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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019.09.10 OSTB BOCC Joint Regular Minutes_S MINUTES OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD REGULAR SESSION September 10, 2019 Roaring Fork Meeting Room, 530 E Main St. Aspen CO, 81611 OSTB Present: Graeme Means Howie Mallory Amy Barrow Michael Kinsley Wayne Ives Dist. 1 Dist. 2, Chair Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 5 Staff Present: Gary Tennenbaum, Kim Arensdorf, Lindsey Utter, Jessie Young, Paul Holsinger, Dale Will, Richard Neiley BOCC Present: Amy Barrow called the meeting to order at 8:38 a.m. PUBLIC COMMENT No public comment APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Wayne Ives moved for the OSTB to approve as amended the 08/15/19 regular and executive session minutes. Michael Kinsley seconded. Motion passed(4-0). Wildin Interim Management Plan Gary Tennenbaum discussed the recent acquisition of the Wildin parcel. OST staff recommends the OSTB make a motion to approve an interim management plan that will close the Wildin parcel to public access, except for County-sponsored events, Tennenbaum said. He stated that an existing action item is to get the current tenants under a month to month lease with Pitkin County. The County will provide the tenant in the apartment unit with the garage approximately five months to vacate. The space could then be utilized as a rental unit for a full time OST ranger, which will significantly enhance OST patrol along the Crystal Valley, Tennenbaum said. He noted that the unit will also provide a good dropdown wifi spot for staff, and the garage will allow OST maintenance crew to store equipment. Howie Mallory and Richard Neiley entered at 8:45 a.m. Graeme Means asked about the current land conditions within the parcel. Tennenbaum explained that there are some exterior outposts from the current tenants, which OST staff will clean out. He noted that weed mitigation is not currently an issue and housing maintenance is undetermined at this time. 09/10/2019 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes Page 1 of 5 Means requested information regarding fishing access within the parcel. Tennenbaum explained that fishing along the river can be accessed from the lot itself, however OST needs to create a management plan before public access is allowed. Wayne Ives ask about the timing of the Wildin Bridge abutment repairs and the Grange Loadout Open Space planning. Gary Tennenbaum stated that the bridge abutments repairs will take place next year. Lindsey Utter stated that Grange Loadout has been pushed to 2021 to allow time to analyze the Wildin parcel, which will help with the planning process. Wayne Ives moves to approve the Wildin Interim Management Plan. Graeme Means seconded. Motioned passed(5-0). BOARD AND STAFF COMMENTS Tennenbaum requested potential topic items for the OSTB retreat. He mentioned discussing the County Land Use Code with regards to the GMQS and TDR process for OST referrals. Additionally, that the OSTB evaluate sets policies and values associated with GMQS donations/offers, and discuss the future of the Land Use process, Tennenbaum said. Mallory requested that staff provide reference points for referral applications, and noted that the OSTB establish set guidelines from what is learned at the retreat. Additionally, he requested a potential topic discussion regarding the impacts of overcrowding due to an influx of recreation, how to manage and the position OST maintains. Tennenbaum noted that OST can learn and adapt from other land management programs currently handling recreation impacts. Michael Kinsley referenced The Guarding article "Americans' love of hiking has driven elk to the brink." in regards to addressing public outreach and education to address scientific findings versus public perceptions of recreation impacts. Tennenbaum stated that many recreation programs are adding human dimensions, he referenced the recent announcement that class I ebikes will now be allowed on BLM trails. The key is to educate the public on wildlife impacts, Tennenbaum said. Tennenbaum noted that the OST monthly updates going forward will include the application status of GMQS referrals after OSTB provides recommendations to the BOCC. Dale Will mentioned bringing in experts for the two proposed topics in order to get a better understanding. The OSTB discussed holding the retreat in early January. Tennenbaum stated that there will be an OSTB meeting October 17 to discuss the Sunfire Ranch Master Plan, and provide the OSTB's recommendations. The OSTB and staff discussed scheduling a site visit to Sunfire Ranch before the meeting. Mallory requested that the OSTB schedule meetings with staff to discuss the 2020 OST budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION The OSTB entered executive session at 9:25 a.m. in accordance with(CRS 24-6-402(4)(a)), (CRS 24-6-402 (4)(e)) and(CRS 24-6-402 (4)(b)) for the purpose of acquisitions, negotiations and attorney consultation. The OSTB adjourned the executive session at 10:00 a.m. 09/10/2019 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes Page 2 of 5 EXECUTIVE SESSION II The BOCC entered in executive session with the OSTB in accordance with CRS 24-6-402(4) (a)(b) and(e) for the purpose of discussing acquisitions, attorney consultation and negotiations at 10:00 a.m. The joint executive session adjourned at 11:45 a.m. JOINT OSTB—BOCC WORK SESSION Commissioners Meeting Room; 530 E. Main St.,Aspen OSTB Trustees Present: Howie Mallory(Chair), Amy Barrow, Graeme Means, Wayne Ives, Michael Kinsley BOCC Present: Greg Poschman (Chair), George Newman, Patti Clapper, Steve Child, Kelly McNicholas Kury Staff Present: Gary Tennenbaum, Kim Arensdorf, Lindsey Utter, Jessie Young, Paul Holsinger, Dale Will, Janet Urquhart, Liza Mitchell, Richard Neiley, Jon Peacock Others Present: Suzanne Stephens Media Present: Grassroots Community Television Greg Poschman called the joint work session to order at 12:03 p.m. The entire joint work session meeting video is available from this link by selecting the meeting date: https://pitkincounty.ompnetwork.org/embed/sessions/114196/bocc-work-session-09-10- 2019 Aspen Valley Land Trust Conservation Plan Dale Will provided background for the AVLT Regional Conservation Plan, noting that OST has similar missions and also co-holds properties with AVLT. Will stated that both programs also have shared interest in the Watershed Biodiversity Initiative (WBI), which provides a way to look at conservation as a whole within the region, and help assist the acquisition program. Suzanne Stephens explained that the Plan began as a mapping exercise, and now has grown into a Regional Conservation Plan. She stated that the purpose of the Plan is to accelerate the pace and quality of conservation in the region by identifying conservation priorities and expanding partnerships, as well as providing support to pursue key opportunities. Stephens listed the steps to conservation planning, which include special data collection and geographic analysis. She provided a map that displayed deer and elk winter range overlay analysis, and agricultural lands overlay analysis,both of which reflect conservation areas of importance. Community 09/10/2019 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes Page 3 of 5 engagement was conducted, including public forums, focus groups, interviews, community survey, and direct outreach to under-represented groups, Stephens said. She stated that the next steps are to refine the maps, incorporate partner data, and strategic implementation. Will noted that the OSTB previously recommended to approve the $25k to contribute to the Conservation Plan. Kelly McNicholas Kury asked if the public would have access to the conservation maps created by AVLT. Stephens explained that the mapping will be used for an internal data base, and they will be available partners, however not for the public. Patty Clapper noted support of Pitkin County providing funding for the Plan and would like to see other counties within the region do the same. Stephens explained that Pitkin County support will assist with seeking funding from other counties. Will commented that Pitkin County OST will invest in outlaying counties in order to partner with conservation opportunities. Mallory commended AVLT's efforts for the Conservation Plan. He asked what AVLT's strategy is for buy-in insurance from other government entities. Stephens explained that it is important for Pitkin County to come out as a lead sponsor due to the OST program. AVLT still needs to figure out how other counties will support the program, noting that it is important to have the conversations. Will pointed out that the Plan is a science driven program, AVLT has brought the necessary data together to properly inform counties within the region. Means asked how outdoor recreation fits into the study. Stephens stated that recreation is an aspect of the study, specifically with identifying corridors and being thoughtful of where new trails should be avoided. The study provides a great overview to analyze, Stephens said. Amy Barrow commented on how the planning and mapping helps to see the overall conservation needs throughout the region, and fully supports the PC funding as it is a portion of the whole. Greg Poschman ask about the timeframe for the WBI study, and if there would be a potential future funding request from AVLT for the Plan. Stephens explained that there could be future funding request as the Plan develops. AVLT will integrate WBI's research, which will be conducted over the next two years, however AVLT is getting started on implementation as soon as possible, she said. Steve Child commented that another interesting overlay for the mapping could be energy facilities. Determining good locations for power lines and solar facilities could be valuable within the Plan, Child said. Stephens applauded the suggestion, noting that currently there is a human impacts overlay, however it would be great to talk with municipalities regarding energy facilities. Suzanne Stephens left at 12:50 p.m. 09/10/2019 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes Page 4 of 5 Grazing Allotment Budget Supplemental Tennenbaum explained that the National Wildlife Federation (NFW) has successfully negotiated a financial agreement with rancher Joe Sperry, who holds the permit to the Upper Crystal River grazing allotment, with the goal of eliminating contact between bighorns and Sperry's domestic sheep herd. This allotment is home to one of the highest priority herds of bighorn sheep in Colorado, Tennenbaum said. The bighorn herd has dwindled to below 40, caused by disease transmission from the domestic sheep. He explained that removing the interaction between the bighorn and domestic sheep is the most important step to improving the health of the bighorns. Tennenbaum noted that the NFW negotiated the agreement and is now seeking ways to fund the retirement of the Upper Crystal River grazing allotment. The final cost is still being negotiated, but an anonymous donor has committed $32,000, therefore staff is recommending matching this donation, he said. Other funding is being raised from Two Shoes Farm, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, Wild Sheep Foundation, and other individual donors, he said. Tennenbaum explained that this is the most significant grazing allotment retirement within the area to date. Means asked about the duration for the allotment. Tennenbaum clarified that the U.S. Forest Service will write a letter that this allotment will be retired and not re-issued. He explained that the allotment would need to go through another NEPA process, making it very difficult for another lease to be acquired. Ives explained that some grazing areas have been permanently retired. The Last NEPA process was done in 2008, in which changes were made to try and increase the separations between the bighorns and domestic sheep. Ives noted his support of the budget supplemental in order to reduce the conflict, and improve the bighorn resiliency. He commended Joe Sperry for his contribution. The BOCC noted their support for the budget supplemental. Howie Mallory motioned to recommend to the BOCC the approval of the grazing allotment budget supplemental. Graeme Means seconded. Motion passed(5-0). ADJOURN The OSTB and Joint OSTB-BOCC meetings of September 10, 2019 adjourned at 1:15 p.m. Approved: Attest: Howie Mallory, Chair Kimberly Arensdorf Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Board Pitkin County Open Space &Trails Administrative Specialist 09/10/2019 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes Page 5 of 5 Grazing Allotment Budget Supplemental Tennenbaum explained that the National Wildlife Federation (NFW)has successfully negotiated a financial agreement with rancher Joe Sperry, who holds the permit to the Upper Crystal River grazing allotment, with the goal of eliminating contact between bighorns and Sperry's domestic sheep herd. This allotment is home to one of the highest priority herds of bighorn sheep in Colorado, Tennenbaum said. The bighorn herd has dwindled to below 40, caused by disease transmission from the domestic sheep. He explained that removing the interaction between the bighorn and domestic sheep is the most important step to improving the health of the bighorns. Tennenbaum noted that the NFW negotiated the agreement and is now seeking ways to fund the retirement of the Upper Crystal River grazing allotment. The final cost is still being negotiated, but an anonymous donor has committed $32,000, therefore staff is recommending matching this donation, he said. Other funding is being raised from Two Shoes Farm, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, Wild Sheep Foundation, and other individual donors, he said. Tennenbaum explained that this is the most significant grazing allotment retirement within the area to date. Means asked about the duration for the allotment. Tennenbaum clarified that the U.S. Forest Service will write a letter that this allotment will be retired and not re-issued. He explained that the allotment would need to go through another NEPA process, making it very difficult for another lease to be acquired. Ives explained that some grazing areas have been permanently retired. The Last NEPA process was done in 2008, in which changes were made to try and increase the separations between the bighorns and domestic sheep. Ives noted his support of the budget supplemental in order to reduce the conflict, and improve the bighorn resiliency. He commended Joe Sperry for his contribution. The BOCC noted their support for the budget supplemental. Howie Mallory motioned to recommend to the BOCC the approval of the grazing allotment budget supplemental. Graeme Means seconded. Motion passed (5-0). ADJOURN The OSTB and Joint OSTB-BOCC meetings of September 10, 2019 adjourned at 1:15 p.m. Approved: Attest: Howie Mallory, Chair Kimberly Arensdorf Pitkin County Open Space& Trails Board Pitkin County Open Space & Trails Administrative Specialist 09/10/2019 OSTB and Joint BOCC Regular Session Minutes Page 5 of 5