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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 June hrs minutes 2021 Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board July 21, 2022 Page 1 HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting July 21, 2022 123 Emma Road, Basalt, CO 81621 River Board members present: Chris Lemons, Wendy Huber, Bill Jochems, Andre Wille, Kirstin Neff River Board members absent: Chris Wheatley, Chuck Ogilby Others present: Lisa Tasker _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Board Comment- Mr. Wille commented on how much activity he has seen at the whitewater park in Basalt and the diversity of crafts being used to enjoy the whitewater features. He looks forward to when we will have signs up for the public to better understand the story behind the park. Public Comment- none Glassier Open Space Irrigation Efficiency Improvements and PCOST Colorado River District Funding Request– Paul Holsinger, Agriculture and Conservation Easement manager for Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Program described their progress in planning for upgrading from flood irrigation to a center pivot irrigation system on the Glassier property vastly improving water efficiency. A letter of support was requested from Healthy Rivers addressed to the Colorado River District and was included in the meeting packet. Drew Walters, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails new Agriculture Specialist in addition to being a CSU Agricultural Extension Agent part-time, further explained the benefits to be realized after installation of a center pivot irrigation system and other planned efficiency measures. He explained root zone water uptake is anticipated to go from approximately 40% to 80% with a change from flood irrigation to a sprinkler system. They will also be working with Aspen Global Change Institute, CSU extension, and Eagle County Open Space who holds the conservation easement. Carbondale Riverfront Park and In-stream Improvements- Quinn Donnelly, engineer with River Restoration out of Carbondale came to also give an update on the whitewater park and boat ramp work as well as the Robinson Diversion project. Mark O’Meara was also there to answer questions regarding the Carbondale Park proposal. The river west bank reach is entirely owned by the Town of Carbondale and the project is listed in the Crystal River Management plan which guided the project design. The project has been pursued now for several years with numerous stakeholder meetings occurring in 2019. They went out to bid in April and received one bid that was well over what was fundraised. Their goal is to get the project funded and up and running by 2023. At this time are looking to raise another $750,00 to a million dollars. They are assessing their options, speaking to the Colorado River District and others. He says they are looking at a partnership possibility with the Healthy Rivers board, one outside the grant program. Quinn explained this could add the opportunity to get signs out explaining what the Healthy Rivers program is about to the Carbondale community. They are really trying to get across the finish line. There is no ask at this date, but he suggests a site visit soon. He also explained the potential connectivity with the Weaver Ditch headgate project. Heather Lewin reminded the board of the potential big educational opportunity associated with the site. Crystal River Wild and Scenic Designation Audio/Visual/Print Support Project- Ryan Wolfe of Wild Wolfe Media has a contract through the end of the year with the Healthy Rivers program to support the efforts towards designation of Wild and Scenic for the Crystal River through a media project focused Minutes – Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board July 21, 2022 Page 2 on education. Ryan grew up on the Crystal River and explained his personal motivation for wanting to by involved. He will be creating a ten-part short video series highlighting the different aspects of the Crystal River that would support efforts at W&S Designation and countering mis-information. He is also creating video testimonials or “teaser videos” and 30 still images, all done to educate, support, and attract new advocates to the efforts. Crystal River Wild and Scenic Updates on Aerial Advocacy and Video/Images Gallery - Lea Linse and Jane Pargiter, both with EcoFlight gave us a full update of their activities associated with supporting the Crystal Wild and Scenic Designation efforts connected with the Healthy Rivers grant they received in the fall of 2021. They have completed 72 conservation advocacy overflights. These have included students from local schools. They said they have lots of requests for flights, especially from media. Open Discussion Items Ms. Huber asked how the board can be updated regarding Wild and Scenic efforts. Ms. Tasker described how the creation of the Request for Proposals for a professional facilitator for a stakeholder process is still in the works and how the Scoping committee put together by Kelly McNicholas Kury was still in the review and edit process. She described how the timing of how all this will unfold is very difficult to judge. Wendy asked that the final RFP be circulated to the board. Bill Jochems reminded the board that review of the grant process has been discussed. Suggestions were made to make that happen this winter. Matt Annabel discussed the activities associated with getting signs out at the whitewater park and the ongoing efforts. Wendy Huber stated how plans to bring the Healthy River slide show might include Garfield County. Andre Wille moved to adjourn. Wendy Huber seconded the motion. The Board adjourned at approximately 6:35pm. Approved: Attest: _____________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons, Chairman Lisa Tasker