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HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.ord.029.2020Management Plan in Color Attached North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan June 2020 (Adopted 6.24.2020) i NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN Table of Contents APPENDIX: A. List of Natural Resource Studies 98 B. Community Survey Results 99 C. Draft Plan Public Input and Partner Comment 99 D. Parking Area Concepts 100 1. INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 Foreword 4 1.2 History 6 1.3 Acquisition Background 12 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS 16 2.1 Properties and Easements 16 2.2 Existing Plans and Policies 18 2.3 Natural Resources and Biodiversity 22 2.4 Recreation 46 3. PLANNING PROCESS AND PUBLIC INPUT 60 3.1 Planning Process 60 3.2 Partner Comments 62 3.3 Public Comments 65 4. MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 70 4.1 Natural Resource Actions 70 4.2 Recreation Management Actions 79 4.3 Education and Outreach Management Actions 89 4.4 Partnership Management Actions 91 4.5 Commercial and Special-Use Actions 93 4.6 Maintenance Actions 95 4.7 Phasing and Budget Summary 97 Mission | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 2 PITKIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS BOARD OF TRUSTEES MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board of Trustees is to acquire, preserve, maintain and manage open space properties for multiple purposes including, but not limited to, recreational, wildlife, agricultural, scenic and access purposes; and to acquire, preserve, develop, maintain and manage trails for similar purposes. The Pitkin County Home Rule Charter provision authorizing the Open Space and Trails Program defines open space and trails as follows: “Open Space” shall be defined as primarily undeveloped lands and waters which meet one or more of the following criteria: Within public scenic view planes; bounding or within urbanized areas; incorporating or protecting significant wildlife habitat; preserving historic agricultural and ranching activities; protecting riparian or wetlands areas; protecting other public lands from the impacts of development, and preserving cultural, historic, and archaeological resources lying within properties which are otherwise acquired for their customary Open space characteristics. “Trails” shall be defined as access ways, either separate from or within County and State Road Rights-of-Way meeting one or more of the following criteria: preserving historic routes of ingress and egress to public lands and waterways; providing access to and from recreational or urban destinations; providing transportation or recreational opportunities throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails 530 East Main Street Aspen, CO 81611 The North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan is a product of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails with collaboration from City of Aspen Parks, Trails and Open Space; Colorado Department of Transportation; Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams; Aspen Valley Land Trust; Aspen Center for Environmental Studies; Roaring Fork Conservancy; and White River National Forest. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Mission 3 PITKIN COUNTY HOME RULE CHARTER AND 2011 PITKIN COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN The Pitkin County Strategic Plan identifies three core Focus Areas: “Flourishing Natural and Built Environment,” “Livable and Supportive Community” and “Prosperous Economy.” The goal is for the three Focus Areas to work together to achieve the county’s vision and mission. The North Star Management Plan fits with the Strategic Plan in various aspects: Flourishing Natural and Built Environment Success Factor 1: Conserved natural resources and environment Actions identified include: …preserving lands with significant, wildlife, recreational, and scenic values; controlling noxious weeds and restoring ecosystem functions, and monitor and protect water quality. Success Factor 2: Responsibly maintained and enhanced county assets Actions identified include: …maintaining county properties in an environmentally sensitive way and enhance safety by improving parking areas along Hwy. 82, using education and enforcement to encourage proper use and care of public lands and assets. Livable and Supportive Community Success Factor 4: Access to recreation, education, arts and culture Actions identified include protecting access to rivers as well as interpretive and educational opportunities. Community Vision Pitkin County will continue to be a healthy, safe, vibrant and sustainable community, enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits here, while conserving the natural environment as the basis for our community success. Organization Mission Pitkin County government provides valued and high quality public services supporting the health, safety and well-being of people and the natural environment. Pitkin County Organizational Values Pitkin County embraces the following values to promote public trust and confi dence in County Government. STEWARDSHIP We strive to leave our natural environment, community, public assets and organization in better condition than we found them for current and future generations. ETHICS We hold ourselves to high standards of honesty and dependability in the conduct of County business. EXCELLENCE We are committed to providing quality services that are accessible, accurate and innovative to meet our community’s needs. COLLABORATION We work together as employees and with citizens and other government, non-profi t and private sector organizations helping each other succeed in promoting and achieving the public’s goals. OPEN COMMUNICATION We are committed to listening to our citizens and partners and to giving accurate and timely information. POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT We appreciate dedicated and knowledgeable employees and support their professional and personal growth. Core Focus Areas & Success Factors The diagram below illustrates the relationship between the three Core Focus Areas in achieving the County’s mission and vision. CORE FOCUS Flourishing Natural & Built Environment SUCCESS FACTORS 1. Conserved natural resources and environment 2. Responsibly maintained and enhanced County assets 3. Ease of mobility via safe and effi cient transportation systems 4. Well planned and livable built environment CORE FOCUS Livable & Supportive Community SUCCESS FACTORS 1. A sense of personal and community safety 2. Diverse and livable housing options 3. Self-suffi cient individuals and families 4. Access to recreation, education, arts and culture 5. Improved community engagement and participation CORE FOCUS Prosperous Economy SUCCESS FACTORS 1. Sustainable economy and employment 2. Affordable and quality health care options 3. High performing County leaders, teams and employees 4. Responsible and accountable stewardship of County assets SAFE COMMUNITY VIBRANT & SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMUNITYHIGH QUALITY OF LIFE Community Vision Pitkin County Organizational Values Core Focus Areas & Success Factors The diagram below illustrates the relationship between the three Core Focus Areas in achieving the County’s mission and vision. PITKIN COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN Mission | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 4 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 FOREWORD North Star Nature Preserve is an important place, both ecologically and to the residents of the Roaring Fork Valley as a place to connect with and experience the natural environment. North Star is a nature preserve first and foremost. One can’t help but be thankful for the team of the individuals in the 1970s who saw North Star Ranch as an ecologically critical and significant parcel on the edge of Aspen that needed to be protected from development. The 245 acre parcel encompasses significant wetland and riparian communities and wildlife habitat, improves air and water quality, provides an amenity for passive recreation and visual enjoyment, serves as a living classroom, replenishes a deep underground aquifer, and provides flood abatement and river recharge. The importance of these resource values has become more and more important over the years, with additional development on the neighboring lands, increasing visitation and population growth, and changing climate conditions. The continuing goal of this plan, carried forward from the 2000 and 2015 management plans, is to protect and restore the ecosystem processes that support biological diversity within the Preserve. Many of the attributes that made North Star such an important place to protect are also what make it a popular destination for locals and visitors. While the acquisition language acknowledged the property’s value as both open space and for limited recreational uses, its increase in popularity over time requires increased management focus to support the original conservation values. Science- based decision-making is used to guide the management of North Star to ensure that recreation is not negatively impacting the natural resources of the property. Partnerships with land managers and private property owners have been and will continue to be critical in working toward a seamless system, as the term “North Star” often encompasses a much greater area than the assets that Pitkin County owns. The natural resource studies and monitoring show that the adaptive management and partnerships are supporting a dynamic and healthy ecological community. This 2020 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan, like the 2015 management plan, addresses both the 70-plus-acre James H. Smith Open Space and the 175-acre North Star Nature Preserve, folding management of the adjacent properties into a single document that will be reviewed and updated every five years. “The intent of the acquisition, which is in keeping with The Nature Conservancy’s objective of preserving natural areas, was that North Star Ranch be managed as a natural area for scientific and educational purposes, while still encouraging and allowing some passive recreation.” (Excerpt from 1984 letter to the Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission from Sydney Macy of The Nature Conservancy) North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Mission 5 History | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 6 1.2 HISTORY North Star Nature Preserve, a flat bottomland bisected by the meandering Roaring Fork River and bounded by steep mountainsides, can trace its topographic history to glacial activity during the Pleistocene Epoch, which ended about 11,000 years ago.1 The Romance of the Roaring Fork: The resulting landscape, unique to the upper Roaring Fork Valley, provides significant wildlife habitat and has apparently been a source of enjoyment and recreation to the valley’s homesteaders since Aspen’s early days, when the calm stretch of the otherwise roaring river was dubbed “Stillwater.” It served as a tourist amenity and local playground. A steamboat plied the Stillwater section of the Roaring Fork briefly in the late 1800s, offering a novel bit of entertainment. “A party of six couples will go this evening to upper Stillwater to enjoy themselves on the steam yacht,” the Aspen Daily Times reported in the summer of 1898. Later, there were guest cabins at the lower end of the area, and the Stillwater Club offered live music and dancing. The latter received frequent mention in Aspen news and advertisements in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1924, the Pitkin County Chamber of Commerce advertised Stillwater as an attraction to Aspen travelers. Even more popular at the turn of the 19th century was ice skating on the frozen river at Stillwater. The Aspen Daily Chronicle reported hundreds of townsfolk congregating there for the skating. Holes were cut in the ice at various points on the river, allowing the water to come up and create a newly smooth surface after skaters roughed it up. “There is indeed romance in a skate up the Roaring Fork. The river is frozen now so that it is possible to go up as far as the mouth of Difficult Creek. This gives several miles of skating ground as the river winds and bends many times across the valley among the willows,” said a Daily Chronicle report at the time.2 The ice at Stillwater was also cut for refrigeration use in town. Reports of successful fishing outings at Stillwater also made the pages of Aspen’s newspapers, as did the harvesting of fish eggs from the ample trout population for use at a state fish hatchery in Glenwood Springs. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | History 7 Ice skating on the Roaring Fork River at North Star, then known as Stillwater, was a popular winter past-time at the turn of the 19th century. Aspen Historical Society photo History | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 8 “Two things immediately began to dominate our lives: water and work,” according to Morgan Smith.6 “The place was overgrown with willows, so we drained the land, cut down the willows, and opened up more pasture,” James Smith said in a 1975 interview with The Aspen Times.7 On the south side of the ranch, son Morgan Smith recalled attempting to drain swampland in order to grow hay.8 Morgan said his first job on the ranch was to drain a beaver pond in order to dry out the field above it. For this he was to be paid $1 a week.9 His sister, Sandy, said she labored alongside him.10 The duo dismantled the dam by day and the beavers rebuilt it by night, she said. The Smiths also battled, unsuccessfully, to drain a swamp in the northwest corner of the ranch. “We worked frantically to complete a ditch from it to the Roaring Fork, repeatedly getting our tractor stuck, fighting mosquitoes, cursing the thick, gooey mud,” Morgan said.11 Human Influences on the Landscape: Human alteration of the land that borders the meanders of North Star can be traced primarily to two events – ranching and, more significantly, the diversion of water that once flooded the meadows and wetlands on a regular basis. James Hopkins Smith Jr. had been a Navy pilot, friend of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh and an executive with Pan American World Airways when he came through Aspen with his family while on vacation in 1949. The family, including wife Diane and children Morgan, Sandy and Dinah, came to Aspen en route from Wyoming to their New York home.3 In Aspen, Smith was getting a haircut from Jim Moore, Aspen’s barber and sole real estate agent. “Theresa Barrailler came in and told Jim she wanted to sell the North Star Ranch…360 acres that her family had homesteaded,” Smith recalled.4 Smith said he’d like to see it. He bought the spread for $80 per acre and moved his family to North Star in 1950.5 Cows grazing at North Star in 1981. Aspen Historical Society; Cassatt Collection North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | History 9 James. H. Smith hays his North Star Ranch in the summer of 1950. Miggs Durrance photo/courtesy of Morgan Smith Circa 1900 prior to the land being cleared and cultivated for hay. Photo: Aspen Historical Society History | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 10 The ranch could have been a lot wetter than it was. It could have been under water. In the 1930s, Aspen boosters dreamed of a lakeside tourist resort to spur the town’s fortunes. An envisioned dam at the lower end of Stillwater, about two miles above Aspen, was to contain some 50,000 acre feet of water.12 More than a decade later, the Smiths discovered their newly purchased ranch had been surveyed for construction of a 28,000 acre-foot reservoir, according to Morgan Smith.13 Though a reservoir at North Star never materialized, the Independence Pass Trans-mountain Diversion System included construction of Grizzly Reservoir farther upstream on the Roaring Fork, along with the Twin Lakes Tunnel, which delivers water from the upper Roaring Fork and its tributaries to the east side of the Continental Divide. The diversions began in May 1935. In 1953, James Smith moved his family back East when the Eisenhower administration tabbed him to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air. Sandy Smith recalled returning to North Star Ranch for the summer months. After three years, the family returned to the ranch full-time, only to have Smith called away the following year on a different assignment, as a foreign aid administrator. Smith returned to the ranch in 1959, calling it home until its transfer to The Nature Conservancy. The family’s residence, which no longer stands, was situated just north of what is now North Star Nature Preserve. James Smith died in 1982. As a youngster on the ranch in the 1950s, Sandy Smith recalled occasional trespassers camping on the ranch, and leaving gates open that allowed cattle to escape. Other ranchers pastured cattle on North Star Ranch in the summer months. The Smith children and youngsters from town played on the river – swimming, floating and fishing, she said.14 The river through North Star continues to attract visitors who experience the property as they float or paddle down the placid stretch of water. “What we bought in 1949 and then conveyed to The Nature Conservancy in 1977 in a sale/donation was land,” says Morgan Smith. “Looking back, however, I realize that water was what made this such a unique experience for us and now for the Aspen community. In one form or another, it dominated our lives there and made for an extraordinary childhood.” 15 James H. Smith, who owned the North Star Ranch from 1949 - 1977, is pictured trimming back the willows. Maintaining a ranch on the wetlands was an tireless endeavor that involved draining the land and clearing natural vegetation. Mary Eshbaugh Hayes photo This historic aerial shows the human influence on the land, with roads crossing the Preserve and manipulation of the natural vegetation. This photo from 1974 is likely taken during high water just upstream of the Preserve, where the East of Aspen boardwalk is today. The road leading up Independence Pass on the right shows a horse-drawn wagon heading into town. Aspen Historical Society photo North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | History 11 Top: North Star Nature Preserve, 1985 Bottom: North Star visitors wander onto the property in 1985. The sign indicates the area is an “ecological sanctuary owned and operated by Pitkin County” and that it contains “critical elk and waterfowl habitat.” Aspen Historical Society photos History | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 12 1.3 ACQUISITION BACKGROUND In 1966, the Aspen Area General Plan was adopted. It allowed construction of up to 1,500 houses on North Star Ranch, plus some recreational and commercial development. North Star landowner James H. Smith rejected this magnitude of development and, in 1973, submitted an application for a 350-residence planned unit development.16 County commissioners balked at Smith’s proposal. Then-Commissioner Joe Edwards recalled Smith’s plan calling for condos where the eastern flank of Aspen Mountain descended to the valley floor on the ranch. Additional ski runs on that side of the resort were contemplated, as well, he said.17 “We were trying to stop the nuttiness that was going on,” Edwards recalled. “We were trying our damndest to slow everything down.”18 “It would have been a very different environment on the east end of town,” said Edwards, reflecting on what might have been.19 County commissioners denied the application in its initial form and, in 1974, a general county rezoning took place. North Star Ranch was rezoned to AF-1, reducing the development potential of the property to 36 units.20 The goal of the Agriculture-Forestry zoning was to reduce building potential in order to maintain the county’s rural atmosphere. This led to conversations between Mr. Smith and members of the Pitkin County Parks Association (PCPA) concerning the possibility of converting part of the ranch to open space. Negotiations with the PCPA and the Aspen- Pitkin Planning Department led to the selection and appraisal of a 175-acre parcel within the ranch. The Planning Department then took the lead in the acquisition process with the application for a 50/50 matching grant of $575,000 from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, administered through the Colorado Division of Parks and Recreation. The grant request described the desired land as critical to the survival of an elk herd of 200-plus animals. The property had “been consistently identified as the most valuable open space in the City of Aspen in terms of aesthetics and wildlife protection,” the application stated.21 The land was also identified for a trail and river-based recreation, including fishing, picnicking and kayak instruction.22 When it was learned that this money would not be available in 1977, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) stepped up to provide interim financing, covering the anticipated grant with the expectation that it would be repaid when grant funds materialized.23 The deal was framed as an open space purchase, with Smith retaining other portions of his 356-acre ranch, including 80 acres to the east, to be split into two home sites, about 66 acres around his ranch house and some 43 acres across the highway.24 On Nov. 30, 1977, a “gift-sale” was completed and TNC took title to 175 acres of North Star Ranch. Jon Mulford, TNC’s local representative, renegotiated the deal to include a gift valued at $275,000 from the Smith family, bringing the price to $875,000. In December 1978, Pitkin County took title from TNC. In the meantime, the commitment of Land and Water Conservation funds materialized, but the sum had shrunk to $75,000, leaving the county with a major funding burden, paid primarily through PILT monies (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) from the federal government.25 County officials at the time heralded the preservation of land at North Star as a catalyst for a city-county program that would use land acquisition rather than land-use regulations to accomplish the community’s conservation goals.26 Subsequent studies and plans led to a North Star Nature Preserve Resource Management Plan in 1989. Ecological monitoring of North Star was funded in large part by Pitkin County and the resulting data provided a strong ecological basis for the strategies put forward in a revised management plan, adopted in 2000, a year after the property was placed under management of the county’s Open Space and Trails program. In 2001, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and the City of Aspen jointly acquired the 70-plus acre James H. Smith North Star Open Space for $6.75 million, linking the 175-acre North Star Nature Preserve with a 65-acre parcel held by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Together, the properties once comprised the bulk of North Star Ranch, acquired by the Smith family in 1949. An interim management plan for the James H. Smith parcel was adopted in 2001. It was supplanted by the 2015 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan, which encompassed all of the North Star Ranch open space acquisitions. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | History 13 13. “Next Steps for the Roaring Fork,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Nov. 13, 2014. 14. Telephone interview, Sandy Smith, Jan 10, 2020. 15. “Next Steps for the Roaring Fork,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Nov. 13, 2014. 16. 2000 North Star Nature Preserve Resource Management Plan, Section 1, pp 2-3. 17. Telephone interview: Joe Edwards, March 5, 2020. 18. Ibid. 19. Ibid. 20, 2000 North Star Nature Preserve Resource Management Plan, Section 1, pp 2-3. 21. “City, county to explain grant request,” The Aspen Times, April 21, 1977, p. 21-B 22. Pitkin County Board of Commissioners minutes, Aug. 8, 1977 p. 7. 23.“City, Pitco study Smith land purchase,” The Aspen Times, April 14, 1977, p. 3-A. 24. Ibid. 25. 2000 North Star Nature Preserve Resource Management Plan, Section 1, pp 2-3. 26. “North Star-Conservancy deal closed,” The Aspen Times, Dec. 8, 1977, p. 3-B. Section Notes: 1. Geomorphic Assessment-North Star Nature Preserve, Golder Associates Inc., 2014. 2. Aspen Daily Chronicle, Jan. 17, 1891. 3. “Water and Work – Ranching life in post-war Aspen,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Oct. 19, 2005 4. The Story of Aspen, Jim Smith talks of planes and ranches,” Mary Eshbaugh Hayes, (Aspen Three Publishing, 1996), p. 123. 5. Ibid. 6. Water and Work – Ranching life in post-war Aspen,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Oct. 19, 2005. 7. The Story of Aspen, “Jim Smith talks of planes and ranches,” Mary Eshbaugh Hayes, (Aspen Three Publishing, 1996), p. 123. 8. “Next Steps for the Roaring Fork,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Nov. 13, 2014. 9. Water and Work – Ranching life in post-war Aspen,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Oct. 19, 2005. 10. Telephone interview, Sandy Smith, Jan 10, 2020. 11. Water and Work – Ranching life in post-war Aspen,” Morgan Smith, Aspen Times Weekly, Oct. 19, 2005. 12. “That big lake idea spread very rapidly,” Aspen Daily Times, March 7, 1935. QUICK FACTS NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE: Acquisition Date: 1978, Fee Simple Parcel Size: 175 acres Purchase Price: $1,030,000 paid to The Nature Conservancy (per Warranty Deed Reception No: 209942 Book 359 Page 077) Funding Partners: Pitkin County General Fund, The Nature Conservancy and Land and Water Conservation Fund ($75,000) Open Space Values: Scenic view plane, river frontage, riparian and wetland habitats, year-round recreational trails Trail Miles: 3 river access corridors (Beach Gate, South Gate, North Star Pedestrian Bridge) and 1.6 mile groomed Nordic loop with the easiest difficulty ranking. Easements: Aspen Valley Land Trust, Reception No. 472502 Water Rights: Yes Public Records: Warranty Deed - Reception No. 209942 JAMES H. SMITH PARCEL: Acquisition Date: 2001, Fee Simple Parcel Size: 70 acres Purchase Price: $6,745,000 (split between the City of Aspen and the County Open Space and Trails Fund) Funding Partner: City of Aspen Open Space Values: Agricultural use, wildlife habitat and open space Trail Miles: 0.57 natural surface trail miles (open to pedestrians and Nordic/snowshoe use) Easements: None Water Rights: Yes Public Records: Reception No. 459083; Ordinance #01-24 Introduction | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 14 Date Unknown “North Star Ranch” The Barrailler family set up the original homestead on 360 acres east of aspen called North Star Ranch. 1937 Upstream diversion Twin Lakes Tunnel diversions begin at Grizzly Reservoir, removing up to 40% of the headwaters from flowing downriver. 1949 James H. Smith acquires North Star Ranch. James Smith moved his family to the ranch in 1950. Late 1800s-1930s Stillwater - A local playground and tourist attraction 1898 - A steam yacht plied the Stillwater section of Roaring Fork River offering evening entertainment. Early 1900s - The “romance” of skating up the Roaring Fork to the mouth of Difficult Creek. 1920s - Stillwater advertised as a visitor attraction. The Stillwater Club offered music and dancing. 1950 - 1977 Cultivating the Land Smith moves his family to North Star and begins to cultivate the land as a pasture for livestock and haying. The ranch land was drained and cleared for hay production. 193 0 193 0 194 0 194 0 192 0 192 0 191 0 191 0 190 0 190 0 Cerca 1900 1920s 1950 1977 195 0 195 0 North Star Nature Preserve Timeline Photos: Aspen Historical Society, Miggs Durrance photo/courtesy of Morgan Smith, and Greg Poschman (kids with tubes at North Star). 1966 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Introduction 15 1966 - 1974 Development threatens North Star’s Future 1966 - Aspen Area General Plan zones North Star for up to 1,500 houses. 1973 – James H Smith submits application for 350 homes. 1974 – Pitkin County rezones, reduces development potential to 36 units. North Star Conserved 1977 - The Nature Conservancy acquires North Star. 1978 – The Nature Conservancy transfers title to Pitkin County, but the land is managed by ACES. Open Space and Trails Designation 1999 – North Star Nature Preserve designated as an OST property. 2020 Management Plan Update 1990 Open Space and Trails program approved by voters 2004 - 2000 NSNP Management Plan amended in Ordinance 035-2004 to clarify paraglider landing allowance. James H. Smith Parcel Purchased 2001 – James H. Smith parcel purchased jointly with the City of Aspen, adding 70+ acres to the Preserve. 2015 Management Plan Update Focused on natural resource studies to guide management and partnership with USFS to address Wildwood. Conservation Easement to AVLT 2002 North Star Conservation Easement was conveyed to AVLT which restricted human travel on the mountain side in perpetuity. 2000 Management Plan North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan (first time there were designated access corridors and human travel was restricted to the east of the river). First North Star Preserve Resource Management Plan in Place 1989 – ACES and Pitkin County partner to create long- term management objectives for the Preserve. 197 0 197 0 198 0 198 0 199 0 199 0 201 0 201 0 202 0 202 0 1985 2005 2015 2019 200 0 200 0 1985 Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 16 on the private parcel that crosses to the west side of Hwy. 82. Improvements and maintenance activities are allowed. (Reception No. 583731) 2.1.4 CDOT BOUNDARY AGREEMENT After the 2015 Management Plan was adopted, staff began to work with CDOT on parking lot improvement designs. At that time it became apparent that there were conflicts between the recorded deeds for North Star and the CDOT right-of-way and that Hwy. 82 was not fully constructed within the deeded CDOT ROW. Since that time, staff has been working with CDOT and AVLT on a new boundary agreement and corrections in the recorded documents. As of January 2020 all the parties have approved the boundary agreement and the recorded documents are in the process of being signed. 2.2 LAND USE CONTEXT North Star Nature Preserve's northern boundary marks the edge of the City of Aspen Urban Growth Boundary east of Aspen. The surrounding properties are zoned primarily Agricultural/Residential - 10- acre (AR-10) with an allowed residential floor area of 15,000 square feet. The Preserve subdivision to the north is zoned 2-acre Residential. The last two to three years have seen a substantial amount of both new and redeveloped properties, primarily on the east side of Hwy. 82. In addition to the residential development, there are neighboring conserved properties that are not a part of this management plan; however, they contribute to the conservation landscape of the area. North Star Nature Preserve is bound to the west by the White River National Forest, which includes the permit area for Aspen Mountain Ski Area. The Roaring Fork River running through the Preserve is under the State of Colorado's jurisdiction. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) purchased two properties south of the Preserve with the help of Aspen Valley Land Trust. The Nature Conservancy holds a conservation easement over the larger, 65- acre parcel to the west of the river and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails holds an easement on the smaller, 4.35-acre Rouch parcel to the east of the river (Reception No. 505401). 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS 2.1 PROPERTIES AND EASEMENTS 2.1.1 NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE Pitkin County acquired the original 175-acre tract in 1978. Located between Highway 82 and the eastern flank of Aspen Mountain, southeast of the City of Aspen, the property encompasses a stretch of the Roaring Fork River, as well as wetlands and significant wildlife habitat. The James H. Smith Open Space is located directly to the south. Easements and Encumbrances: North Star Nature Preserve / Aspen Valley Land Trust - On Sept. 3, 2002, Pitkin County granted a conservation easement over the 175-acre North Star Nature Preserve to Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT). The purpose of the easement is to preserve and protect, in perpetuity, the natural, ecological, wildlife habitat, scenic, open space, recreational and aesthetic features and values of the property. The easement also describes specific permitted and prohibited uses of the property, as well as the role of this management plan as it pertains to the North Star Nature Preserve. The agreement established that public use west of the Roaring Fork River is prohibited in perpetuity and no increase in recreational use above that allowed in the management plan will be allowed. As the Grantor of the conservation easement, Pitkin County retains ownership of the property and management responsibilities including an obligation to update the management plan every 5 years. (Reception No. 472502 and No. 472164) 2.1.2 JAMES H. SMITH OPEN SPACE Pitkin County and the City of Aspen jointly purchased the 70-acre James H. Smith Open Space in 2001. Located directly south of North Star Nature Preserve and north of a 65-acre parcel owned by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, it encompasses a stretch of the Roaring Fork River and a nesting area for great blue herons. (Reception No. 459083) 2.1.3 RECREATION EASEMENTS Spizzirri Trail and Parking - A parking and trail easement adjacent to the South Gate Parking pull-out was granted in 2011 to allow for the parking and trail North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 17 N O R T H S TAR D R MCF A R L A N E GULCH R D W ILDWO O DLN Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 0 0.1 0.2 Miles Parcel Boundary North Star Nature Preserve Recreation Easement Conservation Easement Open Space Closure Area U.S. Forest Service Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Structure Lake or Pond River NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE Pitkin County OST JAMES H. SMITH Pitkin County OST / City of Aspen Parks and Open Space Rouch OS ACES Property W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t EAST OF ASPEN TRAIL EASEMENTS SPIZZIRRI TRAIL AND PARKING EASEMENT (ASPEN VALLEY LAND TRUST CONSERVATION EASEMENT) The Preserve Subdivision (CONSERVATION EASEMENT HELD BY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY) ROUSH CONSERVATION EASEMENT HELD BY PITKIN COUNTY OST BENEDICT WINTER TRAIL EASEMENT (NOV - APRIL) NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE BRIDGE AND TRAIL EASEMENT EAST OF ASPEN TRAIL EASEMENT FOR ELEVATED BOARDWALK ACROSS WETLANDS 188 ACRES (77%) OF OST PROPERTY IS CLOSED TO PUBLIC ACCESS FOR THE PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE HABITAT 82 Map 1. North Star Nature Preserve Land Use and Conservation Context Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 18 2.2.2 - 2003 EAST OF ASPEN/INDEPENDENCE PASS MASTER PLAN The 2003 master plan is in the process of being updated in 2020. The 2003 plan acknowledges North Star Nature Preserve and James H. Smith Open Space. The master plan calls for maintenance and management of the North Star and James H. Smith parcels through the use of management plans. Action Item 7, within the East of Aspen/Independence Pass Master Plan, recommends the Open Space and Trails Board require that open space management plans be referred to and reviewed by planning-area residents to obtain their input as the plans are developed and updated. The management plans should address commercial use of publicly owned open space, and commercial use should be managed in a way that does not conflict with or curtail the enjoyment of the open space by other users. The master plan supports the efforts of a mosquito control district and acknowledges the 1985 Roaring Fork East Neighborhood Master Plan recommendation that environmentally sound methods of insect control be pursued. 2.2.3 - TITLE 12 OF THE PITKIN COUNTY CODE (LAST REVISED IN 2015) All properties and trails managed by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails are subject to the regulations set forth in Title 12 of the Pitkin County Code. Individual properties are subject to additional terms set forth in their respective management plans. 2.2.4 - OPEN SPACE BOARD POLICY: PROTECTION OF NATURAL BIODIVERSITY AND MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN USE (ADOPTED 2016): This Open Space Board policy requires that human uses on Open Space and Trails properties are managed in a manner that preserves and protects native biodiversity. The OST program seeks to rely on the best available science to guide management decisions, inform specialized habitat management needs, and identify opportunities to restore healthy, natural functions in degraded habitats. Spatial or temporal closures or other appropriate mitigation strategies are supported to protect sensitive habitats from recreational or agricultural impacts. 2.2 EXISTING PLANS AND POLICIES 2.2.1 - 2015 NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN The 2015 North Star Management Plan built on the 2000 plan, which set the basis for long-term management of North Star Nature Preserve. The 2015 plan wrapped the management of the two neighboring properties, the 70-acre James H. Smith Open Space and the 175-acre North Star Nature Preserve into a single plan. The plan carried forward the established goal of balancing protection of the natural ecosystems with the recreation and educational uses of the property. The plan acknowledged the Preserve as a valuable resource: as a wildlife sanctuary, a public amenity for quiet recreation, a visual resource along Hwy. 82, a contributor to clean air and water quality, a living classroom for environmental education, and as a contributor to underground aquifer preservation and, in wet years, flood abatement. Management actions in the 2015 plan sought to address some of the challenges resulting from the increased popularity of floating the river through North Star. These actions included “no trespassing” and “quiet zone” signage, additional rangers to patrol the Preserve and Forest Protection Officers at the Wildwood put-in; establishing monitoring protocol using motion-triggered cameras; ACES naturalist programming; safety enhancements at the pedestrian bridge takeout; ADA improvements along the East of Aspen Trail, and educational/interpretative signage improvements. Some management actions identified in the 2015 plan, such as improving the functionality of the parking areas are long-term, multi-jurisdictional efforts that are currently underway. See Figure 1: 2015-2019 Management Actions on page 20. The original North Star Resource Management Plan was drafted in 1989, with updates adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2000, 2004 and 2015. The 2001 James H. Smith North Star Open Space Interim Management Plan also preceded the 2015 plan, which combined the management of both properties. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 19 2.2.5 - 2014 PITKIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES The 2014 Signage Design Guidelines are an update to the Trail Design and Management Handbook. The update covers materials, graphics, types, templates, installation and maintenance for signs on Pitkin County Open Space and Trails properties. 2.2.6 - 2015 PITKIN COUNTY NORDIC TRAILS PLAN The Nordic Plan guides the vision and implementation of the Nordic system within Pitkin County. Among the varied experiences offered by the system, North Star Nature Preserve offers a “mellow, contemplative ski.” The Nordic Plan contemplates future areas and routes for Nordic skiing and prioritizes opportunities, considering equipment and staff needs as well as how an expansion fits into the goal of creating a seamless system. James H. Smith Open Space was identified for expansion of the Nordic trail system east of Aspen, however, further evaluation of this option since the Nordic Plan’s adoption has demonstrated an expansion in this area is infeasible because the trail would have to cross wetlands. The Nordic Plan also identifies the potential for Nordic skiing on the East of Aspen Trail between North Star and Difficult Campground, and recommends a larger parking area at North Star for this purpose, as well as improved trail connections. Improving the Benedict Trail-to- North Star route is also recommended. 2.2.7 - 2011 OTHER POWER DRIVEN MOBILITY DEVICES (OPDMD) MANAGEMENT PLAN The OPDMD Management Plan looks at trail conditions in the Pitkin County system and designates them as either open, closed or restricted for OPDMD use. The East of Aspen Trail is open to OPDMD use as well as use by Class 1 (pedal assist) e-bikes. The three established river access corridors and the James H. Smith loop trail are closed to OPDMD use. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan August 2015 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Existing and previous plans for North Star and the surrounding area provide the planning foundation for the current management. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 20 LOW FLOW RIVER CLOSURE A voluntary river closure (mandatory closure for commercial permitees) when flows drop below identified cfs, implemented in 2019. Questions? Call Open Space & Trails Ranger Office: 970.920.5399 VOLUNTARY RIVER CLOSURE River levels are too low to float safely. The river is "float through only" - walking on the river bottom or on shore may result in tickets for trespassing on private property. Watercrafts and inflatables may run aground or pop. Walking on the shore damages wildlife habitat. float like a nativeOr don't float! Water levels are currently below 45 cfs (cubic feet per second) It's better for the river and the animals that depend on it if you come back toenjoy the river another day! Visit PitkinOutside.com for other places to enjoy the great outdoors. EAST OF ASPEN ADA IMPROVEMENTS The East of Aspen Trail that runs along the eastern edge of the Preserve was improved to meet ADA standards wherever possible so that more people can enjoy the trail. MORE RANGER POWER Additional seasonal and full-time rangers were hired to patrol the North Star area, educating people about the rules and regulations and handing out tickets to repeat offenders. FEWER TUBES = LESS TRASH AND TRESPASSING Prior to 2015, many users floated the river on inflatable tubes. Tubes often popped or rear ends went numb, causing people to trespass on private property or closed areas of the Preserve and tubes often became litter. With education initiatives and the popularity of paddleboards there have been fewer issues related to poor flotation devices. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ACES and the Roaring Fork Conservancy lead educational tours including morning birding, evening river floats, and fall elk education programs to share the natural wonders of this special place with locals and visitors. NATURALISTS IN ACTION OST partnered with ACES on the Naturalist Program to educate visitors about the Preserve’s ecology and encourage responsible recreation. CLEARING THE WAY AT WILDWOOD OST sponsored a Forest Protection Officer to help patrol parking at the Wildwood put-in, where the overflowing parking area often blocked access to the preschool and private homes. Wildwood Put-in NO TRESPASSING SIGNAGE “No Trespassing” signage was installed along the banks of the river to encourage people to stay in their watercraft when passing through private property and the Preserve, where access is limited to designated corridors. Figure 1. Management Action highlights implemented between 2015 and 2019. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 21 QUIET ZONE A quite zone was established and signed for herons on James H. Smith Open Space and along the private property before entering the Preserve. FLOAT LIKE A NATIVE CAMPAIGN OST and ACES launched the “Float Like a Native” educational campaign and have been working with commercial operators to encourage responsible recreation and educate users about the Preserve. Check out www.northstaraspen.com! NATURE AT WORK OST has continued to monitor wildlife and vegetation on the Preserve, where unique and variable habitat is protected for the many species that call North Star home, including beavers, ducks, elk, bears, moose and many more. The west side of the river is closed to the public for the benefit of wildlife. 188 acres or 77% of the Preserve is reserved for wildlife only. SIGN INSTALLATION Wayfinding and regulatory signage was installed East of Aspen Trail and at trailheads to inform visitors about the rules/regulations of the area. Updated interpretive signs were placed at key locations including the wildlife viewing platform. STILLWATER BRIDGE TAKE-OUT ENHANCEMENTS The Stillwater Take-out underwent a makeover to stabilize the riverbank. 82 N Stillwater Take-out South Gate Put-in North Parking Lot Many Jurisdictions Work Together To Manage the North Star Area The North Star area is comprised of many land managers. The North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan encompasses the land that Pitkin County owns, however to have a seamless system, Open Space and Trails works closely with our partners in the area. • The White River National Forest manages the land at the Wildwood put-in. • Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages the wildlife in the area. • Colorado Department of Transportation manages Highway 82 and associated right-of-way. • The river also passes through a series of private properties with various landowners. Roaring Fork River Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 22 2.3 NATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY North Star Nature Preserve is managed primarily to support natural processes and ecological resilience. Any recreational activity is physically separated from the majority of the property by the Roaring Fork River, allowing for protection of ecological communities on the west side of the river while allowing recreation within specific access corridors on the east side and on the water. This management strategy prohibits human activity on 77% of the property (or 188 acres) for the benefit of wildlife, plants and a functioning ecosystem. Scientific monitoring studies conducted to date suggest this management approach is having a positive effect overall on the native flora and fauna. North Star Nature Preserve is a key part of the local landscape with its open valley floor at the edge of Aspen. With much of the valley floor downstream from the Preserve developed, this area serves as an important sanctuary within the broader landscape. North Star Nature Preserve hosts several distinct plant communities, provides abundant wildlife habitat and a migratory corridor, and offers a high degree of biodiversity protection. The mosaic of habitat types (interspersion) at North Star makes the cumulative ecological value of the property greater than the individual habitat types alone. Additionally, the area hosts wetland complexes that provide critical ecosystem services in the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River, including water storage, flood mitigation, water filtration and riparian habitat. Allowing the river to be dynamic within this area will help ensure North Star is a place where natural processes predominate. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 23 The Roaring Fork River meanders through North Star Nature Preserve, east of Aspen. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 24 soils more than 53 inches thick, which indicates that the fen at North Star is at least 6,000 years old.21 Maximum thickness of the peat must be determined to get a more accurate age of the fen. The southern portion of the James H. Smith Open Space, west of the river, also supports several rich organic soils (histic epipedon, about 8 inches thick, not the thick histosol soils that define a fen). Several drier soil types exist at the base of the mountains along the western edge of the property and are occupied by mixed conifer forests, Gambel oak and sagebrush shrublands. Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) operates and maintains two soil moisture monitoring stations on the Preserve as part of their iRON network that tracks soil moisture and precipitation across an elevational gradient in the Roaring Fork Valley. One is located in an aspen grove and the other is nearby in the transitional community closer to the wetlands. Soil moisture is monitored at 2-inch, 8-inch and 20-inch depths. Results show that both locations are most wet in late spring / early summer and dry out over the course of the summer. Long-term monitoring of these conditions will help track climate change impacts at the local scale and can be correlated with vegetation data that is also collected at these locations. 2.3.1 GEOMORPHOLOGY Geology and Soils North Star Nature Preserve is situated near the terminus of a wide, low-gradient valley, which was created by the retreating Roaring Fork Glacier at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch (about 11,000 years ago). The glacier’s terminal moraine deposits acted as a dam, behind which material accumulated to create a thick deposit – more than 300 feet deep – of glacial outwash, and lake and stream sediments.20 This created the present-day valley floor, across which the river migrates over time. Soil surveys indicate that much, but not all, of the area within North Star exhibits characteristics of wetland soils, which are defined by saturated, anaerobic conditions. Histosol soils – a peat-forming wetland soil type – were found in the northwest portion of the property and define the boundaries of the only fen at North Star. Super-saturated conditions and cool temperatures in this area create conditions in which the rate of plant growth exceeds the rate of decomposition, and peat forms as a result. Peat accumulates very slowly in this ecotype; fens are often referred to as “old-growth” wetlands. Soil pits dug in the middle of the fen in 2017 were limited by the height of the shovel, but revealed histosol Figure 2. North Star Transition Zone - Aspen Grove Comparison - 8-inch Depth Daily Average Soil Moisture (Average 2016-2019) North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 25 Map 2. Location of Soil Data Pits, Fen Assessment We t l a n d F e n A s s e s s m e n t & F l o r i s t i c I n v e n t o r y 2 0 1 8 ^_^_^_ ^_^_ ^_^_ ^_ ^_ ^_ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 21 10 North Star Nature Preserve James H Smith Open Space 2631216 2631873 2632529 2633185 2633841 2634497 2635153 14 8 6 8 3 4 14 8 6 8 3 4 14 8 7 4 9 0 14 8 7 4 9 0 14 8 8 1 4 6 14 8 8 1 4 6 14 8 8 8 0 2 14 8 8 8 0 2 14 8 9 4 5 8 14 8 9 4 5 8 14 9 0 1 1 4 14 9 0 1 1 4 14 9 0 7 7 1 14 9 0 7 7 1 14 9 1 4 2 7 14 9 1 4 2 7 U S H W Y 8 2 Figure 1. Location of Soil Data Pits North Star Nature Preserve Open Space Fen Assessment Pitkin County, Colorado BASE: 2014 PCOS Aerial Photography (6-inch resolution) GRID: UTM NAD83 Z13 Legend ^_Soil Sample Locations Open Space Boundary Preliminary Fen Boundary (Golder 2015) Ü 1:8,400Scale: 1 inch = 700 feet Date: January 2018 Fen Drainage Ditch Headgate Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Nature Preserve Open Space February 2018 – Wetland Fen Assessment & Floristic Inventory 9 Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 26 Channel Morphology and Bank Stability The Roaring Fork River currently travels about 4,900 linear feet through the Preserve. Aerial photographs and historic images show that the river formerly migrated over a larger portion of the valley floor, following a more sinuous, meandering path until roughly 1900. A notable straightening of the channel occurred in the 1900s, likely as a result of land-use changes, upstream water diversions, and natural geomorphological changes. In 1937, the Independence Pass Trans- mountain Diversion System (IPTDS) began diverting water out of the headwaters of the Roaring Fork River, sending it through a tunnel to Twin Lakes and the Front Range. This system continues to divert around 40,000 acre feet of water annually (with legal rights to divert up to 68,000 acre feet) out of the Roaring Fork, upstream of North Star. This diversion typically occurs between May and September22 and results in flow reduction in the Roaring Fork River, which has also contributed to the narrowing of the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Open Space | Roaring Fork River 16 North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report Figure 9. Georeferenced aerial photography from the last 70 years show a generally stable channel with zones of increased lateral channel migration in the James H. Smith parcel, and slow but steady regrowth of meanders in portions of the Preserve. Figure 3. Historical Aerial Image Comparison 1951-2017 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Open Space | Roaring Fork River 26 North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report Figure 24. Simulated changes in channel width associated sequential transitions: (A) from a natural landscape to hay pasture where grazing reduced riparian vegetation density and bank strength (mu), (B) following modification of peak flows by the IPTDS that reduced the erosive capacity of the stream, and (C) along a trajectory of recovery for riparian vegetation that leads to increasing bank strength and progressive channel narrowing. 3.2. Aquatic Community Structure North Star supports a variety of cold-water aquatic biota including fish and benthic macroinvertebrates as well as a diverse array of aquatic-dependent terrestrial wildlife. Benthic macroinvertebrates serve as a strong indicator of localized water quality conditions due to their relative immobility, the duration of their life cycles, and measurable sensitivities to a variety of disturbance and pollution types. Fisheries are an excellent condition of overall watershed health but serve as a weaker indicator of localized water quality conditions due to their high mobility and ability to easily migrate throughout a connected stream network, utilizing many miles of stream reach and a variety of habitat types throughout. Colorado’s mountain communities often place high intrinsic value on healthy fisheries that, in turn, depend on robust aquatic macroinvertebrate communities as a food source. 3.2.1. Macroinvertebrates Aquatic ecologists typically analyze a variety of macroinvertebrate community structure metrics to evaluate water quality or habitat-related stream health impairments. Colorado uses a multi-metric index (MMI) to assess aquatic life use standards for Clean Water Act reporting. The MMI is comprised of a selection of region-specific community metrics. Timberline Aquatics reported MMI scores and 11 additional metrics for North Star sampling in 2017 (Table 6). Timberline Aquatics also reported information on functional feeding guilds (Table 7). These groupings provide diagnostic information on community function and balance. Figure 4. Simulated changes in channel width associated sequential transitions: (A) from a natural landscape to hay pasture where grazing reduced riparian vegetation density and bank strength (mu), (B) following modification of peak flows by the IPTDS that reduced the erosive capacity of the stream, and (C) along a trajectory of recovery for riparian vegetation that leads to increasing bank strength and progressive channel narrowing. (North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report, 2017) North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report, 2017 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 27 river channel. Land conversion to agriculture led to denuded streambanks, which led to increased erosion and channel straightening. Additionally, ditches were dug to dry out the land and increase usable acreage for agriculture. This activity drained wetland areas and likely lowered groundwater levels at North Star. The river channel’s current path through North Star has remained relatively consistent since the 1950s and is currently operating in a dynamic state appropriate for an unconfined floodplain river reach in this region. Rates of lateral channel migration vary from 0.12 - 0.33 meters per year, with an overall average of 0.25 m/yr.23 Sediment and bank material that is eroded gets deposited on the next downstream point bar in a natural process, and particle size of streambed sediment is consistent with expectations for a low-gradient floodplain.24 The river is well connected with its floodplain and is not incised. Figure 5. Mapping historical channel alignments from aerial photographs provides a basis to develop quantitative estimates of lateral movement in active meander zones. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Open Space | Roaring Fork River 18 North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report Figure 11. Mapping historical channel alignments from aerial photographs provides a basis to develop quantitative estimates of lateral movement in active meander zones. North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report, 2017 Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 28 In 2017, twelve areas of moderate to severe bank erosion were identified, totaling 1,500 linear feet of unstable streambank. Tall banks comprise the majority of instability in these reaches; they likely result from past channelization that cut off meanders and sliced through the riparian corridor. Because much of the bank materials are made of highly erodible sand and gravel, high flows can easily undercut herbaceous sod mats and willow clumps, causing bank collapse. If left alone, over time the river will continue to develop a meander pattern and reach a new state of dynamic equilibrium. The abundance of eroding streambank is evidence of the beginning of the river’s repossession of the valley floor. The trend toward a naturalized riparian area is also confirmed by cross-section analyses that reveal channel narrowing over the past 70 years that coincides with transition away from agricultural land use. Channel width ranges from 7 meters on straight segments with riparian vegetation to 32 meters across on segments with actively growing meanders. The channel narrowing observed is controlled by both hydrological modifications (decreased peak flows due to upstream water diversions) and increased bank cohesion (increased densities of woody vegetation). Geomorphology Section Notes: 20. Ecological Communities and Fluvial Geomorphology Baseline Report for North Star Nature Preserve 2015 21. 2018 North Star Fen Hydrological Monitoring Report (Buscher Soils) 22. https://snoflo.org/report/flow/colorado/twin-lakes-tunnel-at-e-portl/comparison 23. North Star Fluvial Geomorphology Report 2017 24. North Star Fluvial Geomorphology Report 2017 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star-James H. Smith Open Space – Roaring Fork River 31 North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report Historically, the floodplains between Difficult Creek and the northern edge of the Preserve may have supported multi-threaded channel patterns and a robust beaver community. Large amounts of woody debris may have existed in the channel and across the floodplain, creating complex and ‘messy’ geomorphological structures and behaviors that effectively trapped sediment, raised water tables, and provided diverse habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species. While current channel forms and behaviors appear suitable for the geophysical location, the pre-development condition in the Preserve may have looked significantly different than it does today. Questions remain regarding OST’s selected reference state when managing the Preserve for natural attributes. 5. Management Recommendations OST maintains a variety of management objectives designed to protect and enhance the natural and social values associated with the North Star Nature Preserve. Concern has previously been voiced over the physical condition of the river and the health of the local biological community. Several management questions focus on whether the Preserve currently exists in a degraded form that limits critical ecological functions. Over the years, concerns about the condition of the Roaring Fork River through the Preserve led to proposals for physical modification of streambanks or realignment of the channel through abandoned meander bends. These efforts were variously intended to elevate groundwater tables, reduce erosion on the outside of meander bends or arrest lateral movement in an effort to preserve a stand of cottonwood that provided nesting habitat to a colony of Great Blue Herons. Several management actions (e.g. removal of fallen trees from the river) were implemented in recent years exclusively for the protection of the social and recreational uses of the Preserve. These potentially-competing social and ecological values present a complex template for land use management. OST continues to search for management practices or projects that will maximize the ecological functioning of the floodplain without negatively impacting recreational uses. Managing for improved ecological characteristics typically involves selection of a reference state for guiding management activities. A circa-1900 photograph showing the river course prior to mid-century meander cutoff events (Figure 1) provides OST with one potential reference state. Unfortunately, it is unknown to what degree the watershed land cover, biological communities (e.g. beavers), and hydrologic regimes were already altered by the time period of the photograph—twenty years of rapid mining-fueled settlement and transformation were already underway. Additionally, flow and sediment transport regimes 1. Cutbank forms as river meander cuts laterally into old floodplain 2. Point bar deposited on inside bend becomes new floodplain substrate 3. Early stage vegetation (grasses, forbs, shrubs) colonizes the new floodplain 4. Transition from shrub and sapling communities to mature forest types deeper inside the bend Figure 27. Meander vegetation communities in North Star display appropriate transitions from pioneer species on newly created bars up to mature forest types deeper into the floodplain. Figure 6. Meander vegetation communities in North Star display appropriate transitions from pioneer species on newly created bars up to mature forest types deeper into the floodplain. North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report, 2017 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 29 2.3.2 HYDROLOGY River Flows Significantly impacted by trans-basin diversions, the Roaring Fork River through North Star now exists in an altered state from historic, natural conditions. The USGS maintains a stream gage 2,200 feet downstream of the property that is used to monitor and assess flow levels through the Preserve.25 There are no major tributaries or diversions between the upstream end of North Star and the stream gage, though groundwater contributions from the wetland areas and springs near the base of the mountain likely contribute some water to the river year-round. Mean annual streamflow for the complete period of record (1965-2019) is 93 cubic feet per second (cfs), though mean annual streamflow for 1999-2019 is lower at 83cfs. Peak flow is a valuable metric for river monitoring as this is when the water has the most power to move sediment and change channel morphology, and/or overflow onto the floodplain. The lowest recorded peak flow was in 2012 at 140 cubic feet per second (cfs), the highest peak flows were in 1985 and 1995, both years peaked at 2,230cfs, and average peak flow is 881cfs (1965-2019). Duration of spring runoff is also of interest, both for channel morphology and for groundwater recharge, and can be gleaned from USGS stream gage data, as well. Flood event return intervals indicate that flows of more than 500cfs occur approximately every two years. At this level, water begins inundating the vegetated areas of the fen and other low lying areas. The Independence Pass Trans-mountain Diversion System greatly impacts the hydrology of the Roaring Fork River in any given year, as it diverts water (up to 40% of the headwaters) out of the Roaring Fork River upstream of the Figure 7. Inundation extents within the fen (light blue) associated with overbanking flows from the Roaring Fork River. North Star Nature Preserve Fen Hydrological Restoration Plan, 2018 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Open Space | Roaring Fork River 17 North Star Nature Preserve Fen Hydrological Restoration Plan Table 1. Average surface water inflows (cfs) to the fen estimated using the watershed area ratio approach and streamflows measured at USGS 09073400. The contributing drainage area to the fen was estimated at 0.3 sq. mi. Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 0.2 0.3 1.0 2.6 1.1 0.5 0.4 The Roaring Fork River contributes surface water inputs directly to the fen during high flow events. Two- dimensional hydraulic modeling of the Preserve indicates that flows from the Roaring Fork River begin to back up the drainage ditch into the ponded areas of the fen at approximately 250 cfs, assuming the culvert gate is open. Water begins inundating the vegetated areas of the fen at approximately 500 cfs (Figure 14). Overbanking flows across the floodplain fully inundate the fen at approximately 800 cfs. Characterization of flood event return intervals on the Roaring Fork River through the Preserve indicates that flows of 500 cfs occur approximately once every 2 years (Figure 15). The computed average annual duration of flow spells equaling or exceeding 500 cfs is approximately 19 days. These high flow conditions from the Roaring Fork River are a reliable source of surface water inflow to the fen for a relatively short period during the early summer. The timing of these peak flows coincides with the period of high groundwater tables and low groundwater elevation gradients that favor groundwater-induced saturation of the fen. This suggests that the hydrological characteristics that limit saturation and the accumulation of peat over the majority of the growing season are primarily a function of late-summer fluctuations in groundwater table elevations and surface water inflows from the flanks of Bell Mountain. Figure 14. Inundation extents within the fen (light blue) associated with overbanking flows from the Roaring Fork River. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 30 Preserve. Water diversions are guided by state water rights and complex storage and delivery systems that operate on a statewide scale, which are beyond the scope and realm of influence of this management plan. Groundwater Groundwater is a critical component of the ecological value of North Star and its wetland habitats. Groundwater is recharged from snowmelt, spring runoff, overbank flooding from the river, and seeps and springs near the base of the mountains on the western edge of the property. Groundwater wells exist in four basic regions at North Star: floodplain, southeast, property center/outer edge of floodplain, and east of the river. However these monitoring wells exist in various states of functionality and provide limited information on actual groundwater dynamics. Hydrology Section Notes: 25. https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/nwismap/?site_ no=09073400&agency_cd=USGS 2.3.3 WETLANDS There are about 50 acres of wetlands and riparian areas contained within North Star Nature Preserve today. A 2014 assessment of these areas found that this represents approximately a 30% reduction compared to the pre-agricultural conditions, likely as a result of both historical agricultural practices (such as willow clearing, ditching and draining) and upstream water diversions. The water diversion remains the biggest threat to the wetlands at North Star, as flow reductions cause soils that were historically saturated to dry out. As soils dry out, a shift in vegetation follows, which favors invasive species like reed canarygrass. The existing wetlands however, continue to provide resources like shelter, food, water and space that benefit wildlife, and ecosystem services like water storage, filtration, flood mitigation and carbon sequestration that benefit human society. WHAT IS A FEN? A fen is a peat-forming wetland characterized by super-saturated conditions in which the rate of organic matter production exceeds decomposition rates. They are rare and ecologically significant in Colorado. One fen exists within the Preserve, in the northwestern corner of the property and extending slightly onto private property. The fen at North Star is 14 acres in size and estimated to be at least 6,000 years old, based on the accumulation rate of peat. Often inundated with standing water, the fen supports distinct flora and fauna, including waterfowl and amphibians. The dominant plant within the fen is beaked sedge, with some bog watercress and water smartweed. Reed canarygrass, an undesirable, non-native, wetland-adapted plant, is found in and around the fen complex where the ground is slightly drier. The fen is maintained hydrologically from multiple sources, including groundwater, snowmelt, seeps and springs along the base of the mountain, and occasional flooding of the Roaring Fork River. 26 When the river exceeds 500 cubic feet per second, the fen gets inundated. Most of the inflow into the fen is difficult to measure due to its dispersed and/or subsurface nature. Outflow from the fen is primarily via drainage ditches created by previous landowners; outflow from the largest ditch was 0.63 cubic feet per second in May 2018. The ditches increase exfiltration from the wetland and likely reduce groundwater elevations, which, combined with the onset of upstream water diversions, has resulted in a drying of the fen and nearby wetlands. Groundwater at or near the soil surface is important for the long-term stability of the fen as it maintains anaerobic conditions. In 2018, a very dry year during which the site was in moderate to severe drought throughout the growing season (US Drought Monitor), most of the fen was saturated with ponded water in May, drained vertically during July, and by August 2018 most of the fen was dry. This study concluded that the drainage ditch is likely contributing to the drying of the fen and associated encroachment of reed canarygrass. Reductions in wetland area exposes drier ground North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 31 for invasion by non-native vegetation and reduces habitat for waterfowl and amphibians. Fens also play an important role in the global carbon cycle by functioning as long-term sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide, as organic matter accumulates here faster than it decomposes. To maintain the functionality of the fen at North Star as a carbon dioxide sink and intact ecological system, OST has plans to enhance the fen by slowing surface water outflow in the largest drainage ditch that connects the fen to the Roaring Fork River. By increasing the base elevation of an old drainage ditch and slowing surface water outflow from the fen, the goal is to prolong periods of soil saturation to support peat formation, water storage and to provide excellent waterfowl and amphibian habitat and native vegetative cover. Fen Section Notes 26. 2018 North Star Fen Hydrological Monitoring Report Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Nature Preserve December 2018 – North Star Fen Hydrological Monitoring Report 10 Figure 2. Fen Boundary and Saturation Map Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Open Space | Roaring Fork River 11 North Star Nature Preserve Fen Hydrological Restoration Plan The maximum depth of the peat was measured in seven locations in August 2018 using a 2-inch bucket auger, primarily near the center of the fen and in areas observed saturated for a majority of the growing season. The maximum depth of organic material in the fen was approximately 53 inches (4.4 feet). Peat typically accumulates in Colorado fens at a rate of about 1 foot every 1,500 to 3,000 years (Cooper, 1990; Janik, 2014). Most of the fen is composed of slightly decomposed organic matter, or peat (fibric material). Organic matter decomposition is greater near the bottom of the organic profile, ranging from moderately decomposed (hemic material) to highly decomposed (sapric material). Collectively these materials will be referred to as peat. The peat, regardless of the degree o f decomposition, was likely derived primarily from sedge roots. Above-ground decomposition rates are probably great enough so that organic matter in this zone is oxidized and not incorporated into the peat horizon (Chimner et al., 2002). Hummocks up to 1.5 feet tall occur in the north and northwest portions of the fen, corresponding to areas that tend to dry out later in the growing season. Hummocks can form from several processes, such as livestock grazing, differential frost heave, shrink-swell from wetting and drying, and plant biomass accumulation. Peat has a large swell capacity when saturated and when dry is highly compressible. The hummocks in the fen are likely the result of one or more of these processes. Two samples of basal peat were collected using a 2-inch hand bucket auger from about 50 to 53 inches to determine the age of the fen. Samples were submitted to Geochron Laboratories in Chelmsford, Massachusetts for radiocarbon age dating. The age determined was 1,840 and 1,350 years before present, which is too young for the thickness of the peat. David Cooper, a regional fen expert at Colorado State University, suggested that the basal peat samples likely were cross contaminated with younger peat from above. Mr. Cooper also stated that from his research in Colorado Rocky Mountain and Sierra Nevada fens, peat accumulates at a rate of one foot per 1,500 years (Cooper pers. comm., 2018). Assuming that the North Star fen has a similar accumulation rate, it would be about 6,700 years old. Figure 5. Surface and groundwater inflow and outflow pathways associated with fen hydrology. Fen Extent Surface Water Outflow Surface Water Inflow Surface Water Inflow Groundwater Inflow Groundwater Outflow Figure 8. Interpolated soil surface saturation extents observed within the fen during the summer of 2018. Figure 9. Surface and groundwater inflow and outflow pathways associated with fen hydrology. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 32 rabbitbrush shrubland, mountain willow wet shrubland, shrubby cinquefoil wet shrubland. • Herbaceous plant communities include: smooth brome ruderal grassland, beaked sedge wet meadow, reed canarygrass ruderal marsh, field sedge wet meadow. Detailed locations, descriptions and analysis can be found in the North Star Vegetation Mapping and Floristic Inventory 2019 report. 2.3.4 PLANT COMMUNITIES Overall the flora at North Star is moderately impacted by historic agricultural activities as indicated by a Floristic Quality Assessment that assesses plant communities based on species tolerance to disturbance and human activity. The Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) is a standardized method and a useful tool for assessing how human disturbances have affected plant community composition and for tracking changes in plant communities over time. The FQA results for North Star were relatively low (Mean C-Value=4.5), but not surprising given history of the property and the number of species very tolerant to human disturbance found at North Star today. Supporting the notion that North Star is moving toward a more naturalized state, aerial photographs indicate that willow communities and woody vegetation are on a trajectory toward increasing riparian extent. A total of 192 plant species have been documented on the property to date. Both upland and wetland plant communities currently appear stable, having adjusted to past land-use and hydrologic changes (i.e. willow clearing, trans-basin water diversions, modified river channel and on-site drainage ditches). No rare plants have been found on the property but one uncommon plant, the slender spire orchid, was documented in 2017. Plant Communities/Habitat Types: A comprehensive vegetation study in 2019 mapped out and qualitatively described the vegetation types on North Star to provide baseline information for the management of the vegetation resources. In addition, a vascular plant inventory was conducted and updated. The vegetation communities at North Star are classified into alliances and associations in accordance with the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system. Overall, 14 different alliances and 15 plant associations were documented at North Star in 2017 and 2018. • Forest communities include: aspen forest, Douglas fir forest, narrowleaf cottonwood riparian forest, blue spruce forest. • Shrub communities include: Gambel oak shrubland, mountain big sagebrush – sticky NOXIOUS WEEDS: Nine species of plants found at North Star are Colorado-listed noxious weeds; none are List A species, seven are List B. Of the seven List B species, yellow toadflax, sulphur cinquefoil and plumeless thistle are slated for elimination, which calls for the removal or destruction of all emerged, growing plants. The other four List B species are slated for suppression by the State of Colorado, which means reducing the vigor, decreasing propensity to spread, and mitigating negative effects in infested lands. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Nature Preserve Open Space February 2018 – Wetland Fen Assessment & Floristic Inventory 5 cf. amphibia). No rare plants tracked by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program were observed within the fen or elsewhere. However, there is one relatively uncommon plant, the slender spire orchid (Piperia unalascensis), which occurs along an historic roadbed located at the toe of Richmond Ridge on the Smith Open Space (see Figure 2). The slender spire orchid coordinates are Lat/Long 39.163404N -106.795392W, or UTM NAD83 4336444N, 344888E. In total, approximately 12 plants were counted. Common plant associates found with the slender spire orchid include snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), alder (Alnus incana subsp. tenuifolia), Woods’ rose (Rosa woodsii), Oregon grape (Mahonia repens), aspen daisy (Erigeron speciosus), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). The following description is taken from Smith (2007). Description: The floral stem blooms from the bottom first and then blossoms upwards. The blooming time of this orchid is two months long. The flower itself is light whitish green in color and extremely small in size - less than a ¼ inch. This orchid is green completely. The leaves, 2-6 each, are lance-like and are extremely shiny, waxy like. A wonderful characteristic of this orchid is that the shiny leaves are all withering at the time of blooming. The flowering stem comes from the plants in a very densely packed group. Probably 30-75 flowers packed together. As the plant grows through the early season these densely packed spikes elongate and space out as the stem grows to 2 feet tall. The plant is then 12-24 inches in overall height. The orchid flower is one of the smallest in Colorado. Flowers are evenly spaced along the stem of the flower. The sepals, light whitish green, fold downwards and are slightly twisted. The petals are fully opened up and almost forming a star shape. The spur is about as long as the lip. It also curves outward from the base of the spur and flower. Piperia unalascensis flowers bear a large resemblance to flowers of several Platanthera species. This orchid is found growing in some of our mesic conifer dry forest. They can be found growing in and under full forests or along banks from old road cuts and trails. Habitat: This orchid grows in partial sun to full sunshine. Mostly found growing in cooler forest areas. The height of this orchid during blooming time varies between 12 -24 inches tall at an elevation between 6,500 and 9,000 feet in Colorado. In Colorado, Piperia unalascensis is not common but not on the endangered list yet either. When seen it is small in quantity. There are records for more than ten counties in Colorado. Our Piperia unalascensis is found growing in cool dry forest locations. In the foothills around Boulder, Colorado these can be found. They are also found growing in the mountain valleys. 4.2.2 Floristic Quality Assessment. The Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) is a standardized method used to determine the ecological condition of a site in terms of its native floristic quality. It is a useful tool for assessing how human disturbances have affected plant community composition and for tracking changes in plant communities over time. The FQA method is based on the concept of species conservatism. In general, species conservatism is a measure of how sensitive a species is to disturbance, and the degree of fidelity it has to a particular habitat or environment. This is represented by the C-value, or Coefficient of Conservatism, an integer ranging from 0-10 that has been assigned for a given geographic area. Species with low C-values are highly tolerant to disturbance and exhibit little fidelity to natural areas, and they may be found virtually Photo 6. Slender spire orchid at North Star (July 12, 2017). spender spire orchid North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 33 US H W Y 8 2 Figure 1. Vegetation Type Map Legend Aspen Forest Douglas Fir Forest Blue Spruce Forest Blue Spruce - Aspen Forest Aspen - Blue Spruce Forest Narrowleaf Cottonwood Native Forest Narrowleaf Cottonwood Non-Native Forest Gambel Oak Shrubland Sagebrush / Sticky Rabbitbrush Shrubland Mountain Willow Wet Shrubland Shrubby Cinquefoil Wet Shrubland Smooth Brome Ruderal Grassland Beaked Sedge Wetland Reed Canarygrass Ruderal Marsh Wet Meadow Water Ü 1:4,800Scale: 1 inch = 400 feet Contour Interval = 10 ft June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 14 Map 3. Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory, June 2019 U S H W Y 8 2 Figure 1. Vegetation Type Map Legend Aspen Forest Douglas Fir Forest Blue Spruce Forest Blue Spruce - Aspen Forest Aspen - Blue Spruce Forest Narrowleaf Cottonwood Native Forest Narrowleaf Cottonwood Non-Native Forest Gambel Oak Shrubland Sagebrush / Sticky Rabbitbrush Shrubland Mountain Willow Wet Shrubland Shrubby Cinquefoil Wet Shrubland Smooth Brome Ruderal Grassland Beaked Sedge Wetland Reed Canarygrass Ruderal Marsh Wet Meadow Water Ü 1:4,800Scale: 1 inch = 400 feet Contour Interval = 10 ft June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 14 Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 34 aspen trees seemed to be under stress. Aspen Global Change Institute is partnering with OST to research this finding via soil moisture monitoring and aspen tree health studies. In 2017, it was also noted that the aspen trees are being heavily browsed by ungulates, with healthy regeneration in some areas and not in others. Although the aspen stands at North Star are small, they provide a disproportionate importance to the area as they offer high invertebrate prey diversity and density that in turn support a multitude of bird species. Transitional Community Non-native grasslands cover much of the area that was cleared for pasture and hayfields in the past, and are now dominated by smooth brome. Native species are less than 10% of the cover, and noxious weeds plumeless thistle, mullein and toadflax are all present, though being controlled by OST. Reed canarygrass, a non-native, wetland-adapted plant, has formed dense monocultures across the valley floor at North Star. It can outcompete native vegetation and is difficult to remove. Patches of wet meadows also exist in the transition zone, supporting native sedges and rushes, but often dominated by the invasive meadow foxtail. Five permanent vegetation monitoring locations exist, one within each of the following plant communities, to monitor trends and changes over time. • Aspen Community • Transitional Community – between anthropogenic upland grasslands and the wet meadows • Sagebrush Community • Willow Riparian Community • Cottonwood Riparian Community These five sites were monitored in 2014 and in 2017 by a professional botanist. The aspen community and transitional community are monitored via macro-plot sampling in partnership with Aspen Global Change Institute, while the other three are monitored via point-intercept transects. Aspen Forest Community Aspen forests occur at the western edge of the property and along the bike path east of the river. The understory is comprised of a mix of native shrubs, forbs and grasses, nonnative grasses and noxious weeds (plumeless thistle, yellow toadflax and houndstongue). In 2014, Golder and Associates noted Table 1. North Star Vegetation Types NORTH STAR VEGETATION TYPES BY PERCENT OF ACRES Mapped Vegetation Type Acres % of Area Aspen Forest 18.6 7.5% Douglas Fir Forest 10.8 4.4% Narrowleaf Cottonwood - Mountain Willow 2.5 1.0% Narrowleaf Cottonwood Ruderal Riparian 5.2 2.1% Blue Spruce Mesic Forest 5.1 2.1% Gambel Oak – Snowberry Shrubland 8.2 3.3% Mountain Big Sagebrush / Sticky Rabbitbrush Shrubland 8.2 3.3% Mountain Willow Wet Shrubland 46.6 18.8% Shrubby Cinquefoil Wet Shrubland 0.3 0.1% Beaked Sedge Wetlands 10.0 4.0% Smooth Brome Ruderal Grassland 58.2 23.5% Reed Canarygrass Ruderal Marsh 29.0 11.7% Wet Meadow Foxtail Ruderal Wet Meadow / Clustered Field Sedge Wet Meadow 32.7 13.2% Water 12.0 4.8% Total 247.26 100% North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 35 June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 2 33..11..11 AASSPPEENN FFOORREESSTT Well-developed aspen forests occur west of the Roaring Fork river on gentle slopes above the valley floor. Stands of aspen are also present along the bike path east of the River. The aspen forests appear to best fit the Populus tremuloides / Amelanchier alnifolia – Symphoricarpos oreophilus / Thalictrum fendleri Forest Association, which is a low- to moderate-elevation aspen forest association that occurs in the central and southern Rocky Mountains west into northeastern Nevada (USNVC 2017). The dominant overstory tree is quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), with a healthy native shrub understory comprised of snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and Oregon grape (Mahonia repens). Mountain maple (Acer negundo) is also occasionally present. The herbaceous layer is represented by a variety of native and non-native perennial graminoids. Natives include blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus) and Letterman needlegrass (Achnatherum lettermanii), and non-natives include orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), timothy (Phleum pratense), and in moister areas redtop (Agrostis gigantea) occurs. Common native forbs include Fendler meadowrue (Thalictrum fendleri), aspen fleabane (Erigeron speciosus), western sweet cicely (Osmorhiza occidentalis), and yarrow (Achillea lanulosa). Non-native noxious weeds are also present including houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), and plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides). No rare or unique plants were identified within these forests. The Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) has established a permanent Modified-Whittaker vegetation plot in this plant community which was last monitored by the author in 2017 (PeakEco 2018b). The vegetation plot is part of AGCI’s Interactive Roaring Fork Observatory Network (iRON) climate stations. Overall, the aspen forests appear to be heavily browsed by wildlife. While some aspen stands appear to have healthy stock of regenerating young sprouts, other stands appear more decadent. Young stands of aspen occur east of the Roaring Fork River along the trail. Here the aspen contains an understory of serviceberry and whitestem gooseberry (Ribes inerme) shrubs with mainly non-native graminoids such as orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea). Some smooth blue aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) and field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) are present as well. According to the USNVC (2017), this community is ranked as globally secure (G5). PPhhoottoo 11.. YYoouunngg AAssppeenn FFoorreesstt aalloonngg ttrraaiill ((AAuugg--0088--22001188)).. Young Aspen Forest along trail (Aug-08- 2018). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 3 33..11..22 DDOOUUGGLLAASS FFIIRR FFOORREE SSTT Douglas fir forests occur intermixed with Gambel oak shrublands on the steep east-facing slopes above the valley floor. The understory is well represented by native shrubs such as Gambel oak, serviceberry, snowberry, and chokecherry, and subshrubs such as Oregon grape and whortleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Herbaceous species include elk sedge (Carex geyeri) along with Fendler meadowrue (Thalictrum fendleri), Engelmann’s aster (Eucephalus engelmannii), bedstraw (Galium boreale), and bluntseed sweet cicely (Osmorhiza depauperata). These forests belong to the Douglas Fir / Gambel Oak Association which occurs in southern Rocky Mountains and southwestern U.S. and is found on foothills, mountains and plateaus from Colorado to Trans-Pecos Texas, west to Arizona and Utah. It is ranked as Globally secure (G5) by the USNVC (2017). A few scattered toadflax plants, a noxious weed, were observed in this plant association as well. This forest type appears to be stable and no insect outbreaks or diseases were noted. 33 ..11 ..33 NN AARR RROOWW LLEE AAFF CCOO TTTT OO NNWW OOOODD RRII PP AARR II AANN FFOORR EESS TT There are scattered narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) stands along the entire reach of the Roaring Fork River through North Star as well as along two intermittent drainages on the hillsides west of the river. Those stands on the valley floor belong to the Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Invasive Perennial Grass Ruderal Riparian Woodland and are characterized by a moderately open to closed (50-90% cover) tree canopy dominated by Populus angustifolia, with an understory dominated by introduced perennial grasses without a notable shrub layer (USNVC, 2017). At North Star, these small forested areas typically support a dense grassy understory comprised of non-native pasture grasses such as meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky bluegrass, redtop, and reed canarygrass. Native graminoids, when present, include Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), and Bebb’s sedge (Carex bebbii). Forbs sporadically encountered include leafy bracted aster (Symphyotrichum foliaceum) and King’s ragwort (Senecio eremophilus kingii). PPhhoottoo 22.. DDoouuggllaass FFiirr FFoorreesstt ((AAuugg--0088--22001188)).. PPhhoottoo 33.. NNaarrrroowwlleeaaff ccoottttoonnwwooooddss aalloonngg RRooaarriinngg FFoorrkk RRiivveerr ((SSeepp--2255-- 22001177)).. Douglas Fir Forest (Aug-08-2018). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 3 33 ..11 ..22 DDOO UU GG LL AA SS FF II RR FF OO RREE SS TT Douglas fir forests occur intermixed with Gambel oak shrublands on the steep east-facing slopes above the valley floor. The understory is well represented by native shrubs such as Gambel oak, serviceberry, snowberry, and chokecherry, and subshrubs such as Oregon grape and whortleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Herbaceous species include elk sedge (Carex geyeri) along with Fendler meadowrue (Thalictrum fendleri), Engelmann’s aster (Eucephalus engelmannii), bedstraw (Galium boreale), and bluntseed sweet cicely (Osmorhiza depauperata). These forests belong to the Douglas Fir / Gambel Oak Association which occurs in southern Rocky Mountains and southwestern U.S. and is found on foothills, mountains and plateaus from Colorado to Trans-Pecos Texas, west to Arizona and Utah. It is ranked as Globally secure (G5) by the USNVC (2017). A few scattered toadflax plants, a noxious weed, were observed in this plant association as well. This forest type appears to be stable and no insect outbreaks or diseases were noted. 33 ..11 ..33 NN AA RR RR OOWW LL EE AA FF CC OO TT TT OO NN WWOO OO DD RRII PPAA RR II AA NN FF OO RR EE SS TT There are scattered narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) stands along the entire reach of the Roaring Fork River through North Star as well as along two intermittent drainages on the hillsides west of the river. Those stands on the valley floor belong to the Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Invasive Perennial Grass Ruderal Riparian Woodland and are characterized by a moderately open to closed (50-90% cover) tree canopy dominated by Populus angustifolia, with an understory dominated by introduced perennial grasses without a notable shrub layer (USNVC, 2017). At North Star, these small forested areas typically support a dense grassy understory comprised of non-native pasture grasses such as meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky bluegrass, redtop, and reed canarygrass. Native graminoids, when present, include Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris), and Bebb’s sedge (Carex bebbii). Forbs sporadically encountered include leafy bracted aster (Symphyotrichum foliaceum) and King’s ragwort (Senecio eremophilus kingii). PPhhoottoo 22.. DDoouuggllaass FFiirr FFoorreesstt ((AAuugg--0088--22001188)).. PPhhoottoo 33.. NNaarrrroowwlleeaaff ccoottttoonnwwooooddss aalloonngg RRooaarriinngg FFoorrkk RRiivveerr ((SSeepp--2255-- 22001177)).. Narrowleaf cottonwoods along Roaring Fork River (Sep-25-2017).* June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 4 There is one permanent vegetation quantitative data transect located in the Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Invasive Perennial Grass Association (PeakEco 2018a). This riparian association occurs in the foothill and lower montane zones of the Rocky Mountains extending west into the Great Basin and east onto the northern plains. This “ruderal” vegetation type it is not ranked because of the dominance of non- native plants in the understory. Narrowleaf cottonwood were probably not extensive on North Star in pre-settlement times, as evidenced by historical photography which shows the wide valley dominated by willows. Furthermore, North Star is at the upper elevational limit at which narrowleaf cottonwoods can successfully establish and grow. The relic stands present today have a variable size (diameter), height and age structure, which illustrates several past periods of successful reproduction. A cursory assessment of the narrowleaf cottonwood saplings at North Star on the valley floor indicate that while there are numerous young sprouts, they are heavily browsed. However, it is not known whether these young sprouts represent clonal (asexual reproduction) from existing trees or successful sexual reproduction from seed. Land management activities at North Star should include strategies that support the reproductive ecology of these native trees to ensure long-term persistence. Cottonwood forests also occur along two intermittent drainages on the hillsides to the west of the valley floor. These areas are classified as the Narrowleaf Cottonwood – Mountain Willow Riparian Forest. These narrow riparian corridors contain a mix of narrowleaf cottonwood, with scattered aspen and occasional blue spruce. The understory supports mountain willow (Salix monticola), Woods’ rose (Rosa woodsii), as well as elk sedge. This plant association is known from the Colorado Plateau, the San Juan Mountains, and the Great Basin areas of Colorado, Utah and Nevada, and is ranked as Globally Vulnerable (G3) according to the USNCV (2017). PPhhoottoo 55.. NNaarrrroowwlleeaaff CCoottttoonnwwoooodd -- WWiillllooww RRiippaarriiaann HHaabbiittaatt aalloonngg iinntteerrmmiitttteenntt ssttrreeaamm ((SSeepp--2255--22001177)).. PPhhoottoo 44.. SSiinnuuoouuss cchhaannnneell ooff tthhee RRooaarriinngg FFoorrkk RRiivveerr tthhrroouugghh NNoorrtthh SSttaarr cciirrccaa 11990000 ((AAssppeenn HHiissttoorriiccaall SSoocciieettyy)).. Narrowleaf Cottonwood - Willow Riparian Habitat along intermittent stream (Sep-25- 2017).* June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 7 amount of non-native pasture grasses, but mesic native wetland graminoids and forbs do occur. These shrublands belong to the Mountain Willow / Mesic Graminoids Wet Shrubland Association which is ranked as Globally Vulnerable (G3) by the USNVC (2017). This association is known only from Colorado and Wyoming, but may occur in the mountains of New Mexico and Utah. This shrubland association is characterized by a 5 to 8 foot tall, moderately open to dense, deciduous willow canopy with an herbaceous understory that is typically dominated by mixed mesic graminoids. The most common willows are mountain willow (Salix monticola) and Geyer willow (Salix geyeriana), with some whiplash willow (Salix lasiandra var. caudata) and alder (Alnus incana) as well. There are also one or two stands dominated by sandbar willow, also known as coyote willow (Salix exigua). The dominant perennial graminoids are non-native pasture species such as meadow foxtail, reed canarygrass and redtop. However, native grasses and sedges still do occur in certain locations. These include common species such as water sedge (Carex aquatilis), beaked sedge (Carex utriculata), bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis), and fowl bluegrass (Poa palustris). Non- graminoid species include field horsetail, a fern ally, and largeleaf avens (Geum macrophyllum), starry false Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum stellatum), and white checkermallow (Sidalcea candida), which are all native forbs. 33 ..11 ..88 SS HH RR UU BB BB YY CC II NN QQ UU EE FF OO II LL WW EE TT SS HH RR UU BB LL AA NN DD Two small areas dominated by shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) occur at North Star. These areas belong to the Shrubby Cinquefoil Wet Shrubland Association which is found throughout the western montane U.S and Canada and is ranked as globally secure (G5, USNVC 2017). This alliance is characterized by an open shrub layer of shrubby cinquefoil with Baltic rush, Kentucky bluegrass, as well as needle-and-thread grass. Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), a noxious weed, occurs sporadically. According to the USNVC (2017), most stands of this association appear to be grazing-induced. Shrubby cinquefoil increases in abundance with continuous season-long grazing. Hence, the herbaceous species tend to be dominated by increaser species and non-native species including Kentucky bluegrass and Baltic rush, such as found at North Star. 33 ..11 ..99 SS MM OO OO TT HH BB RR OO MM EE RR UU DD EE RR AA LL GG RR AA SS SS LL AANN DD An upland non-native grassland occurs throughout the North Star valley floor. Smooth brome has been widely planted for revegetating disturbed land as well as for pasture and hayfields. The dominant grass is Bromus inermis, a naturalized species from Eurasia that forms moderately dense to dense stands that often develop into monocultures. Other non-native grasses may also occur such as timothy, crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), quack grass (Elytrigia repens), and Kentucky bluegrass. Native species are generally less than 10% cover. These natives may include scattered sticky rabbitbrush shrubs and sporadic native forbs such as Rocky Mountain penstemon, aspen fleabane and yarrow. Noxious weeds are common, but are currently being controlled by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. These include plumeless thistle, mullein and toadflax. According to data provided by the USNVC (2017) website, Bromus inermis is a strongly rhizomatous, cool- season grass that grows 1.5 – 3 feet tall. It is a highly competitive, sod-forming grass with a dense fibrous root and rhizome system. The extensive rhizome system allows it to rapidly spread and makes it able to tolerate PPhhoottoo 99.. NNoonn--NNaattiivvee SSmmooootthh BBrroommee GGrraassssllaanndd ((AAuugg--0088--22001188)).. Non-Native Smooth Brome Grassland (Aug-08- 2018). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 6 33 ..11 ..66 MM OOUUNNTT AA II NN BB II GG SSAAGG EE BB RR UU SS HH –– SSTT II CC KKYY RR AA BB BB II TT BB RR UU SS HH SSHH RR UU BB LL AANNDD A mixed mountain big sagebrush and sticky rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) shrubland occurs between the aspen, Douglas fir, and Gambel oak communities and the low-lying grasslands. This shrubland belongs to the Mountain Big Sagebrush – Mixed Steppe and Shrubland Alliance which is widespread in the mountainous areas across the western U.S. No association is currently described for the co-dominance of these two shrub species. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense shrub layer in which Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana is codominant with sticky rabbitbrush. At North Star, Letterman’s needlegrass (Achnatherum lettermanii) is the dominant perennial graminoid. Less abundant perennial graminoids include Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome and orchardgrass, which are all non-native, as well as a few natives such as slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus) and needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata). Baltic rush (Juncus arcticus subsp. ater) occurs in more mesic areas. These areas support perennial forbs such as aspen fleabane, Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), lupine (Lupinus argenteus), yarrow (Achillea lanulosa), and wild tarragon (Oligosporus dracunculus subsp. glaucus). Noxious weeds include plumeless thistle, houndstongue, and mullein (Verbascum thapsus). These mixed sagebrush – rabbitbrush stands at North Star appear to have been impacted by past agricultural activities such as grazing or perhaps even fire. The high cover of sticky rabbitbrush, which is tolerant to grazing and also resprouts after fire, as well as the numerous non-native pasture grasses, are an indication of past impacts. This community may be a good target for restoration involving additional planting or seeding of mountain big sagebrush. 33 ..11 ..77 MM OO UU NN TTAAII NN WW II LL LLOO WW WW EETT SSHH RR UU BB LL AA NN DD The willow shrublands at North Star used to be far more extensive during presettlement times. Most of the shrublands on the valley floor were converted to hay pasture by former owners to promote production of forage for livestock. The willow shrublands that exist today are most well developed in the southern portion of North Star, but also flank the Roaring Fork River and are found adjacent to most of the low-lying oxbow wetlands. These remaining shrublands contain a significant PPhhoottoo 77.. SSaaggeebbrruusshh aanndd SSttiicckkyy RRaabbbbiittbbrruusshh SShhrruubbllaanndd ((AAuugg--88--22001188)).. PPhhoottoo 88.. MMoouunnttaaiinn WWiillllooww WWeett SShhrruubbllaanndd ((SSeepp--2255--22001177)).. Mountain Willow Wet Shrubland (Sep-25-2017). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 9 the understory of cottonwoods and willows, mixed with beaked sedge wetland meadows, and has invaded the edges of the wetland fen. This herbaceous association is reported from Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, and into northeastern Utah, but is likely more widespread in the western United States. It also occurs in Canada, in the southern two-thirds of British Columbia in areas with warm and relatively dry summers and in Alberta, from the Great Plains north into the Boreal Plains. Its distribution as a natural type is complicated because this “native species” is widely cultivated as a forage crop and has escaped and established in wetlands and riparian areas, displacing the local flora (USNVC, 2017). Phalaris arundinacea is a threat to riparian and wetland areas because it spreads rapidly from rhizomes, dominating sites, and is extremely difficult to remove once established. In Colorado, it is thought that most Colorado populations are the Eurasian ecotype and not the native type (Culver and Lemly, 2013). 33 ..11 ..1122 WWEE TT MM EEAA DDOOWW ((CC LLUU SSTT EERR EEDD FF II EELL DD SSEE DDGG EE WW EE TT MM EE AADDOO WW AANNDD MM EEAA DDOO WW FF OOXX TTAA II LL RR UUDDEERRAA LL MM AARR SSHH )) Two plant associations occur in the Wet Meadow vegetation type of North Star. Both of these associations are intermixed on the valley floor and thus are mapped together as one unit on the Vegetation Type Map and associated GIS files. The Clustered Field Sedge Wet Meadow Association occurs in swales and along stream channels in the prairies of several western states (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona) and on both sides of the Continental Divide. This association is ranked as G3G4 or globally vulnerable / globally apparently secure due to the wide distribution as its apparent abundance in several states (USNVC 20117). At North Star, this association commonly contains not only clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis), but also Baltic rush, with its distinctive dark green appearance. Other species commonly present include timothy, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and salsify (Tragopogon dubius). Noxious weeds such as Canada thistle and plumeless thistle also occur. The Meadow Foxtail Ruderal Marsh Association is seasonally moist to wet meadow, including flood-irrigated hay meadow, on floodplain flats and depressions. Alopecurus pratensis is an exotic, invasive grass that is an extremely important forage species throughout the region (USNVC 2017). At North Star, these meadows also support occasional plants of Baltic rush, beaked sedge, reed canarygrass, white checkermallow, smooth brome and redtop, but meadow foxtail always remains dominant. Similarity in landform position and species composition suggests that Alopecurus pratensis has successfully invaded and replaced phases of the Clustered Field Sedge Wet Meadow. When compared to the more diverse Carex praegracilis association, the lower species diversity of the Alopecurus pratensis Association may result from its competitive superiority over many of the species of the former community that were simply crowded out. It remains to be seen if its formidable competitive abilities will enable it to overwhelm other wet meadow vegetation types. This non-native plant PPhhoottoo 1122.. PPaattcchheess ooff WWeett MMeeaaddooww ((ddaarrkk ggrreeeenn)) iinntteerrmmiixxeedd iinn tthhee ddrriieerr uuppllaanndd nnoonn--nnaattiivvee SSmmooootthh BBrroommee GGrraassssllaanndd ((AAuugg--88--22001188)).. Patches of Wet Meadow (dark green) intermixed in the drier upland non-native Smooth Brome Grassland (Aug-8-2018). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 8 heavy grazing by livestock (Hansen et al. 1995). Although this grass grows best on moist alluvial sites, it does not tolerate prolonged flooding (Hansen et al. 1995). It also has good drought resistance, which allows it to persist in semi-arid regions. Smooth brome is also fire-adapted and will vigorously sprout after most burns; however, this cool-season grass is not tolerant of hot, late-spring burns, which is during its active growing period (Hansen et al. 1995). This may be an effective control measure where native vegetation is dominated by warm-season grasses. This vegetation type belongs to the Smooth Brome Ruderal Grassland Association. Because the association is non-native, there is no ranking for it. 33 ..11 ..1100 BB EE AAKK EE DD SS EEDDGG EE WWEE TT MMEE AA DD OO WW This herbaceous wetland type occurs in low-lying swales throughout North Star and the old-growth wetland fen at the northwest corner of the meadow at North Star. It is classified as the Beaked Sedge (or northwest territory sedge) Wet Meadow Association, which is found throughout much of the western U.S. Is it ranked as globally secure (G5) by the USNVC (2017). This association is characterized by a clear dominance of beaked sedge, however minor amounts of water sedge may be also present. Other species present include panicled bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus), bog yellowcress (Rorripa palustris), arrowleaf groundsel (Senecio triangularis), and purple avens (Geum rivale). Carex utriculata is a widespread species that colonizes recently formed pond edges and seasonally flooded areas near streams. Once established it is long-lived and will dominate sites unless disturbed with changes in site hydrology. At North Star, reed canarygrass and meadow foxtail, which are both non-native pasture grasses, are often intermixed into this vegetation type and may be co-dominant in some locations. This appears to be the result of a long-term drying effect to these wetland areas due to the trans-basin diversion, historic drainage ditches and other rangeland “improvements” implemented by previous land owners. 33 ..11..11 11 RREE EEDD CCAA NNAA RRYY GG RRAA SSSS RR UUDD EERR AA LL MM AA RR SSHH The Reed Canarygrass Ruderal Marsh contains little else but this invasive grass species which forms dense stands that are often six feet tall. It occurs throughout North Star in the flat valley bottom. Not only does reed canarygrass form dense monocultures where little else grows, it also occurs as small stands in the other riparian and wetland communities such as in PPhhoottoo 1100.. BBeeaakkeedd SSeeddggee WWeettllaanndd AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ((JJuull--1122--22001177)).. PPhhoottoo 1111.. RReeeedd CCaannaarryyggrraassss ((JJuull--2288--22001177)).. Reed Canarygrass (Jul-28-2017). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 8 heavy grazing by livestock (Hansen et al. 1995). Although this grass grows best on moist alluvial sites, it does not tolerate prolonged flooding (Hansen et al. 1995). It also has good drought resistance, which allows it to persist in semi-arid regions. Smooth brome is also fire-adapted and will vigorously sprout after most burns; however, this cool-season grass is not tolerant of hot, late-spring burns, which is during its active growing period (Hansen et al. 1995). This may be an effective control measure where native vegetation is dominated by warm-season grasses. This vegetation type belongs to the Smooth Brome Ruderal Grassland Association. Because the association is non-native, there is no ranking for it. 33 ..11 ..11 00 BB EE AAKK EEDD SSEE DD GG EE WWEETT MMEE AA DD OO WW This herbaceous wetland type occurs in low-lying swales throughout North Star and the old-growth wetland fen at the northwest corner of the meadow at North Star. It is classified as the Beaked Sedge (or northwest territory sedge) Wet Meadow Association, which is found throughout much of the western U.S. Is it ranked as globally secure (G5) by the USNVC (2017). This association is characterized by a clear dominance of beaked sedge, however minor amounts of water sedge may be also present. Other species present include panicled bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus), bog yellowcress (Rorripa palustris), arrowleaf groundsel (Senecio triangularis), and purple avens (Geum rivale). Carex utriculata is a widespread species that colonizes recently formed pond edges and seasonally flooded areas near streams. Once established it is long-lived and will dominate sites unless disturbed with changes in site hydrology. At North Star, reed canarygrass and meadow foxtail, which are both non-native pasture grasses, are often intermixed into this vegetation type and may be co-dominant in some locations. This appears to be the result of a long-term drying effect to these wetland areas due to the trans-basin diversion, historic drainage ditches and other rangeland “improvements” implemented by previous land owners. 33 ..11 ..11 11 RREE EE DD CCAANN AA RRYY GGRRAA SS SS RR UU DD EERRAA LL MMAA RR SSHH The Reed Canarygrass Ruderal Marsh contains little else but this invasive grass species which forms dense stands that are often six feet tall. It occurs throughout North Star in the flat valley bottom. Not only does reed canarygrass form dense monocultures where little else grows, it also occurs as small stands in the other riparian and wetland communities such as in PPhhoottoo 1100.. BBeeaakkeedd SSeeddggee WWeettllaanndd AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ((JJuull--1122--22001177)).. PPhhoottoo 1111.. RReeeedd CCaannaarryyggrraassss ((JJuull--2288--22001177)).. Beaked Sedge Wetland Association (Jul-12- 2017). June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 6 33 ..11 ..66 MM OO UU NNTT AAIINN BB II GG SSAA GG EEBB RR UU SS HH –– SS TT II CC KK YY RR AABBBB II TTBB RR UUSS HH SS HHRRUU BB LL AANNDD A mixed mountain big sagebrush and sticky rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) shrubland occurs between the aspen, Douglas fir, and Gambel oak communities and the low-lying grasslands. This shrubland belongs to the Mountain Big Sagebrush – Mixed Steppe and Shrubland Alliance which is widespread in the mountainous areas across the western U.S. No association is currently described for the co-dominance of these two shrub species. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense shrub layer in which Artemisia tridentata subsp. vaseyana is codominant with sticky rabbitbrush. At North Star, Letterman’s needlegrass (Achnatherum lettermanii) is the dominant perennial graminoid. Less abundant perennial graminoids include Kentucky bluegrass, smooth brome and orchardgrass, which are all non-native, as well as a few natives such as slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus) and needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata). Baltic rush (Juncus arcticus subsp. ater) occurs in more mesic areas. These areas support perennial forbs such as aspen fleabane, Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), lupine (Lupinus argenteus), yarrow (Achillea lanulosa), and wild tarragon (Oligosporus dracunculus subsp. glaucus). Noxious weeds include plumeless thistle, houndstongue, and mullein (Verbascum thapsus). These mixed sagebrush – rabbitbrush stands at North Star appear to have been impacted by past agricultural activities such as grazing or perhaps even fire. The high cover of sticky rabbitbrush, which is tolerant to grazing and also resprouts after fire, as well as the numerous non-native pasture grasses, are an indication of past impacts. This community may be a good target for restoration involving additional planting or seeding of mountain big sagebrush. 33 ..11 ..77 MM OOUU NN TT AA II NN WW II LL LLOOWW WWEE TT SS HHRR UU BB LL AANN DD The willow shrublands at North Star used to be far more extensive during presettlement times. Most of the shrublands on the valley floor were converted to hay pasture by former owners to promote production of forage for livestock. The willow shrublands that exist today are most well developed in the southern portion of North Star, but also flank the Roaring Fork River and are found adjacent to most of the low-lying oxbow wetlands. These remaining shrublands contain a significant PPhhoottoo 77.. SSaaggeebbrruusshh aanndd SSttiicckkyy RRaabbbbiittbbrruusshh SShhrruubbllaanndd ((AAuugg--88--22001188)).. PPhhoottoo 88.. MMoouunnttaaiinn WWiillllooww WWeett SShhrruubbllaanndd ((SSeepp--2255--22001177)).. Sagebrush and Sticky Rabbitbrush Shrubland (Aug-8-2018).* June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 5 33 ..11 ..44 BB LL UUEE--SS PPRRUU CC EE FFOO RREESS TT Several stands of blue spruce occur throughout North Star and some stands appear to have been planted, while others appear to be the result of successful natural reproduction such as those that occur amidst the wet willow shrublands. These areas belong to the Blue Spruce Southern Rocky Mountain Mesic Forest Alliance. Those stands on the valley bottom appear to best fit the Blue Spruce / Twinberry Honeysuckle Association which is ranked as globally imperiled (G2), however there is some uncertainty in assigning to this association by the author. This is a riparian forest association, characterized by a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees in the canopy including blue spruce, narrowleaf cottonwood, and some aspen. The shrub layer is comprised of species such as twinberry honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata), serviceberry, whitestem gooseberry, Woods’ rose, and snowberry. Several species of willows may also be common in more mesic areas. The herbaceous layer is dominated by mesic-site perennial forbs, including starry false Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum stellatum), field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), and cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum). In addition, there are two areas of a Blue Spruce - Aspen Association at North Star on the hillsides to the west of the valley floor. This successional, mixed aspen-conifer forest occurs in the montane forest zone in Colorado and Utah from 7,400-9,100 feet in elevation. This association represents the successional stage where blue spruce has converted the formerly deciduous canopy dominated by aspen to a mixed conifer-deciduous canopy. The understory is comprised of a tall shrub layer of mountain maple (Acer glabrum), serviceberry, and Woods’ rose. Elk sedge is a common graminoid. This association is ranked as G3G4, or globally vulnerable to globally apparently secure by the USNVC (2017). Overall, the two blue spruce forest associations at North Star appear to be healthy and free of disease. 33 ..11 ..55 GGAA MMBB EE LL OO AA KK SSHHRR UU BB LL AANN DD Gambel oak shrubland is intermixed with Douglas fir forest on the steep east facing slopes above the valley floor. The vegetation is classified as the Gambel Oak / Mountain Snowberry Shrubland Association and is found in foothills, plateaus and mountains from western Texas to southern and western Colorado. The vegetation is characterized by an open to closed shrub layer dominated by Gambel oak. The understory is composed of a short-shrub layer that is dominated by snowberry. Other shrubs present include serviceberry, chokecherry, Woods’ rose, and the subshrub whortleberry. Common herbaceous species include elk sedge, bedstraw, and mountain parsley (Cymopterus lemmonii). Non-natives such as orchardgrass and Kentucky bluegrass are also present. This association is ranked as globally secure (G5) by the USNVC (2017). PPhhoottoo 66.. PPllaanntteedd BBlluuee SSpprruuccee ((SSeepp--2222--22001188)).. Planted Blue Spruce (Sep-22-2018). Figure 10. Vegetation Community Examples on North Star Nature Preserve * Location of vegetation transect Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 36 Sagebrush Community This area is co-dominated by mountain big sagebrush and sticky rabbitbrush, with a mix of native and non-native grasses and native forbs. Noxious weeds such as plumeless thistle, mullein and toadflax are all present and continue to be managed by OST. Sticky rabbitbrush is quite resilient to grazing and is doing well, while there has been little natural regeneration of mountain big sagebrush observed over the period of study. Willow Riparian Community The willow shrublands that exist today are most well developed in the southern portion of North Star, but also flank the Roaring Fork River and are found adjacent to most of the low-lying oxbow wetlands. These remaining shrublands contain a significant amount of non-native pasture grasses. Willow is a preferred species for beavers to cut and chew, however there is no concern of overharvest as the number of cut stems is a small percentage of available forage, and because beaver herbivory stimulates vigorous sprouting and regrowth in willows. Cottonwood Riparian Community There are scattered stands of cottonwoods at North Star today, with the understory dominated by non- native agricultural grasses. The Preserve is at the upper elevational range of narrowleaf cottonwood, and historical images suggest there were no cottonwoods here, pre-settlement. Numerous young sprouts were observed in 2017, though they were heavily browsed. It is not known if regeneration is from shoots of older trees or from new seedlings. Plant Communities Section Notes: 27. Groundwater Hydrology Monitoring Report 2018 Transitional Community Transect North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 37 2.3.5 WILDLIFE Comprehensive mammal and bird surveys were most recently completed in 2017. Additional targeted studies on great blue herons and beavers were completed in 2018. Overall, studies suggest that diverse wildlife species continue to use North Star Nature Preserve and rely on this open space for water, food, shelter, migration corridors, and foraging and/or breeding habitat throughout the year. The extent of wetland and riparian habitats at North Star contributes to its high value for wildlife, as 85% of wildlife species in Colorado require riparian habitat for some part of their lives.28 The strict closure of 77% of the Preserve continues to be an effective management strategy that benefits all wildlife, but especially species that are sensitive to human activity. Management Indicator Species (MIS) are species selected for targeted monitoring and study because their welfare is an indicator of the welfare of other species using the same habitat, or to assess the impacts of management actions on a particular area. MIS for both birds and mammals have now been identified and studied at North Star, and are an integral part of adaptive management efforts. The objective is to track trends over the long run, rather than using point-in-time observations, that can inform management direction for the habitat types. The 2017 Wildlife Monitoring Report provides details on selected MIS by habitat type. Summaries and relevant information on birds and mammals from OST's studies are provided below. RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: The Canada lynx is the only federally listed species that has the potential to occur on or adjacent to North Star, however its presence has not been confirmed. The property provides suitable habitat for several other sensitive species, as designated by State of Colorado, U.S. Forest Service Region 2, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, or the Bureau of Land Management, including: boreal toad, cutthroat trout, northern leopard frog, river otter, American marten, hoary bat, pygmy shrew, Townsend’s big-eared bat, bald eagle, and numerous bird species. Of the sensitive species, only bald eagle, American marten, goshawk, olive-sided flycatcher, and loggerhead shrike have been formally documented at North Star. Moose, loggerhead shrike (a predatory songbird) and American marten were formally documented for the first time in 2017. Loggerhead shrike. Photo©: Brian Sullivan, Macaulay Library Olive-sided flycatcher. Photo©: Luke Seitz, Macaulay Library Northern Goshawk Photo©: adubon.org American marten Bald Eagle MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES Habitat Management Indicator Species Aspen Forest Warbling Vireo Riparian Shrublands Lincoln’s Sparrow Song Sparrow Emergent Wetlands Red-winged Blackbird Riparian Woodland American Beaver Yellow Warbler Broad-scale Riparian Specialist Great Blue Heron Broad-scale Habitat Generalist Rocky Mountain Elk The MIS concept as an integral part of adaptive management. Since managers cannot measure everything of potential interest within an ecosystem, the choice of what to measure is critical. This table shows which Management Indicator Species have been selected and studied at North Star Nature Preserve by habitat type. Consistent monitoring of these species (per monitoring schedule) will help OST build a dataset that reveals long-term trends and is not driven by year-to-year variability. Table 2. Management Indicator Species for North Star Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 38 human-moose conflicts are a growing concern. This is particularly true if dogs are present, as moose perceive them as a threat and may become aggressive around dogs. Small Mammals - Small-mammal surveys at North Star have identified abundant use of the property by a variety of species. Squirrels, voles, chipmunks, gophers, mice, rabbits and muskrat provide prey base for mammalian and avian predators. Species documented over the years include: American red squirrel, deer mouse, golden-mantled ground squirrel, least chipmunk, northern pocket gopher, bushy-tailed woodrat, long-tailed vole, montane vole, southern red-backed vole, mountain cottontail, muskrat, snowshoe hare, western jumping mouse, and Wyoming ground squirrel. The number of northern pocket gophers and voles has increased while the Wyoming ground squirrel population has decreased since 2014, to the point where none were documented in 2017. Badgers have been known to occur at North Star, as well, but none have been formally documented recently. A reintroduction of Wyoming ground squirrel to the Preserve may encourage badgers and other predators to return to North Star, according to Colorado Wildlife Science. Bat surveys have not been conducted to date, but a few species are expected to occur at North Star. Mammals Elk and Deer - North Star provides excellent habitat for ungulates, with the riparian shrublands and wet meadows, offering nutritious forage and nearby forested areas providing production/rearing habitat and cover. The property is heavily used by elk year- round. In spring and fall, the Preserve serves as an important migratory corridor across the valley floor, connecting their winter range on the sunny southern slopes of the Smuggler Mountain area to the cooler, northern aspects that comprise their summer range closer to Richmond Ridge and Bell Mountain. The Preserve also provides cover, forage and rearing habitat in summer, and great habitat for mating activities in the fall, with open meadows on timbered slopes in close proximity to each other. Elk detections in the 2017 study were comparable to results from 2014, with both cow and bull elk detected. The Preserve continues to be used regularly by elk during mating season. Large numbers of mule deer use North Star during the non-winter months, foraging, resting, migrating and rearing their young on the Preserve. Moose - Moose presence at North Star has increased over the past several years. Moose populations in the region are increasing and the wetlands of North Star provide great moose habitat. Moose sightings are increasingly common, to the point where A herd of elk gather on North Star during the winter. Craig Turpin photo North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 39 Beaver dam 2019 Deer at the Preserve in fall 2019. Bears captured on a wildlife camera. A beaver on North Star in 2018. Moose on the Preserve in 2018. 2017 was the first year Moose were formally documented on the property. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 40 nests were found in 2017. Golden eagle, bald eagle, northern goshawk, great-horned owls and northern saw-whet owls have also been identified at North Star over the years. At least seven species of waterfowl (American coot, Canada goose, cinnamon teal, gadwall, green-winged teal, mallard, and pied-billed grebe) likely breed at North Star.32 Waterfowl nest and feed in the oxbows and slow backwater areas of the Preserve, which serve as a refuge during seasonal flooding. Migrating ducks use the area heavily as a stopover, while the open water in winter is utilized by resident ducks. Several ground-nesting bird species use the Preserve, and the limited access corridors and west-side closure help protect these birds and their nests. Based on avian surveys, the breeding population of red-winged blackbirds (a management indicator species for emergent wetlands) at North Star appears Eleven predator species are known to use the property: black bear, American marten, coyote, American mink, bobcat, short-tailed weasel, long- tailed weasel, mountain lion, red fox, raccoon and striped skunk. Gray wolves and grizzly bears were present in the upper Roaring Fork valley in the 1940s, but have since been extirpated. The gentle river gradient, wide valley and plentiful willow and cottonwood at North Star Nature Preserve results in excellent beaver habitat. It is believed that neighbors or property owners attempted to control beaver populations prior to Pitkin County’s acquisition of the property. Since its acquisition, however, beaver numbers have increased at the Preserve. Presence of beaver generally enhances ecological functioning and resilience of the landscape through increased habitat heterogeneity, biodiversity, and water storage. In 2018, two active freestanding surface lodges, two active bank lodges and one inactive freestanding lodge were observed as part of a comprehensive beaver survey. It is common for beaver to build a dam across the width of the Roaring Fork River in autumn or early spring, and for the dam to get blown out by ice and/or high flows in the spring. Birds Formal avian monitoring has occurred regularly at North Star since 2000, with a targeted heron study completed in 2018. Songbirds, raptors, owls, waterfowl and wading birds were all surveyed in 2017 via breeding season29 point transects, nocturnal bird surveys, and diurnal raptor surveys. At least 86 bird species have been formally documented at North Star during the breeding season, which is up from 79 reported in 2014. More general reports indicate more than 100 bird species use the area.30 North Star is home to a large number of bird species known to be sensitive to human activity. The ratio of sensitive species to species tolerant of humans increased at North Star during the 2000-2008 monitoring period.31 This metric will be monitored to determine if there is a significant change in this trend. During the 2017 breeding season, four species of diurnal raptor (American kestrel, Cooper’s hawk, osprey, red-tailed hawk) were documented at North Star, but only one active nest (Cooper’s hawk) was located. Red-tailed hawks were observed at North Star and nests have been observed on site, but no Red-winged blackbird - North Star North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 41 North Star provides excellent waterfowl habitat for a variety of species. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 42 to be declining. Loss of habitat is considered the greatest threat to red-winged blackbirds, while water diversions, overgrazing by ungulates, human development, and predators may also impact populations. The majority of North Star’s wetland habitat is protected on the west side of the river. The fen restoration and potential fencing of select willow and cottonwood saplings (action item 4.1.1B), will help maintain and improve the emergent wetland habitat that is important to these birds. Regular monitoring will also help OST build long-term datasets and reveal important trends over time that are beyond inherent year-to-year variability. Great Blue Herons Although great blue herons are not of conservation concern and populations are stable across Colorado, special consideration of this charismatic species is included here as they have received significant attention from the public. Heron monitoring at North Star was conducted for many years by volunteers and community members, particularly Heather and Charlie Hopton. In 2018, OST conducted a formal Great Blue Heron Colony Assessment that codified methods, consolidated information from local volunteers, and mapped out relevant heron habitat. Unusual in its high elevation and location in spruce trees, the great blue heron colony at North Star has fluctuated in numbers, relocated at least once (from the west side of the river to the east side in 2006) and declined over time. As of 2017, great blue herons have not been actively nesting on the Preserve, although they have been observed actively flying over, roosting and foraging within the Preserve every summer through 2019. Factors contributing to colony relocation may include: nest stand health, nest tree species, distance to foraging areas, human disturbance, weather conditions and events during nesting, predator populations (eagles, owls, raccoons, bears, martens and skunks), and natural colony movement. Human recreation near the colony sites increased significantly over the past decade. A quiet-zone buffer around the colony was implemented in 2015 in an attempt to mitigate the increase in human disturbance. No predator population surveys have been done to date. The 2018 heron assessment GREAT BLUE HERONS: Figure 11. Active great blue heron nests on North Star Nature Preserve. 2000-2018 Conservation Status: • One of the most widespread wading birds in North America • Not endangered/threatened, nor of great conservation concern • Population numbers are increasing nationwide and in Colorado What influences heron nesting? ▶Habitat Availability •Stands of tall trees near water •Foraging areas - shorelines and shallow water ▶Disturbance •Predators: eagles, raccoons, bears, skunks, etc. •Human activity: development, recreation, etc. ▶Climate/Weather •Conditions when establishing nests in early spring Scientists typically monitor heron populations by region rather than by colony, as small colonies are often variable 4 77 8 11 11 n/a 66 4 8 6 5 3 4 n/a 000 2 4 6 8 10 12 20 0 0 20 0 1 20 0 2 20 0 3 20 0 4 20 0 5 20 0 6 20 0 7 20 0 8 20 0 9 20 1 0 20 1 1 20 1 2 20 1 3 20 1 4 20 1 5 20 1 6 20 1 7 20 1 8 Active great blue heron nests at North Star (2000‐2018) performed by Colorado Wildlife Science notes that the decline and abandonment of the heron colony coincided with both a significant increase in river- based recreation near the nest stands and a decline in the health of the nest stand, though there is no conclusive cause for the relocation. It is likely that many factors are at play. High-quality foraging areas persist at North Star and at least five potential replacement nest stands exist within the Preserve. Herons continue to forage in and around the Preserve. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 43 GREAT BLUE HERONS: Actions taken to protect North Star ...and all the life it supports! D Protected 245 acres of critical wetlands, floodplain, riparian and wildlife habitat D Prohibited human activity on the majority of the property (188 acres, or 77% of the Preserve) to promote natural processes D Actively protecting alternative nesting trees and effective heron habitat D Adopted Management Plan to guide activities and closures in and around North Star Nature Preserve (2000) D Updated Management Plan in response to new issues and realities including increased river use and parking (2015) D Increased education & outreach efforts via increased programming, signage, designated quiet zones, and ACES naturalists on-site to help educate all users D Increased enforcement of rules and regulations. Closed walking trail that was near the heron colony D Instituted a permit system for commercial use on this stretch of river to minimize large groups D Conducted several new ecological studies on plants, wildlife and hydrology to assess conditions and monitor over time Map 4. Heron habitat (2018 Heron Technical Memo) Great blue herons at North Star. PITKIN Pitkin County GIS 2014 Orthophotos A B D C E F 106°47'15"W 106°47'15"W 106°47'30"W 106°47'30"W 106°47'45"W 106°47'45"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'15"W 106°48'15"W 39 ° 1 0 ' 2 4 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 2 4 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 1 2 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 1 2 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 0 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 0 " N 39 ° 9 ' 4 8 " N 39 ° 9 ' 4 8 " N Pitkin County Open Space & TrailsPitkin County Open Space & Trails Great Blue Heron Colony AssessmentGreat Blue Heron Colony Assessment COLORADO WILDLIFE SCIENCE LLC 0100 Elk Run Dr, Ste 128, Basalt, CO 81621 970.927.4549 jonathan@coloradowildlifescience.com http://coloradowildlifescience.com Basemap Sources: Date Prepared: 2018-10-11 o Area of Detail 1 inch = 417 feet Figure 1. Great Blue Heron Habitat with 200 m Buffer & Alternate Nest Stands 0 500 1,000250 Feet Legend: North Star Boundary Coordinate System: NAD83 State Plane Colorado Central Project No 1400717 North Star Nature Preserve ¬«82 Trail Great Blue Heron Colony - Western Nest Stand Important Foraging Area Aspe n Alternate Nest Stand 200 m Buffer from Heron Nest Stands Great Blue Heron Colony - Eastern Nest Stand PITKIN Pitkin County GIS 2014 Orthophotos A B D C E F 106°47'15"W 106°47'15"W 106°47'30"W 106°47'30"W 106°47'45"W 106°47'45"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'15"W 106°48'15"W 39 ° 1 0 ' 2 4 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 2 4 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 1 2 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 1 2 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 0 " N 39 ° 1 0 ' 0 " N 39 ° 9 ' 4 8 " N 39 ° 9 ' 4 8 " N Pitkin County Open Space & TrailsPitkin County Open Space & Trails Great Blue Heron Colony AssessmentGreat Blue Heron Colony Assessment COLORADO WILDLIFE SCIENCE LLC 0100 Elk Run Dr, Ste 128, Basalt, CO 81621 970.927.4549 jonathan@coloradowildlifescience.com http://coloradowildlifescience.com Basemap Sources: Date Prepared: 2018-10-11 o Area of Detail 1 inch = 417 feet Figure 1. Great Blue Heron Habitat with 200 m Buffer & Alternate Nest Stands 0 500 1,000250 Feet Legend: North Star Boundary Coordinate System: NAD83 State Plane Colorado Central Project No 1400717 North Star Nature Preserve ¬«82 Trail Great Blue Heron Colony - Western Nest Stand Important Foraging Area Aspe n Alternate Nest Stand 200 m Buffer from Heron Nest Stands Great Blue Heron Colony - Eastern Nest Stand Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 44 limited by the habitat types and substrates that dominate the reach. Like elsewhere along the Roaring Fork, fishery populations are supplemented by CPW stocking efforts from time to time as well. Reptiles/Amphibians Comprehensive reptile and amphibian monitoring has not been conducted at North Star Nature Preserve to date. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists, there is a strong likelihood that boreal toads, a State of Colorado endangered species, could use this area. Maintaining the wetland habitat would be beneficial to the overall toad population in the Roaring Fork drainage. Wildlife Section Notes: 28. Ohmart and Anderson 1986, NS Management Plan 2000 29. Breeding season is when birds establish territories, find a mate, build nests, lay eggs, rear (and ultimately fledge) offspring. 30. North Star Management Plan 2000 31. Avian Monitoring Report 2011 31. 2017 Wildlife Monitoring Report 32. 2017 NSNP Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report Aquatic Life Macroinvertebrates Benthic macroinvertebrates – the aquatic insects, worms and crustaceans that live in the streambed – serve as a strong indicator of localized water quality conditions.33 Macroinvertebrate community assessments indicate overall water quality is well above the state’s threshold. High proportions of macroinvertebrates in the collector-gatherer feeding guild were found in sampled reaches, which is unsurprising given the aquatic habitat types present throughout the Preserve. Macroinvertebrate biomass is limited in this stretch of river by minimal riffle habitat. Comparisons with studies by other organizations (Forest Service, City of Aspen, Roaring Fork Conservancy and Colorado Department of Health and Environment) on the upper Roaring Fork River outside the Preserve reveal that macroinvertebrate community health declines downstream of the Preserve, as the rivers enters the City of Aspen (see Map 5). Fish Fisheries are an excellent indicator of overall watershed health but serve as a weaker indicator of localized water quality conditions due to the high mobility of individual fish – they are able to easily migrate through stream networks, utilizing many miles of stream and a variety of habitat types throughout. Brook trout, brown trout and mottled sculpin were observed within the stream reach sampled at North Star in 2018; no native cutthroat trout were documented. Fewer fish were present and most fish were relatively small compared to upstream and downstream reaches of the Roaring Fork River, which is unsurprising given the low gradient and small substrate here. The greatest numbers of fish found in North Star Nature Preserve were near undercut banks, highlighting the importance of these habitat areas in the low-complexity channels that dominate in this section of the Roaring Fork River. The river through the Preserve likely serves as a pass-through reach for salmonid populations but also may be supplying shallow and slow backwater habitat types that are utilized by some fish species in their younger life stages. Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists did not perceive any critical or degraded condition producing relatively low fish biomass in the Preserve. Rather, the fishery is limited by food supply, which is naturally Stocked trout beneath the North Star pedestrian bridge. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 45 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Open Space | Roaring Fork River 28 North Star Nature Preserve Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report Figure 25. North Star aquatic life scores attain state standards and are healthy within the regional context of the Roaring Fork watershed. Map 5. North Star Macroinvertebrate Conditions Macroinvertebrate community health is high within North Star but declines downstream as the river enters the City of Aspen. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 46 2.4 RECREATION The 2000 and 2015 management plans for North Star Nature Preserve established the protection and restoration of the North Star ecosystem as overarching goals, while accommodating recreation that does not result in significant impairment of habitat or interfere with restoration of the Preserve to optimum ecological condition. In keeping with that mandate, recreation and public access are limited to the Roaring Fork River waterway and to corridors on the east side of the river. On the east side of North Star, the public is allowed on the East of Aspen Trail, which borders the Preserve, and on three access corridors through the Preserve that connect the trail with the river, including the beach. Also accessible is the landing zone at South Gate and, in the winter, a groomed Nordic loop. Grooming must stay 10 feet from the riverbank. On the James H. Smith portion of the property, the public is allowed on a single-track loop trail that is open year-round. The public is not allowed anywhere on the Preserve outside of these zones. North Star is closed to use from dusk to dawn. River Use The float trip through North Star is a popular recreation experience. Most river users launch on Forest Service property at Wildwood Lane and take out at the pedestrian bridge on the north end of North Star. River use has increased over the years. Most river use occurs between June and early September. River flows, weather conditions, and day of week dramatically impact the number of users on any given day. OST has been working on the best way to collect river use counts. 2018 and 2019 are the only two years of consistent data to date (see Figure 12) Among the three access corridors between the East of Aspen Trail and the river, South Gate is mainly used by river users who want an out-and-back experience, paddling up- or downriver and then returning to the South Gate access point. South Gate is also used to launch watercraft in high water, when upstream bridges become problematic, or in very low flows. The Beach Gate is accessed by those wanting to spend time on the beach and sees a lot of use by families with young children. River access at the pedestrian bridge is primarily used as a takeout point for river users. Upgrades, including stone steps at the water’s May 11, 2018 - North Star Beach May 21, 2019 - East of Aspen Trail Annual weather variations: these two photos, taken in May 2018 and 2019, show how dramatic the difference in weather can be year to year at the North Star Nature Preserve. Paddleboarding has become one of the more common ways people float the section of river through North Star Nature Preserve. Takeout improvements were implemented in 2016 to improve safety and minimize resource damage from river users exiting the water. edge, were installed at the takeout in 2016 to improve safety for river egress. Users are not allowed to leave the trail or beach in the three access corridors. In the 2000 and 2015 management plans, river users were not permitted to beach their watercraft anywhere within the Preserve except at the designated beach. 2015 prior to improvements North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 47 ƉƉƌŽdž͘ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨh^'^'ĂŐĞ͗ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶͲ ϮϬϭϵ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶͲ ϮϬϭϴ ϭ ϲ ϵ ϭϬ ϭϭ ϮϬϭϱ ϮϬϭϲ ϮϬϭϳ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ EƵŵďĞƌŽĨWĞƌŵŝƚƚĞĚ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂůKƉĞƌĂƚŽƌƐ 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 107 2007 3855 2407 380 942 2713 2168 368 93 Total Number of River Users Total Number of River Users River Flows and North Star User Numbers - 2019 59 average river users per day 47 average river users per day River Flows and North Star User Numbers - 2018 15.2% of use from commercial trips 15.5% of use from commercial trips Prior to the 2015 North Star Management Plan only one commercial operator was permitted to float North Star. From 2016-2019 operators were able to be permitted through Open Space and Trails, paying a fee of 1.25 per client. Anecdotally, the observation from OST rangers is that the trend has been shifting from guided trips to more shuttle drops over time. ƉƉƌŽdž͘ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨh^'^'ĂŐĞ͗ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ ϭϰϬϬ ϭϲϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϱ ϮϬϭϲ ϮϬϭϳ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ Flow Data and River Use Summary The following graphs show the river flows at the Stillwater Gauge and the usage numbers collected by Open Space and Trails camera data in 2018 and 2019. The camera data documents users floating the river on all types of watercraft from tubes to paddle boards to canoes. While the program began collecting data beginning in 2016, camera malfunctions and high water led to incomplete data sets that are not comparable. The 2018 and 2019 user data is included and illustrates two very different weather/flow years that substantially impact the use at the North Star Nature Preserve. Commercial data is reported by commercial operators, who are required to submit usage numbers at the conclusion of the season. Use numbers vary from year to year, and while the trend has been increasing use over time, weather, river flows, seasonality of visitors, and changes in watercraft trends/availability, among other factors such as the availability of information/promotion of the experience, all influence user numbers on the river. ƉƉƌŽdž͘ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨh^'^'ĂŐĞ͗ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ ϭϰϬϬϭϲϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϱ ϮϬϭϲ ϮϬϭϳ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ ƉƉƌŽdž͘ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨh^'^'ĂŐĞ͗ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ ϭϰϬϬϭϲϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϱ ϮϬϭϲ ϮϬϭϳ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ Ϭ ϮϬϬ ϰϬϬ ϲϬϬ ϴϬϬ ϭϬϬϬ ϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞ Ă Ŷ   Ă ŝ ů LJ  & ů Ž ǁ  ; Đ Ĩ Ɛ Ϳ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϴ ϮϬϭϵ May 11, 2018 - North Star Beach May 21, 2019 - East of Aspen Trail These two photos, taken in May 2018 and 2019, show how dramatic the difference in weather can be year to year at the North Star Nature Preserve. 20192018 *While Open Space and Trails began collecting data beginning in 2016, camera malfunctions and high water led to incomplete data sets that are not comparable. Figure 12. River flows and river usage numbers. ƉƉƌŽdž͘ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨh^'^'ĂŐĞ͗ ϬϮϬϬϰϬϬϲϬϬϴϬϬϭϬϬϬϭϮϬϬϭϰϬϬϭϲϬϬƉƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌDĞĂŶĂŝůLJ&ůŽǁ;ĐĨƐͿ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϱϮϬϭϲϮϬϭϳϮϬϭϴϮϬϭϵ Ϭ ϮϬϬϰϬϬϲϬϬϴϬϬϭϬϬϬϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞĂŶĂŝůLJ&ůŽǁ;ĐĨƐͿ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϴϮϬϭϵ ƉƉƌŽdž͘ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶŽĨh^'^'ĂŐĞ͗ ϬϮϬϬϰϬϬϲϬϬϴϬϬϭϬϬϬϭϮϬϬϭϰϬϬϭϲϬϬƉƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌDĞĂŶĂŝůLJ&ůŽǁ;ĐĨƐͿ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϱϮϬϭϲϮϬϭϳϮϬϭϴϮϬϭϵ Ϭ ϮϬϬϰϬϬϲϬϬϴϬϬϭϬϬϬϭϮϬϬ Ɖƌŝů DĂLJ :ƵŶĞ :ƵůLJ ƵŐƵƐƚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ KĐƚŽďĞƌ DĞĂŶĂŝůLJ&ůŽǁ;ĐĨƐͿ DŽŶƚŚͬĂLJ ZŽĂƌŝŶŐ&ŽƌŬZŝǀĞƌ&ůŽǁƐĂďŽǀĞƐƉĞŶ ϮϬϭϴϮϬϭϵ N O R T H S TAR D R H W Y 8 2 MCF A R L A N E GULCH R D W ILDWO O DLN Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 0 0.1 0.2 Miles Parcel Boundary Conservation Easement Open Space Closure Area U.S. Forest Service North Star Open Space Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Lake or Pond River Singletrack Trail Paved Path W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Public C l o s u r e A rea Designated Parking Boating / River Access Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 48 82 Ea s t o f A s p e n Trail Ea s t o f A s p e n Trail J a m es H. N ature Trail J a m es H. N ature Trail Map 6. Summer Recreation Wildwood Put-in North Star Pedestrian Bridge / Takeout North Parking Lot / Wildlife Viewing Platform South Gate Put-in / Takeout Parking Lot Beach Access Landing Zone East of Aspen Trail James H. Smith Nature Trail NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE Public Closure Area Public Closure Area JAMES H. SMITH OPEN SPACE Roaring Fork River NORTHSTARDR H W Y 8 2 MCFARLANEGULCHRD W ILDWOODLN Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 00.10.2Miles Parcel Boundary Conservation Easement Open Space Closure Area U.S. Forest Service North Star Open Space Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Lake or Pond River Singletrack Trail Paved Path W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 0 0.06 0.12 Miles Parcel Boundary Conservation Easement Open Space C losure Area U.S. Forest Service North Star Open Space Aspen C enter for Env. Studies Lake or Pond River Singletrack Tr ail East of Aspen Trail Groomed Nordic Trail W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t P u b li c C l o s u r e A r e a Designated Parking Boating / River Access North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 49 82 East o f A s p e n T r a il East o f A s p e n T r a il James H . Nature Trail James H . Nature Trail N orth Star Loop N orth Star Loop Be nedict Trai l Be nedict Trai l Map 7. Winter Recreation North Star Pedestrian Bridge North Parking Lot / Wildlife Viewing Platform Landing Zone 2k Groomed Nordic Loop East of Aspen Trail James H. Smith Nature Trail South Gate Parking Lot NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE Public Closure Area Public Closure Area JAMES H. SMITH OPEN SPACE Designated Parking Roa r i n g F o r k R i v e r Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 50 Bicycle and Pedestrian Use The East of Aspen Trail is a popular walk and bike route in the Open Space system. With a crusher- fine surface for most of its length, it offers a slower, meandering trip that connects Aspen and Difficult Campground, bordering the east edge of North Star along its route. Users must stay on the trail except where designated corridors access the Preserve. The trail does not receive winter maintenance except for periodic packing by snowmobile between Stillwater Road and South Gate at North Star (done by the Nordic grooming crew). The East of Aspen Trail received Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades in 2015. A section of the trail that is still in need of redesign in order to meet ADA standards is at the North Star pedestrian bridge takeout. The trail here still has grades that are too steep to meet ADA requirements. The James H. Smith interpretive loop, partially located on a two-track road, offers a peaceful walk around the south end of the Preserve. Bicycle use is not permitted. The two-track road is closed at the point where it passes through a willow hedgerow and does not provide river access (see Map 5). Winter use is allowed on the loop, though it is not groomed. Entrance to James H. Smith interpretive loop from the East of Aspen Trail, June 2016. Bicyclists enjoy the East of Aspen trail through North Star Nature Preserve, July 2016 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 51 Paragliding Landing Zone The North Star landing zone at South Gate is used by pilots launching from Aspen Mountain. The landing zone is open year-round. Non-commercial, public paraglider landings are limited to 30 per weekday and 50 on weekend days – limits first established in the 2000 management plan. Recreational hang glider landings are limited to 5 per day. Flyers must maintain a 200-meter distance from any heron nests at the Preserve. All pilots are required to log their flights in a log book maintained at the landing zone. The landing zone is closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily. NORTH STAR PARAGLIDER LANDINGS YEAR SOLO TANDEM TOTAL 2015 456 788 1244 2016 349 864 1213 2017 657 921 1578 2018 523 814 1337 2019 386 679 1065 Table 3. Paraglider Landings, 2015-2019 The paragliding landing zone on North Star. Paragliding landings take place on North Star year round. Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 52 Fishing Wade fishing is not permitted at North Star, though fishing is permitted from a floating vessel. Colorado regulations for the Roaring Fork River in the North Star reach allow artificial flies and lures only, and all trout must be returned to the river immediately. Anchoring in the river is prohibited – a rule carried forward from the 2000 management plan. Signage, Interpretation and Memorials All signage on Open Space and Trails properties must follow the 2014 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Signage Design Guidelines. Since the 2015 North Star Management Plan update, new signage kiosks have been posted at South Gate, the Beach and North Star Pedestrian Bridge takeout points. New interpretive signs were installed at the wildlife viewing platform, as was a new and improved scope for public use. Elsewhere on the property, aging interpretive signs remain in place. Winter Use / Nordic A 2-kilometer Nordic loop is groomed for classic and skate skiing at North Star on the east side of the river. It is also open to snowshoe use, but walking on the loop is prohibited. Skiing is prohibited between April 15 and Nov. 30 – a limitation established in the 2000 management plan. Dogs Dogs are prohibited on land throughout North Star Nature Preserve. Leashed dogs are permitted on the East of Aspen Trail. The variety of jurisdictions around North Star, and differences in regulations regarding dogs, make enforcing the “no dogs” regulation at North Star challenging, especially when it comes to the interface with river users, who access the river outside of the Preserve boundaries. Cross-country skiers on the 2k groomed loop on the east side of the Roaring Fork River. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 53 972 1328 5312 7428 2018 2019 # of Commercial Floats # of Private Floats In addition to on-site signage, Open Space and Trails developed a website – www.northstaraspen.com – to provide information to North Star users. It includes a video that educates the public on respectfully floating the river through the Preserve. Also, brochures were distributed to commercial operators and hotels/ lodges that outlined the rules for floating North Star and provided a map of the property. No trespassing signs featuring wildlife images and messages such as “protect home and habitat” were also placed on private and public property along the float. Commercial and Special-use Permits Commercial uses at North Star Nature Preserve have been limited to river and paragliding operations, since the 2000 management plan. All commercial operations at North Star must obtain an annual commercial permit. Language in Commercial Permits are updated yearly. Starting in 2020, boating operators and shuttle services must have both an Open Space and Trails permit and authorization from the Forest Service to operate at the Wildwood Lane launch site in order to operate at North Star. OST permits must be obtained by March 1 for the 2020 season. Interpretative signage at North Star has been updated as an implementation step in the 2015 management plan. Figure 13. Number of permitted commercial operators and number of clients Figure 14. 2018 and 2019 Comparison data for commercial floaters/ boaters (clients) and private floaters/boaters 205 553 814 972 1328 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Number of Commercial Trips 11 O P E R A T O R S 10 OP E R A T O R S 9 O P E R A T O R S 6 O P E R A T O R S 1 Prior to the 2015 North Star Management Plan, only one commercial operator was permitted to float North Star. From 2016-2019 operators were able to be permitted through Open Space and Trails, paying a fee of $1.25 per client. Anecdotally, the observation from OST rangers is that the trend has been shifting from guided trips to more shuttle drops over time. For the years reliable data has been collected, the commercial trips have averaged about 15% of the total trips on the river for the summer season, April - September. Commercial Floaters/Boaters Private Floaters/Boaters Total Floaters/Boaters 8756 6284 *Low Flow Year * 15.2% of use from commercial trips 15.5% of use from commercial trips Clients Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 54 Prior to the 2015 update to the North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan, one river operator held a commercial permit at North Star and there was no additional guidance on group size, etc. Concerns were expressed regarding the legality of this arrangement. The 2015 update allowed for additional operators to apply under a commercial permit system, but limited commercial groups to 6 individuals, including guides. In 2019, Open Space and Trails issued 11 permits to river operators/shuttle services. Those operators reported 1,328 total commercial users - roughly 15 percent of the total river use documented with the motion-triggered camera placed at the James H. Smith property. In addition, a paragliding company holds a commercial permit to use the landing zone at North Star. The operator reported 679 commercial landings in 2019. The 2015 management plan for North Star adopted limits on commercial paragliding that were established in 2000 management plan (amended in 2004) – commercial paraglider landings are limited to 98 per week, with no more than 20 landings on a single day. Year-round operations are allowed. Commercial hang gliding is not permitted at North Star. Commercial filming and photography is prohibited at North Star, as are all other commercial activities. Special uses or organized events at North Star are limited to ecology focused educational tours, research projects, biological studies, etc. Such activities require a permit unless they occur under the auspices of Open Space and Trails. Special-use permits can accommodate an activity that may occur outside designated access corridors. Group size was capped at 20, including guides or instructors, by the 2015 management plan. Educational activities that have been co-sponsored by Open Space and Trails include river floats led by the Roaring Fork Conservancy and several programs offered by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, including North Star Birding, Take a Walk on the Other Side tours and Evening of the Elk programs. The ACES programs include access to the closed area of North Star west of the river and have proven popular since they were instituted following adoption of the 2015 management plan update. In 2019, the Conservancy reported total participation of 37 people in four river tours that took place in June. ACES saw a total of 66 participants in its various programs. Open Space and Trails partners with ACES and Roaring Fork Conservancy to provide educational programming including morning birding, river floats, and wildlife watching. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 55 Special uses specifically prohibited at North Star include: weddings, concerts, catered events and other events that are not educational in nature. Also prohibited are audible music, motorized use (except as specifically authorized for management activities) and special uses at the beach. Special use and commercial use on the East of Aspen Trail requires a permit. Parking and Access Designated Parking Areas Two designated parking areas serve the North Star Nature Preserve property: the north parking lot and South Gate parking lot. Both lots are used year- round and are plowed in the winter. Information kiosks were installed at both lots in 2016. No trash receptacles or restrooms are provided. Both of these lots reach or exceed their capacity on busy summer days but otherwise meet or exceed user demand. Based on spot-count observations collected by the Open Space and Trails rangers, the South Gate lot sees approximately 10-13 vehicles on busy summer days. There is enough space to accommodate approximately 24 vehicles if parked efficiently. Peak use at the north lot may see as many as 8-10 cars in a space that has been built to accommodate six vehicles. Pe d e s t r i a n Br i d g e T a k e o u t No r t h L o t / Vi e w i n g P l a t f o r m So u t h G a t e Be a c h A c c e s s Ja m e s H . S m i t h Na t u r e T r a i l Wi l d w o o d Pa r k i n g / P u t - i n Wi l d w o o d L a n e .31mi 0 Cars 30-40 Cars Number of Vehicles (Peak Season) Existing Designated Parking SpotsRiver Miles East of Aspen Trail Wildwood Lane 14 Cars 8-13 Cars 10-14 Cars10 Cars 0 Cars 24 Cars 5 Cars6 Cars .17mi .26mi 1.3mi 0.56mi 0.33mi 2.07mi Figure 15. Existing parking capacity and observed vehicular use from 2015-2019 spot counts North Lot Vehicle spot counts were collected by OST rangers and ACES naturalists at both designated parking areas and informal highway pull-outs from 2015- 2019. The peak season number of vehicles is the number of vehicles that have been observed on some of the typical summer days. South Gate / River Access Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary Singletrack Trail East of Aspen Trail Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary Singletrack Trail East of Aspen Trail Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary East of Aspen Trail Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary East of Aspen Trail Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 56 Figure 16. North Star access corridors and parking areas NORTH STAR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE / TAKEOUT NORTH LOT / WILDLIFE VIEWING PLATFORM THE BEACH ACCESS SOUTH GATE RIVER ACCESS North Star Pedestrian Bridge 10-min Loading Zone (2-4 vehicles) OST Primary Kiosk Bicycle Rack East of Aspen Trail and Parking Area Conflict - Requires Realignment Bicycle Rack Wildlife Viewing Platform River Access Corridor OST Primary Kiosk Areas of Undesignated Parking Area of Undesignated Parking North Lot Head- in Parking for 10 vehicles Parking for 24 vehicles River Access Corridor River Access Corridor The Beach OST Primary Kiosk Bicycle Rack 2016 Takeout Improvements 82 82 82 82 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 57 Informal Pullouts Users also often park along the highway shoulder at informal pullouts. The two most popular and heavily used pullouts are at the Beach Gate and the North Star pedestrian bridge access corridor/takeout. The pullout at the bridge, where most people take out after floating the river, was signed in 2016 to facilitate a 10-minute loading zone. No designated parking is available in this area, though on busy summer days, anywhere from 30-40 cars can be parked along the highway with large numbers of people spilling into the roadway and blocking the East of Aspen Trail with their watercrafts. The pullout is located on a curve and during heavy use, sight lines can be difficult for oncoming motorists from both directions, exacerbated by vehicles parked on the inside of the curve. Many respondents to the community survey noted that this area is overcrowded and that safety at the highway interface is a concern that is heightened by poor behavior and a party atmosphere. Additional concerns included congestion at the bridge and the interaction with pedestrians and bicyclists on the East of Aspen Trail. The Beach Gate pullout is also often lined with vehicles; during busy summer months, as many as 10- 14 vehicles can be found parked within the highway right-of-way. This area does afford some room to create a formalized parking area in the future. North Star pedestrian bridge / river access - has as many as 30-40 vehicles at peak times during the summer. There is no designated parking provided (2019). During peak times, the North Star pedestrian bridge is often crowded with different user groups. Beach Gate / river access (2020) Existing Conditions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 58 Wildwood Parking Area While not a part of the North Star Nature Preserve, the Wildwood put-in is where 85 percent of river users who responded to the survey begin their float trip. The current parking area has limited parking for five vehicles and a drop-off zone, but there are often as many as 10-14 cars double-parked on peak use days during the summertime. Organizing and regulating the parking in this area, in order to maintain access to the homes and preschool along the roadway and prevent vehicles from blocking the fire lane, has been a focus since the 2015 management plan was adopted. While the area still experiences crowding, the presence of Forest Protection Officers (FPOs), increased ranger patrols, and ACES naturalist programming at the put-in has led to better management and compliance with parking regulations. Wildwood parking area and river access North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Existing Conditions 59 Enforcement North Star Nature Preserve is one of the three most frequently patrolled Open Space and Trails properties by department rangers, along with the upper Rio Grande Trail (from Woody Creek to Aspen) and Smuggler Mountain Open Space. In 2019, 17% of total ranger patrol time was dedicated to North Star Nature Preserve. In response to the Preserve's popularity and shifting visitor use patterns, rangers have prioritized patrols in the area and have implemented changes such as staggered shifts to extend patrol coverage into the evening hours, ending patrols just before dusk. From 2015 to 2019, rangers increased annual patrol hours on the Preserve by 105%. Per the action item in the 2015 management plan, a third seasonal ranger was hired in 2016 to help with education and enforcement and expand the enforcement capabilities of OST rangers, which then transitioned to a full- time ranger in 2018. In 2019, rangers patrolled the Preserve for a total of approximately 800 hours, primarily focused on the busy summer season (May- September). Over the last five years, citations and warnings issued by rangers on the Preserve have most frequently addressed dogs off-leash or dogs within closed areas, violation of or failure to obtain special-use permits, and trespass in areas closed to protect wildlife habitat. In addition to Open Space and Trails rangers, Forest Protection Officers have played an important role in helping to manage congestion and parking challenges at the Wildwood Lane river access. Pa t r o l H o u r s 250 403 653 799 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 2015 2016 2017* 2018 2019 North Star Patrol Zone HoursFigure 17. North Star Patrol Zone Ranger Hours from 2015-2019 *Data for 2017 was lost in the transition to the current time-tracking system. Planning Process and Public Input | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 60 3.1 PLANNING PROCESS The 2020 management plan update for North Star Nature Preserve builds off the 2015 management plan, natural resource monitoring and reports, and input from the public collected through community surveys, outreach events, an East of Aspen Caucus meeting and partner comments. 3.1.1 Public Comment / Baseline Data Collection The first planning phase included public comment and baseline data collection as well as meetings with ranger staff, commercial operators and partners. Public outreach took place from the end of Oct. 2019 through Jan. 6, 2020. Staff sought to meet people where they already are by hosting “Community Table Tuesdays” in November at Local Coffee Shop in Aspen, which was also the site of a community open house on Dec. 12, 2019. During this first outreach and data collection phase, an online survey was promoted and responses were collected from almost 400 community members. A total of 80 surveys/comments were received during the in-person outreach events. The complete survey responses are included in Appendix B with highlights summarized below. 3.1.2 Draft Plan Development and Public Comment Utilizing the existing conditions data, reports and public input, staff compiled a draft management plan with Action Items to guide management of North Star for the next five years. The first draft was presented to the Open Space and Trails Board for comment and direction on February 6, prior to releasing the draft for public comment. The public comment period on the draft began with two "Community Table Tuesday" events at the Local Coffee Shop, as well as an outreach table at the Wheeler's Mountain Film Festival and an ACES Naturalists Night event, however, the scheduled open house and other in-person events were canceled due to COVID-19 public health orders. OST extended the comment period by a month and increased social media and online outreach efforts using Facebook, Instagram and ads in the local papers to highlight elements of the plan and encourage the public to provide comments. Staff presented the plan and met with partner agencies and was available for one-on-one conversations with neighbors/caucus members. 3.1.3 Final Plan Revisions and Adoption Following the draft plan public comment period, staff discussed the feedback received and updated the plan. The final plan is reviewed by both the Open Space and Trails Board and the Board of County Commissioners. The Open Space and Trails Board recommends adoption of the final plan to the Board of County Commissioners; the BOCC adopts the plan by ordinance. The public input effort sought to meet community members where they are by hosting a local's table and offering drink discounts to engage the public in the process. 3. PLANNING PROCESS AND PUBLIC INPUT North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Planning Process and Public Input 61 Public Comment / Baseline Data Collection October - Online Survey 21 / Public Comment Opened October - January 6 - Public Comment / Stakeholder Meetings Outreach events included Community Table Tuesdays at Local Coffee House over the first three Tuesday’s in November and an Outreach Table at the Wheeler Opera House during the Women’s Adventure Film Fest. Dec 11 & 12 - Commercial Operator Meetings December 12 - Public Open House - Local Coffee House / Here House January 6 - Public Comment Closed Draft Plan Development January - February - Draft Plan Development February 6 - OSTB Review of Draft Plan / Plan Updated and Released for Public Comment February 20 - Healthy Rivers and Streams Board February 20 - City of Aspen Open Space and Trails Board February 25 - BOCC Update on Draft Plan March - In-Person and Digital Outreach Events and Messaging Outreach events included Community Table Tuesdays at Local Coffee House on the first two Tuesday’s in November (8:30-10:30 a.m.). Due to the requirements for social distancing during March and April, the planned Open House and other in person outreach events were canceled and online promotion/social media presence was increased significantly. May 1 - Public Comment Closed Final Plan Revisions and Adoption May - June - Draft Plan Revisions June 2 - OSTB/BOCC Joint Meeting OSTB to Comment/Make Recommendation to BOCC June 10 - BOCC 1st Reading for Plan Adoption June 24 - BOCC 2nd Reading for Plan Adoption Figure 18. Planning Process / Meeting Schedule October 2019 - June 2020 Planning Process and Public Input | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 62 3.3 PARTNER COMMENTS White River National Forest (WRNF) - Staff meets often with White River National Forest staff to coordinate the presence at Wildwood and the partnership at North Star. Since the adoption of the 2015 management plan, the county has helped fund a seasonal Forest Protection Officer with the goal of helping manage the parking and use concerns at Wildwood. This position has had a varying presence at North Star. It started out strong in 2016, and really changed the parking patterns and abuse at Wildwood. In subsequent years, the position had a varying presence based on forest fire issues elsewhere and difficulties in hiring a person to fill the seasonal position. In the fall of 2019, the county agreed to fund two full-time FPOs, one of which will be funded by the Open Space and Trails fund. Making these positions full-time may make them more desirable and hopefully attract more applicants. Open Space and Trails has also been working with the Forest Service on permitting commercial operators. Please refer to section 2.4 Recreation, Commercial and Special-use Permits for more details. Staff met with Forest Service staff to discuss updates to the management plan. All agreed that we need to continue to work toward a seamless system of rules and regulations. Design tweaks to the drop-off area at Wildwood were also discussed, to improve the functionality of the area. Also, different agreements or methods to achieve a seamless system were discussed. The Forest Service is open to beginning to explore a land exchange to facilitate future, long-term management by the County. In the interim, they will also work with OST on the installation of a seasonal restroom facility. East of Aspen Caucus - Multiple members of staff and a county commissioner attended the East of Aspen Caucus meeting held on Sept. 10, 2019. Also in attendance were staff from CDOT, the Sheriff’s Office and ACES. Members of the Caucus expressed concerns regarding the congestion at the North Star takeout, including: poor sight lines, illegal parking, bottleneck of traffic, pedestrians crossing the roadway, disrespectful behavior toward residents in the area, and lack of enforcement along the roadway. Concerns were also expressed that North Star is becoming a water park and is impacting endangered species. Staff from CDOT said they are willing to work with the county to install “no parking” signage along Hwy. 82 at the takeout. Other ideas CDOT would potentially be open to included using jersey barriers to limit areas of parking. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) - OST staff meets yearly with ACES staff for an end-of-season debrief and also met in preparation for the draft 2020 North Star Management Plan. ACES naturalists have been stationed at the Wildwood launch since the 2015 plan adoption, starting in the summer of 2016. The biggest concern expressed is that the naturalists have evolved from focusing on education about natural resources at the Preserve to serving as parking attendants at Wildwood. This evolution also has a close relationship to the presence of a Forest Protection Officer, or lack thereof. Concerns have also been expressed regarding the lack of communication ability from Wildwood, in particular with OST rangers or other ACES staff on site; the congestion at the launch area; the amount of vehicles at peak times; the need to shift naturalist locations based on use patterns; and enforcement responsibilities that should not North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Planning Process and Public Input 63 be part of their job. In general, the naturalists like the experience and the exposure to careers paths in natural resources. The feedback from public survey responses regarding naturalists was very positive; the public appreciates the presence of naturalists and interactions with them. ACES also provides educational outings on North Star including bird and elk watching. These continue to be very popular and well attended. Providing comments on the draft plan, ACES submitted a letter that was generally supportive but did express concern that there are too many people in the parking areas and on the river, and asked for more details regarding river closures. Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) - AVLT submitted a letter supporting approval and adoption of the management plan. Staff met with AVLT staff to review the contents of the Draft Plan and discussed the future location of an AVLT sign near the North Lot. City of Aspen (COA) - Staff met with City of Aspen Parks and Open Space staff and presented the draft plan at their February 2020 board meeting. The City provided a comment letter supporting the management actions in the plan, notably Action Item 4.6.6. Evaluate Ditches within Paragliding and Nordic Use Areas and made an additional request for approval to install a seasonal shelter to house Nordic trail grooming equipment. Additionally, staff reached out to the City's Community Development and Transportation Departments. Community Development developed an Uphill Recreation Plan for the City in 2019; it included goals such as improving transit service to trailheads and recreational amenities surrounding Aspen and improved/ additional messaging around outdoor recreation etiquette in partnership with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. Staff-level discussions about transportation options indicate there is potential to partner with the City to improve transportation options to North Star, though they are not as simple as extending the Mountain Valley Dial-a-Ride service, operated by RFTA. Though extending this type of deviated, fixed-route service may be possible, it is not likely to be the best option for North Star due to the vehicle requirements and safety constrains of transporting boating/paddling gear and the need to maintain consistent 30-minute headways, which would be complicated by the loading/ unloading of gear. An additional model to consider that may be better suited to the North Star visitor's need is some type of charter service operated by a private vendor. There are a number of models around the country that may fit the needs of North Star; each has their own opportunities and constraints, and details that would need to be evaluated. Some local examples of different applications of a charter service include the City of Aspen's Downtowner and the USFS/City of Glenwood Springs' Hanging Lake Shuttle. Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council (ASNC) - Staff met with Nordic staff and comments regarding Nordic operations are captured in the COA letter. Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) - Open Space and Trails partners with the Roaring Fork Conservancy to lead educational tours on North Star. The Roaring Fork Conservancy submitted a formal comment letter supporting: the continuation of the educational partnership, on-site ranger and staff presence, zero-tolerance policies, continuation of monitoring for any negative impacts of increased use, discussion Planning Process and Public Input | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 64 of a visitor “carrying capacity,” natural-resource monitoring, signage updates, and ecological training of commercial operators. RFC encouraged OST to explore the potential for installation of trash and restroom facilities, and provide additional details on beaver dam management and flow/moose closures. Healthy Rivers and Streams Board (HRSB) – Staff presented the draft plan to the Healthy Rivers and Streams Board, answered questions and encouraged them to submit a formal comment letter. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) – Staff met with CDOT at the North Star Pedestrian Bridge takeout to review their sign plan. CDOT submitted a comment letter on the draft management plan supporting the continued efforts to implement better signage, working out a lease agreement to empower rangers with enforcement capabilities, working together on future parking design, and continuing OST use counts. Concerns were expressed about allowing U-turns at the takeout without removal of trees to improve sight distance, and accommodation of trailers. Commercial Operators - Staff met with commercial operators to discuss the new procedures and regulations for commercial river use in 2020 and to gather their thoughts on the management plan update. Overall, operators in attendance were receptive to the new regulations. Concerns were expressed that the county continues to have more and more rules that will ultimately put them out of business. Concerns were expressed that the Wildwood launch area and the North Star takeout can get congested. Operators also felt that they are often be blamed for issues that are occurring with the general public and are not the result of their commercial use. Those who attended appreciate that North Star is a nature preserve and strive to educate their clients on its importance. WE-Cycle Bike Share - WE-Cycle, the Roaring Fork Valley-based bike share program, is not a current partner of the OST program, but a number of public survey responses mentioned the possibility of bike sharing to alleviate some of the pressure on parking at North Star. Staff reached out to WE-Cycle to explore the feasibility and applicability of a partnership. While reducing car trips and congestion and offering bikes as an alternative mode of travel is aligned with WE-cycle's mission, at this time and for the foreseeable future, serving North Star is not a good fit for the bike-share model due to a number of challenges. A dock-based bike-sharing service would be expensive and operationally intensive with challenges in providing reliable service (e.g. ensuring that bikes are available at stations when people need them). The primarily one-way nature of the river trip, the distance/time required for the return bike trip, bulky and heavy boating and paddling equipment, and unreliable cellular service (needed to sign up and use the docking stations) further complicate the utility of a bike-share system at this time. WE-Cycle is a transportation focused bike share system with emphasis on facilitating the "last mile" to and from bus service and destinations, and adding recreational support services is beyond their current focus and capacity. There may be opportunities for some type of a bike-share system in the future, with WE-cycle and local bike shops, as new technologies emerge and cellular service improves to support dock-less bikes with geo-fencing technology, e-bikes or specialized cargo bikes, and closed-loop systems that do not detract from the existing infrastructure serving the transit-oriented ridership. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Planning Process and Public Input 65 (39%) or 1-2 times a month (29%) in the winter, with 12% of respondents who do not visit the Preserve during the winter months. While the most popular time to visit the Preserve by survey respondents is midday during the weekends (a trend that was verified by open space rangers), many people noted that they plan their visits to avoid the crowds or have an easier time with parking by visiting early or avoiding the weekends. 3.2.2 Parking and Access Almost 50% of survey respondents are accessing North Star from the Wildwood put-in, on Forest Service property to the south of the Preserve, and accessing the Preserve from the river. Of those who identified “floating the river” as their primary activity at North Star, 85% begin their float at Wildwood and 93% typically travel there by car. The takeout at the 3.2 PUBLIC COMMENTS 3.2.1 BASELINE DATA / INITIAL INPUT The initial community survey sought to understand people’s general patterns of use at North Star (types of activities, seasonality and timing of use, access points, etc.), what people value about the Preserve, and what community members believe is working well or in need of change. Because human use of the Preserve has come under scrutiny by members of the public, it was important for staff to understand some of the trends and concerns from the breadth of users who spend time at North Star. The survey provides insight from community members who elected to participate in the planning process and represents a diversity of users, neighbors, and people who love and want to protect the area and the experience of being in this special place. Almost 65% of the respondents are from Aspen, with the remainder representing other areas within the county and the Roaring Fork Valley. Only a small number (2%) of visitors responded to the survey. The survey represents a diversity of age groups, relatively evenly spread from the 31 to 61-plus age groups with slightly fewer responses from 21- to 30-year-olds and only a handful of responses from those under age 19. 3.2.1 Use/Patterns The survey respondents participate in a wide range of activities at North Star, from enjoying it from above as a paraglider to floating the river, traveling along the East of Aspen Trail or quietly watching the wildlife and birds. What people love about the Preserve is that it is a quiet, peaceful escape and the opportunity it provides to connect with nature and wildlife, and enjoy the beauty and views. Many visitors appreciate how easily accessible the Preserve is from town. While people visit the Preserve seeking solitude and escape, there are also many respondents who go to North Star to connect with friends and family. People noted how great of an open space it is to bring aging parents or young children to enjoy the water and nature. During the summer months, many of the survey respondents frequent the North Star area 1-2 times a week (38%) or a couple of times a month (37%), whereas in the winter use patterns shift to less frequent visits. People tend to visit 1-2 times a season Figure 20. Survey respondents by age group shows a diversity of ages. Figure 21. Survey respondents primary way of experiencing North Star Nature Preserve. Paragliding From Hwy 82 Nordic Skiing Bird / Wildlife Watching Biking Floating the River (boating/tubing/ paddleboarding Walking/running /hiking East of Aspen Trail Planning Process and Public Input | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 66 pedestrian bridge is the second most popular specific access point, whereas the East of Aspen Trail is also one of the more highly used access points to the Preserve. Asked to offer comments about their experience accessing North Star (Question 8), many respondents noted the limited availability of parking/congestion at Wildwood and the pedestrian bridge. People expressed concerns about the conflicts, congestion and safety of river users, pedestrians/bicyclists and vehicles along Hwy. 82 at the takeout. Some people noted particular concern for the safety of children at the takeout, where space is limited between vehicles and pedestrians. At Wildwood, the issue expressed by survey respondents seems to be less of a safety concern and more focused on the limited availability of parking and congestion/lack of organization at the parking area/drop-off. Many noted that Wildwood seems to be better managed and people are appreciative of the presence of rangers and naturalists in the area. Many note that the functionality of the Wildwood zone is dependent on a local code of trust. People who are paddling upriver mention parking at South Gate as working well for their needs. Knowing that parking is limited and that room to accommodate the parking demand will be an ongoing challenge at North Star, Question 10 asked people to provide ideas or strategies that would help them leave a vehicle at home. Some people suggested shuttling with bikes as one way to minimize the need for at least one vehicle. A number of people (about one-quarter of those who took the survey) suggested some sort of shuttle service or bus service with the capacity for gear (e.g. paddleboards/boats) as having potential to alleviate the problem. Others cite the challenges that a public transit option would have in meeting their needs – from dealing with gear to managing children to their spontaneity in deciding to use the Preserve, or traveling from longer distances to use the Preserve. 3.2.3 Level of Use Survey participants were asked to rate how often different areas of the North Star Nature Preserve felt “overcrowded” or that the number of people detracts from their experience, enjoyment or safety. The responses showed the pedestrian bridge access was the area that the most people (62% of Figure 22. Survey respondents' typical travel mode to North Star. Figure 23. Survey respondents' frequency of visits to North Star in summer vs. other times of the year. During Summer Months During Other Times of Year Car Bike Foot Commercial Shuttle Don't Visit North Star Other North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Planning Process and Public Input 67 respondents) felt was “usually overcrowded,” as compared to 45% who felt Wildwood is “usually overcrowded.” This may be because more user types (e.g. East of Aspen Trail users, neighbors and highway users) all have interactions/impressions of the pedestrian bridge takeout, whereas the Wildwood put-in is primarily experienced only by those floating the river. However, even when only looking at responses from people who are floating the river, the bridge takeout was rated as more overcrowded than other access points. Interestingly, within the group who identified “floating the river” as their primary use of North Star, about 10% responded that floating the river is “usually overcrowded,” with 55% responding that it is “sometimes overcrowded.” Other areas, like the East of Aspen Trail, the North Star Nordic loop and bird/wildlife watching areas were primarily rated as “not overcrowded.” One respondent described their impression of the level of use/crowding surrounding a float trip as, “It’s amazing how busy the put-in and takeout are, but still how tranquil and fun it is on the river. Everyone seems to spread out nicely on the river, with very little negative congestion.” There is concern among some people that the perceived increase in use over time and overcrowding during the main summer months is impacting the ecological function of the Preserve, and that regulations on use or additional enforcement are needed to garner greater compliance with the rules and regulations. Some people expressed an interest in permitting all users and/or eliminating or limiting commercial uses, while others are appreciative of the Preserve being open for the public to enjoy and want to ensure that they can continue to experience North Star. Figure 24. Survey responses to the question: "Please rate your experience regarding level of use in the following areas during your typical visit to North Star. The term "Overcrowded" in the response options below indicates that the number of people detracts from your experience, enjoyment or safety." North Star Pedestrian Bridge Wildwood Loading / Unloading Along Highway 82 Floating the River South Gate Loading / Unloading The Beach Area The Landing Zone East of Aspen Trail Bird / Wildlife Watching On the Nordic Loop Planning Process and Public Input | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 68 3.2.4 Compliance with Rules and Regulations Questions 12 and 13 asked survey participants whether they were aware of the eight primary rules regulating people’s use of the river and whether they felt others respected the rules and regulations. Across all of the rules, the majority of survey participants were aware of them. The three rules that respondents were most unaware of were: no fishing from the riverbank within North Star Nature Preserve, no public access on the west side of the river and no amplified music. People also mentioned dogs, trash/ litter and the general party atmosphere as examples of people’s lack of respect for the Preserve. Among the 345 people who answered Question 13, responses where divided between those who felt the rules were mostly followed with a few exceptions and those who felt that, generally, the rules are not being followed (with slightly more falling into this category). Loud noise/music, trash, and trespassing or beaching watercraft were noted as the main offenses. 3.2.5 Potential Changes / Suggestions There were a wide range of comments to the open-ended questions, where survey respondents could add their thoughts on the current use and management of the Preserve. When asked if there is anything people would change about their experience at North Star, one of the most common responses is the request to address the put-in/takeout parking congestion and, in particular, the safety concerns at the pedestrian bridge. There is concern regarding both the volume of visitors and overcrowding and the impacts of people on the integrity of the Preserve as well as concern about the behavior of people recreating at the Preserve. Specifically, the party atmosphere and resulting noise and music were concerns expressed by survey respondents. Some of the poor or disrespectful behavior is attributed to commercial shuttle drops and large groups who either are not aware or do not care about the rules. There were a number of suggestions regarding how to maintain the Preserve, ranging from closing the river to floating or requiring permits, to more education/signage, more extensive enforcement and management. There were also a number of survey participants who love North Star the way it is today. Some acknowledged that there are challenges, but see them as being limited to a small window of intensive use. These respondents would like to ensure that their ability to freely access the Preserve in a respectful manner is maintained. No fishing from the riverbank within North Star Nature Preserve No public access on the west side of the river No amplified music No glass on the river or the beach The river is ‘float through only,' people cannot exit their watercraft and may only enter or exit at designated corridors and the designated beach). No dogs permitted on land at North Star Nature Preserve (including access corridors) Pack in / Pack out trash Users staying on the trails Figure 25. Survey responses to the question: "Are you aware of the following rules for the North Star Preserve?" North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Planning Process and Public Input 69 3.3 DRAFT PLAN COMMENTS The draft plan development phase included a three- month public comment period. In addition to the in-person outreach described previously, the on-line/ digital promotions were seen by thousands of people and led to 682 visits to the North Star Planning Project website at www.pitkinOSTprojects.com (405 clicks were generated from the three Instagram/Facebook promotions targeted to the Roaring Fork Valley and 277 clicks from Aspen Daily News and Aspen Times online advertising). A total of 112 survey responses and six letters/emails from members of the public or their representatives were received and are included as Appendix C. The survey asked specific questions about potential parking changes, how OST can help the public change their behavior, and general comments on Action Items. Comment themes included: support for limiting use, general support for parking concepts but concerns about not having any parking options at the takeout, concerns that at peak times the parking will still overflow into the right-of-way, concerns about causing problems elsewhere, support for strict enforcement, concerns about using the beach as a launch site/putting more pressure on the beach, mixed responses on dogs and alcohol and general support for ideas in the plan. Specific ideas about what the County can do to help change behavior include: affordable shuttles (people want shuttles!), free bikes and/or gear wagons, parking time limits/ charging for parking during peak use times, permit systems/user limits, using Difficult Campground as a staging/shuttle area, and gear lockers at South Gate. Three Instagram "promotions" or ads were used during the public comment period to inform people about the proposed changes within the Management Plan and encourage people to provide their input using the online survey. This conceptual diagram shows the ecosystem function of the North Star area over time and the significant drivers that have impacted the system. The first major change was to the hydrologic regime from the Trans-basin diversion, followed a little over a decade later by agricultural operations that cleared much of the native wetland vegetation off the land. Both of these changes decreased the natural ecosystem function of the area, but further degradation from significant residential development was avoided when the land was purchased as Open Space in 1977. The adaptive management strategies outlined in this and previous plans are incremental actions designed to support ecosystem recovery to a more natural state. Because the trans-basin diversion is unlikely to be reversed, the ecosystem will never return to its complete historical ecosystem function, but it will eventually reach a new equilibrium under current conditions and realities. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 70 Allowing the river to be dynamic via a passive management approach that supports non-static geomorphological conditions will maximize ecological function by maintaining floodplain connectivity, development of robust riparian communities and ensure that channel morphology will be able to accommodate variability in flows. Action items listed below are intended to improve the health and resilience of North Star’s habitats, which in turn support the multitude of wildlife species that depend on these habitats. 4. MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 4.1 NATURAL RESOURCE ACTIONS The overarching management objective at North Star Nature Preserve is to allow natural processes to occur and to support ecological resilience. Open Space and Trails will maintain its public closure of 188 acres (77% of the property) for the benefit of wildlife, plants and a functioning ecosystem. Scientific studies and monitoring efforts suggest this management approach is having a positive effect overall on the native flora and fauna, and have also identified opportunities for interventions that will support ecological integrity of the system as it continues to move toward a more naturalized state. NATURAL SYSTEM Resilience to Natural Disturbances Minimal human impacts EC O S Y S T E M F U N C T I O N NO WATER DIVERSION NO AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS TRANS-BASIN DIVERSION River flow reduction 40% of water diverted to the eastern slope NORTH STAR RANCH Active Agricultural System • willow clearing, • channel straightening, • draining, • grazing and • introduction of non-natives. LAND CONSERVATION Anthropogenic Climate Change More variable weather patterns. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT D O NO T H I NG ROUTE P R O P O S E D P A T H F O R W A R D A D A P T I V E M A N A G E M E N T Figure 26. Conceptual model of the ecological state of North Star Nature Preserve over time. Drivers of Change 1937 Water Diversion Begins 1950 Agricultural Conversion 1977 Land Conservation 2000 Limited Public Access 2020 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 71 This will include: researching non-chemical treatment methods (mechanical, hydrological regime shifts, etc.) and/or potential test plots in order to identify the best methods to achieve effective control on this invasive plant, while minimizing usage of chemicals in wetland and riparian areas. 4.1.1 PLANT COMMUNITIES Open Space and Trails seeks to support native plant communities and natural processes, with regular monitoring to identify times and places when more active efforts are warranted to protect the ecological integrity of the property. Monitoring, noxious weed management, and more directed restoration efforts will all work together toward maintaining and improving quality habitat on North Star Nature Preserve. 4.1.1.A. Noxious Weed Management Noxious weeds and other non-native plants are a growing problem as the land at North Star experiences less frequent flooding, pushing out species that can no longer exist in drier conditions. Once the existing species are pushed out, noxious weeds and non-native plants that are already present on the property take over the denuded, disturbed or dried land and can spread quickly. Open Space and Trails will expand the treatment of noxious weeds on all species identified in the 2017 and 2019 vegetation reports. This will include an integrated pest management approach, using chemical methods where appropriate, as well as mechanical means, biological agents and revegetation with native species. OST will develop a North Star-specific monitoring protocol to track noxious weeds and progress on the property. Efforts will be coordinated with neighboring property owners. Priority species to target are yellow toadflax, sulphur cinquefoil, and plumeless thistle – all Colorado List B noxious weeds that are slated for elimination. The other noxious weeds (mullein, scentless chamomile, houndstongue, oxeye daisy, Canada thistle, hoary alyssum) will also be targeted. There are currently no Colorado List A noxious weeds identified on the property. 4.1.1.B. Reed Canarygrass Treatment Reed canarygrass is an invasive grass species that forms dense stands on the valley floor. It is a threat to riparian and wetland areas because it spreads rapidly, outcompetes local flora and is difficult to remove once established. Open Space and Trails will work with our consultants to identify opportunities to reduce the extent of reed canarygrass across North Star, and especially in the riparian willow community. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Nature Preserve Open Space February 2018 – Wetland Fen Assessment & Floristic Inventory 6 anywhere. In contrast, species with high C-values are highly intolerant to disturbance and are located in high-quality natural sites indicative of conditions prior to human settlement. To assess the floristic quality within North Star Nature, Preserve, two floristic quality measures were calculated including the mean C-values of all species and the mean C of native plants. The results (Table 2) show relatively low Mean C values of 4.5 (all species) and 5.5 (native species only), which are not unexpected given that the Preserve has a high number of non-native species and species widely tolerant of human disturbance. Table 2. Floristic Quality Assessment Results. North Star Nature Preserve. Metric Rank Number of Species Mean C (All species) 4.5 180 Mean C (Native species) 5.5 147 4.2.3 Noxious Weeds The Colorado Noxious Weed Act directs the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement management plans for all List A and List B noxious weed species. There are no List A Noxious Weeds within the North Star Nature Preserve. However, there are seven List B species, three of which (toadflax, sulphur cinquefoil, and plumeless thistle) are slated for elimination. The other four species (Canada thistle, oxeye daisy, houndstongue, and scentless chamomile) are slated for suppression. The county Weed Management Plans are regularly reviewed, updated and detailed in the Rules Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, also known as the Noxious Weed Rule (8 CCR 1206-2). Please note, previous reports of crack willow (Salix fragilis) and absinth wormwood by Golder (2015) are incorrect and represent the native species whiplash willow (Salix lasiandra var. caudata) and wild tarragon (Oligosporus dracunculus) (R. Mandel, personal communication). Table 3. Noxious Weeds. North Star Nature Preserve. 2017 Scientific Name Common Name Family Noxious Weed List Management Status Perennial Forbs Cirsium arvense (=Breea) Canada thistle Asteraceae B Suppression Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye daisy Asteraceae B Suppression Linaria vulgaris Butter and eggs, toadflax Plantaginaceae B Eliminate by 2021 Potentilla recta Sulphur cinquefoil Rosaceae B Elimination* Annual/Biennial Forbs Berteroa incana Hoary alyssum Brassicaceae W N/A Photo 7. Dense stand of the noxious weed oxeye daisy, west of the river (7/28/2017). A dense stand of the noxious weed oxeye daisy located west of the river (July, 2017) June 2019 – Vegetation Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve Page 8 heavy grazing by livestock (Hansen et al. 1995). Although this grass grows best on moist alluvial sites, it does not tolerate prolonged flooding (Hansen et al. 1995). It also has good drought resistance, which allows it to persist in semi-arid regions. Smooth brome is also fire-adapted and will vigorously sprout after most burns; however, this cool-season grass is not tolerant of hot, late-spring burns, which is during its active growing period (Hansen et al. 1995). This may be an effective control measure where native vegetation is dominated by warm-season grasses. This vegetation type belongs to the Smooth Brome Ruderal Grassland Association. Because the association is non-native, there is no ranking for it. 33 ..11 ..11 00 BB EE AA KK EE DD SS EE DD GG EE WW EE TT MM EE AA DD OO WW This herbaceous wetland type occurs in low-lying swales throughout North Star and the old-growth wetland fen at the northwest corner of the meadow at North Star. It is classified as the Beaked Sedge (or northwest territory sedge) Wet Meadow Association, which is found throughout much of the western U.S. Is it ranked as globally secure (G5) by the USNVC (2017). This association is characterized by a clear dominance of beaked sedge, however minor amounts of water sedge may be also present. Other species present include panicled bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus), bog yellowcress (Rorripa palustris), arrowleaf groundsel (Senecio triangularis), and purple avens (Geum rivale). Carex utriculata is a widespread species that colonizes recently formed pond edges and seasonally flooded areas near streams. Once established it is long-lived and will dominate sites unless disturbed with changes in site hydrology. At North Star, reed canarygrass and meadow foxtail, which are both non-native pasture grasses, are often intermixed into this vegetation type and may be co-dominant in some locations. This appears to be the result of a long-term drying effect to these wetland areas due to the trans-basin diversion, historic drainage ditches and other rangeland “improvements” implemented by previous land owners. 33 ..11 ..11 11 RR EE EE DD CC AA NN AA RR YY GG RR AA SS SS RR UU DD EE RR AA LL MM AA RR SS HH The Reed Canarygrass Ruderal Marsh contains little else but this invasive grass species which forms dense stands that are often six feet tall. It occurs throughout North Star in the flat valley bottom. Not only does reed canarygrass form dense monocultures where little else grows, it also occurs as small stands in the other riparian and wetland communities such as in PPhhoottoo 1100.. BBeeaakkeedd SSeeddggee WWeettllaanndd AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ((JJuull--1122--22001177)).. PPhhoottoo 1111.. RReeeedd CCaannaarryyggrraassss ((JJuull--2288--22001177)).. Reed Canarygrass (Jul-28-2017). Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 72 4.1.1.C. Support Recruitment in Aspen, Cottonwood and Spruce Forest Systems Open Space and Trails will work with our on-call consultants to monitor recruitment and then identify any areas where additional action may be necessary to support the reproductive ecology of these native trees and ensure their long-term persistence. Actions may include: • Fence select riparian cottonwood saplings to protect from overbrowsing • Plant or seed native grass and forb species in riparian cottonwood stands to increase plant diversity and native species in the understory • Fence small stands of aspen where overbrowsing may be inhibiting natural regeneration • Mechanical stimulation of rootstocks in decadent stands to promote vigorous new growth • Supplemental spruce, cottonwood and/or willow planting to ensure recruitment along the riverbanks Monitoring recruitment may lead to management actions to protect young saplings in order to promote age class diversity. Mature Cottonwood Stand Cottonwood Saplings 4.1.1.D. Agricultural Meadows Restoration As a result of past land use at North Star, there is a significant area west of the Roaring Fork River (58 acres, or about 23% of the property) that is dominated by non-native agricultural pasture grasses (smooth brome, Timothy grass, crested wheatgrass, quack grass and Kentucky bluegrass). In these old agricultural meadows, native plant species comprise only 10% of the cover. Open Space and Trails will work with on our on-call ecological consultants to explore opportunities to improve the habitat quality in this zone. Action items may include: • Identify opportunities and methods to reduce vigor of smooth brome pasture grass to support the success of native grasses and forbs in order to maintain plant biodiversity • Conduct a targeted hydrology study to identify areas that are candidates to receive more wetland restoration attention • Develop a plan to restore candidate areas within these degraded agricultural meadows to native willow wetland/riparian habitats »This could be as simple as adding native riparian trees and shrubs to areas near the low- lying swales and other appropriate areas, or a North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 73 with the goal to complete monitoring during peak flowering to ensure consistency across years. 4.1.1.G. North Star Fen Restoration The fen at North Star is an ecologically important old- growth wetland that supports distinct flora and fauna, stores water in saturated soils, and functions as a long-term sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Water flows into the fen primarily from seeps and springs at the base of the mountain. Drainage ditches created by previous landowners increase surface water outflow from the wetland and has contributed to the drying of the fen and nearby wetlands. This has reduced the functionality of the fen and opened up land up to reed canarygrass encroachment. Per the 2015 management plan, Open Space and Trails has been working on a restoration plan for the fen in order to restore this important habitat, carbon dioxide sink and hydrologic feature. The next steps of the restoration process include, but may not be limited to, the following: • Implementation of the permitted restoration plan set to slow the outflow of surface water through the ditch • Revegetation with volunteer planting and seeding events • Invasive weed control in areas impacted by restoration effort, specifically to prevent reed canarygrass from invading these disturbed sites • Follow U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) monitoring requirements to document project success: »Monitor vegetation transects and soil saturation during growing season two years post-construction, for three years (i.e. 2022, 2023, 2024 if construction is completed in 2020) • Determine the depth of the fen to improve age estimate more active effort to prepare and implement a small-scale grading plan that would lower a selected project area into the seasonally high groundwater table. »Identify areas within the historical agricultural interface that are physically connected to fairly intact existing pre-agricultural disturbance ecological communities. Document locations to understand where those communities are existing and intact - yet threatened by expansions of non-native pasture grasses - and explore smaller, implementable actions to protect those locations, such as small-scale grading or physical removal of invasive species. These areas would also be successful anchors of intact habitat to build long-term restoration goals around. 4.1.1.E. Sagebrush Shrubland Regeneration Efforts The mountain big sagebrush and sticky rabbitbrush shrubland occurs between the aspen, Douglas fir, and Gambel oak communities and the low-lying grasslands at North Star. The big mountain sage in this area is in good condition but there is little regeneration. To improve the age-class diversity of the sagebrush, OST will explore options for sagebrush seeding, and pursue opportunities to engage local volunteers in on- site sagebrush seed collection/reseeding. Monitoring would follow to determine success of seeding efforts. 4.1.1.F. Long-term Plant Community Monitoring In 2014, five permanent transects were established for long-term vegetation monitoring, one in each of the following plant communities: Aspen forest, transitional (between anthropogenic upland grasslands and the wet meadows), sagebrush shrubland, willow riparian and cottonwood riparian. These areas were again monitored in 2017 to provide information on species present, richness, diversity and percent of cover. OST will continue to monitor these transects at regular intervals (every 3 to 5 years) to track landscape trends that may be occurring such as: species migration, loss of local species, etc. Monitoring efforts will be coordinated with Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) as two of OST’s permanent transects are co-located with AGCI’s soil-monitoring stations, in the aspen community and transitional community. All locations will be monitored at approximately the same time of year, Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 74 Aspen Pitkin GIS 2010 Orthophotos 106°47'50"W 106°47'50"W 106°47'55"W 106°47'55"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'5"W 106°48'5"W 39°10'24"N 39°10'24"N 39°10'20"N 39°10'20"N 39°10'16"N 39°10'16"N P i tkin Cou n ty O pen Spac e & Tr a i lsPitkin Cou nty Open Sp ace & Tra ils Bio lo gic a l Bas el i ne S urv eysBiological Bas el i ne S urv e ys COLORADO WILDLIFE SCIENCE LLC 0100 Elk Run Dr, Ste 128, Basalt, CO 81621 970.927.4549 info@coloradowildlifescience.com http://coloradowildlifescience.com Basemap Source(s): Date Prepared: 2015-03-04 o Area of Detail 1 in = 125 feet Map 5. Wetland Surveys - Preliminary Fen Complex Extent 0 100 20050Feet Legend: North Star Boundary Coordinate System: NAD83 State Plane Colorado Central Project No 1400717 North Star Nature Preserve W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Preliminary Fen Extent Ownership Acres Private 2.9 OST - North Star 14.7 Total Fen Acreage 17.6 Aspen Pitkin GIS 2010 Orthophotos 106°47'50"W 106°47'50"W 106°47'55"W 106°47'55"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'0"W 106°48'5"W 106°48'5"W 39°10'24"N 39°10'24"N 39°10'20"N 39°10'20"N 39°10'16"N 39°10'16"N P i t k i n C o u n t y O p e n S p a c e & Tr a i l sPitkin C o u n t y O p e n S p a c e & Tr a i l sBiological B a s e l i n e S u r v e y sBiological B a s e l i n e S u r v e y s COLORADO WILDLIFE SCIENCE LLC 0100 Elk Run Dr, Ste 128, Basalt, CO 81621 970.927.4549 info@coloradowildlifescience.com http://coloradowildlifescience.com Basemap Source(s): Date Prepared: 2015-03-04 o Area of Detail 1 in = 125 feet Map 5. Wetland Surveys - Preliminary Fen Complex Extent 0 100 20050 Feet Legend: North Star Boundary Coordinate System: NAD83 State Plane Colorado Central Project No 1400717 North Star Nature Preserve W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Preliminary Fen Extent Ownership Acres Private 2.9 OST - North Star 14.7 Total Fen Acreage 17.6 Figure 27. Preliminary Extent of Fen Complex (Ecological Communities and Fluvial Geomorphology Baseline Report, 2015) The North Star fen Low water level in the fen with reed canarygrass encroaching along the edge. August, 2018. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Nature Preserve December 2018 – North Star Fen Hydrological Monitoring Report 13 Photo 3. Drainage ditch with reed canarygrass along edges. August 17, 2018 Photo 4. Low water level in south pond with reed canarygrass along edge. August 17, 2018 Area of Interventionto slow out flow North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 75 NORTH STAR NATURAL RESOURCE MONITORING SCHEDULE PARAMETER INTERVAL Vegetation Noxious / Invasive Weeds TBD per action item to develop monitoring protocol (Treatment to occur annually) Floristic Inventory & Plant Community Map Every 5-10 years Permanent transects/plots in each of the five major plant communities Every 3-5 years Fen Vegetation Pre-construction (completed 2019), then for 3 years, starting 2 years post-construction Aquatic Biota Macroinvertebrates Every 3-5 years Fish Every 3-5 years Geomorphology Map Channel Migration Every 10 years Substrate 10 years as needed Hydrology Groundwater TBD per action item to develop ACES naturalist monitoring program Soil Moisture Annually (Aspen Global Change Institute) Fen Saturation Pre-construction, then for 3 years, starting 2 years post-construction Wildlife Mammals Every 3-5 years Birds Every 3 years Raptors Every 3-5 years Table 4. Natural Resource Monitoring Schedule North Star groundwater monitoring and Aspen Global Change Institute soil moisture monitoring station. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 76 4.1.2.A. North Star Quiet Zone To help minimize disturbance from river users on wildlife, North Star will be signed as a "Quiet Zone" for floaters and paddlers passing through the Preserve. This will reinforce existing messaging that North Star is a place "where the Roaring Fork whispers" and is first and foremost a Nature Preserve. This action is supported by Action Items 4.2.2, 4.2.3, and 4.3.1, which seek to improve messaging and enforcement about the rules and regulations regarding "no music audible to other people or wildlife or loud noise." 4.1.2.B. Rocky Mountain Elk As regional elk populations have declined in recent years, elk continue to rely on North Star Nature Preserve throughout the year for migration, mating, rearing, resting and foraging as the area provides excellent habitat for each of these activities. Locally, OST will maintain and protect the plant communities and wetlands that provide this effective elk habitat. OST will also protect North Star Nature Preserve as an effective elk migration corridor, maintaining The "quiet zone" will be expanded to include all of North Star Nature Preserve. Photo by Peter Feinzig 4.1.2 WILDLIFE Given the mobility of mammals, birds, insects and fish, the best way OST can support wildlife populations of all types is to ensure that the habitat they need exists, and is in good condition. Habitat, by definition, provides some or all of the following needs for wildlife: food, water, shelter and space. OST regularly conducts wildlife surveys and targeted studies to inform decisions about managing the habitat available at the Preserve for the benefit of wildlife. These scientific studies inform which wildlife species use the Preserve, which habitat types they are using to meet various needs throughout their life history and potential threats and stressors. They also help OST identify opportunities to support wildlife by improving the habitats in which animals eat, drink, forage, reproduce, rest and move about or migrate. With respect to human activities, our guiding principle at North Star is to minimize disturbance to all wildlife. OST will continue to prohibit public access to all land west of the river to protect areas for critical wildlife activities such as mating, fawning, migration and foraging. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 77 this connection between their summer and winter ranges. The Open Space and Trails program is also working at the watershed level to understand the reasons for regional declines and how to support healthy elk populations. OST will continue to support scientific studies (i.e. Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s elk demographics study and the Watershed Biodiversity Initiative) that address elk population dynamics and habitat quality in the Roaring Fork watershed. 4.1.2.C. Wildlife Monitoring Open Space and Trails will continue to study all wildlife at North Star at regular intervals (every 3 to 5 years) according to our avian and wildlife monitoring schedule and methods. Monitoring efforts will continue to include broad wildlife surveys with a focus on management indicator species (the success of these species provides information about the health of a particular habitat and helps guide management actions). OST will also continue to work with its biologist on specific heron monitoring efforts to track heron numbers and activity at North Star. If and when there is an active heron colony at North Star, the biologist will study nesting success and the relationship between nesting herons and recreation, development and predators, to inform OST management decisions. Open Space and Trails will work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to coordinate and conduct aquatic life monitoring of both fish and aquatic invertebrates every 3 to 5 years to track population trends and reveal any significant changes that might direct management decisions. 4.1.3 GEOMORPHOLOGY The river through North Star is currently operating in a dynamic state that is normal for an alluvial valley in this region. OST will take a passive management approach to let natural geomorphological processes occur, unless infrastructure is threatened. This means we will allow the erosion, deposition and vegetative succession that is occurring to continue as the channel naturally migrates and meanders. Outreach efforts will help inform the public on the benefits of these dynamic geomorphological processes that include erosion, point bar development, beaver dams and woody debris. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails North Star Nature Preserve January 2018 – Wildlife Monitoring Report 55 Photo 25. Mule deer doe at Camera 2. Photo 26. Cow elk at Camera 3. Photo 27. Moose calf at Camera 3 Photo 28. Black bear consuming bait at Camera 4. Cameras are used to monitor wildlife at the Preserve. In this photo, a mule deer doe was captured. One of the resident moose was captured on the wildlife camera, July 2018. 4.1.3.A. Groundwater Monitoring There have been multiple generations of groundwater wells installed at North Star, even before Open Space and Trails acquired the property. Since acquisition, additional groundwater monitoring wells were installed to collect baseline information in anticipation of heavy-handed channel modifications proposed by a prior consultant. Unfortunately, the existing wells do not provide reliable information due to inconsistencies in well size, style and placement. Open Space and Trails prioritizes data collection that informs management decisions, and the current passive management philosophy toward river channel dynamics at North Star does not warrant extensive Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 78 an obstacle for river users, staff will disseminate information at the river access corridors, and through other outreach channels including providing signage, on how to behave appropriately at the obstacle. The recommendations for bypassing a dam will vary depending on its extent, location within the Preserve and other factors. Strategies may include crossing over it, circumventing it on either side of the river, or a recommended closure of a certain stretch of river if necessary. Additionally, beaver dams will be monitored with a game camera to track dam development and observations such as at what river flows the dams wash out in certain sections of the Preserve. groundwater monitoring across the entire property. Groundwater conditions can also be understood today through hydrologic modeling, morphological assessments and vegetation surveys that are less resource intensive. Open Space and Trails will conduct targeted groundwater assessments in association with specific interventions, such as that identified in the Fen Restoration action item 4.1.1.G, to assess project success as needed. Open Space and Trails will explore citizen science opportunities for ACES naturalists to conduct focused groundwater monitoring monthly throughout the growing season. We will work with our on-call consultants to select an appropriate transect that would provide relevant, representative data. Staff will train ACES naturalists to collect data that will contribute to a long-term dataset of groundwater conditions. 4.1.3.B. Downed Tree Policy Downed trees and other woody debris contribute to a healthy, evolving river system. They may also present obstacles for river users. Keeping these considerations in mind, woody debris may only be removed in consultation with Open Space and Trails staff. Staff will determine if and how the timber may be cut in order to maximize ecological health and river user safety. OST staff will take a conservative approach, in order to interrupt the natural river ecology as little as possible; this may mean removing only a portion of a downed tree. 4.1.3.C. Beaver Dam Policy OST’s beaver occupancy study (2018) found that the increase in beavers, beaver-influenced areas, and beaver dens or lodges, have paralleled the improvement of the health of the riparian ecological system at North Star. In general, the presence of beavers enhances the heterogeneous complex of wet meadows and riparian shrublands and increases species richness on the landscape. Beaver dams are particularly important for the local ecosystem as they improve water quality, increase riparian area and open water habitat, and provide water storage in spring that supports higher streamflows in late summer. Therefore, beaver dams will not be dismantled or removed. If a beaver dam is presenting The ever persistent beavers establish dams across the river, which are often washed out during high flows in the spring time. A downed tree has been cut back to clear the river, however, woody debris plays an important ecological role and efforts will be made in the future to minimize removal, allowing for natural processes. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 79 A quiet evening at the Wildlife Viewing Platform and the public is not allowed to the leave the trail or wildlife viewing platform. Although open year-round, the trail will not receive winter maintenance outside of periodic packing by snowmobile. OST strives to make the East of Aspen Trail and the wildlife-viewing platform ADA accessible. James H. Smith Interpretive Loop The James H. Smith Interpretive Loop Trail is accessed via the East of Aspen Trail. This loop trail serves as an educational walk through the Preserve. The loop is open year-round to pedestrian travel (including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing). No dogs, bikes, horses or commercial uses are allowed on the James H. Smith loop. Trail users must stay on the trail and the trail is closed from dusk to dawn. Roaring Fork River The public is allowed to float the Roaring Fork River through the Preserve and take out at the South Gate, Beach or the North Star pedestrian bridge river access. The public is asked to enjoy the Preserve in a peaceful, quiet and respectful manner. Fishing is only allowed in a float-through manner; no anchoring and no getting off a vessel. Boaters and paddlers are not allowed to exit their vessels except at designated access corridors, which include South Gate, the Beach, and the North Star pedestrian bridge. 4.2 RECREATION MANAGEMENT ACTIONS As one of the key resource values of North Star, passive recreation has been part of management since acquisition. The following action items guide recreation management and rely heavily on strong collaboration with OST partners, working toward a seamless system. 4.2.1 DESIGNATED RECREATION LOCATIONS The 2000 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan established public access corridors on the Preserve and the closure of the west side of the river to public access, formalizing management actions envisioned in the 1989 plan. There is no public access to North Star from the Forest Service lands to the west of the property. The 2002 Conservation Easement permanently closed the west side of the river to public access, except for a list of specific exceptions, and defined the public use on the east side of the river as to be “specifically permitted in the Management Plan.” The 2015 North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan carried these public access designations forward and included the interpretive loop from the 2001 Interim James H. Smith Management Plan, with a closure of the trail beneath the heron colony. Continuing the direction from previous plans and existing easements, in order to protect ecological values, no member of the public is allowed on the west side of the Roaring Fork River or in areas outside designated public recreation corridors (these restrictions include prohibitions on hunting, removal of game and backcountry ski access.) Educational tours and research can be allowed outside a recreation corridor, on a case-by-case basis, through a special-use permit. All users must be respectful of the tranquility of the nature preserve and the experience of others, including refraining from making excessive noise. The following are the places on North Star Nature Preserve with public access (see Map 8 and 9). East of Aspen Trail and Wildlife Viewing Platform The East of Aspen Trail parallels Hwy. 82 along the eastern edge of the North Star properties. There is a wildlife viewing platform accessed along the edge of the East of Aspen Trail, near the north parking lot. This is a multi-use trail; dogs must be leashed, Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 80 A quiet fall morning floating the river illustrates the sense of solitude and connection with nature that many people seek when visiting North Star. Photo: Jordan Curet The overarching objective is to balance protection of the ecosystem processes that support biological diversity within the preserve with compatible recreational and educational uses to achieving an equilibrium in which there is no net loss in either the Preserve’s ecological attributes or in the quality of the human experience there. - 2000 North Star Management Plan North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 81 Nordic Loop / Winter Use Areas In the winter, Nordic use is allowed on the North Star loop, on the James H. Smith loop and along the East of Aspen Trail. The 2-kilometer North Star loop, located between the Pedestrian Bridge and South Gate, is currently the only location where the system is groomed. All grooming must be set back 10 feet from the banks of the Roaring Fork River. Snowshoeing is permitted on the groomed trail. Walking on the groomed surface is prohibited. Grooming is prohibited from April 15 to Nov. 15. No dogs are allowed on the Preserve, including on Nordic trails. River and Beach Access Corridors Three public access corridors provide a pedestrian connection from East of Aspen Trail to the Roaring Fork River’s edge: South Gate, Beach Gate and North Star pedestrian bridge. No dogs, no horses, no audible music and no fishing from the bank is allowed within the access corridors. Trail users must stay on the trail or the beach. Access corridors are closed from dusk to dawn. All users are responsible to pack out all that they pack in. The South Gate and Beach river access corridors are closed when groomed Nordic trails are present. River access from the Pedestrian Bridge is permitted year-round, although voluntary low-flow closures may be implemented. South Gate The South Gate is used as a river launch and takeout. It is a popular launch location at times of high or low flows. It has the largest parking area along the Preserve, accommodating approximately 20 vehicles. Beach Gate The North Star Beach is part of the corridor accessed via the Beach Gate. It is a popular place to sit and enjoy the river and the Preserve. The Beach does not currently have designated parking, but users do pull out along the highway shoulder to access it. North Star Pedestrian Bridge The river access at the North Star pedestrian bridge is used mainly as a takeout for river users. There is no designated parking, but many users do park along the shoulder of the road. There is a 10-minute loading zone that accommodates two to four vehicles. North Star Landing Zone Paragliders and hang gliders are allowed to land in the designated landing zone only. Public, non-commercial, paraglider landings are limited to 30 per week day and 50 on Saturday and Sunday. The maximum number of recreational hang glider landings per day at North Star is 5 (please refer to the Commercial Permit section for commercial landings). The landing zone is closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. There is a no-fly zone in the air space within 200 meters (650 feet) of any great blue heron colony. Winter landings are permitted. Commercial operators maintain the log book at the landing zone in which every user is required to enter the time, date, single/tandem and commercial /public classification for their trip. This information is provided to Open Space staff on a monthly basis. Top: The Beach area, Bottom: North Star pedestrian bridge. The popularity of North Star Nature Preserve as a destination for both locals and visitors requires continued education and enforcement of the rules and regulations to ensure resource values are protected. N O R T H S TAR D R H W Y 8 2 MCF A R L A N E GULCH R D W ILDWO O DLN Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 0 0.1 0.2 Miles Parcel Boundary Conservation Easement Open Space Closure Area U.S. Forest Service North Star Open Space Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Lake or Pond River Singletrack Trail Paved Path W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Public C l o s u r e A rea Designated Parking Boating / River Access Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 82 82 Ea s t o f A s p e n Trail Ea s t o f A s p e n Trail J a m es H. N ature Trail J a m es H. N ature Trail Wildwood Put-in North Star Pedestrian Bridge / Takeout North Parking Lot / Wildlife Viewing Platform Designated Pull-off Parking South Gate Put-in / Takeout Parking Lot Beach Access Landing Zone East of Aspen Trail James H. Smith Nature Trail NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE Public Closure Area Public Closure Area JAMES H. SMITH OPEN SPACE Roaring Fork River Map 8. North Star Nature Preserve summer river access corridors and designated parking areas. NORTHSTARDR H W Y 8 2 MCFARLANEGULCHRD W ILDWOODLN Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 00.10.2Miles Parcel Boundary Conservation Easement Open Space Closure Area U.S. Forest Service North Star Open Space Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Lake or Pond River Singletrack Trail Paved Path W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Hexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County 0 0.06 0.12 Miles Parcel Boundary Conservation Easement Open Space C losure Area U.S. Forest Service North Star Open Space Aspen C enter for Env. Studies Lake or Pond River Singletrack Tr ail East of Aspen Trail Groomed Nordic Trail W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t P u b li c C l o s u r e A r e a Designated Parking Boating / River Access North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 83 82 East o f A s p e n T r a il East o f A s p e n T r a il James H . Nature Trail James H . Nature Trail NORTHSTARDR HWY 82 WARRENCREEKLN MCFARLANEGULCHRD WILDWOODLNHexagon, CompassData, Pitkin County NORTH STAR AREA Wildwood Put-in 06401,280Feet USFSNorth Star Open SpaceCDOT Right of WayOpen Space Closure AreaConservation EasementParcel BoundaryLake or PondRiverSingletrack Trail Paved PathGroomed Nordic Trail South Gate Put-In / Parking Lot Stillwater Bridge Take-Out North StarPitkin County OST James H. SmithPitkin County /City of Aspen OSTACES U.S.F.S. U.S.F.S. ACES Property Wildlife Viewing Platform / North Parking Lot James H. Smith Loop Boardwalk 188 Acres (78% of OST property)Closed to Public Access for Protection of Wildlife HabitatParaglidingLanding Zone N orth Star Loop N orth Star Loop Be nedict Trai l Be nedict Trai l North Star Pedestrian Bridge North Parking Lot / Wildlife Viewing Platform Landing Zone 2k Groomed Nordic Loop East of Aspen Trail James H. Smith Nature Trail South Gate Parking Lot NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE Public Closure Area Public Closure Area JAMES H. SMITH OPEN SPACE Designated Parking Roa r i n g F o r k R i v e r Map 9. North Star Nature Preserve winter recreation areas and designated parking areas. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 84 this Management Plan, Pitkin County may take any other action, including closure of the property and/ or temporary administrative closure, necessary for the preservation of its open space values or the health, safety and welfare of members of the public or wildlife. 4.2.3 INCREASED ENFORCEMENT While the rangers have increased their presence at the Preserve over the last five years and make many enforcement contacts, the focus has been on educating users, without a ticket-first approach. The survey data and ranger observations show that audible/amplified music, users beaching their watercraft, and dogs within the closure areas (outside of the East of Aspen Trail) continue to be problems. Because of the important resource values of the Preserve, a zero-tolerance policy for violating the "no audible music," and "no dogs on land, except on leash on East of Aspen Trail" will be enforced. "Beaching of watercraft" outside of the designated areas will result in a written warning prior to receiving a ticket. While certain violations that impact the resource values of the Preserve require a zero-tolerance approach or heightened enforcement, for most of the rules and regulations it is important for OST rangers to have the ability to judge each situation individually and use their discretion. Having clear and consistent signage as described in Action Item 4.3.1 also facilitates improved enforcement capabilities. 4.2.2 RULES AND REGULATIONS Title 12, Section-04-030 covers the “Rules Regarding Public Use of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Program.” This section of the Pitkin County Code captures Open Space regulations such as: no camping, no hunting, no campfires, no entry into closed areas, no discharging of firearms, no littering, no harassment of wildlife, etc. These rules apply to all Open Space assets unless otherwise superseded by easement language, management plans or other board direction. The following regulations are applicable to North Star Nature Preserve, in addition to regulations found in Title 12: • No glass • No dogs; except on leash on East of Aspen Trail • No horses • No playing music audible to other people or wildlife • Closed from dusk to dawn • Float-through only, no beaching of watercraft on beaches or gravel bars, except at designated access corridors • No anchoring - this includes for fishing purposes • Access in designated corridors only. No leaving the trail. Refer to Map 8 and Map 9 to see the designated access corridors located at North Star pedestrian bridge, the Beach, and South Gate • The Beach and South Gate river access corridors are closed during the Nordic season, when the trail is groomed • Parking only in designated parking lots or pull-offs • All users must pack out what they pack in; no littering • Fishing from watercraft only; no fishing from banks of river • No launching or taking out at the Beach access point • No use of motorized watercraft (including electrically powered devices) at North Star Refer to Action Item 4.5 for additional information on Special and Commercial Uses. In addition to the other powers, rules, and regulations provided by the Pitkin County Home Rule Charter, Title 12 of the Pitkin County Code, and Signage at each river access corridor includes the rules and regulations for visiting the Preserve. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 85 MOOSE ARE ACTIVE IN THE AREA Moose are dangerous and unpredictable animals that may perceive you or your dog as a threat and attack. Travel beyond this point is not recommended. Proceed at your own risk. Colorado Parks and Wildlife may issue fines for provoking or harassing wildlife. Questions? Call Open Space & Trails Ranger Office: 970.920.5399 WARNING Questions? Call Open Space & Trails Ranger Office: 970.920.5399 VOLUNTARY RIVER CLOSURE River levels are too low to float safely. The river is "float through only" - walking on the river bottom or on shore may result in tickets for trespassing on private property. Watercrafts and inflatables may run aground or pop. Walking on the shore damages wildlife habitat. float like a native Or don't float! Water levels are currently below 45 cfs (cubic feet per second) It's better for the river and the animals that depend on it if you come back to enjoy the river another day! Visit PitkinOutside.com for other places to enjoy the great outdoors. Temporary closures will be signed at the river access points to inform users of the recommended action. Parking issues and crowding concerns are multi- jurisdictional challenges that will take a multi- pronged approach and strong agency partnerships to address. Strategies will need to evolve overtime. Public comment suggestions to help reduce the number of vehicles, and potential people, visiting North Star included ideas such as: shuttle systems, access permits, shared bikes, gear wagons/storage and paid parking. All of these ideas are potential tools to manage future use and will be evaluated along with other strategies over time. The complete results from the public input are included in Appendix B and Appendix C. Natural resource studies, which report healthy wildlife populations and improving vegetative communities, show that current river use is not significantly impacting ecosystem health/natural resources (see section 2.3 Natural Resources and Biodiversity). The Wildwood area is not a priority for the White River National Forest to create a permit system for private boaters (e.g. non-commercial trips). Therefore, staff will continue to document use numbers and monitor natural resource study results for any potential, future discussions regarding limiting use of the river. At this time, it seems that any discussion for a river permit 4.2.4 VOLUNTARY CLOSURES Low river flows and aggressive moose behavior are situations in which Open Space and Trails may close access to the river and/or the Preserve temporarily. In partnership with the Forest Service, these closures may also extend to Wildwood. Staff will continue to work with OST partners to determine the appropriate river level at which to close launch areas to prevent watercraft from scraping the bottom, causing environmental damage and risking deflating mid-float. Closures are mandatory for commercial operators pursuant to their annual permit. Any moose closures will continue to be in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, when a moose has exhibited aggressive behaviors in the area. 4.2.5 JAMES H. SMITH TRAIL AND HEATHER HOPTON BIRD BLIND The 2015 management plan limited the James H. Smith Trail to the loop only, and closed the spur that led to the area below the heron nests. In the summer months, the grasses around the loop are often high and make it difficult to follow the trail. Where the trail meets the river’s edge, it has created management issues with visitors spending time off trail and on the beach. Staff will work on delineating the loop trail with simple markers and/or minimal mowing and realign the trail back from the beach. As part of this trail reroute, the Heather Hopton Bird Blind (see Education action item 4.3.2) will be located in an appropriate location. 4.2.6 VISITOR USE & PARKING MANAGEMENT Concerns about users parking in the Hwy. 82 right-of- way was a theme in public comments, in particular at the North Star pedestrian bridge takeout. The survey results also indicate the pedestrian bridge takeout and the Wildwood put-in are areas where the majority of survey respondents felt that overcrowding either "sometimes" or "usually" detracts from their experience, enjoyment or safety. Based on survey responses, the crowding that is experienced at the parking areas dissipates somewhat while floating the river, as groups tend to spread out. Nonetheless, the number of people and people's behavior on the river is a concern voiced in many of the survey responses. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 86 Potential future actions could include: • Evaluate / implement paid parking during peak use times and/or a parking reservation system. • Evaluate / implement potential shuttle systems or other alternate transit solutions. • Evaluate / implement a reservation or permit system at the takeout and/or put-in for private (non-commercial) boaters and limits to group size. (A permit system at the put-in would not move forward until a land exchange is completed - see Section 4.2.7). The success of addressing parking management and crowding depends on a cohesive effort involving all of the following elements to manage the greater North Star area. 4.2.6.A. CDOT Lease Agreement Pitkin County has signed a Boundary Agreement with CDOT to define the right-of-way line as it parallels North Star. The next step is for the county to lease back the recreational management within the highway right-of-way. The goal of this lease-back is to empower Open Space rangers with the ability to enforce regulations within the right-of-way and for OST to work with CDOT on the redesign of the parking areas. The goal for the future is to have defined parking spots and a requirement that all vehicles be parked in a defined parking spot. 4.2.6.B. Enforcement Partnerships The multi-jurisdictional property ownership requires each jurisdiction to participate in enforcing the rules and regulations for the Preserve and surrounding area. Forest Protection Officer Open Space and Trails will continue to fund a full-time Forest Protection Officer to manage the parking and access at Wildwood. This partnership has resulted in successful user behavior shifts and should be continued in order to sustain the success. Open Space and Trails Rangers The Open Space and Trails ranger program will continue to prioritize patrols at North Star during busy summer months and times of day. Rangers will also have targeted patrols to remind users that North Star is a float-through-only experience and that music is not allowed. Once rangers are empowered within system for private boaters would need to wait until after a land exchange between Pitkin County and USFS is completed (See Section 4.2.7). The 2015 management plan contained action items calling for OST to work with the Forest Service and CDOT to address parking issues at Wildwood and along Hwy. 82. These included funding a Forest Protection Officer and working with CDOT to improve the functionality of the parking areas. The following actions build upon the work completed to date and carry forward projects currently in progress. Staff will continue a phased approach to work toward addressing concerns about parking and crowd management. Additional details are found below. Ongoing and Near-term Actions: • Infrastructure Improvements »Work with CDOT on “No Parking within Highway right-of-way; Park in designated spots only” signage for the highway right-of-way between Wildwood and the takeout. »Work on CDOT right-of-way lease. »Work with CDOT on designated parking area improvements. • Transportation Alternatives »Test shared bike and/or shared gear wagons to facilitate parking in designated parking areas. »Evaluate the potential for existing commercial operators to expand their capacity to shuttle people/equipment. • Outreach »Outreach and education on how to visit North Star and why it is an important ecological environment to protect. • Enforcement »Continue to fund Forest Protection Officers. »Empower Open Space rangers to enforce rules and regulations in the highway right-of-way through the lease agreement. »Strong partnership with the Sheriff's Office. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 87 the Hwy. 82 right-of-way adjacent to North Star, they will also focus attention on educating users on the appropriate locations to park. Sheriff’s Office Open Space and Trails will continue to coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office to address issues outside Open Space and Trails’ jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, parking issues in the highway right-of-way. 4.2.6.C. Outreach on “How to visit North Star” Encouraging behavioral shifts through outreach, education and enforcement will need to be part of a successful future at North Star. Once parking is limited to defined/designated spots and enforcement is in place, users will need to adjust how they use North Star and where they access the river. This may include, but is not limited to: using bike shuttles and carpooling to decrease the number of vehicles parked at North Star, using permitted commercial operators for shuttling, shifting launch and/or takeout to South Gate, etc. 4.2.6.D. Parking Area Design Improvements Defining parking areas within CDOT right-of-way and at Wildwood in addition to enforcing parking rules are initial/near-term steps toward limiting use to appropriate locations and addressing concerns regarding crowding. In order to create defined parking areas and functional loading zones that enhance Ped e s t r i a n Bri d g e T a k e o u t Nort h L o t / View i n g P l a t f o r m New C D O T Des i g n a t e d P u l l - o f f s Sou t h G a t e Bea c h A c c e s s Jam e s H . S m i t h Nat u r e T r a i l Wil d w o o d Par k i n g / P u t - i n Wil d w o o d L a n e .15mi Potential/Conceptual Formalized Parking Spots 0 Cars / Loading Zone 12-30 Cars 10 Cars 7-14 Cars 24+ Cars 5 -14 Cars .17mi .26mi 1.3mi 0.56mi 0.33mi 2.07mi Figure 28. North Star Area Designated Parking Concept Locations .16mi River Miles East of Aspen Trail Wildwood Lane safety and reduce congestion, OST will work with its partners, CDOT and White River National Forest, on design improvements and formalized parking zones. The initial goals for each parking/access point are described below and strive to address the comments received during the management planning process. All locations should have bike racks to facilitate non-motorized shuttling and appropriate regulation signage. In order to organize and facilitate efficient use of the parking / loading zones, improvements may include staging areas and paddleboard / boat racks to limit disturbance and resource damage. The potential capacity and distribution of parking spaces is outlined in Figure 28. A range is shown for the number of spaces that can be accommodated based on an analysis completed in 2016, showing 58-92 possible spaces. Further analysis, design and public input will be undertaken to determine the appropriate number of spaces within this range. The goal of improving / organizing the parking areas is not to accommodate the continued growth in demand. Prior to implementing parking area improvements, additional public input will be sought on the proposed concepts through the County's approval process (Location and Extent Review) or the Forest Service process. North Star Pedestrian Bridge / Takeout Improvement Goals: Work with CDOT to define and organize the loading zone and staging areas and limit the right-of-way parking to areas that meet CDOT Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 88 safety requirements such as sufficient space for cars to park without encroaching into the highway and adequate sight lines. No designated parking will be available directly adjacent to the bridge, however, CDOT has identified two pull-off zones that can accommodate roadside parking along the west side of the highway between the bridge and the North Lot. These pull-offs, which will be signed in 2020, are within a short (0.15-mile) walk from the bridge along the East of Aspen Trail. OST will look into options to assist people with transporting gear from their vehicles to the bridge, such as wagons or hand carts designed for paddleboards or kayaks. The initial or interim phase will include a vehicle staging zone to the north, where drivers waiting for a loading zone spot can wait for their turn. Signage identifying the parking regulations and safety warnings for "Heavy Roadside Activity" will inform users and improve enforcement capabilities. Redesign will also seek to address the ADA grade issue on the East of Aspen Trail to the south of the bridge. North Lot / Wildlife Viewing Platform Improvement Goals: Work with CDOT to redesign the parking configuration to CDOT standards, including incorporating a buffer between the parking and the highway and a defined entrance and exit. The lot redesign could conceptually accommodate 12 cars with some modest improvements or up to 30 with a more intensive footprint. CDOT and OST will evaluate if it is possible to accommodate a designated ADA spot. The Beach Access Improvement Goals: Work with CDOT to create a parking area that meets CDOT standards, including accommodating a defined entrance and exit and a buffer between the parking and the highway if possible. Depending on design of a parking area, conceptually, the space could accommodate between 7-14 vehicles, and possibly more. South Gate River Access Improvement Goals: Work with CDOT to redesign the parking configuration to CDOT standards. Evaluate the possibility to enhance the route for the East of Aspen Trail around the parking area. The current parking area accommodates approximately 20 cars and is underutilized most of the time, even on peak use days. With a CDOT redesign, the parking area could be expanded to accommodate up to 39 vehicles. Wildwood River Access Improvement Goals: As with the other locations, the purpose of this redesign is not to expand the parking to meet growing demand, which will continue to outpace the capacity of the space, but to facilitate improved functioning with modest expansion and/ or better organization, while minimizing resource damage. Efforts will be made to accommodate the current number of vehicles that utilize this area (10- 14 vehicles) without the need for double parking of vehicles, while also facilitating a pull-through unloading zone, and ensuring that the road and fire lane remain clear. Vehicles waiting for parking or the opportunity to unload should not block the right-of- way. A port-a-potty with an OST enclosure is planned per Action Item 4.2.8. Additional amenities that may be considered in this location include a battery or solar-powered courtesy pump for inflatable boards and watercraft (this may be something that can be made available through the ACES naturalists) to help reduce congestion at the put-in. 4.2.7 WILDWOOD LAND EXCHANGE Staff will begin discussions with the White River National Forest on moving forward with a land exchange to convey the Wildwood parcel to Pitkin County. This would allow for seamless rules and enforcement across the North Star float river-access areas and the potential for a permit system in the future. It is anticipated that a land exchange will take over a decade to complete, but the benefit to management of North Star Nature Preserve will be worth the time and effort. 4.2.8 RESTROOM FACILITY AT WILDWOOD Open Space and Trails will work with the Forest Service to locate a restroom facility at Wildwood. Due to staff stationed in the area and the amount of public use, a facility is warranted. The facility would be a seasonally installed port-a-potty set in a structure similar to Open Space and Trails standards at other parking areas. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 89 4.3.2. HEATHER HOPTON BIRD BLIND Per the 2015 management plan, Open Space and Trails is in the process of designing and constructing a moveable bird blind that will offer the public viewing opportunities and include educational signage about the birds and other wildlife at North Star. Staff will find an appropriate location on the James H. Smith loop trail to locate the blind, and it may be moved from time to time. Staff is working with Charlie Hopton to create and name this the “Heather Hopton Bird Blind” in honor of his wife, the late Heather Hopton, a local who took it upon herself to monitor the great blue herons, rally the community for weed pulls on the Preserve, and be a champion for the flora and fauna of this area. Staff will work with Mr. Hopton to find an appropriate way to recognize Heather’s love and appreciation for the natural beauty and wildlife of North Star, which was contagious and remains a legacy today. The hope is that others will be inspired by this special place, just as Heather was, and help to carry on her passion and embrace an ethic of environmental stewardship. 4.3.3. YOUTH ENGAGEMENT Open Space and Trails would like to increase opportunities for students to learn more about the natural resources of North Star Nature Preserve, the importance of open space and respecting the Preserve. OST will discuss this goal with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and Roaring Fork Conservancy to see if there are opportunities to include North Star as part of the programming they offer to local students. 4.3.4 VOLUNTEER DAYS Open Space and Trails would like to encourage local community connection to this area and promote a sense of stewardship. OST will seek to provide opportunities for community members to get involved in restoration efforts when possible. This may include wetland planting and seeding days following the fen restoration, and sagebrush seed collection and distribution. OST will also seek partnerships with local nonprofits, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and Roaring Fork Conservancy, to conduct these volunteer days. 4.3 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH MANAGEMENT ACTIONS 4.3.1. IMPROVE SIGNAGE AND OUTREACH MATERIALS AND EDUCTION The objective for signage and outreach is to encourage respect for the natural setting and educate the public on the rules and etiquette for behavior while visiting the Preserve. Based upon public, partner and staff comments, Open Space and Trails has determined that some of the current signage and outreach massaging and material needs updating to clarify how best to behave in the Preserve. Updates may include, but are not limited to, the following: updating no trespassing signage within the Preserve to clarify the “Float Through Only” regulation (suggestions have included "No Stopping, landing, anchoring or resting on the bottom" or other messaging to ensure visitors understand the regulations); signage and education on the "Quiet Zone" and the "No playing music audible to others or wildlife or making loud noise” regulation; messaging to raise awareness that dogs can have a significant impact on wildlife and the importance of visitors leaving their dogs at home; adding the dawn-to-dusk closure to sign kiosks; updates to OST’s North Star website and video to reinforce the nature preserve aspects of the float trip and demonstrate positive behavior; signage at the pedestrian bridge saying “take out here – danger ahead,” as well as working with CDOT to improve signage along Hwy. 82 notifying drivers about the river takeout/congested area. OST will work with the Forest Service to locate a sign shortly beyond the launch. The intent of this signage is to encourage visitors to respect the conservation values of the North Star area as an ecological preserve. Additional website updates include: any changes from the 2020 management plan, additional information on river flows and where to access the river at high or low flows, rules and regulation highlights, a revised dog section, and a diagram showing “how to float North Star.” Staff will also explore ways to educate the public through social media. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 90 The Bird Blind has been named to honor Heather Hopton, who was a community champion of North Star Nature Preserve. Plan View Elevation North Star Nature Preserve - Observation Blind on Trailer - Scheme B 1” = 1’-0”Noble Erickson Inc 02.20.2019 12’-0” 12’ -0”6’-0” 8’- 0” (+ -) 5’-3” * 4’-6” *4’-0” * *To center of opening 3’-0” A Elevation B C D BA C D 3’-0” 8’- 0” (+ -) Elevation Elevation 8’- 0” (+ -)Detail - post connection, 4x4 post cut at base to rest on trailer bed and extend through existing “pockets”.Pocket locations/spacing shown on this drawing are arbitrary - for design intent only. trailer bed 8’- 0” (+ -) = to: 17 pieces 5/4x5.5” decking. Suggest THERMORY Scots Pine Decking or equal. line of trailer bed NOTE: Provide additional bracing and anchors as determined for overall stablility of structure. **Potential congurationfor additional 2x4 cross-bracing on back side of “wing walls” only.*Line of 2x10 header/brace *Line of 2x10 header/brace Heather Hopton Bird Blind Champion of the flora and fauna of North Star Nature Preserve, Heather Hopton (1942?-2004) was a local resident and knowledgeablenaturalist. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the environment benefited the local ecosystem and the Aspen community. Heather’s passion was contagious. Her volunteer efforts brought local citizens together to help eradicate noxious weeds and to plant willows and other native plants, improving the ecological condition of North Star. Heather and her husband, Charlie, monitored the Great Blue Heron colony and tracked other birds in the area year after year, providing place-based knowledge and following the golden rule of leaving a place better than you find it. a d a p tive traits i n bird watching quiet, o b s e r vant, p a ti e n t moose: hear: s w i m.... Bo r n s w i m m e r s , m o o s e a r e ab l e t o s u s t a i n s i x m i l e s p e r ho u r i n w a t e r f o r t w o h o u r s . Moose ears pivot 180 degrees—allowing them to pick up sound from any direction. With eyes set on the sides of their head, moose see in wide-angle vision. They must roll their eyes forward to see beyond their noses! moose can travel at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour on land. move: run: In winter, moose can traverse snow depths of up to 36 inches, which enables them (unlike elk) to stay at higher elevations in forests and places of plentiful “browse” or vegetation. Long-limbed, 72" 24" 12" 48" 36" 60" 84" 96" smell:h e a r move:During winter migration, elk herds forage from Richmond Ridge above you down into this valley and across North Star Nature Preserve on their journey to Smuggler Mountain. elk: Bull, cow, and calf elk run to survive. Evolving as fast endurance runners, they are capable of speed bursts of 45 miles per hour and sustained speeds of 25 miles per hour to evade predator pursuit. Their acute sense of smell, rotating ears, which hear sound from all directions, and wide-angle side-set eyes, which detect movement, alert elk to dangers in their habitat. see: hea r: Your eyesight is similar to a black bear in daylight—but a bear’s night vision beats your vision because of a reflective membrane at the back of their eyes. What do you see now? A mule deer’s sense of smell is up to 1,000 times stronger than yours. They can detect you up to a half-mile away. What smells are you detecting? Using a keen sense of hearing to detect rodents and rabbits beneath the snow, an acrobatic coyote can jump over 13 feet to pounce upon its unsuspecting prey. What do you hear around you? smell: VIOLET-GREEN SWA LLOW: Look for me swooping in the sky with others of my kind. YELLOW WARBLER: Lo ok for me in the willows where I con ceal my nest. SONGBIRD: Watch for me quickly hopping amidst foliage pursing insects. SONGBIR D: I maneuver to catch flying insects in m y bill. SONG SPARRO W: Lo o k for me on streambanks and willow edges. SONGBIRD: I sing in the brush; I forage on the gro und for bugs and seeds. NORTHERN FLICKE R: Look for my white rump, which is visible when I fl y. WOODPE C KE R: I feed on the ground, digging up ants to eat. RED-TAILED HA W K: D o y o u see my distinctive red, fanned tail an d broad wings? RAPTOR: L o o k for m e soaring high above, scannin g t h e m eadows for rodents. RAPTO R: W atc h me circle and soar above the river hunting for fish to catch in my talons. OSPREY: Look sky ward for my long wings and white underside as I cr uis e above.sky, HOUSE WREN: I’m a plain little bird, with a sweet, fast-p ac ed song. SONGBIRD: look for me hopping about in the underbrush searching for insects.forest, and meadowswillows, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE: A lo ng tail, and striking black and white feathers distinguishes me.CORVID:* I squawk and cackle as I eat whatever I find—berries, insects, eggs, and carrion. CANADA GOOSE: Look for m e with goslings in spring, or flying overhead in “V” formation. and river banks water, MALLARD DUCK: I’m co m m on he re at North Star, but don’t take my be a uty for granted! WATERFOWL: Look for my orange webbed feet when I tip forward to feed underwater. WATERFOWL: I love meadows, marshes, and open water where I fee d on plants and seeds. GREAT BLUE HERON: L o o k fo r my distinct S-shaped neck and trailin g le gs in fl ight. WADING BIR D: At water’s edge I stalk fish and spear the m with my lance-like beak. GREEN-WINGED TEAL: I am a small duck who nests in the thick willo w s o f Nor th Star. WATERFOWL: L o ok for me in shallow, slow water dabbling, or splashing for seeds and bugs. SPOTTED SANDPIPER: Loo k for me fl ying low to the water on ra pidly beating wings. WADING BIRD: Along river banks, I probe for invertebrates. sensors, size, and speed how well are you adapted here? size & speed How does your “wingspan” measure up to that of a Red-tailed Hawk? With wings extending 48 inches from their 24 inch length body, these birds of prey are suited to life in the air above North Star. Different adaptations in the sensors, or senses, in the eyes, ears, and noses of both birds and mammals give them advantages in finding the food they need to survive. Wildlife use their size, speed, and ability to detect threats in their habitat to evade predators. sight hearing smell touch taste see: hea r: Your eyesight is similar to a black bear in daylight—but a bear’s night vision beats your vision because of a reflective membrane at the back of their eyes. What do you see now? A mule deer’s sense of smell is up to 1,000 times stronger than yours. They can detect you up to a half-mile away. What smells are you detecting? Using a keen sense of hearing to detect rodents and rabbits beneath the snow, an acrobatic coyote can jump over 13 feet to pounce upon its unsuspecting prey. What do you hear around you? smell: Heather Hopton Bird Blind Champion of the flora and fauna of North Star Nature Preserve, Heather Hopton (1942–2004) was a local resident and knowledgeable naturalist. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the environment benefited the local ecosystem and the Aspen community. Heather’s passion was contagious. Her volunteer efforts brought local citizens together to help eradicate noxious weeds and to plant willows and other native plants, improving the ecological condition of North Star. Heather and her husband, Charlie, monitored the Great Blue Heron colony and tracked other birds in the area year after year, providing place-based knowledge and following the golden rule of leaving a place better than you find it. MALLARD DUCK: I’m c o m m o n h e r e a t N o r th Star, but don’t take my beauty for granted!WATERFOWL: Look for my orange, webbed f e e t w h e n I t i p f o r w a r d to feed underwater.CANADA GOOSE: L o o k f o r m e w i t h g o s l i n g s i n spring, or flying overhead in “V” formation. GREEN-WINGE D T E A L : I a m a s m a l l d u c k that nests in the thic k w ill o w s o f N o r t h S t a r. and riverbanks water,WATERFOWL: I love meadows, marshes, and op e n w a t e r , w h e r e I f e e d o n plants and seeds.GREAT BLUE HE R O N : L o o k f o r m y d i s t i n c t S-shaped neck and trailing legs in fl ight.WADI N G B I R D : A t w ater’s edge, I stalk fish a n d c a t c h t h e m w it h m y lance-like beak. SPOTTED SAN D PIP E R : L o o k f o r m e fl ying low to the w ate r o n r a p i d l y b e a t i ng wings. WA D I N G B I R D : A lo ng riverbanks, I pro b e f o r i n v e r t e b r a tes. WAT E R F O W L : L o o k f o r m e in shallow, slow, wate r d a b b l i n g o r s p l a s hin g for seeds and bugs. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 91 MALLARD DUCK: I’m common here at North Star, but don’t take my beauty for granted!WATERFOWL: Look for my orange, webbed feet when I tip forward to feed underwater.CANADA GOOSE: L o o k f o r m e w i t h g o s l i n g s i n spring, or flying overhead in “V” formation. GREEN-WINGED TEAL: I am a small duck that nests in the thic k w ill o w s o f N o r t h S t a r. and riverbanks water,WATERFOWL: I love meadows, marshes, and op e n w a t e r , w h e r e I f e e d o n plants and seeds.GREAT BLUE HE R O N : L o o k f o r m y d i s t i n c t S-shaped neck and trailing legs in fl ight.WADI N G B I R D : A t w ater’s edge, I stalk fish a n d c a t c h t h e m w it h m y lance-like beak. SPOTTED SAN D PIP E R : L o o k f o r m e fl ying low to the w ate r o n r a p i d l y b e a t i ng wings. WA D I N G B I R D : A lo ng riverbanks, I pro b e f o r i n v e r t e b r a tes. WAT E R F O W L : L o o k f o r m e in shallow, slow, water dabbling or splashing for seeds and bugs. Space and Trails would also like to work with the Sheriff’s Office on methods to help improve parking enforcement compliance, such as increases in the County fine structure for parking offenses outside of OST. 4.4.4. ASPEN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ACES) PARTNERSHIP The 2015 management plan created a partnership with ACES to place naturalists on site with the goal of educating summer visitors about the property’s special ecological resources. The partnership also included instituting ACES educational programs on the property. Naturalists on site and the education programs have been very well received and help educate the public about the important natural resources at North Star and encourage responsible behavior. Open Space and Trails would like to continue this partnership and work on the following: empower the naturalists to rove more – on the river and at all the access corridors; work on an improved communication system between the naturalists and rangers in order to allow for more roving and for better response time to issues; develop opportunities for naturalists to help conduct scientific monitoring (see action item 4.1.3.A Natural Resource: Groundwater Monitoring); improve North Star natural resource training for the naturalists; and provide opportunities for naturalists to learn about resource management from Open Space staff. Open Space and Trails would also like to work with ACES on updating their webpage with information regarding North Star, its environment and how to be a respectful visitor. 4.4.5. ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY (RFC)PARTNERSHIP Open Space and Trails has partnered with the Roaring Fork Conservancy to lead float tours on the Preserve. The tours offer opportunities for the public to learn more about the natural resources of the Preserve in a small-group setting and the importance of protecting this special place. The tours have had a very positive response and often provide an important background for first-time visitors. Open Space and Trails would like to continue this partnership. 4.4 PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Strong partnerships are critical to successful management of North Star. Open Space and Trails currently only has jurisdiction on the assets the County owns. Adjoining land managers, law enforcement and natural resource educators are all essential for behavioral change and appreciation of North Star as an important natural area. 4.4.1. FOREST SERVICE PARTNERSHIP OST will work with the Forest Service to strive for a seamless system of regulations and enforcement in order to limit the issues created by inconsistency. This includes OST funding a full-time Forest Protection Officer and working on rule changes such as: no dogs, no glass, flow-level closures and commercial permitting. There are multiple paths that could accomplish this, including working with the Forest Service on a “special order” to adopt seamless rules and/or working with the Forest Service on a land exchange in the long term. OST will also work with the Forest Service to redesign and improve the function of the unloading area and parking at Wildwood, including the placement of a restroom facility. This partnership will also include working together on a land exchange to transfer ownership of the Wildwood area to Pitkin County. 4.4.2. COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT) PARTNERSHIP OST will work with CDOT to lease back the recreational management within the highway right- of-way along North Star. The purpose of this lease is to empower Open Space rangers with the ability to enforce regulations within the right-of-way and for OST to work with CDOT on the redesign of the parking areas. The goal for the future would be defined parking spots and requiring all vehicles to park in a spot. OST will also work with CDOT on appropriate highway signage in the area. 4.4.3. SHERIFF’S OFFICE PARTNERSHIP Even once rangers are empowered to enforce in the highway right-of-way, a strong partnership with the Sheriff’s Office will be important to manage illegal parking that may occur on the east side of the highway and below or above North Star. Open Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 92 Open Space and Trails would also like to work with the Conservancy to update their webpage with information regarding North Star, its environment and how to be a respectful visitor. 4.4.6. CITY OF ASPEN PARTNERSHIP Pitkin County OST and the City of Aspen Parks and Open Space program jointly purchased the James H. Smith Open Space parcel, which is managed as a part of the North Star Nature Preserve. A 2015 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) outlines that the Nordic trails, including those on North Star, will be operated and maintained by the City of Aspen through funding from the Pitkin County Open Space fund. OST will continue to work with the City of Aspen Parks and Open Space staff to provide and improve the Nordic loop at North Star. Additionally, the City's Uphill Recreation Plan includes recommendations that align with some of the Action Items in this plan, such as improving public transit opportunities to access trailheads and recreation amenities, and working with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) to educate visitors regarding good stewardship practices. Looking toward the future, there may be opportunities to partner with the City on shared goals, including alternative transportation options and outreach/education initiatives. ACES Naturalists are stationed to help educate river users about the ecological values of the Preserve. The majority of survey respondents have had positive interactions with the naturalists. Roaring Fork Conservancy leads evening float trips through North Star Nature Preserve through a partnership with Open Space and Trails. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 93 4.5 COMMERCIAL AND SPECIAL-USE ACTIONS 4.5.1. COMMERCIAL PERMITS Any commercial enterprise operating at North Star must apply for a commercial-use permit. Permitted commercial uses are limited to river guiding/ instruction, shuttle operations and paragliding. Commercial-use permits must be renewed on an annual basis and are subject to Pitkin County Open Space and Trails’ commercial-use policies. Failure to comply with the Pitkin County permit process and policies can result in the loss of the ability to operate at North Star. All commercial uses must take place in the public access corridors, parking lots and landing zone. It is the responsibility of commercial operators to be knowledgeable of the unique North Star environment, respect the balance between the property’s status as a nature preserve and its recreational use, and educate and share this respect with their clients. Commercial-use policies are updated annually and included in the permit language. Commercial uses specifically prohibited at North Star include: hang gliding, commercial filming, commercial photography and commercial use of North Star beach. Commercial operators are responsible for ensuring their clients follow the rules and regulations identified in their permit. 4.5.2. COMMERCIAL USE OF THE NORTH STAR LANDING ZONE Paragliders are allowed to land in the designated landing zone only. Commercial use of the North Star landing zone is limited to 98 paraglider landings per week, with no more than 20 landings allowed on a single day. All users are required to sign into the log book at the landing zone. All users must observe the no-fly zone in the air space within 200 meters (650 feet) of any great blue heron colony. An exception to the ban on commercial photography is made for commercial photography in conjunction with the permitted commercial paragliding operation. The photography may only be conducted by the operator, only at the landing zone and only during commercial flights. A commercial guide provides instruction to clients before floating the river, August 2019. A tandem paragliding flight approaches the North Star Landing Zone. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 94 4.5.3. COMMERCIAL RIVER GUIDES AND SHUTTLES All commercial operators who guide, instruct or shuttle clients on or to the Roaring Fork River via the North Star Nature Preserve and associated parking areas must obtain a commercial-use permit from Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. A guided or shuttled group cannot exceed six people, including the guide. The number of groups per day and timing the launching of groups will be determined in the commercial-use permit created for North Star and coordinated with the Forest Service at the Wildwood put-in. All commercial guides will be required to go through training on the ecology of North Star and the quiet zone, and relay that information to their clients. 4.5.4. SPECIAL-USE PERMITS Any special or organized event at North Star that is not conducted under the auspices of Open Space and Trails must apply for a special-use permit. Special uses at North Star must be related to ecological studies, such as educational tours, research projects, biological studies, etc. Failure to comply with the Pitkin County permit process can result in the loss of the ability to use North Star. Special-use permits can accommodate an activity that may occur outside the public access corridors. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to be knowledgeable of the unique North Star environment, respect the balance between the property’s status as a nature preserve and its recreational use, and educate and share this respect with their group. Group size is capped at 10 people, not including guides or instructors. This is a reduction from the 2015 plan, which allowed a group size of 20. Special exceptions to group size may be made for an educational purpose, on a case-by-case basis. Special uses specifically prohibited on North Star include weddings, concerts, catered events or other special events other than permitted educational activities. Also prohibited are amplified music, motorized use (except those specifically authorized for management activities), beaching of watercraft in any area and special use of North Star beach. All users must be respectful of the tranquility of the nature preserve and the experience of others. Excessive noise is prohibited. A canoeing lesson rounds the bend at James H. Smith Open Space. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 95 4.6 MAINTENANCE ACTIONS The Open Space and Trails resource management crew is responsible for a number of the maintenance actions on North Star that take place on a regular schedule throughout the year. The action items identified below are typically accounted for in the annual maintenance budget. 4.6.1. MOWING Open Space and Trails will mow the North Star landing zone up to two times a year. Open Space will also mow the sides of the East of Aspen Trail through the property as needed. Based upon future decisions made for defining the James H. Smith loop, mowing may also occur to define the loop trail. 4.6.2. PLOWING Open Space and Trails will plow the two North Star parking lots as needed through the winter. Trails or access corridors will not be plowed. 4.6.3. PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE In conjunction with previous action items addressing the redesign of parking areas, Open Space and Trails will maintain North Star parking lots as needed. This includes: resurfacing, weeds, seed and delineation and/or expansion. The parking lots will not have trash cans. 4.6.4. MOSQUITO CONTROL Mosquito control shall occur at the North Star Nature Preserve under the direction of the East of Aspen Mosquito Control District Board of Directors, in consultation with Open Space and Trails. 4.6.5. WASTE FACILITIES No trash receptacles, dog pots or bathroom facilities will be placed anywhere on the North Star property or parking areas. As a nature preserve, North Star is pack in/pack out; the public is responsible for proper disposal of their own waste. 4.6.6. EVALUATE DITCHES WITHIN PARAGLIDING AND NORDIC USE AREAS OST will meet on site with paragliding representatives and Nordic staff to review the ditches within each of the use areas and determine if it they can be relocated, removed or if a permanent culvert can be installed to improve safety and operations. After the meeting, next steps, if any will be determined. 4.6.7. RECREATIONAL USE MONITORING Open Space and Trails will continue recreational use monitoring protocol, established over the last few years, and evolve it as needed. This includes but is not limited to: spot counts and camera counts. 4.6.8. NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT Please refer to section 4.1.1.A under Natural Resource Actions Items. 4.6.9. WATER RIGHTS Open Space and Trails will work with the county attorney to maintain the North Star Nature Preserve and James H. Smith water rights. 4.6.10. SIGNAGE Signage on the property will follow the 2014 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Signage Design guidelines. The guidelines specify the materials, graphics, types, templates, installation and maintenance for signs on all Pitkin County Open Space and Trails properties. In addition to interpretive, regulatory and way-finding signage, OST will ensure that the commitments of the acquisition agreement and conservation easement are honored by maintaining signage acknowledging the role of AVLT and The Nature Conservancy in conserving the property. Aging interpretive signs will be removed and/or replaced with updated signage to be consistent with the wildlife viewing platform and bird blind exhibits. 4.6.11. NORDIC EQUIPMENT STORAGE OST will meet with AVLT, CDOT, and the City of Aspen to determine if there is a location at the South Gate parking lot that would be appropriate for a seasonal (removable) shelter to house Nordic trail grooming equipment, including a snowmobile and a pull-behind groomer. Winter plowing, snow storage and other CDOT safety and maintenance requirements, as well as the size and type of the desired structure, will all need to be considered. A staff recommendation will be brought to the Open Space and Trails Board and the BOCC. Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 96 OST crew members install new signage at North Star in 2016. 2015 Flooding at North Star Nature Preserve, Photo: Greg Poschman North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 97 ACTION ITEM PHASING AND COST ESTIMATES 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Natural Resource Actions On-Going Natural Resource Monitoring 15,000 55,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 Adaptive Management TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD North Star Fen Restoration (planting day)10,000 10,000 TBD TBD TBD Recreation Management Actions CDOT Lease Agreement 5,000 North Star Outreach 20,000 12,000 12,000 12,000 Parking Area Design 20,000 Parking Area Construction 100,000- 300,000 Restroom Facility at Wildwood (cost for seasonal port-a-potty with enclosure) 8,000 1,250 1,250 1,250 1,250 Youth Engagement 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Volunteer Days 10,000 10,000 10,000 Partnership Management Actions Forest Service Partnership 50,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 ACES Partnership 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 RFC Partnership 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 Maintenance Actions Mowing, Plowing, Noxious Weeds Part of annual maintenance budget North Star Landing Zone Ditch TBD 4.7 PHASING AND BUDGET SUMMARY Table 5 lists the management actions with specified funding needs to be used in annual Open Space and Trails department budgeting. Many of the action items above require staff time but do not have a direct budgetary impact. The projected costs are estimates and may change in the future. Table 5. Action Item Phasing and Cost Estimates Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 98 APPENDIX A. LIST OF NATURAL RESOURCE STUDIES 2020 Fen Restoration Monitoring - Vegetation Baseline - 2019 Growing Season - Peak Ecological Services, LLC 2020 iRON vegetation and soil moisture monitoring Report for Aspen and Wetland Transition community at North Star Nature Preserve – Aspen Global Change Institute (in prep.) 2019 Vegetation Type Map, Community Descriptions and Floristic Inventory – Peak Ecological Services, LLC 2018 River Bank Stabilization Assessment (2017) and Recommendations – Black Creek Hydrology, LLC 2018 North Star Nature Preserve Fen Hydrology Restoration Plan. Lotic Hydrological (lead) with Buscher Soil, and Peak Ecological, and DHM Design. 2018 Groundwater Hydrology Monitoring Report – Western Ecological Resources, Inc. 2018 Great Blue Heron Study Technical Memo – Colorado Wildlife Science 2018 Fen Hydrology Monitoring Report – Buscher Soil & Environmental. Inc. 2018 Beaver Occupancy Study Technical Memo – Colorado Wildlife Science 2017 Wildlife Monitoring Report – Colorado Wildlife Science 2017 Wetland Fen Assessment & Floristic Inventory – North Star Nature Preserve - Peak Ecological Services, LLC 2017 Technical Memo – North Star Nature Preserve Vegetation Monitoring – Peak Ecological Services, LLC 2017 Fluvial Geomorphology and Aquatic Life Monitoring Report – Lotic Hydrological 2015 Groundwater Level Baseline Report Technical Memo – Golder Associates 2015 Ecological Communities & Fluvial Geomorphology Baseline Report – Golder Associates 2014 Geomorphic Assessment North Star Nature Preserve – Golder Associates 2012 Upper Roaring Fork River Aquatic Life Use Assessment – SK Mason Environmental, LLC & Timberline Aquatics, Inc. 2011 Geomorphic Assessment of the Roaring Fork River and Impacts of Groundwater Changes on Wetlands — Miller Ecological Consultants, Inc. And Ayres Associates 2011 Avian Monitoring Report (2000-2008) – Colorado Wildlife Science 2000 Preliminary Hydrologic and Biological Characterization – Colorado School of Mines, Anne Hickey, K. Kolm and John Emerick 2000 North Star Management Plan 1999 Report of Findings Vegetation Monitoring on Commercial Use Site – ESCO Associates Inc. 1999 Ecological Characterization Report – Colorado School of Mines, Anne Hickey and John Emerick 1989 Resource Management Plan – Design Workshop for ACES 1986 Water Resource Analysis of North Star Ranch – Enartech Inc. 1981 North Star Vegetation Inventory – Western Resource Development Corp. North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 99 APPENDIX B. COMMUNITY SURVEY Please visit or click the following link to view / download the community survey results: Https://pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/21722/North-Star-Community-Survey- Results APPENDIX C. DRAFT PLAN PUBLIC INPUT AND PARTNER COMMENTS Please visit or click the following link to view / download the public and partner comments on the Draft Management Plan: Https://pitkincounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/25861/Appendix-C_Draft-North-Star- Plan-Public-Input-and-Partner-CommentsJune-2020 Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 100 Figure 1. CDOT's 2020 Interim Parking/Signage Plan for North Star Pedestrian Bridge Parking Pitkin County 0 0.025 0.05 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary East of Aspen Trail [ North Star Pedestrian Bridge North Lot Parking Area Loading Zone CDOT Designated Vehicle Staging Area Bicycle Rack CDOT Designated No Parking Zones CDOT Designated Pull-off Parking (Approx.10 spaces) U.S.F.S No Parking Zones where cars are frequently parked River Access Corridor / 2016 Takeout Improvements Notes: •This sign plan is intended to help enforcement efforts for current operations and will only be in place until such time as a long term strategy is implemented and improvements to parking areas are completed. At that time, parking signage will be reevaluated and revised to coordinate with the final parking management scheme. •Warning signs are shown for information only. Actual placement will be determined in the field and may vary. Page 1 of 4 Project Totals 19 each 12”x18”4 each 12”x18”5 each 12”x18” 5 each 12”x18” 1 each 12”x18” North Star Nature Preserve Parking Signs Legend Proposed Signs Parking Areas 2 each 36”x36” 2 each 36”x36” 1 each 24”x24” Notes: •This sign plan is intended to help enforcement efforts for current operations and will only be in place until such time as a long term strategy is implemented and improvements to parking areas are completed. At that time, parking signage will be reevaluated and revised to coordinate with the final parking management scheme. •Warning signs are shown for information only. Actual placement will be determined in the field and may vary. Page 1 of 4 Project Totals 19 each 12”x18”4 each 12”x18”5 each 12”x18” 5 each 12”x18” 1 each 12”x18” North Star Nature Preserve Parking Signs Legend Proposed Signs Parking Areas 2 each 36”x36” 2 each 36”x36” 1 each 24”x24” Notes: •This sign plan is intended to help enforcement efforts for current operations and will only be in place until such time as a long term strategy is implemented and improvements to parking areas are completed. At that time, parking signage will be reevaluated and revised to coordinate with the final parking management scheme.•Warning signs are shown for information only. Actual placement will be determined in the field and may vary. Page 1 of 4 Project Totals 19 each 12”x18”4 each 12”x18”5 each 12”x18” 5 each 12”x18” 1 each 12”x18” North Star Nature Preserve Parking Signs Legend Proposed Signs Parking Areas 2 each 36”x36” 2 each 36”x36” 1 each 24”x24” Designated Pull-off Parking 82 APPENDIX D. PARKING AREA CONCEPTS In 2016, Open Space and Trails and CDOT developed initial schematics of possible parking and access configurations for the North Star area. These initial schemes demonstrate concepts that can be built upon in the future, showing the number of spaces that can be accommodated if desired. Improvements will need to comply with CDOT and USFS standards and will depend on lease agreements identified in the 2020 North Star Management Plan. In addition to the schematic concepts, aerials of each parking area show current conditions and the location of existing parking within the Hwy. 82 right-of-way and parking areas (both in designated and undesignated areas). North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 101 Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary East of Aspen Trail Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary Singletrack Trail East of Aspen Trail Figure 2. North Lot Parking Wildlife Viewing Platform Existing Head-in Parking Area For Potential Future Expansion Existing Parallel Parking Designated Pull-off Parking 82 Figure 3. The Beach Parking Bicycle Rack River Access Corridor OST Primary Kiosk Existing Undesignated ROW Parking The Beach Area for Potential Future Expansion Existing Undesignated Parking 82 Figure 4. South Gate Parking Pitkin County 0 0.01 0.02 Miles North Star Nature Preserve Parcel Boundary Singletrack Trail East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail and Parking Area Conflict - Requires Realignment OST Primary Kiosk River Access Corridor Area for Potential Future Expansion Bicycle Rack Existing Parking for 20-24 vehicles Designated Parking 82 Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 102 North Star Access OptionsPedestrian Bridge Loading Zone - 2 spots North Parking Lot - Scenario #1 - 10 parking spots Cross section Examples North Parking Lot - Scenario #2 - 29 parking spots Existing shoulder parking to be removed Takeout access corridorLoading zone for 2 vehicles and u-turn. No trailers. Buffer Wildlife viewing platform Buffer East of Aspen Trail R o a r i n g F o r k R i v e r East o f A s p e n T r a i l East of Aspen Trail 82 82 82 N N N 10 parking spots North Lot Conceptual Improvements North Star Access Options Beach Access - Scenario #1 - 7 parking spots Beach Access - Scenario #2 - 14 parking spots South Gate Access - Scenario #2 - 39 parking spots South Gate Access - Scenario #1 - 24 parking spots 82 82 82 82 East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail Buffer Buffer Beach Access Corridor South Gate Access Corridor N N NN East of Aspen Trail Buffer Beach Access Corridor South Gate Access Corridor 24 parking spots South Gate Conceptual Improvements North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan | Management Actions 103 North Star Access OptionsBeach Access - Scenario #1 - 7 parking spots Beach Access - Scenario #2 - 14 parking spots South Gate Access - Scenario #2 - 39 parking spots South Gate Access - Scenario #1 - 24 parking spots 82 82 82 82 East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail Buffer Buffer Beach Access Corridor South Gate Access Corridor N N NN East of Aspen Trail Buffer Beach Access Corridor South Gate Access Corridor North Star Access OptionsBeach Access - Scenario #1 - 7 parking spots Beach Access - Scenario #2 - 14 parking spots South Gate Access - Scenario #2 - 39 parking spots South Gate Access - Scenario #1 - 24 parking spots 82 82 82 82 East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail East of Aspen Trail Buffer Buffer Beach Access Corridor South Gate Access Corridor N N NN East of Aspen Trail Buffer Beach Access Corridor South Gate Access Corridor Concept 1: 7 parking spots Beach Access Conceptual Improvements Concept 2: 14 parking spots Management Actions | North Star Nature Preserve Management Plan 104 Pitkin County 0 0.02 0.04 Miles Parcel Boundary Singletrack Trail East of Aspen Trail USFS[ Figure 5. Wildwood Parking OST Primary Kiosk / Bicycle Rack River Access Corridor Primary Area of Conflict / Congestion Between River Users & Residents/Wildwood School Beach / Launch Area Existing Parking for 5 vehicles Unloading Zone / Informal Double Parking Wi l d w o o d L a n e Existing Undesignated Parking Designated Parking 82 Undesignated ROW Parking on Peak Visitation Days PRELIMINARY PLANS NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION WILDWOOD LANE AREA CONCEPT PARKING LAYOUT 6 OF 6 5 parking spots + Unloading Zone Wildwood River Access Conceptual Improvements