CONSERVATION LANDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA

Date: March 2, 2020, 4:00 PM Location: City Council Chambers 140 W. Pine Street, Missoula , MT Members: Beverly Dupree, Carol Fischer, Kathleen Kennedy, Karen Sippy, Hannah Specht, Jamison Starbuck, Giles Thelen, Teagan Hayes, John O'Connor

To request auxiliary aids or service to participate in this meeting, please contact Corena Maurer at 406-552-6253. Please provide at least 48 hours advanced notice or more, so we can make needed arrangements.

Pages

1. Approval of Minutes for February 03, 2020 1

2. Public comment on non-agenda items

3. Action Items

3.1 Review Final Draft Clark Fork Island Recreation and Special Resource Management 4 plan

Recommended motion: Clark Fork Island Recreation and Special Resource Management Plan Recommend that Missoula Parks and Recreation Board to proceed with plan adoption by circulating the Clark Fork Island Recreation and Special Resource Management Plan draft for a 20-day public comment period.

4. Discussion items

4.1 2019 Conservation Lands Management Morgan Valliant Season Highlights Presentation will provide a synopsis of 2019 maintenance activities and major projects and provide priorities for the 2020 season.

5. Future items

5.1 Phase 2 Mt. Dean Stone acquisition and trail

6. Announcements

7. CLAC Board Member Q&A on non-agenda items

8. Adjournment

CONSERVATION LANDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES

February 3, 2020 4:00 PM Currents 600 Cregg Lane Missoula, MT 59802

Members present: Beverly Dupree, Kathleen Kennedy, Karen Sippy, Hannah Specht, Jamison Starbuck, Giles Thelen, Teagan Hayes, John O'Connor

Members absent: Carol Fischer

Others present: Staff Present; Morgan Valliant, Jolanda Cummings, Kate Sousa, Rob Bell, Clancy Jandreau Public Present; Beu Horan, Sarah Martin, Sofia Fregogo, Mia Carriedo, Madison Murrill, John Conner, Colleen Biehl, Dave Westfall, Naomi Alhadeff

1. Approval of Minutes From December 02, 2019 and January 06, 2020

The minutes were approved as submitted.

2. Public comment on non-agenda items

Introductions were conducted.

3. Discussion Items

3.1 2019 Update on Research and Monitoring projects on Conservation Lands

An overview on the main monitoring efforts and research projects conducted in 2019. This included updates on the condition of Missoula's most intact grasslands, elk and recreational use in the South Hills, impacts of deer browse on riparian vegetation, and best management practices for controlling knapweed and exotic annual grasses. Clancy Jandreau will also briefly touch on the Conservation Lands Trailhead Inventory conducted in 2019.

Clancy Jandreau provided a presentation on the updates from 2019 Conservation Lands Management Research and Monitoring Program. Updates included management goals, challenges, research and monitoring program, Elk and Recreation on the South Hills Spur, trail usage, conservation lands trailhead inventory, Missoula’s grazing program, integrated control of spotted knapweed, riparian impacts of deer browse and ventenata management and restoration.

The committee discussed impacts of weather and trends of the landscape.

4. Action Items

4.1 Proposal for Bancroft Ponds Park Outdoor Classroom

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Review proposal from Lewis and Clark Neighborhood's Bancroft Ponds Committee to develop an outdoor classroom in Bancroft Ponds Park.

Morgan Valliant gave the brief background of Bancroft ponds and the ability it has to provide an educational environment.

Dave Westfall representing Bancroft Ponds committee and the Lewis and Clark Neighborhood council gave an overview of the proposal for the Bancroft Ponds Park Outdoor Classroom. Dave Westfall provided information to the committee on the enhancements that the committees would like to see to the park and the development of an outdoor classroom. The overall cost of the project would be $14,000 and the committee would like request $6000 from the City of Missoula to help with the overall cost. The committee is asking for the support from Conservation Lands Advisory Committee (CLAC)

CLAC conversed about the placement of the outdoor school and the benefits that it would have for the community and students. There was concern on the placement of boulders for seating and if there would create an area in which individuals might be able to hide. There was also discussion on current boulders in the area and if the Bancroft Ponds committee or the Lewis and Clark Neighborhood council had observed any vandalism. Dave Westfall and Colleen Biehl informed the committee that they had not seen any vandalism.

CLAC members asked if the Bancroft Pond Committee foresees a possible shelter around the outdoor classroom. Dave Westfall and John Conner communicated that they don’t see a shelter ever being recommended.

Morgan Valliant reminded the committee that this action would be an addition to the current management plan for Bancroft Ponds. The outdoor classroom would comply with the current management plan. It would ensure that what is done in the park is usable and ecstatically fit with the landscape. The Bancroft Pond committee is asking for CLAC to make a recommendation to Park Board and bring it forward so the committee will be able to move forward on the design.

Naomi Alhadeff from National Wildlife Federation stated that community members have stressed this as a high need.

Moved by: Beverly Dupree Seconded by: Kathleen Kennedy

Recommend to Park Board that the Bancroft Committee move forward with design of the Outdoor Classroom.

AYES: (8): Beverly Dupree, Kathleen Kennedy, Karen Sippy, Hannah Specht, Jamison Starbuck, Giles Thelen, Teagan Hayes, and John O'Connor

Vote results: Approved (8 to 0)

5. Discussion items

5.1 Final Review of the Clark Fork Islands Recreation Plan

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Morgan Valliant presented the Clark Fork Islands Recreation Plan for Final review to CLAC members. The recreation plan will be presented to Park Board in March. Park Board will then review the plan and then release it to the public for 20 to 30 days. Park Board would then conduct a public meeting to gather feedback.

Morgan Valliant highlighted areas within the Clark Fork Islands Recreation Plan to indicate the updates that were made to the Final draft. There were multiple updates within the document and each was presented to the committee. The committee members inquired about historical testing in the area prior to construction. CLAC members discussed the commuter trail and if dogs should be on leash and what type of lighting would be required. There were recommendations of having signage that clearly stated areas that were private property and entering into conservation lands along the commuter trail.

Hannah Specht asked about phasing and if there would be something in place where the public wouldn’t have access until bridges were complete.

Morgan Valliant doesn’t want to encourage access until the bridges are completed and wants the infrastructures to be completed before it would be open to the public.

Committee members questioned trapping in the area and if signs to clarify and educate the public would be needed. Morgan Valliant said that there are regulations for no trapping in the City but something that could be considered.

Morgan Valliant asked the committee to read through the Recreation plan and look at the maps and send edits to him within 2 weeks so he can make changes if needed.

6. Future items

6.1 Clark Fork Island Recreation Management Plan

In March Conservation Committee will recommend the Park and Recreation Board to Adopt the Clark Fork Island Recreation Management Plan.

6.2 Conservation Land Management

In March there will be an update of the 2019 accomplishments and a overview of 2020 priorities.

7. Announcements

8. CLAC Board Member Q&A on non-agenda items

9. Adjournment

Adjournment 6:01pm

Minutes by Jolanda Cummings

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**Attention Reviewers: Significant changes from the Feb 2020 draft are highlighted** Clark Fork Islands Recreation and Special Resource Management Plan

Drafted by: Morgan Valliant, Conservation Lands Manager and the Conservation Lands Advisory Committee

Adopted by: Missoula Parks and Recreation Board on MONTH DAY, 2020

The Clark Fork Islands recreation management plan describes recreation management priorities and infrastructure on the Clark Fork Island Properties (Fig 1). These properties provide important habitat, unique educational opportunities, valuable ecosystem services and a variety of recreational opportunities. Inventories conducted by the Parks and Recreation Department’s Conservation Lands Management (CLM) program (Carlson, Valliant & Jandreau 2018) and resource values documented by Missoula’s Conservation Lands Advisory Committee (CLAC) identified multiple natural and cultural resources, which influence management of this parcel. The purpose of this plan is to describe levels of recreational development on said properties while also outlining management priorities which balance recreational pressure with protection of important natural and cultural resources on site. This plan describes the recommended trail system, public access points, acceptable recreational uses and infrastructure locations. While the Clark Fork Islands Recreation Management Plan describes actions to protect site-specific resources on the Property, management of all other natural and cultural resources is directed by the Conservation Lands Management Plan (Valliant et. al., 2010), Missoula Parks and Recreation (MPR) Department policies and various City ordinances.

Initial site surveys (Carlson, Valliant & Jandreau 2018) identified multiple Montana State plant and animal species of concern (SOC) on the property including: Lewis’s woodpecker, Western toad, great blue heron, bald eagles, and Westslope cutthroat trout. Bull trout, federally listed as a threatened species, are also present on the property. Information from these initial inventories was critical for development of the recreation management strategies described in sections 2-4 of this document. More in depth inventories on the property are needed to fully understand habitat values on site. Implementation of this plan will occur in phases over multiple years, as resources and funding allows. If subsequent inventories identify cause for substantial changes to this document these recommendations will be considered in a public forum by the CLAC and the Missoula Parks & Recreation Board.

The Clark Fork Islands property is comprised of multiple individual parcels acquired by the City through a variety of mechanisms (Fig. 1). The Clouse and Kolendich parcels were purchased using 2006 Open Space Bond funds and constitute the majority of the Clark Fork

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Islands Property. Riparian areas behind the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Garden City Compost have been owned by the City for decades and were likely acquired by the City to buffer the Treatment Plant from residential uses. A small parcel, dedicated to the City by the Wagon Wheel subdivision, provides an important access point at the end of Hiberta Street. While not formally managed by the City, two county parcels along the south bank of the Clark Fork River are managed in conjunction with the greater Tower St. Conservation Area and the transfer of these parcels from the County to the City has been recommended in other planning documents. Northwest of the Clark Fork Islands property, land still owned by the Clouse family but leased by City Wastewater for a hybrid poplar plantation contains a conditional easement for future public access, and may eventually provide public access along the Old Milwaukee Railroad Line. The Milwaukee Trail is one of the City’s primary commuter trails and lies along the path of the “Great American Rail-Trail”; a proposed trail of national significance connecting Washington D.C. to Seattle WA..

In early 2017, based on surveys of natural resources conducted by Missoula Parks and Recreation and conservation criteria documented in Missoula’s Conservation Lands Management Plan, Missoula’s Park and Recreation Board designated the land acquired by the City from the Clouse family as a “Park Preserve” (Valliant et. al., 2010). This designation requires the majority of the Clark Fork Islands Property to be managed in conjunction with the greater Tower St. Conservation Area. All other parcels, excluding the Kolendich property and a management corridor along the Milwaukee Trail (Fig. 1), shall also be managed as part of the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve. The Kolendich property provides a unique “transition” from areas of high development onto an area conserved and managed for native habitat and natural processes. A portion of the Kolendich property was dedicated as part of a housing development off Hamilton Way with the intent of providing a public playground for the neighborhood, and the majority of the property will be utilized to extend the Milwaukee Trail. The Kolendich property will be managed as an “Urban Parkland with Special Resources Present”, as defined by the 2010 Conservation Lands Management Plan (Valliant et. al., 2010). A subsequent master park planning process will define levels of development for the Kolendich parcel and identify ways to responsibly develop the area to suit neighborhood needs and protect important natural resources on site.

Section 1. NAMING: Assigning names to specific trailheads and trails is an important component of place- making and wayfinding on City Conservation Lands. The intent of the recommendations in this section (section 1) are to adopt basic place names for the Property and to recognize donations of land and access easements which made this project possible. For the purpose of clarity, names have been provided to all trailheads and trails described in subsequent sections

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(sections 2 & 3) of this document. This was done for descriptive purposes only. Future naming rights for trails and trailheads, will follow the official naming policy adopted by the MPR Department and Board.

Place Name: In the past decade, the system of City-owned Conservation Lands in this area has steadily grown. Between 2006-2011, land acquisitions and parkland dedications created the 120+ acre City-owned Tower St. Conservation Area (Fig. 1). A conservation easement across 80ac. of land owned by the Stahl family connected the Tower St. Conservation Area to Kelly Island (a 648 ac. State-owned natural area). With the acquisition of the Clouse property, the City now owns and manages roughly 265ac. along 2 miles of the Clark Fork River, west of the Reserve St. Bridge (Fig. 1). As these lands are managed as one contiguous Conservation Land versus multiple individual parcels; they should share a name. Rather than expanding the boundaries of the Tower Street Conservation Area to include these new acquisitions, the entire 246ac. area will be renamed the “Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve”.

Koly Park: As a condition of the land transfer, the Kolendich family stipulated that the park built on the Kolendich property should be named “Koly park” in honor of the Kolendich family. The Missoula Parks & Recreation Board has already taken official action and named the park “Koly Park”.

Section 2. TRAILHEADS AND ACCESS POINTS:

All access points and associated infrastructure should be built above the 100 year- floodplain line and/or be removable in case of flooding. Basic amenities (e.g. signage, kiosks, trash/mutt-mitt, parking etc.) for Primary, Secondary and Local access points and basic trail construction guidelines (by designated trail-use) are described in the 2010 Conservation Lands Management Plan (Valliant et. al., 2010). In addition to standardized City Ordinance and MPR rules, regulations and trail etiquette signs found on other Conservation Lands, installing educational signage about the importance of healthy riparian habitat, land conservation, and responsible recreation at Primary and Secondary access points will reinforce the importance of this area for local flora & fauna. Trailheads which serve trails above the 100-year floodplain will provide a wider variety of access, thereby supporting community goals of inclusion, equity, and exposure to the many benefits of nature.

Primary Access Trailhead: The Clark Fork Drive Trailhead (Fig. 2) will provide access to public Conservation Lands in an area of town where few opportunities exist. Eventually, this access point will also provide neighbors with a connection to the Milwaukee Trail. This trailhead should be designed as a Primary access point with considerations for river access. If appropriate, the site may be suitable for a boat ramp. However, this decision should be made as part of a larger river-use planning effort in coordination with other land management

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agencies and the public. As trail connections expand, use of this trailhead will increase. Trailhead construction should be phased in over time. Until the Milwaukee Trail is reconnected across the river, the Clark Fork Drive Trailhead should be constructed as a Secondary Access Trailhead.

Secondary Access Trailhead: The Koly Park Trailhead (Fig. 2) sits at a transition between areas of urban development and intact natural riparian areas. It will serve as an entryway to the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve. As recreationists leave Koly park and cross onto the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve, signage at the Railroad Bridge Trailhead will educate users about resource values, changing rules and regulations and trail connections. The level of infrastructure at this trailhead will be commensurate with what is found at other secondary trailheads but with no parking provided at this location.

Local access points: The Hamilton Way Neighborhood Access (Fig. 2) will provide local residents an entry to Koly Park. At a minimum, basic park signage with Park rules and regulations will be posted on site. Dependent on future master plans for Koly Park, a trash receptacle and mutt- mitt dispenser may also be appropriate at this location.

The Hiberta St. Neighborhood Access (Fig. 2) has provided seasonal local access to the Clark Fork River for decades. Formalizing this access with basic park rules and regulations signage, a trash receptacle and mutt-mitt station will reduce impacts and waste on adjacent public lands. Before this area is developed, it is important to verify property boundaries, and access agreements along the Orchard Homes levee.

Section 3. TRAILS AND RECREATIONAL USE:

The majority of the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve is active floodplain. Seasonal floods activate side channels, inundate low lying lands and occasionally the main river channel will migrate into new areas. While these natural processes make access to, and trail development on, the Property difficult they are critical for healthy riparian habitat. Black Cottonwood forests are the dominate habitat-type on site. Seasonal flooding and flood related disturbances, are vital for black cottonwood regeneration. Side channels provide waterfowl nesting, important spring-songbird nesting sites, and trout spawning opportunities. Ephemeral pools, created as flood waters recede provide spawning for amphibians, habitat for a multitude of invertebrates and food resources for large and small predators. Large trees (alive and standing dead) on the property provide importing nesting and perch sites for a multitude of avian species, most notably bald eagles. It is quite common to see groups of 6-10 eagles hunting in this area during the winter. While raptor nests are abundant across the property

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there are currently no know heron rookeries on site. However, an important Great Blue Heron rookery is located about ½ mi. downriver from the property.

To reduce impacts on important wildlife habitat, in general, final trail layouts should avoid side channels, dense willow thickets, known amphibian spawning sites, large standing dead trees and active raptor/heron nest sites. The sensitivity of eagles and great blue herons to human activities have been extensively studied. While both birds show individual variation in sensitivity to human disturbance, the following represent minimum recommended buffers between nest, roost and perch trees from trails, blinds and human activity areas: Heron rookery 300’ (Borgman, 2010), eagle nest or communal roost 400’, perch tree 200’ (McGarigal 1991; USFWS, 2007; IDFG, 2008)

Spring run-off will inevitably limit recreational access to portions of the property during and damage trails. It is essential to design and build floodplain-trails which can withstand, and/or be easily rebuilt after seasonal flooding. Given the dynamic nature of this active floodplain it is not economically or environmentally sustainable to construct floodplain-trails to meet ADA standards. The majority of the trails depicted in Figure 2, and described below, will be 24” wide natural-surface trails situated away from actively eroding banks and ephemeral Clark Fork River side channels. Trails which can be situated above the 100-year floodplain should be built to provide universal access. To limit trespass onto adjacent private property and protect areas with high densities of Lewis’s woodpecker nest sites (regional species of concern) no trails will be built and public access will be discouraged on two locations of the property (Fig. 2). Unless otherwise noted, trails in the area will be open to dogs under voice restraint.

Milwaukee Trail: Extension of the Milwaukee Trail across the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve (Fig 2.) will occur as time and funding allows. The presence of a high use commuter trail crossing a natural floodplain managed for native habitat will present land managers with unique challenges and opportunities. The juxtaposition of urban infrastructure (a commuter trail) in a nature preserve is already relatively common in Missoula, where natural areas are often found within areas of dense urban development. The Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve and the Kim Williams Natural Area will effectively bookend the heart of Missoula’s Milwaukee Trail creating a unique experience for trail users. Inevitably, thru traffic across the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve will be rewarded with views of babbling side channels; bald eagles fishing the Clark Fork River; and beavers working cottonwood groves. Opportunities to educate trail users about the site as well as plans to provide appropriate access points to adjacent natural area trails are described in Section 4 of this document.

A management corridor of approximately 50 ft. from trail center (approximate width of the existing railroad bed prism) will be established to facilitate construction, maintenance and operation of the Milwaukee Trail and associated trail amenities. Within this corridor, the

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Milwaukee Trail will be open and managed per existing Ordinances and practices for primary commuter routes. This includes remaining open 24 hours per day, use of class 1 & 2 electric assist bikes, and may eventually include installation of trail lighting and winter maintenance. Final design of this section of the Milwaukee Trail will occur as part of a separate planning process. When design on the Milwaukee Trail occurs, considerations as to environmental sensitivity and sustainability will be important. Blending community transportation, habitat conservation, environmental stewardship and inclusivity goals while designing a trail which meets public safety and maintenance standards will be a challenge. The recommendations in this document will guide design of the Milwaukee Trail to help balance commuter trail use with conservation goals in the Nature Preserve.

The section of the Milwaukee Trail to be built across the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve provides an opportunity to implement innovative green designs which showcase Missoulian’s strong commitment to sustainability and balance between development and nature. Among other design considerations, this section of the Milwaukee Trail should be designed to promote green infrastructure and reduce the runoff of chemicals into the Clark Fork River. The core (UM Campus to Grove St.) of the existing Milwaukee Trail is a paved with asphalt. Alternative paving methods which provide a hardened trail surface for commuters (which may or may not be permeable) should be explored. If economically and structurally feasible, replacing (or sealing) the creosote soaked timbers on the existing railroad bridge should be explored as an option for retrofit of that bridge. If trail lights are provided for this section of trail, design considerations and management practices should include ways to reduce visual impacts (in excess of current adopted dark-sky initiatives) and impacts to wildlife while addressing safety of the trail user. Except in cases of overwhelming public and/or habitat conservation benefits, future requests for installation of public utilities along this trail corridor (except what is needed for trail infrastructure) should be denied.

Garden City Ponds Trail: The backwater sloughs and ponds located behind the Garden City Compost facility (Fig. 1) provide unique wetland habitats on the property, which should be protected and improved for the benefit of local flora and fauna. An inventory of these wetlands (Carlson, Valliant & Jandreau 2018) identified significant use of the area by migratory water fowl, western painted turtles, Western toads (MT. State species of concern) and the locally rare water potato (Sagittaria latifolia). The Water potato is a culturally significant plant for Native American tribes. Limiting recreational use of these sloughs and ponds (and other sloughs and side-channels on the property) while working to reestablish native vegetation where it has been removed are management priorities for this area. If user created river access points develop in this area they should be aggressively closed. At some point in the past, a gravel road was built through the North Bank sloughs effectively creating the Garden City Compost Ponds (Fig. 1). This road is essential for construction of the Garden City ponds Trail but

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also effectively severs surface water input to the ponds. The City should explore the possibility of installing culverts under this road to reconnect and restore these waterbodies. The Garden City Ponds Trail and the associated small spur trail due south of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Fig. 2) should be initially constructed as a 4ft. wide natural surface trail designated as Pedestrian-Only. When the Milwaukee Trail is reconnected across the river the main Garden City Ponds Trail should be improved (packed gravel), widened (6-8ft) and open to non- motorized traffic.

A short spur trail is possible off of the Garden City Ponds trail directly south of the Wastewater treatment plant (Fig 2.). This trail is situated on top of a natural “upland” terrace and would provide a short year round loop for recreationists. This single-track trail will be constructed as an 18”-24” wide natural surface trail. The short length (approx. 900 ft.), narrow width and flat topography of this trail doesn’t offer…..HERE

Island Birding Loop Trail: The confluence of the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers has long been recognized by local birders as a critical habitat for migratory and resident birds. The Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve is located within the Audubon society’s Clark Fork River-Grass Valley Important Bird Area (National Audubon Society). This designation underscores the nationally recognized significance of this area to more than 230 species of birds. Several species of national concern are known to nest within this Important Bird Area, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and Lewis’s woodpeckers. Conserving this habitat, has been recognized in multiple City/County Open Space Management Plans and prioritized through community acquisitions of Kelly Island (approx.. 700 ac. managed by MT. Fish, Wildlife, and Parks: FWP), the Tower St. Conservation Area (120 ac. managed by the City of Missoula), the 80 ac. Stahl easement, and the recent Clouse property acquisition (foundation of the Clark Fork Island Nature Preserve). The Tower St. Conservation Area was the last City Open Space property purchased before the creation of the Conservation Lands Management Program. Unfortunately, no formal recreational plan was developed or implemented for the site at that time. Recreational impacts on that property have been extensive including significant loss of riparian vegetation, accumulation of dog waste, extensive unauthorized trail creation and observable reductions in wildlife usage on portions of the property.

To protect habitat and provide quality wildlife viewing opportunities on site, the Main Island on the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve will be closed to dogs (Fig. 2). Site specific informational signage and other infrastructure to manage trail users on the Island Birding Loop Trail are described in Section 4 of this document. An 18”-24” natural surface pedestrian-only loop trail will be constructed around the island for the purpose of wildlife viewing. Final location and layout for this trail will be determined through a collaboration with Five Valleys

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Audubon. If warranted, and maintained through a partnership, temporary seasonal bird blinds constructed of natural materials would be appropriate along this trail. No trails or infrastructure should be constructed in this area until appropriate public access can be provided from Koly Park via the Milwaukee Trail.

Hiberta St. Seasonal Trails: The islands at the northern end of Hiberta St. (Fig.2) have had a long history of use. A diffuse system of user-made trails already exists on these islands and construction of a formal trail loop will require closure and rehabilitation of some user-made trails. Given that use of this area will be seasonal (activated side-channels limit use during high water in early-spring to mid-summer) an 18-24” natural surface pedestrian-only trail should be sufficient to meet community needs.

Public Hunting: Both waterfowl and archery hunting has occurred on many of the Clark Fork Island parcels for decades. While waterfowl hunting is a traditional use on the property, the use of shotguns and associated potential impacts to wetlands and nearby residential areas are not compatible with long-term habitat management goals and other forms of public recreation on- site. When these parcels are annexed into the City Limits, use of firearms will become illegal unless managed as part of a hunting management plan between the City and MT FWP (Missoula Municipal Code 12.40.035D) . Since municipal acquisition of the Tower St. Conservation Area Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has successfully managed archery hunting of white-tailed deer on that 120 ac. parcel. Conflicts between trail users and bow hunters have been largely non-existent. Overall, bow hunting on the Tower St. Conservation Area has successfully maintained traditional land use, promoted local food acquisition and provided a mechanism for control of urban deer populations. Expanding the Tower St. Conservation Area archery hunting area to include all portions of the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve downstream of the Milwaukee Trail should occur. It will be necessary for land managers to develop an appropriate “no-hunting” buffer adjacent to Milwaukee Trail. Periodic reviews of this archery hunting area by FWP and the City will minimize future impacts of archery hunting on other users and natural resources on site.

4. ADDITIONAL TRAIL & TRAILHEAD INFRASTRUCTURE:

There are multiple opportunities on the Clark Fork Islands Parcel to offer interpretative education and facilitate direct connections to nature for a broad segment of our society. The presence of the Milwaukee line alone, an ADA accessible trail that also meets emergency access standards, will provide safe, easy wildlife viewing opportunities for individuals of all abilities. In addition to educational signage, at multiple locations on the property, signage and/or physical barriers will be needed for public safety; to protect wildlife habitat; and to limit potential for public trespass onto adjacent private property.

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Educational Signage: Several opportunities exist on the property for interpretative education. When the Milwaukee Trail is complete, an interpretive sign about the importance of the Clark Fork Island’s riparian area for birds should be installed where the “Island Birding Loop Trail” leaves the Commuter trail (Fig 3). At this location, it will also be important to post applicable rules for recreation within the birding area. When the Milwaukee Trail is designed there will be a good opportunity to consider a birding and/or River overlook along the Commuter trail.

Additional interpretative signage should be considered along the Garden City Ponds trail. While public use of land “owned” by a public utility isn’t unusual, how Missoula manages its wastewater and bio-solids is incredibly unique and innovative. Missoula’s wastewater utility is using treated wastewater to grow poplar trees, greatly reducing nutrient loading into the Clark Fork River. Treated bio-solids from the wastewater plant and fiber from the poplar farm are used to make compost at the City-owned Garden City Compost facility. This innovative and environmentally responsible way to treat sewage has taken decades to develop and will continue to evolve. Establishing educational signage along the Garden City Ponds Trail (Fig. 3) will allow the public to learn about this uniquely Missoula-way of balancing the impacts of urbanization with environmental stewardship. Coordination between Missoula Wastewater, Garden City Compost and Missoula Parks to develop this signage should occur.

Fencing and Gates: To limit trespass into active industrial work sites much of the property boundary around the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the City’s poplar farm is already fenced. Before the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve can be opened to the public, the chain-link fence around the City’s Wastewater treatment plant should be extended along the southern border of the Garden City Compost facility (Fig. 3). Exact location of this fence will be coordinated with the manager of Garden City Compost.

A large chain-link gate is already established in Koly Park at the Koly Park Trailhead. This gate prohibits people from walking across the existing railroad bridge (Fig. 2). Until new bridges are built to provide safe public access to the main Island (location of the Island Birding Loop trail) this gate should remain in place and public access from this location should be discouraged. As trail connections are established on the property it will be important to install appropriate signs and fencing to direct public access away from sensitive areas and to limit potential public trespass onto adjacent private property. Wooden rail fencing along the base of the old Milwaukee Railroad prism (Fig. 3) will provide a physical barrier, albeit a porous barrier, to direct recreationists onto areas with established trail systems. Any trail creation and/or unlawful camping in areas behind these fences should be discouraged.

At multiple times in the past, flood events have necessitated temporary closure of the Tower St. Conservation Area. In the future, it is feasible that during major flood events the City will need to close the Clark Fork Islands Nature Preserve to the public. Design of the Hiberta St.

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Trailhead, Island Birding Loop access point, the Garden City Ponds Trail and Clark Fork Drive Trailhead should consider future closure needs (Fig. 3). Given its location well above 100-year floodplain elevation, its unlikely that the City will need to close the Milwaukee Trail due to flooding. Final design and engineering of the Milwaukee Trail will dictate whether closure gates at bridges on either side of the Clark Fork River will be necessary.

End of Access Signage: At three locations, trails will effectively dead-end at private property boundaries. End-of-public access signs should be posted at the northern terminus of the Milwaukee Trail and at either end of the trail along the top of the Orchard Homes levee (Hiberta St. trailhead area) before any portions of the property are opened to the public (Fig. 3).

Citations:

Brogman, K., 2010 (estimated); “A review of Human Disturbance Impacts on Waterbirds” Publication of Audubon California; 376 Greenwood beach Rd., Tiburon, Ca. 94920. [email protected]

Carlson, C., M. Valliant, & C. Jandreau 2018; “Clouse/Kolendich Property Inventory” Missoula Parks and Recreation Conservation Lands Program Document; 100 Hickory St., Missoula, Mt., 59801. (406) 552-6263

Idaho Fish & Game Department (IFGD) 2008; “Bald Eagles in Idaho” Publication of the Conservation Sciences Program, https://idfg.idaho.gov/old- web/docs/wildlife/nongame/leafletEagle.pdf

McGarigal, K., R.G. Anthony, F.B. Isaacs, 1991; “Interactions of Humans and Bald Eagles on the Columbia River Estuary” Wildlife Monographs; No. 115 1-47.

National Audubon Society, 2019; Important bird areas ID 282; https://www.audubon.org/important-bird areas/clark-fork-river-grass-valley

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2007; “National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines” Publication of the USFWS management document. Issued May 2007.

Valliant, M., et. al.; “Missoula Conservation Lands Management Plan” City of Missoula Management plan;https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/4499/Conservation- Lands-Management-Plan?bidId=

Page 13 of 16 Figure 2: Clark Fork Islands Trail & Use Map !F

Clark Fork Dr. ± Trailhead (New)

Garden City Ponds Trail

G.C. Ponds spur trail

itat à ab ess n H cc M lai ic A i odp ubl lw Railroad Bridge Flo e P au rag k (only this one is existing) ou ee isc à T D ra il Hamilton Way sà Local Access (New) s Island Birding t e ta c !F i c !F Loop Trail b a A H c li in b u la Legend p P City_Conservation_Lands d e o g Milwaukee Trail Name a lo r (existing) Tower Street F u o Clark Fork Islands c Koly Park s Existing City_County Trails i Trailhead (New) D New Infrastructure !F àBridge Hiberta St. !F Trailhead Seasonal Trails Clark Fork Islands Potential Trails Tower St. Trailhead Use, Status & Surface non-motorized, existing gravel (existing) non-motorized, new gravel ped-only, new natural Commuter, new asphalt Commuter, new alternative paving !F Hiberta St. Local Access Use restrictions 1,000 500 0 1,000 (New) No dogs Page 14 of 16 Figure 3: Clark Fork Islands Additional Trail & Trailhead Infrastructure Jx

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Legend M City_Conservation_Lands ilw Name s a t s u Tower Street e k ta c e Clark Fork Islands i c e b T Existing City_County Trails a A ra H ic il Clark Fork Islands Potential Trails l in b Use, Status & Surface u la non-motorized, existing gravel p P non-motorized, new gravel d e o g ped-only, new natural a lo r Commuter, new asphalt F u Commuter, new alternative paving o c New Infrastructure is D %, End-of-Access sign !Ö Educational sign

!G bike rack Jx gate %, Fence type ó chainlink

wooden Use restrictions 1,000 500 0 1,000 Feet No dogs Page 15 of 16 %, N

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D D I K M R 1 H O Figure 1: Clark Fork Islands Orientation Map 0 C F 0 S K 0 R Garden City A L Compost C General location of City Wastewater Resource Recovery Treatment Plant Poplar Farm ± Garden City Ponds

North Bank Slough P O TE N T IA L 2500 FU M TU IL R

W 0 E R T

A 0 U E S K X D 0 5 E P N 0 E A 3 S N O Y I T S T R IO IL T V P A N M Y KRYS A ARKE IL A T R O A D F H W S CT E N V SHERWOOD LN RODERICK R E

WAY S

T E E S CH ANCE R V SMALL LN

E E N R LN NN V CHA EL E O T HOME

DR R T

G R C HA D RVEST T IAK N T D LOOP

D S KO L Q UINN CT 0

R T Existing Tower St. 0 C A RENAE CT LASSIC CT

1 E LA S W R Conservation Area Trailhead EAU DR KIN W N E Legend R JU WOOD D LAU R V O ExistRinIgE M ilwaukee H DR KE NEAU BENTLEY City_County Trails T CK JU R E S T K T S Commuter Trail N E K PA Streets O TO CT RK ES S T O L RA R E LOO MERS Conservation_Lands A 0 P CT L T S R H

R C P 0 Y R T

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B Owner, Name T Y 1 R CRAFTSMA D N C E R S SHA ME 0 Y N R E D R E Private, Stahl easement N 0 D 0

E U D V PL D O L S R R 5 0 A N IE N City, Clouse easement O F O H 1 G 2 LE D R O A N SO O N E L FLAM O ING M R O S T

T City, Dinsmore M R E 3500 T SU ST G S S T DR E N City, Clouse S

T C U S S E S 3 I S RD ST L City, Wagon Wheel W Q N

M 3000 V R A 0 D A O

City, Kolendich approximate A

I V 0 A

R D A R L 26 5

N R 00 City, Tower Street 0 2 D A 5

L O 00 D L

0 S I

L S

A 3R Y T D N S 5 S

W City, Wastewater approximate T W T Y 0

A S A E O 1,000 500 0 1,000 Feet

0 S N County, Dinsmore 0

R W H 5 A D 0 Page 16 of 16 D E T R 5

V R S 4TH R O ST W E LOFSON

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