OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, February 20, 2017 Breckenridge Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room 150 Ski Hill Road

Transcription

1 OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, February 20, 2017 Breckenridge Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room 150 Ski Hill Road 5:30 pm Call to Order, Roll Call 5:35 pm Discussion/Approval of Minutes 2 5:40 pm Discussion/Approval of Agenda 5:45 pm Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items) 5:50 pm Staff Summary 8 Winter Grooming Fat Bikes Field Season Planning 2017 ebikes 6:10 pm Open Space & Trails 10 Open Space Plan Priorities 7:00 pm Adjournment * No executive session is planned For further information, please contact the Open Space and Trails Program at (Tony) or (Anne).

2 Roll Call Jeff Cospolich called the January 16, 2017 BOSAC meeting to order at 5:42 pm. Other BOSAC members present included Jeff Carlson, Craig Campbell, Matt Powers, Gavin Dalgliesh, Elizabeth Miller, and Wendy Wolfe. Staff members present included Scott Reid, Anne Murphy, Tony Overlock, Peter Grosshuesch, and Mark Truckey. Brian Lorch from Summit County Open Space was present. Local residents Barb Ellis and Deb Zimmerman were also in attendance. Approval of Minutes The December meeting minutes were approved as presented. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved as presented. Public Comments: Deb Zimmerman and Barb Ellis, who have been season pass holders at the Gold Run Nordic Center (GRNC) for many years, voiced their concerns about fat bikes using the groomed Nordic trails. They ve seen an increase in use of fat bikes on GRNC trails since last year and are frustrated by the ruts created by fat bikes on the groomed trails during soft snow conditions. They asked if GRNC had plans to mitigate this issue. Staff explained they are aware of their concerns and GRNC is currently working on several ways to improve this situation by creating separate trails for user groups, improving communications between staff and patrons, and increasing messaging about proper trail etiquette and trail conditions. BOSAC and staff appreciate their comments and asked for their patience as GRNC works through this new phase of their operations to accommodate fat bikes. Staff Summary Expanded Winter Grooming Proposal (Pilot Project) Since the December BOSAC meeting, staff has worked with Summit County on the expanded winter grooming pilot project. Summit County will handle the grooming request administratively through their planning department. The USFS had an opportunity to weigh in on the proposal at the January OSAC meeting and stated that we will not be able to groom across slivers of National Forest lands on our open space trail network for this project without a new conditional use permit (which requires additional NEPA analysis). Accordingly, staff revised the initial request to Summit County to streamline the number of proposed groomed trails for the remainder of the 2017 winter season only. The trails on the current request extend only through joint Town- and County-owned lands. A map of revised trails was presented to BOSAC. BOCC reviewed the request on Tuesday, January 10 th as joint property owners and approved proceeding with the administrative request. The Summit County planning department is currently reviewing the proposal and will get back to us soon. As part of the administrative process, Summit County would like to ensure the following conditions are met for our 2017 pilot project and any future conditional use permit: Page 1 of 6

3 No earthwork or changes to grades are approved by this permit (matches 2013 permit approval); Any areas incidentally disturbed should be re-vegetated as early as possible each spring to prevent erosion and to prevent invasive weeds from getting established in the disturbed soils (matches 2013 permit approval); The period for the current request will be through April 30, The future conditional use permit (CUP) will be limited to the periods when the Gold Run Nordic Center is in operation (approximately November 1- April 30). This will allow the Town to pilot test grooming the proposed routes, update their proposal, and have this proposal reviewed and formally approved by the Golden Horseshoe partners prior to next winter; Use of the routes covered in the CUP is non-exclusive. The public can continue to use the proposed roads and trails without a fee; The proponent will work with USFS and County Staff to draft an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan for grooming operations; U.S. Forest Service approval shall be obtained before grooming commences on any road or trail that requires/implies use of National Forest lands. The USFS, together with the Town of Breckenridge and Summit County, have an established process for discussing and reviewing proposals, such as long-term expanded winter grooming in the Golden Horseshoe, for conditional use permits. Staff has been urged to work with our partners through this process over the summer months of 2017 to develop a conditional use permit proposal that encompasses all of the trails we would like to include for winter grooming. We will need to consider NEPA as part of this process. Ms. Wolfe: I do feel a little uncomfortable with a snowmobile grooming our non-motorized trails. Mr. Dalgliesh: By grooming the proposed trails we are encouraging use by multiple user groups on trails that are rarely used in the winter. The pilot program is temporary and on a select number of trails; it gives our program a chance to walk before we start running. Ms. Miller: It will be interesting to see what type of feedback we receive from the public and to be able to use that information to help guide our formalized proposal. Mr. Campbell: I feel the grooming will have very little environmental impact to our trails. Ms. Murphy: CO Parks and Wildlife responded to our initial proposal, stating that wildlife habitat is not of great concern in that particular area. Also, the Upper Blue Nordic Plan proposes a variety of groomed Nordic trails in that region. Mr. Reid: Using a motorized piece of equipment for grooming is very similar to the trail crew using motorized equipment to maintain a trail. BOSAC continued their discussion on GRNC trails following the public comments. Page 2 of 6

4 Ms. Miller: I feel the trails should be separated as much possible because the Nordic skiers are paying for quality groomed trails, which are limited to the Nordic Centers. Mr. Reid: There are a number of Nordic skiers who ski in the Peabody area who are not paying as it is open to the public. It s somewhat of stretch to say that we are displacing a large amount of Nordic skiers. We are broadening the base of Nordic Center clientele. This is a great way to differentiate ourselves between Nordic Centers by being the only one in the county to allow fat biking. Ms. Wolfe: It s very important to have clear communication with all user groups. Is it possible to widen some of the single track into double track to encourage fat bike use? Ms. Murphy: GRNC is working to improve its communication with staff and patrons, updating its messaging on our website, improving signage, and creating etiquette videos for social media. Mr. Cospolich: I think we are on the right track by starting off small and testing the waters. We need to figure out if there is a need for this. Ms. Miller: Do we ever direct people to other Nordic Centers? Ms. Murphy: We do. However, each of the Nordic Centers provides very different experiences and people become attached to the Nordic Centers with which they are most familiar. Mr. Truckey: There is a Nordic pass you can buy that allows you to ski at all three Nordic Centers. By grooming some of the fat bike trails into a double track, you might be able to separate use off some the larger trails that currently allow fat biking. Staff might look at making Smuggler and Silver Star as skiing-only if the fat bike trails could be groomed double-width for beginners. Staff will continue to work on this issue and keep BOSAC updated. ebike Follow Up At its October 2016 meeting, BOSAC recommended that Town Council consider eliminating ebikes on the recreation pathways within the Town of Breckenridge boundaries. Town Council reviewed the recommendation at its November 8, 2016 meeting and did not reach consensus. Since that time, Brian Lorch with Summit County Open Space sent a follow up regarding the County s history and policy on ebikes on the recreation path system. The was provided to BOSAC. Staff is considering convening another meeting of area bike shop owners to update them on the outcome of the November Town Council meeting as well as to introduce our winter grooming pilot project. Page 3 of 6

5 Unless there is strong direction from BOSAC, staff will continue to monitor any feedback on the use of ebikes on the recreation path and will keep BOSAC updated on any public complaints or policy direction. Ms. Wolfe: I felt like Council was divided and was looking for more information before making a decision on this issue. Mr. Carlson: Would the letter from the County be enough information to persuade their decision? Ms. Miller: Mr. Lorch, the County s letter seemed toned down compared to when you ve spoken about this topic at some of our meetings. Mr. Powers: I know a lot of bike shops have ordered ebikes to rent out for the 2017 season. This is in part due to the lack of direction they received from Council. Mr. Cospolich: The thought of riding on the road for some folks is scary, even though we are a bicycle friendly community. Mr. Campbell: The real issue is do we want to allow motorized use on our trails, paved or unpaved? Mr. Carlson: What information do we have to present to Council? Ms. Wolfe: This is a slippery slope that might open the door to other motorized use. If BOSAC is united and strongly recommends eliminating ebikes from the recreation path in Town and the County beefed up their support, it might be a strong enough argument to persuade Council. Mr. Truckey: One thing to consider is that Council is trying to deal with the issue of transportation and parking and getting people out of their cars. Mr. Reid: I m not sure if the saying BOSAC strongly agrees to ban motorized use on the recreation path will be enough, we need a stronger argument from the county as well. BOSAC strongly and unanimously agreed to recommend to Town Council that ebikes and all motorized use be prohibited on the recreation pathways in Town. Ms. Wolfe will present BOSAC s recommendation and any additional information the County provides to Town Council. State of the Open Space Report As BOSAC recalls from December, staff presented a draft version of the 2017 State of the Open Space Report, which provides an overview of the open space program s accomplishments between the program s 1997 inception and the end of Staff recently edited the document and added new information based on BOSAC direction. The new draft report was presented to BOSAC. Town Council will briefly review the report at its February 28 th meeting. Page 4 of 6

6 Field Season Update Joel Dukes, Lead Trails Technician, prepared a PowerPoint highlighting the 2016 field season and the extraordinary work of the Town trail crew. Joel presented this information to BOSAC. Open Space Spartan Race Staff has been contacted by the Breckenridge Ski Resort (BSR) to consider a proposal for hosting a portion of the Spartan Race on August 26-27, 2017 based at Beaver Run Resort. The Spartan Race is a series of obstacle races of varying distance and difficulty. BSR expects the Breckenridge race to attract 8,000-9,000 participants for three races, the longest of which is miles with obstacles. BSR initially anticipated hosting 60-70% of the race course on their property, and were looking to the Town of Breckenridge for the remaining 30-40% of trails on open space property. Please visit for an overview of the race and registration. Breckenridge Ski Resort has hosted this race in the past on their property. The race preparation is progressing quickly and the organizers seek confirmation by the end of this month. Staff were contacted by BSR prior to the BOSAC meeting and learned that BSR will not need to use Town open space and trails for the Spartan Race. They can handle the course in-house on their property. BOSAC had a short discussion and concluded that even though the race is beneficial for the Town and its merchants, the event does not fit the vision of the Open Space program. BOSAC is particularly concerned about trail degradation and damage to open space Work Plan The 2017 Open Space Work Plan is in an Excel spreadsheet. The first two tabs, or worksheets, include detailed project information with anticipated completion dates and level of priority, as well as ongoing duties. A third tab on the spreadsheet includes work plan items for BOSAC. In addition to monthly meetings, staff encourages BOSAC members to attend 1-2 volunteer work days for events, trail construction, or restoration projects throughout the summer season. Additionally, staff is seeking to form two subcommittees of BOSAC members to assist with the 2017 Open Space Plan and the 2017 COSA conference field trips. BOSAC approved of the 2017 Work Plan and were comfortable with attending volunteer workdays and forming subcommittees for the Open Space Plan and the COSA conference Pro Forma Staff presented the 2017 Open Space program pro forma. Included with the pro forma is a chart and table of budgeted 2017 Open Space expenditures. Page 5 of 6

7 Mr. Campbell: I noticed acquisitions were down from last year. Aren t acquisitions typically 50% of the budget? Mr. Reid: That number tends to fluctuate from year to year depending on the number and type of acquisitions that are purchased. Additionally, there is more budgeted for habitat and restoration projects this year. Ms. Miller: Why is the Wellington Oro included in both the expense and revenue line? Mr. Reid: The Open Space program pays for the Wellington Oro plant and Summit County pays us back; that s why it s under both expense and revenue. Adjournment Mr. Carlson made a motion to adjourn the BOSAC meeting. Ms. Miller seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 20 th at 5:30 pm in the Lower Level Conference Room at Breckenridge Town Hall, 150 Ski Hill Road. Jeff Cospolich, Chair Page 6 of 6

8 Memorandum To: From: Open Space & Trails Staff Re: February 20, 2017 Meeting Staff Summary Winter Grooming Winter Grooming Pilot Project: Summit County approved a Conditional Use Permit for expanded winter grooming along Gold Run Gulch Road from Gold Run Road to French Gulch Road (Gold Run Nordic Center to the Wellington Neighborhood) and portions of Upper and Middle Flume, Tom s Baby and the Wellington Trails falling on jointly-owned Town and County lands. The permit was approved with the following conditions: 1. No earthwork or changes to grades are approved by this permit. 2. Any areas incidentally disturbed should be re-vegetated as early as possible each spring to prevent erosion and to prevent invasive weeds from being established in the disturbed soils. 3. The period for this CUP will be through April 30, The future CUP will be limited to the periods when the Gold Run Nordic Center is in operation (approximately November 1- April 30). This will allow the Town to pilot test grooming the proposed routes, update their proposal, and have this proposal reviewed and formally approved by the Golden Horseshoe partners prior to the 2017/18 season. 4. Use of the routes covered in the CUP is non-exclusive. The public can continue to use the proposed roads and trails without a fee. 5. The applicant will work with USFS and County Staff to draft an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan for grooming operations. 6. US Forest Service approval shall be obtained before grooming commences on any road or trail that requires/implies use of National Forest lands. Staff posted signs requesting feedback on the pilot project and is tracking this feedback. To date, staff has received several positive comments from multiple user groups. This feedback, together with the reports from our groomers, will help shape the winter grooming program and allow staff to test the project. Working with our Golden Horseshoe partners, staff will utilize this information to begin work on a larger special use permit with the USFS to include winter grooming and additional summer trails. Recreation Pathway Grooming: The Gold Run Nordic Center (GRNC) groomers have been periodically grooming the recreation pathway between Valley Brook Road and Tiger Road. One pinch point along the pathway is the bus stop area near Fairview Blvd, which closely parallels the pathway. The pathway tends to get buried in snow from snow plows and wind rift along Highway 9.

9 The landowner adjoining the recreation pathway has now agreed to sign a revocable license agreement with the Town to allow grooming of a trail some west of the recreation pathway in order to avoid the pinch point near the bus stop. Staff has received positive feedback from the general public about grooming of the recreation pathway. Fat Bikes After last month s discussion of fat bikes at the BOSAC meeting, staff has worked with the GRNC groomers to establish a beginning, easy fat bike and snowshoe trail that is groomed double-width by a snowmobile. The daily grooming report, which gets posted at the sign-in areas at GRNC, recommends that fat bikes keep to the fat bike- and snowshoe-specific trails. Thus far, staff has received positive feedback from fat bike users and skiers that the system is much improved. Staff will continue to work with the groomers over the summer months to plan additional fat bike trails at GRNC. In response to the growing trend of fat bikes, staff worked with the recreation department to produce a short fat bike etiquette video, which has been shared and viewed extensively over social media. The video provides useful tips for fat bikes when riding and sharing the trails with other users. Field Season Planning 2017 Staff is gearing up for the 2017 field season. We anticipate the trail crew starting in mid- May. Priorities for the summer include completion of both the Mineral Hill and Wellington Trail Bridge and beginning construction on the Claimjumper Trail, as well as revegetation efforts along the Swan River and Blue River. Several Friends of Breck Trails volunteer dates have already been set, including: June 17 th Mineral Hill Trail construction July 8 th Weed Pull in Cucumber Preserve July Claimjumper Trail construction with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (V.O.C) August 5 th Mineral Hill Trail construction Please mark your calendars and let staff know if you d like to join us! ebike Follow Up Following the January meeting and BOSAC s recommendation to eliminate ebikes on the recreation pathway, Town Council briefly discussed the issue at its January 24 th meeting. Council agreed to revisit the issue more fully at its March 14 th work session. Staff will contact area bike shops to let them know of the Council work session topic.

10 Open Space and Trails Open Space Plan In preparation for the 2017 revision to the Open Space Plan, staff wishes to reexamine the geographic areas and resource types that were identified as priorities of the Open Space program in the 2007 plan: 1. Golden Horseshoe 2. Cucumber Gulch Preserve 3. Highway 9 Scenic Corridor 4. Bald Mountain Area 5. Little Mountain 6. Improve River & Stream Habitat 7. Neighborhood Open Space 8. Trails (refers to separate Trails Plan) In the ten years since the plan was last updated, the Open Space program has acquired over 800 acres of open space. Large habitat and river restoration projects have taken place on this open space. Restoration has become a larger emphasis of the Open Space program, which is reflected in the budget. This is one particular area that has grown in scale and importance over the years and perhaps should be featured as a larger priority in the 2017 revision to the Open Space Plan. Much has happened in ten years, from mountain pine beetle infestation and drought to soaring real estate costs. In thinking ahead over the next ten years, where should the Open Space program direct its limited resources? Staff requests BOSAC review the above priorities and answer the following questions: 1. Does BOSAC have anything to add to the priority list? 2. Is there anything that should be removed from the priority list? 3. Are there some priorities that should be ranked as more important than others?