TOWN OF BRECKENRIDGE OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 17, 2011 150 Ski Hill Road
5:30 Call to Order, Roll Call
5:35 Discussion/approval of Minutes – December 20, 2010
5:40 Discussion/approval of Agenda
5:45 Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
5:50 Staff Summary
6:15 Open Space and Trails • Breckenridge Nordic Center Evening Operations • Golden Horseshoe Management Plan • Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan Revision
7:30 Commissioner Issues
7:40 Executive Session
8:00 Adjourn
For further information, please contact the Open Space and Trails Program at 547.3110 (Heide) or 547.3155 (Scott).
Memorandum
To: Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission From: Heide Andersen, Open Space and Trails Planner III Mark Truckey, Asst. Director of Community Development Scott Reid, Open Space and Trails Planner II Re: January 17, 2011 meeting
Open Space and Trails
Breckenridge Nordic Center Evening Operations At BOSAC’s December meeting, the dusk/nighttime operations of the Breckenridge Nordic Center were discussed. At BOSAC’s direction, staff solicited additional information from the Daytons (as the nordic concessionaire) and Dr. Christy Carello so that a more thorough and informed discussion could occur. Attached, please find a written description of the evening “Adventure Tours” offered at the Breckenridge Nordic Center, as well as a brief report from Dr. Carello outlining potential wildlife issues related to nighttime use of Josie’s cabin and other locations within Cucumber Gulch Preserve.
To summarize the information, the Daytons have offered guided dusk/nighttime snowshoe tours for several years. Typically, the tours operate four times daily, then on demand for the evening tours. The two-hour evening tours depart from the Breckenridge Nordic Center anywhere between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and typically travel through the Shock Hill/Penn Lode/Cucumber Creek Estates area, with a destination stop at Josie’s cabin. While at Josie’s, the tours enjoy a warm drink carried by the guide in a thermos, then rest in the cabin warmed by a wood burning stove. Following their time in Josie’s, the tours return to the Breckenridge Nordic Center and conclude. The tours operate 1-3 times per week and adhere to the 8-person group size limit within the Preserve. Total annual visitation related to the night tours is approximately 440 (22 weeks of operation x 20 people per week = 440 visitor use days).
Dr. Christy Carello has reviewed the Daytons’ program description and has produced the attached memo outlining potential wildlife impacts caused by this evening/nighttime use. No specific research has been undertaken evaluating the impact of nighttime recreation on wildlife in similar situations, but Dr. Carello provided some general considerations and recommendations pertaining to winter use. The primary concern is the wintertime energy expended by wildlife, the non-hibernating small mammals and songbirds in particular. Dr. Carello recommended that BOSAC set limits on the nighttime, winter use in Cucumber Gulch Preserve. Some potential limitations could include tour frequency, tour duration, group size, available and excluded trails, nighttime curfew or others.
At its January 11th meeting, Town Council directed staff to continue to focus efforts on a “holistic research approach” to Cucumber Gulch Preserve (i.e. evaluating and preserving
1 2 of 59 all of the Preserve values, rather than focusing on small, discreet elements), and to strive to treat all users equally in the management of the Preserve. BOSAC is advised to consider this direction in its recommendations pertaining to nighttime, winter use.
Given the attached information, staff requests that BOSAC answer the following questions: 1. Is BOSAC comfortable with the Breckenridge Nordic Center continuing the current evening/nighttime operations as outlined in the attached submittal? 2. If so, are there specific conditions BOSAC would like to impose on the Nordic operators to accommodate the nighttime activities? 3. If not, what exact limitations does BOSAC deem appropriate to address any wildlife or other concerns?
Golden Horseshoe Management Plan The goals of the Golden Horseshoe Management Plan are to: 1) Offer a general management overview of the Golden Horseshoe, including its challenges and opportunities, 2) Memorialize the planning efforts and existing policy recommendations related to the Golden Horseshoe, and 3) Provide a framework for future management decisions and land protection efforts within the Golden Horseshoe.
The draft Golden Horseshoe Management plan is provided for BOSAC’s review. OSAC reviewed the document at its January meeting and suggested edits which have largely been incorporated into the existing draft provided to BOSAC.
Following BOSAC’s review, staff will incorporate any agreed-upon changes, then plan a second review (and potentially approval) by both BOSAC and OSAC at a joint meeting in the coming months.
Staff asks BOSAC to provide general feedback regarding the draft document and also answer the following questions: 1. Does the draft Golden Horseshoe management plan include all of the information necessary to capture the prior planning efforts? If not, what is lacking and should be added to the plan? 2. Does BOSAC agree with the new LOAA line proposal outlined in the draft Golden Horseshoe management plan? 3. Are there any other edits or additions BOSAC would like to see to this plan?
Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan Revision As many BOSAC members are aware, the Upper Blue Nordic Master plan has been undergoing a revision process for the past year. Input has been solicited from many stakeholders, including BOSAC representatives, Summit County staff, U.S. Forest Service staff, nordic operators from the Breckenridge and Gold Run Nordic centers, Summit Huts and Summit Nordic Council representatives, and other interested local
2 3 of 59 users. The revisions to the existing plan are intended to detail nordic-related progress achieved since the original 2001 plan was approved, and also outline potential next steps.
As with the Golden Horseshoe Management Plan, staff seeks BOSAC’s comments so we can proceed with a review by OSAC, Council, and others.
Please read the attached draft revised Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan and provide staff with feedback regarding the document. Specifically: 1. Does BOSAC agree with the priorities outlined in the attached draft document? 2. Are there sections that should be added or removed to address any BOSAC concerns?
3 4 of 59 Town of Breckenridge December 20, 2010 Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission
Roll Call Dennis Kuhn called the December 20, 2010 BOSAC meeting to order at 5:38 pm. Other BOSAC members present included Monique Merrill, Scott Yule, Devon O’Neil, Jeff Cospolich, and Jennifer McAtamney. Staff members present were Tim Gagen, Tony Overlock, Scott Reid, Heide Andersen, Scott Cline, Chris Kulik, Peter Grossheusch and Mark Truckey. Brian Lorch from Summit County Government, Dr. Christy Carello and Councilmember Jeffrey Bergeron were also present.
Approval of Minutes The minutes were approved as presented.
Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved as presented.
Public Comments There were no public comments.
Staff Summary Mr. Truckey introduced Chris Kulick to BOSAC and informed BOSAC of the impending staff changes. Heide has given her notice and will be moving to the Methow Valley in Washington State. Scott Reid has assumed Ms. Andersen’s position, and Chris Kulick will move from Current Planning to the Open Space Division to fill Mr. Reid’s vacated position.
Mr. Kuhn thanked Ms. Andersen for her work and dedication to the Open Space and Trails Division.
Open Space and Trails
2010 Trail Projects Summary Mr. Tony Overlock provided an overview of the 2010 trail season. This year was our most productive yet, with all four trail crew members returning and an additional fifth member paid for by the Colorado Workforce. The Middle Flume VOC project was another success. Volunteer numbers were up again this year. Over $58,000 of value was donated to the town via volunteer projects. 3.1 miles of new or realigned trails were constructed. 18 miles of existing trails were maintained. 403 volunteers donated their time for a total of 2272 volunteer hours. Two of the crew members (Joel and Tom) will unfortunately not be returning in 2011, but we once again have an ambitious project list. Thank to BOSAC and Council for their continued support of the trails program.
2011 Cucumber Monitoring Program Ms. Andersen provided an overview of the current Cucumber Gulch Monitoring program and outlined staff recommendations for the 2011 monitoring program. 2001 was the first season data was collected and the intervening years have provided good information and trends over time. Water quality, avian population, amphibian and vegetation surveys are recommended by staff and Dr. Carello to be retained and continued. Beaver and muskrat surveys could be cut. Additional ungulate pellet counts are not really needed into the future and the wildlife cameras
5 of 59 Town of Breckenridge December 20, 2010 Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission may help with some of that information. Trail condition surveys are no longer necessary because our trail crew works on the trail issues constantly. Students often work pro bono, so the value provided to the program is large.
Dr. Carello: The maintenance of the trails precludes successful research efforts. I am on sabbatical this year, but I think I will be successful in recruiting students to continue this work this year. Also, a student is creating a plant guide to Cucumber Gulch, which will be a good tool for the Town. I started work in Cucumber Gulch Preserve in 2003, which is useful for consistency.
Mr. Yule: Does Christy do the water quality survey? (It has switched over the years, but ERO is now in charge of water analysis.)
Ms. Andersen: The lab tests for water quality are very expensive, the largest portion of the research budget (30-40% of budget for lab work). It may be worth evaluating the water quality measures for several more years at least.
Ms. McAtamney: I think the recommendations make a lot of sense. If we see changes in the future, we can renew these studies.
Mr. Cospolich: How much do these changes save us? ($6,000 approximately)
Ms. Carello: It is sad to lose the observation time during the beaver/muskrat surveys because it often gives us a chance to see other species as well. We have a new norm with the numbers of beavers and muskrats. The populations fluctuate normally anyway, but I think we are at a relatively steady norm at this point.
BOSAC agreed to eliminate the study components outlined in the memo.
Ms. Andersen outlined the potential human impact study as requested by Council. The gondola evaluation from 2010 was useful. Staff recommends ceasing that survey unless the dates for the gondola operations are moved into June or earlier. A schedule change to earlier in the summer may force nest abandonment for local birds. We recommend closing Toad Alley to trail users until the gondola begins operation. A motion detection camera study could also be designed to compare wildlife usage on a closed and opened trail. Trail use data will also continue to be collected by staff. The cameras will also help us categorize types and timing of use. Uphill mountain bike traffic may also be an option to reduce impacts on the gulch.
Mr. Yule: Josie’s cabin remains an issue. Are the Daytons still running snowshoe tours and is there a new stove installed? (yes) We need to include the entire gulch in the impact evaluation, not just the upper gulch area.
Mr. Kuhn: I recommend no activities in Josie’s after dark.
Mr. Gagen: This should only be a daytime warming hut. Council agrees that this cabin should only be used during Nordic center operation hours.
6 of 59 Town of Breckenridge December 20, 2010 Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission
Mr. Yule: We need a good management plan for the cabin. It’s easy to access; it’s got a stove. We need to focus our energy on evaluating use of that cabin.
Dr. Carello: I am concerned about training the snowshoe guides to ensure that the snowshoe hikes stay on the designated snowshoe routes. I am also concerned about nighttime snowshoe routes in sensitive areas. They should stay on the more heavily traveled system routes, like Gold Digger.
BOSAC requested a management plan be developed for Josie’s Cabin. BOSAC does not want to see nighttime activities within the PMA within Cucumber Gulch.
Ms. McAtamney: I would wait to implement the uphill traffic limitations until we study it for a year. I worry that it if we open the gondola and the trails on the same day, it will muddle the information gathering effort.
Dr. Carello: We think the camera approach will be useful, but it is still just a snapshot of one area. We will know type of use, group size, travel direction etc. But for wildlife, we might get some good information, but then again maybe not. On the majority of the trail system, the gondola has no real impact, except where it actually crosses the trail alignment. The bird surveys for 2010 showed that the numbers were back to 2008 numbers in terms of abundance. Many of the increased numbers from 2009 can be attributed to cowbirds and corvids coming into the newly fragmented corridor. I am hoping is that the cowbird population is saturated and will not climb again this year. Without additional fragmentation, I am hoping that there will not be another increase in cowbird populations. I don’t believe that opening the gondola and the trail on the same day will really impact the proposed wildlife camera study.
Mr. Kuhn: I want to see the ski area finish the bridge over the alpine slide, and early in the season, before the mountain bikers are on the trails. Their budget process is in February, so we need to be talking with the ski area now to get that trail completed and across the alpine slide. That is critical to the trail issue.
Dr. Carello: The most sensitive species will be away from the trails. Species that are edge adapted will likely not alter their behavior. A large increase in use may trickle into the deeper habitat of the gulch. I would not recommend moving the existing cameras at all because we have such good data already.
Ms. Andersen: Council approved a $10,000 increase in the 2011 research budget, which could be used for wildlife cameras.
Mr. Yule: It seems like the gondola was not a big impact this year. What if the ski area wants to open it earlier?
Ms. McAtamney: I would like to see more data before any changes. I am worried about Christy’s point about egg laying and timing for birds nesting.
7 of 59 Town of Breckenridge December 20, 2010 Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission
Dr. Carello: Once the chicks have hatched, nest abandonment is rare. The potential for disruption is much greater if the gondola opens earlier than July 1st, when the birds are still nesting and have not yet reared their chicks.
BOSAC agreed that construction of the bridge over the alpine slide by July 1st, or by the date of the opening of the alpine slide, is a high priority for 2011. The goal is to have the new Peaks Connect opened before mountain biking season. BOSAC agreed with the remainder of staff’s recommendation in the memo, including the wildlife camera-based study on Toad Alley and Hang Ten.
2011 Work Plan Mr. Reid provided presented the draft 2011 workplan and solicited feedback from BOSAC.
Ms. Andersen: Approval of the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan may result in some items being added to the workplan.
Mr. Cospolich: I would like to see the Black Loop topsoil and landscaping item as a higher priority.
Mr. Kuhn: Development of a wildlife management plan is interesting.
Ms. Andersen: This issue came about via the Sustainable Breck project. The Police Department has also been working on coyote issues, so we are thinking that we can help address wildlife issues throughout town with a clear overall plan.
Ms. McAtamney: It would be helpful to have better information on migration corridors so we can work with proposed annexation issues. Please see if the BOEC is willing to help offset costs of the proposed. Keep it on there for now.
Commissioner Issues
Mr. Yule: The new Black Loop trail skis really well. It is a huge improvement.
Executive Session Mr. O’Neill motioned to enter into Executive Session to discuss property acquisition. Ms. McAtamney seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. BOSAC entered into Executive Session at 7:27 pm. Ms. McAtamney made a motion to exit Executive Session; Ms. Merrill seconded the motion. BOSAC came out of Executive Session at 7:44 pm.
Next Meeting The next regularly scheduled BOSAC meeting is on January 17, 2010 at 5:30 pm in the Administrative Conference Room in the Breckenridge Town Hall (150 Ski Hill Road).
Mr. O’Neil motioned to adjourn the meeting and Ms. McAtamney seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
8 of 59 Town of Breckenridge December 20, 2010 Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission
Dennis Kuhn, Chair
9 of 59 Reservations Required: Breckenridge Nordic Center 1200 Ski Hill Road, Breckenridge, CO www.BreckenridgeNordic.com 970.453.6855
10 of 59 Great for families, business groups, couples or friends that want to share a special time together. Ski Lessons & Snowshoe Adventures can be as easy and relaxed, or as challenging as you desire. Elevation gain, fitness level and current snow conditions are used to choose appropriate route. snowshoe by the Moon & Starlight reflecting off Beaver Meadows. Enjoy hot cocoa and history by candlelight in Josie’s miners cabin.
Wear several layers of lightweight, water and wind-resistant clothing to accommodate your body temperature and changing weather conditions. proper footwear, warm hat and gloves are essen- tial. Insulated boots are included in the snowshoe rental. The Nordic Center Retail Shop offers a full line of clothing and accessories.
All Ski lessons & Snowshoe Adventures will meet at the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Free parking is available and The Free Ski and Ride shuttle will stop at our front door from 8 am - 10 pm daily.
Private Ski Lesson & Snowshoe Adventure Pricing Includes Trail Pass and Instructor/guide • Adults $47 1st hr., additional hrs. $36 each • Ages 60+ / 7-17 $36,1st hr., additional hrs. $25 each • Rental Prices: Classic Skis $17, Skate Skis $22, Snowshoe rental $17 Children 6 & under are free w/Pulk Sled, $15 *ski/snowshoe rentals include insulated boots & poles • Private Group, Evening and Large Group Discounts • Reservations Required, $20 Deposit per Person
Trails are on private and leased land by permission. Some trails are located in the White River National Forest and are under a special permit from the USDA, Forest Service.
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Carello Environmental Consulting Inc. 910 19th Street Golden, Co 80401 303-885-6306 [email protected]
Re: Evening and nighttime Snowshoe tours at Breckenridge Nordic Center, Breckenridge Colorado
This memo is for the purpose of addressing the potential impact to wildlife from nighttime snowshoe tours on trails maintained by the Breckenridge Nordic Center. I conducted a thorough review of the literature and was unable to find specific studies that address the impact of human noise, artificial light and the operation of wood burning stoves on wetland associated species in winter in a subalpine habitat. However, there are some general principles that should be considered about the overall physiological challenges that birds and mammals face when ambient temperatures are low.
Mammals and birds have increased metabolic demands in winter. This means that stress and even the need to flee require a greater energetic demand than in summer. Because of reduced forage in winter, it can be particularly challenging to meet normal daily energy requirements. When stress is added to the equation the demands for energy increase.
The winter resident species associated with the Breckenridge Nordic Center that are of greatest concern from nocturnal stress are non-hibernating small mammals and songbirds. In winter these animals are operating at their physiological limits. During nighttime in winter, many small mammals and birds actually enter a state of torpor. Torpor is a lowering of body temperature in order to decrease metabolic demands for endogenous heat production for the purpose of surviving extremely cold temperatures. If these animals are startled in their dens or off their roosts and forced to increase their metabolic rate in order to flee, they may not have enough fat reserves to survive the night.
I recommend that the Town of Breckenridge establish specific guidelines for nighttime activities on the trails managed by the Breckenridge Nordic Center. The guidelines should include limits to group size, limits to frequency of activities, and a specific protocol should a participant need restroom facilities. In addition, tour leaders need to be aware of the potential disturbance to wildlife and should instruct groups to travel silently through forested areas and within the PMA of Cucumber Gulch. I also recommend that the Town of Breckenridge is notified prior to the commencement of tours in order to evaluate whether the established guidelines need revision.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christy Carello, PhD - January 11, 2010
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GOLDEN HORSESHOE MANAGEMENT PLAN
SUMMIT COUNTY, COLORADO DRAFT January 11, 2011
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Location and Background 1.2 Management Plan Process 1.3 Purpose and Scope of Management Plan
2.0 Collaborative Ownership and Management 2.1 Collaborative Ownership 2.2 Collaborative Management 2.3 Goals, Policies, Actions
3.0 Natural Resources 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Vegetation 3.3 Noxious Weeds 3.4 Wildlife 3.5 Sensitive Ecological Areas 3.6 Areas of Disturbance 3.7 Forest Health 3.8 Water Quality 3.9 Goals, Policies, Actions
4.0 Recreation Resources 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Travel Routes 4.3 Signage 4.4 Trailheads and Access Portals 4.5 Rules and Regulations 4.6 Goals, Policies, Actions
5.0 Cultural Resources 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Cultural Resource Inventory 5.3 Management of Cultural Resources 5.4 Interpretation 5.5 Goals, Policies, Actions
Golden Horseshoe Management Plan Draft - January 11, 2011 1 13 of 59
6.0 Stewardship and Monitoring
7.0 Management Plan Approval and Amendment Process
Maps Map 1: Location Map Map 2: Land Ownership Map Map 3: Golden Horseshoe Travel System Map
Appendices A. Golden Horseshoe Backcountry Protection Strategy March 2000 B. Golden Horseshoe Consensus-Based Planning Process C. Natural Resource Assessment of the Golden Horseshoe D. Historic Resource Assessment of the Golden Horseshoe E. Rules and Regulations for the Golden Horseshoe F. Sustainable Route Standards G. Golden Horseshoe Nordic Assessment
Golden Horseshoe Management Plan Draft - January 11, 2011 2 14 of 59
Executive Summary
The Golden Horseshoe area in the Upper Blue Basin of Summit County, Colorado is rich in natural resources, recreational opportunities, and cultural resources. The majority of the land is in public ownership, with 51% managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS), and over 32% owned jointly by the Town of Breckenridge (Town) and Summit County Open Space (County). The remaining 17% is in private ownership. The three governmental entities (The Partners) are working cooperatively to create and implement this Management Plan. The area is frequented by a multitude of recreationists – from hikers, snowshoers, cross country skiers, mountain bikers and equestrians, to ATV riders, snowmobilers, dirt bikers and four wheel drive enthusiasts. The Partners’ overarching goal is to protect important natural and historic resources while balancing the development and management of recreational opportunities. Due to the diverse resources of the area, and the demands placed upon them by visitors, a management plan was deemed necessary to identify the area’s important resources and strategies for their long-term protection.
This Golden Horseshoe Management Plan (“Plan”) was developed in accordance with the following vision developed during the citizen-based collaborative planning process:
“The Golden Horseshoe is valued for its variety of summer and winter recreational opportunities, its rich mining heritage, its unique natural resources, and its proximity to the Town of Breckenridge. The Golden Horseshoe continues to inspire the community to work together to provide and maintain quality recreational opportunities that complement and protect its unique resources.”
The Plan incorporates the following elements:
• Collaborative Ownership and Management • Natural Resources • Recreation Resources • Cultural Resources
Each plan element includes the following sections: 1. Introduction/Background section, which introduces the element, provides relevant data on issues related to the element, and discusses other pertinent issues. 2. Goals, Policies, Actions section, which sets forth the policy direction upon which future planning decisions and management actions will be based.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Location and Background
The Golden Horseshoe is an approximately 8,900 acre area that lies between French Gulch on the south, Colorado Highway 9 on the west, and the Swan River drainage on the north (Map 1). It lies north and east of the core of the Town. The name “Golden Horseshoe” captures both the historic gold mining era and the physical shape of the area outlined by French Gulch and the South Fork of the Swan River. The Golden Horseshoe is rich in natural resources, recreational opportunities, and
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cultural resources. It has long been an important part of the Town’s “backyard” and the County’s accessible “backcountry experience.”
This Management Plan is designed to provide a common vision and management strategy while conforming to the guiding documents for the three public land agencies that manage this land:
• White River National Forest Plan • White River National Forest Travel Management Plan • Summit County Open Space Plan • Countywide Comprehensive Plan • Joint Upper Blue Master Plan • Upper Blue Master Plan • Town of Breckenridge Open Space Plan • Town of Breckenridge Trails Master Plan
The major resources within the Golden Horseshoe identified by The Partners include the natural, recreational, and cultural resources. The area has very unique habitat areas and wildlife populations. Of particular interest are the high montane and fen wetlands, lynx habitat, elk and deer forage and cover habitat, and sensitive plant species. At the same time, there are over 100 miles of recreational trails in the area, providing access for a number of both summer and winter trail user groups. Because of its mining history, there are also a myriad of historical artifacts and other cultural resources found throughout the area.
The land ownership in the Golden Horseshoe is characterized as a patchwork of private and public ownership. The majority of the area is in public ownership (83%), managed by the USFS and by the open space programs of Summit County and Breckenridge. The balance is in private ownership, predominantly in the form of 5-acre lode claims to 40-acre placer claims scattered throughout the area. The County and Town began their process of land acquisition in 1998 with the purchase of the Detroit Placer. Since that time, the two open space programs have continued to acquire more property and now manage approximately 3000 acres, or 32.5 percent, of the Golden Horseshoe.
The mining activities that occurred between the mid-1800s and the late 1930s played a significant role in physically shaping the Golden Horseshoe to its present-day condition. Placer, lode, and hydraulic mining all historically occurred in the Golden Horseshoe, and the area’s peak population is estimated to have been 10,000 people. As a result, many sites within the area have been significantly ecologically disturbed. These sites are discussed further in the Plan as both a natural resource concern and a valued historic resource.
The Golden Horseshoe is proximal to the Town of Breckenridge, is easily accessible to the public, and is popular with ATV riders, four wheel drive enthusiasts, off-road motorcycle enthusiasts, mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers. Some of the natural resource impacts from visitor recreation include wildlife disruption and/or displacement, habitat modification, damage to sensitive natural areas and plant communities, erosion and sedimentation. There are also social conflicts between user groups using the same routes or areas. Management of recreational opportunities to protect the character and resources of the Golden Horseshoe and the experience for the residents and visitors is addressed in the Plan.
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1.2 Management Plan Process
Identification of specific management measures related to the Golden Horseshoe began in 1999 with the initiation of the Golden Horseshoe Backcountry Protection Strategy project (“Backcountry Protection Strategy”) (Appendix A). It was through the Backcountry Protection Strategy process that the natural, recreation, and visual resources of the Golden Horseshoe were inventoried for the first time, providing a baseline upon which the agencies could work. From these inventories, management recommendations were presented in the final project report to address threats to the resources identified. These recommendations have directed much of the Golden Horseshoe management actions from the time that the Backcountry Protection Plan was approved (March 2000) to the present.
In 2005, following the purchase of the B&B Mines Property, the Town and County initiated a facilitated process (the Golden Horseshoe Consensus-Based Planning Process: see Appendix B) to solicit public input into future management decisions. Groups of citizens provided input into the management of recreational resources (Appendix B), Natural Resources (Appendix C), and Historical Resources (Appendix D).
1.3 Purpose and Scope of Management Plan
Developed collaboratively between the public, USFS, and the County and Town open space and trails staff, the Golden Horseshoe Management Plan outlines management goals and implementation strategies. Overall, the Plan was designed to balance the development and management of recreational opportunities with the responsibility to protect natural and historic resources.
The Plan is divided into four critical elements: 1) collaborative ownership and management, 2) natural resources, 3) recreation resources, and 4) cultural resources. These elements were inventoried by the groups during the collaborative planning process, and the resulting information and recommendations have been incorporated throughout the Plan.
2.0 Collaborative Ownership and Management
2.1 Collaborative Ownership
Ownership History of the Golden Horseshoe The Golden Horseshoe was one of the richest known mining areas in the nation during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Gold was discovered along the Blue River in 1859, and the Town of Breckenridge was founded to support gold miners working the rich gold placers. Lands in the federal domain were patented as mining (lode and placer) claims, mill sites and town sites, providing the ownership rights to a productive period of placer, hydraulic and hard-rock mining. Gold production decreased greatly by the late 1800s, but the gold mining industry was revived again in the early 1900s by gold dredging operations on the Blue and Swan Rivers and French Creek. Most of the remaining unpatented lands eventually became part of the White River National Forest.
Numerous unpatented mining claims have also been filed on Federal land in the Golden Horseshoe. In 1872, The United States Government granted any citizen the right to explore, locate, and claim
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certain rights upon public lands. An unpatented mining claim is a parcel of Federal land for which an individual has asserted a right of possession with the intent to explore its mining value. The right is restricted to activities related to working a mining claim, but no land ownership is conveyed. Individuals holding these unpatented claims must perform annual “work” on their claim and file reports with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. These claims and the continued potential for new claims represent a management concern because of their future mining development potential, illegal structures, perceived ownership rights by the claim holders, complications they create in land ownership adjustment, and potential for trespass and encroachment on adjacent private lands. Several of the unauthorized cabins and structures built on unpatented claims in the Golden Horseshoe have been removed by the USFS in recent years and the USFS continues to evaluate remaining structures.
Recent Land Ownership in the Golden Horseshoe The County and Town began acquiring land in the Golden Horseshoe in 1998 with the purchase of the Detroit Placer. Since that time, the two open space programs have prioritized acquisition of private properties in this area and now own and manage approximately 3000 acres, or approximately one third, of the Golden Horseshoe as of December 2010.
Much of the County and Town owned property in the Golden Horseshoe was acquired in 2005 as part of the 1840-acre B&B Mines purchase. In order to purchase the B&B Mines property, and protect its natural, recreational and cultural values, the County and Town were required to take on the responsibility of cleaning up the Wellington-Oro mine site, the Jessie Mill, and the Royal Tiger/IXL mine. The land was important enough to the two agencies that they spent almost five years working out agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal and state agencies to build a water treatment plant to address environmental concerns at the Wellington- Oro mine site and conduct mine reclamation projects (State Voluntary Cleanup Projects) on the other two mine sites. The Settlement Agreement, Covenants Not to Sue and Consent Decree (“Consent Decree”) identifies specific clean up responsibilities as well as land use restrictions with respect to clean up actions and open space and recreational activities related to the B&B Mines property, while specifically limiting requirements for future cleanup actions on other sites.
Because the Consent Decree provided limits on future land uses of the B&B Mines properties, as well as significant future costs, the County and Town excluded two parcels, and reserved the right to sell them in the future if necessary for financial reasons – a 10-acre portion of the Peabody Placer parcel (just south of the Breckenridge Municipal Golf Course) and the Williams Placer parcel (just east of Muggins Gulch). These potential land transfers may allow limited development (up to three homesites on the Peabody parcel and/or two homesites on the Williams Placer parcel) that would be proximal to and in character with existing development in both areas. The Town has since expanded its Nordic Center facilities onto the Peabody Placer and The Partners have restored the stream and riparian corridor on the Williams Placer. Neither of these properties is currently being considered for disposal, and as such, they will be managed in accordance with this Plan.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) The joint Town/County lands and the private lands in the Golden Horseshoe have been designated as TDR sending areas on the “Official Transfer of Development Rights Sending and Receiving Areas Map” by the Board of County Commissioners (March 2007, updated 2010). Current regulations allow development rights to be transferred away from these sending areas to receiving areas where greater density is deemed more appropriate, in order to help preserve the backcountry
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and open space character of the Upper Blue Basin. When development rights are transferred off a site in the Upper Blue Basin, the land becomes the property of the County and Town. County and Town policies prohibiting the up-zoning of land (aside from some affordable housing projects) provide potential demand for TDRs. The price of publicly held development rights are determined on an annual basis after the County has reviewed comparable land prices in the backcountry.
There have been several successful TDR transactions in the Golden Horseshoe of note: 1) The developer of Corkscrew transferred all of the development rights (7.69 units) off of the New York/Harum claims to the TDR program, after which they were used in the Corkscrew development in Breckenridge; and 2) The transfer of density from the former Parkville Subdivision. The 38 acre Parkville subdivision at the end of Tiger Road was originally platted into 41 lots as part of a potential ski area development in the 1960s. To complete their Peak 7 expansion, Vail Resorts was initially required to obtain additional density units, which they planned to purchase and transfer off of the Parkville property. However, the Town approved the expansion without acquiring the additional units of density. The County and Town Open Space Programs stepped forward to acquire the Parkville subdivision, and some of the development rights have since been sold to recoup a portion of the purchase price.
The funding agreement with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) for the Cobb & Ebert parcel of the B&B Mines purchase stipulates that the development rights will never be transferred and will be thereby effectively extinguished or “sunsetted.” As part of ongoing collaborative management, the County and Town will continue to jointly determine which parcels are appropriate for density transfers as opportunities arise.
Access Easements There are a number of existing access easements in the Golden Horseshoe. The Partners are continuing to work with private property owners as appropriate to secure permanent legal access to travel routes. The Partners will also encourage the development of public trails and access points as part of the development review process, as applicable. A recent example is the Western Sky Ranch Planned Unit Development (PUD), where the developer has provided public access easements and has constructed several trails connecting to the Golden Horseshoe trail network.
In addition to the public access easements, there are several perfected access easements through Town and County open space parcels to the benefit of private property owners. Many of these were granted by B&B Mines prior to County and Town ownership.
Water Rights The County holds substantial water rights and is currently undertaking due diligence required to pursue water storage in the Swan River drainage. A full review of water rights is outside the scope of this document.
Land Adjustments The Partners to the Plan may identify a need for future federal land adjustments for the purpose of facilitating management within the Golden Horseshoe by consolidating ownership. In 1993, the USFS established guidelines for Land Ownership Adjustment Analysis (LOAA) which identified areas throughout the Dillon Ranger District that may be appropriate for conveyance out of Federal ownership and lands suitable to acquire into the National Forest system. Since then, there have been substantial public land acquisitions in the Golden Horseshoe by the USFS, County and Town
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for open space protection purposes. In addition, the 2002 WRNF Forest Plan designated much of the Golden Horseshoe area as 7.1 Intermix, which emphasizes cooperative relationships with other agencies, local governmental jurisdictions, and adjacent landowners to develop land ownership adjustments to benefit public interests.
The Partners have discussed the practicality of ownership adjustments and have agreed that the 1993 LOAA boundary guidelines should be replaced with the strategy in the attached Map 2: Land Ownership. The land ownership adjustment and Intermix prescription boundary lines identified on this map break the Golden Horseshoe into three zones with differing land ownership strategies. National Forest lands in the western potion of the Golden Horseshoe near Town boundaries (Zone 1: west of the land ownership adjustment line) remain identified for potential transfer out of Federal ownership. The County and Town have indicated particular interest in providing permanent protection and management of the larger blocks of land, as well as “interstitial” parcels adjacent to County and Town owned lands west of this line. Areas to the east of the Intermix boundary (Zone 3) are identified for acquisition or retention by the USFS. In the area between these lines (Zone 2), which represents the majority of the 7.1 Intermix prescription, The Partners will generally retain the current public ownership patterns, while working cooperatively to acquire private lands. Future ownership adjustments in this middle zone will be specifically tailored to facilitate the implementation of this Plan. It is anticipated that The Partners will initiate one or more land exchanges to implement this strategy following adoption of this Plan.
Future Collaborative Land Acquisition The Partners are committed to working together to expand and consolidate public land ownership in all areas of the Golden Horseshoe in a strategic and opportunistic manner, prioritizing parcels with high natural resource or recreational values, or those slated for incompatible development. This joint strategy continues the long history of cooperative property acquisitions and will enable the governmental entities to manage the Golden Horseshoe most practically. The Partners have committed to working cooperatively and communicating any potential for land acquisition or disposal.
2.2 Collaborative Management
General The USFS, County and Town face a variety of management challenges in the Golden Horseshoe. The area has an extremely high density of trails, including many popular but unsustainable routes. Increasing recreational use has caused severe negative impacts to natural and historic resources in some areas, and conflicts often arise between non-motorized and motorized recreationists. To date, on-the-ground management presence in the Golden Horseshoe has been limited, especially in relation to its level of public use. Enforcement of regulations has been difficult due to unmarked property boundaries, limited personnel and financial resources, and no formal identification of open and closed routes.
The Partners’ overarching goal is to protect natural and historic resources while balancing the development and management of recreational opportunities. To this end, The Partners are working toward collaborative management among public and private entities. Their managing philosophy has been to foster a flexible and efficient management organization that includes coordination with adjacent landowners and other entities.
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Summit County Zoning Successful management of recreational activities and/or any infrastructure within the Golden Horseshoe will need to consider both the current Summit County zoning and prescriptions outlined in the White River National Forest Plan. The majority of the non-federal parcels within the Golden Horseshoe are in the Backcountry Zone, with a few areas in the A-1 (Agricultural) zone. The Backcountry Zone is intended to provide for a development pattern, intensity, scale and impact that is harmonious with the characteristics and constraints in the relatively undeveloped backcountry. The A-1 zone allows a broad list of additional uses, some of which may not be deemed compatible. The County has also established an Open Space Zone District which further limits development potential, but this zone district has not been utilized in the Golden Horseshoe to date. The following table provides a partial list of land uses that may be proposed within the Golden Horseshoe and how they are considered under the County’s Land Use Matrix:
Table 1. Land uses and their categories:
A-1 Zoning District Backcountry Zoning District Use Category Use Category Packing/Outfitting Permitted Packing/Outfitting Conditional Snowmobile, Jeep and Not allowed Snowmobile, Jeep and Not allowed Mountain Bike Tours Mountain Bike Tours Recreational Vehicle Park Not allowed Recreational Vehicle Not allowed Park Crushing, Gravel/Rock Conditional Crushing, Not allowed Gravel/Rock Mining Conditional Mining Permitted Nordic Ski Center Permitted/Conditional Nordic Ski Center Conditional Nordic Ski Huts Permitted/Conditional Nordic Ski Huts Conditional Trail Permitted Trail Conditional Trailhead Accessory Trailhead Conditional Water Treatment Plant Conditional Water Treatment Plant Silviculture Permitted Silviculture Not allowed Lumbering (commercial) Permitted Lumbering Conditional (commercial) Lumbering (private) Permitted Lumbering (private) Permitted
It is important to note that some of the management activities in the Backcountry Zone, such as trail and trailhead construction, forest health actions, and concessionaire activities, may require conditional authorizations per the County Land Use Development Code. Similar actions taking part on National Forest lands may require USFS special use authorizations following appropriate environmental analyses as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Forest Service Management Areas In the Golden Horseshoe area there are two Management areas: 7.1 – Intermix and 5.41 – Elk and Deer Winter Range. In the 7.1 – Intermix, the area is characterized by an interface between National
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Forest lands and other public and private lands and are managed to protect natural resources, provide compatible multiple uses, and maintain cooperative relationships between private landowners and other governments with jurisdiction. Opportunities to consolidate landownership are pursued. Cooperative relationships are emphasized with other agencies, local governmental jurisdictions and adjacent landowners. Opportunities are sought for coordinated, multi-jurisdictional management approaches to address resource issues and impacts that transcend the national forest boundary. The portion of the Golden Horseshoe west of Brown Gulch is within the Intermix Management Area.
The area east of Brown Gulch is in the 5.41 Elk and Deer Winter Range, Management Area. Deer and elk winter ranges are managed to provide adequate amounts of quality forage, cover and solitude for deer, elk and other species. This is an area where multiple-use principles are applied to emphasize habitat management for deer and elk. They include lands classified as winter ranges and areas used during average winters. Human activities are managed so that deer and elk can effectively use the area. Activities that may be managed or restricted include burning, rangeland management, timber harvest, habitat manipulation, recreation, minerals exploration and development, and road management. Population herd objectives are established in coordination with the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
In the 5.4 Management Area, road systems and trails are relatively undeveloped. Motorized traffic, including over-the-snow vehicles, is restricted during winter and spring. Camping is restricted during the winter. To protect wintering big game from disturbance, winter recreation use, both motorized and non-motorized, is generally confined to designated travelways or use corridors.
2.3 Goals, Policies, Actions
Collaborative Ownership Goal A. Continue to prioritize and pursue acquisition of property interests in the Golden Horseshoe and adjacent areas in order to protect natural resources, back country character and recreational opportunities.
Policy/Action 1. The Partners will work collaboratively to pursue strategic and opportunistic joint acquisitions of property interests within the Golden Horseshoe area. Any of The Partners may take the lead on pursuing property acquisitions.
Policy/Action 2. The Partners will work collaboratively to obtain appropriate public access agreements pursuant to this Plan.
Goal B. Continue working to identify appropriate locations for land ownership adjustments, both interagency and with private land owners.
Policy/Action 1. The Partners will continue to evaluate the holdings of each land management agency and determine which agency (or agencies) would be the best to manage specific areas in terms of land ownership consolidation and resources.
Policy/Action 2. Initiate land adjustments focused upon the Golden Horseshoe as deemed appropriate. If necessary, include lands outside the Golden Horseshoe to complete the transactions.
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Policy/Action 3. Evaluate the application of the Open Space Zone District to properties held jointly by the Town and County.
Collaborative Management Goal C. Develop seamless management strategies for specific resources that are not based on the boundaries of land ownership, but on appropriate topography or resources (wildlife habitat, user patterns, etc.).
Policy/Action 1. Develop project specific agreements as appropriate for short and long-term cooperative management by The Partners, including management and financial responsibilities.
Policy/Action 2. Meet on a staff level annually at a minimum to prioritize on-the-ground projects to fulfill the goals set forth in this Plan.
3.0 Natural Resources
3.1 Introduction
The Golden Horseshoe is rich in natural areas and resources, including forested hillsides with unbroken ridgelines and unobstructed views of the Continental Divide and the Ten Mile Range. The area also contains abundant wildlife habitat including critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and other species of management interest, such as meadows, wetlands and riparian areas.
Natural resource inventories of the Golden Horseshoe in Appendix C are derived from the Golden Horseshoe Backcountry Protection Strategy (1999) surveys of natural resources by drainage completed by citizen members of the Natural Resources Group (2006), and incorporates additional information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), the USFS, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Partners have also commissioned biological studies in the Golden Horseshoe area to address specific projects (trail construction and forest health/fire mitigation projects).
3.2 Vegetation
The varying topography and water availability in the Golden Horseshoe has created high ecological diversity. Conifer forests are predominately composed of lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Aspen stands dominate south facing slopes above French Gulch and elsewhere. The area is also interspersed by riparian areas with shallow streams, wetland areas with willow carrs and peat bogs, subalpine wet meadows, and alpine meadows dominated by grasses and wildflowers, as well as areas that have been extensively mined and are mostly devoid of vegetation.
3.3 Noxious Weeds
As of the summer of 2009, limited areas of noxious weeds were found in the Golden Horseshoe. Canada thistle, scentless chamomile and yellow toadflax that have been identified were treated with herbicides in 2007, 2008, and 2009 by the Summit County Weed Department. The Summit County
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Weed Department will continue to monitor the Golden Horseshoe, and collaborate with the County and Town to prioritize treatments.
3.4 Wildlife
While a detailed wildlife inventory has not been conducted in the area, information regarding the common species, as well as Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive Species of wildlife and plants and their likelihood of occurrence in the Golden Horseshoe can be found in Appendix C.
3.5 Sensitive Ecological Areas
Several areas in the Golden Horseshoe will be given special management consideration due to the vegetation communities and/or wildlife species that they support, including:
Upper French Gulch – a narrow, subalpine riparian willow carr, and designated with “high significance” for biodiversity because of its potential habitat for Colorado River cutthroat trout.
Lincoln Park – a large, wetland complex meadow classified as a subalpine wet meadow. Wet meadows at this elevation (above 10,000 feet) are somewhat rare. It is used by wildlife, including a variety of birds that prefer the presence of willows for nesting, and large mammals such as deer and elk.
Brown Gulch – extending from just north of Lincoln Park and flowing into the Swan River, an area of concern due to its significant biodiversity of plants and animals. Wetlands are prevalent in this area and the presence of scat and numerous game trails throughout this Gulch indicate that it is heavily used as a movement corridor by large mammals, particularly elk and deer.
3.6 Areas of Disturbance
The Golden Horseshoe is littered with abandoned mining disturbances of varying scales, including building sites, prospect mine pits, open and collapsed mine adits and shafts, and old roads and trails. In more recent decades, these sites and roads have become desired attractions and now form the backbone of the recreational travel system. Some areas have experienced additional resource disturbance from intensified recreational use.
Placer, lode, and hydraulic mining all historically occurred in the Golden Horseshoe. As a result, many areas within the region have been significantly ecologically disturbed. The French Gulch and Swan River riparian corridors are two of the most disturbed areas. These river valleys were heavily dredged in the first half of the 20th Century, and the resulting dredge rock piles lack soil and provide very little vegetation or habitat for wildlife.
Numerous locations, including the Wirepatch Mine in French Gulch, Farncomb Hill in American Gulch, and the Peabody Placer in Gold Run Gulch, were hydraulically mined. The sides of these gulches are now steep, eroded, and largely devoid of vegetation. Because of the nature of this mining activity, the slopes are often over 30 percent, leaving them susceptible to further erosion.
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Working in collaboration with the Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mine Safety, The Partners have inventoried several mine sites and continue to identify new sites that will be evaluated for physical hazards and potential for remediation.
3.7 Forest Health
The Partners have begun to inventory and identify appropriate management actions to address forest health and wildfire mitigation in the Golden Horseshoe. Goals for these efforts include managing stands for greater diversity, improved wildlife habitat, and mitigating potential for fire on the urban interface. An adaptive management approach will need to be taken with respect to forest health management in the Golden Horseshoe area, given the complexity of resources and values involved.
Recently, the USFS collaborated with representatives from the County, Town, the Red White and Blue Fire Protection District, homeowners’ associations and private landowners to develop a proposal to implement a variety of vegetation treatments on National Forest lands that have been severely affected by the mountain pine beetle epidemic within the wildland-urban interface of Breckenridge, and surrounding communities. The project area identified approximately 5,700 acres of forest that extend from Farmers Korner on the north, to Hoosier Pass on the south, and along the base of the Ten Mile Range on the west, and to the Golden Horseshoe on the east, that could benefit from some kind of treatment. These treatments would expedite forest regeneration, salvage dead and dying lodgepole pine, and help create 400- to 600-foot community protection zones. The creation of the community protection zones would reduce hazardous fuels to create an area where firefighters could deploy a full range of strategies and tactics during wildfire suppression operations. This project is referred to as the Breckenridge Forest Health and Fuels Project, and was released for public comment in October 2010.
It is anticipated that the Town and County will concentrate forest management actions on the urban interface in the near future, while working with the USFS to identify forest management goals and projects for joint properties in the Golden Horseshoe.
3.8 Water Quality
Water quality in some streams and ponds of the Golden Horseshoe has been significantly degraded by the mining activities of the previous century. Both French Creek and the Swan River are tributaries to the Blue River, sections of which are Gold Medal trout fisheries. Upstream of the Wellington-Oro mine in French Creek, the water quality is unimpaired, and the stream provides suitable habitat for the Colorado cutthroat trout. The County and Town are addressing water quality issues in French Gulch through the construction and operation of a water treatment plant at the Wellington-Oro mine site, pursuant to agreements with state and federal agencies associated with the B&B acquisition.
The Jessie Mine and Mill also historically degraded water quality in Gold Run Gulch. The Town and County completed a restoration project under supervision of the Colorado Division of Public Health and Environment at the Jessie Mine that re-routed the stream and the road, thereby diverting surface water away from the mine wastes and into a newly-created stream channel to avoid the interface of water with mine wastes.
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Water quality issues associated with the historic IXL/Royal Tiger Mine were also addressed by the Town and County under agreements with the EPA and State of Colorado. The reclamation project included rerouting a ditch adjacent to mine wastes away from the mine, creating approximately .5 acres of wetlands in this channel, rerouting adit water away from the mine waste, improving a cap covering mine wastes installed by the previous owners, and capping additional wastes in place. Following reclamation, both of the Jessie and Royal Tiger project sites received “no further action” determinations by the State of Colorado with EPA concurrence.
The Partners are also exploring voluntary restoration opportunities for sections of the Swan River and French Gulch valley floors that were highly impacted by dredge mining. The Town and County hired a contractor to develop a Conceptual Plan and implementation cost estimates for restoration of the section of the Swan River on joint County/Town property. The Partners are also working with the Blue River Watershed Group and others to utilize this design as a basis for work on adjacent private and public lands with the eventual goal of establishing a meta-population of Colorado cutthroat trout in the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Swan River.
3.9 Goals, Policies, Actions
Vegetation Goal A. Protect and enhance the diversity of flora in the Golden Horseshoe.
Policy/Action 1. Recreational use in the Golden Horseshoe will be managed in a manner that minimizes new areas of disturbance and protects the viability and integrity of existing plant communities.
Policy/Action 2. Where practicable, efforts will be made to restore and improve the condition of adversely impacted plant communities in the Golden Horseshoe.
Policy/Action 3. Explore opportunities to establish biological monitoring and baseline information on vegetation in the Golden Horseshoe.
Noxious Weeds Goal B. Prevent and treat noxious weeds in the Golden Horseshoe to the degree possible.
Policy/Action 1. Continue to inventory locations where noxious weeds have been identified in the past.
Policy/Action 2. Chronicle the locations of new sightings of noxious weeds.
Policy/Action 3. Maintain an active and effective weed treatment program for the Golden Horseshoe.
Wildlife Goal C. Protect and enhance the diversity of fauna in the Golden Horseshoe.
Policy/Action 1. Maintain and enhance the range of habitat types necessary to support a diversity of wildlife species.
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Policy/Action 2. Minimize human impacts to wildlife by avoiding disturbance to sensitive habitat areas and their related species. Minimize activities that cause wildlife displacement, behavior modification, and direct mortality, as well as maintaining critical breeding, movement, and foraging habitat.
Policy/Action 3. Continue to inventory and monitor wildlife activity in the Golden Horseshoe.
Policy/Action 4. Develop best management practices in accordance with wildlife findings.
Policy/Action 5. Continue to work with the CDOW, USFS and the USFWS to monitor species of local, regional, and national concern.
Policy/Action 6. Use best management practices as necessary to protect species of concern.
Sensitive Ecological Areas Goal D. Protect and enhance sensitive ecological areas.
Policy/Action 1. Minimize negative impacts to sensitive natural areas caused by unauthorized trail use and/or use of trails not part of the identified travel system.
Policy/Action 2. Install active and effective closures and restore sensitive natural areas damaged through visitor use.
Policy/Action 3. Develop monitoring protocols and limits of acceptable change standards for sensitive areas.
Policy/Action 4. Implement adaptive management strategies accordingly.
Areas of Disturbance Goal E. Restore areas of disturbance and reduce additional resource damage.
Policy/Action 1. Identify and inventory disturbed areas that may warrant restoration efforts.
Policy/Action2. Implement those reclamation projects deemed appropriate by The Partners based on funding availability and priorities.
Policy/Action 3. Minimize new and on-going resource impacts associated with recreational uses through sustainable practices, as outlined in Appendix C.
Forest Health Goal F. Maintain and improve forest health and diversity.
Policy/Action 1. Develop a forest management plan that addresses wildfire mitigation (e.g., fire breaks, etc.) as well as forest health and the need for increasing forest diversity. The plan will identify areas affected by mountain pine beetle and appropriate treatments and mitigation strategies.
Policy/Action 2. Work cooperatively to efficiently implement forest management strategies.
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Water Quality Goal G. Maintain and improve water quality and riparian habitat in the Golden Horseshoe.
Policy/Action 1. Continue to operate the water treatment plant to treat drainage from the Wellington/Oro Mine as required by the Consent Decree.
Policy/Action 2. Identify abandoned mine sites where restoration actions could improve habitat and/or water quality while maintaining historic elements of site, and implement those reclamation projects deemed appropriate by The Partners based upon funding availability and priorities.
Policy/Action 3. Develop and implement restoration plans for the Swan River and French Gulch in cooperation with private landowners to improve water quality, riparian habitat, aesthetics, and recreational resources.
Policy/Action 4. Identify environmental and restoration interpretive opportunities to promote education and stewardship of water resources.
4.0 Recreation Resources
4.1 Introduction
The Golden Horseshoe is a popular Summit County outdoor recreation area, drawing visitors to its wide array of recreational trails. Over the last hundred years, the roads, trails and ditches once used to support mining activities have become a system of routes that are appealing to motorized and non-motorized recreational pursuits, including mountain biking, motorcycle riding, horseback riding, dog walking, trail running, hiking, and four-wheel driving in the summer; and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter.
The Partners inventoried over 98 miles of roads and trails as a part of the Golden Horseshoe Backcountry Protection Strategy project. This equated to over eight miles of roads and trails per square mile of land. The majority of these roads and trails were considered social (or non-system) routes by the USFS as a part of the 2002 White River National Forest Plan.
When the Town and the County completed the B&B Mines acquisition, both entities recognized the need for a plan to manage the previously free-for-all trail system in the Golden Horseshoe. This recognition initiated the hiring of a consultant to facilitate a citizen-based collaborative planning process. Through this process, recreational user groups outlined a desired trail system and use patterns based on recreational, natural resource, and historic resource considerations. This was then presented to the Board of County Commissioners and Breckenridge Town Council. BOCC and Town Council subsequently forwarded comments to the USFS Travel Management Plan including these recommendations. A review of the ability of The Partners to manage the trail system from legal, economic, sustainability, and resource perspectives (management filters) was completed by staff of the County, Town and USFS. The Golden Horseshoe Travel System Map (Map 3) is based on the citizen-based planning process and comments submitted from the County and the Town to the USFS for inclusion in the Supplemental Travel Management Plan in 2009. These were reviewed by the Town and County open space boards, the Upper Blue Planning Commission, the Town Council and the Board of County Commissioners and formally submitted as comments to the USFS on January 5, 2009.
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As of the date of this document, a record of decision has not been reached on the Final Travel Management Plan for the White River National Forest.
4.2 Travel Routes
The Golden Horseshoe Travel System Map (Map 3) shows the routes in the Golden Horseshoe proposed for inclusion in the travel management system. This Map also identifies the recreational uses allowed on each route. The Travel System Map will be updated regularly to provide desired recreational experiences for a variety of users while addressing natural resource protection, historic resource preservation, or general maintenance concerns. In addition to professional crews employed by The Partners, volunteer projects will continue to be organized for work in the Golden Horseshoe. Such efforts assist with necessary maintenance and help foster a stewardship ethic among the public.
The Town has worked to identify and pursue winter Nordic ski and snowshoe opportunities within the Golden Horseshoe (see Appendix G-Golden Horseshoe Nordic Assessment Executive Summary). Other pertinent Nordic-related planning documents undertaken by the Town include: Golden Horseshoe Nordic Trails Plan (Morton) and the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan (under revision at the time of this document). These plans outline potential future Nordic ski routes, as well as sustainable design and construction trail standards. Both reports are available from the Town Open Space Department.
Trail and Road Standards The Partners, through the planning process, have identified sustainability as a primary goal for the trail system in the Golden Horseshoe. Sustainability on natural surface routes is defined as the characteristic of a travel surface to support currently planned and future uses with minimal impact to the natural systems of the area. Sustainable routes will require little rerouting and minimal maintenance over extended time periods. They will have minimal soil loss or movement while allowing the naturally occurring adjacent plant systems to inhabit the area. Sustainable routes also minimize negative effects on wildlife and other natural resources. Proper trail alignment, grading and drainage are necessary to create a sustainable trail.
Sustainable trails minimize the need for ongoing trail maintenance by using construction techniques and materials designed for long term self-sustaining use, and by using on-site materials as much as possible. Appropriate design minimizes or eliminates expensive future maintenance and repairs while establishing an enjoyable trail experience for users.
There are specific sustainability standards that apply to different user groups and their particular impacts (Appendix F). For example, the Town Trail Standards and Guidelines and the USFS Trail Construction Manual incorporate many of these accepted standards. These standards will be referenced in the construction and maintenance for all roads and trails in the Golden Horseshoe, motorized and non-motorized alike.
Where the protection of natural or historic resources is compromised due to unsustainable route alignment or user behavior, these issues will be addressed through custodial maintenance reroutes or closure.
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4.3 Signage
Signs inform trail users of important information about route location, safety considerations, rules and regulations, and education and interpretation. Signs should be carefully designed and installed to inform trail users and avoid “sign pollution,” or an overabundance of signs. Signs should be strategically located, clear, concise, and legible.
Signs will be placed at the main trailheads, trail intersections, and other key locations. More heavily traveled routes will be well-signed, while more remote routes will have fewer or no signs to reflect and maintain the backcountry character.
4.4 Trailheads and Access Portals
Numerous trail portals and parking areas provide access to the Golden Horseshoe. Trailheads have managed parking, whereas portals do not have parking facilities available. The Golden Horseshoe area is most frequently accessed via Tiger Road and French Gulch Road. Trailhead access areas in the Golden Horseshoe will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to determine appropriate infrastructure requirements such as the need for designated parking areas, trailhead kiosks, signs, restrooms or other public facilities. Signs may include trailhead kiosk and access portal signs. Trailhead kiosks are currently in place at the Tiger Road and Lincoln Townsite trailheads. Future kiosks will incorporate the existing general design, and provide applicable information and regulations. Access portal signs will identify route names, numbers and allowed uses.
4.5 Rules and Regulations
The successful management of the Golden Horseshoe depends upon mutual respect among the various user groups, and communal respect for the invaluable resources being protected for the benefit of all current and future residents and visitors. The Town and County properties are governed by the Rules and Regulations for County Open Space Properties reviewed by the Breckenridge Town Council and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2007 as joint property owners (Appendix E). The USFS Rules and Regulations and area-specific Supervisor Orders apply on the National Forest Lands. The Partners have also agreed to take actions to make these two sets of regulations consistent and enforceable.
For the past several years, public education and law enforcement has been primarily undertaken by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with Forest Service law enforcement. The Partners will continue to evaluate this arrangement to determine the most efficient method of educating the public and enforcing these regulations.
4.6 Goals, Policies, Actions
Trails and Trailheads Goal A. Maintain and improve trail access.
Policy/Action 1. Identify and manage motorized and non-motorized trails that provide appropriate recreational experiences while protecting the area’s natural and historic resources.
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Policy/Action 2. Secure easements, property interest, or other agreements and authorizations to retain and enhance public recreational access to existing and proposed routes and trailheads.
Policy/Action 3. Design and build trailheads with the use type, volume of use and capacity of the resource in mind.
Goal B. Plan and provide for the sustainable maintenance of trails and trailheads.
Policy/Action 1. Close and restore user created routes that are not part of the identified travel system.
Policy/Action 2. Use trail design and construction standards that incorporate sustainability guidelines.
Goal C. Manage the travel system in cooperation with other public and private entities.
Policy/Action 1. Create and expand public/private partnerships, including “Adopt-a-Trail” programs.
Policy/Action 2. Work to minimize existing and potential conflicts between property owners and recreational users.
Policy/Action 3. Consider Special Uses and Special Events in the Golden Horseshoe on a permitted basis, evaluating each request on its own merits.
Goal D. Provide public information to promote stewardship and appropriate recreational use.
Policy/Action 1. Install signage at trailheads/portals with appropriate information.
Policy/Action 2. Post pertinent information to encourage sustainable resource use and facilitate law enforcement.
Policy/Action 3. Continue to work cooperatively to make regulations consistent and enforceable across jurisdictional boundaries, including USFS Supervisor’s Order or other mechanism.
Policy/Action 4. Provide accurate information about trails and access points to publishers of trail guides and maps.
Signage Goal E. Maintain and improve travel signage.
Policy/Action 1. Provide uniform signage to direct users to appropriate recreational opportunities.
Policy/Action 2. Incorporate Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly messages on signs to educate users on rules and codes of conduct.
Policy/Action 3. Install directional signage at trail intersections identifying routes and allowed uses.
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5.0 Cultural Resources
5.1 Introduction
Hundreds of sites with evidence of historic human activity exist throughout the Golden Horseshoe. These cultural resources chronicle the colorful mining past of the Breckenridge area and generally date from the 1860s through the late 1970s. All major phases of the mining history of the area are represented in the Golden Horseshoe, starting with the surface placer operations of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush era of the late 1850s and early 1860s, then the underground lead and silver mining of the late 1800s and early 1900s, and finally the dredging operations of the first half of the 20th Century.
Aspects of each phase of the actual mining operations may also be found, including mine and mill waste dumps, towns and settlements, ditches and flumes that brought water to mining operations, roads and trails that provided access and transit, and isolated log cabins and mines.
Remnants of the various mining techniques and technologies also remain, including sluicing, hydraulic, underground stoping, hand-sorting, milling, storage, and dredging. Sites in the Golden Horseshoe also illustrate the relationship, over time, between these different eras. In most sites, evidence is clear that later generations of miners lived on and/or reworked sites from earlier times.
Historic sites can also pose safety challenges and dangers. There are unmarked abandoned open mine shafts, open glory holes, accessible horizontal mine accesses (adits), old structures that could collapse, rusty nails, broken glass, etc. The Partners are working with the Colorado Division of Reclamation and Mine Safety to locate and correct identified physical and environmental hazards related to abandoned mines.
5.2 Cultural Resource Inventory
During the course of the Management Planning process in 2006, an extensive inventory was developed of known historic resources and sites in the Golden Horseshoe (Appendix D). Each identified site was described or characterized using 23 separate criteria ranging from its GPS location to whether the site represents a significant danger to public safety, to the type of access existing to the site (road, trail, etc.).
The inventory also contains site descriptions and management goals for each of the sites listed. Each site is ranked on a scale of “1” to “5” concerning a number of important management criteria, including: local historical significance, access, interpretation potential, threat of damage or theft, public safety, and structural integrity.
5.3 Management of Cultural Resources
The collection of historic sites in the Golden Horseshoe chronicles all aspects of the colorful mining history of the Breckenridge area and provides a priceless resource for the enjoyment and education of local residents and visitors alike. The Partners’ two primary goals related to historic resources in the Golden Horseshoe are to: 1) protect the sites themselves from natural or human-caused deterioration and destruction, and 2) protect public safety. To address public safety concerns, action
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will be taken to close off hazardous mine features, including open adits and shafts, using appropriate measures for abandoned mine reclamation and improved public safety. The Partners have initiated plans with the Colorado Division of Mining, Reclamation, and Safety to address concerns at numerous sites in the Golden Horseshoe
As new uses of public lands or specific projects are proposed, The Partners will evaluate potential impacts using the paradigm: first avoid impacts, then minimize potential impacts, and finally mitigate those that cannot be avoided or minimized. Examples of strategies include avoiding publicizing the locations of sites, minimizing access to sites, and providing educational and interpretive opportunities to encourage stewardship of the sites. Additional inventories may be required before undertaking new actions to ensure that cultural resources are properly identified and protected.
Many mining relics are constructed of wood, and are succumbing very quickly to natural deterioration through rotting or exposure to the elements, or damage through vandalism or theft. The Partners anticipate that public efforts will focus on maintenance and/or stabilization of identified historic features, including clean-up of sites where modern rubbish has accumulated. If cultural sites are identified as under risk of damage by recreational uses, The Partners will evaluate potential mitigation measures, such as trail maintenance or reroutes, interpretive signage, or the installation of physical barriers to discourage public contact with remaining relics.
Restoration of historic sites or structures will be completed on a more limited basis, depending on the priorities of the individual Partners. It is likely that restoration of historic structures in the Golden Horseshoe will require funding from a combination of sources including The Partners, Colorado Historical Fund and private foundations.
5.4 Interpretation
Interpretation offers opportunities to both inform the outdoor public about the historic nature of the Golden Horseshoe and engage them in the stewardship of these resources. Various levels of opportunity for the public to learn about and experience the area’s history will be provided with an emphasis on public interpretation of the more popular historic sites closer to the Town.
Several cultural sites lend themselves to thoughtfully designed interpretive signage – small signs placed in unobtrusive locations. Areas away from current heavy use would be designated as “back country” and would not have signage. An example of “front country” interpretation is the project led by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance to place interpretative signs along the Minnie, X10U8, and B&B trails in western French Gulch.
5.5 Goals, Policies, Actions
Goal A. Preserve/restore significant historical sites and structures to protect and enhance the value and character of the Golden Horseshoe.
Policy/Action 1. Identify highly valued, significant sites and prioritize their protection and/or restoration.
Policy/Action 2. Identify and acquire funding to restore and maintain priority historical sites.
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Goal B. Ensure safe, public legal access to priority historic sites via the recreational travel network.
Policy/Action 1. Integrate historical site access and potential interpretation with the recreational travel system.
Policy/Action 2. Ensure that sensitive historical sites are not accessed by travel routes where deemed inappropriate.
Policy/Action 3. Determine the level of public use and access, if any, of the various cabins and other structures.
Goal C. Create safe, interactive interpretive opportunities for identified historical sites, including signs and trail access where appropriate.
Policy/Action 1. Identify high quality, accessible sites that “tell the story” of the area, and establish corresponding interpretive materials and trails.
6.0 Stewardship and Monitoring
The Partners concur that adaptive management through the use of monitoring is critical to exemplary management of the Golden Horseshoe. Goals of monitoring will include:
1. Ensure that all uses are consistent with the goals of the Plan; 2. Ensure that management actions are consistent with the goals of this Plan; 3. Evaluate the provisions of the Plan to ensure they adequately protect the resources identified therein; 4. Evaluate the necessity for modifications or amendments to this Plan.
The Partners will continue to monitor the Golden Horseshoe throughout the life of the Plan to ensure that the conservation values are being protected.
7.0 Management Plan Approval and Amendment Process
The Golden Horseshoe Management Plan has been reviewed and approved by the Breckenridge Town Council as Resolution #______, and by the Summit County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as Resolution #______. The Summit County Open Space Advisory Council (OSAC) and the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission (BOSAC) made a recommendation to the BOCC and the Town Council to adopt a draft of this Plan at their respective meetings on ______. These meetings were noticed through newspaper ads, and public posting of the OSAC and BOSAC, Town Council, and BOCC agendas.
Outline USFS approval process
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The adopted Plan will be reviewed on a periodic basis as deemed appropriate by The Partners. The OSAC and BOSAC will evaluate proposed amendments and make recommendations for review by the BOCC, Town Council, and USFS. Amendments to the Plan shall continue to preserve or strengthen the open space and conservation values associated with the Golden Horseshoe.
Golden Horseshoe Management Plan Draft - January 11, 2011 23 35 of 59 1.0 Background
1.1 History
The sport of nordic skiing has a special heritage in the Town of Breckenridge and the Upper Blue River Basin. The founders of the Breckenridge ski community were themselves largely responsible for introducing nordic skiing from Norway to the local community. Since that time, the sport has evolved to become a popular activity for those seeking an introduction to the backcountry as well as those training to compete on an international level in racing. Nordic opportunities have existed in the Upper Blue Basin for many years, and long standing public and private efforts have been made to protect the access and available terrain from being transformed to other uses.
The Town of Breckenridge Open Space and Trails program also owes its inception to the sport of nordic skiing. The potential for loss of nordic (and summer) trails through the Shock Hill and Cucumber Creek Estates development review processes partially prompted the nordic community to organize themselves and bring an open space ballot initiative to vote by the general public in 1996. The initiative passed, giving the Breckenridge community a .5% sales tax dedicated to open space acquisition and management.
The Town of Breckenridge first became directly engaged in the support of nordic skiing when the Town accepted nordic trail easements in the Shock Hill development. Since that time, the Town has continued to receive dedications of other sections of the nordic trail system around the Breckenridge Nordic Center. In the winter of 2001, the Town acquired the Preservation Parcel of the Cucumber Creek Estates development. This $4.75 million purchase was the largest expense to date at that time that the Town had invested in open space and trails. The purchase of this property also meant that the Breckenridge Nordic Center would need to be eventually moved from its present site to one that was designated specifically as a nordic skiing facility on an adjacent lot. Once the Breckenridge Town Council began discussing the Town’s investment in the relocation and potential reconstruction of the nordic center, they realized that there may be other nordic facility opportunities that would also be worthy of the Town’s investments. As a result, the Breckenridge Town Council sought to thoroughly investigate all potential locations for nordic facilities and trails and determine the best array of sites and allocation of resources.
The Breckenridge Town Council called for the creation of the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan Committee to accomplish this task. The committee was established with representatives from the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission (BOSAC), nordic ski concessionaires, media,
36 of 59 local racing community, local nordic advocacy organizations, and Town Planning Department and Recreation staff. The committee met on a monthly basis beginning in the winter of 2001 to develop the Master Plan.
The following were the goals outlined by the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan Committee in 2001 and approved by both the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission and the Breckenridge Town Council:
1) Expand of the Breckenridge Municipal Golf Course trails network to approximately twenty kilometers and utilize the clubhouse as a nordic center building.
2) Reconstruct and expand the Breckenridge Nordic Center, and an associated nature center, with future expansion of both incorporated into one building.
3) Seek a satellite facility with the potential for future expansion at the Shock Hill Nordic Site. This would include lighted trails, incorporating low-level directional lights.
4) Find and secure an alternative alignment of the Breckenridge to Frisco groomed ski trail (which was the Rec Path at the time).
5) Seek a commitment by Vail Resorts to contribute to proposed nordic facilities, trails, and/or grooming.
In the nine years since the 2001 UBNMP was approved, the following has occurred:
• The Gold Run Nordic Center was created, utilizing the Breckenridge Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse as the main facility. Approximately 20 kilometers are groomed on the golf course. The facility is owned and managed by the Town of Breckenridge. • The Golden Horseshoe management planning process took place during 2006 and 2007, part of which addressed groomed and undeveloped nordic trails in the Golden Horseshoe area. • Nordic Group International was hired by the Town of Breckenridge to write a feasibility study addressing the expansion of the Gold Run Nordic Center into the Golden Horseshoe (Appendix A). • The results of the nordic-related Golden Horseshoe management planning process were a bubble drawn around the area adjacent to the Gold Run Nordic Center (GRNC) where up to 30 kilometers of nordic trails could be improved and constructed to bring the total kilometers of groomed nordic trails to 50 kilometers (Map 1); the decision to manage
37 of 59 Sallie Barber road as non-motorized in the winter; and a number of designated non- motorized ski routes in the Golden Horseshoe area. • Morton Trails was hired by the Town of Breckenridge to phase and design the 30 kilometer expansion area in the Golden Horseshoe adjacent to the GRNC (Appendix B). • Morton Trails recommended three phases of expansion. The first phase was a five kilometer loop in the Peabody Placer, designed for intermediate and advanced skiers, and suitable for a race venue. (Map 2) • The Hoodoo Voodoo Trail was constructed in 2009 and represents the first phase of the expansion. • The Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission held a retreat in February 2009 and discussed the question of whether the goal still existed to make Breckenridge a “regionally significant nordic destination.” BOSAC was in consensus that this goal had been reached, but that improvements should continue to be pursued. • At the February 2009 retreat, BOSAC recommended that staff initiate a revision of the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan that was approved in 2001 that would include both the developed nordic centers and the undeveloped cross country and backcountry ski areas. • In 2010 and early 2011, staff held meetings to address the UBNMP revision. These meetings were attended by representatives from the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission, Town Planning and Recreation departments, U.S. Forest Service, Summit County Open Space and Trails department, Breckenridge Nordic Center, Summit Huts Association, Summit Nordic Council, and interested users. • Town of Breckenridge staff took the recommendations from the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan Committee to draft the 2011 UBNMP revision.
1.2 Role of Nordic skiing in the community
Nordic skiing plays an important role for the local community. As an alternative activity for alpine ski resort visitors, it is also popular with local residents for several reasons. Some citizens are competitive nordic skiers that utilize the groomed trails for training and racing; others nordic ski as a way to explore the backcountry, get exercise on their nearby trails, or cross train for other sports. During the 2009/2010 season, the skier numbers at nordic centers in Summit County were 40,000 and they are estimated to be 45,000 for the 2010/2011 season.
1.3 Entities involved
The process of revising of the UBNMP has involved the Breckenridge Town Council, Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission, Town of Breckenridge staff (from Community Development Department, Open Space and Trails Division, Recreation Department, and Gold
38 of 59 Run Nordic Center), Summit County Government, U.S. Forest Service, Summit Huts, Summit Nordic Ski Club, and interested users.
1.4 User groups The following user groups are being addressed as a part of this UBNMP:
• Skate skiers: these skiers utilize trails that are groomed specifically for skate skiing. • Classic skiers: these skiers utilize trails that are groomed specifically for classic skiing. • Cross country skiers: these skiers utilize ungroomed backcountry routes that are often also summertime roads or trails. These skiers park at trailheads throughout the Upper Blue Basin. The trails utilized by these skiers are sometimes marked by blue diamonds on trees. • Backcountry skiers: these skiers are utilizing trailheads and ungroomed trails to access backcountry terrain for making alpine or telemark turns. They do not necessary remain on established routes for their entire experience, but often will start on marked and ungroomed trails to access their desired terrain.
2.0 Vision
The vision that was established as a part of the original 2001 Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan was as follows:
“The vision of the Breckenridge Town Council is to provide an exceptional and well-rounded nordic skiing experience. There will be opportunities for the whole spectrum of nordic skiers, including those who have never attempted the sport and need basic instruction and beginner trails, those looking for a respite from an alpine ski vacation, those needing a backcountry excursion, and competitors requiring long distance training and racing opportunities with an array of terrain features.”
This vision continues to be valid and has been retained for the purposes of this revised nordic plan.
3.0 Nordic trails guidelines
Because the vision for nordic skiing in the Upper Blue River Basin includes the need for trails that are managed for racing and training, groomed recreational skiing (skating and classic), and backcountry touring, the terrain and maintenance of these trails should be appropriate for the user group addressed.
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Guidelines for the design and construction of nordic ski trails are discussed more in-depth in the Golden Horseshoe Nordic Assessment (Nordic Group International, 2006) (Appendix A) and the Golden Horseshoe Nordic Trails Plan: Nordic Expansion Area (Morton Trails, 2008) (Appendix B).
3.1 Design Considerations
Racing/training: Generally the terrain for this use should be more challenging, with more hills and elevation changes.
Recreational groomed skiing: The terrain for this use should be flatter with less abrupt elevation changes and turns.
Cross Country skiing: The terrain for this use should be undulating yet moderate with long sweeping alignments as opposed to sharp corners or curves.
Backcountry skiing: The terrain for this use can be varied, but should provide a rustic experience that is easily accessible yet also integrates more rural and remote experiences. These users can tolerate and often prefer steeper approaches and descents that expedite their travel to alpine terrain.
3.2 Grooming
The following chart displays typical grooming dimensions for the different types of nordic skiing. The format of the chart was adapted from the Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan (2008).
Categories Full Width Medium Width Narrow Width Ungroomed Width Up to 24 feet 14-16 feet 5-8 feet N/A Track Type Dual or single Single classic and Skate lane with Tracked by classic and 12-foot 8-foot or wider or without skiers skate lane skate lane classic track, or themselves a classic only track Examples Buffalo Flats Hoodoo Voodoo Preston Loop Peaks Trail User Groups Skiers/Snowshoers Skiers/Snowshoers Generally classic Cross Country possibly on the possibly on the skiers skiers, side side Backcountry
40 of 59 Categories Full Width Medium Width Narrow Width Ungroomed skiers, snowshoers and snow walkers Grooming Snowcat Snowcat Snowmobile N/A Equipment
4.0 Infrastructure Structures associated with nordic skiing pursuits, such as warming huts, trailheads and informational kiosks, should generally reflect the nordic community goals of being energy efficient and unobtrusive, and should not alter the backcountry character of the open space program. The existing clubhouse at Gold Run should be utilized due to its exceptional space, parking and accessibility. The proposed Breckenridge Nordic Center building should be designed and built in a way that meets the needs of the nordic concessionaire and the Town while also reducing impacts to the Cucumber Gulch Preserve open space.
5.0 Guiding principles for trail improvements and expansion Trail improvements for nordic skiing should be well planned to accommodate nordic skiing, summer uses and forest health access, where applicable. Improvements should be considered when there is the appropriate demand, political support, and available resources. Trails should increase connectivity with other existing nordic routes while maximizing the benefit to trail users and protecting open space values. The onetime impact of trail construction should be considered in light of the long term maintenance of those routes. The long term maintenance and grooming (where appropriate) should be given consideration over the short term construction impacts.
6.0 Winter trail system proposed improvements
Table A is a list of each of the focus areas that were discussed by the Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan Committee. Map 3 depicts the locations of these areas. The table lists each of the developed nordic areas, including their existing trail systems and proposed expansions, as well as undeveloped areas. For each area, the particular characteristics and values were identified, in addition to possible risks, needs or limitations that were noteworthy. The last category “Suggested Enhancements,” contains recommendations by members of the Committee on possible improvements for each of the focus areas. A summary of the primary characteristics and priority recommendations, as agreed upon for each focus area by the Committee, are provided below.
41 of 59 6.1 Developed systems
The Town of Breckenridge is directly involved in the management of the two developed nordic centers in the Upper Blue Basin. The Town manages all aspects of the Gold Run Nordic Center and would be responsible for any related improvements or enhancements. The Breckenridge Nordic Center is a public/private enterprise that is a joint effort between the Town and the concessionaire. Any efforts taken to address enhancements of the existing Breckenridge Nordic Center would be done collaboratively between the Town and the concessionaire. The Peak 6 and 7 expansion areas, however, lie outside of the Town limits and would be the responsibility of the concessionaire and the U.S. Forest Service.
6.1.1 Gold Run Nordic Center
6.1.1.1 Golf Course Terrain
The area of the Gold Run Nordic Center that exists on the Breckenridge Municipal Golf Course terrain is owned and operated by the Town of Breckenridge. It is centrally located and has its own on-site maintenance facility. GRNC is an excellent event venue and allows the public to utilize the clubhouse and parking amenities created for the summer golf operation. In combination with the Golden Horseshoe area, GRNC has a good variety of terrain for different ability levels.
Priority enhancements for the Gold Run Nordic Center that exist on the golf course terrain:
• Re-evaluate the existing trail alignments for a better user experience. Enhance the terrain that already exists, while creating more efficient loops for both grooming and events. • Develop a common vision between the golf course and nordic operations. Encourage grooming that will enhance the nordic experience while preserving the golf course and it’s operations. Evaluate rubber tracks for the snow cat, which might reduce the impacts to the golf course. • Develop a homologated loop1 from the golf course terrain for the purpose of destination events, having a “destination trail,” etc. This loop would likely incorporate the Peabody terrain.
1 Although an international level event could not be held at the Upper Blue River Basin elevation, the other characteristics of a “homologated” trail could be achieved, such as climbs of varying lengths and grades, sections of undulating terrain, particular widths, staging area, etc.
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6.1.1.2 Peabody/Preston Area
The Peabody/Preston area is located to the east of the golf course terrain of the Gold Run Nordic Center. Although this area lies on jointly owned Town of Breckenridge and Summit County Government property, it is a part of the Gold Run Nordic Center. This area accommodates a variety of user groups and ability levels. With its northerly aspect, it holds snow well and does not have the greens-related grooming issues present on the golf course portion of the nordic center. There are several historical structures that can be seen from the trails network with excellent wildlife viewing and interpretive opportunities as well. This trail network is very popular with local nordic and cross country skiers, in part due to the dog- friendly trails.
Priority enhancements for the Peabody/Preston areas of the Gold Run Nordic Center:
• Create a homologated trail without two-way traffic. • Construct the Above the Bench and Sluice trails. These proposed trails are a natural extension to the existing network and would increase the amount of moderate terrain close to existing trails. • Redesign the Preston Loop for a better experience, with a focus on the widening of the trail prism and the rerouting of the Extension Mill Road.
6.1.1.3 Expansion Area
The area beyond the Peabody/Preston area that was included in the Town of Breckenridge Golden Horse Nordic Trails Plan is considered the expansion area. Phase II of the expansion area is called the Upper Bench and includes the terrain upslope of the Peabody Placer and to the west of Gold Run Road. This terrain is very moderate, user friendly and proximal to the existing groomed nordic trails. Phase III of the plan lies between Dry Gulch and Discovery Hill and has more challenging terrain and exposure issues.
Priority enhancement for the Golden Horseshoe Expansion Area is:
• Once again, in the short-term focus on the design and construction of the Above the Bench/Sluice trail (which would help with the race loop concept described above) and the Upper Bench Trail, as described in the Morton Trail plan in Appendix B.
6.1.2 Breckenridge Nordic Center
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6.1.2.1 Peak 8 Base
The Breckenridge Nordic Center (BNC) is a well established facility over 30 years old that is located close to town and can be accessed by either public busses or the gondola. The BNC receives early season snow and contains good terrain for a variety of users. The trail system lies largely within the Cucumber Gulch Preserve and so integrates an environmental education component, particularly with the interpretive signage that already exists. The restored Josie’s Cabin at the bottom of the wetlands complex provides a historical element as well. This nordic center is a good example of a public/private partnership between the concessionaire and the Town of Breckenridge.
Priority enhancements for the existing Peak 8 base of the Breckenridge Nordic Center are as follows:
• Create a year-round facility. • Establish a stewardship/sentry/guardian presence for the Cucumber Gulch Preserve • Provide better management of Josie’s Cabin.
6.1.2.2 Peaks 6 and 7
The concessionaire at the Breckenridge Nordic Center holds a special use permit on USFS lands in the area below Peaks 6 and 7. Currently there are approximately 12 kilometers of trails that exist on old alignments and road grades. The concessionaire has been working with the USFS on a long-term plan for the management of the area and an expanded trail network. Currently the trail system is an excellent amenity for locals, has great early and late season snow conditions, and has moderate terrain with expansive views once skiers can access the higher elevation trails.
Priority recommendations for the proposed Peak 7 expansion area are the following:
• Build a year-round facility. • Construct additional 20 kilometers of nordic-specific, machine-built trails that are easily groomed, and more moderate and contoured for a better user experience. • Reroute the Gluteous Maximus, Minumus, and Jeffrey’s Biff trails. • Maintain dog-friendly trails, but with more management and oversight. • Maintain free public backcountry access through the groomed nordic system. • Incorporate an environmental interpretive component
44 of 59 • Coordinate plans and uses with the surrounding stakeholders.
6.2 Undeveloped systems
The undeveloped areas are largely ungroomed cross country and backcountry skiing trailheads and trails that are skied in by the users. They are often destinations for a combination of cross country skiers, backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and walkers. Although some of these areas lie on property that is owned and managed by Summit County and/or the Town of Breckenridge, many of these areas fall under the U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction and will be subject to the direction of the agency’s approved White River National Forest Travel Management Plan. This plan provides recommendations from the Town of Breckenridge with respect to the management of some of these areas, but the approval and implementation of related actions will be subject to approval by the U.S. Forest Service and in some cases, Summit County Government. It should be noted that the U.S. Forest Service currently does not limit ungroomed skiing to designated routes. Skiing, snowshoeing and walking are allowed throughout the Forest.
6.2.1 General considerations
Some considerations for winter ski routes (primarily for cross country skiing) as both summer and winter trails in the Upper Blue River area are further developed and managed area as follows:
• Provide more education about winter trail etiquette (e.g. separation of uses within a corridor, picking up dog waste, etc.) • Develop winter-specific trail standards for design and construction. • Evaluate the snow compaction routes as designated by the USFS for accuracy and appropriateness and alter the system as necessary to reflect use patterns.
6.2.2 Swan River Drainage
The Horseshoe Gulch area is a popular winter recreation destination for non-motorized users. There is a trailhead with good parking and a variety of moderate terrain with many loop opportunities. The area is good winter elk habitat, so there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, but also the possibility of skier-generated wildlife impacts.
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Priority enhancements In the Horseshoe Gulch area:
• Create a trail connection between Horseshoe Gulch and the Galena Ditch. • Create a trail connection between the Tiger Townsite and Rock Island (accessing the Galena Ditch from the east).
Further east up the Swan River drainage, the terrain is steeper and there is a greater mixture of motorized and non-motorized use.
Priority enhancements for the North Fork area:
• Provide increased law enforcement related to unauthorized motorized use. • Provide a winter gate and signage for Wise Mountain.
Priority enhancements for the American Gulch area:
• Install signage or barriers to help protect Monitor Gulch from encroaching motorized use
6.2.3 French Gulch
French Gulch is one of the most popular areas for ungroomed cross country skiing in the Upper Blue Basin. It is very close to the Town of Breckenridge and local neighborhoods, there is abundant easy and moderate terrain, the motorized and non-motorized uses are segregated, designated parking areas are plowed and maintained, and there are many dog-friendly trails. Most of the land in this area is in public ownership and public access is secure.
Priority enhancements for the French Gulch area:
• Create a complete east-west route that would connect the Wellington Neighborhood, the B&B trail, Sallie Barber, and Black Gulch. This would be contingent upon an evaluation of the wildlife impacts and permission to cross private properties. • Expand the parking at the Lincoln Townsite to accommodate more users and nowmobile trailers effectively. • Gain legal access to Australia Gulch and between the B&B trail and Barney Ford. • Construct a sustainable reroute of the Weber Gulch Trail.
46 of 59 6.2.4 Baldy to Boreas Pass
This area is close to town and one of the most popular backcountry ski destinations. The variety of terrain, between the Boreas Pass Road and the slopes of Baldy Mountain, and the good snow conditions provide a variety of opportunities for users. Boreas Pass Road provides access to the Section House, a backcountry ski hut managed by Summit Huts Association.
Priority enhancements for the Baldy to Boreas Pass area:
• Enforce the non-motorized designation on Baldy Mountain. • Pursue trailhead parking for Baldy Mountain area.
6.2.5 Indiana/Pennsylvania Gulches
This is also a very popular destination area for groomed nordic, cross country and backcountry skiing. The Spruce Valley Ranch homeowners’ association grooms an out-and-back section of Indiana Gulch which is used by many skiers. This trail accesses additional moderate terrain that is very popular with cross country and backcountry users seeking a more remote experience.
Pennsylvania Gulch is popular primarily because of the steeper backcountry ski terrain. The trailhead is owned and managed jointly by the Town of Breckenridge and Summit County Government.
Priority enhancements for Indiana/Pennsylvania Gulches:
• Close the central Indiana Gulch and Dyersville roads to motorized use. These provide an excellent cross country ski loop with the main Indiana Gulch trail. • Pursuant to the outcome of the USFS Travel Management Plan for the White River National Forest, install a gate at the Pennsylvania Gulch trailhead or pursue a non- motorized trail route that would separate users. • Expand the parking area at the Pennsylvania Gulch trailhead where possible.
6.2.6 Fredonia Gulch
This area only receives light use. It is easily accessible from Highway 9 and provides a good neighborhood amenity. Some skiers use it as an out-and-back route and others utilize it as an access for more backcountry terrain. There is no legal parking and there are private property issues along the main route.
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Priority enhancements for Fredonia Gulch:
• Secure legal parking for access to Fredonia Gulch. • Create a connection between Fredonia Gulch, the Blue River Extension Trail, and Pennsylvania Gulch.
6.2.7 Red Mountain
This area only receives light use. It is easily accessible from Highway 9 and provides a good neighborhood amenity. Some skiers use it as an out-and-back route and others utilize it as an access for more backcountry terrain. There is no legal parking and there are private property issues along the main route.
Priority enhancements for Fredonia Gulch:
• Secure legal parking for access to Fredonia Gulch. • Create a connection between Fredonia Gulch, the Blue River Extension Trail, and Pennsylvania Gulch.
6.2.8 Bemrose Ski Circus
This is a very popular area for many users. The parking at Hoosier Pass is convenient and adequate. The main trail is contouring and provides moderate terrain. This area has excellent early season snow conditions and provides easy access to the higher peaks and steeper terrain surrounding it.
Priority enhancements for the Bemrose Ski Circus area:
• Provide better motorized/non-motorized signage, strategic barriers and enforcement at both the north and south ends. • Install pedestrian crossing signs at the top of Hoosier Pass. • Develop a designated trail between the upper and lower sections. • Reroute sections of the main trail to avoid wetlands impacts. • Provide legal parking at the lower Bemrose access point.
6.2.9 Hoosier Pass (West)
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This area is very popular due to the ease of access. Most of the area is above treeline and therefore very scenic with easy access to high alpine terrain. Like the Bemrose area, this is a great place to ski during the early and late ski season. There are several loop options and Tractor Bowl is a destination area for backcountry skiers seeking steeper terrain.
Priority enhancements for the Hoosier Pass (West) area:
• Regulate the motorized and hybrid use, working jointly with the Pike San-Isabel and White River National Forests. • Re-establish the Wheeler Trail from the summit with blue diamonds.
6.2.10 Quandary/McCullough Gulch
Like the other areas in the Hoosier Pass vicinity, the Quandary/McCullough Gulch area is popular because it has early and late season snow, it provides for a variety of users, and it offers access to higher alpine terrain. Quandary is one of the most popular peaks for backcountry skiers and snowshoers, given its easy access and moderate approach.
Priority enhancements for the Quandary/McCullough Gulch area:
• Improve and expand the trailhead parking on the Quandary side. • Improve the system of contouring routes. One possibility would be marking the Wheeler Trail across the base of Quandary with blue diamonds while decommissioning other routes.
6.2.11 Spruce Creek
Spruce Creek offers a separated use opportunity, where non-motorized users can utilize the narrower trail and motorized users can use the road grade. There is a parking lot with adequate space for the large numbers of users that come to this area. The trail and road are used to access Francie’s Hut, which is managed by the Summit Huts Association. This area is very popular with locals and visitors alike. It is used primarily by cross country skiers and snowshoers, although backcountry skiers will use the trail system to access the higher alpine terrain above the hut.
49 of 59 Priority enhancements for the Spruce Creek area:
• Monitor and manage unauthorized motorized use. • Improve the signage leading to the parking area. • Provide earlier season vehicular closures.
6.2.12 Burro Trail
The Burro Trail is close to Breckenridge, it is already well marked with blue diamonds, and has a wide corridor, making the route finding easy. The trail holds snow well and usually has good ski conditions. It has very moderate terrain, making it a great trail for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It provides good links to other trails on the adjacent USFS lands and is accessible from the base of Peak 9 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Priority enhancements for the Burro Trail area:
• Improve the parking options. There should be dedicated public parking and better signage to access the northern end of the trail. • Improve the trailhead. Besides expanded parking options, a kiosk at the beginning of the trail would improve wayfinding and streamline the access.
6.2.13 Peaks Trail
The Peaks Trail is among the most popular winter nordic ski trails in the Upper Blue basin. From the trailhead on CR 3, skiers can find a groomed experience, a moderate cross country ski, or access to excellent backcountry terrain (such as Peaks 4,5 and 6). There are lots of trail connections and loop opportunities for a variety of users and the trails are all dog-friendly.
Priority enhancements for the Peaks Trail:
• Develop and install an information kiosk at the trailhead. • Coordinate the access and continued use with the Breckenridge Nordic Center master development plan for Peak 7. • Work with the County, Breckenridge Ski Resort, and the U.S. Forest Service to manage the trailhead for nordic, cross country, and backcountry skiers only.
6.2.14 Peak 7 Neighborhood (Green Gate, North Barton)
50 of 59 The skiing out of the Peak 7 neighborhood is a great amenity for locals. There are multiple trail connections and loop opportunities. Users can access the groomed skiing, the cross country skiing on the Peaks Trail or other trails, or access the higher alpine skiing on Peaks 4, 5 and 6 for backcountry skiing.
Priority enhancements for the Peak 7 neighborhood area:
• Address the parking issues. This could be done through a combination of monitoring and policing the existing parking areas (e.g. unauthorized alpine ski area use parking at the Peaks Trailhead, pushing cross country skiers to the Green Gate or Slalom Drive), and/or developing a more official trailhead at the Green Gate with delineated parking, signage and a kiosk for the nordic, cross country and backcountry skiers. • Provide designated backcountry trail access to Peaks 4, 5 and 6 through the groomed system with diamonds on trees or something similar. • Investigate a new access to Peak 5 in the event that the Breckenridge Ski Resort Peak 6 expansion occurs. • Monitor the tree clearing from the Breckenridge Fuels Project to continue to provide a buffer of trees to preserve and protect snow quality where possible.
6.2.15 Gold Hill (Colorado Trail trailhead and USFS road)
The Gold Hill area is very popular with easy access and moderate terrain for cross country skiers and snowshoers. There are good loop opportunities with the array of old logging roads and the Colorado Trail is well marked.
Priority enhancements for the Gold Hill area:
• Monitor the tree clearing from the Breckenridge Fuels Project to continue to provide a buffer of trees to preserve and protect snow quality where possible.
51 of 59 Focus Area Area Characteristics/Values Risks/Needs/Limitations Suggested Enhancements
Developed Nordic Areas Gold Run Nordic Golf Course area It is a good event venue. There is a need for more coordinated marketing with other areas (across Improve the the trails on the golf course, increasing distances and changing the country). the character of the terrain provided. Users can utilize the clubhouse and parking amenities. The facility is not accessible by public transit Re-evaluate trail alignments for an improved user experience (enhance the terrain that exists, create more efficient loops in terms of grooming and events, form a partnership with the golf course operations, focus more on the classic skiing experience)
There are a variety of trails between the golf course (easier trails) and the GRNC is Town owned and operated. It is therefore limited by golf course Focus more on events Golden Horseshoe (more varied terrain) operations, which are the 1st priority and determine when and what is groomed; subject to political and budgeting whims; subject to a hierarchy for decision-making, which can be cumbersome; limited because it is a public facility; and contingent upon the political support of the Town government.
It is actively marketed to the public. The natural exposure at GRNC makes it sun and wind affected. Develop a common vision between golf course and nordic operations
It is a remarkable opportunity as a base facility if coordinated with other Trails have been reduced further over time, which has caused the Encourage grooming that will enhance the nordic experience while centers. experience to deteriorate. maintaining golf course operations It provides a great waxing facility and storage for youth and other nordic The operation is a bit scattered. Provide more classic-only trails clubs. The facility is not at risk from development. The golf course greens are a very sensitive resource. Utilize rubber tracks for the Piston Bully to reduce impacts. The proximity and use of the maintenance facility is a real asset. Re-evaluate the decision-making hierarchy and process between the golf course operations and the Nordic Director and the nordic operations.
The GRNC is very centrally located for the Upper Blue Basin. Develop a homologated loop out of the golf course terrain (for events, as a destination trail, etc.). This trail could potentially incorporate terrain from the Peabody Placer area. The GRNC is owned and operated by the Town, giving it some level of stability and consistency.
Peabody/Preston There are no grass-related grooming issues. There are management issues with the need to require season/daily Develop a homologated loop that would not include any two-way traffic. passes while allowing for backcountry access.
The area contains several intact historical structures There is a free-for-all character to the area, from parking to the utilization Rework the trails to separate uses (e.g. groom the existing alignment that of trail passes, to dog use, etc. goes back to parking lot).
The area holds snow very well, particularly because of its northerly There are generally too many walkers on the groomed trails. Construct the Above the Bench and Sluice trails. They are a natural aspect. extensions and add more tame skiing terrain and loop opportunities.
A variety of uses are accommodated. The dog issues, such as dog waste and dog user conflicts, are a safety Provide some classic-only trails concern. There are wildlife education opportunities Provide more opportunities within Hoodoo for loops of different lengths.
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The terrain available has unique topography, providing a good user Provide better management measures for this area. A mechanism for experience. purchasing a ticket at the Peabody trailhead, such as a pay tube would be helpful. Also useful would be a kiosk with a map and trail system rules. The backcountry ungroomed loops that are non-fee based for skiers, walkers, snowshoers, and snowbikers could be marked. There are opportunities for related summer uses Provide warming huts, such as at Dry Gulch potentially.
There are more opportunities for different uses and the ability to Improve the wayfinding to the trailhead separate uses. Develop additional parking for events, bus parking, etc. Redesign and/or reconstruct the Preston Loop for skier experience. The Icebox Shortcut should be rerouted and the rest of the trail should be widened so that the snowcat could groom the entire loop. Utilize a system of economical grooming. This could include some snowmobile grooming and some trail marking where the trail isn't groomed.
Provide an improved and managed trailhead.
Expansion area There may be the ability to use Dry Gulch as a satellite facility. The Town would need approval for most of these proposed trails through Build a Pegasus trail connector to connect back to GRNC from the Jessie Mill the USFS. area. Some areas could be expanded without USFS permitting Multiple land owners, some of which are not willing to work with the Provide a paid shuttle service to other access portals from GRNC, or potential Town and County other locations. The trails were designed specifically for nordic, which is often not the Because of the multiple land managers, there will be a need for Phase II: Build the Above the Bench/Sluice Trail (race loop concept) and the case. interagency cooperation. Upper Bench trail. There exists some user friendly terrain. Distance from established trailheads Phase III: Pegasus to GRNC connection, connection between that and Dry Gulch, satellite facility/parking, integrate with summer intermediate mountain biking trails There are some good opportunities for classic-only trails. There are more backcountry interface and management issues in this area. Good for both groomed and no-fee light touring uses
Breckenridge Nordic Peak 8 The location is close to Town, and can be accessed by either a bus route The parking is unfortunately often used for unauthorized ski resort Provide full-service facility Center or the gondola. parking, taking up valuable spaces.
The area has some of the best early season snow for nordic skiing. With additional development, the area may lose some of the important Add an environmental educational component to the ski programs offered. early season terrain (e.g. once Cucumber Creek Estates is developed).
The area has some very accessible beginner terrain. Because of the multiple access points, the backyard access is difficult to Provide some multiple use outdoor space near the nordic center. control.
The area is proximal to the Cucumber Gulch Preserve, providing an The snowpack in some areas is vulnerable (particularly the Meadows Trail Build a year round facility. environmental education and protection aspect. and the Colorado Trail)
The area has existed for 31 years, and therefore is very established. The area contains some very sensitive wildlife habitat. Establish and provide a stewardship/sentry/guardian role for Gulch, such as having a physical presence in the form of a ranger? 53 of 59 Focus Area Area Characteristics/Values Risks/Needs/Limitations Suggested Enhancements
The area contains both good winter and summer trails. Ther are some conflicts between the wildlife inhabiting the area and the Design and implement a kids interpretive trail with associated signage. skiers.
Parking does already exist. The terrain and kilometers offered are limited by the surrounding Add a daycare area. development.
The majority of trails are under easement. The existing facility is limited in terms of available equipment storage and Realign turn on Black Loop other nordic center needs.
The facility and trails are an example of a successful public/private Better management of Josie's (develop use plan: consider toilet and heat ) partnership. The skier bridge is a nice amenity. Install a small lighted trail system (low-level directional lights)
The nature component to the trails system is unique for a nordic center.
The environmental interpretive component is an amenity. Josie's cabin provides an historical amenity.
Peak 7 There are great early and late snow conditions. The area provides access to some steep alpine terrain for backcountry Provide expanded/enhanced parking. skiers. It is a very popular area, particularly for locals. High altitude Design and construct and additional 20 kilometers of machine cut trails that are easily groomed, more contoured and a good experience for a variety of levels. Provide both classic and skating trails as a part of this system.
There is some good moderate terrain higher up. There are some significant parking capacity issues. Coordinate between Peak 7 MDP and Peak 6 BSR plan
There are some great views along the trails. Because of some of the grades on the access trails in particular, the trail Provide an overnight hut experience. experience can be difficult for beginning and intermediate skiers.
There are some areas of great wildlife habitat and potential There are conflicts between the nordic skiers and the downhill Conduct some historical reconstruction. environmental learning opportunities. ski/backcountry ski traffic.
The day use huts provide a great amenity. There are possibly some wildlife conflicts because of the habitat. Provide a designated trail system for bc skiers (uphill and downhill)
Maintain public backcountry access through this system Provice both classic and skating trails. Realign or reconstruct Gluteous Maximus, Gluteous Minimus, and Jeffrey's Biff trails. Provide sufficient legal access from CR 3. Maintain dog-friendly trail access Provide additional parking and access off of Slalom Drive Allow for guided backcountry skiing in the timber sale areas Allow for a lift-served tubing hill to provide financial resources to support the other trail improvements. Consider adventure snowshoe tubing 54 of 59 Focus Area Area Characteristics/Values Risks/Needs/Limitations Suggested Enhancements
Consider picnic shelters Consider snowcat skiing Manage dog use more intensively, and potentially designate trails where dogs are allowed.
Backcountry Areas Swan River Drainage Horseshoe Gulch The area is close to Town. There are some wildlife conflicts, particularly with the area being winter Provide trail connection between Horseshoe Gulch and Galena Ditch elk habitat. There are multiple loop opportunities. There is a lack of winter connections between Horseshoe and Galena Provide connection between Tiger Townsite and Rock Island (access to Ditch. Galena Ditch from East)
It is a very popular area. Kiosk/info at Horseshoe Gulch Trailhead
The parking is good and adequate for the number of visitors. Place blue diamonds on Colorado Trail
Nice moderate terrain is available. Provide parking for the Summit/Galena Gulch areas, if a connection trail isn't created. The historical resources are an amenity.
There is a good variety of terrain. There are a number of winter long distance connections. There are options for a number of different user groups. The uses are segregated. It is a good non-motorized core.
There are great wildlife viewing opportunities.
North Fork There is great backcountry skiing to Wise Mountain. There is a lot of unauthorized motorized use. Increase law enforcement/FPO (USFS and SC) related to motorized use
The heavy motorized use limits the non-motorized experience in the Provide a winter gate and signage for Wise Mountain. North, Middle and South Forks of the Swan River drainage.
American Gulch There is unauthorized motorized use in Monitor Gulch. Provide barriers and signage to protect Monitor Gulch from motorized use.
French Gulch The area is very popular and close to Town and local neighborhoods. There may be potential wildlife conflicts. Consider providing parking at the Wire Patch (if an east/west route is not possible) There are multiple loop opportunities. There is no overnight parking. Complete E/W route between Wellington/B&B/Sallie Barber/Black Gulch (contingent on wildlife impacts analysis) The good aspect in most areas holds snow well. There are trailhead capacity issues (Lincoln Townsite in particular; biggest Provide expanded parking at Lincoln issue - trailer parking) There is good existing parking. There are some trespass issues (primarily motorized use through Provide historical interpretation signage. adjacent properties). Variety of terrain difficulty Mountain Meadows HOA will plow French Gulch Road to dirt. Provide legal access to Australia Gulch There is moderate/easy terrain available. There is a need to protect the lands under conservation easement on Provide legal access N/S (connect B&B with Barney Ford) Cobb & Ebert property
55 of 59 Focus Area Area Characteristics/Values Risks/Needs/Limitations Suggested Enhancements
Most of the property is in public ownership, so the access is secure. There is a lack of E/W routes between the Wellington neighborhood and Improve the signage (motorized/non-motorized) (Wellington, Little French, Sallie Barber Road. Gold Run, Side Door) There are great dog-friendly trails. The uses must be consistent with the Consent Decree limitations. Provide education about trail etiquette There are some interesing historic resources to see along the trail system. There is road plowing on lower Prospect Gulch Road. Provide barriers/enforcement of motorized restrictions on Sallie Barber and other non-motorized routes. Some good winter long distance connections originate from this area. There is a lack of access to the Australia Gulch Road. Reroute the Weber Gulch Trail/Trail of Tears
There is access to some good backcountry skiing on U.S. Forest Service There is currently no legal N/S connection (B&B to Barney Ford). Provide the Cosie D trail connection. lands from this area. The area provides trails and terrain for many user groups. Include True Romance/Weber Gulch as snow compaction routes in U.S. Forest Service planning. The uses are segregated (motorized/non-motorized). It is a great non-motorized core. The trailhead parking is well plowed.
Baldy to Boreas Pass The area is relatively close to Town. Baldy Road and Boreas Pass are open to motorized use. Dependent on the Travel Management Plan, pursue a non-motorized prescription on Baldy (including Baldy Road). It is one of the most popular backcountry ski destinations, particularly for There is a lack of adequate trailhead parking. Enforce the non-motorized designation on Baldy locals. There is a good variety of terrain. There is illegal motorized use from Breck Park Estates to Boreas Pass Pursue trailhead parking at Baldy. Road. The area provides for a variety of users. There is illegal hybrid motorized use on Baldy. Improve barriers to keep out motorized use. The area is relatively avalanche safe. There are good loop opportunitiese.
There are good snow conditions.
There are some interesting historical resources in the area.
Indiana/ Pennsylvania Grooming is done by Spruce Valley Ranch HOA. Natural resource damage in occuring in Pennsylvania Gulch. Provide additional law enforcement to address unauthorized motorized use Gulch
This is a very heavily utilized nordic destination. Provide legal access to Pennsylvania Gulch Install a gate on the Pennsylvania Gulch Road, pursuant to Travel Management Plan. Parking is limited at Pennsylvania Gulch. Pursuant to TMP, pursue new non-motorized trail route in Penn
There are motorized encroachments (particularly riding off of designated Provide additional land use protection for Upper Pennsylvania (potentially routes and use in Horseshoe Basin). through a Companion Designation to the Wilderness Proposal?)
Pennsylvania Gulch becomes unskiable due to motorized use. Encourage expanded nordic grooming in Indiana Gulch.
In Indiana Creek there is a need for more segregation of users. Conduct road improvements to Indiana Gulch Road. There is a need to have legal acccess to Indiana Gulch parking. Install signage/barriers where appropriate. The public could lose the public grooming that is provided. Close central Indiana Gulch and Dyersvill roads to motorized (as they are a good xc loop). The area may be very impacted by forest management activities. 56 of 59 Focus Area Area Characteristics/Values Risks/Needs/Limitations Suggested Enhancements
There has gradually been a displacement of nordic use from both drainages.
Fredonia The area receives light use. There is no legal parking Secure legal parking. It is very scenic. There are private property issues with the access. Create a legal connection between Fredonia, the Blue River Extension Trail and Pennsylania Gulch. The area is fairly accessible. It is a good neighborhood amenity for those living in the Blue River area.
The road provides good backcountry ski access. It provides for a variety of users. It is popular with locals.
Red Mountain This trail to Red Mountain and the terrain it accesses are popular for the The access trail appears to go through private property and may deter Secure legal parking and provide public access signage. residents of the adjacent neighbors. For the cross country skiers and users. backcountry users that utilize this terrain, it is the only access that is close to their homes.
Bemrose There is good parking at the south end (on Hoosier Pass). There is a lack of legal/ldesignated parking at north end Provide legal parking at the north end.
There is some great moderate terrain along the ditches and trails. Because of motorized encroachments there is a need for law Provide pedestrian crossing signs at the top of Hoosier Pass. enforcement. There are good early season conditions. There is some natural resource damage occurring to the wetlands in Designate a trail between the upper and lower portions. places. The area provides some easy access to higher peaks. Provide better blue diamond signage on the trails. Better motorized/non-motorized signage, strategic barriers and enforcement at both north and south ends Prune the trail. Construct trail reroutes to avoid natural resouce damage that is occurring.
Hoosier Pass (West) There is easy access and plenty of parking. The jurisdiction changes between WRNF and Pike-San Isabel NF, making Gate road on Hoosier Pass pursuant to TMP management more challenging.
It is a popular area. There is illegal hybrid motorized and snowmobile use. Evaluate snow compaction routes (banking) It is highly scenic. Work with Park County to regulate motorized use There are some historic elements. Provide better signage/barriers There is access to some high alpine terrain. Re-establish Wheeler Trail connection (blue diamond route) There is good early season skiing. Improved the information on the kiosk (maps). There is great access to Tractor Bowl, a popular backcountry ski Don't put barriers on side roads that might be decommissioned destination. There is some great beginner terrain. Provide a trail from Lower McCullough Gulch to the old road. There are lots of loop options.
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Quandary/ There is access to higher alpine terrain. There is only limited parking. Gate the road in early fall. McCullough Gulch There are options for a variety of users. It is crowded during peak times. Improve the trailhead parking. It is a great neighborhood amenity. There is a lack of moderate terrain (it is either steep uphill or flat road). Provide more contouring terrain/loops (e.g. mark Wheeler Trail with blue diamonds) There is some great early season snow. There are early season vehicular conflicts. There are good loop opportunities. There is unauthorized motorized use. Quandary is one of the most popular backcountry snowshoe peaks. Some of the contouring routes may be decommissioned.
There are search and rescue issues related to terrain and avalanche risks.
Spruce Creek This a very popular area for locals and visitors. There is unauthorized motorized use. Provide designated winter overnight parking. There is sufficient parking. The area can be too popular/crowded. Provide better signage from Hwy 9 through the neighborhood to the parking area. There is good access to higher alpine terrain. There is inadequate signage to get people/cars to the parking area. Francie's cabin is a great amenity. There are great views. The trail is clearly marked with blue diamonds, making wayfinding easy.
Burro Trail There is some good moderate terrain. There are conflicts between skiers and motorized use. Provide dedicated public parking. The trail is close to Town. There are significant parking issues. Create some more marked loops. There are great ski conditions. Some of the spur trails should be brought into the system. Install more non-motorized signage and barriers. There are good links to terrain on U.S. Forest Service lands. Homeowners are marking trees, and skiing back from the ski area. There is a good ski prism, as it is wider than most singletracks. There are access issues from the adjacent neighborhoods (such as Bekkedal and portions of the Crown).
Peaks Trailhead There is great access to higher alpine terrain. There are serious parking issues with unauthorized ski resort parking. Provide a kiosk at the base of Peak 9.
There are lots of trail connections. This is an area with very heavy use. There should be designated backcountry trail access to Peaks 4, 5 and 6 through the groomed system (diamonds on trees, e.g.) There are many loop opportunities. Dog waste is an issue. Coordinate with BNC Master Development Plan for Peak 7
There are many opportunities for excellent skiing. There is unauthorized snowmobile use from Slalom Drive or Peak 7 Address parking issues through policing/monitoring or moving parking area neighborhood.
Peak 7 Neighborhood There is access to higher alpine terrain, including the main access to There is very limited parking. Investigate new access to Peak 5 in the event that the Peak 6 BSR expansion (Green Gate, North Peaks 4, 5 and 6. occurs. Barton)
There are lots of trail connections. The signage is poorly maintained. Better maintain the signage.
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There are a multitude of loop opportunities. The are becomes very crowded during peak times. Monitor tree clearing; buffer of trees should be maintained close to trail to preserve and protect snow quality It is a great neighborhood amenity. Bring more of the Peak 7 trails into the official system.
There is access to the Peak 7 groomed skiing (New Nordic World). Develop this area as a more official trailhead with delineated parking, signage, and a kiosk at the Green Gate.
Gold Hill (Trailhead There is a good variety of terrain and great loop opportunities. Provide more information on the kiosk. and FS road) This area provides access to the Peaks Trail. Monitor tree clearing; buffer of trees should be maintained close to trail to preserve and protect snow Monitor tree clearing, maintain buffer close to trails The Colorado Trail is marked with blue diamonds.
General Provide education/signage about trail etiquette (separation uses within corridor, dog poop, etc.)
Develop winter trail standards (design and construction)
Evaluate snow compaction routes for accuracy and appropriateness
Avoid putting winter barriers on roads that might be decommissioned as summer routes. Collaboratively inventory backcountry ski areas and develop applicable management strategies.
Work with the USFS on the implementation of their Travel Management Plan (e.g. law enforcement, gates, separation of use signage, etc.)
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