Garden of the Gods Restoration Report

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1 Garden of the Gods Restoration Report Implementation Guide Prepared for the Parks & Recreation Department City of Colorado Springs, Colorado by Rocky Mountain Field Institute Bruce Byers, Jim Ebersole, & Mark Hesse, Consultants October, 2000

2 Table of Contents Introduction Purpose of the Implementation Guide... 1 Guide Implementation... 1 Role of Student Interns, Youth Programs, and Community Volunteer Programs Funding... 3 Designated Trails Introduction... 4 Recommended Standards... 5 Illustrated Examples Other Recommended Trail Structures Trail Construction and Repair Costs Trail Maintenance Costs Additional Costs of Equestrian Trails Appendix 1: Model Fee Mechanism for Equestrian Use Appendix 2: Management Alternatives for Equestrian Use Social Trails Introduction Components of Successful Social Trails Restoration Guidelines for Closing Social Trails Recommended Standards for Closing and Restoring Social Trails Illustrated Examples Social Trail Closure Recommendations Costs of Restoring Social Trails Appendix 1: Barriers and Signs for Closure of Social Trails Bare and Eroded Areas Introduction Recommended Standards Illustrated Examples Costs of Restoring Bare and Eroded Areas Vegetation Management Introduction Fire and Controlled Burns Management of Non-Native Trees Management of Shrubs... 82

3 Noxious Plants Introduction Recommended Standards Control of Noxious Weeds Currently Found in the Park Likely Future Invading Noxious Weed Species Amount of Area Infested with Noxious Plants Weed Control Costs Revegetation Introduction Seed Sources Site Preparation Seeding Salvaged Plant Materials Other Sources for Shrubs and Trees Watering Monitoring Revegetation Costs References RMFI Consulting Team

4 Acknowledgements The Rocky Mountain Field Institute would like to extend a special thanks to the individuals listed below who assisted with the development of this Restoration Report Implementation Guide for the Garden of the Gods. Principal Consultants Bob Steinholz, Bristlecone Trails, Lakewood, CO Thomas and Thomas, Urban Design- Landscape Architecture, Colo. Springs, CO John Valentine, USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service Francisco Valenzuela, USDA, Forest Service Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Dept. Kurt Schroeder, Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Dept. Rick Severson. Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Dept. Bill Stookey, Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Dept. Other Professionals Contacted Ian Appleyard, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, City of Boulder, CO George Beck, Colorado State University Mary Bonnell, Naturalist, Roxborough State Park, CO Woody Hesselbarth, USDA, Forest Service Barclay Trimble, NPS Concessions Program Center, Denver, CO

5 Introduction Purpose of the Implementation Guide This Implementation Guide has been prepared to serve as a resource for the City of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department for implementing strategies and prescriptions for restoration proposed in the Garden of the Gods Restoration Report. The guide provides recommendations for restoration standards, illustrated examples and cost estimates. Guide Implementation The restoration of the Garden of the Gods is a long-term process that will require ongoing experimentation, monitoring, and evaluation over an extended period of time. Many of the recommendations and suggestions contained in this Implementation Guide may require further refinement and all will have to be applied with some flexibility. Furthermore, techniques other than those listed in the guide may exist or come to light that offer better or more cost-effective ways to achieve the objectives of the Restoration Report. This guide, therefore, is intended to be a fluid document: to be changed and added to as more knowledge and experience is gained in the process of restoring the Park. The importance of taking an integrated approach to restoration in the Garden of the Gods cannot be overstated. Few, if an, of the disturbances in the Garden of the Gods are due to single factors working in isolation. More often than not, a disturbance is the result of a many interacting influences, some natural and many social. Successfully restoring the Park will require that all of the contributing factors are identified and addressed in an integrated way. It is for this reason that the Garden of the Gods Restoration Report advises that restoration proceed on a watershed by watershed, or drainage by drainage basis. According to this approach, the complete restoration needs for a sector of the Park, i.e. road drainage improvements, the restoration of bare areas and social trails, trail improvements, and site specific visitor education, would be identified and addressed within the context of a single project. The Restoration Report provides an inventory of social trails, bare and eroded areas, and the Park s designated trail system. This inventory evaluates and identifies disturbance levels through a condition classification. Cost estimates are provided in the Implementation Guide for restoring or repairing each condition class. These estimates can be refined as restoration work is completed. (1)

6 Pg. 2 The restoration of the Garden of the Gods will require the support of the Colorado Springs community. Visitor and community education is absolutely critical to the success of any restoration project in the Park. The involvement of citizens is important to reduce the costs of the restoration but also to provide "hands on" stewardship opportunities. These opportunities have significant educational value. Not only do volunteer programs serve an important cost savings function, but they provide invaluable opportunities for citizens to learn about the ecological systems and natural resources of the Park. Park managers and staff, therefore, should attempt to identify aspects of restoration projects that can be completed by community volunteers. Role of Student Interns, Youth Programs, and Community Volunteer Programs Few land management agencies have the financial resources to meet the improvement and maintenance needs of the areas that they manage without the help and involvement of volunteers. There is little question that volunteers could play a significant role in the implementation of the Garden of the Gods Restoration Report. There are several nonprofit organizations and recreational user groups who could be mobilized to take on some aspects of the Park s restoration. Student interns from high schools and local colleges and universities could assist with restoration research projects, and the monitoring of the Park s flora and fauna. A paraprofessional program modeled after the Boulder Mountain Park s Junior Ranger Program would help to reduce costs as well as provide excellent summer employment opportunities for local youth. Volunteers from Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America repairing the trail leading to Siamese Twins formation in the west sector of the Park.

7 Pg. 3 Labor costs for restoring the Park could be reduced significantly through the development of paraprofessional youth programs and community volunteer programs: The Rocky Mountain Field Institute estimates that the cost savings could be as much as 50% with youth programs, and 70% with volunteer programs (RMFI, 1999). It is important to note, however, that the level of volunteerism for the Park will have to be increased substantially above current levels to realize significant cost savings. There also would be associated development, administrative, and recruitment costs. For instance, the City of Boulder has a paid volunteer coordinator, as well as contact persons within each department of the city who identify and plan volunteer programs. This helps to meet one of the essential requirements of an effective volunteer program: the integration of the program into work projects and schedules. The potential for volunteer programs in the Colorado Springs community is, however, excellent. Funding The costs associated with addressing the impacts noted in the Restoration Report are high. It was not an objective of the Implementation Guide to identify sources of funding to support the restoration of the Park. However, the Garden of the Gods local, regional and national prominence as an historic landmark, and the importance of preserving and restoring its natural resources, provide a compelling case for funding.

8 Designated Trails Pg. 4 Introduction The proper development and care of the Garden of the Gods trail system is critical to the preservation of the Park. Well-designed and maintained trails play a significant role in reducing visitor impacts. As documented in the sections on designated trails and social trails in the Restoration Report, a significant portion of the resource damage that is taking place in the Garden of the Gods can be directly attributed to inadequacies in the present trail system. The success of future restoration actions will depend upon correcting these deficiencies. The purpose of this section is to provide the City of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department with recommendations on the development, construction, repair, and maintenance of the Garden of the Gods Trail System, and to provide illustrated examples of ways in which the present trails might be repaired. The proposed standards in this Guide have been prepared based upon the Park s importance as a national landmark, the exceptionally high levels of visitation, and cultural/historical, biological, and physical characteristics. The Restoration Report recommends that a comprehensive Trails Plan be developed for the Garden of the Gods. The Restoration Report provides a host of recommendations for improving the present system of designated trails. The Trails Plan process would provide the forum for formally reviewing and approving these recommendations along with the standards and techniques offered in this Implementation Guide. It is further recommended that once standards for Park trails have been established, a trail construction and maintenance manual be developed and made available to all parties working on the Park s trails. This manual will provide direction to Park staff, independent contractors, and volunteer groups working on the Park s trails and ensure that these standards are met. It is important to note that the illustrated examples in this section are not meant to serve as, or take the place of, final construction plans for major projects. Any major construction action will require the preparation of more detailed plans.

9 Pg. 5 Recommended Standards Trail Development 1. As stated in the Garden of the Gods Master Plan, preserving and restoring the Garden of the Gods are the primary management mandates for the Park. Consequently, any new trail development must be thoroughly evaluated within this context. No development should take place if this action will negatively impact the Park s landscape or its biological and historical resources, lead to an increase in disturbance levels in the Park, or conflict with Park restoration goals. 2. Trails should be constructed or repaired to properly meet the types of uses for which a given trail is intended. No Park trail should be open to any use that the trail is not designed or built to accommodate. 3. Any expansion of the present trail system should involve the adoption and improvement of existing "social" trails and should not lead to the disturbance of undisturbed terrain or native vegetation. Trail Realignment/Reroutes 1. Trail reroutes or changes in trail alignment through undisturbed ground or terrain should be avoided. The Park is a heavily disturbed environment and a priority must be placed on preserving and protecting all remaining undisturbed terrain and vegetation. 2. The majority of the trails in the Park are "social" or visitor created trails. There are sections of these trails that arguably have less than desirable grades or are not ideally aligned. However, if a reroute or a change in trail alignment is necessary, the reroute should follow existing "social" trails or existing disturbed ground. 3. As a general rule, changes in trail alignment should be considered and undertaken for restoration purposes only. In other words, there may be cases where a trail reroute or a change in trail alignment may offer a significant opportunity for restoration that will result in a decrease in the amount of disturbed ground at a particular location.

10 Pg. 6 Trail Construction Features The following standards are recommended for major trail features. Tread Width 1. The width of trails in the park should be established to accommodate the level of use for which any given trail is designated. As a general rule more heavily used trails where visitors routinely pass one another should have a 4-6 ft. tread, while lesser used trails should have a 2 ft. tread. Surfacing Many of the trails in the Park have increased in width beyond the above measurements because of the poor condition of the tread. Repair of these trails will provide the opportunity for considerable restoration along the sides of the trails. 1. "Hardened" or heavily "armored" trail surfaces that look and feel unnatural should be minimized whenever possible. Concrete sidewalks have worked well to minimize maintenance and allow safe and easy access. Nevertheless, interviews and visitor observations indicate that many people prefer more natural trail surfaces. 2. Crusher fines trails should be considered as an alternative for heavily used trails or intensive use areas. Surfacing trails with crusher fines has proven to be a very effective method for hardening mountain bike paths, hiking and running trails, as well as other high use pedestrian sites. However, crusher fine trails must be properly constructed. Crusher fines are highly susceptible to washouts from running water, particularly if fines become saturated. Proper water control and drainage is, therefore, of utmost importance. The use of crusher fines is not advised for grades over 8%. Crusher fines are not recommended for equestrian trails. Use of Mechanized Equipment in Trail Improvements/Maintenance 1. Trail machines should be used with considerable care when improving and maintain Park trails. While trail machines can save considerable labor, they often cut or deepend the surface level of the trail. In steep terrain with erodible soils, trail machines often exacerbate rather than mitigate trail problems.

11 Pg. 7 Construction Materials 1. Harvesting of materials on site for trail construction and maintenance should be avoided to the greatest extent possible in order to: (1) minimize disturbances to the terrain along trail corridors, and (2) preserve the natural landscape of the Park. The exception to this rule is the removal of surface rock and displaced aggregate and rock from the bottom of natural drainages. 2. The use of "borrow pits" or the digging of holes for the purpose of collecting soil and/or rock is not appropriate in the Park. 3. To the greatest extent possible, rock used in the construction of trails in the Park (including crusher fines) should match the natural color and rock type of the rock formations or parent material found in the Park. Trail Maintenance All designated trails in Garden of the Gods require thorough and consistent maintenance at levels beyond what most trails require. This is due to the following reasons: a. exceptionally high levels of visitation, b. the Park s topography and soils, c. climatic events and weather patterns characteristic of the region. A trail maintenance program is by nature a proactive management action that works to address problems before they become serious and costly to correct. Even on well constructed trails, structures must be routinely repaired. 1. A maintenance schedule should be developed for all trails once they have been properly constructed or repaired. The schedule should make allowances for special weather events. The maintenance program should provide for the maintenance of water control and drainage structures, i.e. water bars, and drainage dips, and tread maintenance. 2. The Park and Recreation Department s budget should make contingencies for atypical weather events which, while they do not occur on an annual basis, are characteristic of the region. 3. Trail conditions throughout the Park should be evaluated or assessed annually to identify major trail repair needs above and beyond normal maintenance requirements. Repairs should be prioritized and factored into the following year s budget.

12 Pg. 8 Personnel Training and Volunteer Supervision The hiring of qualified staff, on-going training and skills development, and proper work supervision are all critical to the success of any trail construction and maintenance program. Staff Training 1. Staff responsible for the construction and repair of Park trails should be well qualified and receive on-going training so as to guarantee that the standards established for Park trails are achieved and maintained. Volunteer programs 1. All volunteer programs must be supervised by experienced personnel with the training to construct or repair trails according to established Park trail maintenance and construction standards. Construction plans should be prepared and approved by Park staff in advance of any trail construction or repair project. Trail Signs and Maps Trail signs and maps are an integral part of the Park s trail system. Trails signs and maps should serve as a resource to Park visitors so that they can: a. properly locate and visit sites and locations in the Park according to plan b. remain oriented at all times, c. accurately budget their time, d. identify distances between various locations in the Park as easily and accurately as possible. Trail signs and maps also serve to ensure the safety of Park visitors by preventing visitors from becoming disoriented or lost, as well as over-extending themselves physically. 1. At major trailheads, signs should be constructed that provide the following: - a map of the park with a location indicator ("You Are Here"), - a notation informing visitors of the need to hike only on designated or established trails and observe restoration closures, - a photo showing erosion and vegetation loss, and an example of a restoration plot, - distance from trailhead to important landmarks. 2. Trail junctions on popular designated trails should have a sign that clearly identifies the intersecting trails.

13 Pg A trail map should be designed and produced for widespread distribution Park visitors. This map should provide distances between trail junctions so as to allow visitors to easily and accurately determine distances between various points. An example of such a map is provided below. This is the hiking map that was developed for the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

14 Pg. 10 Illustrated Examples Introduction The purpose of this section is to identify and recommend to the City of Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Department methods for addressing the most outstanding trail repair needs for the Garden of the Gods through illustrated examples that are based upon actual sites in the Park. This section also provides examples of typical trail structures that apply to the Garden of the Gods trail system given the Park s particular topography, soils, and visitation levels.

15 Pg. 11 Example 1. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated: 1. Severe trail damage due to inadequate level of trail development commensurate with types and levels of trail use. 2. Severe erosion and vegetation loss along perimeter of trail. Location: Scotsman Trail uphill from Scotsman Picnic Area Description of Problem Portions of the Scotsman Trail above the Scotsman Picnic Area provide an example of the worst erosion of designated system trails to be found in the Garden of the Gods. The trail in this location is severely degraded. The tread has deteriorated into a major gully that is contributing to the severe erosion problems in this section of the Park. The poor condition of the trail is due to these factors: steep grades (up to 30%), erodible soils, and heavy use including commercial equestrian use. The trail has widened over time because of the reluctance of horses to walk on bedrock or uneven terrain.

16 Pg. 12 Repair Recommendations 1. Correct trail "channeling" by elevating the level of trail tread. 2. Stabilize trail with retention structures. 3. Install drainage structures to keep water from draining down the trail. 4. Restore vegetation along the perimeter of the trail and stabilize rills and/or gullies along the perimeter of the trail. Options Repair and maintain the trail as either a multiple use equestrian and pedestrian trail, or eliminate heavy horse use and maintain as pedestrian trail with the possibility of relocating the equestrian trails to the eastern sector of the Park. Comments The design specifications for this section of trail depends upon on the trails uses and use levels that are allowed. The single greatest factor is intensive equestrian use. If use at the current level of 15,000-20,000 rides per year continues, the trail will need to be heavily fortified to provide for proper stability. The width of the trail is also dependent upon use levels as well. If equestrian use is to continue to be a primary trail use, then the trail must be wide enough to permit hikers and horses to pass safely. This is consistent with the recommendations of the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan that provides an additional 4 ft. clearance for horses. If commercial equestrian use is discontinued on this trail, the trail could be constructed to a maintainable standard for pedestrians, and occasional equestrian use, in a much different way. There are two alternatives for repairing the trail. The first alternative is to repair the trail as a pedestrian only trail, thus eliminating intensive equestrian use. The second alternative is to rebuild the trail as a multiple use (equestrian and pedestrian) trail. The first illustration (pg. 14) shows a pedestrian trail and the second illustration (pg. 15) shows a multiple use (equestrian and pedestrian) trail. In both illustrations, the design for repairing or rebuilding the trail is based on what is called crib box construction. This construction technique provides for a reinforced tread surface on steeper sections of trails that will not deteriorate. Construction plans for the equestrian-hiking trail are provided on pg. 16. It is important to note that the use of soil hardeners to surface the equestrian trails was researched. None of the manufactures recommended using soil hardeners on grades greater than 5%. This means that soil hardeners are a viable alternative only for low grade or relatively flat trails.

17 Pg. 13 Important Considerations and Issues Level of Trail Development Upgrading or repairing the trail so that it can properly accommodate multiple equestrian and pedestrian use will require structures and improvements at a scale markedly different than what would be required for repairing the trail for pedestrian use. It is also important to note that a pedestrian trail would present opportunities to narrow the present trail and to restore the perimeters of the trail. Cost of Repair and Maintenance The cost of repairing the present trail to accommodate multiple-use equestrian and pedestrian use will be significantly higher than a pedestrian trail. It will also be considerably more costly to maintain. Equestrian trails typically require 3 to 4 times the annual maintenance that pedestrian trails do. Furthermore, trail structures need to be replaced more often (Deluca, et al., 1998; F. Valenzuela, personal communication; B. Steinholtz). Rerouting or Relocating Equestrian Trails The alternatives for rerouting parts or sections of existing trails and relocating commercial equestrian use to other sectors of the Park were reviewed by the consulting team. Rerouting is not advised unless reroutes take place on existing trails and do not result in an increase in ground disturbance. This would be difficult to do on the existing equestrian trails. The RMFI consulting team examined the Park to determine if there was another sector of the Park that would better accommodate equestrian use, and where an equestrian trail might be built less expensively than improving the existing trails. The eastern sector of the Park, in specific the Camp Creek drainage, provides more favorable terrain. However, this alternative raises serious wildlife and wildlife habitat issues. Other Management Alternatives There are other ways to reduce equestrian trail impacts. Restricting equestrian use when the trails are wet and reducing the numbers of equestrain rides would reduce damage to the surface of the trails.

18 Pg. 14 Crib Box Risers for Hiking Trail This illustrations depicts the use of crib box risers on steep grades of trail. They are constructed of treated timbers, and are filled with aggregate to allow the structures to drain and not pool water. Water bars are required at the top and bottom of any series of structures. The risers can be also constructed of stone. While they are more difficult and costly to build, they do last much longer.

19 Pg. 15 Crib Box Risers for Intensive, Multi-use Equestrian & Hiking Trail This illustrations depicts the use of crib box risers for intensive, multi-use equestrian-hiking trails. Note that the trail needs to be wide enough to allow hikers and horses to pass safely. These structures need to be well built, maintained, and replaced as needed in order to withstand the impacts of heavy equestrian use. Note that the risers have a split height to accommodate the different needs hikers and horses. A recommended construction plan is provided on the following page.

20 Construction Plans for Crib Box Risers for Intensive, Multi-Use Equestrian & Hiking Trails Pg. 16

21 Pg. 17 Example 2. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated 1. Moderate trail damage due to inadequate level of trail development commensurate with types and levels of trail use. 2. Development of social trails. 3. Poor linkage of parking areas with trail system. Location: Scotsman Trail downhill from the parking areas on Juniper Way. Description of Problem This section of trail illustrates the need for trail repair, the closure and restoration of social trails, and better navigational aids like trail signs and maps to help keep users on designated trails. Repair Recommendations 1. Correct trail channeling by raising the level of trail tread. 2. Stabilize trail with retention structures. 3. Install drainage structures to keep water from draining down the trail. 4. Close and restore social trails. 5. Erect signs that provide clear directions to hikers.

22 Pg. 18 Properly Constructed and Signed Trail Intersection. This illustration depicts how the section of trail in Example 2 should look like after it has been repaired. Note that trail channeling is corrected, the edges of the trail are defined and re-enforced, and signage is improved to orient trail users to their location on the trail system (lower sign) and to major destinations- in this case the parking area.

23 Pg. 19 Example 3. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated 1. Channeling of trail or erosion of trail tread making for poor trail conditions and an undesirable walking surface. 2. Deterioration of outside edges or margins of trail due to hikers seeking a better walking surface. Location: Palmer Trail- West Side of road across from Scotsman Parking Area Description of Problem This section of trail illustrates a common problem on the trails throughout the western sectors of the Park. The trail has become excessively eroded or channeled. In many places water will pool following storms or periods of precipitation. Hikers walk on outside margins of the trail in search of a better walking surface. This results in the additional erosion or soil and vegetation loss, and a widening of the trail.

24 Pg. 20 Repair Recommendations 1. Correct trail channeling by raising the height of trail tread. 2. Stabilize trail with retention structures. Treated timber or rock check dam risers are structures that have proven to be very effective in addressing these types of trail problems. The example on this page illustrates one alternative for how these structures could be built. Check Dam Riser Construction Water bars are needed at the top and at the bottom of each series of risers. Check dam risers are constructed with steel panels that are anchored with stone. Each riser is backfilled with aggregated as shown below. Note that the panel does not penetrate the bottom of the trail tread so as to allow for drainage under the structure. Panel located behind anchor stones and hidden beneath trail tread. 1st course 2nd course 3rd course Aggregate is used to fill in the check dam risers. Three courses of aggregate are recommended beginning with a large size and progressing to a small size. This allows for proper drainage and prevents water from pooling behind the structures.

25 The drawing above shows how a deeply channeled section of trail should look after improvements are made. The level of the trail tread is nearly equal to the surrounding terrain. Pg. 21

26 Pg. 22 Example 4. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated: 1. Inadequate construction of crusher fines trail. 2. Deterioration of trail tread and loss of surfacing material (crusher fines). 3. Water erosion depositing crusher fines onto surrounding vegetation. Location: Bretag Trail Description of Problem This section of the trail illustrates the following: 1. The need to reconcile trail use issues, specifically equestrian use, 2. The need for proper construction when crusher fines are used for surfacing trails. Repair Recommendations The issue of whether or not equestrian use is to be permitted on the Bretag Trail must be resolved before any action to repair the trail can be taken. Crusher fines trails have not proven to be stable enough to hold up to equestrian use. However, soil hardeners or stabilizers are being sold commercially for equestrian trails.

27 Pg. 23 Standards and guidelines exist and are readily available for constructing multi-use pedestrian, cycling, and handicap accessible crusher fines trails. In summary, these trails should be constructed and built by professional trail builders with the consultation of landscape architects and/or engineers. This will ensure that the trail is properly constructed considering site specific grades, soils, and types of trail uses. Crusher fines trails require the following considerations. Special attention must be given to drainage. Precautions must to be taken to keep the crusher fines from becoming saturated. Drainage structures need to be built to keep water from flowing onto the surface of the trail. Drainage trenches along the perimeter of the trail may be needed. Clay soils such as exist in the eastern sectors of the Garden require a non-degradable geo-textile under-layer. In general, crusher fines trails should have a minimal grade with a maximum incline of between 5-8%. In relatively flat terrain, the surface of the trail should be raised above the surrounding terrain, and the surface of the trail should be crowned or out-sloped at 2%. Proper compaction is an absolute necessity for crusher fines trails. A water content of approximately 5% is recommended for the fines to ensure proper binding.

28 Pg. 24 Example 5. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated 1. Improper repair of trail through re-route (not advised for GOG Park). 2. Inadequate restoration of closed trail. Location: Palmer Trail Description of Problem This section of trail provides a graphic example as to why re-routes in the Garden of the Gods are not recommended. Restoring sections of closed trails is exceptionally difficult and expensive. More often than not, re-routes, unless they take advantage of existing social trails, increase the amount of terrain disturbed in the Park. The preferred action is to work with and repair the existing trail. In this case, the trail could have been repaired with a series of risers and steps. Repair Recommendations As suggested above, future re-routes should be avoided. In this illustration, efforts should be made to return the closed trail to predisturbance conditions. This can be accomplished by importing additional soil and revegetating the site.

29 Example 6. Pg. 25 Types of Problem(s) Illustrated Development and subsequent deterioration of social trails to locations not presently served by the Park s designated trail system. Location: East Side of Gray Rock Description of Problem This example illustrates the inadequacy of the Park s designated trail system in providing access to popular sites in the Park, in this case technical climbing sites. Repair Recommendations There are numerous cases in the Park where additional trails are arguably needed to meet the demand on the part of Park visitors to access sites or locations not presently provided for by the Park s designated trial system. However, restoration and preservation goals require Park managers to identify areas of critical concern in the Park where public access should be discouraged or restricted, and to manage these sites in such a manner as to ensure the preservation of these sites. Social trails in these areas should be closed and restored, and education programs developed to help secure visitor compliance. If technical rock climbing is to continue in the Park, designated access trails to popular climbing sites are needed. These sites have existing social trails. These trails should be formally adopted, repaired, and maintained under a "primitive" standard with a tread width of inches.

30 Pg. 26 Other Recommended Trail Structures Introduction This section provides examples for typical trail structures that have application for the Garden of the Gods Park. Water Bar The water bar should be constructed with an aggregate filled drainage dip that drains water off of the trail. Care should be taken to make the drainage dip large enough to handle the runoff and prevent water from hitting the retaining structure. Also the rip-rap outlet needs to extend far enough out to accommodate the water volume and velocity. The retaining structure can be built out of either stones, treated timber, or log. Whatever material is used, the retaining structure must be sufficiently anchored and pinned into the sides of the trail. Obviously stone is longer lasting. However, harvesting large quantities of rock from the Park is not recommended.

31 Pg. 27 Bridge Upslope Cut-away drawing. Planks continue across the full width of bridge. Upslope There are several drainage crossings in the Park where bridges would be useful. The above illustrations were prepared by B. Steinholtz, Bristlecone Trails.

32 Trail Construction and Repair Costs Pg. 28 Introduction The estimates presented in this section of the Implementation Guide are provided to present the Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department with a general idea of the costs of repairing and improving the designated trail system in the Garden of the Gods Park. It is very important to note that these estimates are based upon the use of off-site or imported materials in Park trail construction and repair. The harvesting of large quantities of material from within the Park for trail construction or repair is not recommended for the Garden of the Gods for reasons stated earlier in this Guide. Costs Schedules The table below provides estimates for repairing the trails based upon commercial prices. Unit prices for typical trail structures were taken from the 1998 Class C Estimating Tables produced by the Denver Service Center of the USDI National Park Service which gives approximate costs for work as if it where to be completed by private contractors through competitive bidding (Davis/Bacon wage standards apply). The costs of atypical or custom designed structures like crib boxes and foot bridges were developed based upon local material and labor costs. Trail Repair and Improvement Costs Earthen Trails Condition Class Costs Good Condition Class 0 0 Moderate erosion, 1-6" soil loss Class 3 $ 55,000 Major erosion, 7-12" soil loss Class 4 68,000 Severe erosion, more than 12" soil loss Class 5 239,000 Subtotal $362,000 Trail surfacing- 1.5 mile crusher fines trail $111,000 Rock walls 6,000 Bridges/culverts 8,200 Trailhead kiosks, trail signs, trail maps 50,000 Subtotal $175,200 Paved (Concrete) Walkways Good Condition Class 0 0 Moderate erosion, 1-6" soil loss Class 315,000 Major erosion, 7-12" soil loss Class 4 107,000 Subtotal $122,000 TOTAL $643,200

33 Pg. 29 Trail Maintenance Costs Trails, once constructed properly, must be maintained. This is especially true in environments like the Park with highly erodible soils, high visitation, and where materials like treated timbers and split rail fencing are used. No schedule exists for determining estimates for yearly maintenance costs for trails. For the Park, much depends upon how issues of commercial equestrian use and social trails are resolved. Given the Park s soils and topography it is RMFI s estimate that maintaining the trail system would cost approximately 3-5% of the initial improvement costs per year. For instance, if $100,000 in improvements are made, the annual maintenance costs would be $3,000 to $5,000. Additional Costs of Equestrian Trails Upgrading or repairing the designated trail system so that it will support regular equestrian use would require additional costs. Multiple-use equestrian- pedestrian trails require additional tread width, tread re-enforcement, and substantial drainage structures. Steep grades such as though that exist on the present equestrian trails in the Park present difficult construction challenges. The table below identifies these costs for approximately 5 miles of trail. Equestrian Trail Repair/Improvement Costs Type of Improvement Costs Check Dams/Risers $193,000 Water Bars 12,000 Additional Tread Repair 39,000 TOTAL $244,000 It is important to note that maintenance and repair costs for intensive use horse trails are considerably greater. Any structures that are built to accommodate these use levels will have to be maintained yearly and most likely be replaced every years.

34 Pg. 30 Appendix 1. Model Fee Mechanisms for Equestrian Use The experience of the U.S. Forest Service with equestrian and off-road-vehicle (ORV) user fees and cost recovery programs is potentially instructive for the Garden of the Gods situation. When the Forest Service develops a new forest plan (similar to a master plan, like that produced for Garden of the Gods in 1994) for a given national forest, it must ensure that any trails that exist or are constructed do not cause excessive erosion and loss of vegetation. Any trails on which horses or ORVs are allowed must be specially constructed and maintained, and in recent cases the Forest Service has decided that it is unfair for the general public to subsidize those specialized uses, which are expensive activities that require highcost, specialized infrastructure (i.e., hardened trails with substantial erosion control structures). Therefore, the Forest Service now charges equestrians and ORV operators a user fee in many national forests (F. Valenzuela, personal communication). A case from the Hoosier National Forest in Illinois is instructive. Private equestrian use there was causing trail erosion that violated the forest management plan. The Forest Service was faced with a choice of either banning equestrian use or constructing trails to a standard that could support it without erosion. They did not have the several hundred thousand dollars needed to upgrade the trails, however, so they turned to the equestrians for help. Horse riders agreed to pay a substantial bridle fee of $5 per day or $30 per year. The Regional Office of the Forest Service was able to advance the large sum needed immediately for trail construction to the Hoosier National Forest; this money was to be paid off over the years from the equestrian use fee (F. Valenzuela, pers. comm.) Public land management agencies have used a variety of methods including concession fees, user fees, and impact fees to recover some or all of the costs associated with commercial activities on public lands, and even to generate additional revenues beyond costs. Average concession fees for commercial activities of all kinds in state parks now average around 12-15% of audited gross revenues of the commercial operations. Until recently, National Parks have had concession fees between 2.5 and 3 percent (P. Vorhees, personal communication). The National Parks and Conservation Association has been pressing the National Park Service to update its concession fee policy, and raise concession fees in National Parks to the same levels as state parks and other public lands (P. Vorhees, personal communication).

35 Pg. 31 Franchise fees for equestrian concessions in National Parks across the country range from about 2 to 3 % of gross receipts (Barclay Trimble, personal. communication). A recent ( ) concession contract for commercial horseback rides in Rocky Mountain National Park is typical; it charged a franchise fee of 3% of gross receipts (National Park Service, 1995). However, it should be noted that franchise fee levels are not the only revenues from commercial equestrian operations in National Parks that are returned to the public. A recent equestrian concession contract from Bryce Canyon National Park provides an instructive example. In that case, the franchise fee was only 2.5%, on annual gross sales of between $350,000 and $400, thus returning between $8,750 and $10,000 to the Park each year. However, the contract also required the commercial stable to invest $77,000 in needed infrastructure (stables and facilities for wranglers in this case) over the five year contract--including $30,000 up-front to upgrade facilities immediately. The stable also is required to carry out maintenance on the trails used by horses under the coordination and supervision of Park staff. The commercial stable spends an average of $20,000 per year on trail maintenance. In this case, the total return to the Park from this commercial equestrian concession is about $44,000 per year, or about 11.7% of gross receipts (B. Trimble, personal communication). The example of Bryce Canyon may be an instructive model when a concession contract with Academy Riding Stable is renegotiated. The commercial stable operating at Bryce Canyon, Canyon Trail Rides, is a somewhat smaller operation than the Garden of the Gods stable. CTR charges $26.50 for a two-hour ride in Bryce (versus $40 for a two-hour ride in Garden of the Gods); for $40 in Bryce riders get a 3-1/2 hour ride. Canyon Trail Rides also offers rides at Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, and at these parks too prices are lower than at Garden of the Gods. At Grand Canyon and Zion, for example, one-hour rides are $15 (versus $25 at Garden of the Gods) and 3-1/2 hour rides are $40 (the same as two-hour rides at the Garden).

36 Appendix 2. Management Alternatives for Equestrian Use Pg. 32 Unfortunately, there is no easy or inexpensive solution for mitigating equestrian impacts on trails in the Garden of the Gods. This is due to the terrain, soils, and climatic features (intensive thunderstorms) that are characteristic of the Park.The purpose of this section is to present the alternatives that the planning team explored and the major concerns related to these alternatives. Rebuild existing trails to accommodate equestrian use. Rebuilding the present equestrian trails to a standard where they do not pose a severe threat to the landscape of the Park will be technically difficult (thought possible) and expensive. As a general rule, a grade of more than 10% requires considerable reinforcement to prevent surface erosion. Steep horse trails are extraordinarily difficult to construct and maintain. Unfortunately, the trails that are presently used by the commercial outfitter are in the sector of the Park where the terrain is the steepest and most subject to erosion.the grades of the present trails exceed 25-30% in several places. Repair and maintenance costs are also a major consideration. There is also the issue of the aesthetic impact that a trail built to withstand heavy horse use would have on the Park. Large structures do have a visual impact. Large scale improvements and heavy armorment also alter the hiking experience. Reroute sections of the existing trails to avoid steep terrain. There is virtually no way of doing this without disturbing undisturbed ground. This is to be avoided at all costs in the Park. Restoring abandoned trails is also very complex and expensive, and full restoration is rarely achievable. Relocate equestrian use elsewhere in the Park. Relocating the equestrian use to trails to the eastern sector of the Park is one option that was closely examined by the RMFI planning team. The advantage of this option is that the topography in the eastern sector of the park is less steep than the terrain where the present equestrian trails are. Furthermore, there is enough area that an equestrian only trail could feasibly be constructed. The Rock Creek Ranch has an existing stable that could accommodate or serve as a staging location for equestrian use. This is,arguably, consistent with the ranch s interpretive history mission.

37 Pg. 33 Relocating the equestrian trails to the eastern sector, however, has serious drawbacks. The trails and the use would increase disturbance levels significantly in the area. Given the soils in this sector, the surface of the trail would need to be hardened or armored to withstand heavy use. Most importantly, however, Camp Creek is a key riparian area that provides critical habitat for wildlife. The Preebles Jumping mouse habitat is located in the sector as well. From a preservation standpoint, therefore, this alternative raises serious concerns. Finally, it does appear that there would be considerable resistance to developing or basing a commercial equestrian operation out of or on the Rock Ledge Ranch. Reduce the levels of equestrian use. The present trails will require significant improvement to accommodate even moderate levels of equestrian use. However, maintenance costs could be reduced by lowering the number of rides. This alternative would ease trail user conflicts and make the trail more pleasant to walk. Avoid equestrian use during times of high precipitation. One way to reduce impacts would be to avoid rides during and immediately following times of heavy precipitation when the surface of the trail is most easily damaged. Remove equestrian use from the Park. It runs counter to the preservation and restoration mandates of the Garden of the Gods Master Plan to allow any use that serves as a threat to, or in a significant way impacts negatively the Park s natural resources.

38 Pg. 34 Social Trails Introduction "Social" trails or visitor created trails are one of the chief environmental threats to the Garden of the Gods Park. These trails have been worn into the landscape from visitors hiking off of the Park s designated trail system. They also include some trails that have been abandoned but are still being used by the public. The impacts or effects of "social" trails are described in detail in the Restoration Report. The Garden of the Gods Restoration Report includes the recommendation that the City adopt some of the existing social trails as part of the Park s designated trail system. This recommendation was made based upon the inadequacy of the present designated trails to provide the public access from parking areas to the designated trails system, and to popular scenic views and formations. A key part of restoring the Park would be, therefore, the identification of which social trails should be adopted and which ones should be closed. The Restoration Report recommends that this take place as part of developing a Park trails master plan. The restoration of social trails must take place in conjunction with repairing the Park s designated trails. Improving the Park s designated trails so that the trails provide a good walking surface will do a lot to deter both the development and continued use of the social trails that are targeted for closure. The successful restoration of social trails in the Park requires a thorough and comprehensive approach that includes actions in the following areas: - visitor education, - visitor notification or signing, - proper and thorough landscape stabilization and revegetation, and - fencing or barriers (temporary or permanent).

39 Components of Successful Social Trail Restoration Restoring "social" trails involves the following steps: Pg The soil and substrate that has been lost or displaced should be replaced to the greatest extent possible. This is important to prevent or reduce water from draining onto and down the restored trail. Subsurface check dams must be constructed to stabilize the fill. 2. The site must be properly revegetated with appropriate vegetation. 3. The site must be closed to public access so that the restoration work is not undone and the trail reopened. 4. The site must be monitored on an ongoing basis to determine the success of the project. It may not be practical to close off all of the social trails in a given location in the Park. It may be more effective to leave one trail open until the associated trails have been restored.

40 Pg. 36 Guidelines for Closing Social Trails Introduction Park visitors and tourists create or follow social trails for the following reasons: 1. Park visitors may be unable or unsuccessful at navigating and staying on the designated trail system. 2. Designated trails do not offer Park visitors enough opportunities for solitude and/or more adventurous hiking. 3. Designated trails do not exist to locations or sites within the Park that visitors are interested in visiting. Guidelines for closing social trails depend upon which users have created them, their reasons for doing so, and the frequency of use. This section was developed to assist Park staff in determining how a particular social trail should be managed. Visitor Created Social Trails Park managers should ask the following questions before making the decision to close a visitor-created social trail: 1. Does this trail provide access to a viewpoint from a system trail or parking area? 2. Does this trail provide efficient and logical access to a system trail from the road system or parking area? 3. Does this trail provide a more logical or efficient route than a designated trail? 4. Does this trail offer Park visitors some opportunity that a designated trail does not? If so, what? 5. Is the demand for this trail so high that any effort to close and revegetate it is likely to fail? If the answer to one or more of these questions is "Yes," the option of designating this trail as a system trail should be given careful consideration, rather than trying to close it.

41 Social Trails Created by Park Neighbors for Neighborhood Access Pg. 37 Park neighbors create social trails to quickly and directly access other Park trails from their homes. Closing social trails that provide access from neighborhoods will require the cooperation of the people who use those trails. A public participation process involving residents of those neighborhoods is advised. Neighbors could discuss the problems created by the proliferation of social trails and propose solutions. The following questions should be answered: 1. Where is the nearest designated trail that is supposed to provide access to the Park from this neighborhood? 2. Do one or more of the social trails provide a more logical or efficient route than a designated trail? 3. Could neighborhood residents agree on one trail (whether currently designated or not) to use to access the Park and agree to close all alternative social trails from the neighborhood? Agreement on one neighborhood access trail should be obtained before closing other social trails. Once agreement has been reached, the trail should be designated, stabilized, and maintained. A neighborhood monitoring committee should be organized to monitor compliance with the agreement, and other social trails should be actively closed and revegetated.

42 Recommended Standards for Closing and Restoring Social Trails Restoration Pg Social trails should be restored to the greatest degree possible to predisturbance conditions using the surrounding terrain as a reference model. This includes the construction of sub-surface stabilization structures like check dams, replacing eroded soil and substrate, and revegetating the trail with native plants. 2. Major closures should be marked by signs that inform visitors of the closure and its purpose. An example of a closure sign is: Trail Closed for Restoration- Please stay on designated trail. 3. Information about the Park s restoration plan, specific restoration projects, and the importance of staying on designated trails should be included in Park visitor materials or publications, trails maps, and at major trailhead kiosks. Access Barriers 1. When constructing fences to close off closed sites, the fences should be tall and wide enough to sufficiently close off the trail. Monitoring 1. A monitoring and evaluation plan should be developed and implemented for each restoration project.

43 Pg. 39 Illustrated Examples Example 1. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated 1. Visitor infrastructure improvement need. 2. Soil erosion at high use site. Location: Juniper Way across from Central Garden Zone. Description of Problem This is a large social trail/denuded area that is becoming increasingly eroded. Repair Recommendations 1. Build a better defined trail from the parking area to the Palmer trail. 2. Close off and restore the areas to either side of the trail with native grass. 3. Provide an informational sign at the parking area that includes trail information.

44 Example 2. Pg. 40 Types of Problem(s) Illustrated Lack of adequate access to central Garden zone for Park visitors. Location: Central Garden Access from Juniper Way Parking Lot Description of Problem Several social trails lead northeast into Central Garden zone across the road from the first parking area on Juniper Way near the intersection of Juniper Way and Garden Drive. They have formed by Park visitors seeking the shortest and most direct access to the paved sidewalks in the central Garden zone, parts of which are visible from the parking area. Repair Recommendations 1. Establish a single, well-defined and constructed access trail linking the parking area with the designated trail system. Close and restore the remaining "social" trails. Erect split-rail fencing to re-enforce closure.

45 Pg. 41 Example 3. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated Social trail development through closed site. Location: Between South Gateway Rock and Grey Rock Description of Problem This is a once heavily use trail (improved at one point) that has been closed. However, the trail continues to be used despite the closure sign. It illustrates the difficulty of keeping people off of trails that have a high appeal. Repair Recommendations 1. Evaluate this closure (Park Trails Plan) to determine whether or not this trail should be reopened. If so, improve the trail. If not, use fencing to deter Park visitors from entering the area, and fully restore the closed trail.

46 Pg. 42 Example 4. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated Social trail near parking area. Need for access trails to link parking areas with designated trail system, and for remaining social trails to be closed and restored. Location West side of Garden Drive across from Scotsman Parking Area. Description of Problem This social trail accesses the Palmer Trail from the parking area across the road. The designated access trail is 20 meters N. There are also several additional social trails that have developed from visitors crossing from the parking area to the trail. Repair Recommendations: 1. This social trail should be closed and restore with a fence constructed to deter people from using it. 2. Improve designated access trial to encourage use.

47 Pg. 43 Social Trail Closure Recommendations Introduction In this section recommendations for choosing which social trail to close and which to stabilize and designate are made for five areas of the Park. These include important wildlife habitat, places where immediate action can stop rapidly occurring damage, and sites receiving very heavy use. These ideas and patterns illustrated on the maps and with the notes below can also serve as examples for other areas of the Park. Numbers on the maps that follow refer to comments below. Green lines on the maps indicate areas where fencing is recommended.

48 Pg. 44 North Parking Lot: Map 1. Special Considerations Rocky mountain bighorn use the ridge (Dakota Formation) to NNE of parking lot. Social trails have developed up this ridge since the North Parking Lot became the primary parking lot for the Park. Site Action No. 1. Block social trail with one section (8 feet) of split rail fence about 20 yards from designated trail where social trail goes through shrubs. No revegetation necessary E of fence. No. 2. Block social trail with one section of fence to NW side of pinyon pine about 8 yards from designated trail. No revegetation necessary beyond fence. Use one fence section to prevent users from going on SE side of the pinyon. No. 3. Close western social trail to road; leave the eastern of the two. Revegetate. No. 4. Close with fence and revegetate. No. 5. Close with fence and revegetate. Some stabilization of trail to prevent water from running down trail may be required. No. 6. Closing this social trail is optional; it could be left. Fence and revegetate. No. 7. Place 3 sections of fence from oak to E to prevent foot traffic down this steep slope. Don't try to fight the social trail just to E of this fence (not on map). No. 8. Extensive work is required on this one, but it is the most important action to protect sheep. Fence from shrubs on W across social trail going up the hill. Continue fence uninterrupted to rock outcrop as shown on the map. Stopping erosion and removing the scar of the social trails (which draws people to use them) will require extensive stabilization work on these steep slopes. Stabilizing structures are needed from the base of the hill to nearly the crest to solve this problem. Use signs; e.g. "Stay out! Important bighorn sheep habitat. Please observe from the trail." No. 9. Leave this social trail open. Stabilize with 2-3 water-control structures.

49 Pg. 45

50 Pg. 46 Northeast Corner of Park- Map 2. Special Considerations Social trails E of Rattlesnake Ridge and N of Gateway Road have developed since the Dakota Trail and trail along Gateway Road were built. Many are parallel and redundant, but one should be designated. In the first week after closing these trails having people in the Park to explaining the closures and letting users know which trail remains open will help users make the change. Maps Notes Site Action No. 1. Do nothing. Do not draw attention to access to Rattlesnake Ridge. No. 2. Add fence from the boundary fence E to Dakota Trail. Sign with rationale for closure (#8, Map 1). On steeper sections, add water control structures to prevent water erosion. Revegetate. The northeastern part of this trail (class 1 social trail) does not require revegetation, but needs a sign as above. No. 3. Current action (brush) seems to work here for now. No. 4. Place sign just W of oaks, e.g. "Important wildlife habitat. Please use parallel trail 50 feet W" [check distance]. No. 5. Close with fence; revegetate. Sign as in 2 above. No. 6. This class 1 social trail will revegetate by itself if foot traffic is kept off. No. 7. Place a number of sections of fence (not just 1-2) and sign as above. Add: e.g., "Use trail 100 yards west." No. 8. Two options: a) Prevent access to designated trail with fence all along road. b) Designate short trail from road to designated trail. Use fence on both sides to define this new trail. No. 9. This area has lost the natural fence of locusts and oaks since the sewer line was installed. Pedestrians and bicyclists use it a fair bit, which will prevent revegetation. Use fencing to channel access to trailheads. A fence very close (6 inches) to curb will prevent walking on that side of the road. No. 10. Two options: a) Fence and sign to close. b) Allow access. Note that increasing access here will put more use on Rattlesnake Ridge Trail. This will require more stabilization than already needed and will require building connecting trails from the north end of this trail to the Dakota Trail. Increasing access is not recommended. No. 11. Designate this trail. Sign and add to trail maps. Since most of the trail is on a side hill, inexpensive rolling dips installed now can prevent erosion, which will be expensive to correct later.

51 Pg. 47

52 Pg. 48 Scotsman Picnic Area- Map 3. Special Considerations This area receives extremely heavy use on very erosive soils and steep slopes. More research is needed before complete actions are taken E of the restrooms. After fencing and signing areas to be closed, they should be watched to determine if people use other areas. Revegetate only after being sure the money and effort will not be wasted. Map Notes Site Action No. 1. Fence between oaks to prevent movement of traffic from #2 to here. No. 2. Fence between oaks. Sign, e.g. "Trail access" with arrow pointing N. Unfortunately, steep gullies prevent access from this parking area to designated trails to W. If these gullies are stabilized, perhaps access could be created. Signs ("trail access" with arrows and distances) can be used point people to the Scotsman access points. No. 3. Northern of two access gullies: use two sections of fence at top of bank. Southern gully: use one fence section. No. 4. Block with fence in shrubs. Stabilize and revegetate. No. 5. Consider designating as part of loop trail. If so, creating a sustainable trail requires substantial work. If not designated, fence at both ends, stabilize, and revegetate.

53 Pg. 49

54 Pg. 50 Intersection of Juniper Way and Garden Drive- Map 4. Special Considerations Several parking areas and numerous walking routes have caused many parallel and redundant social trails. Designating a few of these and blocking others will allow reasonable access while minimizing bare soil. Map Notes Site Action No. 1. Designate one social trail. Block, stabilize and revegetate others. No. 2. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate. No. 3. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate. No. 4. Fence and revegetate. No. 5. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate. No. 6. Fence as shown and stabilize and revegetate. Continue fence to S as shown. No. 7. Designate this trail. Construct to sustainable standard. Fence, stabilize and revegetate web of other nearby social trails. No. 8. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate. No. 9. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate. No. 10. Fence parking lot but allow access to large rock off NW corner. Fence from edge of this rock northward to prevent access to Garden Drive. No. 11. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate (much stabilization required). No. 12. Fence, stabilize, and revegetate. At parking lot on Garden Drive place signs pointing to trail access.

55 Pg. 51

56 Pg. 52 High Point- Map 5. Special Considerations This area likely receives less use than it did before Camera Obscura was removed. Although providing more direct trail access to NE is a possibility, observations should be made of the users there. If essentially all simply stop to look, providing trail access to NE may not be necessary. If improving trail access seems important, there are no good routes directly from the parking lot. One possibility would be to provide a trail going SE immediately along the road to the current designated trail access. This trail would require posts or reflectors to prevent automobile parking on the trail. Map Notes Site Action No. 1. Delineate trail with timbers or rocks dug into ground. Revegetate large bare area and social trails after stabilizing them. Plant mountainmahogany as well as grass mix. Place signs in parking lot to direct people to this trail. No. 2. Revegetate to prevent these trails from drawing people from the parking lot. Fence E and S sides of parking lot. Consider leaving access to rocks and bare area on SE end of lot. If so, try to create barriers at some point to S to prevent extensive areas from being trampled. No. 3. Fence, stabilize and revegetate social trails in this area. No. 4. Fence, stabilize and revegetate (extensive stabilization required). No. 5. Fence, stabilize and revegetate.

57 Pg. 53

58 Pg. 54 Costs of Restoring Social Trails Condition Condition Class Costs Vegetation mostly present, minor soil loss Class 1 0 Up to 2/3 vegetation gone, Class " soil loss in some places Vegetation mostly gone,<24" width,1-6" soil loss Class 3198,131 No vegetation,6-12" soil loss,24-42" width Class 4 850,817 No vegetation,12-24" soil loss,>42" width Class 5 629,030 TOTAL $1,677,978 This estimate does not include signs and access barriers. Revegetation costs are provided in Vegetation section.

59 Pg. 55 Appendix 1. Use of Barriers and Signs for Closure of Social Trails Fences, Revegetation and Brush Barriers Fences have proven to be somewhat effective in deterring use of social trails and eroded areas in the Garden of the Gods. Fences must be wide enough and extend into brush on either side of a social trail to be effective. They are more effective if combined with signs (see below). The quality of the revegetation effort behind a fence or sign is part of the message communicated to visitors. Clear evidence of active revegetation behind a fence, such as installing erosion matting, or planting shrubs or plants such as yucca or prickly pear cactus, clearly communicates to visitors that the area is closed. At several sites in the Park, signs now request visitors to stay off because of "revegetation in progress," when in fact bare ground and gullies show that active revegetation has failed and/or been abandoned. A mixed message is communicated to visitors, and this reduces the effectiveness of fences and signs. Piling brush on social trails is sometimes used as a way of trying to close them. A study in the Garden of the Gods showed that piling brush on social trails was not very effective (Noteboom, 1997). Brush on trails was frequently removed by some trail users, who may interpret it as the work of vandals. Placing brush on social trails behind a fence barrier was recommended by Noteboom (1997). Sign Messages for Closing Social Trails Signs should be used in combination with barriers and revegetation to actively close social trails. Sign messages differ in their effectiveness, and reach different audiences. Sign messages can: - politely appeal for a suggested behavior (e.g. "Please Stay on the Trail"), - firmly order a behavior (e.g. "Walk Only on Designated Trails!), - appeal to a deeper motive with a reason (e.g. "Preserve Park Vegetation for Future Generations by Staying on the Trail"), - threaten enforcement action (e.g. "Stay on Trail -- Violators Will Be Fined!), - threaten by warning of danger (e.g. "Danger -- Falling Rock. Stay on the Trail"). The effectiveness of one warning sign was tested in combination with fencing. At the Main Parking Area, a split-rail fence has been erected to deter people from using social trails to get closer to nearby rocks. Observations of visitor behavior suggested that a warning sign with the message "Danger- Rattlesnake Area" was effective in deterring people from crossing the split rail fence.

60 Pg. 56 Another type of sign message that worked to deter people from using social trails was one that provided information about an acceptable alternative. A sign was placed across from the first parking area on Juniper Way south of the intersection with Garden Drive where a network of social trails enters the Central Garden. The sign read "Trail Access 100 Feet ". An arrow indicated the direction of the nearest designated trail. This sign led to a significant reduction in the number of visitors using the social trails. A study in Mount Rainier National Park (Rochefort and Gibbons, 1992) showed that the most effective sign was one that threatened enforcement action, with the message "Off-trail Hikers May Be Fined." This sign was estimated to reduce offtrail use by 75 percent (Rochefort and Gibbons, 1992). The second most effective sign message combined a polite appeal with a deeper motive, reading "Stay on Paved Trails and Preserve the Meadows;" this was estimated to reduce off-trail hiking by 52 percent. Several signs with different messages may help to reach different audiences, and be more effective overall than a single sign with a single message. At Roxborough State Park near Littleton, Colorado, different signs warn of danger, threaten enforcement action, and politely appeal to deeper stewardship motives in order to keep visitors on trails. There is no enforceable ordinance or rule about staying on trails in the Garden of the Gods, however, so a sign message threatening enforcement action could not be used in the Park at the present time. Uniformed Staff Patrols and Social Trail Use The study in Mount Rainier National Park found that the presence of a uniformed park ranger reduced off-trail hiking to a negligible level. This finding suggests that increasing staffing levels, with uniformed staff "roving" the trails, may be the most effective way of keeping most people on trails. Uniformed staff already patrol in the Garden of the Gods; these are mainly "rock rangers" concerned with informing visitors about rock-climbing regulations in the Central Garden zone, although one staff member patrols Park trails on horseback. If Park managers wish to deter offtrail hiking by Park neighbors, uniformed staff patrols might help, but such staff would have to be deployed on the periphery of the Park, and during early morning and late evening hours as well as during daily peak use periods.

61 Pg. 57 Bare & Eroded Areas Introduction Bare and eroded areas addressed in the Restoration Report include those locations in the Park where extensive vegetation and soil loss have occurred as a result of concentrated and repeated levels of visitation and use. These areas include many of the major rock formations, picnic sites, and the areas surrounding parking areas and pull-offs. This section of the Report also includes those eroded areas in the Park caused by the runoff from Park roadways and parking sites, and the drainages into which the runoff is being directed. The velocity and volume of runoff from the roads and parking areas has significantly increased erosion levels in these drainages. Finally, this section of the Implementation Guide includes those areas where trails have been abandoned, buildings and/or structures have been removed, construction has taken place, and where subsequent restoration efforts have either been incomplete or have failed. Recommended Standards Restoration 1. Disturbed sites should be restored to pre-disturbance conditions to the greatest extent possible. This includes recreating the natural contours of the landscape and restoring native plant communities. 2. Intensive use areas should be landscaped and developed in a manner that allows for visitation or use yet protects to the greatest degree possible the important physical and biological characteristics of the Park. 3. Major restoration projects of bare and eroded areas should include educational displays or exhibits that inform Park visitors of why and how the restoration project is being undertaken, as well as the importance of staying off or out of the site. 4. Roadway and parking areas must have adequate runoff velocity and volume control structures. Drainages into which runoff is directed must be thoroughly evaluated to determine the impact of the runoff and what structures are needed to properly manage it.

62 Pg. 58 Access Barriers 1. When constructing fences to close off restoration sites, the fences should be tall and wide enough to sufficiently close off the site. Monitoring 1. A monitoring and evaluation plan should be developed and implemented for each restoration project.

63 Pg. 59 Illustrated Examples In this section, sites have been selected that are representative of the bare and eroded problems in the Park. The types of problems are listed, and suggestions on how these problems can been addressed are offered. The objectives common to all of these examples is first,to stabilize the site and halt soil erosion and vegetation loss, and secondly, to the greatest degree possible, restore the site to predisturbance conditions. One issue that needs to be carefully considered is that of importing material, including fill and soil, from outside the Park to replace that which has been displaced or eroded away. Care must be taken to restore, not replace, the landscape. In the case of isolated locations in the Park that cannot be reached with machinery, mitigation rather than restoration may be the only realistic alternative.

64 Pg. 60 Example 1. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated Abandoned Trail- Erosion Gully Location: 100 yards west of Scotsman Trail Description of Problem This trail was abandoned a number of years ago. It is now a major erosion gully. This site is difficult to access with machinery. Consequently, the soil and substrate that has been lost or displaced would be very difficult to replace. Repair Recommendations 1. Construct a series of check dams to trap sediment and slow erosion. 2. Continue to build subsequent structures over a period of years. See example on following page.

65 Pg. 61

66 Pg. 62 The above illustrations are examples of low drop erosion control structures: a) stone sill, b) prefabricated sill, c) clayonage, d) quickset hedge, e) quickset facing for rills and gullies, f) fascine sill and fascine facing. (Drawings provided courtesy of Soil Conservation Service). These structures can be modified and adapted for erosion control in the Park.

67 Pg. 63 Example 2. Types of Problem(s) Illustrated 1. Extensive impacts i.e. vegetation and soil loss, at and surrounding an intensive use area. 2. Noxious weeds or non-native plant species. 3. Severe erosion of ephemeral streambed due to runoff from roadway and parking area, and visitors trampling embankments. Location: Scotsman Picnic Area Description of Problem There are two major factors at work in this case. First, this is a heavily used site, among the most popular sites in the western sector of the Park. It provides parking access for trails, restroom facilities, and picnic facilities. As a consequence, considerable vegetation and soil loss has occurred. Noxious weeds or non-native plants are becoming established in disturbed areas.

68 Pg. 64 Secondly, the runoff from the nearby road and parking area is directed into the drainage associated with the site. The volume of water that is draining into the streambed, and the velocity of the runoff during major storms, is considerable. Structures to adequately control runoff volume and velocity are lacking. Furthermore, there are no structures in place to reinforce or stabilize the embankments or trap sediment. Consequently, severe erosion has occurred. There is a likelihood that if this erosion continues, the bridge and even the roadway may be compromised. Repair Recommendations 1. Design and install runoff control structures. 2. Design and construct retaining walls, check dams, and other embankment and streambed stabilization structures. 3. Landscape the site to better accommodate intensive use and protect vegetation and soils. This includes installing fencing to keep people out of the streambed and off of the embankments. 4. Construct a kiosk to orient and educate Park visitors about nearby trails, restoration projects, and proper visitor protocol, i.e. staying on designated trails, proper disposal of trash, etc., and natural history of the Park. 5. To the greatest degree possible, remove noxious weeds and invasive plant species and revegetate with native plants.

69 This illustration depicts the Scotsman Picnic Area with erosion control and site improvements in place. Pg. 65

70 Example 3. Pg. 66 Types of Problem(s) Illustrated Severe vegetation and soil loss due to decades of intensive visitation and use. Location: Three Graces Rock Formation Description of Problem This site us one of the most heavily disturbed sites in the Park. Decades of intensive use have resulted in vegetation loss and severe soil erosion. Several feet of substrate has been displaced or lost on the west side of the major rock formation turning this site into a major erosion gully. A network of social trails has also developed around the rock formations. The tallest formation, referred to as Montezuma s Tower by rock climbers, is one of the most popular climbing objectives in the Park. Repair Recommendations 1. Stabilize and restore the site to as close to predisturbance conditions as possible. This would include the following: - replacing lost soil and substrate, - stabilizing site with subsurface check dams or retaining walls, - revegetating the site with native plants.

71 Pg. 67 The illustration above is a concept drawing for the restoration of the severely eroded site on the west side of the Three Graces formation. The restoration goal is to recreate natural terrain features and native plant communities. Steel retaining panels like those shown on the left have been successfully used by the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

72 Pg. 68 Example 4. Types of Problems Illustrated 1. Incomplete restoration of construction site. 2. Vegetation and soil loss. 3. Lack of restoration standards for the Park. Location: East side of North Gateway Rock (Kissing Camels) Description of Problem This gully was largely created by the construction of the new sewer line for the restrooms at the Main Parking Area. A drainage of this size never existed here historically. Proper restoration would strive to recreate the natural contours of the landscape and revegetate the site with native vegetation. The concept drawings on the following pages illustrate how this might be achieved and what the end result might look like. It is important to note that the total length of the sewer line must be stabilized and revegetated in order for restoration to be successful.

73 Pg. 69 This concept drawing illustrates was this section would look like if it were restored to replicate historical terrain contours and native vegetation communities. The reduced grade and vegetation would curb erosion. The total area from the Main Parking Area to the Gateway would need to be restored.

74 Pg. 70 This illustration provides a concept plan for restoring the Kissing Camels gully. The bottom of the gully is filled with either rock filled gabions or boulders. Sub-surface check dams are constructed at intervals along the length of the gully. Small aggregate and earthen fill, and a layer of topsoil are then applied. Geotextile is used to further stabilize the site. Finally, the site is reseeded, covered with erosion control blanket, and revegetated.

75 Example 6. Pg. 71 Types of Problems Illustrated 1. Major soil erosion due to runoff from rock formations 2. Inadequate water control and bank stabilization 3. Park infrastructure (sidewalks) threatened. Location: South end of North Gateway Rock (Kissing Camels) Description of Problem This example illustrate the need for adequate drainage erosion control structures to manage runoff near Park infrastructure. This site was severely affected by the spring storms of 1999, which resulted in considerable erosion. Repair Recommendations 1. Design and construct structures to stabilize the embankment and properly manage the velocity of storm runoff. 2. Use materials that complement or match the rock formations. 3. Landscape the site to provide access to the rock formation for technical climbers.

76 Pg. 72 This illustration provides a concept drawing for the stabilization of the gully at the south end of North Gateway Rock (Kissing Camels). Note that check dams have been constructed in the gully, the sides of the gully have been stabilized with retaining walls, and the embankment has been bank sloped and revegetated.

77 Pg. 73 Example 7. Types of Problems Illustrated 1. Soil erosion due to runoff along roadways. 2. Inadequate water control structures. Location: Garden Drive Description of Problem This example illustrate the need for adequate drainage erosion control structures to manage runoff along the sides of the Park roadways. Repair Recommendations 1. Design and construct structures (rip-rap) to slow velocity of runoff. (The rip-rap needs to be well placed and properly constructed). 2. Install additional curb cuts to increase number of pour-off points. 3. Wherever possible, replace lost soil and revegetate denuded sites along roadways.

78 Pg. 74 Example 8. Types of Problems Illustrated 1. Accelerated soil erosion in ephemeral drainages. 2. Inadequate water control structures. Location: Garden Drive Description of Problem There are several culverts in the western sector of Park that need to be redesigned and improved to reduce erosion in the ephemeral drainages where they are located. Repair Recommendations 1. Consult with City engineers and Soil Conservation Service to improve present structures. 2. Improve structures.

79 Pg. 75 Example 9. Types of Problems Illustrated 1. Accelerated soil erosion in ephemeral drainages. 2. Lack of water and sediment control structures for Park infrastructure, i.e. roadways, parking areas, and trails. 3. Increased runoff from bare and eroded sites. Location: Drainage near Scotsman Picnic Area. Description of Problem This photos illustrates the level of erosion that is occurring in many of the Park s ephemeral drainages due to runoff from a variety of sources including roadways, trails, and bare and eroded areas. While erosion is a natural factor in the Park, the level of erosion is been accelerated dramatically due to the lack of erosion control structures and vegetation loss. Repair Recommendations 1. Complete a study of water and sediment control needs in the major ephemeral drainages in the Park. 2. Construct water and sediment control structures to reduce erosion with care taken to maintain the natural characteristics and appearance of the Park.

80 Pg. 76 This illustration is for a drop manhole that could be selectively installed to control the velocity of water draining off of the Park s roadways. Care needs to be taken to make the outlet large enough to handle runoff and allow for cleaning.

81 Pg. 77 The above illustrations are examples of traditional high drop control structures : a) check dam made of masonry or concrete, b) log check dam, c) wood and stone check dam (Drawings provided courtesy of Natural Resource Conservation Service). These structures could be modified and adapted for use in the Park s major drainages.

82 Example 10. Pg. 78 Types of Problems Illustrated 1. Auto access and roadways through the site, and associated traffic congestion detract from on of the Park s key natural landmarks. 2. Extensive vegetation and soil loss surrounding the site. Location: Balanced Rock Description of Problem Auto access in and around major Park landmarks has long been a controversial issue. Balanced Rock has many of the same problems now that the Gateway site in the Central Garden Zone was experiencing prior to the road closure there. The site s very congested during peak visitation times. Extensive bare areas and social trails have developed from people seeking access to viewpoints and to the rock from the parking area.

83 Pg. 79 Repair Recommendations 1. Redesign and landscape the site as a pedestrian, walk-in pavilion similar to sites in the Central Garden Zone. 2. Restore paved areas and develop interpretive sites. 3. Develop system of access trails to scenic view points to the southeast of Balanced Rock.

84 Pg. 80 The above illustration is a concept drawing of how the Balanced Rock landmark could look if the site were redesigned and landscaped as a pedestrian, walk-in site to other similar landmarks in the Central Garden Zone.

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