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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 1023 OSTB reg_HRSB joint minutes bundle_S MINUTES OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD REGULAR SESSION October 23, 2014 Town of Snowmass Village Council Chambers 130 Kearns Rd., Snowmass Village OSTB Present: Graeme Means Howie Mallory Hawk Greenway Tim McFlynn, Tai Jacober, Dist. 1 Dist. 2 Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 5 Chair Staff Present: Dale Will, Gary Tennenbaum, Lindsey Utter, Paul Holsinger, John Armstrong, Janet Urquhart, John Ely, Cindy Houben, Fran Soroka BOCC Present: Michael Owsley, Steve Child Others Present: Glassier Steering Committee Members: Laura Smith, Temple Glassier, Mike Pritchard, Brian McNellis, Brian Davies, Jimmy Dula, Jason Smith Non-Committee public: Leslie Thomas, Amy French Media Present: Collin Szewczyk, Aspen Daily News Graeme Means call the meeting to order in executive session at 9:05 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION The OSTB moved to enter executive session in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4) (a) and(e) for the purpose of discussing acquisitions and negotiations at 9:05 a.m. The OSTB adjourned executive session at 10:30 a.m. REGULAR SESSION The OSTB took a break after executive session and began regular session at approximately 10:40 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT No public comment. Draft Glassier Open Space Management Plan Gary Tennenbaum began the presentation by summarizing the draft plan's components. The October 2014 draft Glassier Open Space Management Plan is included and made part of this record as `Exhibit A'. The draft plan references OST's `Agricultural Bid Lease Process' which was approved at the OSTB meeting of October 7th Presentation goals: Highlight the plan's action items Gather board and attending public questions and comments from this meeting and incorporated into the final plan. Confirm the board is ready for staff to release the plan for a 30 day public comment period. Return in December with a final plan for adoption. 10/23/2014 OSTB and Joint HRSB Regular Session Minutes Page 1 of 6 Paul Holsinger highlighted the agricultural & agricultural structure action items: develop irrigation delivery plan; basic ditch and irrigation structure upgrades; the two historically leased agricultural areas will be maintained and the plan adds four more agricultural lease areas; some structures in lease area 'F' will be part of the agricultural lease. Lindsey Utter highlighted the recreation focused action items: creating a sustainable connection trail from the Rio Grande Trail up to the BLM's Crown Mountain property; dogs will not be allowed on the property including the trail; seasonal trail closure from December 1st to May 15th with the May 15th date evaluated each year for potential early opening; working with BLM signing private property areas and directional signage on the Crown; installing a kiosk to inform the public; designate route for fishing access; no commercial use on the property including boating or fishing; and parking options. Public Comment: Amy French: (neighbor/homeowner adjacent to the purposed preferred parking lot area) Ms. French expressed concern that funds being set aside to purchase a parking area are not adequate to acquire, install, and landscape without negatively impacting her property's value. The set aside parking funds may be better spent building a parking area for the agricultural lease holders' use on Glassier OS. The preferred parking lot location has a dangerous traffic issue because of a blind corner. Also concerned this purchased larger capacity lot would be used for staging special events. Ms. French added that the planned Glassier OS agricultural leases and recreation opportunities are fantastic. Mike Pritchard: (committee member/RFMBA) The purposed recreation trail will be a significant improvement to other available midvalley trails and will be a priceless asset once in place. The purposed trail will run along the cliff edge of the existing steep Crown Mountain access road and will provide great views. Completing signage on the Crown will be very important to keep private property neighbors happy. This trail will be part of a larger BLM recreational system. This past summer, RFMBA flagged a new trail from near Rock Bottom Ranch to the Crown. BLM is starting to implement their resource management plan for the Crown: 12-15 miles of trails are planned; trails have a mountain bike focus; consequently the Glassier OS access will be very well used. Lesley Thomas: (neighbor) Ms. Thomas thanked the board for the opportunity to experience all the interest groups working together in the management process. Ms. Thomas spoke about the recreational trail system in regard to equestrian use. She was in favor of a parking area which would provide trailer parking. The existing access road onto the Crown is very steep for horses, but if improvements are made to the steep grade and mitigating any shared access with mountain bikers can be achieved, then reaching the top of the Crown is worth it. Laura Smith: (committee member/neighbor) Ms. Smith expressed her disappointment with the management plan process. She felt managed instead of heard in the process. Ms. Smith felt staff had preconceived ideas especially when determining the number of agricultural lots without staff adequately explaining how these were determined. Although she supports agriculture and recreation in the area, she was concerned about seasonal closure times and the impacts of shuttling 10/23/2014 OSTB and Joint HRSB Regular Session Minutes Page 2 of 6 mountain bikers through sensitive wildlife area. Ms. Smith had questioned the size of the parking lot and did not feel she received an adequate answer to justify the size. She expressed, if the Glassier area is so special then why can't changes start smaller and be sensitive to the values of scenic beauty and rural character. Upon reviewing the agricultural lease program she was disappointed that there was not a strong value placed on non-chemical fertilizing. Ms. Smith asked that the staff and board consider reducing the parking lot size. She concluded she was not convinced by many elements of the plan and felt the end product could have been written six months prior to the steering committee being formed and that aspect disappointed her. Brian Davies: (committee member/neighbor) Mr. Davies thanked Gary for the steering committee process. Overall it was a good process. The neighbors were involved and participated in creative work finding solutions for the entire community i.e. trail access; breaking up agricultural use into smaller lots; not allowing dogs; and how the general care of the property will be maintained into the future. Mr. Davies commented that currently in the Emma community the Glassier OS properties generate a low impact to the community; Mr. Davies fears that by opening the area to increased public use will negatively impact the community. Although he feels there should be public access to the Crown; provide agricultural use for different smaller operations; and area parking. Mr. Davies asked the board to consider the tertiary impacts not covered in this management plan; i.e. Crown cattle grazing impacts; wildlife impacts from increased public presence; potential traffic impacts generated by six different agricultural leases, what kind of operations, will there be a tractor for each operation or one for several operators. Mr. Davies agreed with Ms. Smith about questioning what determines the parking lot size and is there an established need for the proposed lot size. He also questioned whether the management plan is accomplishing objectives that came into consideration when purchasing the property or does it contradict. Temple Glassier: (committee member/Glassier family member) Ms. Glassier wanted to thank the board and staff and express her appreciation that this property has been kept simple with as much agriculture as possible. Board Comments: What are the restoration estimates for the Glassier homestead house? Initial estimates are bases on rough visual estimates and range from $300,000-$500,000 for roof structure and interior without determining what historical elements would be maintained. Crown Mountain signage implementation was queried. OST is partnering with the BLM and the BLM has participated in the steering committee meetings. The BLM has a sign standards policy and are committed to signing the old roads and intersections with signage notifying users where they can and cannot go to prevent trespassing. OST's goal is to work with the BLM for signage to be in place by spring 2015. On OST's property a kiosk will be installed with a map and user rules and regulations before they proceed onto the Crown. Signage is a 2015 budgeted action item. A future goal is to work with the BLM, RFMBA and grazing leasees to develop designated routes for a trail system on the Crown that works for people and for agricultural use. The BLM recently completed a resource management plan for the Crown and have designated the area as a special recreation management area that includes 10/23/2014 OSTB and Joint HRSB Regular Session Minutes Page 3 of 6 agricultural grazing access. Specified agricultural and trail routes will lessen impacts to the resource. Staff is working toward replicating a cooperative agreement with the BLM similar to the successful agreement with the Forest Service for the Hunter/Smuggler area. Working with and assisting these Federal agencies will help these Federal agencies better manage their properties. Board noted the plan does not state any mechanism to receive feedback and follow-up capabilities to deal with issues and identify problems. The property is in Eagle County and staff is working to bring the management plan to Eagle County for adoption after the management plan is adopted by the board and the county. When Eagle County adopts the plan an intergovernmental agreement will be created allowing Pitkin Rangers to enforce on this property. Feedback wise, OST hears about infractions and addresses issues as they are received. Is there an amendment date and process in the draft plan? All management plans are amendable, typically 10 years between updates and are scheduled in staff's `Recreation Action Plan' provided to the board. If management problems arise, then action will be taken to amend. An amendment statement will be added to this plan. The board was not in agreement about parking lot size. Some felt it best to create a parking lot that can accommodate the future instead of reacting to increased demands. And others questioned if phasing in parking was a better approach. Also whether two horse trailer locations was adequate. Plan content that explains how the number of agricultural lease parcels and sizes were determined needs to be added to the plan and discussed further with the board. Also concern was expressed that some of the historic agricultural structures may need stabilization prior to leaseholder use. It was also questioned whether there is a need for a policy about historic structures similar to the agricultural lease program. Closure dates and wildlife impacts were questioned. BLM's resource management plan is purposing December 1st to April 15th closure on their lands,but only to motorized and mechanized. Trail would still be open for hiking or equestrian use. Division of Wildlife wanted a later closure so in the Glassier OS management plan process staff went with a later closure of May 15th with flexibility but no earlier than April 15th Summary: The board expressed overall appreciation for all the participation that went into the plan to date and the candor from the participants commenting today. The OSTB felt they did not have enough time to adequately review the draft plan and scheduled to continue discussion at the November 6th meeting. Prior to the meeting board members will send their specific information requests to Gary. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 10/23/2014 OSTB and Joint HRSB Regular Session Minutes Page 4 of 6 Hawk Greenway moved for the 10/07/2014 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session and Executive Session Minutes be approved as presented. Tim McFlynn seconded. Motion passed (5-0) BOARD ACTION Coal Creek-Schumacher Property Hawk Greenway moved for the OSTB to recommend the acquisition of the Coal Creek- Schumacher Property to the BOCC with $1,550,000 acquisition cost plus $10,000 in estimated transaction costs from OST program funds and Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund contributing $250,000 toward the acquisition,for a total purchase price of$1,800,000. Tim McFlynn seconded. Motion passed(5-0) OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD JOINT MEETING WITH HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS BOARD REGULAR SESSION HRSB Present: Andre Wille (Chair), Dave Nixa, Lisa Tasker, Ruthie Brown, Greg Poschman, Bill Jochems Staff Present: Dale Will, Gary Tennenbaum, Lindsey Utter, Janet Urquhart, Cindy Houben, Laura Makar, Lisa McDonald, Fran Soroka BOCC Present: Michael Owsley, Steve Child Golder Associates: Robert Humphries, Randy Mandel, Travis Moore, Amanda Rock Media Present: Collin Szewczyk Graeme Means call the joint meeting in session at noon. Presentation: Geomorphic Assessment of the Roaring Fork River through North Star Nature Preserve by Golder Associates, Inc. Golder Associates, Inc. power point presentation is included in this record as `Exhibit B'. The entire report `Geomorphic Assessment North Star Nature Preserve, October 17, 2014'and the presentation with discussion video are available on http://www.pitkinostprojects.com and the Open Space homepage on aspenpitkin.com website. James H. Smith North Star and North Star Nature Preserve properties will be combined in the updated North Star Management Plan. Healthy Rivers & Streams Board's Miller report was taken into consideration. This past summer a public survey was conducted; river users were interviewed, OST has met with the East of Aspen Caucus, the permitted commercial users and ACES all in concert with looking at the biological studies. Today's presentation is part cumulative background data that will culminate in an updated management plan. Golder Associates Presenters left the joint meeting at approximately 1:45 p.m. Additional Joint Meeting Discussions Items: Coal Creek-Schumacher Property OSTB pursued this property primarily for its open space values with potential sediment mitigation for the Crystal as another value. The OSTB is pleased that HRSB has contributed to 10/23/2014 OSTB and Joint HRSB Regular Session Minutes Page 5 of 6 1 this acquisition HRSB and Cooperatively working on the viability of a sediment mitigation Other Roaring Forks o the y which ex p yearsproject. property purchase property examined the hydraulics of the HRSB conducted a HRSB Pmay also call for has undertaken. HRSB collaboration.area surrounding A HRSB This is the g Coal impacts member brought up first pacts on Creek draihe nage. geomorphic possibility ofpursuing ways to mitigate rpon the Coal Cr ekis could lead o ining what are industry the g omut rphic conditi possible discussions caused ed coallG verri ry°s mitigation/reclamation damages with the Federal natural caused by the bankrupt coal industry. Additionally, RoaringGovernment rights holders along Fork Conservancy in-stream the Crystal River and Public Council are flows and other specifically to address collabortinuing to ative ork opportunities. with water OSTB& HRSB solutions to improving Both boards' Collaboration each has contracted. Both re Both boardsepports to staff and board funds and build on existing will think about members to acquaint themselves with management studies.l Coal Creek-Schumacher effectively collaborate, what Meadows, suggested rnacher property , economize planthat encompass Open Space holdingsY will ultimately to it Mead presentation OSTBof s and Dale Will agreed that OST from RedstoneeHRSB to Filoha of a duplicating � Crystal Valley properties. could office coordinates prlloducts, CindyIn regardprovide the a Houben contributed hat in the theme ofCountytheir planning cost sharing ° y Plans as a central repositoryBoulder collaborating and not limitations, opportunities it was discussed that each their ( It was purposed board point. familiar with identifying staff hydrologistpu used that asub- need ionsIwSeth committee of two b with each boards' and report back to each Mason, and RoaringOSTB members two ' fund selectingboard. Both boards felt the once t Conservancy � HRSB members representativemembers, at their next meeting, beg formed to ci P was worth exploring and anticipate t North Star Management OST staff will start synthesizing Plan for mans Ynthesizing the collected North management plan nthesiNorth Star Star action items.drafting. OST has budgeted 2015 baseline data this boards willHRSB has funds set aside for funds towardsNovember to prepare meet jointly to review North Star in their05 budget. the draft starting to implement ADJOURN plan' dget. The The OSTB meetings of October 23, 2014 were adjourned at a Approv �/ approximately 2:30 p.m. Attest: Gram eans, Chair Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Board Fran Soroka ace Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Administrator 10/23/2014 OSTB and Joint HRSB Regular SessionPage Minutes Glassier 0 s Management Plan . _ .-4.44-milimignit . , 00 . - jp j .�. it ', . �1 r , l Pitkin County Open Space and Trails October 2014 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes Gassier Open Space Management Plan Table of Contents Introduction Page 1.1 Purpose 1 1.2 History of Gassier Ranch 2 1.3 Process and Public Involvement 4 Existing Conditions 2.1 Properties and Conservation Fasements 5 2.2 Zoning 5 2.3 Existing Plans 5 2.4 Ecology 6 2.5 Agriculture 13 2.6 Parking 13 2.7 Recreation 13 2.8 Structures 13 Management Actions 4.1 Agriculture 14 4.2 Gassier Fuse 16 4.3 Recreation 17 4.4 Wildlife and Habitat Conservation 21 Appendices A Gassier Open Space Base Map Al B Gassier Open Space Steering Committee Mnutes B1-16 C Gassier Open Space Agricultural Leases / Irrigation Features Cl D Gassier Open Space Regional Recreation Dl E Gassier Open Space Structures El F Gassier Open Space Wildlife Habitat Fl GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Table of Contents I DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes � cy `. i+ - - ` ` ('t'III - -i]Ga �s .4 �` $ 3 y'��``� - 'arc GLASSIER : f it OPEN �� `i. r SPACE . ..40. ' .-V".544fk\ - ir, . ' 1 ''. ip ,.... e ' / _ W+E x r., y i S I l Ili" +� u- v, th.. . . , A . , .,.. , a. 1 . Ni-RODucllo 1.1 Purpose Gassier Open Space presents a unique opportunity within the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails program. e community's interest in recreation, agriculture,preservation of scenic lands and wildlife conservation n all be served through thoughtful management of this 282-acre open space in the heart of the mid- Roaring Fork Valley(Appendix$ The prospect of fulfilling these multiple objectives fostered collaboration among funding partners to secure the Classier property, located in Eagle County, in two separate acquisitions. The Fred L and Freda L Classier Ranch was purchased in 2014, following the purchase of Red Ridge Ranch in 2013. Together,these parcels represent a$10.9 million investment by Pitkin and Eagle counties and their partners, Great Outdoors tdoors Colorado,the Town of Basalt and the Mid Valley Trails Committee. The Gassier Cpen Space Mnagement Plan seeks to embrace the property's long history of agricultural use and accommodate contemporary interest in local food production,while providing limited,new recreational access to federal lands to the west and the Roaring Fork River to the east. Provisions of the plan protect wintering wild- life,while the very purchase of the land as open space conserves the rural vistas that users of the adjacent Rio Grande Trail have come to enjoy as they pass by the hay fields and red cliffs of this scenic open space. This plan provides a comprehensive guide for the next generation of agricultural pursuits on a historic ranch and establishes parameters for recreational use with the goal of peaceful co-existence between these interests. It also contemplates potential new uses of historic structures on the property. The area's history,the public process that helped shape this document and the specific directives for the management of Classier Open Space are detailed on the pages that follow. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 1 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 1.2 History ' In the mid-Roaring Fork `' --- ` ". YA 'IN'. . Malley,the valley floor broad- - t! ;. ` .`�'. - '• ' ,�` ens into a crescent of some of- . �¢ the region's most fertile soil. a • _ - ram: - '" `7, ' It was here,in the late 1800s, - - /.-, 1 • r that a handful of gritty,hard- ,'•. working homesteaders staked , ` - '' - 7 - `--_ their futures,toilingon the h r-' - ,- . :` - ;'': -_ ,� - 11� 1 ; land rather than in the mines � ';:` ,4' �• • . -,a; Perr t•- t =Y ,, �s of Aspen. . , ` ,,, • The town of Emma thrived ;1 t .. ,,,A- 1' ', -i r• x: J,t 'l li(t•= j 1 ,`. , .4., as the area's epicenter - ;0 ` '-, t.t(R t° ' --1,\' '- ,` y > z•• � a •�} . ! • �` �L nz of farming and ranching, 4 , :..'1. r-'.•,'R 1 r bi i , 1+ 4 {rt 1 b "F? .t` k . serving as a mercantile t '''"..'"",,��ft 'fl �` ,Fl ' 40,414", +"4� a• k {• f'r center and rail stop where i rya,.*° ,�0.7 ,eit e , / i•,r • 1 .` 'f;�1 aAff,•1011 d -46_iiiitAit ria7Lisu i$di:' :.. '• the Denver and Rio Grande Apotato harvest at Gassier Ranch/photo courtesy of Temple Glassier Railroad would continue to collect produce and livestock,bound for markets in Denver and beyond, long after Aspen's silver ore ceased to fill the railcars. In fact,the productive farmlands of the midvalley earned praise in the Aspen Times Lily in 1901. The newspaper reported, "No more flattering tribute could be paid to the farming industry of Pitkin County, and especially that part of the Roaring Fork Malley around Emma,than the statement that its farmlands are held at a greater value per acre than any other agricultural district in these parts." Chief among the valley's exports in the first half of the 20th century was the potato—a crop farmers were encouraged to try. On March 19, 1908, a train dubbed the "Potato Special"pulled into Aspen, carrying state agricultural workers who promoted potato growing to a receptive audience and demonstrated the latest machin- ery to plant, cultivate and dig potatoes.' By the 1930s,the valley had an established potato culture. The Gassier family was one of many that embraced the spud. The family's story began with four Gassier brothers, all immigrants from northern Italy,who were willing to clear rock from dirt and harness the Roaring Fork and its tributaries to coax a living from the ground. Fredrick H Gassier,born in 1871, came to the Emma area in 1891 and chose for his ranch the land extending north and west from distinctive red cliffs that remain a dominant feature of the landscape.2 Slicing across the red band of rock,remnants of the Gassier ditch are still visible, a testament to Fredrick's tenacious,but failed attempt to bring water from Snowmass Creek to the lower slopes of an area now known as the Crown.' like many families of the era, Fredrick and his wife,Adele (Gavel),had a large family to help run their expanding farmlands. Married in 1904,they had six children, five of whom lived to adulthood. Two of them— Fredrick L and Peter—became the second generation to raise cattle and cultivate the fields with potatoes, alfalfa, hay and wheat. The latter was ground into flour at a grist mill in Genwood Springs.'Pigs, chickens, a few dairy cows,vegetables and fruit trees all helped keep their family larders stocked. Potatoes and cattle were shipped to market from the Denver and Rio Grande siding at Hooks or Leon,both a short distance from the ranch.' 1 Rural People with Connections:Farm and Ranch Families in the Roaring Fork Taalley, Colorado,by Anne M Gilbert,Williams College, 1987 2 Pete Gassier:Son of£nma,Basalt tigh School Mintane,date unknown 3 Basalt.•Coloradoilidland Town,by Clarence L Ilnielson and Ralph W.Ji nelson,People's Press, 1965 4 Joyce Gassier Smink interview,Jan. 1,2014 5 Randy Gassier interview,July 17,2014 GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 2 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes le the elder Fredrick's brothers ulti- mately abandoned ranching,his holdings eventually expanded to encompass some 1' '; 530 acres that stretched from the lower ` ' slopes of the Gown to the Roaring Fork ' hiRiver, including a stately,brick Victorian `` farmhouse that would become the cen- i ' ' ter of ranch life for Fredrick L Classier, i.' his wife,Freda, and their children and grandchildren. The home, of undetermined - origin,was among several substantial brick '' houses built in greater Emma at the turn of ,- • the 20th century. ti .a ' +- Planting and harvesting was done by hand and with horse-drawn implements. Draft ,y� y horses continued to help with the labor even after Fred L and Freda acquired their first tractor, a Farmall, in the 1940s.6 Wile ranching families in the Roaring Fork Valley were largely self-sufficient,raising potatoes was a water- and labor-intensive operation that, for the Classiers and other < 44 <x� ,.if;_ Y, Emma-area ranchers,relied heavily on the ' ' r; .,, lime Supply Ditch and immigrant labor. rtl/ t-'!"1 '. . • Fifteen acres of potatoes required two :, weeks to harvest. Apicker earned dollar a ., day,Pete Classier recalled.' Hispanic farm laborers helped with the back-breaking potato harvest. In addition, area schools closed for a week each October, excusing ranch children to Fredrick H and Allele Glassier/photo courtesy of Randy and Wendy Glassier assist with their family's harvest,while town kids earned money by signing on with an area farmer to sack potatoes that were then loaded into cellars for sorting,resacking and transport to the nearest railroad spur.' Avariety dubbed"Red McClure"thrived in the red dirt of the Classier Ranch, and Fred L Classier chose that land at the base of the red cliffs for his half of the farm. "The red soil was the money maker,"according to his daughter,Joyce.In the 1950s,her father was paid a premium for his red potatoes, she said.9 Government subsidies and other factors made potato growing an iffy business,however, and the enterprise slowly gave way to the less labor-intensive enterprise of raising hay and cattle among ranches that remained as ranchers began to sell off their land in the latter half of the 20th century. Circe-cultivated land gave way to a different sort of growth. One former family ranch, located across the Roaring Fork River from the Classier spread, 6 Joyce Classier Smink interview,Jan. 1,2014 7 Peter Gassier:Son ofFnma,Basalt High School M ntane 8 Rural People with Connections:Farm and Ranch Families in the Roaring Fork bailey, Colorado,by Ame M Gilbert,Williams College, 1987 9 Joyce Classier Smink interview,Jan. 1,2014 GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 3 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes lends its name to the residential and commercial community of Willits, a fact likely lost on many of its residents and shoppers. VMhile other Emma-area lands have seen a far less intense transformation than the old Willits place, a piece of the Gassier property remained in the family's hands for more than a century. It was on this 137-acre parcel that Freda L (vasten)Gassier, feisty widow of Fred L Gassier, continued to keep a handful of cattle until age 84. She died in November 2009, at age 93, in the brick Victorian house she called home for 61 years. The Fred L and Freda L Gassier property, and an adjacent 145 acres that were formerly part of the family's landholdings,have been acquired by Pitkin and Eagle counties, in partnership with the Town of Basalt, Great Outdoors Colorado and the Md valley Trails Committee. Together,these properties represent an opportunity for modem-day agricultural use along with recreational access to the Gown-the hills where the Gassiers once ran cattle-and the protection of areas important to wintering elk and deer. This management plan carves out space for 21st century use of this historic landscape. 1.3 Process and Public Involvement The Gassier(Pen Space -- :s�; f . Mnagement Plan was � s` ," drafted with considerable 1-,LA.,- �;z.• .. 4,T •-, i input from a 20-member K ,4,-.; 4,� _• • , Steering Committee rep- .10 • =' �' , ,,/ A \; , resenting neighborhood, agricultural, recreational A�, ', ,b ;` 1 and conservation interests. .. • - Some 60 citizens gathered 1 't` for an initial meeting in ` . ' Basalt in February 2014 _ �� on and chose the committee ,_ members from among their it ® j ' �^ i. ranks. It The committee,joined by - _ Open Space and Trails staff -= _ Y representatives of Eagle x ,_s County and the Town of Basalt, Colorado Parks and T Cl assier Classier Steering Committee visits Open Space in March 2014. Wildlife,the Bureau of Land Management and the Roaring Fork Transportation Aithority, met monthly for six months to debate and refine their vision for use of the property. Avisit to the site constituted one of the group's initial meetings. In addition, an agricultural subcommittee met once with Open Space and Trails staff and convened independently to shape their ideas. The committee was joined at its meetings by a regular contingent of interested citizens,while a list of people who asked to be kept apprised of the Gassier management planning process grew to include 132 names. Mnutes of committee meetings (Appendix B)were posted, generally within 24 hours,to the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails project website - www.pitkinostprojects.com-as were updates,photographs, documents related to conservation of the property and materials generated to assist the committee in its deliberations. The website allowed the public at large to sign up for email updates and submit their ideas regarding manage- ment of Gassier Open Space. This plan was also made available on the website during its review by the Open Space and Trails Board, Pitkin County and Fagle County commissioners and the Basalt Town Council. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 4 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 2. EXISTING G01\UI ONS 2.1 Properties and Conservation Fasements Gassier Open Space is a 282-acre property that contains significant and relatively natural habitat for plants and wildlife, scenic open space, agriculture and opportunities for recreation. The property is adjacent to undeveloped Bureau of Land Management acreage, contributing to contiguous, expansive portions of undisturbed habitat for numerous species. Together with the BLMland and other private conservation easements in the area,the property contributes to a large,natural scenic landscape characteristic of western Colorado, and is important to the agricultural heritage and viability of the region. Red Ridge Ranch Red Ridge Ranch Open Space is 146 acres purchased by Eagle and Pitkin County, Town of Basalt and the Mid Valley Trails Committee. Great Outdoors Colorado provided a$600,000 grant toward the purchase. Pitkin County is the owner of the property and Eagle County holds a conservation easement on it. The property is located off of Hooks Spur Road, approximately 2.2 miles from State Highway 82, and is north of the adjacent Fred L and Freda L Gassier Ranch. Gassier Ranch The Fred L and Freda L Gassier Ranch is 136 acres purchased by Pitkin and Eagle County. Great Outdoors Colorado provided a$1 million grant toward the purchase. Pitkin County is the owner of the property and Eagle County holds a conservation easement on it. The property is located off Hooks Spur Road, 1.6 miles from SH82 and is south of the adjacent Red Ridge Ranch Open Space. 2.2 Zoning The property is zoned Resource by Eagle County, Colorado.According to Article 3 in the Eagle County Zone Districts: The purpose of the Resource (R)zone district is to maintain the open rural character of Eagle County and to protect and enhance the appropriate use of natural resources and agricultural uses in the county, including water, minerals, fiber and open land. This is accomplished by limiting residential development to very low-density, single-family uses on lots of thirty-five (35)acres or larger, or by encouraging clustered development on small- er lots within those portions of a property that do not contain environmental resources or natural hazard areas and by maintaining the remainder of the property as common open space or ranch land, and by limiting new commercial development to uses that have a resource orientation and to small recreation areas that comply with Master Plan policies for such uses. 2.3 Existing Plans 2013 Eagle County Mid-Valley Area Community Plan This plan includes all the land occupied in the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan drainages in the southwest corner of Eagle County. This community plan is a chapter of the larger Eagle County Comprehensive Plan, and is intended to provide a more detailed analysis of physical attributes, opportunities and constraints of a given area. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 5 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 2012 Roaring Fork Watershed Plan The Roaring Fork Watershed Plan establishes goals and recommendations in regional water management, surface water, groundwater,water quality and riparian and stream habitat. RFTARules and Regulations for the Rio Grande Trail The Rio Gande Trail, managed by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority,runs through the property and is governed by these rules and enforced by RFTAand the Eagle County Sheriff. BLMResource Management Plan The BLMis in the process of adopting a new Resource Management Plan that will cover the BLMland on the Gown, adjacent to Gassier Open Space. 2.4 Ecology Andrea Tuppy, from Pine Brook Ecological,prepared the baseline ecological conditions on the property. The following is from her baseline report. Surface Water and Wetlands The Roaring Fork River, a 5th order perennial stream, flows north to south across the northern boundary of the property. The Roaring Fork Stream Health Initiative states that fragmented, isolated, small patches of native riparian habitat remain in this reach,providing breeding habitat for songbirds and small mammals and foraging habitat for human-tolerant large mammals. In-stream habitat is threatened with excessive sedimentation and nutrient loads that initiate from surrounding land use. The property's reach of the Roaring Fork River, and its associated riparian wetland complex, is ranked as Itavily Nbdified in the river channel and along both right and left banks. The degradation ranking is due largely in part to the impacts to native riparian habitats by agriculture, recreation and development. The dominant riparian plant community paralleling the Roaring Fork River can be described as Rocky Nbuntain lower montane riparian woodland and shrubland. Alow wetland area was observed on the left bank of the river on the northeast corner of the property. Facultative and obligatory wetland plant species such as willows (salix spp.), cattails (Typha spp.),horsetail(£xluisetum arvense),Northwest Territory sedge (Chrex utriculata)and redtop (Agrostis gigantea)were noted. The riparian zones for this wetland connects to the Roaring Fork River's riparian zone to create a large area of riparian habitat frequented by wildlife. Ditches flow the length of the property from south to north just on the edge of the agricultural area. The Home Supply Ditch has water throughout the growing season for irrigation purposes. The other ditches have intermit- tent water based on seasonality and irrigation needs. Riparian areas dominated by facultative wetland plants occur along Home Supply Ditch as well as along the Roaring Fork River. Colorado Natural Heritage Program—Potential Conservation Areas The CH identifies areas valued for their biodiversity significance that may be threatened and are in need of conservation. Fight of these Potential Conservation Areas lie within a five-mile radius of the property, totaling more than 36,755 acres of land that is targeted for conservation in the area. The PCPs are ranked for biodiversity significance on a scale of Bl —B5 with Bl as "outstanding significance"and B5 as "general or statewide signif- icance."Two of these PCAs have a rank of B2, or"very high"biodiversity significance. This rank is based on the GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 6 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes excellent and good occurrences of imperiled and rare plant species. Two of these PCAs are identified as having a biodiversity rank of B3, or"high"biodiversity significance. This rank is generally attributed to a good occurrence of a globally vulnerable species. Four PCAs have a B4 rank, or"moderate"biodiversity significance. The property overlaps The Gown PCA Aconservation easement on this property would further the (IN-P's goals of preserving this valuable habitat which holds a"very high"biodiversity rank. The Gown is identified as having a good occurrence of the globally vulnerable plant species, Harrington's beardtongue (Penstemon har- ringtonv). Harrington's beardtongue is endemic to Colorado and is found almost exclusively in sagebrush habitat. No focused plant surveys were performed during the site visit,but the presence of Harrington's beardtongue on the property is possible given other research in the area. The property does not overlap the other PCAs but this conservation easement would help provide an environmental buffer to these sensitive areas and promote conservation in an area identified for protection. \getation The plant communities of the Colorado Plateau are representative of the highly variable and extreme conditions that occur here. The foothills zone is the transition from the grassland/semi-desert shrublands of the lower elevations to the coniferous forests found in the montane zone. This ecosystem is dominated by deciduous shrub communities and piiion juniper woodlands (piiion pine (Pinus ednlis)and juniper(Juniperus scopulonun). Shrub- lands are dominated by sagebrush(Artemisia tndentata), Cambel oak(quercus gambeliia serviceberry(A►nel- anchierspp.), mountain mahogany(Cercocarpus montanus)and bitterbrush(Purshia spp.). Pinon-juniper wood- lands are found throughout western and southern Colorado. They are most commonly found from 5,500 feet to 8,000 feet,but in some areas this ecosystem may reach as high as 10,000 feet on the western slope. Ckr the Western Slope, Gimbel oak and sagebrush species dominate the shrublands. Foothills plant communities thrive on south-facing slopes,which are hot in summer and moderated by solar heating in winter. Competition between plant species in the shrublands is high, primarily due to intermittent precipitation. Plant species native to this ecosystem generally have extensive lateral root systems to maximize water uptake and leaves with waxy coatings or hairs to reduce water loss during the growing season. The deciduous growth habit found in the shrublands helps reduce winter water loss. Four plant communities are found on the property along with agricultural grasslands: Colorado Plateau piiion-ju- niper woodland,Rocky Nbuntain Gimbel oak mixed montane shrubland, intermountain basins sagebrush community and Rocky Nbuntain lower montane riparian woodland/shrubland. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is concerned with rapidly declining sagebrush ecosystems throughout the western thited States. Fragmentation and degradation is causing a decline of habitat that is vital to numerous wildlife species ranging from insects to big game. The sagebrush ecosystem is targeted by the CPWfor conservation on a large scale due to its use by wide-ranging sagebrush-dependent species. Sagebrush supports a unique biodiversity that is at risk due to threats of urbanization, development,mineral exploration and extraction, grazing and agriculture. According to the Colorado Negetation Classification Project(CV:P)and NaturServe,these areas are defined as follows: Colorado Plateau Pifion-Juniper Woodland This matrix-forming ecological system occurs on dry mountains and foothills of the Colorado Plateau region from the Western Slope of Colorado to the Wasatch Range, and south to the Nbgollon Rim. it is typically found at ele- vations ranging from 4,900 to 8,000 feet. These woodlands occur on warm, dry sites on mountain slopes,mesas, plateaus and ridges. Piiion pine and/or juniper dominate the tree canopy and are characterized by stands with 25 to 60 percent canopy cover of trees that are typically 10 to 30 feet in height. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes Ch the property,these woodlands occur in a mosaic with sagebrush and Gambel oak shrublands. Pockets of piiion-juniper woodland occur on the slopes on the Gown, interspersed with shrubland communities. The junipers are mostly Utah juniper(Junrpenrs osteosperma)with some Rocky Nbuntain juniper(J. scopulonun) in the deeper soils and swales. (Iher shrub species found in this area include sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata), Gambel oak, Saskatoon servicebeny(Amalanchierahlifolia),with some mountain mahogany, snowbeny(Sym- phoricarpos oreophilus)and antelope bitterbrush(Purshia tridentata). This community has a sparse,rocky under- story consisting of grasses (Poa spp.),needle-and-thread(I1.sperostipa comata), Indian ricegrass (Achnathenun hymenoides)and western wheatgrass (Pascopyn m smithu) This vegetational community is largely intact and in good condition with few non-natives or noxious weeds. Rocky Nbuntain Gambel Oak-Nixed Montane Shrubland This shrubland type occurs in pockets throughout the southern two-thirds of the property in the area of the Gown. This association is dominated by Gambel oak alone or codominant with mountain mahogany, antelope bitterbrush, sagebrush or servicebery. Cccurrences on the property are sparse with other shrubs interspersed. Some occurrences are multi-layered,with short shrub species occurring in the understory of the dominant overstory Gambel oak. Distribution is somewhat patchy in some areas with areas dominated by mountain big sagebrush or grasses and forbs interspersed throughout. Some of the shrubs that co-occur include antelope bitterbrush,Uah servicebeny(Amelanchier utahensis), Saskatoon servicebeny,mountain big sagebrush,mountain mahogany, chokecherry(Primus virginiana), Woods' rose (Rosa woodsvi)and snowbeny. The herbaceous layer is sparse to moderately dense. Perennial graminoids include elk sedge (Carexgeyen), fescues (Festuca spp.),prairie junegrass (Koelena macrantha),needlegrasses (IIsperostipa spp. and Achnathen m spp.)and wheatgrasses (e.g.,Brous sp. and Pascopynzm sp.). Many forb species occur as well,but none have much cover. Forbs observed within this association include common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), geraniums (Geranium spp.),Fendler's meadowrue (7halictnun fendlerr) and Annerican vetch(Ilcia americana). This vegetation type is in very good to excellent condition throughout the property. Intermountain Basins Sagebrush Community This ecological system occurs throughout much of the western US.,typically in broad basins between mountain ranges,plains and foothills between 5,000 to 7,500 feet in elevation. Soils are typically deep,well-drained and non-saline. These shrublands are dominated by big basin sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata)and/ or Wyoming big sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis). Scattered juniper, greasewood(Sarcobatus vermiculatus)and saltbush(Atriplexspp.)may be present in some stands. Avariety of secondary shrubs such as antelope bitterbrush, fringed sagebrush(Artemisia fngida), Gambel oak,rubber rabbitbrush(Fricameria nauseo- sa), snowbeny and servicebeny occur sporadically and in patches throughout. The herbaceous layer is gener- ally well represented,but bare soil is common as well. Claminoids include Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), Thurber's fescue (Festuca thurben),bottlebrush squirreltail(Bymus elymoides),western wheatgrass,blue- bunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegnena spicata)and muttongrass (Poa fendleriana). Forbs are numerous in many areas and an important indicator of stand quality. Forb species include paintbrushes (Castilleja spp.), cinquefoils (Potentilla spp.), fleabanes (Frigeron spp.),phlox(Phlox spp.),milkvetches (Atragalus spp.), lupines (Lupmus spp.)and buckwheats (Friogonum spp.). Arowleaf balsamroot(Balsamorhiza sagittata), common yarrow,white sagebrush(Artemisia ludoviciana)and orange sneezeweed(flymenoxys hoopesnl)are common, as well. Perennial herbaceous components typically contribute less than 25 percent vegetative cover. This community occurs on the property in throughout the area of the Gown as well as being interspersed with pinon-juniper woodlands and Gambel oak shrublands. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 8 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes Rocky Nbuntain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland/ Shrubland This ecological system is found throughout the Rocky Nbuntain and Colorado Plateau regions within a broad ele- vation range from approximately 3,000 to 9,100 feet in elevation. This system often occurs as a mosaic of multi- ple communities that are tree-dominated with a diverse shrub component. It is dependent on a natural hydrologic regime, especially annual to episodic flooding. Occurrences are found within the flood zone of rivers, on islands, sand or cobble bars, and immediate streambanks. It can form large,wide occurrences on mid-channel islands in larger rivers or narrow bands on small,rocky canyon tributaries and well-drained benches. It is also typically found in backwater channels and other perennially wet but less scoured sites, such as floodplains, swales and irrigation ditches. This system is common throughout the Rocky Nbuntain and Colorado Plateau regions. Ch the property,this system occurs along the Roaring Fork River and Hume Supply Ditch. This system is depen- dent on a natural hydrologic regime, especially annual to episodic flooding. Occurrences on the property have a relatively dense over story dominated by narrowleaf cottonwood(Populus angustifolia)and boxelder(Ater negundo). The shrub understory is relatively dense and contains willows (Salixspp.), alder(Alnus incana), dog- wood(Comus sencea),water birch(Betula occidentalis)river hawthorn(Cl-ataegus rrvuharis),willow hawthorn (Crataegus sabgna), chokecherry(Prunus virginiana)and sumac(Rhus trilobata). The dense herbaceous layer is dominated by various graminoids with low cover forbs. Occurring on the property is cattails,Nbrthwest Territory sedge,redtop and horsetail Generally,the upland vegetation surrounding this riparian system is composed of Gimbel oak(quercusgambelii)and sagebrush(Artemisia tridentata)shrubland, or, as in the case of the property, agricultural land. Threatened and Endangered Species 1\b documented threatened or endangered plant species were surveyed for during the site visit. However, The Gown PCAoverlaps the property on which CNHP records indicate an excellent occurrence of the globally rare (G3)Harrington's beardtongue (Penstemon harringtonu). I-hrrington's beardtongue is endemic to Colorado and grows almost exclusively in sagebrush communities. Noxious \Needs Invasive weeds occur in disturbed areas around the homestead where the agricultural area and riparian zone overlap,particularly on the north end of the property,north of Fboks Spur Road. They are also found along Home Supply Ditch and within the agricultural area. Grazing and other disturbances have furthered the spread of invasive species on the property. Weed species observed on the property were plumeless thistle (Carduus ac- anthoides), Canada thistle (Clisium arvense), scentless chamomile (1Vhtricaria perforata), common tansy(Tanac- etum vulgare)and houndstongue (Cjrnoglossum offcmale). These weeds are on the Colorado List B of noxious weeds. List B species are those which the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture (Commissioner)will develop and implement state noxious weed management plans designed to stop the spread of these species. Until the weed management plans are developed and implemented, local governments and citizens are encouraged to manage these species. Condition of Plant Communities The irrigated pastures and agricultural areas are in fair condition. Improved and continued irrigation along with weed management would improve the quality of the fields. The health of the upland wooded plant communities is good since it experiences minimal stress impacts from recreation and grazing disturbances. The curtailing of these disturbances allows the plant community to thrive despite lack of precipitation. Shrub species and many upland native flora in these communities are drought tolerant and are still fairing OKafter the dry winter and GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 9 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes spring of 2013. The riparian community along the ditch and the river is in good health but is also experience weed outbreaks in need of control. Soils Thirteen soil types occur on the property. The LEDAWeb Soil Survey delineates rangeland productivity and plant composition relative to the soil types. Differences in the kind and amount of rangeland vegetation are closely related to the kind of soil. F,ffective management is based on the relationship between the soils and vegetation and water. Hydric soils are defined by the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils (NI 1S)as soils that formed under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. thder natural conditions,these soils are either saturated or inundated long enough during the growing season to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic vegetation. Hydric soils on the property are identified in and indicated on the soils map. The presence of hydric soils, along with wetland hydrology and the presence of hydrophytic vegetation indicate that an area is a jurisdictional wetland protected by the federal government.No wetland delineations (i.e. soil pit tests,vegetation studies)were performed for this report,however,partially hydric soils do exist on the property as indicated by the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)(but were not confirmed in the field). Wildlife The property consists of both native upland habitat and agricultural fields. The occurrence of the native habitat is in good condition on the property provides important habitat for many species, including foraging,nesting, migrating, and winter and summer ranges.No species surveys were performed in correlation with this report; however, incidental observations were noted and assisted in the drafting of this section of the baseline report. Colorado Parks and Wildlife coordinates with the united States Geological Survey's Cap Analysis Program(GAP)to create animal habitat models for all terrestrial species in the southwest region. Identified by GAP is 820 verte- brate species that reside,breed or use habitat in the five-state region for a substantial portion of the their life history. This data is made available through the SWReGAP. The CPWalso provides Game Distribution Maps that identify common species (not of special conservation status)and their habitats in order to provide land managers, planners, scientists, and policy makers with the information they need to make better-informed decisions. The SVWReGAP was referenced to identify the species that may occur on the property because of habitat requirements and the presence of plant communities. This section identifies species occurrence on the property, species listing status, and game distribution. Mammals The pinon-juniper, sagebrush, agricultural and riparian plant communities on the property provide habitat for a variety of mammal species. IVbre than 40 mammal species are suspected to occur on the property. Small mammals are relatively abundant on the property including species such as golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis), least chipmunks (1'otamias minimus),northern pocket gophers (7homomys talpoides), rock squirrels (S. varlegatus), and Wyoming ground squirrels (S. elegans). Larger non-game species such as bob- cats (Lynxrufus), coyotes (Canis latrans), long-tailed weasels (Mistela frenata),mountain lions (Puma concolor), red fox(Wipes wipes)and striped skunks (1Viphitis mephitis)are all likely occur on the property. Additionally, there are five bat species that may occur on the property based upon habitat affinity and geographic distribution. Birds The property provides nesting, foraging, or migrating habitat for many bird species. The interspersion of riparian GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 10 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes woodland and shrubland with upland shrublands results in a high avian species richness.Nearly 100 bird species are known or suspected to occur on the property. Songbirds associated with montane shrubland(e.g., dusky flycatchers (Frnpidonax oberholsen),plumbeous vireos (Ihvo phumbeus)and Virginia's warbler(CFeothlypis vrr- gniae);mountain big sagebrush habitat(e.g., Brewer's sparrow(Spizella brewen)and green-tailed towhee (Pipilo chlonuus);and riparian woodland species (e.g., song sparrow(111.1ospiza melodic),warbling vireo(Ilreogilvus), yellow warbler(Setophaga petechia)are common on the property. The adjacency of the cottonwood riparian and Gimbel oak shrublands provides valuable habitat for Merriam's turkeys (Mleagrisgallopavo). Raptors such as American kestrels (Falco sparverius), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos),harriers and red-tailed hawks (Biteojamaicensis)are known to hunt on the property. Ared-tailed hawk was observed soaring above the home Supply Ditch during the site visit. In addition, five owl species may occur on the property. The property provides suitable habitat for great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus), long-eared owls (Asio otus),northern pygmy owls (Ciaucidiumgnoma),northern saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus)and western screech owl(A gascops kenrvcott) Herpetofauna Six species of reptiles and amphibians likely occur on the property. Appropriate habitat for bnllsnakes (Pituophis catenifer), eastern fence lizard(Scelopoms undulatus), sagebrush lizards (S.graciosus), smooth green snake (Ciheodrys vemalis),tiger salamanders (Anbystoma tigrinum),western chorus frogs (Pseudacris triserrata)and western terrestrial garter snakes (ihamnophis elegans)occurs on the property. Fishes As confirmed by the CPWfish biologist Kendall Bakich,native fishes likely to occur in the this reach of the Roaring Fork River are mountain whitefish(Prosopium williamsonr), mountain suckers (Catostomus platyrhynchus), blue- head suckers (Catostomus discobohzs), speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus)and sculpin(Coitus sp.). Non-native rainbow trout(Oicorhynchus mykiss)and brown trout(Salmo trutta)also occur. Endangered, Threatened or Rare Wildlife Of the wildlife species known or likely to occur on the property three species,bald eagle (fhliaeetus leucocepha- lus), river otter(Lontra canadensis), and Townsend's Big-eared Bat(Plecotus townsendiipallescens)are listed as threatened or species of concern. Significant Wildlife Lie The CPWNatural Diversity Information Source (MIS)produces Came Species Distribution maps that delineate important habitats that should be avoided or considered by land-use planners,public-land agencies, developers, and private landowners in land-use decisions. The property includes seven of these GAP habitat types for black bear,mountain lion,mule deer, elk and wild turkey. Black Bear(Llsus americanus)—In Colorado,the highest population densities of black bear occur in the mon- tane shrublands from Walsenburg and Trinidad west to the San Inis Valley, in the San Juan Nbuntains, and in the canyon country of west-central Colorado. The largest populations of black bears live in areas where there is Gimbel oak and aspen,near open areas of chokecherry and serviceberry bushes. Ablack bear may have a range from 10 to 250 square miles. Suitable habitat occurs on the southern two-thirds of the property for black bears and this accounts for the "overall range"and"fall concentration"designation on NDIS maps. The property is also about a half-mile from black bear"human conflict"area. Preservation of the black bear habitat on the property will maintain foraging areas reducing the need for bears to roam into nearby neighborhoods. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 11 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes Mountain lion(Fells concolor)—Mountain lions have the largest geographic range of any American native mammal other than humans—from western Canada to Argentina. Once they ranged from coast to coast in the ihited States,but today eastern populations are extinct or endangered;the West is their stronghold. In Colorado, they are most abundant in foothills, canyons or mesa country. They are more at home in brushy areas and wood- lands than in forests or open prairies. Vbhile found in many ecosystems in Colorado,mountain lions prefer rough, rocky terrain of the lower mountains where deer,the key component of their diet, are plentiful. IVbuntain lions are active year-round and an adult will eat about a deer a week. The plentiful deer on the property increase the likelihood of mountain lion occurrences. The property is mapped as "overall"mountain lion habitat. The property is also adjacent to"human conflict"areas where humans may encounter a mountain lion. As the area becomes more developed,mountain lions habitat diminishes resulting in mountain lions roaming into developed areas. Conservation of the native habitat on the property will help sustain the natural areas utilized by mountain lions, and their main prey species, mule deer, lessening the probability of human interaction. Wide-ranging predators, mountain lions can cover ranges from 15 to 35 square miles. thee found throughout this hemisphere, mountain lions now inhabit only 50 percent of their historic ranges due to habitat loss and over-hunting. Protection of the property will help preserve some of this habitat and its connectivity to other suitable mountain lion habitat. thgulates:Mule deer(Qlocoileus hemionus)and American elk(Cervuss elaphus)—Mule deer are browsers, feeding mostly on woody vegetation, including twigs and leaves of shrubs and trees, including ornamentals. Dever also forage on crops, especially corn. Because they eat little grass,they tend not to compete seriously with livestock or elk. Ile of the property by mule deer and elk was evident by browsing of under-story plant species, pellet groups and tracks. Both have "overall range,""winter range"and"winter concentration area"on the property. Deer also have"summer range"and"severe winter range"on the property,which is mapped about 11/4 mile from the property for elk. There is also an elk road crossing area across State Highway 82 a little less than a mile northeast of the property. Thus, the property provides an important habitat for elk attempting to cross the highway. Vvild Turkey(1VMleagrs gallopavo)—In Colorado,turkeys prefer ponderosa pine, scrub oak and pinon-juniper for- ests, at elevations between 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Turkeys are omnivorous and will eat acorns,nuts, seeds, fruits, insects,buds and even salamanders. They will scratch at the earth to uncover food during the day, and will roost in the trees at nighttime. According to NiDIS documentation,the property is "overall range"for the wild turkey and is a little over two miles from a"Production Area."The conservation easement will enable the wild turkey to continue use of the area without threat of future development. ( prey(Pandion haliaetus)and Great Blue Heron(Ardea hfrodias)—Osprey habitat varies from boreal forest to temperate coasts/lakes to subtropical coasts to desert salt-flat lagoons. They generally occupy large trees and snags near water. Great blue herons are ubiquitous in the southwest. Herons choose areas that are secluded and undisturbed, if possible,but it may also be seen in more congested areas where there is an abundant source of fish. Both species forage fish from the Roaring Fork River and have been observed foraging, flying and nesting along this stretch of river. The property is mapped as "foraging habitat"for both waterbird species. River Otter(Lon/ra canadensis)—Historically,the river otter was present throughout most of Canada and the United States but pollution and urbanization greatly reduced its range by the early 1900s. Currently,the species is listed as threatened in Colorado. The river otter inhabits riparian habitats ranging from semidesert shrublands to montane and subalpine forests. The species requires permanent water, of relatively high quality, and with abundant food. River otters use rivers for food,refuge and travel and they are more at home in water than on land. The property is mapped as overall habitat for the river otter. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 12 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 2.5 Agriculture At the time the Gassier Open Space parcels were purchased, two agricultural producers were utilizing the property for hay production and pasture for cattle. Altogether,the Gassier Open Space is allocated 6.8 cubic feet per second(cfs)of water from the Home Supply Ditch,which runs along the western boundary of the agricultural fields. Approximately 130 acres of the property is flood irrigated and the remaining ground utilized for cattle grazing. The agricultural ground northeast of Hook Spur Road surrounding the Gassier home and headquarter buildings was not being utilized for agricultural production at the time the property was purchased.Numerous ditches exist on the property in various conditions based on use and are documented in Appendix C Arevocable access license exists between Emma Farms and Pitkin County over the open space. The agree- ment allows Emma Farms (or an assignee)pedestrian, equestrian and vehicular(limited to motorcycle or three-/ four-wheeler)access to utilize the existing ranch road leading to the BLMland to check cattle located on BLM grazing permits from March 21 through Dec. 21 and to move cattle across the open space with 10 days written notice to Pitkin County. 2.6 Parking Gassier Open Space does not currently have public parking. The nearest public parking is a Roaring Fork Transportation Authority lot located.5 miles away, at the intersection of Hooks Spur Road and Hooks Lane. The RFTAlot serves the Rio Grande Trail and is often overflowing on summer nights and weekends. Historically,there were areas for ranch-related parking around the Gassier home and barns, as well as parking/junkyard locations on the southwest side of the road. 2.7 Recreation The Gassier property does not currently have recreational access,but regionally, it is surrounded by a variety of opportunities (Appendix D). The Rio Grande Trail runs through the property, connecting to Basalt upvalley of the open space and Carbondale in the downvalley direction. The Rio Grande is a year-round,multi-use trail that sees about 35,000 users annually on this section. The Roaring Fork River borders the Gassier property to the north. The nearest boat launch is approximately.75 miles upstream. Although not directly connected to the Gassier property,the Town of Basalt owns river property .25 miles upstream and the Forest Service owns a significant river section.25 miles downstream. The entire southern border of the Gassier property is bordered by the Crown, a large area of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). The Crown is a destination for a variety of recreationalists, including hik- ers,bikers,motorized users, equestrians and hunters. The BLMis currently in the process of adopting a Resource Management Plan. In that plan,there will be direction regarding existing and future trails on the Crown, as well as seasonal use closures. C.arrent public access to the Gown occurs from Prince Creek Road and the Rio Grande Trail. Prince Geek Road is often significantly impacted by day-use trail users'illegally parked vehicles. The exist- ing trail connection from the Rio Grande to the Gown is extremely steep and trespasses across private property. 2.8 Structures An inventory of the existing structures was completed and mapped in Spring 2014. The structures are listed here. The numbers correspond to the map in Appendix E 1. Gassier fuse 7. (iainery 12.Metal storage building 2.Barn 8. Cabin/terrier shop 13. Cainery 3.livestock shelter/loafing shed 9. Garage 14. Camper(has been removed) 4. Trailers (have been removed) 10.Pig shed turned wood shed 15. Chicken coop 5. Outhouse 11. Chicken coop 16.Potato cellar 6.Worker housing GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 13 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes IP • • ` _ y� ' it. li9 ,, 40, 'r !� Pitkin County Open 4' , :, _,. ! Space and Trails land i :1 40 k t, �, officer Paul Holsinger Ili •:f 1 reviews agricultural w opportunities with 7,—, h•s i, A / interested growers in ►, 4 -- June 2014. air sf �� :r":� :�. .. - ice. _ •. 0 . , _,bft-at.*.-- ir .•1 , via. .. ,,, .....,...... .., A "":A - 4. MANAG1EMENT ACII01\IS 4.1 Agriculture The loss of agricultural lands was identified decades ago as a significant issue within the land conservation movement. Two land conservation-based reports—2006's "Losing Ground"from Environment Colorado(the Central 1Vbuntains lost 655,000 acres to suburban sprawl from 1987-2002)and"Strategic Ranchland in the Rocky Nbuntain Vest"from Imerican Farmland Trust(4.9 million acres at risk in Colorado)—have highlighted the larger problem in the Rockies. In addition to loss of agricultural land, access to remaining agricultural acreage was identified as a central barrier for new and existing farmers and ranchers, according to the National Young Farmers Coalition. The Gassier Cpen Space 1V�inagementPlan accomplishes several agricultural goals identified through stakeholder meetings and the Eagle County Mid-Valley A-ea Community Plan. The goals include,but are not limited to: (1) protection of important agricultural land, (2)access to agricultural land for producers, (3)fostering of a diverse and sustainable agricultural economy, and(4)maintaining quality of agricultural land. Agriculture Action Items: I Significant water rights are tied to the open space and will be allocated appropriately based on method of irrigation and size of parcel. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)has been contacted and will assist in developing the irrigation delivery plan and basic upgrades for ditchs and irrigation structures. Start Date: Currently in Progress Financial Impact: $15,000 IL Based on current and historic irrigation, approximately 156 acres of Gassier Open Space maybe made available for leasing by agricultural producers. In meetings of the Gassier Open Space Steering Commit- tee and at other public meetings, an interest in cultivating areas of the property to raise products other than grass hay was expressed. To allow diverse agricultural uses, Gassier Open Space has been divided GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 14 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes F . ',0V-- -. , , _ -7vcidre -,... g, -it _. , di 1.- •1101 oolli ;lir - 4i. , ' - • ....iit; '4 . ..‘„,• . *IL se iiiiir . . 4051 -. • e if _.„„. 01111. , . ,,, , If /:4:0 ir % , // 1. m ') Ai existing agricultural lease at Gassier Open Space brings cattle to the property at certain times of the year. into six agricultural lease parcels of various acreages for lease (Appendix C). Open Space and Trails ((Si) will select lessees using the Pitkin County Agricultural Lease Bid Process. Start ate:Fall 2014 Financial Impact: $0 III Parking on site and access will be permitted for agricultural lessees. Equipment(i.e. tractors,mowers, balers,windrowers,rakes,harvestors, etc.)may be left in a lessee's agricultural field only during active harvesting,haying or planting times,with prior notification to and permission granted by OST staff. Lessees are permitted to use existing roads to access their leased ground and perform necessary mainte- nance. CST will work with agricultural lessees on parking so as not to impact the agricultural fields. Start Elite:Fall 2014-thee lessees are determined Financial Impact: $0 IV. Agricultural Structures a. Agreenhouse may be placed within the Gassier Activity Envelope. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails will review the site to ensure compatibility with resources. b. The historic Gassier barn and run-in/loafing shed , 0A will be tied to lease area F. k 0.,i'r c. The two granaries and 1'' �� ...4k: a large metal storage I ,s,, '1' ff r , building will be available a ,i i `' 0; for leasing to lessees I,i • who hold a Gassier Open . ,-�.r�� ._ . Space agricultural lease. ,"- 0� - ( .R;+- s CST will work with se- 41 -'�'""°' � lected lessees on storage r r1 , needs and allocate space _ ,, . �`- ii . - appropriately. ,, r Start ate:Fall 2014 i - .' . •�I // - Once lessees are R!'', - '� - . .' • ' ' determined _ _ GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 15 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 4.2 Glassier Fuse M1 � The rosy-painted bricks and green trim ' - - x ' of the Mctorian-style Glassier House .4 " to>„ `' make it instantly recognizable to all 1: ��-�, who pass by on Hooks Spur Road. A 4' canted bay window faces out across �� .� =?" the fields of what is now Gassier Open ...i' - . .� :, Space, toward the red cliffs and hills �" Itill; �' above the valley floor where Fredrick _ = .u ANL , H Gassier began ranching in the late • f 1800s. 's-; ;�" "' 0 V The home's origins are unclear. Eagle =- t t County records trace ownership of the homesite to W.L Gardner in - 1912. No further records could be .___. 4.14 _ found. Hstoric newspaper accounts ■ i indicate bricks were being produced �:n in Emma and used in construction in `ti' ' N;:N.30 .''-' Aspen and Leadville, at the turn of Y- ~ t';" V ` 'the 20th century The construction of • '� " '' r k ' •' "commodious"brick houses in the greater Emma area also made news. _ ' The Gassier House,vacant since Freda Glassier's death in 2009, is not currently habitable. Its potential fate is outlined in two alternatives: Action Item Options: I. Conduct a competitive proposal process for the lease of the parceL The criteria for evaluating the proposals will be based on: a. Plans for restoration of the house. i Plans will be judged on extent of restoration and timeline for restoration. b. Planned use of the house by lessee. i Partnerships with agricultural lessees are encouraged to incorporate the use of the house with the management of the property. c. Financial security to ensure restoration can be completed. d. Length of lease. i The amount of time before returning the structure to the county is important to plan for future use. II. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails retains the house and keeps the structure in its current condition. a. Mnimal work will be completed to shore up the roof in order to stem any further damage. b. No occupancy. c. Work with other entities that would put up the financial backing to restore the house to either livable or stable condition. This could include working with the State Historic Fund or another entity. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 16 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 1 ?.. _ b' V;f - 1) . =t .- • thy) II t' • __- , •; ` ,r ` aii4..6Mgi i s ( { 4_ l(� J _ � .g 1, c �1 ek.,,, _. ..,1 •_,._- -;..?,-..--,_•. .,,,,,,,-, --at eikror",, . . ‘,?..-7.':":, "- ,,,;‘,-.,,,tt. ,, :. . - ;� -r- +�. •� `": �� � to � �a"�1/ �} . Jam . ^i !.•.'t.. ��~ ; YT �.- - _ -. - - Al existing road leads from Gassier Open Space to the Crown. 4.3 Recreation Recreation Action Items: L Develop a sustainable trail connection from parking areas and Rio Grande Trail,through the Gassier property,to the BLMboundary on the Gown. The Gassier Trail shall be an unpaved,non-motorized, multi-use trail. The final trail alignment from the base of the Gown to the BLMboundary will be designed and constructed in partnership with representatives of hiking,biking and equestrian groups. During the design phase,visual impacts to the valley floor will be considered. The trail alignment shall limit the amount of side-cast material, create cut slopes suitable for native revegetation and utilize large, established vegetation for screening. Any trail connection from the Gown to the parking area or Rio Grande Trail will be developed with appropriate considerations for agricultural value and minimize the loss of cropland, irrigation interference and other impacts to agricultural operations. Open Space and Trails will work with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority to change the public-access crossing of the Rio Grande Trail. The property will be seasonally closed to public use from Dec. 1 through May 15. The May 15th closure date is flexible;the property may open earlier given climatic conditions and wildlife use. Snow depths on the Gown and in the high country dictate how long elk remain on the property and adjacent areas of the Gown. Open Space and Trails will consult with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and their wildlife consultant to determine if the property can be opened prior to May 15. The opening will not occur any earlier than GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 17 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes April 15,which matches the end of the BINPs winter closure of the Crown to motorized and mechanized uses. (ten Space and Trails staff will monitor the amount of use and types of users the Classier Trail receives at different times of day, days of the week and times of the year. The data will be used to make trail management decisions. Dogs are not permitted on the Gassier property,unless specifically allowed in an agricultural lease for agricultural purposes. Start Date: The existing access road will be open May 15,2015. Planning of new trail will take place in summer 2015, with construction in 2016. Budget Impact: $75,000 IL Implement the following signage actions,utilizing the 2014 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Signage L sign Cliidelines: a. Work with BIM and private property owners to sign property boundaries where existing travel routes cross from BLMlands onto private lands,before construction of Classier Trail. Start Late: Spring 2015 Budget Impact: $10,000 b. Work with BLMto sign intersections of trails and roads _ on the Gown -- (one of the travel :�;- -' routes currently leads the user to F a dead end on private property). •Y` = The signage would ,, follow BLMsign standards. . . .. :: Start Late: Summer of 2015 c. Install a trailhead kiosk at parking area(s), informing the public of rules, Abicyclist on the Rio Grande Trail passes by Gassier Open Space. regulations and trail etiquette, and providing a map of regional properties and trail connections. Were appro- priate,rule and regulation signs may also need to be installed along the Classier Trail. Start Date: Summer of 2015 Budget Impact: $10,000 IIL Public fishing access will be allowed on a designated route through the property. The route will include a sustainable trail through the riparian area and wetlands. Glee an angler has reached the waterway,he or she must walk within the course of the river. The extent of the public access will be signed. Commercial fishing and boating access and is not permitted. Start Date: Summer of 2015 Budget Impact: Signage $500 GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 18 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes • vi 4, .0 or ' Aside channel of the Roaring Fork River borders Gassier Open Space.The 2`, - main stem of the river � - is opposite the channel �... barrier. r kW 4, � _ . .�4.5 `- • IV. Develop parking to serve the public users of the Gassier Open Space. The preferred parking alternative is to locate parking near the intersection of Hooks Spur Road and Hooks lane, on private property. If an agreement cannot be reached for parking in this location, Pitkin County will, in a separate process,work with the Gassier Steering Committee,neighbors and the public to de- termine where parking will be located. Approval by the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board,Pitkin County commissioners and Eagle County commissioners will be necessary for any alternative except for the preferred alternative. a. Preferred Alternative - Parking area on private property near the intersection of Hooks Spur Road and Hooks Lane (Approximately.5 miles from the Gassier property). i This parking alternative could include 34 vehicle spaces and 2 trailer parking spaces. The lot would allow for vegetative screening. It would require the cooperation of a private landowner;Pitkin County and the landowner must to agree on terms. Pitkin County will work with neighbors to provide adequate screening.No lighting will be used in the parking area and only daytime use will be allowed. Open Space and Trails will work with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority on providing trailhead amenities like porta-potties,which currently exist in the nearby RFTAlot. b. Parking area on a portion of the disturbed Gassier property land near the Rio Grande Trail. i. This parking area could include 20 vehicle spaces and 2 trailer parking spaces. The lot would be configured to allow areas for vegetative screening and a one-way loop drive. This would require working with RFTAto change the public-access crossing of the Rio Grande. Start Tate:2015 planning;2016 construction Budget Impact: $75,000 GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 19 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes V. Property maintenance outside of agricultural lease areas, including any recreation-related facilities, will be included in the Pitkin County Capital Plan.Noxious-weed control outside of lease areas will be performed by Pitkin County. M. Gassier Open Space • restrictions on use: a. Dogs are not allowed , „N ,�e ' •on the Gassier _ property,unless -„ specifically allowed ~ in an agricultural 1110 lease for agricultural _ .-, •` purposes. _ b. No commercial # rr fishing. E" c. No commercial use of Glassier Trail. Aroad cutting across the hay fields of Glassier Open Space will provide recreational d. Ni)boat launching. access to the Gown.The route curves left beyond the cottonwood trees and begins its ascent onto the Gown. e. No parking on Hooks Spur Road. f No winter recreation. g. Only open during daylight hours. h. Pack in,pack out. i. No hunting on Gassier Open Space. j. Non-motorized hunting access is allowed. For hunters accessing the Gown on foot from Gassier Open Space,weapons must be unloaded while on the Gassier property. k. Vied-free feed required for horses at Gassier, consistent with BLMrequirements on the Gown. All restrictions in the Management Plan will be adopted by Eagle County, enabling enforcement by Pitkin County rangers and the Eagle County Sheriffs Office. Special Events Special events can be approved through the Special-Lk Permit process. Lb to two events would be allowed per year. The trails would remain open to the public during an event and no event infrastructure would be allowed on Gassier Open Space. Educational, environmental and agricultural tours can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis and will be coordinated with the lessees and Pitkin County. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 20 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes 4.4 Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Wildlife and Habitat Action Items: ;, 4% Baseline wildlife conditions were surveyed during acquisition of Gassier Open Space. Gassier contains signif- ,,: icant wildlife habitat and elk and deer ;-•, . �'' V �� are seen regularly on the property. A ,t wildlife map is located in Appendix F. f 1 To protect the wildlife and their habitat is. t = the following action items are listed: f I The property will be seasonally . ,>� " a • closed to public use from Dec. ,ti. '` '' 1 through N1ay 15. The May �. r +Y � ' A, i._ '� 15 closure date is flexible; ; the property may open earlier Mile deer peer from the brush along the Roaring Fork River at Gassier open Space. given climatic conditions and wildlife use. Snow depths on the Gown and in the high country dictate how long elk remain on the property and adjacent areas of the Gown. Open Space and Trails will consult with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and their wildlife consultant to determine if the property can be opened prior to May 15. The opening will not occur any earlier than April 15,which matches the end of the BLM's winter closure of the Gown to motorized and mechanized uses. Agricultural leases are excluded from the closure. IL llbgs will be prohibited on the Gassier property,unless specifically allowed in an agricultural lease for agricultural purposes. This will significantly limit impacts to agriculture,but will also benefit wildlife in the uplands of the property by limiting the impact of trail use to just the trail corridor. IIL Asurvey of the riparian area and wetlands will be done to determine if any restoration is necessary. Start ate: Summer of 2015 Budget Impact: $5,000 1V Open Space and Trails will work with agricultural lessees to limit fencing to areas where it's necessary and implement wildlife-friendly fencing to the extend possible. V. Open Space and Trails will work with the BLM and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to survey and manage the upland mountain shrub communities. Nbuntain shrub communities are adapted to change due to fire or other natural events. The survey will evaluate whether stands are declining,which reduces wildlife values and increases fuel load, and determine if management is necessary. Start Dote: Summer of 2015 Budget Impact: $5,000 GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN Page 21 DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX A — GLASSIER OPEN SPACE BASE MAP tea. t.74741. ,ti4, ..., ,,,.,1::f.,,,,- -v, 1- .4,, z , n�+ , : r.- 4/1 ,, Gassier Open Space 1111 y - ;�,�_ Roads . '7E r4- )," sk" ?` - ... t. = _ '' � . .; - ' ,, t `' Rivers/Streams :; • 'z . '' .'0:,�, t d - ," i� Glassier Open Space L ittr •�,. j k a �� �` �\ ,1 _i Building Envelope �► , 'I <.� 1 Fences %- %' �� w H fit_ t 41 (, �'Atz s ,z j x.�'1 .J� �, Property Roads ,4,1 , ~ `+,ry,,.., ,is ` z . `r'�. . Irrigation Ditches rri 1.;*'::: .-' - -'; 4 ,. Trails , a : ; mat`* , ...�- / tr4 ,.,..:st US Forest Service Owned Lands -' - y State Owned Lands r ? ;�, . y ,Y-;w, Pu �.,,_...,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, , j w r' `5�'t BLM Owned Lands f S_ ' �r}r' L. 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'• . - \ GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX A I DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Meeting date: Feb. 24, 2014 Location: Rock Bottom Ranch Attendance: Steering Committee members in attendance: Ted thy,David Brown,Alec Parker,Mchael Di- vies,Brian Davies,Mchael Carricarte,Anne Clapper, Temple Gassier, Rory Cerise, Mchael Thompson, Jason Smith, Corey Britten, Jerome Csentowski, Holly Alain, Mke Pritchard,lave Koenck, Tom Trowbridge and Ian Hamalak. Committee members not in attendance: Laura Smith, George Trantow. Staff in attendance: Guy Tennenbaum, Paul Holsinger, Lindsey Utter and Janet Urquhart,Pitkin County Open Space and Trails;Toby Sprunk, Eagle County Open Space;Brian McNellis, Town of Basalt;John Groves, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Other in attendance include:Bill and Barb Bleeker,Randy Gassier,Frank Woods, Casey Piscura, Collin Jones, Ken Ransford and Leslie Thomas. Next meeting date: March 17, 2014 site visit,4-6 p.m. Meeting place to be determined. Overview: Guy Tennenbaum provides overview of property and management plan process,telling group that the county is facilitating a vision for the open space and that it's up to the Steering Committee to help craft that vision. The combined open space properties - Fred L and Freda L Gassier Ranch and Red Ridge Ranch(former- ly the Saltonstall property)-will collectively be referred to as the Gassier Open Space, as both properties were previously Gassier holdings. I+ expects the group to meet for 6 to 8 months. The draft management plan will then be presented to the public for review. The goal is to reach consensus on the various issues to be addressed in the management plan. When consensus on a proposal is not achieved, alternatives will be developed and the Pitkin County and Eagle County commissioners and open space boards, along with the Town of Basalt,will be the final arbiters. Ground rules: Guy Tennenbaum reviews ground rules for conducting the meetings (attached at end of these minutes). Croup agrees to add one ground rule: committee members will be seated so that they face one another at future meetings. Introductions: Committee members and others in attendance introduce themselves. • Bill Sleeker:neighbor associated with area for 23 years • Mchael Carricarte: neighbor associated with area for about a year,building home east of Gassier prop- erty • Rory Cerise:manages agricultural use of Gassier property and Emma Farms • Temple Gassier: interested in future of property,wants to see full potential of the open space utilized and is glad to see the property in public hands • Jason Smith: director and resident nearby Rock Bottom Ranch, owned by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies; interested in preservation of historic agricultural lands and wildlife conservation, wants to make sure recreational use fits with the context of area's historic use GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B I DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES • Mike Davies: neighbor who has owned property in the area since the early 1980s; concerned about im- pact of uses of the property and how they will impact character of the area;wants to preserve character of neighborhood • Ted Guy. he and his wife own 60 acres across the Roaring Fork River from the open space; interested in what happens in their front yard,wants to see wetlands enhanced and historic Gassier house restored and used as a residence • Corey Britten:has passion for soil science • Nfichael Thompson: associated with Central Rocky Nbuntain Permaculture Institute, interested in garden- ing,market fanning,permaculture and fruit trees • Jerome ( entowski: directs Central Rocky Nbuntain Permaculture Institute on Basalt Nbuntain,works on designing of solar greenhouses; sees master plan process as great opportunity for long-term planning • Collin Jones:Works with Jerome Osentowski, student of ecology, has interest in permaculture and sus- tainable agriculture • Fblly McLain: owns Noon Run Ranch at Old Snowmass,represents equestrian community and would like to see riding trails from open space to Gown and trail connection to Sopris Nbuntain Ranch • Leslie Thomas: also attending to represent equestrian interests • Anne Clapper:resident of neighborhood for 22 years;biggest concern is traffic in the area;wants to see some good recreational management • Mike Pritchard:helped found Roaring Fork Nbuntain Brie Association and is now its director;biggest interest is creating recreational access to the Gown;he's a fan of federal lands and open space • John Goves:wildlife concerns his focus;he comes from a ranching/farming background • Toby Sprunk: director of Fagle County Open Space;keen interest in making sure conservation values of the open space—agriculture,water rights,wildlife - are maintained while trying to manage certain recre- ational use of the property, as well • Ian Hamalak:resides on opposite side of river next to Gown Nbuntain Park;family enjoys recreation; on committee to represent recreational interests • David Koenck: Old Snowmass resident;wants to see recreational access to the Gown and river access for fly-fishing • David Brown: concerned about wildlife and wants to see it protected;concerned about how use of the property will impact wildlife • Barb Sleeker: represents nearby Red Rock Ranch, interested in maintaining historic agriculture and wildlife • Alec Parker:resides on parcel surrounded by Gassier Open Space;wants to see that everybody's needs get met in the right way GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B II DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES • Brian Davies:neighboring resident • Randy Gassier: simply interested • Brian McNellis: local landscape architect and planner,representing Town of Basalt • Tom Trowbridge: with Roaring Fork Anglers and Alpine Angling; interested in fishing access on the Roar- ing Fork and access to Crown • Casey Piscura: small-scale vegetable producer interested in sustainable agriculture and food production • Cary Tennenbaum: assistant director of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, former wildlife biologist in South Carolina • Lindsey Litter,recreation planner for Pitkin County Open Space and Trail; enthused by various opportuni- ties presented by Gassier Open Space • Paul Lblsinger: land officer for Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, oversees conservation easements • Janet Urquhart: administrative assistant for Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Existing conditions—conservation easements: Paul Lblsinger reviews what is and is not allowed under the con- servation easements that have been placed on the open space. (See pitkinostprojects.com I Gassier Open Space Management Plan for both a summary of the conservation easements and the full deeds of the conservation easements that apply to the property.) Questions from the committee: • Will aquaponics violate prohibition on fish hatcheries or aquaculture?Answer:ultimately up to Eagle County,which holds the conservation easement and land-use jurisdiction on the open space. • VMhat is total square footage of existing buildings Fred L and Freda L Gassier Ranch?Answer:that hasn't been calculated but limit on square footage is in addition to what exists. Limits on Gassier include 5,000 square feet of additional agricultural structures and 2,000 square feet for residence or facility that complements permitted uses. Limit on Red Ridge Ranch is 2,000 square feet for residence or facility that complements permitted uses. • Do limits include greenhouses?No,there are separate restrictions on greenhouses. Gassier conservation easement allows one greenhouse of up to 5,000 square feet. • Wio owns mineral rights on Fred L and Freda L Gassier Ranch?Answer: Ownership spread among many parties;potential for extraction deemed unlikely by geologist, according to Toby Sprunk. Previous study determined natural gas potential, according to Rory Cerise. • lib conservation easements allow parking?Answer: Under review. • Lb prohibitions on recreational off-road vehicle use apply to a rescue operation?Answer:No. • lb prohibitions on recreational off-road vehicle use apply to hunting?Answer:Yes. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B III DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES • Has there been hazardous dumping on the property?Answer:No, according to phase I environmental assessment. • Will trailer on Gassier property be kept?Answer: It will mostly likely be removed. • Do moveable hoop houses constitute greenhouses?Answer:thdetermined. Eagle County land-use code's definition of greenhouses still evolving. Ideas: Committee members offer thoughts on what they'd like to see, or not see, on the Gassier Open Space and make requests for information. Asummary: • Tom Trowbridge: Figure out how to construct parking and where • Holly McLain:Provide parking that accommodates horse trailers • Ted Guy. Don't cease flood irrigation of property as it will dramatically change condition of property, particularly of wetlands along river over time, and may affect water table • Holly McLain: Irrigating with sprinkler system may reduce sediment washed into river • Ken Runsford:Provide comparison of impacts resulting from flood versus sprinkler irrigation • l3rian Envies: Consider a cooperative approach to pool agricultural resources and preserve historic use of land in a way that's not large-scale agriculture but isn't microfarming, either • Cary Tennenbaum: Information on wildlife constraints available;critical winter range for deer and elk will be a consideration as management plan is drafted • Dan Hamalak:Look at potential for off-site parking in the vicinity • Casey Piscura:Wants to see property accommodate growing grains and dry-land research,possibly involving ancient varieties of seeds • Cary Tennenbaum: Staff will provide information on grazing allotments on the Crown • Mchael Thompson: Hopes fruit trees can be accommodated given conservation easement prohibition on"tree farms."Temple Gassier notes there are already heritage fruit trees on the property. Alec Park- er suggests fruit will draw bears,resulting in the need for fencing that inhibits wildlife movement. Gary Tennenbaum says it is up to Eagle County to decide if an orchard constitutes a tree farm. • Alec Parker:Lbgs will be a deterrent to wildlife. Vthether or not dogs are allowed will be a key issue for the committee to address, said Cary Tennenbaum. It is possible to create an agreement that gives Pitkin County enforcement power on the open space,though it is in Eagle County, said Toby Sprunk.New ordi- nances will be necessary, Sprunk adds. • Guy Tennenbaum: Entire property currently closed to general public use,pending adoption of a man- agement plan. Trespassing should be reported to Pitkin County rangers if it occurs during the day and to Eagle County Sheriff's Office after hours. • David Koenck: Do committee members have access to the property? Gary Tennenbaum advises mem- bers they need prior authorization to go on the property,but it can be arranged if necessary. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B IV DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES • Mike Pritchard: The existing, steep route onto the Gown from the open space would be popular with mountain bikers. lb suggests separate routes to minimize conflicts by separating bikers and equestrians. • Mike Thvies and Randy Gassier:Adequate signage will be necessary to keep people off of private prop- erty in the area. STEERING COMMITTEE GROUND RUES • Commitment to process • Make sure we are not missing any representation from other groups. • Open process to public and maintain transparency. • Respect for everyone on the committee • Seat committee so as to allow face-to-face contact at meetings • Participation • Open Dialogue • Include government agencies from surrounding lands and with expertise in wildlife habitat. • Realistic ideas,but no idea is too big • Mnutes out quickly after meetings • Sensitivity to neighbors • Committee willing to do some homework and meet separately for their issues so we can keep the meet- ings to a minimum and still get this process complete • LIe e-mail to exchange ideas • Lbw do concepts get approved? This led into a discussion that we may not get consensus on every part of the plan. Through this process we will try to create consensus;however, if no consensus is achieved on certain issues alternatives will be presented in the draft plan and the public at large will weigh in with ultimate decision by Pitkin County Open Space Board and both the Eagle County and Pitkin County BOOC • Fun. Parks and trails should be fun, so planning for them should be fun! • Create a vision with everyone's emotional and intellectual capitaL Airing issues can bring consensus. • Committee to develop guidelines for allowable uses. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B V DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Meeting date: March 17, 2013 Location: Gassier Open Space Attendance: Steering Committee members in attendance: Ted Guy,Alec Parker,Mchael Davies, Dian Davies, Laura Smith,Anne Clapper, Temple Gassier,Rory Cerise, Jason Smith,Jerome Cuentowski, Holly McLain, Mke Pritchard, David Koenck, Tom Trowbridge,Dan Hamalak,Michael Carricarte and George Trantow. Committee members not in attendance:David Brown, Corey Britten,Mchael Thompson. Staff in attendance: Clary Tennenbaum, Paul Holsinger, Lindsey Utter and Janet UYquhart,Pitkin County Open Space and Trails;Toby Sprunk, Eagle County Open Space;Brian M I' llis, Town of Basalt; Gregory Wolfgang, Bureau of Land Management. Others in attendance include: Hawk Creenway,Howie Mallory and Graeme Nbans, Open Space and Trails board members;Brett Meredith and John Putnum of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority,Barb Bleeker,Randy Gassier and Leslie Thomas. Next meeting date: TBD Summary: Staff and committee members convened for a site visit at Gassier Open Space. Guy Tennenbaum, assistant director of Open Space and Trails,pointed out the property boundaries; committee members then explored the historic Gassier house and ranch compound. Tennenbaum told the group the house is not currently habitable or up to code. Its future use is undetermined. Some committee members accompanied Tennenbaum to view the existing route that leads from the open space onto the Gown,Rireau of Land Management property to the east and south of the open space. Temple Gassier offered a brief description of where various ranching and gardening operations took place near the house and barn. She identified apple and apricot trees in the yard; committee member Jerome Osentowski said he noted grape,plum and pear varieties, as well. Cattle were fed and branded near the barn, according to Temple Gassier. There used to be corrals outside the barn. Aloafing-style shed east of the barn was used for steers and heifers. Calving took place in the lower pasture, along the river,where a ditch used to drain the area,making it drier and suitable for cattle. There was a manger for feeding cattle in the lower pasture, as well as one next to the barn. Bulls ranged to the river north of the house. The metal barn and garage are newer structures. Wieat and grain was stored in the two round,metal granaries on the property. Asmall cabin behind the main house was presumably worker housing at some point, though it was used to store junk later, according to Temple. Asmall brick structure was a chicken coop and the shed next to it was used to store chopped wood. Another wood building,near the garage,was also used for chickens at some point, she said. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B VI DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Meeting date:April 23,2014 Location: Basalt Town Hall Attendance: Steering Committee members in attendance: Rory Cerise, Holly McLain, David Koenck, Tem- ple Gassier, Jerome 05entowski,Dan Hamalak,Wan Ivies,Jason Smith,David Brown, Michael Davies, Alec Parker,Laura Smith, George Trantow,Anne Clapper, Michael Thompson and Mike Pritchard. Committee members not in attendance:Mchael Carricarte, Corey Britten, Tom Trowbridge and Ted Guy. Staff in attendance: Gary Tennenbaum, Paul Holsinger, Lindsey Utter and Janet Lkquhart,Pitkin County Open Space and Trails;Toby Sprunk, Eagle County Open Space;Brian McNellis, Town of Basalt; Gregory Wolfgang, Bureau of Land Management. Others in attendance included: Bill Sleeker,Jimmy Dula, Sally Cole, Randy Classier, Randy Parker, finny Parker, Carrington Brown, Carol Lbpkin, C Brown, Collin Jones, Michael Snow,Leslie Thomas,Woody Capper, Christian laBar,Frank Woods,Martin Suthren and Ken Ransford. Next meeting date: May 21 at Basalt Town Hall. Discussion topic:Agricultural use of Gassier Open Space Paul 1=blsinger gave an overview of water rights available and irrigated acreage—2.45 cubic feet per second from the Home Supply Ditch on former the Saltonstall(Red Ridge Ranch)property,where about 45 acres are irrigated; and 4.35 cfs from Home Supply Ditch on Gassier,where about 126 acres are irrigated. All of the irrigation is done through flood irrigation. There is the potential to irrigate all of the Fred L and Freda L Gassier Ranch acreage,though it isn't currently, said Rory Cerise,who currently has the agricultural lease on the property. Cerise grows hay and pastures cattle on the Gassier Ranch. The ditch does not provide a year-round water supply,but wells on the property could be used for a year-round water source, depending on what is proposed, said Gary Tennenbaum. Committee members asked about the potential for a sprinlders and ponds on the property for irrigation. Sprin- kling is expensive and doesn't return water to the Roaring Fork River, said Alec Parker. Work has been done on the Home Supply Ditch, including piping about 800 feet of it, facilitating water flow to ditch shareholders farther downstream, Parker added. There are no pond rights on the ranch, said Temple Gassier. Permanent ponds for water storage are against state law, said Wan Ivies. Atemporary pond maybe possible,but only so long as water is flowing into it and back out,he said. Actual flows in the Fbme Supply Ditch vary from day to day, depending on many factors,I- vies said. Ivies asked if Pitkin/Eagle counties have money to invest in water infrastructure on the property. The govern- ment may pursue upgrades that benefit the property as a whole,rather than a particular agricultural lessee, said Gary Tennenbaum. Government won't necessarily pay for upgrades to the irrigation system or otherwise sub- sidize agriculture for the eventual lessees,but may be willing to help with the costs once specific plans for the property exist, Tennenbaum said. Pitkin County is developing an agricultural lease program and will be looking for viable business plans from potential lessees with the goal of seeing profitable agricultural uses of the open GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B VII DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES space,he said. Lessees will have to invest in the infrastructure they need for their operation, Tennenbaum said. Brian Davies asked what it would cost a new lessee to maintain the status quo on the property—haying and cattle production on the land. Alec Parker asked whether the priority for the property is recreation or agriculture. Neither use is a priority over the other, Tennenbaum said. The goal of the management plan for the open space is to accommodate both without one interfering with the other. Committee members suggested the areas that are key to historic uses of the open space—hay production and cattle—be carved out, and other uses be looked at on the rest of the property. Cattle have been a constant on the property for a century, said Rory Cerise. Intensive potato production occurred for 18 years, he said. Alfalfa,wheat and oats have been grown on the property in the past, said Cerise and Temple Gassier. Barley was suggested as a possibility for grain production,to serve area brewing operations. Reinstituting a potato crop was also men- tioned. Food production, including annuals and orchards,would require more water than do current agricultural uses of the land, said Jerome Csentowski. He indicated he'd be interested in 10 acres devoted to agro-forestry,but said it may not be possible, given the available water. CSentowski suggested"degraded"land next to the road is a logical spot for annual production. The soil could be improved with compost and water, said(i entowski and Michael Thompson. Mixed vegetable crops are doable if the emphasis is on local food production rather than for-profit enterprise, aentowski said. Five to 10 acres for that purpose would be a good start,he said. With a year-round water supply, a cooperative group of growers could produce food crops and raise small ani- mals within one fenced-in area, Thompson said. Other livestock, fruit trees and annuals could all be part of the mix, said Jason Smith. There is potential to raise smaller farm animals, said Temple Gassier. Woody Capper suggested the vegetable production take place where Freda Gassier once had an expansive gar- den,to the southeast of the house,beyond existing fruit trees. The garden was once roughly seven to nine acres, and irrigated solely with flood irrigation through a small ditch system, said Temple Gassier. The soil in that area is some of the best on the property because cows were once fed there, said Rory Cerise. Cattle manure and hay were trampled into the soil. Laura Smith urged the committee to be considerate of small-acreage neighbors as it considers placement of greenhouses and farming operations on the open space. Committee members also raised concerns about parking and traffic associated with both recreational and agricultural use of the property. Hooks Spur Road will need im- provement, at least as far as the Gassier Open Space entrance, said Frank Woods. Smith asked who will enforce regulations on the property. Pitkin County will arrange for enforcement authority on the open space, although it is in Eagle County, Gary Tennenbaum said. Alec Parker asked about the potential for special events on the property. If they are permitted, limitations will be spelled out in the management plan, according to Tennenbaum. The buildings surrounding the Gassier home may be suitable for use as part of an agricultural enterprise, Ten- nenbaum said. The home is not habitable without considerable repairs,but a long-term lease arrangement for the home by someone willing to undertake the repairs would be considered,he said. Tennenbaum said he would try to provide the list of problems with the house, identified by an inspector,to the committee. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B VIII DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Meeting date: May 21, 2014 Location: Basalt Town Hill Committee members in attendance: Dan Hamalak, Rory Cerise,Anne Clapper,Jerome C entowski, Michael Thompson, Jason Smith,Mike Davies,David Brown, Ted Guy, George Trantow,Alec Parker,avid Koenck,Mike Pritchard, Eblly McLain, Laura Smith and Michael Carricarte. Members not present: Temple Gassier, Cory Britten, Brian Davies, Tom Trowbridge. Staff present: Gary Tennenbaum, Lindsey Utter,Paul Holsinger, John Armstrong and Janet Llquhart with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails,Brian McNellis with Town of Basalt, John Groves with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Brett Meredith with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Greg Wolfgang with the Bureau of Land Manage- ment and Jeff Pieper, CSUhorticultural agent. Others present included: Randy Gassier, Bill Bleeker, Carrington Brown, Scott Condon, Carol Ibpkin, Charlie and Diane Spickert, Leslie Thomas, Tristan Trantow, Frank Woods,Nick Aceto, Brian Beazley and Phillip Ring. Next meeting date: June 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Basalt Town Hall Discussion-Agriculture Paul Holsinger(06T)gave an overview of the April committee discussion on agricultural use, including a poten- tial layout of leasable agricultural plots. The property's existing system of ditches was mapped and shown to the committee. Holding ponds for irrigation are possible, Holsinger said. Gary Tennenbaum(06T)said a special meeting of an agricultural subcommittee will be convened(if there is participant interest)before the June steer- ing committee meeting, to determine what potential lessees of smaller parcels actually want. Eventually, a water engineer will be consulted to determine what is feasible based on water availability, irrigated acres and proposed uses, Tennenbaum said. Michael Davies asked if agricultural parcels would be bid individually and said he felt the committee had opted against divvying the property into a lot of small, individually leased parcels. Tennenbaum said one individual could bid for all of the property or part of it; individual plots allow those who are interested in a small piece to make a bid. The proposed layout is a first attempt to divide the property based on committee input,he said. Alec Parker asked if smaller lots will use wells and sprinklers for irrigation. That's possible, said Tennenbaum. The county could seek a permit for a well,but would probably share well costs with a lessee. Carrington Brown asked if the bid process is based solely on how much someone is willing to pay for the lease. An agricultural lease program,now in its draft stage,will have a variety of criteria and won't be based solely on who can pay the most, Tennenbaum responded. Laura Smith expressed concern that grouping all the small agricultural parcels together will result in a concentra- tion of people and vehicles. Discussion- Recreation Paul Holsinger gave an overview of restrictions and allowed uses on the property,related to recreation. The Red Ridge Ranch piece allows trails of up to 10 feet in width. The Gassier piece allows trails of up to 4 feet in width. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B IX DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES No motorized recreation is allowed on the combined properties. Aparking area is allowed in an area where structures existed and the parking of vehicles historically took place, Fblsinger said. Mike Envies said elected officials involved in the purchase of the properties indicated they did not want parking on the site. Parking is allowed,but nothing has been decided, Tennenbaum said. It is an issue associated with recreation and need to be addressed,he said. Geg Wolfgang gave an overview of the BLUVrs proposed Special Recreation Management Area for the Gown. It proposes management of the Gown for mountain biking but does not exclude other uses. The plan will dictate management of the Gown for the next 20 to 30 years. Clurently, the Gown is closed to motorized uses from Dec. 1 to April 30.Now proposed is a closure to motorized and mechanized(includes bicycles)uses from Dec. 1 to April 15, Wolfgang said. In addition,motorized and mechanized uses would be restricted to designated routes, while hiking,horseback riding and cross-country skiing would not. Mike Pritchard said 12 to 15 miles of new biking trails are part of the BLJVrs plan for the Gown. Old double-track roads could be turned into routes for equestrians, offering them separation from bikers,he said. Frank Woods asked what kind of active management and improvements the BLMhas done on the Gown. Wolfgang said the Gown has seen"custodial management"with the BLMreacting to issues. Designating it as a Special Recreation Management Area would bring a more proactive approach and potential funding to manage- ment,he said. Brett Meredith(RFTA)gave an overview of use on the adjacent Rio CGande Trail, a paved bike/pedestrian corridor. No motorized uses are allowed. The trailhead parking lot at Hooks Lane has room for 6 to 8 vehicles with room for handicap parking. There is also a handicap-accessible port-o-potty there. The lot would be open to Gassier (ten Space users,he said.No dogs are permitted on the trail between Rock Bottom Ranch and Catherine Bridge and that section is closed annually to all use from Dec. 1 to April 30. RFTAdoes not have the ability presently to groom the trail above Rock Bottom Ranch for nordic skiing. The trail counter near Rock Bottom Ranch logs about 35,000 users annually,user numbers have been going up about 10 percent per year. Two-thirds of the use takes place in Why, June and July, Meredith said. Mike Davies asked if the trail segment next to Gassier sees a lot of special events. About a half-dozen events annually is typical, Meredith said. Alec Parker asked if the government owners of the Gassier Open Space will seek a second right-of-way license to cross the trail with an access drive. Tennenbaum said that hasn't been determined. The government has right- of-way access to the open space via the former Saltonstall driveway. John Groves (CPW)said lands on the Gown above the Gassier Open Space are important winter habitat for deer and elk and said access to the Gown from Gassier should have seasonal restrictions as the Gown sees recre- ational pressure from the opposite side throughout the winter. (PWwants the closure on motorized and mecha- nized uses of the Gown to extend through April 30,not end April 15, as the BLMhas proposed, Groves said. It advocated opening access to the Gown from Gassier no earlier than Why 1. Deer and elk don't use the Gassier agricultural lands in the winter when the property is covered with snow,but do feed on the greening grasses in the spring once the snow is gone, Groves said. George Trantow asked whether hunting access to the Gown should be allowed from Gassier Open Space. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B X DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Groves said he would welcome walk-in hunting access. (loves also said dogs have a significant impact on wildlife, even if they are leashed,but especially if they are not. Rory Cerise asked how disruptive recreation is on wildlife and whether bikers versus hikers or equestrians pose more or less impact. Research indicates recreationists who move past elk quickly(motorized users, for example) have less impact than hikers and bicyclists, Groves said. Mke Davies asked if a flexible reopening date for access to the Crown from Gassier is feasible, depending on the snow conditions that dictate wildlife movement.Afirm annual date is easier for users to remember, Groves said. Wildlife cameras can be used to monitor wildlife movement from year to year, Guy Tennenbaum said. The committee agreed that seasonal closure dates and hunting access are issues the management plan should address. The committee is also being asked to address a sustainable trail connection to the Gown from Gassier Open Space,though the committee won't be expected to determine the actual alignment of the route, said Lindsey Lit- ter(CST). Representatives of various user groups can be involved in establishing a trail route, Tennenbaum said. The existing road access from Gassier to the Gown is steep and eroded in sections,Litter noted. Alec Parker said a less-steep trail route will require switchbacks and asked if the visual impacts of the trail would be considered. Anne Clapper said parking and traffic on Eboks Spur Road need to be considered as part of the recreation plan- ning. Carol Dbpkin said parking that accommodates horse trailers and turning the trailers around will be needed. Mke Davies asked if the number of users on the trail will affect its sustainability. Eblly McLain suggested a reservation system for trail use from Gassier could be necessary in the future. Other counties have limitations on trail use,but they have user numbers that far exceed anything experienced on trails managed by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, Gary Tennenbaum said. Randy Gassier asked how regulations pertaining to recreational use of Gassier Open Space will be enforced. Pitkin County rangers will be empowered to enforce the regulations, even though the open space is in Eagle County, said Gary Tennenbaum. Ib advised neighbors who see a violation to call the sheriff's office through 911 or the non-emergency number. In addition, signs to direct trail users will help keep them on the proper route and off of private property,he said. In a discussion on seasonal closure dates,Leslie Thomas suggested it extend through May 15 in the spring. George Trantow said April 30 will suffice because people won't use the access even after that date if conditions aren't yet suitable. Tennenbaum said the closure could go through April 30,but be extended in consultation with CPWif conditions in a given year warrant a longer closure. Ebwever,he said, a discrepancy between closure dates on BLMland and Gassier Open Space will create management issues if people can access the Gown after April 15 on the opposite side,but find the exit on the Gassier side closed. Pitkin County did protest the April 15 date in the BLMplan, advocating for the closure to extend through April 30, Tennenbaum noted. Signs on the opposite side could be used to inform users of the closure dates on the Gassier side, said Leslie Thomas. Closure dates are directed at elk, said Alec Parker. They don't help deer that stay in the area year-round,he said. Mchael Carricarte said he wants to know how users will access Gassier Open Space. Jason Smith asked how GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XI DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES multiple uses (agriculture,recreation and a private residence)will be managed on the single driveway that currently exists. Vbhether all use should be on the existing access road or if a separate trail should be constructed is a matter for discussion, said Gary Tennenbaum. Fblly McLain said she would favor a dog prohibition on the property, calling it a safety matter. Others said dogs should be prohibited to protect wildlife. Ceorge Trantow said the Gown is not a great place for dogs (there are cacti, for one thing)and Bill Bleeker noted dogs are often unleashed on the adjacent Rio Grande Trail even though leashes are required. David Koenck asked if the BLMhas any restrictions regarding dogs on the Crown. Greg Wolfgang said the BLM does not,nor does it have the personnel to enforce such a restriction. Koenck asked why,then, Gassier Open Space shouldn't allow users to access the Gown with dogs. Dbgs could be an issue with agricultural use of Gassier,particularly regarding small livestock, said Jason Smith. Dogs have killed farm animals at Rock Bottom Ranch, Smith said. Some hunters use dogs,noted Alec Parker and Ceorge Trantow. Laura Smith asked if hunting is allowed on the open space and if people will be carrying rifles through it. Hinting is not allowed on the open space, and problems with people shooting on Pitkin County open space in general have been few, said Gary Tennenbaum. Rifles should be required to be unloaded while hunters are hiking through Gassier, Trantow said. Gassier is a gateway access to the Gown, Guy Tennenbaum said. Ifdogs are controlled on the property, it makes it harder to access the Gown with dogs. Dogs can be prohibited on Gassier even though the BLMallows dogs on the Gown, Tennenbaum said. Aprohibition on dogs on the Gassier Open Space, including dogs used for hunting, appeared to have committee support. Discussion on other potential recreation at Gassier, including fishing and cross-country skiing,will continue at the June 18 meeting,though in reference to fishing, Ted thy stressed that the wetlands along the Roaring Fork River should be preserved. Gary Tennenbaum said he would like to see half of the June meeting devoted to the continued discussion of recreation and the other half focused on agriculture. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XII DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Meeting date: June 18, 2014 Location: Basalt Town Hall Committee members in attendance: Dan Hamalak, Rory Cerise, Mike Davies, David Koenck, Ted Guy,Jason Smith, Mke Pritchard,Laura Smith, George Trantow and Alec Parker. Committee members not in attendance: Brian Davies, Michael Carricarte,Anne Clapper, Temple Gassier, Michael Thompson, Corey Britten,Jerome CSentowski,l=blly McLain, Tom Trowbridge and David Brown. Staffpresent: Guy Tennenbaum, Lindsey Litter,Paul Iblsinger, Janet Lkquhart and Xujian Xe with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, Toby Sprunk with Eagle County Open Space,Brian McNellis with Town of Basalt, Brett lvtredith with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and Greg Wolfgang with the Bureau of Land Manage- ment. Others present included: Leslie Thomas, Bill Bleeker, Jimmy Dula, Graeme Means, Tim AFlynn, Carol Depkin, Sally Cole, Diane and Charles Spickert,Alexandra Anwal-Davies and Paul Andersen(briefly). Next meeting date: July 16 from 5-7 p.m. at Basalt Town Hall Discussion—Process update Gary Tennenbaum briefly updated the group on the July 9 meeting of a subcommittee of individuals interested in specialty agriculture at Gassier Open Space. Bill Bleeker said the neighborhood subcommittee would prefer to see the county lease a single, large agricultural parcel at Gassier. Neighbors are opposed to the increased traffic that could result from multiple agricultural leases,he said. A present, five potential agricultural lease areas have been identified, Tennenbaum said. At the full committee's July 16 meeting, staff will present the ideas for recreation, agriculture and wildlife conservation that have evolved during committee discussions. If there is consensus, staff will begin drafting the management plan for the property. The July meeting could be the committee's final gathering,he said. Discussion—Recreation Fishing- Rory Cerise suggested no commercial fishing be permitted on the Roaring Fork River frontage (about 500 feet). Committee members concurred. Leslie Thomas suggested a boardwalk to the river to provide angler access and protect the rest of the wetland/riparian area. If fishing is allowed, signs would be erected along the riverbank at the Gassier property's borders to keep anglers from straying onto private property, said Lindsey Litter. Boating- The committee agreed to prohibit the launching or taking out of boats from the property. Hinting- Laura Smith asked what had been decided regarding hunter use of the open space. County regulations should be reviewed as a first step to making a final determination on hunting, said Lindsey Litter. Maintenance - Brian McNellis said ongoing maintenance of the property, specifically recreational amenities, should be addressed in the management plan,particularly since the Gassier property is located in Eagle County, but Pitkin County is overseeing its management. Everything that makes it into the management plan that requires maintenance will be added to Pitkin County's maintenance schedule, said Gary Tennenbaum. Trash disposal GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XIII DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES should be part of the maintenance, said Mchael Davies. Parking and Trails - Mke Pritchard suggested the management plan address future trails, including separated trails for different uses or directional trails, if usage warrants it. Leslie Thomas asked if there would be a way to regulate recreational use if necessary. She urged use of trail counters to monitor use. Laura Smith asked how the county will evaluate how much use and how much traffic is too much. The size of the public parking will limit traffic, said Lindsey titer. Mchael Davies said the neighborhood subcommittee would prefer there be no parking on the Gassier Open Space to protect the area's rural nature and for safety reasons on Hooks Spur Road. If no on-site parking is provided, some users will attempt to park along the road, Dian AI\bllis predicted. Davies said neighbors will petition Eagle County to prohibit parking on the road;the neighborhood group would prefer that parking be ex- plored at Basalt High School, at the Draeger property near Hooks Spur Road and Hooks Lane, or on land owned by Mchael Carricarte,with access to Gassier via the Rio Grande Trail,he said. Cary Tennenbaum asked if parking on county roads is prohibited in Eagle County currently. Toby Sprunk said he didn't know. Once the management plan is finalized, Eagle County will adopt regulations specific to the Gassier property to enforce whatever restrictions are deemed appropriate, Sprunk said. If there is no parking on-site, enforcement will be a greater issue,Brian McNellis predicted. Aparking lot could relieve current parking issues on Hooks Spur Road, Dan Ha.malak added. No parking at Gassier means no access,Hamalak said. Parents with children aren't going to travel the distance from Basalt High School to the open space via the Rio Grande Trail. Also, agricultural lessees will need parking at Gassier,he said. Dula.agreed. Equestrians will not ride on the Rio Grande from Basalt High School said Carol Dopkin;they need a place with room to park and turn around with a horse trailer that is on the property, she said. Alexandra Aiwal Davies said multiple horse trailers at the site at any one time is unlikely. George Trantow predicted a parking lot would be used by road bilcers who are accessing the Rio Grande Trail and suggested the lot be restricted to use by senior citizens and parents with children. David Koenck asked if the Rio Grande trailhead parking at Hooks Lane could be expanded. Laura Smith said public access at Gassier was a compelling interest and urged that a parking lot on the property be screened,not be lit and that its use be restricted to certain hours and seasons. She said access to the open space needs to be balanced with the rural character of the area. Mchael Davies said plans for parking should be reviewed to make sure they fit within Eagle County's master plan for the area. Mke Pritchard reminded the group the public acquisition of Gassier Open Space was a positive for the communi- ty and should be embraced as a good thing. Lindsey Utter raised the potential for a trail on or around the perimeter of the agricultural lands. The route wouldn't work with the irrigation system, said Rory Cerise. Such a trail conflicts with the intended use of the property, said Bill Sleeker, suggesting walkers stick to the Rio Grande Trail. Committee members were generally opposed to a perimeter trail, as well as to winter recreation on the property. Rory Cerise asked if there were plans to build a new trail to connect a potential parking lot at Gassier to the GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XIV DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES existing route onto the Gown. a said users should reach the road to the Gown via existing access off the Rio Grande Trail rather than via a new trail. Ted Guy said parking should go near the existing route onto the Gown and that the construction of new trails should be avoided. George Trantow also supported use of existing trails and minimizing the need for new ones. Alexandra Anwal Levies said the soft surface along the Rio Grande Trail isn't wide enough for equestrians to use it as part of their access to the Gown;Sleeker urged widening it in that area. Leslie Thomas said equestrians would need a trail from the parking lot to the Gown access. Toby Sprunk suggested equestrian parking take place next to the former Gassier home. Alec Parker said ditch banks on the property should not be used as trails. L>fe asked if certified weed-free regula- tions would be imposed on equestrians. Weed-free rules are in place on the BLMlands on the Gown, said(leg Wolfgang. Special events - Lhvid Koenck asked if commercial and special events on the property should be limited. Special events are allowed on the BIMland on the Gown,though there is no blanket policy, Greg Wolfgang said. Special recreation permits for events are reviewed individually,he said. Mke Pritchard asked if Pitkin County has a policy regarding events on open space. Events are prohibited in the management plans for some properties,but allowed in others, said Gary Tennenbaum. Events can be regulated by limiting the number of participants and number of events, he said. Eagle County has regulations related to events, said Toby Sprunk. Gorge Trantow urged establishing some parameters for events rather than enacting an outright ban. Pritchard said a race event that passes through the property could be done with little impact. Guy Tennenbaum said possible regulation of events related to agriculture and recreation would be brought to the committee's July meeting for consideration. Mchael Davies asked that off-site parking options also be explored before the next meeting. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XV DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES Meeting date: July 16, 2014 Location:Basalt Town Hall Committee members in attendance: Temple Gassier,Rory Cerise, Brian Davies,David Koenck,David Brown, Mchael Thompson,Jason Smith, Mchael Davies,Iblly McLain, George Trantow, Ted Guy,Mchael Carricarte, Mike Pritchard, Laura Smith, Den Hamalak and Alec Parker. Committee members not in attendance: Corey Britten, Jerome (i entowski, Tom Trowbridge and Anne Clapper. Staffpresent: Gary Tennenbaum, Paul Iblsinger, Lindsey Utter,Janet lkquhart and Xujian Xe with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, Toby Sprunk and Aaron Green with Eagle County Open Space, Brian M I' llis with Town of Basalt,Brett Meredith with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and Creg Wolfgang with the Bureau of Land Management. Others present include: Tim McFlyrnl, Leslie Thomas,Randy and Wendy Gassier, Sally Cole, Bill Bleeker, Charles Spickert and Josie Castaldo. Discussion- Introduction Gary Tennenbaum outlines the process for the night's meeting. CST staff will seek committee consensus on proposals that have been formulated,based on past committee input. Where there is group consensus on a proposal,that item will be incorporated into a draft management plan for Gassier Open Space. Where there is no consensus, options presented to the group will be incorporated into the management plan for public consider- ation. The elected commissioners in Eagle and Pitkin counties will be the final arbiters, as they will ultimately be asked to adopt the management plan. Proposals for committee consideration were grouped into five categories: Wildlife Action Items, Agriculture Action Items, Gassier Douse Site Action Items, Recreation Action Items and Special Events. Wildlife Action Items • Proposal:Dbgs not allowed on Gassier Open Space unless specifically allowed in an agricultural lease for agricultural purposes. Committee agrees. • Proposal:Public access to Gassier Open Space, including trails,trail parking and fishing access,will be closed seasonally from Dec. 1 through April 30. Closure does not apply to those with agricultural leases. Committee majority modifies proposal, endorsing a closure from Dec. 1 to May 15 with the ability to open the property earlier if conditions warrant,but no earlier than April 15. Conditions will be monitored with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Other factors that will be monitored are snowpack depth, and soil conditions. • Proposal:Riparian restoration to reverse some impacts of historical agricultural use. Committee agrees. Agricultural Action Items • Proposal:Develop irrigation plan for the individual leases with water engineer and NRCS. Committee agrees. (Ted Guy urges consultation with ranchers currently flood irrigating the property.) • Proposal:Develop individual lease areas to stimulate a diversity of agricultural uses, including two large areas and four smaller acreage areas (see attached map). Committee majority agrees with this provision: Allowed greenhouse of up to 5,000 square feet should be built within existing ranch building complex, if lessee pursues its development.Nighttime lighting of greenhouse won't be permitted. Some committee GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XVI DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES members advocate fewer agricultural lease areas to reduce potential traffic impacts. • Proposal: Select lessees through a competitive process based on the Pitkin County(ET Agricultural Lease Bid Process. Committee agrees. • Proposal: Expansion areas will be available to adjacent lessees to develop,restore and expand their agricultural operation. If there is no interest from lessees, Pitkin County OSTwill manage the expansion areas as passive open space. Committee modifies proposal to fold two expansion areas into adjacent large-lease areas. Mike Pritchard asks if agricultural interests will have priority over recreational access through the property.N), answered Guy Tennenbaum. Laura Smith expresses concern about rooster noise. Ifanyone raises chickens, a few of them will be roosters, Tennenbaum said. Gassier House Site Action Items • Proposal: Either Pitkin County maintains the house in its current condition so no further deterioration occurs,but it will remain uninhabitable, or it is leased to a party who takes on the cost of restoring the house to habitable condition in exchange for a long-term lease. Criteria for selecting a lessee would include the plan and timeline for restoration, financial security, intended use of the house and potential partnership with agricultural lessees, said Guy Tennenbaum. Ted Guy suggests a third option: Pitkin County seeks grants to restore structure and places a property manager in the house. Restoration is not within CST mission, said Tennenbaum,but a provision allowing Pitkin County to seek partnerships to restore the house could be added as an option. Committee agrees. Recreation Action Items • Proposal:Develop a sustainable trail from parking areas and Rio Grande Trail to BlMboundary on the Crown. The Gassier Trail shall be an unpaved,multi-use trail limited to non-motorized use. It will closed seasonally and its use monitored. Trail route (see attached map)will include new segment connecting two pieces of existing road. Road leading up onto Gown will remain available for equestrian,hiking and agricultural use,while a separate, 3-foot-wide trail will be created for mountain biking. Committee agrees. • Proposal: Implement signage actions, including working with BLMand private property owners to sign property boundaries before construction of Gassier Trail,working with BLMto sign intersections of trails and roads on the Gown, and installing a trailhead kiosk at parking areas and/or entrance to Gassier Open Space, informing public of regulations and providing map of regional properties and trail connec- tions. Committee agrees. Holly McLain suggests including the yield symbol,which indicates which users (among equestrians,bicyclists and pedestrians) yield to other users. Brian Davies suggests signage on the Home Supply Ditch to keep users out. Guy Tennenbaum agrees with both requests. • Proposal:Public fishing access will be allowed on designated route through the property. Once angler has reached the waterway,they must walk within course of the river. Boundaries of public-access area will be signed. Committee members were split on need for public fishing access;no consensus was reached. Public access will be included in the draft management plan for public review. • Proposal: Three options (see attached illustrations)presented for providing parking for recreational users of Gassier Open Space. All options involve gravel surfaces. Option 1 is a parking area on the property, GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XVII DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX B - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES near the Rio Grande Trail,with room for 20 vehicles and two trailers. Option 2 is a parking area on private property(owned by Nichael Carricarte)near the intersection of Hooks Spur Road and Hooks Lane, about one-half mile from entrance to Gassier Open Space. Option 3 is creation of two trailer parking spaces near the Gassier house. Some committee members advocate Option 1,but there is majority consensus in support of Option 2,because it may reduce traffic on Hooks Spur Road. Brian M l\tllis predicts some trail users will drive down the road in search of closer parking and may park along the road. Before a draft plan is created and released for public review,the county will work with the neighboring landowner to explore Option 2 and see if this can become a reality. The county appreciates the neighboring land- owner's willingness to explore this option. If a deal cannot be reached on Option 2, the parking discus- sion will be reopened. • Proposal:Property management outside lease areas, including recreation-related facilities,would be included in Pitkin County Capital Plan.Noxious-weed control outside of lease areas will be performed by Pitkin County. Committee agrees. • Proposal: Gassier Open Space restrictions on use. Committee agrees. 1. Dogs are not allowed on Gassier property unless specifically allowed in an agricultural lease for agricultural purposes 2. No commercial fishing 3. No boat launching or anchoring 4. No parking on Hooks Spur Road 5. No winter recreation 6. Gassier Open Space open only during daylight hours;it will be closed seasonally 7. Pack in,pack out 8. No hunting on open space 9. Non-motorized hunting access is allowed. Hinters accessing the Crown on foot from Gassier Open Space must keep weapons unloaded while on open space. 10. Vied-free feed required for horses at Gassier, consistent with BLMrequirements on the Clown Special events • Proposal: Special events can be approved through the special-use permit process. L to two events would be allowed per year. The trails would remain open to the public during an event and no event parking would be allowed on the site. Committee agrees. • Proposal: Educational environmental and agricultural tours can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis and will be coordinated with the lessees and Pitkin County. Committee agrees. Next steps: CST staff will draft a management plan for Gassier Open Space based on feedback from the steering committee. The draft plan will be presented to officials in Eagle County, Pitkin County and Town of Basalt for their review before releasing the plan for public review. Steering committee members will be kept apprised of developments via email. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX B XVIII DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX C - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE AGRICULTURAL LEASEAREAS/IRRIGATION FEATURES ` ' y+ " Gassier Open Space IN / 4 rr Property Features ! ti 1'- kd d 1 1 M Culvert iii4140‘,..;:r :1 . I. Diversion Box .4 01;4 Utility w K: _ r. Irrigation Ditches "1 I Lease • . , Y ',.-, Primary 44.5acres : .? Secondary ri&ILease p \, , Lease • Catch ?,. 3.5 acres - ) !l4 It �\ 3acres Lateral ,�! — = �. `�� Transfer : • - , :0 , Lease C Lease Areas • r;.._.. 10.3 acres . I Glassier Home Area lc }` i:.. _ -<,F . • ,':. Agricultural Lease Area -,ro •i-- „:.‘ / --- . '' 4 , ~ ' (\vim. \ . .,. , W .•£ , ., �•,k t ,3 Lease B '• ? 94.2 acres `� ,t - � . • • z •. 4.` h; (((It�33 Jam' . r /� e `kt r' kti. GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX C I DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX D- GLASSIER OPEN SPACE REGIONAL RECREATION G asser Ope- Space Rego-a Recreate - - - Existing Route BLM-Foot,Horse,Bike Town of Basalt 11111 Eagle County _.fit :,, • . i,... It U Forest Service - - 1 ok_ ,.x,:Y, Rio Grande Trail Roads s State Owned Lands BLM Owned Lands • . * Roaring Fork River . .1 o . W ��E 4- I _ 1 .. 1 ■ . '� ♦ - _ TSi ' RFTA Parking Lot , -0 .,ire_ $j}4i4. ..i; A' -�' GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX D I DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes - -IT.,-, • - ,• , ,,,,,,,,,,,,, , Oret:,;!."- ''-1,''''. 4 - 'so' • ff tO - . -.- . , • _ r-,„ftvok:N'fIN•0,'•••• '•„'"1 r-,--.N, '--',- , , 4,`Alii:cP.,i.•': MO Niti '7 •'.••t4,4it., . Q12)--:•,,,,..,11 ' .,\:Ia,,,i'4'.I:Tftj jr'it,,,Stsr,,'''e z. APPENDIX E - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE STRUCTURES ..4.- 0.97 44e.,,,i, 4 -J• ..=, i "A7.,.! - L -,7,- 1 ''.• ., ...."'NlI 1,, ' ' Zi rrtT N..': %..'.7.• 4 ..' ; 1. , iopi,z, ...:. ii. - i ' -'" ."\.. -• -ii.,t•. ,,-. i , .. , ' ;..v.:...7.:-... , ---• . • - . . , . .,:://, , 7:;.,'-'• ' 4 )/. ' , \ ':t; ::::?!!,,,,- VI\r' Glassier Open Space ,• „.)...-- ,,,,,,,5•. , ,:,... • . . • . • „ •:.- .,„4.... ..,, . ,,,,.- ://i f, r;:jrcEi,„ - I-- i. _ -r1.-- - __ 6 ..,,,.. • 7.11 : 7:-.. , ' It':\ t!'•:.`.• , . --- i ,:. . ,•• • •• r . .„Ar ._ --. 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GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX El DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes APPENDIX F - GLASSIER OPEN SPACE WILDLIFE HABITAT \9;7 11/1100$ 00 000 il 'rpm,--w.-1.--7 , i .-; 000 Glassier Open Space to$ $ $FF0 0 0 000 too $ $ $do$,olii opoor 1 toopov. rAl0 0 0 rA/040 3 , - • 1 10", lAttq / - . , i ',•i. .. . 0$$ $ $ 0$$$$ ,..,.r. :- ' ,4y 0//' , . • 4 r I Rivers/Streams 000 0000 0 0 00040 • . ' r , ' BLM Owned Lands 00°0°000$ $ $ /00n0 •-_:. , 000.0 .i . . , L, 1 Mule Deer Severe Winter Range/Concentration Area /4/ °$ 1 ,o#4141 °° r'll',1:-:p.',-,,'.:, s . . , . ... I I Elk Winter Concentration Area 00 000$ $ 00 °00 0 / kir': 1;1 ...44 , . . • 1 1 - - , '' - '\::.\- S' . . ,• . emooks6.4 11 $011 00$/opl ..f A 0o. dogt $° g 000 00 00 00 000,000 0000.000 . -. , t• , .,. y."/" 7 ro Ioor 00/0 00 0dg0 # 0 Arro 0 0 000004 00 0 00 $$0% 0 $ 0000000 0•0$00$ o00000 $ $ 00 0 000 00 000000$ 04 00$$#•$000$ 000004 000000$ 000100••00 00 GLASSIER OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX F I DRAFT Exhibit A: 10/23/2014 OSTB Regular Minutes Geomorphic Assessment of the Roaring Fork River through North Star Nature Preserve Prepared for Pitkin County OST by Golder Associates, Inc. October 23, 2014 Golder ° Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ‘ti'plAr. '' 1990 ` < '': Infrared s o. 7' • 1 _' ,: .Aerial Fi -. • ;= : Photograph .r o •1 • 1 air.,t 00 m m 1 p Flow y; •••i .r±j � )� This is an infrared aerial photograph of the North Star preserve taken in 1990. This image provide significant insight into the history of the physical processes that have taken place on this site, but before we go into the observations that can be made from this image, let point out some of the primary features. • Flow is toward the top. • The Hwy 82 on the right in blue • The river in black adjacent to it • The infilled oxbows in red • The surface water present on the floodplain. Conclusions that can be drawn from this image • The downstream control of the moraine • See how the surface channels converge at the downstream end of the site and • A change in channel morphology between the past and the present. • See how the infilled oxbow lakes indicate a more sinuous channel, relative to the channel that while still sinuous, the wave forms of the meanders are of lower amplitude and potentially longer wave length. • Through examination of these features I will hope to be able to convince you that preservation of the ecological resources depends upon the hill slope hydrology and not the fluvial hydrology. 2 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Channel Planform 2.5 2 1.5 1 I t Smith Property 1 North Star Preserve 1 I ----Tr4nS!n940taini iverSiQns..... 0.5 - 1- ----James H.Smith Ownership 1 ! n The Past 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 Year Gssttr. This graph presents the sinuosity of the channel through time. Sinuosity is the ratio between the length of the thalweg of the channel and a straight line that along the valley axis. Two portions of the channel are depicted in this graph. The blue line represents the upper reaches of the North Star property and the red line represents the downstream portion of the site. The sinuosity of the of the past is indicated by the blue circle on the left, while the rest of the data is derived from topographic maps and aerial photographs. Here you can see the clear decrease in sinuosity that has occurred between the time at which the river had it's maximum sinuosity and the recent past. The lines between the point from the distant past are dashed as we don't really know what occurred between now an then. But what we can say is that the river was more sinuous in the past, and it reached what was likely a minimum some time in the late 1800s. While it is interesting to think about what has occurred in the past, let's focus on data we can measure. 3 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Channel Planform 2.5 1 1 2 -- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11.5 r t 1 1 —1—Smith Property 1 + North Star Preserve 1 I 1 ----Transmountain Diversions 1 1.4 40 1 1 1 0.5 1- 1— -4- ----James H.Smith Ownership I 1 I I 1 0 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 Year The sinuosity graph you see here is the same as the previous slide without the estimated point from the more distant past. There are some clear trends that are visible within the graph. 1. The sinuosity of the channel has increased since the late 1800s. 2. The Transmountain Diversion was finished in 1937 3. James H Smith farmed the property from the mid 1950s to the late 1980s. 1. It has been reported that as part of the agricultural practices applied involved 1. the removal of vegetation from the river banks in an attempt to straighten the channel 2. And the ditching of portions of the landscape to drain the wetland 4. It is Golder's opinion that the channel straightening activities are visible within this data set as the slight dip in the sinuosity that occurs in the late 1950s. 1. It can also be observed that despite these attempts to straighten the channel that the long term trend on increasing sinuosity persists. 2. It is also interesting to note that the decrease in sinuosity is greater in the upstream reaches of the Smith property than the downstream reaches of the North Star preserve. 5. The distinction between these two activities (channel straightening and ditching) is important, as although the channel straightening is visible within this data set, the ditching to drain the wetland is the activity that Golder believes is still having a detrimental impact on the modern ecology. 4 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Terminal Moraine r , )—l '/\AT'l........ • i./ .1/4\-.-:„..; ,4-4‘‘h .i. „,..,..,,,:7,\\ rd.j." //If; )/ ik\I:Inei ,..);1/iv-jitil ..-"1/ ‘ \ • --........ .. icy • / J e±��'; _.* c S/�/ Lateral / �: - ..._..,.,„..f-/-/-/- \\\.: .4� -4.,�� �/ / moraine - / ,\ ___�, • . _ / . / , , Recessional / -_� .: 0-0 •• ,•h , , moraine f `�� � ' Ground moraine \� Terminal moraine (http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/geologic_story_ofyousemite/final_evolution.html) ®� Golder Associates Exhibit B. 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Terminal Moraine r f `\ \\ e, `:* s/�/Lateral 7 ,y+ , ' i. _ \\\ '_< _ , /)i/ moraine \ ' z-' , , Recessional '/ /I _ :��'1, . -'/ moraine / �`'+etr,; f {�ro' sty Ground moraine —� , -ITerminal \ -- moraine (http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/geologic_story_ofyousemite/final_evolution.html) 0?:o1aa. The other primary observation that can be made from the Infrared image from the 1990s is the existence of a terminal moraine that is controlling the downstream hydrology of most of the site. A terminal moraine is a deposit of sediment at the toe of a glacial created when it pauses in a specific location for a period of time during its recession up the valley. In this image the terminal moraine is highlighted in yellow. The artist has depicted this particlar example as being breached by a river. While the moraine on the North Star site has not completely breached like the one in the figure here, Golder believes that it is in the process of doing so, and that this breaching process is likely the cause of the channel straightening that has occurred since the time of maximum meandering. In the presentation that follows we will present to you our evidence for this conclusion, but first lets give a general overview of the material that will be covered. 5 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Outline - Geomorphic history and modern conditions - Local - Glacial influence - Ecological resource - Regional - Uplift - Incision - Modern - Hydrology - Channel characteristics - Hydraulics - Surface Water - Groundwater - Geomorphic Risks and Remedial Measures - Lowering of Groundwater - Adjacent land use - Head gates - Beavers - Structures - Biostabilization of stream bank near cottonwood stand - Careful consideration of removal or relocation of existing elements - Moraine Monitoring Program ®',Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes lConditions oca _. ........„.„, _.y� �-- -� LEGEND 4 t : ''' . ••-'',.—...-••.; •\ ••: . : ' 2 : _ ��__ � NORTH STAR PRESERVE BOUNDARY aspen 5 ° sA.11�— _ ,' - (r-I ~- N 1 ��' i "v j 2 _ 1,)#•" :),, LIZ'c " )3 .�0. `�:/ 4' • i`- ;.J,^_ 7, f1 • ,.- 1� .. I ,MAP , l , I' :. a• \B\ N f > i y \ \ 111 IA 1 I � COL:FAt,: ki,,,,,),,,,%, ,, „.„__ , , , 1 '- - ' , - L:' . . .., , , , . ........,......._.„ r \\,,__,,,....7 ii ••••\''':‘,.. " : - --- :-.1, ----;'X . : , ' ,7., _, ,,`\'-x,x,q‘\4((ti\L\ik‘iwL1($ ., /‘\,, LL-v,_,, ,_,,,_.- - oil , . eet ��`,� � \ii i' ;-7(/(. (1_ DRAFT 't:." --: ' # t, e: ,., . _ i .,,,,,...-.:,-, , ,„ c -' . "r �\� I:(C '' .I' REFERENCE /� ! _ 1 1 + \ 1 ;\ .\. - 1 � � 1.COORDINATE SYSTEM.NAD83 SPATE PLANE COLORADO CENTRAL(US 11 ,,1. FEET)- /8/~`\ , $ 'I\ ����( ' &4CKGO.CREDIT RITIMAGE 7.5 MIL GEOGRAPHIC.GRAS70PORI,DEORMC NANGLE ,� ($v I / I UNECOPP-P.CMCRIGHT USGS 2013 NATIONALASAA.M .NRCPHIC N,S GEBY,,NO EDE NAViC-0. UNEPy�MC USGS NASA ESA MET!.NRCAN GEBCO,NOAA,IPO 1[.1>' H T 9N a' 7 T F I. / Y /( '�- o �- PITKIN COUNTY,COLORADO \ \ I ` COUNTY COUY OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS i,. ,Q �,- J ��. �. ECOLOGICAL SERVICES \ 11 \i _ NORTH STAR PRESERVE \ •• �.wv SITE LOCATION MAP lx PREPARED LOC Q � v 1 / \ \ Q_J. - n DES. IOC V pp vO a� RENEW M O' ` \ \\ •\ 4r, ` APPROVED JP Fro N C I � I . .,A F U R. E � \ �,�� ��� �� ��` a�1. iaaain:. q. DR� eli. r Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes lConditions oca , rm ir,.^1 4 _ ,s'` LEGEND 'III WIWI.x..N r '4� ed"hr D• 1'.J `--- _ .4t7i•,v. ,.�,. .»-., ..,. a SOIL SAMPLE LOCATION =rJ} 'tie S i `-0 GI NORTH STAR PRESERVE BOUNDARY i • r ;T —.-- STREAM r. d-' me -' W • •*',IT -...CP` 1 r •4; . "re "c r '."`OI x'+/ � f Jr 0 W Y • KEY MAF • fS l4 • , V N Denver 7 4r r r� a., _ S T A " � •?s ,' ,'_ r i. - f c1} COLORADO Sample i �ee,r, '� A . w N.' -l.. s,•., .7' . 5-_EP " . )- Feet 1.. .. _ .� 0 275 WO 1.1014 .- . . ...,., l A DRAFT Wolman � ,,'-•e;".• *- ti % _ _ a • Sample XS5 L •r =s- .' ""3+.. 0 .rT. +I Y' •• 1' y •� REFERENCE • •�ei1s__ . .. _ A4 }Ir �t}�1_�• .-I' '7• _ a 1.COORDINATE SYSTEM NADB3 STATE PLANE COLORADO CENTRAL(US f . � rr•�I. `_���. k r' b y Z AERIAL IMAGERY:ESRIBASEMAPS.BING MAPS.2013. `c w e_' Sample • I #A.et 47,1. 3.STREAM DATA NATIONAL HYDROLOGIC DATASET.USGS(MODIFIED BY i - ^ V,7 �r1 XS5 r '- GOLDER) E 1 ' .,-, i A .Sample CLIENT ( Woman XS7 .0PITKIN COUNTY.COLORADO 4 I ` Sample z r < R : T ., • PROJECT9•/ 7 • 4'.MI :;; PITKIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS g •I 1 ECOLOGICAL SERVICES X ' • 's. • .�1 it y n._= y r NORTH STAR PRESERVE y 1. j- 1•• _ �;/�`a1'�'i SOIL SAMPLE LOCATIONS Y_ Y CONWV,w' vrvY. /400 IDM�E3 } Zs • J ay PREPARED INC IND 1 Y 7! w�� { a/ee DEEPEN NE.pe ,n . .s o wENVEn . `e CWECT No 'Ding-'Ding- - - --. - W , 1400717 A 61 G9r Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes lConditions oca .. ... 1,,c.„„....__ . . , '1�''+r "4 '-c.. - � v1 ���" - - - ._—�.� AG ice► _ :.-ter' t a r ! —_ '�p� - / '�� t -/Y".: } �r-+:. s' -~ - -- '} Vk -2014 Google ��-.��� 1 -- e - Ni.; 1 �, - Image Landsat o -. .-' 282�� ;_ . _ A- Google earth v Guide 7999 \ _ k- eye alt 8739 1t e.rGolder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes 411111, _„ : . . • te44- 0: . _ Ecological Setting . . . . _ , • Transition from Hydric to Mesic habitat is taking place . . . • Controlled by historic ditching and other surface water management practices . • Wetland hydrology is dominated by hillslope hydrologic patterns and not fluvial h drologv.),, _,_ 1 ,, _ „ 1 , ,/- ‘,‘ --, , \ ,, . . , , ..:\:‘ , . .._...\_, . .. _, , . , ,N '4,- • • , / - i .. \i V / �a -�,' �t t•1 ' ,' ,' ' ��\ ;; 11 . i /' j 5. / /� GA ? a'jes Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Local Conditions Richmond Hill snobs, Snowmelt ++ ++ Smuggler Mountain Precipitation V Ground water Surface flow and shallow subsurface flow through Evaporationfrom Unconsolidated recharge fromdeposits of weathering, precipitation unconsolidated deposits vegetation and soils , mass wasting, and and snowmelt * ' glaciation. (Colluvium) Discharge at springs and seeps ApiAp, Depth from 0 to 50 feet and in river channel ` 4r- Modern Water Table i / smrnsa `i ♦ Roaring / ♦ For4c River ♦ 1,. \\ ; i . " ` Consolidated J 7 41.1111F ' bedrock ___ Alluvial / Bedrock Contact ♦ • Consolidated ` , " Unconsolidated valley fill bedrock — deposits of glacial outwash, Regional Groundwater flow lake sediments, and modern in consolidated bedrock stream deposits. (Alluvium) (mainly through fractures) Depth to 300 feet (Kolm and van der Heijde 2006) ®� Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Local Conditions Richmond Hill sno* Snowmelt lir♦♦ ♦ ♦ Smuggler Mountain Precipitation IF lifSurface flow and shallow Ground water subsurface flow through nconsolidated recharge from Evaporation lr m o its of weathering, unconsolidated deposits g, precipitation vegetation and soils mass wasting,and and Snowmelt *, glaciation.(Colluvium) Discharge at springs and seeps t* : Depth from 0 to 50 feet and in river channel Modern Water Table / \ \ Ra // / \ / Consolidated ....../ `.„ a bedrock / \ Alluvial/Bedrock Contact i Consolidated \ `— i —-- Unconsolidated valley fill bedrock deposits of glacial outwash, Regional Groundwater flow lake sediments,and modern in consolidated bedrock stream deposits.(Alluvium) (mainly through fractures) Depth to 300 feet (Kolm and van der Heijde 2006) ceZ The dominant influence on the wetland hydrology is the hillslope hydrology. Water enters the wetland from the adjacent hillslopes and regional groundwater, and is likely disconnected from the fluvial hydrology (which is decreased by the transmountain diversion) In this slide you can see the both the Alluvial bedrock contact and the modern water table that will be discussed in subsequent slides. 11 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Terminal Moraine J r ... { r•� ' 1•• •••/ r let —4Lk (.....) „ON i ,8055 ft 1� } 4.05 mi 0'.0°/n „ .0 .., /rl 4I, �. m• 1 � l � s ,r . � 1 At, • i;AO ' •� i� t a� r•.sl- - • ©2014 Google i 2635f1 Goole earth 1 - � _, _ ..- '1\11\, l M�;)f 1999% 1 . d , 1 _ • ._•? Imagery Date: 10/7/2012 13 S 344709.48 m E 4337784.21 m N elev 8045 ft eye alt 21375 ft 0 Graph Min,Avg,Max Elevation 7207,7751 8814 11 X Ranne Tnlals.flistanee-Id 1 rni 1=lev Gain/1 ass 124311-2827 11 Max SInoe-29.8%-27 R% Aver Ska,..3 5' -4 55. 51d 11 2500 NIIIIIIIIIp DOD It 750 f1 500II 7070 0 M. Tour Guide 2 5 r,i d 05 rni 5 rni 7 5 rni Ia nn 17 5 n, 14 I nS r Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Terminal Moraine Terminal Moraine Deposit 1250ft Modern Water Table 8055 ft 1104 ft _ + ~----- 750f1 I Alluvial / Bedrock Contact tr n ei.rt Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Terminal Moraine r1-7\"\ , T^i '/\AT'l....... IN ---- ,77.--\\ , ‘ J rv.... --\\ //),,,\''-‘__;j•i .--1/ \\ \ \ icy / J - e±��'; _.* c S/,/ Lateral / f / / �. - \ v - ,��� �/ moraine / - / / / . ' . : ' \ <. J 7 r r am. �i / ,\ _,_,�___�, ,. i , / , , Recessional • �/ -_� -. • 4_ . • , h • , moraine ' f `•.� � ' _ Ground moraine . // 7 r ^ ..ice_ _ �-'- r �� �N---,. •„ Terminal moraine (http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/geologic_story_ofyousemite/final_evolution.html) ®� Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Terminal Moraine j T Terminal Moraine Deposit Modern Water Table 8055 tt --- -- ....... Alluvial / Bedrock Contact & Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Regional n ii n Codtos Mass Continuity -- , AZ Input Output Z ®� Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Regional n ii n Codtos y. .___ f- _ Erosion ___. - N. Long --_____ _____---- Sediment transfer term storage Upland I Upland 1 Floodplain 1 Large valley valley river Erosion Erosion/ deposition Deposition (aggradation/degradation) (Church 2002) �~iGolder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ModernHydrology 2000 1800 A 1600 — 1400 — — 1200 iiiiV-141-1 u d ;3 1000 Mean es x Max. C 800 ---JP16\s "'"\4\411441 #"'"••• •••• _ , -- -Min 600 400 200 - - 0 • 1/1 1/31 3/1 3/31 4/30 5/,O 6/29 7/29 8/28 9/27 10/27 11/26 12/26 Day of the year ®�' Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Modern a' T k R 9 T JJ to H droIo =/ = /' IT >J4 s ""41.. _� .,. . ._ Rkj� �'i 't ,} " CZHO49,grR.FL.Totl rNi '. \ to Ti� . *'" miring Fork above -::.! _ O �:- _ A Tunnrl a: N e __ t6d a _ :— / - 9.711SY.Mi. ome... wit. I- Roaring Fork& . .. >I i of R. Rta1 o...or N I.xw Moo Its pass _ D K 115 I `. Rated Section across oat W..Gana e:. % ma mas t1 nine:. . . - [west.from Last flan ' I. . Section,. an L '" . N CIR.I rMn Awn o:2 Connection %P' Lost ctn and Ro„nv folk o E -_.. 4?�y!- I F s tao..< - • C`• Rated Section in Rip G J meo....eor ck Mew'. • Linad u �1 Q IrrosR.mgrew — .,. o n „ 1 _ , r , a t , (onn.:tin . kt.r of flow al Canal t lams Rwva..Wm. 25 Sq.Mi. • , - C oia..et lrro n R «eyr•.z. R _ N" - ._ 3 J 0 M H y Tabor to .A� I K N G Grizz) L ,, Q ro Li 2 Sy.kW N Lincoln ere.RYpa. ; „• M,1 Nee York 111.7% . - N. o"`"'""` Gulch Tabor Rat.see an at in Mies \ Dn SYM lane Readnre.a e .1?2 Sy.Mi. - Gulch nnnrzclowwascansmt.a..no. O ClJ Gulch 311.9 l.02 Sy.Mi. tip 3.11"Sq.�1i. . �.,...,... \1 1Rr,% Rated Section In nw CO I.s.My,crack..New York Collection le,a +�- I`J aTtn Reactor.w i E n ` _.Lincoln k•cli e=cludinp. _ Ppiiii sA . _ • NY Systmn and wee:, --�' 0 Cnonallols Canal .•, Y l i.t6 Sq.Mi tr Ctigi 0 i 5„5„,or Darin • 4- -- CUD R.n.. C . _ - R o 0_ 1 4-, Independence Pass Transmountain Diversion System- 'a ' Golder Cif an.a. CAssociates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ModernHydrology 2000 - 1800 - 1600 1400 / w 1200 - d Z° 1000 P - - s 800 600 400 200 ! 71�11 1�1,1 II11011 11 FIR0 w I U I 10/1/1964 3/24/1970 9/14/1975 3/6/1981 8/27/1986 2/17/1992 8/9/1997 1/30/2003 7/22/2008 1/12/2014 Date Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ModernHydrology 2000 - • 1800 - 1600 . 1 1400 1200 S ♦ • ♦ ♦ a 1000 2 - 8 00 ♦ ♦. g ♦ ♦ ♦♦ 600 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ • 400 ♦ 40♦ 200 • ♦♦ 4 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Year o Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ModernHydrology 3000 A A 2000 U V d A Gumbel:Whole Data Set L • Gumbel:Outliers Excluded 1111111#111111"1"1111 Log.(Gumbel:Outliers Excluded) 1000 0 1.0 10.0 100.0 Recurrence Interval(Years) Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Channel 2.5 I I 2 1 1 1 1.5 t1 t Smith Property 0 1 1 North Star Preserve in 1 I I ----Transmountain Diversions 1 1 1 0.5 - I I ----James H. Smith Ownership I I I I 0 - 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 Year ( Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Changes toChannel ,.... _ . . . _ _ . _ .6,- L.*Si—)10\ ___ __, --__ -- , ,,__aiti-, 'IP- . . 0 0 a _ : Ihisiu" . ,- NN\ ., 41[11 ' \ ., I , \ t t 1 = C - 14- =____. -1__ c. V _ \ 4 ..1 h 1 .---7--- )ky 5,:1" , .:..,...0-I s„,• 1 � ` ?L 1951 4 • 11. 1958 ; 1 1, 3, 'f4 it-i t 1. k Fi ' e h. cyp it . - ''t 1 ,• fop • :. " . , , - -Ige,, , k , . • , ...6. ,I -„, .. 1983l. �.. (Photorevised) 1999 T 2011 k. -jainidik- t s - �-' (modified from Miller Ecological Consultants, 2011) '~"Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ChannelPlanform CHANNEL TYPE Suspended Lood Mixed Load Bed Lood _ 3 3 ---► co J ci I = 0 Q 0 0 t cn Z Post Glacier cr o >- t Hc 3 o P ♦ A Incision into moraine dam `�' o `�� I m x o- Q �, Increase in Q d J 2 c ILI Gradient N i W Q I 3k `. Z W L �� W w ,._ Z M Present Day y > E c 4 3 -� Transcontinental Q to- 0 U 4 A,- Diversion (1937) w co • �� Cr 0 c U Legend I w G + �-- Channel Boundary - . N p = L --4 Flow - -©`;©�'^-'' 0 a0. c Cr = z 0, Bors --->- --- -- J o CO .c > F- Q HIGH s— RELATIVE STABILITY - 1111. LOW ( 3%>) Low'— Bed Load/Total Lood Ratio —.High ( >I I% ) Small 4-- Sediment Size —+ Large Small 4I--- Sediment Lood —ew Large Low Flow Velocity —► High Low •--- Stream Power --► '+,gh NA. (Schumm 1981) i rGolder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ‘ti'plAr. '' 1990 ` < '': Infrared s o. 7' • - _' ,: .Aerial Fi -. • ;= : Photograph .r o •1 • 1,t I 4. \•4 , Flow y; •••i .r±j � )� This is an infrared aerial photograph of the North Star preserve taken in 1990. This image provide significant insight into the history of the physical processes that have taken place on this site, but before we go into the observations that can be made from this image, let point out some of the primary features. • Flow is toward the top. • The Hwy 82 on the right in blue • The river in black adjacent to it • The infilled oxbows in red • The surface water present on the floodplain. Conclusions that can be drawn from this image • The downstream control of the moraine • See how the surface channels converge at the dowsntream end of the site and • A change in channel morphology between the past and the present. • See how the infilled oxbow lakes indicate a more sinuous channel, relative to the channel that while still sinuous, the wave forms of the meanders are of lower amplitude and potentially longer wave length. 26 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Restoration Alternatives • Groundwater stabilization — Modify controls to ensure continued wetland habitat. — Off channel beaver habitat enhancement — Adjacent land use • Habitat protection — Localized biostabilization to protect specific habitat — Need for careful consideration of changes to existing in stream stabilization elements • Moraine incision monitoring — Set up a long term monitoring program that assess the stability of the moraine. • Stream Restoration — Existing In-Stream Structures — Continuity and Connectivity VAootlaertes Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Risks : Lower in the local groundwater table _____________________ y 755 t: ........ -..... Vitootlieartes Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Hydraulics : Surface Water and Groundwater Richmond Hill sno4, Snowmelt +iv ++ Smuggler Mountain ~' Precipitation iliz.., Ground water . ,:\ Surface flow and shallow sr" recharge from � subsurface flow through Evaporation from Unconsolidated g unconsolidated deposits deposits of weathering, precipitation .,, vegetation and soils mass wasting, and and snowmelt * / glaciation. (Colluvium) Discharge at springs and seeps l� , Depth from 0 to 50 feet 1 , • and in river channel Modern Water Table ` -* 1`�Vrud Star l neado,. - 11 , / 2-(÷ \ i i\ �• �� Roaring ` � "11 ♦ Fork River • Consolidated ��� ` bedrock , �' • 00 Consolidated AlluiaJ_/ Bedrock Contact ` — Unconsolidated valley fill bedrock " deposits of glacial outwash, Regional Groundwater flow lake sediments, and modern in consolidated bedrock stream deposits. (Alluvium) (mainly through fractures) Depth to 300 feet View Downstream (Kolm and van der Heijde 2006 - Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ,. _ , .. a. _ NiNoi 1.;6;0-, ere" -.. wig-- k .%.,* T-." _ - . -I ' ) 444,T firii , ' •11 . .4 . 1. y A!► `i , ,X, 1 , .40. ,,,, . . . le 1111k. - 4Headgate2 4Headgate3 ,, ` \ jH eadg ate l •. s 1 •Ps' / ' t i .) . ,' 1 . . f ''ter �, • s tit. -I • • a --. immuiwr--00-0 at © 2014 Google 544 ft t*.• •z . IT • at, �` ♦ Imagery Date: 10/7/2012 13 S 3442:� Gold ates r Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes k .t. T_Nry , _.-, . 1 2 ,) 444ir firii , '.•11 . .-,-7 r - , .. 4. _ *1,i l'h4toir, . - 7 ', 4. -41 . , 711116°P4461._ _At X, S *., .4 .44" ,,,, . i - _ , 1k ft!: • %IL: . , r, ' .1 le - r peradgate2 I ♦ '" 4Headgate3 ',, ,� . 'I?-: k r 4 41Headgatel . f ''ter• ' t i ---a..- jerripr s . • tit. 11— a a --. immuiwr--00-0 at © 2014 Google 544 ft t"5 'Z ` 1)6-7--•-.4 - • 't • !ti �` ♦ Imagery Date: 10/7/2012 13 S 3442i V A Ger oldssociates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes - ..�.. ,„, m, : a,,-yy-,,��c ,Y''-=�.7 "'U.r, ;.a`i-Y • gig.* • :i'' .1' 4 ' Iii . fc. ,.gam " q� .4 r,r. 'Sf `#4 i i i4 ^. ' s .7'4, '4se ' "•P.` -d'1 � s .-.IN S'`�' ;' �' +j',i l` 1 ,/ - }s '-� � 1 a .M,��"�: + 1.�} ;��• p rt'�'k ' JAR i k t��',4_ -���` Potential for Y .1 Y.� }. ±; . . Beaver , � . , ,_, ,� � ; _ ,e 'ej 7 t a 7�c dt 41 !s d f ' ' ' W (../ - Tit Habitat • A, , ` N^i .� ter i. ',-„._- e , f� J �?' a , li }fir / / ¢*,),,.\s , �^ l Restoration ., , 1 v / ' o �� : � .. s tR-� •.j '' t. - ry_' r_. �I ,.yn 11A -' A -: `- c -ice' .,: ''/ -} ,,,`' ,� -- 0. \'' • tsa _ =sue `/ x, �'1� • ,.__--. tt„.„,-, ,....- _.... - sdtalp &Golder �� �: i ��r � a \_�. `�`j \_`ssociates Y F .:' j ►'. �• % _ .. Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes • r Positbiona -0 :9. 16566 / -106.79299 „' t.- ' itude: 8193ft j j , ,oir - >'�. -elm ,;,4 . .,, - •'�,_ .' Azimuth/Bearing: 038 N38E O676mi1s (True) : ,-, '. - _,• t -„ i .4,1 Elevation Angle: -07.5 -'`',',.. Horizon Angle: -01 .0 4'14} A,-" 1. . .,,u,- Zoom: 1X is, fi !` • ' ..I� V- ( a'1f ' �'•~ •. .' 'VON IiiileNtie ‘,. c . it.• . ,, C . : iji Gil*"0 c .. . • , - 4,, • ..._ • el- . - Ilgt s Ott �� • •.: { ' d ;'11441110§•!' • ..' ir _ I V • .r moo. - „. -tta..� Habitat Protection throug - ........ .,...... ....„.„. .....„....._ ,..... .„-Q,-,„,„:......._ ,. , • • . „,...,____, ,...,.......... Bio-Stabil ization of the bank * \ __ • : Golder `- .„ . ,ZS.- _�i. �r_. `�' Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes In -Stream Structures ., ,„ . , M • x74►/.. . • •• t j1i . • i��` rr. K I r lir ~�- am: ! 41441.-' • ' 4 rd•/ �:1 i �•.� i .� fir• 'K ` Y, Vi 1 e M r� , i , '1 r ~ itA...4..••l,it*. ;: . i;`'.1.- - P A',:POr C •1. , - .� _ - , ' - irk. "+- P.T1 ff - - '_ _ . -- y • ; . 1. .--Vt.11* 1. . 1 •` 1, y�-rc /> • 'Associates Exhibit B. 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Ix,` • s. le *T ''' f%'.. :21141q. 3't :F ., , . �' eF� L is tr \-i, ; '�.fit. t . „ , `1„4Structure 6 'l jStructure 5 I •',''` `SO l .� •1144 jStructure 4 �� ' •, . .. . 'ff 4 _iff--...- :--:-.---ier` -t.__,, si ,,, • jStructure 3 -a '. �.._ _ - ' jStructure 2�.. s. 'A -y � • -„€.- -' ✓ 1 `_-- • • _ ,-" _' trjStructure1`` 1 1 ram. _ ©2014 Google • t ,i, \ . . .4 1106 ft o 1` earth Tour Guide '11999 1 -i- i._a..r.. Imagery Date: 10/7/2012 13 S 345041.22 m E 4337442.21 m N elev 8027 ft eye alt 13677 ft irok.AL (A Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes yti • (Structure 3 • ©2014Gooe- ' 113(l Google earth I � I Trmr sdda lb 1999 Tmanoni llAta• 1fl/7/7M 7 1"2 C"144RO1 711 m F 4"22.7S111 11 m N PIP\i Rf177 ft PVP Alt RS7f1 ft t Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Moraine Monitoring , )—l '/\AT'l........ • /./ .1/4\-.-:„..,; 4-4‘‘h .i. „,..,77,\N\ .-'-',/ ‘ \ • --......... //11C1:0\17)1>/tV/a . ( ., icy / J e±��'; _.* c S/�/ Lateral / �: - \�\� - ,��� �/ moraine , - / i \//7.-,-.., -/- N <. _J r r am. �1� J / I/ ' N.-----,.----/..„/ ,\ ___�, ,. i , / , , Recessional / -_� .: .'"' •• ,•h , , moraine f `ems � ' _ Ground moraine . / • � 7 `. r ^�` . _ _ �-- ^� \� Terminal moraine (http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/geologic_story_ofyousemite/final_evolution.html) ®� Golder Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Reasons why we are not proposing restoration of fluvial continuity and connectivity. • The hillslope hydrology is the controlling variable in the modern observable ecological shift, not fluvial hydrology. • Hydrologic continuity already exists . • Reestablishing hydraulic connectivity would require substantial disruption to the existing ecosystem . Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Questions ? Associates Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Potential causes of the hydric to mesic ecological shift • Change in fluvial morphology — Occurred prior to 1893 . • The Transmountain Diversion — Occurred in 1937. • Agricultural land use — Occurred as recently as the mid 198Os. Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes Channel Planform 2.5 — • 1 I 2 1 I 1 1 1 1.5 Smith Prope e 1 --II—North Star Pr 1 ----Transmounta 0.5 — /- ----JamesH.Sm'l o - The Past 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 Year This graph presents the sinuosity of the two points in the channel through time. Sinuosity is the ratio between the length of the thalweg of the channel and a straight line that along the valley axis. 41 Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes ChannelPlanform • I ‘.111 MI 1. — 7111 0.01.= i = - Braided gravel bed E - Wandering gravel ` channels only E \ channels and Wandering I _ \ braided sand- and braided } : bed channels gravel bed �� channels. tu 11411 111 braided chsand-bed annels 0.001-_� -1— Meandering and ; low sinuosity \ �p i i sand-bed ! I �p� t �OWer �j channels i ' 9wd ii,) , Sa11 n '�'t of brai` ��ie ''fpf _ sand-bed channels hd-� %: Meandering sand- „i i hS, O' O.0001-_ bed channels onlyMINIIIIIN :— 7 i i i i i'iiif i 1 i i , i , il! i i , i i hill i I i i i iiITT_I 1 i i i iiil 1.0 10 100 1000 10 000 100 000 Discharge (m3 s-1) Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB & HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes < Wavelength > A ` �-'1z"•..� Circular Arc AN Departure Point / Arc Angle / ♦ Lower �X� Curvature }' / ; I \ Section E / Radius of Q / Curvature • a / • m / i / X / Inflection �X / Point ♦ / • V V Exhibit B: 10/23/14 OSTB&HRSB Joint Meeting Minutes