Rocky Mountain Field Institute City of Colorado Springs Open Space Stewardship Services (TOPS) Contract #C Annual Project Report

Transcription

1 City of Colorado Springs Open Space Stewardship Services (TOPS) Contract #C Annual Project Report January 4, 2018 Report prepared by: Hannah Millsap, Field Instructor 815 South 25th Street, Suite 101 Colorado Springs, CO Dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in the Pikes Peak Region

2 SUMMARY 2 Over the course of 2017, (RMFI) conducted its second season of stewardship work on many of the City of Colorado Springs parks properties acquired with revenue from the Trails, Open Spaces, and Parks tax (TOPS). After a successful first year in 2016, RMFI continued to work in conjunction with Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services (CSPRCS) to improve sustainable access and uses of these properties. Between March and December 2017, RMFI worked with CSPRCS staff, community volunteers, and local park support groups ( Friends of groups) to complete work on 8 TOPS properties: Red Rock Canyon Open Space Blodgett Peak Open Space Ute Valley Park Open Space Stratton Open Space University Park Open Space Austin Bluffs Open Space High Chaparral Open Space Property managed adjacent to the Manitou Incline Connector (Incline Connector Trail) The RMFI staff-based TOPS stewardship crew coordinated with CSPRCS land management staff to assess stewardship requirements (implementing available Master/Management Plan provisions), to manage and conduct stewardship projects, to monitor those projects for success, and to discuss necessary adaptations of techniques to suit local conditions and park uses. Priority locations on each property and top-level work objectives for key locations within each property were established by CSPRCS staff. These were then assessed by RMFI staff and the respective park staff to further delineate specific work sites and objectives. Typical objectives included closure and restoration of social trails, stabilization of areas impacted by significant erosion, building in-trail structures to improve trail durability and safety, and new trail construction. The overall goal of this work was to implement aspects of each property s master planning process, which seeks to facilitate public visitation and sustainable use in these natural areas while applying best practices to reduce visitor impact to the area s resources. Over the course of the 2017 work season, a total of 522 volunteers donated 2,783 hours to TOPS stewardship work over the course of 44 volunteer-based workdays for an estimated value of $72,275 (at $25.97 per hour, independentsector.com). The RMFI TOPS stewardship crew and supporting staff contributed another 3,112 work hours during those 44 volunteer workdays and during an additional 44 staff-based workdays. In total 5,895 person-hours were focused on the TOPS properties over 88 workdays of RMFI-led stewardship work. Highlights of this work include the closure and restoration of 11,909 linear feet (2.3 miles) of social trails and 14,208 square feet of other impacted areas (including use of 1,005 native transplants), construction of 4,823 linear feet (0.9 miles) of new trail, and improvements to 2,988 linear feet of existing trail. Other specific improvements include installation of 699 linear feet of fencing and 600 square feet of rock wall, construction of 62 check dams, construction of 55 steps and multiple accompanying bike ramps, and the construction or maintenance of 61 drainage structures. These accomplishments will be described in more detail in the work narrative section below. The work completed in 2017 proved to be an invaluable addition to work completed in the previous year. BACKGROUND The City of Colorado Springs TOPS program was developed in 1997 to acquire and preserve public areas for trails, open spaces, and parks throughout the Pikes Peak Region. The program is funded through a sales tax that takes 1/10 th of every cent. Since the inception of the TOPS program, over 6,200 acres of

3 3 open space lands on over 30 properties have been acquired for natural resource conservation and public recreation. These natural spaces are also offered additional protection under the provisions of conservation easements entered into by the City with the Palmer Land Trust and other land trusts. For more information on individual properties acquired and managed under the City s TOPS program, visit the City of Colorado Springs website at Stratton Open Space Stratton Open Space is a acre property located along the Ute Pass Fault on the southwest edge of Colorado Springs at the transition from residential neighborhoods to the east and expansive public lands to the west including North Cheyenne Canyon Park and Pike National Forest. The property is an invaluable ecological and recreational asset, with a trail system leading through a variety of shrublands, grasslands, and forest (Figure 1). The property is popular among local residents and tends to attract hikers, mountain bikers, and pet owners with its vast network of trails that also act as a gateway to a larger regional trail system. Unfortunately, social trails continue to present an issue as many of these undesignated trails pre-date the City s acquisition of the property and trail users are reluctant to discontinue using their favorite trails. Many smaller social trails were also discovered this year leading from the surrounding neighborhoods into the greater trail system. Figure 1. Stratton Open Space. This year, the Stratton Open Space property saw significant forest management activity carried out by the City s Forestry Department as a preventative measure to mitigate risks from catastrophic wildfire. Vegetation thinning activities changed the short-term vegetation profile of large portions of the park and highlighted the importance of closing social trails as they became much more visible and accessible in the treated areas throughout the park. Blodgett Peak Open Space Blodgett Peak Open Space features 167 acres of diverse wildlife habitat and trail systems adjoining the Pike National Forest. The open space is located directly beneath Blodgett Peak, offering trail access to that peak, and abuts the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) to the north. The property is wellknown for its geological formations including sedimentary rock from Manitou Limestone, Fountain, and Pierre Shale Formations. The open space predominantly attracts users from the local residential area and sees use from hikers and mountain bikers. Sustainable access presents a challenge on this property in particular due to its steep slopes, fall-line trail alignments, undesignated homeowner access trails, and a slew of other undesignated social trails. Successful slope stabilization and restoration efforts, subsequent to the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire, enabled the City to re-open this property in 2013 to a steady Figure 2. Blodgett Peak Open Space during RMFI postfire stabilization work in early Re-opened in August 2013, the park enjoys steady visitation once again.

4 4 stream of visitors (Figure 2). This year, CSPRCS coordinated with the U.S. Forest Service, who manages the national forest bordering the open space to the west, to close social trails between the two properties and for better wayfinding on approved trails. This was an important development for the many hikers who unknowingly use these undesignated trails to hike to the summit of Blodgett Peak. The trail is in very poor condition and has had extensive impact to the ecological resources. Moving forward, the designated trail system in the open space and between the two properties should continue to become clearer to users and will hopefully diminish the perceived need to use social trails for summit and neighborhood access. Blodgett Peak Open Space was also the location of one of four Bioblitz events across Colorado Springs this summer as part of the 20 th anniversary of the TOPS initiative. A Bioblitz is a unique opportunity for scientists and the general public to come together to record existing species in a given location to provide a more detailed understanding of an ecological community. In 24 hours, community members participating in the event recorded a total of 294 individual species in the open space including mammals, reptiles, flowers, fungi, and invertebrates (Blodgett, 2017). RMFI supported this event with staff members leading a guided hike to view restoration sites as well as hosting a stewardship outreach information table. Ute Valley Park Open Space The recently acquired Ute Valley Park Open Space contains 200 acres of property directly adjacent to Ute Valley Park and represents one of the most popular mountain biking locations within the City. The open space is very popular amongst residents of the northwest quadrant of Colorado Springs (Figure 3). The property is underlain by the Laramie Formation and is characterized by brittle rock outcrops and heavily weathered soils, which create highly erodible surfaces. The area is sparsely vegetated and therefore social trails form quickly as users seek access to new vantage points or an unclaimed route for bike riding. In some areas of the property, the alignment of trails up steep slopes in combination with moderate to heavy rain events have led to severe incision and the formation of erosion gullies in impacted off-trail locations. Figure 3. Ute Valley Park Open Space. Photo by Darcy Kiefel. This year, RMFI completed the southern segment of the East Loop Trail network, which opened up an eastern trailhead to runners, hikers, and bikers. The new trail has been a great addition to this TOPS property as evidenced by a very positive reception by the public. Ute Valley Park Open Space also hosted a Bioblitz event this year in which RMFI provided stewardship outreach support while community members observed 363 species living in the ecosystem (Milito, 2017). Red Rock Canyon Open Space Red Rock Canyon Open Space (RRCOS) shares most of the same geology and natural features as its more famous and heavily-visited neighbor, the Garden of the Gods Park. With fewer out-of-town visitors than the Garden, RRCOS remains a favorite of local outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Situated at the foot of the Ute Pass, its dramatic sedimentary rock formations and foothills vegetation frame great views of the Front Range rising to the west. A majority of trails on the property are designated multi-use

5 5 including its connection with the regional Palmer Trail (also referred to as Section 16 ). Some areas are designated to accommodate special pursuits, including rock climbing and off-leash pet areas. Red Rock Canyon is one of the few TOPS open spaces with an active Friends group. RMFI enjoyed an opportunity to partner with the Friends of Red Rock Canyon and its trained Crew Leaders on the White Acres Trail project this year. The development of that new trail, in the southeast section of the property, offered improved designated access to the area known as White Acres. This part of the open space was not used heavily previously but is now seeing increased use since the new trail opened. University Park Open Space/Austin Bluffs Open Space University Park Open Space (74.6 acres) and Austin Bluffs Open Space (584 acres) together make up a complex of open space properties in north central Colorado Springs, and is home to an array of geological formations, mesas, bluffs, valleys, and shrublands that create a unique ecological framework. The land is surrounded by residential area and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), with primary users of the open space including local residents and students of the university (Figure 5). Figure 4. Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Photo by Friends of Red Rock Canyon. The 2017 season was the first in which RMFI spent a significant amount of time working on these properties under the Open Space Stewardship Services contract. Goals for the management of this open space complex include the enhancement of diversity and health of native vegetation, protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, as well as the management of trails and infrastructure. High Chaparral Open Space High Chaparral Open Space is a 54-acre parcel of land located in the northeastern part of Colorado Springs vegetated with scrub oak and prairie grasses. As the highest point on the City s eastside, this area is a local favorite of hikers and mountain bikers who love the area for its scenic views and trails that are easy to navigate on foot and bike (Figure 6). Figure 5. University Park Open Space. Photo by Go Hike Colorado. This year, much of RMFI s work in High Chaparral Open Space was funded by another source. However, two workdays toward the end of the season were funded by TOPS and addressed feedback from trail users. Figure 6. High Chaparral Open Space. Photo by Jessie Emslie.

6 OPEN SPACE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM GOALS 6 In support of the City s stewardship goals for its open space properties, the primary goals of RMFI s Open Space Stewardship Services (TOPS) program are to: Plan, implement, and manage open space stewardship projects at various open spaces acquired through the City s TOPS program, guided by the City s master/management plans for these properties. Complete critical restoration work in the most severely degraded areas of each property. Complete essential trail improvement and construction work to provide for designated enjoyable and sustainable access throughout each property. Provide stewardship opportunities for a broad spectrum of the community including individuals, local schools, community organizations, businesses, and other groups. Foster community awareness about the ecology, natural history, and current threats to each property. PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF 2017 STEWARDSHIP WORK Between daily interactions with visitors in the field and feedback through social media and public outreach, the RMFI TOPS crew received a broad range of comments from the public regarding its 2017 stewardship work; however, a majority of feedback has been quite positive and appreciative. The completion and opening of the south segment of the Eastern Loop Trail in Ute Valley Park Open Space was especially well-received by trail users mountain bikers in particular for implementing many features designed specifically for mountain biking. The White Acres Trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space has also been a popular new destination for trail users who seem to be very happy with the access it provides over the Niobrara Formation (Figure 7). Though most of this trail was built by another contractor, RMFI played a significant role by organizing and leading an inaugural Colorado Public Lands Day stewardship event to conduct trail-finishing with 4 other community non-profit partners. Figure 7. Volunteers working hard on Public Lands Day in Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Photo by George Lee. Though most have been happy with the work completed, there have been a few instances of trail users and members of the general public expressing frustration over changes on favorite trails and to closures of favored social trails. Most of these interactions were in reference to work done in Stratton Open Space to affect social trail closures, especially those leading to the open space from the surrounding residences. Some individuals felt that this was unnecessary and potentially a waste of tax dollars, expressing that they preferred their particular social trail to stay open for easy access to their local park. This has been a recurring issue that has carried over from the 2016 season with some individuals going so far as to destroy restoration measures and structures put in place by the RMFI TOPS crew. Park staff have sought to reduce such tension in 2017 by distributing educational notices to neighboring residences in both Stratton and High Chaparral Open Spaces, and we feel this has been helpful. Another example of feedback comes from a small project to reduce erosion at one short, sloped section of trail at High Chaparral Open Space by adding timber box steps. A concerned individual stated, understandably, that these new steps ruined the flow of the trail system for bike users. The Park staff promptly allocated TOPS funding for the RMFI crew to build an accompanying bike ramp in parallel with the box steps. Consideration of such feedback will help ensure that funds are used to improve trails

7 7 and open spaces for all users while protecting the resource. CSPRCS staff, in managing these open spaces, continue to be extremely helpful in collecting feedback from community users and in finding solutions. WORK NARRATIVE Stratton Open Space From August 8 to September 9, RMFI spent 14 workdays on several objectives spread across the property, primarily closing social trails and improving drainage. In addition to these priorities, RMFI also maintained previously installed structures including timber drop structures and timber risers. Project objectives at each site were accomplished with a combination of RMFI TOPS crew workdays, open enrollment volunteer workdays, and corporate and youth/school group volunteer days. For a complete map of Stratton Open Space, including site names, see Appendix A. Management Areas 1 and 2: This season, RMFI continued to maintain timber drop structures that were previously installed to address the erosive potential of heavy precipitation events and sedimentation originating from storm water draining from the Stratton Forest Heights neighborhood. RMFI and volunteers moved 1 ton of rock and armored the areas beneath 2 of these structures to avoid further undercutting. These measures proved to be effective with no additional scouring observed during our 90- day monitoring period. Ponderosa Trail and Site D: Along Ponderosa Trail, RMFI installed check dams and grade dip drains in response to a sizeable gully beginning to form within the trail. Treating the cause, staff and volunteers were successful in improving drainage in this area. However, without significant on-site fill materials to restore the tread, the tread remains incised and should be addressed in the future. This trail also had several short social trails diverging from it that were restored and closed. Upper Meadow Loop and Arroyo Grande Trails: These two trails see a significant amount of water flow, made evident by rill formation along the trails. Staff and volunteers installed 12 grade dip drains along the Upper Meadow Loop site to prevent further rill formation and worked to fill in the center-of-trail rill where possible (Figure 8). Along the Arroyo Grande site, RMFI installed 5 sub-surface stabilization timbers (SSST) as well as 7 other drainage structures to stabilize the tread. These additions are working really well and have successfully kept water off the trail. Figure 8. Before (left) and after (right) tread work and filling of rill along Upper Meadow Loop. The addition of trail drains above this section (not pictured) should help to reduce further rilling.

8 8 Gold Camp Path and Management Areas 7 and 8: Main priorities for these 2 areas included the repair of non-functioning timber steps, stabilization of steep and eroding segments of trail, and the closure and restoration of several rogue trails. A total of 7 timber riser steps were installed and 2 more replaced on the Gold Camp Path to address the steep slope and the undercutting of existing timber risers. Staff and volunteers also closed and restored several long social trails in Management Areas 7 and 8. These closures are holding up and discouraging further use by hikers. Blodgett Peak Open Space The RMFI TOPS crew worked 12 days in Blodgett Peak Open Space between June 20 to July 27. Work at this property focused on improving trail drainage, improving trail durability, and closing social trails. Many volunteers helped on this property including several youth organizations on summer service programs. Another special volunteer event engaged a large group of area educators when RMFI partnered with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Teaching Environment Naturally series to host a half-day stewardship event, which also included the exhibition of the CSPRCS fire-education trunk set. The teachers departed the workday with more options for introducing students to stewardship practices. For a complete map of Blodgett Peak Open Space, including trail names, see Appendix B. Chickadee Trail: Several improvements were made to the Chickadee Trail this year. Two drains were installed and tread was restored in areas that were incised from water-born erosion prior to drainage improvements (Figure 9). RMFI also installed timber box steps on a direct line leading from Blodgett Trail to the Chickadee Trail (as an addition to the existing bike-accessible trail segment) in hopes that hikers will use the steps instead of short-cutting across unimpacted areas. Red Squirrel Trail: At the intersection of the Red Squirrel Figure 9. Before (left) and after (right) of drain installation and tread work on Chickadee Trail. Trail and Chickadee Trail, RMFI put in several SSSTs as well as a timber box step/bike ramp combination to better facilitate hike and bike users. This intersection was previously suffering from major degradation from erosion and general wear and tear from hikers and bikers. Gamble Oak Trail: Along the Gamble Oak Trail, several social trails were successfully closed and restored. The area had several well-established social trails winding through the property as well as some newer social trails that are believed to have originated from off-trail mountain bike use. Staff and volunteers used restoration techniques to camouflage and re-vegetate these areas. These techniques have been effective with significant growth of native grasses noted on our last monitoring visit.

9 9 Dry Creek Trail: At the intersection of the Dry Creek Trail with West Woodmen Road, RMFI designed a unique solution to stop the sloughing of tread material from the steep trail onto the sidewalk and road. Staff and volunteers installed 11 timber box steps and incorporated timber wings to form a parallel ramp of tread material for mountain bike use. By out-sloping the trail above the steps, water was forced to drain over onto the vegetated hillside rather than down the new step-ramp combination. RMFI also restored the parts of this hill that lost vegetation during the building period (Figure 10). Figure 10. RMFI staff and Next Step Ministries pause for a picture during the construction of the timber box steps and bike ramp at the Dry Creek trailhead (left photo by George Lee). The completed staircase and bike ramp to its right (right photo). Hummingbird Trail: Along the Hummingbird Trail, staff closed and restored several social trails that had been used as shortcuts to the summit access trail. Two sections of post and dowel fencing were installed to close these routes. The restoration of these deeply-incised trails on steep slopes took considerable effort by volunteers. Upon determining that some hikers were going around the fencing and still using these closed routes, Park staff installed wayfinding signage to help trail users better understand which trails are designated and how best to access the summit. In the future, more fencing could be installed in these areas to make this more difficult for rogue trail users and to encourage use of the proper designated route to the Blodgett Peak summit. Peregrine Trail: North of the water tower, staff and volunteers closed an extensive social trail that connected Peregrine Trail to Hummingbird Trail. It was noted in monitoring visits that some of the larger obstacles (branches and logs) used to cover the closed trails had been moved or broken, suggesting continued use. There has, however, been some new plant growth from restoration efforts that will hopefully discourage further use next season. Water Tower: South of the water tower, at the top of Blodgett Trail, staff and volunteers closed and restored a wide social trail scrambling straight up a steep slope to the Hummingbird Trail. RMFI used restoration techniques as well as erosion control matting (EC) to encourage regrowth on the bare soil. Post and dowel fencing was also installed at the bottom of the trail with signage to discourage use. This area was closed successfully and is experiencing abundant growth of native grasses (Figure 11).

10 Wagon Wheel Trail: Along the Wagon Wheel Trail, RMFI installed several grade dip drains to treat a significant rill that runs the entire length of the trail, making that trail less enjoyable for users. Staff have observed that the grade dips have worked very well here, yet the rill itself remains to be filled and regraded. This treatment would require large amounts of fill as well as rock or timbers for sub-surface structure construction, none of which is readily available from the surrounding area. It is possible that a better long-term solution here would be a re-route of segments of the trail to a more sustainable alignment. Ute Valley Park Open Space 10 Figure 11. Before and after photos of successful social trail restoration located south of the water tower at Blodgett Peak Open Space. Native grasses can be seen germinating through restoration matting on the right. From March 30 to June 9, and December 1 to December 12, RMFI staff and volunteers worked 33 days in Ute Valley Park Open Space (Appendix C). Primary goals were to complete construction of the south portion of the Eastern Loop Trail (begun in late 2016), to decommission and restore the old hazardous social trail it replaced, and to improve limited sections of the north segment of Eastern Loop Trail. As it frequently passed over rough terrain and required significant structure, RMFI staff felt the completion of the Eastern Loop Trail was one of the most rewarding achievements of the year. It was also the project that received the best reception from the public. Mountain bikers in particular have expressed a great deal of appreciation for the new trail and the features that were designed with their use in mind (Figure 12). Figure 12. Before and after photos of the construction of a climbing turn on the Eastern Loop Trail. Eastern Loop Trail (south segment) Construction: Between March and May, RMFI and volunteers built 3,880 linear feet of new trail, to finish the Eastern Loop Trail, which was opened to the public in the spring of 2017 (Figure 13). Staff and volunteers also spent a significant amount of time closing the social trail network that paralleled the new trail. In total, RMFI closed 3,474 linear feet of undesignated trails and restored an additional 721 square feet of impacted area. Other highlights of the work completed at this site include building 411 linear feet of retaining wall, installing 27 check dams, installing 216 linear

11 11 feet of new fencing, and transplanting 329 native plants. RMFI s monitoring of this site suggests that the new trail is wearing-in and holding very well despite frequent use. Figure 13. Before and after photos of single-track trail construction. The trail alignment often traversed narrow private land access easements in steep cross-slope areas requiring careful consideration of final alignment and structure. Eastern Loop Trail (north segment) Improvements: At the end of the 2017 season, the RMFI TOPS crew completed improvements to the well-built north segment of the Eastern Loop Trail (built by another contracted entity). Staff improved 96.5 linear feet of trail through the addition of a new grade dip drain, back-slope and tread refinement, armoring of a small segment of trail, and armoring of an alternate line banking turn (Figure 14). Figure 14. Before and after photos of paving and armored grade dip construction at the trailhead of the north segment of the Eastern Loop Trail. Drainage from Tech Center Road (in background) was concentrated onto the trail here. Red Rock Canyon Open Space Over 15 workdays between May 20 and September 28, RMFI TOPS crew and volunteers worked in Red Rock Canyon Open Space (RRCOS). Primary objectives for this property included trail tread refinement on newly-cut trail, social trail closure (including measures to discourage trail-users from entering sensitive wildlife areas and from unauthorized rock-scrambling), and erosion control in areas of concentrated drainage. A new fencing technique was utilized (buck and rail fencing using pressure-treated wood), which was particularly useful where a rustic and durable fence was desired and where rock

12 12 prevented installation of fence posts. For a map of Red Rock Canyon Open Space, see Appendix D. For a map of work sites within the open space, see Appendix E. Site 1-Connection to Dog Loops: The objective of work at Site 1 was to close multiple social trails that led up the ridge and over to the Lower Dog Loop. These trails led from the parking lot up the eroded face of steep bluff and, if left untreated, may have degraded into large gullies. RMFI staff and volunteers installed check dams to mitigate washouts and halt the incision process. Though bedrock is very close to the surface at points in this site, restoration efforts seem to be slowly taking hold and will hopefully better disguise the area next season. Figure 15. Before and after photos of social trail closure in a shortcut segment leading from the parking lot to the Upper Dog Loop. Site 2-Lower Dog Loop: The objective at this site was to close a social trail that followed the ridge and led to Site 1 and the Upper Dog Loop. Post and dowel fencing was installed at this site, though we suggest using other fencing methods in the future as it proved to be very difficult to properly install fencing here due to the existence of bedrock very close to the surface. Site 3-Upper Dog Loop: At Site 3, RMFI staff and volunteers closed and restored a social trail that led to an overlook of RRCOS and Garden of the Gods Park. Some post and dowel fencing was installed, though it was not tied in to any other structures or natural obstacles due to the issues presented by bedrock. Although the fence doesn t extend very far, duff and other restoration measures are doing an effective job at keeping people away from the social trail. As of November, CSPRCS staff had begun installation of heavy-duty fencing around the whole perimeter of the specially designated off-leash dog loops to better designate these as special use areas. This work supplements the fencing and closures implemented by RMFI and will hopefully allow sensitive areas surrounding these trails an opportunity to restore. Site 4-Ridgeline Overlook: The priority at Site 4 was again to close small social trails leading to an overlook of RRCOS and Garden of the Gods Park. Staff and volunteers restored the area. Transplants and native seed are doing well in the area compared to other sites with similar conditions. Site 5-West Upper Dog Loop: Site 5 contained a social trail that led down the ridge and which passes Site 1 and connects to Lower Dog Loop. Staff and volunteers closed and restored this trail and installed erosion control (EC) matting on the downslope leading to the ridge. Three sections of buck and rail fencing were also built in this area to discourage trail use and were more appropriate than post and dowel fencing due to near-surface bedrock. Though the EC matting doesn t appear to have fostered new growth as of November, possibly due to a dry fall, the sight of the matting alongside fencing and other restoration measures have successfully stopped foot traffic in the area, which may in turn help healthy soils and vegetation eventually return to the area.

13 13 Site 6-West Parking Lot Gullies: Near the west parking lot, several gullies have begun to form from concentrated water movement. RMFI and volunteers installed check dams in the area to minimize further incision (Figure 16). These dams have proven to be effective, though some are undercutting slightly in sandy locations. The area could use more check dams in the future to help slow down water and prevent further undercutting. Site 7-Dakota Ridge: Site 7 contains many popular social trails that are heavily used to access the sandstone ridges in the center of RRCOS. Staff installed buck and rail fencing, post and dowel fencing, and signs to close off this ridge and also restored social trails. Some of the more heavily fenced-off areas seem to be successfully closed. Other fenced-off trails are still being used, with clear signs that trail users are disregarding fencing and signage and walking around to continue to access these areas. University Park Open Space and Austin Bluffs Open Space Figure 16. Before and after photos of check dam construction on a sharply-defined gully at Site 6 in Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Over time, areas behind check dams will fill with sedimentation. From September 12-November 29, the RMFI TOPS crew and volunteers worked 18 days in the University Park Open Space/Austin Bluffs Open Space complex to construct and to improve re-routed segments of a multi-use single track trail spanning both open space properties. This trail was partially built on 2 separate Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) workdays. Priority objectives at this site were to re-route large segments of old trail to a new, more sustainable trail, close and restore the old trail, and install drainage structures, rock walls, rock armoring, and rock steps to improve durability and accessibility for hikers and bikers. For a complete map of the University Park Open Space and Austin Bluffs Open Space complex, see Appendix F. For a map of new trail construction and re-route, see Appendix G. Trail Construction and Re-route: Staff and volunteers spent a majority of the time working on new trail construction and re-routing old trail segments that were deemed unsustainable due to poor alignment with the surrounding sloped terrain. In total, RMFI built 975 linear feet of new trail, improved upon 767 linear feet of existing trail, and closed 1,763 linear feet of old trail and social trails in the area. New and improved trail segments were adjusted to better fit the natural contour of the area and now include new drainage and rock features to better suit trail users, and to improve sustainability through very sandy and erosion-prone terrain. Drainage Structures: In an effort to make the redesigned trail more sustainable over time, RMFI built 3 drainage structures, including a paved cross-trail drain and trail transitions to under-trail culverts, and better contoured the trail to allow water to sheet off the trail and down into the valley below. Proper back slope and out-sloping techniques were also applied to the new and improved trail to help with drainage.

14 14 Rock Structures: Sections of the new re-routed trail included several areas where the critical edge was difficult to establish in sandy soils as well as several steep climbing turns that were showing signs of erosion and seemed somewhat unsafe for users. RMFI installed several new rock structures to address these issues. Over the course of the work period in this area, staff and volunteers built 44 square feet of retaining wall and 77 linear feet of mono wall to help stabilize tread and discourage the creation of new social trails by highlighting the designated trail. To address the steep climbing turns, RMFI installed 26 new rock steps of native rock and 3 paved bike ramps using siloam pavers or native rock (Figure 17). These ramps in addition to a cobbled switchback and a paved grade dip totaled 255 square feet of cobbled/paved area. Figure 17. Before and after photos of rock step and bike ramp construction in University Park Open Space on a climbing turn. Structure like this help to harden the trail surface and improve long-term sustainability. High Chaparral Open Space From November staff completed work in High Chaparral Open Space (Appendix H) to supplement another 28 days of work completed earlier in the year under a separate funding agreement. These two days spent under TOPS funding were in direct response to feedback from trail users regarding the location of the installation of a short timber staircase at the intersection of Prairie Loop Trail and Ridgetop Trail. Here, steps made a short, steep segment of trail more durable for hikers and runners. However, the addition made the section of trail less accessible for bike users to ride. In response to this, TOPS funding was allocated to build an accompanying bike ramp to improve the cyclists experience. Staff used siloam pavers to build the 47 square foot ramp, installed gargoyle rocks, and restored the adjacent area to discourage users from cutting around the path (Figure 18). Figure 18. Before and after photos of timber step and paved bike ramp construction in High Chaparral Open Space. Addition of the paved ramp will make this trail junction more accessible to cyclists.

15 WORK ACCOMPLISHMENTS Stratton Open Space 425 linear feet of designated trail improved 6 timber riser steps built 26 drainage structures built and 15 more maintained 5 sub-surface stabilization structures installed 2,280 linear feet of social trails closed and restored including 187 native transplants 11 check dams installed 56 linear feet of fencing installed 4 erosion control structures maintained Blodgett Peak Open Space 115 linear feet of designated trail improved 23 timber box steps built and 2 parallel bike ramps 6 drainage structures built and 3 more maintained 4 sub-surface stabilization structures installed 2,432 linear feet of social trails closed and restored including 224 native transplants 1,457 square feet of off-trail impacted area stabilized 6 check dams installed 90 linear feet of fencing installed 2 log erosion barriers built 3 erosion control structures maintained Ute Valley Park Open Space 3,881 linear feet of new trail built 3,800 linear feet of trail corridor cleared 97 linear feet of designated trail improved 6 drainage structures built and 1 more maintained 411 square feet of retaining wall built 29 linear feet of mono wall built 3,474 linear feet of social trails closed and restored including 329 native transplants 721 square feet of off-trail impacted area stabilized 27 check dams installed 216 linear feet of fencing installed 1 erosion control structure maintained Red Rock Canyon Open Space 1,584 linear feet of designated trail improved 1 drainage structure maintained 1,960 linear feet of social trails closed and restored including 265 native transplants 12,030 square feet of off-trail impacted area stabilized 14 check dams installed 317 linear feet of fencing installed

16 16 University Park/Austin Bluffs Open Spaces 942 linear feet of new trail built 480 linear feet of corridor cleared 767 linear feet of designated trail improved 255 square feet of cobbling/paving 1,763 linear feet of old trail closed and restored 3 drainage structures built 26 rock steps built and 3 parallel paved bike ramps 90 square feet of retaining wall built 83 linear feet of mono wall built 4 check dams installed 20 linear feet of fencing installed High Chaparral Open Space 1 rock-paved bike ramp built (47 square feet) (additional work at this property was completed this season using funding from other sources and is documented in a separate report, available from RMFI) 2017 VOLUNTEER STATISTICS Volunteer workdays: 44 Number of volunteers engaged: 522 Total volunteer hours: 2,783 Value of volunteer time: $72,275 (at $25.97 per hour, independentsector.com) Volunteer Organizations Engaged: 1. Next Step Ministries (Figure 19) 2. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) Program 3. RoundUp Fellowship 4. Cheyenne Mountain Resort 5. T. Rowe Price 6. Colorado Springs Early Colleges 7. Widefield School District transition students 8. Griffith Centers for Children 9. CIVA Charter High School 10. Shriever Air Force Base 4 th Space Ops Squadron 11. UCCS Conservation Biology Class 12. Atlas Preparatory School 13. SRAM Bike Shop 14. Echopark Automotive 15. FedEx Cares Figure 19. Volunteers from Next Step Ministries at Blodgett Peak Open Space.

17 FUTURE WORK 17 In 2018, RMFI will continue work under Option Year 2 of the Open Space Stewardship contract in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs. RMFI and the City are planning to meet in late January 2018 to discuss 2018 Open Space Stewardship work priorities. In this discussion, results of the post-work monitoring visits to many of the 2017 properties should inform 2018 priorities. Among several priority work locations in consideration by Parks staff for 2018 is the Incline Connector Trail. It has been suggested that a 2018 objective may be to complete installation of remaining fencing requirements along this trail to substantially reduce switchback cutting, a stubborn issue that threatens the enjoyment of users. CONTACT INFORMATION Andy Riter RMFI Program Manager andy@rmfi.org

18 Appendix A Stratton Open Space 18

19 Appendix B Blodgett Peak Open Space 19

20 Appendix C Ute Valley Park Open Space (East Loop Trail (south segment) alignment in white) 20

21 Appendix D Red Rock Canyon Open Space Trail Map 21

22 Appendix E Red Rock Canyon Open Space Site Map 22

23 Appendix F University Park Open Space Trail Map 23

24 24 Appendix G University Park Open Space Trail Construction Map

25 Appendix H High Chaparral Open Space 25

26 26 REFERENCES Blodgett Open Space Colorado Springs, 2017, inaturalist website: bioblitz-bioblitz Sharon Milito, 2017, 2017 Bioblitz Presentation to City of Colorado Springs TOPS Working Committee and Parks Board