HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.ord.026.2001 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF PITKIN COUNTY,COLORADO
ADOPTING THE MOORE OPEN SPACE
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
ORDINANCE h O;Z 6—,�pb f
RECITALS
1. The voters of Pitkin County approved a revised Home Rule Charter Article XIII, on
November 2, 1999, where article 13.3.3 states that the Open Space and Trails Trustees shall
"establish priorities and criteria for the acquisition of Open Space and Trails for the
management and maintenance of all properties acquired with expenditures from the Open
Space & Trails funds".
2. Under 13.1.3 of the above Article XIII of the Home Rule Charter, it stipulates that "5% of the
revenue collected shall be set aside exclusively for managing, maintaining, rehabilitating and
preserving County open space and trails......maintenance shall also include fostering
stewardship of public and private open space lands".
3. The Board of County Commissioners has the authority to adopt the Plan under Colorado
Statutory and Constitutional law including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Colorado
Revised Statutes, Title 30, Articles 11, 15, 28 and 35.
4. The Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance #004-2001, where article 2-4
states "in consultation with the Board of Open Space Trustees, the Board of County
Commissioners may adopt individualized management plans for specific Open Space and
Trails Properties".
5. The 64.87—acre Moore Open Space was purchased July 8, 1992 with Open Space and Trails
funds for the purpose of permanently protecting scenic open space and wildlife habitat at the
edge of Aspen.
6. The Moore Open Space provides recreational opportunities for the public for nordic skiing
and, more recently provides a connection to the pedestrian trail between Aspen and
Snowmass.
7. The Open Space and Trails Board has approved and recommends for adoption the Moore
Open Space Resource Management Plan ("Plan'), dated May 4, 2001, which balances
recreational opportunities with protection of the Moore Open Space ecology and wildlife and
is consistent with Use and Management Plan adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners for the Moore Open Space on June 10, 1992.
C:\home\barbh\moore ord.doc
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin
County, Colorado that:
1. The Moore Open Space Resource Management Plan is hereby adopted;
2. The Plan is governed by Title 9 of the Pitkin County Land Use Code, and is enforceable as if
set for therein.
3. A summary of rules and regulations shall be posted on the property at all times;
4. County staff will monitor use and condition of the property to determine that regulations are
effective in controlling impacts;
5. The Plan shall be revisited in ten years.
INTRODUCED, FIRST READ, AND SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING, BY THE BOARD AT
ITS REGULAR MEETING ON THE 23`d DAY OF MAY, 2001.
PUBLISHED, INCLUDING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, IN THE ASPEN TIMES ON
THE 2nd DAY OF JUNE, 2001.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED UPON SECOND READING AND AFTER A DULY-
NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING BY A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD AT ITS REGULAR
MEETING ON THE 13th DAY OF JUNE, 2001.
,A
?Cies
SHED AFTER ADOPTION IN THE ASPEN TIMES ON THE p th DAY OF
, 2001.
of the proposed Moore Open Space Resource Management Plan are available for public
inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, 506 East Main,
Aspen, Colorado 81611 and on the Pitkin County Web Site at http://www.pitkingov.com. Phone
(970) 920-5180.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO A TEST
k'JJJAJ- ��'�/ By:
ick Ireland (Date) Jeane Jones (Date)
Chair Clerk Recorder
R CL�p M NDED/I APPROVAL: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
0j 7,R�O — —
Da Will ((Date) John (bate)
Director of Ope Space and Trails Z66hity Attorney
Cindy Houben (Date)
Director of Community Development
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MAN GER APP VAL:
Hilary Sm' (Date)
County Manager
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9�0�II'C1=A)N COV'
MOORE OPEN SPACE
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Prepared by Jonathan Lowsky, Michael Craig, Lisa Tasker, and Dale Will
6-I3
Adopted Mffr25, 2001 by
The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners
and
Ll
The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board of Trustees
05/23/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2
MOORE OPEN SPACE
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
May 3,2001
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The 64.87 acre Moore Open Space was purchased on July 8, 1992. The purchase of the property was
heralded as providing a permanent open space to define the edge of the Aspen urban area. The
Moore Open Space fulfills many of the Program criteria: land that surrounds an urban area; land that
offers recreational opportunities and ready public access; and outstanding scenic, natural and
wildlife habitat value. The purchase of the Moore Open Space protected 64.87 acres of mountain
big sage dominated shrublands for its intrinsic natural values as well as for its scenic and
educational benefits.
The Moore Open Space is a small remnant of an ecological community that once dominated the
Roaring Fork Valley lowlands. Most of the mountain big sage shrublands in the Roaring Fork
Valley were first converted to hayfields, potato fields, and pasture, which have subsequently been
converted for residential and commercial development. This ecological community is considered to
be globally vulnerable throughout its range (Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) 1999).
Consequently, there are indications that some of the Mountain Big Sage dependant wildlife species
are declining in the Roaring Fork Watershed(CNHP1999). The Moore Open Space provides
critical habitat for a resident herd of mule deer, numerous neotropical migratory songbirds
(including some species of concern), at least three species of small mammals, coyotes, badgers, and
more.
The property is bordered on the east by the Maroon-Castle-Highway 82 Roundabout that has
become a trail hub connecting a bike and pedestrian path across the new Maroon Creek Pedestrian
Bridge to the Highway 82 underpass that routes trail users towards Aspen or Snowmass Village.
The recent construction of the pedestrian underpass now allows a seamless nordic trail system
connecting the golf course trail system with the Moore Open Space nordic ski loop.
2.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES
A Use and Management Plan (UMP), adopted by the Pitkin BOCC June 10, 1992 describes the
purpose of the property as follows, "...the property will be used as a `Passive Park', without man-
made fields for active recreation." It goes further to state that the property "...will be traversed by
year-round trails, which may have benches or picnic tables along side." It is clearly stated in the
UMP that the property can never be used for any type of commercial activity or for any type of
housing. Structures other than fences and trail shelters are prohibited in the UMP. In addition, the
UMP states that the property should "...be maintained in its natural state..." with irrigation
permitted only to support native vegetation. Therefore, the priority for the Moore Open Space is to
manage it first for its natural values and secondarily for non-impactive recreational uses such as
interpretive trails, nordic skiing, nature appreciation, and education. The Management goals of the
Moore Open Space are as follows:
1. Promote public understanding and appreciation of the mountain big sage ecological complex
and associated ecological communities.
2. Perpetuate and restore the mosaic of high quality native plant communities: mountain big sage-
snowber y flats, Gambel oak-serviceber y knolls, narrowleaf cottonwood patches, and grass-
rush swales.
3. Maintain viable populations of all native fauna currently living on the property. Special r
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAPI MANAGEMENT PUN
emphasis will be focused on mule deer, Brewer's sparrow, and Virginia's warbler.
4. Control non-native and noxious weeds via a long-range integrated pest management approach.
5. Maintain the connectivity of the Moore Open Space with the Maroon Creek riparian corridor.
6. Provide a scenic respite of natural lands in a landscape increasingly dominated by suburban and
exurban development.
7. Ensure that the eastern corner of the property adjacent to the roundabout provides an effective
trail hub linking the High School Trail to the Golf Course Trail via the Maroon Creek Pedestrian
Bridge and the Highway 82 underpass.
3.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES
3.1 Acquisition(s) and Legal Status
The Moore Open Space was acquired fee simple on July 8, 1992 for$3,062,131.64; $370,000 at closing
and$370,000 debt service for eleven years—refinanced via bond issuance in 1994 (Resolution#92-183
-#345693, Book 680, Page 416; Survey- Book S 003, Page 55).
Type of Acquisition: Fee simple
Public Record: Resolution#92-183 -#345693, Book 680, Page 416; Survey- Book S 003, Page 55
Title Insurance: Stewart Title, Policy#0OO19198C2
Initial Size: 64.87 acres Reduced to approximately 63.37 acres following CDOT condemnation of
lands for Maroon/Castle Ck. Roundabout.
Pre-existing Encumbrances: Pre-existing Encumbrances: Use and management plan covenant
executed June 10, 1992 to benefit of the James Moore estate, recorded Book 680 Page 433 and
attached as Appendix D.
County Zoning: AFR-2 (Agricultural/Forestry/Residential)
Survey: #9073, dated 11/11/93, prepared by Schmueser Gordon Meyer, Inc.
Adjacent Landowners: See Figure 2.
Water Rights: To be researched by staff.
3.2 Physical Characteristics
3.2.1 Location
The Moore Open Space lies at the Southwest corner of the CO Highway 82/Maroon Creek Road
intersection, approximately one mile west of downtown Aspen. The Public Land Survey location is
Township IOS Range 85W Section 11 (Figure 1).
3.2.3 Topography
Moore Open Space can be characterized as having a rolling topography with anomalous rocky "knolls".
Most of the slopes on Moore are relatively gentle with the steepest at 20-25 percent except for those on
the southeast boundary of the property along Maroon Creek Road and the Highway 82 Roundabout
where they approach a 35 percent slope.
3.2.4 Geology
The Moore Open Space is located within the historic path of numerous glaciers that occurred in the
Maroon Creek Valley. Glacial till and glacial outwash deposits dominate the surficial geology. This
also accounts in large part for the topographic features of the property that formed from glacial melting,
outwash, and moraine deposition.
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRA PT MANAGEMENT PLAN 2
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3.2.5 Soils
The soil of the Moore Open Space consists of three soil types: 1) Uracca, moist-mergel complex, 1 to 6
percent slopes, extremely stony, 2) Uracca, moist-mergel complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, extremely
stony and 3) Uracca, moist-mergel complex, 12 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony. The rolling
topography consists of small swales or valleys of deeper soils interspersed with higher convexities or
"knolls" with much shallower, rocky soils.
3.2.6 Hydrology
The geology and soil structure of the Moore Open Space results in xeric conditions. The small swales
on the property are seasonally mesic—long enough to support some hydrophytic vegetation but not long
enough to qualify as jurisdictional or ecological wetlands. In addition, there is a wet area along the
northeast boundary of the property along Highway 82 that supports some hydrophytic vegetation
including a small stand of narrowleaf cottonwoods. It is unclear at this time whether the cottonwoods
owe their persistence to an abandoned ditch that ran through this part of the property or the topography
that results in the accumulation of ground water in that area. It is likely a combination of those factors.
3.3 Land Use Considerations
3.3.1 Context of Properties
In purchasing an open space property to "define the edge of the Aspen urban area", the Open Space
Program was courageous, particularly in light of the public's relative lack of familiarity with the
ecological importance of the mountain big sage community. The demand for land in this vicinity for
other public uses such as transportation or housing has grown with the boom in local development
generally. Any proposal to convert the property to non-open space use would require modification of a
covenant held by Thomas Moore as well as a popular vote and replacement of the property with equally
valuable open space pursuant to Article 13 of the Pitkin County Home Rule Charter.
3.3.2 Adjacent Land Use and Ownership
Please see Figure 2.
3.3.3 20`h Century Land Use
The Roaring Fork Valley was once part of a vast Ute Indian homeland that encompassed roughly the
western one fifth of what is now Colorado. However, due to relocation policies pursued by Governor
Pitkin and others, by the 1880s the Utes had been forced on to reservations in southwest Colorado and
northeastern Utah. Soon after, a rail line was completed into Aspen, using the same bridge across
Maroon Creek that carries Highway 82 today. Thus began the uneasy relationship between what is now
the Moore Open Space and the transit system on the west side of Aspen.
Until the late nineteen sixties, the primary land use west of Castle Creek was agricultural (see historic
photo.) The west side of the Moore Open Space includes an old potato field, where the greatest weed
problems exist now. With the explosion of the ski industry came the development of Aspen Highlands
Ski Area overlooking the property. In 1969, the Prince of Peace Chapel was built immediately across
Maroon Creek Road, and is a treasured landmark today. In the continuing boom, housing
developments, a hospital, and Aspen's public schools moved around the property, which, along with the
Marolt Open Space to the east, is the only open bottom land between Castle Creek and Maroon Creek
south of Highway 82.
3.3.4 Current Leases
None. A legal agreement (i.e., an easement or license agreement) is currently being developed with the
Aspen Nordic Council formalizing the nordic use of the Moore Open Space.
3.3.5 Easements, Right-of-ways,Decrees and Other Rights
In 1999, the Open Space and Trails Board(OSTB) and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE nRAYI MANAGEMENT PLAN 4
agreed that certain lands adjacent to the roundabout should be used for a trail connecting the Highway
82 underpass to the "Kiss and Ride" facility. (See Appendix D. BOCC Resolutions 99-185, 99-132 and
OSTB Resolution 99-06). Around this time, the OSTB also granted the Aspen Nordic Council
permission to connect the Moore Open Space nordic trail to the highway underpass.
4.0 VEGETATIONAL RESOURCES
Native plants provide the basic structure and energy base for ecological communities. Plant species
diversity supports wildlife diversity by providing shelter, food, and nutrient cycling. Plant roots anchor
soil and slow erosion, and provide food for extensive underground communities of small organisms that
cycle minerals and allow the soil to support plants. Healthy native plant communities can serve as
reference points for the restoration of degraded communities on similar sites. Diverse, colorful, and
intriguing plant communities also provide high quality visitor experiences. The native vegetation
communities on the Moore Open Space are part of a rich natural heritage that can be passed on to future
generations through good land stewardship.
4.1 Historic Ecology
4.1.1 Changes in Forest Structure
Past agricultural practices likely included clearing and plowing of the areas with deeper soils on the
property. Other plant community changes may also be due to past heavy grazing practices. The knoll
tops and associated hillsides may provide insight into what plant species occurred on the property prior
to agricultural and other human-caused disturbances. See 4.2.1 below for more information.
4.1.2 Non-native Plants
Given the agricultural history of the Moore property and the Roaring Fork Valley it is not surprising that
there is a substantial pasture grass (e.g., smooth brome, bluegrass, orchard grass)component throughout
the property. Several invasive non-native weed species are now present across the property as well.
Weed surveys conducted in the 1999 field season identified 5 weed species that are present in significant
amounts. These species are referred to in section 4.2.4.
4.2 Resource Inventories/Current Conditions
4.2.1 Plant Communities
The 2000 Open Space Vegetation Inventory revealed that the acquisition of the Moore Open Space
resulted in the protection of significant vegetational resources (Figure 4). The most widespread
vegetational overstory on the Moore Open Space is best described as a Mountain Big Sage-Snowberry
shrub community. The ecologically important plant community is ranked G3G4/S3S4 by the Colorado
Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) on a 1 to 5 scale (See Appendix C for an explanation of Natural
Heritage Program element rankings) (CNHP 1999). The global and state rank indicates that this shrub
community is relatively uncommon globally and even potentially vulnerable (G3G4) and is therefore
"watchlisted" (S3S4) by our state Natural Heritage Program. On much of the property, the dominant
native understory species are grasses. Vegetation transects revealed needleandthread, green needlegrass,
and Idaho fescue to be the most extensive natives in addition to prairie junegrass and an occasional
Thurber's fescue. So far, these species are managing despite the abundance of a very aggressive,
rhizomatous bluegrass, Agassiz bluegrass.
There are places on Moore where one may be seeing remnants of a Mixed Mountain Shrubland
community. Was it an Oak-Snowberry community (G5, S3/S4), or an Oak-Serviceberry community
(G3/G5, SU) or were there even Gambel Oak-Mountain Mahogany-Elk Sedge (G3, S3) areas on the
tops of some of the knolls? These are all considered to be Mixed Mountain Shrub communities by
CNHP. More extensively, the pre-European settlement plant community was probably Oak-Snowberry
or Oak-Serviceberry. Over time, these taller, shrub-dominated communities could make a comeback in
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAF[*MANAGEMENT PLAN 5
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the absence of excessive browsing pressures.
The diversity of native plant species is quite impressive despite the area's thistles and overwhelming
presence of bluegrass. Although in some places the mountain sage gives you the impression that it is
old and single-aged, in many other patches of the property this is not the case and you can find multiple-
aged individuals. A recent effort near Kremmling to remove sage in order to reduce competition with a
rare plant resulted in the invasion of non-native species including crested wheat grass (which occurs on
Moore OS). The net result was a serious crash in the rare plant's population where the sage was
removed. Consequently, we need to be careful about mechanically removing or disturbing sagebrush in
the name of promoting multi-age stands. The end results may be worse than the starting point. Given
what we know, no mechanical manipulation of the mountain sage should occur at this time and any
future considerations should be very, seriously investigated. (Patch burning is an alternative that would
likely produce positive results if it were possible).
4.2.2 Forests
The only forest stand on the Moore Open Space occurs along Highway 82 where a stand of nan owleaf
cottonwoods has persisted where runoff and groundwater accumulate in the remnants of an abandoned
irrigation ditch. This stand provides important hiding and thermal cover to the resident mule deer. The
construction of the roundabout has directly and indirectly impacted the stand. Consequently, the
persistence of this stand is in question.
4.2.3 Range
There is no livestock or hay production at the Moore Open Space at this time.
4.2.4 Weeds
Noxious weed management has been occurring at Moore for many years. County staff has identified
five weeds that are present in significant quantities: Plumeless thistle, Yellow toadflax, Hounds tongue,
Scentless chamomile, and Canada thistle (Figure 3). Integrated weed management techniques are
currently used in containing and reducing the densities of these weeds to the current areas of infestation.
These methods include mechanical (i.e., community thistle pulls), restoration, herbicides, and insect
releases.
4.3 Significant Resources
4.3.1 Rare Plants
No rare plants have been found on the Moore Open Space to date.
4.3.2 Natural Communities and Conservation Sites
The Moore Open Space contains globally declining and globally significant vegetational communities.
Several mountain big sage plant associations are appreciably declining in the Roaring Fork Valley and
throughout the American West. See section 4.2.1 above for further detail.
4.4 Management Action Steps: Vegetation
4.4.1 The ecological management of the property will focus on maintaining a mosaic of the
naturally occurring plant community types, while attempting to improve the condition of
those communities.
4.4.2 Identify and map the plant communities. (The Pitkin County Open Space Vegetation
Inventory and Monitoring protocol was implemented on the Moore Open Space in 2000.)
4.4.3 Establish permanent photo points as directed in the Pitkin County Open Space Vegetation
Inventory and Monitoring protocol.
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN 7
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Figure 4. Weed infestations on the Moore Open Space. I�(
VJ/UW LUU I M VURB VYMJ JYACB URAYI MANAUBMEN'1'PLAN 9 l
moist for this to be a realistic option. Hand pulling can be done through flowering and up to seed
production but the plants must be bagged and removed.
Biological-No insect species have been approved for use in the United States at this time. Goats
have been used to graze this species but must be used repeatedly to counter the ability of this
plant to re-sprout after every grazing.
Cultural-This plant spreads from the dispersal of its Velcro like seeds. It is imperative to keep
vehicles, clothing, tools and any other items taken onto the property free of these hitch-hiker
seeds. The seeds benefit from bare and disturbed soil so revegetation and management of
existing vegetation to out-compete houndstongue is important.
Chemical-Tordon is the only effective herbicide available for this weed species given the
numerous desirable plant species on the property. The use of Tordon is not without risks.
Training of crew must occur to ensure that the application of this herbicide is done correctly to
avoid injuring or killing native species.
• Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris):
Status- At this time there is very little yellow toadflax on the property and priority for
management is to keep it that way. Know infestations currently exist near the cottonwood stand
adjacent to highway 82. These infestations consist of half a dozen small (less than 5 foot
diameter) patches on the old irrigation ditch that exists there.
Mechanical-This species is a perennial with a very well developed root system. The key to
control of this plant therefore is to weaken the root system. Repeated removal of the plant's
above ground growth will deprive the root system of energy. This will most likely be done by
hand or with a weed-eater.
Biological-Two new insect species are about to be released to attack this species. The Stem
Boring Weevil (Mecinus janthinus) and the Root Galling Weevil (Gymnetron linariae)have
just been approved for use in the United States. These insects show some promise in the battle
against this highly invasive species. The defoliating moth (Calophasia lunula)has been
released in the Aspen area but has not proven to be successful in other areas. Goats will not
graze this species of weed.
Cultural- Cultural control has to begin with educating the public about the impact this plant
species is having on natural areas. It is imperative that this species not be sold or planted as an
ornamental anywhere in Colorado. In addition, maintaining a healthy plant community on the
Moore Open Space will help to keep this plant from invading.
Chemical- Chemical control of this species has not been highly effective. For this reason it is
extremely important to eliminate small infestations early. Tordon is the only herbicide that has
any impact on Yellow toadflax. Unfortunately the rates required for successful control are very
high (2 quarts/acre or more). Once again this emphasizes the need to identify and remove this
plant in a timely manner.
• Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Status- Common mullein has been present on the old potato field for many years. That is the
only portion of the property that has any significant amounts of this weed. It is a prolific biennial
that seems to thrive on the disturbed land of the potato field. From this observation it appears
that this species will not spread across Moore to any great extent.
Mechanical- As with all biennials the key to control of this species is to stop the production of
seed. The rosettes are huge, conspicuous, and very susceptible to shovel cutting below the
surface of the soil. Mowing and grazing are marginal because the plant will resprout and
continue to produce seed. I !�
Biological-No biological controls currently exist for this species.
Cultural-This plant will colonize bare soil if available so the best defense, as with other
biennials, is to minimize disturbance and re-vegetate any areas that are disturbed
Chemical- Escort or Tordon can be used to control this species. It is advisable to treat this
species as a rosette to achieve better control.
• Other Alien Species of Concern
o Canada thistle- not common on the property but a few patches exist.
o Oxeye daisy- this plant is attractive but is a real problem for natural areas.
o Common tansy- a very persistent perennial that is present near the high school.
o Scentless chamomile- another attractive plant but very invasive on disturbed soil.
• These management efforts will be assessed for their effectiveness through the vegetation monitoring
program and continued GPS mapping.
1. Restoration: There should be a concerted restoration effort on the portions of the property once used
for hay or other agricultural activities. This ultimate goal is the restoration of the native grass and shrub
species that were removed from the landscape for farming.
a. Reintroduction of native vegetation will reduce the impacts of historical disturbance and result in
a more complete assemblage of native plants, animals, and insects over the long term.
Mr. Wescott, a teacher at the Aspen Middle School, has agreed to work with Land Management in the
first step of the Adopt-an-Open-Space program where school groups will work with Land Management
Staff on projects such as revegetation, thistle pulls, and trash clean-ups.
5.0 WILDLIFE RESOURCES
5.1 Historic Ecology
As described in the Plant Communities section, Moore is a remnant of a once very common ecological
community in the Roaring Fork Valley. The Mountain Big Sage-Snowberry community once
dominated the relatively flat areas of the valley floor. Many wildlife species such as mule deer, elk,
badgers, Brewer's sparrows, red-tailed hawks, deer mice, and montane voles thrived in this community.
As humans came to the Roaring Fork Valley, these flat areas offered the best prospects for potato
farms, hay fields, and settlement. Soon most of the valley floor and other places dominated by the
sage-snowberry community such as Missouri Heights were converted for human use. A few small
pockets of sage-snowberry persist and provide refuge for those species that depend on it for some
aspect of their life history.
5.2 Resource Inventories/Current Conditions
Several sources of information were used in evaluating wildlife resources. The first stage of the Pitkin
County Open Space Biological Inventory and Monitoring protocol was initiated on Moore in 2000.
Permanent bird point transects and a 10 x 14 small mammal trapping grid were set up and run in 2000
and will be repeated every other year. Den searches and scat searches were conducted in 2000.
Carnivore track surveys will be conducted during the 2000-2001 winter and 2001 summer field
seasons. Informal ungulate browse assessments were also conducted in 2000.
5.2.1 Mammals
The Mountain Big Sage-Snowberry ecological community provides habitat for a diverse array of I
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN 11 l
mammal species from mule deer to deer mice. The combination of structural diversity, fruit-bearing
shrubs, and abundant grass seed provides an abundance of food, cover and denning sites. The
concentration of mammals is heightened during the winter when snow and harsh weather move animals
down from higher elevations. The Mountain Big Sage-Snowberry community type provides habitat for
high densities of small mammals and the species that prey on them. Twenty-eight mammal species are
known or suspected to occur on the Moore OS (Table 132). Coyotes, red fox, badgers, mule deer,
Wyoming ground squirrels, pocket gophers, golden-mantled ground squirrels, least chipmunks,
montane voles, and deer mice are known to use Moore Open Space for part of their reproductive
process.
5.2.1.1 Small Mammals
Small mammals were sampled for the first time in 2000 (Figure 5). In 247 trap nights 110 animals
were caught (44.5% capture rate). Of these, 3 (2.7%) were montane voles, 106 (96.4%) were deer
mice, and 1 was a long-tailed weasel (0.90%). Wyoming ground squirrels, mountain cottontails, pine
(or red) squirrels, and rock squirrels were observed on the property during the 2000 field season. The
small mammal sampling will be repeated on the Moore OS every other year in order to monitor and
evaluate effects of management on the composition of Moore's small mammal community.
5.2.1.2 Mammalian Carnivores and Bats
Carnivore or predator species are critical to maintaining the integrity of native ecological communities.
Mammalian carnivores (or their sign) such as red fox, coyote, black bear, bobcat, badger, long-tailed
weasel, and mountain lion were sighted on Moore during field inventories or via tracks, scat, or other
sign (Table B2).
Estimates of animal abundance are among the most important information needs of managers and
researchers. Unfortunately, secretive habits of most carnivore species and the low density of most
carnivore populations preclude accurate, precise, and inexpensive estimation of population size. Hence,
indices of relative abundance often substitute. Winter track transects and summer scent-station surveys
will be conducted in the winter of 2000-2001 and summer 2001 field season accordingly. Tracks
detected at scented baits (scent stations) have been used for decades to index abundances and monitor
distributions of carnivores.
Although we are not currently surveying bats on the Moore OS it is important to note that a healthy bat
community is critical to nearly every ecosystem. There are 5 bat species that may occur on the Moore
OS (Table 112) based upon habitat affinity and geographic distribution (Fitzgerald et al. 1994).
5.2.1.3 Ungulates
The continuing loss of winter and migration habitat is the most serious problem for mule deer and elk
in the Roaring Fork Valley and the western U.S. Of particular concern is the resident herd of mule deer
that use Moore Open Space as part of a home range that also includes the Maroon Creek riparian area
to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River and onto the Burlingame and Zoline properties.
Currently, there are approximately 20 to 40 animals in this herd. These deer, particularly the bucks, use
Moore throughout the year to feed, socialize, and rest. In the early fall bucks can be seen sparring in
the hours following dawn and before sunset. Fawning has not been confirmed on the property but very
young fawns have been seen on the property early in the spring.
Some elk use Moore OS primarily as transition range in the early spring and late fall. There is no
indication that elk calve, rut, or summer on Moore. Nonetheless, it is important to preserve any lands
that provide migration habitat given that this habitat type is one of the principle limiting factors for the
elk herds of the Roaring Fork Watershed.
5.2.2 Birds
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN 12
Breeding birds were inventoried on the Moore Open Space for the first time in 2000. Prior to this
year's field effort, forty-five bird species were known or suspected to occur on the Moore Open Space.
Of those, 38 species were identified in point transects conducted during the height of the 2000 breeding
season (Figure 6). Based on the results of one field season, the thirty-eight species identified by an
asterisk (*) in Table B1 are believed to either breed on or at least incorporate part of Moore within their
home range for hunting/foraging or some other aspect of their life history. Although mountain big sage
dominated habitats do not support as high a diversity of avian species as other habitats in the Roaring
Fork watershed (e.g., aspen forest, oak- serviceberry shrubland), some of the most common species are
primarily restricted (as breeders) to this habitat(e.g., Brewer's sparrow) (Andrews and Righter 1992).
The relatively high species diversity found on the Moore OS is likely attributable to the interspersion of
the oak-serviceberry dominated knolls as well as Moore's connectivity to the Maroon Creek riparian
area. Species normally associated with the mountain shrub community (e.g., western tanager, dusky
flycatcher, and Virginia's warbler) in abundance on Moore, as were some species more
commonlyassociated with riparian habitat such as yellow warblers and white-crowned sparrows.
It is important to note the number of habitat specialists (e.g., Brewer's sparrow, Virginia's
warbler) (Kingery et al. 1998) and habitat-interior species (e.g., blue-gray gnatcatcher,
plumbeous vireo) (Odell and Knight 2000) as compared to the number of generalists (e.g.,
American robin, black-billed magpie) that were found on Moore during the breeding season.
This is an indication that Moore, in its current state and current level of human activity, does
indeed provide effective habitat for the suite of birds that biologists, ornithologists, and
conservationists are most concerned with: habitat specialists and habitat-interior species
(Temple 1991). The next step is to determine trends in the populations of these species on
Moore to determine how we should manage this valuable land into the future.
5.2.3 Amphibians and Reptiles
Herpetofauna sampling may be conducted in the future. Western garter snakes, bull snakes, and
western fence lizards may occur on the Moore Open Space. It is unlikely that any amphibians are
present.
5.2.4 Fish
Not applicable.
5.2.5 Invertebrates
Invertebrate sampling could be conducted in the future.
5.3 Significant Resources
5.3.1 Mammals
Of the 28 mammal species occurring on the property one is designated by one or more governmental
agencies as having special status (Appendix B): Long legged myotis (Myotis volans) is listed as
Category 2 by the United States Office of Endangered Species.
5.3.2 Birds
Of these, 2 are designated by one or more governmental agencies as having special status (Table B 1):
Brewer's Sparrows (Spizella breweri) are listed as a species of concern by the U.S. Office of Migratory
Bird Management (USOBM)and Virginia's Warblers (Vermivora vrginiae) are listed as a species of
concern by USOBM. It is widely accepted that overall neotropical migrant songbird populations are
declining and that the principle cause is habitat loss. Although we have little control over habitat
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRA T MANAGEMENT PLAN 13
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protection in Central and South America, it is imperative that we protect lands that support breeding
neotropical songbirds in the United States.
1. Brewer's Sparrow - Although often the most abundant songbird in sagebrush habitats, the Brewer's
Sparrow is seriously declining across it's range. A species of concern due to population declines
and threats to breeding habitat, the Brewer's Sparrow is vulnerable to loss and fragmentation of
sagebrush habitats. It has been given a high priority rating by Audubon and the Colorado Natural
Heritage Program ranks their Colorado population as "vulnerable" and Partners in Flight have
added it to their Watch List of conservation priority species (Muehter 1998). Large-scale reduction
and fragmentation of sagebrush habitats occurring due to a number of activities, including land
conversion to tilled agriculture, urban and suburban development, and road and power-line rights of
way is the major threat to Brewer's sparrow persistence.
2. Virginia's Warbler- Associated with dense shrubby habitats. Listed on the Partners in Flight Watch
Listed as a species of moderate conservation priority chiefly due to limited knowledge of the
species' biology (Muehter 1998). It is classified as a species of concern by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service in the Great Plains/Rocky Mountain and Southwestern administrative regions
based on the Partners in Flight ranking (USFWS 1995) and may be vulnerable due to its narrow
geographic distribution on breeding and wintering ranges and lack of large populations in breeding
range (Reed 1992).
5.4 Maintaining Habitat Effectiveness
The greatest threat to the integrity of the wildlife habitat on the Moore Open Space is the encroachment
of human activity and development.
5.4.1 Recreation and Wildlife
Open space land use by recreationists has increased throughout the United States. As open space use
rises and penetrates natural areas, encounters between humans and wildlife increases. There is
concern among scientists and the public that recreationists may have a negative impact on wildlife.
Recreationists can affect wildlife through unintentional or intentional disturbance but unintentional
disturbance is the primary way recreationists affect wildlife (Knight and Cole 1995). Due to the
escalating use of open space this mode of disturbance has become particularly impactive.
Understanding the impacts and responses of wildlife to recreationists can provide open space
managers with the information to develop mitigation measures such as codes of conduct. The
behavior of recreationists affects wildlife responses. Predictability of a behavior partly determines
wildlife response. If the disturbance is predictable and non-threatening there is little overt response
but if the disturbance is predictable and threatening there is a strong response (Knight and Knight
1984). Practical considerations such as trail placement, user education and regulations, and
informational materials at trails could be effective mitigation strategies.
5.5 Management Action Steps: Wildlife
5.5.1 The management of approved recreational activities will rest on the results of the biological
inventory and monitoring of the property as well as periodic assessments of the impacts of
recreational activities on the ecological resources identified by the inventories and monitoring
activities.
5.5.2 The habitat management of the property will focus on maintaining and enhancing the habitats
of sensitive species, habitat interior species, species of special or cultural concern, and
declining or rare species. These species include, but are not limited to, the following: Mule
deer, Brewer's sparrow, Virginia's warbler, and long-legged myotis.
5.5.3 Monitor birds and small mammals via the Pitkin County Open Space Wildlife Inventory and
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Monitoring protocol.
5.5.4 Monitor effects of human and wildlife impacts and effects of management actions on the
wildlife of the Moore Open Space according to the Pitkin County Open Space Wildlife
Inventory and Monitoring protocol.
5.5.5 Monitor the age distribution of mountain sage. If it is progressing toward a single aged stand,
the sage could be thinned to promote structural diversity.
5.5.6 Identify and map critical wildlife habitats. (The Pitkin County Open Space Wildlife
Inventory and Monitoring protocol was implemented on the Moore Open Space in 2000.)
5.5.7 Maintain tall, clumped stands of mountain sage dispersed across the property for Brewer's
sparrow nesting habitat.
5.5.8 Maintain the few dense patches of oak where they occur on the property for Virginia's
warbler nesting habitat.
5.5.9 Adapt management methods and objectives based upon the results of monitoring.
5.5.10 Maintain the connectedness of Moore Open Space with adjacent, undeveloped lands.
5.5.11 Evaluate the impacts of the Highway 82 Roundabout on the Moore mule deer herd and
determine if the deer would benefit from fencing or vegetational screening.
6.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES
6.1 Cultural History
6.1.1 Historic Context
The Moore Open Space sits at a historic transportation hub between Aspen and the mining communities
up Castle and Maroon Creeks. The eastern side of the property was used for potato cultivation until the
early 1970s. Some livestock grazing may have occurred on the property but only for brief and sporadic
periods.
6.2 Cultural Sites and Structures
6.2.1 Historic Sites and Structures
None.
7.0 VISITOR SERVICES
7.1 Recreation Potential
As with any Open Space Property that contains significant ecological assets yet is intended for
recreational use, conflicts will occur. Since the Moore property was intended for"passive" recreation
and commercial activities are prohibited, impacts to the ecological integrity of the property can be
minimized
7.1.1 Significant Resources
According to Craig Ward of the Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Council (ASNC), the present nordic trail was
constructed on the Moore Open Space in the late 1980s prior to the sale of the land to Pitkin County.
The trail consists of a loop around the interior of Moore Open Space that is approximately 1 mile long
(Figure 7). The trail was constructed by mowing and grubbing out the existing native vegetation to a
width of about 8-10 feet. The trail accessibility has been greatly improved following the construction
of the underpass at the roundabout. The management of this trail will rest on the results of biological
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN 17 /
inventories and monitoring of the property and periodic assessments of trail impacts on the ecological
resources identified by the inventory and monitoring efforts.
At this time, the nordic trail is actively managed by ASNC with the OST Board's consent. This trail
continues to be used by the Nordic Council as a winter use nordic trail although no formal agreement
has ever been created regarding the management, maintenance, or restrictions in the use of the trail. In
the spring, summer, and fall, people use the Nordic loop occasionally. This trail was not designed for
year round use. The trail climbs and descends directly on the topographic fall-line which will create a
vector for erosion if summer use is allowed. The location of the Nordic trail also fragments the
sensitive ecological core of the property. Numerous studies have shown that there are significant
impacts to wildlife caused by trails through natural areas; consequently this trail should be managed for
winter use only.
7.1.2 Trail System Considerations
The City of Aspen and Pitkin County have invested in a significant trail system in the vicinity of Moore
Open Space (Figure 7). Trail requirements on Moore Open Space will be a function of whether or not
existing trails are satisfying current demands adequately and if new trails will be compatible with
current and planned uses of this property. The current trail system provides many options to
pedestrians and bicyclists needing to get to the Aspen Public School complex, the James E. Moore
Pool, the ball fields, Aspen Highlands, or beyond.
A non-impactive interpretive trail could enhance the public experience and appreciation of the Moore
Open Space, its ecology, and natural beauty.
7.1.3 Other Recreation Resources
Currently, the property provides non-impactive recreational opportunities such as wildlife viewing and
photography, native habitat natural condition, and nature appreciation.
7.2 Education Potential
Interpretive signage and displays regarding the uniqueness and importance of the ecological
communities found on the Moore Open Space will be incorporated into the Maroon Creek Pedestrian
Bridge and connecting trail so as to increase the educational component of the Moore Open Space.
These interpretive displays will incorporate bird checklists to enhance the open space experience for
birders. The proximity of this property to the Aspen school system lends itself to environmental field
education of all types. To the extent that access to the interior of the property is given for educational
purposes, these activities must occur pursuant to a written agreement with the OST program to ensure
that the resource is not degraded at the expense of education. Restoration efforts that involve school
children have been very successful across the country and give local children a sense of ownership of
this land.
7.3 Fencing
Any existing barbed wire fencing on the property will be removed. Wildlife-friendly fencing compliant
with Open Space and Trails fencing guidelines will be installed along Highway 82, the roundabout, and
Maroon Creek Road to delineate the property and prevent unauthorized use of the land. This fencing
will consist of green treated pine posts with two lodgepole pine rails not to exceed 42 inches in height.
The fence will also incorporate 4-8 foot openings no less than every 50 feet to allow unimpeded
wildlife movement.
7.4 Visitor Amenities
No visitor amenities other than the trails described above currently exist on the property. As described
above, the only visitor amenities permissible would be simple structures such as educational displays
and interpretive signage. Brochures/maps on site could enhance the visitor experience.
05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE URAF'I MANAGEMENT PLAN 1g
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7.5 Safety Considerations
The potential for wildfire exists on the Moore Open Space property. Open Space and Trails staff will
work with all of the local fire departments to establish a standard protocol for access to the property in
the event of a fire, guidelines for the least damaging methods to fight any fires on the property as well
as rehabilitation standards for post-fire restoration .
7.5 Management Action Steps
7.5.1 The Director of OST will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the
relationship between the ASNC and OST. This MOU will contain very specific criteria for
determining compliance and stewardship of the nordic trail and the property as a whole.
a. ANSC must apply for and receive a Open Space and Trails Special Use Permit in order
to continue the nordic skiing at Moore.
7.5.2 Plan and construct a primitive interpretive trail located and built so as to minimize effects
on the ecology of the property while promoting environmental appreciation. Promote
nature appreciation and environmental education through cooperation with the area schools,
volunteer thistle pulls, nordic skiing, and modest interpretive displays.
8.0 Regulations
The regulations governing the management, maintenance, and utilization of Pitkin County Open Space
and Trails properties are set forth in Title IX of The Pitkin County Code. Furthermore this plan is
adopted pursuant to Title IX of the Pitkin County Code and its terms and conditions of this plan shall be
enforced there under. The regulations as described below are specific to the Moore Open Space and
only apply therein. Regulations as set forth in this plan supercede any previous regulations relating to
the Moore Open Space.
8.1 Only those activities explicitly permitted in this plan are allowed on the Moore Open Space.
8.2 Dogs and other pets are allowed on designated trails only and must be leashed at all times.
8.3 Bicycling is allowed on designated trails only.
8.4 Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails at all times.
8.5 Commercial activities are not allowed.
8.6 The cutting, removal, and/or destruction of native vegetation for any purpose other than
maintenance of the existing nordic trail or as part of restoration efforts by Staff is prohibited.
8.7 Feeding, purposely disturbing, or killing wildlife is not allowed.
8.8 Seasonal Closures: The OS&T Board may, at its discretion, enact seasonal closures on the
property to ensure the protection of wildlife and natural resources.
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05/04/2001 MOORE OPEN SPACE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN 20
Literature Cited
Andrews,R.,and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado birds: a reference to their distribution and habitat, 1st edition.
Denver Museum of Natural History,Denver,Colo.
Colorado Natural Heritage Program 1999. Colorado's natural heritage. Colorado Natural Heritage Program,
[Fort Collins, Colo.].
Fitzgerald,J. P.,C. A. Meaney,D. M. Armstrong, and Denver Museum of Natural History. 1994.Mammals of
Colorado. Denver Museum of Natural History ; University Press of Colorado, [Denver] Niwot, CO.
Kingery,H. E., Radeaux, Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership., Colorado. Division of Wildlife., and Colorado
Wildlife Heritage Foundation. 1998. Colorado breeding bird atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership:
Colorado Division of Wildlife, [Denver,Colo.].
Knight,R. L.,and D. N. Cole. 1995. Wildlife Responses to recreationists. Pages xvii, 372 in R.L. Knight and K.
J. Gutzwiller,editors.Wildlife and recreationists : coexistence through management and research. Island
Press,Washington, D.C.
Knight,R.L., and S. K. Knight. 1984. Responses of wintering bald eagles to boating activity. Journal of Wildlife
Management 48:999-1004.
Martin,T. E. 1998. Are microhabitat preferences of coexisting species under selection and adaptive?Ecology
79:656-670.
Muehter,V.R. e. 1998. WatchList Website(http://www.audubon.orgtbird/watch/). in. National Audubon
Society, New York, NY.
Odell,E., and R. L. Knight. 2000. Wildlife Communities And Exurban Development, Pitkin County,Colorado.
Wildlife Society Bulletin In Print.
Reed,J.M. 1992. A system of ranking conservation priorities for neotropical migrant birds based on relative
susceptibility of extinction. in J. M. H. III and D.W.Johnston,editors. Ecology and conservation of
Neotropical Migratory Landbirds. Smithsonian Institution Press,Washington,DC.
Temple, S. A. 1991.The role of dispersal in the maintenance of bird populations in a fragmented landscape.Acta
Congressus Internationalis 20:2298-2305.
Theobald,D. M.,J. R.Miller, and N.T. Hobbs. 1997.Estimating the cumulative effects of development on
wildlife habitat.Landscape and Urban Planning 39:25-36.
USFWS. 1995.Migratory nongame birds of management concern in the United States: The 1995 list. Office of
Migratory Bird Management,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Washington, DC.
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