw / Spring Brook subarea will significantly
contribute to the restoration of damaged natural resources. The new trails in the subarea
(the Fowler to Doudy Draw Trail and the Doudy Draw-Spring Brook Loop Trail) will
provide high quality visitor opportunities for equestrians, and requiring equestrian travel
on these trails will provide a higher level of resource protection that will benefit the
sensitive resources in the Spring Brook area.
Extend the current seasonal dog on-leash requirement on the Doudy Draw Trail to
D.9
include the Doudy Draw Trail from the switchback to the intersection with the Xcel
powerline easement on the top of the mesa
(Map 1, Location # 21).
The existing seasonal dog on-leash requirement is intended to minimize disturbance to
fall feeding bears and protectdogs and their guardians. However, the current extent of
the seasonal bear protection does not reflect an ecologically relevant boundary.
Extending the seasonal dog on-leash requirement up to the Xcel right-of-way would
include a larger portion of the Doudy Draw riparian area, where bears frequent in the fall.
See Map 4 that shows existing and proposed dog management for this TSA.
Close public access to Lindsay Pond using fences and signs
D.10(Map 1, Location # 22).
Lindsay Pond contains historic and potential habitat for northern leopard frogs which are
identified as a state species of concern and are rare across the OSMP system. Native fish
are also reared in Lindsay Pond for reintroduction to habitats where they have been
extirpated.
Pedestrian and horse access to the pond has created numerous undesignated trails to and
around the pond, with impacts to vegetation and wildlife and soil disturbance. To
preserve this important habitat, the pond will be legally closed to visitor access with a
formal access closure and “wildlife-friendly”fencing.
35
Evaluate the need for additional specialresource measures after trails are built.
D.11
Special resource protection measures such as seasonal or permanent closures may be
needed to protect the highly-sensitive resources in the subarea given the large increase in
visitor use that may result with new trails. However, given new opportunities and
requirements for bikes, horses, and dogs to be on-trail (and dogs on-leash) in the subarea,
determining what special resource protection measures will be implemented can best be
decided when information on new visitor use levels and patterns becomes available.
E. Management Recommendations for the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area
Continue the existing cliff-nesting raptor seasonal closure from February
E.1
1 through July 31
(Map 1, Location # 23).
Long-standing seasonal visitor access closures to protect cliff-nesting raptors have been
very successful in the conservation of falcons and eagles on OSMP. Existing cliff-
nesting closures will be continued for the Mickey Mouse formation to maintain the
existing level of resource protection.
Continue no-dog access in the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area.
E.2
Continuing the current no-dog access in the HCA is proposed to provide a high level of
resource protection and provide no-dog trail opportunities (See Map 4 that shows existing
and proposed dog management for this TSA).
This HCA provides habitat for a wide range of species, some of which are highly
sensitive to the presence of dogs (e.g., shrub-nesting birds, turkey, blue grouse, elk, deer,
and predators such as bears, bobcats, and mountain lions). Research by Lenth (2006),
Miller et al. (2001), and others has shown that some wildlife species respond to dogs by
reducing their utilization of habitat (especially species that perceive dogs as natural
predators) and that many wildlife species are displaced or harmed by dogs. In a regional
context, the Eldorado Mountain HCA and the adjacent Doudy Draw / Spring Brook
subarea possess high biodiversity and offer a rare opportunity for wildlife to persist
without the impacts associated with dogs.
This is one of the few areas on OSMP lands that currently offer a no-dog experience. In
the Visitor Master Plan, OSMP committed to provide no-dog trails as new trails are
developed. The Mickey Mouse Access Trail and the Goshawk Ridge Trail will provide
no-dog trail opportunities for this Trail Study Area.
As part of the dog management agreement implemented in the mid-1990s, dogs have
been prohibited in the HCA and the western portion of the Natural Area. The original
36
intent of not allowing dogs is still valid; it provides a much higher level of protection for
wildlife and other resources, enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities, and provides a no-
dog opportunity whether visitors are traveling on-trail or off-trail through the HCA off-
trail permit program.
Build the Mickey Mouse Access Trail
E.3(Map 1, Location # 24).
This trail is intended for climbing access to the Mickey Mouse rock climbing area and a
low level of visitor use. Travel on the trail will be restricted to pedestrians only and
visitors will be required to stay on-trail. Dogs will continue to be prohibited in the HCA
and are not allowed on this trail.
The trail will follow an existing and well publicized climbing route to the Mickey Mouse
Wall. It begins at the Conda Mine Road and travels south and west across OSMP
property to the railroad tracks. The conceptual trail alignment is shown on the map. The
actual trail alignment will be determined after detailed on-the-ground evaluation of
factors such as trail grade and cross slope, soil type, drainage characteristics, location of
sensitive resources and wildlife protection needs, and visitor experience characteristics.
A safe and legal crossing of the railroad tracks will be provided using the top of a railroad
tunnel, if approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. The access from the
tunnel to the Mickey Mouse climbing area will require technical climbing skills. The
extent of the climbing area owned by OSMP will be delineated and designated.
Build the Goshawk Ridge Trail
E.4(Map 1, Location # 25).
This trail will originate at the Conda Mine Road, travel southeast through the HCA and
connect with the Denver Water Department road at a bridge crossing over the canal. The
trail will be a minor development design intended for a low level of visitor use. The
conceptual trail alignment is show on the map. The actual trail alignment will be
determined after detailed on-the-ground design and evaluation of trail alignment options
using factors such as trail grade and cross slope, soil type, drainage characteristics,
location of sensitive resources and wildlife protection needs, and visitor experience
characteristics.
Pedestrians will be required to be on-trail,and equestrian on-trail access will be allowed
during a trial period for up to two years. No mountain biking will be allowed because the
trail will not be designed to sustain mountain bike use. Dogs will continue to be
prohibited in the HCA and are not allowed on this trail.
This trail would accommodate visitor desires to travel on-trail and experience the natural
qualities of the lands in the HCA. It would also provide a no-dog trail opportunity. The
trail would be located in the eastern portionof the HCA, so a large habitat block in the
western portion of the HCA would remain un-trailed and function more naturally as
wildlife habitat. Restricting visitor use to pedestrian and equestrian on-trail travel will
accommodate the desires of most visitors and reduce the overall level of resource impacts
37
associated with increasing visitor use and travel, will not necessitate a more developed
trail, and will reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
Constructing the Goshawk Ridge Trail will provide the option of visiting the HCA without
obtaining an HCA off-trail permit.
While mountain biking will not be allowed in the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation
Area, a diversity of mountainbiking opportunities will be provided in the Doudy Draw
Natural Area—offering different types of experiences and a variety of distances and challenge
levels (ranging from single-track riding on diverse challenging terrain to easier riding on
flatter terrain), loop trails, and trail connections to other mountain biking destinations.
Allowing on-trail equestrian access during a trial period for up to two years is intended to
ensure compatibility with resource protection. The minor development design of the
Goshawk Ridge Trail will be constructed primarily for pedestrian access. However, within
the two-year pilot demonstration period OSMP will examinethe benefits and impacts of
allowing horseback riding on this trail. Monitoring and assessmentwould be completed
within the two years to determine whether equestrian use over time will be sustainable on the
trail. If not, modifications to the trail and / or management changes will be considered.
Require on-trail equestrian access in the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation
E.5
Area. Do not allow equestrian off-trail travel under the HCA off-trail permit
program.
Requiring equestrian travel in the HCA to be exclusively on-trail, and not allowing
equestrian off-trail travel under the HCA off-trail permit program, will provide a
sustainable way for equestrians to travel in the HCA and a higher level of resource
protection, consistent with the managementgoals for the HCA. Excluding equestrians
from the off-trail permit program for this particular HCA is warranted for two reasons.
First, it would reduce the overallnumber of off-trail visits in a remote habitat block with
a high concentration of sensitive resources. The HCA includes wetlands, riparian areas,
pockets of mature forest, and other sensitive wildlife habitats. Second, off-trail travel by
horses, especially on steep terrain or erosion-prone soils, creates a disproportionately
high level of environmental impacts including soil compaction and erosion, trampling of
vegetation, weed dispersal, and creation of undesignated trails.
In this Trail Study Area, equestrians have the opportunity for an off-trail experience in
the area east of Doudy Draw (most of the Doudy Draw Natural Area), as well as in most
other areas of the OSMP land system. As noted above, plan recommendation D.8 would
require on-trail equestrian travel in that portion of the Natural Area west of the Doudy
Draw Trail. The justification for this restriction is the same as the recommendation for
the on-trail requirement for equestrians in the HCA.
38
Do not build an Upper Doudy Draw / Bull Gulch Trail and provide pedestrian
E.6
access through the HCA off-trail permit program
(Map 2, Location # 4).
This remote, relatively pristine area contains high value natural resources that are
sensitive to the impacts of visitor use. These resourcesjustify a very high level of
resource protection in the context of the Habitat Conservation Area designation. Some of
these resources include:
-high quality riparian areas and diverse shrublands that support high bird diversity
-foraging bears.
-Preble’s meadow jumping mouse habitat.
-forest interior / mature forest habitat areas that support bird and mammal species
that have a low tolerance of human disturbance.
-habitat for blue grouse and wild turkeys.
-habitat for large predators and elk.
-Native American and Euro-American cultural resources.
Protecting these resources can be best accomplished by managing visitor use through
the HCA off-trail permit program. It is anticipated that providing access through this
program will keep the numbers of visitorslower than providing a trail and reduce the
overall level of resource impacts.
Provide HCA off-trail permit access, monitor visitor use patterns and impacts, and
E.7
determine the appropriate number of annual permits and seasonal wildlife closures.
Two designated trails will provide access in the HCA. Consequently, some visitor travel
in the HCA will occur through the HCA off-trail permit program. Permits will be issued
initially to determine the demand for off-trail travel. Limits on the number of HCA off-
trail permits for the Eldorado Mountain HCA may be necessary to provide the desired
level of resource protection. Monitoring visitor use patterns and impacts for two to three
years will provide the basis for determining the appropriate number of permits.
Documenting the number of visitor permits requested, where visitors travel, and visitor
use impacts will be the basis for determining permit numbers.
To minimize the impacts of visitor travel, visitors may be required to use existing historic
primitive roads, which may be retained if they provide a sustainable travel way.
39
Costs and Scheduling for Recommended Trail Study Area
Programs and Projects
Ongoing Activities to Implement the TSA Plan
Monitor the creation of undesignated trails and take appropriate management actions
Implement best management practices for trail construction and maintenance
Manage cultural / paleontological resources
Take advantage of land acquisition / protection opportunities
Establish and implement appropriate monitoring of trails, compliance with on-trail, on-leash, and
other visitor access requirements; and resource impacts
Conduct a trail demonstration program for equestrian travel on the Goshawk Ridge Trail and
paragliding / hang gliding activities in the Flatirons Vista Mesa area
Provide education and enforcement activities for on-trail, no-dog, dog leash, and access closure
requirements
Continue to explore opportunities for ADA accessibility
Implement wildlife closures for cliff-nesting birds, grassland nesting birds, bears, and other
wildlife
Continue to investigate new regional trail connections
Maintain continued access under S.H. 93 cattle underpass (with seasonal closure for ground-
nesting birds)
Cooperate with the Denver Water Department in managing visitor use
Partner with Eldorado Canyon State Park on the trail demonstration for mountain bikes on the
Fowler Trail
Implement the Habitat Conservation Area off-trail permit program in the Eldorado Mountain
HCA
40
TSA Projects / Total Cost 200720082009201020112012
Programs
Major maintenance / retrofit$20,000$20,000
projects for the DoudyDraw
Trail
Undesignated trail closure /$25,000$8,000$7,000$5,000$5,000
reclamation
Management of$20,000$10,000$10,000
undesignated trails created($10,000
by cattle (grazing rotation,every three
salt lick movingor weedyears)
whipping, redevelopmentof
well and moving of stock
tank)
Intensive trailside controlof$120,000$20,000$20,000$20,000$20,000$20,000$20,000
jointed goatgrass(temporary($20,000/yr)
trailside fencing,
undesignated trail closure
signing, mowing, application
of herbicides,re-vegetation,
etc.)
Doudy Draw Trailhead
$25,000$25,000
improvements including
pedestrian crossing
Closure of visitoraccess$5,000$5,000
gates along Eldorado
Springs Drive
Fencing and signs for new$4,000$4,000
seasonal grassland bird-
nesting closure and extended
bear-feeding closure
New DoudyDraw-Flatirons$145,000$145,000
Vista Trail Loops
Flatirons Vista Trailhead$10,000$10,000
improvements and horse
trailer parking
New Fowler to DoudyDraw$177,000$177,000
Trail connection and loop
trail
CountyRoad 67 parking$100$100
area improvements
Closure of LindsayPond$10,000$10,000
areawith fencing and
signing
New Mickey Mouse Access$5,000$5,000
Trail
New Goshawk Ridge Trail$25,000$25,000
(Conda Mine toDenver
Water DepartmentCanal)
TOTAL
$591,100$309,100$182,000$25,000$25,000$30,000$20,000
41
Plan References
Knight, R.L. and D. Cole, 1995. Wildlife response to recreationists. Pages 51-69 in R.L. Knight
and D. Cole, ed. Wildlife and recreationists: coexistence through management and
research. Island Press, Washington, D.C..
Lenth, B., M. Brennan, and R.L. Knight. 2006. The effects of dogs on wildlife communities.
Final research report submitted to Boulder County Parks and Open Space.
MacArthur, R.A., V. Geist and R.H. Johnston.1982. Cardiac and behavioral responses of
mountain sheep to human disturbance.Journal of Wildlife Management 46:351-358.
Miller, S.G., R.L. Knight and C.K. Miller 2001. Wildlife response to pedestrians and dogs.
Wildlife Society Bulletin 29:124-132.
Open Space and Mountain Parks Department, April 2005. Visitor Master Plan. Boulder,
Colorado.
Open Space and Mountain Parks Department, February 2006. Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw
Trail Study Area Inventory Report. Boulder, Colorado.
Open Space and Mountain Parks Department,May 2006. Eldorado Mountain / Doudy Draw
Trail Study Area Alternatives Report. Boulder Colorado.
42
Appendix 1
Undesignated Trail Classification on Opens Space and Mountain
Parks Lands
Background
The Open Space and Mountain Parks Department manages over 138 miles of designated trails
and over 300 miles of undesignated trails. While designated trails are shown on trail maps and
are maintained, management of undesignated trails is less clear. This can lead to visitor and staff
confusion, resource damage, and the creation of more undesignated trails. The Trail Study Area
planning process provides an opportunity to decide how to manage undesignated trails to both
enhance visitor opportunities and protect resources.
The Visitor Master Plan includes a management strategy to assess and manage undesignated
trails that is integrated with other strategies to provide a sustainable and maintainable trail system
and to provide adequate protection of natural resources. Trail Study Area plans provide the
opportunity to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations on how to manage
undesignated trails. These recommendations will help decide where new trails should be built
and where resource protection measures should be implemented.
Primary uses for this information include:
Provide appropriate visitor access and resource protection.
Communicate to the public the status of undesignated trails and how they are managed.
Provide clear trail management and maintenance direction to staff based on the
undesignated trail classification.
Project Goal
The goal of this project is to provide appropriate visitor access and reduce resource damage by:
1.Assigning each undesignated trails to one of three categories, which indicate the appropriate
range of management actions:
designate
authorized vehicle access
close and revegetate
2. Provide a high or low management priority for those trails listed as “close and revegetate.”
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Definitions
Trail categories are defined as:
1. Designate
– These undesignated trails become part of the designated trails system by
constructing a sustainable designated trail in the same general location as the undesignated trail.
In some cases, rerouting of the undesignated trail may be required to meet sustainability
standards, protect resources or enhance the visitor experience.
Undesignated trails will be designated where trails provide a physically and environmentally
sustainable route to an OSMP-designated destination, provide a good-quality visitor experience,
and are not duplicated by other designated trails.
Sustainable trails are built and maintained to meet standards for physical and environmentally
sustainability with these characteristics:
Physical Sustainability:
Physically sustainabletrails support current and planned visitor
uses and volumes with minimal impact to the surrounding area. Physical sustainability
for trails involves building a durable trail with design features and materials that allow it
to accommodate all physical forces acting upon it (both natural and human-caused), drain
water with negligible soil loss, and be maintained with minimal regular maintenance over
extended periods of time.
Environmental Sustainability:
These trails support currentand planned visitor uses and
volumes with minimal damage and cumulative impacts to natural resources.
Environmental sustainability for trails involves building a trail that ensures continued
ecosystem and biological integrity and protects important plant and wildlife species and
communities.
Some undesignated trails that provide limited access to specific destinations may be retained to
meet management objectives. These limited access trails are intended to sustain low levels of
use and will not necessarily be promoted or shown on official maps. Limited access trails will be
part of the department’s official designated trail system and monitored periodically to determine
their condition and status.
2. Authorized vehicle access -
Vehicle access occurs on OSMP lands for a variety of official
land management purposes. Some of the vehicle access is on “roads” owned and maintained by
OSMP. Legal access to private entities or government agencies is authorized through ownership
of the road right-of-way or an access easement on OSMP lands.
Vehicle access serves a variety of purposes to support activities related to firefighting,
emergency or rescue response, forest management, agricultural management, and maintenance of
facilities. Other agencies use vehicle access to support maintenance activities for utility lines,
ditches, and canals.
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Areas authorized for vehicle access and use are either open to the public for non-motorized
visitor access or will require an off-trail permit in HCAs for visitor access, unless specifically
closed to visitor access.
3. Close and Revegetate
– These undesignated trails are physically or environmentally
unsustainable and /or duplicate other designated trails. They are physically closed to visitor use
and re-vegetated to natural conditions. Examples of management actions to close and restore
undesignated trails include: signs, fences, obstructions with rocks and logs and branches, soil
scarification and planting of native vegetation, area closures, and modifications in livestock
grazing. Management actions will vary depending on site specific issues.
High and low priorities are assigned to undesignated trails in this category depending on site-
specific circumstances. Resource protection, minimization of impacts and levels of visitor use of
a route or destination are the main issues considered in the priority rating. Other issues such as
livestock grazing may result in a lower priority rating because of the difficulty in changing
grazing patterns. A high priority rating for closure and revegetation may be assigned where
undesignated trails receive a high level of visitor use and require management actions to
physically remove the undesignated trail and restore the area using ecological restoration
techniques. Closure and revegetation of undesignated trails where a lower level of visitor use
and natural revegetation can occur may also receive a higher priority rating to accomplish
management objectives.
Periodic inspection and maintenance will occurto determine the success of closing and
revegetating undesignated trails. Management actions may be adjusted over time to achieve the
management goals for specific undesignated1 trails.
Mapping and Classifying Undesignated Trails
Undesignated trails used by visitors were mapped in July 2006. Cattle or wildlife trails that do
not appear to have recreational use were not mapped. Roads used by pedestrians, equestrians, or
bicyclists were included in the undesignated trails mapping. Trail width was measured to help
determine the level of visitor use on different trail segments. Other map coverages were used
when classifying trails. Examples include: old undesignated trails mapping, vegetation, weeds,
and cultural resources. For more information on the methodology used to map undesignated
trails see Monitoring Protocol for Undesignated Trails (2006 City of Boulder Open Space and
Mountain Parks).
Undesignated trails were categorized and prioritized using a rapid assessment protocol. This
streamlined process was designed to accomplishthe goals of managing undesignated trails,
recording decisions, and categorizing undesignated trails for appropriate management actions.
The TSA was analyzed by subareas based on patterns of visitor use and distribution of resources.
A subset of the OSMP Trail Suitability and Evaluation Criteria was used to classify undesignated
trails. The criteria include visitor experience, physical sustainability, environmental
sustainability, and cultural/paleontological resources on a scale of high, medium, or low
suitability. A composite suitability rating for each category was recorded in the GIS database for
45
the trail segment. A brief narrative was included in the database describing the most pertinent
decision making issues. A map coverage showing the classified undesignated trails was created
to display the results.
Detailed field inspections and reports will guide management of undesignated trails. These
reports will be drafted as part of the Trail Study Area plan implementation.
Rapid Assessment Undesignated Trail Suitability and Evaluation Criteria
Matrix
Revised for undesignated trails 8/9/06
Quality of Visitor Experience
SuitabilityHigh SuitabilityMedium SuitabilityLow Suitability Not Suitable
Criterion
A. Trail
Critical link to the Important link to the Less important
Connections / existing trail existing trail system trail connection or
Enhanced
system; possible or planned trail trail enhancement.
Trailopportunity for system; possible
Opportunity
longer-distanceopportunity for
trail, loop trail, or longer-distance trail,
improved access to loop trail, or
existingimproved access to
destination.existing destination.
B. Visual Dramatic vistas or Partial vistas or high Few or no vistas
Quality
high interest scenic interest scenicor high interest
features.features.scenic features.
C. Access to
Direct access to Limited access to No access to water
Waterwater in an area notwater in an area or ephemeral
Resources
prone to erosion or prone to erosion or water source.
vegetationvegetation
trampling.trampling.
Physical Sustainability
SuitabilityHigh SuitabilityMedium SuitabilityLow Suitability Not Suitable
Criterion
A. Trail
Gentle grades Moderate grades Steep grades
Gradebetween 2 and 7%. between 7 and 14%. greater than 14%
or flat grades less
than 2%.
B. Cross Slope
Moderate slopes of Gentle slopes Very Steep slopes
10 to 70%. (between 0 and 10%) (exceeding 90%).
.or Steep slopes
(between 70 and
90%).
46
C. Soil TypesA good mixture of A good mixture of Soils with
fines and small soil and small rockuniformly fine
angular rock.intermixed with texture with little
larger cobbles or or no rock content
small boulders or or material with
mostly rock of uniform sand-
uniform or varying grain texture with
size containing little few fines.
or no soil.
Environmental Sustainability
SuitabilityHigh SuitabilityMedium SuitabilityLow Suitability Not Suitable
Criterion
A. Rare and
Impacts no rare and Impacts few rare and Impacts several Legal
Imperiledimperiled speciesimperiled species or rare and requirements are
Species,
or habitats. habitats.imperiled speciesmet to avoid
Habitats, or or habitats. impacts to the
Communities
habitat of
(listed as rare or threatened or
imperiled on endangered
federal, state, species
county,(designated by
Coloradostate or federal
Naturalagencies).
Heritage
Program, or
OSMP lists)
B. Size and
Maintains orModeratelySignificantly
Functioning of increases the size decreases the size decreases the
Habitat Blocks
and functioning of and functioning of size and
habitat blocks. habitat blocks. functioning of
habitat blocks.
C. Presence,
Has low potentialHas moderateHas high
Introduction,to contribute to the potential to potential to
or Spread of
introduction,contribute to the contribute to the
Priority Weed spread, or introduction, spread, introduction,
Species
(due to continued presenceor continued spread, or
constructionof OSMP prioritypresence OSMP continued
and visitor use)weeds.priority weeds.presence of State
A and B Listed
weeds or OSMP
priority weeds.
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Cultural / Paleontological Resources
SuitabilityHigh SuitabilityMedium SuitabilityLow Suitability Not Suitable
Criterion
A. County, Designated and Designated and NeedsTrail will not
State (Stateprotected; may be needs protection; protection; no violate legal
Historic
interpreted.interpretationinterpretationrequirements to
Preservationpotential moderate.potential.avoid or not create
Officer), or
significant
Federalimpacts to federal-
(National
, state-, or county-
Register ofregulated historic
Historic
resources.
Places)
Historic
Designation
B. KnownProtected, may be Needs protection. Needs
Cultural Sites interpreted.protection.
with
Documented
Artifacts or
Evidence of
Human
Habitation
C. KnownProtected, may be Protected, may be Needs
Paleontological
interpreted.interpreted.protection.
Locality with
Documented
Fossil
Occurrences
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!