Paonia River Park Project Master Plan

Transcription

1 Paonia River Park Project Master Plan Prepared by: North Fork River Improvement Association Teresa Steely, Executive Director With Funding from: Great Outdoors Colorado Planning Grants Program Army Corps of Engineers 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program North Fork River Improvement Association Sponsored by: Delta County Project Stakeholders include: Delta Sand & Gravel (United Companies) Town of Paonia North Fork Trails Network US Army Corps of Engineers Friends Church Wilmore & Company Crane Associates Lamborn Valley Farm Steven Harper P.C. Paonia.com Paonia Ditch Paonia Kayak Club North Fork Economic Development Alliance Mesa State College

2 This document records the community s vision of the future river park near Paonia and will serve as the guide to future park construction. Proposed River Park Site Table of Contents Mission:... 2 Background:... 2 Work plan Collaborative Process Contributors... 5 Meetings... 5 Methods of communication... 7 Park Delineation Project Layout Maintenance and Weed Plans Park Construction Budget Trail Construction Cost Estimate Park Construction Timeline Trail Construction Timeline Restoration Recreational Facilities Educational Facilities Signature page /17/2009 1

3 Mission: The continuing mission of the Paonia River Park Project is to balance the diverse needs of the public with those of wildlife and ecosystem function. The park will meet the need for recreation, conservation, and education in the North Fork Valley. Background: During community meetings to create a Watershed Action Plan for the North Fork in 1999, many local residents voiced their desire to have more access to the river. Ninety-five percent of the land bordering the North Fork is privately owned, offering virtually no public access to the river and considerably reducing public contact with the river. On-going feedback from the community reveals the overwhelming need for river access in the North Fork Valley. The river channel in this area has been mined for gravel since the 1970 s. Not only does the original mining area contain deep pits from extraction, but the upstream reaches have also been dramatically down cut due to a migrating process called headcutting. Restoring the river corridor is important for habitat revitalization, bank stabilization, water conservation, recreation and improvements in water quality. Riparian habitat makes up less than 3% of the land in Colorado, but is used by over 90% of wildlife. A segment of the North Fork Lack of access and a degraded system has not only limited recreation but also impeded community members from forging a meaningful relationship with the river that runs through their towns. NFRIA and several partners from the community began taking steps to address this issue by creating a park that will include wildlife viewing areas, a kayak or raft put-in/take out, and educational facilities that will connect the community to the river. By educating locally, this park, the North Fork River corridor, and the associated water resource has a much better chance of being cared for by its citizens. After several years of discussions, Delta Sand and Gravel, and the Friends Church have agreed to donate land to create a public park near Paonia. Delta Sand and Gravel has donated 19 acres of their previous in-stream gravel mining operation to the North Fork River Improvement Association (NFRIA). The working relationship between the company and the Association represents a unique opportunity for restoring an area that was decimated by gravel extraction. The Town of Paonia will put 3.9 acres of adjoining property into an access and recreational easement for use by the park and the Friends Church will donate 0.7 acres to create a contiguous riparian corridor nearly ½ mile long for public recreation and education. 3/17/2009 2

4 The proposed river park will be located east of the Hwy 187 Bridge, extending upstream approximately ½ mile. The park will encompass a total of approximately 24 acres. It is proposed that a riverside trail connect Volunteer Park downstream to the proposed Paonia River Park approximately 2 miles away. The entire site will provide 24 acres and a ½ mile of conserved and rehabilitated riverfront land, with educational facilities and recreational opportunities for the public. The river park will be the only public recreational access area along the North Fork River for the towns of Somerset, Paonia, and Hotchkiss, making it a valuable and unique community resource. A segment of the future park Partial financial resources for restoration are already committed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program, which will also provide technical engineering assistance. These funds will be used to restore areas affected by gravel mining and create fish and wildlife habitat. These funds require a 35 percent non-federal match, which will be provided in the form of grants and local donations. 3/17/2009 3

5 Work plan- The work plan below details tasks that are preformed, by whom, and time of undertaking. River Park Work Plan Task : Who When Done Website/ Survey Development Teresa and Paonia.com Oct-03 X Website Updates Teresa On-going Produce survey for neighbors Teresa & Mesa State College Sep-03 X Phone calls to survey neighbors Teresa Oct-03 X Analyze survey Teresa Nov-03 X Community Meetings Teresa, Rob Molacek, and Board Mar and Apr- 03 X Steering Committee Meetings Steering Committee Jun '03 - Feb 04 X Compile Meeting outcomes Teresa Sep-03 X News releases via , newspaper, and radio Teresa, Jeff and Board On-going Contact landowners about connecting two parks with trail Teresa, Jeff, Paonia and Delta County Nov and Dec-03 X Land Assessment-surveys & delineation Jeff and Wilmore & Company Oct-02 thru Feb-04 X Land Appraisal Arnie Butler (appraiser) Jun-03 thru Mar-04 X Create Outreach Materials (including map production) Teresa and Jeff On-going X Steering Committee Consensus on a Park Layout (Map) Steering Committee Aug-03 X Produce Maintenance Plans Steering Committee Aug-03 X Establish documents of landowner intent/ transfer land Jeff and Board Dec-03 X Transfer Park property Jeff and Board Dec-04 X Draft Master Plan Teresa Jan-04 X Produce Weed/Organic Park plan NFRIA & Lamborn Valley Farm Spring -04 X Obtain access easements from the Town of Paonia NFRIA, Paonia & Wilmore and Assoc. Feb-04 X Master Plan Completion & Publication NFRIA Feb-04 X Army Corps 206 Design Phase Jeff and Army Corps Complete Fall of '04 River restoration and Park Construction Jeff, Army Corps, NFRIA, & Community Feb-05 Educational Facilities Construction Teresa & local schools Apr-04 "Weed Free" Days (annual weed removal/education) Teresa & local schools On-going River Clean-Up Days (annual event) Teresa & local schools On-going 3/17/2009 4

6 Collaborative Process- Paonia River Park Project Master Plan Contributors Representatives from riverfront landowners, the county, the town, The North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District, and other interest groups such as the Paonia Kayak Club and Trout Unlimited were petitioned to form a Steering Committee in the Spring of This representative group used consensus to make decisions about specific park details. It was decided at the April 22 nd, 2003 Community Meeting that the steering committee will consist of 1 representative from the following entities: NFRIA- Jim Link North Fork Pool Park & Recreation District- Judy Briscoe Town of Paonia- Town Trustee Dave Weber Neighboring residential landowner- Mike Arnold Citizen at large- Neal Schwieterman was nominated for this position because of his constant contact with the public, and his interest in recreational aspects of the park. (Neal is an active in the Paonia community, and also the founder of the Paonia Kayak Club) The following advisors will be called upon to serve in a consulting capacity to the steering committee: Division of Wildlife- Kurt Madariaga North Fork Trails Network- Lisa Cook Upper North Fork Planning Commission Educators from area educational institutions Lamborn Valley Farm- Rob Galloway Paonia Ditch Company NFRIA coordinates Steering Committee Meeting dates, places, and times. Steering committee meetings are still open for the public to attend and submit input. Meetings Initial public meetings were professionally facilitated by Rob Molacek of the Land Trust Alliance to solicit comments for use in the overall design. Concerns included: Wildlife habitat degradation- inhibited migration from fences and conflict with human use Dog Control User compatibility Use of chemicals for mosquito or noxious weed control Hours of use, or seasonal use Vandalism Enforcement Trash in irrigation facilities Aesthetics of park entrance Location of trail- in relation to Paonia Ditch and gravel operation Restrictions on deeds for future land use Overuse from outsiders Reduced property value An appropriate name describing use 3/17/2009 5

7 Liability- related to adjacent property and irrigation facilities Increased trespassing on surrounding property Noise from dogs and traffic Future gravel mining operations Sanitation (restrooms) Parking The following facilities were agreed upon at public meetings: Handicap access (in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) 6 high fence between gravel operation and the park Native trees to buffer industrial area fencing High impact areas and no impact areas Conflict-free undeveloped foot path Boat put in/take out for rafts or kayaks (no concrete ramp for trailers) Parking Enhanced Rehabilitated river channel and floodplain with enhanced fish habitat No camping Restroom No motorized transportation within the park A local steering committee consisting of representatives from the Town of Paonia, NFRIA, adjacent landowners, and a citizen at large decided the following issues: Organic Maintenance: neighboring organic farmers and citizens expressed concern about the use of pesticides and herbicides in the park. It was decided that the park would be a chemical-free organic facility barring an uncontrollable weed invasion, as determined by the Delta County Weed Commission. A group of community volunteers will monitor and maintain weed control. Volunteers and students from the community will also learn about weed species and removing weeds by hand or mechanical means on the park site. Kayak Course: Play holes and drop structures will be incorporated into restoration plans just downstream of the Paonia ditch diversion for high-water boating. These holes will also serve as habitat for fish, and other aquatic species. Educational Facilities: NFRIA will work with local educators to design interpretive signs and an Education Station that will provide a riverside classroom for learning about riparian ecology and local water resources. Picnic Area: A child-friendly beach with a handicap accessible picnic spot are incorporated into design plans near the parking area. Wildlife viewing areas: A single track undeveloped foot path will allow for human access to the park area with a minimum impact on wildlife. The path will extend along both sides of the river, with a stepping-stone crossing at the upstream end of the park. 3/17/2009 6

8 The River Park Steering Committee's contributions to the planning process continue to be a vital part of the vision and guidelines for the management of the area. NFRIA will continue working with the Steering Committee on the following issues: Seasonal or hours of use Fishing regulations A name The development of a permanent governance board Methods of communication Maps of the proposed park are posted at meetings to relate park boundaries, access, proposed location of trail and other recreational facilities, and surrounding property ownership. This map of the proposed park is being continually developed and used at meetings to draw attention and comment, as well as inform the public about the creation of the park. Mapping is vital to the collaborative planning process because it gives participants reference points and a sense of place. A facilitated community park meeting Brochures are handed out at meetings and events for quick reference to the River Park Project (see brochure in attachments) Newsletters are sent out twice per year giving updates on River Park Progress (see newsletters in attachments) Post cards, and letters are used to inform stakeholders and interested citizens about upcoming meetings and previous meeting outcomes. Regular s inform the community about park progress. Messages are sent out to stakeholders and interested citizens to inform them about progress. A web page at informs and solicits input from the community and beyond. Park Delineation- Delta Sand and Gravel property was walked by surveyors and company representatives. In November of 2003 boundary pins were set, and on December 19 th, 2003 the Delta Sand and Gravel and NFRIA signed a document of intent to transfer property. These boundary coordinates now exist on maps and plans. 3/17/2009 7

9 Project Layout- A preliminary plan of the park was created and revised multiple times to illustrate various components identified by stakeholder and public meetings. This plan was important in visualizing and discussing the needs of all interests involved in creating access to the river. See project layout in attachments. Maintenance and Weed Plans- The park will be simply constructed with few facilities in order to minimize maintenance. Each year, the governing body for the park will hold River Clean-Up and Weed Free days. On clean up days, volunteers will be recruited from the community and local schools to pick up trash, paint or repair signs and picnic tables, and do other small repairs. The North Fork River Improvement Association will be responsible for any channel maintenance that needs to take place in the river. Annual Weed Free days will serve the dual purposes of educating the community (including students) about weed species and effective, chemical-free removal methods, as well as keep the park site free of infestations. The governing body for the park will coordinate volunteer and educational efforts. The following inventory and prevention plan will serve as a guide. 3/17/2009 8

10 NFRIA River Park Weed Inventory and Prevention Plan This report was prepared by Webb Callicutt, Delta County Weed Program Coordinator. He visited the site on July 20, Weed Species Image Infestation Description Treatment Options (non-chemical) Canadian thistle: cirsium arvense Moderate: less than ¼ acre. Mostly along water filled pit on southeast section. Vinegar application Chopping Biological (bugs) Russian knapweed: centaurea repens Scotch thistle: Onopordum acanthium Moderate: found on old haul roads Goats Chopping/pulling Competing grasses (western wheatgrass) Scattered: Mostly along far eastern boundary This is a biennial: Chopping/digging is effective Yellow toadflax: Linaria vulgaris Small to moderate: along haul roads/ditch. Constant chopping/digging Tamarisk: Tamarix ramosissima Thick stands of very young (less than 1 diameter trunk) at high water line on south side of river. Soils are sandy. Hand pull or pull with a Weed Wrench Russian Olive: Elaeagnus angustifolia Scattered Mechanical removal with backhoe. All weeds: Competing vegetation, annual monitoring, and quick removal of new infestations. 3/17/2009 9

11 Park Construction Budget Paonia River Park Project Master Plan UNIT EST SUB TOT ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT QTY COST COST COST Mobilization/Demobilization Equipment Transport (12) Haul Mile 920 $3 $2,530 $2,530 Best Management Practices Repair Staging Area Acre 1 $500 $500 $500 Channel Reconstruction Channel excavation & realignment LF 2,500 $16 $40,000 Floodplain grading/excavation CY 30,000 $2 $60,000 Boulder cluster delivered & placed CY 100 $50 $5,000 Boulders CY 100 $50 $5,000 $110,000 Bank Stabilization & Revegetation (Functional Landscaping) Stockpile & transplant ex vegetation Acre 5 $1,500 $7,500 Live willow silt fences LF 5,000 $3 $15,000 Willow brush mattresses bundles 1,000 $10 $10,000 Soil lifts w/brushlayering LF 2,500 $15 $37,500 Cottonwood pole plantings Acre 5 $4,500 $22,500 Spread topsoil CY 8,000 $10 $80,000 Plant native floodplain grasses Acre 12 $500 $6,000 Plant native facultative trees & shrubs Acre 1 $20,000 $20,000 Dry Well Irrigation System Each 50 $50 $2,500 Root wads Each 4 $1,000 $4,000 $205,000 J-Hooks (14) Excavation CY 560 $2 $1,120 4' boulders delivered & placed CY 1,120 $50 $56,000 4' Boulders CY 1,120 $50 $56,000 $113,120 Cross Vanes (5) Excavation CY 1,000 $2 $2,000 4' boulders delivered & placed CY 900 $50 $45,000 4' Boulders CY 900 $50 $45,000 $92,000 Educational Facilities and Signage Interpretive Signs Each 5 $200 $1,000 Park signs Each 5 $50 $250 Plant Identification posts Each 15 $10 $150 Education Station Each 1 $560 $560 $1,960 Trails and infrastructure Excavation & Trash Removal CY 200 $5 $1,000 Parking Lot CY 403 $8 $3,224 Trail Construction LF 500 $3 $1,500 $5,724 Amenities Benches Each 6 $100 $600 Picnic tables Each 3 $200 $600 $1,200 Project Coordination & Administration Salary and benefits Hr 700 $20 $14,000 $14,000 SUBTOTAL $546,034 CONTINGENCY (5%) $27,302 ENGINEERING & SURVEY (15%) $81, GRAND TOTAL $655,241 3/17/

12 Trail Construction Cost Estimate The proposed trail will be 5300 linear feet, 8 feet wide Task Units Quantity Unit Cost Est. Cost Mobilization is 1 $6, $6, Clearing and Grubbing sy 9422 $1.25 $11, Move signs, mailboxes ea 2 $ $ Move Power Poles ea 0 $1, $0.00 Excavation cu yd 2366 $2.25 $5, Scarify & Compact sy 7067 $1.50 $10, Structural Fill cu yd 533 $15.00 $7, Class 6 cu yd 648 $22.50 $14, Concrete in place 6" sy 500 $35.00 $17, Concrete in place 4" sy 4211 $25.00 $105, Cross Walks ea 3 $ $ Benches ea 1 $ $ Clean-up is 1 $5, $5, Landscape Improvements & Reveg is 1 $12, $12, Subtotal $198, Contingencies (15%) 15% $29, Engineering and Survey (15%) 15% $29, Land Acquisition/Road Widening $75, Total $333, Source of Funds to Date Local In-Kind Cleaning & Grubbing $5, Move Signs, Mailboxes $ Excavation $3, Scarify & Compact $5, Structural Fill $2, Class 6 $7, Cross Walks $ Benches $ Clean-up $2, Lanscape Improvements & Reveg. $6, Subtotal $34, Other Contributions Delta County $20, NF Trails Network $5, State Parks Trails/GOCO $70, Local Cash $10, Subtotal $105, Total Sources $139, Amount to Raise $194, /17/

13 Park Construction Timeline Task Description Start Date Completion Date Mobilization/Demobilization February 2005 August 2005 Channel and floodplain excavation & realignment February 2005 August 2005 Bank Stabilization & Revegetation February 2005 August 2005 J-Hooks February 2005 August 2005 Cross Vanes February 2005 August 2005 Irrigation Diversion February 2005 August 2005 Educational facilities September 2005 December 2005 Trail Construction Timeline Task Description Start Date Completion Date Meetings with land owners October 2002 On-Going Public Easements March 2004 December 2005 Move utilities March 2006 May 2006 Excavation June 2006 August 2006 Scarify & Fill June 2006 August 2006 Landscaping September 2006 December 2006 Clean-up December 2006 On-Going Restoration The park and river restoration process will incorporate riffles, pools, and native riparian vegetation that will shade and produce detritus, thus providing habitat for insects, fish and other wildlife. The river corridor will be protected from gravel mining and urban development by transferring several parcels into conservation easements, preventing commercial and industrial development in perpetuity. Agricultural lands and private property will be protected by A restored section of the North Fork creating a slow, meandering river channel and stabilizing banks to prevent erosion of banks downstream. The park will also provide recreational opportunities in a designated area, which alleviates trespassing on other property (launching boats or accessing the river on private property without permission has been a problem in the past). 3/17/

14 Recreational Facilities Paonia River Park Project Master Plan The proposed park will provide riverfront land and facilities for outdoor recreation including fishing, picnicking, hiking and boating. Delta County and the Town of Paonia are currently working together to acquire the necessary easements to develop a 2-mile riverfront trail that would connect the Paonia River Park with Volunteer Park downstream. Funding is currently being sought for trail construction from the Colorado Department of Transportation Enhancement Dollars fund. The Paonia Kayak Club recruits youth from the North Fork community who will use the kayak course. Members of Trout Unlimited and other anglers around the valley are interested in the angling opportunities this area will provide, and have expressed an interest in fishing. It has been suggested that fishing be restricted to fly or lures and catch and release. Educational Facilities Paonia High School is located across the street from the proposed access point. Educational activities will include water quality monitoring, a field setting for riparian science, aquatic ecology, and natural history classes. Students are being recruited to help create and construct interpretive signs and interactive educational kiosks throughout the park. In addition, River Clean-up and Weed Free days will be held annually to connect the community to the river. This process will foster stewardship for the North Fork River. A student-created interpretive sign on the North Fork Interpretive signs will include information on regional human and natural history such as identification of common plant, bird, and wildlife species, local geology, river ecology, Native American uses of the area, and early American settlement. Other interactive stations will be geared towards high school classes that will play an active role in assessing the health of the river through water quality monitoring and insect sampling. 3/17/

15 Signature page The undersigned have reviewed and approved of this River Park Master Plan. Representing Name (printed) Signature Date Delta County NFRIA Town of Paonia Citizen at Large Neighboring Landowner Paonia Ditch 3/17/