12.06.23 OSBT PacketOpen Space Board of Trustees
December 6, 2023
MEETING AGENDA
(Please note that times are approximate.)
I. (6:05) Approval of the Minutes
II. (6:10) Public Comment for Items not Identified for Public Hearing
III. (6:25) Matters from the Board
A. Comments/Questions from Trustees on Written Information memos or
public comment (10 min)
B. OSBT Retreat Follow-Up: OSBT Rules of Procedure Approval (15 min)
IV. (6:50) *Public hearing and consideration of a staff recommendation to the Open Space
Board of Trustees on assigning management area designations to specific Open
Space and Mountain Parks properties that are without a designation (75 min)
V. (8:05) Matters from the Department
A. Update on Climate Action (50 minutes)
B. Director Updates (5 min)
a. Upcoming Community Meeting on Prairie Dog Management
and Restoration of Irrigated Ag Fields
VI. (9:00) Adjourn
*Public Hearing
Written Information
A. Gebhard Integrated Site Project
B. Fort Chambers / Poor Farm Site Management Plan Update
Open Space Board of Trustees
Members:
Dave Kuntz
(2019-2024)
Harmon Zuckerman
(2023-2025)
Michelle Estrella
(2021-2026)
Jon Carroll
(2022-2027)
Brady Robinson
(2023-2028)
Open Space Board of Trustees
*TENTATIVE Board Items Calendar
(Updated November 28, 2023)
December 11, 2023
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Annual Prairie Dog
Management Community
Update
(a virtual meeting format)
January 17, 2024
(please note date change)
February 14, 2024
OSMP staff will provide the
community with an update on
prairie dog conservation and
management on OSMP lands
including 2023 accomplishments
and planned 2024 work on
restoration of irrigated
agricultural lands.
Matters from the Board:
• Trustee questions on
Written Memo items or
public comment (10 min)
Action Items:
Matters from the Department:
• Update on OSMP's 2024-
2025 Strategic
Enhancements in relation to
Annual Budget and Work
Planning Development (45
min)
• South Boulder Creek Flood
Mitigation Project: Staff
Update on Request to
Utilize OSMP-managed
lands for flood mitigation
purposes (105 min)
• Director verbal updates (5
min)
Matters from the Board:
• Trustee questions on
Written Memo items or
public comment (15 min)
Action Items:
• Utility Easement Request
related to undergrounding
utilities in the Chautauqua
area (30 min)
Matters from the Department:
• Fee study update (45 min)
• Annual prairie dog update,
summary of 12/11/23
community meeting and
planned 2024 management
(45 min)
• Director verbal updates (5
min)
*All items are subject to change. A final version of the agenda is posted on the webpage the week of the
OSBT meeting.
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Action Minutes
Meeting Date November 8, 2023
Record of this meeting can be found here: https://bouldercolorado.gov/government/watch-board-
meetings (video start times are listed below next to each agenda item).
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Dave Kuntz, Chair
Michelle Estrella, Vice-Chair
Jon Carroll
Brady Robinson
Harmon Zuckerman
OSMP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Dan Burke Jeff Haley Heather Swanson Jennelle Freeston Brian Anacker
Chris Wanner Paul Dennison Leah Russell Sam McQueen Andy Pelster
Tory Poulton Lauren Kilcoyne Will Keeley
Guests from Boulder Fire Rescue
Kerry Webster, Wildland Operations Specialist
Brian Oliver, Wildland Division Chief
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Approval of the Minutes (3:30)
Michelle Estrella moved the Open Space Board of Trustees to adopt the minutes from Oct. 11, 2023 as
amended. Dave Kuntz seconded. This motion passed unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – Public Participation for Items not Identified for Public Hearing (20:00)
David Olscamp spoke about the Voice and Sight Tag program.
Paula Shuler spoke about neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie dogs.
Elizabeth Black spoke about neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie dogs.
Dan Moorer spoke about neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie dogs.
Robert Murphy spoke about neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie dogs.
Lindsay Hitchcock Cushman spoke about neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie
dogs.
Robert Murphy spoke about neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie dogs.
Lynn Segal spoke about the OSMP budget and CU-South.
AGENDA ITEM 4 – Matters from the Board (54:00)
The Board asked questions about the neighbor relations on irrigated agricultural lands with prairie dogs
memo. They acknowledged the comments from the public and noted that they take those perspectives
Agenda Item 1 Page 1
seriously. Brady asked staff about mowing weeds before going to seed even if it means doing multiple
times; do we have the in-house ability to attempt to meet this request. In regard to the December open
house, it was asked if topics that came up during public comment could be brought to that meeting. It was
additionally suggested that staff should look at finding a middle ground/alternate gatherings between the
annual meeting where everyone is invited and one-on-one meetings.
The Board reviewed the OSBT Rules of Procedure document. Edits will be sent to the City Attorney’s
Office for review and this item will return to the OSBT in December for approval.
The Board reviewed their time on the joint field trip with POSAC as well as visits to the North Sky Trail.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters from the Department (1:46:00)
Brian Anacker, Science and Climate Resilience Sr Manager, Paul Dennison, Wildland Fire Sr Program
Manager, and Brian Oliver, Wildland Division Chief, presented the Wildland Fire Resilience Program
Update: CWPP and Strategic Wildfire mitigation Enhancements. The Board asked questions about
wildfire management, the WUI management program, and prescribed fire.
Will Keeley, Senior Wildlife Ecologist, and Heather Swanson, Interim Deputy Director Resource and
Stewardship, Ecological Stewardship Senior Manager, presented the 2023 Wildlife Program Update. The
Board asked about the mule deer data and what staff is doing with this research. They also asked about
what has changed with the cattail habitat.
Dan Burke gave an update on Lisa Dierauf’s retirement from the department and highlighted her tenure
and accomplishments. He also recognized Jen Sherry who is leaving the department after 22 years.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
These draft minutes were prepared by Leah Russell
Agenda Item 1 Page 2
RULES OF PROCEDURE
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ARTICLE I
TRUSTEE EXPECTATIONS AND CONDUCT OF TRUSTEES
1.Trustees shall conduct their duties in accordance with the City Charter, Article XII, Sections
174 and 175; and BRC 2-7, 2-3-1, and 2-3-9.
1.2.Trustees shall conduct themselves with proper decorum and treat their fellow Board members
and staff with respect at all times.
3.It is expected that Trustees shall fulfill their service to the public by regularly attending
business and special meetings, study sessions, field trips, and retreats of the Board. and open
houses. All of these are integral to the business of the Open Space Board of Trustees (the
“OSBT” or the “Board”) and are included in attendance expectations.
2.4.Should a Trustee fail to attend to their service expectations as outlined aboveregularly fail to
meet attendance expectations, the Board may vote to recommend to City Council the removal
of such Trustee for nonattendance to duty.
3.5. Trustees shall conduct themselves with proper decorum and treat their fellow Board members
and staff with respect at all times.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
1.The Board shall elect officers at its first regular meeting after the City Council has made its
annual appointment of new Board members, or at any other time that it may become
necessary to elect officers.
2.The Chair shall accept nominations from the floor for the officers to be elected which are
Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
3.The Chair shall preside at all meetings and public hearings of the Board; shall decide on all
points of order or procedure; and may assist in the preparation of special reports. The terms
of office shall generally be for one year, however if decided upon by the Board, the Chair
may preside for two successive terms.
4.The Vice-Chair shall assume the duties of the Chair in their absence. To promote smootha
smooth transition, the Vice-Chair will be included in agenda setting meetings, as an observer,
starting in January of each year.
5. The Secretary shall be responsible for and maintainmaintaining the records of the Board and
shall perform such other duties as the Board may require and shall typically be the Director
of the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (Director) or their delegate.
Agenda Item 3B Page 1
ARTICLE III
MEETINGS
1.The Board shall have regular meetings at least once a month. There shall typically be a
meeting held on the second Wednesday of each month. If a second meeting is deemed
necessary, it shall generally be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Generally,
meetings shall occur at the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building or the Open Space and
Mountain Parks Administration Office. However, other locations may be used as necessary
and noticed. The Chair and Director may agree to forego a meeting if the situation warrants.
2.Study sessions of the Board may be held as necessary at the request of Open Space and
Mountain Parks staff, the Chair, or City Council. Such study sessions may be held at such
time and public place as may be designated by the Chair and Director, provided that notice
is given to the public and to each member as required by Section 2-3-1, B.R.C 1981. The
purpose of a study session shall be for information and discussion purposes only, and votes
on actions shall not be taken at such meetings. Study sessions will be open to the public;
however, there will be no public participation unless specifically requested by the Chair.
3.Special meetings of the Board for purposes of public participation and action by the Board
may be called by any three members of the Board as provided in Section 174, City Charter,
Article XII.
4.Board Field trips may be scheduled by the Chair and the Director.
5.In-person meeting attendance is preferred. Upon notification to the Chair and the Director,
and if technology allows, virtual meeting attendance to meetings is permitted.
6.Consent agenda – action items needing less discussion or which are not deemed to be
controversial may be placed on the consent agenda, the procedure for which will be the same
as the consent agenda procedure adopted by City Council
7.The order of business at all regular meetings of the Board will generally be as follows:
a)Call to order and roll call
b)Approval of minutes of previous meeting(s)
c)Public Participation for Items Not Identified for a Public Hearing
d)Consent Agenda (upon approval of the Director and Chair)
d)e) Public Hearing Items
e)f) Matters from the Department
f)g) Matters from the Board
g)h) Adjournment
However, the agendas may be adjusted at the discretion of the Director or the Chair.
8.All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public and publicly noticed by any reasonable
means in accordance with Colorado Open Meeting Laws, Section 24-6-401, et seq., prior to
Agenda Item 3B Page 2
each meeting, and the meeting process shall be as described in City of Boulder Charter, Article
XII Sections 174, 175, and 177, City Charter, Article XII.
a) Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, and an affirmative vote of at
least three members shall be necessary to authorize any action of the Board. Any
disposal of Open Space land and assets shall require an affirmative vote of at least
three members after a public meeting held in conformance with Charter Section 177.
Said Charter Section requires at least 10 days’ notice and subsequent approval by
City Council, followed by a sixty-day waiting period, during which time a petition
may be filed requiring that such disposal be submitted for a vote of the electors.
b) When the disposal of any interest in Open Space land as defined in the City Charter is
proposed, written notice shall be mailed to owners of property and residents within
600 feet of the boundaries of the Open Space land proposed for disposition. This will
include, at a minimum, the location of the land in question and the intended disposal
thereof together with the date, hour and location of the board meeting where such a
proposed disposition will be considered.
9. Public participation.imitation of time.
a) Public participation shall ordinarily be limited to three minutes per speaker per item.
However, the Chair may determine speaking time for all speakers during public
participation depending on number of speakers and time available. All speakers
wishing to pool their time must be present, and time allotted will be determined by
the Chair, not to exceed ten minutes total. Speakers are requested not to repeat items
addressed by previous speakers other than to express points of agreement or
disagreement.
b) In general, follow-up questions from Board members to community members who
speak during any public participation will be limited to clarifying questions.
The Chair may suspend or shorten any individual speaker’s public input if such
speaker expresses themself with a lack of decorum or respect, or, for example, makes
personal attacks or uses violent or hateful speech.
c) The Chair will help support and uphold the city’s vision for productive and inclusive
civic conversations. ; a vision that supports physical and emotional safety for
everyone, as well as promoting democracy for people of all ages, identities, lived
experiences, and political perspectives.
10. A majority of the Board may delegate or appoint the Chair and/or other members of the
Board to assist in the presentation of the Board recommendations to the City Manager or to
the City Council. Any presentation of a recommendation should also include a brief synopsis
of any dissent.
Agenda Item 3B Page 3
ARTICLE IVII
AGENDAS
1.The Director shall provide the members of the Board with the necessary information for
performance of their duties.
2.An interested party requesting time on an agenda needs to present the proposed agenda topic
in writing to the Director with sufficient notice (ordinarily one month) in order to be
considered for the “three-month outlook” Board calendar.
3.The Director and the Chair may postpone or reschedule certain pending agenda topics until
sufficient meeting time may be available for the Board’s proper review of such topics.
4.The Director and Chair will strive to create agendas that allow meetings to end in a reasonable
time. The Board's goal is that meetings adjourn by 9:00 p.m. Agenda items that have not yet
commenced by 9:00 p.m. shall not be taken up at that meeting except by majority vote of
Board members present.
4.5. Staff shall make a reasonable effort to submit detailed reports including meeting agendas and
information concerning agenda topics to the Board members at least five days prior to the
meeting. Such staff reports shall be in sufficient detail to provide Board members with basic
facts on each topic on the agendas and an adequate description of the problems so that
members may be prepared at the Board meeting to consider the topic without need for lengthy
review at the meeting of basic information considering such topics.
5.6. In general, substantive topics that would either require significant amounts of time or staff
preparation to properly address, should be outlined a month in advance under the OSBT’s
“three-month outlook” calendar, which is provided in each month’s Board packet. If there are
changes to this calendar, a one-month notice will be provided to the Board via the Chair and/or
Director.
6.7. Changes to the agendas or the calendar, and reasons for those changes, will be provided to the
Board via the Director as expeditiously as possible.
7.8. Consent agenda – action items needing less discussion or which are not deemed to be
controversial may be placed on the consent agenda, the procedure for which will be the same
as the consent agenda procedure adopted by City Council.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES
1.The Board may establish such committees as it deems advisable and assign each committee
specific duties or functions.
2.The Chair shall designate the members of each committee. The members of the committee
shall elect their chair.
3.No member of the Board shall be required to serve on more than two committees
simultaneously.
Agenda Item 3B Page 4
ARTICLE VI
RECORDS
1.The Secretary shall maintain an accurate record of all studies, plans, reports and
recommendations of the Board and the discharge of its duties and responsibilities. In addition,
minutes of Board meetings will record decisions reached/action taken, and topics addressed in
the discussion but not all the points made in the discussion that went into making the decisions.
Action minutes serve the purpose of keeping minutes and transactions as the official record for
this Board. Minority opinions shall be drafted by the initiating member(s) and provided to the
Secretary for inclusion within the minutes.
2.Records of the OSBT shall be available for public viewviewing in conformance with the State
Open Records Act.
ARTICLE VI I
INTERESTS OF MEMBERS
1.Those Board members who have a conflict of interest and feel participation in deliberations
pursuant to Section 2-7-1, et.seq., B.R.C. constitutes a conflict of interest shall disqualify
themselves from discussion and voting.
2.Individual Board members who appear before, or who write to, duly constituted bodies or
officials shall not represent the Board as an official representative unless that individual has
been so designated by consensus of the Board, when, at its discretion, it wishes to express
views relating to Open Space activities or to policies which may affect Open Space. If the
Board is not in complete agreement about the matter under consideration, then no
representation of the entire Board is permissible.
3.Anytime Board members express a personal opinion to the media about topics the Board is
addressing, they should make clear that such opinion is a personal perspective and does not
represent the views of the rest of the Board. Opinions expressed by Board Member(s) should
be carefully considered given that the Board consists of five members.
ARTICLE VIII
ADOPTION
1.These rules of procedure may be amended by an affirmative vote of three Board members
provided the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to each member of the Board
at least three days prior to the scheduled meeting.
Voted on and adopted by the Open Space Board of Trustees this ____ day of ____________ 2023.
Agenda Item 3B Page 5
CITY OF BOULDER
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: December 6, 2023
AGENDA TITLE
Public hearing and consideration of a staff recommendation to the Open Space Board of
Trustees on assigning management area designations to specific Open Space and Mountain
Parks properties that are without a designation
PRESENTER/S
Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Kacey French, Planning and Design Senior Manager
Juliet Bonnell, Planner
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2005, the Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Visitor Master Plan (VMP) established a
landscape context for planning and identified four Management Area Designations (MADs):
Passive Recreation Areas (PRA), Agricultural Areas (AA), Natural Areas (NA), and Habitat
Conservation Areas (HCA). The VMP designated MADs for the acquired OSMP land at the time
and the current designations of MADS are shown in Attachment A.
As described in a written update to the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) in October 2023,
mainly due to acquisitions after the 2005 VMP, there are currently approximately 40 OSMP
properties that do not have MADs. These properties total approximately 1,450 acres or 4% of the
total acreage of lands managed by OSMP. The purpose of this project is to fill in these
management gaps on the OSMP system by designating MADs for these properties in a way that is
consistent and compatible with the already designated MADs. This will support Master Plan
Strategy: FS. 8) Evaluate existing real estate assets on OSMP lands. Designating MADs to these
properties will also support future geographic specific planning (i.e., Integrated Site Planning)
and other land management operational decisions by providing overall context and guidance on
the management emphasis of properties to ensure compatibility of visitor use with natural,
agricultural and cultural resources across the OSMP system.
Staff has divided the approximately 40 properties without MADs into four groups of properties
based on geographic location as shown in Attachment B. Staff is now seeking OSBT feedback
on the recommended MADs for the first group of properties in the southern portion of the OSMP
system as shown in Attachment C.
The main considerations for the recommended MADs are the landscape context (i.e., MADs of
adjacent properties) and the criteria as defined in the VMP as shown in Attachment D. In
Agenda Item 4 Page 1
addition to recommending MADs staff has also reviewed and made recommendations for the
open/closed status of each property.
In summary, three properties are being recommended as HCA which require Board
recommendations to City Council. Six properties are being recommended as Natural Areas and
therefore do not require a Board recommendation to City Council. And one property is still being
evaluated by staff and a recommendation will be brought to the board at a later date.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests that the Open Space Board of Trustees make a motion to:
1) recommend that the Boulder City Council approve inclusion of the Depoorter II
property as part of the Southern Grasslands Habitat Conservation Area, and
2) recommend that the Boulder City Council approve inclusion of the Campbell
Overlook and Lauffenberger properties as part of the Tallgrass Prairie East Habitat
Conservation Area
Staff is also seeking feedback and guidance on the open/closed status of properties and assigning
the staff recommended management area designation of Natural Area to the Shanahan Ranch,
Wille, Delier Ranch, Stengel II Pond, and Matterhorn I and II properties.
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENTS AND IMPACTS
• Economic – Designating MADs will support future management of these properties by
providing overall context and guidance which will improve the open space land system
which supports the city’s quality of life, attracts visitors, and helps businesses to recruit
and retain quality employees.
• Environmental – This project will help to ensure compatibility of visitor use with natural,
agricultural and cultural resources across the OSMP system and therefore help to ensure
natural and cultural resource protection.
• Social – Designating MADs to these properties will support future geographic specific
planning (i.e., Integrated Site Planning) where visitor access and recreation opportunities
are designated. By providing guidance on the overall management emphasis of
properties MADs ensure compatibility of visitor use with natural, agricultural and
cultural resources across the OSMP system.
OTHER IMPACTS
• Fiscal – Implementation costs associated with any property improvements to support
MAD designation or open/closed status changes are anticipated to be minor and expenses
are anticipated in the operating budget.
• Staff time – Staff time spent on the development of recommendations and
implementation of the MAD and property access recommendations are part of normally
allocated staff time for OSMP staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT AND PROCESS
This item is being heard as part of this public meeting advertised in the Daily Camera on
Dec. 3, 2023.
Agenda Item 4 Page 2
ANALYSIS
The MAD recommendations proposed are shown on the map in Attachment E. The main
considerations for recommending MADs are the landscape context (i.e., the MADs of adjacent
properties) and the criteria as defined in the VMP. The VMP established a landscape approach
and framework for MADs. While there is some variation in values and resources among
properties within an area, overall, the values and resources are more similar than not. MADs are
meant to provide broad brushstrokes for guidance on the overall management emphasis for areas.
There are other more site-specific tools available to manage for the variation of values and
resources within a landscape context such as thoughtful design in site planning, the application of
visitor regulations, and other wildlife or natural resource closures. When considering the
landscape context and the VMP criteria for the Group One properties staff found most properties
were similar to the adjacent properties in terms of values and resources. In the couple of
instances where this was not the case the landscape context still heavily informed the
recommended MAD because the surrounding MAD provided the best context for future property
management and/or future site planning efforts.
Three properties: Depoorter II, Campbell Overlook, and Lauffenberger are being recommended
to be designated as HCAs. Six properties: Shanahan Ranch, Wille, Delier Ranch, Stengel II
Pond, and Matterhorn I and II are being recommended to be designated as Natural Areas. Due to
complicated circumstances discovered during this process, the Salaman property will be brought
to the board at a later date. Details about the properties and considerations for the
recommendations are provided below.
Staff’s recommendations on whether the properties should be open or closed are also listed below
and shown on the map in Attachment F. Upon acquisition, new properties are generally closed to
public access and remain closed until the management area designation process. In some cases,
properties have had a follow up assessment that has resulted in the property being opened to
public access in cases where no resource sensitivities or safety hazards have been identified.
Currently, five properties, Campbell Overlook, Lauffenberger, Wille, Matterhorn I and II are
open to public access and all are recommended to remain open. Four are closed, Depoorter II,
Shanahan Ranch, Delier Ranch, and Stengel II Pond and two, Deporter II and Shanahan, are
recommended to remain so and two, Delier Ranch and Stengel II Pond are recommended to be
open. Seasonal or area closures may be considered on some of the properties opened through this
process to provide natural resource or other sensitive resource protection consistent with OSMP’s
systemwide management policies. Details about the properties and considerations for the
recommendations are provided below.
Habitat Conservation Area Recommendations
Depoorter II
The approximately 2-acre Depoorter II property is recommended to be designated as HCA and
added to the Southern Grasslands HCA because it is adjacent to and shares similar high natural
resource values as this existing HCA. As part of the expansive Coal Creek riparian corridor this
property is in alignment with VMP criteria for HCA as a large habitat block, high biodiversity
area, and important wildlife corridor used by many species of animals and birds as habitat for
nesting, foraging, and migration. This property, along with other adjacent and nearby properties
along the Coal Creek riparian corridor, is currently closed. The adjacent and nearby properties
along the Coal Creek riparian corridor were originally closed as part of the Coal Creek Riparian
Protection and Restoration Project in 1999 and guidance to maintain restricted public access for
the Coal Creek Riparian Restoration Area was included in the Marshall Mesa-Southern
Grasslands Trail Study Area Plan in 2005. For consistency with this guidance, the Depoorter II
Agenda Item 4 Page 3
property is recommended to remain closed to allow for the continued protection of the creek
corridor and associated habitat.
Campbell Overlook
This approximately 4-acre property is adjacent to other OSMP properties designated as the
Tallgrass Prairie East HCA and has similar high resource values and will contribute to
maintaining important grasslands to Boulder’s eastern perimeter. In addition to its important
grasslands with unique plant communities that are in alignment with VMP criteria for HCA, the
property is also part of a large habitat block with high scenic value that is highly visible from the
Boulder-Denver Turnpike and is considered a “gateway” property to the Boulder Valley. During
acquisition, it was indicated that staff intended for this property to be designated as HCA. The
property is currently open to public access and the recommendation is that it continue to remain
open since no related visitor impacts have occurred to the property’s natural or scenic resources.
Lauffenberger
The less than 1-acre Lauffenberger property is adjacent to the Tallgrass Prairie East HCA. The
property was purchased with the original intent of pursuing the possibility of providing a larger
trail connection from the Richardson I property to the Church-East property within the Tallgrass
Prairie East HCA. Other than the Lauffenberger property no other acquisitions have been
obtained for this longer trail connection. The resource value of Lauffenberger is solely in its
recreational or access potential. Minimal natural or agricultural resource values exist within this
10-foot-wide corridor. A determination on whether a trail connection in this area is still desirable
would be considered during a future site planning process focused on the Tallgrass Prairie East
HCA. While the resource values of this property are not in alignment with the VMP criteria for
HCA, it is recommended to be designated as HCA because the planning for this property would
occur within the HCA landscape context. It has also been noted that if a trail connection is not
desired and the recreational value is not determined to be high, disposal of this property could be
considered. This property is currently open and recommended to remain open.
Natural Area Recommendations
Shanahan Ranch
The approximately 179-acre Shanahan Ranch property has similar high value resources as
adjacent OSMP properties that are Natural Areas. Given its interspersed relatively high natural,
agricultural, and recreational values described below that are consistent with the VMP criteria for
Natural Area and its similarity to the adjacent lands, staff is recommending a Natural Area
designation. Shanahan Ranch includes higher-elevation grasslands that are part of the Colorado
Tallgrass Prairie State Natural Area. Shanahan’s tallgrass prairie has high biodiversity and
provides important habitat for birds and other wildlife. The irrigated lower-elevation grasslands
support important aquatic and riparian habitat in and around the property’s ponds. Shanahan
Ranch also includes a residence and important agricultural infrastructure and resources such as
irrigated hayfield and pasture and native grassland pasture. This property also has high scenic
value and potentially high recreational value as it is near an extensive network of OSMP managed
trails. Upon acquisition this property was closed to the public to prevent impacts to resource
values from unmanaged visitor access from nearby residential areas and existing adjacent
undesignated trails. It is recommended that this property remain closed to prevent expansion of
undesignated trails onto this property and that further evaluation of potential recreational
opportunities take place during a future site planning process.
Wille
This less than 1-acre property was acquired with the intent that it could provide a trail connection
from Marshall Road to Highway 93 and with an underpass connect to OSMP’s trails and the since
Agenda Item 4 Page 4
removed Open Space Operations Center that was located west of Highway 93 at the time of
acquisition. The feasibility and cost of an underpass has not yet been explored but would be
challenging and significant. The property has relatively low ecological value and has ongoing
weed management challenges. A determination on whether the trail connection is still desirable
and feasible would occur within a future site planning process focused on the Natural Area
designated lands west of 93 and the Shanahan Ranch property which is recommended as a
Natural Area. While the natural resource values of this property are not consistent with the VMP
criteria for Natural Area, it is recommended to be designated as Natural Area because the
planning for this property would occur within the Natural Area landscape context. If this future
site planning process determines a trail connection is not desired and the recreational value is not
determined to be high, disposal of this property could be considered. This property is currently
open and recommended to remain open.
Delier Ranch
The approximately 25-acre Delier Ranch property has similar high value natural resources as
surrounding OSMP Natural Areas. This property’s interspersed relatively high natural and
agricultural resource values are in alignment with the VMP’s criteria for Natural Area. Its natural
resource values include the Davidson Ditch corridor, a pond, high quality grasslands with suitable
habitat for Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, northern leopard frog, and rare dwarf leadplant.
Agricultural values identified on this property are its suitability for grazing purposes and a
historic home that has been renovated with the intent to house an agricultural tenant. The Delier
Ranch property is currently closed to public access, but it is recommended the property be opened
because the surrounding OSMP properties with similar resources are open. These surrounding
properties do not have evidence of off-trail access or disturbance.
Stengel II Pond
This approximately 1-acre property has similar valuable natural resources as adjacent and
surrounding OSMP Natural Areas including scenic vistas, mixed grass prairie and riparian
shrublands. These relatively high resource values, as well as this property’s man-made ephemeral
pond that may support northern leopard frogs are also in alignment with the VMP’s criteria for
Natural Area. This property is currently closed, but it is recommended it be opened to public
access because all surrounding OSMP properties are open. The Doudy Draw Trail is nearby yet
there is no evidence of off-trail access or disturbance to the pond or this property from nearby
visitor use on the trail.
Matterhorn I and II
The approximately 3-acre Matterhorn I property and approximately 4-acre Mattterhorn II
property which are adjacent to each other contain similar resource values as the adjacent OSMP
Natural Areas including important mixed and tallgrass communities. These properties are part of
the large grassland habitat block in this area that supports rare grassland plant communities and
high-quality wildlife habitat for species such as Grasshopper Sparrows and rare
butterflies/skippers. Given these relatively high resource values that are in alignment with the
VMP’s criteria for Natural Area and the surrounding landscape context, these properties are
recommended to be designated as Natural Areas. Matterhorn I and II are currently open to public
access, as are surrounding OSMP properties. Since visitor impacts have not been observed on
these properties, staff recommend that these properties remain open.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will return to the OSBT with recommendations for the remaining three groups of properties
throughout 2024. Upon completion of bringing the recommendations to the OSBT staff will then
bring the board recommended HCA designations to City Council.
Agenda Item 4 Page 5
ATTACHMENTS:
• Attachment A: Properties with MADs
• Attachment B: Properties without MADs
• Attachment C: Group 1 Properties without MADs
• Attachment D: VMP MAD characteristics, goals, and criteria
• Attachment E: Group 1 MAD recommendations
• Attachment F: Group 1 Open/Closed recommendations
Agenda Item 4 Page 6
!i !i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i!i
!i
!i !i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i !i
!i
!i
!i!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i!i
!i
!i
BaselineReservoir
Standley Lake
GrossRes
BoulderReservoir
HillcrestRes
MarshallLake
LeggettRes
ValmontLake Res
Gunbarrel /Heatherwood
WestSanitas
Gunbarrel /Heatherwood- PRA
Flatirons/ MountainBackdrop
ElephantButtress
LowerBoulderCreek
WesternMountainParks
Schneider-IRLLC
BoulderValleyRanch
WestMarshallMesa
Outlots
SouthernGrasslands
SouthBoulderCreek
EastBoulderValley
CottonwoodGrove
WesternMountainParks
NorthernTier
LefthandCanyon
Flagstaff /Chautauqua
Outlots
East Beech
Outlots
Wonderland
Outlots
Shanahan
Gunbarrel /Heatherwood- NA
EldoradoMountain
Outlots
Dry Creek
ValmontReservoir
South Mesa
EastMarshallMesa
Northern Tier
EastBoulder
Doudy Draw
Anemone Hill
EastBoulderValley
Diagonal
NorthBoulderValley
CreekConfluence
SanitasValley /Red Rocks
Hodges
NorthernTier
TallgrassPrairie East
JewelMountain
SombreroMarsh
NorthFoothills
User: PhilC2 Date: 9/22/2022 Document Path: E:\MapFiles\Planning\Data\MADUpdates\OSMPMADBoardPresentation2022.mxd
0 1 20.5 Miles
OSMP Management Areas
Management Area Designations
Other Public Lands
Trails Managed by OSMP
Non-OSMP Trails
Hiking Trail
Multi-use Trail
All Trail Types µ
Habitat Conservation AreaActive
Inactive
No Public Access
Passive Recreation Area
Natural Area
Agricultural Area
!i Trailhead
Attachment A: Properties with Management Area Designations
Agenda Item 4 Page 7
Attachment B: Properties without MADs
Agenda Item 4 Page 8
Attachment C: Group 1 Properties without MADs
Agenda Item 4 Page 9
Attachment D: Visitor Master Plan (VMP) MAD Characteristics, Goals, and Criteria
Passive Recreation Area Designation
Characteristics
•Generally in close proximity to city or county development.•Higher level of visitor use and density of existing trails.•More evidence of human use and impacts.•May include some interspersed patches of high-quality habitat.
Goals
•Provide a high level of public access to destinations and connection through designatedtrails.
•Maintain or improve passive recreational and educational opportunities, while
protecting and preserving natural lands and resources.
•Accommodate high levels of visitor use with appropriate management, trails and
trailheads, and services.•Reduce conflicts among visitor activities.
•Minimize the number of undesignated or "social trails;" eliminate undesignated trails
when they are duplicative or damaging to resources.
Criteria for Inclusion of Management Areas in the Passive Recreation Area
Designation
•Higher level of visitation.
•Trails and trailheads that accommodate high levels of visitor use.•High density of trails.•Offers destinations for a wide range of different passive recreational activities.•Compatibility with adjacent land use (i.e., opportunities to coordinate with neighboring ornearby landowners/managers in providing recreational services).
Natural Area Designation
Characteristics
•Locations can be both close to and remote from development.•Varying levels of visitor use, types of activities, and availability of facilities.•Conditions of natural ecosystems are variable- many areas with ecological systems ingood condition, some with evidence of human use and impacts.•May be in proximity to agricultural production and operations.
Goals
•Accommodate low-impact visitor activities where adequate trails exist or can be
built, and resource impacts can be minimized.
•Provide opportunities for passive recreational and educational activities that require
topographic relief or a natural setting (e.g., hang/paragliding, climbing/bouldering,
nature study, scenic viewing).
Agenda Item 4 Page 10
•Protect the quality of natural and agricultural resources (especially where high value
resources exist).•Eliminate undesignated trails when they are redundant or damaging to resources.
Criteria for Inclusion of Management Areas in the Natural Area Designation •Interspersed recreational and natural values require that management determine theappropriate mix of open space purposes and manage multiple uses accordingly.•Relatively high resource and recreation values.•Compatibility with adjacent land use (i.e., opportunities for coordinating habitatprotection and connections and passive recreational activities/trail linkages).
Agricultural Area Designation
Characteristics •Rural areas in the Boulder Valley.•May be in proximity to areas of either high or low visitor use.•Areas of intensive agricultural production or operation.
Goals
•Maintain the efficiency of agricultural production and operation.•Manage agricultural production and operation to ensure safety for operators and visitorsin the vicinity.•Provide, where appropriate, public access and passive recreational opportunities that haveminimal impacts on agricultural production and operation or other resources.•Manage visitor access in areas of intensive agricultural production or operation to ensurevisitor safety.•Eliminate undesignated trails when they are redundant or damaging to resources.
Criteria for Inclusion of Management Areas in the Agricultural Area Designation •Crop production and irrigated hay fields and grazing areas.•Areas where conflicts with visitors and their pet companions could or do adversely affectthe efficiency of agricultural production and operations or endanger visitor safety.•Compatibility with adjacent land use (i.e., opportunities for coordinating agriculturalprotection and recreational activities/trail linkages).
Note: Areas of concentrated livestock activity (corrals, horse boarding, etc.), privateresidences, machinery storage areas, etc. will be addressed in a separate policy.
Habitat Conservation Area Designation
Characteristics •Tend to be located in more remote areas.•Typically represent the largest blocks of an ecosystem type with few, if any, trails orroads.•Lower level of visitor use; no or few trails and trailheads.•Naturally functioning ecosystems (but may contain areas with evidence of human use andimpacts).
Agenda Item 4 Page 11
Goals •Maintain, enhance, and/or restore naturally functioning ecological systems.•Maintain, enhance, and restore habitat for species of concern identified in the BoulderCounty and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plans.•Provide public access and passive recreational opportunities that foster appreciation andunderstanding of ecological systems and have minimal impacts on native plantcommunities and wildlife habitats or other resources.•Eliminate all undesignated trails, unless they are made part of the designated trails systemor provide specialized access to appropriate low-use destinations.•Where sustainable infrastructure exists, continue to allow public access to appropriatedestinations.
Criteria for Inclusion of Management Areas in the Habitat Conservation Area Designation •Large habitat blocks with a low density of trails, roads, or development.•High potential for restoration of natural ecosystems (including areas with restorationunderway).•Plant communities that are rare or unique on Open Space and Mountain Parks lands.•Habitat for species of concern such as threatened, endangered, rare, and other species.•Areas with high biodiversity such as wetlands and riparian areas (especially un-trailedriparian reaches).•Comparatively lower visitation levels.•Compatibility with adjacent land use (i.e., opportunities for coordinating habitatprotection and connections and recreational activities/trail linkages).
Agenda Item 4 Page 12
Attachment E: Group 1 MAD Recommendations
Agenda Item 4 Page 13
&Matterhorn I
&Matterhorn II
&Wille &Campbell
Overlook
&Depoorter II&Delier
Ranch
&Stengel
II Pond &Shanahan
&Lauffenberger
User Name: PhilC2 Path: Y:\ArcPRO\MADUpdates\MADUpdates.aprx
Passive Recreation Area
Natural Area
Habitat Conservation Area
Agricultural Area
Management Area Designations
Highway
Arterial Road
Proposed Property Closures
Natural Area
Habitat Conservation Area
Proposed Management
Area Designations
Group 1¯
0 1 20.5 Miles
Attachment F: Group 1 Open/Closed Recommendations
Agenda Item 4 Page 14
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Brian Anacker, Science and Climate Resilience Sr. Manager
Alycia Alexander, Climate Resilience Sr. Analyst
Brett KenCairn, Climate Initiatives
Jonathan Koehn, Climate Initiatives
DATE: December 6, 2023
SUBJECT: Update on Climate Action
___________________________________________________________________
Staff will provide an update on strategic enhancements related to climate action. In the Open
Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Master Plan (2019), climate action is identified as an
outcome with two attendant strategies as part of the Ecosystem Health and Resilience (EHR)
focus area:
•Outcome EHR.C) Climate Action: OSMP is a leader in helping native ecosystems
withstand and adapt to the effects of the climate crisis.
•Strategy EHR.3) Address the Global Climate Crisis Here and Now. For the benefit of
natural ecosystems and future generations, exhibit environmental leadership by taking
immediate, targeted and unified action in response to ecosystem changes that the global
climate crisis will bring about.
•Strategy EHR.9) Reduce and Offset OSMP Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Support the
citywide climate commitment by reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions
related to departmental operations.
Since the publication of the Master Plan, city staff have engaged the Open Space Board of
Trustees (OSBT) three times on climate resilience topics:
1.Oct. 10, 2021. OSBT Retreat. Addressing the Global Climate Crisis Here and Now.
Presentation by OSMP and Climate Initiatives Staff.
2.Feb. 22, 2023. OSBT Study Session. Update on OSMP’s Climate Action and Wildland
Fire Resilience Programs.
3.Nov. 8, 2023. OSBT Business Meeting. Wildland Fire Resilience Program Update
In 2023, city staff worked with consultants to complete two studies of climate resilience with an
emphasis on carbon management. These studies present an inventory of OSMP’s greenhouse gas
footprint and describe the amount of carbon stored in natural and working lands. Together, these
studies provide the foundation for accelerating climate action at OSMP, including the design and
implementation of emission reductions strategies and nature-based solutions. These studies are
linked below, and are summarized in a story map:
Agenda Item 5A Page 1
•OSMP's Climate Resilience Story Map: Addressing the climate crisis here and now by
reducing emissions and taking care of the carbon stored in land.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d7c1a3cf8d584573bc1dc4cee1bfd3f8
•City of Boulder. 2023. OSMP Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.
https://bouldercolorado.gov/media/13188/download?inline
•City of Boulder. 2023. OSMP Land-Based Carbon Inventory & Nature-Based Solutions.
https://bouldercolorado.gov/media/13189/download?inline
At the Dec. 6, 2023 OSBT business meeting, city staff will present a summary of these studies,
describe climate-related strategic enhancements, and review next steps for climate action.
Related Resources:
•Climate Change and Open Space. https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/climate-change-
and-open-space
•Open Space Wildfire Risk Management. https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/open-
space-wildfire-risk-management
Agenda Item 5A Page 2
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Jeff Haley, Deputy Director, Visitor Experiences
Ilene Flax, Senior Landscape Architect
DATE: December 6, 2023
SUBJECT: Written Information: Gebhard Integrated Site Project
________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
The item provides an overview and update on the Gebhard Integrated Site Plan project as it
continues into implementation. The planning phase of this project began in 2018 with
alternatives analysis and was completed in 2020 with the selection of a preferred alternative
and management guidance based on board and community input. The preferred alternative
outlines specific actions that are to be implemented within the area and can be viewed in
Attachment A – Preferred Alternative. Finally, this project includes many details and
information that were discussed and presented throughout the public involvement portion of
the project and can be reviewed within the project website
https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/gebhard-integrated-site-project .
Staff provided a brief update on this project to the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) in
January 2023 and a more thorough consideration in May 2023. Currently staff are in the
process of implementing the project through final design and permitting. This memo explains
the status and anticipated schedule of the various implementation priorities.
Overview
The OSMP-managed Gebhard property alongside South Boulder Creek is within a Colorado
State Natural Area, a designation that emphasizes the state-wide ecological importance of
habitat conservation and restoration in this area. This high-value habitat supports riparian
nesting birds, federally listed species, and rare plant communities, and serves as an important
movement corridor for other species. The area is also designated as Natural Area within the
OSMP managed area designations; a designation that acknowledges that in addition to high
ecological values this area supports important recreation use, and it is also close to adjacent
development. As an example, neighboring community members have enjoyed using this space
to walk along and access South Boulder Creek and other community members use the corridor
daily for biking, walking, and running.
Specifically, staff have managed access to the creek and habitat improvements in this area
through native plantings, erosion control, signage, and fencing. These approaches have sought
to improve habitat quality and improve visitor awareness of the importance of riparian natural
Written Information - Item A - Page 1
resources while meeting community desires for creek access. Despite these efforts,
undesignated trails along the west side of South Boulder Creek may impact riparian habitat that
includes habitat for Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, a federally listed species. Another
federally listed species – the Ute ladies’-tresses orchid is known to occur within the area. In
addition, a globally rare mesic tallgrass community is impacted by patterns of use, as are
wetlands and a population of the Northern leopard frog, a Colorado Tier 1 Species of
Greatest Conservation Need.
Based on existing guidance in the 2010 Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan and the 1998
South Boulder Creek Area Management Plan, the current Gebhard Integrated Site Project
updates and confirms a sustainable management approach for the future. Staff have worked
closely with community members to develop alternative approaches for managing this area and
to select a preferred alternative that best meets project goals and objectives.
The overall goals for the project include:
1)Restoration of riparian habitat along the west side of the creek between East Boulder
Community Center and South Boulder Road as part of the ongoing larger restoration project
along all South Boulder Creek; and
2)Providing access to the existing designated trail system on the east side of the creek in a way
that aligns with the neighborhood’s interests and values.
Update
At the May 2023 OSBT meeting, staff shared the status of implementation plan components
and specifically discussed potential design elements to explore that address challenges that
have emerged with establishing the eastside separated path component of the preferred
alternative. The idea of exploring an east-side separated path came from community concerns
about user conflict/safety concerns and visitor experience. Following is a discussion of those
investigations:
•One option involved working with City and County transportation to activate existing
bike and multi-use trail infrastructure. Boulder County staff are now working to develop
a request for proposals for redesigning the section of South Boulder Road between
Manhattan Drive and Cherryvale Road. This work will include an at-grade crossing at
55th Street and replacement of the underpass at the South Boulder Creek Trail with a
wider and taller facility. OSMP will coordinate with the County staff as they develop
plans and implement the project. These improvements will facilitate better connectivity
to the US 36 bikeway while providing opportunities to utilize existing bike and multi-use
trail infrastructure to perhaps reduce the volume of users on the South Boulder Creek
Trail within the stretch of the Gebhard project.
•Other trail options involve updates to OSMP’s Trail Management Objectives (TMOs).
TMOs establish sustainable design parameters for trail design and maintenance by
evaluating the current and desired types and amount of use and appropriate level of
Written Information - Item A - Page 2
development for different settings. OSMP is currently working through the TMO review
process for trails in this area.
o Exploration of an east side separated trail TMO was initiated and terminated as
the ecological impacts and maintenance challenges could not be justified.
Furthermore, permitting requires justification of impacts that are deemed
necessary, and it would be difficult to show that we avoided impact and justify a
new trail given that there is an existing trail in this location. This is particularly
true given the sensitive and regionally important nature of the habitat occupied
by Preble’s meadow jumping mouse and rare mesic tallgrass plant communities.
Finally, some of the habitats within the project area are un-mitigatable – it is not
possible to mitigate for Ute ladies tress orchid habitat loss.
o OSMP is working to change the TMO for the Gebhard section of the South
Boulder Creek Trail. The trail is currently managed for wheelchair accessibility,
equestrian, biker, hiker, and authorized (emergency, maintenance, and
agricultural) vehicles. For these managed uses the width needs to be greater
than 6’ to be considered compliant, leading to the current condition of a width
that varies between 6’ and 12’ through this area. The TMO change will create a
mechanism for maintenance operations to provide a consistent 8’-10’ width trail.
Consistent width, surfacing and clear sight lines will reduce opportunities for
conflict through this segment.
o Staff have identified a pedestrian-only trail route that extends from the
Greenbelt Meadows access point to the new bridge and out to 55th Street. This
3’ width, surfaced trail will be about a quarter mile in length and designated for
pedestrian use only, except for a segment near 55th Street that will support
ditch maintenance access. Bikes will not be permitted on this trail.
Opportunities for Public Information
Project updates will continue to be provided in many forms such as the Field Notes email, social
media updates and OSBT memos as necessary when project milestones are reached. Staff are
committed to ensuring the community is updated and aware of all the sequencing and
implementation steps to ensure a successful project. Updates will also be specifically provided
to the closest neighbors adjacent to the project in the Greenbelt Meadows subdivision
throughout the ongoing implementation.
Current Implementation Plan
Staff have developed implementation plans for the Gebhard project that detail the design
described in the OSBT-reviewed 2020 preferred alternative. The following summarizes the
status of the various recommendations outlined within the preferred alternative:
•RESTORATION: The integral component of the restoration efforts will be to restore
undesignated trails on the west side of South Boulder Creek with native grasses as
Written Information - Item A - Page 3
shown in the green color on the preferred alternative plan (Attachment A), both north
and south of the proposed bridge. Eight crack willow trees will be removed, along with
treatment and removal of teasel and privet. There will be new cottonwood trees,
shrubs, native grasses, and plantings that support the grassland and riparian systems
through the area. These efforts will be coordinated with the community to ensure there
are no surprises and neighbors are aware of the removals and all the ecological reasons
why.
•BRIDGE: The proposed bridge will connect the west side of South Boulder Creek near
the Greenbelt Meadows Neighborhood to the east side designated trail system. This
location was selected to minimize grading and impacts to the area. The final design and
appearance of the bridge will be like the existing bridge just to the north, near the East
Boulder Community Center. Boulder County is currently reviewing this design to ensure
that the bridge does not impact the floodplain.
•TRAILS
o DESIGNATED PUBLIC ACCESS: A new three-foot width surfaced trail will provide
an accessible connection between the Greenbelt Meadows neighborhood, the
new bridge, and 55th Street. A portion of the trail will be the southern route of
the existing undesignated trail through that area, and along the existing ditch
access route. This new, designated trail connection will activate the existing
multi-use trail on the west side of 55th Street as an integral component of the
South Boulder Creek corridor and allow designated and improved access to the
west. This will provide 1,150 linear feet or about a quarter mile of new
designated trails for pedestrians only on the west side of South Boulder Creek
and facilitate accessible, looped routes through the area. These loop
opportunities will provide visitors with options for varying lengths and types of
experiences within the South Boulder Creek corridor and surrounding
communities.
o SOUTH BOULDER CREEK RESURFACING: Resurfacing work will occur with
operational maintenance, which is anticipated to follow the County’s underpass
improvements. This work will establish a consistent 8’-10’ width trail, even
surfacing, and clear sight lines that will reduce opportunities for conflict through
this segment.
o TRAILS NETWORK: The County roadway improvements provide exciting
opportunities for this project. The at-grade crossing at 55th Street will allow for a
safe crossing to the 55th Street corridor. The underpass at the South Boulder
Creek Trail creates a safe crossing for more diverse user groups, with better
connectivity to the US 36 bikeway. This networking builds resilience for the
Written Information - Item A - Page 4
entire system.
•VISITOR AMENITIES AND ACCESS ALONG THE PATH
o DESIGNATED CREEK ACCESS: Access at the bend in South Boulder Creek will
include bank stabilization that includes both structural and vegetation-based
erosion control measures to support creek hydrology and people accessing the
water. There are additional creek access locations downstream. All other
designated access points will remain open while other informal access points to
the creek will be closed for restoration of the riparian habitat.
o GRASSLAND GATHERING AREA: To address visitor experience desires and to
support education and outreach efforts, primarily connecting youth to nature, an
area within the grassland east of the South Boulder Creek Trail currently
dominated by non-native smooth brome has been identified as a gathering area.
Here, visitors can sit on benches or boulders, enjoy the views, and connect with
the grassland experience. Plantings will support the mosaic vegetation preferred
by the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, a listed species whose habitat we
value. This area will be located on the east side of the creek and east of the
existing path between the new bridge and the existing bridge, allowing visitors to
a place to step off the path when multiple users are passing by at once.
o NORTH END FURNISHINGS: Supplementing this work, a few locations were
identified along the trail north of the project area for benches and a new picnic
table.
•INTERPRETATION AND SIGNAGE
o COURTESY: “Slow Down and Communicate,” the latest thinking in support of trail
etiquette and courtesy messaging will be integrated through the corridor to
increase safety and courtesy among multiple trail users.
o INTERPRETATION: Informed by the Education and Outreach Framework,
narratives to be interpreted in the corridor include a boot brush station with
information about New Zealand mudsnails at the creek access; Natural areas and
Grasslands at the grassland gathering area, and information about water bodies
at creek and ditch crossings.
o REGULATORY: Signage clarifying regulations through the corridor will educate
and inform.
Written Information - Item A - Page 5
Schedule and Sequence of Improvements
OSMP has identified a construction sequence for implementation:
The current estimate for the project divides the work over multiple years and budgets:
2024 Operations $ 24,000
2024 CIP $ 735,000
2025 Operations $ 38,500
2025 CIP $ 152,000
2026 CIP $ 338,000
TOTAL $ 1,287,500
There are constraints on the construction sequence that help to organize this schedule. Privet
and crack willow can only be removed during June and July when Preble’s Meadow Jumping
Mice are neither nesting nor looking for nests. The bridge can only be constructed in the winter
when the ground is firmer, and vegetation is less likely to be damaged by heavy construction
equipment. The restoration of undesignated trails will not begin until the new trail connection
has been completed.
Status of regulatory permits:
•A draft of the US Army Corps of Engineers review that refers to the US Fish and Wildlife
Service and The State Historic Preservation Office permit application is currently being
reviewed internally.
•The City Wetland Map revision was submitted at the end of September and is under
review by City of Boulder staff.
•The County Floodplain permit application was submitted at the end of October and is
under review by the County Floodplain Administrator.
•The County Site Plan Review has been completed.
•County Grading, Building, and Stormwater quality permit applications will be submitted
by the contractor following a competitive bidding process.
Impacts Associated with Undesignated Trails
One of the reasons for launching the Gebhard Integrated Site Project is that staff determined
that undesignated trails on the west side of South Boulder Creek create an unacceptable level
Written Information - Item A - Page 6
of impact in the current condition. Through the implementation phase of the project, it has
become clear that a separated trail on the east side would also create an unacceptable level of
impact. Undesignated trails fragment natural habitat for native plants, animals and biological
communities, displacing wildlife, and potentially damaging rare plants. Erosion of creek banks
and trampling of vegetation has resulted from the use of the undesignated trails. Disturbance
of wildlife can result in modification in their use of habitat, disruption to feeding and
reproductive cycles, and blocking of movement corridors between the stream and adjacent
floodplain habitats. This sensitive habitat area has higher levels of significance and vulnerability
including habitat for rare native plant and wildlife species; regionally imperiled and vulnerable
plant communities; and plant communities with high diversity of native species and low
abundance of non-native species.
Closing and restoring undesignated trails on OSMP lands requires strong support from the
community, especially in places like this where undesignated trails are frequently used and
have been informally established for an extended time. The 2019 OSMP Master Plan Survey
showed 86 percent of respondents in support of reducing undesignated trails in sensitive
habitat areas. These results provide a strong foundation for tackling the challenging task of
addressing undesignated trails.
There are currently over a half mile of undesignated trails braiding along the west side of South
Boulder Creek. The implementation plan designates and establishes a quarter mile trail that
provides key connectivity to several of the area’s existing trails and reinforces the entire trail
network with a variety of surfacing and experiential options. There will also be discrete pausing
places along the South Boulder Creek Trail at the grassland gathering area and creek access
points to provide opportunities to step off the trail and enjoy being in this very special place.
Ongoing Management
Following installation of the connection between the Greenbelt Meadows neighborhood and
the designated trail on the East side of South Boulder Creek, the undesignated trail on the West
side of the creek and associated impacts will be restored. Monitoring of restoration and
mitigation for impacts associated with the new bridge and trail will focus on vegetation,
wildlife, and permit requirements. Seeding and planting will be monitored for a minimum of 5
years to ensure that restoration and closure are successful. Annual reports to the City and
USFWS will include percent cover estimates of all species within these areas and photo
documentation. Ongoing monitoring of important wildlife and plants will continue in a system-
wide context, including vegetation mapping and surveys for Northern leopard frog and Preble’s
meadow jumping mouse. Following restoration of the impacts on the West side of the creek,
staff anticipate that habitat will be better able to support robust populations of these species.
Monitoring of the undesignated trail itself may utilize trail counters, cameras, and condition
assessments.
Results from the recent Public Opinion and Visitor Experience Survey (POVES) show that trails
within the project area average a 12% reported daily conflict rate which for context is slightly
higher than average rates (8%) on other OSMP managed multi-use trails. OSMP has not set
Written Information - Item A - Page 7
management thresholds, but industry standards typically do not specifically address conflict
rates lower than 25%. Additionally, the top three most strongly supported visitor conflict
management strategies identified in POVES results for this area, while a small sample size,
mirror system-wide results and are: requiring dogs to be on leash, keeping things generally the
way they are now, and requiring one-way travel for cyclists on trails.
OSMP will continue our education, outreach, enforcement strategies. These include
enforcement and courtesy signage to clarify and educate visitors about expectations. There will
be increased ranger presence following implementation to provide that personal level of
engagement and education. We will also explore bike patrols through this area—this is an
interagency group that works on and is managed by City OSMP, City Parks and Rec, County
Open Space, and the Forest Service. Patrol members ride when and where they would like (not
scheduled), wear a uniform and a bike placard identifying their role, offer assistance and
education to community members and report happenings and maintenance needed on the
trail. And we will continue to monitor and measure visitor experiences through ongoing Public
Opinion and Visitor Experience Surveys (POVES). In the future, OSMP could build out an
adaptive recreation management framework to provide a clear management response if higher
levels of conflict are identified.
Next Steps
Floodplain permitting is currently being reviewed by the County and the Federal permitting is
underway. Once those components are completed, the bridge and trail construction package
will be finalized and go out to bid. Staff will provide an update to the Board once the contractor
is selected and a construction schedule established.
Sources
VanderWoude, D. and Seidel, H. (in progress). 2021-2023 Public Opinion and Visitor Experience
Survey Report. The City of Boulder, Department of Open Space and Mountain Parks. Boulder,
Colorado.
Attachment
•Attachment A – Preferred Alternative
Written Information - Item A - Page 8
Atachment A – Preferred Alterna�ve
Written Information - Item A - Page 9
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Lauren Kilcoyne, Deputy Director of Central Services
Kacey French, Planning and Design Senior Manager
Katie Knapp, Principal Planner
DATE: December 6, 2023
SUBJECT: Written Information: Fort Chambers / Poor Farm Site Management Plan Update
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a written update for the Fort Chambers / Poor Farm
planning process (Fort Chambers / Poor Farm Management Plan | City of Boulder
(bouldercolorado.gov)).
Context
The Fort Chambers / Poor Farm property is located east of North 63rd Street and south of Jay Road (an
area map is included as Attachment A). The property is important to Open Space and Mountain Parks
(OSMP) and the community due to its history and association with the Sand Creek Massacre and the
land’s significant ecological and agricultural resources.
City staff are working on a government-to-government basis with the three Sovereign Tribal
Nations affected by the Sand Creek Massacre (the Cheyenne and Arapaho, the Northern Arapaho and the
Northern Cheyenne) to receive and incorporate their meaningful input into the development of a
management plan for the property. The Site Management Plan will identify future property improvements
and guide ongoing land uses associated with the property.
Background
The 113-acre property was purchased in 2018 due to its ability to fulfill many OSMP Charter purposes.
The most recent Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) update was on Sept. 13, 2023, and included:
• guidance from Tribal Representatives on the development of the site management plan, and
• an update on the City/Tribal Nations collaboration agreement that guides the planning process.
Previous updates to the Board and City Council are available at the following links:
• OSBT Memo – Sept. 13, 2023
• OSBT Memo - March 8, 2023
• OSBT Memo - Sept. 14, 2022
• OSBT Memo - March 9, 2022
• Council Memo – Feb. 22, 2022
• OSBT Memo - March 10, 2021
• Council Acquisition Memo - April 17, 2018
• OSBT Acquisition Memo - March 14, 2018
Written Information - Item B - Page 1
Site Management Plan Update
Concept Plan Development
A concept plan is being developed through a collaborative effort with Tribal Representatives. The process
started with compiling information about the site and its history. Various opportunities were explored,
leading to the development of 3 concepts, each emphasizing different open space values. The concepts
were used to facilitate a discussion with the Tribes in July 2023 to learn what open space values were
most important and how those could be enhanced on the site. The Tribes long-term relationship with the
land was also discussed; it was conveyed that the Tribes are not interested in owning this property but
would like to collaborate on the development of interpretive materials and future stewardship, recognizing
the site’s ability to support learning, healing and praying. Tribal feedback centered around the theme
“Heal the Land, Heal the People”. The input received guided the development of a draft Concept Plan.
On Oct. 27, 2023, Tribal Representatives visited Boulder and met with OSMP staff to review and discuss
elements of a draft Concept Plan. The Tribes were supportive, relaying that the draft Concept Plan
reflected the previous input received.
Plan Overview
The plan includes the following main elements:
•Ecological Restoration/Conservation and Site clean-up: The Boulder Creek corridor and the
south/east ponds are a priority for restoration to enhance wildlife habitat, improve wetland
functions and reconnect the creek to the floodplain. Debris removal and management of invasive
weeds like Russian olive trees were also identified as actions to immediately start healing the
land.
•Preserving Agriculture Operations: This includes preserving the relatively uncommon, diversified
farming opportunity on a portion of the site along with maintaining the irrigated hayfields. The
agricultural structures and residences will be improved to support agricultural operations.
Educational opportunities related to the Poor Farm and/or agriculture history could be explored as
a secondary use of the Queen Anne style main residence.
•Interpretation with a “Healing Trail”: Provide interpretive elements that accurately and
wholistically tell about Fort Chamber’s connection to the Sand Creek Massacre. Provide a small,
looped trail with spaces for reflection, contemplation, healing, and interpretation. Include spaces
to support educational programs with themes that include healing, forgiveness, and cultural and
tribal history. The trail would also provide access to indigenous planting areas.
Additional Tribal Input
•Site Name: There is interest in renaming the property. The Tribes would like to work with us on
developing a new name for the site that may not include “Fort Chambers”.
•OSBT Meeting: Tribal Representatives are interested in attending an OSBT meeting (possibly in
March 2024) to share their thoughts about the project and our ongoing collaboration. More on
the next steps are below.
•City/Tribal Nation collaboration agreement(s). City staff and Tribal Representatives agreed to use
a “Working Agreement” in lieu of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide and
document the planning process for the Fort Chambers/Poor Farm property. OSMP staff and
Tribal Representatives find it helpful to have flexibility and make revisions as we continue to
learn and work together. The “Working Agreement” does not require the signatures of officials
and can be revised when changes are mutually agreed-upon.
Written Information - Item B - Page 2
Next Steps
In the upcoming months, OSMP staff will further refine the draft Concept Plan (or preferred alternative).
Staff will continue to collaborate with the Tribes and consider options for a new name for the property.
Staff will share the Concept Plan with the board likely in March, and have the tribal representatives attend
the meeting and share their thoughts about the project, site plan and our ongoing collaboration. Staff are
currently confirming availability and scheduling details. The concept plan will be presented to the
community along with a questionnaire to gather feedback and gauge community support in late Q1/early
Q2. It is anticipated that staff would return to the Board in late Q2 with the final site plan.
A summary of the overall planning process is shown below, with a star indicating our current step.
Attachments
Attachment A: Area Map
Written Information - Item B - Page 3
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!(A
!(A !(A
!(A
!i
James
DR
Cottonwood
at Jay Rd
Sawhill
Access
North
Sawhill
Access
Northeast
Sawhill
Access East
Sawhill PondsFORT CHAMBERS / POOR FARM - AREA MAP
!i OSMP Trailhead with Parking
!(A OSMP Access Point - parking on public roads
!i Other Boulder Area Trailheads
OSMP Hiking Trail
OSMP Multi-Use Trail
Other Boulder Area Trails
OSMP Easement
OSMP Ownership
Boulder County Open Space 0 1,000500FtN
Walden PondsFort Chambers
Poor Farm
Twin Lakes
Valmont Butte
Boulder Creek
Boulder Airport
Boulder CreekJay Rd.
Andrus Rd.
Valmont Rd.75th St.63rd St.61st St.Heatherwood Trail
LOBO Trail
LOBO Trail
Diagonal HwyATTACHMENT A
Written Information - Item B - Page 4