Lookout Region Management Plan
Includes Apex Park, Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, and Matthews/Winters Park
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 ii APPROVAL PAGE
Management Planning is an on-going process. Plans will never be considered “completed,” although, they will be reviewed periodically so they take into account environmental, social and political changes and reflect those changes.
Having reviewed its contents, this ______(Name of Region) Management Plan, drafted in and revised in ______(date), has been adopted by the planning team members. Signature Date ______, ______Regional Park Supervisor ______, ______Regional Planning Coordinator
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 i
Table of Contents
Executive Summary: Lookout Region Parks Management Plan ...... vii
Chapter 1: Jefferson County Open Space Management Planning ...... 12
Chapter 2: Detailed Information on Apex Park ...... 6
Park Vision ...... 6
Location...... 6
Chronology of Development ...... 7
Amenities ...... 8
Park Capacity ...... 8
Historical Background ...... 8
Natural and Cultural Resources ...... 11
Activities ...... 13
Visitation & Use Trends ...... 13
Location Map ...... 14
Park Map ...... 15
Acquisition History Map ...... 17
Management Context ...... i
Management Unit Designation Map ...... 21
Agreements Table ...... 22
Work Plan Summary ...... 23
Actions Map ...... 24
Action Items ...... 25
Discussion Items ...... 30
Chapter 3: Detailed Information on Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve ...... 33
Park Vision ...... 33
Location...... 33
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 ii Chronology of Development ...... 34
Amenities ...... 36
Park Capacity ...... 36
Historical Background ...... 37
Natural and Cultural Resources ...... 39
Activities ...... 42
Visitation & Use Trends ...... 43
Location Map ...... 45
Park Map ...... 46
Acquisition History Map ...... 47
Management Context ...... i
Management Unit Designation Map ...... 50
Agreements Table ...... 51
Work Plan Summary ...... 52
Actions Map ...... 53
Action Items ...... 54
Discussion Items ...... 58
Chapter 4: Detailed Information on Matthews/Winters Park ...... 64
Park Vision ...... 64
Location...... 64
Chronology of Development ...... 64
Amenities ...... 66
Park Capacity ...... 66
Historical Background ...... 66
Natural and Cultural Resources ...... 67
Activities ...... 68
Visitation & Use Trends ...... 68
Location Map ...... 70
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 iii Park Map ...... 71
Acquisition History Map ...... 72
Management Context ...... i
Management Unit Designation Map ...... 76
Agreements Table ...... 77
Work Plan Summary ...... 78
Actions Map ...... 80
Action Items ...... 81
Discussion Items ...... 82
List of Tables ...... v
List of Figures ...... v
Appendix A: Open Space Management Designations System ...... 84
Appendix B: Operational Documents Used in Park Management ...... 91
Appendix C: Laws and Regulations ...... 93
Appendix D: Stakeholders and Constituencies ...... 95
Glossary: Terms and Acronyms ...... 98
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 iv
List of Tables
Table 2a: Apex Park Leases, Licenses, Easements, Contracts and Agreements ...... 22
Table 3a: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Leases, Licenses, Easements, Contracts and Agreements ...... 51
Table 4a: Matthews/Winters Park Leases, Licenses, Easements, Contracts and Agreements ...... 77
List of Figures
Figure 2a: Apex Park Location Map ...... 14
Figure 2b: Apex Park Map ...... 15
Figure 2c: Apex Park Acquisition History Map ...... 17
Figure 2d: Apex Park Opportunities and Constraints Plan ...... 18
Figure 2e: Apex Park Management Unit Designation Map ...... 21
Figure 2f: Apex Park Actions Map ...... 24
Figure 3a: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Location Map ...... 45
Figure 3b: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Map ...... i
Figure 3c: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Acquisition History Map ...... 46
Figure 3d: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Opportunities and Constraints Plan ...... 48
Figure 3e: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Management Unit Designation Map ...... 50
Figure 3f: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Actions Map ...... 53
Figure 4a: Matthews/Winters Park Location Map ...... 70
Figure 4b: Matthews/Winters Park Map ...... i
Figure 4c: Matthews/Winters Park Acquisition History Map ...... i
Figure 4d: Matthews/Winters Park Opportunities and Constraints Plan ...... 73
Figure 4e: Matthews/Winters Park Management Unit Designation Map ...... 76
Figure 4f: Matthews/Winters Park Actions Map ...... 80
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 v Executive Summary
Lookout Region MANAGEMENT PLAN
Includes Apex Park, Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, and Matthews/Winters Park
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 vi
Executive Summary: Lookout Region Management Plan
Background:
In April of 1999 Jefferson County Open Space initiated a Management Planning process for its open space areas. The agency committed to developing management plans for each park and undeveloped open space in the system. In 2012, 9 regions were identified and all 29 Management Plans are now a part of one of these regions.
Management Plan Objectives and Organization:
This Lookout Region Management Plan is part of the Jefferson County Open Space system-wide effort to provide for protection and appropriate use of Jefferson County‟s recreational, natural and cultural resources. This Plan is issue-driven. It identifies significant management issues at the parks and then recommends management approaches and actions to respond to those issues.
This Plan is organized as follows: Jefferson County Open Space Management Planning provides an explanation of Open Space‟s approach to Management Planning throughout the Open Space system. Descriptions of Apex Park, Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, and Matthews/Winters Park provide a description of the parks, their history and major attributes, trends in visitation and use, the Management Unit, action items, and work plan summaries. Appendices present information that complements the main body of text with information about the Open Space Management Designations System, and the Operational Documents used in park management.
Park Staff:
Role of a Regional Park Supervisor: Responsible for all activities at a number of parks, defined by a park region. Establish yourself as the public point of contact and ambassador for the Parks and properties in the region. Be aware of topics of interest to the public and users in the park region and communicate all items of sensitivity with your section Manager and the Communications Manager. Review the Regional Management Plan documents periodically and lead an annual field visit. Recommend Priority Actions to section manager and/or management team and coordinate the timing and implementation of these for the Park Region.
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 vii Work with the respective section managers for budget and resource allocations necessary for appropriate scheduling and implementation of Priority Actions
Park Operations: On-site management of the Lookout Region is the responsibility of multiple Open Space sections. The Park Operations section is divided into several subsections: Park Services, Natural Resources Management, and Trail Services. Park Operation manages the daily operations of Open Space‟s parks, including but not limited to, trail maintenance; fence and sign maintenance and construction; trailhead facility maintenance; forest and wildlife management; and road and parking lot maintenance. The Park Construction subsection of Park Planning and Construction provides trailhead and entry signage, structure maintenance and construction. The Ranger subsection of Administration/Education Services provides patrol and emergency services on the parks. Each subsection utilizes operational documents to guide their management activities.
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 viii
Apex Park:
Park Location and Description: Apex Park is located in central Jefferson County near Heritage Square. The 702 acre Park is accessible from U.S. Highway 40 at the northeast corner of the Heritage Square parking lot. The Park contains over 8 miles of trails for hiking, biking, equestrian use and wildlife viewing. As part of the Front Range Mountain Backdrop/Foreground Preservation area, Apex Park is highly visible from the majority of the western metropolitan area. From the interior of the Park, there are many excellent vistas of the Golden, Denver and the surrounding Front Range.
Activities: Recreational: Hiking, biking, running/jogging, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and non-personal interpretation (historic).
Park Vision: The vision of Apex includes balancing human use with resource preservation through the application of management units upon the landscape. Apex Park has three Management Unit Designations: (1) The Recreation Services and Amenities Area, which is located to the southeast of the major body of the Park, serves as the primary trailhead for access to the Park's trail system. (2) The Natural Area, which comprises the remainder of Apex Park, exclusive of Deadman Gulch, is managed primarily for intensive multi-use trail activity, while maintaining the Park's natural and cultural resource values. (3) Deadman Gulch and the immediate surrounding area are designated a Sensitive Area. Public access to this area is limited to Jefferson County Open Space sponsored interpretive programs and permitted research projects.
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 ix
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve:
Park Location and Description: The Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is located north of I-70 and west of Golden on Lookout Mountain at 910 Colorow Road. The Preserve is approximately 134 acres in size and is home to the Boettcher Mansion, Lookout Mountain Nature Center, a small picnic area and 2.5 miles of trails with access to adjoining trails in neighboring Open Space parks. The Nature Center building demonstrates sustainable design and serves as an interpretive center for Jefferson County Open Space, offering information services and exhibits on a variety of topics.
Activities: Hiking the Preserve trails or hiking to adjacent trails in Windy Saddle and Apex JCOS Parks and Denver Mountain Parks. Utilization of the activity room for meetings, workshops, programs, etc. Learning about the Boettcher Mansion by taking tours of the historic Arts and Crafts style building
Park Vision: The vision of Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve (LMNC&P) is to preserve, conserve, and educate. This is accomplished through providing a spectrum of opportunities for recreational, educational and interpretive programs, exhibits and activities. Key elements of the vision for the management of this are: (1) Serve as the primary visitor center for Jefferson County Open Space, (2)Serve as the natural history educational provider for Jefferson County Open Space, (3) Serve as a developed trailhead to two popular adjacent Open Space parks, and (4) Maintain the historical and cultural integrity of the site
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 x
Matthews/Winters Park:
Park Location and Description: Matthews/Winters Park, 2362.86 acres, is located south and north of I-70, west of C-470 and north of Red Rocks Park. It derives its importance from its location at a major entrance to the Rocky Mountains. The Park lies astride the entrance to Mt. Vernon Canyon, which was one of the early routes to the gold fields of Central City and South Park.
Activities: Recreational: hiking, biking, horseback riding, trail running, picnicking, dog walking, and bouldering Educational: naturalist-led walks, Hawk Watch
Park Vision: The vision of Matthews/Winters Park is to balance human use with resource preservation. This is accomplished through the application of management units upon the landscape, which define a spectrum of recreational opportunities, environmental education and interpretation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation efforts. Matthews/Winters Park has two Management Unit Designations: (1) The Natural Area, which comprises the remainder of the park's land area, is managed primarily for intensive trail use, but not to the detriment of the natural and cultural resources, and (2) The Recreation Services and Amenities Area, which is the parking lot and surrounding area, emphasizes the provision of facilities to serve the basic needs of the Park's visitors, including ADA accessibility, and serves as the primary trailhead for access to all of the major trail systems located on the Park.
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 xi
Chapter 1: Jefferson County Open Space Management Planning
Management Planning Approach:
Management Planning Principles: This Plan uses four basic principles to ensure the long-term public value of Management Planning:
1) Management Plans will be continuously revised: Management Planning is an on-going process. Individual plans will never be considered “completed,” although, they will be considered “mature,” ready to be acted upon, when they have been reviewed. This plan shall be reviewed periodically so it has the ability to take into account environmental, social and political changes and reflect those changes. 2) Management Plans are the primary document for communicating resource management information: Plans will be written to clearly communicate park and region specific resource stewardship issues, management approaches, and actions to the rest of the agency, the public and other stakeholders. 3) Park staff plays an integral role in producing and revising Management Plans: In this way, those responsible for implementing the plan have a vested interest in making it succeed. 4) Members of the public may participate in development of and updates to Regional Management Plans: Directly involving park stakeholders in producing and revising plans fosters better understanding of how their particular interests fit into the larger resource Management Unit while also giving them a stake in the plan‟s success.
Management Planning Steps: For efficiency and consistency among Management Plans, Jefferson County Open Space standardized the planning process by incorporating information that is applicable throughout the agency and providing this “model” format for presenting regional and park-specific information.
Regional Management Planning includes: 1. Establishing the park Management Unit. 2. Gathering preliminary natural, cultural, developmental and recreational resource information about the park and region. 3. Requesting information and opinions from people interested in or affected by park management decisions (stakeholders) on issues of concern to them. 4. Clearly defining issues. 5. Identifying and evaluating options for resolving management issues. 6. Drafting a management plan that explains the management approach and the specific management actions proposed to address issues.
Lookout Region Management Plan Executive Summary Jefferson County Open Space 2013 xii 7. Finalizing and implementing the Regional Management Plan. 8. Reviewing the management plans periodically to evaluate progress, identify new issues, and generate annual budgets/work plans. 9. Revising the management plan to respond to new issues and to reflect management changes.
Park Management Decisions: Resources and resource management issues vary between region and parks, but the essential challenge for the Open Space Program is accommodating public recreational use and protecting natural and cultural resources. Open Space staff utilize the following guidelines to help achieve a balance of recreational use and resource protection.
1) Systems Perspective: JCOS lands are within a larger system of outdoor spaces managed by local communities, state and federal agencies. Planning and decision- making will take into consideration the region, adjacent and nearby public lands and waters, and strive to maintain an important niche of “urban” open space and natural areas, taking into account the role of human interaction with these natural systems. 2) Public Values: There are many different values that county residents and other stakeholders have for JCOS. Planning and decision-making will consider all values and not the exclusive use or opinions of a single, smaller group. JCOS needs to respect and integrate the values and preferences of all residents, including major stakeholders such as recreationists and adjacent landowners. 3) Sustainability: Natural, cultural and recreational resource protection is of paramount concern for managing Jefferson County‟s Open Space areas. Management tools and techniques, facility types and design, and visitor management techniques that minimize impacts on these resources will be favored. 4) Economic Considerations: Using the financial resources of Jefferson County efficiently and effectively is critical, but this is not to suggest the least expensive option is the preferred. Environmental considerations should be judged equally with technical and economic considerations in planning and decision-making. 5) Appropriate Recreation: It is recognized that JCOS cannot be “all things for all people,” and difficult capacity and allocation decisions are necessary. 6) Appreciation and Education: A major purpose of JCOS is to help increase public appreciation and understanding for our great outdoors and our natural/cultural environments. 7) Respect the Resource: Much is not known about how ecosystems operate or how one activity may affect it or other activities. Planning and decision-making should reflect scientific findings and monitoring efforts by JCOS. When two or more alternatives are identified through an evaluation process, the alternative that least impacts the resource and visitor experiences and preserves future options should be the preferred alternative.
Management Context:
Open Space lands are classified into Management Unit‟s according to ecosystem and cultural resource protection requirements, and their capability and suitability to provide
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 1 Jefferson County Open Space 2013 2 opportunities for visitor experiences. Open Space staff has adopted three land classifications:
1) Sensitive Areas are those that are very special, fragile, and highly valued for their natural or cultural features. Preservation and protection are the paramount considerations for these areas. Visitation to these areas is limited, controlled and monitored through a registration permit system.
2) Natural Areas are relatively large areas where ecological processes dominate and humans can typically experience a sense of solitude and remoteness.
3) Recreation Services and Amenities Areas provide opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation experiences while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the natural resources.
Also utilized in park management is a Special Protection Area, or an SPA. It can be thought of as an overlay to one of the Management Unit Designations (MUDs) noted above. It has been created to address any unique item that requires special management actions, such as but not limited to: safety, a park access issue, natural resource concerns or restoration opportunities, cultural or environmental issues, biodiversity enhancement, time sensitive implications, a political imperative, other management consequences or opportunities. An SPA can be created within any MUD when specific resources, that are deemed significant, face real or potential impacts or opportunities that warrant special management actions. Given the preservation and protection already provided within a Sensitive Area, it is unlikely that a SPA will be needed. An effort at restoration, however, could be an applicable use of special management actions in a SPA. Specific location(s) and boundaries will be shown with the SPA labeled to denote the resource(s) in need of protection or special management. Issue-driven actions will be formulated to address the SPA.
Management Directions:
Resource Management: Resource Evaluation Management (REM) is a framework to establish and manage specific natural, cultural and recreational resource issues. Key issues are identified and, where feasible, monitored. Indicators and thresholds may be useful in developing desired standards. Each Regional Management Plan identifies 6 steps to assess the applicable approach. Three of these steps are relevant to best management practices for resources. The other 3 relate to the use of measurable indicators and an achievable standard. In these cases the conflicting resource issues must be identified with an ability to compromise a resource issue, and clear direction as to the resource priority, to attain and manage for the identified standard. Resource monitoring provides a flow of information that may indicate a need to alter or adapt management.
Managing a diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources is a balancing act. Park staff faces increasing pressure to accommodate public recreational
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 1 Jefferson County Open Space 2013 3 use of natural and cultural resources while also protecting those resources from unacceptable degradation. How much public use is too much? What kinds of use can a resource sustain? Over the last 40 years several approaches to resource management have been developed to increase harmony between recreational use and resource protection.
Open Space Resource Management can be summarized as follows:
1) Identify key resource and management issues (step 5 if no indicators present) 2) At selected times and places, choose measurable indicators of natural, cultural and recreational resource conditions: identify quantifiable events or physical properties that gauge resource conditions, e.g., area of bare ground in campsites, incidents of vandalism, reported visitor conflicts, etc. 3) When indicators are utilized, then measure, monitor and analyze indicators: reach qualitative and/or quantitative conclusions of resource conditions and visitor experiences, to determine best management practices. 4) When indicators are utilized a specific standard or threshold shall be established. 5) Explore and select most appropriate management option(s). 6) Evaluate management actions: determine successes and/or failures of applied management actions and, if necessary, over a period of time, adapt either management actions or standards.
A resource management process recognizes that any recreational use of natural or cultural resources will cause some degree of change to those resources. Key park resources can be assessed over time to determine if their condition achieves or remains within acceptable standards. If standards are not met, either additional management actions may be selected and implemented or resource standards may be changed, whichever is deemed appropriate.
In most cases, measuring changes or impacts to all resources in an area is impractical. For this reason, only limited resources and issues will have specific indicators utilized to determine the appropriate standard and management strategy. Typically only a few resource-related or visitor experience matters of heightened public or staff concern will require indicators and associated standards. These will provide additional information and guidance with management decisions.
Another practical consideration is the ability to establish and monitor indicators. Indicators are typically quantifiable measurements or qualitative observations or events that gauge the condition of a particular resource or resources. The use of indicators is an additional tool to evaluate standards, can reduce the need for comprehensive resource inventories, and allows persons without extensive technical expertise to monitor change.
JCOS utilizes resource management techniques that are adaptive and by monitoring resources and establishing standards, is able to provide a flow of information that may
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 1 Jefferson County Open Space 2013 4 indicate the need to change a course of action.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 1 Jefferson County Open Space 2013 5
Chapter 2: Detailed Information on Apex Park
Introduction:
Park Vision: The management of Apex Park reflects Jefferson County Open Space's mission of balancing human use with resource preservation. This is accomplished through the application of management units upon the landscape, which define a spectrum of recreational opportunities, environmental education and interpretation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation efforts. Apex Park has three Management Unit Designations, each emphasizing different priorities for the provision of recreational opportunities and protection of the Park's resources.
Deadman Gulch and the immediate surrounding area are designated a Sensitive Area. Public access to this area is limited to Jefferson County Open Space sponsored interpretive programs and permitted research projects. Historic sightings of several rare butterflies are documented for Deadman Gulch, Apex Park, and nearby areas of similar habitat including Chimney Gulch. Studies conducted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy in 1998, and by the Western Wildlife Institute in 2003 and 2005 reconfirmed the presence of critical habitat for a number of these rare species, including the Mottled duskywing (Erynnis martialis), Hops-feeding azure (Celastrina humulus) and the Arogos skipper (Atrytone arogos). The mottled duskywing was confirmed in Deadman Gulch in 1998, and the hops-feeding azure was confirmed in nearby Chimney Gulch in 2005. For further information please see the following studies:
Pague, Christopher A., Renee Rondeau, and Mark Duff. Natural Heritage Inventory of Jefferson County, Colorado. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Fort Collins, CO. 18 March 1993. 120pp.
Pineda, Phyllis M. A Systematic Inventory for Lepidoptera Species of Concern at Ranson-Edwards Homestead Park, Pine Valley Ranch and Deadman Gulch, Jefferson County, Colorado and Recommendations for Their Conservation: 1998 Field Season. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Fort Collins, CO. March 1999. 81pp.
Simonson, Sara and Bill Given. Lepidoptera of Deadman Gulch: Apex Open Space 2003, Jefferson County, Colorado. Western Wildlife Institute, Denver, CO. 22 December 2003. 16pp.
Sovell, John and Bill Given. Biological Assessment of Lepidopteran Species of Concern at Deadman Gulch and Chimney Gulch, Jefferson County, Colorado. Western Wildlife Institute, Denver, CO. 14 November 2005. 10pp.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 1 Jefferson County Open Space 2013 6
Location: Apex Park is located in central Jefferson County near Heritage Square. The 697-acre Park is accessible from U.S. Highway 40 at the northeast corner of the Heritage Square parking lot. The Park is in Sections 8, 9, and 10 T3S R70W. See Figure 2a.
Chronology of Development: 1973 Land is annexed into the City of Golden with intent to create a residential subdivision 1974 First purchase of Apex land accomplished with intent of building Apex Trail (400.6 acres from Good Financial Corporation #74665775) 1977 An additional 100 acres acquired in two transaction (8.688 acres acquired from Paradise Hills #77862185 and 91.0473 acres from Good Financial Corporation #77853432) 1978 Apex Trail constructed by contractor Toll Road interpretive sign installed Mini-kiosk, hitching rail and trash can installed at Heritage Square Trailhead Proposal to gain easement for Apex Trail rejected by Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart (Mother Cabrini Shrine) Apex Trail designated as a National Recreational Trail 2.91 acres acquired by donation from J.A.V., Inc. (Vickers) in two transactions: #78118344 and #78118343 1981 Grubstake Loop constructed Pick „N Sledge Trail constructed Bonanza Trail constructed Sluicebox Trail constructed Picnic table/trash cans installed at Heritage Square Trailhead 1982 26.49 acres acquired from Paradise Hills II #82090281. 1983 2.45 acres acquired from Weller #83062379 1984 County granted a utility easement to the Public Service Company and Mountain States Telephone #84098602 1988 .30 acres conveyed to Joan and Robert Politte by Commissioner‟s Deed/ 1991 Apex Trail moved off of service road near Heritage Square at request of new owner (Western Mobile) 1992 Western Mobile replat deeds trailhead location to City of Golden 1993 470 foot segment of Apex Trail purchased from Mother Cabrini Shrine #93173690 1995 31.1 acres acquired from the Estate of Raymond R. Koch #F0046136 17.528 acres donated by Donald Chisolm #F0158983 1996 Roofed kiosk, picnic table, and screened portable toilet installed at Heritage Square Trailhead 75.2 acres acquired from the Bachman family (Leon, James, Albert and Eugene) #F0203587 1997 Enchanted Forest Trail constructed 1999 Pocco Calle entrance and trail formalized
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 7 2000 Bridge over upper Apex Gulch rebuilt 2002 Lafarge land exchange completed adding approximately 42 acres to the southeast corner of the Park including ownership of most of the land underlying the east end of the Apex Trail. Additionally, Open Space acquired public access easements to get to the parking area across Lafarge property. #F1609852 2006 Management of the Rooney Hogback was turned over to the City of Golden per Resolution #04-11. Jefferson County Open Space retains the option of developing a trail along the west side of the hogback. 2010 Argos and Hardscrabble Trails constructed.
Amenities: 8.37 miles of natural surface trails Trail bridges Heritage Square Trailhead includes: Picnic table, trash can, hitching rail, roofed kiosk and portable toilet with wood screen Parking for 60 cars Fencing Interpretive signage
Park Capacity: Parking capacity at Apex Park is difficult to determine since official Open Space parking is contiguous to the large parking lot of Heritage Square. Thus, facility capacity, which is defined as available parking spaces, is not a useful concept for determining capacity at this Park. Resource quality and visitor experience indicators are more appropriate measures of capacity.
Visitor surveys conducted from May through September in 2001 revealed that 11.7% of those surveyed had experienced recreation conflict during their visit. However, weekend reports of conflict were significantly higher (17.1%) than weekday reports (8.8%). Eighty-three percent of those visitors who had experienced conflict attributed it to discourteous behavior of other visitors, highlighting a need for visitor education regarding trail etiquette, particularly on weekends. For the same months, the visitor survey in 2004 revealed that nine percent of those surveyed had experienced conflict of some kind, which is a decrease from 2001. In addition, most of the conflict took place between 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, which is also the time category in which the majority of the biking is occuring. Conflicts reported on weekends dropped significantly to 11.5%.
Acreage: 697 acres, more or less
Historical Background: The history of Apex Park beginning with white settlers of the area is closely tied to the Colorado Gold Rush of the late 1850‟s and early 1860‟s. Gold was discovered near the Cherry Creek-Platte River confluence in the summer of 1858 by a group of prospectors from Georgia led by the Russell brothers. This led to a mass emigration by “Argonauts,”
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 8 gold hunters intent on striking it rich. As these prospectors penetrated deeper into the Colorado mountains, rough-hewn mining camps sprang up almost overnight.
Many entrepreneurs saw the reality that “mining the miners” would bring more wealth than prospecting for the few really substantial gold strikes. These men began organizing, incorporating, and raising funds to build toll roads that stretched from the plains to the new gold-mining camps in the mountain interior. Many of them also founded communities at the mouths of the mountain canyons situated along their toll roads. Among these communities along the Front Range were Arapahoe City, Golden Gate City, Boulder City, Golden City, Mount Vernon, Bradford City, Piedmont, and many others.
One of the best known of these early Front Range communities was the town of Apex. In October 1861, the Colorado territorial legislature granted an act to incorporate the “Apex and Gregory Wagon Road”. This road began at Cold Spring Ranch (now the vicinity of Camp George West on Old Golden Road), continued on to the town of Apex, then to the summit of Lookout Mountain. It then ran downhill to the mouth of North Clear Creek and on to the Gregory and Russell diggings. The road terminated a few miles southwest at Missouri City. The Apex toll road became one of the most important arteries to bring supplies and people to the thriving Gregory and Russell diggings later to be known as Central City and Black Hawk.
According to local historian Georgina Brown in her book The Shining Mountains, Apex was a “rough and bawdy” mining supply camp, with mostly “temporary buildings and tents”. Just how rough the community was is illustrated by a Rocky Mountain News article from July, 1861, that reported a man hanging from a tree a short distance from the Apex road. Apparently, he was a horse thief and the local people didn‟t want to waste time taking him to Denver for trial.
Eventually, Golden City began to eclipse the other Front Range communities located in Jefferson County. Entrepreneurs such as William Loveland, the founding of the School of Mines, and key businesses, such as the Coors Brewery, gave Golden advantages that other communities lacked. The extension of William Loveland‟s Colorado Central Railroad to Central City, Black Hawk, Georgetown, and Silver Plume from Golden in the 1870‟s was a death knell to the local toll roads. The towns that depended on the toll roads for their existence began to dry up and blow away. Floods in 1878 and 1879 heavily damaged the roads and made their profitability even more marginal. In 1880 the Jefferson County Commissioners decided to repair the Mount Vernon Toll Road and operate it as a free thoroughfare. This decision dealt the final blow to the old Apex Road.
The old Apex town site slumbered in obscurity for many years. Then, in the 1950‟s Apex again regained the spotlight for two very different reasons. First, in 1957 Hathaway Investment Corporation began selling stock in “Magic Mountain, Inc.” The group‟s intention was to build a theme park at the old Apex site rivaling the newly opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The park would feature a frontier village, a
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 9 storybook-land for children and other western-themed entertainment facilities. A prestigious groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 3, 1957 with Colorado Lieutenant Governor Frank Hays in attendance. The park was slated to open by June 1, 1958. However, financial difficulties plagued the project and in the fall of 1959, a much smaller version of the original park opened on weekends only. Later that year, the Magic Mountain group was in bankruptcy. The 12,000 Coloradans who invested in the Magic Mountain scheme never recovered their investments. Second, the Harvard excavations uncovered the “Magic Mountain” site.
In 1969 Steven Arnold purchased the Magic Mountain location. Although his plans for the property included extensive residential development, the actual result was the opening of Heritage Square in June 1971. Heritage Square is a replica Old West town with various specialty shops located in the Victorian-style buildings. The Heritage Square Music Hall is famous for its melodrama and musical reviews, which always include a tremendous amount of audience participation.
Much of the area surrounding Heritage Square was purchased by Jefferson County Open Space in the fall of 1974, with additional areas being added since then through purchase and donation. By hiking the steep trails through the park, visitors can traverse the same routes taken by Colorado‟s prehistoric hunters over 5,000 years ago; “Argonauts” who came here hunting riches from the earth; town founders who had a dream of creating a great community; and those who envisioned their very own Disneyland here in Jefferson County.
Acquired: Apex Park was acquired in nine separate fee purchases, a land exchange and three easements over a 28-year period between 1974 and 2002. Two purchases from Good Financial Corp. in 1974 and 1976 form the core of the Park and total just less than 492 acres. In addition to the property acquired in fee, successful completion of the Lafarge land exchange rendered most of the trail lease irrelevant as the County owns all of the land the trail is located on except for a short section of trail crossing City of Golden property. In 2002, Open Space acquired a public Access Easement across a portion of Heritage Square to access the newly acquired parking lot parcel.
The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) passed several Resolutions authorizing the nine purchases. A sampling of language describing the purpose for these acquisitions from several of these Resolutions includes the following: That this property is a highly visible, very attractive, and desirable parcel of open space and will help meet the recreational needs of the residents of Jefferson County. Apex Gulch is of historic significance as an early toll road. [Will provide for] Apex Gulch Trail corridor. Apex Gulch Trail can tie into other trails including Beaver Brook making this acquisition a critical link between the foothill trail system and state trails. Preservation of Front Range Mountain Backdrop/Foreground Preservation area. Preservation of Deadman Gulch Natural Area as identified in the Natural Heritage
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 10 Inventory. Trailhead needs and expansion of Apex Park. Medium to high wildlife habitat according to the Master Plan.
Natural and Cultural Resources: 1. Vegetative Acreage (Major Habitat Types, Community Types, and Plant Communities in the Rocky Mountains; USFS)
Foothills Grassland-23 Acres Little Bluestem/Blue Grama-15 Acres Mountain Muhly/Streambank Wheatgrass-8 Acres
Foothills Shrubland-447 Acres Mountain Mahogany/Needle and Thread-447 Acres
Foothills Woodland-169 Acres Douglas-fir/Cliff Jamesia-110 Acres Ponderosa Pine/Mountain Mahogany-22 Acres Douglas-fir/ Mountain Ninebark-20 Acres Rocky Mountain Juniper/Mountain Mahogany-17 Acres Riparian-17 Acres Narrowleaf Cottonwood/Willow-10 Acres Blue Spruce/Heartleaf Arnica-7 Acres
2. Wildlife Values Given the Park‟s geographic location, size, level of human use and its structural diversity, Apex Park ranks average in terms of its wildlife habitat values with resident deer, ranging elk, and an occasional black bear or mountain lion sighting. On the hogback, Swainson‟s Hawk has been observed and a possible Mexican Woodrat Nest has been noted. As mentioned above, a variety of rare moth and butterfly species exist in the park.
3. Weed Management Weed invasion is a serious potential threat to a number of rare Lepidoptera species, and the possible presence of these species should be considered when managing weeds at Apex Park, particularly in the Deadman Gulch area. Various species of noxious weeds were found in the Park, including but not limited to Canada thistle, Musk thistle, and Dalmatian toadflax. An active weed management program has been, and will continue to be, in place using chemical, mechanical and biological controls.
4. Forest Management Although Apex Park has had a forest management plan since 1988, the Park has seen little forest management other than monitoring and mountain pine beetle control. As with all our parks, our goal is to preserve and improve the quality and diversity of the landscape. With this in mind, no major forest management projects Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 11 have been implemented because of the high impact to gain access to the Park. Wildfire in the area is a concern due to the steepness and fuel loading of the area combined with the residential development of the surrounding area.
5. Cultural Resources Apex Park is located along Apex Gulch approximately two miles south of downtown Golden, Colorado and situated near the historic mining town of Apex. While the town of Apex is thought to be buried under the parking lot of the retail center “Heritage Square,” another section of the Park holds one of Colorado‟s best known prehistoric archaeological sites, Magic Mountain. Magic Mountain was the site of a major archaeological excavation effort in 1959 and 1960 by Cynthia Irwin-Williams and Henry Irwin of Harvard University.
The Magic Mountain archaeological site, named for the nearby amusement park of the time, formed the basis for Cynthia Irwin-Williams doctoral dissertation. A subsequent monograph written by Ms. Irwin-Williams and her brother Henry J. Irwin was published by the Denver Museum of Natural History (Irwin-Williams and Irwin 1966). Since the monograph‟s publication, the site has served as a cornerstone for virtually all important archaeological research in the Colorado Front Range region and has provided a basis for comparison and contrast of data from hundreds of other sites.
The monograph introduction includes a synopsis of looting activities at the site up to the 1950s and an account of a prehistoric burial removed by the Denver Museum of Natural History archaeologists Harold and Elizabeth Huscher in 1941. The 1959- 1960 excavations themselves revealed rich, stratigraphically superimposed archaeological deposits to depths of 15 feet and representing several thousand years of human occupation. The site is important not only because of the sheer density and diversity of cultural materials recovered, but also because of the Irwins‟ attempts to age the deposits through correlation with known geological sediments; the use of detailed artifact typologies to distinguish culture complexes both vertically and horizontally; and attempts to define interregional relationships through comparison of specific artifact types.
The Irwins investigations produced two primary classes of cultural remains: features and material culture. Features were defined as architectural in nature and comprise hearths and burials at the Magic Mountain site. Hearths were rather sparsely represented at the excavations with only six examples recorded and three burials described in the report. Material culture was defined as objects modified by human intervention. The major classes of artifacts described were lithics (chipped and ground stone), ceramics and bone. Small quantities of shell, wood and leather also were present.
Later work at the site, excluding that of looters, includes excavation by Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1974 by Professor Jiri Vondracek and the initial recording of the site for the Colorado Archeological Survey in 1979. A second significant
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 12 excavation was undertaken by Centennial Archaeology in 1994 and 1996. Listed as a “threatened resource” by the Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation at the Colorado Historical Society, Centennial Archaeology set out in their 1994 investigations to ascertain how much of the site remained intact. It was uncertain if any portions of it had escaped the effects of development, pot hunting and prior professional evacuation.
The initial testing and coring phase in 1994 indicated that an area north of a portion of the 1959-1960 Harvard excavation offered the greatest potential for significant buried cultural remains. The testing phase resulted in the collection of more than 40,000 lithic artifacts, over 20,000 pieces of bone, 83 ceramic sherds and a variety of ancillary botanical and radiocarbon samples. In the 1996 excavations a number of architectural and nonarchitectural features were exposed in the grid block including the remains of two prehistoric structures. The sheer volume of materials necessitated that excavation for the most part be restricted to the uppermost units identified by the Harvard investigators.
The rich and diverse material culture assemblage associated with the site is believed to be representative of various domestic, culinary and manufacturing tasks typically accomplished at residential bases. A high density of chipped stone indicates that the manufacture, use and maintenance of flake stone tools were a major activity. The sandstone and granitic materials serving as the raw materials for metates and manos were easily procured from the immediate site vicinity. The ceramic collection is primarily comprised of cord-marked varieties typical of the Ceramic stage of the Western High Plains.
The most significant aspect of the 1994 and 1996 excavations were the presence of architecture. A massive dry-laid rock wall was exposed in the deepest portion of the pit. Directly overlying the rock wall is an evidently later structure that is distinguished by a unique tamped sandstone floor and associated rock wall rubble. The effort required to construct such features suggests extended periods of seasonal occupation with possible reuse of the site through time.
Activities: Hiking, biking, running/jogging, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and non-personal interpretation (historic).
Visitation and Use Trends: The average annual visitation to Apex is 50,000. The 2001 user survey indicates that 60% of park users mountain bike, 34% hike, 14% run/jog and less than 1% ride horseback. For the same months, the visitor survey in 2004 revealed that of the 301 surveys collected 28% hike, 21% run/jog and over 62% bike. The visitor survey in 2007 shows that 57% of park visitors mountain bike, 28% hike and 11% run/jog.
It is worth noting that the level of perceived importance of potable water is much greater than the actual satisfaction of availability. The need for a water source in Apex Park is
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 13 Figure 2a: Apex Park Location Map apparent.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 14 Figure 2b: Apex Park Map
Figure 2b: Apex Park Map
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 15
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 16 Figure 2c: Apex Park Acquisition History
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Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 17 Figure 2d: Apex Park Opportunities and Constraints Plan
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 18
Management Context:
This section identifies and describes the Management Units that have been designated for Apex Park. See Figure 2e.
Sensitive Area Management Unit: All species of wildlife, even those that are adaptable and visible, require some degree of undisturbed space and time for certain aspects of their life history (breeding, foraging, resting, hiding, etc.). If portions of the landscape are available with little to no disturbance, these species will utilize them as needed and thus continue to occupy and utilize the entire landscape. Eventually, those species of wildlife that are adaptive will become part of the more visible watchable wildlife that the public has come to observe and enjoy on Open Space parks.
Below is the justification for designating the area of Apex Park known as Deadman Gulch as a Sensitive Management Unit, and thereby, limiting and controlling public access. 1. The Deadman Gulch area (noted in the 1993 Natural Heritage Inventory conducted by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and the Nature Conservancy) will be deemed a Sensitive Area. The Deadman Gulch area is home to, or contains critical habitat for, numerous species of very localized moths and butterflies (Pineda 1999). Detrimental effects to critical habitat for the above species of concern include habitat fragmentation, residential encroachment, recreational development, fire suppression and noxious weed invasion. Due to recent development of the private portions of Deadman Gulch, part of the habitat required to support the species of concern is imperiled. In order to preserve the remaining habitat, Jefferson County Open Space has deemed the area a Sensitive Management Unit. Butterflies and species of concern at Apex Park and the Natural Heritage Program Rankings: Hops-feeding azure butterfly (Celestrina humulus) G2/S2 Arogos Skipper (Atryton arogos) G3/G4/S2 Mottled dustywing (Erynnis martialis) G4/S2/S3 Crossline Skipper (Polites origenes rhena) G5/S3
Natural Area Management Unit: Below is the justification for designating the majority of the Park as a Natural Area Management Unit, and thereby, providing public access in the form of natural surface trails. Approximately 28 additional acres of property have been added from the Lafarge land trade as of November 15, 2002.
1. Recreational Resources This area contributes to the Open Space vision of preserving the Front Range
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 19 Mountain Backdrop/Foreground Preservation area. The Apex Trail is a designated component of the National Trails System by U.S. Department of the Interior and Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service. The area provides opportunities for further ecological study and research. The central location and easy access to the Park from Denver and surrounding suburbs offers the visitor a convenient, recreational option for multi-use trail activity.
2. Cultural Resources Concerned with the preservation of cultural resources as stewards for the State of Colorado, a Class III Cultural Resource Inventory of Apex Park was conducted in 1998. The survey found two prehistoric archeological sites and eight isolated finds within the Park, as well as remnants of a historic toll road leading to the gold fields of Central City (then known as the Gregory Diggings). Due to the wide distribution of cultural remains in Apex Park and the Park‟s proximity to the Magic Mountain site, the potential for cultural remains eroding from subsurface deposits not already identified are extremely high. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken with any ground disturbing activities. Please contact Open Space Planning section prior to any ground disturbing activities.
3. Wildlife Usage Due to the geological features and natural corridors of this area, the Park has an assortment of wildlife including deer, elk, black bears and the occasional mountain lion, providing watchable wildlife for park visitors.
4. Vegetative Resources The area has a high degree of plant diversity due to the numerous community types found in an area of transition from plains to the foothills. The Park has exceptional examples of mountain shrubland (mountain mahogany/needle and thread) community types considered by the Natural Heritage Program as a habitat type of concern.
Recreation Services and Amenities Area: Below is the justification for designating the parking area of Apex Park as a Recreation Services and Amenities Area, and thereby, providing recreational facilities for large numbers of visitors. Approximately four acres of additional property have been added from the Lafarge land trade as of November 15, 2002.
This area will be developed to accommodate a large number of park visitors.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 2013 20
Figure 2e: Apex Park Management Unit Designation Map
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 21 2013
Apex Park Leases, Easements, Contracts and Agreements: Jefferson County Open Space often enters into agreements with other public and private organizations and individuals on behalf of a park. These agreements sometimes help the park to fulfill its recreational or stewardship objectives while providing a service or benefit to the other party. Agreements of this type are legally binding, and as a result, form a critical element of a park‟s legal and policy context. Leases, easements, contracts and agreements entered into on behalf of this park are outlined in Table 1a below.
TABLE 2a: APEX PARK LEASES, LICENSES, EASEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS Agreement Type Agreeing Parties Reception No. Description Location Easement, lease, Right-of-way on road crossing west side of the Grantor/Grantee etc. park Access Easement, existing rd that stops short Real Estate ROW Weller/JCOS 83062379 of actual OS land. (Quit Claim acquiring 2.452 Files acres of Apex Rd. and Pine View Ave.) Perpetual non-exclusive easement for ingress/egress in, over, under and across a Good Financial Real Estate Access Easement 77853432 road shown on Lookout Mtn. Park Subdivision Corp./JCOS Files #2 plat (part of Bargain and Sale Deed for 91 acres of Apex) Bachman family conveyed to County an Real Estate Access easement Bachman/JCOS F0203586 Easement for public, maintenance and Files administrative access to Apex Park. Lafarge granted County three Access Easements for public/administrative access F1609856 across Lafarge's property to Apex Park from F1609857 Real Estate Access easement Lafarge/JCOS US 40. (F1609856, F1609857, F1609858) F1609858 Files Lafarge conveyed an Easement to County for F1609861 administrative access along a 50'-wide corridor (F1609861). Golden granted County a formal trail easement for Apex trail as it crosses Tract A of the City of Real Estate Trail easement 2005087447 Heritage Square Filing #2 plat and defines the Golden/JCOS Files County's maintenance responsibility and allows for trail realignment. Water line JCOS/City of Unrecorded Water line from City of Golden Real Estate easement Golden Storage Tank Files Water Line JCOS/City of Utility Easement Easement Golden JCOS/City of Easement for Apex trail to cross Heritage Real Estate Utility Easement Golden Square property Files Virginians-Heritage Real Estate Trail Easement Square Co/JCOS Files JCOS/City of Real Estate Utility Easement Water Line Easement 1996 Golden Files Water Line JCOS/City of Road Easement to access Golden Water Real Estate
Easement Golden supply Files Rd Access JCOS/City of Real Estate Water Line Easement 1981 Easement Golden Files Water Line JCOS/City of Real Estate Tank Easement Easement Golden Files JCOS/City of Real Estate Easement Water Line Easement Golden Files Real Estate Utility Easement JCOS/LaFarge 20‟ Utility Easement over 30 acre parcel Files JCOS/Public 8‟ Utility Easement along north line of 30 acre Real Estate Utility Easement Service/ parcel Files
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 22 2013
Work Plan Summary:
The Figure on the following page reflects the five-year financial strategy for Apex Park. The “issue-driven” actions identified in the Actions Map (Figure 2f) corresponds alpha- numerically to the “Action Items,” portion of this chapter. The Actions Map (Figure 2f) shows the temporal relationship between the issues.
Definitions:
1) System-wide Priority Criteria
A decision whether to implement a particular management action is based on system-wide priorities, which are derived from the following criteria:
Universal accessibility/life safety/public health Resource protection Special studies/planning Cyclic maintenance
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 23 2013
***Actions Map NOT AVAILABLE***
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 24 2013
Action Items:
An explanation of identified issues specific to Apex Park and the actions proposed to resolve them follow. The issues and actions articulated below correspond alpha- numerically to Figure 2f. Implementation of the preferred management options may be limited by staffing and/or budget constraints.
Trailhead Improvements: A.1. The park currently lacks adequate facilities to accommodate its level of use. A.2. The Lafarge land exchange provides for County ownership (replacing the current A.3. lease), thus providing the opportunity to develop a more appropriate facility. This property is within the City of Golden and may be subject to their review and approval process.
Actions to be addressed include: 1) Developing and implementing the trailhead concepts/schematic design, including the City of Golden in the process; 2) Designing improvements and gain permitting approvals; and, 3) Constructing improvements.
Projected Action Lead Action Team Completion Date
A.2. Mark Hearon Chris Nichols, Sean Kluesner, Tim Design/negotiation Sandsmark, Dave Davenport / Joel Miller, of Hank Mifflin, James Callahan, Don Voisinet restroom/trailhead A.2.a. Conduct 1/31/2012 Mark Hearon Don Voisenet, B.J. Ellison drainage study for trailhead area A.2.b. Negotiate and 5/31/2012 Mark Hearon Don Voisenet, B.J. Ellison, Tim Sandsmark, complete agreement Amy Ito, Tom Hoby with Golden and LaFarge for placement of facilities and utilities A.2.c Design 5/31/2012 Don Voisenet Chris Nichols, Sean Kluesner, Tim restroom with internal Sandsmark, Dave Davenport / Joel Miller, review Hank Mifflin, James Callahan, Don Voisinet
A.2.d. Design other 12/31/2012 Mark Hearon Chris Nichols, Sean Kluesner, Tim trailhead and parking Sandsmark, Dave Davenport / Joel Miller, lot improvements with Hank Mifflin, James Callahan, Don Voisinet internal review
Future Management of City of Golden-Owned Trail Portion: B.1. The eastern most 200-foot section of trail near the present trailhead was not included in the Lafarge land exchange and is still covered by the 25-year lease
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 25 2013 that expires in 2004.
Staff will pursue discussions with Golden to determine future management responsibility of the trail. Open Space management does not include the Kinney Run Trail and the associated bridge. This will be addressed at the same time as the development and implementation of trailhead concepts/schematic design noted in “Trailhead Improvements” above. B.1. HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Magic Mountain Archeological Site: C.1. There is a high probability that the archaeological resources at Apex Park and Magic Mountain, which are located on City of Golden property, are related historically. They should therefore be managed together for continuity in interpretation and preservation efforts to the public, despite differences in ownership.
Staff will pursue discussions with the City of Golden regarding the possibility of Open Space managing the site. Additionally, staff will include this site in the trailhead concepts/schematic design planning process, if possible. C.1. HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Apex and Gregory Wagon Road: D.1. The existing historic and cultural values of the old Gregory Wagon Road will be D.2. preserved and maintained.
To accomplish this, staff will inventory and document the condition of the existing historic rock walls along the old road. Stabilization will be undertaken, as necessary. D.1. AND D.2. HAVE BEEN COMPLETED
Deadman Gulch: E.1. Further study is required to determine if the area identified in the Natural Heritage Inventory warrants permanent designation as a Sensitive Area. This area has been deemed a temporary Sensitive Area pending further evaluation.
Staff will contract with a qualified Lepidopterist to determine the specific habitat and presence of the moths and butterflies of concern, as well as to assess the impacts of trail development on those species. E.1. HAS BEEN COMPLETED
Apex to Chimney Gulch Trail: F.1. This trail connection could help disperse use and may be pursued pending the F.2. outcome of the Deadman Gulch study noted above. F.3. F.4. Actions to be addressed include: 1) Evaluating the results of the Deadman Gulch study and determining whether to pursue a trail connection; 2) Developing a trail plan; 3) Acquiring a right-of-way for the trail; and Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 26 2013 4) Constructing the improvements. F.1. THROUGH F.4. HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. Trail User Conflicts: G.1. Survey data from 2001 indicate that user conflicts remain higher at Apex than at G.3. other Open Space parks. However, conflicts did decrease slightly on weekends from 18.1% in 1996 to 17.1% in 2001. The 2004 survey shows a decrease to 11.5% for weekends.
In addition to maintaining volunteer and staff time at the park at the present maximum levels, staff will 1) Develop and implement a regional trail map to further assist “de-marketing” efforts; 3) Conduct visitor survey in 2007. G.1. and G. 3. HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
Interpretive Opportunities: H.1. Open Space‟s Interpretive Master Plan reflects the provision of non-personal H.2. interpretive services at Apex Park. The management action to address this issue is to design and construct interpretive wayside exhibits and/or other non-personal interpretive media in the Recreation Services and Amenities areas of the park, per this Master Plan.
Action to be taken: 1) Plan and design interpretive media; 2) Fabricate and install interpretive media.
Apex to Matthews/Winters Park Trail: I.1. A trail linking Apex and Matthews/Winters Parks could be developed to help I.2. disperse use at both parks. I.3. I.4. Actions to be addressed include: 1) Coordinating with CDOT on a traffic/pedestrian signal; 2) Developing a trail plan; 3) Developing agreements with CDOT; 4) Design the trail; 5) construct the trail.
Apex Adjacent Acquisition: J.1. In an effort to protect mountain backdrop values and to protect and preserve J.2. more of the Deadman Gulch butterfly habitat, we will explore acquisition of a property contiguous to two sides of Apex Park on its northern end.
Actions to be addressed include: 1) Advance proposal to acquire property; 2) Acquire property. J.1. HAS BEEN COMPLETED Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 27 2013
Trail Use/Management Options: Staff are considering employing new use/management options to address intense visitor use which is affecting both trail maintenance and visitor experiences at Apex Park. Muddy conditions in spring combined with heavy bike/foot traffic have caused considerable erosion and widening of the trail bed. Staff have proposed seasonal trail closures during March, April and May beginning in 2010. This does not mean closure for three months, but sometime within that time frame. In addition, the 2007 Apex Visitor survey supports past findings in 2001 and 2004 of high visitor numbers and conflict between mountain bikers and other users. Several ideas have been proposed to respond to the conflict. 1) Designating certain trails/trail sections for a particular user group, like the hiker-only trail at Lair of the Bear. 2) Routing bikers in one particular direction along trails to minimize conflict. 3) Establishing alternate use days which has had considerable success at Centennial Cone. K.1. Meet with Trails Task Force and other stakeholders to discuss both seasonal closures and trail use options (alternate days, etc.) and public outreach steps. COMPLETE K.2. Develop education materials & signs including directional signs and map signs, kiosk, banner, brochure, website, bandana, etc. a. Install signs b. Develop and implement education events c. Conduct other outreach to TUTF, user groups (i.e. COMBA), bike shops, neighborhoods, etc. COMPLETE K.3. Trail planning/design to include survey and layout of new trail alignments and identification of strategic locations for traffic calming devices as well as design of the calming devices. COMPLETE K.4. Construction of two new trail segments and calming devices. COMPLETE K.5. Monitor Apex for 3 years, beginning in 2010 to determine if modifications to management practices are warranted, focusing on safety and risk management, alternating day system, trail segments affected by directional biking, visitor use patterns, carrying capacity and natural resource management and protection.
L.1. Removal of rogue trail in sensitive area and sensitive area signage and neighborhood education.
L.1.a. Develop plan for removal of trail, education of neighbors, enforcement and removal of trail. Action Lead: TBD Action team: Colton Secary, Sean Kluesner, Tim Sandsmark, Dave Davenport / Joel Miller, Eric Collette, Mark Hearon, Bridgit Coffman/Public Information
L.1.b Implement Plan L.1.b.1 additional boundary fencing and signage for sensitive area (Action Lead: Colton Secary; Action team members: Erik Collette) Projected completion date: 5/1/2012 Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 28 2013
L.1.b.2 additional enforcement of sensitive area. (Action Lead/Team: Erik Collette), Projected completion date: 11/1/2012
L.1.b.3 education to neighbors via HOA, public meetings, and newsletters. (Action Lead: Public Information; Action team: Bridgit Coffman, Tim Sandsmark and Erik Collette), Projected completion date: 5/1/2012
L.1.b.4 change maps in brochures and kiosk, website to reflect sensitive area. (Action Lead/Team: Bridgit Coffman)
L.1.c. Remove trail L.1.c.1 Remove trail and revegetate area (Action Lead: Dave Davenport; Action Team: Joel Miller and Sean Kluesner), Projected completion date: 11/1/2012
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Discussion Items:
Although the following discussion items were not considered issues by Open Space staff, they are included here for the administrative record.
1. Informal Parking At Colorow Road Occurs in road right-of-way off of Open Space property. No signs presently exist and the team views this as a Highways and Transportation issue.
2. Water Tank Jurisdiction (Access from De France Way) Question as to where Golden City Limits are in relation to Apex Park along the east property boundary. An adjacent resident who lives on De France Way (last house on west side) had complained about teenagers partying at the end of the road near the access gate. We need to determine who has jurisdiction over such matters in this location.
3. Boundary Fencing/Gates There was an issue identified in 2004 at 588 Blue Jay Drive where the adjacent owner removed the JCOS boundary fence in order to construct a gate from his fenced lot to gain access to JCOS property. The owner was fined for destruction of county property. The team needs to keep this potential access issue in mind if a trail connection to the north is eventually agreed upon. Access from the adjacent neighborhood should occur at designated points such as HOA common areas rather than individual lots.
A decision was made in 2006 (action items E.1. and F.1.) to not pursue a trail connection to the north via the north area of the park due to the extant rare butterfly habitat.
4. Rooney Hogback Addition The Management Team approved the addition of the Hogback to the Apex PMP near the end of 2003. Over the years it has remained closed to public use. A social trail along the ridgeline along with observations from park staff indicate that the park is experiencing some degree of unauthorized use. Additionally, there has been some concern regarding the potential for hazards due to historic mining activities. These areas have been sealed off but are still in question. Golden is in the process of annexing land that includes the ball fields currently under construction. At this point, it is unclear as to what our management may entail since we are proposing that they take the entire hogback property. At a minimum, it looks as though Golden will have some enforcement responsibility for a portion of the east side of the hogback.
In 2004, the Rooney Hogback was approved by OSAC to be turned over to the City of Golden per Resolution #04-11. JCOS will retain the option of developing a
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 30 2013 trail along the west side of the Hogback. In 2006 the lease agreement was finalized. JCOS retains ownership, and Golden has all management responsibilities. 5. Lafarge Parking There is a license agreement in place until 2008 which allows for LaFarge to park cars on Apex Park just to the north of Heritage Square for up to 6 Special Events per year.
6. Magic Mountain Archaeological Site This issue existed as action item C.1. until the October 25, 2006 annual update meeting. It was determined that the City of Golden had little interest in changing the status quo management procedure regarding the Magic Mountain site. It is possible that as interpretive programs begin in 2009 that Hiwan/LMNC staff may want to revisit the possibility of using this site.
7. Regional Trail Map This issue existed as action item G.1. until the October 25, 2006 annual update meeting. It was determined that a regional trail map will be placed on the permanent kiosk at the east trailhead.
8. Repairs On Enchanted Forest Trail In 2006, Enchanted Forest Trail was identified by staff as needing some significant repairs. As this is a popular trail, the team decided to notify the Trail Use Task Force about the impending changes and may take other public outreach steps, such as informational signs, as well.
9. Enforcement And Continued Education Regarding New Management With visitor use changes taking place, staff have noted that it might be important to expand educational and enforcement programs (Bike Right, DEEPs, etc.) and possibly consider implementing an ambassador type program.
Effective March 15, 2010 Odd-numbered day, one-way biking went into effect on certain segments of Apex, Argos and Enchanted Forest trails within the park. Staff taking steps to monitor the success of the new management strategy and its ability to improve visitor experiences and safety within the park.
10. Rogue Trail In late summer 2011, an extensive and intensively developed rogue trail was discovered on the northern portion of Apex that has caused significant damage to the resource, including brush removal and rock work, etc. (Management of Unauthorized Trails Directive document defines a Rogue Trail as, "Any unauthorized trail constructed by the public." A Social Trail is defined as, "Any unauthorized trail formed by casual use or a game trail used by the public." The trail in question runs from the Eagle Ridge subdivision onto Apex Park and continues south over several drainages including Deadman Gulch drainage which contains habitat for a variety of moth/butterfly species of significance noted in reports from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. It‟s advisable that we incorporate information from these reports and the upcoming CNHP biological survey into the decision-making process for Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 31 2013 management actions in our parks, particularly within sensitive areas.
General consensus of the group was to eliminate the rogue trail and to discourage any access across the sensitive area. Instead, residents should be encouraged to use the existing concrete trail through the neighborhood that connects to Apex Park. It will be important to educate residents about the sensitive area and why it‟s necessary to deter access. The boundaries of the sensitive area as depicted on the existing PMP map should be provided to the public.
Erik Collette noted there are two separate enforcement issues: rogue trail construction and neighborhood access on the sensitive area. Rangers are currently monitoring the area for anyone constructing/expanding the trail. Once caught, this person(s) would be issued a summons, and pending an investigation, could potentially be prosecuted for damages and recovery costs associated with repairing those damages. Enforcement of the closed sensitive area is dependent upon two factors: establishment and signage of the sensitive area boundaries on the ground and education of the public regarding the sensitive area. Natural Resources staff will take the lead in setting the sensitive area boundary. Rangers and Public Information will play a key role in the education process.
Chris Nichols suggested that any activity be formalized as an official action item. There was general concurrence with this approach. Apex rogue trail removal would become Action L on the Actions Map.
The following actions will need to occur to address the rogue trail construction and sensitive area closure: Enforcement regarding rogue trail construction -- Rangers Identify sensitive area boundary on the ground -- Natural Resources Additional signage/sign plan for sensitive area as necessary -- Education of neighbors about sensitive area -- Public information/rangers Notice to neighbors via letter or meeting with HOA -- Public Information Enforcement regarding neighborhood access across sensitive area Additional boundary fence construction --- Park Services Re-vegetation[upon completion of Ranger's investigation of incident] -- Trails Update PMP --- Real Estate
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 32 2013
Chapter 3: Detailed Information on Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve
Introduction:
Park Vision: The management of Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve (LMNC&P) reflects Jefferson County Open Space‟s commitment to preservation, conservation, and education. This is accomplished through providing a spectrum of opportunities for recreational, educational and interpretive programs, exhibits and activities at the Nature Center and Preserve and throughout the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) system.
Balancing human use with resource preservation is accomplished through the application of management units upon the landscape, which define a spectrum of recreational opportunities, environmental education and interpretation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation efforts. LMNC&P has two Management Unit Designations, each emphasizing different priorities for the provision of recreational opportunities, interpretive and educational programming and protection of the park's resources.
LMNC&P is in a position to align itself as a model open space education facility through its partnerships with other area nature centers, Colorado Open Space Alliance, Association of Nature Center Administrators, Colorado Association for Environmental Education and National Association of Interpretation. Through its emphasis on quality educational programming, exhibits, interpretive media, sustainable design and natural resource demonstration areas, LMNC&P can be a standard to which other nature centers and resource management agencies aspire. In turn, LMNC&P will continue to keep pace with natural history education trends, methods and best practices to maintain that leading edge. In addition, LMNC&P will strive for the highest standards of professionalism through applicable staff training, certification and nature center accreditation.
Location and Description: The Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is located north of I-70 and west of Golden on Lookout Mountain at 910 Colorow Road. See Figure 3a.
The Preserve is home to the Boettcher Mansion, Lookout Mountain Nature Center, a small picnic area and 2.5 miles of trails with access to adjoining trails in neighboring Open Space parks. The Nature Center building demonstrates sustainable design and serves as an interpretive center for Jefferson County Open Space, offering information services and exhibits on a variety of topics. Interpretive and educational programs, interpretive media and other services are offered at the Center and in many Open Space parks by professional staff on a variety of subjects.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 2: Apex Park Jefferson County Open Space 33 2013
Chronology of Development: 1974 - Initial remodeling and restoration of the Mansion occurred to bring the building to a useable condition. This was done under the supervision of the County Manager. 1974 - The Forest Loop Trail and Council Ring were constructed. 1974 - The Meadow Loop Trail was constructed. 1978 - Lookout Mountain Trail was constructed along Colorow Road from Apex Park to the Nature Preserve Gate. 1981 - Lookout Mountain Trail was extended from the Nature Preserve Gate to Beaver Brook Trail near Windy Saddle. 1982 - The shop was expanded by adding a bay to the previously existing shed. Parking was expanded and material sheds constructed behind the shop. Security moved from the schoolhouse to the caretaker's house and Forestry moved into the schoolhouse. 1982 - Parking was expanded to serve the JCCNC. The original entry road was widened to accommodate two-way traffic and an iron gate was installed. Area lighting (overhead light fixtures and light bollard) was installed. The stone orientation kiosk was constructed in the style of the Mansion near the Carriage House. 1982 - A fire and security alarm system were added to the Mansion. 1984 - Interpretive signs were added at various points of interest along the Forest Loop. 1985-86 - A major remodeling of the Mansion was executed by Open Space. This created the new entryway on the north side of the Mansion. The garage under the caretaker's apartment was remodeled as the enlarged quarters for the Nature Center function. Nature Center coordinator (Melissa Clark) was hired for programming. 1987 - The parking area was expanded and additional area lighting installed. Landscape plantings were installed around the Mansion. 1989-90 - Open Space Security moved from the Caretaker‟s House and it was remodeled as the Nature Center. 1996 - Interpretive signs were removed from the Forest Loop. 1996 - New Nature Center building approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The project included an upgraded waterline to serve both the Boettcher Mansion and the Nature Center, a new leach field for the Nature Center, and expanded parking for the Nature Center. The grounds were identified as the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve to allow the Boettcher Mansion to identify their location. Two fire hydrants were installed with the water line and a third fire hydrant was installed across from the Shop on Colorow Road. A picnic area was constructed on the path between the Mansion and the Nature Center, and a connecting trail was constructed from the Nature Center to the Forest Loop along with a roofed kiosk adjacent to this trail. 1996 - The Naturalist staff moved to the Open Space building and the caretaker's house (Nature Center) was demolished. 1996-97 - Fire break thinning and fire-wise forestry projects around the new Nature Center building were carried out to enhance forest health and safety.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 34 2013 1997 - Fencing was removed from the portion of the property north of Colorow Road. 1997 - Road and Bridge paved Colorow Road from the Nature Preserve gate to Lookout Mountain Boulevard. November 7, 1997 - The Nature Center building was dedicated. 1998 - Ice shield and heat cables were installed on north-facing roof to mitigate ice damming. 1998 - Flagpole was installed north of the Nature Center. 1999 - Lightning protection devices were installed for Nature Center. 1999 - Exhibits Phase I (Migration and environmental pods I and II) were completed. 1999 - Buffalo Bill Trail was constructed as a hiker-only trail from Lookout Mountain Trail to the Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum. 2000 - Exhibits Phase II (Interactive Wall Panels and pod addition) were completed. 2000 - After a bus hits the gate, a new craftsman-style gate and stone entry walls were designed to recreate original design, then built and installed by Building Maintenance and Construction staff. 2001 - Exhibits Phase III (Wildlife Observation Room) were completed. 2004 - Sustainable design exhibit panels were added to interior building exhibit area and outdoor wayside exhibits to outside areas around nature center building. Outdoor exhibit panels on fire wise construction and native landscaping were also installed outside the building. 2004 - Garden revamp project was initiated to better define native garden areas and utilize interpretive plant maker signs. A native turf garden was created in front of the building and the gardens along walkway to building were improved and plant markers placed in both. 2005 - Natural resource management and Fire in the Pines exhibit panels were installed on the Forest Loop trail on the Preserve. Plant markers were installed in the garden areas around the building. 2005 – As a continuation of the native garden revamp, a National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Habitat Garden was created to replace the pollinator garden the center which at that time was first such garden at a public facility in Jefferson County 2005 - New Open Space Sampler interactive touch-screen computer station added to exhibit area. 2005 - Nature Center building logs and wood exterior was restained and painted by JCOS Building Maintenance and Construction staff. 2005 - Gaps between windows and logs in building were repaired. 2005 - Fire break thinning and fire-wise forestry projects throughout the Preserve and around the new Nature Center building were carried out to enhance forest health and safety. 2006 - Phase I of Boettcher Mansion renovation was completed which included a new slate roof, mechanical and electrical system upgrades including a new hot water heat system and air conditioning, a new addition on the east side of the building for a new kitchen and storage area and a snow and ice melt walkway system. 2006 - As a continuation of the native revamp, a shrub and shade garden were created in the back and front of the building respectively and plant markers placed in both. 2007 - Phase II of Boettcher Mansion renovation was completed which included Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 35 2013 finishing and equipping the new kitchen, remodeling the office and front reception area - restoration of the exterior stucco, timbers, and windows, and landscaping. 2007 - As a continuation of the native revamp, a new garden was created in the front and back of the building and plant markers placed in both. 2007 -New low level lighting was installed in the parking lots and along the nature center walkways around the building. 2007 -New benches made from logs harvested from forest thinning operations at LMNC Preserve and other JCOS parks were installed around the building. 2007 -Under guidance from our Trials and Park Maintenance sections, an Eagle Scout project was completed that constructed anew pole fence by the picnic area and a new crusher fine trail between the parking lot and building to provide better visitor flow and eliminate social trail development. 2007 -A new automatic door opening mechanism was installed to the front doors of the nature center building for easier access. 2007 - The old information kiosk was removed and a new one was installed near the entrance to the nature center building. 2007 - The front entry gate to the Boettcher Mansion and LMNC parking lots was totally rebuilt and a new automatic gate opening/closing system was installed. 2007 - The Discovery Room in the nature center was revamped to be more hands-on and interactive and targeted to younger children. This revamp includes a large scale “nest” seating area, books, tubs with touchable objects like animal hides, sculls, plant objects, etc. A large mural and costumes for kids to put on will be added in 2008. 2008 – Improvements were completed to the area across from the main gate (commonly called Colorow Point) to create a more formal area for parking and trailhead for Lookout Mountain Trail and to prevent abuse of this area (including dumping vehicles over the edge). Since most of this property belongs to Denver Mountain Parks, this necessitated an intergovernmental memorandum of agreement for management of this area. 2009 – New countertops in the bathrooms and kitchen made from a “green” material called PaperStone were installed. 2009 – New storage building was constructed in the back loading area of the LMNC basement area. 2009 – 24.3 acres of property to the west of Colorow Road was acquired from the McLeod family and added to the LMNC preserve. 2010 – New back deck and railing constructed for building. 2011 – New septic system installed for Boettcher Mansion. 2011 – New insulation and LED lighting installed in bathrooms and hall area.
Amenities:
Park Capacity: The Nature Center building capacity is 248 people. A visitation capacity has not been established for the property‟s Natural Area.
Program capacities for LMNC&P programming varies based on the type of program. Group programs are generally limited to 30 participants per naturalists except river- Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 36 2013 based group programs, which have a maximum capacity of 20 participants per naturalist. Public programs vary between unlimited participation for special events like the Wildflower Festival to a maximum of 15 participants for observatory programs at Pine Valley Ranch Park. Capacities are based on a variety of factors including staff availability, program goals and objectives and physical space.
Acreage: Approximately 134 acres
Historical Background: Charles Boettcher, a German immigrant, built the complex of buildings now known as the Boettcher Mansion. Boettcher became a self-made millionaire through his chain of hardware stores and then leadership in the cement and beet-sugar industries. Boettcher founded the Ideal Cement Company and the Great Western Sugar Company, and was involved in banking, mining, insurance, and even ownership of the Brown Palace Hotel.
In 1917, Charles Boettcher hired the Denver architectural firm of Fisher and Fisher to design a hunting lodge and summer home on Lookout Mountain. The beautiful stone buildings with their hand-carved beams are very much in the style of the contemporary Arts and Crafts movement. The complex eventually included the mansion itself, a carriage house, caretaker‟s house, and a gazebo. The Boettchers christened their new mountain retreat “Lorraine Lodge.” It was used as a mountain home by successive generations of the Boettcher relatives after Charles Boettcher‟s death in 1948 at the age of 96.
In December, 1968 Charles Boettcher‟s granddaughter, Charlene Breeden, deeded the Lorraine Lodge buildings and 110 acres of land to Jefferson County "exclusively as a public park, public library, and museum site and public recreation place for the benefit of the general public." This donation included the Mansion, associated Carriage House with caretaker's apartment above, Gazebo, caretaker's house, and the group of buildings now known as the Open Space shops. This group of buildings included the school house, shop and schoolteacher's residence (all within an area separated from the bulk of the property by a fence), as well as an outdoor fireplace area just below the shop. The donation became public after Mrs. Breeden‟s death in 1972.
Throughout the next several years, planning for the use of the buildings progressed and several nature trails were constructed. February 15, 1975 - Clyde Ford was hired as resident caretaker. In March 1975, the Lodge opened as the “Jefferson County Nature and Conference Center.” Initially, the Lodge was under the supervision of the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service with the "grounds" maintained by Jefferson County Open Space and Susan Becker was the first Director of the JCCNC and lived in the caretaker‟s house. The Nature Center was in one second-floor room of the Lodge. Two years later, Jefferson County Open Space Maintenance moved into the area now known as the Shop Complex with Frank Kunze as resident caretaker. The caretaker‟s home and schoolhouse at that location were used as offices for Maintenance and Security. Also in 1977, the total facility (including JCCNC) was moved to the supervision of the Open Space Department as authorized by BCC Resolution #77-158. Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 37 2013
In 1982, Susan Becker moved from the Caretakers House and it was remodeled as offices for Open Space Security and the County Pest Officer.
In 1985-86, Open Space remodeled and renovated Lorraine Lodge, adding the present entry area on the north side of the building. The ground floor of the carriage house was also remodeled to hold an enlarged Nature Center, and Melissa Clark was hired to coordinate Nature Center activities.
The Lorraine Lodge complex was rechristened the “Boettcher Mansion” and removed from Open Space supervision. It became an independent, self-sustaining “enterprise” function of Jefferson County in 1988. The following year the modular caretaker‟s house was remodeled and transformed into an independent Lookout Mountain Nature Center under Open Space administration. This transformation came about only after intense debate about the cost, during which elimination of the Nature Center was discussed. In 1988 most Open Space shop functions were moved to the new Open Space building at 700 Jefferson County Parkway. By 1994, the inadequacies of the tiny old caretaker‟s house were apparent. It was difficult to accommodate large school groups and the exhibits were worn and dilapidated. Jefferson County made the decision to demolish the old building and build an enlarged and improved Nature Center on the site. Andrews and Anderson, P.C., an architectural firm from Golden, Colorado, was chosen to design the new structure. The new Nature Center exemplifies the principles of “sustainable design.” Flooring is made of old boxcar lumber; ceiling tiles from recycled wood pulp; restroom floor tiles from recycled windshield glass; deck flooring from recycled soda bottles and sawdust. The completed Nature Center opened on November 7, 1997; to ecstatic comments from the staff and public. The center has won several design/architectural awards including the 1997 Jefferson County Design Excellence Award; “The Daily Journal” Best of Colorado Construction awards for Outstanding Public Project/1st Place and Outstanding Entertainment & Hospitality/Honorable Mention in 1997, and National Association of County Park and Recreation (NACPRO) Award in the Operational Facility category in 1998. The Open Space land surrounding the Nature Center became known as the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve.
During the next four years, the Nature Center exhibits were designed and completed. Original exhibit concept was developed by Support and Services for Exhibits and Collections working under contract with the Nature Center architect Andrews and Anderson, P.C. The exhibit concept was then transformed into exhibits by JCOS staff and Exhibit Design Partners of Evergreen, Colorado. The exhibits illustrate the interaction of wildlife, plants and humans, and the varied landscapes and habitat throughout Jefferson County. They particularly focus on the importance of JCOS parks for migrating birds and the uniqueness of the ponderosa pine forest found on the preserve. In 2000, the National Association of Interpretation awarded LMNC&P a third place National Media Award for Best Interior Exhibit.
In 2000, the Open Space Building Maintenance and Construction crew built a new gate to the Nature Center/Boettcher Mansion complex. Original designs commissioned by Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 38 2013 Charles Boettcher, but never constructed, were used to build the new gate. After the gate was damaged beyond repair, the gate was re-built in 2007 utilizing more durable materials, but maintaining the look of the gate.
In 2009, 24.3 acres on the west side of Colorow was acquired by JCOS from the McLeod family bringing preserve total to approximately 134 acres.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve functions as the main nature education facility of Jefferson County Open Space. The Nature Center staff also provides research and design guidance for many of the Open Space parks‟ interpretive plans and displays. The current Administrator of the Nature Center is Tim Sandsmark and past Administrators have included Susan Decker, Barbara Fahey, and Christine Leahy.
Acquired: The original 110 acre Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is located in portions of the S½ of Sections 5, and the N½ of Section 8 in T.4.S., R.70.W. of the Sixth PM. In 2009 24.3 acres on the west side of Colorow was acquired, bringing the preserve total to approximately 134 acres. This is located in Lots 1,2,3,4 and 6 of Section 5, Township 4S, Range 70 W.
On December 27, 1968, the Charles Boettcher family conveyed the Lookout Mountain property to Jefferson County as a Donation. The property was conveyed with the following conditions and stipulations:
That the property be set apart, dedicated, treated and maintained by the County as a public park, public library and museum site and a public recreation place for the benefit of the general public.
That the property shall never be transferred, sold, exchanged or encumbered by the County.
That failure to keep and observe the terms and conditions of the gift shall cause termination with full reverter to the Grantor.
On May 9, 1977, the Board of County Commissioners by Resolution #CC77-158 designated the property Open Space under the direction of the Open Space Director, except that the Boettcher Mansion and surrounding property necessary for the maintenance, security and preservation of the area would be funded by the County General Fund.
Natural and Cultural Resources: Cultural Resources: The Boettcher Mansion and associated buildings have been thoroughly inventoried and are on the National Register of Historic Places (see the history section above for more information about the Boettcher family and the mansion). No formal historical or cultural resource inventory has ever been completed for the Preserve as a whole however. The fireplace area and some of the buildings of the JCOS shop area may be historically Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 39 2013 significant and one of the management directions outlined in Chapter IV recommends conducting a historical assessment of this area. It is not known whether any resources of pre-historic significance are present on the preserve. LMNC&P buildings and facilities are outlined in the section below under “Facilities/Development”.
Natural Resources: The Lookout Mountain property has been inventoried on two occasions, first in1996 and again in the summer of 2003. The purpose of the inventory was to determine the forest‟s condition in order to create forest management plans that will improve forest health. The mountain meadow was surveyed to determine overall condition and species composition. The final inventory reports including maps of each block were completed in the spring of 2004.
The Lookout Mountain property has several vegetative types, which provide a diverse plant species composition and multiple habitat types for wildlife species. The inventory broke the property up into blocks that were based on similar vegetative types. The inventory report in the Appendix will provide a more detailed analysis of the inventory findings. There are three main vegetative types on the property.
1. Mountain meadow: This vegetative type is located at the southern end of the property and covers 50 acres. The meadow has been encroached upon by ponderosa pine seedlings and saplings, due to the absence of fire in the ecosystem. The Natural Resource staff is working to restore this area to a native mountain meadow. The primary native plants found in the meadow in 2003 were: green needle and thread grass (Stipa viridula) Letterman‟s needlegrass (Stipa lettermanii) elk sedge (Carex geyeri) goldenaster (Heterotheca fulcrata) Porter‟s aster (Aster porteri) sulphur flower (Eriogonum umbellatum) nodding onion (Alium cernuum) baby‟s breath (Gayophytum diffusum) wild taragon (Oligosporus dracunculus) The meadow has a large percentage of non-native species, which we are working to control and eradicate. The smooth brome has overtaken the drainages in the meadow, and the toadflax and thistle species are spread throughout the meadow. A few of these species include: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) smooth brome (Bromus tectorum) slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum) squirreltail (Sitanion hystrix) yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) dalmation toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) musk thistle (Carduus nutans) Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 40 2013
2. Ponderosa pine-savannah: These vegetative types are found at elevations from 5,500 to 8,800 ft. Healthy, mature ponderosa pine communities have a high species diversity of plants, shrubs, grasses and forbs, and provide habitat requirements for many wildlife species. The data collected using the RM stand method to determine forest density showed these stands were mature with a large vegetative component. The primary species found within these areas are: woods rose (Rosa woodsii) western chokecherry (Padus virginiana) wax currant (Ribes cereum) golden banner (Thermopsis divaricarpa) nodding onion (Allium cernuum) false solomon‟s seal (Smilacina stellata) yarrow (Achillea lanulosa) golden aster (Heterotheca fulcrata) elk sedge (Carex geyeri) Letterman needlegrass(Stipa lettermanii) little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) green needlegrass (Stipa viridula) western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) Parry oatgrass (Danthonia parryi) common timothy (Phleum pratense).
There were a number of non-native species within these blocks that need to be monitored. The non-native species of concern are: Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) dalmation toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) smooth brome (Bromus inermis) downy brome (Bromus tectorum)
3. Douglas-fir/ponderosa pine: The majority of the Douglas-fir component is on the north side of Colorow Road. The Douglas-fir is encroaching upon the ponderosa pine community from the north end creating a mixed conifer stand on this side of the property. The primary species found in, and associated with this vegetative type are: Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum) kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) woods rose (Rosa woodsii) Oregon grape (Mahonia repens) ninebark (Physocarpus monogynus) tuber starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana) common juniper (Juniperus communis) western choke cherry (Padus virginiana)
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 41 2013 false solomon‟s seal (Smilacina stellata) spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) elk sedge (Carex geyeri).
Wildlife: All three of these vegetation types provide habitat and foraging opportunities for a variety of wildlife species including: elk mule deer mountain lions Abert‟s squirrel a variety of avian species black bears
Restoring this area to pre-settlement conditions will encourage a healthier landscape for wildlife and plant communities. Future natural resource management of the property will encourage the restoration of natural processes, which will promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
Activities: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve offers several activities for visitors to participate in both on-site and in many JCOS parks.
On-site-activities include: Browsing the exhibits in the Nature Center building. Visitors are also aided in learning about the exhibits and JCOS parks by trained interpretive staff and volunteers. Learning about sustainable design and earth-friendly building methods used in the Nature Center through indoor and outdoor exhibits and staff and volunteer interpreters. Learning about native landscaping and plants through programming and outdoor exhibits related to LMNC&P‟s native gardens and native plants on the Preserve. Learning about natural resource management techniques and methods used by JCOS through programs and exhibits on the preserve. Receiving information about JCOS parks, area natural history, and area attractions. Using the facilities, including picnic tables, indoor and outdoor accessible restrooms. Hiking the Preserve trails or hiking to adjacent trails in Windy Saddle and Apex JCOS Parks and Denver Mountain Parks. Interpretive and educational programs and educational special events, such as the Wildflower Festival, Wonderfully Wild Halloween Trail and Nature‟s Gifts offered by LMNC staff. Utilization of the activity room for meetings, workshops, programs, etc., held by JCOS staff and outside organizations with educational missions similar to LMNC&P‟s. Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 42 2013 Enjoying scenic views of the Denver metro area from the Nature Center and trails. Learning about the Boettcher Mansion by taking tours of the historic Arts and Crafts style building or attending weddings, meetings, conferences, retreats, etc., held at the Mansion. Boettcher Mansion also hosts some special events such as bridal shows. Off-site activities include: Interpretive and educational programs offered at several JCOS Open Space Parks on a variety of topics, including astronomy at the Pine Valley Ranch observatory, bird migration, elk, mountain lions, bears and other wildlife, native plants, the ponderosa pine forest, fire, other natural resource topics and many others. Educational special events such as the Search the Night Skies programs at Pine Valley Ranch observatory, and Wings of Spring vignettes at Matthews/Winters and Crown Hill Parks, and other vignettes related to mountain lion, bears, native plants, elk and fire at several JCOS parks.
Visitation and Use Trends: Annual visitation at the Lookout Mountain Nature Center facility significantly increased when the new building was completed in November 1997. Before this time visitation was typically under 10,000 visitors. From 1998 through 2011 the visitation has ranged from a low of 28,436 in 2006 to a high of 38,479 in 2011. Public and group program numbers have varied during this same period.
Visitation/Program Participants (at LMNC and other JCOS parks) 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Nature Center Visitor Center 28,436 29,599 30,205 34,467 35,482 38,479 Public Programs 6,587 8,997 9,153 9,699 10,659 11,379 Group Programs 4,686 4,202 4,815 5,592 5,190 4,524 Pine Valley Depot 1,762 1,853 1,476 1,412 1,591 2,272 Use of activity Room 286 435 251 176 314 240 Total 41,757 45,086 45,900 51,346 53,236 56,894
While annual visitation/program participant numbers have varied over the last several years, 2011 was an all-time record year for program participants and visitors. Public program numbers set an all-time record for the third year in a row. Group program numbers were down slightly from the previous year. Visitor Center numbers were at the highest level on record and actually considering that prior to 2006, group program participants were also counted as visitor center visitors if the program occurred at the nature center, resulting in double counting, 2011 was by far the highest on record. This may have been due in part to a new brown information sign being installed in the spring of 2009 on westbound I-70. The sign eastbound is scheduled to be installed in 2012.
A high percentage of Nature Center visitors (over 50%) are from outside of Colorado and the United States, so visitation may be related to some degree to the economy, gasoline prices and tourism activity in the Denver metro area, region and state. Staff
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 43 2013 anticipates that numbers will remain similar in future years. Program numbers will continue to be dependent on a number of factors, including staff or volunteers available to conduct programs, school funding for field trips, school emphasis on standardized testing, weather and other factors. While adding new program staff is unlikely in the near future, it is anticipated that program numbers will remain strong and may increase slightly if more volunteer naturalists are trained and able to offer more programs.
Preserve and Nature Center Operations: On-site management of Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is predominantly the responsibility of the LMNC&P Administrator and staff under the supervision of Open Space‟s Administration and Education section.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 44 2013 Figure 3a: Lookout Mountain Nature Center Location Map
Figure 1. Lookout Mountain Nature Center Location Map
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Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 45 2013 Figure 3b: Lookout Mountain Nature Center Map
Lookout Region Management Plan To Golden Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 46 2013 To Windy Saddle Park
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Figure 3: Lookout Mountain Nature Center To Apex Park Conceptual Site Plan 3/10 c:\data\illustrator\mgmtplan\nature center Figure 3c: Lookout Mountain Nature Center Acquisition History Map
Fig. 2: LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER Acquisitions history
< B September, 1975 May, 1977 86 acres 110 acres
September, 1973 30 acres April, 1983 (part of 69) May, 2009 260 acres 24 acres
Source: Jefferson County Open Space 01/29/10 D:\Data\ArcGIS9\PMP\JCN\jcn_acq.mxd
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 47 2013
Figure 3d: Lookout Mountain Nature Center Opportunities and Constraints Plan
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 48 2013
Management Context:
This section identifies and describes the Management Units that have been designated for Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. See Figure 3e.
Natural Area Management Unit: The Lookout Mountain property will be designated a Natural Area with the exception of the Nature Center building and Boettcher Mansion, the parking lot serving the buildings, as well as the shop area to the southwest.
Below is the justification for designating the Preserve area of Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve a Natural Area Management Unit.
1. The mature ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir stands on the property and the mountain meadow allow for a diverse vegetative composition, which also provide habitat for wildlife. Designating this area “Natural” will ensure that the primary focus of management is to protect and restore natural processes to the landscape, which will enhance the overall species diversity. 2. The Nature Center allows a unique opportunity for the public to witness how a healthy, mature ponderosa pine forest looked before settlement, logging, and mining came through the Front Range. 3. The Nature Center Preserve will be used now and in the future to showcase natural resource management techniques that enhance and restore natural processes. 4. The management goal of this area is to create healthy forest and meadow habitat for wildlife and vegetative species. By designating this area “Natural,” we ensure the resources will be enjoyed by visitors in a setting that still protects the resources management has worked to restore.
Recreation Services and Amenities Area Management Unit: The Nature Center building and interpretive center, Boettcher Mansion and associated buildings, the parking lot serving the buildings, as well as the shop area to the southwest are designated Parkland Recreation.
Below is the justification for designating this area as a Parkland Recreation Management Unit.
1. The shop portion of this property is used as a material storage area and shop area for several sections of JCOS and is fenced and restricted from public access. 2. The Nature Center building sits in an area highly developed with parking lots, paved walkways, restroom facilities and other buildings. The primary use of these areas is for public visitation, educational programming, tours, and use of the building for meetings and conferences, and in the case of Boettcher Mansion, weddings and other functions.
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 49 2013
Figure 3e: Lookout Mountain Nature Center Management Unit Designation Map
FIG. 4: LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER Management Unit Designations
Windy Saddle Denver Park Mtn. Parks
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Sources: Jefferson County Open Space and Jefferson County IT Dept. 01/28/10 D:\Data\ArcGIS9\PMP\JCN\jcn_mud.mxd
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 50 2013
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve Leases, Easements, Contracts and Agreements: Jefferson County Open Space often enters into agreements with other public and private organizations and individuals on behalf of a park. These agreements sometimes help the park to fulfill its recreational or stewardship objectives while providing a service or benefit to the other party. Agreements of this type are legally binding, and as a result, form a critical element of a park‟s legal and policy context. Leases, easements, contracts and agreements entered into on behalf of this park are outlined in Table 1b below.
TABLE 3a: LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER AND PRESERVE LEASES, LICENSES, EASEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Agreeing Description Location Agreement Type Parties 110 Acre Breeden
property:
Reservations, All existing ditches, reservoirs, utilities, pipelines, Easements, roads, highways, trails, and rights of ways and From Breeden Deed Restrictions and Rights easements of Way. Bk 140 Pg 651 and Recp. Right of Way City of Golden Pipe Line #F0032960 Central Right of Way Colorado Power Electric Transmission Line Bk 153 Pg 268 Co. Union Pacific Mineral Reservation All Coal Bk 35 Pg 138 Railway Co. Right of Way John Geijsbeek Pipe Line Bk 186 Pg 449 Restrictions From Deeds Manufacture and sell of goods not allowed Bk 183 Pg 415, Bk 186 Pg 39
Lookout Bk 239 Pg 350, Bk 259 Pg All Minerals and Mineral Rights, Electric wires Mineral Reservation Mountain 387, Bk 66 Pg 376,& Pg 385, and Pipelines Securities Bk 231 Pg 229, 295 & 386
Easement City of Golden Water Lines Bk 1424 Pg 195 24 Acre McLeod
property addition: Terms, conditions, Warranty Deed recorded restrictions, mineral Terms, conditions, restrictions, mineral March 7, 1922 in Book 234 at reservations and reservations and easements as contained in Page 39, which does contain easements Warranty Deed a reverter clause.
All the right and interest in all coal and iron and all other minerals, together with the sole, Quitclaim Deed recorded April Mineral Reservation exclusive and perpetual right to explore for, 14, 197 1 in Book 2251 at remove and dispose of said minerals by any Page 796 means or method suitable to the grantee, its successors and assign Foothills Fire Instrument recorded Any assessment or lien of Foothills Fire Fire Protection Protection November 3, 1997 at Protection District District Reception No. F0502411. as disclosed by the instrument Highland recorded January 28, 2005 at Rescue/Medical Rescue Team Any assessment or lien of Highland Rescue Reception No. F2164998 and Emergency Ambulance Team Ambulance District March 4, 2005 at Reception District No. F2180957.
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Work Plan Summary:
The Figure on the following page reflects the five-year financial strategy Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve. The “issue-driven” actions identified in the Actions Map (Figure 3f) correspond alpha-numerically to the “Action Items,” portion of this chapter. The Actions Map (Figure 3f) shows the temporal relationship between the issues.
Definitions:
1) System-wide Priority Criteria
A decision whether to implement a particular management action is based on system-wide priorities, which are derived from the following criteria:
Universal Accessibility/life safety/public health Resource protection Special studies/planning Cyclic maintenance
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Figure 3f: Actions Map
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Action Items:
An explanation of identified issues specific to Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve and the actions proposed to resolve them follow. The issues and actions articulated below correspond alpha-numerically to Figure 3f. Implementation of the preferred management options may be limited by staffing and/or budget constraints.
A. Site and Facility Improvements and Upgrades: Several site and facility improvements and upgrades were identified including maintaining or replacing the low level parking lot and walkway lights, replacement of benches around nature center building, maintenance/replacement of rear deck railing, design and construction of fencing along east side of parking lot, screening of air conditioning units outside nature center building, and repairing/replacing the front door to make it open and close easier and potentially be handicapped accessible.
Actions to be addressed include: A.1.) Maintain or replace present low-level parking lot and walkway lights. COMPLETED, 2007. A.2.) Design and build replacement benches for existing benches around nature center building. COMPLETED, 2007. A.3.) Design and build a fence or other barrier between nature center building and southeast parking lot to help reduce short cutting. COMPLETED, 2007. A.4.) Design and build enclosures/covers to screen outside air conditioning units. This action item was expanded to the following: A.4.a.) Plan/Design enclosures/covers to screen outside air conditioning units, new deck railing, and refurbishment of deck. A.4.b.) Build enclosures/covers to screen outside air conditioning units, new deck railing, and refurbishment of deck. A.5.) Repair or replace front door mechanism to include a handicapped accessible option. COMPLETED, 2007.
B. Shop/Schoolhouse Complex - Buildings Use/Condition: A preliminary assessment of the buildings by the Open Space Building Maintenance & Construction crew indicated that the buildings were in fair to poor condition. Historical significance and/or stated use of the buildings will help determine which buildings are to be refurbished/maintained and the appropriate level of repair. If any particular building is determined to be of no historical significance and a use supportive of the vision is not identified, then it is staff‟s recommendation that the buildings be considered for removal. This recommendation is conditional on other facilities being made available for the existing Park Services shop and storage activities.
Actions to be addressed include: B.1.a.) Explore possible uses of buildings in context of JCOS Historical Structures Assessment grant process. COMPLETED, 2008.
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B.2.) Determine possible uses in preparation for construction of new JCOS shops B.3.) Determine level of repair/refurbishment vision and cost. B.4.) Implement repairs/refurbishment, and removal of non-historical or unused buildings.
D. Air Infiltration: Due to shrinkage of the structural logs, which constitute the framing for the entry lobby and the exhibit hall, a gap has appeared between the logs and the metal window frame sections. The “Hydro shield” brand EFIS (Exterior Finish and Insulating System) has also pulled away from the structural logs in several places. The end result is that outside air infiltrates at an unacceptable rate, raising heating and cooling loads and costs.
Actions to be addressed include: D.3.) Implement design solution to EFIS gap. COMPLETED, 2006
F. Social Parking lot across from LMNC&P main gate: Two areas across from the main gate are used as an informal parking area and access point to Lookout Mountain Trail. The Lookout Mountain Trail crosses Colorow Road at the eastern most social parking area (Chief Colorow bench area). In addition to this potential conflict, the area has become unsightly, unsafe and used as a “party spot” due to the uncontrolled nature of these two informal parking areas. This area is owned by Denver Mountain Parks and is not actively managed by them.
Actions to be addressed include: F.1.) Work with Denver Mountain Parks in the context of the JCOS/DMP Intergovernmental Agreement. Develop solutions to problems with the informal parking area. It may include closing and reclaiming the area or designing a new parking lot and overlook point. COMPLETED, 2008. F.2.) Plan and design area. COMPLETED, 2008. F.3.) Implement selected alternative. COMPLETED, 2008. F.4.) Maintain the area as required by Intergovernmental Agreement. (at 2008 PMP meeting this was determined to be a base item instead of an action item).
G. Perimeter fencing around preserve: The tall chain link fence that surrounds most of the preserve dates back to the early days of the Boettcher Mansion and acreage surrounding the mansion. The original intent of the fence was to keep animals (such as elk) inside the compound so hunters would have easy access to wild game, however now wildlife are allowed to come and go from the preserve. The fence now serves as a deterrent for after hour trespassers and intruders, the development of random public access and development of social trails and serves as some reduction in access by dogs. The fence may also have historic significance and does represent a boundary marker for the preserve. However, the fence presents some challenges which include fence maintenance and the lack of replacement parts, the fence not being wildlife friendly, and potential public perception
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 55 2013 or contradictions associated with a chain link fence around a nature preserve. Actions to be addressed include: G.1.) Research and investigate fencing options (i.e. topping the fence, wildlife friendly fencing, finding replacement parts); COMPLETED, 2006 G.2.a.) Determine fence specifications, location plan, and resolve any boundary issues. COMPLETED, 2007. G.2.b.) Develop monitoring system for wildlife movement/social trail development before and after fence modifications. COMPLETED, 2009. G.3.) Implement the plan/strategy COMPLETED, 2010.
H. Kiosk: The existing kiosk will be replaced by one of the new Open Space kiosks. The interpretive panel for this kiosk is already completed and will be removed from the old kiosk and installed on the new kiosk.
Actions to be addressed include: H.1.) Replace existing kiosk with new JCOS kiosk. COMPLETED, 2007.
I. Alternative Energy Sources: In keeping with the green/sustainable building mission of LMNC, potential alternative energy systems for use at the center should be explored and investigated to include solar, wind, biomass furnace systems, and others.
Actions to be addressed include: I.1.) Explore/investigate potential alternative energy systems for use at LMNC. (at 2009 PMP meeting it was suggested to make this be a base item instead of an action item).
J. Entry/Security Gate: In December, 2006, one half of the front entry gate was severely damaged to the point of being inoperable. Because the current gate has presented challenges over the years necessitating multiple repairs, a new gate should be designed and installed.
Actions to be addressed include: J.1.) Design and install a new entry/security gate. COMPLETED, 2007.
K. New Storage Shed: Currently the snow plowing/garden tractor and some other associated garden equipment are stored outside and open to the weather and potential vandalism and tampering. A new small storage shed in the back service parking lot area designed to blend in with the nature center building would allow storage of these items in a sheltered and secure place.
Actions to be addressed include: K.1.) Design/build new storage shed by back service parking lot COMPLETED, 2010.
L. Visitor Survey:
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Visitor Surveys portray information about visitor demographics, behaviors, use trends, and visitor perceptions not otherwise available. Data collected from these surveys will be analyzed in conjunction with visitation data obtained from vehicle and trail counters.
Collectively, this information will help staff develop and implement effective management approaches for the park‟s resources and its visitors‟ experiences. The identification of trends based on data collected previously and current data collection efforts will also allow Open Space to proactively manage its areas.
Actions to be addressed include: L.1.) Phase 1: Conduct visitor survey. Phase II: Analysis, including presentations and integration into plan documentation. COMPLETED, 2008.
M. Management of newly acquired McLeod property: Actions to be addressed include: M.1.) Develop recreational and natural resource management plans for newly acquired McLeod property M.2.) Implement plan
N. New Outdoor Education staging/gathering area: Actions to be addressed include: N.1.) Explore, determine feasibility and location for a new outdoor education staging and gathering area. N.2.) Design outdoor education staging and gathering area. N.3.) Construct outdoor education staging and gathering area.
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Discussion Items:
Although the following discussion items were not considered issues by Open Space staff, they are included here for the administrative record.
1. Social parking and trail access across from LMNCP main gate Two areas across from the main gate, often called Colorow Point Park, are used as an informal parking area and access point to Lookout Mountain trail. Currently there is a JCOS trailhead area at this point that has signage, a small picnic area and bench and provides trail access to Buffalo Bill Museum and the trails of JCOS Windy Saddle Park. Lookout Mountain Trail also extends to the south on the eastern side of Colorow Road and connects to the JCOS Apex Park trail system. At the present time, this trail crosses Colorow Road at the eastern most social parking area (Chief Colorow bench area) and crosses Denver Mountain Park land. In addition to this potential conflict, the area has become unsightly, unsafe and used as a “party spot” due to the uncontrolled nature of these two informal parking areas. This area is listed as an issue in the PMP (see issue F.1.-F.4) and action steps are identified, but further discussion on what should happen with this area will need to occur at some point if it is determined that Denver Mountain Parks would like to work with JCOS and could potentially include this in the IGA between JCOS and Denver Mountain Parks. Ideas for this area range from making this into a formalized parking area with a lookout point to closing the area off completely and conducting some resource reclamation work.
Several on-site meetings and discussions were held in 2007 with A.J. Tripp-Addison of Denver Mountain Parks and the JCOS action team associated with these actions. Action team member, B.J. Ellison developed several alternatives for this area, which ranged from totally closing the area to vehicles to parking options that allowed for limited vehicle use. An option that favored limited parking was chosen and Jeffco Highways and Transportation will do the final design work and construction on this pending approval from Denver Mountain Parks. Work was completed in December, 2008
2. Perimeter fencing around preserve- (as of the 2006 update this has been made into action items G.1.G.2.a.G.2.b. and G.3.) G.1.G.2.a. were completed in 2008. G.2.b. was completed in 2009. At this time, the PMP team determined that it is most appropriate to leave the fence as it is and repair where necessary. The Natural Resources crew brought up the contradiction of the history of the fence compared to the current use of the property. The original intent of the fence was to keep the elk inside the compound so hunters would have easy access to wild game. The fence now is used to protect the mansion from intruders and the Preserve from dogs. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has stated that, “the less fence the better; if fencing is necessary then it should allow relatively free movement of wildlife. Chain link fences severely restrict wildlife movement.” (Developing with Wildlife in Mind. CDOW Website 2002). The Maintenance section
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 58 2013 brought up the idea of replacing the old fence with a “wildlife friendly fence” if maintaining the fence becomes restrictive and replacement parts cannot be found. The options discussed for the fence were:
a. “Top” the fence posts, thus reducing the height, but maintaining a similar look. b. Eventually consider a 4-wire strand fence similar to the type of fence used in other JCOS parks that is more “wildlife friendly” than the current fence. c. Replace the fence with a similar design.
Finding replacement parts for this fence was also discussed. Sources have been difficult to find, but efforts to do so will continue.
3. Boettcher Mansion- The Management Planning team had considerable discussion about the partnership between the Boettcher Mansion, JCOS and LMNC&P. The mission of the Boettcher Mansion is: “The Boettcher Mansion is a 1917 Craftsman-Style estate operating mainly for the benefit of public education through its cultural and historic value, supplemented monetarily by rental fees from events”.
While the educational mission of the Boettcher mansion is complementary to the mission of LMNC&P, sometimes the event rental nature of the Mansion‟s mission is in conflict with the LMNC&P mission. The historical/cultural side of Boettcher‟s mission may be enhanced with any preservation/restoration efforts of the shop, which may be of historical significance and relate to the Craftsman-Style architecture of the Boettcher Mansion. Other potential conflicts with JCOS and LMNC&P mission will need to be continually monitored and addressed. Most of these conflicts are addressed on a day- to-day operational basis between the administrators of both facilities and through the formal agreement, which was updated in 2004.
4. Clean-up of shop area- Disposition of the shop area has been addressed as one of the issues in the PMP (Issue B.1.-B.4.). Considerable discussion occurred over this issue and the possible uses of the shop area. Discussion regarding this area included: a. Zoning concerns that need to be addressed. Is the maintenance and support function of this area in conflict with residentially zoned surrounding properties? Investigation into this concern indicates that this is not in conflict because the area is zoned as residential, which would allow for some support/outbuildings. b. General clean-up of the shop area within the existing uses of the area. This is currently occurring and much of the excess material and debris has been moved or disposed of. c. Decide what will happen to the buildings. Options discussed include: - partial to full demolition of the buildings - preservation of all or a portion of the buildings for their historical/cultural
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significance and possible adaptive reuse by JCOS or other entities. 1. Use by JCOS. The Ranger section has proposed using the “school marm‟s” house for offices and a place for contact with the public. It has also been suggested as a site for the proposed Volunteer Youth Park program contingent upon Management Team approval of program proposal. Both the Ranger proposal and Volunteer Youth Park proposals are in Buddy under the LMNC&P plan. 2. Use by a partnering enterprise or nonprofit organization such as the Colorado Arts & Crafts Society (currently housed at the Boettcher Mansion) or a combination of JCOS and other outside organizations. 3. To be part of future plans to add revenue-generating activities at LMNC. 4. If buildings are torn down or partially torn down, a picnic area with shelter could be constructed or the area could be reclaimed and made part of the natural area. 5. The old BBQ fire pit area was also discussed as a possible area to restore and create an outdoor seating area for programs.
5. Gate counter The LMNC&P front entrance gate area has a traffic counter installed in the entry road. Originally this counter may have been installed to show that overflow parking was not needed in an effort to support the Jefferson County Planning Commission‟s approval for the new LMNC&P building which conditionally waived the overflow-parking requirement. Overflow parking to date has been effectively handled through a management agreement between LMNC&P and Boettcher Mansion, which established a procedure to handle overflow parking off-site and provide a shuttle from this site to LMNC/Boettcher. Because of this, this counter has not been used to gather count data. Discussion occurred as to whether there is a need to start using the counter. It was decided that counts were not needed at this time.
Tim Sandsmark and Roxanne Hernandez discussed the potential of doing some directed surveys at the nature center for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the interior and exterior exhibits at the center and this topic was recently discussed with Jean Reince Schwartz and this and a general LMNC park survey was conducted and completed in 2008.
Don Wojcik and Tim Sandsmark will also be reevaluating the use of the vehicle counters and determining whether surveying should be done to determine, average number of people per car, percentage of turn-arounds, etc. Don Wojcik left JCOS and there is no plan at the moment to pursue this.
6. Highway signage The team discussed whether placing a sign on I-70 east and westbound with Lookout Mountain Nature Center should be pursued with the appropriate state or federal agency and the decision was made not to do so at this time. This idea will be reviewed in the future.
In November 2006 update meeting, PMP team decided to look into this option and Tim
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Sandsmark will follow-up on this. Tim Sandsmark contacted CDOT in late 2008 and they will install a sign on I-70 westbound by exit 256 (Lookout Mountain exit) that will include both Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Boettcher Mansion on the sign. Plans are to install a sign on I-70 eastbound at exit 254 (Genesee exit) in 2010. Westbound sign was installed in Spring, 2009. Further discussion occurred in 2010 with CDOT about all directional signing (I-70 and U.S. Hwy. 40) and CDOT is going to remove, replace and modify many of these signs to consolidate messages and make it easier for travelers. Discussion also occurred with Jeffco Transportation and Engineering Division Transportation Engineer, Scot Lewis, about improving the signage on county roads (primarily Colorow and Lookout Mountain Roads), but not much action has occurred on the county‟s end and is a more difficult and involved process than working with CDOT. CDOT is tentatively planning on beginning to install new signs in 2012 including a new sign on Eastbound I-70.
7. Preserve designation- JCOS currently has three Management Unit Designations (MUD‟s) and the team debated about whether or not LMNC&P should have a fourth MUD to recognize the unique qualities and regulations associated with the Preserve (such as the fence surrounding the preserve, no dogs allowed). It was decided not to pursue such a change and designation at this time, but that at some point in the future, JCOS management may want to consider other MUD‟s for LMNC&P and other JCOS parks.
8. Boundary survey A boundary survey was discussed and input from Acquisition staff indicated that such a survey would be difficult and very expensive (over $100,000). At this time it was determined that a survey was not necessary.
9. Garage on south end of property On the south end of the property, off Colorow Road, there is a privately owned garage that may technically be on County property. It was decided that this was not an important issue to pursue at this time.
10. Discovery Room LMNC&P staff has discussed on several occasions the idea of re-doing/renovating the Discovery Room in the Nature Center building. Currently this room has books and publications available for people to read and browse. The room is underutilized and may need changing. The Idea of changing this room to create a more interactive exhibit environment for younger children has been presented. Minor changes to this room are being done by interpretive staff with help from Building Maintenance and Construction and Planning and Design in 2007, but a larger project is currently not on the 5-year Interpretive Media Plan so the Management Planning Team elected not to address this at this time. Completed in 2010.
11. Edward Ambler Property adjacent to LMNC&P After consider discussion and investigation, It was determined that Edward Ambler owns approximately 7 acres of property on the west side of Colorow Road between the
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Public Service and Channel 6 (PBS) towers. Originally, it was thought that he owned the property where the informal social parking lots are now located across from the LMNC front gate. Further investigation revealed that this property is owned by Denver Mountain Parks and Issue F.1.-F.3. deals with this area. Edward‟s daughter, Marjane Ambler, who was acting on behalf of her father, indicated that the family may have interest in selling this land. The team elected not to develop a proposal to potentially purchase this land at this time. Discussion also occurred about the potential fire danger that this parcel presents (this area has not been thinned like the areas on the Preserve). The idea of JCOS working with a landowner to do this was discussed and may be a possible avenue to pursue in the future.
In August, 2006 this property was officially listed for sale in two parcels; one of 4.2 acres listed for $240,000 (965 Colorow Road) and one for 2.7 acres for $198,000 (865 Colorow Road). Laura Klein, M.D., a neighboring property owner, submitted an acquisition proposal to JCOS staff. JCOS Planning staff prepared a Property Analysis document with input from the LMNC and Windy Saddle PMP teams. Input was mixed from team members and management staff, but the recommendation was made to OSAC not to proceed with acquisition at this time. OSAC concurred with this decision. On July 24, the 4.2 was purchased for $190,000 and work is already underway on clearing trees for a new home construction. The other 2.7 acre lot is also rumored to have been sold, but there is no listing in Pandora yet.
12. Overflow parking Original Jefferson County Planning Commission approval for the new LMNC building conditionally waived overflow parking requirement. Overflow parking to date has been handled through a management agreement between LMNC/Boettcher Mansion, which was renewed in 2004. At this time, there does not appear to by any concern over a need for overflow parking.
13. McLeod Property In 2008, the McLeod family of Colorado Springs approached JCOS about selling their property (24.3 acres) on the west side of Colorow Road near the shop area (Mountains Central, Section 5, T4S, R70W). A proposal was submitted (OS08-20) and a Property Analysis was completed. Input from the PMP team was very positive and Management Team advanced it to OSAC who approved proceeding with possible acquisition if terms could be reached. Property purchased in late June, 2009 for $485,000. Management of this new parcel is now PMP action items N.1., N.2., and N.3.
14. Alternative Energy Sources – Explore/investigate potential alternative energy systems for use at LMNC was action items I.1, but in the September, 2009 PMP update meeting, the team elected to move this to a discussion item. In keeping with the green/sustainable building mission of LMNC, potential alternative energy systems for use at the center should be explored and investigated to include solar, wind, biomass furnace systems, and others. Some of the Exploration/investigation that has occurred through 2009 include: Tim attended the Colorado Energy Summit in March 2007.
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Tim attended several seminars at NREL on topics such as wind power, solar, and renewable energy technologies and energy efficient choices in 2007 and 2008. LMNC staff Peg Alig and John Remenar attended the Earthworks Expo in Denver in 2007-2009. Several banks of lights have turned off in the LMNC exhibit/visitor space to reduce energy usage. Tim attended a "Going for the Gold" workshop as part of the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program in preparation for completing a Sustainable/Environmental Management Plan for LMNC for consideration of ELP Gold level certification for LMNC. In 2008 LMNC received Bronze level recognition and in 2009 received Silver level recognition. Plans underway to work towards Gold level certification by 2012. Made contact with Tim Reader of the Colorado State Forest Service about potential grant support through the Governor's office for a biomass heating system for LMNC and other JCOS applications. John Remenar, B.J. Ellison, and Randy Frank attended a biomass workshop sponsored by Clear Creek County and after follow-up conversations with Tim Ready with the Colorado State Forest Service, it was determined that biomass is probably not a viable alternative for the LMNC building. Tim and John Remenar met with Scott Timmons and Wade Yates, with Jeffco Facilities and Construction Management, to discuss possible energy improvement projects. Scott is working on scheduling LMNC for an energy audit for LMNC similar to what was done with all of the County campus buildings. Currently considering switching some or all of the center‟s power to Xcel‟s Windsource program (power generated from wind generation).
15. Dumpsters- Currently larger dumpsters are located at the Lookout Mountain Shops and next to the Boettcher Mansion service road. The need to redesign, consolidate and make this area more attractive and serviceable was suggested as an action item. The Park Management Coordinator‟s group is looking at including dumpster management as an all system-wide issue and it was suggested that this dumpster project be included in this system-wide effort.
16. Recycling bins/garbage cans at picnic area- The garbage cans and recycling bins in the picnic area are in need of repair or replacement. The Lariat Loop Scenic Byway group has been working on development of garbage/recycling bins to be used along the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway with EDS Waste Management. They would provide the bins and pick-up. We are currently working with them to explore doing this.
17. Carpeting for Nature Center- The carpeting throughout the nature center is in need of replacement and initial discussion has occurred with Stanton LaBreche and Don Klima to consider replacing the carpet in 2012 or 2013.
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Chapter 4: Detailed Information on Matthews/Winters Park
Introduction:
Park Vision: The management of Matthews/Winters Park reflects the Jefferson County Open Space mission of balancing human use with resource preservation. This is accomplished through the application of management units upon the landscape, which define a spectrum of recreational opportunities, environmental education and interpretation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation efforts. Matthews/Winters Park has two Management Unit Designations, each emphasizing different priorities for the provision of recreational opportunities and protection of the park's resources.
Location: Matthews/Winters Park is located south and north of I-70, west of C-470 and north of Red Rocks Park. Matthews/Winters Park derives its importance from its location at a major entrance to the Rocky Mountains. The Park lies astride the entrance to Mt. Vernon Canyon, which was one of the early routes to the gold fields of Central City and South Park
Chronology of Development: 1973 69 acres “Nelson Hogback” purchased 1975 Red Rocks Trail Dedication, segment from Alameda Cut to Red Rocks Park 1976 511 acres “Winters Park” acquired by donation, naming agreement 1977 Initial gift of 110 acres and purchase of 30 acres from Nicholas J. Matthews & Company partnership, naming agreement 1978 Additional purchase of 30 acres from Nicholas J. Matthews & Company partnership, naming agreement 1979 Additional purchase of 30 acres from Nicholas J. Matthews & Company partnership, naming agreement Parking lot approved by Board of County Commissioners and constructed in fall 1980 Additional gift of 100 acres and purchase of 30 acres from Nicholas J. Matthews & Company partnership, naming agreement Conceptual Plan, study completed in-house Graves marked and one gravestone recovered and reinstalled Enclosed tack storage, horse quarters and corral constructed for Security Patrol use 1981 Additional purchase of 27 acres from Nicholas J. Matthews & Company partnership, naming agreement 1982 Village Walk Trail constructed 1983 Dakota Ridge Trail and balance of Red Rocks Trail in service ca. ‟85 Mine on west side of hogback filled by Road & Bridge 1986 South Morrison Slide Trail constructed
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 3: Lookout Mountain Park Jefferson County Open Space 64 2013 ca. ‟87 Mine subsidence on top of hogback filled with Mined Lands Reclamation funding 1988 Sheriff‟s Security Unit disbanded; horse corral removed; tack building converted to storage Alameda Cut parking area blocked off and closed 1989 Composting restroom constructed Morrison Slide Trail completed 1990 Trail from parking area to creek rebuilt with crusher fines; stairs added/ bike bypass built Picnic area constructed; low water crossing supplemented by bridge Hawk Watch use begins on hogback 1992 Entry road & parking lot paved and striped; retaining wall constructed Major wildfire on east side of hogback, north of Alameda Entry road is used as access to residences on in-holdings; posted to limit trespass 1993 ADA composting restroom building constructed; picnic area made ADA accessible Matthews‟ grazing lease expires; fence moved to ownership boundary 1994 Resolution of boundary dispute with in-holdings; resulted in loss of “Steele Monument” to public access Fence moved to new boundary Hand-pump well developed near picnic area Land trade with City of Lakewood to accommodate L.E.A. shooting range Signs installed to discourage access to shooting range “fallout zone” ca. ‟95 Dinosaur Ridge name approved by United States Geological Service Hawk Watch observation pads formalized 2003 Zorro Trail construction connecting Dakota Ridge Trail with Green Mountain Trailhead and Parking Lot on Rooney Road 2004 Land Exchange with Lafarge West Inc. resulting in a net loss of 42.7 acres to the park to accommodate an expansion of Lafarge's Specification Aggregate Quarry. Open Space gained a total of 522 acres distributed between Apex Park and North Table Mountain Park. 2008 The parking lot was redesigned to allow for better vehicle movements. Parking along the access road was eliminated and an increase in 18 parking spaces occurred to accommodate the loss of parking along the road. A barrier free trail was developed from the west side of the parking lot down to the bathroom and picnic area and the kiosk was relocated. Trail access south into the park was segregated with pedestrian and equestrian access remaining on the historical alignment through the picnic area and on the west side of Village Walk Trail. A new section of trail was established including a Boardwalk across Mount Vernon Creek connecting with the east side of Village Walk Trail. This new section of trail and the eastern portion of Village Walk from the Red rocks junction east to the parking lot was renamed Village Ride Trail and designated for Mountain Bike use only.
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2009 Approximately 19 acres was acquired from Three Dinos LLC. This acquisition was in the area along the east and west sides of Rooney Road north of the Alameda intersection. 2010 The shop/garage structure associated with the Three Dinos purchase in 2009 was demoed in December of 2010. This work was coordinated by the Park Construction Supervisor and completed by an outside contractor.
Amenities: Asphalt parking lot with 55 car spaces, 3 ADA spaces, and a gravel area to accommodate three horse trailers one horse hitching rails at trailhead 3 kiosks –1 two panel kiosk at trailhead, 1 five panel kiosk down by restrooms and 1 two panel kiosk at the Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride. two Clivus restrooms, one of which is ADA accessible one park bench at Highway 93 trailhead two additional wells cased and capped at other locations four picnic tables, one of which is ADA accessible three picnic grills, one of which is ADA accessible 8.2 miles of natural surface trail A small residence, garage (demolished in 2010) and an area informally referred to as the “Chief Colorow Council Tree” were acquired as a result of the 2009 Three Dinos purchase
Park Capacity: Current visitation data and staff observations indicate that parking at Matthews/Winters Park has exceeded its capacity during peak periods of use. Additionally, the condition of the trail system is exhibiting evidence of significant widening and damage. A carrying capacity has not been established for this Park but it will continue to be monitored.
Acreage: 2362.86 acres
Historical Background: Matthews/Winters Park derives its importance from its location at a major entrance to the Rocky Mountains. The Park lies astride the entrance to Mt. Vernon Canyon, which was one of the early routes to the gold fields of Central City and South Park. The Town of Mt. Vernon was founded in 1859 by Dr. Joseph Casto, a lay preacher and land promoter who came from Ohio to make his fortune in the gold rush. He reportedly grub staked John H. Gregory on his prospect in Gregory Gulch and is credited with discovering the famous Casto lode near Central City. Casto hoped Mt. Vernon would become a supply town along the mining route, so he advertised in the Rocky Mountain News and the Golden Mountaineer that lots were available at no cost to those who would build upon them. By January 1860, Mt. Vernon could boast 44 registered voters.
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Though short-lived, the town played an important role in Colorado‟s formation. The residents of this outpost were citizens of Kansas Territory, but the remoteness created a need for a more immediate form of government. Thus, the formation of Jefferson Territory, with Mt. Vernon as its capital, filled an important gap. The town was the homesite of R.W. Steele, governor of the provisional Territory of Jefferson, 1859-1860, from which the Territory of Colorado was created February 26, 1861. When newly appointed Governor William Gilpin arrived, Steele stepped down to pursue his own interests into obscurity. The same fate befell Mt. Vernon when Colorado‟s political and economic hub shifted to Denver.
Acquired: The first Open Space purchase in 1973 consisted of 69 acres of the Hogback. September of 1975 86 acres was acquired that includes an area referred to as the Chief Colorow Council Tree. In 1976, Open Space purchased 511 acres to be known as Winters Park from Dr. William Winters. Beginning in 1977, a total of another 357 acres were purchased and gifted in five-year options from the Nicholas J. Matthews & Company partnership. This last series of acquisitions formed the Matthews/Winters Park. Additional purchases of 260 acres of property from Bear Creek Development Corporation in 1983 connected Matthews/Winters Park to Denver‟s Red Rocks Park and now extends as far south as Bear Creek Canyon. On November 15, 2002 Open Space completed a land exchange with Lafarge West, Inc. The result was the transfer of 61 acres at the north edge of the park to Lafarge and the acquisition of an 18 acres just north of the interstate. While Matthews/Winters Park actually lost 61 acres in the exchange nearby Apex Park gained a total of 41.2 acres and Open Space also acquired 467 acres on the southwest corner of North Table Mountain. On December 15th, 2009 Approximately 19 acres was acquired from Three Dinos LLC. This acquisition was in the area along the east and west sides of Rooney Road north of the Alameda intersection. The Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) passed a Resolution on October 8, 1974, that states that “this [land] is highly desirable open space that will meet the recreational needs of the residents of Jefferson County”.
Natural and Cultural Resources: The following is a synopsis of the natural and cultural resources found at Matthews/Winters Park. For additional information, contact Open Space‟s Natural Resources and Planning sections.
Given the Park‟s geographic location, size, level of human use, and its structural diversity, Matthews/Winters ranks average in terms of its wildlife habitat values. Vegetative cover types (Range/midpoint percent Canopy Cover Class method) Foothills grassland – 62.5% Foothill shrubland mix – 15% Cottonwood/willow riparian – .5% Forested area Douglas-fir – 15% Ponderosa pine woodland – 2% A small prairie dog colony is located in the southeast portion of the Park
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Occasional use of the park by elk during severe winter weather Twenty-nine cultural resources were identified in a 1999 Cultural Resource Inventory of Matthews/Winters. These resources included 8 prehistoric isolated finds, 11 historic isolated finds, one isolated find of unknown affiliation, one prehistoric site, seven historic sites, and one multi-component site.
Activities: Recreational: hiking, biking, horseback riding, trail running, picnicking, dog walking, and bouldering Educational: naturalist-led walks, Hawk Watch
Visitation and Use Trends: Matthews/Winters Park‟s visitation is substantial and is estimated at over 125,000 annually. This Park has a regional appeal, which is demonstrated by where its visitors reside. One-third of visitors travel to the Park from within Jefferson County, one-quarter travel from Denver County, and another one-quarter travel from Boulder County.
Hikers and bicyclists each comprise approximately 50% of users, with equestrian use being extremely limited. Compared to other Open Space parks, Matthews/Winters Park has one of the highest levels of use per mile of trail at almost 17,000 visitors/mile.
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Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 4: Matthews/Winters Park Jefferson County Open Space 69 2013
Figure 4a: Matthews/Winters Park Location Map
Figure 1. Matthews/Winters Park Location Map
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Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 4: Matthews/Winters Park Jefferson County Open Space 70 2013 Figure 4b: Matthew/Winters Park Map
Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 4: Matthews/Winters Park Jefferson County Open Space 71 2013
Figure 4c: Matthew/Winters Park Acquisition History Map
Fig. 2: MATTHEWS/WINTERS PARK Acquisitions history
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Source: Jefferson County Open Space 01/19/10 D:\Data\ArcGIS9\PMP\MAW\maw_acq_2010.mxd
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Figure 4d: Matthews/Winters Park Opportunities and Constraints Plan
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Management Context:
This section identifies and describes the Management Units that have been designated for Matthews/Winters Park. See Figure 4e.
Sensitive Area Management Unit: All species of wildlife, even those that are adaptable and visible, require some degree of undisturbed space and time for certain aspects of their life history (breeding, foraging, resting, hiding, etc.). If portions of the landscape are available with little to no disturbance, these species will utilize them as needed and thus continue to occupy and utilize the entire landscape. Eventually, those species of wildlife that are adaptive will become part of the more visible watchable wildlife that the public has come to observe and enjoy on Open Space parks. There are currently no Sensitive Areas identified at Matthews/Winters Park.
Natural Area Management Unit: Below is the justification for designating the area surrounding the parking area a Natural Management Unit and, thereby, providing public access in the form of natural surface trails. 1. Wildlife Usage The area is used by a resident herd of mule deer, which provides a highly prized watchable wildlife opportunity for park visitors. The Hogback complex is classified as a migratory bird route for raptors and other migratory avian species. The area has a small prairie dog colony, which is one of the few colonies west of the Hogback. Habitat for nesting raptors is provided in this area. 2. Vegetative Resources The area contains an exceptional mountain shrubland habitat type. Mountain mahogany/needle and thread plant associated type is located throughout the area. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program lists this association as a habitat type of concern. The area has a high degree of plant species richness, which is created by the mountain shrubland habitat type. 3. Recreational Resources The area provides an ideal setting for visitors to appreciate animals in their natural habitat. The area is large enough for park users to enjoy a quality recreational experience since park visitors are dispersed over a large area. The area is part of Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, which provides an interpretive site for prehistoric flora and fauna. They are is part of the Front Range Mountain Backdrop/Foreground Preservation area, which provides excellent views.
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Recreation Services and Amenities Area Management Unit: Below is the justification for designating the parking lot and surrounding area a Recreation Services and Amenities Area Management Unit and, thereby, providing parking, restroom facilities, picnic tables and informational signage.
1. Park Access This area provides the only vehicular access into the park. This area was designed to allow access to all of the major trails systems located on the park. This area receives a high level of use during certain times of the day. 2. Park Facilities This area receives considerable human use and, consequently, severely limited wildlife use. This area contains restrooms and picnic tables for public use. The area provides high quality views of surrounding areas. This area was designed to provide for the basic needs of park visitors, which results in many visitors tending not to venture into other areas of the park. The area contains historic relics, which serve as a historical reminder of the past uses of the property. The area represents Open Space‟s best opportunity to develop ADA accessible trails west of the plains.
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Figure 4e: Matthew/Winters Park Management Unit Designation Map
FIG. 4: MATTHEWS/WINTERS PARK
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Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 4: Matthews/Winters Park Jefferson County Open Space 76 2013
Matthews/Winters Park Leases, Easements, Contracts and Agreements: Jefferson County Open Space often enters into agreements with other public and private organizations and individuals on behalf of a park. These agreements sometimes help the park to fulfill its recreational or stewardship objectives while providing a service or benefit to the other party. Agreements of this type are legally binding, and as a result, form a critical element of a park‟s legal and policy context. Leases, easements, contracts and agreements entered into on behalf of this park are outlined in Table 1c below.
TABLE 4a: MATTHEWS/WINTERS PARK LEASES, LICENSES, EASEMENTS, CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Agreement Agreeing Parties Description Location Type
Easement LaFarge Quarry Ingress/egress Acquisitions
Utility easement for overhead power Easement Public Service Company of Colorado Acquisitions lines, gas line
IGA Denver Mountain Parks For Red Rocks trail Acquisitions
Jeffco, Town of Morrison, Lakewood, Inter-governmental agreement Lookout Mountain IGA Friends of Dinosaur Ridge regarding Dinosaur Ridge Nature Center
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Work Plan Summary:
The Figure on the following page reflects the five-year financial strategy for Matthews/Winters Park. The “issue-driven” actions identified in the Actions Map (Figure 4f) correspond alpha-numerically to the “Action Items,” portion of this chapter. The Actions Map (Figure 4f) shows the temporal relationship between the issues.
Definitions:
1) System-wide Priority Criteria
A decision whether to implement a particular management action is based on system-wide priorities, which are derived from the following criteria:
Universal Accessibility/life safety/public health Resource protection Special studies/planning Cyclic maintenance
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Lookout Region Management Plan Chapter 4: Matthews/Winters Park Jefferson County Open Space 79 2013
Figure 4f: Actions Map
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Action Items:
An explanation of identified issues specific to Matthews/Winters Park and the actions proposed to resolve them follow. The issues and actions articulated below correspond alpha-numerically to Figure 4f. Implementation of the preferred management options may be limited by staffing and/or budget constraints.
Trail Degradation: A. The increased use of Matthews/Winters Park‟s trails increases their likelihood to be subject to increased rates of degradation. To resolve this issue, Open Space staff shall evaluate a variety of design alternatives to control degradation of the trails.
Trail Connector between Wooly Mammoth Park n’ Ride and Matthew/Winters Parking Lot: E. Acquire a right of way(license agreement) from CDOT to make the connector from I-70 underpass and Matthews/Winters Park. Once this is in place JCOS will design and construct a trail to complete the connection from the Wooly Mammoth lot to the park entrance road.
Red Rocks Trail Management: H. Open Space currently has an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Denver Mountain Parks regarding the Red Rocks Trail, which spans both Open Space‟s and Denver Mountain Parks‟ properties. More recently, however, Open Space entered into an Umbrella Agreement that covers all Open Space trails on any Denver Mountain Parks property. The Red Rocks IGA shall be revised to be compliant with this new Umbrella Agreement.
Graveyard: M. Evaluate and establish management of the cemetery area. Moved to Open Space System Issues Action Team working on Historic and Cultural Structures and Sites for the entire system
Rooney Ranch Area: O. Determine appropriate disposition and management of the real estate acquired in 2009 in the Rooney Ranch area. To include Chief Colorow tree and Grandma Rooney‟s house. Moved to Open Space System Issues Action Team working on Historic and Cultural Structures and Sites for the entire system.
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Discussion Items:
Although the following discussion items were not considered issues by Open Space staff, they are included here for the administrative record. A list of discussion items for Matthews/Winters was started with the annual review and document revisions that occurred in the fall of 2006.
1. 2006 A collection of Downhill Mountain Bike enthusiasts made a recommendation to Open Space that a downhill course be developed at this park on the north side of Hwy 40. The PMP team does not feel that this is an appropriate development at this time. 2. 2006 The PMP team has reviewed the Climbing Management Guide developed by Open Space staff. A decision was made to continue monitoring the areas that are impacted. 3. 2006 Discussion occurred regarding the relationship between the City of Lakewood, CDOT and JCOS regarding the development of access ramps at the Alameda C-470 exchange. Staff‟s understanding is that if and when these ramps are established, Alameda as it crosses over the Hogback from Rooney Road to Hwy 93 will be closed as public road. Staff will continue to monitor this and establish an action item as appropriate. 4. 2007 JCOS will not have any maintenance or management responsibilities for any trails that were developed by CDOT as a result of the parking lot expansions and improvements that they recently completed. 5. 2007 Discussion occurred regarding the development of a trail on the “ upper plateau” or western part of MAW. It was determined that the park had adequate miles of trail and this would not be considered. 6. 2007 Natural Resource staff provided information to the PMP team indicating significant browsing from deer and elk (lots of deer and elk feeding in the winter time) had occurred on the western part of the park over the course of the 06-07 winter seasons. 7. 2007 Staff had developed a regional map describing recreational trail opportunities throughout the area and distributed the artwork to both City of Lakewood and the Town of Morrison for them to use. Establishing/improving additional parking at locations other than property we have an interest in the real estate will not be explored further. 8. 2008 CDOT completed ramp construction at Alameda and C-470. Alameda from Rooney road west to Hwy 93 was closed to vehicle traffic and is being managed as a trail by Dinosaur Ridge Museum. 9. 2008 Ranger staff discovered a trail being built in Bear Creek Canyon that included jumps and ramps. It appears to be a “downhill Mtn. Bike” track. Ranger staff interacted with 2-3 cyclists onsite but they were not witnessed actually building anything and had no tools. Trail staff removed and regraded the features being built in September.
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10. 2011 Graveyard/Cemetery action item removed from the Action Items and Actions Map and put into discussion items. This was done as it was determined by the PMC‟s that all park related historical items were going to be addressed together at a separate time. 11. 2011 Also removed from Action Items and Actions Map were: the proposal to link the park up with the Bear Creek Trail in the Town of Morrison, the boundary issue the Mola‟s, and the suggestion to acquire an administrative agreement with Mother Cabrini to allow access across their property to access Open Space property. While not completely resolved these did not come up to the level of an action. 12. Action Items O. Determine appropriate disposition and management of real estate acquired in 2009 in the Rooney Ranch area and P. Revise MAW PMP to reflect reference to historical and cultural values of Rooney Ranch area acquisition were moved to the Open Space System Issues action team working on Historic and Cultural Structures and Sites for the entire system. 13. The team brought up the need to replace the bathroom at Matthews-Winters due to age and maintenance issues. This was recommended for review by the Open Space System Issues action team working on restroom replacement for the entire system. 14. Discussion of future potential for a trail connection between Matthews-Winters and Apex parks. This discussion has occurred with the Apex PMP also.
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Appendix A: Jefferson County Open Space Management Designations System
Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) implements a Management Unit Designation (MUD) system as an integrated approach by which land and water areas are classified according to ecosystem and cultural resource protection requirements, and their capability and suitability to provide opportunities for visitor experiences. It is one part of an array of management strategies used by Open Space to assist in maintaining ecological integrity through a framework for the area-specific application of policy directions, such as for resource management, appropriate activities, and research. As such, Management Units provide a designation for park managers and park visitors alike. The application of Management Units requires sound information related to ecosystem structure, function and sensitivity, as well as opportunities and impacts of existing and potential visitor experiences.
The MUD system provides a means to reflect principles of ecological integrity by protecting park lands and resources and ensuring a minimum of human-induced change. In certain Open Space parks not all Management Units will be represented. In some cases, Special Protection Areas (SPAs), such as environmental or cultural areas, may be created when unique management is warranted. Park management teams will denote the SPA with the resource(s) to be addressed (e.g. Lichen Rock Garden SPA) and include the specific management actions necessary for the protection and use of such areas or sites (e.g. N.3, Enforce stay on trail requirement). The process to create a SPA is analogous to the creation of issue-driven actions (with details in Chapter IV, Management Directions, of the PMP), along with the need to map and label the specific location and boundaries of the SPA on the Concept Plan. A SPA may be removed if the management objectives have been accomplished or the underlying MUD is sufficient to manage the resource(s). This Special Protection Area will complement the Management Unit system and is important to the protection of unique and valued resources. Likewise, a temporal management technique (e.g., seasonal closures) may be considered for certain areas as part of the management planning program.
The following three Management Unit Designations (MUDs) and associated guidelines serve to, first, provide a linkage between the “vision” of the Jefferson County Open Space Master Plan and the park or field-level management plans; second, define the JCOS “system;” and finally, provide management guidance for the different types of lands within JCOS.
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RECREATION SERVICES AND AMENITIES NATURAL AREA SENSITIVE AREA AREA GOAL STATEMENT GOAL STATEMENT GOAL STATEMENT The intent of this management designation is to provide The intent of this management The intent of this management designation is to services and amenities to the visiting public. While designation is to provide provide opportunities to maintain portions of JCOS assuring the ecological integrity and long-term opportunities for relatively large, that are very special, fragile, biodiverse and in need sustainability of the natural resources, outdoor contiguous portions of JCOS to of preservation and protection. Ecological and recreation opportunities provide social interaction and remain as naturally operating cultural resources are to be managed for information to enjoy and learn about the natural and ecosystems and for habitat preservation versus conservation. These areas may cultural resources found in JCOS. Visitor conveniences, conservation to be balanced with serve as sanctuaries, as outdoor museums for education programs, facilities and other amenities such public recreation. To the extent archaeological and historic resources, or as outdoor as trailheads, parking lots, trails, restrooms and shelters compatible, moderate trail-based classrooms for educational and research purposes. may be provided, if they are needed and complement outdoor recreation opportunities may Preservation and protection of naturally operating the provision of high quality nature-based outdoor be provided to those seeking social ecosystems are the paramount considerations for recreation opportunities, and will generally be interaction, to experience the sights, these areas. Since public use will be restricted, concentrated and located at public accesses on the sounds, and smells of nature, and to guided interpretive services may be available. The periphery of JCOS parks. experience limited outdoor area will be posted as a Sensitive Area. amenities.
A Special Protection Area (SPA) can be thought of as an overlay to a Management Unit Designation (MUD), created to address any unique item that requires special management actions, such as but not limited to: safety, a park access issue, natural resource concerns or restoration opportunities, cultural or environmental issues, biodiversity enhancement, time sensitive implications, a political imperative, other management consequences or SPECIAL PROTECTION opportunities. An SPA can be created within any MUD when specific resources, that are deemed significant, AREA (SPA) face real or potential impacts or opportunities that warrant special management actions. Given the preservation and protection already provided within a Sensitive Area, it is unlikely that a SPA will be needed. An effort at restoration, however, could be an applicable use of special management actions in a SPA. Specific location(s) and boundaries will be shown on the Concept Plan with the SPA labeled to denote the resource(s) in need of protection or special management. Issue-driven actions will be formulated to address the SPA.
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APPENDIX A: Recreation Services and Natural Sensitive Amenities Areas Areas Areas
GUIDELINES
Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Notes Refer to the Outdoor Recreation Management Recreational Uses Guidelines and Uses Allowed on designated trails Endorsed On-trail Uses X X X only. Could be monitored for Endorsed Off-trail Uses X X X impacts.
Allowed at designated sites, subject to size restrictions, Special Activities X X X permit required. Could be monitored for Endorsed Water-based Uses X X X impacts. Pre-existing uses must be compatible with the goals Pre-Existing Uses X X X established for these areas. Off-road Motorized Vehicles X X X
Interpretation Supervised program for educational and scientific purposes within Sensitive Nature Study/Research X X X Area. Supervised program for educational and scientific purposes within Sensitive Educational Programs X X X Area.
Facilities/Design
Preferred location is Parkland Kiosks X X X Recreation Service Areas. Provided in accordance with Interpretive Waysides/Exhibits X X X interpretive plans.
Preferred location is Parkland Memorials/Recognitions X X X Recreation Service Areas.
Preferred location is Parkland Recreation Service Areas and prefer gravel surface in Parking X X X Natural Areas. In Sensitive Area closure and other notices may be on the Signs/Signage X X X boundary.
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APPENDIX A: Recreation Services and Natural Sensitive Amenities Areas Areas
GUIDELINES Areas
Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed If paved surfaceNotes prefer Parkland Recreation Service Trail Surface X X X Area location; primarily Trail Bridges/Boardwalks X X X Prefer the majority of facilities Facilities (shelters, benches, in the Parkland Recreation restrooms, etc.) X X X Service Areas.
Preserve when possible, cost effective, and interpretation is Historical structures X X X a key component May be removed if not Existing facilities/structures X X X compatible, historic, safe. Not typically provided given monitoring requirements, but possible with water line Drinking water facilities X X X connection.
Wildlife
In consultation with DOW mitigation measures may be Mitigate Nuisance Wildlife X X X taken with minimal impact. In cooperation with DOW if Fish Stocking X X X appropriate.
Habitat enhancement may be undertaken to restore natural Habitat Enhancement X X X ecological processes. In cooperation with DOW if Releasing Wildlife X X X appropriate. Promote, enhance and Endangered or Threatened & CO protect habitat used by these Species of Concern X X X species. May be a resource management tool when Hunting X X X authorized. May be a resource management tool when Trapping X X X authorized.
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APPENDIX A:
Recreation Services and Natural Sensitive Amenities Areas Areas
GUIDELINES Areas
Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Notes Removal only if posing a Trees/Shrubs Pruning/Removal X X X hazardous condition. Native species may be planted for ecological and Vegetation Management X X X management reasons.
In accordance with County Fire Management X X X Wildfire Mitigation Ordinance. To promote diversity, improve forest health and/or Forest Management X X X ecological restoration. In accordance with Army Corps of Engineers regs. & Wetland Protection X X X for ecological functions. Typically not compatible but may be used where Grazing X X X appropriate. An allowable management tool to assure quality Closed Areas X X X resource protection.
General Maintenance For weed control, grassland restoration and vegetation Mowing X X X management projects. Fencing may be erected or removed for visitor and ecological management Fencing X X X reasons.
Regulatory Receive County permits for all grading related activity if Grading X X X required. Document FSTAG Accessibility X X X recommendations.
Natural Resource Management As outlined in the CO and Jeffco Noxious Weed Noxious Weed Control X X X Management Act and Plan. Control as outlined in the Pest Management X X X Pest Control Act. Other Undesirable Weeds X X X
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APPENDIX A: Recreation Services and Natural Sensitive Amenities Areas Areas
GUIDELINES Areas
Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Conditional Allowed Not Allowed Notes Other Easements can be allowed or maintained if they are Easements Granted X X X compatible. Leases can be allowed or maintained if they are in the Leases Granted X X X best interests of JCOS.
Posting of public notices must Posting Notices X X X serve a JCOS purpose. Typically for muddy trails or other public safety and Temporary Closures X X X resource protection need.
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Appendix B: Operational Documents Used in Park Management
Planning & Development:
Design and Development: Design Guidelines Open Space Sign Manual
Planning: Current Open Space Master Plan Open Space Preservation Concepts Priority List
Administration and Education Services:
Lookout Mountain Nature Center: Open Space Interpretive Media Plan Group Program Plan Public Services Plan Guiding Principles for Interpretive Services
Visitor & Resource Protection: Recreation & Visitor Management Plan Park Patrol Plans Colorado Revised Statutes Open Space Rules & Regulations Ranger Operations Manual
Park Operations:
Park Services: Open Space Fence and Posting Standard Operating Procedures Jefferson County Open Space Maintenance Standards Manual
Trails Services: Natural Surface Trail Management Guidelines
Natural Resources Management: Resource Management Concepts
Park Construction: Jefferson County Open Space Building Maintenance and Construction Standards
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and Guidelines
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Appendix C: Laws and Regulations
Jefferson County Open Space operates within a framework of laws and regulations that govern jurisdictional behavior. Interpretation of, and compliance with these laws and regulations requires sound and thoughtful judgment. The state and federal laws and county regulations that are applicable to county Open Space lands with which park staff should be familiar before taking action are presented below.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS Number Title Description Colorado Noxious CRS 35-5.5 Weed State law that requires control of noxious weeds. Management Act CRS 35-4-107 Pest Control Act State law that enables the County to require control of pests. Federal law that makes it unlawful to import, export, take, sell, purchase, or barter any Bald and Golden 16 USC 668- Bald or Golden Eagle, their parts, products, nests, or eggs. “Take” includes pursuing, Eagle Protection 668C shooting, poisoning, wounding, killing, capturing, trapping, collecting, molesting or Act disturbing the eagles. Federal law that makes it unlawful to import, export, take, sell, purchase, or barter any 16 USC 703- Migratory Bird migratory bird, their parts, products, nests, or eggs. “Take” includes pursuing, shooting, 712 Treaty Act poisoning, wounding, killing, capturing, trapping, collecting, molesting or disturbing migratory birds. 16 USC 1531- Endangered Federal law that makes it unlawful to take, possess, sell, or transport endangered 1544 Species Act species. Historic Federal law establishing a program for the preservation of Historic Properties 16 USC 470 Preservation Act of throughout the Nation. 1966 Protection and Executive Order stating that the Federal Government shall provide leadership in Exec. Order Enhancement of preserving, restoring, and maintaining the historic and cultural environment of the 11593 the Cultural Nation. Environment 16 USC 431- Antiquities Act of Federal law that makes it unlawful to appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any 433 1906 historic or prehistoric ruin or monument, or any object of antiquity without permission. Federal Native 25 USC 3001- American Graves Federal law establishing requirements for the treatment of Native American human 13 Protection and remains and sacred or cultural objects. Repatriation Act Federal law that guarantees equal opportunities in the areas of employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. Public Law 101- Americans with Guidelines include: Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, 336 Disabilities Act Recreational Facilities Accessibility Guidelines, Outdoor Developed Areas Accessibility Guidelines. Regulation 7, Emissions of Air Quality By authority of Federal Clean Air Act, State regulation stipulating requirements for Volatile Organic Control storage and transfer of volatile organic compounds. Compounds Commission Regulation 8, Control of Air Quality Hazardous Air By authority of Federal Clean Air Act, State regulation stipulating requirements for Control Pollutants, Part B asbestos abatement. Commission Asbestos Regulation 19, Air Quality Lead Based Paint By authority of Federal Clean Air Act, State regulation stipulating requirements for Control Abatement individuals and firms engaged in lead-based paint activities. Commission Public Law 92- Clean Water Act Federal law governing pollution in the nation‟s streams, lakes, and estuaries. 500
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Number Title Description Section of Clean Water Act authorizing the Secretary of the Army to issue permits for Section 404 of Permits and the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at specified disposal PL 92-500 Licenses sites. Regulation 61, Point Source Water Quality Discharge and By authority of Federal Clean Water Act, State regulations that apply to all operations Control Control discharging to waters of the State from a point source. Commission Regulations State Highway Access Code, By authority of the Federal Highway Administration, State law regulating vehicular 2 CCR 601-1 Colorado access to or from any public highway. Department of Transportation 1988 Edition of Uniform Traffic MUTCD, Control Devices, By authority of the Federal Highway Administration, State law regulating traffic control Revision 3, Colorado devices. September 3, Department of 1993 Transportation Jefferson County County Planning and Zoning regulations. A complete listing can be found at Development http://206.247.49.21/ext/dpt/public_works/planning/zoning/build-permit-chklist.htm Process
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Appendix D: Stakeholders and Constituencies
Park management often involves the need to work closely with individuals and organizations that care about the public resource. The “stakeholders” may be park users; they may be neighbors; or they may be persons who are simply interested in the park‟s resources and who desire those resources to be managed in a certain way for certain outcomes. This table lists known stakeholders and constituencies. They should be informed of significant developments or changes that might occur in or for the park.
LOOKOUT REGION STAKEHOLDERS AND CONSTITUENCIES Contact Person Address, E-mail Phone #, FAX Description of Interest in Name of Organization (as of date) Address # Park(s) Adjoining Jeffco property and Cynthia Shaw- Mansion.co.jeffers Boettcher Mansion 303-526-0855 contact for Colorado Arts and McLaughlin on.co.us Crafts Society Buffalo Bill Museum, 9871/2 Buffalo Bill Museum Steve Friesen Lookout Mountain 303-526-0747 Adjoining DMP property Road, Golden, CO 80401 20189 Cabrini Cabrini Shrine Blvd., Golden 303-526-0758 adjacent landowner 80401 25958 Genesee Trail Road PMB- Canyon Area Residents for the Wayne W. Matthai 203, Golden, CO Interest in JCOS and 303-526-7976 Environment (CARE) 80401 environmental issues. WWW.C-A-R- E.ORG 1445 10th St. City of Golden Steve Glueck 303-384-8095 Golden, CO 80401 445 S. Allison City of Lakewood 303-987-7000 adjacent city Pkwy., Lakewood 5640 East Atlantic 303-757-9886 CO Dept. of Adjacent State Highway Place 303-757-9904 Transportation-Region 6 Possible trail crossings Denver 80224 (fax) 2000 S. Holly, CO Dept. of Transportation 303-757-9866 State Highway 26 Denver 80222 15260 S. Golden Colorado Alliance for Education association and Katie Naven Road, Golden, CO 303-273-9527 Environmental Education partner 80401 CDOT Region 1 Traffic Colorado Department of I-70 Signs for LMNC and Matt Jagow 303-365-7341 Transportation 18500 E. Colfax Boettcher Mansion Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 Colorado Historical Society 1300 Broadway On site cultural Office of Archaeology and Historic Meg Van Ness 303-866-4670 Denver, Co80203 resources/State Law Preservation 1504 Quaker Colorado State Forest Service Alan Gallamore Street, Golden, CO 303-279-9757 Funder and education partner 80401
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Contact Person Address, E-mail Phone #, FAX Description of Interest in Name of Organization (as of date) Address # Park(s) P.O. Box 1007, Morrison, CO Trails agreements and Denver Mountain Parks A.J. Tripp-Addison 80465 303-697-4545 adjacent landowner Ajt- [email protected] 6060 Broadway, Division of Wildlife Tom Howard 303-291-7227 Wildlife issues Denver, CO 80216 67S. Lookout Foothills Fire and Rescue Mountain Road, 303-526-0707 Fire Protection Golden, CO 80401 16831 W. Alameda Educational partner and Friends of Dinosaur Ridge Joe Tempel Parkway, Morrison, 303-697-DINO LMNC is a member of their CO 80465, Intergovernmental Consortium President, Friends of Dinosaur Friends of Dinosaur Ridge Betty Rall 303-730-8922 Ridge 809 15th Street 303-279-3922 LMNC member of GCA Golden Cultural Alliance Betsy Martinson Golden, CO 80401
Golden Police Dept. Security/Law Enforcement
1600 Broadway, Great Outdoors Colorado 303-226-4500 Funding partner Denver, CO 80202 Mike Carter, CO Hawk Watch 303-659-4348 Raptor migration Bird Obser. 03-271-8457 100 Jeffco Pkwy., (ph.) Jeffco Highways & Transportation Golden 80401 303-271-8490 (fax) 21401 Golden Lariat Loop Road Jeffco Road and Bridge Lenny Benshoof Gate Canyon Rd., 303-271-5200 maintenance issues Golden 80403 200 Jeffco Pkwy., Jeffco Sheriff‟s office 303-271-0211 security/law enforcement Golden 80401 1829 Denver West Jefferson County School District Drive, Golden, 303-982-6500 Education program partner 80401 1590 W 12th Ave. Lafarge Quarry Gary Tuttle Denver, CO 303-657-4123 Adjacent land use 80204-3410 1400 W. 64th, LaFarge Quarry 303-657-4242 adjacent land use Arvada 16831 W. Alameda Promotes Lariat Loop Scenic Lariat Loop Heritage Alliance Joe Tempel Parkway, Morrison, 303-697-DINO Byway attractions, parks, and CO 80465, organizations 317S Lookout Water utility and water pipeline Lookout Mountain Water District Mountain Road, 303-526-2025 crosses property Golden, CO 80401 198 Inverness Drive West, Qwest 303-784-2900 Telephone service Englewood, CO 80112 303-982-6755 POB 4001, (ph) R-1 Schools Kathy Tully educational programs Golden 80401 303-982-6804 (fax) 1600 Blake, Regional Transportation District 303-628-9000 Nearby Park n‟ Rides Denver 80202
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Contact Person Address, E-mail Phone #, FAX Description of Interest in Name of Organization (as of date) Address # Park(s) Scientific and Cultural Facilities 899 Logan, 303-860-0588 Funding partner District Denver, CO 80203 321 Hwy. 8, Town of Morrison 303-697-8749 adjacent town Morrison 80465
Xcel Energy 800-328-8226 Powerlines across property
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GLOSSARY: ACRONYMS AND TERMS USED IN THIS PLAN
ACRONYMS TERMS Hard-surface trail: Trails with asphalt or ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act concrete surfaces. Hard-surface trails are typically constructed by external CDOT - Colorado Department of contractors. Transportation Natural-surface trail: Trail developed from CPW – Colorado Parks and Wildlife on-site materials and/or local soils. This could also include importation of DWB - Denver Water Board aggregate materials (e.g., crusher fines or road base) for trail surface. Natural- HCP - Habitat Conservation Plan surface trail construction is typically accomplished in-house. IGA - Intergovernmental Agreement Trailhead: Point of origin that provides IPM - Integrated Pest Management information and access to a trail system. More intensely managed trailheads JCOS - Jefferson County Open Space provide parking and information.
OSAC - Open Space Advisory Interpretation: Committee A specialized communication process that aims to provoke and inspire ROW - Right of Way visitors to appreciate, learn more, or understand the object, topic, event, or REM - Resource Evaluation Management site that is being interpreted, and act responsibly when interacting with natural or cultural resources.
Parks Management Planning Team: A team composed of representatives from various Open Space sections that is responsible for Management Plan development and implementation.
Open Space Management Team: A team comprised of the director and managers from each Open Space section.
REM: A framework to establish and manage specific natural, cultural and recreational resource issues. Resource monitoring provides a flow of information that may indicate a need to alter or adapt management.
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