Open Space Planning

OPEN SPACE ELEMENT OF THE METRO VISION 2020 PLAN: RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

July 21, 1999

Denver Regional Council of Governments, 2480 West 26th Avenue, Suite 200B, Denver, Colorado 80211-5580 OPEN SPACE AAbstract

TITLE: Open Space Element of the Metro Vision 2020 Plan: Resources and Opportunities

AUTHOR: Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)

SUBJECT: Regional open space planning

DATE: July 21, 1999

SOURCE OF COPIES: Public Affairs Office DRCOG 2480 West 26th Avenue, Suite 200B Denver, Colorado 80211-5580 (303) 455-1000

NUMBER OF PAGES:65

ABSTRACT: The Regional Open Space Plan is the Open Space Element of the Metro Vision 2020 Plan. The plan creates a regional vision for a system of linked and integrated open space coordinated with the other elements of the Metro Vision 2020 Plan. It establishes a strategic framework of goals and action strategies for local, regional and state open space protection. It also provides current information (maps, data and tools), identifies issues, and provides a composite look at six categories of open space resources and opportunities for open space protection regionwide.

ii TTable of CContents Executive Summary 1 I. Context 5 An Open Space Plan for the Region 7 Metro Vision 2020 Open Space Goal 7 Who is Responsible for Open Space in the Denver Region? 7 Issues 10 The Role of Open Space in Metro Vision 2020 10 Background and Public Involvement 10 Purpose of the Regional Open Space Plan 11 II. Regional Open Space Definition and Goals 13 What is Regional Open Space? 15 How Much Open Space Should We Have In 2020? 16 III. Open Space Categories, Goals and Strategies 17 What is Included in this Section 19 A. Natural Resources 19 1. Aquatic Resources 19 a. Surface Waters 19 b. Riparian Areas 22 c. Wetlands 23 2. Terrestrial Resources 23 a. Commercial Mineral Deposits 23 b. Forests and Woodlands 24 c. Prairies 26 d. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat 27 B. Environmental Hazard and Development Constraint Areas 29 1. Geophysical and Natural Environmental Hazard/Development Constraint Areas 30 2. Human–made Environmental Hazard/Development Constraint Areas 30 C. Outdoor Recreation 31 1. Regional Open Space Supply For Outdoor Recreation 32 D. Agricultural Resources 33 E. Prominent Geologic and Geographic Features and Cultural Resources 37 F. Shaping the Pattern of Urban Growth and Development 41 1. Urban Shaping and Metro Vision 2020 Plan Components 41 IV. Meeting the Challenge 45 Implementation 47 Goals and Strategies 47 The Relationship of the Regional Open Space Plan Element to the Core Elements of Metro Vision 2020 47 Roles, Responsibilities and Next Steps 48 Tools 50 Conclusion 57 Appendix 58 V. Bibliography 63

OPEN SPACE iii LList of TTables

Table 1 1997 Denver Region Parks and Open Space 10 Table 2 Prominent Geologic and Geographic Features in the Denver Region 38 Table 3 Open Space Opportunity Checklist 50 Table 4 Open Space Preservation Focus Areas for the Denver Region 54

LList of FFigures

Figure 1 1997 Denver Region Parks and Open Space 8 Figure 2 1997 Denver Region Open Space Ownership 9 Figure 3 Major Surface Waters in the Denver Region 21 Figure 4 Environmental Hazard and Development Constraint Areas in the Denver Region 25 Figure 5 Selected Important Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat in the Denver Region 28 Figure 6 Important Farmlands in the Denver Region 36 Figure 7 Prominent Geologic and Geographic Features and Cultural Resources in the Denver Region 40 Figure 8 Open Space Opportunities with Existing (1997) and Planned Parks and Open Space in the Denver Region 51 Figure 9 Open Space Preservation Focus Areas 55

iv EExecutive SSummary

Ask people in the Denver region what makes this place so special, and they will likely respond “the open space areas and the nearby mountains.” Open spaces add immeasurably to our quality of life and citizens are united in their support for preserving it. Protecting our most valuable natural resources and open space into the future will be a challenge, however, because our region’s population is expected to continue to grow by 700,000 people by 2020. It is critical that we plan now to protect key open spaces both within, and between, our towns and cities.

Open space lands are diverse and often lie within several jurisdictions. These lands are used and appreciated by the entire region making it important to plan for an integrated open space system at a regional scale. The Open Space Element of the Metro Vision 2020 Plan, developed by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), is a framework for such an integrated regional open space system.

The role of open space in the region’s Plan, which bridges separate state and local plans. growth and development The plan:

With the adoption of the Metro Vision 2020 regional 1. creates a regional vision for a system of linked plan in 1997, the Denver region set forth a new guide and integrated open space; for growth, development and infrastructure into the future. Open space is an integral part of the physical 2. establishes a strategic framework of goals and framework for the region. Open space defines where action strategies for local, regional and state open urbanization should and should not occur, creates space protection coordinated with the other buffers for the region’s freestanding communities, elements of the Metro Vision 2020 plan; and and protects air and water quality by focusing land development. 3. provides current information (maps, data and tools) and identifies issues about open space Who is responsible for open space in resources and opportunities for open space the Denver region? protection.

Cities, counties, special districts, land trusts, private What is regional open space? landowners, and state and federal agencies all plan and manage open space. As the intergovernmental Through much discussion and debate, a common agency responsible for regional planning, the Denver regional open space definition was established. Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) brought Those public and private lands acquired or preserved in the these interests together and, over the last two years, public interest to provide for: the conservation and created The Open Space Element of the Metro Vision 2020 protection of natural resources, physical and aesthetic

OPEN SPACE 1 enjoyment of the out-of-doors, shaping the pattern of open space preservation and management. Regional growth and development, preservation of agricultural open space can be grouped into six broad categories. resources, and protection of prominent geographical, geological, and cultural features and resources. Natural resources

How much open space do we have? Conserve and protect important natural resources.

In 1997, DRCOG conducted an inventory of open 1. Aquatic Resources space in the region. City, county, private, special Surface Waters and Riparian Areas district and other open space lands, including the national forests and other federal lands, comprise 2. Terrestrial Resources approximately 26 percent of the 5,076 square-mile, Commercial Mineral Deposits, Forests and eight-county Denver region. Twenty percent of the Woodlands, Prairies, Wildlife and Wildlife region consists of national forests and other federal Habitat lands. Approximately six percent of the total region and eight percent of the non-federal portion of the Environmental hazard and development region were locally protected open space in 1997. constraint areas

How much should we have in 2020? Natural and human-made environmental hazard areas, as well as public rights of way, utility corridors and other The plan recommends that, at a minimum, the region places where land development is constrained, present protect and preserve an additional 2 percent of the useful opportunities to contribute to an open space system total region (approximately 100 square miles) as open in the region. Where practicable, utilize and manage these space between 1997 and 2020. This would yield areas as open space to capitalize on the open space values approximately 28 percent of the entire region in open that they may offer. space by 2020. This represents only the rate of open space preservation of the previous 25 years. The plan 1. Geophysical and natural

2. Human–made

Outdoor recreation

Provide for the physical and aesthetic enjoyment of the out-of-doors in an integrated open space system across the region.

Agricultural resources

Important agricultural resources contribute to the entire region’s cultural and economic heritage and diversity and possess significant open space values. Because these resources are found in only a few remaining areas of the region, local as well as regional and statewide measures should be taken to conserve these resources. Denver Regionl Council of Governments (DRCOG) recommends that the region protect and preserve Prominent geologic and geographic features more than the minimum. Protecting half of the and cultural resources region’s roughly 1,200 square miles of important open space opportunities (+600 square miles) that lie Preserve prominent geologic and geographic features as within five miles of the region’s 2020 urban growth well as important cultural resources that contribute visual, boundary would create a balanced region where 40 historic and educational values to the Denver region by percent of the land would be open space, and 60 acquiring or protecting them as open space. percent a mix of urban and rural uses. This goal provides a target to work toward over the next 21 Shaping the pattern of urban growth and years and will require continued public support and development the action of local government and others to achieve. Utilize identified protected open space lands as a means of What kinds of open space do we have shaping future urban growth and land development and encouraging a compact form for individual communities The plan provides goals, policies, definitions, maps, within the DRCOG region. status, and most importantly, action strategies for

2 What planning tools have been identified to protect River corridor and E-470 in the Brighton-Barr Lake open space? area. The case studies are available from DRCOG.

The Open Space Element of the Metro Vision 2020 plan What happens next? includes tools and information to help local governments and others identify and protect important The information provided in this document is a natural resources and open space areas. Five main starting place for addressing the region’s future open efforts have been undertaken and are included in this space system. Following its adoption, landowners, document. local governments, special districts, the state, private land trusts, and others will need to consider a variety Open space opportunity checklist of issues to build off this regional open space framework. Some next steps include the following. A checklist has been developed based on the informa- Update the regional parks and open space maps tion in the plan that can be used by local planners as and inventory and reassess the regional open part of the development review and comprehensive space goal in 2000 to address needs and opportu- planning process. It acts to screen and evaluate lands nities based on a growing population. that have important open space values.

Open space planning resources and list of contacts

A list of resources and contacts has been compiled to assist in local and regional open space efforts.

Open space opportunities map Jefferson County Open Space Program A map of important natural resources and open space features identified potential open space opportunities for the region. This map shows where these opportunities are connected with existing and planned open space, helping to visualize existing and potential linkages. This effort does not signify that all of the lands shown as opportunities are recommended, available, or currently planned for preservation as open space. It simply indicates where Evaluate the effect of the region’s urban growth open space features and resources currently exist that boundaries and rural development on open should be considered by local and state governments. space opportunities to balance development with open space preservation. Open space preservation focus areas Assess the fiscal and legislative means necessary This conceptual map brings together the major to address the region’s future open space system. regional-scale natural resources and physical features that make up the region’s desired open space system Develop implementation and action strategies for the future. The map was derived from state and including outreach and education information, local open space plans and features. It forms the model ordinances, and intergovernmental basis of a regional-scale open space system and agreements. establishes a framework for an open space protection strategy. Research and evaluate important agricultural resources and identify their potential for protec- Case studies tion in the Denver region.

Two case studies demonstrate and evaluate how the The region needs to act now to preserve open plan can be used effectively in open space planning at spaces for visual, recreational, and environmen- the local level. One study addressed open space tal enjoyment and quality of life. We have planning for the City of Brighton as a freestanding inherited a diverse and valuable landscape. community. The other looked at planning open space What landscape we leave as a legacy depends on corridors in relation to major transportation corridor what we plan for and accomplish today. development in the northeast metro area, focusing on the potential connections between the South Platte

OPEN SPACE 3 Jefferson County Open Space Program

The Denver region has taken great strides in protecting open space lands. Local government open space programs, and the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Trust Fund, are nationally recognized for the significant open space they have protected in the Front Range. Nevertheless, continued population growth and land development across the region has led citizens and local governments to express heightened concern for protecting open space to maintain our quality of life. They have also expressed the need for a shared vision and coordinated effort among the numerous entities responsible for protecting open space.

4 I CContext

“As a county that has long been active in open space preservation, Boulder County is pleased that the Denver metro region has incorporated open space goals and strategies into regional land use planning.” Paul D. Danish Boulder County Commissioner & DRCOG Board Member

OPEN SPACE 5 Denver Regionl Council of Governments (DRCOG)

Because open space lands are diverse and often lie within several jurisdictions, planning an integrated open space system requires a regional perspective. For these reasons, DRCOG has prepared this plan as an integrated element of the Metro Vision 2020 plan.

6 CContext

An Open Space Plan for the Region

The Denver region is known for its spectacular natural setting, open spaces, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Open space plays a key role in creating healthy communities by providing for recreational and aesthetic needs, protecting air and water quality, conserving wildlife and natural resources, and providing buffers between communities. Open space is also one of the features that draws people to the region. The region’s population is forecast to increase by 700,000 people between 1995 and the year 2020. As the region’s population grows and more land is developed, it is increasingly critical to develop a vision and plans to identify and protect open spaces within and between our towns and cities. Because open space lands are diverse and often lie within several jurisdictions, planning an integrated open space system requires a regional perspective. For these reasons, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) has prepared this plan as an integrated element of the Metro Vision 2020 plan.

The Denver region has taken great strides in protecting open space lands. Local government open space programs and the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Trust Fund are nationally recognized for the significant open space they have protected in the Front Range. Nevertheless, continued population growth and land development across the region have led citizens and local governments to express heightened concern for protecting open space to maintain our quality of life. They have also expressed the need for a shared vision and coordinated effort among the numerous entities responsible for protecting open space.

Metro Vision 2020 Open Space Goal Who is Responsible for Open Space in the Denver Region? As part of the preparation of the Metro Vision 2020 plan, DRCOG developed a general goal for open Today, designated open space can be found through- space in the region. It has been refined by the out the Denver region from the plains to the moun- Regional Open Space Coordinating Committee and tains, along rivers and streams, in large units and in states: “Plan and develop an integrated, linked, permanent small neighborhood parks (Figure 2). Entities open space system that will conserve and protect important responsible for open space are as diverse as the natural resources, provide for the physical and aesthetic resource itself: Cities, counties, special districts, land enjoyment of the out-of-doors, shape the region’s pattern of trusts, private landowners and, state and federal growth and development, use environmental hazard and agencies all plan and manage open space in the development constraint areas as open space where appropri- Denver region. As the intergovernmental agency ate, preserve the region’s agricultural resources, and protect responsible for regional planning, DRCOG became prominent geologic, geographic and cultural features such involved in open space planning through its role in as the visual backdrop of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. preparing the Metro Vision 2020 plan. Metro Vision This system will include a variety of open space types and 2020 established a regional open space goal as part of provide appropriately accessible open space to all of the that vision and called for working with local govern- region’s population.” ments to plan for open space in concert with the other elements of the Metro Vision 2020 plan to ensure that open space is adequately addressed in the region’s plan for future growth and development. That planning work is described in this document.

OPEN SPACE 7 Figure 1 shows the relative proportions of the the National Forests and other federal lands, com- ownership of open space in 1997, the year the prise approximately 26 percent of the 5,076-square- regional open space inventory was conducted. Table mile, eight-county Denver region. Not including the 1 indicates the quantity of open space owned and National Forests and other federal lands, approxi- managed by these entities. City, county, private, mately 6 percent of the region was in protected open special district and other open space lands, including space as of 1997.

Figure 1 1997 Denver Region Open Space Ownership

State Ci ty Ci ty/ County

County

Other Special Pr ivate City District Special Distr ic

St at e

Private

Ot her

City/ Feder al County

Count y Including National Forests Not Including National Forests City of Westminster Open Space Program City of Westminster

8 Figure 2 1997 Denver Region Parks and Open Space Region Parks 1997 Denver

OPEN SPACE 9 Table 1 1997 Denver Region Parks and Open Space

Type Acres Square Miles Percent with Percent without National Forest National Forest ❋

City 71,650 112.0 8.4% 35.7% City/ County 4,936 7.7 0.6% 2.5% County 64,074 100.1 7.5% 31.9% Other 2,936 4.6 0.3% 1.5% Private 11,967 18.7 1.4% 6.0% Special District 16,854 26.3 2.0% 8.4% State 28,516 44.6 3.3% 14.2% Federal 653,200 1,020.6 76.5%

TOTAL (not Including Federal) 200,933 314.0 100% TOTAL (Including Federal) 854,133 1,334.6 100%

❋percents may not total due to rounding.

Issues The Role of Open Space in Metro Vision 2020 Preserving open space has been a priority concern and a key planning objective throughout the With the adoption of the Metro Vision 2020 plan in multiyear process in developing the Metro Vision 2020 1997, the Denver region set forth a new guide for regional plan. Public meetings, a public opinion growth and development into the future. The plan survey and Governor Roy Romer’s Smart Growth includes regional goals and objectives that together Initiative meetings during this time, all identified describe a future desired by local governments and public concern and consensus for the value of an citizens. Open space is one of the six core elements of integrated open space system across our region. The the plan and an integral part of the physical frame- challenge before the region is to develop a strategic work for the region. Open space is integral to the framework for preserving and enhancing the natural, achievement of the other core elements by defining cultural, visual, and recreational qualities of open where urbanization should not occur, creating space lands in an integrated fashion. community buffers for freestanding communities, and protecting air and water quality. The plan Open space is managed by a myriad of public and identifies necessary strategies and implementation private entities. To meet the needs of the region in the steps to accomplish this desired future. Key to the future, open space preservation will require vision, continued success of Metro Vision 2020 is the need for coordination, and partnerships between landowners, implementation to occur as a unique voluntary and local governments, and private, state and federal collaborative endeavor of local governments working agencies. Public acquisition, land donations, ease- together as a region. The integration of open space ments, and other planning and zoning tools will be planning with the other elements of Metro Vision 2020 needed to carry out this framework. Adequate is discussed further in Chapter 4 of this plan. funding for parks and open space from existing state and local, as well as new sources will also be required. While there are several cities and counties in the region that have dedicated revenues from Background and Public Involvement property, sales or use taxes for open space, many others do not. In 1997, with the support of a GOCO grant, DRCOG began laying the groundwork for addressing open In addition to funding, other policy issues revolve space as one of the six core elements of the Metro around the uneven distribution of existing and Vision 2020 plan. The first step was to identify those potential open space land areas in the region. Public lands and resources that make up the open space of awareness and open space values, as well as the level the regional system. A 40-member Regional Open and type of public use varies among communities in Space Coordinating Committee was formed to direct the region. Land value and development pressure is this effort, which included representatives of local also varied. Open space and natural resource governments, citizen and environmental organiza- management intensity and philosophy is often tions, state and federal resource agencies, and different among public and private entities managing private-sector interests. During 1997, DRCOG, open space across the region. working through the committee, developed a set of

10 open space categories, definitions and maps. The nents of an open space system needed to respond to committee developed consensus around definitions of this growth. This system will involve the protection different categories and held a series of five stake- of sensitive areas that could be eliminated or lost by holder workshops to gather input and feedback. such growth. It also involves the provision of parks and open space to meet the recreational demands of In November 1997, DRCOG hosted a regional open these new residents. New urban land development space forum where 120 citizens and stakeholders met can also be shaped and directed by a conscious open to examine the work done by the committee and their space acquisition policy. The goals and strategies workshops, and explored the context and direction address these and similar concern. The goals and for developing a regional open space system plan. strategies in this plan have been developed to provide The results of the workshops and the forum have an integrated and regional perspective to local open been incorporated into this plan helping to define the space preservation and management activity. They scope and elements of an integrated open space are intended to complement local policy direction and system and to provide direction for implementation provide for regional coordination as well as support. strategies. In January of 1999, a public open house was held to discuss the draft plan with over 50 The third objective of the plan is to provide current attendees. information about open space resources and opportunities for open space protection. The plan describes the status of each type of open space and policy Purpose of the Regional Open Space issues identified by the Regional Open Space Coordi- nating Committee. The plan provides a series of Plan regional scale maps of the categories and types of open space. Mapping information varies greatly in The Regional Open Space Plan is intended to accom- age, completeness, and accuracy throughout the plish the following objectives: region. These maps are from a variety of sources and scales and efforts were made to refine and update 1. Create a regional vision for a system of linked these maps where possible. As with any regional and integrated open space, small-scale map, these maps should not be used for site level planning. The maps are not intended to 2. Establish a strategic framework of goals and identify future parcels for acquisition or protection, as action strategies for local, regional and state use this level of detail is not appropriate for a regional that is coordinated with the other elements of the plan. Users are encouraged to seek out larger-scale Metro Vision 2020 plan, maps and current site information from appropriate sources for greater information in addition to 3. Provide current information (maps, data and DRCOG. Appendix A lists several sources for such tools) and identify issues about open space maps and information. resources and opportunities for open space protection. The plan is not a regional directive or an attempt to define DRCOG as a regionwide open space manage- Many separate state and local plans currently exist ment agency. It does, however, provide a jointly that identify important natural resources and areas developed statement of the needs and desires of the where open space lands should be protected. A region’s citizens for the 2020 open space system. regional open space plan provides a comprehensive regionwide vision that ties existing open space units and natural resources together. The plan also establishes a strategic framework for local and state management agency decisionmaking that is coordinated with the other elements of the Metro Vision 2020 plan and relies on local coordination and cooperation. The plan recognizes the existing diversity of goals, objectives Denver Department of Parks and Recreation and policies and management responsibilities at the local level. It provides a comprehensive set of goals and strategies as a means of coordinating efforts among the numerous entities responsible for protecting open space.

The region is expected to add 700,000 new residents between 1995 and 2020 and the plan describes the compo-

OPEN SPACE 11 The Denver region is known for its spectacular natural setting, open spaces, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Open space plays a key role in creating healthy communities by providing for recreational and aesthetic needs, protecting air and water quality, conserving wildlife and natural resources, and providing buffers between communities. Open space is also one of the features that draws people to the region.

12 II RRegional OOpen SSpace DDefinition and GGoals

“Whether it’s for recreation or agriculture, left untouched or modified for greater public access, open space is an important quality-of-life element to the state and the region.” Polly Page Arapahoe County Commissioner and DRCOG Chairman

OPEN SPACE 13 Denver Regionl Council of Governments (DRCOG)

Regional open space is defined as: those public and private lands acquired or preserved in the public interest, to provide for the conservation and protection of natural resources and physical and aesthetic enjoyment of the out-of-doors, to shape the regional pattern of growth and development, preserve agricultural resources, and to protect prominent geographical, geological, and cultural features and resources.

14 RRegional OOpen SSpace DDefinition and GGoals

What is Regional Open Space?

The Regional Open Space Coordinating Committee developed a definition of regional open space lands to create a common understanding of open space across the region. Recognizing the current diversity of local government definitions and management responsibilities, it is not intended to supersede jurisdictional definitions.

Regional open space is defined as: those public and private lands acquired or preserved in the public interest, to provide for the conservation and protection of natural resources and physical and aesthetic enjoyment of the out-of-doors, to shape the regional pattern of growth and development, preserve agricultural resources, and to protect prominent geographical, geological, and cultural features and resources.

As part of this definition, a general criteria frame- presents health or safety hazards to the public, or work was developed to further characterize regional contains constraints to urban development, open space areas. While other factors may be meets national, state or local agricultural land included, the following characteristics can be used to preservation criteria, and identify open space areas or resources of regional contributes significantly to more than one of importance, which are addressed in this plan: these objectives.

is significant in size in the region, The following criteria pertain to the importance of is unique or scarce within a defined area such as timing for preservation for open space areas or the region, resources: is difficult or impossible to duplicate or replace, crosses or affects more than one jurisdiction, is available for acquisition, preservation or has community or regional public support for protection, conservation and protection, is endangered or under threat of loss to urban may be reasonably accessible to the general development, public for recreational use, exhibits biodiversity and is of ecological signifi- A set of goals, objectives and strategies was devel- cance, oped by the Regional Open Space Coordinating exhibits connectivity characteristics to form open Committee to provide coordinated support and space linkages and assemblages, direction to entities which have prime responsibility has historical, archeological, or heritage value, for protecting the region’s open space resources. provides significant, important or scarce wildlife Because of the existing diversity of goals, objectives, habitat value, policies and strategies at the local level, these regional

OPEN SPACE 15 City of Westminster Open Space Program City of Westminster goals and strategies have been developed to provide space preservation as of 1997. When added to the 20 an integrated and regional perspective to local open percent of the region in federal lands, approximately space preservation and management activity, and are 28 percent of the whole region would be protected as intended to complement local policy direction and open space by 2020. It is important that these lands provide for regional coordination and support. are preserved based on their open space values and that proximity to the urbanized portion of the metro How Much Open Space Should We area also be given consideration. This goal is for the entire region and does not reflect an appropriate goal Have In 2020? for an individual city, county, or vicinity. The regional open space goal will be reassessed and revised as This plan includes an overall goal that quantifies the needed in 2000 to continue to address the immediate amount of open space lands to be protected within needs and lost opportunities for open space protec- the region by 2020. This regional goal was developed tion related to population growth and land develop- to provide a target for the entire region and a means ment. of evaluating progress toward reaching that goal. The region can protect many more acres of open Because 20 percent of the 5,076-square-mile, eight- space through the concerted action of local govern- county region is in federal ownership, the base area ments with private, state, and federal assistance. considered for the goal is the remaining 4,055 square Because of this, the region should strive to protect miles of non-federal land where local governments and preserve more than the minimum. Over 1,200 have land use authority. Of these non-federal lands, square miles of lands that possess open space values 314 square miles, or 8 percent are protected in parks have been identified in the plan. Approximately half and open space as of 1997. It is on the remainder of (600 square miles) of these lands are neither protected these lands that tradeoffs between open space as open space nor already developed, and lie within preservation and development will need to take five miles of the region’s 2020 urban growth bound- place. ary. If the region were to protect 600 additional square miles of open space by 2020, when added to It is the recommendation of this plan that, at a existing open spaces and the federal lands, fully 40 minimum, the region protect and preserve a total of percent of the region would be protected as open 10 percent of this non-federal portion of the region by space with the remainder being in a mix of both 2020. This goal would increase the amount of non- urban and rural uses. This 2,036 square miles of open federal open space in the region by approximately space provides a high target for the region’s open 100 square miles by 2020. This is a 2 percent increase space system to work toward over the next 21 years in the total amount of open space in the region. This and will require much public support and local percentage represents the per capita rate of open government action to achieve.

16 III OOpen SSpace CCategories, GGoals and SStrategies

“In November 1997, DRCOG held an open space forum with about 120 participants. The ideas presented were as diverse as the community itself, but the theme of open space preservation rang through.” Jan Schenck Golden Mayor and DRCOG Vice Chairman

OPEN SPACE 17 City of Westminster Open Space Program City of Westminster

Today designated open space can be found throughout the Denver region from the plains to the mountains, along rivers and streams, in large units and in small neighborhood parks. Enti- ties responsible for open space are as diverse as the resource itself; cities, counties, special districts, land trusts, private landowners, state and federal agencies, all plan and manage open space in the Denver region.

18 OOpen SSpace CCategories, GGoals and SStrategies

What is Included in this Section

This section provides goals, definitions, information, and action strategies concerning each of the six broad categories of regional open space: natural resources, environmental hazard and development constraint areas, outdoor recreation, agricultural resources, prominent geographic/geologic, and cultural features and urban shaping. Each category has an overall goal statement for a desired future condition for the year 2020. This is followed by a regional definition, background and important characteristics of each type of open space, a status statement describing the current situation as to amount and distribution of existing or potential areas, ownership and management responsibilities, and the character and quality of the open space type. The status of local and regional mapping is also described and maps indicating location of existing, planned, and opportunity areas of the open space type, where appropriate, are included. Finally, action strategies developed by the Regional Open Space Coordinating Committee are presented, which indicate policies and specific actions that are recommended to achieve the stated goals.

Definitions of Key Terms

Several terms are used to describe the desired action strategies listed for each type of open space. For the purposes of this plan, conserve means management and judicious use of the open space resource for the stated objectives. Protect means to take management actions that actively reduce the loss or degradation of the open space resource by natural or human means. Preserve means to take management actions to protect the open space resource from loss or development in the future. Enhance means to improve the quality of the open space resource where it has been degraded in the past for its intended purpose.

A. Natural Resources 1. Aquatic Resources

Goal: Conserve and Protect Important Natural Resources Surface waters

Definition Goal: Surface waters are important natural resources, key features of the regional open space system which human Natural resources is a broad category of open space, activity, and natural disturbances have affected. Take which includes several types of naturally occurring measures to protect and maintain buffer zones and the aquatic and terrestrial resources incorporating quality and quantity of surface water in the region. elements of, or serving functions within, the natural environment. These areas are found across the Definition mountains, foothills, and plains comprising the Denver region and are important because they Surface waters include rivers, streams, lakes, and contribute significantly to quality of life in the region. reservoirs. In the semi-arid Denver region, these The amount, quality and character of natural re- limited natural resources are important for the many sources vary considerably across the region and are beneficial uses that they support. As a type of open not distributed evenly or in all jurisdictions. Natural space, surface waters and the buffer zone of land next resource areas identified within the region are to them are important for recreational use, scenic and grouped into two areas, aquatic resources and aesthetic value, fish and wildlife habitat and agricul- terrestrial resources. tural uses. Rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs allow for regional connectivity for recreation and corridors for wildlife use and movement.

OPEN SPACE 19 City of Westminster Open Space Program City of Westminster

Status

In the eight-county Denver region there are approxi- can often reduce instream flows to very low levels mately 2,353 miles of rivers and streams, 5,360 miles that may not support aquatic life. In downstream of intermittent streams and tributaries, and approxi- reaches, many of the streams in the region that were mately 56,430 acres of lakes and reservoirs (Figure 3). historically ephemeral now are perennial due to the There are 11 hydrologic-based watershed planning additional water discharged from urban areas areas within the region. Natural disturbances, along with urban and agricultural land use patterns, often Action Strategies for Surface Waters affect surface water quality. Water quality is affected by a combination of point and non-point sources Establish open space buffer zones around water including potential pollutants such as metals, bodies as protection against urban runoff, to sediment, un-ionized ammonia, nutrients and protect ecological, environmental and wildlife lowered dissolved oxygen. Water quantity is affected values, furnish resources, and provide accessible in the headwater reaches where extensive allocation and appropriate space for outdoor recreation of surface water for municipal and agricultural uses activities.

20 Figure 3 Surface Waters in the Denver Region in the Denver Waters Surface

OPEN SPACE 21 Support efforts to preserve minimum instream cally depending upon local policies and controls. No flows to provide suitable year-round habitat for consistent regional effort or plan exists that recog- aquatic life. nizes or attempts to link the importance of riparian areas as flood control and water quality buffers, with Support collaborative watershed management open space values such as wildlife habitat. efforts to encourage dialogue, develop consensus, and share resources toward common goals. Action Strategies for Riparian Areas

Coordinate open space activities with the Develop regional open space criteria for riparian DRCOG Water Resources Management Advisory areas that recognize the variability of form, Committee (WRMAC) to address water quality function, and values, and identify, map, and management issues. evaluate riparian areas.

Provide for increased access for water-based Develop model floodplain protection zoning recreation where appropriate and consistent with ordinances and subdivision regulations as a wildlife and water quality objectives. resource to local governments.

Map and identify floodplains, ditches, and canals Encourage preparation and adoption of local across the region. government riparian conservation and protection programs including ordinances and non- Riparian Areas regulatory management approaches such as conservation easements and transferable Goal: Riparian areas are important natural resources of the development rights programs. region and provide multiple open space values. Conserve, protect, or enhance riparian areas that function as open Encourage the Urban Drainage and Flood space and have urban drainage values. Control District to continue to coordinate its activities in riparian and wetland areas with Definition open space management entities.

Riparian areas are generally comprised of the unique vegetation, soils, and life forms that can be found adjacent to rivers, lakes, and streams. These areas or corridors share the positive characteristics of wetlands but may be saturated at much lower frequencies than wetlands. Riparian areas suppress the undesirable effects of flooding by Jefferson County Open Space Program absorbing and deflecting peak flows; maintain water quality by intercepting surface water flows and absorbing excess nutrients; provide for fish and wildlife diversity and abundance by creating roosting, nesting, rearing and feeding habitat for birds, mammals, fish and other forms of wildlife; serve as centers of biological diversity in semi-arid ecosystems such as the Colorado plains; and provide aesthetic, recreational Discourage land development within the and educational benefits in the Denver region. 100-year floodplain except for parks, water storage, mining, recreation, and open space uses Status and any fill of the floodplain inconsistent with the approved standards of the Federal Emer- Riparian areas are located in often narrow corridors gency Management Agency (FEMA) that would adjacent to many of the rivers, streams, lakes and reduce the flood-carrying capacity. reservoirs in the region that have not been subject to extensive clearing or grading. Riparian areas in the Design the provision of active recreation facilities region have been mapped on a very limited basis. and trails in riparian areas to complement and Some riparian areas are locally protected as critical not adversely affect riparian values such as corridors for urban drainage through floodplain protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, management and in some parks and open spaces. A natural and cultural features and rare or unique few communities in the region protect them by local plants and animals. It is highly recommended zoning ordinances. Urban encroachment into that recreation facilities and trails not be located riparian corridors and flood plains occurs sporadi- directly in riparian areas.

22 Encourage the use of natural materials, forms, Action Strategies for Wetlands and appropriate native plants in the design and construction of drainage improvements. Only allow development and filling of the region’s wetlands when no other viable alterna- Wetlands tive exists. Projects that receive Clean Water Act Section 404 wetland fill permits need to, at a Goal: Wetlands are important natural resources of the minimum, replace lost wetlands with areas of region and provide multiple open space values. Develop- similar type, function and quality as those ment and filling of the region’s wetlands should occur only affected, as determined by scientific analysis. when no other viable alternative exists and be compensated Restoration of prior wetlands in the same for by creating new wetlands to achieve a “no net loss of watershed is the preferred compensatory wetland functions.” mitigation measure.

Accurately identify, map, and evaluate local and area wetlands meeting scientific definitions and standards (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and wetland hydrology).

Develop model wetlands protection zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations as a resource to local governments.

Encourage preparation and adoption of local government wetland conservation and protection programs including wetlands protection ordinances.

Develop and implement a stan- City of Westminister Open Space Program City of Westminister dardized wetlands protection and Definition mitigation banking program to be used by local governments to conserve and protect wetlands. Wetlands are areas that are intermittently inundated by water at a frequency and duration to maintain and Encourage local and area jurisdictions to adopt support hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and DRCOG’s “no net loss of wetlands function” and wetland hydrology. A wide variety of wetlands exist “wetlands water quality policy.” within the region. Many are small and located adjacent to surface waters. Several either have been Expand the present role of artificial and con- acquired or are managed as open space by federal, structed wetlands, solely as a resource manage- state and local governments. Wetlands are rich ment tool, to one that includes open space uses. contributors to environmental health and biodiversity and provide many open space values such as Encourage cooperative efforts between landown- recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and scenic ers and government to develop wetlands values. They also serve as stormwater buffer areas banking credit system. and protect water quality. Wetlands are protected by state water quality standards. Federal regulations 2. Terrestrial Resources protect large wetlands from filling and loss but small areas are offered less protection. Commercial Mineral Deposits

Status Goal: Areas underlain with commercial mineral deposits may possess open space values and careful mining and Wetlands are only partially mapped within the reclamation can provide open space opportunities. region. A few cities and counties have completed Conserve and protect open space values during extraction mapping for open space planning while several have and reclamation of commercial mineral deposits. large-scale site level maps completed. The small-scale National Wetland Inventory maps produced by the Definition U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for this region are few in number and out of date. At least two communities, A commercial mineral deposit is a natural mineral Boulder and Greenwood Village, have adopted local deposit or limestone used for construction purposes, wetlands protection ordinances. coal, sand, clay, gravel, and quarry aggregate, for which extraction is or will be commercially feasible

OPEN SPACE 23 and which can be demonstrated by scientific data that Allow extraction of commercial mineral deposits such deposits have significant economic or strategic as provided for under current state statutes value to the area, state, or nation. a. Forests and Woodlands Status Goal: Forests and woodlands are important natural Commercial mineral deposits exist throughout the resources of the region that contribute to biodiversity, Denver region, primarily in alluvial floodplains and provide significant wildlife habitat, and provide for in bedrock outcrops along the foothills. Mined and recreational and scenic needs. Conserve forests and woodlands using an ecosystem management approach to provide for multiple open space values. Protect or preserve woodlands occurring along riparian corridors that possess multiple open space values.

Definition

Forests in the Denver region are diverse and generally consist of coniferous tree habitat and plant community types in the mountains and foothills. They also include mixed forest and shrublands in lower elevations of the region. Alpine tundra and subalpine forests are found at the highest elevations near the Continental Divide. Woodlands within the region generally contain deciduous tree habitat and plant communities and Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources occur along riparian corridors, irrigation reclaimed extraction sites can provide useful open ditches, and parks and open space areas. Both forests space values as wetlands, water storage reservoirs, and woodlands are important natural resources for wildlife habitat and recreation areas. Current state the multiple open space values that they provide. legislation prohibits local government entities from These include important and unique recreational, permitting the use of any area known to contain a scenic and aesthetic values, protection from soil commercial mineral deposit in a manner that would erosion and flooding, contribution to the biodiversity interfere with the present or future extraction of that of the region, and the provision of significant wildlife deposit. Nothing prohibits local governments from habitat. acquiring, using, or issuing use permits for a public purpose if the use does not permit erection of Status permanent structures, or permanently preclude extraction. Reclamation of excavated areas is also Most of the forests are located on federally owned required by law. In 1973, the Colorado Geological lands administered by the U.S. Department of the Survey mapped commercial mineral deposits in the Agriculture Forest Service under policies and Front Range counties in order to identify and locate regulations defined within the Code of Federal such deposits. These are shown in Figure 6, “Envi- Regulations. Forests are also owned and managed as ronmental Hazard and Development Constraint open space by the state and several counties and Areas in the Denver Region.” cities in the region. The portions of the Arapaho and Pike National Forests within the region are managed Action Strategies for Commercial Mineral from a multiple resource perspective and address all Deposits categories and values identified in this plan. The public lands of the National Forests, along with lands Evaluate areas affected by, contiguous, and administered by the U.S. Department of Interior, adjacent to commercially viable mineral deposits Bureau of Land Management and National Park for conservation, preservation, and protection as Service, contain sizable amounts of natural resources, open space. recreational opportunities, prominent geographic and Identify, map, and evaluate commercially viable geologic features and cultural resources. However, mineral deposits. they are not well distributed across the region making Encourage and support local governments to them difficult to access for all residents. They also do work in partnership with extractors to conserve, not provide for conservation and protection of many protect or preserve open space values in mining, low-elevation natural resource types. reclamation of mineral extraction sites, and preparation of plans for post-extraction use of Mixed forests and shrublands are found at lower mined lands. elevations in the mountains, foothills, and the plains. While some acreage of this type of natural resource is

24 protected as public open space by the state and Work to protect areas of forests and woodlands several counties, a good portion is located on pri- typically found at lower elevations in the region, vately owned land and not protected from develop- which are often concentrated and have limited ment. The City of Aurora is an example of a city that distribution in the region to avoid loss to land has adopted a local tree preservation ordinance. conversion and development.

Woodlands are found in the Denver region primarily b. Prairies in large park and open space areas and concentrated in riparian areas along streams, rivers, and water Goal: Prairie grasslands are important natural resources of bodies. Because of their concentrated and limited the region that often exhibit important cultural and historical values, prevent soil erosion, enhance water quality and biodiversity, provide significant wildlife habitat and provide for recreational and scenic needs. Conserve prairie grasslands that provide multiple open space values where possible. Protect remnant native prairies because they are rare and unique natural resources in the region.

Definition

Much of the Denver region lies in the semi-arid Great Plains geographic Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources

distribution in the region and their important open space values, woodlands are important natural resources of the region.

Action Strategies for Forests and Woodlands

Encourage an ecosystem approach to forest and woodland conservation and management to provide for long- term environmental health, biodiversity, and protection of multiple open space values and natural resource use. This involves judicious use province. This province supports a prairie grassland of active vegetation management including plant community type in a mosaic pattern. For the thinning, harvesting, prescribed burning as well purpose of this plan, prairies are defined as grassland as designating protected old growth reserve landscapes where native and non-native short grass, areas. tall grass and mixed grass plant community types predominate. Prairies are often utilized as rangeland Identify, map, and evaluate forests and wood- for livestock grazing. Prairie grasslands often exhibit lands that provide for important open space important cultural, historical and scenic values. They values. also decrease soil erosion, enhance water quality and biodiversity, and can provide significant wildlife Encourage the local adoption of management habitat. Remnant or relic native prairie grasslands plans and ordinances to conserve, protect or are rare and unique natural resources. preserve important forest and woodland areas. An example is a local government tree preserva- Status tion ordinance or a county forest ecosystem management plan. Prairie grasslands are found primarily in the eastern half of the eight-county Denver region. Much of the Develop model forest and woodland protection plains portion of the region has been cultivated, zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations overgrazed, converted to agriculture or urbanized as a resource to local governments. over the last 100 years however, leaving only small

OPEN SPACE 25 remnants of native prairie grassland plant communi- agricultural lands, provide important wildlife habitat ties. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, within the region. Protect, preserve, or enhance those areas the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Center identified by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, which Buffer Area, and the Plains Conservation Center in include wildlife production and concentration areas, and Aurora are examples of large protected prairie critical wildlife habitat, as well as important wildlife management areas. Only a small percentage of this movement areas and corridors. natural resource type is currently protected as open space in the region. Definition

The U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service Wildlife is an important natural resource that (NRCS) has mapped land cover in the plains in the depends on other natural resources for habitat. 1970s at a small scale but this mapping is now out of Important wildlife habitat is comprised of terrestrial date. NRCS has also inventoried rangeland condition and aquatic natural resources that provide for both and trend over time. The Colorado Natural Heritage vertebrate and invertebrate fish and wildlife species Program of the Nature Conservancy has conducted diversity and abundance by providing production mapping of some of the most important prairie grasslands. Some prairie grasslands have been mapped for a small number of cities and counties in the region, such as the City of Aurora but a regional map has not been prepared.

Action Strategies for Prairies

Locate, map, and evaluate prairie

grasslands, particularly remnant native Colorado Division of Wildlife prairie plant communities, in the region.

(nesting, fawning, calving, etc.) areas, concentration areas (roosting) and feeding areas. Critical wildlife habitat includes production areas as well as critical winter feeding range in a combination and quantity necessary to support a species of wildlife for a least a portion of the year. Wildlife and wildlife habitat provide aesthetic, recreational and educational benefits in the Denver region.

Status Colorado Division of Wildlife

Encourage and support local government The Colorado Division of Wildlife manages both adoption of management plans and ordinances game and non-game wildlife on all public and private to conserve, protect, or preserve important lands in the region. In addition, several species have prairie grassland areas. been listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These species often require Develop model prairie grassland protection stringent levels of management and protection. zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations as a resource to local governments. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has mapped some of the areas that are important terrestrial wildlife Work to protect or preserve important areas of habitat as well as some that are recommended for prairie grasslands as only a small percentage of protection as open space (Figure 4). They include this natural resource type is currently protected production areas, concentration areas, critical wildlife as open space in the region. habitat, and important wildlife movement areas for selected indicator species. These maps include lands c. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat that are both protected and not currently protected as open space and lands that should be managed for Goal: Aquatic and terrestrial natural resource areas, and their value as important wildlife habitat. Important

26 Figure 4 Selected Important Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat in the Denver Region Habitat in the Denver Wildlife Terrestrial Selected Important

OPEN SPACE 27 wildlife habitats are distributed throughout the Provide special attention to habitat for federally region with several located in the mountain foothill designated threatened and endangered species areas of Jefferson, Douglas, and Boulder counties. and take measures to protect or preserve it. Wildlife movement areas and corridors associated with species with unique habitat requirements are Design the provision of active recreation facilities found throughout the region while wetlands and and trails in riparian areas to complement and riparian areas are found in river bottoms and near not adversely affect riparian values such as water bodies. Few of these areas are currently protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, protected for use as wildlife habitat. An emerging natural and cultural features and rare or unique issue in the metro area is the conservation and plants and animals. It is highly recommended management of prairie dog populations that are a that recreation facilities and trails not be located keystone species for prairie habitat and a prey base directly in riparian areas. for raptors. B. Environmental Hazard and Development There are numerous threats to both aquatic and Constraint Areas terrestrial wildlife and wildlife habitat in the Denver region. The loss of large undisturbed areas of habitat Goal: Natural and human-made environmental hazard and the fragmentation and loss of contiguous wildlife areas, as well as public rights of way, utility corridors and habitat by roads, trails, agriculture and urban other places where land development is constrained, development play a major role. Wildlife can be present useful opportunities to contribute to an open space seriously affected by predation by domestic cats and system in the region. Where practicable, utilize and dogs. Riparian and aquatic habitat can be negatively manage these areas as open space to capitalize on the open affected by development in or near floodplains. space values that they may offer. Inappropriate land use and installation of inappropriate flood protection devices contribute to the loss and Definition degradation of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat. Clean farming practices that remove fencerows and Environmental Hazard and Development Constraint Areas shrubs adjacent to croplands account for loss of are land areas that, because of the risk or hazard they wildlife habitat in the plains. present to human health, safety and welfare, should not be developed for commercial, residential or public Action Strategies for Wildlife and Wildlife uses or occupied by people for long periods of time. Habitat Rather than developing these areas in the future, many of them may better Identify, map, and serve landowners and the evaluate important community as open space. wildlife habitat These areas include both areas. The Colorado natural and human-made Division of Wildlife areas that, because of their can assist local undeveloped character, jurisdictions in this present valuable opportuni- effort. ties for preservation as open space. Many of the areas are Encourage local closed to public use and governments to therefore are often in a prepare and adopt natural, undisturbed, state wildlife conservation that can provide high quality and management wildlife habitat as well as plans and ordinances scenic and cultural value to to conserve signifi- the community. Other areas cant wildlife habitat such as utility corridors, areas in the region. railroad easements, and Emphasize the public rights of way are also provision of habitat not suitable for develop- connectivity through ment. These linear areas developed areas. offer excellent potential as recreational trails or wildlife Develop model migration corridors where wildlife habitat other limitations do not protection zoning exist. Because of the high ordinances and cost of mitigating develop- subdivision regula- ment constraints, there are tions as a resource to good economic reasons to local governments. not develop many of these

Jefferson County Open Space Program lands.

28 Figure 5 in the Denver Region in the Denver nvironmental Hazard and Development Constraint Areas and Development Hazard nvironmental E

OPEN SPACE 29 Environmental hazard/development constraint areas but few suggest that they be recognized and managed are placed into two general categories, geophysical/ as open space. natural, and human-made. The hazards and constraints in each of these categories include those Some development constraints such as shrink/swell where hazards may be mitigated and those that soils can be overcome by modern design and engi- cannot. The determination of future mitigation is neering, but often at great cost for long-term building subject to change as technological innovation and integrity. Others, such as hazardous waste sites, are economic feasibility change. While many of these not readily mitigable because of the large safety constraints can be mitigated, the social and environ- issues involved. Because of this, this plan encourages mental benefits of using the land as open space can capitalizing on the open space values of these lands often far outweigh the economic costs necessary to where practicable. In the future, new mitigation or permit development to occur on these lands. amelioration techniques may be created that would allow development to take place on more lands with development constraints. Planning and management 1. Geophysical and Natural Environmental Hazard/ for long–term protection of these lands with the most Development Constraint Areas desirable open space attributes would be required.

These include: earthquake fault zones, steep slopes > DRCOG has compiled small-scale regional maps of 30 percent, ground subsidence areas, expansive deep aquifer recharge areas, active and inactive fault shrink/swell soils, floodplains, wildfire hazard areas, zones, landslide deposits, and potential landslide avalanche or landslide hazard areas, high groundwa- hazards (Figure 5). There are approximately 467,200 ter tables, and deep aquifer recharge areas. acres of mapped development constraint areas in the region. Several of the counties have mapped areas of 2. Human–made Environmental Hazard/Develop- steep slopes, landslide hazard areas, wildfire hazard ment Constraint Areas areas, and shrink-swell soils. Many of these maps date from the 1970s and 1980s but are now available These include: irrigation ditches, landfills, railroad in digital form. DRCOG also has acquired some easements, utility corridors (electric transmission maps of utility corridors and railroad easements but lines, gas pipelines, etc.), and public rights of ways, these are not complete for the region. The open space hazardous waste sites, and airport influence zones importance and value of the development constraint (noise impact zones and airport environs safety lands have not yet been identified or evaluated areas). regionwide.

Status Action Strategies for Environmental Hazard The Denver region and Development Con- contains environmental straint Areas hazard/development constraint areas in both Encourage and support public and private the designation and protec- ownership that may be tion of natural and human- utilized for the open made environmental space values they hazard/development present. Human-made constraint areas as open areas are distributed in space where important most every jurisdiction wildlife habitat, wildlife in the region. Ditches, corridors, wetlands, riparian utility corridors and areas, prairie grasslands, railroad easements forests and woodlands, and typically cross many areas that provide significant political jurisdictions. cultural, recreational or Most of the geophysical scenic open space values and natural areas lie in exist that are compatible with the foothills and the dominant use of these mountains in the areas. western portion of the region. Many city and Incorporate policies county comprehensive designating and protecting plans have policies that these areas as potential limit or in some cases permanent open space in prohibit development in local comprehensive plans as or around areas where well as park, recreation and environmental develop- open space master plans. ment constraints exist, Jefferson County Open Space Program

30 Identify, map, and evaluate natural and active and passive uses. Active uses include field human-made hazard areas where important sports and organized activities utilizing developed wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors, wetlands, facilities such as ball fields, golf courses, swimming riparian areas, prairie grasslands, forests and pools and playgrounds and ski areas. Passive uses woodlands, and areas that provide significant include activities such as hiking, equestrian uses, cultural, recreational or scenic open space values cross-country skiing, mountain biking, nature study, exist. rock climbing, wildlife viewing and others that require few or no developed facilities. Passive Support the closure, clean up, and rehabilitation outdoor recreation facilities include trails, and may of unsafe hazardous waste facilities located in the include natural history interpretative signs and Denver region. Use open space as an appropri- programs and other facilities. The outdoor recreation ate buffer between such facilities and areas of strategies and objectives of this regional plan are active human use. focused on recreational uses that have both regional importance and use. Also, as trails form an intercon- Pursue increasing public recreational access to nected open space system which contributes to a rights of ways and utility corridors by address- significant portion of outdoor recreation activity in the region, a regional strategy to link trails between open space units and between jurisdictions where appropriate is important.

Status

A Colorado public opinion survey conducted in 1995 for GOCO and Colorado State Parks (Ciruli Associ- ates, 1996) pointed out that a majority of citizens in the region participate in outdoor recreation. Eighty percent of adult residents had camped or picnicked and 70 percent had partici- pated in trail recreation (hiking, biking and horseback riding) in the last two years. Importantly, the majority (80 percent) of this recreation took place on state, local parks and Jefferson County Open Space Program open space lands and only approxi- ing liability policy issues by such means as legal mately 20 percent of these activities occurred on agreements and franchises between public and federally owned lands. The Arapaho and Roosevelt private landowners. National Forests in the mountains of Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson and Gilpin counties, and the Pike C. Outdoor Recreation National Forest in Douglas County, provide the largest number of acres of land available for outdoor Goal: Provide for the physical and aesthetic enjoyment of recreation in the Denver region. These public lands, the out-of-doors in an integrated open space system across however, are located far from where most residents the region. live and work. Because of this, they do not contribute as much to meeting demand for outdoor recreation in Definition the urban portion of the region compared with state and local areas. Outdoor Recreation is an important and popular public Trails are important outdoor recreation facilities in an use of open space that adds to quality of life in the integrated open space system where demand has region. To many citizens, it is one of the primary exceeded current supply. In the 1992 SCORP (State reasons for acquiring and owning public open space Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan) for the in the Denver region. Outdoor recreation takes many Denver region (region 3), a survey of outdoor forms that encompass both physical and aesthetic recreation providers identified the top two facility enjoyment and occurs on much of the region’s needs as being jog/walk trails and pleasure biking designated parks and open space areas. Scenic and trails. natural values are often part of the outdoor recreation experience and are addressed in more detail in the In the Denver region, outdoor recreation demand is section of this plan concerning prominent features, currently addressed through mostly public providers. cultural resources, and natural resources. Federal and state entities include the U.S. Forest Service’s National Forest System; the National Park Outdoor recreation activities can be classified into Service’s Rocky Mountain Park, several state parks,

OPEN SPACE 31 acres of open space per capita or 92 acres per 1,000 people on a regional basis.

If we consider a policy goal for the region is to maintain the current level of service in the year 2020, we can make a rough estimate of the need for additional open space to be acquired between 1997 and 2020 to meet this demand. While the region benefits from the sizable amount of national forest lands in five of the eight counties, it is not likely that the national forests in the Front Range will add significant acreage in the next 20 years. This places the burden of increasing the amount of public open space in the future for outdoor Jefferson County Open Space Program recreation on the state, local govern- and Colorado Division of Wildlife lands. Most of the ments, special districts, and private entities. The cities and counties in the region operate or manage quality, location, physical uniqueness and biological active and passive recreation facilities and lands. In diversity of potential park and open space lands are addition, there are more than a dozen special districts likely more important factors than only acreage but in the region that provide outdoor recreation facilities expressing a level of service goal based on area per and lands. capita provides a useful regional goal. Using the 1997 open space per capita estimate (which does not include the 1. Regional Open Space Supply For Outdoor national forest lands), the region will need to acquire or Recreation protect an additional 98.4 square miles or 63,000 acres (700,000 additional population * .09 acres per capita) of Because community demand and supply of outdoor open space by 2020 to maintain the current level of service recreation lands vary greatly, there is no appropriate on a regional basis. This is roughly the amount of open single measure of recreation demand regionwide. space preserved by metro counties alone in the However, there is a need to integrate the outdoor previous 25 years (see Table 1) and is an achievable recreation demand and supply of individual commu- goal. Clearly, this goal will be a great challenge to nities in a regional context to best address demand in accomplish in the next 20 years as fewer parcels of a regional open space system. A useful way to land remain undeveloped and land costs increase express demand for outdoor recreation lands is to over time. determine the current level of service provided on a regional basis and establish a future goal based on Most of the designated city, county and special maintenance of a desired level of service. This can district park and open space lands in the region are most readily be expressed in terms of acres of open available for outdoor recreation and have been space per capita, both currently and in the future. mapped at large scale. Currently almost all of the over 800 square miles of national forest and national Metro Vision 2020 forecasts the region to grow by park land is available for outdoor recreation uses and 700,000 people between 1995 and the year 2020. One these lands have also been mapped. Some of the state of the goals of this plan is to ensure that the region trust lands in the metro area will be available for will plan for sufficient park and open space resources outdoor recreation through the implementation of the to accommodate this significant population increase. Stewardship Trust program begun in 1996 with In order to provide a starting place for determining Amendment 16. These Stewardship Trust state lands how much additional open space will be needed to have been mapped but are not included in the meet the demand for outdoor recreation from region’s open space inventory for outdoor recreation forecasted population growth, DRCOG calculated the purposes. There are currently approximately 45 existing amount of open space for the entire region square miles of state parks and wildlife areas in the per 1000 capita. In 1997, the regional open space Denver region, which have also been mapped. A inventory included approximately 314 square miles comprehensive map of designated and maintained (200,934 acres) of state and local designated and trails within public and private ownership has not yet protected parks and open space, not all of which is been developed. suitable or accessible for outdoor recreation. Divid- ing the total amount of state and local open space (not Action Strategies for Outdoor Recreation including national forest lands) of 200,934 acres by the 1997 regional population estimate of 2,186,675 by Continue to expand the base of open space lands indicates that in 1997 there were approximately .09 regionwide to meet the outdoor recreation demand of the forecasted regional population to

32 the year 2020. Establish a regional goal of Encourage the integration of multipurpose open acquiring or protecting an additional 98.4 square space opportunities through the use of trail miles (63,000 acres) of open space by 2020 to linkages and through coordinating recreation, maintain the region at the current (1997) open flood control, water quality enhancements, space per capita levels of service. This will irrigation ditches, bicycle, and pedestrian require state and local government commitment transportation systems to increase their net as well as new acquisition and management efficiency. strategies to accomplish in the next 20 years as fewer parcels of land remain undeveloped and Continue to inventory and evaluate outdoor land costs will increase over time. recreation resources and demand in the region to establish future levels of service and monitor Encourage local and other governmental progress toward meeting community objectives. agencies to develop an integrated open space system of parks, recreation areas and open space Develop a comprehensive map of designated and that maximizes strategic opportunities and maintained trails within public and private provides appropriate accessibility to open space ownership as a resource to local governments. for both active and passive recreation near and within the urbanized portion of the region. This D. Agricultural Resources integrated open space system should focus on Goal: Important agricultural resources contribute to the entire region’s cultural and economic heritage and diversity, and possess significant open space values. Because these resources are found in only a few remaining areas of the region, take local as well as regional and statewide measures to conserve these resources.

Definition

Agricultural Resources are lands that are used for farming and ranching in City of Westminster Open Space Program City of Westminster providing appropriate opportunities for recreation activities that benefit from the linkages in the system such City of Westminster Open Space Program as: wildlife viewing and nature study; trails for bicycling, cross-country skiing, hiking and equestrian use; and water-based outdoor recreation (boating, swimming and fishing).

Design the provision of outdoor recreation opportunities to complement and not adversely affect the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, natural and cultural features and environmentally sensitive areas such as the eight -county Denver region. These open lands riparian corridors, wetlands, and rare or unique are an integral component of the Front Range plants or animals. landscape and play an important role in contributing to an open space system at a regional scale. Agricul- Establish and promote linkages among state and tural resources provide for food and fiber, economic local trails, and provide an areawide trail benefit, and cultural and economic heritage and network that links open space, provides for diversity for the entire region. While generally not recreational and transportation access, and takes publicly accessible, these lands provide open space full advantage of appropriate potential connec- values such as wildlife habitat, visual diversity, and tions including road and railroad right-of-ways, urban buffering and shaping. For the purposes of the flood plains, ditch service roads and utility Regional Open Space Plan, important agricultural corridors. resources that should be conserved are defined as

OPEN SPACE 33 Figure 6 Important Farmlands in the Denver Region in the Denver Important Farmlands

34 Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources farmlands of national or state importance and ranches and Ranches And Grazing Lands Of Local Or Regional grazing lands of local or regional importance. While all Importance are locally or regionally recognized as agricultural resources contribute open space values, important components of the landscape and the these important farmlands and grazing lands are community, which are used for livestock production, unique and irreplaceable resources of the region that pasturing and haying. should be conserved. Agricultural resources are found in each of the eight Denver metro counties with In addition to the definitions of important agricul- the majority of farmlands of state and national tural resources in the Denver metro area, criteria have importance in Adams and Boulder counties adjacent been suggested by the Regional Open Space Coordi- to the South Platte River, Boulder Creek and St. Vrain nating Committee, stakeholders, landowners, and Creek. Ranches and grazing land of local and local governments to evaluate agricultural lands regional importance are found regionwide with large considered for preservation. These criteria - eco- areas found in Douglas County. nomic viability and urgency of threat of development or loss - reflect local factors that influence the Farmlands of National Importance, also referred to maintenance of these lands in agricultural uses. as prime farmlands, are lands which have the best Economic viability is an important factor that reflects combination of physical and chemical characteristics local, regional and statewide influences such as tax for economically sustained high yields of crops and policy, support infrastructure (farm services), distance are available for this use. In general, these lands to markets, and availability and cost of inputs such as have: adequate and dependable water supply for farm chemicals and irrigation water. Farmlands irrigation of commonly grown crops; a favorable threatened by urban development consist of farm- temperature and growing season; acceptable acidity lands adjacent to urban areas, which are zoned and or alkalinity; acceptable salt/sodium content; few or platted for urban or low density large-lot residential no rocks; are permeable to water and air; are not uses and are being offered for development. Because excessively erodible or saturated with water for long it is difficult to generalize or map these criteria on a periods of time and either do not flood frequently or regional scale, local or site level analysis is better are protected from flooding. suited to address these issues.

Farmlands of State Importance include farmlands Status that are designated as nationally important and include certain additional irrigated croplands not Agriculture is highly valued in Colorado and is tied meeting the national criteria. These lands, if inten- to public perceptions of quality of life. In a statewide sively managed, have potential to offer high crop 1995 public opinion survey (Colorado Department of yields. Also included in this category are high Agriculture), 80 percent of respondents thought that potential dry croplands. agriculture was very important to the quality of life in Colorado. Maintaining land and water in agricultural production was also very important to 84 percent of respondents. There was also strong

OPEN SPACE 35 support (88 percent) for the use of public funds to as well as fee simple acquisition. assist farmers in participating in conservation programs, and providing incentives to farmers who DRCOG has digitally mapped the agricultural lands improve environmental quality on these lands. of national and state importance from small-scale county level maps prepared by CSU Agricultural Traditionally agriculture has been a significant land Extension and the Department of Agriculture from use in the Denver region and both irrigated and the late 1970s. These are the only comprehensive dryland farming, as well as ranching, prospered in maps available for the entire region but they have not the first half of the 20th century. Since that time, urban been updated since that time. In 1998, DRCOG development in the postwar era has encroached on mapped the extent of urbanization using digital agricultural lands and purchased water rights orthophotography and used this information to formerly used for farming. The conversion of update the national and state important farmlands agricultural land to non-agricultural use in the map (Figure 6). Important ranches and grazing lands Denver metro region is a significant trend. The have not been mapped regionwide. Working with region reported a loss of 102 farm operations and landowners and land trusts, several counties and 8,600 acres of farmland between 1982 and 1992. The cities have begun to identify these tracts and are rate of loss has accelerated since that time due to a exploring ways to keep these lands in production significant increase in regional population, and a while respecting the rights and desires of private corresponding residential building boom outside landowners. existing urbanized areas. DRCOG estimated that 19,200 acres of land, including former agricultural, as Action Strategies for Agricultural Resources well as vacant, lands were urbanized between 1990 and 1995. This estimate does not include agricultural Develop programs to provide financial or other land that was converted to large-lot rural residential forms of assistance to jurisdictions where uses (residential lots of one acre and larger), which agricultural lands are concentrated to encourage has often occurred outside of cities in our region. these jurisdictions to preserve this valuable Despite loss of agricultural lands to urban develop- regional resource. ment, agriculture remains a significant land use in the eight-county Denver region. In 1992, more than 2,600 Continue to identify, map, and evaluate impor- farms and ranches comprised 1.5 million acres of land tant agricultural resources, particularly the or 47 percent of the region’s total area of 3.2 million conversion of important agricultural resources to acres. Over 1 million of these acres lie in the plains of other land uses, and the loss of prime farmlands Adams and Arapahoe counties in dryland crop to urbanization. production. Boulder and Adams counties together have the highest number of farms (1,524) in the Prepare model planning tools and zoning region. These two counties contribute 75 percent of ordinances to protect or preserve important the region’s production of $200 million worth of crops agricultural resources and encourage their and livestock each year. adoption.

The average size of individual farms in the metro Encourage cities and counties to prepare and region was 573 acres in 1992, but the greatest number update comprehensive plans to include an of farms were of 50 acres or less in size. Irrigated agricultural element. An agricultural element farmlands, which roughly correspond with nationally would comprehensively address agricultural important prime farmlands, totaled 89,939 acres in resources and policies for farmland conservation 1982 and declined to 83, 298 acres by 1992. The and protection within their jurisdictions. By majority of the irrigated farmland was in Adams and creating an agricultural element, these policies Boulder counties. The region’s irrigated farmlands would become part of the land use decreased by 6,641 acres or over 10 square miles, decisionmaking process. between 1982 and 1992. 4,455 acres of this loss (67 percent) occurred in Adams County while 2,186 acres Develop methods to conserve and protect were lost or converted in Douglas County. important agricultural resources in the Denver metro region. Encourage local government Some of the most highly productive agricultural land adoption and enforcement of these methods. now borders urban population centers. Because of Such methods could include the following. the location of rivers, ditches and canals, an imbal- ance exists at the regional level as to the amount of 1. Encourage local adoption of farmland loss remaining prime farmlands in each county. If the mitigation ordinances that require developers to region as a whole desires to protect its prime farm- permanently protect an acre of farmland for lands, those cities and counties with the greatest every acre of agricultural land they convert to acreage may require support and financial assistance other uses. In practice, developers generally from the remainder of the region in order to accom- place an agricultural conservation easement on plish this regional goal. Currently, the City of farmland in another part of the city or pay a Boulder, as well as Boulder and Jefferson counties, are mitigation fee used to buy or otherwise protect preserving farmlands using conservation easements farmland.

36 2. Encourage adoption of agricultural protection contribute visual, historic and educational values to the zoning ordinances that designate areas where Denver region by acquiring or protecting them as open farming and ranching are the primary land use space. and other uses are discouraged. This method can reduce the conflicts between farmers and Definition ranchers and non-agricultural uses, help consoli- date large tracts of agricultural lands in more The Denver region is characterized by its scenic economically efficient patterns, limit speculation beauty and is defined by its unique and distinctive and keep land affordable for continued agricul- landforms. The Denver region is situated between tural use. the Rocky Mountain Front Range backdrop on the west and the vast prairie plains to the east. These 3. Encourage cluster development where housing scenic landforms, along with cultural historic sites development is allowed on small lots and the throughout the region, are important components of remainder of the land is used for agricultural the region’s character and heritage. Preserving these production. Farmer access problems can be features and resources is vital to preserving and minimized and agricultural land areas can be maintaining community character and a sense of maximized with clustering if the developed place for the region. As the region’s population portion of the land is planned adjacent to another grows and more land is developed in the future, the cluster development. This method can address most important of these geologic and geographic 35-acre parcel laws and ensure property owners features need to be protected as open space areas. of the economic opportunity afforded by a This plan identifies several of these resources and building density of at least one building per 35 suggests strategies for their protection as open space. acres. The remainder of the land is covered by a permanent agricultural easement on 80 percent Many of the prominent geologic and geographic or more of the land, while keeping property taxes features as well as cultural resources are directly on the remaining 20 percent at an agricultural threatened by land development as well as indirectly value until development occurs. through loss of context and landscape pattern as nearby lands are extensively developed. 4. Support purchase of development rights programs to compensate farmers and ranchers who Prominent geologic and geographic features are those keep lands in agriculture. Programs are volun- landforms that exhibit significant scenic, recreational, tary and provide landowners with a way to get scientific and educational values and contribute to the cash from their land without borrowing against it region’s form, character, and heritage. Examples of or selling it for non-agricultural development. these features include North and South Table Moun- Programs can be funded in many ways such as tain in Jefferson County, the Hogback in Boulder and public acquisition of conservation easements or Jefferson counties, and the Roxborough Buttes in through a free market system of transfer of Douglas County. These landform features can also development rights (TDR). This is a system include scenic visual areas locally identified such as where landowners transfer some or all of their major ridgelines, prairie views and stream corridors. rights to develop the lands in accordance with allowable zoning and are compensated for their Cultural resources are significant archaeological and development rights by willing buyers who use historic areas, sites of significant events, and districts, the rights to develop in planned urban areas. or locations that have important ties to the region’s Future growth theoretically pays for the develop- cultural and human history. These resources also ment rights owned by the landowner. provide significant scenic, recreational, scientific and educational value and contribute to the region’s form, 5. Establish agricultural enterprise districts as character, and heritage. For the purposes of this plan, voluntary incentives to maintain commercial such resources that are located on lands not currently agricultural activity. County governments urbanized will be the focus for open space protection. approve the creation of enterprise districts where These may include such resources as town sites, voluntary groupings of farmers and ranchers cemeteries, schools, granges, canals, historic trails, wish to focus on producing food and fiber - not rural homesteads, prehistoric sites, and mining sites. development. Incentives for district participants include: eligibility for state income tax credits, Status protection against ordinances that interfere with agricultural activities, eminent domain restric- Prominent geologic and geographic features recom- tions, and protection against special district mended for inclusion in an open space system were taxation. identified from local comprehensive plans and open space plans, the Front Range Mountain Backdrop E. Prominent Geologic and Geographic Features study, a stakeholders workshop (7/24/97) and by and Cultural Resources staff with the Colorado Geological Survey (Table 2). Some of the major features include the Hogback, the Goal: Preserve prominent geologic and geographic Flatirons, and North and South Table Mountains. The features as well as important cultural resources that foreground and background areas recommended for

OPEN SPACE 37 Jefferson County Open Space Program preservation in the three western most counties in the The East Metro Area Open Space Project has identi- Front Range Mountain Backdrop study are included fied locations in the eastern plains edge of the as prime candidate areas for open space protection. urbanized area recommended for open space protec- Thirty-five initial areas identified by the Colorado tion and scenic preservation. Geological Survey are recommended for protection within the regional system of open space and have Action Strategies for Prominent Geologic and been mapped at a regional scale (Figure 7). Examples Geographic Features and Cultural Resources of important cultural resource sites suitable for open space protection are the Walker Ranch Historic Support the identification, preservation, restora- District in Boulder County (currently protected as tion, or rehabilitation of significant cultural county open space) and the North Fork of the South resources by local communities as well as the Platte River Historic District in Jefferson County Colorado Historical Society (CHS). (partially in federal ownership). Continue to identify, map, and evaluate impor- The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation tant and prominent geologic and geographic (OAHP) has identified many important cultural features in the Denver region. resources of the Colorado Historical Society. There are some 17,000 inventoried archeological and Acquire, protect, or preserve lands containing historical sites in the eight-county Denver region important and prominent geologic and geo- recorded in the OAHP database with map coordi- graphic features in the Denver region. nates. Many of these are located in developed and urbanized locations and are not suitable for protec- Encourage the preparation and adoption of local tion as open space. This database, which includes the planning tools such as zoning ordinances, State and National Register of Historic Places, needs subdivision ordinances, and overlay district to be evaluated in order to identify currently rural designations to preserve and protect prominent cultural resource sites that are suitable for preserva- geologic and geographic features and cultural tion as open space in the region. resources. Develop model planning tools and ordinances to assist local governments. Scenic ridgelines, prairie areas, and stream corridors have been identified and mapped by some cities and Encourage area and local planning efforts that counties for their contribution to visual quality. The incorporate protection of scenic views and visual Mountain Backdrop Project addresses visual re- features through siting, construction, and design sources at a landscape scale. Some jurisdictions are control guidelines. developing ridgeline development ordinances to control the visual impact of building in these areas. Utilize open space lands to protect scenic views, vistas, and natural environmental amenities of These areas are prime candidates for protection as the region. Examples are protecting as open open space, particularly where conservation ease- space stream and river corridors, prairie vistas, ments can be obtained, and traditional farming and “seen areas” adjacent to highways, wildlife ranching activities can be encouraged to continue.

38 Table 2 Prominent Geologic and Geographic Features in the Denver Region

OPEN SPACE 39 Figure 7 in the Denver Region in the Denver Prominent Geologic and Geographic Features Cultural Resources Prominent

40 movement routes, and key lands within the Rocky Mountain Front Range mountain background as well as foreground, or others. Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Work with CHS staff to evaluate the OAHP database, which includes the State and National Register of Historic Places, in order to identify currently rural cultural resource sites that are suitable for preservation as open space in the region.

Provide a resource list of individuals and agencies for local jurisdictions to contact for assistance in planning, identification, review and coordination of these features and resources including the Colorado Geological Survey, Colorado Historical Society, Colorado straint areas, utility corridors, cultural resources, as Chapter of the American Society of Landscape well as parks and greenways. This aspect of open Architects, and others. space may be determined both by the type of land and by its function as an urban buffer. F. Shaping the Pattern of Urban Growth and Development Urban Shaping and Metro Vision 2020 plan Components Goal: Utilize identified protected open space lands as a means of shaping future urban growth and land develop- The criteria for determining appropriate areas to ment and encouraging a compact form for individual preserve as open space in order to shape the pattern communities within the DRCOG region. of urban development are based on the urban form desired. At the regional scale, the desired urban form Definition is defined in the Metro Vision 2020 plan, the Denver metro region’s growth and development plan. Open space can be effectively used to help shape the Several key elements of urban form in the plan pattern of urban growth and development both at include: a 2020 urban growth boundary encompass- regional and site scales. Throughout history, cities ing 700 square miles, four freestanding communities and urban places have incorporated greenways, and a range of higher-density urban centers. Each of parks, and preserves to focus urban development and these elements can be supported and shaped by provide physical barriers to intentionally interrupt appropriate open space. the urban fabric. These open spaces provide visual diversity and character, and buffer and limit urban The Extent of Urban Development growth. In the Denver region, open space areas have helped shape the urban form in a variety of ways. As part of the Metro Vision 2020 planning process, Natural environmental hazard areas such as exten- cities and counties identified the areas where they sive areas of the Front Range Mountain Backdrop, as expect urban development to occur by 2020 by well as those with human-made development defining urban growth boundaries (UGBs). The constraints such as the Rocky Flats Environmental UGBs are not the ultimate limit for urban growth in Technology Site and the 17,280-acre Rocky Mountain any particular location. Open space is expected to be Arsenal Wildlife refuge work to shape urban areas. planned for and occur both within these boundaries The large area of National Forest lands in Boulder, and outside them. Open space areas inside the Clear Creek, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson counties boundaries that are smaller than 160 acres are also worked to shape the development pattern on a considered part of the urban fabric and include such regional scale by preempting urban development on open space uses as neighborhood and community National Forest lands in the foothills and mountains. level parks and trail corridors. Open space areas City and county planning and open space protection, larger than 160 acres have been excluded from the such as the 25,000 acres of City of Boulder open urban growth areas. In some cases, open space may space, are examples of where open space has inten- be the suitable land use at the 2020 edge in order to tionally shaped urban development. direct urban development along another path.

At the regional scale, urban-shaping open space components can consist of such types as: natural resource areas, agricultural lands, prominent geological and geographical features, development con-

OPEN SPACE 41 Freestanding Communities Status

In the four freestanding communities of Boulder, Good opportunities presently exist in the Denver Brighton, Castle Rock, and Longmont, one of the metro region to utilize open space in the shaping of Metro Vision 2020 goals is the permanent physical the urban pattern. However, local planning policy separation of the communities from the rest of the and purchase of open space for this specific purpose urban development in the region. Therefore, a has been limited. As with other open space catego- system of open space buffers between each commu- ries, most jurisdictions do not currently have suffi- nity and the region is needed. The City of Boulder cient funding or planning and zoning mechanisms in already has in place such a system of open space place to implement an urban shaping policy.

The Metro Vision 2020 plan recognizes the buff- importance of maintaining the freestand- ers, ing character of four outlying communities into the future. The City of Boulder is the only one of the four to have an explicit policy and program to purchase open space to provide a buffer around the community. The city has purchased over 25,000 acres that will physically separate Boulder from other urban areas. Brighton is currently exploring how it might provide such a buffer through its comprehensive planning process and its parks Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural Resources City of Westminster Open Space Program City of Westminster which includes natural resource conservation and agricultural preservation areas. The other three freestanding communities have some open space remaining, but will need to identify key parcels in order to preserve their separation from the rest of the region. To be true permanent urban buffers, these open space areas should lie outside the cities’ planned development areas and be large enough to effectively separate these communities from the urban area.

Urban Centers and recreation master planning process. Because of Urban centers are another major element of the Metro their greater distance from the central urbanized Vision 2020 plan, which help define the character of portion of the region, Longmont and Castle Rock are urban development within the growth boundary. As slightly more removed from immediate pressures to higher-density, pedestrian-oriented places, they will develop land in their buffers but will need to address need special kinds of open space. Some will be this topic in the near future in order to maintain their required to meet the outdoor recreation needs of the urban form. Other communities, which are not residents, which is discussed elsewhere in this plan. freestanding, such as Broomfield and Parker, have However, open space can also be used to shape an also adopted goals providing physical separation urban center by defining its boundaries, focusing between communities. compact development or providing a commons as a community focal point. One example is Central Park Action Strategies for Shaping the Pattern of in New York City, which is a large open space Urban Growth and Development intentionally set in the center of the Manhattan Urban Center which accomplishes these objectives. In the Preserve and maintain open space buffers and Denver region, the South Platte River and Cherry natural geographic features as a means to retain Creek floodplains help define the outside of the and enhance the physical boundaries of commu- Denver Central Business District while City Park, nities, particularly the freestanding communities. Washington Park and others provide open space commons inside this urban center. Encourage all local jurisdictions to use open

42 space to develop individual identities, which define unique local characteristics and roles within the metropolitan region.

Encourage local governments to prepare and adopt an urban form element and policy direction in their comprehensive plans. Such an element would comprehensively address urban shaping goals and policies within jurisdictions. By Colorado Division of Wildlife creating this element, these policies would become part of the land use decisionmaking process.

Include open space provisions in Urban Center Development Plans as a tool for defining and supporting the center.

Improve inventory and mapping of open space and provide information to local jurisdictions for use in defining their urban form.

Incorporate open space in community design principles and regional design aesthetics. Planning activities should include concerns with regional view protection, gateway development, landscaping, and the treatment of utility corridors.

Support and encourage communities to utilize important regional-scale park and open space areas in a comprehensive local planning strategy to guide development and use them to define local urban growth boundaries where appropriate.

OPEN SPACE 43 Jefferson County Open Space Program

The Denver region is characterized by its scenic beauty and is defined by its unique and distinctive landforms. The Denver region is situated between the Rocky Mountain Front Range backdrop on the west and the vast prairie plains to the east. These scenic landforms, along with cultural historic sites throughout the region, are important components of the region’s character and its heritage. Preserving these features and resources is vital to preserving and maintaining community character and a sense of place for the region.

44 IV MMeeting the CChallenge

“We support any efforts to expand the open space vision beyond our county for the benefit of genera- tions to come.” Ralph Schell Jefferson County Director of Open Space

OPEN SPACE 45 Colorado Division of Wildlife

The region needs to act now to preserve open spaces for our visual, recreational, and environmental enjoyment and quality of life. We have inherited a diverse and valuable landscape. What landscape we leave as a legacy depends on what we plan for and accomplish today.

46 MMeeting the CChallenge

Implementation

The Open Space Element of the Metro Vision 2020 Regional Plan describes the components of a vision for an open space system across the Denver region. These components—natural resources, environmental hazard and development constraint areas, outdoor recreation, agricultural resources, prominent geographic/geologic and cultural features, and urban shaping elements—are owned and managed by local cities, counties, state and federal agencies, and private landowners. When put together, they define a broad system or network of potentially interconnecting open spaces.

This system is not yet complete. Many critical lands remain to be identified and preserved to meet the needs of the region’s future population and protect our unique quality of life. Connections between currently existing open space areas also need to be made. These efforts will require further work in several areas and require continued vision, coordination, and partnerships between landowners, local governments, private entities, and state and federal agencies.

Open space planning also needs to be integrated with local and regional comprehensive planning for growth and land development to ensure we conserve the most important remaining open space opportunities. This plan provides a context for planning decisionmaking but completing the open space network will require sustained local government commitment and public support.

Goals and Strategies The Relationship of the Regional Open Space Plan Element to the Core Elements of Metro Vision 2020 The plan provides a comprehensive regional set of goals, strategies, and maps for the six categories of The Regional Open Space Plan is an integrated part of open space in the region. They provide direction, the Metro Vision 2020 plan. Because the Metro Vision support, and assistance to local open space and 2020 Plan is a new, dynamic and evolving planning natural resource preservation and management process, its implementation is ongoing and integra- activity. These goals and strategies are intended to tion remains an important and evolving process. complement and support local policy direction and Integrating the Regional Open Space Plan therefore provide regional coordination. The resource maps in will require continued work and refinement. the plan will continue to need refinement; many open space resources have not been mapped in recent Like the other plan elements of the Metro Vision 2020 years. plan—the Regional Transportation Plan, and the Clean Water Plan—the Open Space Plan includes The plan identifies possible open space opportunities regionally adopted goals, strategies, and information. in the region (Figure 8). The plan also includes a map Unlike these functional plans, the Regional Open of existing and planned open space focus areas that Space Plan does not play a role in the allocation of form the basis of a conceptual vision for a regional- federal funding, making it a voluntary regional scale open space system (Figure 9). planning document. Because of this, and the fact that detailed identification of open space acquisition priorities is not typically done by open space agencies, the Regional Open Space Plan does not contain the level of detail and specificity of these plans. Local

OPEN SPACE 47 governments are encouraged to use and incorporate DRCOG, is an example of a community using the the regional open space goals, information, and open space element to support a local planning effort. strategies to conduct their own detailed local priority DRCOG is continuing to work on the vision and setting and site level planning. goals for non-urban development. For the purposes of local government boundary revisions to their Urban Growth Boundary, an appropriate use of the Regional Open Space Plan is for local governments to disclose to the region that the revised area has been evaluated with the goals and strategies of the plan in concert with local comprehensive plans and has been found to be an appropriate location for urban development.

Freestanding Communities

The Metro Vision 2020 Plan recognizes that open space is an essential way to provide the physical buffer to help the four cities remain freestanding. Local governments should use the information and goals in

City of Denver Department Parks and Recreation the Regional Open Space Plan in concert with their comprehensive plans when Transportation making decisions on where to grow.

A planning process is described in the transportation Urban Centers corridor case study for Barr Lake/E-470 that explains how regional open space goals and strategies can be Metro Vision 2020 urban centers are places in the addressed in planning for transportation facilities. region that are encouraged to create mixed-use, The open space analysis process was developed to pedestrian-oriented, higher-density development. provide local governments with a tool to plan and Provision of adjacent and connected parks, open evaluate transportation projects so that they accom- space, and trails is vital to the livability of these plish open space goals and objectives in an affected places and is supported by the Regional Open Space area. The process illustrated the potential options Plan strategies. and effects of transportation facility development and open space conservation. It also provides a method- ology for local planners to utilize when planning in a Roles, Responsibilities and Next Steps transportation corridor. This type of analysis can occur at a subregional, corridor scale as well as a DRCOG project site level. The general regional role is one of support and Environmental Quality coordination. Support takes the form of education, research, and tool development. By preparing this The inventory, goals and strategies in the Regional plan, DRCOG has taken a step toward identifying Open Space Plan pertaining to water resources are open space opportunities, in conjunction with a wide essentially the same as those in the Clean Water Plan base of knowledgeable local input, in an integrated making the two plans consistent and coordinated. fashion. This plan is one of the six elements of the Metro Vision 2020 Plan. To be effective, this plan will Extent of Urban and Non-Urban Development be combined with the Metro Vision 2020 Urban Growth Boundary, the Clean Water Plan, and the The Regional Open Space Plan provides urban Metro Vision 2020 Transportation Plan. When the shaping goals and discusses the 2020 urban growth Regional Open Space Plan Element maps are com- boundary in section F of chapter III entitled “Shaping bined with these other regional plan elements, the the Pattern of Urban Growth and Development” (pg. unified Regional Plan Map will portray the shape and 41). The Metro Vision 2020 Plan recognizes that land character of the region in the year 2020. development and open space protection will occur both inside and outside the 2020 Urban Growth To continue to develop a regional open space system, Boundaries prepared by each jurisdiction and that DRCOG has the following responsibilities identified open space opportunities can be used to achieve in the plan. multiple objectives. Open space and urban development are competing land uses and local governments 1. Complete, improve, update or create maps, and will need to make tradeoffs in this regard. The City data, for open space categories regionwide from of Brighton open space case study, available from local and national sources.

48 2. Prepare model local government ordinances, 2. Prepare and adopt local parks and open space zoning, subdivision and other local regulations plans, open space elements in local comprehen- or tools. sive plans, natural resource and open space protection ordinances, and zoning, subdivision 3. Encourage adoption of these ordinances and and other local regulations or tools. regulations. 3. Incorporate and utilize planning and land 4. Provide support, both political as well as acquisition techniques to acquire and manage technical, to local governments implementing lands for open space. components of the Regional Open Space Plan and encourage adoption of the plan’s goals and 4. Work in conjunction with adjacent communities, strategies. local service providers, water and wastewater districts, the Urban Drainage and Flood Control 5. Provide a continuing forum for discussion and District, parks districts, conservation organiza- development of local and regional open space tions and others to coordinate the protection of planning activity and open space plan imple- remaining important open space lands within mentation. and adjacent to their jurisdictional boundary.

6. Provide coordination of open space planning State and Federal Agencies with urban growth, transportation, and water quality planning regionwide between federal, State and federal agencies have an important role to state, regional and local governments, and other play in defining the region’s open space system. organizations. These agencies own and manage extensive existing and potential open space areas that form the corner- 7. Further research and evaluate the status of stones of the region’s open space system. They also agricultural resources and their potential for have the capacity to provide financial and technical protection as open space. support to local governments and landowners working to conserve and protect open space resources. These agencies have the following responsibilities toward open space preservation in the region.

1. Provide, update or create maps and data for open space categories regionwide.

2. Provide financial, political and technical support to local governments to support the preparation and adoption of local parks and open space plans, open space elements in local comprehensive plans, natural resource and open space protection ordinances, and zoning, subdivision and other local regulations or tools.

City of Westminister Open Space Program City of Westminister 3. Provide financial, political and technical support to local governments implementing components of the Regional Open Local Governments Space Plan and encourage adoption of the plan’s goals and strategies. Many strategies have been identified in this plan to guide the preservation of open space and conserva- 4. Participate in discussion forums that lead to the tion of natural resources to define the region’s open development of local and regional open space space system by local government action. Local plans and strategies and to their implementation. governments have the majority of the responsibility to provide for open space and conserve natural 5. Coordinate state and federal open space and resources, through their ability to regulate land uses natural resource management, planning and and to levy taxes. The following ongoing responsi- acquisition to be consistent with, and in support bilities for local governments are identified in the of, local and regional open space plans. plan.

1. Locally identify, map, and evaluate open space resources.

OPEN SPACE 49 Tools If the area, unit, or location meets any of the follow- Open Space Opportunity Checklist ing criteria, points may be given for each criterion and summed to express its regional and local To help implement the regional open space system, an importance. open space review checklist can be used by local government planners to screen and evaluate lands Bibliography of Open Space Planning Resources that possess important open space values. The and List of Contacts checklist can be utilized as part of the development review and comprehensive planning process as an Many organizations and tools exist that can help local overlay to identify areas that may meet criteria of governments and the region develop the open space regional importance or significance in a rational system. The appendix provides a current bibliogra- manner. phy of open space planning resources and contacts available to provide assistance to local governments The checklist below utilizes the criteria framework in planning, acquiring, funding and managing open developed in Chapter 2 of this plan to further space. characterize regional open space areas. While other factors may be included, the following 15 characteris- Open Space Opportunities Map tics can be used by local governments to identify open space areas or resources of regional importance. An objective of this plan is to identify those lands and These regional criteria have been developed to resources that could make up a system of intercon- provide an integrated and regional perspective to nected open space across the region. DRCOG has local open space preservation and management mapped existing and planned park and protected activity. Without accounting for relative value and open space areas and created a composite map of priority, the greater the numbers of criteria satisfied, opportunity areas (Figure 8). The open space the greater the regional importance or value the opportunity layer consists of the following data parcel, area or resource has. combined from Figures 3-7.

Table 3 Open Space Opportunity Checklist

ImportantCriteria Points (0 or 1)

1. Is significant in size in the region 2. Is unique or scarce within a defined area such as the region 3. Is difficult or impossible to duplicate or replace 4. Crosses or affects more than one jurisdiction 5. Community or regional public support exists for conservation and protection 6. May be reasonably accessible to the general public for recreational use 7. Exhibits biodiversity and is of ecological significance (aquatic and terrestrial natural resources) 8. Exhibits connectivity characteristics to form open space linkages and assemblages 9. Contains prominent geologic and geographic features or has important historical or archeological value 10. Provides significant, important or scarce wildlife habitat value 11. Is available for acquisition, preservation or protection 12. Presents environmental health or safety hazards to the public or contains constraints to urban development 13. Meets national, state or local agricultural resource preservation criteria 14. Is endangered or under threat by loss to urban development 15. Unit or area contributes significantly to more than one of these objectives.

Total Score

50 Figure 8 Open Space Opportunity Area and Existing and Planned Open Space in the Denver Region

OPEN SPACE 51 52 Jefferson County Open Space Program

Surface Waters (Lakes And Reservoirs) with a appropriate guide to indicate where future land uses 200-foot buffer area will occur. The information provided in the opportu- Selected Important Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat nities layer, however, may be used by local govern- Environmental Hazard And Development ments to add or change areas recommended for open Constraint Areas space uses in the future as appropriate. Important Farmlands Prominent Geologic And Geographic Features Open Space Preservation Focus Areas

The composite opportunity layer includes data from a An important part of the Regional Open Space Plan is variety of sources and dates. Some of the land has a regional map that indicates the region’s open space been preserved as open space and some has been preservation focus areas. These areas indicate the converted to urban uses or “lost” as an open space major regional-scale natural resources and physical opportunity since these maps were created. DRCOG features that make up the region’s desired open space accounted for some of these changes by updating the system for the future. There are many separate state opportunity layer with the 1997 park and open space and local plans that currently identify important layer and by deleting those areas that were urbanized natural resources and areas where open space lands or developed by spring 1998. This map will require should be protected. Each jurisdiction has established further revision as additional information becomes its own priorities through its individual planning available. process. The goals in this plan are intended to inform and supplement those priorities from a regional How the Open Space Opportunity Map Can be perspective. A conceptual composite map of the open Used space preservation focus areas (Figure 9) was created to help local governments in the region The purpose of creating this map is to illustrate a visualize what an integrated open space system composite of important natural resources and open might look like and to indicate what unprotected space features that could provide both small and open spaces could be included to complete that large open space conservation and preservation system. A synthesis of open space preservation focus opportunities in the region. The map also shows areas was derived from information in state and local where these opportunities are connected or discon- open space plans and from the important natural nected with existing and planned open space. This resources and physical features identified and serves to help local governments visualize the mapped in this plan. existing and potential linkages between the existing open space areas. While not an exclusive list, this map indicates major The natural resources and open space features of the focus areas that, when viewed together, form the opportunity layer are found both within and outside basis of a regional-scale open space protection and of existing urban areas as well as areas that are conservation strategy and a Metro Vision 2020 Plan planned for urban development by local govern- open space plan map. ments. This map does not signify that all of the lands shown as opportunities are recommended for, or are available for, preservation as open space. Local government comprehensive plans and zoning are the

OPEN SPACE 53 How the Regional Open Space Plan Can be further refined for local application. One case study Used Effectively at the Local Level: Analysis of addressed open space planning for the City of Prototype Application of Local and Regional Brighton as a freestanding community. The other Open Space Goals and Strategies looked at planning open space corridors in relation to major transportation corridor development in the northeast metro area, focusing on the potential Two case studies were completed as part of this plan. connections between the South Platte River corridor The purpose of the case studies was to demonstrate and E-470 in the Brighton-Barr Lake area. The case and evaluate how the Regional Open Space Plan can studies are available from the Denver Regional be used effectively in open space planning at the local Council of Governments (DRCOG). level. They were also used to determine if the maps, goals, and strategies included in the plan could be

Table 4 Open Space Preservation Focus Areas for the Denver Region

1. The Mountain Backdrop and Foreground (Hogback)

2. The Mountain and Plains Canyons and River Corridors Bear Creek Canyon Boulder Creek Clear Creek Canyon Golden Gate Canyon Deer Creek Canyon St. Vrain River Cherry Creek and Plum Creek Sand Creek South Platte River The Highline Canal

3. Prominent Geographic Features North and South Table Mountain Green Mountain Sheep Mountain Douglas County High Plateau

4. Metro Vision 2020 Freestanding Community Buffers Boulder Brighton Castle Rock Longmont

5. The East Metro Area Plains Plains Conservation Center- Lowry Landfill/Aurora Reservoir- Lowry Bombing Range Stewardship Trust Lands Barr Lake/Rocky Mountain Arsenal

The areas listed above are indicated on Figure 9, Open Space Preservation Focus Areas.

54 Figure 9 Open Space Preservation Focus Area in the Denver Region

OPEN SPACE 55 56 CConclusion

Open space lands are diverse and often lie within several jurisdictions; therefore planning an integrated open space system requires a regionwide perspective. For this reason, DRCOG has prepared this plan as one of the primary elements of Metro Vision 2020. Implementation of the regional plan relies on a voluntary, collaborative, flexible, yet effective endeavor of local governments working together.

The information provided in this plan is intended to be a starting place for completing the region’s open space system. The maps of the individual open space resources, the remaining open space opportunities, and the preservation focus areas all are intended to aid in this process.

As the region’s population grows and more land is developed, achieving a regional open space system will be harder to accomplish. It will become increasingly critical to actively pursue this vision to protect open spaces within, and between, our towns and cities. The region needs to act now to preserve open spaces for our visual, recreational, and environmental enjoyment and quality of life. We have inherited a diverse and valuable landscape. What legacy we will pass on for tomorrow depends on what we plan for and accomplish today. Denver Department of Parks and Recreation

OPEN SPACE 57 AAppendix

Bibliography of Open Space Planning Resources and Contacts

There are a variety of open space planning and land protection resources available to the region. These range from planning techniques to funding available to communities planning for open space. The following is a list of these different types of resources that local governments, organizations, and citizens may find helpful: open space partnership and support organizations and programs, land protection tools and options, and recommended reading.

Partnership and Support Organizations The Division of Wildlife manages the state’s 960 wildlife species. The division conducts research to and Programs improve wildlife management activities, provides technical assistance to private and other public State and Federal Agencies landowners concerning wildlife and habitat management, and develops programs to protect and recover Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) threatened and endangered species. 1313 Sherman Street Room #715 Denver, Colorado 80203 Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) http://dnr.state.co.us/geosurvey http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu

The CGS provides geologic maps and technical The mission of the Natural Diversity Information assistance to landowners and local governments to Source (NDIS) is to provide data and analysis needed assist in planning and land use decisionmaking. to enhance decisions on land use affecting Colorado’s animals, plants, and natural communities. This Colorado Department of Natural Resources mission is being accomplished by bringing together Division of Wildlife (DOW) Headquarters information from a variety of sources, including the 6060 Broadway Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Colorado Natural Denver, Colorado, 80216 Heritage Program, Colorado State University, local (303) 297-1192 governments, and other conservation partners. NDIS Habitat (303) 291-7231 offers easy access to biological, geopolitical, and Terrestrial Wildlife (303) 291-7336 demographic data needed to understand potential impacts of land use change on wildlife and natural communities.

58 Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO) protection goals. These goals consist of protecting 303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 900 farmland from urbanization and development, Denver, Colorado 80203 eliminating soil erosion and reducing agriculture’s (303) 863-7522 impact on the environment. http://aclin.org/code/goco Colorado Open Lands (COL) Provides financial assistance for open space planning, 5555 DTC Parkway, C-2050 acquisition, and management. Englewood, Colorado 80111 (303) 694-4994 · Planning Grants · Legacy Grants COL, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving open lands in Colorado, works in cooperation Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners with private landowners and public entities to 1313 Sherman St. Room 620 preserve significant open lands via conservation Denver, Colorado 80203 easements, acquisition, and land and financial (303) 866-3454 planning techniques. http://dnr.state.co.us/slb Colorado Wildlife Heritage Foundation Manages state land board lands and the 300,000 acre P.O. Box 211512 Stewardship Trust created by a constitutional amend- Denver, Colorado 80221 ment in November 1996. In 1998, lands were selected (303) 291-7416 for management under this program for open space- related values. A statewide organization that protects and preserves wildlife and wildlife habitat by promoting habitat USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service acquisition and management, environmental educa- 655 Parfet Street, Room E-300 tion and wildlife research. Lakewood, Colorado 80215-5517 (303) 236-2903 The Conservation Fund 1942 Broadway, Suite 201 Provides grants and technical assistance to landown- Boulder, Colorado 80302 ers and organizations seeking to protect and improve (303) 444-4369 natural resources. A national organization that forms partnerships with · Wetlands Reserve Program individuals, businesses, public agencies, foundations, · Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program land trusts, and other conservation organizations to · Denver Urban Resources Partnership protect open space and natural resource lands. Has assisted in the protection of over 30,000 acres of land U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8 in Colorado. 999 18th Street, Suite 500 Denver, Colorado 80202 The Trust for Public Land (TPL) (303) 293-1570 Colorado Projects Office 1410 Grant, C306 · Watershed Initiatives Denver, Colorado 80203 · Wetlands Programs (303) 837-1414 · Mapping and Environmental Data Resources e-mail: [email protected] http://www.tpl.org/tpl Private Land Trusts TPL is a national organization that assists landowners American Farmland Trust in preserving and exchanging land for open space. 1200 18th Street, NW Buys land for subsequent transfer to community Suite 800 conservation groups or public agencies. Washington, DC 20036 (202) 659-5170 Cattlemen’s Land Trust Colorado Cattleman’s Association Rocky Mountain Field Office 8833 Ralston Road 401 Edwards St. Arvada, Colorado 80002 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (303) 431-6422 (970) 484-8988 This land trust has been established to receive American Farmland Trust (AFT) works to stop the voluntary conservation easements from landowners. loss of productive farmland and to promote farming Easements permanently protect the agricultural or practices that lead to a healthy environment. AFT environmental resources and can assist landowners in assists private groups, public agencies, and indi- transferring an estate to the next generation and vidual landowners in meeting their farmland providing tax credits.

OPEN SPACE 59 Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts tal organization roles and responsibilities in P.O. Box 1651 carrying them out. The report provides Durango, Colorado information on how local governments can utilize planning and zoning police power to An umbrella organization for Colorado’s approxi- protect wildlife and open space in Colorado. mately 30 land trusts that provides education and referral services. Land trusts purchase land, acquire Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind: A land through donations, secure conservation ease- Handbook for Trail Planners, Colorado State ments on land, monitor the terms of these easements, Parks and Recreation Department, 1998. and work in partnership with private and govern- http://www.dnr.state.co.us/trails/ mental conservation agencies to protect open space planning_trails.html and open lands. This practical handbook, developed as part The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Colorado State Parks’ Trails and Wildlife Colorado Program Project, will help trail planners balance the 1244 Pine Street, benefits of creating trails with nature Boulder, Colorado 80302 stewardship, especially wildlife. (303) 444-2950

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to Recommended Reading preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by Conservation Design for Subdivisions- A Practical Guide protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. to Creating Open Space Networks, Arendt, Randall G., TNC researches and maintains the Natural Heritage Natural Lands Trust, American Planning Association, Program, and protects land through gifts, exchanges, American Society of Landscape Architects, Island conservation easements, management agreements, Press, 1996. purchases from the Conservancy’s revolving Land Preservation Fund, debt-for-nature swaps, and A practical handbook for developers and local management partnerships. TNC manages the officials that explains how to implement new ideas resulting preserves with the most sophisticated about designing less land-consumptive subdivisions ecological techniques available. that allow for protection of an interconnected network of green spaces and corridors. National Trust for Historic Preservation Mountains/Plains Regional Office 910 16th Street, Suite 1100 Dealing with Change in the Connecticut River Valley: A Denver, Colorado 80202 Design Manual for Conservation and Development, (303) 623-1504 Cambridge, MA: Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, 1988. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, char- tered by Congress in 1949, is a private, nonprofit A comprehensive text with numerous techniques for organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. environmentally It fights to save historic buildings and the neighbor- sensitive planning designed to preserve open space hoods and landscapes they anchor. Through educa- and small town character. tion and advocacy, the National Trust is revitalizing communities across the country and challenges Saving America’s Countryside: A Guide to Rural Conser- citizens to create sensible plans for the future. It has vation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1989. six regional offices, 20 historic sites, and works with thousands of local community groups nationwide. Land protection techniques, how to analyze and inventory rural lands, how to manage a campaign, Natural Resource Management and Land Protection protecting private property, community education. Tools

Planning Tools Local Government Open Space Program Contacts (Programs with dedicated funding sources as of Fall Managing Development for People and Wildlife, Clarion 1998) Associates, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 1997. http://blueberry.nrel.colostate.edu/escop/hand- Cities book/handbook.html Boulder A comprehensive primer for local govern- James Crain, Director ment staff and decisionmakers on wildlife City of Boulder Open Space Department, and open space conservation principles and P.O. Box 791, Boulder, Colorado 80306 the local, state, federal and non-governmen- (303) 441-3440

60 Broomfield Charting A New Course: The South Platte River Heritage Paul Derda, Director Corridor Plan, Draft Final Report, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department 1 Descombes Drive The Emerald Strands: A Cooperative Parks Open Space Broomfield, Colorado 80020 and Trails Plan for the Area Surrounding the New Denver (303) 438-6351 International Airport, 1990.

Lafayette A Conservation Vision for Barr Lake State Park, Colorado Rod Tarullo, Director Division of State Parks and Recreation. 1996. Parks and Recreation Department 1290 S. Public Road, Arapahoe County Lafayette, Colorado 80026 East Metro Area Open Space Study, Colorado Open (303) 665-5588 Lands, 1996.

Thornton Boulder County Mike Soderberg, Director Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, 1978. Parks, Buildings and Recreation Department 9500 Civic Center Drive Denver Thornton, Colorado 80229 Denver Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, (303) 255-7831 Metro Mountain Recreation and Open Space Project, Draft, 1989. Westminster Comprehensive Plan, 1989 (revision in progress) Bob Lienemann, Open Space Coordinator Community Development Department Douglas County City of Westminster Douglas County Parks, Trails and Open Space Master 4800 W. 92nd Ave. Plan, Draft, 1997. Douglas County Division of Parks, Westminster, Colorado 80030 Douglas County Division of Open Space and Natural (303) 430-2400 Resources, and Douglas County Division of Planning and Community Development. Counties Conservation Network Concept Plan, Chatfield Basin Boulder Conservation Network Working Group, South Graham Billingsley, Interim Director Suburban Park and Recreation District, 1998. Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department P.O. Box 471 Jefferson County Boulder, Colorado 80306 Jefferson County Open Space Master Plan, Final Draft, (303) 441-3950 1998. Jefferson County Open Space Department.

Douglas Front Range Mountain Backdrop Technical Report, Front Brooke Fox, Director Range Mountain Backdrop Project, December 1996. Douglas County Natural Resources and Open Space Department Cities 100 Third Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Arvada (303) 660-7428 Comprehensive Plan, 1997.

Jefferson Aurora Ralph Schell, Director City of Aurora Open Space Master Plan (Draft) 1990. Jefferson County Open Space, City of Aurora Comprehensive Plan, 1998. 700 Jefferson County Pkwy. Suite 100, Golden, Colorado 80401 Boulder (303) 271-5925, Reception Desk Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, 1978. Open Space Long Range Management Policies, City of Boulder Open Space Department, 1995. Open Space, Parks and Recreation, and Comprehen- sive Plans in the Eight-County Denver Region Brighton (Fall 1998) Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, (in progress). Counties Comprehensive Plan, 1984, (revision in progress).

Adams County Broomfield Adams County Open Space Plan, Draft, Adams County Wildlife and Open Space Plan, 1994. Parks and Community Resources Department.1996. Comprehensive Plan, 1995.

OPEN SPACE 61 Castle Rock Littleton Comprehensive Plan, 1995. Comprehensive Plan, 1974, revised 1991.

Commerce City Longmont Comprehensive Plan, 1985. Comprehensive Plan, 1993.

Englewood Parker Comprehensive Plan, 1979, revised 1997. Parks and Open Space Plan, 1997.

Golden Thornton Comprehensive Plan, 1993 Comprehensive Plan, 1997. Parks and Open Space Plan (in progress) Greenwood Village Comprehensive Plan, 1971 Westminster Westminster Comprehensive Land Use Plan, 1997. Lafayette City of Lafayette Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Wheat Ridge Plan, 1997. Comprehensive Plan, 1997.

Lakewood Comprehensive Plan, 1993

V. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ciruli Associates, Colorado Outdoor 2000 Statewide Survey of Investment in Colorado Conservation and Outdoor Recreation, Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado State Parks, May 1996.

Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, 1992 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 1992.

Colorado Department of Agriculture, Public Attitudes About Agriculture in Colorado, 1995.

U.S. Census Bureau, 1992 U.S. Department of Commerce Census of Agriculture, 1992.

American Farmland Trust, “The Farmland Protection Toolbox, Saving American Farmland: What Works,” Northampton, Mass.,1997.

DRCOG OFFICERS

Chairman, Polly Page Vice Chairman, Jan Schenck Secretary-Treasurer, Sharon Richardson Immediate Past Chairman, Margaret W. Carpenter Executive Director, Guillermo V. Vidal

62 MEMBERSHIP (JULY 21, 1999)

Adams County Boulder Nancy Wurl Leona Stoecker Ted Strickland William “Will” R. Toor Federal Heights Louisville Arapahoe County Bow Mar Sharon Richardson Kevin Howard Polly Page Ted Baer Georgetown Lyons Boulder County Brighton Carol Wise (vacant) Paul Danish Ken Mitchell Glendale Morrison Clear Creek County Broomfield Joe Rice Dick Scott Robert Poirot Bill Berens Golden Nederland Denver, City and County Castle Rock Jan Schenck Scott Bruntjen Wellington Webb Al Parker Greenwood Village Northglenn Joyce Foster Central City Candy C. Figa Don Parsons Douglas County Don Mattivi Idaho Springs Parker Melanie A. Worley Cherry Hills Village Bill Macy Lance Wright Gilpin County Tim Roble Lafayette Sheridan Web Sill Columbine Valley Carolyn McIntosh Carol Jonkoniec Jefferson County George Lind Lakewood Superior Michelle Lawrence Commerce City Linda Morton Susan Spence Arvada Roland E. Cole Larkspur Thornton Lorraine Anderson Edgewater Wandalene Hertz Margaret Carpenter Aurora John Fox Littleton Westminster Edna Mosley Empire Doug Clark Ann Merkel Bennett (vacant) Lone Tree Wheat Ridge David Dummar Englewood John O’Boyle Ralph Mancinelli Black Hawk Alexandra Habenicht Longmont David Spellman Erie Non-Voting Appointees (vacant)

METRO VISION POLICY COMMITTEE (JULY 21, REGIONAL OPEN SPACE COORDINATING 1999) COMMITTEE (JULY 21, 1999)

Dennis Arfmann, Holme Roberts & Owen Don Bessler, City of Longmont Bill Berens, Board Member Arne Carlson, City of Broomfield Joe Blake, Shea Homes Ken Foelske, Jefferson County Open Space Margaret Carpenter, Board Member Brooke Fox, Douglas County Roland Cole, Board Member Crystal Gray, Adams County, Parks/Recreation Joyce Foster, Board Member Matt Jones, City of Boulder Mike Henry Bob Lienemann, City of Westminster Peter Neukirch, Southeast Business Partnership Don Moore, American Planning Association Polly Page, Board Member Dennis Trapp, Town of Parker Bob Poirot, Board Member M.L. Tucker, Western Mobile Wayne Ramey, City of Broomfield Mike Turner, City of Aurora Joe Rice, Board Member Mike Segrest, City of Lakewood Anjie Saunders, ERO Resources Pete Ross, ACCORD Jan Schenck, Board Member Elizabeth Richardson, Colorado Open Lands Mike Segrest, City of Lakewood Gene Schmidt, State of Colorado Leona Stoecker, Board Member Sandra J. Tassell, Trust for Public Land Nicki Stoner, Adams County Scott Twombly, City of Thornton Paul Tauer, Mayor, City of Aurora Bert Weaver, Clear Creek County Marilee Utter, CITIVENTURE & Associates Dave Weber, Colorado Division of Wildlife Kelli Wark, CoPIRG Geoff Wodell, Governor’s Smart Growth Committee Steve Wilson, Metro Home Builders Association Corey Wong, U.S. Forest Service Melanie Worley, Board Member Tina Nielsen, Boulder County Nancy Wurl, Board Member Steve Ormiston, Shea Homes David Peak, Ken Caryl Ranch Metro District Carolyn Poissant, City and County of Denver

OPEN SPACE 63