09.19.01 OSBT packet OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 6:00 PM
Open Space & Mountain Parks, 66 S. Cherryvale Rd.
Please note: Times are approximate only. Actual hearing of an item may occur before or
after the time listed.
AGENDA
6:00 Approval of Minutes
Co-Director's Updates
Matters from the Board
Public Participation/Items Not on the Agenda*
Presentation of draft Sombrero Marsh Management Plan*
Consideration of acceptance of a Stonn Water and Flood Conveyance and Open
Space Conservation Easement over approximately 31 acres of land located at the
Northeast corner of Foothills Parkway and Arapahoe Avenue as a condition of
annexation of the property owned by Boulder Community Hospital and a
$50,000.00 contribution towards the stewardship of the conservation easement*
Consideration of the disposition of approximately 22,000 square feet of Open
Space land known as the Hatch Property, located just east of Harrison Avenue for
flood control purposes*
Adjournment
For additional Information call Boulder FYI at 303-441-4060, extension 365; Open Space
Administrative Office, 303-441-3440; or visit the Web site at:
www.ei.boulder.co-us/openspace
Board Book
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Approved
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes
September 19, 2001
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chris Mueller Sean Kendall
Larry MacDonnell Linda Jourgensen
STAFF PRESENT
Delani Wheeler Dave Kuntz
Ronda Romero Cecil Fenio
Jim Crain Mike Patton
Jim Tydings Jim Reeder
Ann Goodhart Linda Vandervort
Joe Mantione Christopher Downham
Steve Mertz Eric Butler
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM 1 —Approval of Minutes
No minutes were available at this time.
AGENDA ITEM 2—Director's Update
Mike Patton introduced Steve Mertz and Topher Downham who wished to pay respects to
a former volunteer, West Brownlow. West was an active member in the community who
recently died.
Mike Patton gave an update about bear activity and showed on the map where the current
trail closures exist. There has been significant increase in bear activity. The trails of
concern are parts of Mesa, McClintock and Big Bluestem. Because of the abundance of
berries, the bears are concentrating in specific areas. Mike expects the bears to move as
they deplete the food sources. He reminded the Board that Colorado is a two strike state,
meaning that if a bear is involved in a second incident it is destroyed. The intention of the
department is not only for public safety but also for the safety of the bears. The department
is recommending that dogs be kept on leash, that everyone stay on the trails and that to
minimize the possibility of any contact with bears one should hike in the northern and
eastern parts of the OSMP system. Staff and volunteers have set up education tables, signs
have been posted and some barriers have been erected.
Jim Crain introduced the the City Manager, Ron Secrist, who presented a BRAVO award
to Eric Butler. Ron explained that the award is given to employees who have provided
extraordinary customer service. Eric was nominated for the award because of his heroic
acts at the scene of a serious auto accident. Staff and the Board congratulated Eric.
Delani Wheeler presented the CU south property plan to the Board showing some of the
1 Agenda Item 1B,Page 1
details on a map. She assured the Board that at this time the plans are conceptual and that
no buildings would be constructed prior to 2008. Some of the playing fields function as
{ water retention areas in the event of a flood. The department is concerned with keeping
sensitive areas on the parcel protected and will be giving their comments to the university
during their review process. Board members would like to have the opportunity to
evaluate and collaborate with staff in the development of these comments.
Mike Patton presented an update on the trail connectors that have been a focal point for the
department this summer. The Cottonwood trail has been completed. Due to unsuccessful
negotiations with the state, the alignment for the Coalton to Greenbelt Plateau connector
along Highway 128 has not yet been agreed upon. Mike believed that a decision would be
made this fall so that work on this trail could begin next spring. Jim Reeder described the
Greenbelt to Flatiron Vista trail connector, which utilizes an underpass, as providing a safe
crossing for visitors under Highway 93 and serves as an important link connecting the
eastern and western parts of the trail system. He showed the Board where a fence would be
constructed to discourage movement across somewhat sensitive areas adjacent to the trail.
Mike added that the department is also working on an agreement with the Farmers'
Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO)to use an existing underpass, also under
Highway 93, that would connect the Marshall Mesa and Community Ditch trails. Chris
Mueller thought that the Coalton to Greenbelt Plateau alignment decision should not be
made without consulting PLAN Boulder and BATCO. It should also be brought before the
public prior to Board approval. Sean Kendall questioned the protection of the prairie dog
colony. Mike assured him that the proposed fence should provide an adequate barrier for
dogs and people. He also described how the trail proposals could relieve some of the
parking and congestion problems in that popular area.
AGENDA ITEM 3 —Matters from the Board
Chris Mueller asked Board members for their comments on the guest editorial that he
distributed. He wrote this in support of the proposed charter change to keep the acquisition
function within the department.
AGENDA ITEM 4—Public Participation/Items Not on the Agenda
Don Glen, 658 Furman, commended the department for its promptness in posting signs
for closures but was concerned about how quickly the signs are removed by citizens. He
also verbalized his appreciation for the timely removal of the Canada thistle from the
property near the CU parcel. Mike Patton told Don and the Board that closure signs
usually last from 24 to 36 hours and then must be reposted. Chris Mueller suggested
adding some wording to the signs that would encourage people to leave them alone. Linda
Jourgensen believed that a letter to the editor calling attention to this problem might also
be effective. Don reminded the Board that the BOCO planning commission meeting will
be continued on October 17, when public input will be allowed.
Bruce Bland, 1340 Lehigh, reflected the concerns of PLAN Boulder regarding the trail
alignment along Highway 128. He told staff and the Board that they will return with
suggestions after the negotiations are finished and the plan is more complete. He
expressed his hope for a public meeting to discuss the trail connector plans. Sean Kendall
requested a field trip to see the areas of concern and Jim Crain suggested September 27
from 2—5 p.m. Mike Patton assured Bruce that more trail information will be provided at
2 Agenda Item IB,Page I
the October 10 Board meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 5—Preliminary Review of the Draft Sombrero Marsh Site
Management Plan.
Joe Mantione, Environmental Planner, asked that the Board review the preliminary draft
management plan for Sombrero Marsh. Joe gave a visual presentation and summarized the
project goals, project components, and how the area will be used within the context of the
guiding philosophies. The primary objective will be to restore and protect the marsh and to
provide a quality corresponding educational program with appropriate facilities. Joe
stressed the unique character of the marsh and its associated species. It is one of only two
prairie potholes in the Boulder Valley and provides an important habitat for migrating
birds. He enumerated several management strategies planned to maximize protection of
regions both within and outside the Environmental Preservation Area. This includes daily
use restrictions and seasonal closures for nesting birds. The department is in discussion
with the Boulder Valley School District and there are still decisions to be made regarding
accessibility and security. Jim Crain stressed the department's resolve to allow public
access to the educational center. He reminded the Board that some of the funding for the
project was gained under the premise that it would be open to the public. Sombrero Marsh
has been the focus of much volunteer activity. Replanting native grasses, construction of
boardwalks and a viewing blind are some of the projects taken on by volunteers.
Overall,Board members felt that the department is moving in the right direction with the
site management plan. Areas of concern were problems with accessibility—not only the
lack of available parking but the ability of entering the area during restricted times. Larry
MacDonnell said that he felt comfortable with use restrictions,but was concerned about the
expense involved in keeping the project managed appropriately. Sean Kendall questioned
how easy it would be for dogs to enter the area from the residential district east of the
marsh. Joe thought that the East Boulder Ditch provided an adequate barrier protecting the
more environmentally sensitive areas. Chris Mueller suggested that the educational
program provide teacher training and resources but it should avoid dictating how the
information is presented in the classroom. He was also concerned about the production of
hydrogen sulfide gas and thought it would be important that the smell never gets any worse
than it has been in the past.
Public Participation
Ricky Weiser,4020 N.75th.,has known the area for a long time and was very pleased
with the work that has been done. She did recommend the need for close supervision and
careful management of the project. She thought that a supervisory connection with the
OSMP Department should be maintained to facilitate this.
Bruce Bland, 1340 Lehigh, liked the plan. He did express his concern for the
management of the marsh and facilities. He believed that it would require rangers
patrolling the area on a regular basis.
Return to Board & Staff
No formal Board action is requested at this time.
3 Agenda Item 113,Page 1
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AGENDA ITEM 6-Consideration of acceptance of a Storm Water and Flood
Conveyance and Open Space Conservation Easement over approximately 31 acres of
land located at the Northeast corner of Foothills Parkway and Arapahoe Avenue as a
condition of annexation of the property owned by Boulder Community Hospital
(hereafter referred to as "BCH") and a $50,000.00 contribution towards the
stewardship of the conservation easement.
Ann Goodhart presented this agenda item by describing the plans for the hospital
construction as well as the associated offsite flood mitigation improvements. The proposal
offers a large section of the BCH parcel to serve as a stormwater and flood conveyance
under the conditions of a conservation easement that was being offered to the department.
Jim Crain explained that the proposed conservation easement will save the area from ever
becoming a gravel quarry. He clarified that although the hospital retained the right to drill
(for oil or gas) beneath the property the easement agreement would prevent any surface
disturbance. Ann described the conservation easement as protecting a valuable riparian
area at the confluence of Bear Canyon Creek and Boulder Creek. The area is also prairie
dog habitat. An issue of concern to several members of the public was the expansion plan
for a berm along Harrison Avenue. Jim described the plans for the berm expansion and
told citizens that the berm will eliminate the need for the construction of a concrete
channel. He assured the citizens that although the expansion may require the removal of
some trees, most of the trees would remain intact and they would gain critical flood
protection for the nearby residential area. John Ewy, civil engineer retained by the
hospital, explained how a small part of MacArthur Drive will not be protected from
floodwaters despite the berm improvements. A member of the public suggested that by
fixing an existing culvert floodwaters may successfully drain from that area. Some citizens
were concerned that the hospital's plan to add elevation to a portion of their site would
exacerbate the effects of flooding in the residential area nearby. Jim clarified that the law
will not allow any construction that would cause an increase of the flooding potential in
another area. He also reminded the Board that with these agenda items they were being
asked to dispose of some property along Harrison Avenue for berm improvements and to
accept the conservation easement over the 31 acres on the BCH parcel. They were not
being asked to make decisions regarding other flood improvement projects or the
development of the hospital site.
John Ewy gave a detailed description of the physical aspects of the berm in response to
citizen questions regarding its visual impact and how it would effect the properties adjacent
to it. He also explained that flapgates on existing storm drains should eliminate the
problem of water back up. There was some confusion as to who would be responsible for
the installation and maintenance of the flapgates since some of them might be located on
the homeowners property. Ann added that the berm will be revegetated with native plant
materials. She then gave a slide presentation that enabled homeowners to pinpoint,
visually, their areas of concern. Ann thanked Linda Vandervort for all of her work in
developing the conservation easement.
Chris Mueller invited representatives from the hospital to add any comments to the
presentation. Joe MacDonald, Vice President of the hospital, told staff and the Board that
4 Agenda Item 1 B,Page 1
in working toward solutions to problems inherent to the hospital site, they decided that
some flood improvements could be made to benefit the entire area. In response to
questions from Chris, Jon Kottke, a member of the hospital board, verified that the hospital
was a nonprofit organization and was in support of the proposal that was being presented to
the OSBT. Jon also expressed his delight in working with Linda Vandervort and
commended her on her hard work. He told the Board that there were some drainage issues
in the location of the proposed trail easement that have not yet been resolved but they were
getting great cooperation from Ball Aerospace which may allow the trail easement on its
property. Linda Vandervort stressed that this conservation easement is a donation to the
department.and will be a great addition to the system.
Larry McDonnell asked for clarification regarding how changes on the hospital site shaped
the possible flood mitigation choices for the area. John Ewy explained the alternatives and
the reasoning behind the proposed plan. Jon Kottke assured the Board that the fill dirt
would not be taken from the conservation easement area but would be brought in from
other construction sites in Boulder. He also explained how the new hospital will be
accessible from the east even if a flood blocks some of the nearby roads.
Chris Mueller was concerned about the department's role in acquiring this donation of land
and money from a nonprofit organization that is an important asset to the community. He
hoped that the department was not overly coercive in its pursuit of this property.
Sean Kendall asked about the management plans for this parcel. Ann told him that there
are management issues that have not yet been resolved. If the land is used for pasture,
there will be no grazing allowed in the riparian area.
Public Participation
Bruce Bland, 1340 Lehigh, spoke as a representative of PLAN Boulder which, in general
supports the proposal and recognizes the efforts and forward thinking of the hospital in this
plan. He told the Board that they have two major areas of concern: environmental and
public safety. The property is part of an important migration corridor for wildlife and any
plans should address and accommodate this function. The riparian area, and in particular
habitats that may support Preble's jumping mouse and spiranthes, should be restored and
protected. Bruce asked that they also consider fencing to keep dogs out of the area. The
organization would like to see a restoration project on the property that would eliminate the
weeds and replace them with native plants. Regarding public safety, PLAN Boulder
believes it is of utmost importance to remove homes from the floodplain but also admits
that flood studies need to continue because no one really knows how much floodwater is
possible. They are also concerned that floodwaters could jeopardize access to the hospital.
PLAN Boulder hopes that the Board will consider these concerns as they approve this
proposal.
Ricky Weiser,4020 N. 75th St., described herself as a"downstream resident"who hopes
decisions about water are made very carefully. She voiced her concern about the traffic
problems in the area and thought that they should be remedied before the new hospital is
opened.
Dan Barela, 4400 Aaron PI., asked about the time frame for the construction of the berm
5 Agenda Item 113,Page 1
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along Harrison. John Ewy said that work on the berm will probably begin in January. He
directed questions about the berm to Alan Taylor.
Rima Manas, 1256 Harrison Ct., asked that the berm be completed quickly and be made
so that it looks good.
Return to Board & Staff
Jim Crain said that the financial donation from the hospital will be used for the
management of the parcel including restoration expenses. Staff will work with the hospital
in developing a management plan. Regarding concerns about dogs entering the area, Jim
told the Board that there will be no public accesss to the area so there should be no dog
issues. The only access will be the trail connection in the northeast corner of the parcel.
MOTION
Linda Jourgensen moved that the OSBT recommends that the city council authorize
acceptance of a Storm Water and Flood Conveyance over 31 acres and Open Space
Conservation Easement over approximately 26 acres and a$50,000.00 contribution
towards stewardship of the Open Space Conservation Easement. Sean Kendall seconded
the motion.
VOTE
The motion passed unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM 7—Consideration of the disposition of approximately 22,000 square
feet of Open Space land known as the Hatch Property,located just east of Harrison
Avenue for flood improvement purposes.
It was clarified that the berm will protect the residential area from a 100 year flood but pro-
bably not a 500 year flood. Larry MacDonnell questioned to whom the land was being dis-
posed. Ann Goodhart said that it was really more of an easement to the city for flood con-
trol and that the land remains as property of the city. Jim said that a letter of understanding
will serve as the document which allows the change in use for the strip of land in question.
Chris Mueller thought that it is appropriate for the department to accommodate flood con-
trol improvements by allowing the berm to be built on its property. Sean Kendall asked
who would be responsible for planting the trees, etc. on the berm. Jim affirmed that the
department would be providing the plan for flood control to use for revegetating the berm
using native grasses and other native plants.
Public Participation
Rima Manas, 1256 Harrison Ct.,wanted assurance that the responsibility of this strip of
land is not passed back and forth between departments. Jim Crain told her that it remains
as the responsibility of the city and the letter of understanding will include provisions for
its maintenance. In response to her question about the time frame for the berm construc-
tion, Joe MacDonald told her that if they are able to keep on schedule groundbreaking
should occur in November and the berm construction would occur in the month of March,
2002.
Mike Kaplan, 1506 Harrison Ave., suggested getting neighbors involved in the
+ landscaping plans for the berm. Jim Crain confirmed that a meeting will be scheduled.
6 Agenda Item 1B,Page 1
d
Dan Barela, 4400 Aaron Pl., asked about the responsibility of the homeowners for any
{ liability issues that may occur on the easement property. He was referred to Jim Tydings
who would be able to give him legal guidance.
Return to Board & Staff
Larry MacDonnell reconfirmed the intention of the department to take proper care of the
property. He did recognize the potential for confusion as to who would be ultimately
responsible for maintaining the property. Jim Crain told him that the staff would work
with the city attorney's office and put together a memorandum of understanding that will
include these provisions. Jim also clarified that if flood control wanted to do anything to
the land that was not included in the letter of understanding they would have to make a
formal request to the Board.
MOTION
Larry MacDonnell moved that the OSBT recommends that the city council authorize the
disposition of approximately 22,000 square feet of the Hatch Property for flood
improvements. Linda Jourgensen seconded it.
VOTE
The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT—The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
These draft minutes were prepared by Cecil Fenio.
7 Agenda Item IB,Page I
CITY OF BOULDER
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: September 19, 2001
(Agenda Item Preparation Date: September 14, 2001)
AGENDA TITLE: Preliminary Review of the Draft Sombrero Marsh Site Management Plan
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Jaynes C. Crain, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Michael D. Patton, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Dave Kuntz, Planning and Technical
Services Divison Manager
Joe Mantione, Environmental Planner,
Presenter
FISCAL IMPACT: None
PURPOSE
To seek review and cornrnent from the Open Space Board of Trustees on the draft Sombrero Marsh
Site Management Plan. This plan provides the frarnework for resource, facility, and visitor use
management at Sombrero Marsh for OSMP and the other partners, which includes the Boulder
Valley School District (here after referred to as `BVSD") and Thorne Ecological Institute(here after
referred to as "Thorne").
BACKGROUND
The two most important project goals for Sombrero Marsh project are:
• Restoring and sustaining the ecological health of Sombrero Marsh, which involves protecting
and restoring natural water cycles, wetland functions, and plant and animal species.
• Using the educationally rich outdoor setting for teaching children and adults about wetland
ecology, environmental restoration, and land stewardship.
To meet these goals, a partnership among OSMP, the BVSD, and Thorne has involved coordinated
planning and the commitment of substantial resources by all three partners. Elements of the
Sombrero Marsh project include:
1. Acquisition by OSMP of BVSD's landholding of the Marsh, intended to unify ownership and
management of this special natural area.
2. Excavation of landfill materials from about five acres that were deposited on the eastern portion
of the marsh.
3. Ecological restoration and protection of the marsh wetland and upland ecosystems.
4. Construction of a Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center for use by BVSD students
and the general public.
AGENDA ITEM 5, Page 1
5. Development of appropriate visitor use facilities that support a quality environmental education
program that is compatible with protection of the marsh's natural resources.
In order to ensure the protection and restoration of the Marsh while supporting the environmental
education program, the Plan(See Attachment B) has been developed. The Plan attempts to integrate
all the various management concerns and provide the basis for the interagency coordination
necessary to meet the different project goals.
ANALYSIS
Sombrero Marsh is a rare salt flat wetland marsh with high wildlife habitat values. Sombrero Marsh
has been degraded in the past by dumping, filling, and pollution; but the marsh retains high potential
for ecological restoration. OSMP has committed to take on the long-tern restoration and
stewardship of the Marsh and to participate with BVSD and Thorne in providing a high-quality
outdoor education opportunity in the eastern restored portion of the Marsh, as a complement to
environmental education activities at the new Sombrero Marsh Education Center. For OSMP,
ecological restoration and protection of the Marsh is its primary responsibility, but this mandate
complements the value of the site for providing a high-quality educational experience. The Plan
articulates a conservation approach to the overall management of Sombrero Marsh. The Plan
provides parameters for conservation-oriented natural area management, site and facility
management, and educational and public use of the Marsh. Some of the key proposals following this
conservation approach include: the location of the boardwalk; trails and viewing blind; seasonal
closure of the boardwalk trail; daily use restrictions; and limitations on the types of use.
Location of the Boardwalk, Trails and Viewing Blind (see pages 7-8 of the Plan)
The boardwalk, trails and viewing blind are located at the eastern perimeter of the Marsh to reduce
possible direct and indirect disturbance from educational and public use on the wildlife that will be
attracted to the newly restored eastern area of the Marsh(see the Site Management Plan Map for the
location of these facilities) (See Attachment A). The two teaching activity areas on the boardwalk
are located near potholes or depressions that have been created in the eastern margin of the Marsh
mudflats. These potholes likely will bring groundwater to the surface at certain times of the year,
providing educational participants access to small areas of standing water and wetland soils where
in-field observations and measurements can add to the learning opportunities. In two years, OSMP
will conduct an evaluation, with the input of the other partners, of how well these facility locations
serve the educational program needs. OSMP is committed to considering possible modifications of
these facilities if warranted.
Seasonal Closures of the Boardwalk Trail (see page 12 of the Plan)
The Plan proposes that the boardwalk trail be closed seasonally from April 15 through August 31
to protect ground-nesting birds. While this limitation affects the educational program, the
educational and public use of the boardwalk during this period would be too close to the Marsh to
avoid possible negative impacts on the success of these nests. However, the viewing blind trail will
be open all year round and is not expected to disturb wildlife use or nesting at Sombrero Marsh.
Daily Use Restrictions (see pages 12-14 of the Plan)
During the portion of the year when the boardwalk trail is open, most users will be BVSD
students who will be taught by Thorne staff. Given the value of environmental education at the
Marsh and the opportunity for it to meet BVSD science and other curriculum standards, the
BVSD would like to have as many V, 4", and 7"' grade classes as possible take advantage of the
AGENDA ITEM 5, Page 2
the Sombrero Marsh Education Center and the Marsh. In order to not overwhelm the Marsh with
this educational use, the Plan stipulates that use will be no more than two classes or 70 visitors per
day,generally one class in the morning and one in the afternoon. The Plan proposes this level of use
be instituted on a trial basis and stipulates that this number of participants be evaluated in two years,
with the input of the other partners, to determine whether this limitation should be continued,
increased, or decreased. With the involvement of the other partners, OSMP staff will take the lead
in developing a Sombrero Marsh site monitoring program to provide an objective assessment of
changes that occur at the Marsh and the specific impacts that can be attributed to visitor use. Also
the Plan suggests several supportive management practices designed to protect the Marsh from
overuse, such as requiring students to stay on trail, minimizing noise and other disturbances,
breaking up larger groups into smaller more manageable groups, and dispersing these smaller groups
to the inside and outside activity areas.
Limitations on the Types of Uses (see page 11 of the Plan)
The Plan designates an Environmental Preservation Area(here after referred to as "EPA"), where
resource protection is emphasized(see the EPA boundary on the Sombrero Marsh Site Management
Plan Map). This EPA includes the entire restored area of the Marsh and upland grass areas west of
the East Boulder Ditch. Because the Environmental Preservation Area contains the most
environmentally sensitive parts of the site and will require long-term and ongoing ecological
restoration efforts, allowed educational and public uses are more restricted than the portion of the
site that is outside the EPA. Within the EPA, special limitations include: users will be asked to stay
on trail; no dogs, bikes, or horses; public use during day-light hours only; and no parking dusk to
dawn in the designated Sombrero Marsh parking areas or on the access road. Outside the EPA, east
of the East Boulder Ditch, (where OSMP will restore an irrigated tallgrass ecosystem patch), certain
limitations are proposed, including: users are requested to stay on trail; dog walking with dogs
permitted on-leash only;biking and horseback riding on designated trails only; and no parking dusk
to dawn in the designated Sombrero Marsh parking area(s) or on the access road. Development of
designated trails outside the EPA and connecting to the neighborhood will be collaboratively
undertaken with the neighborhood and others later this year.
Some of the proposed site management parameters or use restrictions, once finalized can be
implemented by staff. Others will require a separate process for public review and implementation
by the City Managers Office.
Key questions for the Open Space Board of Trustees on the draft Sombrero Marsh Site Management
Plan:
1. Is the overall conservation approach or philosophy for managing Sombrero Marsh appropriate?
2. Are the proposed parameters for natural area management, site and facility management, and
educational and public use of Sombrero Marsh appropriate?
3. Does the Board have any other concerns or suggestions for the finalization of the Sombrero
Marsh Site Management Plan?
The next steps leading to a final Sombrero Site Management Plan are as follows: consideration of
OSBT management direction; review and comment on the Plan by BVSD, Thorne, neighborhood
AGENDA ITEM 5, Page 3
associations, other stakeholders, and the public; staff revision of the Plan; and final review and
adoption by the OSBT.
PUBLIC COMMENT AND PROCESS
This item is being heard at this public meeting, advertised in the Daily Camera.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff solicits any ideas or continents on the proposed Sombrero Marsh Site Management Plan before
it goes out for partner agency and public review. No formal Board action is requested at this time.
Staff will return for fon-nal Board approval of the site management plan after partner agency and
public review is completed.
Sub"tted by:
-:y r
Jales C. Crain, Co-Director Michael D. Patton, Co-Director
0ien Space and Mountain Parks Open Space and Mountain Parks
11
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Sombrero Marsh Site Management Plan
B. Sombrero Marsh Management Plan Map
AGENDA ITEM 5, Page 4
ATTACHMENT A
SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SOMBRERO MARSH
CITY OF BOULDER OPEN SPACE AND MOUNTAIN PARKS DEPARTMENT
9/12/01
1. A COMMON VISION FOR SOMBRERO MARSH
2. CONTEXT FOR SITE MANAGEMENT
a. Ecological Context for Site Management
b. Land Use Context for Management
C. Project Goals and Background
d. Marsh Restoration Process
e. Sombrero Marsh Educational Program
3. SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND FACILTIES
a. Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center
b. Trails
C. Boardwalk and Teaching/Activity Areas
d. Viewing Blind
e. Interpretive Facilities
f. Site Access, Parking, Fencing and Gates
g. Site Security
h. Landscaping
i. Habitat Improvements
j. Natural Area Management and Facility Maintenance Responsibilities
4. PARAMETERS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLIC USES OF SOMBRERO MARSH
a. Allowed Recreational and Educational Uses for Different Use Areas
b. Seasonality of Use
c. Parameters for Daily Use of the Marsh Area
d. Neighborhood Use and Connections
e. Monitoring Program
5. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE
a. Difficulty of Assessing Visitor Use Impacts and Educational Quality
b. Seasonal Drying Out of the Marsh and Associated Odors
c. Subdivision Surface Drainage into the Marsh
d. Need to Eliminate the Escape and Spread of Non-Native Invasive Ornamental Plants from the
Surrounding Neighborhood
e. Opportunities for Partnering with Boulder County
f. Possibility of Undergrounding the Xcel Power Line
g. Proposed Development at 63'd and Arapahoe and Associated Marsh Preservation Opportunities
Agenda Item 5,Page 5
SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SOMBRERO MARSH
CITY OF BOULDER OPEN SPACE AND MOUNTAIN PARKS DEPARTMENT
9/12/01
1. A COMMON VISION FOR SOMBRERO MARSH
Sombrero Marsh Restoration and Education Goals. The Sombrero Marsh partnership includes the
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP), the Boulder Valley School
District(BVSD), and Thorne Ecological Institute. This partnership is first and foremost aimed at
restoring and sustaining the Marsh's ecological health and functioning, which provides an
educationally-rich outdoor setting for teaching children and adults about wetland ecology,
environmental restoration, and the necessity for land stewardship.
Role of the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center. The primary role of the Sombrero
Marsh Environmental Education Center is to promote ecological literacy among BVSD students and to
provide high-quality teaching that supports the BVSD science curriculum and other standards.
Resource Protection at the Marsh. The outdoor education program for Sombrero 'Marsh, provided
by Thorne Ecological Institute on behalf of the School District, and provided by OSMP for the general
public, will be designed so as to be compatible with the long-term protection of Sombrero Marsh's
natural resources.
2. CONTEXT FOR SITE MANAGEMENT
a. Ecological Context for Management
Sombrero Marsh is an exceptional ecological resource in the Boulder Valley. Sombrero Marsh is the
only naturally occurring perennial open water body of its size in the Boulder Valley, totaling over 20
acres (the majority of wetlands in the Boulder Valley are less than 10 acres). Sombrero Marsh formed
in a closed depression approximately 0.5 mi. east of South Boulder Creek in Boulder County,
Colorado. The Marsh probably originated as a "blow out" where wind erosion locally lowered the
topography of the site below the adjacent stream terrace of South Boulder Creek to the west.
This naturally functioning wetland contains soils, hydrology and vegetation that combine to create
important habitat for many birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. The Marsh's brackish
waters and seasonal salt flats support wetland plant communities that are uncommon. Sombrero
Marsh's physical enviromnent and wildlife habitat are highly unique because its waters and soils are
highly alkaline, which provide a highly specialized niche for plants and animals, and the Marsh
provides a locally rare combination of open water and emergent vegetation. Besides important wildlife
habitat, Sombrero Marsh also provides important wetland functions of: flood storage, nutrient
retention and removal, food chain support, and passive recreation/heritage value.
Sombrero Marsh is not always wet and changes with the seasons and weather conditions. This
fluctuation of water occurs in most natural wetland ecosystems, and plants and animals that live here
must adapt to these changing conditions. As a shallow closed-basin wetland (i.e., it has no inlet or
Agenda Item 5,Page 6
drainage outfall), Sombrero Marsh can be dry for up to eight months of the year, while in wetter years,
the Marsh may never dry out completely. The water level in the Marsh is governed by rainfall, runoff
from its tributary basin and by fluctuation of the groundwater table (which is interconnected with
South Boulder Creek). The elevation of the water is also influenced by seepage from the East Boulder
Ditch and the Enterprise Ditch. The City of Boulder owns 0.1751 shares in the East Boulder ditch and
in cooperation with the School District has dedicated this water to Sombrero Marsh since 1989. Since
this dedication, water levels in the Marsh have been higher and more stable than in the past.
Shorebirds and ducks find food plentiful in the muddy shallows of the Marsh. Cattails and bulrushes
provide ideal nesting habitat for blackbirds, yellow warblers, and rails. Abundant insect life nourishes
many types of swallows, bats, and amphibians while red-tailed hawks and northern harriers hunt the
alkaline flats bordering Sombrero Marsh. The Marsh also provides habitat for small mammals such as
muskrats, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, voles and ground squirrels. Sombrero Marsh is included in the
Boulder County Comprehensive Plan as critical wildlife habitat for Wilson's phalarope and various
species of raptors.
b. Land Use Context for Management
Sombrero Marsh property ownership is currently held by the City of Boulder, Boulder County, one
major private landowner, and five smaller rural lot owners who own land right up to the west side of
the Marsh. Please see the Sombrero Marsh Site Management Plan Map. To the south, west and
southeast of Sombrero Marsh are low-density residential areas. Generally, the homes are located on
lots of an acre or more and many have small livestock sheds and paddocks for horses. Other
developments in the area are composed of more modern and larger homes on smaller lots, such as "The
Reserve at Cherryvale" located on the southern margin of Sombrero Marsh. Two subdivision outlots
of The Reserve, owned by Boulder County, include some shoreline of the Marsh and adjacent upland.
Boulder County currently has a trailhead on the east side of the Swallow Lane cul de sac that provides
access for neighborhood residents to the County's open space outlot between the East Boulder Ditch
and the Enterprise Ditch.
Commercial and industrial uses occur north of Sombrero Marsh. A mobile home park, storage units,
and a lumberyard are located to the north of the Marsh. The administration building and the
Vocational/Technical School of the Boulder Valley School District are located near the eastern edge of
the Marsh. The School District's service access road runs along the northern boundary of the Marsh.
Use of this road is restricted to school district vehicles.
Two agricultural ditches flow (east) near Sombrero Marsh. The East Boulder Ditch is located 0.1 mile
southeast of the Marsh. The Enterprise Ditch parallels the East Boulder Ditch several hundred yards to
the east in the vicinity of Sombrero Marsh.
C. Project Goals and Background
The two most important project goals for Sombrero Marsh are:
• Restoring and sustaining the ecological health of Sombrero Marsh, which involves protecting and
restoring natural water cycles, wetland functions, and plant and animal species.
• Using the educationally-rich outdoor setting for teaching children and adults about wetland
ecology, environmental restoration, and land stewardship.
Agenda Item 5,Page 7
Sombrero Marsh is surrounded by urban development, accentuating the uniqueness of this wetland.
The Marsh is an urban natural area that retains many important ecological functions. However, over
the past several decades, impacts from encroaching development, dumping and filling activities and
alteration of the hydrologic regime have degraded the wetland's ecological functions. The Sombrero
Marsh project has come together, as a partnership among the City of Boulder Open Space and
Mountain Parks Department, the Boulder Valley School District, Thorne Ecological Institute, and
others, to protect and restore the Marsh. This partnership provides the opportunity to effectively save
this natural treasure and also innovate an ecological restoration process that we can learn from and
apply to other degraded natural areas.
Sombrero Marsh also offers a unique educational opportunity. The BVSD has built an enviromnental
educational center near the Marsh, which will provide environmental education classes to students in
the District(lyt, 4t1i, and 7t" grades). The center will take advantage of the unique outdoor education
laboratory of both the wetland and upland grasslands, which will be nurtured back to ecological health.
Thorne, BVSD, and OSMP have collaborated in developing a curriculum for the educational program,
which offers both indoor and outdoor hands-on learning activities. The Sombrero Marsh curriculum is
designed to meet BVSD science, math, and language arts curriculum standards in an integrated way.
Thorne Ecological Institute will be responsible for providing the education program to BVSD students,
and OSMP will offer educational programs to the public at large.
d. Marsh Restoration Process
Two environmental assessments were completed for Sombrero Marsh to evaluate hazardous waste
issues on the site. Both assessments failed to detect hazardous materials in the soil or groundwater at
concentrations that pose a threat to public health or require special disposal. In addition, data
collected from soil test pits and 13 ground water monitoring wells in the restoration area indicated
suitable hydrologic and soil conditions for marsh reestablislunent.
Restoring the ecological health of Sombrero Marsh will continue to require commitment of significant
financial resources and efforts on the part of staff, volunteers, and the public. It should be recognized
that it will take several years to achieve a fully functioning marsh ecosystem, which depends on marsh
physical improvements, multi-year plant community development, fine-tuning of the hydrologic
features and regimes, and response of wildlife to changing habitat conditions. One of the biggest
challenges will be the on-going control of non-native species. Steps in the physical process of
restoration include:
• Excavating and properly disposing of old landfill materials, exposing of relict wetland soils and
seeds, and creating a re-contoured drainage basin (completed in Spring 2001)
• Planting of native wetland plants (Summer and Fall 2001 and then continuing)
• Control of invasive, noxious weeds (Spring 2001 and continuing)
• Planting of native upland grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants (Spring, Summer, Fall 2001 and
continuing)
• Enhancement of wildlife habitat quality (installation of raptor perches, planting of native trees and
shrubs, improvement of water quality—Fall 2001 and continuing)
• Monitoring of the progress of restoration activities and adjustment of land management practices as
needed (2001 and continuing)
Agenda Item 5,Page 8
t The Sombrero Marsh restoration site actually has three ecosystems that are to be restored and
managed: a lowland saltmarsh wetland ecosystem, a drier upland shortgrass prairie ecosystem, and a
wetter tallgrass meadow ecosystem tied to irrigation from the East Boulder Ditch. Please see the
Sombrero Marsh Site Management Plan Map. The three of these ecosystems will need different kinds of
restoration materials and processes. All three offer unique experiences for involving children and
adults in the restoration process. Pathways on the site will demonstrate the natural distribution of
wetland and upland ecosystem zones: there will be a continuum from wetter, saltier soils to drier less
salty soils as one moves from the wetland to the upland grassland, and this continuum will be reflected
in distinct plant communities in these zones. Measurement of the different characteristics of these
zones is an opportunity for hands-on participant involvement and interpretation.
The restored area of the Marsh, which was previously filled in, is the focal point for the collaboration
between OSMP, BVSD, and Thorne. See the restoration area shown on the Sombrero Marsh Site
Management Plan Map. Enviromnental education activities will be limited to this restored area,
thereby protecting the existing marsh from visitor impacts. This approach to environmental education
will share the benefits of environmental restoration with students and citizens, ensure appropriate use
of the Marsh, and direct visitors to the restored wetland and away from sensitive areas that are
currently subjected to unmanaged use. Environmental preservation will be at the forefront of land
management at the Marsh, guiding the number of visitors to the Marsh, the times of day and seasons
that visitation is appropriate, and the types of visitor activities that will be permitted.
e. Sombrero Marsh Educational Program
The Marsh educational program is described in depth in the Sombrero Marsh Annual Plan and the
Sombrero Marsh Curriculum Plan produced by Thorne Ecological Institute. The curriculum is
targeted at I", 4th, and 7th grades, and the intent is to get as many classes in these grades as possible to
take advantage of the wetland study that Sombrero Marsh offers. The Sombrero Marsh curriculum is
an integrated curriculum designed to science, math, and language arts standards of the District. The
curriculum involves pre-visit and post-visit materials and activities, which teachers will be required to
use with their classes. Required teacher training will foster teachers' understanding of the possibilities
for indoor and outdoor learning, the expectations for low-impact outdoor education activities, and the
layout of the education center and the marsh site. The students' educational experience at the Marsh
will focus on gaining an understanding of ecological concepts,restoration processes, and land
stewardship.
A key component of the Sombrero Marsh project is involvement of BVSD students in the long-term
restoration and monitoring activities at the Marsh. This involvement will take different forms
depending on the age group involved. However, for all age levels, an attempt will be made to facilitate
this kind of hands-on involvement.
OSMP (and Thorne) will also be offering public education programs at the Marsh. These programs
will often be at different times than the school programs. School programs will generally occur during
weekdays of the school year. Public educational programs will generally be offered on the weekends
and evenings. There will also be occasional special events at the Marsh, which may be scheduled by
OSMP, BVSD, or Thorne. It is important to not simultaneously schedule too many educational
Agenda Item 5,Page 9
participants at the Marsh at any one time. Coordination in the scheduling of programs is critical to
protection of the Marsh. Thorne Ecological Institute will take the responsibility for implementing
coordinated scheduling of all programs and activities at the Marsh.
A web site for Sombrero Marsh will be developed and maintained by both BVSD and OSMP staff.
The web site will offer much useful and interesting information for teachers planning trips, potential
visitors, and others. It may also be a tool for teachers to schedule their visits with Thorne. The web
site will offer student exploration and teacher materials on wetland ecology, plant community
development, restoration methods, and more.
3. SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND FACILITIES
Site improvements and facilities on the Sombrero Marsh site are geared to support both the restoration
and educational programs at the Marsh. These improvements and facilities are designed to maximize
the protection of the Marsh's natural resources, while at the same time meet the needs of the intended
audiences—both children and adults. They will be accessible to people with disabilities. The overall
philosophy in making site improvements and constructing facilities at Sombrero Marsh is to promote
natural resource conservation that minimizes possible negative impacts of development on the Marsh
and ensures that visitor use does not undennine the essential qualities and functions of the marsh
ecosystem. There are three reasons for this conservation approach: 1) Sombrero Marsh is such a
unique and valuable natural area and educational opportunity; 2) A large investment of resources has
been committed to the restoration and educational programs for the Marsh; and 3) The urban setting of
the Marsh makes it especially vulnerable to many kinds of adverse environmental impacts. The
principal site improvements and facilities are described below.
The wetland public use area of the Sombrero Marsh is limited to the newly excavated and restored
eastern portion of the Marsh(about five acres). This limitation serves to prevent new disturbance of
the pre-existing marsh and conserve its wetland values and habitat quality. But opening up the
restored portion of the marsh to public use (with a new boardwalk and trail system that channels users
to the intended use areas) provides a new valuable environmental education opportunity, while still
allowing viewing of the pre-existing marsh from afar.
a. Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center
OSMP owns most of the land in and around Sombrero Marsh (about 45 acres). Boulder County Parks
and Open Space owns approximately nine acres. Private landowners also own approximately nine
acres. BVSD owns a one-acre site where the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center is
situated close to the Marsh. BVSD owns the building but leases it out to Thorne Ecological Institute.
The educational program at the center will have an indoor component and an outdoor component on
wetland and grassland ecosystem areas in proximity to the center. The center building, about 4,800
square feet, houses space for educational activities and also offices for Thorne Ecological Institute.
Educational facilities at the center include: a large classroom/activity center, a laboratory/library,
educational and interpretive displays, a wetlands exhibit with animal mounts (relocated from the
OSMP Flagstaff Summit Nature Center), an outdoor patio for staging field visits, and one office space
shared by OSMP and BVSD for staging educational programs and ongoing monitoring activities. As
part of the monitoring of the progress of marsh restoration and impacts from educational use, there is a
Agenda Item 5,Page 10
desire to install remote instrumentation for monitoring activities. The building is wired to allow this
instrumentation to be hooked up to it.
b. Trails
Two trails serve the educational and wildlife viewing needs at Sombrero Marsh, both of which start at
the Sombrero Marsh Environmental Education Center. The trails have good ADA-compatible tread
surfaces and interpretive signs, and they lead to good vantage points to view the Marsh. The goal is to
keep users on these developed trails and prevent user-created social trails. The Boardwalk Trail, as
the name implies, starts in upland grass and follows down to the marsh boardwalk. The Boardwalk
Trail then circles back to the education center but steers the path next to the restored native tallgrass
area. The Viewing Blind Trail, as the name implies, starts at the education center and winds down to a
viewing blind. All visitor use at Sombrero Marsh will be encouraged to stay on trail. No shortcutting
between these two trails will be pennitted. Both trails will be surfaced with crusher fine gravel. The
width of the trails and the boardwalk will be six feet.
C. Boardwalk and Teaching/Activity Areas
The ADA-accessible boardwalk is designed to get educational participants down to the eastern,
restored portion of the Marsh. It offers two teaching/ activity areas and several places for interpretive
signs. Each of the two teaching/ activity areas, on extended platforms where participants may gather,
is located where there are potholes or depressions in the Marsh mudflats. At certain times of the year,
these potholes will be able to provide educational participants access to small areas of standing water
and wetland soils, where in-field observations and measurements can add to the learning opportunities.
Because of the conservation-oriented approach to placement of the boardwalk and the teaching/
activity areas, the Boardwalk Trail is located at the eastern perimeter of the Marsh. The intent is to
reduce possible direct and indirect disturbance from educational and public use on the wildlife that will
be attracted to the newly restored eastern area of the Marsh. The southern teaching/activity area
involves a boardwalk trail spur that extends to a pothole. The northern teaching/activity area also
extends to a pothole and is located right alongside the boardwalk.
Given the current location of the boardwalk (where it is anticipated that marsh plants will fill in all
around it) and the current location of the teaching/activity areas (near potholes that will be wet only
part of the year), it will be necessary to take a wait and see attitude as to how well this boardwalk
alignment works. Effectiveness of the boardwalk in meeting educational program needs will be
formally assessed after the first two years of operation and then periodically evaluated thereafter.
Thorne, OSMP, and BVSD staff will monitor how well this alignment works in minimizing
disturbance to wildlife and in serving the educational program needs. If ongoing monitoring and
annual assessment show there is a need to modify the boardwalk system, OSMP will consider possible
modifications such as extending a new boardwalk trail spur to a pothole closer to the original marsh
boundary or deepening the potholes used by the current teaching/activity areas.
The length of the boardwalk is approximately 300 linear feet, including the trail spur to the southern
pothole. The teaching/ activity areas will be enlarged platforms for educational participants to gather.
At the potholes there will be step-down structures to provide direct access to the water (when present)
Agenda Item 5,Page 11
and wetland soils. The boardwalk will be a`'floating design", whereby it will be able to maintain its
structural integrity and usability even with shifting and settling of soils.
By design, the Sombrero Marsh project provides multiple places where outdoor activities can be held
simultaneously. These places include the patio at the education center, the viewing blind, the two
wetland teaching/ activity platforms, and other activity areas to be established in upland grassland
areas. These multiple places and the curvilinear aligninent of the boardwalk itself lend interest and
diversity to the educational experience and also serve to disperse small groups and thereby reduce
concentrated impacts on marsh plants and animals.
d. Viewing Blind
The viewing blind is intended to provide bird and mammal watching opportunities that minimize the
disturbance and flushing of the wildlife. It will be a low profile, three-sided wood structure with a roof
and entrance screen to control glare and shadows. It will be camouflaged with neutral colors, partial
berming, and landscaping. A drainage system will be installed in it. The trail leading to it will provide
vegetative cover, berming, or other screening techniques to minimize the view by wildlife of people
approaching the blind. Inside the blind, there will be multiple viewing holes with different levels for
kids and adults. It will be ADA accessible.
e. Interpretive Facilities
There will be a number of interpretive facilities to enhance the quality of visitor experience, promote
good user ethics, and ensure safe operation of the Sombrero Marsh site. These interpretive facilities, to
the extent possible, will be planned and implemented using the input and creativity of BVSD students,
including both their ideas and artwork. Trailhead boards will be located at the beginning of the
Viewing Blind Trail and the Boardwalk Trail. These boards will contain a number of informational,
educational, and safety messages.
A number of interpretive signs will eventually be constructed along various points of the trail and
boardwalk system. These will highlight various aspects of the wetland and grassland ecosystems, the
restoration process, and other topics. A natural place for interpretive signs is at the locations of the
wetland teaching/ activity areas.
f. Site Access, Parking, Fencing and Gates
As envisioned in the intergovermnental agreement between OSMP and BVSD, during BVSD non-
working hours the primary access point for public access to Sombrero Marsh will be from 63`d Street
and the access road on the north side of the Marsh, which goes east to the Sombrero Marsh
Enviromnental Education Center. However, only pedestrian access is allowed during these off-hours.
It is very important that the BVSD property be secure from unauthorized access, as there are numerous
areas where public safety is a concern (bus fueling stations and storage areas, maintenance yards with
various kinds of machinery, etc.). Fences and gates are needed to channel visitors to areas designed for
public use. Parking will include several parking spaces on the Education Center site (5 regular, 1
handicapped spaces) and several parking spaces at the junction of 63'.14 Street and the access road.
OSMP proposes the following for site access, fencing, gates, and parking, based on the original
Agenda Item 5,Page 12
concepts reflected in the access agreement granted by BVSD to OSMP and the GOCO grant
application.
1. Direct vehicular access for school classes and the public-at-large to the Sombrero Marsh
Environmental Education Center is through the BVSD Administration site from Arapahoe Avenue.
2. Pedestrian and bicycle access can occur this way or by travel on the access road east fi-om 63`d to
the Education Center.
3. In appropriate areas, the BVSD compound will be secured from public access with the installation
of new fencing and gates.
Access
During official hours of BVSD operation, pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles access the Sombrero
Marsh Environmental Education Center and the Marsh at the education center parking lot. It is highly
beneficial to have one main access point for the general public, which funnels school and public use
initially to the Education Center. One main access makes it possible to monitor and control access
effectively. One main access allows all visitors to be exposed to trailhead infonnation that informs
about the special quality and vulnerabilities of the Marsh and guides user ethics appropriately.
Parktu
• On-site parking is provided next to the Environmental Education Center. This parking lot includes
5 regular parking spaces and one handicapped space. This parking may be used by the public,
BVSD /OSMP /Thorne Ecological Institute staff, and others. This parking is available only
during BVSD work hours.
• Additional parking is located at the junction of 63`d Street and the access road. Five parking spaces
are provided here. No parking is allowed here dusk to dawn. OSMP will lease this parking area
from BVSD.
Fencing and Gates
• Replace the existing west gate and relocate it to the east of the current viewing platform on the
north side of the access road,but install a separate pedestrian opening to provide pedestrian access
when vehicle access and parking are prohibited.
• Replace the existing east gate and relocate it farther east to allow enough room for pedestrian
access east on a new trail to be constructed to the Education Center. This trail is south of the
existing fence on the south side of the access road and runs roughly parallel to the East Boulder
Ditch. Install a separate pedestrian opening to provide pedestrian access through this gate. This
relocated gate requires new fence tie-ins with the existing fencing on the north side of the access
road. OSMP will lease this trail corridor from BVSD.
• Both new gates provide openings for BVSD buses to travel one-way west on the access road to 63`d
and Arapahoe,but the vehicle access can be closed after hours.
Note: The access easement attached to the sale of the BVSD marsh property to OSMP commits
OSMP to pay$5,000 to BVSD toward the cost of necessary fence and gate improvements.
Agenda Item 5,Page 13
g. Site Security
As indicated above, fences and gates will be used to control access points to the education center and
maintain adequate security. However, there are a number of other ways that security will be enhanced.
First, Thorne Ecological Institute will have a daily presence at the education center, given the fact that
its offices will be located there and Thorne will be leading many school programs at various times of
the year. Thorne staff will be the most consistent eyes and ears that lead to site security. BVSD also
has 24-hour on-site security services 24 hours a day all year round at the adjacent BVSD
administration complex. In addition, OSMP will schedule occasional patrols by rangers during off-
hours at the Marsh site. In the case of BVSD security guards and OSMP rangers, they will add
incrementally to on-site security. During emergencies, OSMP rangers, City police, County sheriff, and
a number of emergency medical providers will be asked to respond.
h. Landscaping
Consistent with the overall restoration goals, revegetation on the Marsh site will involve only plants
native to the inland saltmarsh ecosystem, the shortgrass prairie ecosystem, and the xeric tallgrass
ecosystem. The goal is to restore those plant communities that would have been present before Euro-
American settlement. On the BVSD Sombrero _Marsh Environmental Education Center site, some of
the initially planted trees, shrubs, and grasses are not native to Colorado. It is hoped that some of these
will be replaced over time with native plant materials. However, on the one-acre BVSD site, there are
large areas still needing landscaping. It is planned that demonstration xeriscape gardens with native
plants will be established. These types of gardens are perfect for involvement of different BVSD
classes to participate directly in establishing different types of native xeriscape plots. OSMP is
committed to work with Thorne to make this happen.
i. Habitat Improvements
Control of noxious weeds on the OSMP site and the BVSD site will need to be coordinated.
Aggressive efforts to replace non-native plants with natives will be ongoing. OSMP plans to replace
non-native Russian olives and Chinese elms with native trees like cottonwoods. In order to protect the
Marsh's water quality and habitat values, coordination has already taken place with the installation of
berms on the BVSD site to channel drainage away from the Marsh. Other water quality improvements
that prevent direct runoff of pollution and excessive nutrients into the Marsh from surrounding
development will be needed. (OSMP staff has begun working with Boulder County and surrounding
landowners to accomplish these improvements.)
Other habitat improvements like bird perching poles and nest boxes will be considered in the future.
Consultation with groups like Boulder County Nature Association and the Boulder Audubon Society
would occur prior to these kinds of improvements.
j. Natural Area Management and Facility Maintenance Responsibilities
The delineation of maintenance responsibilities between OSMP and BVSD are clear. OSMP has
assumed the responsibility for ongoing restoration and "natural area"management of the Marsh and
for maintenance of all site improvements and facilities on its property. OSMP will: 1) continue the
Agenda Item 5,Page 14
ongoing restoration of Sombrero Marsh's ecological values and functions; 2) control non-native
species; 3) improve and maintain the quality of the habitat; 4) monitor the results of the marsh
restoration and use impacts; and 5) maintain the trails, boardwalk, and viewing blind. BVSD will
maintain Sombrero Marsh Education Center building and site improvements on its property, including
the Sombrero Marsh Education Center and associated parking and landscaping. However, there may
be specific facilities that will require joint contributions from OSMP and BVSD for maintenance of
such items as fencing or the access road. These joint areas of responsibility and funding contributions
still need to be decided.
OSMP assumes its Sombrero Marsh maintenance responsibilities under its operating budget. The cost
estimate for maintaining the Education Center is about$4,000 per year. This financial commitment for
maintaining the Education Center will be made by BVSD and.also the proceeds from any endowment
funds that Thorne Ecological Institute and BVSD are successful in fundrai"sing.
4. PARAMETERS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLIC USES OF SOMBRERO MARSH
a. Allowed Recreational And Educational Uses For Different Use Areas
The overall logic behind the proposed set of use parameters is that the more sensitive parts of the
Sombrero Marsh site should get higher levels of protection than less sensitive areas. In other words,
the more sensitive areas are managed with a higher level of restriction of uses. See the Sombrero
Marsh Site Management Plan Map for the delineation of different management areas. The proposed
scheme for allowed uses in different management areas is as follows:
Allowed Uses within the Environmental Preservation Area (west of East Boulder Ditch):
• Hiking, wildlife viewing, and non-invasive, non-destructive nature study
• Users are requested to stay on trail
• No dogs,bikes, or horses
• Public use of the marsh area during day-light hours only
• No parking dusk to dawn in the designated Sombrero Marsh parking area(s) or on the access road
• University, high school, or other student research projects that require off-trail access or collection
of plants or animals are subject to approval through the OSMP research permit process.
Allowed Uses outside the Environmental Preservation Area(east of East Boulder Ditch):
• Hiking, wildlife viewing, and non-invasive, non-destructive nature study
• Users are requested to stay on trail
• Dog walking with dogs permitted on-leash only
• Biking and horseback riding on designated trails only
• No parking dusk to dawn in the designated Sombrero Marsh parking area(s) or on the access road
Pen-nitted Hours of Use for the Environmental Education Center
After-dark use is permissible for the education center but not the marsh area itself. On a case-by-case
basis, exceptions for sanctioned nighttime BVSD educational programs in the marsh area may be
approved by OSMP upon request.
Agenda Item 5,Page 15
b. Seasonality of Use
• To protect nesting birds and other wildlife, the boardwalk trail will be closed April 15-August 31.
• The viewing blind trail will be open year-round.
C. Parameters for Daily Use of the Marsh Area
Common Assumptions for Defining Acceptable Daily Use Limits for Sombrero Marsh
1. Educational Audiences. The target audience for BVSD student outdoor education at the Marsh
initially will be 1 st grade, Orr grade, and middle-school grade levels. For many of the 1St grade
classes, the educational program will be in-classroom at their home school location, although some
classes may visit the Marsh. For the other grades, it is expected that the educational program will
include field trips to Sombrero Marsh, with both on-site in-classroom and outdoor components.
Other student educational experiences centered on Sombrero Marsh will be student involvement in
the on-going process of restoration and on-going ecological monitoring activities.
2. Compatibility of Educational Use with Resource Protection. It is assumed that there is a limit
on the amount of educational use that would be compatible with sustaining Sombrero Marsh's
natural values and functions. Use beyond this level would cause adverse impacts that diminish the
Marsh and would therefore be unacceptable. However, it is difficult to determine the amount of
compatible educational use in the absence of experience with actual students and visitors and
efforts to mitigate use impacts. :Management of the educational program will intentionally limit the
amount of use in order to protect the natural values and functions of the Marsh, especially while it
is recovering from previous human disturbance. Setting the appropriate amount of use will depend
on assessment of whether or not use impacts will be acceptable.
3. Initial Educational Program. During the initial phase of implementing the educational program,
it is anticipated that no more than two BVSD classes a day will use the Marsh. This level of
educational programming is about 60-70 participants per day. Initially, this level of programming
is not likely to be exceeded because: a) many of the 1St grade activities will be located within home
school classrooms; b) not all targeted grade level teachers will choose to take advantage of the
Sombrero Marsh field trip option; and c) a normal start-up developmental phase is expected for
Sombrero Marsh educational programs. This level of educational programming will be formally
evaluated after 2 years so it can be modified if needed. Periodic evaluation of the appropriate level
of educational programming will occur on an ongoing basis after that.
4. =Management of Daily or Weekly Use. Scheduling of Thorne BVSD programs and OSMP public
programs will be designed to both maximize the quality of educational programs offered and
minimize the impacts of use. The actual numbers of participants and timing of arrival and
departure will be set to make transitions between groups manageable. Scheduling of programs will
be flexible in providing"resting periods" for the Marsh, when use has been heavy or concentrated
for short periods of time.
5. Use Levels and Monitoring. A visitor use impact-monitoring program, designed to provide early
detection of any potentially significant negative impacts on the Marsh, will be implemented.
OSMP, BVSD, and Thorne agree that levels of use will not be allowed to exceed levels that cause
unacceptable negative impacts on the Marsh. Development of the wetland and grassland plant
communities and restoration of other natural values and functions of Sombrero Marsh in the new
public use area will occur over several years. During this period, the Marsh will be extra
Agenda Item 5,Page 16
r vulnerable to use impacts. The restoration process is experimental in nature and requires patience
and persistence for success; consequently, monitoring of the progress of the Marsh's restoration is
critical and will allow management actions to be adjusted as needed. The educational program will
be considered a pilot project that will be monitored and adapted, as needs dictate.
Approach for Managing Daily Use at Sombrero Marsh
1. Trial Period. As formalized in the first two annual operating plans for Sombrero Marsh (covering
years of operation between 2001 and 2004), the BVSD educational program offered by Thorne
Ecological Institute will be planned to acconunodate no more than two classes or 70 participants
per day. Good records of actual use will be maintained by Thorne for BVSD programs and OSMP
for public programs.
2. Monitoring Program. A visitor use impact-monitoring program will be implemented to monitor
the impacts of daily and cumulative use on Sombrero Marsh. This visitor use impact monitoring
will be one part of the overall monitoring program supported by all three partners. OSMP will be
responsible for designing and implementing the visitor use impact-monitoring program, in
coordination with the other project partners.
3. Decisions on Modification of the Level of Educational Programming. In the annual operating
plan for 2003, a determination will be made on whether or not significant negative impacts have
occurred from the use of the Marsh. If warranted, adjustments will be made to minimize and
mitigate these impacts. If the assessment shows minimal impacts from on-going educational use of
the Marsh, and it indicates the potential for increased use without unacceptable impacts, then the
programmed number of participants may be revised upward subject to on-going monitoring and
adjustment as needed. Conversely, if the assessment shows an unacceptable level of impacts from
educational use, then the number or program participants will be reduced.
4. Supportive Management Practices. In order to minimize possible negative impacts from
educational use, the partners agree to the following:
a) Thorne instructors, OSMP instructors, and BVSD teachers should teach environmental stewardship
as a key part of the curriculum, which teaches individual and collective responsibilities to provide
respect and care for natural ecosystems and teaches specific ways that negative impacts of nature
study and recreational use can be minimized or avoided.
b) Outdoor education activities will be managed to minimize impacts from participants by minimizing
off-trail use, noise or other disturbances, and damage to habitat. Participants shall be required to
remain on designated trails. Group activity areas will be provided in both wetland and upland
areas.
c) The outdoor portion of classes may need to be rescheduled if trails become excessively wet or
muddy. Severe wet conditions can result in excessive damage to plants and result in severe soil
erosion.
d) No double booking of school and public groups will occur so as to exceed reasonable levels of use.
e) Management of larger groups will require splitting thein up so that no more than 15 participants
will be brought into the marsh site at any one time for outdoor activities. In addition, for school-
age participants, the adults-to-children ratio shall be at least 1 adult per 15 children.
f) In order to avoid concentrated use and associated impacts, outdoor education activities will be
managed to disperse the participants over the Sombrero Marsh use areas at any one time. These
use areas include places inside and outside the education center, the Viewing Blind Trail and
Boardwalk Trail, and marsh and upland shortgrass restoration areas.
Agenda Item 5,Page 17
g) Research permits will be required for either BVSD or public research projects. These permits may
be obtained through approval by OSMP staff after submittal of required information. However,
OSMP reserves the right to deny research permits if it detenmines that negative impacts of the
project are unacceptable.
h) Any collection of water samples, flora, or fauna will only occur within defined acceptable
parameters, which will be jointly agreed to by OSMP and Thorne Ecological Institute.
i) Public educational programs at Sombrero Marsh that exceed 50 participants will require approval
of OSMP group use permits.
d. Neighborhood Use and Connections
Currently, the Sombrero Marsh site experiences a moderate amount of use from people and dogs from
the neighborhood. There are no fon-nal access points from the neighborhood into the Sombrero Marsh
site. There is an informal trailhead for the Boulder County subdivision outlot southeast of the Marsh
(off of Swallow Lane), which leads to several social trails that can be used to access the marsh area.
There is a definite need to work with neighborhood residents to decide on fon-nal trail connections
from the neighborhood to the Marsh. Neighborhood use and connections will be addressed jointly
with residents at a later time.
e. Monitoring Program
A Sombrero Marsh monitoring program will be implemented jointly with the involvement of all three
partners. The goals of the monitoring program will be to: 1) monitor the progress of restoration
activities; 2) monitor the progress of unintended impacts of daily and cumulative use on Sombrero
Marsh; and 3) monitor the impact of the educational program on participants.
Monitoring activities will attempt to accurately assess the impacts associated with actual use levels.
To varying degrees, the impacts assessed will include impacts on: soils, wetland and upland
vegetation,birds and mammals, insects, and amphibians. Impacts will be assessed on the Marsh
overall and on the concentrated use activity areas. Impacts of levels of use on the quality of the
educational experience will also be assessed. OSMP will take the lead on enviromnental impact
assessment, and Thorne Ecological Institute will take the lead on educational quality assessment.
Ongoing consultation will occur among all three partners regarding the implementation of the
monitoring program. At an annual meeting among the Sombrero Marsh partners, the results of the
monitoring program will be evaluated. Before the new educational center and trail system is opened in
October 2001, the new monitoring program will be initiated. In order for the monitoring system to be
started, baseline conditions will need to be characterized and the methodology for impact assessment
will need to be agreed to by all three partners.
[Place Holder for Additional Material on Proposed Monitoring Program]
5. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE
OSMP, BVSD, and Thorne are committed to the success of the partnership to restore Sombrero Marsh
and provide high quality environmental education there. However, a number of site management
issues will be a challenge to this success. Some of these issues are discussed briefly below.
Agenda Item 5,Page is
a. Difficulty of Assessing Visitor Use Impacts and Educational Quality
The goal of monitoring and assessing visitor use impacts is to ensure that impacts fall within a range of
acceptability, given that any human presence and use of the Marsh will cause some unwanted impacts.
There are several difficulties surrounding this goal and related assessment activities. First, the Marsh
is not located in a pristine area--any human impacts on plants and wildlife are the result of the
cumulative effects of surrounding land uses, urban enviromnental factors, as well as planned visitor
use. These different sources of impacts will be hard to distinguish. Second, the extremely degraded
condition of the eastern portion of the Marsh, before it was excavated and rehabilitation efforts were
initiated, will of course show improvement in habitat quality from what previously existed. The
incremental effects of new visitor use on this part of the Marsh may be very difficult to separately
measure from the general trends in habitat improvement. Third, while many of the types of wildlife
that will be commonly seen on the marsh site will likely have the ability to adapt to human presence
over time, other species that will not be seen because they cannot adapt to human presence, and they
will not be picked up in the monitoring. Finally, it may take some work for OSMP, BVSD, and
Thorne to agree on how to strike an acceptable balance between competing goals of preservation vs.
use—the same challenge that natural area managers in many public land programs face.
b. Seasonal Drying Out of the Marsh and Associated Odors from Decaying Vegetation
Given its topography and natural hydrologic regime, Sombrero Marsh in most years will dry out
significantly or completely. When this dying out occurs, emergent vegetation dies and rots, which
creates hydrogen sulfide gas—as is common in most marshes. Previous studies by the Boulder County
Health Department have determined that people who live by the Marsh are not exposed to any added
health risks from the 112S gas. But this gas is a nuisance. OSMP, BVSD, and the County Health
Department have begun and will continue discussions on appropriate agency responses to extreme
occurrences of this gas.
C. Subdivision Surface Drainage into the Marsh
The Reserve at Cherryvale subdivision channels all of its stormwater drainage to the Marsh through a
system of rural-type swales alongside the residential streets. The original subdivision plan proposed
two stormwater drainage detention ponds that would intercept the stormwater from the swale system
and filter out most of the harmful pollutants or excess nutrients from the runoff. However, these
detention ponds were never built, so fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, grass clippings, vehicle oil
spills, and other pollutants have a way of directly flowing into the Marsh. Wetlands, by their nature,
have the inherent ability to absorb and detoxify some of these pollutants. But the irony is that the
excess nutrients in fertilizers that can flow from residential yards into the Marsh probably exacerbate
the algal blooms and rotting of this vegetation, which causes odors that may be unpleasant to nearby
residents. OSMP and the County Health Department have started a process of educating the Reserve
at Cherryvale residents on ways that they can reduce the pollutant inputs from their properties and
streets into the Marsh. For example, residents could minimize the use of lawn fertilizers and
pesticides. In addition to continuing these efforts, there is a need to physically reduce the direct inputs
of stormwater and pollutants into the Marsh. OSMP has initiated discussions with the County(and
Agenda Item 5,Page 19
residents should be brought into them) to explore possibilities for constructing needed detention ponds
or other kinds of pollutant or excess-nutrient traps.
d. Need to Eliminate the Escape and Spread of Non-Native Invasive Ornamental Plants and
Grasses from the Surrounding Neighborhood
One of the most intractable problems facing natural area managers virtually everywhere is the intense
competition that native plants face from non-native ornamental plants. There are many examples of
these invasive plants displacing natives on Open Space and Mountain Parks lands, with invaders like
yellow toadflax, sweet pea, purple loosestrife, myrtle spurge, bouncingbet, and others. When native
plants are eliminated or displaced, there is often a cascading effect on the wildlife that depends on
them. Preventing the invasion of non-native plants into the marsh site will depend, in large part, on the
cooperation of neighborhood residents and other surrounding property owners (including BVSD).
Some discussions have already begun between OSMP staff and residents on the need to use alternative
landscaping materials.
e. Opportunities for Partnering with Boulder County
Boulder County owns and manages two open space outlots on the south side of Sombrero Marsh
adjacent to the Reserve subdivision, which include part of the wetland as well as wet and dry grassy
upland areas. Cooperation with Boulder County is essential for current and future management of
Sombrero Marsh. OSMP has previously collaborated with the County in outreach activities with
homeowners who live in the Reserve at Cherryvale, in order to educate residents about the need to
minimize pollutants that can run off to the Marsh. OSMP will pursue additional discussions with
Boulder County to ensure that land management around Sombrero Marsh is coordinated and mutually
supportive. Such coordination is important on such issues as trail development and management of
social trails, dog and bike management, horse management, integrated weed management, and
implementation of best management practices for wetland and water quality management. OSMP will
work with Boulder County on implementing an agreement for the day-to-day management of its two
outlots, in order to ensure cost-effective, integrated land management.
L Possibility of Undergrounding the Xcel Power Line
The power line that runs north-south through Sombrero Marsh bisects the marsh habitat. Many people
feel that it is an ugly eyesore and detracts from the quality of visitor experience to Sombrero Marsh as
a natural area. The effects of the power line on wildlife are unknown. OSMP, BVSD, and Thorne
have all had discussions with Xcel on the possibility of installing this power line underground. The
cost is high, however (estimated at $250,000 by Xcel), and this issue may be a difficult one to resolve.
OSMP does not have adequate funding, by itself, to absorb this cost. Cooperation between the
partners, the affected residents, and Xcel should be initiated to further explore possibilities for
undergrounding.
Agenda Item 5,Page 20
g. Proposed Development at 63'`' and Arapahoe and Associated Marsh Preservation
Opportunities
A significant portion of the Marsh is still in private ownership on the northwest corner of the Marsh
(which extents all the way to the corner of Cherryvale and Arapahoe). Currently there is a
development proposal for this vacant property. This proposal would involve the building of several
Jewish synagogues and some housing. This development could occur only if the property were
annexed to the City of Boulder. Even if this development proposal is not approved, there is still a high
likelihood that this property will be developed in the future. So there may be opportunities for working
with the landowner to preserve the remaining non-public land around the Marsh through some
combination of development exaction and purchase by Open Space and Mountain Parks.
Agenda Item 5,Page 21
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AGENDA ITEM 5 PAGE 22
CITY OF BOULDER
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: September 19, 2001
(Agenda Item Preparation Date: Setpember 7, 2001)
==AGENDAConsideration of the disposition of approximately 22,000 square feet of
wn as the Hatch Property, located just east of Harrison Avenue for flood
es.
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: James C. Crain, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Michael D. Patton, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Wally Cameron, Real Estate Services
Division Manager
Ann Goodhart, Property Agent, Presenter
Alan Taylor, Floodplain and Wetlands
Management
FISCAL IMPACT: None
PURPOSE
To obtain Open Space Board of Trustees recommendation to the City Council to authorize the
disposition of 22,000 square of the Open Space and Mountain Parks (here after referred to as
"OSMP") land known as the Hatch Property located west of Harrison Avenue for flood control
purposes.
BACKGROUND
The Public Works Department has identified critical deficiencies in the existing flood protection
berm for the Willowridge Park Subdivision, located along Harrison Avenue immediately east of
Bear Canyon Creek. During a recently updated study of the Bear Canyon Creek floodplain,prepared
by Love and Associates, Inc., under a City of Boulder contract, the existing berm was found to be
out of compliance with current Federal Emergency Management Agency (here after referred to as
"FEMA") standards for flood protection levees. The berm was also found to have vulnerabilities
to flooding which include low crest elevations subject to possible overtopping and inadequate length
subject to possible flooding around the upstream and downstream ends.
Due to these identified deficiencies the consultant was obligated to omit the flood protection berm
from the updated floodplain study. As a result, the Bear Canyon Creek floodplain in this area without
the flood protection berm would be significantly increased and would adversely impact as many as
42 residential structures containing 58 separate dwelling units. The Public Works Department is
seeking a solution to restore and maintain the effectiveness of the Harrison Avenue berm to avoid
AGENDA ITEM 7, Page 1
such unfortunate results.
The flood protection bean was constructed in 1977, as part of the Willowridge Park Subdivision
development. A floodplain development pen-nit was issued May 5, 1977, to "construct a structure
in the Floodway to prevent Bear Canyon Creek flood flow from entering Willowridge Subdivision
and generally described as a flood protection dike." Additional staff correspondence pertaining to
the 1977 permit also indicated that construction of the 47th Street-Foothills Highway"should require
that the complete highway plan include excavation of a 100 year capacity channel . . . adjacent to
the highway." Subsequent highway construction completed in 1979 did not include the
recommended drainageway improvements, leaving the Harrison Avenue berm as the only flood
protection for the Willowridge neighborhood. Since that time environmental constraints and Open
Space City Charter restrictions would preclude the potential to improve an excavated drainageway
along the Bear Canyon Creek corridor.
The flood protection berm is constructed on Harrison Avenue right-of-way, an adjacent outlot to the
west and City of Boulder OSMP known as the Hatch Property. The outlot which is generally five
feet wide was dedicated as part of the Willowridge Park Filing No. 1 Subdivision to prevent access
from Harrison Avenue for possible development on the property- to the west (now OSMP). This
outlot is currently owned by the `'Willowridge Park Single Family Homeowners Association. The
Hatch Property was dedicated to Open Space in 1986 and effectively prevents development west of
Willowridge Park in the same manner intended by the existing outlot. The flood protection berm was
in existence prior to the Open Space dedication of the Hatch Property and remains as a physical
feature today.
ANALYSIS
The Public Works Department is seeking to correct deficiencies and improve the existing Harrison
Avenue flood protection berm. This effort is intended to mitigate the adverse floodplain impacts to
the Willowridge neighborhood identified in the updated Bear Canyon Creek floodplain study. Public
funding has not previously been prioritized or allocated for this newly identified condition. However,
the upcoming development of the Boulder Community Hospital (here after referred to as "BCH")
East Campus project, approved by Planning Board on August 2, 2001, offers an immediate
opportunity to make critical improvements to the existing flood protection berm. BCH has agreed
to up front construction costs and improve the Harrison Avenue berm in conjunction with BCH
development ahead of a city funded public project. The city would then reimburse BCH over an
extended time frame for expenditures offering community benefit.
Improvement of the bene will require encroachment and construction on the Hatch. The existing
berm averages 25-30 feet in width and immediately borders the existing Harrison Avenue western
curb line. It extends an average 10 —15 feet onto OSMP given the remaining right-of-way west of
the curb and five-foot outlot. Increasing the height of the bene to comply with FEMA standards will
also increase its width. Expansion of the width will require additional encroachment OSMP due to
the location of Harrison Avenue.
The existing flood protection berm will need to be increased in height up to two and a half feet to
meet required"freeboard"of three feet above 100-year flood elevations.Applying the use of 4:1 side
slopes on the berm to enhance the restoration of vegetation and ground cover this increased height
will result in an increased width of up to ten feet on Open Space. Construction access to improve the
AGENDA ITEM 7, Page 2
beim to meet federal standards should be possible from Harrison Avenue such that additional
encroachment or impact onto the Hatch Property is not anticipated.
The flood protection bean will also need to be extended to the south and to the north to prevent
circumvention by flooding. The berm needs to be extended 235 feet to the south to prevent upstream
flooding below the major bend in Bear Canyon Creek at Foothills Parkway. The bet-in is to be
located along the Willowridge Park Townhomes property, connecting with higher ground, and will
replace apparent private landscaping improvements on OSMP. The berth also needs to be extended
150 north on the Hatch Property to prevent flood spills between the existing flood protection berm
and the raised Viewpoint property. Extension of the berm to the north will need to occur primarily
on the Hatch Property due to the existing Pheasant Run Townhomes development.
Non-native plant species are found on the OSMP areas impacted by the flood protection bene and
habitat for critical species is not affected. Overall impacts associated with correcting deficiencies in
and improving the Harrison Avenue flood protection berm will affect and restore approximately
22,000 square feet of the Hatch Property. These impacts should be effectively offset by the
dedication of a 30-acre conservation easement along Boulder Creek and Bear Canyon Creek on the
BCH property north of Arapahoe Avenue and the $50,000 stewardship contribution for the
conservation easement.
PUBLIC COMMENT AND PROCESS
This item is being heard at this public meeting, advertised in the Daily Camera. Property owners
within 600 feet of the project were notified by mail of this agenda itern.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Open Space Board of Trustees pass a motion recommending that the City
Council authorize the disposition of approximately 22,000 square of the Hatch Property for flood
improvements.
Submitted by:
Ja . es C. Crain, Co-Director Michael D. Patton, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks Open Space and Mountain Parks
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map
B. Site Map
AGENDA ITEM 7, Page 3
Attachment
Citv of Boulder Open / r • Mountain Parks
PROPOSED
! i . ♦ CommunityHospital Dedication
andHatch PropertyFlood ControlImprovement
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LEGEND
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= Subject Parcels Atom{ All rights reserved.The map infortnation contained hereon is Intended tot the sole use
City of Boulder Open Space p ^ e of the purchaser and may not be copied,duplicated or redistributed in any way,in whole
by o� or in part,without the expressed written consent of the City of Boulder.
of eou�
Other Public Lands The information depicted is provided as a graphical representation only.While source
e:\mapfiles\property\hospital-vic.apr documents were developed in compliance with National Map Accuracy Standards,the
0 ? 2 3 Miles 1999 aerial photography City of Boulder provides no guarantee,express or implied,as to the accuracy and/or
Approximate property boundaries completeness of the Information contained hereon.
from Boulder County Assessor.
AGENDA ITEM # 7, PAGE 4
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�1 -- Agenda Item 7 page 5
?li.ii
CITY OF BOULDER
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: September 19, 2001
(Agenda Item Preparation Date: September 7, 2001)
AGENDA TITLE: Consideration of acceptance of a Stonn Water and Flood Conveyance and
Open Space Conservation Easement over approximately 31 acres of land located at the Northeast
corner of Foothills Parkway and Arapahoe Avenue as a condition of annexation of the property
owned by Boulder Community Hospital (here after referred to as "BCH") and a $50,000.00
contribution towards the stewardship of the conservation easement.
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: James C. Crain, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Michael D. Patton, Co-Director
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Wally Cameron, Real Estate Services
Division Manager
Ann Goodhart, Property Agent, Presenter
Alan Taylor, Floodplain and Wetlands
Management
FISCAL IMPACT: No initial costs. On going costs associated with the management of the
property will be needed as with all Open Space and Mountain Parks properties.
PURPOSE
To obtain Open Space Board of Trustees acceptance of the dedication for the Stor n Water and Flood
Conveyance and Open Space Conservation Easement and $50,000 contribution towards the
stewardship of the conservation easement.
BACKGROUND
BHC has applied for annexation and site review approval to develop a new hospital at the northeast
corner of Arapahoe Avenue and Foothills Parkway. Boulder Creek forms the northern border of the
property and Bear Canyon Creek crosses the property along a northeasterly alignment from the
southwestern corner. The confluence of the two creeks occurs on-site approximately midway along
the northern boundary. The site is impacted by the 100-year floodplain, conveyance and high hazard
zones of both creeks, and rises towards the southern edge of the historic floodplain corridor near
Arapahoe and 48" Street.
The BCH property is approximately 48.6 acres in area. A total of 17 acres located at the southwest
corner of the property adjacent to the intersection of 48" Street and Arapahoe Avenue is proposed
for development by the hospital. The remainder of the site is to be preserved as a Storm Water and
Flood Conveyance and Open Space Conservation Easement. Much of the property along the two
AGENDA ITEM 6, Page 1
creek corridors has been identified as a valuable natural ecosystem area and contains important
riparian acres, wet meadows wetlands and prairie dog habitat. The current 2001 major update of the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan changes the designation of this property from light industrial
to Environmental Preservation for the 1.6 acres and Public/semi-public for the 17 acres proposed
for the hospital use.
BCH proposes to fill the 17-acre development area to provide a raised land terrace above the
Boulder Creek and Bear Canyon Creek floodplain. The area of proposed fill is located outside of
the regulatory Boulder Creek and Bear Canyon Creek conveyance zones, and fill in this area is
permitted under current federal and local floodplain regulations by the issuance of a floodplain
development permit. Site fill in the development area will raise grades to at least 500-year flood
elevations, removing these areas from the floodplain, and the BCH and related uses will also be
constructed in a manner to ensure flood protection to or above 500 year levels.
An updated floodplain study for Bear Canyon Creek, prepared by Love and Associates, Inc., has
been developed and is currently undergoing a local public review process prior to submittal to
FEMA for regulatory adoption. The updated study reflects an expanded floodplain and conveyance
zone in this area and south of Arapahoe Avenue due to deficiencies in an existing level upstream
along Harrison Avenue. Because of this condition, the proposed BCH site fill will impact the Bear
Canyon Creek conveyance zone and BCH has been required to mitigate any floodplain impacts that
may result under the new floodplain study.
The BCH development plan proposes to mitigate floodplain impacts for Bear Canyon Creek by
increasing conveyance along the creek both on-site and upstream, and will include reconstruction
and upgrading of the existing, substandard levee along the western side of Harrison Avenue. These
upstream and offsite modifications will serve to mitigate 100-year flooding on the filled BCH site
and will also prevent increased flooding into the existing neighborhood south of Arapahoe Avenue.
The BCH provision for offsite modifications to the Bear Canyon Creek corridor upstream offers
community benefits to mitigate increased flooding in the MacArthur Park and Willowridge Park
neighborhoods ahead of public floodplain management program activities. Improvements will
include upgrading the existing flood protection bene that is constructed on Harrison Avenue right-
of-way, and an adjacent outlot to the west owned by the Willowridge Park Single Family
Homeowners Association and on a small portion of City of Boulder Open Space known as the Hatch
Property.
BCH plans to modify grades on-site along the Bear Canyon Creek corridor north of Arapahoe
Avenue in order to increase conveyance and mitigate the impacts of site fill in the 17-acre
development area. Regrading of the creek corridor will provide improved flood capacity through
the existing Arapahoe Avenue culverts that are partially obstructed by downstream topography.
Regrading will only affect the overbank area for Bear Canyon Creek, near Arapahoe and will not
change or channelize the existing stream bed. These overbank areas do not currently include
wetlands,but wetland mitigation is planed to be created in the regraded areas to address expected
wetland impacts to an existing drainage swale along 48" Street and to enhance the environmental
quality of the area. Overall site fill and regrading activities on the BCH property will not affect any
other regulatory wetlands.
AGENDA ITEM 6; Page 2
As part of site development, BCH will be required through annexation and site review to provide
for several improvements on the 31.6-acre area outside of the 17-acre development zone.
Improvements will include floodplain mitigation and conveyance measures, wetlands relocation,
enhancement and mitigation, fire land access and a future trail connection over Boulder Creek to the
existing Greenways trail north of the creek. The Storm Water and Flood Conveyance and Open
Space Conservation Easement will provide for these required improvements will be required to be
dedicated to the public and will serve to protect and preserve the lands outside of the development
area from any further encroachments.
THE EASEMENT
As part of the annexation agreement, BCH is required to dedicate an easement over the remaining
31 acres in a form acceptable to the Storm Water and Flood Management Utility and Open Space
Conservation Easement to the Department of Open Space and Mountain Parks. The Storn-i Water
and conveyance easement portion will cover the entire 31-acre property that remains in the flood
conveyance zone and the open space conservation easement portion will cover approximately 26
acres. This creates a buffer between the open space conservation easement and BCH development
site of approximately 100-150 feet, which will allow for emergency access, vehicle access to the de-
watering areas and the boundary fence. No other permanent structures will be allowed within this
portion of the flood control easement. After lengthy discussions with BCH representatives, the
following important terms have been agreed to:
• Open Space and Mountain Parks will managerne the property with input from Boulder
Community Hospital subject to the stortn water and flood conveyance part of the easement
• Boulder Community Hospital will contribute $50,000 towards stewardship of the Open Space
Conservation Easement
• Boulder Community Hospital will build a fence at its expense between its development site
boundary and the easement
• A trail connection in the northeast portion of the flood and Open Space Conservation Easement
is allowed
• No mining is allowed except for oil and gas extraction from the hospital's developed site
These items are in addition to the more usual terms and conditions of a conservation easement that
is acquired through the development process.
ANALYSIS
Acceptance of this dedication allows substantial acreage to be protected through the development
process without having to spend Open Space and Mountain Parks or flood control funds. Through
the development of the hospital site, significant flood improvements will be made on and off site that
will benefit the area and will contribute to further enhancement of wetlands and wildlife habitat on
and off site along Boulder, Skunk and Bear Creeks. Open Space and Mountain Parks goals will be
achieved through the dedication of this Open Space Conservation Easement. If the easement is not
accepted then the hospital site cannot be developed, flood improvements will not be made and the
Open Space and Mountain Parks values will not be preserved at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENT AND PROCESS
This item is being heard at this public meeting, advertised in the Daily Cafnera.
AGENDA ITEM 6, Page 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff reconunends that the Open Space Board of Trustees pass a motion recommending that the City
Council authorize acceptance of a Storin Water and Flood Conveyance over 31,000 and Open Space
Conservation Easement over approximately 26 acres and a$50,000 contribution towards stewardship
of the Open Space Conservation Easement.
Submktfe-c, by:
�G
James C. Crain, Co-Director Michael D. Patton
Open Space and Mountain Parks Open Space and Mountain Parks
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map
B. Site Map
AGENDA ITEM 6, Page 4
ot f Boulder Open.Space & Mountain Parks
PROPOSED Community Hospital CE Dedication
andHatchProperty Flood ! i Improvement
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LEGEND
'��"f�� ®2001 City of Boulder,Colorado
Subject Parcels �r' All rights reserved.The map information contained hereon is intended for the sole use
City of Boulder Open Space p e of the purchaser and may not be copied,duplicated or redistributed in any way,in whole
�C.800%P4, or in part,without the expressed written consent of the City of Boulder.
Other Public Lands The information depicted is provided as a graphical representation only.While source
® e:\mapfiles\property\hospital-viC.2 pr documents were developed in compliance with National Map Accuracy Standards,the
0 1 2 3 Miles 1999 aerial photography City of Boulder provides no guarantee,express or implied,as to the accuracy and/or
Approximate property boundaries completeness of the information contained hereon.
from Boulder County Assessor.
AGENDA ITEM # 6, PAGE 5
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LEGEND
Proposed OSMP Acquisition ®zool City of Boulder.Colorado
All tights reserved.The map idormavon contained hereon is' o
nlded lorlhe sole use
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City of Boulder Open Space of Me purchaser and may not be copied duplicated cr redistributed in any way,in whole
�OF 80%) or in part,without the expressed—den consent of the Oty at Boulder-
BU//jam'er Ar� The reformation depicted is provided as a graphical representation only.While source
elmapfileslprope rtylhospita 1.a pr documents were developed,,compliance with National Map Accuracy Standards,me
0 300 600 900 1200 Feeim 1999 aerial photography <ptmpcf et-radsrd the mkrtn9 o int-ache onimpued.as to he accuracy and/or
�J Approximate property boundaries
from Boulder County Assessor.
AGENDA ITEM #6, PAGE 6
MEMORANDUM AV
60DJC
To: Susan Richstone, Planning and Development Services
Amy Mueller, City Managers Office
From: Delani Wheeler and Don D'amico, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Date: September 21, 2002
Re: Comments on Proposed South Campus Master Plan—received
September 10, 2001
A major portion of this property, (sometimes referred to as the "Flatirons Property") is
designated Open Space in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP).
On February 20, 2001, Boulder City Council adopted Resolution No. 877 which states
that "the Boulder City Council stands willing to purchase the Flatirons Property from a
willing seller at a fair price, for open space or flood control management purposes, in fee
title or by means of conservation easement; or to contemplate whatever agreement might
lead to the maximum practicable preservation of the Flatirons Property as an
environmental asset , consistent with Boulder Valley comprehensive Plans since 1977."
The City Council has long expressed its wish that a majority of the area remain open
space. Approximately 221 acres of the 308 acre property has been designated open space
since the adoption of the BVCP in 1977. The property is at the gateway to the City, and
any development would be highly visible. This would have a profound impact on the
appearance of the City. If development were to occur, staff would like to work with the
University to ensure that as much of the property as possible is preserved as open space.
Over half of the property boundary is contiguous to acquired City Open Space that
contains extensive natural species and historic floodplains and aquifers that sustain the
habitat and species. In recognition of these qualities, the Colorado Natural Areas Council
has designated these City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks lands as a Colorado
Natural Area. In addition, the neighboring open space provides extensive passive
recreational access. Intensive development of the Flatiron/South Campus property could
put many of these important community values at risk.
Therefore, staff does not recommend that any trails access occur onto open space from
the CU South Campus site except for the existing trail access at the south end of the CU
site east of Marshall Road onto the existing South Boulder Creels Trail. Further, staff
recommends that no trails be developed on top of or to the east of the existing benn on
the east edge of CU's Natural Area so as to minimize potential for increased habitat
fragmentation along the South Boulder Creek flood plain. This area is rich in wetlands
and is demonstrated habitat for endangered species. Staff recommends that no new or
additional recreational accesses be added to the open space in this important riparian
habitat area.
On February 14, 2001, the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) recommended that
City Council not accept the Taggert Phase A report on South Boulder Creek and "that we
start again with a different set of objectives and questions, such as: how to better resolve
the health of the South Boulder Creek System; how to reconnect the floodplain to the
river system; how to address the health and safety of the residents in a fiscally achievable
manner; and that we seek. community based solutions, including the task force (Citizens
Advisory Group) results; and, that the entire water shed, including the potential of
upstream storage, be so considered."
For your information, the OSBT has requested that OS/MP staff forward its preliminary
comments to the OSBT this week and that the combined city response to the site review
be forwarded to the OSBT for its discussion on October 10`h.
CC: OSBT
Management Teain Staff
...wsouilunp092101
CU-Boulder South Opeii House
WELCOME
Thank you for joining us for this open house to review a draft Conceptual Land Use Assessment
for CU-Boulder South.
At this open house, there will be an opportunity to review CU's planning efforts for this property,
with an opportunity to answer your questions. We hope to use this informational session to
receive your feedback and suggestions for this land use assessment.
We have set up stations where you can review the assumptions and analysis leading to the
Conceptual Land Use Assessment. Please start at the beginning stations and work your way
sequentially to the end. There will be CU staff or consultants at each station to answer your
questions.
At the end, please use the space below to provide us with your written comments. We will use
this feedback to help us consider further revisions to the existing draft Conceptual Land Use
Assessment. If you have additional comments or suggestions that you would like to submit
later, please send them to us by e-mail to Land UseAssessmentOD-colorado.edu.
Again, than you for attending this open house.
Comments and Suggestions
Please continue on the back side of this sheet
Additional comments and suggestions
Optional:
(Name)
(Address) (e-mail)
CU-Boulder South Property Information Sheet
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a Conceptual Land Use Assessment?
❑ Shapins Associates, planning consultants from Boulder, have drafted 'a "Conceptual Land Use
Assessment," which identifies the potential of the site for building and outdoor uses at a "bubble
diagram" level of detail. It helps define the goals and principles for future development of the site
while considering the opportunities and constraints and an inventory of existing conditions and site
analysis.
Where is the property being considered?
❑ The property, named "CU-Boulder South" by the CU Board of Regents, is 308 acres of land adjoin-
ing southeast Boulder, located near the confluence of US 36, South Boulder Road, Table Mesa
Drive, and Foothills Highway. It's a large site, with spectacular views of the Flatirons.
What is CU's intent on use of this site?
❑ CU purchased the property in 1996 to help meet the long-term land needs of the Boulder Campus.
❑ The University plans to develop outdoor athletic and recreation facilities on the site over the next
several years. A cross-country running course is already in place. Tennis courts are being planned
to replace those that will be removed on the Main Campus to make way for a new Law School
building. A running track facility and soccer fields are also being considered. Many universities
have such sports complexes separated from their Main Campus in order to allow Main Campus
land to be developed for academic and research facilities.
❑ The University has made a commitment in its master plan to keep Folsom Field at its present loca-
tion. There are no plans to relocate Folsom Field to CU Boulder-South.
❑ No buildings are planned before 2008. In the future, the University may consider appropriate build-
ing uses for the site, but none are planned at this time.
What is the basic conclusion of the Conceptual Land Use Assessment?
❑ The Conceptual Land Use Assessment of the total 308 acres shows: approximately 81.5 acres to
remain as natural areas (including protected wetlands and other habitats); 10.4 acres as ponds; at
least 45 acres identified for flood storage (with some of this area also suitable for athletic fields); at
least 128 acres having building potential; and 32 acres having potential for building or additional
flood storage. Road areas take up the remaining 3.5 acres.
Are University plans compatible with City and County planning?
❑ The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan shows some of the property as open space and some of it
as developable. The Conceptual Land Use Assessment consultants reached a similar conclusion
that some of the property should remain in a natural state and some of it is developable in the
future.
❑ The entire property is designated "213" in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which means
future annexation is anticipated. Sufficient major City utility lines are already in place to serve this
property.
How can the site be developed? Doesn't it flood?
❑ Most of the land is outside of any federal or state designated floodplain. Several governmental
agencies sponsored a flood analysis by Taggart Engineering Associates. Taggart assumed a
hydrology much greater than in previous studies. The Taggart Study suggested that CU-Boulder
South could help the community by accommodating certain flood storage, thus relieving potential
down stream flooding. The Conceptual Land Use Assessment potentially allows for this flood
storage.
❑ The Conceptual Land Use Assessment also respects the recommendation of the City's Independ-
ent Review Committee which suggests that until revised hydrology and flood insurance mapping is
updated, the Taggart Study should be the basis for planning and regulating new development in the
South Boulder Creek floodplain.
❑ The uses planned for those portions of the property where flooding might occur include wetland and
habitat protection, outdoor biological labs, nature study, and outdoor athletic and recreational fields.
How could development of this property affect other properties upstream?
❑ There will be no upstream affect caused by any proposed CU development. CU is not planning to
dam or obstruct current flood flows.
❑ An option that Taggart Engineering considered for flood control along South Boulder Creek was to
build a dam upstream, along Highway 93. CU did not support this dam option.
How could development of this property affect other properties downstream?
❑ Flood studies by Love and Associates and Taggart Engineering discovered that more properties
downstream than previously known could flood, as South Boulder Creek may backup along US 36
and create an additional channel to the west.
❑ In the Conceptual Land Use Assessment, CU has identified lands that would be used for flood stor-
age that would significantly help mitigate potential downstream flooding. CU will continue to work
with the City and County to attempt to identify flood mitigation solutions that can help contribute to
the community's South Boulder Creek floodplain issues.
Will wetlands, endangered and protected species, flood hazard areas, and other natural features
be protected?
❑ Yes, a purpose of the Conceptual Land Use Assessment was to identify these areas that should be
protected and to include the necessary protection in the study. The Conceptual Land Use Assess-
ment identifies, augments, and enhances these natural features.
Will the proposed development create traffic problems on Table Mesa Drive?
❑ The study indicates that the shortest and best driving connection between Main Campus and CU-
Boulder South is along US 36, rather than along Broadway and Table Mesa.
❑ The initial development will create no meaningful addition to traffic during the normal peak hours of
the day. A few times a year, there may be special athletic events that may require special-event
traffic control measures. A major cross-country track meet was heid on site last fall, and traffic was
easily accommodated.
❑ A second access point from Highway 93, south of town, is also planned. This access point and
improved access from US 36 and Foothills Parkway could relieve future potential impact on Table
Mesa Drive.
❑ Access from Highway 93 through the site to Table Mesa Dive or to US 36 is not intended to provide
the "missing link" connection. The connection through the property will be designed in a manner
that would deter using the road as a short cut through the site.
❑ Alternatives to low-occupancy vehicle use will be encouraged. Excellent RTD transit connections
are already in place, transit improvements such as the "Dash" are planned, new bike lanes are
under construction along Table Mesa Drive, and bikes can also access the site from the bike path
along Broadway.
Prepared by the CU-Boulder Office of Facilities Planning, September 12, 2001
CU-Boulder South
Conceptual Land Use Assessment
Cit and Countv Staff Presentation
4
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September 12, 2001
US 36 South Boulder Creek i
North � 1
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CU-Boulder South Aerial View E
1
Background
• Purchased in 1996
• Former gravel quarry
• Consists of 308 acres
• Viewed as strategic acquisition to help
ensure long-term future of CU-Boulder
• Provide access to CU for many years
into future
• No long-term development plans
Background (Con't)
Short-term plans:
— Athletic/recreation fields and facilities
— Cross-country training course
— Pedestrian/bike paths
— Grazing
2
Conceptual Land Use Assessment
• Purpose - Identify potential for building
and outdoor uses
• Conducted by Shapins and Associates
Conceptual Land Use
Assessment — What It Is?
• Defines goals and principles
• Considers opportunities and constraints
• Provides inventory of existing conditions and
site analysis
• Assesses appropriate land uses at "bubble"
level detail
• Provides siting tool for future development
proposals (i.e., tennis courts)
3
Conceptual Land Use
Assessment — What It Isn't?
• Not a master site development plan
• Does not show specific buildings and
facilities
• Does not show specific road alignments
• Does not provide final engineering
details
• Does not provide cost estimates
CU-Boulder South
Goals and Principles
• Identify lands suitable for long-term
building potential, wetland and habitat
protection, and flood detention
• Meet Urban Drainage District criteria for
drainage and flood protection
• Incorporate Campus athletic and
recreation needs into flood detention
areas where practical
4
CU-Boulder South
Goals and Principles
(continued)
• Provide efficient links to existing roads and
highways and encourage alternative
transportation
• Develop utility infrastructure plan that is
scalable
• Provide reasonable buffers to surrounding
land uses
• Incorporate flood storage to assist in solving
community flood issues
CU-Boulder South
Opportunities
• Last large land parcel close to Main Campus
• Approx. 1 .5 miles from Main Campus
• Excellent views of mountains and Flatirons
• Most land outside of floodplain
• Good access potential to major roads and
highways
• Can potentially be annexed to City
• Significant water rights obtained with property
s
CU-Boulder South
Constraints
• South Boulder Creek flood issues
• Some steep slopes
• Some wetland and habitat issues
• Some community opposition to future
development
Existing Conditions Composite
Analysis
• Regional Context
• Land Use Context
• Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
• City and County Zoning
• Regional and local transit
• Trail interfaces
• Site Utilities Opportunities and Constraints
• Visual Analysis - Ground Level
• Visual Analysis - Building Level
6
Existing Conditions Composite
Analysis
• South Boulder Creek Watershed
• South Boulder Creek Flood Hazard
• South Boulder Creek Floodplain Maps
• Depth to Shale Analysis
• Existing Landscape Character
• Slope Analysis
• Depth to Groundwater Map
• Wetlands and Vegetation
_ - Draft Framework Plan
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CU-Boulder South
Conceptual Land Use Assessment
Results
• 128 acres potentially developable for
buildings
• 82 acres preserved for natural areas
(wetlands and habitat)
• 10 acres for ponds (8 acres for irrigation)
• 200-300 foot separation from most neighbors
• Potential direct access to Highways 93 and
36
• City water and waste water utilities adjacent
to property
CU-Boulder South
Conceptual Land Use Assessment
Results (continued)
• 45 acres set aside for flood storage
• Additional 32 acres reserved for
buildings or flood storage
• Flood storage could potentially remove
1 ,241 downstream structures from flood
plain
• Flood storage could include athletic and
recreation fields
8
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Previous Reviews
• DRB- Initial Review
• BCPC — Initial Review
• CU Real Estate Council
• CU — Real Estate Council
Subcommittee on CU — Boulder South
• CEC — Initial Review
Upcoming Reviews
• City Staff Presentation — September
• Citizen Open House — September
• DRB - Final Review — October
• BCPC - Final Review — October
• CEC Final Review - October
• Capital Planning Committee Review -
November
• Potential Action by Board of Regents -
November
10
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NEWS RELEASE
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001
CITY OF BOULDER
Contact: Jana Petersen, Media Relations, (303) 441-3090
Jennifer Bray, Media Relations, (303) 441-3090
City Web site: www.ci.boulder.co.us
Open Space and Mountain Parks Web site:
www.ei.boulder.co.usil'opensL)ace/
Bear activity requires trail closures
Bear activity on city of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks requires the closure of
trails for public safety. The following trails are closed:
• Mesa Trail, south of the south fork of the Shanahan Trail to the spur to
Shadow Canyon
• Upper Big Bluestein Trail
• Upper McClintock Trail
Please check trailhead information boards and obey all closure postings. All use is
restricted to designated, signed trails. Anyone using trails west of Broadway/Highway 93
is asked to exercise caution and avoid drainage areas with concentrated growth of fruiting
shrubs where bears may be feeding.
"We strongly urge the public to obey these closures, stay on trail where trails remain
open, and keep dogs on leash, even voice- and sight-trained dogs. Going off trail creates a
greater danger of encountering a bear," said Pete Taylor, ranger with city of Boulder
Open Space and Mountain Parks.
Entering a closed area may result in a court summons and a fine of$1,000 and/or 90 days
in jail. Rangers, staff and volunteers will be monitoring these areas for public safety.
"Bears are clearly feeding in these areas and relying on them pretty heavily this time of
year. If we can keep people out of these areas until the bears have moved on, then we can
minimize the risk of people or bears being hurt. We fully support these trail closures and
agree that it is the best alternative, given the recent patterns of activity in the area," said
Tina Jungwirth, district wildlife manager for the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Information:
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, (303) 441-3440.
Colorado Division of Wildlife, (303)297-1192.
Attachment: Bear Fact Sheet
--CITY--
What if you meet a bear?
Suppose you see a bear, and it's close. Don't think it's small and hai7nless. Remember bears are the
largest predators in Colorado. Sometimes a bear will stand up on its hind feet. Don't be too alarmedit is
just trying to get a better look and sniff at you.
• Always stay on trail
• Do not run.
• Never approach the bear.
• Call small children to your side.
• Keep dogs leashed, even if they are voice and sight trained. Don't let dogs bark at or harass a bear.
• Speak to the bear in a monotone voice, so it will know you're there.
• Back away from the bear slowly.
• If attacked, fight back vigorously.
• Once you are safe, report the incident immediately to city of Boulder Open Space and Mountain
Parks, (303) 441-3440, or the Colorado Division of Wildlife, (303) 297-1192.
Bears' natural food often grows in shrubby canyons like Gregory, Skunk, Bluebell or Doudy Draw. You
may want to avoid these trails during late summer and fall. Bears are afraid of humans and usually steer
clear of high-traffic trails.
A mother(sow) with cubs is especially dangerous. A sow may charge you or your dog if she senses a
threat. Check information boards at trailheads for postings of bear activity before you hike.
Never feed bears
• Once bears have learned to associate people with food, they become problem bears. In Colorado, a
bear only gets two strikes before it must be shot.
• Feeding bears and other types of wildlife is illegal and could be detrimental to the animal's health and
well-being.
Garbage kills bears
• Pack out all your garbage, even fruit peels, when hiking and camping.
• Store home waste in a closed garage or use a bear-proof trash can. Clean trash cans often.
• Put garbage out only on the morning of pick-up.
Bear proof your home
• Store pet food and feed pets inside your home.
• Close and lock doors and windows when you leave home.
• Store grills inside when not in use.
• Do not put food items in mulch or compost.
• Do not use fish mulch in your garden.
Bird feeders attract bears
• Take down bird feeders from April until November. There are plenty of natural food sources for birds
at that time.
Protect Your Vehicles
• Do not store food or food containers in vehicles.
• Do not use food-scented air fresheners in your vehicle.
Scare That Bear
• Negative experiences with humans teach bears to stay away from populated areas.
• If a bear attempts to enter your home, you should yell, throw rocks, and slam doors to discourage it.
TEMPORAR Y TRAIL CLOSURES FOR BEARS
C1 T Y OF BOULDER Open Space a Mountain Parks
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