KEN-CARYL RANCH OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017 DAKOTA LODGE, W KEN CARYL AVE LITTLETON, COLORADO 80127

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1 KEN-CARYL RANCH OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MINUTES from MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017 DAKOTA LODGE, W KEN CARYL AVE LITTLETON, COLORADO I. Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM. II. Conflicts of interest: none Constituent list Role Attendance (yes/no) Vinny Badolato KCRHS Liaison Yes Sean Devin OSC Yes Mark Celusniak OSC (chair) Yes Colin Crotty OSC Yes Bob Generoli MD Board Representative No Brian Lee OSC No Peter Marozas Ranger Yes Dan Mullins MA Board Representative Yes Gary Norton Ranger No Tim Moriarty OSC Yes Matt Oven Ranger No Dave Schmude OSC Yes Bruce Stover OSC (secretary) Yes Sean Warren Open Space Manager Yes Jeff Lyslo Volunteer Trail Coordinator Yes Other participants Melissa Daruna (KCRMD) Jim Fodor Brad Weber, John Robinson Scott Brubaker, Jason Bely Page 1 of 9

2 III. IV. Approval of 2/22/2017 minutes: unanimous. Resident special event requests: none. V. Member open forum; a. Dr. Jim Fodor, resident; Comments regarding concerns about balancing future recreational trails construction vs. conservation in open space. i. Dr. Fodor presented his ideas and suggestions for conservation of the Docmann Gulch area as a natural wildlife preserve, vs. future construction of a Docmann Gulch Loop Trail, which is currently being studied. ii. A detailed handout entitled Suggestions for Ecosystem Preservation inside KCR open space was presented to the OSC. iii. Dr. Fodor suggested that the unique, essentially pristine, sensitive and more isolated location of the Docmann Gulch area make it ideal for conservation within KCR, instead of constructing new trails which bring about attendant fragmentation effects on wildlife and nesting areas once significantly increased human and dog usage of trails occurs. iv. Dr. Fodor requested that he OSC consider the alternative of not building the DocMann Gulch loop trail and look at the community and wildlife benefits of a Nature Preserve as the best usage for this remaining undeveloped ecosystem. VI. a. The Americans with Disability Act and the use of other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD)in open spacei. Melissa Daruna JD, CPRP, District Manger KCRMD, gave a brief presentation and conducted an extensive question and answer session with the OSC on the ADA and how its OPDMD regulations will affect the e-bike question on open space. ii. Melissa described some of the interesting research on this issue currently going on in JeffCo open space, including the clandestine use of e-bikes by research staff on trails with conventional mountain bikers and hikers; Most people contacted did not even realize the bikes being used were e-bikes. iii. Several attending KCR residents who had used e-bikes due to disability issues described to the OSC how the machines allowed them to ride trails that they simply could not accomplish otherwise. iv. Melissa indicated to the OSC that public property has a much higher standard for compliance with ADA, but private communal property such as KCR open space should still consider the ADA. If the OSC decides to continue to not allow e-bikes, they should be considered for those with disabilities within the spirit of trying to comply with ADA, so as to avoid legal action by any resident. v. Much discussion among the OSC, staff, and resident attendees of the potential significant impacts to open space trails, the existing community conceptual ideal Page 2 of 9

3 for open space trail use (non-motorized), and ideas for ways to best manage and control as far as legally possible the usage and potential impacts to KCR open space trails from e-bikes used as OPDMD s. vi. One approach discussed is how to manage the type and specifications of e-bikes through a permit system based on the needs of qualified individuals. vii. This is an ongoing item for additional consideration by the OSC. VII. Action Items a. Form recommendations to the Board on final design of the Question Mark Peak Spur Trail i. OSC reviewed the existing spur trail alignment, maps and photos, along with the biological and cultural surveys that cover the area of Question Mark Peak. The rationale behind the need for this ½ mile segment is as follows: The current social trail that is occurring off Golden Banner trail is straight uphill and will cause erosion and unnecessary damage to the land. Rerouting access to the top will create a sustainable trail, and concentrate traffic away from what will likely be multiple social trails over time, protecting the adjacent open space long term. As safety is one mission of management of open space, this trail will ensure a manageable approach to the summit both uphill and downhill. The summit views from this particular area will naturally attract interest from users of both the Golden Banner and Cougar trails, making the first three bullets even more important. Related to the above, Cougar should be finished by summer 2017, so increased usage from that access point adds emphasis to the above. Shifting entry/access to the summit to the west (per the recommended alignment) will ensure: o Less visual impact from other areas within our open space boundary as it is tucked in behind the hill when looking from the East o That users stay off the soon-to-be-closed social trail because they will be able to see the new entrance once physically there o As stated in the biology reports, impacts of the proposed alignment are acceptable. ii. It was moved and seconded to recommend to the Board to approve the final design of the Question Mark Peak Spur Trail- Passed unanimously iii. Staff to prepare detailed memo of recommendation to approve construction of the Question Mark Peak Spur Trail for consideration at the next Board meeting. b. Approve locations for expanding installation of anti-trespassing gates at additional trailheads i. Presentation by Ranger Peter Marozas on locations for anti-trespass gate installations this year. Page 3 of 9

4 ii. These include the north hogback strike-valley access road off Valley Parkway, as well as the single track trail leading from the parking area for the Hogback Trail on Valley Parkway. The two-track road is used by staff vehicles, but is not gated at present and is used by hikers and mountain bikers to connect over to the Mastodon trail. This two track road is west of the parking area for the North Hogback trail on Valley Parkway. The proposed gate locations are situated to use existing topography as a complimentary natural barrier in conjunction with rough cedar fencing and the steel tube gate itself. iii. OSC suggested to check on and include horseback uses before final installation. iv. Cost for these two installation is ~$1, (materials only) v. Two additional locations for construction this season are the North Hogback West trail entrance and the bottom of the Lower Cougar Trail once it is completed. vi. It was moved and seconded to recommend to the Board to approve the final locations for the North Hogback anti-trespass gates and the two additional locations Passed unanimously. c. Approve additional scope of work for 2017 Forest Stewardship Plan Project to include selective removal of additional trees to improve views from Tin Cup Summit i. Dan Mullins presented some alternatives to take advantage of the 2017 forestation thinning work on Tin Cup Summit to improve views of mountain peaks in the Front Range to the Northwest form the existing summit picnic table. ii. After much discussion of three alternatives including a no action alternative, OSC consensus was to proceed with removing 6 small trees at the edge of the summer 2017 work area, but leave 4 larger trees near the picnic table in the 2016 work area. iii. This minor addition to the trimming plans will be relayed to the forestry contractor prior to 2017 work. VIII. Communication and Discussion Items: a. Communication/Discussion- Five Year Trail Plan: i. Presentation by Jeff Lyslo and Dan Mullins reviewing the next few years of build-out toward the ending goal of the open space trails plan. ii. A detailed chart of trail activities through 2020 was presented showing the expected work loads for trail construction contractors, trail maintenance contractors, VTC support, and volunteer trail building and maintenance work. iii. Trail Construction will decrease to zero over this timeframe. Volunteer opportunities will decrease with time. b. Discussion/Review: East Plum Thicket/ Manzanita social trail adoption: i. A review of the concept and design was presented by Dan Mullins and Jeff Lyslo. Page 4 of 9

5 ii. OSC reviewed maps and aerial photographs of the existing and proposed alignments. iii. A field visit to the existing and proposed alignments will be held in April for OSC members. iv. Discussion items included historical survey, wetlands/riparian delineations, Major undertaking vs. heavy maintenance status, and a future community openhouse presentation and neighborhood involvement. Bulk of the trail work could be done by the volunteer program instead of contractors. v. Timeframe is to have a final document by the end of the year, with a preferred preliminary alignment decided in April, and Community involvement meeting in July or August. c. Communication/Discussion- Open Space Rough Mowing Program (Peter Marozas) i. Peter presented and reviewed maps and aerial photos of the 25 miles of rough mowing areas staff has to manage and execute each season. ii. This is a significant undertaking each growing season, with dozens of small and disconnected remote spots to keep track of, in addition to the trails themselves. iii. The question was asked- Why are the open space trails rough mowed, when it is harder on the land, often leading users into shortcutting and stepping out of the trail tread when muddy, causing trail widening and severe erosion in places? Answer: Rattle snakes. Folks just don t tolerate them very well, and the adjacent mowing makes people feel safer. iv. Staff indicates the community is generally more concerned with snakes than with associated increases in trail erosion and maintenance costs due to mowing. Many also like the aesthetics of the mowing as well, and complain if it isn't continued. Mowing along trails also creates fuel breaks. Roadside mowing helps with motorist visibility and maintains sight lines. d. Communication/Updates on using Title Company to research easement and ROW documents, bench and picnic table plan i. It reportedly could cost more than first anticipated to have a title company research all the easements and rights of way associated with open space areas. ii. Staff found out there is a 811 type notification system where a monthly subscription fee would allow KCR to add in several of our most sensitive rights way areas to the directory, so that we are contacted in advance whenever a utility company is planning to enter to do work. iii. Picnic table designs are being looked at, more to come soon. iv. both these items are ongoing e. Parking Lot List - Review of latest draft. i. Reviewed and discussed the current list of completed and still to do items. Page 5 of 9

6 f. Communication- Volunteer Trail Coordinator Program: Monthly Summary (attached) g. Communication- Open Space Manager s Report, includes items not listed above (attached IX. Roundtable. (None, meeting running very late) X. Other a. Next meeting Wednesday April 26, XI. Meeting adjourned. 10:02 PM. Volunteer Trail Coordinator Program: February-March Monthly Summary for MA Board and OSC (2/16/17-3/15/17) Key Activities by VTC s and volunteers: 2017 Contractor Trail work: Organizational planning meeting for the work season with Greg Mazu, head of Singletrack Trails Write and review contract for Singletrack Trails Submit contract to Singletrack Trails for signature Maintenance Projects: Upper Trails Maintenance Project (contractor): No activity on this project during the last month Page 6 of 9

7 Volunteer Maintenance Projects : No work on maintenance projects during this time period. Construction Projects: Upper Cougar Project : No activity on this project during the last month Question Mark Peak Spur Project : No activity on this project during the last month Willow Springs Connector Project: No work on this project during this time period. East Plum Thicket Manzanita Project : This is a new project for tracking. The social trails in the East Plum Thicket-Manzanita area are slated to be upgraded and incorporated into the recognized trail system, per the Trails Master Plan. Theses trails sit between Manzanita, Mountain Laurel and Woodruff Streets in the valley, The goal is to create a plan for these trails and get approval for the plan from Staff, the OSC and MA Board in 2017 and to implement the plan in Substantial work was done on this project this month : Field work completed : documenting current conditions (including photos), design and flagging of proposed alignments, and mapping of the entire project area. Sean reviewed layout and flagging in the field Incorporation of Sean s field comments into the first draft of document 1st draft document finished by VCLs. Sean reviewed 1 st draft and provided input and suggestions 2 nd draft create with Sean s comments incorporated. 2 nd draft submitted to OSC for review and comment at the March meeting Miscellaneous: The 5 year planning document has been submitted to the OSC for review and comment at the March meeting. Survey of current VCLs for level of participation in the 2017 work season and for interest in updating training. Calculate leadership needs for 2017 work season and assess coverage based on survey responses. For the planned work, we should have sufficient leadership resources between the VCLs and budgeted extra help from Singletrack Trails. Also, there is significant interest in updating training. We will be looking into scheduling a training event this spring and will also talk to the Trail Club to see if there are other members interested in getting VCL training. Page 7 of 9

8 OPEN SPACE DIRECTOR S REPORT Open Space Committee Updates for March 22, Manor House open space restoration- Project on hold while Board seeks second opinion on restoration design. Part Time Staff- advertise and promote four seasonal positions in Open Space Department. One maintenance position and both patrol/resource tech positions have been filled. Only one position left to fill; second maintenance tech position. North Boundary Fence- Staff have marked property boundary and cleared addition vegetation to facilitate fence install. Seeking bid from different fence company believing project can be completed for a more economical cost than bid from original contractor. Bee Hives- Agreement signed by MA. Site marked and mowed. Electric fence to be installed in April. Forestry- finalized scope of work for shaded fuel break work on Tin Cup. Selected contractor. Notified community of work and schedule. Remove blow down tree on Golden Banner Trail and at interior open space sties. Weed Control- research options for alternative control methods and present to OSC. Trail Maintenance and other trail related issues- Brannon Gearhart Park trail improvements; AGE Inc. submitted bid and Board reviewed on 3/21. Still planning on a fall, 2017, construction start. Volunteer Trail Coordinators provided update on their projects in monthly report submitted to the Board and OSC. Miscellaneous- Snow removal at Dakota Lodge/EQC. Continue set up of new shop. Place new sign orders. Repair mowers and patrol bikes. Remove graffiti at Bradford rocks. Repair bluebird nest boxes. Develop plans for expansion of trailhead gate installations. Sharpen volunteer tools, build sign stanchions. Patrol, Visitor Safety- Small wildfire in North Hogback Open Space on 3/11; West Metro response and control. Graffiti incident on 3/11; perpetrators tagged trees and structures at several locations throughout the Valley; Staff cleaned up open space sites. Continue to monitor coyote activity in Plains; one individual appears to have mange and staff have received several calls from concerned residents re this individual and others. Clarification from CPW on euthanizing procedure for injured/diseased animals.. Patrolled off trail areas and reported on conditions; fire rings, broken glass and litter cleaned up at sites around Dutch Creek. Implement burn ban notifications and restrictions. Ranger Norton completed refresher training for Basic Wildland Fire certification. Performed property boundary location assessments, patrolled trail and off-trail areas and enforced rules, per normal. On-Going Projects; Management Plan Task Force- On-going, next meeting 4/6/17. Utility and ROW management- survey various agencies on their management efforts. Research joining 811 notification services. Page 8 of 9

9 Page 9 of 9 Manor House Prairie Dog Colony Relocation- Approximately 12 animals remain. CPW has allowed us an exemption to continue trapping and moving males and non-lactating females past the 2/28 deadline. Staff have begun process of backfilling burrow openings and assisted in baiting traps.