Environmental Assessment

Home , Colorado Mountain Club, Colorado State Highway 7, Jared Polis, La Plata Mountains, Longs Peak, Peak to Peak Highway

Forest Service National Park Service U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of the Interior Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Rocky Mountain National Park and Pawnee National Grassland

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan Environmental Assessment

June 2009

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Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan ii Summary The Boulder Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP or the “Forest”) and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP or the “Park”) have teamed up to develop and propose a variety of recreation improvement projects to address operational concerns, public concerns and improve the recreation experience along the Highway 7 corridor on National Forest and National Park System lands in Boulder and Larimer Counties, Colorado. The project activities include the enhancement and development of facilities at the Lily Lake area and at the Longs Peak Trailhead in the Park and at the Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site on the Forest.

In the Lily Lake area, improvements are needed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Inadequate parking and visitor services have resulted in an unsafe situation with visitors crossing the busy highway to access the many trails on the west side of Highway 7. The existing Lily Lake Visitor Center has been unused since late 2004 when an operations review by the Park concluded that the visitor center was no longer needed due to its proximity to other RMNP visitor centers, its proximity to the Estes Park Visitor Center, and due to inadequate funding. A decision needs to be made regarding the future of the visitor center and whether it should be retained for some other use or removed and the land returned to a more natural setting.

At the Longs Peak Trailhead, adequate parking has been a challenge for the visitors that come to climb the majestic peak. Climbers and hikers usually arrive in the dark predawn hours to begin their ascent only to find that the parking lot is full. During the summer, parking occurs along Larimer County Road 2H (Longs Peak Road) outside the park boundary creating a line of parked vehicles that can be a mile or more away from the actual trailhead on busy weekends. This off-site parking impacts nearby private landowners and creates a safety issue for motorists and pedestrians on the road. The Longs Peak Campground is available on a first-come first-served basis only (there are no reserved campsites). This 26 site tent-only campground, originally intended for climbers, is attractive to a variety of users including non-climbers. This mix has resulted in use conflicts when climbers wake before dawn to prepare for their ascent. Use conflicts have also arisen with the adjacent Camp Timberline, a private sports camp whose only access is through the Longs Peak Campground. Action is needed to improve the parking situation and pedestrian safety, and to create a visitor use facility that is compatible with surrounding uses and the adjacent private properties.

The Meeker “Overflow” Campground and Picnic Site is on National Forest System lands and is located about 3.25 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead via Longs Peak Road and Highway 7. This campground offers a rustic experience for campers when other more developed sites are filled. The existing design and facilities at the campground are no longer sufficient to handle the increasing demand and use of the facility. The Meeker Park Picnic Site, located on the east side of Highway 7 across from the campground, occupies a small corner of public land that is bordered on two sides

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan iii by private lands and dwellings. User conflicts occur as a result of this location. Visitors using the picnic site often wander across the boundary towards a private lake near the site. In the vicinity of the Meeker Park Campground, many trails have been created by users seeking day hiking opportunities. These user created trails have resulted in impacts to scenic quality and wildlife habitat, and have created recreation management challenges. Improvements are needed to address the long-term management objectives and to move the area towards the more sustainable desired conditions identified in the Forest Plan. Action is needed to bring the facilities of this campground up to current Forest Service standards.

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) and the USDI National Park Service (NPS) have prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. This EA discloses the direct, indirect and cumulative environmental impacts that may result from the implementation of the proposed action and alternatives analyzed for this project within the predetermined project area boundary. The purpose and need for action and the key public issues define the scope of this analysis and document.

Public Comment We welcome your comments on this Environmental Assessment. Your comments must be received in writing by close of business on June 30, 2009. If you have Internet access, the preferred method for submitting comments is to use the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website:

http://parkplanning.nps.gov.

From this site, use the drop down menu to select Rocky Mountain National Park. A list of current planning projects will be displayed and you can select the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan Environmental Assessment. Review comments can be submitted online.

If you do not have Internet access, you can submit your comments to us in the following ways: • By Mail: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517 • By Fax: (970) 586-1397 • By Express Delivery: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517 • Hand Delivery: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado or to Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, 16018 Highway 34, Grand Lake, Colorado

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan iv You do not need to send or deliver comments to both agencies. Comments will be reviewed by both agencies after the close of the comment period. Before including your address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request that any personal information be withheld from public review, we cannot guarantee that we can do so.

All public comments will be carefully reviewed, and a determination will be made whether to approve a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or additional NEPA compliance is required. The USFS and the NPS will be making separate decisions. The decision affecting the Lily Lake area and the Longs Peak Trailhead will be made by the Director, Intermountain Region of the NPS. The decision affecting the Meeker Park Picnic Site and Meeker Park Campground will be made by the Boulder District Ranger of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.

Boulder District Ranger Superintendent Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Rocky Mountain National Park and Pawnee National Grassland Estes Park, CO 80517 2140 Yarmouth Ave Boulder, CO 80301

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan v TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 - PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION ...... 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 BACKGROUND ...... 2 PROJECT LOCATION ...... 3 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION ...... 5 RELATIONSHIP TO NATIONAL FOREST PLANS...... 8 RELATIONSHIP TO NATIONAL PARK PLANS ...... 8 DESIRED CONDITIONS ...... 8 Roosevelt National Forest ...... 8 Rocky Mountain National Park ...... 9 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ...... 10 PUBLIC SCOPING ...... 10 Public Comment Summary ...... 12 IMPACT TOPICS AND PROJECT ISSUES ...... 15 IMPACT TOPICS RETAINED FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS ...... 17 IMPACT TOPICS DISMISSED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION ...... 19 COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS ...... 40 DECISION FRAMEWORK ...... 44 CHAPTER 2 – PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ...... 45 INTRODUCTION ...... 45 PROPOSED ACTION DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ...... 45 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER STUDY ...... 45 ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED IN DETAIL ...... 47 Alternative A – No Action ...... 47 Alternative B – Proposed Action ...... 48 Alternative C ...... 64 Alternative D ...... 66 ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ...... 68 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 70 MONITORING ...... 73 CHAPTER 3 ...... 80 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...... 80 Methodology ...... 80 Cumulative Impact Scenario ...... 81 Visitor Experience ...... 83 Scenery ...... 105 Public Safety ...... 112 Nearby Landowners ...... 121 SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED DISCLOSURES ...... 138 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION ...... 141 REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………………………….153

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan vi LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A – Project Design Elements ……………………………………………………. 162 Appendix B – Summary Effects for Wildlife Species …………………………………….. 169 Appendix C – Life Cycle Costs of Lily Lake Visitor Center ……………………………..... 170 Appendix D – Concurrence Letter from State Historic Preservation Officer ……….... 171

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 – Project area ...... 3 Figure 2 - Vicinity Map ...... 4 Figure 3 - Lily Lake Area ...... 5 Figure 4 - Parking Along County Road 2H ...... 6 Figure 5 - Longs Peak Campground Entrance ...... 6 Figure 6 - Camp Timberline Traffic in the Longs Peak Campground ...... 6 Figure 7 - Longs Peak Sewage Lagoon ...... 7 Figure 8 - Meeker Park Campground ...... 7 Figure 9 - Meeker Park Picnic Site ...... 7 Figure 10 - Lily Lake Visitor Center ...... 48 Figure 11 - Lily Lake Pedestrian Crossing ...... 49 Figure 12 - Lily Lake Project Area ...... 50 Figure 13 - Lily Lake Proposed Action ...... 51 Figure 14 - Current Twin Sisters Trailhead Parking Area ...... 52 Figure 15 - Former Subdivision Road to be Reclaimed ...... 52 Figure 17 - Lily Lake Parking Area...... 53 Figure 16 - Lily Mountain Trailhead ...... 53 Figure 18 - Access Road to Borrow Pit ...... 54 Figure 19 - Existing Borrow Pit ...... 54 Figure 20 - Longs Peak Ranger Station ...... 54 Figure 21 - Access to Camp Timberline ...... 55 Figure 22 - Longs Peak Project Area ...... 56 Figure 23 - Longs Peak Trailhead Proposed Action ...... 57 Figure 24 - Roadside Delineation Markers ...... 58 Figure 25 - Meeker Park Campground Entrance ...... 58 Figure 26 - Existing Meeker Park Campground ...... 59 Figure 27 - Meeker Park Project Area ...... 60 Figure 28 - Meeker Park Area Proposed Action ...... 61 Figure 29 - Existing Lookout Mountain Trailhead...... 62 Figure 30 - Meeker Park Area Trail System ...... 63 Figure 31 - Meeker Park Area Alternative C ...... 65 Figure 32 - Meeker Park Area Alternative D ...... 67

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 - Impacts to Soils in the Lily Lake Area with the Proposed Action ...... 22 Table 2 - Impacts to Soils at the Longs Peak Trailhead with the Proposed Action ...... 22 Table 3 - Impacts to Soils in the Meeker Park Area with the Proposed Action ...... 23 Table 4 - Project Implementation Monitoring ...... 74

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan vii Table 5 - Comparative Summary of Alternatives and Extent to Which Each Alternative Supports the Project Objectives ...... 75 Table 6 - Impact Topic Comparative Summary of Environmental Impacts ...... 78 Table 7 - Interdisciplinary Team for the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan .. 141

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan viii CHAPTER 1 - PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

INTRODUCTION ______

The Boulder Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP or the “Forest”) and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP or the “Park”) have teamed up to develop and propose a variety of recreation management projects to address public and management concerns and improve the recreation experience along the Highway 7 recreation corridor on National Forest and National Park System lands in Boulder and Larimer Counties, Colorado. The US Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) are equal partners in this project, however, for administrative purposes; the USFS has assumed the lead in preparing this document. Each agency will be responsible for making decisions for the lands they administer.

The USFS and the NPS have prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. This EA discloses the direct, indirect and cumulative environmental impacts that may result from the implementation of the proposed action and alternatives analyzed for this project within the predetermined project area boundary. The purpose and need for action and the key public issues define the scope of this analysis and document.

Findings and decisions from several documents are pertinent to the analysis discussed in this EA (40 CFR 1502.20). The analysis in this EA is supported by and tiered to the 1997 Revision of the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (Forest Plan) and the 1976 Final Master Plan for Rocky Mountain National Park.

This project has been designed to comply with the management direction, standards and guidelines applicable to the project area. In tiering to these documents, this analysis has focused on issues specific to the Highway 7 Project Area. Copies of the Forest Plan and the Final Master Plan are available through the Boulder Ranger District Office in Boulder, Colorado and at the RMNP Headquarters in Estes Park, Colorado.

There have been efforts between the Forest and the Park that call for a unified approach to recreation management. While that effort is broad in scope, this EA proposes a consistent and unified approach to environmental analysis of the proposed recreation improvements done at the ground level. In order to achieve efficiency, the proposed activities of the NPS and USFS were analyzed as one project. Both agencies use “Best Management Practices” techniques to achieve and encourage overall ecosystem health through appropriate management actions. All of the proposed

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 1 recreation management actions would apply only to public lands managed by both the Park and the Forest along Colorado State Highway 7.

This EA documents a proposal to implement necessary recreational improvements on public lands for both agencies. In the past, recreation management projects along Highway 7 by the USFS and NPS have been planned, approved, and implemented separately after appropriate environ-mental analysis. This resulted in the duplication of effort by analyzing environmental effects of different projects on the same landscape. This Environmental Assessment (EA) will document the environmental consequences of various recreation management projects on both USFS and NPS lands along the Highway 7 corridor.

BACKGROUND ______

Colorado Highway 7 runs along the eastern edge of RMNP and provides access to several visitor use areas along the highway (please refer to Figure 1 on page 3). The most prominent visitor use areas within the Park include Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and Wild Basin. Highway 7 also provides access to public lands in Larimer and Boulder Counties that are administered by the USFS within the Roosevelt National Forest. Key locations within the planning area that are administered by the USFS include Lily Mountain, Twin Sisters, Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site, the Meeker Recreation Residence area and the Olive Ridge Campground.

The Lily Lake area was acquired from private owners in 1992 and is the only RMNP administered area that borders Highway 7. Park entrance fees are not collected in this area. Lily Lake is a natural lake that was enlarged in the past through the construction of a small dam. Fish Creek originates at Lily Lake. Since acquiring the area RMNP has developed Lily Lake into a major trail hub for a number of trails that originate at this location. Hiking, fishing, sightseeing, picnicking, rock climbing and horseback riding are major activities in the Lily Lake area.

Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet above sea level, is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Park. The area is easily accessible from the many towns and cities along the Colorado Front Range, and it is estimated that over 10,000 people reach the summit each year. The Longs Peak Trailhead area contains a ranger station, a moderate sized parking lot for hikers and a 26-site campground for tent camping only. Recreational vehicles (RVs) are not permitted to camp in this area. Park entrance fees are not charged at this location, but a fee is charged for the use of the campground. Major activities at the Longs Peak area include hiking, rock climbing, front country and backcountry camping.

The Meeker Park Campground is a primitive campground administered by the ARP and operated by a concessionaire with 29 camping sites that has primarily served as an overflow area when other nearby campgrounds are full. However, some users deliberately seek out the Meeker Park Campground because of its location and

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 2 undeveloped character. The campground utilizes portable toilets, but does not provide potable water or electrical power, and RVs are not recommended at this location. On the east side of Highway 7, directly across from the campground, is the Meeker Park Picnic Site. The picnic site is immediately adjacent to the highway and a popular stopping place during the summer months.

PROJECT LOCATION ______

The project analysis area is located along Highway 7 in Larimer and Boulder Counties and includes portions of the Boulder and Canyon Lakes Ranger Districts of the ARP as well as the southeast portion of RMNP in the Longs Peak and Wild Basin sub-districts. The legal description can be generally described as T3N, R73W, Sections 14 and 23, T3N, R73W, Section 34, and T3N, R73W Sections 10, 11, 14 and 15. Figure 1 – Project area

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 3 Figure 2 - Vicinity Map

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 4 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION ______This section briefly describes the proposed action for this project. A detailed description can be found in Chapter 2 of this document. This section provides the purpose of and need for action, the planning direction from each agency, project objectives based on the desired future conditions for this area, the public scoping process and results of public involvement, issues and impact topics associated with the proposed action, and the issues carried forward in this analysis. Included is a section describing the compliance of various federal and state regulations and section describing the decision to be made by the responsible officials.

Proposed Action The agencies managing the public lands along the Highway 7 corridor propose to utilize a variety of area enhancements that are designed to help improve the quality of visitor recreation experiences in the area while supporting RMNP and ARP goals and objectives. The project activities include the enhancement and development of facilities at the Lily Lake area and at the Longs Peak Trailhead in the Park and at the Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site on the Forest. A detailed description of the Proposed Action can be found in Chapter 2.

Purpose and Need The ARP and RMNP propose to improve the Highway 7 corridor recreation areas on public lands moving them towards the desired conditions of each area’s respective management plan goals and objectives. This action is needed to ensure a safe and high quality recreation experience for National Park and National Forest visitors for the future, and to enhance the unique values of the area.

Specifically, in the Lily Lake Area, Figure 3 - Lily Lake Area improvements are needed to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the area. The Lily Lake area is the only location where the park has frontage on Highway 7 (Figure 3). The lake and its surrounding landscape offer a diverse setting that is easily accessible and attractive to many. In- adequate parking and visitor services have resulted in an unsafe parking situation with visitors crossing the busy highway to access the many trails in the area and the lake shore. The existing ded that the Center was no longer Lily Lake Visitor Center has been needed due to its proximity to RMNP unused since late 2004 when an and other visitor centers and due to operations review by the Park conclu- inadequate funding.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 5 A decision needs to be made regarding Figure 4 - Parking Along County the future of the visitor center and Road 2H whether it should be retained for some

Other use or removed and the land

returned to a more natural setting.

Road 2H (Longs Peak Road) outside the park boundary creating a line of parked vehicles that can be a mile or more Figure 5 - Longs Peak Campground away from the actual trailhead on busy Entrance weekends (Figure 4). This off-site parking impacts nearby private landowners and creates a safety issue for motorists and pedestrians on the road.

The Longs Peak Campground (Figure 5) is available on a first-come first-served basis only (there are no reserved campsites). This tent-only campground, originally intended for climbers, is attractive to a variety of users including non-climbers. This mix has resulted in use conflicts when climbers wake before dawn to prepare for their ascent. Figure 6 - Camp Timberline Traffic in the Longs Peak Campground Conflicts have arisen with the adjacent Camp Timberline, a private sports camp, whose only access is through the Longs Peak Campground (Figure 6). The camp is open during the summer, which is the busy season for the Longs Peak Campground and for climbing Longs Peak. Climbers in the campground who go to bed early hoping for an early start the next morning are sometimes disturbed by evening activities at Camp Timberline, and mid-week drop-off and

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 6 pick-up of Camp Timberline campers Figure 7 - Longs Peak Sewage causes traffic congestion and compete- Lagoon tion for parking places at the Longs Peak Trailhead.

There is a public safety and environmental concern with a sewage lagoon near the campground (Figure 7). Act- ion is needed to improve the parking situation and public safety, and to create a visitor use facility that is compatible with surrounding uses and the adjacent private properties.

The Meeker Park Campground and Pic- Figure 8 - Meeker Park Campground nic Site is on National Forest System lands and is located about 3 miles from the Longs Peak Trailhead via Longs Peak Road and Highway 7. This campground offers a rustic experience for campers when other more developed sites are filled (Figure 8). The existing design and facilities at the campground are no longer sufficient to handle increasing demand and use.

The Meeker Park Picnic Site, located on Figure 9 - Meeker Park Picnic Site the east side of Highway 7 across from the camp-ground, occupies a small corner of public land that is bordered on two sides by private lands and developments (Figure 9). User conflicts occur as a result of this location. Visitors using the picnic site often wander across the boundary towards a private lake near the site. In the vicinity of the Meeker Park Campground, many trails have been created by users seeking day hiking opportunities. These user-created trails have resulted move the area towards the more in impacts to scenic quality, wildlife sustainable desired conditions identi- habitats and have created recreation fied in the Forest Plan. Action is management challenges. Improve- needed to bring the facilities of this ments are needed to address the long- campground up to current Forest term management objectives and to Service standards.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 7 RELATIONSHIP TO NATIONAL FOREST PLANS ______

The 1997 Revision of the Forest Plan for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP) includes provisions of the National Forest Management Act, its implementing regulations, and other guiding documents. The Forest Plan details the direction for managing the land and resources of the ARP.

This project tiers to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA Forest Service 1997), as amended (referred to as Forest Plan).

The 1997 Forest Plan provides management direction for National Forest System lands within the project area. Direction is provided in the form of goals and objectives, standards and guidelines (S&G), and Management Area (MA) prescriptions.

RELATIONSHIP TO NATIONAL PARK PLANS ______

The Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan is consistent with the Rocky Mountain National Park Master Plan (1976) and Backcountry/Wilderness Management Plan (2001).

The RMNP Master Plan is a conceptual planning document that establishes the guidelines for overall use, preservation, management, and development of the Park. It identifies the purposes of the Park, its relationship to regional environments, its resource values, what human needs it should meet, and the objectives for its management. It contains a land classification plan and a general development plan for its management and interpretation.

The Backcountry/Wilderness Management Plan provides for the management of the wilderness resource in accordance with appropriate laws, regulations, and policies, while protecting the integrity of wilderness character for present and future generations.

DESIRED CONDITIONS ______

Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) are the land, resource or recreation conditions that are expected to result if goals and objectives are fully achieved.

Roosevelt National Forest The DFCs for the Meeker Park Area are described in the Forest Plan (USDA 1997). The following DFCs from the plan helped to guide the development of the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan in a manner that is consistent with the Forest Plan, while taking into account the the ecological conditions of the project area and the key issues that have been identified during public scoping (described below).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 8 The Meeker Park Area is located in the North St. Vrain Geographic Area as defined in the Forest Plan. These DFCs exhibit the following characteristics related to recreation management: • Manage highway corridors along the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway for year-round recreation use. • Minimize recreational impacts by closing and restoring to natural conditions picnic sites where current impacts are unacceptable. • Manage areas along the Peak-to Peak Scenic Byway and Colorado Highway 7 in the South St. Vrain Canyon for heavy use that consists primarily of driving for pleasure and viewing scenery. • Improve recreational facilities along these travel routes by reconstructing the existing Meeker Park Picnic Site. • Consider the development of the campground across from the Meeker Park Picnic Site. • Manage recreational uses and road and trail networks to reduce erosion or deterioration of riparian areas and watershed conditions.

The management emphasis classification for the Meeker Park area is Scenery. The management theme is to protect or preserve scenic values and recreational uses of designated scenic byways and other heavily used scenic travel corridors.

Rocky Mountain National Park The desired conditions for the project areas in RMNP are defined as Development Concepts in a broad context. These overall concepts must be consistent with congressional and administrative policies (i.e., NPS Management Policies 2006), and establish the guidelines for the overall use, preservation, management, and development of the park. Specific development concepts for the park are found in the Final Master Plan (NPS 1976) and include: • Physical facilities and means of access will be minimized so the visitor will focus on the park experience itself. Sweeping, park-wide changes are not proposed, but rather some rearrangement, and some removal of facilities are in order. • Cooperative visitor centers in nearby towns will serve orientation, interpretation, and perhaps transportation functions, reinforced by visitor orientation provided at entrance stations at major park entrances. • No addition or expansion of campgrounds in the park will be attempted. Campground development by private enterprise on non-Federal lands will be encouraged. • Increase the enjoyment of heavily used areas by the improvement of circulation, methods of transportation, and the dissemination of visitor information

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 9 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ______

Project objectives were developed based on Forest and Park Plan goals and Desired Future Conditions for each respective area. These objectives are also supported in the purpose and need for this proposal. The project objectives are to: • Provide a safe and high quality recreation experience at all three project locations • At a minimum, accommodate the current number of Park and Forest visitors at all three project locations • Manage the parking issues at Longs Peak Trailhead and the Lily Lake Area • Minimize use conflicts at Longs Peak and Meeker Park Campgrounds • Create a manageable trail system near the Meeker Park Campground and the Lily Lake Area • Bring recreation facilities to current national standards at the Meeker Park Campground

PUBLIC SCOPING ______

The public scoping process for the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan began in the summer of 2005 when the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center at the University of Wyoming administered a visitor satisfaction survey to 1,264 RMNP visitors at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead, and at Wild Basin (Taylor, et al 2006). The study was designed to address the following questions:

1. What are the levels of satisfaction with the park resources in the three visitor areas along the Highway 7 corridor? 2. Are there some resources with which the visitors to RMNP are significantly less satisfied than other resources? 3. Are there relationships among demographic characteristics and satisfaction with park resources? 4. Are there specific suggestions from the public as to how to improve the facilities at the three areas in RMNP?

The survey revealed that visitors were satisfied with almost all of the items that were investigated in the study. However, visitors were dissatisfied with park literature (which is not the subject of this plan) and the availability of potable water at the Lily Lake area. The survey also revealed that at least 30 percent of the respondents favored increases in the availability of potable water, interpretive programs, educational exhibits, access for the disabled, and parking. 44 percent of the respondents believed that access for the disabled should be increased, and 41 percent believed that parking spaces should be augmented. Only 18% of the Longs Peak Trailhead respondents indicated that the park should encourage more visitation. Therefore, 82 percent of those respondents believed that visitation should remain unchanged or be reduced.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 10 In June of 2006 park and forest staff members presented the concept of a recreation improvements plan and some conceptual ideas to the neighbors in the Tahosa Valley near Allenspark, Colorado.

During the public involvement period held in 2006 a total of 141 response letters were received. These comments were solicited from the public through a variety of public outreach efforts. RMNP and ARP staff worked together in sending over 1,000 postcards announcing the project and inviting the public to attend an open house. A second postcard was sent to announce the extension of the initial comment period and to provide the NPS website where the presentation materials from the open house were available for viewing. The combined mailing list for the two mailings included the current Boulder Ranger District mailing list, the St. Vrain Fuel Reduction Project mailing list, the current RMNP mailing list and the Tahosa Valley Landowners Association mailing list.

Press releases were sent to several media outlets announcing the meeting and to introduce the project. Seven articles about the project appeared in local newspapers as follows:

Allenspark Wind (9-1-2006) The Daily Camera (9-5, 9-28/2006) Longmont Times Call (8-19-2006) Estes Park Trail Gazette (8-10, 9-11/2006) Loveland Reporter-Herald (8-11-2006).

RMNP employees posted flyers announcing the open house meeting at various locations in Meeker Park, Allenspark, and Estes Park the week prior to the meeting date. From these outreach efforts, approximately 100 people attended the open house held on August 14, 2006 at the Aspen Lodge in Estes Park. ARP staff also met with concerned homeowners from the Meeker Park area to discuss the proposed campground development and trail improvements. ARP staff also met with Special Use Permit holders and concessionaires working in the area. ARP staff also handled many phone calls regarding the project during the 2006 scoping period.

In 2007, a number of meetings took place where RMNP or ARP personnel discussed the proposed project with local groups. Below is a list of these interactions:

Boulder County Commissioners 3-29-2007 Larimer County Commissioners 4-17-2007 Estes Park Trustees 6-12-2007 Estes Valley Land Trust 6-15-2007 Tahosa Valley Landowners Association 8-11-2007 Boulder & Larimer County Commissioners Field Trip 8-17-2007 Loveland City Council 11-13-2007 Estes Park League of Women Voters 11-14-2007

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 11 In September 2008 a newsletter containing a project update was distributed to the entire project mailing list and was made available to park and forest visitors at various locations within the project area. Notice regarding the availability of the newsletter was published in area newspapers.

In May 2009 park staff briefed the Boulder and Larimer County Commissioners on the project and the public meetings scheduled for June 2009.

Public Comment Summary Issues raised by the public covered all three recreational sites and were often very detailed. The majority of comments focused on the proposed action and discussed the various options presented at the Open House. Comments also contained suggestions for improving the overall functionality of the Highway 7 corridor. Many respondents do not want any changes to the area. The majority of comments, however, recognized the need for change but had a variety of viewpoints as to what this change should include.

Lily Lake Most of the comments about Lily Lake addressed the opportunities that were presented at the Tahosa Valley Landowners Association meeting and the Open House. These were design alternatives for the complex, including ideas regarding the visitor center, parking, and a pedestrian crossing. Many respondents want the visitor center re-opened as an environmental education or mountain climbing interpretive center.

“The location and facility would be a wonderful place for an environmental education center. Parking for school buses is adequate and the opportunities for educational hikes - environmental and fire ecology are super.”

Many respondents also wrote that the visitor center building should be moved to the Lily Lake area and that the parking area and resulting open area should be used for horse trailers, large vehicles and belly boat trailer parking. They felt that this might mitigate some of the traffic problems at the complex when combined with the proposed new parking area. Some comments supported the elimination of the visitor center as an eyesore if it remains boarded up. Many letter writers supported the idea of additional parking in the former borrow pit located south of Lily Lake, but with the caveat that parking near the lake would be restricted in some way to preserve views and lower congestion.

“Locate belly boat drop off/wheelchair drop off ONLY on the west side of Hwy. 7 at the lake. Hide ALL other parking, particularly horse trailers – the lot behind the present visitor’s center is best.”

About an equal number of people favored an overpass or underpass for pedestrians. Those opposed to an overpass cited scenic concerns while others stated that an underpass could be unsafe, particularly for equestrians, and present maintenance

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 12 problems. Many letter writers expressed skepticism regarding the cost of these improvements. A pedestrian activated traffic light received support from many respondents. Several people were concerned about the area’s wetlands and water quality issues. These letter writers enjoy fishing in Lily Lake and had special concerns regarding run-off and sedimentation from construction and the new parking area. Many respondents supported the addition of a campground at Lily Lake to replace campsites lost due to the construction of additional parking at the Longs Peak Trailhead. These letter writers feel that the level of development that exists at Lily Lake would support a campground and that it is closer to the trailhead.

“We would like you to add the camp spaces to the Lily Lake area because you are planning to develop this area anyway. Lily Lake is close to Longs Peak and Estes.”

A few people asked RMNP to prohibit horses in the area. The proposal to re-locate the Lily Mountain trailhead and to improve trail connectivity in the area received universal support. Several respondents opposed any further development of the area due to its unique scenic features and the amount of use it already receives.

Longs Peak Trailhead and Campground While most respondents agreed that improvements need to be made to the Longs Peak Trailhead, there were a great variety of suggestions on what should be done. That being said, there were several letter writers who asked that the trailhead be left ‘as is.’ Many writers felt that the tent-only campground provides a unique recreational experience and that it provides an opportunity for climbers to stay overnight at the trailhead.

“The Longs Peak Campground for tents only camping is a necessity for people who are searching for quiet and the feel of being in the forest. Longs Peak is the jewel of the RMNP campgrounds. It must stay.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some writers supported the closure of the campground for additional parking, citing user conflicts and parking problems on nearby roads.

“I support the move of the Longs Peak campground spots to the Meeker Park campground. By adding additional parking in those former camping spots, and obtaining support from Larimer County to either police or obstruct county road parking, some relief from the congestion adjacent to the entrance can be achieved.”

Some wrote that the capacity of the trailhead is at issue and that increasing parking will only exacerbate this problem. Many letter writers suggested that a fee, permit system, entrance station, or shuttle system be put into place to control use at the trailhead. These letter writers opined that additional parking will not solve the problem, but only worsen it. Area residents had concerns about their access to the National Park if restrictions are placed on access to the trailhead. Moving climbers to the Meeker Park Campground will also create the need for people to travel from a

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 13 campsite to the trailhead in the early morning, and in the opinion of some, this would create unacceptable noise and traffic hazards. Several comments supported a larger campground and parking area at the trailhead to better accommodate the use it receives. They felt that shifting this use to the National Forest would not be sustainable given funding realities, travel issues, and area residents’ opposition to the expansion of Meeker Park Campground.

“The answer here, no matter how problematical, is to improve the Longs Peak facilities to a reasonable degree. The realistic solution is to limit the number of visitors to the Longs Peak trailhead. You have a major visitor related mess right now with control of visitors on the peak; it doesn’t make sense to encourage more.”

Regarding Camp Timberline, many respondents supported the idea of changing the road system at the trailhead to better separate these uses. Some respondents suggested that RMNP entertain the possibility of buying Camp Timberline and using this land for parking and a campground.

Meeker Park Campground The majority of residents living near the Meeker Park Campground are opposed to the proposed expansion. However, a large group of area residents support the addition of tent-only campsites in an amount equal to the number of campsites eliminated at Longs Peak Trailhead. Many area residents are opposed to RV camping at this location. These respondents cite concerns about noise from generators, unsightliness, trash accumulation, and light pollution. Overall, residents opposed to the expansion of the campground have resource concerns regarding water quantity and quality (low water table and lack of a sewage treatment system), and potential impacts to wildlife (deer & elk forage in the area - particularly in the nearby wetland area). Residents are also concerned about the increased risk of escaped fire from campers, smoke from additional campfires, and the use of beetle-infested firewood by campers that could cause beetle infestation in the surrounding forest. Many cited general noise and traffic concerns that could result from increased use.

“We are very much opposed to what the enlarged campground promises to bring: traffic congestion, noise and light pollution, sanitary and waste management problems, pressure on water resources and the risk of water pollution, the impact of camper’s dogs and cats on wildlife, and of greatest concern, fire danger.”

Many traditional users of the campground like the primitive camping experience and fear that more development will bring more people, paved roads, and a less rustic experience.

“Besides the awesome views, the attraction to this campground lies in its rustic camp atmosphere, with more people camping in tents and campers, not gigantic RVs. This campground has always seemed to accommodate campers who enjoy spending the weekends camping with their families and taking short hikes behind the campground on the trails…One of the most important reasons I would not like to see the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 14 campground change is the diverse wildlife located there and any changes to the campground would also destroy natural habitats (one in particular would be a certain type of owl).”

Many respondents supported the relocation of the trailheads at Boulder County Roads 113S and 113N and the addition of a formal trailhead at the campground with parking. Others, mainly residents, wrote that use should be limited in the area in order to protect wildlife and to limit the number of people on the trails. Some respondents supported the development of better trails, more signage and the development of better non-motorized recreational opportunities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and biking around the campground. Many respondents questioned the reasoning behind the proposed expansion of parking at the trailhead and development of the campground. These letter writers felt that shifting the burden of use from the National Park Service to the US Forest Service will require maintenance dollars that the US Forest Service currently lacks. In addition, many question the wisdom of providing more amenities instead of addressing the root problem, which is the overuse of public lands.

General Comments Several respondents stated that the National Park Service and US Forest Service should focus on quality and not more amenities. These respondents value the natural, undeveloped nature of the Highway 7 corridor, and feel that the area is already developed enough. Many respondents are opposed to paved campgrounds and parking areas for the same reason. They feel that hard surfaces detract from a natural experience. Along this same vein many letter writers did not support increasing or improving recreational use in the area. Safety concerns were cited regarding increased traffic and illegal or unsafe parking, and the potential for increased crime in the area. They also believe that capacity has been reached at the Longs Peak Trailhead, and that Lily Lake and the Meeker Park Campground should remain relatively undeveloped. A number of respondents, however, supported better signage, the creation of formal trailheads and parking areas as a way to better manage recreational use in the lands managed by RMNP and ARP.

IMPACT TOPICS AND PROJECT ISSUES ______

Impact topics were identified on the basis of federal laws, regulations, and orders, NPS Management Policies (2006), USFS management policies and RMNP and ARP professional knowledge of limited or easily impacted resources. Issues related to this project were identified by RMNP and ARP specialists as a result of project analysis and public comments received during the scoping process. After public scoping and the evaluation of comments, project issues were grouped by impact topic to facilitate the analysis of environmental consequences. Impact topics carried forward in this analysis are supported by public issues identified during the scoping process. This allowed for a standardized comparison between alternatives based on the most relevant information and the issues that are most important to stakeholders.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 15 Some public comments were dismissed from further consideration during the analysis process because they had already been decided by law, regulation, or existing management plans, they were determined to be outside of the scope of the decision being made, or they were conjectural (not supported by scientific or factual evidence), or the environmental consequences were determined to be minor or less.

The findings and effects determination for each impact topic is measured by three criteria:

Type: Adverse – An adverse effect results when the expected impact does not support the Forest or Park goals and objectives, and does not support the desired future condition or project objectives.

Beneficial – A beneficial effect results when the expected impact supports the Forest or Park goals and objectives, and supports the desired future condition or project objectives.

Intensity: None – There would no be impact as a result of the implementation of proposed activities. Since there is no impact, Park or Forest visitors would not be aware of any change. Negligible – At the lowest levels of detection, barely perceptible, and not measurable. Park and Forest visitors would not be aware of any change. Minor – Measurable or perceptible, but is slight, localized, and would result in a limited alteration or a limited area. The Forest or Park visitor would be aware of the changes associated with the proposed activity, but the effects would be slight. Moderate – Changes in facilities or effects to resources would be readily apparent and likely long-term. The Forest or Park visitor would be aware of the changes associated with the proposed activity, and would likely express an opinion about the changes. Impact topics resulting in moderate effects are carried forward in this analysis.

Major – Changes in facilities or effects to resources would be readily apparent and have substantial long-term consequences. The Forest or Park visitor would be aware of the changes associated with the proposed activity, and would likely express a strong opinion about the changes.

Duration: Long-term – Defined as the time period beginning 3 years after project completion and extending up to 25 years.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 16 Short-term – Defined as the time period from the date of decision to the beginning of project implementation and then for a period of 3 years from project completion.

IMPACT TOPICS RETAINED FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS The following topics are carried forward in this analysis because they were determined to result in a moderate impact on resources or the human environment. Included with each topic are the specific issues and concerns identified during the scoping process associated with each topic. The analysis for each impact topic described in the environmental consequences section of this document considers the context, intensity, duration and timing of effects resulting from the implementation of this project.

Visitor Use and Experience During public scoping, concerns were expressed about how the proposed changes at Lily Like, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park could affect visitor experience. The primary concerns are: • Development along the Highway 7 corridor could diminish the quality of the recreation/wilderness experience for some National Forest and National Park visitors • Improving the recreation facilities in the project area could degrade the hiking experience by increasing the number of people using area trails • Closing the Longs Peak Campground would remove the only “tent only” campground in the area • Displacing Longs Peak climbers to the Meeker Park Campground would create user conflicts between campers and climbers due to early morning climbing preparation activities • If the Longs Peak Campground is closed, climbers and hikers camping at the Meeker Park Campground would have to drive over 3 miles to the trailhead, or farther from another location, and hope that a parking space is available • Closing the Lily Lake Visitor Center could result in diminished visitor experience due to the lack of information available about the area and raises concerns about the availability of potable drinking water

Public Safety During public scoping, concerns were expressed about how the proposed changes at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park could affect public safety. The primary concerns are: • Increasing the recreation infrastructure along the Highway 7 corridor could attract more visitors and increase traffic resulting in highway safety concerns • Development along the Highway 7 corridor could attract animals that could be a threat to visitors and neighbors (e.g., bears). • Relocating the Lily Mountain Trailhead could improve visitor safety

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 17 • Pedestrian safety is a concern with the Lily Lake Visitor Center on one side of Highway 7 and Lily Lake on the other. Pedestrians are frequently crossing the road where cars are often traveling 50 mph. • Closing the Longs Peak CG could increase the number of vehicle trips to the trailhead causing traffic congestion and safety concerns • Increasing the number of campers at the Meeker Park Campground could increase the risk of escaped campfires from the area • Expansion of the Meeker Park CG and increasing visitor use in the area could increase sanitation and waste disposal problems in the area

Scenery During public scoping, concerns were expressed about how the proposed changes at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park could affect visual quality. The primary concerns are: • Development in the Lily Lake and Meeker Park areas, which are adjacent to Highway 7, could result in negative visual impacts to this scenic byway • Improvements made during the expansion and development of the Meeker Park CG could destroy the rustic appearance of the campground • Developing a large parking lot at the Longs Peak Trailhead could result in negative visual impacts from various vantage points in the area

Nearby Landowners During public scoping, concerns were expressed about how the proposed changes at the Longs Peak Campground and Trailhead and the Meeker Park Campground could affect nearby landowners. The primary concerns are: • Increasing the amount of parking at the Longs Peak Trailhead could attract more visitors, which could impact the neighbors that live adjacent to the trailhead • Preventing parking along the county road that leads to the Longs Peak Trailhead could benefit nearby landowners • Expansion of the Meeker Park CG could increase the noise from the campground impacting local neighbors • Expansion of the Meeker Park CG and increasing visitor use in the area could increase the light pollution in the area impacting local residents • Increasing visitor use of the Meeker Park CG could increase the potential for trespass onto private lands adjacent to the campground • Expansion and improvements at the Meeker Park CG could increase the potential for vandalism and burglaries at neighboring properties • Expansion of the Meeker Park Campground could impact water quality and potentially lower the local water table adversely impacting the neighbor’s wells • Expansion of the Meeker Park Campground and more campfires could impact air quality, especially during temperature inversions

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 18 IMPACT TOPICS DISMISSED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION Some impact topics have been dismissed from further consideration, as listed below. During internal scoping, the RMNP and ARP interdisciplinary team conducted a pre- liminary analysis of resources to determine the context, duration, and intensity of effects that the proposal may have on those resources. If the magnitude of effects was determined to be at the negligible or minor level, there is no potential for significant impact and further impact analysis is unnecessary, therefore the resource is dismissed as an impact topic. If however, during internal scoping and further investigation, resource effects still remain unknown, or are more at the minor to moderate level of intensity, and the potential for significant impacts is likely, then the analysis of that resource as an impact topic is carried forward.

For purposes of this section, an impact of negligible intensity is one that is “at the lowest levels of detection, barely perceptible, and not measurable.” An impact of minor intensity is one that is “measurable or perceptible, but is slight, localized, and would result in a limited alteration or a limited area.” The rationale for dismissing these specific topics is stated for each resource.

The USFS interdisciplinary team includes a number of specialists. Disciplines represented include wildlife biology, botany, archeology, soil science, hydrology, recreation planning, fisheries and forestry. A Specialist Report is available for many of the following impact topics. Copies of Specialist Reports can be obtained from the USFS Boulder Ranger District Office.

Air Quality Topography and weather patterns determine the extent to which airborne particulate matter accumulates within the Central Front Range Region Airshed. One of the more critical elements relating to emissions is wind. The prevailing winds are variable but are primarily from the west with southerly influences during El Niño/La Niña weather events (Rockwell 1998).

Because the project areas are mountainous, topographic features affect the heating and cooling of the air masses that cause localized rising and falling of air. Upslope winds are a common feature of the Front Range of Colorado, particularly in the summer, although they do occur in every month of the year. One cause of upslope flow is thermal heating of the earth's surface. The Front Range faces east, so it receives the sun's energy first in the morning (more directly than the plains), which promotes rapid surface heating early in the day. As the sun's rays strike the surface, warming occurs. Then air immediately in the vicinity of this warming surface also begins to warm. The warm air is less dense than cool air and therefore will rise. During the summer months, upslope winds can occur between 20 – 30 percent of the time (Losleben, et. al).

Temperature inversions may occur in all project areas at any time of the year, but are more common during the winter months in canyons and during cool summer

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 19 evenings. During inversions, campfire smoke can be trapped in a layer of cold surface air until the air is warmed and the inversion breaks.

Project activities would result in some vegetation removal from project area locations. Slash and logging debris would be piled and burned, chipped or removed from the project area. Slash pile burning activities that may accompany the expansion of the Meeker Park Campground would be managed by the USDA Forest Service and are expected to follow the USDA Forest Service Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Colorado (2001). Any slash pile burning that may accompany the construction of the parking areas at the Lily Lake area or the Longs Peak trailhead would be managed by RMNP. Since the State of Colorado administers the prescribed fire smoke management permit system all alternatives are expected to be in compliance with State of Colorado Air Quality Standards.

According to the Simple Approach Smoke Estimation Model (SASEM), no violations of

PM10 or PM2.5 annual allowances are expected from slash pile burning accompanying expansion of the Meeker Park Campground or the construction of the parking areas at the Lily Lake Area and the Longs Peak Trailhead; therefore, no violations of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are anticipated. After construction, road improvements within the campgrounds and trailheads proposed in all three areas may slightly reduce the amount of dust, PM10, and PM2.5 released into the Central Front Range Region Airshed.

There would be short-term negligible adverse impacts from dust created while constructing the new facilities.

Since no annual violations are predicted under Alternative B, C or D, health hazards as a result of pile burning are unlikely. Emissions within a 24 hour period following pile burning operations may cause temporary irritation or respiratory problems to smoke sensitive persons visiting the project areas or living nearby.

Campfire smoke has been identified as a concern by neighbors near the Meeker Park Campground. Cool summer evening air can sometimes create an inversion condition acting as a ceiling holding smoke close to the ground. Wood smoke from nearby residences also contributes to air quality impacts during the inversion weather periods.

Improving or expanding the number of sites at the Meeker Park Campground and closing the Longs Peak Campground will result in more campfires at the Meeker Park Campground and no campfires at the Longs Peak Trailhead. Campfires during weather inversion periods may impact nearby residents. However, the amount of additional smoke produced under alternatives B, C or D is expected to result in short- term minor adverse impacts when compared to the no-action alternative, Alternative A. There is no net increase in the potential number of campfires in the area that may occur as a result of the implementation of the proposed action or any action alternative. However, there will continue to be impacts to air quality from campfire

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 20 smoke. Forest visitors and local residents will continue to use fire in either their campsites or homes for warmth and ambiance. Smoke from these fires will continue to impact air quality during inversion periods.

For broadcast and pile burning the Forest Service uses a smoke modeling tool (SASEM) to evaluate impacts from prescribed fire. When this tool is used to evaluate smoke impacts from campfires, it is unable to measure the increase in smoke production of adding 26 additional campfires burning at the Meeker Park Campground. Furthermore, if it were possible to measure the increase in campfire smoke, the result would be so small that there would be no change from the no- action alternative due to the measurement protocols that would be needed for this project.1 No other models are available for modeling smoke from a typical campfire that is being stoked over a period of time. The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division currently does not monitor campground smoke impacts.

Other impacts resulting from the Proposed Action on air quality are expected to be temporary. Although pile burning of slash generated during construction is expected to occur only when weather conditions are conducive to good smoke dispersal conditions, short-term effects may include localized reduced visibility especially in low-lying areas during the evening hours. This alternative is expected to have only minor impacts on the Northern Front Range Airshed.

Because impacts to air quality for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document. Because air quality is an issue for nearby landowners as identified during public scoping, the air quality topic is included in the environmental consequences discussion related specifically to impacts to nearby landowners (see Chapter 3).

Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat With the proposed activities at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and Campground and the Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site there would be long-term minor adverse impacts to water quality and aquatic habitat. When examined at a watershed scale, the affected area is relatively small and the water quality impacts resulting from the proposed actions are not expected to be measurable. Impacts to watershed condition and hydrologic function would be at a small scale and immeasurable.

Because impacts to water quality for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document. Because water quality is an issue for nearby landowners as identified during public scoping, the water quality

1 This result is based on personal communications with Cambria Armstrong, FS Fuels Specialist and discussions with Sarah Gallup, Environmental Protection Specialist, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 21 topic is included in the environmental consequences discussion related specifically to impacts to nearby landowners (see Chapter 3).

Soils The existing recreation developments at Lily Lake are having a minor impact on soil due to compacted surfaces without ground cover. There is some shoreline erosion and sedimentation due to anglers and other users accessing the lake. There are some user-created trails in the wetlands and along the shore but the majority of users remain on the developed trail. Excessive erosion of soil and sedimentation of the lake and stream was not observed. The following table provides a summary of the impacts (both beneficial and adverse) at the Lily Lake area if the proposed action was implemented: Table 1 - Impacts to Soils in the Lily Lake Area with the Proposed Action Existing soil disturbance 7.56 ac. Proposed new development in previously disturbed areas 3.68 ac. Proposed new development in previously undisturbed areas 1.44 ac. Net soil impact (reclamation) 2.44 ac.

When compared to the current situation, soil disturbance in the Lily Lake area would be reduced by 2.44 acres if the proposed action was implemented. In addition, the 2.44 acres would be restored to natural conditions.

Soils at the Longs Peak Trailhead and Campground average approximately 50 cm deep tend to be very rocky, and have sandy loam textures. These soils present some limitations for construction of roads, parking lots, and picnic sites. Depending on the amount of slope, there could be a moderate limitation rating for road construction, and a severe limitation rating for parking lot construction. These limitations do not exist on flat areas within the map unit, which is the case at the Longs Peak Trailhead and Campground.

The following table provides a summary of the impacts (both beneficial and adverse) at the Longs Peak Trailhead area if the proposed action was implemented: Table 2 - Impacts to Soils at the Longs Peak Trailhead with the Proposed Action Existing soil disturbance 5.82 ac. Proposed new development in previously disturbed areas 5.27 ac. Proposed new development in previously undisturbed areas 0.10 ac. Net soil impact (reclamation) 0.45 ac. When compared to the current situation, soil disturbance at the Longs Peak Trailhead would be reduced by 0.45 acre if the proposed action was implemented. In addition, the 0.45 acre would be restored to natural conditions.

Soils within the Meeker Park Area tend to be deeper, finer textured, and richer in organic matter within the riparian areas. Outside of these areas, depending on the amount of slope, there could be a moderate limitation rating for road construction,

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 22 and a severe limitation rating for parking lot construction. These limitations do not exist on flat areas within the project area.

The following table provides a summary of the impacts (both beneficial and adverse) at the Meeker Park area if the proposed action was implemented: Table 3 - Impacts to Soils in the Meeker Park Area with the Proposed Action Existing soil disturbance 4.84 ac. Proposed new development in previously disturbed areas 3.64 ac. Proposed new development in previously undisturbed areas 4.04 ac. Net soil impact (disturbance) 2.84 ac.

The majority of the impacts to soil resources within the watershed would include soil compaction, erosion, and loss of effective ground cover including grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees. Where there are parking lots there is potential chemical contamination of soil and water resources. Increased runoff from the impervious or compacted surface raises the risk of erosion adjacent to the parking lot. However, Best Management Practices would be utilized during the parking lot construction to minimize impacts to soil, water, and fisheries resources. During the construction of the project there would be short-term increased risk of erosion, potential sedimentation and potential chemical contamination of soil and water resources.

Because impacts to soils for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Geology/Topography Most of the improvements associated with the proposed action at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead, and in the Meeker Park Area are located within previously disturbed areas. Proposed improvements that are not located within previously disturbed areas will not be located on steep slopes or where there are significant rock outcrops. Therefore, alterations to geology or topography for all three areas are expected to be long-term, minor and adverse.

Because impacts to geology and topography for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Vegetation The project area is mainly located in the sub-alpine ecological zone and ranges in elevation between 8,200 to 9,500 feet. In sub-alpine forests, lodgepole pine forests dominate the lower elevations and xeric south-facing slopes whereas Engelmann spruce and sub-alpine fir forests typify the higher elevations and more mesic, north- facing slopes (Sibold et al. 2006). Below the sub-alpine zone is the upper montane zone and at this transition several other tree species also are common including Douglas-fir, limber pine, and aspen.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 23 Lily Lake Area There will be impacts to vegetation associated with the development of a trailhead parking lot at the Twin Sisters Trailhead, the construction of the Lily Mountain Connector Trail, and widening of the access road to the proposed Storm Pass Trailhead parking lot. The area of impact to vegetation at Lily Lake is 1.44 acre, and it is anticipated that as many as 500 trees, predominantly lodgepole pine, will be removed. At Lily Lake 2.44 acres will be reclaimed and grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees will be planted in the reclaimed area. However, it will be many years before replanted trees will mature. The impact to vegetation at Lily Lake will be long-term, minor and adverse.

Longs Peak Area There would be impacts to vegetation from the conversion of the Longs Peak Campground to a trailhead parking lot that will accommodate 250 vehicles. The total area of new disturbance at the Longs Peak Trailhead is 0.1 acre, and it is anticipated that as many as 1,600 trees would be removed from within the perimeter of the existing campground.

At the Longs Peak Trailhead 0.45 acre will be reclaimed and grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees will be planted in the reclaimed area. However, it will be many years before replanted trees will mature. The impact to vegetation at the Longs Peak Trailhead will be long-term, minor and adverse.

Meeker Park Area There will be impacts to vegetation for the construction of a picnic site and trailhead, for the improvement of the existing campground and an expansion of the campground that includes 26 additional campsites, and for the development of new trails and roads in the area. The total area of new disturbance is 5.38 acres, and it is anticipated that as many as one-third of the existing trees may be removed depending on the effects of the current mountain pine beetle infestation. At the Meeker Park Area, 3.95 acres will be reclaimed and grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees will be planted in the reclaimed area. However, it will be many years before replanted trees will mature. The impact to vegetation at Meeker Park will be long- term, minor and adverse.

In the context of vegetation resources within the Highway 7 project area that are managed by RMNP and ARP, the combined impacts to vegetation at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park are long-term minor and adverse.

Because impacts to vegetation for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 24 Invasive species Within all project areas, the species of highest concern is yellow toadflax. Species of secondary concern include: cheatgrass (not noted in surveys, but likely to occur), musk thistle, Canada thistle, smooth brome, Timothy, and dandelion.

With the current weed management strategies that both agencies have in place, and by implementing Best Management Practices during construction and ongoing maintenance, the proposed actions at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and the Meeker Park area are not expected to result in the spread of invasive exotic plants.

Forest Vegetation The project area is mainly located in the sub-alpine ecological zone and ranges in elevation between 8,200 to 9,500 feet. In sub-alpine forests, lodgepole pine forests dominate the lower elevations and xeric south-facing slopes whereas Engelmann spruce and sub-alpine fir forests typify the higher elevations and more mesic, north- facing slopes (Sibold et al. 2006). Below the sub-alpine zone is the upper montane zone and at this transition several other tree species also are common including Douglas-fir, limber pine, and aspen.

Lily Lake Area There will be impacts to vegetation associated with the development of a trailhead parking lot at the Twin Sisters Trailhead, a parking lot that will accommodate horse trailers on the former Roessler property, the construction of the Lily Mountain Connector Trail, and widening of the access road to the proposed Storm Pass Trailhead parking lot. The area of impact to vegetation at Lily Lake is 1.44 acres, and it is anticipated that as many as 500 trees, predominantly lodgepole pine, will be removed. At Lily Lake 2.44 acres will be reclaimed and grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees will be planted in the reclaimed area. However, it will be many years before replanted trees will mature. The impact to vegetation at Lily Lake will be long-term, minor and adverse.

Longs Peak Area There would be impacts to vegetation from the conversion of the Longs Peak Campground to a trailhead parking lot that will accommodate 250 vehicles. The total area of new disturbance at the Longs Peak Trailhead is 0.1 acres, and it is anticipated that as many as 1,600 trees would be removed from within the perimeter of the existing campground.

Meeker Park Area There will be impacts to vegetation for the construction of a picnic site and trail-head, for the improvement of the existing campground and an expansion of the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 25 campground that includes 26 additional campsites, and for the development of new trails and roads in the area. The total area of new disturbance is 5.38 acres, and it is anticipated that as many as one-third of the existing trees may be removed depending on the effects of the current mountain pine beetle infestation. At the Meeker Park Area, 3.95 acres will be reclaimed and grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees will be planted in the reclaimed area. However, it will be many years before replanted trees will mature. The impact to vegetation at Meeker Park will be long- term, minor and adverse.

Because impacts to vegetation for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Wildlife

Non-Federally Listed Species Common wildlife species that would be found within the project area are elk, mule deer, black bear, coyote, badger, bobcat, fox, skunk, Wyoming ground squirrel, magpie, common raven, Clark’s nutcracker, gray jay, and nuthatch. The proposed improvements at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park will primarily be located within areas that are currently disturbed and have significant impacts from human development and use. While some of the common species listed above will avoid areas that are heavily used, other species are habituated to human presence and are seen frequently. These include elk, mule deer, Wyoming ground squirrel, magpie, common raven, Clarks nutcracker, gray jay and nuthatch. The removal of trees, especially to convert the Longs Peak Campground to a trailhead parking lot, will adversely impact some common species of birds. It is anticipated that these species will not be lost, but displaced to other areas.

The anticipated impact to common wildlife species will be long-term minor and adverse. Because the impacts are minor or less, this topic is dismissed from further consideration in this document.

Endangered, Threatened, Rare and Sensitive Species

Federally Listed Wildlife Species Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) Considered critically imperiled in Colorado (NatureServe 2007), native lynx historically occurred sparsely in mountainous areas above 9,000 feet elevation in the Park, Gore, San Juan, and La Plata mountains, and the White River Plateau. The global trend for the lynx is regionally variable as local populations fluctuate with hare densities (NatureServe 2007).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 26 Approximately 27 acres of the St. Vrain Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU-105) fall within the Meeker Park portion of the project area. Approximately 17 acres of the St. Vrain LAU fall within the Longs Peak Trailhead portion of the project area and approximately 32 acres of the Estes LAU fall within the Lily Lake portion of the project area. No Key Lynx Linkages occur within the project area. A complete description of each habitat type (denning, foraging, and ‘other’) along with baseline information regarding the project area and LAUs is available in the Biological Assessment (BA) completed for this project.

Informal consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) was conducted during several site visits by RMNP, ARP and FWS personnel during the summer of 2006. As a result of these site visits and several other informal conversations, verbal concurrence was reached with the FWS that the project fit within the Lynx Conservation Screens and was not in need of more formal consultation. The screens were used as written concurrence of the final determinations of effects made within the BA.

The determination of affects of implementing the proposed action is: May affect, not likely to adversely affect.

Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) The Mexican spotted owl (MSO) was selected for further analysis based on its status (Threatened) and the presence of some suitable habitat components in the project area including steep canyons and riparian areas in ponderosa pine forests to the south east of Meeker Park. Found from the southern rocky mountains of Colorado and Utah to central Mexico (Kingery 1998), small populations exist in the south- central mountains of Colorado and near Mesa Verde National Park, where they are considered Critically Imperiled (NatureServe 2007). Their elevation range is below 9,500 feet with most owls in Colorado occurring around 6,000 feet (Kingery 1998). They prefer old growth coniferous forests along riparian areas as well as steep secluded canyons with large conifers near the bottom (Kingery 1998).

Surveys for MSO and suitable habitat on the ARP were conducted in 1994 and no individuals or locations were detected. The project area was included in these surveys and poor to marginal nesting habitat was identified (Petterson 1994). No suitable habitat is found within Meeker Park Campground and project activities within RMNP are considered outside any suitable habitat for the MSO.

The determination of affects of implementing the proposed action is: No effect.

Whooping crane (Grus Americana); Least tern (Sterna antillarum); Piping plover (Charadrius melodus) These three species were selected for further analysis based on the occurrence of limited water depletions from all proposed action alternatives that may impact downstream habitat for these species. It is estimated that there would be a water depletion of approximately 0.065 acre-ft/year from the estimated water use at the Meek Park Campground if the proposed action was implemented.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 27

On July 17, 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a policy that water- related activities in the Platte River basin resulting in less than 0.1 acre-foot/year of depletions in flow to the nearest surface water tributary to the Platte River system have an insignificant effect on the Platte River target species, and thus do not require consultation with the FWS for potential effects on those species.

The determination of affects of implementing the proposed action is: No effect.

Greenback Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki stomias) The greenback cutthroat trout (GBC) (Oncorhynchus clarki stomias) is native to the mountain and foothill waters of the South Platte and Arkansas River basins in Colorado (Behnke and Zarn 1976). Greenback cutthroat (GBC) trout were included in this analysis because a stocked population is located in Lake Lily within the proposed analysis area. The population is a recreational population and not considered part of the GBC trout recovery program.

Lily Lake is currently stocked with greenback cutthroat trout by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in cooperation with the USFWS. The lake receives heavy angling pressure due to easy access (trails and an accessible pier) as well high angler success. Increasing public access to the Lily Lake area would likely increase angling pressure on greenback cutthroat trout. Consultation with the USFWS would not be needed to address this issue because this population is considered a recreational population, not a recovery population.

The determination of affects of implementing the proposed action is: No effect.

Management Indicator, Sensitive, and Rare Species Analysis and disclosure of the effects of all action alternatives on Forest Service Sensitive, ARP Management Indicator, and RMNP Rare Species is included in the Specialist’s Report (Biology Report) prepared for this EA. This report is available upon request from the Boulder Ranger District office. The determination of these effects on the individual species and their habitat is summarized in the table in Appendix B.

Plants No federally proposed, threatened, or endangered plant species or their habitats are known to occur in the project area, and no downstream effects will occur to any federally proposed, threatened, or endangered plant species or their habitats. If any downstream water depletions are expected, analysis may be needed for Spiranthes diluvialis, Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis, and Platanthera praeclara.

Forest Service Sensitive Species (Region 2) There are no known occurrences of Forest Service sensitive plants in the Project Area. A Potential Conservation Area (PCA) designated by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program includes the northwest corner of the Lily Lake parcel. The PCA is an area recognized for its high biodiversity significance. It was designated in part for its high

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 28 quality occurrence of rock cinquefoil (Potentilla rupincola), a Region 2 sensitive plant species.

Plant Species and Communities of Local Concern Habitat occurs in the Project Area for species of emphasis or concern on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests or for which the Forest has insufficient information. Species of local concern not known to occur but considered in the analysis include: Botrychium spp. (moonworts), Carex leptalea (bristle-stalked sedge), Cornus canadensis (dwarf dogwood), Cypripedium fasciculatum (purple lady’s-slipper), Goodyera repens (rattlesnake-plantain), Ligularia bigelovii var. hallii (Hall’s groundsel), Listera borealis (northern twayblade), Lycopodium spp. (clubmoss), Pellaea atropurpurea (purple cliff brake), Asplenium septentrionale (forked spleenwort), Lilium philadelphicum (wood lily), and Pyrola picta (pictureleaf wintergreen). Juncus tweedyi (Tweed’s rush) and Juncus vaseyi (Vasey rush) occur in RMNP near the Wild Basin entrance.

One rare plant community (tracked by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program) occurs in the project area: . Ponderosa pine / Weber spike fescue woodland (Pinus ponderosa/Leucopoa kingii The main ponderosa pine matrix in this part of the Colorado Front Range, but limited in extent. Vulnerable on global and state scales (G3S3).

Because the impacts to federally listed wildlife do not rise above “May affect, not likely to adversely affect,” and there will be no impacts on federally listed plant species, and negligible to minor impacts on species of special concern, management indicator species, or rare or sensitive species for the proposed action and alternatives for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Natural Soundscape NPS Management Policies (2006) and Director’s Order #47, Sound Preservation and Noise Management, state that preservation of the natural soundscape is an important mission of the NPS. Natural soundscapes occur in the absence of human-caused sound. The natural ambient soundscape is the aggregate of all natural sounds within the park, together with the physical capacity for transmitting natural sound through air, water, or solid material. RMNP strives to preserve the natural soundscape associated with the physical and biological resources of the park. From elk bugling to thunderous waterfalls, natural sounds of RMNP contribute to a sense of wildness and solitude important to park visitors and are therefore critical to protect.

Construction activities would generate noise from equipment, machinery, and truck traffic. The largest area of earthwork and noise would occur at the Longs Peak Trailhead during the construction of the parking lot. Noise impacts during construction activities at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park would be short-term minor and adverse. Except for trucks delivering and hauling

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 29 away material, noise impacts are expected to be centered at the construction sites. Nearby landowners as well as visitors would experience noise impacts during construction.

The new facilities would generate noise associated with recreational use. Because these facilities are currently being used for this purpose, the change to the natural soundscape as a result of the new facilities is expected to be long-term, minor and adverse.

At Lily Lake, new facilities are proposed for the borrow pit located south of the lake and at the former Roessler property. Traffic noise will be present on the access road to the Storm Pass Trailhead (proposed for the borrow pit), and in the proposed trailhead parking lot. Traffic noise will be present on the access road to the trailhead parking lot proposed for the former Roessler property, and within the parking lot itself. The proposed Lily Mountain connector trail will introduce hikers to this area. However, because of the proximity of these developments to Highway 7, there will be negligible effects on the natural soundscape.

At the Longs Peak Trailhead, the largest change to the natural soundscape will be the elimination of roadside parking on the Longs Peak Road that leads to the trailhead. Car doors slamming, engines starting and the sound of hikers on the county road would be eliminated under the preferred alternative. Nearby landowners would continue to hear the sound of automobile traffic early in the morning on the Longs Peak Road as they do now. With a single large parking lot proposed at the Longs Peak Trailhead, vehicle noise and human voices will be concentrated in this area.

At the Meeker Park area, landowners on the east side of Highway 7 would likely experience reduced noise with the proposed relocation of the Meeker Park Picnic Site to the west side of the highway. With the expansion of the Meeker Park Campground, relocation of the Meeker Park Picnic Site, and development of a new trailhead on the west side of Highway 7, noise impacts on nearby landowners are expected to be long-term minor and adverse. Campgrounds, trailheads and picnic areas have existed for many years within RMNP, and several RMNP campgrounds accommodate Recreational Vehicles (RVs). RVs are often cited as a source of noise because of generator noise. Many of the existing facilities within RMNP have nearby private landowners. Noise complaints from neighbors have been non-existent for these facilities within the park.

Because impacts to the natural soundscape for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document. Because noise is an issue for nearby landowners in the Meeker Park area as identified during public scoping, the natural soundscape topic is included in the environmental consequences discussion related specifically to impacts to nearby landowners (see Chapter 3).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 30 Natural Lightscape In accordance with NPS Management Policies (2006), the NPS strives to preserve natural ambient lightscapes, which are natural resources and values that exist in the absence of human-caused light. RMNP strives to limit the use of artificial outdoor lighting to that which is necessary for building security and human safety. The Park also strives to ensure that all outdoor lighting is shielded to the maximum extent possible to keep light on the intended subject and out of the night sky.

No exterior lighting is proposed at Lily Lake. If the Lily Lake Visitor Center is leased to a third party for some other purpose, the lessee would be responsible for providing exterior lighting for public safety. This lighting would be required to address public safety while protecting the night sky and avoiding light pollution.

Exterior lighting would be provided at the Longs Peak Trailhead for the Ranger Station and administrative buildings. Limited lighting may be provided for pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the trailhead. This lighting is needed for public safety because many hikers arrive at the trailhead in the predawn hours. All such lighting would be required to address public safety while protecting the night sky and avoiding light pollution.

Vehicle headlights would be another source of man-made light at the Longs Peak Trailhead. However, the proposed trailhead parking lot and improvements would accommodate the same number of vehicles that are using the trailhead now, so there would not be additional impact to the natural lightscape. Neighboring landowners may experience reduced light pollution since vehicles will no longer be permitted to park along the county road.

At the Meeker Park area, the current sources of artificial light are from vehicle headlights, and portable lanterns, flashlights and other light sources used by campers. No additional impacts to the natural lightscape are expected for the Meeker Park Picnic Site and the proposed trailhead as these facilities will be day use only.

The proposed improvements at the Meeker Park Campground will include some exterior lighting for public safety. Exterior lights may be provided at for the vault toilets and at the entrance to the campground. All such lighting would be required to address public safety while protecting the night sky and avoiding light pollution.

The proposed expansion of the Meeker Park Campground would add more artificial light sources to the environment from vehicle headlights and portable lanterns, flashlights and other light sources used by campers. These impacts, and the impacts from new exterior lights at the campground entrance and for the vault toilets, are expected to be long-term minor and adverse.

Because impacts to the natural lightscape for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document. Because light pollution

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 31 is an issue for nearby landowners as identified during public scoping this topic is included in the environmental consequences discussion related specifically to impacts to nearby landowners (see Chapter 3).

Wetlands Executive Order 1190 Protection of Wetlands requires federal land agencies to avoid, where possible, adversely affecting wetlands. NPS policies for wetlands, stated in National Park Service Management Policies (2006) and Directors Orders and Director’s Orders 77-1, Wetlands Protection, strive to prevent loss or degradation to wetlands and to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural beneficial values of wetlands.

There are approximately 4 acres of wetlands on the south and west sides of Lily Lake and there is a wet area near an old borrow site. Some wetlands do exist adjacent to the access road. Much of this area does not meet the jurisdictional definition of wetlands because they have developed from raising the water level at Lily Lake after the installation of the dam. Over time, these areas will become true wetlands as more organic soil is developed. Layout of the road widening will avoid these areas and design features would be put in place during construction to reduce potential negative impacts to these developing wetlands.

There are no wetlands at the Longs Peak Trailhead, so proposed improvements would have no impact on wetlands at that location.

There is an aspen corridor wetland in the northern one third of the Meeker Park area that is within the Cabin Creek Watershed. This wetland has a cistern and water pipeline in it and the corridor is used by wildlife. There is an existing abandoned road (now being used as a trail) that weaves in and out of the aspen wetland area. The wetland area is a sensitive area and the water flows from the wetland to the ponds and wetland complex to the east of Highway 7 which flows into an unnamed tributary of Cabin Creek. There are no permanent flows present that would sustain a fisheries population in this wetland.

The design of the Meeker Park Campground would avoid wetlands and streams in the area and there would be natural buffers separating the campground from riparian areas or wetlands. The new picnic site and trailhead parking area would be designed to avoid wetlands and streams thereby minimizing potential effects of sedimentation during construction and from the long-term use of the site by the public. By avoiding and buffering wetlands and streams and following other appropriate Watershed Conservation Practices (WCPs) impacts to wetlands would be negligible.

Because impacts to wetlands for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 32 Wilderness The Wilderness Act of 1964 “established a National Wilderness Preservation System to be composed of federally owned areas designated by Congress as ‘wilderness areas,’ and these shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness.”

Of RMNP’s 265,828 acres, approximately 251,700 acres (95%) are designated Wilder- ness. None of the proposed improvements at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead or at Meeker Park are located within designated wilderness. Federally designated wilderness lands would not be disturbed during construction activities.

There would be localized short-term negligible adverse consequences to wilderness values (e.g., solitude, natural quiet, and an unspoiled day and night sky) from construction activities and associated noise should any of the action alternatives be selected.

During public scoping, concerns were raised that improvements at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park would lead to increased visitation and adverse impacts to wilderness values.

At Lily Lake, most of the proposed improvements are intended to better accommodate existing levels of use. This is the case for the Twin Sisters Trailhead and at Lily Lake. The development of a parking area that would serve the Storm Pass Trail could result in increased visitor use in designated wilderness. This increased use is expected to have a long-term negligible adverse impact on wilderness values.

At the Longs Peak Trailhead, the number of vehicles that could be parked within the trailhead parking lot has been deliberately limited to accommodate only current use (i.e., no expansion from current use is proposed). At the Longs Peak Trailhead there would be no additional impact to wilderness values with the proposed elimination of the campground and the development of a trailhead parking lot that is designed to accommodate current use.

At Meeker Park, the development of a trailhead parking area and expansion of the campground by 26 sites is expected to result in increased use of existing trails within RMNP that are within designated wilderness. Despite the increased visitor use, no additional visitor facilities will be developed within wilderness in RMNP, the area will retain its wilderness character. The impact on wilderness character in the Meeker Park Area is expected to be long-term minor and adverse.

The intent of this project is not to increase carrying capacity or visitor use. Because impacts to wilderness for the proposed action and alternatives would be minor or less for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 33 Floodplains Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management requires all federal agencies to avoid undertakings within a 100-year floodplain unless no other practical alternative exists. The NPS under its Management Policies (2006) and Director’s Order 77-2 Floodplain Management strives to preserve floodplain values and minimize hazardous floodplain conditions.

Because there would be no impacts to floodplains for the proposed action and alternatives for all proposed activities, this topic is dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Cultural/Archeological Resources Several activities of the proposed action have the potential to impact cultural resources within the project area. Primary impacts include the displacement, alteration, and destruction of surficial artifacts and cultural features, as well as disturbance to site soil deposition through mechanical ground disturbance with heavy equipment. One significant cultural resource, the Jacobson (San Souci)- Melton Dowling cabin, near Meeker Park, is on the south edge of the proposed reconstruction area. Although the site would not be directly impacted by activities, the construction of the trailhead parking lot could have a visual impact on the natural setting of the site. The site was constructed at that location for its natural setting, thus changes to the historic character by altering view sheds and other visual characteristics could adversely affect the historic property. The construction of the campground expansion could also reduce if not eliminate the dispersed camping in the immediate area surrounding the cabin, thus reducing the potential for wildfire from escaped campfires.

The proposed parking lot construction at Lily Lake has the potential to indirectly affect one significant site, the Baldpate Inn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Although the site would not be directly impacted by activities, the construction of the parking lot to accommodate horse trailers could have a visual impact on the natural setting of the site. Changes to the historic character by altering view sheds and other visual characteristics could adversely affect the historic property.

The proposed parking lot construction at the Longs Peak Trailhead has the potential to indirectly affect one significant site, the Eugenia/Alpine Brook Road (5LR9864). The expansion of parking facilities could increase the pedestrian traffic along the popular trail, which would consequently increase trail degradation. However, public access to the cultural resource also serves as a benefit to the public in accessing their cultural heritage.

Archaeological sites are non-renewable resources that are being lost with an increasing frequency to alteration or destruction. The accumulated loss of numerous individual cultural resources has the potential to limit our understanding of broader patterns of human history essential to the overall knowledge of our national cultural heritage. Although sample surveys have been conducted, not all sites can be located

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 34 and there is the potential that undiscovered subsurface sites could be impacted by project activities. The proposed activities have the potential to impact individual cultural resources by displacement and destruction with earth-moving equipment. Cultural resources are non-renewable, but potential adverse impacts are limited to cultural resources now considered to be not significant.

The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has concurred with the determination of “No Historic Properties Affected.” A copy of the concurrence letter is attached as Appendix D.

Cultural Landscapes According to the National Park Service Director’s Order 28 Cultural Resource Management Guidelines, a cultural landscape is a reflection of human adaptation and use of natural resources and is expressed in the way land is organized, patterns of settlement, land use, systems of circulation, and types of structures that are built. Cultural landscape features include buildings, structures (roads, trails, bridges, ditches, and fences), native vegetation, historic plantings, ponds, wildlife, and historic viewsheds.

The area was evaluated and no cultural landscapes were identified in the project area, and this topic is dismissed from further consideration.

Ethnographic Resources As defined by the NPS, an ethnographic resource is a site, structure, object, landscape, or natural resource feature assigned traditional, legendary, religious, subsistence, or other significance in the cultural system of a group traditionally associated with it. Some places of traditional cultural use may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as traditional cultural properties (TCPs) because of their association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that (a) are rooted in that community's history and (b) are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community (National Register Bulletin, Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties).

No ethnographic resources were identified in the project area as a result of an ethnographic overview conducted for the park in 1999, or in any subsequent visits and discussions with Ute or Arapaho elders. Therefore, this topic has been dismissed from further consideration and will not be evaluated further in this document.

Museum Collections Museum collections (prehistoric and historic objects, artifacts, works of art, archival documents, and natural history specimens) may be threatened by fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and careless acts. The preservation of museum collections is an ongoing process of preventative conservation, supplemented by conservation treatment when necessary. The primary goal is preservation of artifacts in as stable condition as possible to prevent damage and minimize deterioration. Museum collections are generally ineligible for listing in the National Register. As

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 35 such, §106 determinations of effect are not provided. According to Director’s Order 24, the NPS requires the consideration of impacts on museum collections. The park’s museum collection is housed in the east side of the park and will not be affected by the proposed construction. This topic is dismissed from further consideration.

Indian Trust Resources Secretarial Order 3175 requires that any anticipated impacts to Indian trust resources from a proposed project or action by the Department of the Interior agencies be explicitly addressed in environmental documents. The federal Indian trust responsibility is a legally enforceable fiduciary obligation on the part of the United States to protect tribal lands, assets, and treaty rights, and it represents a duty to carry out the mandates of federal law with respect to American Indians and Alaska Native tribes.

There are no Indian trust resources at Rocky Mountain National Park. The lands comprising the park are not held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of Indians due to their status as Indians. Since no impacts to Indian trust resources will occur as a result of this project, this topic is dismissed from further analysis.

Socio-Economics The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grasslands receive an average of 6.2 million visitors annually (NVUM 2004/2005). RMNP receives about 3 million visitors annually. The population of Colorado’s northern Front Range has grown to four million people over the past thirty years; projections indicate continued growth in the coming decades. Demand for recreation opportunities, especially on Colorado’s forests and parks will continue to grow.

Rising population, competitive pursuit of outdoor recreation opportunities and the effects of tourism marketing have carved a niche for overnight camping, day use recreation and viewing scenery along the Front Range. Although many other recreation opportunities exist in the planning area, RMNP and ARP have historically focused management on these three niches. Nearby towns and a high number of local private businesses (resorts, lodges, guest ranches, etc.) market both overnight and day use opportunities on private and public lands within and adjacent to the planning area.

RMNP and ARP developed facilities and informal trails in the Meeker Park Area compliment recreational uses along the Peak to Peak State Scenic Byway and help balance recreational use along the entire length of this popular corridor. However, the specific proximity, design and use of developed facilities has resulted in issues such as conflict between private landowners and users, perceived threat to private landowner safety, threat of wildfire, a variety of nuisance behaviors and many others previously discussed in this section. Regardless of specific proximity of the Meeker Park facilities, overnight camping and day use access displacement continues to adversely affect public and private lands in the vicinity of the project area.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 36 Construction work would result in a temporary increase in seasonal employment. Visitors would experience inconvenience during construction, but this is unlikely to measurably affect travel to the park or impact local businesses in the gateway communities at Estes Park or Allenspark. In the long term, businesses would indirectly benefit from improved facilities which would increase the quality of the visitor experience.

The Lily Lake and Longs Peak Trailhead areas are within the Estes Park Fire Protection District. The Meeker Park Area is within the Allenspark Rural Fire Protection District. The changes proposed at Lily Lake and at the Longs Peak Trailhead are not expected to alter the number or type of calls the Estes Park Fire Department would experience. The most significant change is that there would no longer be overnight camping at the Longs Peak Trailhead, and the Lily Lake area and the Longs Peak Trailhead will be strictly day use facilities.

The 26 campsites to be added to the Meeker Park Campground would increase the number of developed campsites within the Allenspark Rural Fire Protection District. The added campsites could result in additional requests for emergency services, but it is anticipated that the increased demand upon local emergency services will be negligible and are unpredictable. The additional campsites may also pose an increase risk for wildland fire. Because campfires will only be permitted within the fire grates that are provided, and because the campground will be a managed campground (as compared to unmanaged dispersed camping which is permitted within the National Forest), and because the campground will observe any fire restrictions or bans that may be in effect due to high fire danger levels, the increased risk of wildland fire and increased demand upon local emergency services is expected to be negligible and is unpredictable.

Because impacts to the socioeconomic environment would be negligible, this topic was dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document.

Park and Forest Operations Lily Lake The ARP currently manages the Lily Mountain Trail in this area. Under the No Action alternative or the Proposed Action, the Lily Mountain Trail and the trailhead on Highway 7 would remain. Therefore, there would be no change to ARP operations under either alternative.

RMNP manages, operates, and maintains all of the other facilities at Lily Lake. Under the No Action alternative RMNP would continue to manage, operate, and maintain all of the trails, roadways, parking lots and restroom facilities at Lily Lake. However, the mothballed Lily Lake Visitor Center would remain closed. Under the No Action Alternative there would be no impact to RMNP operations when compared to the current situation.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 37 Under the Proposed Action, for a period of approximately 36 months, RMNP would seek a leasee for the Lily Lake Visitor Center. If the visitor center is leased within that time, the leasee would be responsible for all operation and maintenance costs of the building and its appurtenances, and would be responsible for ensuring visitor safety at the pedestrian crossing on Highway 7. There would be no expense to RMNP.

If no leasee is found within the 36-month period, the visitor center building would be moved or dismantled and salvaged by RMNP, or sold to a third part and removed from the site. The visitor center site and the parking lot would be restored to natural conditions. Removal of the building and parking lot would reduce the operation and maintenance costs borne by RMNP.

Under the Proposed Action, RMNP would develop new trails, trailheads, paved parking lots and roadways in the Lily Lake Area, and would take on an added operation and maintenance burden for these facilities. In order to minimize impacts to natural resources, cultural resources and nearby landowners, there will be a number of mitigation measures that will add to RMNP management, operation and maintenance costs. The added burden is expected to be long-term and minor.

Longs Peak Trailhead RMNP currently manages, operates and maintains all of the facilities at the Longs Peak Trailhead and the Longs Peak Campground. These facilities include access roads, a water treatment and distribution system, a sewage collection and treatment system, two restroom facilities that include flush toilets, two restroom facilities that include vaults, a 26-site campground that includes access roads, parking spaces, tent pads, fire grates, trash collection and picnic tables, a 79-space paved parking lot, three administrative buildings and trails. Under the No Action alternative RMNP would continue to operate and maintain these facilities, and there would be no change from the current situation.

Under the Proposed Action, RMNP would remove the current 79-space trailhead parking lot except for approximately 20 parking spaces to be retained for administrative use. Parallel parking for administrative vehicles towing horse trailers would be provided along the access road to the administrative parking lot. The two restroom facilities at the current trailhead would be removed, but the remaining three buildings would be retained for administrative use. A septic system would be installed to serve these three structures. A helipad would be constructed in a portion of the former parking lot for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. The first 1,500 ft. of the Longs Peak Trail would be reclaimed, leaving a narrow trail for administrative use. The Longs Peak Campground would be removed, and a 250-space parking lot constructed within the footprint of the campground. New trailhead facilities for Longs Peak, including vault toilets and a ranger station, would be constructed at the new parking lot, and new connecting trail would be built to connect with the Longs Peak Trail. The wastewater collection and treatment system would be eliminated, and the sewage lagoon would no longer be needed for wastewater treatment. The lagoon would be converted to provide storm water retention and filtering for the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 38 parking lot runoff. A two-way perimeter access road would provide access to the parking lot, trailhead, and to the privately owned Camp Timberline which is located north of the site. Working in cooperation with Larimer County, RMNP would install a physical barrier, such as Carsonite® delineators, along the county road leading to the trailhead, to prevent roadside parking.

Elimination of the restrooms with flush toilets (which require a water system) and the wastewater collection and treatment system will reduce RMNP operation and maintenance costs. Providing a single parking area at the Longs Peak Trailhead will simplify park management. Elimination of the Longs Peak Campground will simplify park management and eliminate some operation and maintenance costs. There will be additional operation and maintenance costs associated with the new, larger trailhead parking lot. In order to minimize impacts to natural resources, cultural resources and nearby landowners, there will be a number of mitigation measures that will add to RMNP management, operation and maintenance costs. When considered together, the additional management, operation and maintenance burden on RMNP is expected to be long-term and minor.

Meeker Park Under the No Action Alternative, the ARP would continue to manage, operate and maintain all of the facilities in the Meeker Park area. The picnic site on the east side of Highway 7 would remain in place. The existing 29-site campground would also remain in place. The operation and maintenance costs associated with these facilities would not change.

Under the Proposed Action, RMNP would seek the funding necessary to improve the Meeker Park facilities since the ARP will accommodate the 26 displaced campsites from the Longs Peak Campground. At the Meeker Park Campground 55 formal campsites would be developed including parking space, tent pads fire grates and picnic tables. Other improvements would include paved access roads, vault toilets and a water system. On the west side of Highway 7 there would be a new trailhead to provide access to the trails in the area as well as a new picnic site to replace the current picnic site on the east side of the highway. The trial network in the area would be improved, and in some locations new trails would be developed to improve circulation. Fences and gates would be constructed to limit access to adjacent private property.

The proposed improvements would consolidate ARP management, operations and maintenance. For example, the new trailhead would replace informal trailhead parking and impacts that are occurring on Boulder County roads 113N and 113S. The picnic facilities would not change ARP management, operations or maintenance costs. There would be 26 additional campsites, appurtenances, access roads and a water system for the ARP and/or its concessionaire to manage, operate and maintain. In order to minimize impacts to natural resources, cultural resources and nearby landowners, there will be a number of mitigation measures that will add to ARP management, operation and maintenance costs. When considered in total, the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 39 impact on ARP management, operations and maintenance is expected to result in long-term and minor costs for the ARP.

Because the impact to national park and national forest operations are expected to be minor or less, this topic has been dismissed from further consideration in this document.

Prime and Unique Farmlands In August 1980, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) directed that federal agencies must assess the effects of their actions on farmland soils classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as prime or unique. Prime or unique farmland is defined as soil that particularly produces general crops such as common foods, forage, fiber, and oil seed; unique farmland produces specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. According to NRCS, none of the soils in the project area are classified as prime and unique farmlands. Therefore, the topic of prime and unique farmlands was dismissed as an impact topic in this document.

Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, “General Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,” requires all federal agencies to incorporate environmental justice into their missions by identifying and addressing disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs and policies on minorities and low-income populations and communities. None of the alternatives would have disproportionate health or environmental effects on minorities or low-income populations or communities as defined in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice Guidance (1998). This topic was dismissed from further consideration and is not evaluated further in this document because there would be no effect to environmental justice issues.

COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS ______

RMNP and the ARP would comply with all applicable federal and state regulations when implementing the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan. In addition, the agencies would comply with all applicable NPS and USFS guidelines, provisions, acts, and regulations for the management of park and forest resources. Regulatory requirements for this project include compliance with the following laws and policies:

National Park Service Impairment Standard National Park Service Management Policies (2006) require analysis of potential effects to determine whether or not actions would impair park resources. The fundamental purpose of the national park system, established by the Organic Act and reaffirmed by the General Authorities Act, as amended, begins with a mandate to conserve park resources and values. National Park Service managers must always seek ways to avoid, or to minimize to the greatest degree practicable, adversely impacting park

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 40 resources and values. However, the laws do give the National Park Service the management discretion to allow impacts to park resources and values when necessary and appropriate to fulfill the purposes of a park, as long as the impact does not constitute impairment of the affected resources and values.

Although Congress has given the National Park Service the management discretion to allow certain impacts within parks, that discretion is limited by the statutory requirement that the National Park Service must leave park resources and values unimpaired, unless a particular law directly and specifically provides otherwise. The prohibited impairment is an impact that, in the professional judgment of the responsible National Park Service manager, would harm the integrity of park resources or values. An impact to any park resource or value may constitute impairment, but an impact would be more likely to constitute impairment to the extent that it has a major or severe adverse effect upon a resource or value whose conservation is:

1. necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the establishing legislation or proclamation of the park; 2. key to the natural or cultural integrity of the park; or 3. identified as a goal in the park’s general management plan or other relevant National Park Service planning documents.

Impairment may result from National Park Service activities in managing the park, visitor activities, or activities undertaken by concessionaires, contractors, and others operating in the park. A determination on impairment is made in the Conclusion section for each of the resource topics carried forward in the Environmental Con- sequences chapter.

National Park Service Unacceptable Impacts Standard The impact threshold at which impairment occurs is not always readily apparent. Therefore, the Park Service will apply a standard that offers greater assurance that impairment will not occur. The Park Service will do this by avoiding impacts that it determines to be unacceptable. These are impacts that fall short of impairment, but are still not acceptable within a particular park’s environment. Park managers must not allow uses that would cause unacceptable impacts; they must evaluate existing or proposed uses and determine whether the associated impacts on park resources and values are acceptable.

Virtually every form of human activity that takes place within a park has some degree of effect on park resources or values, but that does not mean the impact is unacceptable or that a particular use must be disallowed. Therefore, for the purposes of these policies, unacceptable impacts are impacts that, individually or cumulatively, would be inconsistent with a park’s purposes or values, or impede the attainment of a park’s desired future conditions for natural and cultural resources as identified through the park’s planning process, or

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 41 create an unsafe or unhealthful environment for visitors or employees, or diminish opportunities for current or future generations to enjoy, learn about, or be inspired by park resources or values, or unreasonably interfere with − park programs or activities, or − an appropriate use, or − the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, or the natural soundscape maintained in wilderness and natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park. − RMNP concessionaire or contractor operations or services.

In accordance with Management Policies, park managers must not allow uses that would cause unacceptable impacts to park resources. To determine if unacceptable impact could occur to the resources and values of Rocky Mountain National Park, the impacts of proposed actions in this environmental assessment were evaluated based on the above criteria. A determination on unacceptable impacts is made in the Conclusion section for each of the resource topics carried forward in the Environmental Consequences chapter.

National Park Service Appropriate Use Standard Section 1.5 of National Park Service Management Policies (2006), Appropriate Use of the Parks, directs that the National Park Service must ensure that park uses that are allowed would not cause impairment of, or unacceptable impacts on, park resources and values. A new form of park use may be allowed within a park only after a determination has been made in the professional judgment of the park manager that it will not result in unacceptable impacts.

Section 8.1.2 of National Park Service Management Policies (2006), Process for Determining Appropriate Uses, provides evaluation factors for determining appropriate uses. All proposals for park uses are evaluated for • consistency with applicable laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies; • consistency with existing plans for public use and resource management; • actual and potential effects on park resources and values; • total costs to the Service; and • whether the public interest will be served.

Park managers must continually monitor all park uses to prevent unanticipated and unacceptable impacts. If unanticipated and unacceptable impacts emerge, the park manager must engage in a thoughtful, deliberate process to further manage or con- strain the use, or discontinue it.

Parking areas and trailheads are common and vital structures in most NPS units. The proposed actions at Lily Lake and Longs Peak are consistent with the park’s master plan and other related park plans. With this in mind, the NPS finds that the proposed actions would result in acceptable uses at RMNP.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 42 National Environmental Policy Act and Regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies to federal actions that may significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This generally includes major construction activities that involve the use of federal lands or facilities, federal funding, or federal authorizations. This EA meets the requirements of NEPA and regulations of the CEQ in evaluating potential effects associated with activities on federal lands.

Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is designed to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by a federal agency likely would not jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened plant or animal species. If a federal action may affect threatened or endangered species, then consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required. RMNP and the ARP consulted with the USFWS regarding potential impacts to threatened or endangered species. RMNP determined that the Preferred Alternative may affect, but is unlikely to adversely affect Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), and the USFWS concurred with this determination.

Clean Water Act The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is responsible for authorizing the discharge of dredged or fill materials into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). RMNP or the ARP would submit a 404 permit application to the COE for any wetland impacts greater than 0.10 acre.

Energy Requirements and Conservation Potential of Alternatives The energy required to implement the alternatives in terms of petroleum products would be insignificant when viewed in light of the production costs and effects on the national and worldwide petroleum reserves.

Colorado Pollution Discharge Eliminations System (CPDES) In compliance with CPDES requirements, RMNP or the ARP would submit a stormwater discharge permit prior to construction. A CPDES stormwater discharge permit is required for construction activities that disturb greater than 1 acre. A stormwater management plan would be prepared as required by the CPDES permit process to address construction-related sediment and erosion control. In addition, a construction dewatering permit may be needed should excavations encounter ground water. This permit would be acquired from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment prior to construction.

Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management This order requires all federal agencies to avoid the construction of certain types of facilities in 100-year and 500-year floodplains unless no other practical alternatives exist. The National Park Service under its NPS Management Policies (2006) and

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 43 Director’s Order 77-2, Floodplain Management strives to preserve floodplain values and minimize hazardous floodplain conditions. No floodplain impacts are anticipated on National Park or National Forest System lands with this project.

Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands This order requires federal agencies to avoid, where possible, impacts to wetlands. Proposed improvements at Lily Lake could affect wetlands associated with the lake. All impacted wetlands within RMNP would be mitigated within the park. All wetland areas on National Forest System lands are protected with this project through the application of the Watershed Conservation Practices and project design criteria.

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470, et. seq.) Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) requires all federal agencies to consider effects from any federal action on cultural resources eligible for, or listed in, the NRHP prior to initiating such actions. The laws and policies that govern cultural resource protection on Federal Lands are coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of Colorado, who serves in an advisory capacity. The policies for USFS and SHPO are consistent. The Forest Service has informed and consulted with the appropriate tribes on these proposed activities, site information and potential impacts.

DECISION FRAMEWORK ______

The Responsible Official for the proposed activities that may occur on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder Ranger District is the District Ranger. The Responsible Official for the proposed activities that may occur within Rocky Mountain National Park is the Director for the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service. After reviewing the Proposed Action, the No Action and Action Alternatives, and the environmental consequences of implementation, the Responsible Officials will determine through a Decision Notice what activities, if any, will be implemented, and what management requirements and mitigation measures will accompany the activities. Two separate decision documents from each responsible agency will result from this analysis.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 44 CHAPTER 2 – PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

INTRODUCTION ______This chapter describes and compares the alternatives considered by RMNP and ARP for the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan. It includes a discussion of how the Proposed Action was developed, a detailed description of the proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action including the no-action alternative, project mitigation measures, a monitoring plan, and maps showing the locations of the proposed activities. Project design criteria, which are details that are incorporated during implementation, can be found in Appendix A.

PROPOSED ACTION DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The US Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) working with RMNP personnel used information from the scoping process, including the relevant issues identified for this project, in conjunction with the field-related resource information, to design the Proposed Action. The Proposed Action is designed to meet the stated purpose and need for this project as described in Chapter 1.

The Proposed Action represents a site-specific proposal developed through intensive interdisciplinary review of current and desired conditions, public involvement, and field verification. Project area identification and design also made use of topographic maps, aerial photography and resource data available in database and Geographic In- formation System (GIS) format.

All applicable Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Management Area standards and guidelines and RMNP Park Management Objectives have been considered or applied to the Proposed Action. The Interdisciplinary Team used mitigation and preventive measures in the planning process to reduce potential impacts of the proposed land management activities. The application of mitigation measures begins during the planning and design phases of a project. Many of the mitigation measures may be applied at implementation and incorporated within the applicable imple- menttation contracts; others may be applied during the design phase.

Interdisciplinary team specialists report the cause and effect relationships that may result from implementation and recommend mitigations to reduce or eliminate those adverse effects in the design. These reports are summarized and referenced in this EA and are found in the project record.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER STUDY From the comments received during scoping, several alternatives and modifications to the proposed action were considered but not brought forward for detailed analysis in this EA.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 45 Lily Lake Area Option 1) Highway Overpass – Reason for dismissal: scenic integrity concerns. During public scoping, some respondents expressed the opinion that an overpass in this very scenic area would be out of place, would negatively impact scenery and might be a viable solution in an urban area but not on rural, scenic byway.

Option 2) Highway Underpass – Reason for dismissal: While an underpass would not impact the scenic integrity of the Peak to Peak Highway and is feasible to construct, the park’s Core Operations evaluation in 2004 determined that the Lily Lake Visitor Center had the lowest visitation of all park visitor centers by a large margin, and closing the visitor center would provide much needed operating funds for the other park visitor centers so that longer hours and additional visitor services could be provided. It would be counterproductive for RMNP to absorb the large cost of constructing an underpass to serve a visitor center that serves the fewest number of visitors. This alternative was eliminated from detailed study because the funds required to build an underpass could be better spent on providing visitor services elsewhere.

Option 3) Keep the visitor center open – Reason for dismissal: As stated above, the 2004 Core Operations analysis determined that the Lily Lake Visitor Center should be mothballed given the fact that the park was operating five other visitor centers in the park and given the proximity of the Lily Lake Visitor Center to the Estes Park Visitor Center. Also, given budget realities, it was not fiscally responsible to retain the Lily Lake visitor center given that it received the lowest number of visitors of all the visitor centers by a large margin. In addition, retaining a visitor center on the east side of Highway 7 when the main attraction (Lily Lake) is on the west side of the highway invites a significant amount of pedestrian traffic crossing Highway 7, which is a public safety concern. If the visitor center were to remain open, a permanent solution to the public safety concern (such as a pedestrian underpass) would be needed and would require significant additional funding.

Longs Peak Area Option 4) Parking at a different location with shuttle bus access – Reason for dismissal: not practical at this time. Shuttle bus hours would have to extend from pre-dawn (3:00 a.m.) until evening to accommodate most hikers. Operating a shuttle bus system over extended hours and with a frequency that would be acceptable to most Longs Peak hikers is impractical.

Option 5) Acquire the adjacent private Camp Timberline and provide additional parking or camping opportunities – Reason for dismissal: not feasible, unwilling seller and not within the scope of this proposal.

Option 6) Expand the existing parking lot, keep the campground – Reason for dismissal: physical limitations of site and does not support Park management goals.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 46 Meeker Park Area Option 7) Develop only the existing 29 sites – Reason for dismissal: does not meet purpose and need.

Option 8) Close the campground, develop at other existing locations – Reason for dismissal: does not meet purpose and need of providing opportunities for camping in the vicinity of the Longs Peak Trailhead, not consistent with the Forest Plan.

ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED IN DETAIL Alternative A is the No-Action Alternative, under which current management would continue and no improvements or modifications to the existing facilities would take place. Alternative A is represented by the current condition of the project area and is used as a baseline to compare the Proposed Action and other action alternatives. The Proposed Action (Alternative B) was designed to respond to the purpose and need described in Chapter 1. Alternatives C and D were designed to respond to project issues identified during internal scoping and public involvement as well as the purpose and need for this project. The environmental consequences of implementing all alternatives are discussed in Chapter 3. Alternative A – No Action No changes would occur under this alternative. This alternative is represented by the existing condition of the project area and is used as a baseline against which to compare the other alternatives. Analysis of this alternative complies with regulations listed at 40 CFR 1502.14(d) that requires that a no action alternative be included in the analysis.

The No-Action Alternative would have no new management activities and no changes to the existing facilities. Current management of the facilities on National Forest and National Park lands would be maintained. The No Action alternative would not move the project area towards the desired condition identified in the Forest Plan or the Final Master Plan for RMNP. Since activities would not be proposed under the No Action alternative, additional mitigation measures or management requirements would not be necessary or applied to this alternative.

Lily Lake Area The Lily Lake Visitor Center would remain closed and unoccupied with related facility maintenance costs, such as routine maintenance of the structure, parking lot grading, ultimate replacement of the roof, etc., continuing as a financial burden for RMNP. The Visitor Center parking area would remain in place and parking capacity would not be redistributed to Twin Sisters Trailhead or the proposed Storm Pass Trailhead. Highway 7 pedestrian safety issues would continue to be a concern at the visitor center and at the Lily Mountain Trailhead. Parking would remain inadequate to safely access Lily Lake, Storm Pass and the Twin Sisters Trail. Developed recreational facilities would continue to dominate the landscape along Highway 7.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 47 Longs Peak Trailhead Area The 26 unit Longs Peak Campground would remain in place. The 68 space trailhead parking lot would remain unchanged. Off-site parking and related issues would continue to escalate user conflict and undermine effectiveness in achieving RMNP management objectives. Conflicts with the adjacent sports camp would go unresolved. Neighborhood concerns with roadside parking would remain unresolved. Health and safety concerns related to the nearby sewage lagoon would remain unresolved.

Meeker Park Area The Meeker Campground would not be reconstructed so local issues and resource impacts would continue. Developed overnight camping opportunities would be adversely impacted especially with potential camping displacement if Longs Peak Campground is converted to day use parking at some point in the future. Meeker Picnic Site would not be relocated to the west side of Highway 7 so users/private landowner conflicts, pedestrian safety concerns and uncontrolled dispersed recreation would continue. Use on existing roads and non-system trails would remain unchanged. Issues related to dispersed camping and day use parking would continue. No additional regulations would be established to manage recreation in the area.

Alternative B – Proposed Action Alternative B, the Proposed Action was designed to respond to the purpose and need for action described in Chapter 1, and to support the Forest Plan for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland and the Final Master Plan for RMNP.

Lily Lake Area (please refer to Figures 12 and 13 beginning on page 50) The primary theme of the Lily Lake area is self-service, day-use recreation. Visitor information would be conveyed using trailhead kiosks. The components of this option are as follows:

1. Lily Lake Visitor Center building Figure 10 - Lily Lake Visitor Center • Identify alternatives for the Lily Lake Visitor Center building, including leasing – For a period of approximately 36 months following the approval of the Highway 7 Recreation Improve- ments Plan decision document, the building (Figure 10) would be offered for lease pursuant to the provisions of 36 CFR Part 18 – Leasing of Properties in Park Areas. Lease of the building would be contingent upon the following:

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 48 − The use(s) proposed for the Figure 11 - Lily Lake Pedestrian Crossing building would be compatible with the purposes and programs of RMNP. This would include educational purposes. Leases may not be issued for activities that are subject to authorization through a concession contract (i.e., commercial visitor services). − The use(s) proposed for the building would not interfere with the implementation of the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan. − There would be no expense to RMNP for the operation and maintenance of the building or any appurtenances that are required for the ongoing operation or maintenance of the building. See Appendix C for a summary of building maintenance costs. − Pedestrian safety would be evaluated as part of any proposal for use of the building (Figure 11).

• If a lease cannot be arranged within this timeframe, the building would be considered for removal or sale and moved off the site. • If the Lily Lake Visitor Center is removed, the area (including the visitor center parking lot) would be restored to near natural conditions. • The painted pedestrian crosswalk and warning light would remain as some pedestrian use occurs between the Homer Rouse Trail and Lily Lake (Figure 11).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 49 Figure 12 - Lily Lake Project Area

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 50 Figure 13 - Lily Lake Proposed Action

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 51 2. Twin Sisters Trailhead • Retain ¼ mile of the existing ac- Figure 14 - Current Twin Sisters cess road. Trailhead Parking Area • Provide a defined edge along the access road so parking is possible only in designated spaces. • Develop a double-loaded parking lot with approximately 50 parking spaces at the end of the ¼ mile access road which will become the new Twin Sisters Trailhead. • Provide a cul-de-sac style turn- around at the south end of the parking lot with a turning radius large enough to accommodate vehicles pulling trailers. Figure 15 - Former Subdivision Road to • Provide up to three parallel be Reclaimed parking spaces along the west side of the access road for vehicles pulling horse trailers. Parking spaces must be wide enough to allow horses to be tethered alongside trailers. • Provide trail access to the Tahosa Valley Trail from the horse trailer parking area. • Provide a hiking and equestrian trail to the current Twin Sisters Trail using the existing subdivision roads. Unneeded road width will be reclaimed. • Provide a vault toilet at the trailhead. • Reclaim all unused subdivision access roads and disturbed areas. • Reclaim all roads and disturbed areas on the former Roessler property.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 52 3. Lily Mountain Trailhead Figure 16 - Lily Mountain Trailhead • Construct a connecting hiking

trail from the Lily Ridge Trail in

RMNP to the Lily Mountain Trail

on the Roosevelt National

Forest. New trail construction

would be approximately 2,875

feet long with 2,700 feet in

RMNP and 175 feet on the National Forest. As is the case for all trails within RMNP, no dogs or other pets would be permitted on the connecting • The existing roadside parking on trail. Regulations found in Title Highway 7 would remain, but vis- 36, Section 7.7(d) of the Code of tors would be encouraged to park Federal Regulations prohibit at Lily Lake. This would allow hikers dogs on trails within RMNP. A with dogs to continue historic use of prominent sign will inform the Lily Mountain Trail (Figure 16). visitors that pets are prohibited on the connecting trail. 4. Summer/winter parking area • Reuse the existing Lily Lake Figure 17 - Lily Lake Parking Area parking lot (Figure 17) for the following: − Accessible parking specifically for disabled visitors using the accessible Lily Lake Trail − A drop-off area primarily for fishermen dropping off boats. − Parking for hikers and other visitors − Designated and maintained for winter parking

5. Storm Pass Trailhead − Widen the existing 0.25-mile spaces. The parking lot would be access road to the borrow pit paved. located south of Lily Lake to − Provide parking and turn-around accommodate 2-way traffic. This space for up to 4 horse trailers at road would be paved (Figure 18). the south end of the parking lot. − Provide a defined edge along − Provide a trailhead information the access road so parking is pos- kiosk at the south end of the sible only in designated spaces. parking lot for the Storm Pass − Develop a parking lot in the Trailhead. former borrow pit (Figure 19) • Provide an information kiosk at the containing about 88 parking north end of the parking lot of

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 53 sufficient size to provide infor- Figure 18 - Access Road to Borrow Pit mation on the entire Lily Lake area. − Provide a vault toilet at the Storm Pass Trailhead parking lot

6. Construction Staging Areas • To the extent possible construction would occur during the off- season to minimize impacts to visitors. Figure 19 - Existing Borrow Pit • Existing disturbed areas would be used for construction staging so that no new ground disturbance would occur.

Longs Peak Trailhead Area (please refer to Figures 22 and 23 beginning on page 56) 1. Close the existing Longs Peak Trailhead parking lot • Retain sufficient parking at the north end of the parking lot for administrative use for employees and search and rescue operations (about 20 parking spaces). • Continue to provide vehicle access to private property located south of the Longs Peak area. • Provide a helicopter landing area and turn-around for vehicles pulling trailers. Install a natural appearing hardened surface. • Provide up to three parallel parking spaces for vehicles pulling trailers along the access road leading to the administrative parking lot. • Restore the unused portion of the parking lot to near natural conditions. • Prohibit public access to the parking lot (use signs and/or gates).

2. Convert existing structures at the Longs Peak Trailhead • Ranger Station may be converted Figure 20 - Longs Peak Ranger to office space (Figure 20). Station • Building #60 and building #489 may be converted to employee housing. • Remove all other existing structures at this location, which includes a vault toilet and restrooms with flush toilets (this component is tied to the removal of the sewage lagoon).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 54 • Develop a new septic system • Retain existing water treatment sys- with a leach field in a reclaimed tem. portion of the parking lot to • Retrofit the existing water distribu- serve the three retained tion system by disconnecting unused structures (this component is sections and extending the system tied to the removal of the to serve the new Longs Peak sewage lagoon). Trailhead.

4. Convert the 26 site Longs Peak Campground to a 250-space parking lot • All existing campground facilities, including the vault toilet Figure 21 - Access to Camp and restrooms with flush toilets, Timberline would be removed (This component is tied to the removal of the sewage lagoon and the addition of 26 campsites to the ARP Meeker Park Campground). • All parking lot improvements would be located within the footprint of the existing campground, which covers 3.86 acres. • Provide a two lane access road to Camp Timberline around the perimeter of the parking lot. This road would also serve the parking lot. • Provide two parallel parking spaces for vehicles pulling trailers along the access road. • Provide a defined edge along all access roads so parking is pos- − Provide a dedicated trail link to the sible only in designated spaces. Longs Peak Trail for equestrians.

5. Construct a Ranger Station, vault toilet and appurtenances in the northwest corner of the new parking lot • This area would be the new trailhead for the Longs Peak Trail. Amenities would likely include a Ranger Station, vault toilet, pedestrian plaza, trailhead kiosk, interpretive exhibits, benches, potable water and emergency telephone.

6. Construct a new connecting trail from the Ranger Station to the Longs Peak Trail • Establish a new route from the new Ranger Station location to the existing Longs Peak Trail (approximately 950 feet). • Through most of its length, the new connecting trail would follow an existing road trace to minimize new disturbance. Approximately 550 feet of the new trail would be in undisturbed habitat.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 55 Figure 22 - Longs Peak Project Area

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 56 Figure 23 - Longs Peak Trailhead Proposed Action

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 57 7. Plan for a future entrance station or entrance kiosk on the access road to the parking lot. • An automated entrance fee dispenser or entrance kiosk that can be staffed by park personnel or volunteers may be installed at this location.

8. Renovate the sewage lagoon for storm water detention • Remove two underground sewage treatment structures located near the lagoon. Restore the sites to near natural conditions and modify the lagoon to accommodate storm water runoff from the proposed parking lot and access road.

9. Prohibit roadside parking on Longs Peak Road • In partnership with Larimer County, this would be accom- Figure 24 - Roadside plished through an escalating Delineation Markers series of measures: − “No Parking” signs placed along the roadside. − Installation of a physical barrier, such as closely spaced delineation markers or guardrails.

10. Construction Staging Areas • To the extent possible construction would occur during the off-season to minimize impacts to visitors. • Existing disturbed areas would be used for construction staging so that no new ground disturbance would occur.

Meeker Park Area (please see Figures 27 and 28 beginning on page 60) 1. Reconstruct Meeker Park Campground to facilitate use of up to 55 campsites. • Reconstruct the existing 29 sites by improving or adding tent Figure 25 - Meeker Park pads, fire rings, picnic tables and Campground Entrance parking. • Construct up to 26 new sites with tent pads, fire rings, tables and parking (this component is tied to the removal of 26 campsites from the Longs Peak Camp- ground). • Specific designs may include the following:

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 58 − One unit could be designed to Figure 26 - Existing Meeker Park facilitate up to 20 people at one Campground time (PAOT); − 4 double units could be designed to facilitate up to 16 PAOT each (up to 64 PAOT total); − 26 standard single units could be designed to facilitate up to 8 PAOT each (up to 208 PAOT total). All sites will be universal- ly accessible; some sites will be fully accessible. The number of accessible sites will meet the then current USFS policy. − 14 RV/Trailer units could be designed to accommodate up to 8 PAOT each (up to 112 PAOT total); − 10 units could be designed to facilitate a mix of camping opportunities not to exceed 8 PAOT each (up to 80 PAOT total). − Total design capacity for the campground would not exceed 484 PAOT and would be designed to remain in operation between May 15 and October 15, annually.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 59 Figure 26 - Existing Meeker Park d

Figure 27 - Meeker Park Project Area

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 60 Figure 28 - Meeker Park Area Proposed Action

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 61 • Primary features would include: − a potable water system − vault restroom facilities with low light level, night sky friendly internal lighting/heat/utility closets − perimeter fencing along the FS boundary − paved motorized surfaces (campsite spurs would be gravel. For accessible sites gravel or paved surfaces would accommodate wheelchairs) − Accessible amenities (i.e., picnic tables and grills) will be provided at all campsites − bear proof trash receptacles − an entrance fee station (with attendant shelter) − a family meeting/cookout area constructed with shelter structure designed for up to 36 PAOT − up to three Campground host sites with water, sewage vault, and electricity hookups − Recycling containers − Internal trail system

2. Lookout Mountain Trailhead and Meeker Picnic Site • Relocate Meeker Picnic Site to the west side of Highway 7 − The existing picnic site would be decommissioned, obliterated and rehabilitated to natural appearing conditions. • Construct the Lookout Mountain Trailhead at the new Picnic Site on the west side of Highway 7, creating up to 8 new picnic sites and parking for up to 12 vehicles. • Road management and trail designation activities − A designated trail system − An interpretive loop trail would be identified on the would be designed and west side of Highway 7 and developed within the prox- would become Forest System Trails, including Figure 29 - Existing Lookout trails under special use Mountain Trailhead authorization (please refer to Figure 30). − Some user created trails not needed for system trails would be closed and rehabilitated. − All existing trails accessing private land would be clearly signed, fenced and/ or gated to minimize trespass.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 62 Figure 30 - Meeker Park Area Trail System

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 63 imity of the Lookout Mountain Trailhead. − Visitors wishing to access RMNP via Boulder County Roads 113 North and 113 South (aka. NFSR 231.2 and 229.1, respectively) would be redirected to use the new Lookout Mountain Trailhead. − Campground and trailhead access roads would not be plowed between October 15 and May 15. − The main access gate would be closed when access becomes impassible.

3. Construction Staging Areas • To the extent possible construction would occur during the off-season to minimize impacts to visitors. • Existing disturbed areas would be used for construction staging so that no new ground disturbance would occur.

Alternative C This alternative includes the proposed actions found in Alternative B with the exceptions described below. This alternative is intended to respond to the concern with the loss of the only tent-only campground in the area, the accelerating recreation demand, the effects to park and forest visitors and neighbors, and the resource impacts and benefits resulting from these actions. Lily Lake Area The actions are the same as described in Alternative B.

Longs Peak Trailhead Area The actions are the same as described in Alternative B.

Meeker Park Area Same as Alternative B, except for the following actions: • Redesign and reconstruct the existing 29 site mixed use Meeker Overflow Campground adding up to 26 new tent-only camping sites.

• Relocate the existing Meeker Picnic Site to the west side of Highway 7, separate from the campground and co-located with the Lookout Mountain Trailhead. Parking would accommodate up to 20 vehicles.

• A low cost interpretive loop would not be developed in the proximity to the picnic site/trailhead.

• Private land trail access portals would use only signage to discourage public access.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 64 Figure 31 - Meeker Park Area Alternative C

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 65 Alternative D This alternative includes the proposed actions found in Alternative B with the exceptions described below. This alternative is intended to respond to the accelerating recreation demand, the effects to park and forest visitors and neighbors, and the resource impacts and benefits resulting from these actions.

Lily Lake Area The actions are the same as described in Alternative B.

Longs Peak Trailhead Area The actions are the same as described in Alternative B.

Meeker Park Area Same as Alternative B, except for the following actions: • Redesign and reconstruct the existing 29 site Meeker Park Campground adding up to 13 new campsites at this time (42 campsites total), with the design allowing for the possible addition of 33 campsites in the future (75 campsites total). o The 42 site campground would accommodate between 210 and 400 PAOT. o The need for expanding the campground beyond 42 sites would be determined in a separate planning process at some future date.

• Relocate the existing Meeker Picnic Site to the west side of Highway 7, separate from the campground and designed as the Lookout Mountain Trailhead with picnic amenities. Parking would accommodate up to 20 vehicles.

• Refine the Meeker Area Forest System roads and trails to more effectively manage motorized and non-motorized use in the vicinity of the campground and picnic site/trailhead, while discouraging off-trail public access through private land and into RMNP. o A low cost interpretive loop would not be developed in the proximity to the picnic site/trailhead. o Private land trail access portals would only be signed to discourage public access.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 66 Figure 32 - Meeker Park Area Alternative D

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 67 ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) defines the environmentally preferred alternative as “…the alternative that will promote the national environmental policy as expressed in the National Environmental Policy Act’s §101.” Section 101 of the Nat- ional Environmental Policy Act states that “… it is the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to … (1) fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for suc- ceeding generations; (2) assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; (3) attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; (4) preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity, and variety of individual choice; (5) achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and (6) enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attain- able recycling of depletable resources.”

Alternative A – the No Action Alternative – does not meet the CEQ definition of the Environmentally Preferred Alternative in the following areas:

Item 2 – Alternative A compromises public safety at a number of locations. Key examples include the roadside trailhead for the Lily Mountain Trail, the pedestrian crossing at Lily Lake, and the roadside parking that occurs on Longs Peak Road outside the park boundary. There are a number of locations where aesthetics are also compromised under Alternative A. Key examples include the abandoned subdivision roads east of Highway 7 in the Lily Lake area, roadside parking on Longs Peak Road, the sewage lagoon at the Longs Peak Trailhead, the unmanaged Lookout Mountain Trailhead and the network of roads within the Meeker Park Campground area.

Item 3 – Alternative A does result in degradation, risk to health and safety (see above) and has undesirable and unintended consequences. Key examples include the undesirable and unintended consequences of roadside parking along Longs Peak Road, and the impacts to nearby landowners at the Meeker Park Picnic Area and Lookout Mountain Trailhead.

Item 4 – Alternative A does not support diversity and variety of individual choice. Key examples include the Lily Mountain Trailhead where the only means of accessing the trail is to use the existing roadside parking, lack of parking at Lily Lake precludes some visitors from using the area, lack of available parking at the Longs Peak Trailhead leads significant numbers of visitors to park outside the park boundary along Longs Peak Road, lack of accessible facilities at the Meeker Park Campground precludes disabled visitors from using the area.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 68 Item 5 – Alternative A does not achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit a wide sharing of life’s amenities. As the population continues to increase, so do demands for visitor access, services and amenities. Inadequate parking and facilities at the Lily Mountain Trailhead and in the Lily Lake area are hampering the ability of the USFS and NPS to adequately serve visitors. Demand for access at the Longs Peak Trailhead has overwhelmed the available parking with the result that visitors are parking along Longs Peak Road up to ½ mile from the park boundary. The rustic Meeker Park Campground does not permit a wide sharing of life’s amenities as there are no facilities for disabled visitors, for example. Parking for the Lookout Mountain Trailhead is inadequate and has unintended consequences for nearby residents.

Alternative B – the Proposed Action – is the Environmentally Preferred Alternative. Alternative B strives to meet the CEQ definition of the Environmentally Preferred Alternative in the following areas:

Item 2 – Alternative B addresses public safety deficiencies at a number of locations. Key examples include providing a new trail connection to the Lily Mountain Trail from Lily Lake, elimination of roadside parking on the Longs Peak Road outside the park boundary, and elimination of the sewage lagoon at the Longs Peak Trailhead. There are a number of locations where aesthetics will be improved if Alternative B is implemented. Key examples include reclamation of the abandoned subdivision roads east of Highway 7 in the Lily Lake area, adaptive reuse of the borrow pit south of Lily Lake, elimination of roadside parking on Longs Peak Road, elimination of the sewage lagoon at the Longs Peak Trailhead, provision of a dedicated trailhead for Lookout Mountain, restoration of unneeded roads and trails within the Meeker Park Campground area, and removal and restoration of the Meeker Park picnic area.

Item 3 – Alternative B improves public safety (see above) and strives to minimize undesirable and unintended consequences. Key examples include the elimination of the roadside parking on the Longs Peak Road by providing adequate parking within the national park, provision of direct access to Camp Timberline, no net loss of campsites in the Highway 7 corridor, elimination and restoration of the Meeker Park picnic area, development of a dedicated trailhead for the Lookout Mountain Trail and other trails in the area, improvement of the Meeker Park Campground with paved roads, defined campsites, fire grates, accessible sites and vault toilets.

Item 4 – Alternative B supports diversity and variety of individual choice. Key examples include providing more than one means of access to Lily Mountain, providing adequate parking at Lily Lake for the popular trails that originate at that location including fully accessible trails, providing adequate parking at the Longs Peak Trailhead to meet current demand, and continuing to provide camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities for diverse user groups.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 69 Item 5 – Alternative B strives to achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit a wide sharing of life’s amenities. Additional parking will be available in the Lily Lake area to better meet the demands of increasing visitation. The mothballed Lily Lake Visitor Center will be made available for lease for a compatible use that will serve park visitors. Adequate parking will be made available at the Longs Peak Trailhead to meet current demand. Providing additional parking is not being considered in order to maintain an acceptable level of visitor experience (i.e., seek a balance between accommodating increasing visitor demand while maintaining visitor experience and preservation of natural resources). Because of demand for camping opportunities throughout the Highway 7 corridor the NPS and USFS are committed to no net loss of campsites. Relocating the NPS Longs Peak Campground sites to the USFS Meeker Park Campground is being proposed in order to seek a balance between accommodating the demand for trail access and associated parking and the demand for camping opportunities while seeking to minimize impacts to adjacent landowners.

Alternative C Like Alternative B, Alternative C meets most of the CEQ policies. However, it does not fully meet the intent of Item 4, which is to support diversity and variety of individual choice. By developing 26 new tent only sites, other users would be precluded from using this area of the Meeker Park Campground, such as pop-up tent trailers, fifth wheel trailers and recreational vehicles.

Alternative D Like Alternative B, Alternative D meets most of the CEQ policies. However, the Meeker Park Campground expansion proposed under this alternative would result in a net loss of 13 campsites within the Highway 7 corridor. This would have undesirable consequences as the demand for camping in the area exceeds the supply of campsites. Instances of illegal camping would likely increase under Alternative D, and this alternative would not attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment or promote individual choice.

MITIGATION MEASURES

The following mitigation measures are an important part of the proposed action and the alternatives. These elements are necessary to ensure that implementation of the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan complies with the laws, policies and the Forest Plan standards and guidelines and RMNP Management Objectives. Their intent is to reduce or minimize the impacts related to project issues. These measures may be incorporated into project design and implementation plans for the various activities.

Hydrology, Soils and Fisheries 1) On USFS Lands, the appropriate Management Measures and Design Criteria from Forest Service Handbook 2509.25, Region 2 Amendment 2509.25-2006-2, Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook; effective date: May 5, 2006 would be incorporated.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 70 2) On USFS lands, the appropriate Management Measures and Design Criteria from Forest Service Handbook 2509.18, Region 2 Supplement, Soil Management; effective date: August 15, 1999 would be incorporated.

3) Apply NPS Best Management Practices during construction of the facilities at the Lily Lake and Longs Peak Trailhead project areas.

4) The road and trail widening from the existing Lily Lake parking lot south to the proposed Storm Pass Trailhead parking lot would be designed so that it is widened toward the east (the Highway 7 side) as much as possible to minimize impacts to the riparian and wetland area along Lily Lake.

5) A minimum of a 200 foot buffer between the Lookout Mountain Trailhead and the Meeker Picnic Site and any wetlands, streams or wet aspen areas at Meeker Park would be applied to minimize impacts.

6) A storm water management plan would be written during the design phase to be used during construction for all project sites.

7) Design parking lot drainages such that storm water runoff is filtered and sediment is trapped before reaching wetlands, streams, or water bodies.

8) Directionally fell trees away from wet areas, including willow and other riparian vegetation, seeps, etc.

Noxious Weeds 9) All equipment used for ground-disturbing activities for this project (not including service trucks or other vehicles that remain on roadways) would be required to be clean (i.e., free of mud, dirt, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds) prior to entering the activity areas as determined through a visual inspection. Disassembly of equipment components or specialized tools is not required.

10) If noxious weeds are found in the project areas, the weed area would be avoided during implementation. The weed coordinator would determine if weed treatment is needed prior to implementation.

Botany 11) If populations of any USFS sensitive species are found in the Meeker Campground area, they would be avoided during project activities. If populations are found for which anticipated project impacts would change the determination of impacts made during analysis, the determination would be revisited and project activities may be adjusted.

12) Areas with the presence of any species of moonworts (Botrychium spp.) would be avoided to avoid potential impacts to undetected populations of slender

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 71 moonwort (Botrychium lineare). Additional protection may be applied if above-ground presence of slender moonwort is confirmed by the botanist.

13) Plant surveys on new trail locations in the Meeker Park Campground area would be completed prior to new trail construction.

14) Appropriate structures would be constructed or installed to direct visitor use around wetland and riparian areas (i.e. buck and rail fencing, signs, etc.) to reduce impacts to wetlands and wetland or riparian plant species.

15) If RMNP lands outside project boundaries are used to collect restoration materials (soil, duff, transplants, etc.), survey collection sites for rare and sensitive plants before collection in order to avoid disturbing plants or habitat.

Wildlife 16) Vegetation removal and disturbance within the project area would be minimized, and all disturbed areas remaining after construction would be revegetated with native species. Specifically, all except the helicopter landing area at the Longs Peak Trailhead would be re-vegetated with the intent of reforestation of lynx foraging habitat as quickly as possible.

17) Snags and cavity nest trees would be maintained to the extent possible. If clearing is needed, cavity trees would be removed during the non-breeding season in the fall.

18) If a raptor nest is discovered in or adjacent to the project areas, project implementation would be discontinued until wildlife biologist recommendations are provided.

19) To minimize impacts to breeding birds and amphibians, implement trail construction in the riparian area south of the Meeker Park Campground after August 15.

Scenery 20) The applicable Forest Service Built Environment Image Guide (BEIG) standards, Scenic Management System guidelines and Peak to Peak Scenic Byway Visual Retention standard and guidelines would be applied for all proposed Forest service administered project developments.

21) The applicable NPS landscape and design standards would be applied for all proposed RMNP administered project developments.

22) To the extent possible, young lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine trees that are growing at the perimeter of proposed development areas shall be retained in place or salvaged to provide screen plantings. Younger trees are expected to survive the current bark beetle outbreak and can provide effective screening.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 72 Heritage Resources 23) Apply a minimum of a 300-foot buffer of trees between the Jacobson/San Souci Cabin (5BL7894) and the proposed trailhead parking facility at Meeker Park.

24) If additional prehistoric or historic materials are found during the course of implementing this project, work in that area would stop until the presiding official has been notified. Work in the area of the cultural resource may not resume until a professional archaeologist has evaluated the cultural materials and potential effects. The discovery must be protected until notified in writing to proceed by the authorized officer (36 CFR 800.110 & 112, 43 CFR 10.4).

25) If so requested by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or an Indian Tribe, RMNP or the ARP would conduct additional consultation for the identification of properties of traditional cultural and religious significance to Indian Tribes or other interested parties. Additional mitigations may be required if areas or sites are determined to be of importance.

Recreation 26) Project activity schedules would be coordinated with special use permit holders, adjacent private landowners, emergency service providers and other affected parties to minimize the impact of project activities to the extent possible. When practical, alternative temporary opportunities may be provided to offset trail access and parking displacement.

27) To promote a safe recreation experience, project construction activity areas would be closed to public access until determined to be safe.

28) Project construction activities with heavy equipment and chainsaws would be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

29) Warning signs and on-site announcements would be used to notify visitors of impending project activities. For the duration of active project implement- tation, operations would require warning signs and may include traffic control during the high-use season.

30) Up to 26 parking spaces would be reserved for Meeker Park Campground users at the Longs Peak Trailhead until 7:00 am during peak use season.

MONITORING Monitoring activities can be divided into USFS or NPS Management Plan monitoring and project-specific monitoring. There are three categories of project-specific monitoring: implementation monitoring, effectiveness monitoring, and validation monitoring. Effectiveness and validation monitoring are typically done as part of a broad scale monitoring program. Implementation monitoring, and any additional project-specific monitoring, is however, an important aspect of this, and all projects.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 73 Monitoring for the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan would be done to ensure that Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and NPS goals and objectives are met where resources may potentially be affected by the implementation of the project. Items to be monitored with associated information are found in Table 4.

Table 4 - Project Implementation Monitoring Item to be Responsibility1 Timing of Objective for Monitored Monitoring Monitoring During and after To ensure compliance Riparian Area/wetland RMNP & ARP Hydrolo- project implementa- with plan and mitigation Activities gist, Project Botanist tion requirements RMNP & ARP Engin- Before and during To ensure compliance New road, trail and eer, Recreation Plan- project implementa- with plan and mitigation parking construction ner and Landscape tion requirements Architect RMNP & ARP Engin- Road, trail and park- During and after To ensure compliance eer, Recreation Plan- ing management and project implementa- with plan and mitigation ner and Law En- closures tion requirements forcement Road, trail and park- RMNP & ARP Engin- Before and during To ensure compliance ing rehabilitation and eer, Recreation Plan- project implementa- with plan and mitigation modified specific uses ner and Botanist tion requirements During and after To ensure compliance Dispersed parking clo- Law Enforcement Per- project implementa- with mitigation require- sures sonnel tion ments Soil and vegetation Before and after To evaluate soil and recovery in construc- RMNP & ARP Soil Sci- project implementa- vegetation recovery and tion and rehabilitation entist and Botanist. tion mitigation requirements areas RMNP & ARP Botanist During and after To ensure compliance Weed infestations and or Noxious Weed Co- project implementa- with plan and mitigation spread ordinator tion requirements RMNP & ARP Engin- To ensure compliance Before and during Project design, layout eer, Recreation Plan- with Best Management project implementa- and construction ner, Landscape Arch- Practices and mitigation tion itect requirements To ensure mitigation of Heritage resources RMNP & ARP Archeo- During project imple- known or unanticipated within & adjacent to logist menttation discoveries of historic and project areas cultural resources Scenery and Peak to RMNP & ARP Recrea- To ensure development Before and after pro- Peak Byway Visual Re- tion Planner and and visitor use does not ject implementation tention Strategies Landscape Architect adversely affect scenery RMNP & ARP Recrea- To evaluate the success in Response to education After project imple- tion Planner and Inter- achieving management and information mentation pretation Staff plan objectives General visitor use RMNP & ARP Rec- To evaluate success in statistics, demograph- reation Planner, Visi- After project imple- achieving management ics and user satisfac- tor Use Monitoring mentation plan objectives tion Studies

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 74 Table 5 - Comparative Summary of Alternatives and Extent to Which Each Alternative Supports the Project Objectives Project Objective: Provide a safe and high quality recreation experience at all three project locations.

This objective would not be met as pedestrian safety would continue to be an issue at the Highway 7 Alternative A crossing at Lily Lake, on Longs Peak Road when roadside parking is prevalent, and at the Highway 7 crossing at Meeker Park. Inadequate facilities at all three locations would continue to compromise the recreation experience. If the visitor center at Lily Lake is not leased within approximately 3 years, the visitor center and parking lot would be removed. This would greatly reduce the use of the Highway 7 pedestrian crossing, Alternative B and improve public safety. Construction of a new connecting trail to Lily Mountain would help to address pedestrian and motorist safety at the Lily Mountain Trailhead. A new parking area at Longs Peak would accommodate current demand and parking would be prohibited along Longs Peak Road. This would address pedestrian and motorist safety. Moving the Meeker Park Picnic Site to the west side of Highway 7 would also address pedestrian safety.

Alternative C Same as Alternative B

Alternative D Same as Alternative B

Project Objective: At a minimum, accommodate the current number of Park and Forest visitors at all three project locations

This objective would not be met since there is insufficient parking for the current number of visitors at Alternative A Lily Lake, at the Longs Peak Trailhead, and the Lookout Mountain Trailhead. Current demand at Lily Lake would be met by constructing additional parking at the Twin Sisters Trailhead and the Storm Pass Trailhead. Parking would also be provided for the Lily Mountain Alternative B Trailhead at Lily Lake. Parking for horse trailers would also be provided for the Twin Sisters and Storm Pass Trailheads. A 250-space parking lot would be built at the Longs Peak Trailhead, which would meet current demand. The existing 29 campsites at the Meeker Park Campground would be redeveloped to meet current standards, and 26 campsites would be added to replace those lost at the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 75 Longs Peak Campground. A trailhead would be developed for Lookout Mountain and other trails in the area, and a picnic site would also be developed to replace the Meeker Park Picnic Site Alternative C Same as Alternative B except that the 26 campsites added to the Meeker Park Campground would be for tents only. This would meet current demand as the Longs Peak Campground is a tent-only campground.

Alternative D Same as Alternative B except that up to 42 campsites would be added to the Meeker Park Campground, bringing the total number of campsites to 71. This would exceed the currently available campsites at the Meeker Park and Longs Peak Campgrounds.

Project Objective: Manage the parking issues at Longs Peak Trailhead and the Lily Lake Area

Alternative A This objective would not be met as the available parking at Lily Lake and at the Longs Peak Trailhead would continue to be inadequate. Parking issues at Lily Lake would be met by providing sufficient parking for the Twin Sisters and Storm Alternative B Pass Trailheads. These parking areas would be sufficient to at least meet the current demand for parking. Developing a 250 space parking lot at the Longs Peak Trailhead would be sufficient to at least meet the current demand for parking. Roadside parking would be prohibited along Longs Peak Road. Alternative C Same as Alternative B Alternative D Same as Alternative B

Project Objective: Minimize use conflicts at Longs Peak and Meeker Park Campgrounds

This objective would not be met. There would continue to be use conflicts between campers at the Alternative A Longs Peak Campground and the privately owned Camp Timberline. Relocating the 26 campsites from the Longs Peak Campground to Meeker Park would eliminate the Alternative B conflict between campground users and Camp Timberline. Providing a 2-way access road to Camp Timberline would greatly reduce traffic conflicts between RMNP and Camp Timberline. Providing specified campsites at Meeker Park for Longs Peak climbers would help to reduce user conflicts at the Meeker Park Campground Alternative C Same as Alternative B Alternative D Same as Alternative B

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 76

Project Objective: Create a manageable trail system near the Meeker Park Campground and the Lily Lake Area

Alternative A This objective would not be met. There would continue to be an unmanageable, user created trail system in the Meeker Park Area. The Lily Lake trail system would remain inconsistent with RMNP Master Plan and strategic planning direction, accessibility standards and other regulations. At Lily Lake a connector trail would be constructed to provide access to the Lily Mountain Trail. Alternative B Equestrian access would be provided for the Twin Sisters Trail and the Storm Pass Trail. At Meeker Park, a trailhead parking area will be provided for area trails, and informal parking at the end of County Road 113N will be discouraged. User-created trails will be reclaimed, and a formal trail system will be developed to serve hikers and equestrians. Alternative C Same as Alternative B Alternative D Same as Alternative B

Project Objective: Bring recreation facilities to current national standards at the Meeker Park Campground

This objective would not be met. The Meeker Park Campground would remain inconsistent with Alternative A ARNF Forest Plan and national strategic planning direction, accessibility standards and other State and County regulations. The 29 existing campsites at the Meeker Park Campground would be redeveloped to meet current national standards. The 26 new campsites to be developed at the Meeker Park Campground would Alternative B also meet current national standards. Alternative C Same as Alternative B Alternative D Same as Alternative B except that up to 13 new campsites would be added at the existing Meeker Park Campground. All 42 campsites would meet current national standards.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 77 Table 6 - Impact Topic Comparative Summary of Environmental Impacts Alternative A – No Alternative B – Impact Topic Alternative C Alternative D Action Proposed Action Visitor Use and Short and long-term Long-term conse- Long-term con- Long-term con- Experience consequences, minor quences, moderate sequences, minor sequences, minor and adverse impacts and beneficial im- and beneficial im- and beneficial impacts pacts pacts . Adverse impact from net loss of 13 campsites Scenery Long-term conse- Short-term and Long-term con- Long-term con- quences, moderate adverse impacts sequences, moderate sequences, moderate and adverse impacts during implementa- and beneficial im- and beneficial im- tion, long-term con- pacts pacts sequences with moderate and beneficial impacts after project completion Public Safety Long-term conse- Long-term con- Long-term con- Long-term con- quences, moderate sequences at all loca- sequences at all loca- sequences at all loca- and adverse impacts tions, minor and tions, minor and tions, minor and beneficial impacts at beneficial impacts at beneficial impacts at Lily Lake, moderate Lily Lake, moderate Lily Lake, moderate and beneficial im- and beneficial im- and beneficial impacts at Longs Peak pacts at Longs Peak pacts at Longs Peak and minor and bene- and minor and bene- and minor and beneficial impacts at ficial impacts at ficial impacts at Meeker Park Meeker Park Meeker Park

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 78 Alternative A – No Alternative B – Impact Topic Alternative C Alternative D Action Proposed Action Nearby Landowners Lily Lake Area No new impacts No new impacts No new impacts No new impacts Longs Peak Trailhead Long-term, minor, adverse Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, beneficial beneficial beneficial Meeker Park Area Air Quality Long-term, minor, adverse Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, adverse adverse adverse Water Quality Long-term, minor, adverse Long-term, minor, benefit Long-term, minor, benefit Long-term, minor, benefit Noise Pollution Long-term, minor, adverse Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, adverse adverse adverse Light Pollution Long-term, minor, adverse Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, adverse adverse adverse Trespass Long-term, moderate, Long-term, minor, benefit Long-term, minor, benefit Long-term, minor, benefit adverse Access Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, Long-term, moderate, adverse benefit benefit benefit Wildland Fire Long-term, moderate, Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, adverse adverse adverse adverse Pine Beetle Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, Long-term, negligible, adverse adverse adverse adverse

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 79 CHAPTER 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

This chapter combines a description of the affected environment (sometimes referred to as ‘existing condition’) and discloses the probable impacts (environmental consequences) on the physical, biological, and social environments from implementation of each of the alternatives. This section is organized by impact topic with the effects presented for each alternative.

Methodology Potential impacts are described in terms of the following: • Type (are the effects beneficial or adverse?) • Context (are the effects site-specific, local, or even regional?) • Duration (are the effects short-term, lasting less than one year, or long-term, lasting more than one year?) • Timing (is the project seasonally timed to avoid adverse effects) • Intensity (are the effects negligible, minor, moderate, or major)

Because definitions of intensity (negligible, minor, moderate, or major) vary by impact topic, intensity definitions are provided separately for each impact topic analyzed in this EA.

The 2006 revision to the National Park Service Management Policies focused increased attention on two concepts: appropriate use (1.5 and §8.1.2) and unacceptable impacts (§1.4.7.1). This increased attention was intended to underscore the fact that (1) not all uses are allowable or appropriate in units of the National Park system, and (2) the National Park Service (NPS) does not make decisions simply on the basis of whether or not an activity would cause impairment (which is the most serious of adverse impacts). Instead, the NPS considers whether a proposed use is suitable, proper, or fitting, and applies the stricter standard of “unacceptable impacts,” which Management Policies 2006 describes as “impacts that fall short of impairment, but are still not acceptable within a particular park’s environment.” In determining if a proposed use is appropriate, park managers must determine if any of the impacts individually or cumulatively would:

• be inconsistent with a park’s purposes or values, or impede the attainment of a park’s desired future conditions for natural and cultural resources as identified through the park’s planning process, or • create an unsafe or unhealthful environment for visitors or employees, or • diminish opportunities for current or future generations to enjoy, learn about, or be inspired by park resources or values, or • unreasonably interfere with

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 80 - park programs or activities, or - an appropriate use, or - the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, or the natural soundscape maintained in wilderness and natural, historic, or commemorative locations within the park. - RMNP concessioner or contractor operations or services.

In addition, the National Park Service Management Policies (2006) require analysis of potential effects to determine whether or not actions would impair park resources. The fundamental purpose of the national park system, established by the Organic Act and reaffirmed by the General Authorities Act, as amended, begins with a mandate to conserve park resources and values. National Park Service managers must always seek ways to avoid, or to minimize to the greatest degree practicable, adversely impacting park resources and values. However, the laws do give the National Park Service the management discretion to allow impacts to park resources and values when necessary and appropriate to fulfill the purposes of a park, as long as the impact does not constitute impairment of the affected resources and values. Although Congress has given the National Park Service the management discretion to allow certain impacts within park, that discretion is limited by the statutory requirement that the National Park Service must leave park resources and values unimpaired, unless a particular law directly and specifically provides otherwise. The prohibited impairment is an impact that, in the professional judgment of the responsible National Park Service manager, would harm the integrity of park resources or values. An impact to any park resource or value may constitute impairment, but an impact would be more likely to constitute impairment to the extent that it has a major or severe adverse effect upon a resource or value whose conservation is:

• necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the establishing legislation or proclamation of the park; • key to the natural or cultural integrity of the park; or • identified as a goal in the park’s general management plan or other relevant NPS planning documents.

Impairment may result from National Park Service activities in managing the park, visitor activities, or activities undertaken by concessionaires, contractors, and others operating in the park. A determination on impairment is made in the Conclusion section for each impact topic discussed in Chapter 3 of this document.

Cumulative Impact Scenario The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, which implement the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321 et seq.), require assessment of cumulative impacts in the decision-making process for federal projects. Cumulative impacts are defined as "the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past,

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 81 present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions" (40 CFR 1508.7). Cumulative impacts are considered for both the no-action and action alternatives.

Other ongoing or proposed actions or events that could result in cumulative impacts on RMNP and ARP administered lands are: 1. Bark Beetle epidemic – Mountain pine and ips beetles have killed millions of lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine trees in Colorado. Over the course of the next few years, the epidemic is expected to expand east of the Contin- ental Divide and it is likely to affect lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine trees at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and the Meeker Park area. While the beetles are indigenous to western forests and the epidemic is part of a natural process, the epidemic has several potential interrelated consequences: a. Inadvertent importing of beetle infested firewood to the Meeker Park or Longs Peak Campgrounds by visitors, or to nearby residential areas by property owners could result in further spread of the beetles b. Dead standing lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine trees in public use areas are a threat to employee and visitor safety. Trees can topple and injure or kill people or damage property. Visitors and employees should be kept informed about the risks posed by dead standing trees. For example, RMNP has posted warnings at trailheads about these risks. In high use areas, such as trailheads, picnic areas and campgrounds, hazard trees will need to be removed or public use altered or excluded. c. Dead standing and fallen pine trees will increase forest fuels and will increase the risk of wildland fire. Wildland fire mitigation would be needed to reduce the threat to visitors and neighboring landowners. d. Large scale beetle kill will alter forest ecosystems e. Large scale beetle kill will alter scenery, and loss of tree cover could make areas that were formerly hidden in trees more visible from surrounding areas f. Removal of beetle killed trees on adjacent private lands 2. Proposed improvements to Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park within the next 5 to 10 years will result in traffic delays and inconvenience for park visitors during construction. 3. Implementation of vegetation treatments for the St. Vrain and Estes Valley Fuel Reduction Projects on the Roosevelt National Forest 4. Continued management of the Horse Creek Recreation Residence area 5. Continued authorization of the local outfitter guide permits 6. Implementation of the Wildland-Urban Interface Fuels Management 2002 decision in Rocky Mountain National Park 7. Implementation of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area Development and Management Plan on the Roosevelt National Forest 8. Fire management and response actions related to wildfire suppression

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 82 9. Demand for outdoor recreation opportunities will increase as the Front Range population continues to grow. 10. Development on adjacent private lands will increase as the population expands and the area will continue to respond to the influx of retirees to the region.

Visitor Experience ______

Affected Environment Lily Lake Area The close proximity of Lily Lake to Colorado Highway 7 stands out in the setting of this highly visible and easily accessible area. Immediately off the highway, the small, placid lake is dramatically set off by the surrounding mountain peaks, the brilliant colors of the surrounding riparian vegetation, and striking summer wildflower species, such as Mariposa lily, western wallflower and Colorado blue columbine which carpet the Lily Lake area. This combination of diverse environments in a small area makes Lily Lake inherently attractive to many.

Because of the busy highway nearby, people looking for seclusion or a quiet place to contemplate, may not find it here. This area is a transition point from the busy boundary setting to the Rocky Mountain wilderness; a great place to explore dynamic ecosystem niches in a relaxed atmosphere; a place for strolling around the lake, fishing or finding a place to sit and reflect on the spectacular view. Fishing has been the major experience at Lily Lake since the dam was built in the early 1900’s. The area continues to offer “no fee” recreation opportunities where visitors enjoy scenery and wildlife, walking and hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Existing visitor use facilities and developments include the Lily Lake Visitor Center (currently closed) and parking area situated on the east side of Highway 7; a small parking area with vault restroom located on the west side of Highway 7 that doubles as a trailhead and short-term parking area; unpaved roads that were developed to serve a subdivision but now provide dispersed linear parking and access to trails around the lake and other trail connections such as to the informal Twin Sisters Trailhead. An accessible trail has been built around the entire lake. Recent RMNP acquisition of private land and possible use of a former gravel borrow pit area provide development opportunities that can help enhance visitor experience while more effectively managing the area. Seasonal trail closures are implemented as needed to protect sensitive wildlife and preserve natural resources in the area.

Due to its close proximity to Highway 7 and because it is the only RMNP area adjacent to Highway 7, Lily Lake attracts a high level of use. Originally intended to provide visitor services in the Lily Lake area, the existing Lily Lake Visitor Center

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 83 stands unused as a result of inadequate funding and the existence of several other visitor centers on the east side of RMNP and in the gateway community of Estes Park. A Core Operations analysis that was conducted by the NPS in 2004 demon- strated that the Lily Lake Visitor Center received far fewer visitors than other visitor centers, and funding could be better spent improving visitor services at other locations. During the five year period from 2000 to 2004 the Lily Lake Visitor Center accommodated an average of 35,000 visitors annually. During the same timeframe the Moraine Park Visitor Center, which is the next least-visited visitor center, saw almost 113,000 visitors annually, which is more than three times the visitation at the Lily Lake Visitor Center. This information led to the decision to mothball the Lily Lake Visitor Center starting in 2005.

When in operation, the visitor center also presented challenging operational issues, such as frequent monitoring and testing of the water system. The availability of parking and fragmented access to popular trails continues to limit the ability to provide a quality recreation experience at Lily Lake. The park has implemented several actions over the last decade to improve visitor service but the increase in day use and related issues has prompted consideration to rearrange facilities for more effective management and to improve visitor safety and experience.

The Lily Lake area is visited annually by approximately 157,316 people. Seasonal use averages 134,000 visitors between May 31 and October 15 and 27,184 during off-season and winter months. Visitation reaches nearly 1,680 on high use weekend days. Off-season and winter use averages 191 per day primarily during early spring or fall months. Because of its beautiful setting, spectacular views and easy access, the Lily Lake area is popular for outdoor weddings. In 2008 RMNP issued 32 special use permits for weddings at Lily Lake. Local residents, visitors from nearby resorts and an authorized commercial outfitter make up an estimated 5% of the total visits. Trail counters used on Twin Sisters and Storm Pass trails indicate there are a total of 13,928 and 10,219 visitors respectively between June 1 and October 13 each year. The visitor center parking lot and short term parking area are occasionally plowed to provide access during winter months. Lily Lake Visitor Center has 25 developed parking spaces (88 People At One Time), Lily Lake parking area has 20 developed parking spaces (70 PAOT) and a total of 88 dispersed parking spaces are available within the project area (308 PAOT). In all, the area has 133 parking spaces facilitating 466 PAOT. Developed areas occupy approximately 7.5 acres of land for development within a 250 acre activity area. Site specific PAOT, acres of development and maintained activity areas are available in the project record.

Longs Peak Area The Longs Peak Trailhead is a magnet for a host of hikers and mountain climbers seeking to stretch themselves physically and emotionally. Since the first recorded climb in 1871, the impressive Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, with its sheer granite walls, has been a major climbing challenge; a site where one can focus mind,

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 84 muscle and endurance in an effort to meet the greater forces of nature. One of the 54 Colorado peaks towering over 14,000 feet, Longs Peak is visible from 60 to 70 miles away, drawing people seeking an array of climbing experiences to the mountain. People from around the world are also attracted to the mountain, which for many represents a unique opportunity to challenge ones self. As such, visitors must have knowledge and a keen awareness of climbing risks in an unpredictable mountain wilderness environment. Erratic and sometimes extreme weather conditions may test even the most experienced summer climber. At times, lack of preparation and/or lack of experience result in user disorientation and even personal injury and death, prompting action on behalf of local emergency services.

The challenge of a Longs Peak ascent finds most climbers arriving at the trailhead in the dark predawn hours. Others arrive later in the day just to experience front- country wilderness. Fabulous views of the Rocky Mountains and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities are accessible within a few minutes or hours from the Longs Peak Trailhead. Recreational activities are generally oriented to a challenging climbing and hiking experience. The most popular activities include technical rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, back and front-country camping, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Existing visitor use facilities include a Ranger Station that serves as the key information center; a 75-space parking area (68 visitor, 7 administrative) with picnic tables, information boards and directional signs, a year ‘round full service 26- site tent-only “fee for use” campground; potable water system, electrical pedestals for some sites, flush and vault style restrooms; access to the Longs Peak Trail, and through traffic vehicle access to Camp Timberline, a private camp located north of the Longs Peak Campground.

The availability of parking and camping has limited the amount of visitor use at Longs Peak. Formal parking can be found at the trailhead (68 spaces) and in the campground (26 spaces), with informal parking dispersed along park access roads (25 spaces) and the county maintained Longs Peak Road (130 spaces) which lies outside the park boundary. Combined, these sites facilitate parking for up to 249 visitor vehicles at one time during periods of peak use. Only 7 vehicle parking spaces remain available for park operations and management. At one time the Longs Peak Campground was mainly occupied by visitors who planned to get an early start climbing Longs Peak. In recent years the proportion of campers bound for Longs Peak has dwindled, and more visitors are using the campground for other reasons. For example, the Longs Peak Campground is the only tent-only campground in RMNP, which is appealing to some campers. Approximately 10 years ago the privately owned Camp Timberline became an active sports oriented camp (basketball, tennis, soccer, etc.). Outdoor evening activities at Camp Timberline have adversely impacted the camping experience at the Longs Peak Campground. In addition, the main access road to Camp Timberline passes through the center of the national park campground. The park has implemented

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 85 several actions over the last decade to improve visitor service at the Longs Peak Trailhead and Campground, but the increase in day use and related issues has prompted consideration to rearrange facilities for more effective management and to improve visitor experience.

Longs Peak Trailhead is visited by an average of 64,230 visitors per year between June 1 and October 15 (an average of 469 people per day. Visitation reaches nearly 2,200 on high use weekends, with up to 1,260 visitors per day. Average weekend use is 667 people per day (June through mid-October) and average weekday use for the same period is 363 people per day. Off-season and winter use averages 112 per day, predominately during early spring and fall seasons. Local residents, visitors from nearby private resorts and camps and an authorized commercial outfitter make up 5% of the total visits. Available parking within the park boundary along with roadside parking outside the boundary on Longs Peak Road can accommodate up to 249 vehicles. The developed trailhead and campground covers about 7.25 acres of development within a 25 acre maintained activity area. Longs Peak Campground is typically full on weekends during summer season and experiences an average of 11,589 campers per year. The campground is open during the off-season and winter and the surrounding loop road remains open and plowed. The campground is designed to accommodate 150 PAOT, covers 1.1 acres of development within a 4 acre maintained activity area. Overall public use of the Longs Peak area is estimated at 75,819 visitors per year. The total area accommodates 900 PAOT.

Meeker Park Area The existing sites of Meeker Park “Overflow” Campground and Meeker Park Picnic Site are located directly adjacent the heavily traveled Peak to Peak National and State Scenic Byway (Highway 7). The 8 unit picnic site provides a scenic view of Mt. Meeker and an opportunity for a quick picnic with the family. Meeker Park Campground has 29 rustic campsites that facilitate opportunities for camping when other nearby developed campgrounds fill to capacity. More importantly, the campground provides a quiet place to sleep in your car and catch a few winks before rising early to find parking at the Longs Peak Trailhead in the quest to bag Longs Peak. Its proximity to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park has made it a prime candidate to fill a much needed niche, while providing an opportunity to address displacement issues promulgated by the proposed closure of the nearby 26 unit Longs Peak Campground. The existing design and support facilities found at these sites are not sufficient for the level and type of use they are experiencing and cannot be effective in addressing long-term management objectives for the area. RMNP and ARP are working together to implement actions that address increasing demand, related resource impact, questions of financial sustainability and issues and concerns derived from stakeholders.

Rising population, competitive pursuit of outdoor recreation opportunity and effects of tourism marketing have carved a niche for overnight camping, day use

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 86 recreation and viewing scenery along the Front Range. Although many other recreation opportunities exist in the planning area, the Forest Service and National Park Service have historically focused management on these three niches. Nearby towns and a high number of local private businesses (resorts, lodges, guest ranches, etc.) market both overnight and day use opportunities on private and public lands within and adjacent to the project area. The effects of this tourism marketing on public lands are difficult to quantify but remains an important factor in sustaining viability of local communities and entrepreneurial ventures. Recent planning efforts such as the State-wide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Forest Plan 1997, the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway Corridor Management Plan 1998, and the Longs Peak/Wild Basin/Lily Lake Management and Development Concept Plan 1996 offer development guidance and management strategies to offset effects of tourism and increasing population.

The Meeker Park Area is visited by approximately 46,167 people annually. It’s located primarily on the east and west side of Highway 7, one half mile north of the Meeker Park Lodge. The area is relatively flat with intermittent slopes, rocky knolls, and some low-lying depressions. Elevations range between 8,600 and 8,800 feet. Aspect generally faces east and slightly south. Severe winter weather occurs between December and March of each year.

Forest land within the planning area is managed as “Scenic” with intent to retain scenic integrity. The area is classified as Roaded Natural which prompts the managing agency to utilize natural or natural appearing features in design of facilities and related infrastructure. The area is not located within a designated Roadless Area. All general rules and regulations apply for the area and can be found in 36 CFR 261.

Facility use is a traditional mix of camping and picnicking, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and simple relaxation while driving for pleasure along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing activities are also increasing especially for those looking for less populated winter backcountry areas. Meeker Park Lodge and Lane Guest Ranch are authorized by the Forest Service to provide guided horseback riding opportunities along most trails in the planning area. St. Malo Retreat Conference Center just north of the site extends opportunities to its patrons by promoting use of trails that access the RMNP Lookout Mountain Trail. Other local outdoor recreation based commercial operators have shown interest in obtaining authorization to use the area. Current facility locations provide quick access to Rocky Mountain National Park trails and popular destinations such as Lily Lake, Wild Basin and Longs Peak. Increasing demand and the limited physical carrying capacity within the Meeker Area currently results in recreation opportunity and access displacement to other public or even private lands within the local vicinity.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 87 The existing 29 unit Meeker Park Campground is administratively managed by the Forest Service and operated under special use permit by Thousand Trails Management Inc. The campground was originally designed to accommodate overflow camping due to the popularity of other developed campgrounds in the area. It is designed to accommodate 232 people at one time (PAOT), typically remains open between Memorial Day and Labor Day and receives approximately 9,000 visitors each year. Full occupancy is reached on heavy use weekends. Users are mostly transient in nature staying an average of 1.5 days then return home, move to a different campground to fulfill their expectation, depart early to access Longs Peak, or continue traveling. Those that stay longer are keenly aware of the special place they are occupying. Within the area, trails abound, RMNP is only a stone’s throw away, wildlife is abundant, and visitors are provided an experience that lies somewhere between dispersed camping and developed camping. A reduced fee is assessed because potable water and picnic tables are not available and permanent restrooms are not installed. Placement of portable restrooms and provision of very basic amenities occurs each year to remain consistent with requirements of fee legislation.

Existing use areas and related facilities within the 29-unit campground cover about 3.6 acres within the 6-acre area maintained within and around the site. Campsites and parking spaces are not well delineated which results in site use expansion and unnecessary resource impact. The lack of site definition also results in difficulty conducting regulatory compliance and disrespect to camp hosts. Common problems include but are not limited to randomly placed campfire rings, large campfires outside a contained fire ring, vegetation removal, vehicles parked in undisturbed areas, satellite campsites, dogs off leash, trail proliferation, soil compaction, dispersed human waste, loud music in the evening and for many visitors an unacceptable camping experience.

Much of the campground remains inaccessible to people with mobility impairment. Camp sites 1 through 8 are very close in proximity and highly visible from Highway 7 so visitors experience a higher than expected visual inconsistency and noise level from vehicle traffic. When occupied, the sites also adversely impact scenery as seen from the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

The existing 8-unit Meeker Park Picnic Site (20 vehicle parking area) is designed to accommodate 100 PAOT, typically open year round but remains inaccessible during winter months and receives an estimated 19,000 visitors each year. The site occupies about 2.5 acres of land. A fee was assessed until January 1, 2006 when the Forest Service began managing the site to remain consistent with requirements of fee legislation. Use has steadily increased since fee signs were removed. This site is currently located on the east side of Highway 7 across from the campground. Occasional crossings cause concern for pedestrian safety. In addition, increased use at the picnic site has resulted in increased conflict between private landowners and users. Complaints of dogs running free and harassment of domesticated livestock

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 88 has continued for several years. The restroom facility at the site has become a local favorite wayside rest stop. Interpretive signs at the picnic site are helpful for educating the public, but are ineffective in encouraging recreation use ethics.

Incidental dispersed camping and day use parking along County Roads 113 North and South occurs during periods of high use and hunting season. This has resulted in conflicts between private landowners, recreation residents and other users. Despite implementation of several actions these issues have remained unresolved for several decades. Actions such as prohibiting camping in specific areas, designating parking and identifying trail access points have proved to be ineffective.

Forest System roads open to motorized travel within the project area are maintained frequently providing safe access to Meeker Picnic Site, Meeker Campground and authorized Recreation Residences. Existing closed roads and visitor-created (unauthorized) trails in the project area are in a fairly sustainable condition. Use of these routes is dominated by local residents, outfitters under special use permit, and adventure day users and campers. These routes have experienced an increase in use in recent years by visitors seeking new and quiet opportunities away from weekend crowds. Many existing routes lead to the RMNP Lookout Mountain Trail. At times, users find themselves walking through adjacent private property to find their vehicle.

While Meeker Park Campground and Meeker Park Picnic Site facilitate multiple recreation opportunities (including dispersed recreation), an estimated 18,167 visitors access the area specifically to engage in dispersed recreation. These dispersed recreation opportunities originate from either private property or public land access points along County Road 113 North and South. Observational studies found 23 vehicles parked at one time on County Road 113 North and 13 vehicles parked at one time along County Road 113 South. Dispersed camping occurs primarily on or adjacent to County Road 113 North where 8 regularly used sites have been identified. Public use originating from County Road 113 North is estimated at 11,700 visitors while County Road 113 South is estimated at 5,000 visitors each year. An additional 1,467 dispersed recreation visitors originate from Camp St. Malo Retreat Center. Season use averages 16,000 visitors between June 1 and October 15 (summer) and 2,167 visitors during early spring, late fall and winter months (shoulder/winter).

Visitor-created (unauthorized) trails and closed roads accessed via County Road 113 North, Camp St. Malo, and Meeker Campground experience an average of 16,724 visits per year or 123 visits per day during the summer (primarily on weekends) and 10.7 visits per day during the shoulder/winter months. Visitor-created trails accessed via County Road 113 South and the Lookout Mountain Trail experience an average of 7,212 visits per year or 62 visits per day during summer and 1.11 visits per day during the shoulder/winter. It is estimated that local residents, adjacent

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 89 resort visitors, and visitors using authorized commercial outfitters make up 60% of the total visits on the south system trails and 30% of north system trails. Overall public use of north and south system of trails was calculated using conservative peak use statistics and is estimated at 23,926 visitors per year (52% of all visitors).

Highway 7 was reconstructed in the mid 1980’s with pavement and shoulders to accommodate present and future design year traffic volumes. Traffic volume has remained somewhat constant in the vicinity of Meeker with average daily traffic counts fluctuating between 1400 and 1600 vehicles per day. The Colorado Department of Transportation suggests summer season average daily traffic counts double as a result of concentrated tourist traffic. The reconstructed highway design provided adequate “line of sight” distance mitigating the need for acceleration/deceleration lanes for 3 separate access points into Meeker Picnic Site (2) and Campground (1). However, inadequate access/directional signage into Meeker Campground confuses visitors, prompts quick stops and results in inappropriate u-turns on the highway or adjacent private drives.

Methodology The predicted intensity of impacts is articulated according to the following criteria: Negligible – Visitors would not be affected or changes in visitor use and/or experience would be below or at the level of detection. Any effects would be short-term. The visitor would not likely be aware of the effects associated with the alternative. Minor – Changes in visitor use and/or experience would be detectable, although the changes would be slight and likely short-term. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative, but the effects would be slight. Moderate – Changes in visitor use and/or experience would be readily apparent and likely long-term. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative, and would likely be able to express an opinion about the changes. Major – Changes in visitor use and/or experience would be readily apparent and have substantial long-term consequences. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative, and would likely express a strong opinion about the changes.

Short-term effects would occur within about three years after construction is finished and long-term would be defined as beyond three years.

Regulations and Policy Current laws and policies require that the following conditions be achieved:

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 90 Desired Condition Source Visitor and employee safety and health are NPS Management Policies, National protected. Environmental Policy Act Visitors understand and appreciate national park NPS Organic Act; Monuments’ enabling and national forest values and resources and have legislation; Title 36 of the Code of Federal the information necessary to adapt to these Regulations; NPS Management Policies; environments; visitors have opportunities to enjoy Americans with Disabilities Act; the national parks and forests in ways that leave Architectural Barriers Act; Rehabilitation these resources unimpaired for future genera- Act; NPS Management Policies tions. NPS Management Policies; 1998 Executive Summary to Congress, Recreational Fee Recreational uses are promoted and regulated Demonstration Program, Progress Report and basic visitor needs are met in keeping with to Congress, Volume I -- Overview and park purposes. Summary (U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and All reasonable efforts will be made to make Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land facilities, programs, and services accessible to and Management; U.S. Department of usable by all people, including those with disabil- Agriculture, Forest Service). ities.

Visitors who use federal facilities and services for outdoor recreation may be required to pay a greater share of the cost of providing those opportunities than the population as a whole.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Alternative A - No Action Under the No Action alternative, facilities, roads, trails and applicable Forest Service and Park Service regulations for the project areas would remain unchanged. Current management for the three project areas would continue. Issues and concerns with current management identified during public scoping would remain unresolved.

Lily Lake and Longs Peak Areas General - Current management, design and distribution of facilities, roads and trails would remain inconsistent with the RMNP Master Plan and strategic planning direction, accessibility standards, and State and County water quality regulations. Escalating competition for limited recreation resources has the potential to adversely impact natural resources, degrade visitor experience, perpetuate pedestrian safety concerns, and escalate conflict between park and forest visitors and nearby private landowners. The area’s destination popularity and high level of visitor use coupled with inadequate designated parking, vehicle congestion and users with varying levels of knowledge and ability would continue to strain park law enforcement personnel and in some instances local emergency services.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 91 Lily Lake Visitor Center and Related Pedestrian Safety - The mothballed Lily Lake Visitor Center and adjacent parking area would continue to compromise pedestrian safety as visitors cross Highway 7 to get to Lily Lake from the existing parking area (please refer to additional information on this topic in the Public Safety section of this chapter). The prominent structure would remain a visual inconsistency with scenic retention objectives and become more of an attractive nuisance, particularly as visitor expectations are set in advance when using outdated or unedited maps that identify the visitor center as a recreation opportunity. The existence of the structure would continue to draw on park funds which could otherwise be used for visitor services and management of other facilities in the area.

Lily Lake Development - Continued management of fragmented access portals and related access roads would not provide effective transportation management, address safe pedestrian access, mitigate impacts to scenery or facilitate quality visitor experiences. Lack of formal parking and related support facilities would continue to result in impacts to natural resources, water quality and visitor experience. The lack of formal trail connectivity could cause a proliferation of user created trails throughout the area. Continuing implementation of reactive management projects without comprehensive design would make visitor capacity management and law enforcement less effective and more costly as use increases.

Longs Peak Campground/Trailhead - The existing 26-site campground would remain in place, which would be viewed positively by some national park visitors who enjoy this tent-only campground – the only one within Rocky Mountain National Park. On average, less than one third of the campers would be using the campground in conjunction with a hike or climb up Longs Peak. The remaining two-thirds of the campground users would be there for other reasons. The traditional camping experience would continue to degrade as conflicts between users and adjacent private landowners remain unresolved. Continued management of the campground would remain inconsistent with the goals of the RMNP Master Plan since developed camping opportunities can be provided more effectively on nearby lands managed by the Forest Service and offset by local resorts and private campgrounds providing similar opportunities.

Longs Peak Trailhead parking and related facilities would remain unchanged. The inadequate size of the 75-space trailhead parking area would continue to result in roadside parking in undesignated areas along internal park access roads, and along County Road 2H outside the park. The accepted physical carrying capacity of this parking situation would remain at 250 visitor vehicles at one time with 7 of these spaces available for administrative/emergency vehicles. Vehicle congestion, pedestrian safety concerns, conflicts between visitors and private landowners, and natural resource impacts resulting from parking displacement from the trailhead would remain unresolved. These issues would continue to degrade visitor experience at the Longs Peak trailhead and are likely to result in day use

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 92 displacement to nearby developed and undeveloped access portals into RMNP and lands managed by the Forest Service.

With the No Action alternative, the impact on recreation opportunity demand and visitor experience at Lily Lake and the Longs Peak Trailhead would be long-term, minor and adverse when considered in the broad context of overall opportunity demand.

Meeker Park Area General - Current management and design of the campground would remain inconsistent with the Forest Plan and national strategic planning direction, accessibility standards, and various State and County regulations. The Meeker Park Campground would not be reconstructed or expanded. Local management issues would remain unresolved and resource impacts would continue. Overnight camping displacement would continue and existing demand remain unaddressed. Meeker Park Picnic Site would not be relocated to the west side of Highway 7. Users/private landowner conflicts, pedestrian safety concerns and uncontrolled dispersed recreation would continue. Use on existing roads and trails would remain unchanged. Issues related to dispersed camping and day use parking would continue. Additional regulations would not be established to help manage recreation or improve visitor experience in the area.

Recreation Opportunity Demand – The availability of recreation opportunities would not keep pace with demand. In time, the diversity and quality of recreation opportunities would erode. Communities and entrepreneurial ventures that depend on tourism could be adversely affected as recreation opportunities become less sustainable and recreation experience no longer meets the expectation of visitors. Strategic planning objectives intended to preserve natural resources and the open space character along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway while ensuring high quality, sustainable visitor experiences would not be implemented. Forest Service developed facilities and user-created trails in the Meeker Area would remain inadequate in complimenting/ balancing recreational uses along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. They would also continue to inflict natural resource damage to the area. The specific proximity, design and use of developed facilities would continue to perpetuate issues such as conflict between private landowners and visitors, perceived threat to private landowner safety, threat of wildfire, a variety of nuisance behaviors and many other issues previously discussed. Overnight camping and day use recreation opportunity displacement would continue to apply pressure on other nearby public and private lands further perpetuating impacts and issues similar to those that drive this planning effort. Over the broad spectrum of recreation facility demand and supply, this would result in a long-term, minor adverse impact on recreation opportunity demand and on visitor experience.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 93 Cumulative Effects of Alternative A – No Action This analysis considers the effects from past, present and reasonably foreseeable future activities or events that could cumulatively affect the visitor experience within the project area. The primary factors that would have impacts on visitor experience include the bark beetle outbreak, hazard fuels treatments within the national park and national forest, population growth in the communities along the Front Range and related recreation demand, and development of private lands in the vicinity of the three project areas.

The bark beetle outbreak has the potential to dramatically alter scenery and thus visitor experience. In severe bark beetle outbreaks, entire mountainsides that were once clothed with green trees will turn brown and eventually gray with dead standing trees. Most visitors will express a negative opinion about the changes to scenery. If the bark beetle outbreak is extensive, trailhead parking areas and the Meeker Park Campground would be more visible from surrounding areas.

Because dead standing trees pose a hazard to park employees as well as visitors, those trees must be felled and removed from along roads, parking areas, picnic areas, trailheads, etc., or the areas closed to protect visitor and employee safety. The removal of trees and/or the closure of areas will affect visitor experience.

Hazard fuel reduction involves the removal of trees to reduce the risk of an uncontrolled wildland fire. If the bark beetle outbreak is extensive, thousands of trees would likely be removed along the boundary of the park and within the national forest. The operations to remove and dispose of these trees and the impact the removal will have on scenery will adversely impact visitor experience.

The popularity and demand for recreation opportunities for all three project areas would continue to increase as Front Range community populations increase. Visitor experience would continue to degrade at the most popular locations on public lands under the no action alternative. As the demand grows and facilities become crowded, some activities would spread to new locations resulting in additional impacts away from project locations. Natural resource values and the availability and quality of facilities would be impacted. Areas and facilities not designed for this amount of use would suffer potentially irreversible impacts. Decisions made through travel management, special use regulations or vegetation management would affect visitor experience. Other nearby developed recreation areas and similar areas along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway would experience increased use. Local communities, emergency services and private landowners would likely experience an increase in use conflicts. These conflicts are likely to affect the overall visitor experience. The Forest Service and Park Service would become less effective in addressing issues associated with increasing use.

Additional residential development on lands that are adjacent to the three project locations will adversely impact visitor experience. First, new openings in the forest

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 94 canopy and new structures, roads and driveways will negatively impact scenery. Second, there could be increased conflicts between residential uses on private lands on one side of the boundary and recreational uses on public land on the other side of the boundary. Use conflicts could negatively impact visitor experience.

Considered as a whole, the cumulative impact on visitor experience for Alternative A would be regional, long-term, moderate and adverse.

Conclusion for Alternative A Because no changes would be made at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Campground and Trailhead or at Meeker Park Campground, recreation opportunity demand would continue to be unmet, and visitor experience would also not improve, and is likely to deteriorate over time. Both the short- and long-term consequences would be minor and adverse when considered over the broad spectrum of recreation opportunity demand and visitor experience. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Impacts of Alternative B – Proposed Action Alternative B, the Proposed Action, incorporates design and management actions intended to address the key management concerns identified in the need for action. This proposed action is intended to respond to the accelerating recreation demand, the effects to park and forest visitors and neighbors, and the resource impacts and benefits resulting from these actions.

Lily Lake and Longs Peak Areas General - The proposed action would be consistent with the RMNP Master Plan, strategic planning direction, accessibility standards and State and County water quality regulations. Mitigation measures would ensure best management practices are used to assist in achieving desired future conditions. Developed parking areas and facility designs would establish informal physical carrying capacities necessary to achieve RMNP Master Plan objectives while preparing for accelerating recreation demand. The proposed action would effectively address displacement of recreation opportunities, mitigate natural resource degradation, improve visitor experience, resolve pedestrian safety concerns, improve operational and law enforcement efficiency, and help reduce conflict between park visitors and private landowners. Given that visitation would remain unchanged, refined design, consolidated parking, improved access, more effective information dissemination, and increased collaboration with local emergency service providers would promote visitor safety and provide opportunities for improving emergency service effectiveness. RMNP would be placed in a position of proactive management within the project areas affording future generations an opportunity to enjoy recreation opportunities central to the Park purpose.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 95

The proposed action would ensure success of vegetation management and facilitate active response to known and unforeseen threats to ecosystem health and visitor health and safety within the maintained activity areas.

Visitor Center and Related Pedestrian Safety - Removal of the Lily Lake Visitor Center and its adjacent parking area would directly resolve pedestrian safety issues associated with crossing Highway 7 while eliminating its continued potential as an attractive nuisance (please refer to additional information presented in the Public Safety topic covered later in this chapter). Restoration of the site would enhance the area’s rustic character and directly improve scenery along the Peak to Peak National and State Scenic Byway.

If the visitor center is occupied within 36 months as stipulated in the proposed action, the occupant would be responsible for ensuring the aforementioned issues are mitigated to the same effectiveness as described. A pedestrian crossing would be required in this case. At a minimum a pedestrian activated traffic light would be required on Highway 7 (with the concurrence of CDOT), or possibly a pedestrian underpass. The crossing would be designed and located to provide for pedestrian safety while minimizing the impact to scenic resources.

Lily Lake Development - Constructing facilities, access roads and connecting trails as defined in the proposed action would dramatically improve visitor experience and safety while mitigating issues resulting from fragmented vehicle access, lack of trail connectivity and natural resource impacts associated with concentrated use. Scenic values would improve as seen from destination facilities and Highway 7. Operations and maintenance would be streamlined to allow fiscal efficiency. Refined design and a collaborative approach to regulatory compliance would help law enforcement and emergency services become more effective in delivering services.

The improvements at Lily Lake are expected to result in a long-term moderate benefit to visitor experience.

Longs Peak Campground/Trailhead - Conversion of the campground to trailhead parking would facilitate consolidation of dispersed and developed public parking for up to 250 parking spaces. A small portion of the current Longs Peak Trailhead parking lot would be retained for administrative use. This action, coupled with the prohibition of public parking elsewhere in the area (including Longs Peak Road outside the park) would directly mitigate conflict between users and adjacent private landowners. Trespass onto private property would decrease with defined parking within the park boundary. Vehicle and pedestrian use levels and capacity would remain unchanged but consolidated. Vehicle access and parking would be designed to reduce vehicle congestion, improve pedestrian safety, and enhance operations and maintenance capabilities while improving the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 96 overall visitor experience. Design and construction of an entrance station in the future would help facilitate information dissemination and provide regulatory compliance information. In the future, entrance fees may be charged if deemed necessary. Winter plowing would ensure continued year-round public access and access to Camp Timberline. Trailhead amenities and infrastructure would be updated and designed for energy use efficiency.

Displacement of the existing 26 campsites would be accommodated at Meeker Campground. The number of federally managed overnight campsites available along Highway 7 would remain unchanged. The developed overnight camping experience would improve and conflicts among campers reduced as design and use becomes more focused on overnight camping. Meeker Campground would be designed and managed to mitigate pre-dawn disturbances resulting from users getting an early morning start in their quest to climb Longs Peak. For example, campers planning to leave early to climb Longs Peak could be directed to campsites near the campground entrance to minimize early morning vehicle traffic in the campground.

Visitors that once utilized Longs Peak Campground as staging for their early morning day use or multi-day venture to Longs Peak would experience a long-term moderate adverse impact by having to make an early morning drive from their choice of a nearby local campground, resort or hotel. Public scoping revealed that some visitors enjoyed the Longs Peak Campground because it is the only tent-only campground in the national park. For these visitors, closure of the campground and conversion of the area to a large parking lot will have a long-term moderate adverse impact on visitor experience. However, some of these visitors also experienced the negative aspect of traffic through the campground and noise associated with the adjacent Camp Timberline sports camp. These negative aspects would not occur at the Meeker Park Campground and would result in a long-term minor benefit to visitor experience.

At the Longs Peak Trailhead, existing public trailhead access, parking and use of related site amenities would be accommodated at the proposed trailhead location. To ensure a smooth transition, pre-dawn parking opportunities at the Longs Peak trailhead parking lot would be specifically reserved for Meeker Campground users until 7:00 am during peak use season. This would help retain the traditional use opportunity but shift timing of their access. The park would monitor the effectiveness of pre-dawn parking operations, implementing adaptive management actions as needed to ensure public parking is fair and equitable.

Design and construction of the proposed Longs Peak Trail connector trail would directly mitigate trespass onto private land and re-route public access around the proposed administrative site. Primarily following an old road trace, the new trail would accommodate a high volume of traffic and provide access to a wide variety of users. Consolidation of use to this single alignment would improve opportun-

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 97 ities at the trailhead for education and information dissemination with an added benefit of reducing user created trail proliferation in the vicinity of the trailhead. The new connector trail would join the Longs Peak Trail about ¼ mile from the current Longs Peak trailhead. This ¼ mile stretch of trail would be closed to the public, but retained for administrative use. Public access barriers and use of signs may be needed to further discourage trail proliferation and use of the proposed administrative access only trail. Use of the new connector trail is not expected to adversely affect visitor recreation experience. Administrative use of the existing Longs Peak trail alignment would facilitate trail maintenance access and allow more effective search and rescue operations separate from the proposed trailhead location.

Providing adequate parking and convenient access to the Longs Peak Trailhead for up to 250 vehicles at one time entirely within the park boundary would provide a long-term moderate benefit to visitor experience. Visitors would not be parking along the county road shoulder and walking up to ½ mile to the trailhead. Establishing a parking capacity, and thus a carrying capacity, will help to maintain visitor experience

Meeker Park Area General – The design, reconstruction and proposed management of Meeker Campground would be consistent with strategic planning direction, accessibility standards, and various State and County regulations. Relocating Meeker Picnic Site and rehabilitating the existing site would mitigate issues of vehicle and pedestrian safety on Highway 7, enhance scenic quality and address private landowner issues and concerns. Refining the Meeker Area system of roads and trails more effectively manages motorized and non-motorized use in the vicinity of the campground, picnic site/trailhead, and discourages off-trail public access through private land and into RMNP.

Recreation Opportunity Demand – Proposed development and management of Forest Service facilities and informal trails in the Meeker Area would improve recreation use opportunities along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. The proposed action is consistent with the ARNF Forest Plan, ARNF Recreation Facilities Master Plan, and Colorado State-wide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) which recommend consideration of facility enhancement along the corridor. The newly designed facilities would provide much needed amenities while addressing changes in developed facility use dynamics. The proposed action is expected to compliment local tourism and private business objectives while mitigating concerns local private landowners have about changing use dynamics. It would establish a manageable, sustainable physical carrying capacity for public recreation use in the local area.

The proposed design of Meeker Campground would effectively accommodate overnight camping displacement from the proposed closure of Longs Peak

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 98 Campground and County Roads 113 North and South. The number of developed public overnight campsites would remain unchanged in the vicinity of the project area. An additional 26 sites would expand the campground by 2.54 acres to a total of 6.18 acres of committed resources. A total of 10 acres maintained in and around the facility would help minimize resource impacts and the threat of wildfire as well as health and safety concerns, while retaining campground aesthetics and related scenic values. The designed capacity of 275 to 484 PAOT is expected to enhance recreation opportunities within the Roaded Natural setting. Actual visitation is not expected to exceed 275 PAOT on weekends during peak summer months. Since the campground is not designed or managed for winter use, winter visitation is expected to remain unchanged. Coupled with other actions in the proposed action and mitigation requirements, the design and management of Meeker Campground would effectively address local concerns and is not expected to result in any adverse affects in the local area. However, the proposed action does not address effects of existing overall developed camping displacement along Highway 7, nor does it prepare for increasing demand. These issues are outside the scope of this planning effort and would need to be addressed in future plans.

Proposed relocation and redesign of Meeker Picnic Site would help consolidate existing dispersed use into one location addressing many local issues, while improving recreation opportunity. Much like Meeker Campground, the design of the picnic site is expected to help set a physical capacity on recreation use in the Meeker Area and on trails within RMNP. An additional 20 parking spaces would expand the picnic site by .3 acres to a total of 1.5 acres of committed resources. A total of 2.5 acres maintained in and around the facility would help mitigate resource damage, threat of wildfire as well as health and safety concerns, while retaining campground aesthetics and related scenic values. The designed capacity of 100 to 150 PAOT is expected to enhance recreation opportunities within the Roaded Natural setting. Actual visitation is not expected to exceed 120 PAOT on weekends during peak summer months. Since the picnic site is not designed nor managed for winter use, winter visitation is expected to remain unchanged. Removing the existing picnic site would enhance scenic values along Highway 7 and mitigate nuisance issues and problems related to wayside restroom access. Restroom facilities at Meeker Overlook and Lily Lake would remain effective in mitigating roadside human waste issues in the vicinity. The fee for use aspect of the picnic site would have little to no impact on recreation use. The picnic site would enhance the experience of those accessing trails in the vicinity and into RMNP. Access for authorized Outfitter/Guides would remain relatively unaffected by this action. Coupled with other actions in the proposed action effectively mitigates local concerns and is not expected to result in any adverse affects.

Managing the Forest System roads and trails as defined in the proposed action would mitigate long standing issues while providing new trail use opportunities in the project area. Converting several miles of User-created trails and closed roads into National Forest System Trails would facilitate active trail system management

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 99 on behalf of the Forest Service. Decommissioning and rehabilitating unneeded roads and trails, implementing trail use regulations and promoting environmental education along the proposed interpretive loop trail is expected to enhance recreation experience and more effectively manage the area.

The enhancements proposed at Meeker Park are expected to provide a long-term moderate benefit to visitor experience and recreation opportunity.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative B This analysis considers the effects from past, present and reasonably foreseeable future activities that could cumulatively affect the visitor experience within the project area. The primary effects that would have impacts on visitor experience include population growth, the influx of retirees to the Allenspark/Meeker Park/ Estes Park communities, population growth along the Front Range, changes in popular recreation uses for the area, and changes in recreation equipment and technology. These demographic trends are largely outside of Forest Service and Park Service control.

The popularity and demand for recreation opportunities for all three project areas would continue to increase as Front Range community populations increase. Visitor experience would improve in the most popular locations on public lands under any of the action alternatives. After the projects are implemented the facilities would be able to accommodate the increased use as the demand grows. Resorts and services provided outside of public lands would see increased business and popularity. Outfitter guides and other special use permit holders would experience an increase in business. Increase visitor use would put additional pressure surrounding locations where new natural resource impacts would be evident. These impacts could degrade visitor experiences in both the Park and Forest. Management decisions made through travel management, special uses or vegetation management would affect visitor experience. Other nearby developed recreation areas and similar areas along the Peak to Peak National and State Scenic Byway would experience increase use. Local communities, emergency services and private landowners would likely experience an increase in social use conflict affecting the overall experience. The USFS and NPS would become more effective in addressing issues associated with escalating tourism because the improvements would accommodate the increase demand for facilities. Better management would result from solving the problems and challenges that define the need for action.

While future demand for recreational opportunities is expected to increase, the carrying capacity for the project will be finite, and will be based on the availability of parking spaces, campsites, picnic sites and associated facilities. During the height of the visitor season, visitor experience should not change despite increased demand because the facilities would be operating at capacity. Visitor experience

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 100 during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) may change because increased demand would result in increased use of the area during the “off season.”

When considered in conjunction with the enhancements proposed along Highway 7 the cumulative effects would be long-term moderate and beneficial to visitor experience and recreation opportunity.

Conclusion for Alternative B Alternative B provides the most effective management actions, mitigation measures, design criteria and monitoring standards to achieve desired future conditions while mitigating issues and concerns found during public scoping. Implementation of the proposed action would result in a long-term moderate benefit to visitor experience and recreation opportunity at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead, and at Meeker Park. Visitors who valued the Longs Peak Campground because of its status as the only tent-only campground in the Rocky Mountain National Park will experience a long-term moderate adverse impact, and hikers and climbers who valued the convenience of the campground to the Longs Peak Trailhead and guarantee of a place to park will also experience a long-term moderate adverse impact. The cumulative impacts on visitor experience would not alter the long-term moderate benefit to visitor experience and recreational opportunities that are expected as a result of implementation of the proposed action. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Impacts of Alternative C Alternative C incorporates design and management actions intended to address the key management concerns identified in the need for action as well as addressing several key issues raised during public scoping. This alternative is intended to respond to the concern with the loss of the only tent-only campground in the area, the accelerating recreation demand, the effects to park and forest visitors and neighbors, and the resource impacts and benefits resulting from these actions.

Lily Lake and Longs Peak Areas There are no changes from the proposed action at Lily Lake and Longs Peak for Alternative C. There are the same environmental effects as described in Alterna- tive B.

Meeker Park Area Meeker Park Campground - Same as Alternative B except redesign and reconstruct the existing 29 unit mixed use Meeker Campground adding up to 26 walk-in tent camp sites but not to exceed 55 campsites, total.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 101 Meeker Picnic Site - Same as Alternative B, except the design would facilitate parking for up to 20 vehicles, 8 picnic sites, and would accommodate between 100 to 150 PAOT. The design shall not to exceed 1.2 acres of development nor 2.5 acres maintained activity area. Access toward private property would be discouraged using only signage. The reduced physical carrying capacity would reduce trail use in the Meeker Area and within RMNP, thereby reducing related impacts while more effectively sustaining resource values. Dispersed access on County Roads 113 North and South would likely to remain at the existing level. Private landowner issues, affects of recreation access displacement would be addressed but with less success than by actions described in Alternative B. Implementation of adaptive management actions would be more prevalent which may result in unknown adverse affects to recreation users and increase operations costs. Future expansion of the picnic site may be considered in future planning efforts if adaptive management actions are ineffective in achieving plan objectives.

Meeker Area Roads and Trails - Same as Alternative B, except a low cost interpretive loop would not be developed and private land trail access portals would only be signed to discourage public access. The reduced physical carrying capacity of the proposed Picnic Site would reduce trail use in the Meeker Area and within RMNP, thereby reducing related impacts while more effectively sustaining resource values. Private landowner issues, effects of recreation access displacement would be addressed but to a lesser extent than by actions described by the proposed action. Implementation of adaptive management actions would be more prevalent which may result in unknown adverse affects to recreation users and increase operations costs.

General – Same as Alternative B, except specified campground design would limit flexibility in addressing changing use dynamics and not address increasing demand for mixed use overnight camping opportunities. Dispersed day use access on County Roads 113 North and South would likely continue because the size of the picnic site parking area would be inadequate in addressing current demand. Public access through private land would continue and efforts to gain regulatory compliance compromised. Efforts to establish an effective physical carrying capacity would be less effective than proposed in Alternative B.

Recreation Opportunity Demand – Same as Alternative B, except the design of the picnic site would be inadequate in addressing the objective to consolidate dispersed use into one location. Dispersed day use access, related resource impacts and private landowner issues would continue on County Roads 113 North and South and other public lands outside the project area. Achieving a sustainable physical carrying capacity would be more difficult.

The enhancements proposed at the Meeker Park Area related to Alternative C are expected to provide a long-term minor benefit to visitor experience and recreation opportunity.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 102

Cumulative Effects of Alternative C The cumulative effects for Alternative C are expected to be the same as described for Alternative B.

Conclusion for Alternative C Implementation of Alternative C would result in a long-term minor benefit to visitor experience and recreation opportunity at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead, and at Meeker Park. The cumulative impacts on visitor experience would not alter the long-term minor benefit to visitor experience and recreational opportunities that are expected as a result of implementation of Alternative C. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Impacts of Alternative D Alternative D incorporates design and management actions intended to address the key management concerns identified in the need for action as well as addressing several key issues raised during public scoping. This alternative is intended to respond to the accelerating recreation demand, the effects to park and forest visitors and neighbors, and the resource impacts and benefits resulting from these actions.

Lily Lake and Longs Peak Areas There are no changes from the proposed action at Lily Lake and Longs Peak for Alternative D. There are the same environmental effects as described in Alterna- tive B

Meeker Park Area Meeker Campground - Same as Alternative B, except redesign and reconstruct the existing 29 unit Meeker Campground with no more than 42 sites, with design considering expansion for up to 75 sites in the future. Design and construction of the 42 site campground would not exceed 8 acres of maintained activity area. The 42 site campground would accommodate between 210 and 400 PAOT. Developing fewer campsites would directly reduce the number of developed overnight camping opportunities available in the local vicinity and along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. There would be a net loss of 13 campsites. There would be fewer overnight camping opportunities available for those displaced from the proposed closure of Longs Peak Campground. Destination overnight camping for those that use the site for accessing popular recreation activities such as climbing Longs Peak or hiking in Wild Basin would be adversely impacted by the limited access. Camping displacement to other nearby public and private lands would likely result in issues similar to those driving this planning effort. This action would prolong fulfilling the need for expanding the campground beyond 42 sites which could

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 103 increase planning and implementation costs and continue to drive private landowner concerns of increased development. The Forest Service would continue to use the possible campground expansion as a viable option for mitigating increasing demand and camping displacement in future planning.

Meeker Picnic Site - Same as described in Alternative C

Meeker Area Roads and Trails - Same as described in Alternative C

General – Same as Alternative B (campground) and C (picnic site and trails), except the redesign, reconstruction and proposed management of Meeker Campground would not fully address strategic planning direction nor would it address developed overnight camping demand in the Meeker Area and along the Peak to Peak State Scenic Byway.

Recreation Opportunity Demand – Same as Alternative B (campground) and C (picnic site and trails), except development of the 42 site campground would not achieve optimal campground development opportunities. Alternative D would not fully address overnight camping displacement resulting from the proposed closure of the 26 site Longs Peak Campground (loss of 13 campsites). If the 42 site campground remained unchanged in perpetuity, developed overnight camping would be permanently displaced to other areas along the Peak to Peak State Scenic Byway resulting in unknown cumulative impacts. The 42 site campground is determined to be the minimal size necessary to be economically feasible for development.

The design and management of the 42 site campground would mitigate resource damage, threat of wildfire as well as health and safety concerns, while retaining campground aesthetics and related scenic values as described in Alternative B. The designed capacity of 210 to 400 PAOT is expected to minimally enhance recreation opportunities within the Roaded Natural setting. Actual visitation would not be expected to exceed 210 PAOT on weekends during peak summer months.

Designing the site for future expansion to 75 sites represents both the full build- out potential and the size/design needed for expected demand in the vicinity of the Meeker Campground. This alternative considers a phasing approach to development over a longer period of time. Expansion would most likely be addressed in the next ARNF Forest Planning process within the next 5 to 10 years.

The enhancements proposed at Meeker Park related to Alternative D are expected to provide a long-term minor benefit to visitor experience and recreation opportunity.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 104 Cumulative Effects of Alternative D The cumulative effects of Alternative D are expected to be the same as described under Alternative B. However, the net loss of 13 campsites in the Highway 7 corridor is expected to have an adverse impact on campers who would be displaced to other areas or prevented from camping due to demand outstripping the supply of campsites.

Conclusion for Alternative D Implementation of Alternative D would result in a long-term minor benefit to visitor experience and recreation opportunity at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead, and at Meeker Park. However, the net loss of 13 campsites in the Highway 7 corridor is expected to have an adverse impact on campers who would be displaced to other areas or prevented from camping due to demand outstripping the supply of campsites. However the loss of 13 campsites and the cumulative impacts on visitor experience would not alter the long-term minor benefit to visitor experience and recreational opportunities that are expected as a result of implementation of Alternative D. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Scenery ______

Affected Environment The Highway 7 Project Area is located in a high mountain landscape along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. This highway parallels the mountain peaks and runs north to south just a few miles east of the peaks. It is fed by connecting roads that come up from the Front Range urban area that lays further to the east and some local roads that dead end to the west and terminates at the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The road is flanked by a mixture of public and private land. Views from the highway include Longs Peak, the Twin Sisters formation and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.

“Scenic Integrity is a measure of the degree to which a landscape is visually perceived to be ‘complete’. The highest scenic integrity ratings are given to those landscapes which have little or no deviation from the character valued by constituents for its aesthetic appeal.” (Landscape Aesthetics, Agriculture Hand- book # 701). The Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) for the Forest Service land in the project area is ‘High’. The High SIO is defined as landscapes where the valued landscape character ‘appears unaltered’. “Deviations may be present, but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such a scale that they are not evident.’ (USDA Agric. Handbook 701 p. 2-4).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 105

The scenic integrity of the area is influenced by natural forces of insect and disease outbreaks, wind throw and wildfire. The Butterfly Burn on Twin Sisters is not very evident, but the more recent Ouzel Fire burn is obvious at the southern portion of the analysis area. The residential and tourism development are major aesthetic influences. They are evident in the project area, particularly in the northern part of the analysis area near Estes Park. The undeveloped landscapes on National Forest System (NFS) lands and in RMNP, as well as on private land, are Very High and High Existing Scenic Integrity (ESI). Portions of the highway, the recreation areas, and some residential and tourism related developments are Moderate ESI. The Low ESI is applied to portions of the road and some tourist related development in the analysis area. The Very Low ESI is applied to some portions of the road system, tourist related development, cultural services and supply centers and water related and utility corridor development in the analysis area. Other visible cultural evidences include some grazing improvements (fences, gates and cattle guards etc.); signing and dispersed and developed recreation sites (fire rings, litter and scarred trees) which generally have a small effect on ESI.

The project area is viewed from a number of vantage points. Most common views are those from the major roads and trailheads. Also common are views from the many residences and tourist accommodations in the area. Viewpoints of interest include foreground or middleground views from Lily Lake, Longs Peak Trailhead and the Meeker Park area where development exists or is proposed. Middle- ground to background (3 miles or greater) views can be seen from many areas including Lily Mountain, the Estes Cone, the Longs Peak Trail, Horsetooth Peak and Twin Sisters Peak. Attractiveness varies from the high end of the spectrum with streams, lakes, meadows, aspen color, rock outcrops, high mountains, and long views to the middle part of the spectrum.

In general, the scenery within and adjacent to the project area is of a very high level of concern. Factors that contribute to this include: ▪ The analysis and project areas are large tourism draws primarily because of outdoor recreation opportunities and scenery—a forested and a high mountain landscape are all around. ▪ Its location in a highly traveled corridor - (Concern Level I). In 2006, traffic counts in the summer use season range from 6,000 vehicles per day in the northern part of the project area 2,000 vehicles per day in the southern (Colorado Department of Transportation). ▪ Developed recreation sites - (Concern Level I). Use numbers collected for 2007 in the Lily Lake area show an average of 1,680 people on the weekend days and 673 during the week and for Longs Peak Trailhead it is 667 and 363 respectively (RMNP).

Methodology The predicted intensity of impacts is articulated according to the following criteria:

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 106 None – Scenery would not be affected as a result of the alternative. Negligible – Effects would not result in any perceptible changes, either positive or negative, to existing views. Minor – Effects would result in slightly detectable changes to views. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative and would likely express a neutral or mildly positive or negative opinion about the changes. Moderate – Effects would be readily apparent and would change the character of visual resources in the area. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative and would likely express a positive or negative opinion about the changes. Major – Effects would be highly noticeable, visible from a considerable distance or over a large area. The character of visual resources would change substantially. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative and would likely express a strong positive or negative opinion about the changes.

Effects are described in general terms and are qualified as short-term and long- term, adverse or beneficial. Short-term is three years after construction is finished and long-term is after that.

Regulations and Policy The Forest Plan provides general direction for management of National Forest lands on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Standard 154 prohibits management activities that are inconsistent with the scenic integrity objective unless a decision is made to change the scenic integrity objective. Goal 157 recommends designing and implementing management activities to meet the adopted scenic integrity objective for the area. For the area north of Lily Lake and the Meeker Park area, the Management Area direction is 4.2 Scenery. Areas with this designation are managed to protect or preserve scenic values and recreational uses of designated scenic byways and other heavily used scenic travel corridors.

The Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway goes between Estes Park and Black Hawk, Colorado. This corridor management plan is a cooperative effort between the private landowners, communities, counties, Forest Service, Park Service, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The qualities listed in the plan for this byway include “The Continental Divide provides the backdrop to the ‘wide sweep’ of the Plains below. It is a route of great beauty that traverses a high country of forests and meadows. It parallels the Continental Divide where the mountain vistas provide views of cirques and crevasses dotted with remnants of glaciers.”

This management plan also provides suggestions for road safety, road aesthetics, outdoor advertising, interpretive strategies and suggestions for visitor experience.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 107 Agency roles for management of the scenic byway system can be defined in part by: Government entities should encourage new development to occur with existing settled areas. They should actively discourage development in areas lying between settled communities; and, government should allocate financial resources for the acquisition of key open lands along the corridor.

Management of the scenery resource on National Park lands is determined in the Final Master Plan for the Park. Section 2.1.3.4.2 Visual Quality states: Two basic qualities of wilderness character are solitude and pristine scenery; and, Activities outside wilderness can also affect visual quality. Land practices outside park boundaries may affect view-sheds. The Park will coordinate with adjacent landowners to make them aware of wilderness concerns.

Environmental Consequences

The various provisions of the alternatives were analyzed against the resources or activities that would be impacted by implementation of the alternatives. Impacts or effects to scenery were identified and assessed based on a review of relevant scientific literature such as that referenced, previously prepared environmental documents, site visits, photographs, visibility analysis using GIS, and the best professional judgment of park and forest managers.

Impacts of Alternative A – No Action Contemporary over-capacity use occurs at each site during peak periods. Negative scenery impacts include vehicles traveling, parking, and using areas that were not designed for such use with attendant erosion, compaction, sanitary issues, litter, and, scarred vegetation.

These impacts are evident at the Meeker Park Picnic Site, Meeker Park Campground and county roads 113N and 113S. Erosion and compaction have led many areas to be devoid of vegetation and use areas are not well delineated. Evidence of scarred vegetation is common. The sanitary facilities are less than desirable and are not visually appealing with portable facilities in the overflow campground during use season.

Longs Peak Trailhead often suffers from overuse. During peak use times, the capacity of trailhead parking is quickly reached and vehicles are parked in informal parking places and on the shoulder of the road which creates an unappealing visual intrusion on the approach to the trailhead. Extensive parking on the road shoulder over a period of many days each summer prevents plants from regenerating. Additionally, the Longs Peak Campground was built many years ago and does not meet today’s standards. The site reflects the high use of the facility and shows it through the general impacts listed above as well as a lack of screening vegetation.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 108

The Lily Lake Area exhibits these same factors listed in the first paragraph of this section as well as a visual and safety issue on Highway 7 at the site. During high use periods parking is inadequate on the side of the highway on the west containing the chief attractions and users park on the east side of the highway and cross the road on foot. Cars and people in close proximity to the highway on both sides constitute an undesirable visual intrusion into the highway.

Continuation of current management would involve long-term, moderate adverse impacts on the scenery.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative A In the future, it is possible that there will be large scale mortality of lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees in the Lily Lake, Longs Peak Trailhead and Meeker Park areas caused by the mountain pine beetle and ips beetle. Large scale beetle kill will dramatically alter scenery, and loss of tree cover could make areas that were formerly hidden in trees more visible from surrounding areas. Due solely to natural causes outside of the control of land managers, the cumulative effect on scenery will be long-term, moderate and adverse. In time, forest regeneration will occur and impacts to scenery will diminish.

Future vegetation management projects in the immediate vicinity are the St. Vrain and the Estes Valley projects. The Estes Valley project has one treatment unit in the southwest portion of the analysis area, but not actually in the project area. That unit comprises 625 acres and is scheduled to be thinned. The St. Vrain project has three units in the project area. Unit 12a (146 acres) is coincident with the Meeker Park Area and includes adjacent National Forest land as well. Units 12b (20 acres) and 12d (52 acres) are south of the project area. Unit 12a is scheduled to be mechanically and/or manual thinned and the slash piles burned. The resultant modification in the tree cover will have a long-term negligible to minor adverse impact on scenery.

Conclusion for Alternative A Continuation of current management under the No Action alternative would result in long-term, moderate adverse impacts on the scenery. If there is widespread tree mortality due to the spread of the current bark beetle epidemic, developed portions of the Lily Lake, Longs Peak Trailhead and Meeker Park Campground would become even more visible. Because the beetle epidemic is a natural occurrence and covers hundreds of thousands of acres in Colorado alone, there is little that land management agencies can do to protect scenery over the broad landscape. Because there would be no major, adverse impacts to a resource or value whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the enabling legislation of RMNP; (2) key to the natural or cultural integrity of the park; or (3) identified as a goal in the park’s Master Plan or other relevant NPS planning documents, there would be no impairment of the park’s resources or

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 109 values. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Impacts of Alternative B – Proposed Action Implementation of the proposed action would include the negative short-term effects of the construction work necessary at all the sites in the project area— a short-term moderate adverse effect to visual resources. The two newly proposed parking areas at Lily Lake (Twin Sisters Trailhead and Storm Pass Trailhead) will not be highly visible from Highway 7 unless the mountain pine beetle epidemic results in the total loss of trees that provide visual screening for these two parking areas. Also, because the proposed 250-space parking lot at the Longs Peak Trailhead is situated on an elevated bench, it will not be visible from Highway 7 unless the mountain pine beetle epidemic results in the total loss of trees that provide visual screening. However, these parking areas will be visible from a distance from mountain summits in the area. In particular, visitors on the summit of Estes Cone, Lily Mountain, and Twin Sisters will be able to view one or more of the proposed parking areas. The resulting visual impact is expected to be long-term, moderate and adverse. Upon completion of the improvements at Lily Lake and at the Longs Peak Trailhead there would be a long-term moderate beneficial effect on the scenery as roadside parking is eliminated. That beneficial effect would occur with the increased management of the recreation use resulting in a more convenient and orderly scenery viewing experience. The predicted effects are dependent on the use of project design features listed in Chapter 1 of this document. This concentration of use in formal areas versus the present roadside parking would also decrease the amount of time that the typical user is exposed to human development which has been shown to have negative effects on landscape preferences (E G Carls 1974).

Cumulative Effects of Alternative B The cumulative effects of Alternative B are expected to be the same as described under Alternative A. The trailhead parking lots and campground development proposed under Alternative B would be screened from view as described in the previous section. This screening could be greatly reduced if there is widespread tree mortality in lodgepole, ponderosa and limber pine due to a mountain pine beetle epidemic. While the loss of tree screening would result in a long-term, moderate and adverse impact, the beetle epidemic is a natural occurrence and covers hundreds of thousands of acres in Colorado alone. There is little that land management agencies can do to protect scenery over the broad landscape.

Conclusion for Alternative B Implementation of the proposed action alternative would result in a short-term moderate adverse effect to visual resources. Upon completion of the project, there would be a long-term moderate beneficial effect on the scenery. Large scale

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 110 beetle kill will dramatically alter scenery, and loss of tree cover could make areas that were formerly hidden in trees more visible from surrounding areas. This will be especially true of the 250-space parking lot at the Longs Peak Trailhead, which would cover 3.2 acres. Instead of positive visual elements, the visual impact of thousands of dead trees and the sight of parking lots, access roads and structures would be negative. Until forest regeneration occurs, the visual impact is expected to be long-term, moderate and adverse. These impacts to visual resources can be mitigated to some degree by replanting lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees in strategic locations where visual screening is needed. This negative impact would be due primarily to natural causes outside of the control of land managers. Because there would be no major, adverse impacts to a resource or value whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the enabling legislation of RMNP; (2) key to the natural or cultural integrity of the park; or (3) identified as a goal in the park’s Master Plan or other relevant National Park Service planning documents, there would be no impairment of the park’s resources or values. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Impacts of Alternatives C and D The environmental effects for Alternatives C and D would be the same as Alternative B. There would be slight differences in the appearance of the two alternatives due to the extent of development. However, the area of impact or change would be similar to the proposed action.

Cumulative Impacts of Alternatives C and D The cumulative impacts for Alternatives C and D are expected to be the same as described for Alternative B.

Conclusion for Alternatives C and D The environmental effects would be the same as described in Alternative B. Implementation of the alternatives C and D would result in a short-term moderate adverse effect to visual resources. Upon completion of the project, there would be a long-term moderate beneficial effect on the scenery. Because there would be no major, adverse impacts to a resource or value whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the enabling legislation of RMNP; (2) key to the natural or cultural integrity of the park; or (3) identified as a goal in the park’s Master Plan or other relevant NPS planning documents, there would be no impairment of the park’s resources or values. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 111 Public Safety ______

Affected Environment There are two aspects of public safety that will be considered in this document. First, there is the safety of visitors and employees on federal lands. Second, there is the safety of nearby residents that can be affected by an action, or inaction, on federal land. The safety of nearby residents is also addressed in the Nearby Land- owners topic, covered later in this chapter. The affected environment and the public safety at Lily Lake, the Longs Peak Trailhead and at Meeker Park will be evaluated separately.

Lily Lake Area At Lily Lake the primary public safety focus is on park visitors, including pedestrians (hikers), equestrians, and motorists. Under current conditions there are two locations where pedestrian safety can be improved – The Lily Mountain Trailhead on Highway 7 (ARP) and the pedestrian crossing on Highway 7 at Lily Lake. Elsewhere within the site, RMNP desires to provide safe walkways and trails for pedestrians/hikers.

Equestrian use is currently focused on the Homer Rouse Trail which then ties into the Tahosa Valley Trail. These trails are used by individuals and guided trips provided by nearby liveries. There is limited equestrian use of the Twin Sisters Trail and portions of the Aspenbrook Trail. RMNP desires to provide safe trails for equestrians and safe locations to load and unload stock arriving on trailers.

All motorists arrive at Lily Lake via Highway 7. Through on-site consultation with the Colorado Department of Transportation, it was determined that accel/decel lanes were not needed on Highway 7. Elsewhere on the site, RMNP desires to provide safe roadway access and parking for trailhead access.

Longs Peak Trailhead At the Longs Peak Trailhead, the primary public safety focus is on park visitors, including pedestrians (hikers), equestrians, campers and motorists. In addition, two other areas of focus are wildland fire in relation to nearby landowners and off-site surface and groundwater quality related to the sewage lagoon. Under current conditions, there is one location where pedestrian safety can be improved. Visitors arriving at the trailhead after the parking lot has filled have been parallel parking outside the park boundary along the county road leading to the trailhead. Parking can extend for ½ mile along the road. Hikers then walk along the road, sometime in low light conditions (dawn or dusk) to get to the trailhead or to return to their cars at the end of the day. Equestrian use at the Longs Peak Trailhead is limited. No current safety issues were identified.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 112 The safety issue for motorists is directly tied to the pedestrian safety concern. Parking can extend for ½ mile along the county road that leads to the trailhead. Frequently, vehicles are parked partially on the pavement, and open car doors extend into the travel lane. On the busiest days, driving down the road is like running the gauntlet.

There is added traffic at the Longs Peak Campground because the campground loop road provides the only means of ingress and egress to Camp Timberline. The added traffic poses an increased risk to pedestrian and motorist safety within the campground.

All of the campsites at the Longs Peak Campground have fire grates. The presence of fire within this wooded campground poses some risk for nearby landowners. Given that there has never been an instance of an escaped campfire over the 41- year history of the campground, this risk is believed to be minimal.

All of the sewage effluent from the Longs Peak Trailhead facilities and the campground are treated on site and discharged to a sewage lagoon located near the park boundary and uphill from neighboring landowners. While no contamination of offsite surface or groundwater has been detected, elimination of this system would address a potential public health concern.

Meeker Park Area At Meeker Park, the primary public safety focus is on visitors, including pedestrians (hikers), equestrians, campers and motorists. In addition, two other areas of focus are wildland fire in relation to nearby landowners and off-site surface and groundwater quality related to human waste.

Under current conditions, there is one location where pedestrian safety can be improved. Some pedestrians cross Highway 7 to get to the campground from the picnic site on the east side of the highway, or vice versa.

Trails in the area are used extensively by local liveries. There do not appear to be significant equestrian safety issues, but the ARP is committed to providing safe access, horse trailer parking, and trails for equestrians.

All motorists arrive at Meeker Park via Highway 7. Through on-site consultation with the Colorado Department of Transportation, it was determined that accel/decel lanes were not needed on Highway 7. Many of the roads within the current Meeker Park Campground are narrow and can be difficult for some vehicles to navigate. The ARP desires to provide safe roadway access and parking for picnicking, camping, and trailhead access.

In the past, pit toilets were used in the campground and at the picnic site. These have been replaced with portable toilets where all human waste is contained. The

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 113 ARP desired condition is for all human waste to be contained, such as in a vault toilet, to avoid any contamination of surface or groundwater.

All of the campsites at the Meeker Park Campground have fire rings. The presence of fire within this wooded campground poses some risk for nearby landowners. Given that there has never been an instance of an escaped campfire in the campground, and hazard fuel reduction is scheduled to occur around the area, this risk is believed to be minimal. However, the Meeker Park Campground is rustic in nature, and oversight is not as stringent as is the case with more formal campgrounds with modern facilities. Under present conditions, the risk of an escaped campfire is greater when compared to a more formal campground designed to meet current design standards.

Methodology The predicted intensity of impacts is articulated according to the following criteria: None – Employee, visitor and neighborhood safety would not be affected as a result of this alternative. Negligible – Employee, visitor and neighborhood safety could be affected as a result of the alternative, but the risk or benefit would be small and the exposure to risk would be short-term. Through careful planning and imple- menttation, safety would not be compromised. Minor – Employee, visitor and neighborhood safety could be affected as a result of the alternative, but the risk or benefit would be small and the exposure to risk would be short-term. Through careful planning and imple- menttation, the risk would be minimal. Moderate – Employee, visitor and neighborhood safety could be affected as a result of the alternative. The risk or benefit to employees, visitors and neighbors would be moderate and the exposure to risk or the benefit would be long-term. While careful planning and implementation would be required to minimize risks, safety could not be assured. Major – The alternative would result in considerable risk to employee, visitor and neighborhood safety. Regulations and Policy While recognizing that there are limitations on our capability to totally eliminate all hazards, RMNP and ARP will seek to provide a safe and healthful environment for visitors and employees. RMNP and ARP will work cooperatively with each other and with other federal, state, and local agencies; organizations and individuals to carry out this responsibility. RMNP and ARP will strive to identify and prevent injuries from recognizable threats to the safety and health of persons and to the protection of property by applying nationally accepted codes, standards, and engineering principles. When practicable and consistent with congressionally designated purposes and mandates, RMNP and ARP will reduce or remove known

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 114 hazards and apply other appropriate measures, including closures, guarding, signing or other forms of education. Park and national forest visitors must assume a substantial degree of risk and responsibility for their own safety when visiting areas that are managed and maintained as natural, cultural or recreational environments.

Environmental Consequences

Effects of Alternative A – No Action Lily Lake Area RMNP, in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), recently installed a pedestrian crossing light on Highway 7 near the visitor center. This installation will provide an added measure of safety for pedestrians at this location. Under the No Action alternative this pedestrian crossing will remain in place, but risks to public safety would remain.

Under the No Action alternative there would be no changes at the Lily Mountain Trailhead, which is nothing more than a wide spot along the shoulder of Highway 7. Pedestrian and motorist safety would continue to be a concern at this location because the posted speed limit at this location is 40 mph, with downhill traffic often reaching much higher speeds.

Under the No Action alternative no designated areas would be provided for parking, unloading and loading horse trailers.

When considered together, the risk to public safety at Lily Lake under the No Action Alternative is long-term, moderate and adverse.

Longs Peak Trailhead Under the No Action alternative parking along the county road outside the park boundary would not be addressed. Issues related to pedestrian and motorist safety would not be addressed.

With the continued existence of the Longs Peak Campground, additional through traffic accessing Camp Timberline would continue to pose some risks to pedestrians and motorists within the campground, and continued use of the sewage lagoon would pose some risk of surface or groundwater contamination outside the park boundary. In addition, the presence of fire within the campground poses some risk of wildland fire.

When considered in total, the No Action alternative results in long-term, moderate and adverse impacts (risks) to visitor, employee and neighborhood safety.

Meeker Park Area

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 115 Under the No Action alternative, pedestrian safety would continue to be a concern as visitors cross Highway 7 between the campground and the picnic site. The risk of an escaped campfire resulting in a wildland fire would remain a concern for nearby landowners as oversight of the rustic campground and the picnic area is not as stringent as is the case with more formal campgrounds with modern facilities. In total, these impacts to public safety are considered long-term, minor and adverse under the No Action alternative. Cumulative Effects of Alternative A The growing bark beetle epidemic is likely to kill many lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees in the Lily Lake, Longs Peak Trailhead and Meeker Park areas. RMNP and ARP will be carefully monitoring the situation and will remove identified hazard trees, or alter or exclude public use in order to promote public safety. However, not all risks to public safety can be eliminated, and the bark beetle epidemic will almost certainly increase the overall risk associated with hazard trees. The risk of an escaped campfire at the Longs Peak or Meeker Park Campgrounds would be of greater concern to nearby landowners if the surrounding forests contain extensive beetle-killed dead standing or down trees. This is likely to be of greater concern at the Meeker Park Campground given that it is more rustic in nature, contains more understory vegetation, and has limited oversight.

Since both campgrounds would remain in place under the No Action alternative, there are two possible sources of ignition for a wildland fire. However, since RMNP and ARP would be actively removing hazard trees from within these campgrounds or excluding public use where hazards exist, the increased risk associated solely with beetle killed trees is considered negligible. However, the cumulative risk to public safety at all three locations would be long-term, moderate and adverse.

Conclusion for Alternative A The No Action alternative results in long-term, moderate and adverse impacts (risks) to public safety at Lily Lake and the Longs Peak Trailhead, and long-term, minor and adverse impacts (risks) at the Meeker Park area. When the bark beetle epidemic spreads into these areas in the future and there is extensive lodgepole and ponderosa pine mortality, there will be the potential for additional impacts (risks) to public safety associated with hazard trees and wildland fire. The cumulative effects at all three locations would be long-term, moderate and adverse. Implementation would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Effects of Alternative B – Proposed Action Lily Lake Area Under the proposed action, the Lily Lake Visitor Center (mothballed) would be available to lease by a third party (i.e., not RMNP). The building can be used for any purpose that is compatible with the mission of RMNP. The third party would

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 116 be responsible for all aspects of operation and maintenance of the building and its appurtenances. If the building is not leased within a reasonable amount of time (approximately 3 years), the preferred alternative is to remove the visitor center and its appurtenances (including the parking lot) and to restore the site to natural conditions.

If the building is leased, the issue of pedestrian safety when crossing Highway 7 will be exacerbated when compared to the No Action alternative because at the present time the building is vacant. Reopening the building to the public would likely result in additional pedestrian traffic crossing Highway 7. The building tenant will be responsible for addressing public safety, not RMNP. At a minimum, it is anticipated that a pedestrian activated traffic light will be required on Highway 7 (with CDOT approval). It is also possible that a pedestrian underpass could be needed depending on the amount and nature of pedestrian traffic generated by the use of the building.

If the building and parking lot are removed, the public safety concern will have been solved to a large degree. It is anticipated that the pedestrian crossing light will remain in place as users of the Homer Rouse trail and Twin Sisters Trail (on the east side of Highway 7) may wish to cross the highway to access Lily Lake, and vice versa.

Under the proposed action, a connector trail will be constructed from Lily Lake to the Lily Mountain Trail on ARP land. Rather than parking at the Lily Mountain Trailhead on Highway 7, which is a safety risk for pedestrians and motorists, visitors will be able to park at Lily Lake and can hike from there to the Lily Mountain Trail via the new connector trail. Dogs are not permitted on trails within RMNP, and would not be permitted on the new connector trail which will extend for 2,700 ft. within the national park boundary. Dogs are permitted on trails within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and are permitted on the Lily Mountain Trail. Hikers who wish to take dogs on the Lily Mountain Trail must continue to use the existing Lily Mountain Trailhead on Highway 7. However, reducing some of the demand for parking at the current trailhead by providing a safer alternative within the national park will benefit public safety.

Under the proposed action, parking for horse trailers will be provided on the west side of Highway 7 at the new trailhead parking area located in the borrow pit south of Lily Lake, and on the east side of Highway 7 in a new parking lot on what was formerly the Roessler property. Providing locations that have been specifically designed for the loading and unloading of horses will improve public safety.

The proposed action includes a number of new trails separated from roadways that will provide safe pedestrian access to the trailheads within the Lily Lake area. Separating vehicular traffic and pedestrians will also enhance public safety.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 117 When considered in total, the proposed action results in long-term, minor benefits to visitor and employee safety at Lily Lake.

Longs Peak Trailhead Under the proposed action, current parking demand (250 spaces) would be met entirely within the park boundary and parking along the county road outside the park boundary would be prevented through the placement of delineator stakes along the road shoulder. All visitors parking within the trailhead parking lot would be within a short distance of the Longs Peak Trailhead. Elimination of parking along the county road would address two public safety concerns – the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

A two-way access road would be provided around the perimeter of the proposed Longs Peak Trailhead parking lot. The two-way road on the east side of the parking lot would provide direct access to and from Camp Timberline without interfering with pedestrian traffic at the trailhead or parking lot. Providing direct access to Camp Timberline will address two public safety concerns – the safety of pedestrians and motorist.

Under the proposed action, the sewage lagoon will no longer be used for wastewater treatment. Park administrative facilities at the current trailhead will not produce high volumes of wastewater and will be placed on a septic system. All restroom facilities at the new trailhead will utilize a vault that will periodically be pumped and hauled from the site for treatment at a wastewater treatment facility. Eliminating human waste from the lagoon will benefit downstream public safety.

The lagoon will be refurbished to provide storm water retention. Best Manage- ment Practices (BMPs) will be used to minimize the entry of contaminants into the lagoon, and the lagoon will further clarify runoff by allowing any sediment to settle out and volatile compounds to evaporate. RMNP will obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the storm water runoff system at the Longs Peak Trailhead as required.

With the relocation of the 26 campsites from the Longs Peak Campground to the Meeker Park Campground the risk of an escaped campground fire is eliminated at this location.

When considered in total, the proposed action results in long-term, moderate benefits to visitor, employee and neighborhood safety at the Longs Peak Trailhead.

Meeker Park Area Under the proposed action, the picnic site on the east side of Highway 7 would be relocated to the west side of the highway. This would address a pedestrian safety concern at this location. Removal of the picnic area and associated fire grates would also address a public safety concern for nearby residences.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 118 The addition of 26 campsites at Meeker Park would not increase the risk of an escaped campfire resulting in a wildland fire. All campfires would have to be within the fire grates provided at each campsite. The more formally developed campground as proposed in this alternative and scheduled hazard fuel reduction in the area would result in less understory vegetation and reduced forest fuels as compared to the No Action alternative. A more formal campground would also mean increased oversight of campers and their activities, including campfires. When the fire danger is extreme, a ban on campfires would likely be imposed. Despite the increased number of campsites and thus nightly campfires, it is anticipated that public safety will experience long-term minor benefits as compared to the current situation.

The proposed action results in long-term, minor benefits to visitor safety by eliminating the need for pedestrians to cross Highway 7. The proposed action results in long-term, minor benefits to visitor, employee and neighborhood safety because the risk of wildland fire will be reduced.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative B The growing bark beetle epidemic is likely to kill many lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees in the Lily Lake, Longs Peak Trailhead and Meeker Park areas as described under the cumulative effects for Alternative A. The risk of an escaped campfire at the Longs Peak Campground would be eliminated if Alternative B is implemented. Alternative B includes proposed improvements at the Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Area that would improve public safety, as described in the previous section. RMNP and ARP would be actively removing hazard trees from within these campgrounds or excluding public use where hazards exist, the increased risk associated solely with beetle killed trees is considered negligible. Therefore, the cumulative risk to public safety at all three locations would be long- term, minor and beneficial.

Conclusion for Alternative B The proposed action results in long-term, minor benefits to visitor, employee and neighborhood safety at Lily Lake, long-term, moderate benefits at Longs Peak, and long-term, minor benefits at Meeker Park. The cumulative impacts resulting from possible widespread tree mortality as a result of the bark beetle epidemic is not expected to dramatically alter visitor, employee or public safety at the three developed areas because hazard trees would be managed by RMNP and ARP, or public use would be altered or excluded. There would be no increased risk of a wildland fire at Lily Lake or the Longs Peak Trailhead as a result of visitor actions because no camping or campfires would be permitted. There would be a long- term benefit at the Meeker Park area because of scheduled hazard fuel reduction and increased oversight of visitors in a more formal campground setting. Under extreme wildland fire danger a fire ban would likely be imposed. Implementation would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 119 §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Effects of Alternative C Lily Lake Area The environmental effects for Alternative C are the same as Alternative B

Longs Peak Trailhead The environmental effects for Alternative C are the same as Alternative B

Meeker Park Area The environmental effects for Alternative C are the same as Alternative B

Conclusion for Alternative C Same as Alternative B

Effects of Alternative D Lily Lake Area The environmental effects for Alternative D are the same as described in Alterna- tive B

Longs Peak Trailhead The environmental effects for Alternative D are the same as described in Alterna- tive B

Meeker Park Area Alternative C proposes to redesign and reconstruct the existing 29 site Meeker Park Campground adding up to 13 new campsites at this time, for a total of 42 campsites. This is 13 less campsites than proposed in Alternatives B or C. The addition of 13 campsites at Meeker Park would not increase the risk of an escaped campfire resulting in a wildland fire. All campfires would have to be within the fire grates provided at each campsite. The more formally developed campground as proposed in this alternative and scheduled hazard fuel reduction in the area would result in less understory vegetation and reduced forest fuels as compared to the No Action alternative. A more formal campground would also mean increased oversight of campers and their activities, including campfires. When the fire danger is extreme, a ban on campfires would likely be imposed. Despite the increased number of campsites and thus nightly campfires, it is anticipated that public safety will experience long-term minor benefits as compared to the current situation.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 120 Conclusion for Alternative D The proposed action results in long-term, minor benefits to visitor, employee and neighborhood safety at Lily Lake, long-term, moderate benefits at Longs Peak, and long-term, minor benefits at Meeker Park. The cumulative impacts resulting from possible widespread tree mortality as a result of the bark beetle epidemic is not expected to dramatically alter visitor, employee or public safety at the three developed areas because hazard trees would be managed by RMNP and ARP, or public use would be altered or excluded. There would be no increased risk of a wildland fire at Lily Lake or the Longs Peak Trailhead as a result of visitor actions because no camping or campfires would be permitted. There would be a long- term benefit at the Meeker Park area because of scheduled hazard fuel reduction and increased oversight of visitors in a more formal campground setting. Under extreme wildland fire danger a fire ban would likely be imposed. Implementation would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is therefore consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006. The proposed use is appropriate within RMNP and is consistent with §1.5 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Nearby Landowners ______

Affected Environment RMNP and ARP managers are keenly aware of the many challenges of public land management along the Colorado Front Range. These challenges directly influence their ability to achieve the desired management goals. Balancing management decisions with impacts to resources and the concerns of stakeholders is a never- ending task. Balancing the needs and desires of nearby landowners with broad management goals and objectives applied at a site-specific level elevated the need to develop this project to address the issues and concerns in the area.

RMNP lies within easy driving distance of millions of people who live in the fast- growing Denver Metropolitan Area. This nationally renowned National Park is readily accessible to regional, national and international visitors and has become a favorite destination due to its wide variety of recreation opportunities and expanding popularity of communities that serve park visitors. Many visitors and nearby landowners and residents are unaware that their experience and presence is a dynamic interaction of human values and preservation of the natural environment that they came to see and experience. The facilities they use are often rearranged to address the affects of increasing demand. Managing for day use, scenic enjoyment, hiking, wildlife observation and other passive recreation opportunities are a priority for RMNP. In accordance with the 1976 Master Plan, major visitor use facilities in the park, such as developed campgrounds, have not been expanded and can be better accommodated outside of the park. About 3,000,000 people visit RMNP annually.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 121 The town of Estes Park serves as the gateway community to access eastside park portals. The town has approximately 6,000 full-time residents with an overall population of about 13,000 in the Estes Valley. Along the east boundary of the Wild Basin Sub-district, are the towns of Allenspark and Meeker Park, and the property owners of the Tahosa Valley. These local communities provide seasonal lodging, restaurants, retail services and other tourism-related services. Further to the south and east of the park lie the cities of Boulder and Lyons and other full- service metropolitan cities that depend on tourism to help sustain their local economy. The trend towards private residential development continues in the local vicinity and throughout the region.

The Longs Peak and Lily Lake project areas are located on park lands that are managed to provide and maintain facilities that serve park visitors and facilitate park management. They include areas where park development or intensive use substantially alters the natural environment or the setting for culturally significant resources. New development zones are established only after considering alternative sites (including locations outside the park and locations outside areas with significant natural and cultural resources) and alternative levels of use, facilities, and services.

The existing sites of the Meeker Park Campground and Meeker Picnic Site are located directly adjacent the heavily traveled Peak to Peak National and State Scenic Byway (Highway 7). The 8-unit picnic site provides a scenic view of Mt. Meeker and the opportunity for a quick break or picnic while sightseeing. Meeker Park Campground has 29 rustic campsites that facilitate opportunities for camping when other nearby developed campgrounds fill to capacity. Its proximity to Estes Park and RMNP has made it a prime candidate to fill a much needed niche, while providing an opportunity to address displacement issues created by the proposed closure of the nearby 26-unit Longs Peak Campground. The existing design and support facilities found at these sites are not sufficient for the level and type of use they are experiencing and cannot be effective in addressing long-term management objectives for the area. The USFS and NPS are working together to implement actions that address increasing demand, related resource impact, questions of financial sustainability and issues and concerns derived from related stakeholders.

This area’s primary use is a traditional mix of camping, picnicking, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and sightseeing while driving along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing use is increasing in the area for those looking for solitude and less crowded winter backcountry areas. The increasing demand and the limited physical carrying capacity within the Meeker Area results in heavy recreation use and sometimes displacement to other public or even private lands within the local vicinity.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 122 The campground is managed by the USFS and operated under a special use permit by Thousand Trails Management, Inc. The campground was originally designed to accommodate overflow camping due to the popularity of other developed campgrounds along the highway. The campground is usually open between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. Full occupancy is usually reached on heavy use weekends. Users are mostly transient in nature only staying an average of 1.5 days, then move to a different campground, depart early to access Longs Peak, or continue traveling.

Trails abound near the campground with RMNP easily accessible from the numerous routes across the forest. Wildlife is abundant and the scenery attracts many visitors to this fairly undeveloped area. A reduced fee is charged in the campground because potable water and picnic tables are not available and permanent restrooms are not installed. Placement of portable restrooms and provision of very basic amenities occurs each year to remain consistent with requirements of fee collection in National Forest campgrounds.

Campsites and parking spaces at the facility are not well delineated. This results in site use expansion and unnecessary resource impacts. The lack of site definition often results in difficulty conducting regulatory compliance and disrespect to camp hosts. Common problems include but are not limited to randomly placed campfire rings, large campfires outside a contained fire ring, vegetation damage and removal, vehicles parked in undisturbed areas, satellite campsites away from the designated areas, dogs off leash, trail proliferation, soil compaction, dispersed human waste, loud music in the evening and for many visitors an unacceptable camping experience. Campfire smoke the hangs close to the ground has been an ongoing concern for visitors and nearby residents. The area experiences temperature inversions that sometimes occur on cool evenings resulting in air quality and smoke concerns.

Much of the campground remains inaccessible to people with mobility impairment. This is due in part to the lack of hard surface trails and the undeveloped nature of the facilities. Campsites 1 through 8 are very close in proximity and highly visible to Highway 7. Visitors experience a higher than expected visual impact and noise level from vehicle traffic along the highway. When occupied, the sites also adversely impact scenery as seen by sightseers along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.

The Meeker Park picnic site occupies a small triangle of public land adjacent to several private properties with homes. It is typically open year-round but remains inaccessible during winter months. Use in this area has steadily increased since fees were eliminated in 2006. This site is currently located on the east side of Highway 7 across from the Meeker Campground. Occasional pedestrian crossings cause concern for public safety especially during the busy summer months. The increased use at the picnic site has resulted in continued conflict between private landowners

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 123 and users. There has been an increase in the number of complaints by local neighbors of dogs running free and harassing domestic livestock, trespass onto private lands and littering. Interpretive signs at the picnic site are helpful for educating the general public, but have been ineffective in resolving these issues.

Incidental dispersed camping and day use parking on or adjacent to County Roads 113 North and South during periods of high use and hunting season has resulted in conflicts between private landowners and special use permit holders of recreation residence cabins. Despite implementation of several actions these issues have remained unresolved for several decades. Actions such as prohibiting camping in specific areas, designating parking and identifying trail access points have proven to be ineffective.

Forest Service System roads open to motorized travel within the planning are maintained frequently and provide safe access to the Meeker Picnic Site, Meeker Campground and permitted Recreation Residences. Existing closed roads and user- created trails in the project area are in a fairly sustainable condition. Use of these routes is dominated by local residents, outfitters under special use permit, and day- users and campers. These routes have experienced an increase in use in recent years by visitors seeking new and quiet opportunities away from weekend crowds. Many existing routes lead to the RMNP Lookout Mountain Trail. At times, users get disoriented and find themselves walking through adjacent private property while returning to their vehicle.

While Meeker Campground and Meeker Picnic Site facilitate multiple recreation opportunities, most of the visitors use the area specifically to engage in dispersed or backcountry recreation. These backcountry recreation opportunities originate from either private property or public land access points along County Road 113 North and South. Observational studies throughout the summer season found vehicles parked along County Roads 113 North and South. Dispersed camping has occurred along County Road 113 North where eight regularly used sites have been identified.

User-created trails and closed roads accessed via County Road 113 North, Camp St. Malo, and Meeker Campground contribute the most to area use. It is estimated that local residents, adjacent resort visitors, and visitors using authorized commercial outfitters make up 60% of the total visits on the south system trails and 30% of north system trails.

Highway 7 was reconstructed in the mid 1980’s with pavement and shoulders to accommodate present and future traffic volumes. Traffic volume has remained somewhat constant in the vicinity of Meeker with average daily traffic counts fluctuating between 1400 and 1600 vehicles per day. The Colorado Department of Transportation suggests summer season average daily traffic counts double as a result of concentrated tourist traffic. The reconstructed highway design provided

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 124 adequate “line of sight” distance mitigating the need for acceleration/deceleration lanes for 3 separate access points into Meeker Picnic Site (2) and Campground (1). However, inadequate access/directional signage into Meeker Campground at times, confuses visitors, prompts quick stops and results in inappropriate u-turns on the highway or adjacent private driveways. During the public scoping process, several comments were received concerning the impact of changes and developments at the Longs Peak Campground and Trailhead. Neighbors were concerned that increasing the size of the trailhead parking lot would attract more visitors to the area. Currently there is a 75-space parking area at the trailhead. It fills up early during the busy summer season. Visitors will either park along County Road 2H, creating a line of cars that can stretch as much as a mile from the trailhead. This parking situation can impact neighbors along the County Road. Parking along the County Road is illegal, although rarely enforced, and driveways have been blocked resulting in conflicts between Park visitors and property owners.

One of the purposes of this project is to address these long standing issues. Based on observations and vehicle counts, the proposed action of creating a 250 space parking area would not increase the current number of Longs Peak Trailhead visitors. This proposal is designed to accommodate the existing use and capacity of the area. Parking along County Road 2H would be eliminated and “no parking” areas would be enforced. Impacts to the private landowners would be eliminated by the implementation of this project.

Methodology The predicted intensity of impacts is articulated according to the following criteria: None – Nearby neighbors would not be affected by this alternative. Negligible – Nearby neighbors could be affected as a result of the alternative, but the impacts or benefits would be small and would not normally be perceived. Impacts could easily be addressed with appropriate mitigation measures and they would be highly successful. Minor – Nearby neighbors could be affected as a result of the alternative, but the impacts or benefits would be small, although noticeable. Impacts could easily be addressed with appropriate mitigation measures and it is very likely that they would be successful. Moderate – Nearby neighbors could be affected as a result of the alternative. The impact or benefit to neighbors would be moderate and very obvious. Impacts could be addressed with appropriate mitigation measures, and they would likely be successful, although not assured. Major – The alternative would result in considerable impacts to nearby neighbors, and mitigation measures would either not be feasible or are not likely to be successful.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 125 Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Alternative A – No Action Lily Lake Area RMNP has received very few complaints from nearby landowners regarding impacts of visitor use. However, there would continue to be management concerns with adequate parking and the concern for public safety when visitors cross a busy Highway 7 from the parking lot at the closed visitor center. No changes to the existing facilities would occur under the No Action alternative so there would be no new impacts to nearby landowners.

Longs Peak Trailhead RMNP has received complaints from nearby landowners regarding the trailhead parking area and very few concerning campground operation. Roadside parking along Longs Peak Road is a nuisance to landowners along the road, particularly on busy weekends. Overflow parking on the county road begins very early in the morning during the busy summer season. Roadside parking will sometimes extend nearly a mile down the road outside the park boundary. Under the No Action alternative, parking along County Road 2H would not be addressed and the impact to nearby landowners is expected to be long-term, minor and adverse.

Meeker Park Area Air Quality – There would be no change in the direct or indirect effects on air quality or human health to nearby neighbors under the No Action Alternative. Current issues and concerns would be unresolved. There would continue to be the potential for up to 29 campfires on any given night during the camping season. Impacts from smoke, dust, vehicle emissions and other sources would not change from current conditions. Inversion weather events would continue to occur and smoke from campfires, and fireplaces and woodstoves from local area residents would impact air quality in the Meeker Park and Longs Peak Areas.

Air quality impacts associated with the No Action alternative are long-term, minor and adverse.

Water Quality – Water quality impacts resulting from dispersed human waste, mineralized soil from dispersed fire rings, soil compaction, vegetation removal or damage, dust, road and trail proliferation as well as uncontrolled non-point source pollution from motor vehicles and improper deposition of grey water would not be addressed. Currently, there are no wells in use at the Meeker Park Campground. The existing well is capped. There are no usable vault toilets in the campground, portable toilets are brought in each summer. There would be no change in the current watershed condition, which is considered to be good.

There are some concerns in the southern end of the project area along Horse Creek. Local recreation residence permittees, private landowners, hikers and

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 126 dispersed campers have pioneered user-created trails to access the Lookout Mountain Trail. This use has resulted in trampling of riparian vegetation, streambank erosion, soil compaction, and sedimentation in some areas affecting water quality.

These impacts are long-term, minor and adverse.

Noise Pollution – The location and design of the Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site would continue to prompt concerns from nearby private landowners including noise from loud groups, the sound of generators, and the sound of vehicle engines. These concerns would not be addressed under the No Action alternative. These impacts would be long-term, minor and adverse.

Light Pollution – The location and design of the Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site would continue to prompt concerns from private landowners including the illumination of the night sky from campfires, lanterns, headlights and large campfires. Current use would continue at the Meeker Park facilities. These concerns would not be addressed under the No Action alternative. These impacts would be long-term, minor and adverse.

Trespass – The location and design of the existing Meeker Picnic Site would continue to prompt issues and concerns for private landowners including blowing trash, trespass onto private land, threat of vandalism and theft, and off-leash dogs chasing and injuring domestic animals. Current design and use of Meeker Camp- ground would continue to prompt issues and concerns for private landowners regarding vandalism to their private property by campers. Continued management of dispersed use areas would not address nuisance behavior issues such as target shooting, use of motorized vehicles off designated routes, congested parking and dispersed camping on County Roads 113 North and South. These impacts are considered long-term, moderate and adverse.

Access – Access oriented issues would remain unresolved. Inadequate access/directional signage into Meeker Campground would continue to confuse visitors, prompt quick stops and result in inappropriate u-turns on the highway or adjacent private drives. County roads 113 North and South would continue to provide pubic access to lands managed by the Forest Service including access to ten recreation residences under special use permit, numerous dispersed campsites and primitive parking providing access to several user created trails. These roads would also continue to facilitate local community access for casual walking and forest access. County Road 113 North would remain the primary access portal to the RMNP Lookout Mountain Trail. Uncontrolled parking and dispersed camping would continue to result in resource damage, threat of wildfire and conflicts with private landowners. The project area would experience proliferation of user created trails and without proper designation and maintenance could result in impacts to watershed, wildlife and other related resources while potentially

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 127 attracting additional visitation. These impacts are considered long-term, moderate and adverse.

Wildland Fire – The threat of wildfire would remain a concern for many mountain residents. Poor campground design and user defiance to campfire regulations would continue to elevate the threat of wildfire. However, the Forest Service would continue to implement vegetation removal projects to create defensible space and promote health forest ecosystems as a means to offset potential for catastrophic wildfire originating from the campground. Use of campfires while engaged in dispersed camping within the project area would continue without defensible space protection. User education efforts and routine law enforcement patrols would continue at the present levels to mitigate the threat of wildfire. These impacts are considered long-term, moderate and adverse.

Mountain Pine Beetle – Under the no-action alternative, the mountain pine beetle would continue to move through the area affecting large numbers of trees. Hazardous trees would continue to be felled and removed by USFS crews as they have been in the past. This area could be temporarily closed or experience a delayed opening in the spring due to hazard tree removal operations. Hiking on trails in the area may be restricted once the dead trees start to fall. Roads may be blocked by fallen trees. It would be expected that user-created road and trails may be created around blocked areas leading to soil erosion and compaction, and watershed damage as a result of mountain pine beetle activity.

Because the mountain pine beetle epidemic is outside the control of any land management agency, and given the hazard tree management protocols of the USFS, the No Action alternative is expected to have a negligible impact on the spread of the mountain pine beetle to nearby landowners.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative A Past management activities in and around the project areas has had the greatest impact on the neighbors that live near or adjacent to the project areas. Events such as the purchase of private lands across from Lily Lake, closure of the Lily Lake Visitor Center, urban growth near the Longs Peak Trailhead, and managing the Meeker Park Campground as an “overflow” facility has influenced how the neighbors view these facilities. The no-action alternative would perpetuate that view. Increasing population growth, recreation demand, mountain pine beetles, the growing threat of wildfire, and the implementation of fuel reduction projects and the Allenspark Community Wildfire Protection Plan have the greatest potential for influencing the impacts to nearby neighbors in the future.

Conclusion for Alternative A The no action alternative results in no new impacts to nearby landowners at Lily Lake, long-term, minor and adverse impacts to nearby landowners at the Longs Peak Trailhead, and long term neglibible to moderate impacts to nearby

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 128 landowners in the Meeker Park area. A summary of the impacts listed by topic can be found in Table 6, beginning on page 78. Management of the three areas would continue with no change. Current impacts to nearby neighbors would continue at current levels. Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Effects of Alternative B – Proposed Action Lily Lake Area The proposed development in the Lily Lake area is not expected to create additional impacts to nearby landowners.

Longs Peak Trailhead Longs Peak Campground/Trailhead - Conversion of the campground to trailhead parking would facilitate consolidation of dispersed and developed public parking for up to 250 parking spaces (247 visitor/3 administrative). This action, coupled with the prohibition of public parking elsewhere in the area (including Longs Peak Road) would directly mitigate conflict between users and adjacent private landowners. Trespass onto private property would decrease with defined parking within the park boundary. Design and construction of an entrance station in the future would help facilitate information dissemination and provide regulatory compliance information.

Removal of the campground would eliminate the risk of an escaped campfire for nearby landowners as well as any adverse air quality effects related to campfire smoke.

When considered as a whole, the proposed improvements at the Longs Peak Trailhead are expected to provide long-term moderate benefits to nearby landowners when compared to the No Action alternative.

Meeker Park Area Air Quality – Meeker Campground environmental education programs and signs would emphasize the adverse affects on local landowners and highway motorists from size and number campfires. Incentives such as reduced fees for camping without a campfire would be examined for feasibility if environmental education programs are ineffective at reducing smoke from use of campfires. The Forest Service would work with the community of Meeker if it considered implementing a voluntary ban on use of campfires and residential fires during periods of inversion. Environmental education signs would also be placed in the relocated Meeker Picnic Site for consistency. Discouraging public access on County Road 113 North and South is expected to reduce the number of dispersed campers using campfires along these roads.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 129 Air quality impacts to nearby landowners under the Proposed Action are expected to be long-term, moderate and adverse.

Water Quality – The design, reconstruction and proposed management of Meeker Campground and Picnic Site would mitigate many issues and concerns brought forward during the scoping period. Vault restrooms and grey water disposal sites would mitigate health/safety and water quality issues related to dispersed human waste. Providing developed campfire rings and/or barbecue pedestals would place a size constraint on campfires and mitigate the proliferation of campfires and related problems with mineralized soil. Paving access roads into facilities and clearly identifying use areas would mitigate proliferation of soil compaction, natural resource damage and unnecessary impacts to vegetation. Clearly defining road alignments, paving/hardening primary routes and installing vehicle barriers would mitigate excessive dust, road proliferation and issues of non-point source pollution from motor vehicles. Defining trails and related features would mitigate route proliferation, natural resource damage and erosion.

Water quality impacts to nearby landowners under the Proposed Action are expected to be long-term, minor and beneficial.

Noise Pollution – The new location and design of the expanded Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site would continue to prompt concerns from private landowners including noise from loud groups, the sound of generators, and the sound of vehicle engines. However, these concerns would be best mitigated under the proposed action alternative. With the removal of the existing picnic site on the east side of Hwy 7, public activity would only be incidental. Facility design and active regulatory compliance with proper signage at the Meeker Park Campground act as the mitigation foundation to address these issues. In addition, the active presence of a campground host would address noise issues when the campground is open to the public.

Noise impacts to nearby landowners under the Proposed Action are expected to be long-term, negligible and adverse.

Light Pollution – The new location and design of the expanded Meeker Park Campground and Picnic Site would continue to prompt concerns from private landowners including the illumination of the night sky from campfires, lanterns, headlights and large campfires. There would be the potential for increased illumination resulting from more campfires, lanterns and vehicles. However, these concerns would be best addressed under the proposed action alternative because of better design, management. With the removal of the existing picnic site on the east side of Hwy 7, public activity at night would not occur in that area. Facility design and the active presence of a campground host would help mitigate nighttime illumination issues when the campground is open to the public.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 130 Light pollution impacts to nearby landowners under the Proposed Action are expected to be long-term, negligible and adverse.

Trespass – The design, reconstruction and proposed management of Meeker Campground and Picnic Site would further mitigate issues and concerns brought forward during the scoping period. Problems with blowing trash, dogs off leash chasing and injuring domestic animals, and the possibility of vandalism to their private property would be best mitigated under the proposed action. With the absence of the existing picnic site, public activity would only be incidental on the east side of Highway 7. Facility design and active regulatory compliance with proper signage would act as the mitigation foundation to these issues while facilitating law enforcement effectiveness. In addition, active presence of 3 camp hosts and incorporating key management objectives in interpretation and environmental programs would actively address these nuisance behavior issues when the sites remain open to the public. Similar messages would be incorporated into interpretive theme activities on the proposed interpretive loop to promote awareness and improved compliance on the trail system. Discouraging use of County Roads 113 North and South is expected to reduce visitation thereby further reducing nuisance behaviors along these roads.

Emphasizing regulations identified in the proposed action and designing facilities and trails to streamline effectiveness would further mitigate nuisance behavior user conflict, health and safety problems, resource damage and other issues. These regulations either already exist or can be exercised under existing administrative authority and are not expected to result in adverse impacts to related users. Key regulations related to this planning effort include: • Use of unlicensed vehicles (i.e., ATVs and dirt bikes) would be prohibited within the project area, except on CR113 North and South (NFSR 231.2 and 229.1), respectively • Overnight camping would be prohibited within the project area, except within Meeker Campground during operational use season • Parking would be prohibited on roadways accessing or within Meeker Campground and Meeker Picnic Site unless otherwise posted or clearly designated • Horses would be prohibited within the Meeker Campground activity area • Recreational target shooting would be prohibited within the project area • Public access would be prohibited on the east side of Highway 7 within the project area • Seasonal closure of trails may be implemented if trails become unstable • Although not under Forest Service authority, work with Colorado Depart- ment of Transportation to prohibit parking on Highway 7, except for emergency parking

Prohibiting unlicensed vehicles (i.e., ATVs and dirt bikes) within the project area, except on CR113 North and South is in compliance with federal regulations and is

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 131 not expected to result in adverse impacts for related motorized users. Designating parking along roads accessing developed facilities is necessary to ensure success for maintaining physical carrying capacity for these areas while mitigating access related issues. Public parking on CR113 North and South would remain an opportunity but would be monitored and adaptive management actions implemented if parking issues escalate and do not meet planning objectives. The USFS would work with Colorado Department of Transportation to address parking issues along Highway 7 if this activity presents problems with meeting plan objectives. Seasonal closures of trails, prohibiting dispersed camping in certain areas, prohibiting public access in sensitive restoration areas and prohibiting horses within developed recreation sites can be exercised under existing regulatory/administrative authority, would not impact potential users, and are necessary to achieve planning objectives.

The inherent occupancy of nearby residences, developed facilities and high use trails coupled with their close proximity (within 300 yards) to areas accessible for incidental recreational target shooting necessitates formal prohibition of target shooting activities in this highly occupied recreation area. Recreational target shooting enthusiasts would be incidentally affected by this action as they would need to find other nearby areas in which to shoot safely. Incidental displacement to other nearby public land is not expected to adversely affect natural resources or result in user/private landowner conflict. Hunting opportunities remain unaffected by this action.

The measures stated above are expected to reduce Trespass impacts to nearby landowners as compared to the No Action alternative. Therefore, under the Proposed Action, the effects of trespass on nearby landowners are expected to be long-term, minor and beneficial.

Access – Relocating Meeker Picnic Site to the west side of Highway 7 near Meeker Campground, redesigning the access apron into the area, and more effectively signing the access would improve vehicle and pedestrian safety. Inappropriate u- turns on the highway and on adjacent private drives would decrease. Reducing ingress and egress to one location rather than continuing use of three locations helps mitigate traffic congestion and the potential need for acceleration /deceleration lanes. Average daily traffic counts are expected to remain somewhat constant with summer season average daily traffic counts increasing only slightly as population increases. The USFS would continue to work with Colorado Department of Transportation to ensure vehicle/pedestrian safety as average daily traffic counts or accident rates increase.

Signs would be placed on the highway to promote direct access to Meeker Campground and Picnic Site. Signs would also be placed at the entrance and along County Roads 113 North and South and work in concert with the highway signs to discourage vehicle access onto the County Roads. These actions coupled with

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 132 proposed dispersed camping prohibition, trail designations and related access control features are expected to reduce resource damage, threat of wildfire, and conflicts with private landowners along and adjacent to County Roads 113 North and South. The USFS would monitor the effectiveness of this action and, if necessary, implement adaptive management actions to achieve management objectives.

The access impacts to nearby landowners under the Proposed Action are expected to be long-term, moderate and beneficial.

Wildland Fire – The design, reconstruction and proposed management of Meeker Campground and Picnic Site would fully consider the threat of wildfire. This includes the requirement that all campfires be within a fire grate. The USFS remains responsible for implementing vegetation removal projects to create defensible space and retain forest health within and adjacent to its developed facilities. Facility design would consider implementation of vegetation treatment projects, potential pest infestation and protection of capital improvements, while acting as a good neighbor in the local community. Environmental education programs, signing and routine law enforcement patrols would emphasize fire prevention and encourage small campfires to further reduce threat of wildfire while reducing illumination of night sky. Prohibiting public access on the east side of Highway 7 and discouraging public access on County Road 113 North and South is expected to reduce the number of users, thereby reducing the threat of wildfire from dispersed recreation use.

Wildland fire impacts to nearby landowners under the Proposed Action are expected to be long-term, negligible and adverse.

Mountain Pine Beetle – Under Alternative B, the mountain pine beetle would continue to move through the area affecting large numbers of trees. Hazardous trees would continue to be felled and removed by USFS crews as they have been in the past. This area could be temporarily closed or experience a delayed opening in the spring due to hazard tree removal operations. Hiking on trails in the area may be restricted once the dead trees start to fall. Roads may be blocked by fallen trees. It would be expected that user-created roads and trails may be created around blocked areas leading to soil erosion and compaction, and watershed damage. The mountain pine beetle is not expected to spread as a result of this alternative. In this epidemic situation, the mountain pine beetle will spread regardless of management activities. Dry firewood brought into the campground would not usually contain live mountain pine beetle larva or mature beetles that could infect other trees.

Because the mountain pine beetle epidemic is outside the control of any land management agency, and given the hazard tree management protocols of the

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 133 USFS, the Proposed Action is expected to have a negligible impact on the spread of the mountain pine beetle to nearby landowners.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative B Increasing population growth, recreation demand, mountain pine beetles, the growing threat of wildfire, and the implementation of fuel reduction projects and the Allenspark Community Wildfire Protection Plan have the greatest potential for influencing the impacts to nearby neighbors in the future. These cumulative elements are not expected to contribute significantly to the direct impacts described in the previous section.

Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Effects of Alternative C Lily Lake Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B because the proposed action does not change under Alternative C.

Longs Peak Trailhead Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B because the proposed action does not change under Alternative C.

Meeker Park Air Quality – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 134 would include 6.18 acres of committed resources (areas that would be roads, campsites, vault toilets and other facilities) for expanding the campground to a total of 55 campsites. There would still be 10 acres of maintained area that includes the campground facility for picking up trash, cutting hazard trees and social trails. This proposal would include 2.54 acres of newly disturbed areas. The only difference would be in the size of the new picnic site and trailhead as described in the previous chapter.

Noise Pollution – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B, except the potential for noise may be reduced due to the increase in the number of tent-only sites. A fewer number of mixed use sites would reduce the potential for RVs with generators.

Light Pollution – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B.

Trespass – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B.

Wildland Fire – Same as Alternative B, except continued dispersed day use access and incidental dispersed overnight camping would more likely be a problem due to the reduced number of available mixed use campsites. Mitigating the threat of wildfire from campfires would be less effective under this alternative.

Mountain Pine Beetle – Effects are expected to be the same as described in Alternative B.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative C The cumulative effects are expected to be the same as for Alternative B.

Conclusion for Alternative C Implementation of the Alternative C would result in no new impacts to nearby landowners at Lily Lake, long-term moderate benefits to nearby landowners at the Longs Peak Trailhead, and the following impacts at Meeker Park: Air Quality Long-term, moderate, adverse Water Quality Long-term, minor, benefit Noise Pollution Long-term, negligible, adverse Light Pollution Long-term, negligible, adverse Trespass Long-term, minor, benefit Access Long-term, moderate, benefit Wildland Fire Long-term, negligible, adverse Pine Beetle Long-term, negligible, adverse

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 135 Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

Effects of Alternative D Lily Lake Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B because the proposed action does not change under Alternative D.

Longs Peak Trailhead Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B because the proposed action does not change under Alternative D.

Meeker Park Air Quality – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B, except for a lower non-measurable amount of smoke would be produced by reducing the number of camp sites to from 55 to 42.

Water Quality – The effects of the expansion of the Meeker Park Campground would be the same as those described under Alternative B with the exception of the amount of new disturbance and the amount of water depletion. This proposal would include 4.8 acres of committed resources (areas that would be roads, campsites, vault toilets and other facilities) for expanding to a total of 42 campsites. There would still be approximately 10 acres of maintained area that includes the campground facility for picking up trash, cutting hazard trees and user-created trails. This proposal would include include about 2.5 acres of newly disturbed areas. The only difference would be in the size of the new picnic site and trailhead as described in the previous chapter.

Noise Pollution – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B, except the potential for noise may be reduced by a non-measurable amount due to the reduced number of camp sites. A fewer number of mixed use sites would reduce the potential for RVs with generators.

Light Pollution – Effects are expected to be the same as Alternative B, except for there is the potential for a slightly fewer number of campfires, lanterns and vehicle headlights as a result of fewer campsites.

Trespass – Effects are expected to be the same as described in Alternative B.

Access – Same as Alternative B, except continued dispersed day use access and incidental dispersed overnight camping would more likely be a problem due to the reduced number of available mixed use campsites. Mitigating the threat of wildfire from campfires would be less effective under this alternative.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 136 Wildland Fire – Same as Alternative B, except continued dispersed day use access and incidental dispersed overnight camping would more likely be a problem due to the reduced number of available mixed use campsites. Mitigating the threat of wildfire from campfires would be less effective under this alternative.

Mountain Pine Beetle – Effects are expected to be the same as described in Alternative B.

Cumulative Effects for Alternative D The cumulative effects are expected to be the same as described under Alternative B.

Conclusion for Alternative D Implementation of the Alternative C would result in no new impacts to nearby landowners at Lily Lake, long-term moderate benefits to nearby landowners at the Longs Peak Trailhead, and the following impacts at Meeker Park: Air Quality Long-term, moderate, adverse Water Quality Long-term, minor, benefit Noise Pollution Long-term, negligible, adverse Light Pollution Long-term, negligible, adverse Trespass Long-term, minor, benefit Access Long-term, moderate, benefit Wildland Fire Long-term, negligible, adverse Pine Beetle Long-term, negligible, adverse

Implementation of this alternative would not result in any unacceptable impacts and is consistent with §1.4.7.1 of NPS Management Policies 2006.

SHORT-TERM USES AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY______

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires consideration of “the relationship between short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity” (40 CFR 1502.16). As declared by Congress, this includes using “all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans” (NEPA, sec. 101[a]).

The proposed action and alternatives are expected to implement ground- disturbing activities through tree removal, slash pile burning, roadwork, and other activities associated with campground and trailhead construction, reconstruction and restoration. Such activities would produce short-term effects on soil, water

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 137 quality, scenery and wildlife habitat as summarized in this document and described in detail in the Specialist’s report for each resource analyzed. Proposed activities could result in a decrease in long-term soil productivity for areas of detrimentally disturbed soils. Stream channel conditions, water quality, and aquatic species habitat would be protected and would not be adversely impacted over the long term by proposed activities. Unless adequately mitigated by pre- and post-implementation treatment, invasive plant species could spread into disturbed areas and contribute to a decrease in long-term productivity of botany, wildlife, and vegetation resources.

SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED DISCLOSURES

Endangered Species Act Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any threatened or endangered species, or for the proposed action result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats.

Interagency cooperation between the Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding proposed, threatened, or endangered species is described in Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Definitions relating to “consultation” and “conference” are given in FSM supplement 2600-90-6.

An updated list of Federally Listed and Candidate Species for Colorado was received from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Colorado Field Office; Lakewood, Colorado dated August 22, 2003. The letter and list are on file in the project analysis file. The species list was used as a basis for the analysis of threatened, endangered, and proposed species for this project.

Effects of Alternatives on Social Groups There would be no overall differences between alternatives in effects on minorities, Native American Indians, women, or the civil liberties of any American citizen.

Effects on Floodplains and Wetlands To meet the goals of Executive Order 11988, the project must not significantly increase flood hazards and must preserve the resource values of floodplains. To meet the goals of Executive Order 11990, the project must preserve the resource values of wetlands. Both floodplain and wetland values are preserved by this project, meeting the intent of the executive orders and through the implementation of the Watershed Conservation Practices and project design criteria.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 138 Energy Requirements and Conservation Potential of Alternatives The energy required to implement the alternatives in terms of petroleum products would be insignificant when viewed in light of the production costs and effects of the national and worldwide petroleum reserves. The Proposed Action may serve to reduce overall petroleum product use if some of the bi-products of the treatments are processed into wood chips and are used for co-generation of electricity and heating.

Effects of Alternatives on Prime Rangeland, Forest Land, and Farm Land The alternatives presented are in compliance with Federal Regulations for prime lands. The definition of prime forestland does not apply to lands within the National Forests and National Parks. The Project Area contains no prime farmlands or rangelands. In all alternatives, Federal lands would be managed with the appropriate consideration to the effects on adjacent lands.

Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations directs federal agencies to integrate environmental justice considerations into federal programs and activities. Environmental justice means that, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, all populations are provided the opportunity to comment before decisions are rendered on, are allowed to share in the benefits of, are not excluded from, and are not affected in a disproportionately high and adverse manner by government programs and activities affecting human health or the environment (E.O. 12898 and Departmental Regulation 5600-2).

The action alternative would not have a discernible effect on minorities, American Indians, or women, or the civil rights of any United States citizen. No alternative would result in a disproportionate adverse impact on minorities or low-income individuals.

Climate Change There is a lack of sufficient scientific information to predict and measure the changes in health, diversity, and productivity of forest systems due to global climate change. In light of this uncertainty, we do not believe that better decisions will result from including a discussion of global climate change in environmental documents at the project level. Evaluation of global change effects for long-term regional or national programs may be appropriate in the future when scientifically based research removes the uncertainties associated with this topic. It is anticipated that any change to global climate that may result from this project would be so small that incrementally there would be no measurable change at a world-wide scale. Climate change effects will not be discussed further in this document.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 139 Transportation Analysis Any project decision made on National Forest System lands after January 12, 2002, that involves road construction or reconstruction including temporary roads, must have a completed Transportation Analysis. A Transportation Analysis has been completed for the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan and is located in the Project File.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 140 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

Project Team Members The following individuals served as interdisciplinary team members who conducted the environment analysis and prepared reports that support this Environmental Assessment.

Table 7 - Interdisciplinary Team for the Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan Name Title Responsibility Mark Martin Planning Team Project Leader, Writer Leader Larry Gamble RMNP Liaison Planning and Compliance Ed Perault Recreation Specialist Recreation Assessment, Project Desi- gn Kathy Carsey Botanist Plant Inventory and Analysis, Inva- sive Plant Assessment, Biological Evaluation Kevin Zimlinghaus Silviculturist Vegetation Management, Silvicultur- ist Deanna Williams Wildlife Biologist Biological Assessment, Biological Evaluation Terry Savery Hydrologist Water Resources Analysis Kathy Sevier GIS Specialist Project Area Mapping, Analysis Sup- port Eric Schroder Soil Scientist Soil Inventory and Analysis Bill Janowsky Fish Biologist Fish and Habitat Inventory and Analysis Kevin Colby Landscape Architect Scenery Analysis and Project Design Laura Pramuk Public Affairs Public Meetings, Public Information Specialist Paul Alford Archaeologist Cultural Heritage Resource Inventory and Analysis

The USFS and the NPS contacted, consulted, or collaborated with the following organizations, Federal, State, and local agencies, and tribes during the development of this environmental assessment:

FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES: State of Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Colorado Division of Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Colorado Department of Transportation

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 141 TRIBES: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma Northern Arapaho Tribe Northern Ute Tribe Northern Cheyenne Tribe Southern Ute Tribe

OTHERS: Tahosa Valley Landowners Association Larimer County Commissioners Boulder County Commissioners

List of Recipients

GOVERNMENTAL OFFICE OF REP. BETSY ALLENSPARK FPD BOARD MARKEY ALLENSPARK WATER & SANITATION OFFICE OF REP. JARED POLIS BOULDER COUNTY COMMISIONERS OFFICE OF REP. JOHN BOULDER COUNTY PARKS SALAZAR CITY OF LONGMONT OFFICE OF SENATOR MARK CITY OF LOVELAND UDALL CO. DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE OF SENATOR MICHAEL COLO. STATE FOREST SERVICE BENNET COLO. FISH & WILDLIFE ASSISTANCE SOUTHERN ARAPAHO TRIBE COLORADO DIVISION OF SOUTHERN UTE TRIBE WILDLIFE ST. VRAIN & LEFT HAND WCD COLORADO HISTORICAL TOWN OF ESTES PARK SOCIETY TOWN OF FERNCLIFF COLORADO HOUSE DIST. 13 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF COLORADO HOUSE DIST. 49 ENINGEERS COLORADO SENATE DIST. 16 U.S. BUREAU OF COLORADO SHPO RECLAMATION ESTES PARK CVB UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO EPA U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE ESTES PARK VFD EVRPD LIBRARIES FIRE EDUCATION BOULDER PUBLIC LIBRARY COORDINATOR ESTES PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY LARIMER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FORT COLLINS PUBLIC LIBRARY NCWCD JUNIPER LIBRARY LONGMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY NORTHERN ARAPAHO LOVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY BUSINESS COUN. NORTHERN ARAPAHO MEDIA CULTURE COMM. ALLENSPARK WIND OFFICE OF DIANA DEGETTE ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE OFFICE OF MARK UDALL LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD LONGMONT TIMES-CALL

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 142 BOULDER DAILY CAMERA AMERICAN LAND ALLIANCE FORT COLLINS COLORADOAN ANDERSON FAMILY CABIN TRUST DENVER POST ANN E BAKER TRUST ARNOLD FAMILY LIVING TRUST BUSINESSES AUDUBON SOCIETY ALLENSPARK LIVERY B ROBERTSON COHEN TRUST ALPINE MOUNTAIN RANCH BACKCOUNTRY PARACHUTISTS AMERICA'S ADVENTURE BERNADINE M PASTORE TRUST ASPEN LODGE, LLC BETTY M JACKSON TRUST BAR D RANCH LLC BIG THOMPSON 4 WHEEL CLUB BEAUDON, LLC BIODIVERSITY ASSOCIATES BOULDER OUTDOOR CENTER BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION CABE LAND COMPANY INC ALLIANCE CHELEY COLORADO CAMPS, INC BLUE HERON HOLDING LLC COVENANT HEIGHTS CONF CTR BLUE SPRUCE CHALET TRUST ESTES PARK OUTFITTERS BLUM TRUST FOUR SONS, LLC BOULDER COUNTY NATURE FOUR-D-FIVE RANCH ASS'N. GSA - MOUNTAIN PRAIRIE COUNCIL CAMP ST MALO HIGHLANDS CAMP CENTER FOR NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS HULL & COMPANY, INC CLARENCE JOHNSON TRUST JUTOJAKA MTN PROPERTIES LLC CNHP KENT MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES CNHP KJELDGAARD FARMS, INC COLO. ENVIRONMENTAL LANE GUEST RANCH COALITION LH FARMS INC COLO. NATURAL AREAS MEADOW MTN WATER SUPPLY CO PROGRAM MEEKER PARK LODGE COLO. WILDLIFE HERITAGE FUND. PEACEFUL VALLEY RANCH COLORADO MOUNTAIN CLUB PICKENS RESOURCE CORP COLORADO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL ROCKY RIDGE MUSIC CENTER COLORADO MULE DEER ASS'N. ROUND RIVER, LLC COLORADO OPEN LANDS SOMBRERO RANCHES, INC. COLORADO WILD SPRUCEDALE, INC COLORADO WILDLIFE HERITAGE ST. MALO RETREAT FOUND. THE WORLD OUTDOORS CONCERNED CITIZENS OF TREVARTON RANCH LLC ALLENSPARK TRIPLE CREEK RANCH CO COPELAND COUNTRY CLUB LLP TRIPLE CREEK RANCH MAINT CRISTY J COLEMAN TRUST WILD BASIN LODGE CRYSTAL SPRINGS ASSOCIATION WIND RIVER RANCH DANNEN LIVING TRST YMCA OF THE ROCKIES DIANE E GISH TRUST ZYXW HOLDING LTD DONALD & AUDREY WHITE TRUST DONALD COLGATE TRUST ORGANIZATIONS DRY ST. VRAIN PROJECT ALLENSPARK AREA CLUB DUDLEY RAYMOND ELKINS TRUST ALLENSPARK COMMUNITY ELIZABETH A SHOFFNER TRUST CHURCH ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB ESTES VALLEY LAND TRUST

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 143 EVIA NEW COVENANT CHURCH FRITSCHEL FAMILY TRUST NORTH ST VRAIN TRUST G W SHEEDER CABIN TRUST NPCA GARA A CRULL TRUST NRCS GENE S HORNBEIN TRUST O D HOWE TRUST GEORGE L BRACKSIECK TRUST PATRICIA A GALLAGHER TRUST GEORGE M BEAL TRUST PISTONE FAMILY TRUST GLENN & LOUISE HALL TRUST RAYMOND H LECKBEE TRUST GLENN E RICHARSON TRUST REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST GREAT OLD BROADS FOR RICHARE & TERRY AMEND TRUST WILDERNESS ROBERS FAMILY TRUST GROICHER LIVING TRUST ROBERT E HINSHAW TRUST HAROLD W DEETS TRUST ROBERT R PAYNE TRUST HAZEL E WALL LIFE ESTATE ROBERT V THOMPSON TRUST HELEN L DIEHL TRUST ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATURE HESSE FAMILY TRUST ASS'N. HILLTOP GUILD ROCKY MOUNTAIN RUSH, LLC HUTCHINS FAMILY TRUST ROCKY MTN ELK FOUNDATION HYDE LIVING TRUST ROCKY MTN. REC. INITIATIVE IMBA RUTH T GRIMES TRUST J B CABIN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP SALVATION ARMY JAMES SCHWADE TRUST SEEDLE TRUST JANE E GORDON TRUST SHEEDER MOUNTAIN TRUST JANE K LAWRENCE TRUST SIERRA CLUB JANICE J APRSONS TRUST SOUTHERN ROCKIES FOREST JEANE E MOORE TRUST NETWORK JEO HOLDINGS, LLC SRCA FOREST ORGANIZER JONODOMY LLC STEINER FAMILY TRUST JOSEPHINE L ROSAUER TRUST STUCKI FAMILY TRUST JOYANNE MATTHES TRUST SUSAN M SYNOVEC TRUST KATHLEEN HUMPHREY FAMILY SUSANNE S BERGERON TRUST PROP. THE BARBICON KIRKPATRICK LIVING TRUST THE CONSERVATION FUND LA CHIRIPA LLC THE MARY E MARTIN TRUST LAND AND WATER FUND THE NATURE CONSERVANCY LAVINA RAYE HOPFE TRUST THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY LEGACY LAND TRUST THOMAS R BRADLEY TRUST LINDSAY LAMSON TRUST TORRENCE COLO PROPERTY LLOYD C LANE TRUST TRUST LOST BROOK QUAL PERSONAL TROUT UNLIMITED RES TUCKER TRUST MARA A MATHER TRUST TURNER FAMILY REVOCABLE MARGARET VOIGT TRUST TRUST MARY E MCKAY TRUST TAHOSA VALLEY LANDOWNERS MELVIN & HELEN ENOCH TRUST ASSOC MICHAEL J SANDERS TRUST UPPER N. ST. VRAIN MOORE LIVING TRUST LANDOWNERS NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION WAYNE & LEONA YEAROUS

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 144 TRUST GRACE E BERG WCFLP RE WIND RIVER, LP SUSANNE S BERGERON WHITCHURCH FAMILY TRUST JOHN A & AMY M BICE WILDERNESS WATCH JOHN BIDWELL WILDLANDS CPR RENEE BILITZ WILMA G BRYSON TRUST NORTON A BILLINGS WINCENTSEN HARMS TRUST DARRYL D BINDSCHADLER WINDANCE, RLLP CATHIE JO BIRD WINTHROW LANDERS PC WILLIAM P & CLAUDIA GAIL BISHOP WRA BERNICE C BISHOP YAGI TRUST JAMES H & FRANCES K BLACKBURN YVONNE S ALLEN TRUST ROCKIE L BLISS GEORGE C & VIRGINIA B BOWER Individuals SUSAN BOWERS ALLEN H AARDSMA ROBERT P BOWLES THOMAS L ABBOTT JAMES A & CLAUDIA J BOX GARY L. ABBUHL JANE BOYER TAMMY & GEORGE ACKERMAN ROBERT M BRADEN ETAL NORMAN & PATRICIA ADAMS L ROBERT BRANCH NORMAN W & PATRICIA A ADAMS BECKY L BRANDLI RHONDA BLOCK ALSTAD MARGOT L. BRAUCHLI ALAN DOUGLAS AMSDEN JOHN PAUL & DEBORAH L BRAZILL BETH ANDERSON JOHN FORD & DIANE V BRENT EVERETT R ANDERSON KENNETH L & VIRGINIA EILEEN BROCK PAUL & MELISSE ANDERSON JERRY D BROOKS RODNEY A & HELEN SUE ANDERSON THOMAS D & JEAN W BROWER THOMAS J & LAVERNE A ANDERSON CHARLES E & SHIRLEY A BROWN DAVID/LELAND ANGUS KEITH WILLIAM BROWN LANA M ARBUTHNOT NANCY GRIFFIN BROWN RENE F & KATHLEEN A ARCHAMBAULT DEBBY BROWNE MARY ANN ARMSTRONG DEBORAH K BROWNE IDABELLE V ARNDT ROBERT R & ADDIE L BROWNLEE KATHY ASCHE KENNETH R & JUDITH M BROWNSBERGER KURT D & KERRIE B BADERTSCHER MARGARET BRUGGER JANICE L BAILEY MICHAEL L BRYANT ALISON ANNE BALDWIN GREG BUCKHORN L DUANE & JOANNE E BALL GREG & RUTH BUCKHORN LESTER J & MARIAN C BALLERINE MARK M & LAURIE JEAN BUCKINGHAM SARAH BASSOW ROBERT A BUETTNER SHARON BOLES BATCHELDER CHRISTOPHER B BULLOCK STEVE & PAT BATES DORIS J BUNCE TERESA BAUER BRUCE R BURGAN GERRITT POST BEAN HOWARD BURKHART CYNTHIA BEEBE GEORGE & BETSY BUSH ANDY BENNETT GRANVILLE M BUSH IV PAUL/MELISSA BENNETT ELIZABETH C BUTLER MEGAN KATHLEEN BENSON MARJORIE A BUTTS, TRUSTEE MAGRETHA MAE BENTZ ROBERT WAGNER CALHOUN BEVERLY JANE BERG WM B & MARY A CALHOUN

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 145 DEAN R & BETTY JEAN CALVIN RANDALL W & REBECCA A DAVIS MARVIN N & DONNA M CAMERON JOSEPH J DAVIS JR RODNEY CAPRON DIANNE D DAWSON THOMAS ALAN CARGILL PETER DAWSON DAVID N CARGO CAROLINE J DE DREU GEORGE B CARLSON JOYCE GARRETT DEBIASE MARY LYNN CASE JEAN DEJONGE BAYARD S & CRISTYN B CASEY ALAN A & ALBERT N & DEL PIZZO JEAN A CASTLE DARTT J & CARYN DEMAREE KATHRYN ANNE CHANDLER-MCPHAIL JOHN DALE DEMAREE DIANE M CHICOINE ELIZABETH G DEMMON MARY L CHILDERS MARGE DEMOUDT KAREN LEE CLARK MARLENE & TOM DETMAN ROBERT S/LIANA G CLARK KEITH L & MARIAN C DEVER MARGARET MARIE CLAUSSEN LAURA LEE DEVER THERESE LOEFFLER CLEMENS MERRILL & ADAM DEVITO JAMES E & SHARON L CLEMENT MARY EDITH DEWEESE JAMES E. CLEMENT SARAH L DICKINSON ALTA COATS JOSEPH J DIGREGORIO JOE COLE JOHN G DINGS STEPHEN D & BARBARA M COLES E DION CHRISTIAN J/DIANE H COLLINET PAUL & NORMA DIRKS NORMAN E & PAULINE J CONRAD J ROBERT/ROSALIND S DOAK GERALD A & KATHLEEN CONWAY PHILIP B & MAXINE M DOHERTY JODIE D COOPER JAMES DOLAN KEVIN COOPER HELEN DONAHUE HOWARD COOPERSMITH MICHAEL H & WARREN DONAHUE VERLEE A & ELLIS P COPELAND ROSEMARY & BRIAN O DONAHUE VIRGINIA S COSTELLO MICHAEL L DOUCET JOHN W & JACQUELINE A COTSHOTT PHYLLIS MELTON DOWLING HUGH COWDIN JOHN B & DIANA L DOYLE HUGH P & JULIETTE L COWDIN CLAUDIA CAE DUNCAN MONROE S & EARLENE I COX GARY DUNCKEL GREGORY M & KAREN K COX BUD DURYEA ROBERT D & BONNIE E COX VERNON C & CONNIE M DUSEK DAN G & ADRIENNE F CRANE MICHAEL A & RUTH S DZIK KEVIN CULHANE DARYL L & EDNA K & MARILYN E BARU EASLEY SHIRLEY ROSE CUMPSTEN ET AL ROBERT R & ALICE M EASTERDAY MARGIE CUNNINGHAM JOHN L & SHERRY J EASTIN KENNETH P CURRY CLARKE G & CATHERINE E EDWARDS BERT CUSHING TIM L. EDWARDS NANCY L TROXELL DAHL ROBERT L ESSMAN ET AL MICHAEL J DALEY MICHAEL JOHN ESTES ROBERT DALTON DONALD P EVANS DANIEL & SUSAN DAMICO ROBERT E & DIANA L EVENSON KERRY DARBY CECILIA & DAVID EVERSON DOUGLAS & NANCY DASHNER GREGORY L & LINDA M FALCONER DOUGLAS M DASHNER KAREN J FARESTAD JERRY T DAVIS LANCE H & LETITIA A FARRELL

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 146 MICHAL E. FEDER R E GREEN LOUISEMARIE FEDORKO CHRISTOPHER S GREENE RENATE FERNANDEZ JOHN BRUCE, JR GREGG ARLENE FIENE JOHN T/MARGARET GREGORY MIKE FIGGS LEONARD L & LUCILLE M GREGORY MEDA H FISHER RUTH E GREIG, TRUSTEE B JOAN FLATT MICHAEL A GRIFFITH CALDWELL J FLOOK ANDREW GRIFFITHS MARK D FORD ANDREW T GRIFFITHS JUDY & BERNARD FORMIDONI RON & DIANE GRUCHOW VICKY L FOSTER VICTORIA CLARE HAAS CHARLES A & CANDACE R FOUTS JOSEPH C & JANE S HADDEN ROBERT R & LINDA J FOWLER BILL C HAGGARD ET AL BILL LELAND FOX MICHAEL P HAGGERTY III JOHN G FOX WILLIAM W & WILMA J HAHN WARREN T & CAROL A FRANCKE DEBORA LYNN HALE DANNA FRENCH JOHN W & BARBARA JEAN HALL GEORGE W & HELEN L FRICK WILLIAM J HALLIGAN III MICHAEL W & KARYL K FRICK MARC B & MYROON HALPERN JOHN H & BETTY J FRITTS PAUL A HAMES JON A & KAREN W FUERST DAVID B. HAMILTON DEANNA D FULTON CAROLYN & BILL HANCOCK MERCEDES GABEL WILLIAM & CAROLYN HANCOCK PATRICIA GALLAGHER RICHARD & JULIE HANKS GILBERT O GALLEGOS BARRY HANNIGAN ROGER L GALLOWAY BARRY T & MARY L HANNIGAN THOMAS C & LINDA K GARDNER GAYLE & HOWARD HARMS DAVID E & DIANA S GARLAND KATHLEEN EDNA HARNEY GERAL DEAN GARRETT SUSAN HARRIS VERLA S GARRISON RICHARD K HARVEY RICHARD C & LAURA A M GEPPINGER JAMES & MARY HATCHETTE O LEE/RUTH B GIBSON JAMES B/MARY F HATCHETTE GLENN 0 GIFFIN II MICHAEL DAVID & LIBERTA M HATTEL ANITA M GILBERTSON A DANIEL HAUSE TERESA R GILL ALBERT DANIEL & GISELE ROXANN HAUSE ANN GILLIS STANLEY HAVLICK STANLEY BENJAMIN GLADE GAGE T & ANDREA S HAZEN GREG GLATZMAIER DOUGLAS L & JANET W HAZLETT HENRY ALAN GLOVER ROBERT S & MARY JANE HENDERSON VIRGINIA E GOEBEL CAROL HENNING JOSEPH M GOLDHAMMER PAUL/RUTH HENNING J DOUGLAS GOMERY PATSY HENSHAW ELIZABETH GOOD NEIL H HERMAN JOHN D GORBY JILL D/LONNIE G HERSH RONALD A & JO ALEEN D GOSNELL ERVIN & MARIE HESTERBERG RONALD M & SUE ANN GRABRIAN LEILA R HEWITT PHYLLIS GRAHAM ETAL ANABEL G HEYEN THOMAS W & JUDY L GRAMOWSKI JAMES H HICKMAN CATHERINE GRAY ROBERT K & JOAN P HILL

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 147 KATHERN J HINRICHS RAYMOND E KELLER CHRIS & WENDY HLADICK BARBARA ELLEN KENNEDY KIM E HOEKSTRA CHARLES L KERCHNER CHRISTOPHER A & LORI L HOFFMAN BONNIE B & BERNARD A KERSHNER FLORENCE G HOFFMANN KEITH K & PHYLLIS F KETCHAM RICHARD W HOFFMANN SIRI JODHA & JITKA KHALSA DENNIS P & LINDA G HOLLER CHRISTOPHER C KILEY PAMELA K HOLLOWAY LINDA D KIMPLE TRUST ISABELLE TRUSCOTT HOLMES EDWARD L & JOY K KING WILLIAM C HOOK KAREN K KING BARBARA BURTON HOOVER TRICIA KING-SAULNIER BARBARA BURTON HOOVER ROBERT A & DEBORAH Y KIPP TRUSTEES CONRAD D & MARTHA A HOPP JOHN KITELEY MELVIN HORNECKER CELESTE HOLDER KLING MARY LUE HOTTEL MICHAEL GARY KNEE ESTHER L HOUTZ MARLENA KOCHNER RAYMOND T & ANN T HUESEMANN JOHN PAUL KOCHNER II JONATHAN L HUIE GRETA M KOEHLER KOEHLER GORDON V/LOREE A HULPIEU VALERIE J KOHLMAN JAMES A HUMPHREY THOMAS & BARBARA ANN KOSTOHRYZ PHYLLIS JACK HUNLEY CAROL LENA KOVNER MARY R HUNTER WALTER E KRIER STAN & MARGARET HUNTTING NILS C & DENICE Y KRISTOFFERSEN PHYLLIS J HURLBURT LAWRENCE A & WILMA M KROHA ROBERT M & JOAN E HURLEY VICTOR W & CONSTANCE E KRUDWIG THOMAS J HUSH ALICE L KRUGMAN J WAYNE & JOYCE B HUTCHENS NANCY E KRUSEN CAROLYN HUTTON DAVID W KUNTZ DON P INGLIS ET AL CHRIS & RITA KURELJA GLENN E JACOBS COL ROBERT & MARGARET D KURTH ROBIN A JANKOWSKI DUANE L & SUSAN P LAKE MARY LUCILLE JANSEN BOYD N & MARILYN P LAMARSH ROBERT M & TOSHIKO JASPERSON MARGARET M LAMMERS MARK A. JAUDES GARY A LANDERS MARK A/PAMELA G JAUDES DONALD C & SUSAN L LANDWER BEVERLY A JOHNSON DAVID LANE JAMES G & CYNTHIA M JOHNSON GEORGE O LANGER LYNN F & DALE S JOHNSON JACKSON E/JANET L LANGFORD MARY JOHNSON MATTHEW C & LAURA L LARSON MARY I JOHNSON MARGARET A LAUGHLIN THOMAS R JOHNSON ARABY LEARY MICHAEL C & MICHELE JOHNSTON NANCY D LEDERER STEVEN C & NANCY J JUEDES DAVID A & ELIZABETH B LEONARD CLAUDIA F KAFADAR STEVEN C LETH GREGG H KALBFLEISCH ALFRED G & TAMARA D LEWIS MERCEDES M KAPOUN GEORGE J/JOAN G LEWIS RICHARD KAUFFMAN RICHARD M LIRTZMAN CHARLES KAY DAVID A LISSNER JOHN M. KEABLES ANN E/ROGER C LOTT

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 148 MARC ALAN & LISA MARIE & LOTTMAN MARY E. MCKAY JOHN O U LOVE III GERALD H & LEIGH ANN MCKENNA RICHARD J & MARGARET O LUCK MICHAEL C MCNELLAN ROBERT E & JANET W LUDLUM VICKIE H MEAD ROY C & MARGARET LUDWICK DONALD L & BARBARA JO MEADE PHILIP A & SUSAN K LUTGENDORF HERMAN MEDAK ORCENA LYLE SUSAN L MEDAK MICHAEL V & DIXIE F MADDEN CONNIE L MERRIT ELIZABETH COOPER MAECK ROBERT EUGENE MESSERSMITH CHRIS J MAGNUSON LONA C MESSINGER GARY MAGUIRE MARILYN J METZGER JANET K MAHLMAN HARRY H JR MEYER JOSEPH R MALLON JR MARK MILLER STEPHEN W & CYNTHIA L MARDEN MARK A & HOLLY MILLER FRANK L & MONICA A MARICS ELLSWORTH L & PEGGY B MILLS JEFFREY HILL & CATHY J MARK ERYN V MILLS BEV MARSHMAN MURIEL MILLS BRADLEY D MARTIN DOUGLAS J & BETH MINARD MINARD DANIEL & HELEN MARTIN R. MINTER DENNIS MARTIN GUS & MYRNA D MIRCOS DONALD W & JOYCE O MARTIN BETTY NORRIS MITCHELL PAUL A MARTIN FAMILY PARTNERSHIP MITCHELL WILLIAM E & V JUANITA MARTIN JAMES S MITCHELL LEE PHILLIP MARTIN TRUSTEE BARBARA L MITCHELL TRUSTEE ARNOLD A MARTINEZ WM B & MARY E MOELLER ROBERT R MATCHETT RICHARD A & YVONNE L MONTEFERRANTE DONALD H & SHIRLEY L MATHENY WILLIAM A & LINDA MORRIS STAN & MARY MATHER ALBERT N MOSES WILBUR E MAUCK SUSAN E MOSSBERG BARRY D & MARGARET M MAUERMAN CHARLES L MUELDENER L ALBERTSON MAURICE JAMES T & EILEEN J MULLEN CLYDE A & BARBARA A MAXEY JAMES T & EILEEN J MULLEN SUSAN J MAXSON CHARLES E & MARIE K MUMPER VINCENT P MAZZOTTA IDA J NEFF JOHN C MCCARTY JANE H NELSON PATRICK W MCCARY SANDY J NELSON BYRON R & SHARON A MCCONNELL NORMAN L/SARAH C NESBIT BONNIE LEA MCCORKHILL BILL & JANICE NEWMAN THOMAS R & MARY M MCCOY DEAN G & MARGARET ANN NEWMAN KENNETH H & MARY L MCCREIGHT DONALD P & ELIZABETH A NEWTON MARJORIE MCCULLOCH SUZANNE NICOLET GLENN W MCDONALD HUGH T & SUSAN J NIERENGARTEN JOHN WILLIAM & LINDA BETH MCDONALD ERIK/THOMAS C NILSSON ROBERT & COLETTE MCDONALD LESLIE L & SUSAN J NOE ROD MCFAIN ROBERT L NOELL CAROLYN D MCFALL CLIFFORD L NOLL SCOTT & CAROLYN MCFALL CLAUDIA JANE & DONALD R NORDWALL ROBERT MCGUIRE GORDON S NOVAK DAVE MCINTIRE DAVID K & PHEBE L NOVIC

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 149 KENT C & PATRICIA V NYGREN RAYMOND & MARLIES RAEMAEKERS TAMARA DAVIES ODEAN RAYMOND & MARLIES RAEMAEKERS THOMAS L F & JOHANNA M OHLSSON JAMES A. RAINGUET KATHARINE H OLIVER FRED W RAINGUET JR MARY LYNN OLIVER TRUSTEE ELIZABETH A RASMUSSEN DAVID O & PEGGY JO OLSON STEPHEN & JULIE RATH STEPHEN J & MARY ANN OMEARA DELORES S REDUS RICHARD J & CHARLENE R OPPERMANN KATHERINE MARIE REED THOMAS D & CLAUDIA A OSA WILLIAM W & SANDRA G REICHARDT ROBERT M & REBECCA L OSMUN JEANNE ANN REICHSTADT DANIEL M OSTROWSKI JANE H. RICHEMANN MARK R & SALLY B OTIS DOROTHY RICKETTS JANICE OTT ROGER P & BARBARA RICKETTS GRACE M/CHARLES E PAGE DAVID W. RIEHEMANN JAN PARKER MONICA D RIFFE EVELYN E PARKER DAVID E RING MONA & JOHN PASSARO JANET ROBERTSON CECIL F PASTORE JANET E & DAVID ROBERTSON ALBERT & DAVID D PATTERSON JANET K & FRANK E ROBITAILLE DONALD G & SHARON A PATTERSON MARGARET A ROEHL JERRY PATTERSON MARK D/LISA L ROELLIG LEONARD NORMAN PAULU JOAN M. ROGERS WILLIAM D PEIRCE KELLY MACAULEY ROGERS CAROLYN S PEMBERTON CARL A ROHNKE CHERYL L PENNINGTON CLYDE P & BEVERLY L RUCH ANDREW PERCHLIK ETAL LOIS RUNDELL NICK M & JANET M PETERS THOMAS J/DEBORAH L RYAN DORWIN PETERSON DAVID P & SHIRLEY A SAFFRY GRETCHEN ANN PFUETZE DAVID P & SHIRLEY A SAFFRY JOHN T PICKENS WAYNE R & MARGARET A SAND THOMAS R & PATRICIA M PICKRELL STEVEN J & LINDA L SANDERS MARLEA J PIETENPOL KATHERINE K SANDMEIER DAVID G PILLMORE CHRIS/BETH ROOT SANDVOSS JOHN W & GLORIA J PINDIAK MICHAEL RICHARD SAUCIER FRANK S & ELIZABETH B PITTMAN GLADYS ELAINE SCHEID CONSTANCE M PLATT ROBERT D. SCHICK JUDY POHLMAN LILLIAN E SCHILLING H HARRISON & ELLEN CAY POMTIER CONNIE SCHMIDT JOHN STEVEN POOL JOHN E & LAURA J SCHOPBACH GLENN E/JUDY L PORZAK ROBERT C/NANCY M SCHORR LEANNA KAY POTTS ERIC C & BARBARA J CILETTI SCHREIBER JUANITA MERLE POWELL GAIL D SCHULTZ ALAN P PRICE C.D. SEEDLE LUCILLE W & WILLIAM E PULLIAM CLYDE DONALD SEEDLE PAGE PULVER ROBIN & MARK P SEGUIN THEODORE GEORGE QUADLANDER DONALD WAYNE SENCENBAUGH ROGER D & JOY D LIVING TRUST 1/2 & QUINN LARRY SEXTON DAYTON & ANN RABEN JAMIE JOHN SEYLER EDWARD C RADEMACHER WILLIAM G SHAFROTH

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 150 NEIL GEORGE SHANNON JOHN G & PAMELA S STREET JERRY M SHAPINS TOM P STREET FRAULENA SHAW BETTY J STRICKLAND KENNETH R & ERIN D SHELBY BERNARD E. STROM ROGER SHERMAN III BERNIE STROM LARA SHOOK LUANNE M. STROM FRANKLIN F SHORT PAUL R & CAROLEE C STROM ROBERT A & KAREN K SHORT TOBIN STROM MARTHA L SHOUP ET AL DUFF J & KIM M STROUMBOS ELDON LEE & BONNIE J SHULTZ RONALD A & JANICE I STRUNK STEPHEN J SILKWORTH CAROL L SUMMERS JAMES BOYD SIMMONS CHARLES OLIN SUNDBERG MOLLY SIMMONS MICHAEL SUTAK PAUL M SIMPSON JR THOMAS M SUTHERLAND ANNALEE D SIMS EUGENE C SWANSON NATHALIE B SIMSAK JAMES A SWEDRAS JIM & KIM SINCOX VINCENT JAMES TAGLIAVORE DEBORAH L SKROCH LISA M TALLMAN B C SLACK MARK S & SHARON K TAYLOR KATHLEEN L & GENE A SMERCHEK WILLIAM F & CAROL TEAGUE BARBARA MCMAHAN & NELSON W SMITH HENRY JR & CAROL K TERRELL DOUGLAS W SMITH DONALD N & CHARLOTTE C TEST LOIS H SMITH STEPHEN G & FRANCES F THIDE W RODMAN SMYTHE LAWRENCE A THOMAS ERROL DOUGLAS SNYDER MARCUS WYNDELL THOMAS KENT C SOMERS W THOMAS THOMAS JOHN B SOMERS II DOROTHY J THOMPSON DAVID P & DONNA P SPECHT DAVID E THURSTON ROBERT W SPEER JOHN VANCE THWEATT RICHARD SPLITTGERBER ARLEEN K TIEMAN JEFFREY B SPORKIN RANDEL L & CHARLOTTE TODD DAN ST. JOHN JAMIE A & MARY A TONKINSON RICHARD N STATHAM DAN TORRENCE JOANNE C STEEL CARL E TOWNER BETTYE Y STEIN GERALD A & LOIS J TRAEGER HENRY YORK STEINER GORDON D & RITA A TRAVIS EDWARD & MARY STEPHENS RITA & DOUG TRAVIS EDWARD B & MARY H STEPHENS LILLIAN C TREVARTON JILL A. STEPHENS ROBERT E & JAMES D TUCKER PHIL STERN JIM L & JOYCE A TUGGLE PHILIP S & MARY E STERN JONATHAN E & CHERIE A TULLEY SUSAN E STEWART ANN E TURNEY ROBERT C STEWART ET AL ZDENEK A & ALENA M TUSEK CLAUDIA R STICHT JAMES M & SHARON K UPCHURCH BRIAN L STOREY RICHARD H & MARY D USHER SCOTT W STOREY BRENT D & DAPHNE L VAN DER VLIET BUD STOUT THOM S & LARITA R VANBOSKIRK GLEN A & CORINNE L STOUT TRAVIS R VARDELL B A & DAVID H STREET LEONA S VOLLINTINE

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 151 GRANT H WAGNER JOSEPH D & PEGGY J ZEREN KEITH W & SHEILA G WAGNER WILLIAM G & DONNA M ZIEMER TERRY WAGNER JOHN W/MARILYN E ZIMMANN CARL ROBERT WALDECK JON KENT ZUMWINKEL KATHLEEN V WALDROP JINCO LEASING CORPORATION CAROL NEVENS WALKER BIG OWL JAMES P & MARGARET A WALSH GARRIGUES FAMILY TRUST SUSAN HOLDEN & ROBERT M WALSH KLM CO EUGENE R WALTHALL SCHAACK FAMILY LLLP BUZZ & CANDANCE WAPOLE ROCKY MTN HYDRAULIC LAB CHARLES C & ELINOR M WARD JONATHAN M & MAGGI B WARD PETER WARREN JOYCE WASHINGTON ARMISTEAD WEBSTER WALDO M WEDEL JERE G & JEAN A WELIVER WALTER S & ELEANOR A WELTON MARK DAVID & CARLA MARIE WERTHEIMER ROBERT M & JUNE A WESEL R GARROW WESSENDORF CHARLES TRIGG & LINDA A WHITE TRUDY B WHITE JANET E & ROBERT O WILBUR DONALD A WILBUR JR TRUST DAVID A & BETTE K WILKS HUBERT A & GEORDA WILLARD GARY WILLIAMS MARTHA A WILLIAMS VERA R WILSON JEREMY R & MARY JANE WILSON JEREMY R. WILSON ROSALIE WISELY GUSTAVE R & DIANE W WOLF ADRIAN L & VERA M WOLFE KENNETH C WOLFE PATRICK H & CHERRI L WOODLEY LOYD R WOOLERY BRUCE A/DEBRA M WOOLMAN GEORGE S WORCESTER JOHN WRAY DAVID E & MURIEL F WREDE CHARLIE WRIGHT HANS & ANNALIES WYPPLER PEARL F YOST LYLE E & MARGUERITE S YOUNG JOYCE M YOWELL JEAN L YULE OTTO J & MARGARET LEIGH ZAVAKOS

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Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 161 Appendix A - Project Design Elements ______

Architectural Elements Site furnishings and architecture would be carefully selected to maintain a “rustic” character consistent with the Rocky Mountain Province as described in the FS BEIG. Development would be consistent with other US Forest Service development and National Park developments located along the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway. Struc- tures and site development would be low profile, situated to facilitate a variety of experiences using forecasted/changing vegetation mosaics, simple compact forms, with foothills roof profile, clustered, not isolated. Building materials would be native rock, wood and other natural materials when they are available and practical to use. Manufactured materials may be substituted, if they can achieve the appearance of natural materials.

Universal Design Apply universal design principles as much as practicable. The all camp spurs, access to campsites, picnic sites, restrooms and trailhead parking should consider easy access for persons with disabilities. Signs should be designed to meet Smithsonian guidelines for media accessibility, MUTCD, CNRG and National Forest sign standards.

Road Access The proposed development would be accessed on the west side of State Highway 7 and require Highway Standard MUTCD signs and consideration of acceleration and deceleration lanes. Campground and Trailhead access roads would be paved and minimally signed to meet MUTCD sign standards for level 3 system roads. Camp- ground access would be provided May 15 – October 15, each year with the trailhead access open depending on weather. Year round access would be dependent upon local plowing and maintenance agreement.

Fees and Fee Station Fees would be required for use of the campground and trailhead/picnic facilities. One fee station would be designed to facilitate temporary parking for up to 5 vehicles, two of which should be parallel parking for 45’ vehicle units. Fee station facilities would include an information kiosk, 100 sq. ft. fee booth/shelter, ATM style fee payment system, security lighting, and emergency telephone requiring electricity and telephone system connection.

Picnic Site/Trailhead and Information Kiosk The picnic site/trailhead would be designed to facilitate parking for a total of 40 vehicles (4 trailer/36 standard vehicles), incorporate easy access to 8 picnic sites, one restroom building, one 2 panel kiosk and be located so not seen from Highway 7. The trailhead would act as a hub to access the Lookout Mountain Trail, an interpretive trail and access to several short loop trails requiring no more than 10-

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 162 15 minutes hike. If determined that trailhead and picnic sites should be close but separated, facilities would be consolidated where possible to reduce costs.

Sanitation and Restrooms Restroom and sanitation facilities at the campground, trailhead and host sites would incorporate use of septic vaults to reduce water quality impacts to local residents. Public restrooms would be fully accessible, gender neutral and designed for low maintenance. Each restroom would be located in a non-obtrusive location and designed with to meet BEIG standards.

Water System A well would be drilled in close proximity to the developed sites and potable water delivery system developed to provide water at the campground and picnic site. The water system would be designed to function between May 15 and October 15 each year. Administrative access would be from within the campground or from County Road 113 North if necessary. State permits would be obtained. However, State water rights are not necessary.

Gates, Fencing and Vehicle Barriers Heavy duty gates would be incorporated into the design at the site entrance, between the campground loops, entrance to the trailhead and at critical administrative access points as needed in the design. Trails leading to private land would use gates and fencing as needed to facilitate access authorized by adjacent private landowner. Highway 7 perimeter fencing would be wood rail fencing with wildlife passage a key consideration. The northern perimeter fencing and east right of way alignment on Highway 7 would be 4-wire standard range fence with passage constraints installed as requested by adjacent private landowners. Vehicle barriers would incorporate rocks and other natural material as much as possible to retain natural site integrity.

Views Access to views toward the west would be emphasized with visual screening max- imized between developments and Highway 7.

Signing Signing would include directional, regulatory, safety, informational and, interpretation at key locations such as the campground entrance station, trailhead, and key intersections within the planning area.

Area Trails All trails would be non-motorized and follow as many existing/inventoried travel ways in the area to align the campground and trailhead with the formal RMNP Lookout Mountain Trail. Loop opportunities in and around the campground are also essential to limit trailblazing, promote respect for other campers and designate short-cuts that are sustainable. The low cost interpretive loop would be

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 163 desirable in proximity to the picnic site/trailhead. All trails used in this design, except those in RMNP would become Forest System Trails, including trails under special use authorization. Typical non-motorized uses such as hiking, biking, cross country skiing and dog walking would continue. 36 CFR Subpart B regulatory requirements would likely include no motor vehicles allowed on trails, dogs must be on leash at all times, dogs/horses not allowed on trails beyond a certain point accessing RMNP, horses not allowed within the campground area, special use permit required on trails beyond a certain point and others would be determined during the planning process.

Utilities Electricity from the local grid would facilitate installation of electrical powered facilities such as that for the well pump, well building heat, ATM style fee system, camphost electrical connection and emergency telephone call boxes located at the campground entrance and trailhead parking area. A connection with local telephone company would be necessary as well. Only low illumination lighting would be used in these areas to limit impact to night sky while facilitating public health and safety.

Vegetation Areas closed to future use or disturbed by facility construction would be revegetated with local native vegetation. Vegetation would mimic the color, distribution and texture of the natural ground cover and/or forest conditions. The proposed development would protect and integrate existing vegetation, and rock to the extent possible.

Site Capacity The campground would be designed for no more than 484 PAOT using criteria provided in project assessment. The trailhead would be designed for a maximum of 200 PAOT considering a design for 5 people per vehicle. The combined design PAOT of 684 appears high but actually mitigates resource impact, threat of wildfire, and other critical issues. Full occupancy is expected only on high use weekends with an expected average PAOT of 400 or less. Even on popular weekdays the PAOT is expected to drop below 250. It’s unlikely the area would ever experience 684 PAOT.

Landscape Considerations Site disturbance and unnatural contouring such as cut and fill slopes and linear features would be minimized. A combination of berms, vegetation, boulders and/or low rock retaining walls would be used to buffer views as seen from adjacent private land, Highway 7, and from within the campground and trailhead where feasible. Design criteria must also consider long-term management of defensible space and forest health strategies. This is essential for mitigating the threat of wildfire, avoiding adverse impacts resulting from pest infestation and

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 164 protecting the capital investment, while acting as a good neighbor in the local community.

Sites within the campground should be designed/spaced to minimize views to other sites and travel zones within the area to the best extent possible using topography, rock outcrops, and a mix of age and type of vegetation.

Minimize signs throughout the development, and minimize unprimed galvanized sign backs (painted brown) and signposts. Whenever possible signage and traffic control devices would blend in color and/or texture with the natural environment.

Walkway furnishings should be organized carefully for safety and easy negotiation. Bear proof trash receptacles, water hydrants, post barriers or rock should placed near but not directly within the main line of pedestrian travel.

Stormwater Management Proposed development should be careful of releasing contaminates into the ground water. It is important to design and construct facilities so that the sedimentation and pollutants from vehicles and people are minimized. The design should include opportunities to design and construct appropriate filtration systems, such as an open storm water system with filtration, including on-site retention or sediment pond. Also, the proposed development should be sensitive to the location of the proposed development, as it relates to adjacent private landowner wells. Depending on the size of the impact (in acres) a storm water discharge permit may be need to be obtained from the Corp of Engineers.

Recreation Opportunity Setting (ROS) Although identified as Rural, the ROS appropriate for this area is Roaded Natural. Access identified on Highway 7 would consider elements of Rural ROS where the design would incorporate facilities for comfort and convenience with some synthetic but harmonious materials incorporated where necessary. A ROS transition to Roaded Natural would occur upon approach to the campground and trailhead. Roaded Natural designed facilities would provide some comfort for the user as well as site protection but with more refinement in design. Synthetic materials should not be evident.

Safety Improve user safety by considering acceleration/deceleration lanes on the highway accessing the site, separating concentrated use areas as much as practical, designating pedestrian travel routes to avoid conflict with vehicles and designating safe pedestrian crossings.

Monitoring Monitoring should be conducted to ensure capacity is adequate and the goal of mitigating trespass onto adjacent private land achieved. Other topics of measure-

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 165 ment may include visitor length of stay, numbers and use related to restroom use, trail use, and parking area use.

Project Implementation Design Longs Peak Trailhead to ensure a proper balance between day use parking, overnight parking for backcountry permit holders and reserved parking for those camping in Meeker Campground staging for their accent to Longs Peak.

Buildings and structures should be low profile, located at transitions (the edge of clearings), simple compact forms and remain consistent with Rocky Mountain National Park thematic standards, clustered, not isolated.

Building materials should be native rock, wood and other natural materials when they are available and practical to use. Substitute manufactured materials, such as synthetic rock, if they can achieve the appearance of natural materials.

Whenever possible, building materials, including signage and traffic closure devices should blend in color and/or texture with the natural environment (such as integral colored concrete sidewalks).

Whenever possible use a combination of berms, vegetation, boulders and/or low rock retaining walls to buffer views of parking areas and/or facilities and buildings as viewed from Highway 7, between use areas and internal roads where feasible.

Follow NPS and MUTCD sign standards, minimizing signs where possible and utilize natural-appearing materials where ever possible.

Ongoing coordination with the Rocky Mountain National Park would occur to limit adverse affects on those displaced by the closure of Longs Peak Campground. The Forest Service would monitor visitor use dynamics and implement administrative actions to ensure Meeker Campground facilitates related camping opportunities and easy access to Longs Peak Trailhead while improving recreation experience.

Ensure effective revegetation that mimics the color, distribution and texture of the natural ground cover and/or forest conditions.

Design Meeker Campground to ensure a balanced mix or camp sites that reflect the diverse need of the recreating public while considering increased early morning traffic associated with campers leaving early to access Longs Peak Trailhead.

Site furnishings and architecture would be carefully selected to maintain a “rustic” character consistent with the Rocky Mountain Province as described in the FS BEIG and the Roaded Natural setting.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 166 Design would incorporate universal design principles as much as practicable. Facility amenities would be designed for easy access for persons with disabilities. Signs would be designed to meet Smithsonian guidelines for media accessibility, MUTCD, CNRG and Forest Service sign standards.

Restroom and sanitation facilities at the campground, picnic site and host sites would incorporate use of septic vaults to reduce water quality impacts to local residents. Public restrooms would be fully accessible, gender neutral and designed for low maintenance.

Signing would include directional, regulatory, safety, informational and, interpretation at key locations such as the campground entrance station, trailhead, and key intersections within the project area.

Existing use areas, roads and trails would be used as much as possible for development and designation of facilities and trails.

Electricity from the local grid would facilitate installation and use of electrical powered facilities such as that for the well pump, well building heat, camphost electrical connections and an emergency telephone call box located at the fee station.

Areas closed to future use or disturbed by facility construction would be revegetated with local native vegetation. Revegetation would mimic the color, distribution and texture of the natural ground cover and/or forest conditions. The proposed development would protect and integrate existing vegetation, and rock to the extent possible.

Site disturbance and unnatural contouring such as cut and fill slopes and linear features would be minimized. A combination of berms, vegetation, boulders and/or low rock retaining walls would be used to buffer views as seen from adjacent private land, Highway 7, and from within the campground and trailhead where feasible.

Design would consider long-term management of defensible space and forest health strategies.

Sites within the campground would be designed, spaced to minimize views to other sites and travel zones within the area to the best extent possible using topography, rock outcrops, and a mix of age and type of vegetation.

Whenever possible signage and traffic control devices would blend in color and/or texture with the natural environment. Minimize signs throughout the development, and minimize unprimed galvanized sign backs (painted brown) and signposts.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 167 Walkway furnishings would be organized carefully for safety and easy negotiation. Trash receptacles, water hydrants, post barriers or rock should not be placed in the main line of pedestrian travel.

Perimeter and wing fencing would be designed to allow safe, easy wildlife passage. Any range fence type fencing would not utilize barbed wire. Key pedestrian, equestrian access points along fencing would utilize swing gates and/or horse walkovers for safe pedestrian passage. Standard pole fence with smooth 4- wire would be maximum style allowable under the proposed action. Consider use of other more aesthetic fencing such as pole fencing, etc. to be used but designed to allow safe wildlife passage.

Buildings and structures would be low profile, located at transitions (the edge of clearings), simple compact forms and remain consistent with BEIG Rocky Mountain Province thematic standards, clustered, not isolated.

Building materials would be native rock, wood and other natural materials when they are available and practical to use. Substitute manufactured materials, such as synthetic rock, if they can achieve the appearance of natural materials.

Follow Forest Service and MUTCD sign standards, minimizing signs where possible and utilize natural-appearing materials where ever possible.

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 168 Appendix B ______Summary of Effects for Wildlife Species

Determination

Common Name Species Status Proposed Alternative C Alternative D No Action Action American marten Martes americana Sensitive MAII * MAII MAII No Impact American three- MAII MAII MAII No Impact Picoides tridactylus Sensitive toed woodpecker Bald eagle Haliaeetus Sensitive No Impact No Impact No Impact No Impact leucocephalus Bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis MIS Neutral Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral Influence* Influence Influence Boreal owl Aegolius funereus Sensitive MAII MAII MAII No Impact Boreal toad MAII MAII MAII No Impact Sensitive & Bufo boreas boreas Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral MIS Influence Influence Canada lynx Lynx canadensis Threatened NLAA NLAA NLAA No Effect Elk Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral Cervus elaphus MIS * Influence Influence Flammulated owl Otus flammeolus Sensitive MAII MAII MAII No Impact Golden-crowned Neutral influence Neutral Neutral influence Neutral Regulus satrapa MIS kinglet influence influence Hairy woodpecker Neutral influence Neutral Neutral influence Neutral Picoides villosus MIS influence influence Lewis’ woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Sensitive MAII MAII MAII No Impact Mexican spotted Strix occidentalis No Effect No Effect No Effect No Effect Threatened owl lucida Mountain bluebird Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral Sialia currucoides MIS Influence Influence Mule deer Odocoileus Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral MIS hemionus Influence Influence Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis Sensitive MAII MAII MAII No Impact Northern leopard MAII MAII MAII No Impact Rana pipiens Sensitive frog Olive-sided MAII MAII MAII No Impact Contopus borealis Sensitive flycatcher Pygmy nuthatch Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral Sitta pygmaea MIS Influence Influence Pygmy shrew Sorex hoyi MAII MAII MAII No Impact Sensitive montanus River otter Lontra canadensis Sensitive No Impact No Impact No Impact No Impact Townsend’s big- MAII MAII MAII No Impact Plecotus townsendii Sensitive eared bat Warbling vireo Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral Vireo gilvus MIS Influence Influence Wilson’s warbler Neutral Influence Neutral Neutral Influence Neutral Wilsonia pusilla MIS Influence Influence Wolverine Gulo gulo luscus Sensitive No Impact No Impact No Impact No Impact Wood frog Rana sylvatica Sensitive MAII MAII MAII No Impact *1 May affect, not likely to adversely affect (NLAA); *2 May adversely impact individuals (MAII), but not likely to result in a loss of viability on the Planning area, nor cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of species viability rangewide; *3 No change to ARP MIS populations but habitat changes and local population shifts vary by species (see text for details).

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 169

Appendix C – Life Cycle Cost of Lily Lake Visitor Center Life Cycle Costs Lily Lake Visitor Center Facility

Annual Operating Cost/ 5 month season/20 years@ Annual Operating Costs/ 12 4% months/ 20 year @ 4% $ Annual Maintenance ( includes elec, HVAC, plumbing) 191,383.71 $ 459,319.20 $ Operations( includes water, wastewater, custodial) 287,914.12 $ 642,993.60

Component Renewal Costs Frequency Cost with 4 % inf.

Paint Building ( Exterior) 1.41 sq ft/ 728 sq ft 5 $ 8,096.70 Paint Building ( Interior) 1.41 sq ft/ 840 sq ft 4 $ 7,617.70 Replace Faucets ( 10 yr) 2 $ 367.02 Replace Flour. Lighting Ballasts ( 10 Yr) 2 $ 1,644.77 Replace Hot Water Heater ( 7 Yr) 3.5 $ 5,113.33 Water Heater PM flush ( 2 yr) 12.5 $ 5,501.00 Replace Carpet ( 8 yr) 3.125 $ 20,148.98 PM Carpet Cleaining 20 $ 8,933.00 HVAC Prevt Maint 20 $ 8,662.31 HVAC Replacement ( 15 years) 1 $ 10,829.00 Roof Replacement (wood shingle) 1 $ 13,000.00 Parking Lot Maintenance 20 $ 11,991.00 Sign Maintenance 20 $ 3,722.26 Well System & Controls 1 $ 54,958.00

TOTAL: Component Renewal $ 160,585.07

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 170 Appendix D – Concurrence Letter from State Historic Preservation Officer

Highway 7 Recreation Improvements Plan 171