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Decision Notice

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Decision Notice DECISION NOTICE PIKES PEAK SUMMIT COMPLEX PROJECT USDA FOREST SERVICE PIKES PEAK RANGER DISTRICT PIKE & SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS AND CIMARRON & COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS EL PASO COUNTY, COLORADO DECISION Based upon my review of the Pikes Peak Summit Complex Environmental Assessment (EA), consideration of public comments, input from tribes and other agencies, and review of the project record documenting the best available scientific information, I have decided to implement the Proposed Action Alternative, which authorizes the following activities at the Pikes Peak Summit (T14S, R68W, SE¼SW¼ Sec7 and NE¼NW¼ Sec18, Sixth Principal Meridian): Summit Visitor Center Structure The existing Summit House is to be replaced with a larger, two-story facility (one story above grade) set into the hillside on the southeast portion of the summit area, positioned to visibly anchor with adjacent Mount Rosa, the location where Zebulon Pike first viewed Pikes Peak (Figure 2-2 in the EA). The new Summit Visitor Center design is exhibited in the project’s Final Schematic Design document (RTA and GWWO 2016). The focus of the revised Summit Complex design incorporated several elements including: • Preserve and enhance the natural qualities of the Pikes Peak summit area, providing a setting similar to that first seen by early explorers and the indigenous tribes. • Use of building materials that would blend with the natural environment, withstand environmental conditions, and provide for energy efficiency • Incorporate alternative and renewable energy sources, where feasible • Reorganize the existing site facilities and utilities in a sustainable and efficient manner • Restructure visitor use and traffic flow, encompassing the Cog Railway, motor vehicles, bicycles, and hikers • Ensure access to the 14,000+ foot mountain summit is achievable by all visitors. —Decision Notice— Page 1 of 10 Cog Railway Under the Proposed Action, visitors arriving by the Cog Railway would arrive on the summit and disembark near the historic Summit House location, approximately 140 feet from the new Summit Visitor Center entrance. An accessible 42-inch-high platform for all passengers to disembark concurrently would be constructed and sized to handle peak visitation on the summit with outdoor seating. Vehicular Access and Parking No modifications to the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway corridor from the Gateway entrance to Pikes Peak summit are proposed under the Summit Complex Project (Figure 1-1 in the EA). At the summit, vehicular access circulation is proposed to be modified by incorporating: (1) two- way linear loops; (2) one year-round, permanent colored aggregate asphalt pavement with 10- foot width striped stalls (116 parking spaces that would include 7 accessible parking stalls); (3) 14 permanent staff parking stalls; and (4) one peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), unstriped, overflow parking area (110 spaces). The combined visitor parking would total 240 spaces. The separation of the lots reduces the need for year-round snow plowing on the entire summit and better distributes vehicular traffic. Pedestrian Access The Proposed Action would delineate specific pedestrian circulation patterns around the Summit Complex to define pedestrian use areas and prevent indiscriminate use. The proposed design would provide interpretive pedestrian walks, highlighting historic cultural resources and connecting each space, while avoiding native tundra areas to support tundra restoration efforts. Walkway design would provide options for visitors, based on time, weather, and interests. Other visitor circulation and flow elements would include strategically designed spaces to provide uninterrupted views, seating, and interpretive opportunities for both cultural and natural resources. Trails Under the Proposed Action, trail access to the Barr Trail trailhead would be retained and afford trail users the ability to enjoy the summit walkways, interpretive loops, overlooks, and access the Summit Visitor Center emergency shelter. The established trail terminus at the summit for the Devils Playground Trail would be connected with an overlook area (Figure 2-1 in the EA) and signed indicating the trail access. Both trailheads would include seating areas for users. Multiple routes are proposed around the Summit Complex perimeter and through the area, allowing visitors to choose the desired routes around the summit. Viewing Two rooftop observation areas are proposed to flank the upper entrance, which would be accessible from the upper lobby of the Summit Visitor Center, the pedestrian paths, and vehicular parking areas. The observation decks would mimic the summit’s landscape with small boulder fields and porous railings along the south and east edges to allow snow to drift off the —Decision Notice— Page 2 of 10 roof. The terraces would offer expansive views along the summit perimeter’s south and east sides, including views down to the Barr Trail and the Cog Railway. Visitor seating is proposed to include stand-alone and built-in benches, strategically located throughout the summit area. Bench materials would encompass a combination of stacked, grouted granite boulders and colored concrete benches with stone supports and veneered seat walls. Materials would be selected for durability, low maintenance, and in compliance with the Forest Service’s Built Environment Image Guide (BEIG) parameters. Events and Activities Major annual events associated with Pikes Peak summit would continue as in the past, including the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb requires: • Emergency run-out area: 500 feet • Parking for race cars, officials, and media: 120 vehicles • Interior space for drivers: 100 drivers • Media area: 75 press members and 25 drivers • Crash embankment. The Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon requires: • Interior space for spectators • Interior space for runners • Interior space for medical treatment and refreshment area • Visitor parking: 90 vehicles (75 visitors and 15 volunteers) • Transportation circulation: o 15-passenger vans for transport to Devils Playground Shuttle Location o Finish line access to Summit Visitor Center without crossing Cog Railway tracks. The U.S. Army Maher Memorial High Altitude Research Laboratory (HARL) facility would be used for event staging, and trail access would be provided to the Summit Visitor Center emergency shelter. Future event planning would be structured to ensure the activities would be consistent with the proposed summit design modifications. Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain Plant and Mechanical Facility The new Plant facility would be incorporated into the Summit Visitor Center footprint (Figure 2- 2). The Plant would contain the necessary utilities for the entire complex, including electrical panels; transfer switches; emergency generator; 500-gallon diesel storage tank; 15,000- to 20,000 gallon water and wastewater storage tanks; a tool, equipment, and parts storage area; and a staff restroom. —Decision Notice— Page 3 of 10 U.S. Army HARL The new U.S. Army’s HARL would replace the current U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) building. The HARL would be located on the west side of the new Summit Visitor Center (Figure 2-1). While they would be adjacent, the HARL and the Summit Visitor Center would be separated with fire-rated walls. The HARL facility would be approximately 3,000 square feet, providing space for research in human subject performance physiology evaluation and testing; sample analysis; and study preparation/administration; and space for personnel support, including temporary male and female living quarters, showers, and food preparation/dining. The U.S. Army is developing separate and independent plans for the internal design of the HARL facility. COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES (CSU) Communications Facility Prior to demolition of the existing CSU Communications building, CSU would erect a temporary tower structure on the summit. The tower height would be approximately 40 feet and resemble the structure shown in Figure 2-3 in the EA. The tower would be either free-standing or with several guy wires to further assist with stability. Guy wires would be either rock bolted into the ground or secured to concrete ballast. CSU would use space inside the existing HARL building to house its communications equipment. Upon completion of the Summit Complex construction, the communications equipment would be moved to the new communications facility, and deconstruction of the HARL facility would be initiated. Summit Complex Construction Site construction would be phased, as shown in Figure 2-11 in the EA. Before facility deconstruction or new construction would be initiated, topsoil, rocks, and plants would be salvaged, where feasible. Refer to the EA for more detail on deconstruction and construction activities. Facility removal and construction would encompass: 1. Construct temporary CSU Communications building 2. Deconstruct (i.e., demolish) existing CSU Communications Facility and phase in building roadway and parking lot 3. Construct temporary utilities services and associated structure 4. Deconstruct existing Plant building 5. Construct new HARL facility 6. Construct new Summit Visitor Center 7. Deconstruct existing HARL facility 8. Deconstruct and remove existing Summit House after new Summit Visitor Center is operational 9. Construct elevated walkways through boulder fields —Decision Notice— Page 4 of 10 10. Complete perimeter walkway
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