4:00 pm Site Visit to McCain/Blue River Restoration - Meet at Town Hall to carpool. 5:35 pm Discussion/Approval of Minutes 2. 5:50 pm Staff Summary 8

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1 OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, October 23, 2017 Breckenridge Town Hall Lower Level Conference Room 150 Ski Hill Road 4:00 pm Site Visit to McCain/Blue River Restoration - Meet at Town Hall to carpool. 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 Field Season Update Friends of Breckenridge Trails Update Summit County Wildlife Linkages Cucumber Gulch Spreader Pond Summit Public Radio & TV Campground Feasibility 6:10 pm Open Space & Trails 10 Winter License Agreement Request 6:30 pm Executive Session 7:00 pm Adjournment For further information, please contact the Open Space and Trails Program at (Tony) or (Anne). 1

2 Roll Call Jeff Carlson called the September 25, 2017 BOSAC meeting to order at 5:40 pm. Other BOSAC members present included Matt Powers, Gavin Dalgliesh, Jeff Cospolich, Craig Campbell, Elizabeth Miller, and Jeffery Bergeron. Staff members present included Anne Murphy, Tony Overlock, Scott Reid, and Peter Grosshuesch. Brian Lorch from Summit County Open Space was present. Local residents Pat McShane and Sean Elliot were also in attendance. Approval of Minutes The August 2017 meeting minutes were approved. Approval of Agenda Friends of Dillon Ranger District and Colorado Fourteeners Initiative grant requests were added to the agenda, as was a citizen award nomination. The agenda was approved as amended. Public Comments Sean Elliot asked if the Town and County were working on expanding the pilot program for winter grooming to other non-motorized trails. Ms. Murphy explained that the winter grooming program will remain the same as last year. The Town and County are currently working on a Special Use Authorization application with the Forest Service. If approved, the authorization would provide the Town and County more opportunities to expand the winter grooming to surrounding non-motorized trails within the National Forest. Mr. Lorch also explained that the County is working with the Forest Service to allow grooming of the recreation path from Tiger Rd to Frisco. Staff Summary Field Season Update Summer field work has continued at a fast pace. The following projects are completed or underway: Completed and opened the Mineral Hill Trail. At over one mile in length, the trail was 90% percent hand-built with help of many volunteers, community service projects, and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. Stabilized top spreader ponds in Cucumber Gulch Preserve in coordination with EcoMetrics. Constructed 300 ft of new trail to extend Claimjumper Trail into the Parkway Center parking lot behind Alpine Sports. Improved drainage on Upper Flume ditch below Golden Age Dr in conjunction with the Town s Streets Department. Completed extensive weed removal and drainage maintenance on Wellington Trail and Wellington Bike Park. Improved drainage on the lower section of Hermit Placer Trail. Friends of Breckenridge Trails Volunteer Update Three Friends of Breckenridge Trails (FOBT) projects have been recently completed, including: Page 1 of 6 2

3 Community Service project with 20 volunteers who constructed 400 ft of new trail connecting Silver Circle Road to Highland Drive. Community Service project with 20 volunteers who constructed 300 ft of new trail completing the new Yellow Brick Trail re-alignment and easement; installed nonmotorized fencing and signage and trail post. Assisted with Epic Promise Day conducting maintenance on the Burro trail: o 90 volunteers o Constructed 400ft of new trail o Armored 75ft of trail o Constructed 20 large drainage features The annual End-of-Season Party to celebrate volunteer efforts is scheduled for Thursday, September 28 th at Downstairs at Eric s from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Staff encouraged BOSAC to attend. Hard Luck and Tom s Baby Trails Town staff has been working with County Open Space staff members on a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and grading permit required by the County to perform work on Hard Luck and Tom s Baby Trails. Work scheduled for Hard Luck includes a new alignment with technical features as well as a new extension of the trail to connect to the Upper Flume. Tom s Baby will be realigned, eliminating a few unsustainable portions of trail. The CUP and grading permit are anticipated to be approved by the end of the month; work will commence shortly afterward as weather permits. Since Tom s Baby is included in the winter grooming proposal, the trail crew will start on this trail first. COSA Conference Update Open Space staff hosted the annual Colorado Open Space Alliance (COSA) conference in Breckenridge at Beaver Run on Sept th. The conference drew the most attendees in its 18- year history (over 300 people) as well the most sponsorship dollars (over $18,000). Staff wishes to thank BOSAC and our partners, including Summit County Open Space, Breck Creative Arts, Breckenridge Outdoor Environmental Center (BOEC), U.S. Forest Service, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, Breckenridge Heritage Alliance (BHA), EcoMetrics, and Breckenridge Ski Resort for participating in and leading field trips throughout the area. Golden Horseshoe Special Use Authorization Staff is working with the Golden Horseshoe Oversight Committee, including County Open Space and USFS, to develop a Special Use Authorization (SUA) application through the USFS that would allow Town and County to assume the maintenance and management responsibilities for the non-motorized recreational trail network within the western third of the Golden Horseshoe. Page 2 of 6 3

4 The goal of the SUA would be to allow the Town and County to build and maintain a functional, sustainable recreational travel network on National Forest lands, pursuant to the Golden Horseshoe Management Plan and White River National Forest Travel Management Plan. A SUA would enable Town of Breckenridge and Summit County to assist the USFS in implementing the Intermix prescription as envisioned in the White River National Forest Travel Management Plan. As the Town and County continue to acquire and manage lands with open space, recreational, and potential Federal land exchange values, we seek to improve our ability to manage the Golden Horseshoe (the western portion under the 7.1 Intermix prescription) in a seamless fashion. The SUA process, including drafting the application and approval by USFS, will undoubtedly take some time to complete. Staff will continue to update BOSAC on progress. Open Space & Trails Summit Huts Weber Gulch BOSAC completed a site visit to the Summit Huts Weber Gulch area at its August 28 th meeting, with a particular focus on administrative access to the hut area and connections to the existing trail network. As BOSAC will recall, Summit Huts is seeking a license agreement from the Town and County to access their Weber Gulch Hut location using roads and trails that traverse joint Town- and County-owned land. During the site visit, BOSAC reiterated its desire that the hut proposal provide public benefit through the completion of a trail loop. Since BOSAC first reviewed the Summit Huts concept in 2011, it was the understanding of the Town that the hut proposal would include non-motorized summertime access on the Spring Road, providing a recreational trail loop from Nightmare on Baldy Trail to Baldy Road to True Romance Trail for the general public. BOSAC indicated at the last meeting they would not recommend approval of a license agreement to Summit Huts unless public benefit through non-motorized summertime access on Spring Road was confirmed and allowed by the USFS. Staff worked with USFS and Summit Huts to address this issue of summertime access on the Spring Road. The USFS confirmed our understanding of the original proposal in creating a nonmotorized recreational trail loop. Mr. Bergeron: I would like to make sure that we have oversight over the design and construction of the non-motorized trail. Also, are we prepared to address the issues of people post-holing their way down Sallie Barber Rd? Lastly, I would like to suggest using the old alignment of Nightmare to access the Weber Gulch Hut. Ms. Murphy: Yes, we will have oversight on the design and construction of the new trail. Page 3 of 6 4

5 Ms. Miller: I agree with Mr. Bergeron, using the old alignment of Nightmare is a more desired route. Mr. Campbell: Sometimes folks get turned around on switchbacks; it s easier to go straight from A to B. Mr. Dalgliesh: What s the success rate on using keep track separate signs? Mr. Bergeron: I think we had some success on wider trails like the B&B. Mr. Cospolich: The majority of people want to travel on a path that is already packed out. I would like to suggest making a loop from Section C, the Upper Nightmare extension, down to True Romance/top of Weber Gulch. BOSAC unanimously supported granting a license agreement to Summit Huts to access the Weber Gulch Hut. BOSAC Grant Review The Friends of Dillon Ranger District and the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) are open space-related grant requests for BOSAC s consideration. These two applications were included in the Town s grant program and have been referred to BOSAC for discussion and recommendation. As BOSAC recalls, the Town has an active grant program and Town Council s grant committee chooses which submitted grants, with feedback and recommendations from BOSAC, will be reviewed and potentially funded via the open space program. The two 2018 grant applications include: The Friends of Dillon Ranger District ($15,000) seeks funding for various volunteer trail projects in the Upper Blue Basin including Swan River restoration, Peaks Trail, Quandary Peak Trail, Spruce Creek, and Baker s Tank. The Colorado Fourteener s Initiative ($2,500) seeks funding for 10 volunteer trail stewardship projects, ½ mile of trail maintenance, adopt a peak crew, revegetation efforts, and infrared trail counter on Quandary Peak. Mr. Bergeron: I would like to see FDRD use another form of maintenance instead of the wooden log check steps. Mr. Reid: We have spoken with FDRD and the US Forest Service staff, and moving forward they have agreed to avoid using the wooden log check steps. Page 4 of 6 5

6 Mr. Elliot: I would like the large puddle on the Red Trail repaired. Mr. Cospolich: The trails on the grant application see a lot of traffic and could really use the described work. Ms. Miller: If we gave Colorado Fourteeners Initiative more money, maybe we could provide them direction on what we would like to see them use it on, such as education? Mr. Bergeron: This money comes out of the Open Space budget. Do you think if we gave CFI more money they could do more work? Ms. Murphy: Yes, I feel they do a tremendous amount of work with $2,500. We ve asked them to request a higher amount of funding from the Town, but that wasn t reflected in their request this year. Ms. Campbell: What is CFI s mission statement? Mr. Carlson: Protect, Restore and Educate. Mr. Bergeron: If BOSAC approves $2,500 for the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and suggest that we would be willing to double it, then that would send a clear message of support to the Town Council grant committee. Mr. Campbell: I don t know if we should give them more; they asked for $2,500 and that s what we should give them. Mr. Dalgliesh: I m fine with $2,500, but if we give them more, then they need to show what they are going to do with it. BOSAC unanimously supported both applications and strongly suggested that Colorado Fourteeners Initiative seek a higher amount of funding in future rounds. Citizen Award BOSAC unanimously supported the Citizen Award. Executive Session Mr. Carlson made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss property acquisition and negotiations at 6:47 pm. Mr. Bergeron seconded the motion. Page 5 of 6 6

7 Mr. Carlson made a motion to exit Executive Session at 7:37 pm. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. Adjournment Mr. Carlson made a motion to adjourn the BOSAC meeting. Ms. Miller seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 pm. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 23 rd at 5:30 pm in the Lower Level Conference Room at Breckenridge Town Hall, 150 Ski Hill Road. Jeff Carlson Page 6 of 6 7

8 Memorandum To: From: Open Space & Trails Staff Re: October 23, 2017 Meeting Staff Summary Field Season Update Since the September BOSAC meeting, the following field work has been completed: Reconstructed the Columbine Bridge by inserting a new cross beam. Improved Sidedoor Trail with additional trail enhancements. Started construction on Tom s Baby Trail. Installed a seasonal closure system for Wellington Bike Park. Installed Nordic blue diamond markers on Weber Gulch, Nightmare, Wire Patch, and Moonstone. Conducted bi-annual drainage maintenance on Barney Flow, Moonstone, and Carter Park. Improved drainage on lower section of Hermit Placer. Collected buck and rail material for future McCain fencing project. Friends of Breckenridge Trails Volunteer Update The Friends of Breckenridge Trails (FOBT) volunteer program concluded the 2017 season with a well attended volunteer recognition party at Downstairs at Eric s on September 28 th. The FOBT program experienced a substantial increase in volunteer turn out for individual events this year, making it one most successful seasons to date Highlights Include: 14 events including Community Service Projects. 455 volunteers. 2,716 volunteer hours. 5, 800 feet of natural surface trail constructed. Claimjumper, Mineral Hill, Yellow Brick Rd, Silver Shekel trail work. 400 willow stakes planted at the Blue River/McCain Property. 30 garbage bags of false chamomile removed along Vista Point Trail and Cucumber Gulch Preserve. 20 garbage bags of trash removed along Blue River and French Creek. Thank you to everyone who participated or contributed to the 2017 volunteer season. Summit County Wildlife Linkages As mentioned in the March 2017 BOSAC meeting, staff have participated in discussions about wildlife linkages throughout Summit County in an effort to identify priority linkage areas based on a scoring/ranking matrix of species, habitat, and roadway collisions/accidents. Out of that initial study, three areas in the County were identified as 8

9 priority projects, including the Lower Blue River, Vail Pass, and the Upper Blue River. Collectively, these particular areas are important for wildlife connectivity of several species, including elk, moose, and lynx. The Upper Blue River project is located along Highway 9 near Blue River and the tarn. With the many driveways, topography challenges, and a possible future recpath system, this project area presents more challenges than the others. While no funding is currently available, the Upper Blue River project team is examining the feasibility of a potential crossing structure to facilitate movement of wildlife. A representative from USFS will be presenting an overview of the Summit County Wildlife Linkages project at the Upper Blue Planning Commission meeting on October 26 th. All are encouraged to attend. Cucumber Gulch Spreader Pond As discussed at BOSAC meetings throughout the summer, research and monitoring is ongoing in Cucumber Gulch. Without active beavers in the Upper Gulch, more hand work has been necessary to maintain banks and dams. Additionally, the top spreader pond below the 60 culvert currently holds a significant amount of sediment that needs to be cleaned out. Staff have been working with Breckenridge Ski Resort (BSR) to coordinate the removal of the sediment this fall season. BSR will hire the contractor and cover the expenses of the sediment removal, under the guidance of our contractor, EcoMetrics. Work should be completed within the next two weeks. Summit Public Radio & TV Summit Public Radio & TV (SPRTV) have requested an amendment to an existing utility easement we jointly hold with the County covering their utilities to the top of Baldy. They easement allows SPRTV to install a new underground power line, fiber optic cable, and related equipment and facilities under existing roads on public and private lands, including the Larium Claim, to provide electric power and transmit telecommunication signals to the Baldy Mountain Electronics Site. SPRTV is seeking an amendment to construct an above ground switching cabinet and pad on the edge of the Larium Claim. As part of the amendment, the Town and County want to ensure that, after construction, the access road is narrowed and naturalized with proper drainage. Town and County staff will be meeting the SPRTV at the end of the month to discuss the amendment and road restoration plan. Campground Feasibility The Mayor and Council have a 2018 goal to examine the feasibility of a small public campground in or around the Town. Council has asked Town staff to consider potential campground parameters and locations. While it is unknown what role, if any, Open Space may play in the operations of a small campground, staff is currently evaluating options and will continue to keep BOSAC apprised of the issue. 9

10 Open Space and Trails Winter License Agreement Request Staff recently received a permit request from Summit Endurance Academy (SEA) for commercial use of Town-only trails during the winter season. As BOSAC will recall, SEA conducted coaching for youth mountain biking and running on Town trails under a summer license agreement. SEA is requesting a license agreement to conduct a winter youth program for ski mountaineering racing. They would like to use Town-only open space and trails to provide a training venue for youth athletes during the snowy months. This program is anticipated to run between November 6 th and March 31st, depending on snow conditions. Please see attached proposal. BOSAC made the decision to not allow any additional summer licenses after issuing licenses to Breck Bike Guides, Colorado Adventure Guides, and SEA until staff can develop a process to coincide with the yet-to-be-fully developed permit process that County is currently evaluating. As BOSAC is aware, the vast majority of our trail network crosses jointly owned Town and County lands and/or cross slivers of National Forest lands. The Town-only network of trails is limited and disconnected. Staff requests BOSAC review and discuss the proposal and answer the following questions: 1. Is BOSAC in favor of reviewing proposals for the winter season until there is an established permitting process with the Town and County? 2. Does the Summit Endurance Academy proposal fit within the Open Space & Trails mission? 3. Is BOSAC in favor of recommending a winter license to Summit Endurance Academy, and if so, are there any conditions you wish to apply? 10

11 SUMMIT ENDURANCE ACADEMY WINTER 2017/2018 The Summit Endurance Academy (SEA) is starting a winter youth program for ski mountaineering racing. Through our passion for human powered adventure, the aim of this program is to use professional coaches to introduce youth to fitness and technical improvements through a fun group environment. The SEA is requesting use of the Town of Breckenridge open space to provide a training venue for these youth athletes for the snowy months. This program will run between November 6 th and March 31st, depending on snow conditions. Any ski groups will have five or less athletes when on ToB trails (ages ranging between 12 and 22 years old), and one Summit Endurance Academy coach. There will be three group sessions per week, all less than two hours per session. These group skis will (optimally) be split between multiple locations around the county. SEA currently has an agreement with Breckenridge Resort to use trails free of charge, provided we follow their uphill access policy. SEA will have $1,000,000 of general liability insurance, and will have waivers which release the Summit Endurance Academy and all training venues from liability (by name). Participants and coaches will be required to wear helmets during all activities. Summit Endurance Academy is working with other ToB partner Colorado Adventure Guides to provide all winter participants with an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Class and certification to further our goals of educating our athletes to be safe and lifelong users of our natural resources. Our goal at the Summit Endurance Academy is to provide professional expert coaching to give local youth the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be healthy and active trail users for the rest of their lives. 11