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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/2023 - Land Conservation And Stewardship Board - Agenda - Regular Meeting AGENDA Fort Collins Boards& CITY OF FORT COLLINS • BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting/Hybrid in person/ Zoom 1745 Hoffman Mill Road/Main Office Conference Room February 8, 2023 Participation for this Land Conservation &Stewardship Board meeting will be available online, by phone or in person. Public Participation (Online): Individuals who wish to address the Land Conservation &Stewardship Board via remote public participation can do so through Zoom, see below. The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:30 pm , February 8, 2023. For public comments,the Chair will ask participants to click the "Raise Hand" button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Board. In order to participate: Join Zoom Meeting https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/91700016759?pwd=eEhEN DB4NWY3W FVkaTc3VOVOSjZlQT09 Meeting ID: 917 0001 6759 Passcode: 09T%FxYH One tap mobile +17209289299„91700016759#US (Denver) +13462487799„91700016759#US (Houston) Dial by your location +1 720 928 9299 US (Denver) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 917 0001 6759 Find your local number: https://fcgov.zoom.uS/u/afVQUFc76 Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). You need to have access to the internet. Keep yourself on muted status. February 8, 2023 AGENDA Fort Collins Boards& CITY OF FORT COLLINS • BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting/Hybrid in person/ Zoom February 8, 2023 Public Participation (Phone): If you do not have access to the internet, call the Board Staff Liaison, Katie Donahue, at 970-416-8067. Please indicate that you want to participate in the Board public participation by phone and give your name and phone number. If you get a voicemail message, please leave the same information. Once you have given this information (in person or by message), a staff person will provide you with the phone number and code that will allow you access to the Zoom meeting. As listed above, the meeting will be available beginning at 5:30 pm . For public comments,the Chair will ask participants to click the "Raise Hand" button to indicate you would like to speak at that time—phone participants will need to hit *9 to do this. Staff will be moderating the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Committee. Once you join the meeting: keep yourself on muted status. Documents to Share: If residents wish to share a document or presentation,the Staff Liaison needs to receive those materials via email by 24 hours before the meeting. Individuals uncomfortable or unable to access the Zoom platform or unable to participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing general public comments you may have to Katie Donahue, kdonahue@fcgov.com. The Staff Liaison will ensure the Board receives your comments. If you have specific comments on any of the discussion items scheduled, please make that clear in the subject line of the email and send 24 hours prior to the meeting. 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM 2. ROLL CALL & INTRODUCTIONS 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. ACTION ITEMS Annual election of board officers LCSB 5 min Spring Canon Waste Way Ditch Matt Parker 15 min February 8, 2023 AGENDA Fort Collins Boards& CITY OF FORT COLLINS • BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting/Hybrid in person/Zoom February 8, 2023 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS Environmental Learning Center Project update Bernadette Kuhn 20 min Poudre River Zone update Kate Rentschlar 30 min Board retreat LCSB 10 min 8. BOARD UPDATES Bicycle Advisory Committee Scott Mason 5 min 9. DEPARTMENT UPDATES Katie Donahue 10 min 10. ADJOURNMENT February 8, 2023 MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 11745 Hoffman Mill Road January 11, 2023 Members: Andrea Elson, Chair Joe Piesman, Member Ross Cunniff, Vice Chair Elena Lopez, Member Cole Kramer, Member Holger Kley, Member Denise Culver, Member Scott Mason, Member 1. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Cole Kramer, Holger Kley, Andrea Elson, Ross Cunniff, Elena Lopez, Joe Piesman, Scott Mason, Denise Culver NAD Staff: Katie Donahue, Tawnya Ernst, Julia Feder, Alynn Karnes City Staff: Richard Thorp, Water Program Manager, Jill Oropeza, Utilities Water Quality Services Director 3. GUESTS: Councilmember Kelly Ohlson 4. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes to the agenda 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Member Lopez submitted suggested changes to the Minutes. Member Piesman made a motion to approve the December LCSB meeting Minutes with changes submitted by Member Lopez. Member Culver seconded the motion. Members Kley and Mason abstained. The motion was approved 6-0. 6. WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS Chair Elson invited Councilmember Kelly Ohlson to welcome new members Holger Kley and Scott Mason to the LCSB. Councilmember Ohlson briefly described his experience as a member of both the LCSB and City Council, including his current role as Council liaison to the LCSB. He affirmed his willingness to attend any LCSB meeting for any reason but is otherwise a "hands -off" liaison. He expressed a desire to informally meet with the LCSB leadership sometime this year. He encouraged the new members to not lose sight of the funding roots of the Natural Areas which is citizen-initiated. He reiterated the main the objective of the Natural Areas Department is land conservation. He stressed it is not a parks program, it is a natural areas program with the fundamental mission of land conservation. It is his belief that land conservation decisions made during the next 1-15 years will impact the subsequent 50-100 years as undeveloped land becomes unavailable and/or unaffordable. He reminded all members of the importance of their role as advisors to staff and Council. He noted there will be times when the conversations will be uncomfortable, and board members might disagree with staff and with each other; do not be hesitant to push back when it's appropriate. Councilmember Ohlson also stated he would like to see a 5-10-year plan from LCSB to place conservation 1/11/2023 — MINUTES Page 1 MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS • BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting easements on most, if not all, Natural Areas as an added layer of protection against future pressure on those lands for things for which they were never intended. He asserted it is time to end the practice of Natural Areas being the default choice for utility and development easements. He restated the ultimate use of natural areas is for habitat, and for the wildlife, plants and animals that live there. Councilmember Ohlson reported that he is working with the Clerk's Office to fill the remaining board vacancy within the next couple of months. Because Council elections are moving to November, Board appointments may move to spring. Although the future process for applications and appointments to Boards and Commissions is not yet settled, it is his opinion the LCSB cannot afford to wait until April-May of 2024 to fill the vacancy. Katie Donahue noted she has received several inquiries and will share the application process and dates when they are finalized by Clerk's Office. Councilmember Ohlson closed his comments by emphasizing the benefit in submitting feedback to Council early and often, preferably before the work session on the related topic. He advised the LCSB to submit a memo more than once if needed as work sessions might occur months before Council voting. Chair Elson thanked Councilmember Ohlson for his support and comments. At the request of Chair Elson, each board member briefly introduced themselves. 7. ACTION ITEMS Urban Lakes Water Quality Management Policy and Guidance Richard Thorp, Watershed Program Manager explained the Water Quality Management Policy is meant to be a framework for the City's urban lake's water quality operational management decisions and is restricted to City owned lakes within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area (GMA) and specifically excludes private lakes. The Guidance is meant to be a technical resource to support City staff in implementing the policy. Because the Guidance will be available to the general public, it may be useful for private lake management as they face similar water quality issues. Richard clarified the Guidance is not meant to serve as a prescriptive plan across the City's lakes. His brief presentation covered the project background, scope, and timeline milestones. He reported the draft policy was informed by community engagement including subject matter experts, and feedback from advisory boards and commissions. He noted the cross-department team processed the previous feedback from the LCSB gathered during the September 2021 meeting. The policy was drafted during a series of focused meetings and facilitated workshops. Richard Thorp described the types of community outreach conducted at targeted lakes which was used to better understand the community's concerns around water quality and how the community was using the urban lakes. The project team was intentional in gathering diverse perspectives and was guided by demographic vulnerability indicators including housing stability and income and education levels. Outreach efforts were administered in English and Spanish. The main takeaway for the team was the 1/11/2023 MINUTES Page 2 MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS • BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting community truly treasures these resources as opportunities for recreation, to view wildlife and the existence of wildlife habitat. The community's water quality concerns were algal blooms, fish kills and odors. Richard Thorp closed his presentation with a high-level overview of the major elements of the policy. He will be meeting with additional advisory boards and commissions and seeking a formal motion from each to recommend City Council adopt the Policy. The project team anticipates City Council will adopt the Policy during Q1 or Q2 of 2023. After the policy has been adopted, the Policy and Guidance will be finalized. Discussion In response to Member Kley, Richard Thorp stated the project team will be presenting to the Natural Resources Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Board, and the Water Commission. Vice Chair Cunniff noted the policy is focused on water quality, not erosion or other impacts. He asked if the project team had considered using bellwether species as an indicator of water quality. As an example, he stated a decline in amphibian population can be an early indicator of a problem. Richard Thorp responded by pointing to the Best Management Practices (BMPs) included in the Guidance which takes a different approach: monitoring for invasive or problem species as indicators. Member Culver voiced concern that restoration is not included in the Guidance. She stated she always considers restoration when looking at lakes and ponds, and preventative measures to avoid algal blooms and problem species. She noted, given the community's high value in wildlife and habitat, this seems like a missed opportunity to include restoration goals. Member Culver also spoke about impact of homeless camps in watershed and potential water contamination. She acknowledged the City and non-profit organizations are addressing the homeless issue but wanted to recognize the health and safety risks associated with transient camps. Richard Thorp reported the homeless issue did not come up during outreach, although there was concern regarding trash and discarded fishing line. Richard explained the BMPs are focused on mitigation and/or risk reduction of existing impacts like algal blooms. The development of a water quality management plan could address restoration including the buffer zone adjacent to a lake but that falls outside of the scope of this project. Member Piesman asked what are the BMPs for keeping something like Duck Lake from happening. Richard Thorp pointed out that most of the lakes in Fort Collins are shallow and man-made; and as they age are prone to certain water quality issues like accumulation of nutrient load and sediment build up. Mitigation buffers, controlling nutrient load, and flow- through would help to prevent these kinds of issues occurring at Duck Lake. He restated BMPs are focused on dealing with existing issues. Member Kramer commented that the Guidance seems to address lakes in isolation. He asked if recommendations could be added to the appendices to communicate with adjacent landowners and to utilize basin analysis mapping to determine pollution/contamination sources. Vice Chair Cunniff supported Member Kramer's comments to add a recommendation to develop relationships with surrounding property owners and use mapping tools to inform future policy. Richard Thorp explained budget limitations prevented the project team from doing a land use or basin analysis to understand risk factors that can contribute to water quality issues. He supports 1/11/2023 MINUTES Page 3 MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting preemptively partnering with landowners to mitigate risk factors but stressed this would be a department management decision. Member Kley asked for the definition of"one water approach." Richard Thorp explained it is a collaborative planning and implementation approach; an inter-departmental process as well as reaching out to subject matter experts and the general community. Member Kley followed by asking if there are different management recommendations since the lakes may serve different purposes for Parks, Natural Areas, and Utilities. Richard Thorp stated the project team intentionally separated the lakes into different bands to avoid false comparisons and to recognize the different uses. Chair Elson appreciated information gathered from multiple sources and asked for clarification as to the function of the Guidance. Richard Thorp explained it is meant to serve as a guiding resource for staff and is not a prescriptive tool; it is a resource for starting a management process. Member Kramer suggested the general public or those with less technical knowledge might benefit from a flow chart to correctly apply BMPs. Richard Thorp understood the interest, but the project team decided it would do more harm than good. Member Piesman reminded everyone of the impact of global warming, and the need to consider rising temperatures and declining rainfall when updates are made to the Guidance document. Several members asked about baseline and/or ongoing monitoring of every lake to understand what is going on. Richard Thorp referred to the Guidance as starting point for City departments to develop a management policy for their respective lakes and ponds. While the project team is supportive of regular sampling, this action would fall under specific management plans adopted by individual departments. Member Culver asked if sampling requirements to establish a baseline could be added to the motion. Jill Oropeza explained the policy is not a management plan for any lake; it is a framework to address water quality within the GMA. Monitoring and sampling would be part of management plans developed by individual departments. Member Lopez asked if PFAS are included in the Water Quality Issues Database (Guidance, Attachment 6). She voiced concern about potential run-off into urban lakes, especially given the recent and extensive fire-fighting activities in Colorado. Richard Thorp answered they were not on the list but agreed to add them. Vice Chair Cunniff reminded the LCSB their concerns, as recorded in the meeting minutes, would be shared with Council. Chair Elson restated the requested motion is for the Policy only, not the Guidance. Member Piesman made a motion that the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board advise Council to approve the Water Quality Management Policy for City urban lakes and stormwater basins in the Growth Management Area. Member Kramer seconded the motion. Vice Chair Cunniff amended the motion to include: the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board recommends that Council fully fund all of the proposed management actions that are recommended in the policy. Member Kramer seconded the amendment. The motion and amendment were approved unanimously, 8-0. 1/11/2023 MINUTES Page 4 MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting LCSB Annual Report Chair Elson asked the LCSB if they had any changes to the Annual Report before seeking a motion. Vice-Chair Cunniff made a motion to approve the Annual Report as presented to submit to Council. Member Kramer seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously 8-0. 1041 Regulations Chair Elson opened the discussion by asking Members Kley and Mason if they would like some background information on the LCSB response to the City's 1041 Regulations process. She shared the previously submitted 1041 memos with Board members prior to the meeting. Vice Chair Cunniff offered to lead LCSB through a brief discussion of each of the memos submitted to Council. He stated the impetus for the initial memo urging Council to consider 1041 Regulations was Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District's proposal to run components of the Northern Integrated Supply Project through the City's natural areas; the City lacked a regulatory framework to address the project. Member Piesman emphasized it was Councilmember Ohlson's efforts, as then Chair of the LCSB, that brought 1041 to Council's attention. Member Kramer stated the "Dakan" report (Colorado Local Governments' Use of 1041 Regulations by Audrey Dakan) provided a great baseline understanding of 1041 powers. Vice Chair Cunniff said it is his understanding that Council initially approved examining a broad application of the regulations and the moratorium covered the entire city, except gas and electric utilities. Since that time, the Draft 1041 Regulations have been narrowed to cover specific geographic locations and project size, and advisory boards, including LCSB and outside organizations such as Sierra Club have been urging the City to go back to the original intent. Member Lopez echoed Vice Chair Cunniff's comments that the latest draft is very different than what was originally proposed. It is especially difficult to follow the changes and proposed thresholds in the draft without access to any actual language. Member Kramer asked about potential overlap or conflicts of the updated Land Development Code and proposed 1041 Regulations. Vice Chair Cunniff then guided LCSB through the working group feedback and their recommended changes to the draft regulations. LCSB carefully reviewed the draft memo prepared by Vice Chair Cunniff and Member Lopez. LCSB discussed each item of the 1041 Regulations Recommendation memo and edited for clarity. Vice Chair Cunniff noted there may be changes to the draft 1041 Regulations the LCSB would want to address prior to Council's first reading. It may be necessary to revise, amend or draft a new memo to submit to Council. Member Lopez asked about sharing the memo with other advisory boards. Vice Chair Cunniff explained LCSB can recommend Council to do so. Member Piesman reminded everyone they can address Council as individuals, not representing the LCSB. 1/11/2023 MINUTES Page 5 MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS • BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting Member Piesman made a motion that the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board approve the memorandum to City Council regarding the draft 1041 Regulations. Member Kramer seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously 8-0. 8. BOARD UPDATES Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) Chair Elson thanked Katie Donahue for providing the BAC background information in the packet. She stated the City requirement that a member of the LCSB serve on the BAC. She noted that Mike Weber served the last couple of years and Member Piesman was on the committee prior to Mike Weber. When asked by Chair Elson if any current members were interested, Member Mason volunteered to serve. The LCSB voiced agreement that he would be an excellent representative. 9. DEPARTMENT UPDATES Katie Donahue, Director, Natural Areas RESTORE Grant update Katie Donahue reported the planned aerial treatment for this past fall did not happen due to weather, but staff was able to complete the pre-monitoring requested by the LCSB. Staff did not find any bodies of water that would be impacted in the treatment area. The resource management staff is waiting for the next application window that's appropriate for the lifecycle of the plant and good weather. She stated there is specific timing for treating cheatgrass but did not know if staff would be able to do so in the Spring. Chair Elson and Vice Chair Cunniff asked if the grant funds would roll over to the next year; if the funds were issued directly and needed to be reappropriated. Katie will check with Barb Brock, Financial Analyst, and report back. 30t" Anniversary Natural Areas is continuing its year-long celebration of the 30th Anniversary. Registration is full for the trivia night on January 18th at Horse & Dragon, but the venue will be open to the public for anyone interested in attending but not participating. There will be a second event held at Horse & Dragon in February, as well as additional community events throughout the year. Staffing Update The announcement for two ranger positions are about to be posted. Vacancies are the result of one retirement and one transfer to Police Services. Katie Donahue encouraged LCSB members to share the position announcements. Katie also reported that Rhonda Peckham has assumed the Interim Ranger Supervisor duties. The interim position is the result of Rick Bachand's retirement last summer. Rangers are also recruiting for Volunteer Ranger Assistants and Public Engagement is recruiting for Naturalist Assistants, both positions include required training. 1/11/2023 MINUTES MINUTES Fort Collins CITY OF FORT COLLINS - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Commissions Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting LCSB Vacancy Katie Donahue reported the City Clerk's office is trying to establish a standardized cycle for Board recruitment. Natural Areas received inquiries from interested community members in response to social media posts. Katie will continue to monitor the process and provide updates to LCSB. 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION Member Kley made a motion that the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board go into executive session for the purpose of discussing with the City's appropriate management staff water and real property acquisitions. Member Mason seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved, 8-0. 7. ADJOURNMENT The executive session concluded at 8:27 p.m. and the regular meeting resumed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Andrea Elson, Chair Date 1/11/2023 MINUTES Page 7 DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 DF7A69C-1 7D8-4326-8DO9-AD01 1 FAOD52E City of MATT PARKER Fort Collins SENIOR SUPERVISOR/RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 000 Natural\ 1745 Hoffman Mill Road NATURAL AREAS DEPARTMENT Areas PO Box 580,Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 970-416-2433/P mparker@fcgov.com/E MEMORANDUM Date: February 1, 2023 To: Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Through: Katie Donahue, Director, Natural Areas Department DS From: Eric Potyondy, Assistant City Attorney 11, City Attorne 0 e Matt Parker, Sr. Supervisor, Natural Areas Departme t Justin Fredrickson, Technician 11, Natural Areas De pa ment Subject: City Council Approval for the Incorporation of the Spring Canon Waste Way Ditch Summary Natural Areas staff, with assistance from Eric Potyondy, the City's water attorney, will be presenting to City Council a proposed ordinance XX regarding the incorporation of the Spring Canon Waste Way Ditch (Ditch). Staff is requesting board support of the ordinance. The City and four others currently own fractional interests in the Ditch and its water right. This makes coordination for work on the Ditch cumbersome and makes it more difficult to protect the City's and other owners' interests in the Ditch. The City and other owners would like to make an administrative change to a ditch company to help address these challenges. A draft ordinance will be available for your review no later than the day of the LCSB meeting. Background The Natural Areas Department became a 2/12tns owner of the Ditch and its water rights with the acquisition of Eagle View Natural Area in 2002. The other 10/12`1 are owned by four others along the Ditch. The Ditch begins diverting seepage and other waters near Zach Elementary and continues to the east along Eagle View Natural Area south of Fossil Creek Reservoir, later passing under 1-25. Unlike most ditches in the region, this Ditch is not "incorporated." This means that its owners own fractional interests of the Ditch and water right. This makes coordination for work on the Ditch cumbersome because work on the Ditch must generally be approved by all of the owners. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 DF7A69C-17D8-4326-81D09-AD011 FAOD52E Even simple projects can thus confront a need for more and more complicated paperwork and agreements. Further, the unincorporated nature of the Ditch makes it more difficult to protect the City's and other owners' interests in the Ditch. When outside entities desire to do a project that could affect the Ditch, there is no single clear point of contact for the owners. For instance, it is difficult for outside entities to pursue mutually beneficial arrangements with the Ditch because there are so many decisionmakers involved. This can also result in projects proceeding without needed approvals. There are a few recent projects that have become particularly challenging due to the Ditch's unincorporated status. For instance, routine maintenance work has been slowed by the need for numerous approvals form the various owners. Also, a developer is developing land east of 1-25 (east of the City's GMA) that has historically been served by the Ditch. The developer desires to modify the Ditch and convey its interests to the other owners, all of which is far more complex due to the current ownership structure. By contrast, most ditches in the region are incorporated. This means that the ditches and water rights are held by a ditch company for the benefit of the shareholders, which own the company. Ditch companies are governed by a board of directors and benefit from well-established legal and governance principles, thus providing internal organization for the owners and a single point of contact for non-owners. Ditch companies are basically a common and beneficial way that ditch owners organize themselves. The recent challenges facing the Ditch have prompted conversations for the Ditch owners to pursue incorporation. This would involve each of the owners conveying their ownership interest in the Ditch and water right to the company in exchange for shares in the ditch company. Because this would involve the conveyance of City-owned property, City Council approval is required. However, this would be a unique transaction because, although there would be a conveyance, the City would still own the same amount of the Ditch and its water right; it would just be structured differently. Staff Recommendation To help address these challenges, staff recommends that the City pursue the incorporation of the Ditch, including conveying the City's interest in the Ditch and water right in exchange for shares in the ditch company. City of Fort Collins BERNADETTE KUHN/SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL City of PLANNER Fort Collins Ins NATURAL AREAS DEPARTMENT Natural 1745 Hoffman Mill Road 970-416-4348/P 970-456-3491/c Areas PO Box 580,Fort Collins,CO 80522-0580 bkuhn@fcgov.com/e MEMORANDUM Date: 2/8/2023 To: Land Conservation Stewardship Board Through: Katie Donahue, Natural Areas Director Julia Feder, Natural Areas Environmental Program Manager Matt Fater, Utilities Civil Engineering Director From: Bernadette Kuhn, Senior Environmental Planner/Restoration Project Manager Beck Anderson, Utilities Project Manager Subject: Environmental Learning Center Flow Restoration Project Update Summary Construction is underway for the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) Flow Restoration Project. The goal of this project is to rebuild a badly damaged diversion structure on the Poudre River. The diversion is legally necessary for maintaining a valuable instream water right held by the City. The project is co- managed by Natural Areas and Utilities due to the cross-departmental, reach-scale community benefits associated with protecting and enhancing instream flows (City Council Priority#15). As a cross-City priority, this project is collaboratively funded by Natural Areas, Utilities, and the City's General Fund. Construction will be completed in July 2023, with in-channel work ending in April 2023 due to spring runoff. LCSB members are invited to attend a site tour and willow planting volunteer event on April 21st 2023. Background The ELC Flow Restoration Project supports the health of the Poudre River by rebuilding a severely damaged diversion structure at the Environmental Learning Center near Drake and Ziegler Roads that maintains flows in the Poudre River. The ELC diversion structure is the subject of a unique instream water right owned by the City and an agreement with the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District ("Northern Water")that limits diversions by the Northern Integrated Supply Project ("NISP") ("Northern Water Agreement"). The City's instream water right and the Northern Agreement legally prevent NISP, the City of Thornton, and others from diverting, on average, approximately 10,000 acre-feet of water per year from the Poudre River. The stream flows associated with the City's instream water right are valued at approximately$220 million. These flows provide wildlife, recreation, and river health benefits for the community. The water right has been at risk since the existing diversion was badly damaged in several flood events starting in the 1980s. Since 2018, Utilities and Natural Areas have worked together to design, permit, and construct the project(BFO Offers 9.16, 12.23, 1.62, and 1.45). Total cost of the project is $5,071,039. Funding sources are as follows: Utilities$2,023,712, FCNAD $1,523,713, General Fund $1,523,714. River Health Benefits The design of the replacement diversion structure incorporates innovative, low-impact design and river restoration techniques that have never been used before on the Poudre River. The benefits of these features will extend beyond the ELC footprint, providing flow connectivity and improved fish passage between Running Deer, Cottonwood Hollow, and Arapaho Bend natural areas. The diversion structure consists of a low-impact riffle crest made of low-lying boulders that allow for sediment transport and fish passage, along with a headgate and pipe. The structure is a much-needed departure from the traditional cross-channel concrete dams that block fish passage. The project also incorporates floodplain connection, large wood structures, native fish refugia pools, and brush trenches to improve river health and wildlife habitat. Site Activity&Timing Area Closure Running Deer Natural Area p5m� � 0 ELC visitors can expect to see construction E � r activities through July 2023. All in-channel work will 4„ EProspectRd rarth 9.1S mi p_75.,i be completed in April 2023 before spring runoff. Cottonwood Trails at the ELC will remain open. Trails closures Hollow I l� weeme.« are in effect at the south side of Running Deer to protect visitor safety while construction vehicles are Pelican accessing the site. Outreach & Engagement Natural Areas and Utilities staff maintain K ;Poa°°n Running information on the ELC website: ' °`m �� Deer www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/elc. Staff respond to a Enviib7tnrental Learh(ng all questions from the public promptly and in o Center person to allow for active listening and ample time oo......I�T J `` to explain project goals. Natural Areas staff are coltins 3 planning a field tour and volunteer willow planting Mile event on April 21, 2023. LCSB members are ° 1 X Fort Collins Environmental I . ;Closed Area 0 Natural Area Learning Center encouraged to attend. Figure 1. Map showing trail closure area at ELC and Running Deer Natural Area. 2 ELC Monitoring Plan 2022-2032 Contact: B. Kuhn bkuhn@fcgov.com Goals Category Metric Guiding Questions Audience Method Spatial Scale Timeframe Sampling Team Diversion structure can dependably FCNAD, Utilities, City of deliver up to 30 cfs of water down the Water Rights and River Does the headgate divert decreed FC, State Engineer's Visual observation relict ELC channel. Health Flows flows into the ELC relict channel? Office in field Headgate 2022-2032 FCNAD and Utilities Does the flow gauge measure flows FCNAD, Utilities, City of Gauge at headgate can measure flows Water Rights and River that can be reported to State FC, State Engineer's for documenting use of water right. Health Flows Engineer's Office? Office Gauge readings Flow gauge at pipe 2022-2032 FCNAD and Utilities Does the construction footprint Revegetation areas contain less than contain less than 40%cover of non- 40%cover non-native plant species in native plant species during the fall of Visual estimates in Construction FCNAD and revegetation the first growing season. River Health % Native Cover the first growing season? FCNAD, ELC, CSU the field footprint 2023 or 2024 contractor What is the response of fish species after the project is completed? Does fish species diversity decrease after ELC project is completed? Does abundance of Plains Topminnow and Iowa Darters increase after project is completed? Do Manning's n values and velocities decrease to allow passage of all species at 5-100 cfs? Does the new diversion structure FCNAD, CPW, CSU Fish passage is improved for all species increase the number of days per year Larval Fish Lab, CSU Dr. Myrick sampling starting 2023. Number of days fish fish passage occurs for native plains Myrick Lab, RHAF, at ELC relict channel ELC Relict channel passage occurs is increased. River Health Fish fish? CPRW, ELC mouth; modeling mouth 2000-2032 CSU Dr. Chris Myrick What is the response of amphibians NA contracts to Smith after the project is completed? Do FCNAD acoustic Env. or other consultant. Maintain or increase number of amphibian detections increase after monitoring annually NA Amphibian Could be done by amphibian detections three years after ELC project is completed? Does FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, following amphibian points 139, 140, FCNAD staff if they have completion. River Health Amphibians species diversity increase after ELC CPRW, ELC protocols 141, 142 2022-2032 capacity. RHAF/Stillwater 61+52 to 41+00 Starting in 2023, widen the floodplain FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, uses 2D model in as- cross sections in Stillwater in LOMR extent River Health Floodplain Extent Did we widen the 5 year floodplain? CPRW, ELC builts plan set 2024 process Vegetation structure: submetrics% native, FQI, cottonwood regen,structural Does complexity increase? Do diversity, problem problem herbaceous and woody RHAF polygons at Increase complexity, structural woody species, species increase? Does structural ELC that overlap diversity, and species diversity. problem herbaceous, diversity increase? Does cottonwood with project area Increase native vegetation cover. vertical structure, recruitment increase? Does percent FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, RHAF/Crystal's (ask Jen and Brad if FCNAD, Brad J., Env. Increase cottonwood in recruitment. River Health Ishrubs lcover of native species increase? CPRW, ELC lmonitoring Ithese are redrawn) 2022-2032 lConsultant FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, RHAF/Field Reach 17 Increase sediment continuity River Health Sediment continuity Does sediment continuity increase? CPRW, ELC observations downstream 2024 FCNAD and Stillwater Maintain or increase coarse-scale Coarse-scale physical Does coarse-scale physical structure FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, structure River Health structure improve after project is completed? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Maintain or increase fine-scale Fine-scale physical Does fine-scale physical structure FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, structure River Health structure improve after project is completed? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Does the channel's ability to maintain its form long-term improve after FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, Increase channel resilience River Health Dynamic equilibrium project is complete? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Does the channel's ability to recover from an extreme event improve after FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, Increase dynamic equilibrium River Health Recovery potential project is complete? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Does the lateral configuration of the channel increase in complexity after FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, Improve recovery potential River Health Planform the project is complete? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Does entrenchment, channel cross sectional area, and width to depth FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, Improve channel dimension River Health Dimension ratio improve after project? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Does channel profile score decrease FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, Improve channel profile River Health Profile after project is complete? CPRW, ELC RHAF RHAF Reach 16 2016-2032 FCNAD and consultants Maintain or increase bird species Does bird species richness increase at FCNAD, CPW, RHAF, Three transects in richness River Health Birds transects FC-NO-046 and FC-PR-042 CPRW, ELC BCR Bird Monitoring project area 2009-2032 BCR Was the project constructed within Project is constructed within budget Economic Budget the budget? FCNAD, Utilities ELC project 2023 FCNAD, Utilities FCNAD, Utilities, Did the project avoid interruptions in General Contractor J-2, Signage and closure FCNAD, Utilities, General ELC Programming is not interrupted Social Nicole's programming programming at the ELC? ELC documentation ELC site 2022-2023 Contractor J-2, ELC Did we avoid any accidents during FCNAD, Utilities,J-2, FCNAD, Utilities,J-2, No accidents occur at site Social OSHA/safety logs construction? Stillwater, all subs OSHA log Project area 2022-2023 Stillwater, all subs Environmentalearning Center FlowRestoration Building a Diversion Structure with Innovative Restoration Benefits Bernadette Kuhn (City of Fort Collins) Team: Julie Ash, Johannes Beeby, Travis Stroth (Stillwater Sciences), Beck Anderson & Christina Schroeder (City of FC Utilities), Katie Donahue & Julia Feder (FC Natural Areas), Elaina Passero (Stillwater Sciences), Chance Brown (J-2 Contracting), Ryan McConnel (J-2), Corey Engen (Flywater), Amy Scherman & Matt Schupe (Flywater), John Giordanengo & Connor Thornton (Aloterra), John Leone (Naranjo), Wayne Eckas (Eckas Water), Brad Johnson (Johnson Environmental) Partners: Nicole Stafford (CSU ELC), Martin Dawson (Community Consultant), Boyd Wright City Of & Kyle Battige (CPW), Dr. Chris Myrick (CSU) Fort Collins Natural Areas Goals err r N. let • Grounding - , • Progress update • Monitoring framework �e _ v. Ay •r • Questions & - _ r _ f rF :, • --- r �J " '"' "- ,-tom`• '` •.a.- IN ` Discussion i qv oil r . f -•r ,j T P n !' &O Cache la Poudre River • Overallocated e • Major Dry U Points �r , 'L, CO P r W15I Fort ollins diversions 1 Miles 5 7'/2 10 �,� �' , Ifr/ '�'�►' i.y 1.�yiar '�d0�,. "`q!,�� �.. • / I . I ,� rA� �� .n_' '�� '"`A ..rr Oda �' y .t '� i.. r� �' � y r l � • • • � 5,����1 �ite5, � .��y'p �l�lly' .. ���'e.�19 ,�4'G�.%�'ix ^.�y'.�i � 'may f?�1 O n " .�+c✓' Fes"� i � ,y4�fW. •r. W..� -. �_a��. Ci ELC Water Right • Owned by City a� - • Ist i nstrea m water right in CO • Senior to NISP and Thornton •* O. ,`fit, t:.� ;�• • Valued $220 million • Legally prevents diversion of ;� ' ' � �*�• ,� �.�;. ; 10,000-acre-feet of water per year Requires a point of diversion' *�s��:.. '1Mae - t' 1 .: �► ' Connecting floodplain for river health y dft A IV Large wood structures New riffle crest allows fo fish passage and (' sediment transport • Plains Topminnow ,1 . f r ref pools Remove old diversion that ,� blocked fish passage , . . Progress • Riffle crest is nearly complete { �1 1 • Old diversion material has been removed • Pipe and headwall are installed - T • Large wood structures are nearly complete • Floodplain grading is complete • Plains topminnow design is 80% complete Timeline • Channel work completed b t p Y April 2023 • Construction completed July ryi 2023 t k per; 1 • Join us on April 21, 2023 for }` tour and willow planting event �. - Monitoring Snapshot Baseline Data? de Improve fish passage for all Richness and abundance Yes. Dr. Chris Myrick's 20- species data year data set Increase # of amphibian Acoustic monitoring data for Yes. RHAF 2022 detections # of detections Increase coarse-scale RHAF coarse-scale Yes. RHAF 2022 structure measurements Increase fine-scale structure RHAF fine-scale Yes. RHAF 2022 measurements Increase channel recovery RHAF planform Yes. RHAF 2022 potential Increase structural diversity RHAF vegetation structure Yes. RHAF 2022 and complexity Questions & Discussion Photo: Matt Webb Contact: bkuhn@fcgov.com Visit our project website: www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/elc i7 �,��/ .+� 11K�'� ..l 11,i� r • ', �� .1''l '- �- � rY ` \ i•�i �fr�� Y'gl t .. 1 'J � t rrf J �t� �i�' ' �'� a"ti ,k ��'•`O:�y� ��i':e. � _ •�kt,Y� .� ti,'} •� ,�u. t .rr„� � } t4tti �n.yr � ��f( q1 �r r_ .i• � .r ti.l r_ r ''t " r►. •N i'� �'� r' fir• Y' � !J•i `r• ' •,Yhrr�`�ki , }'C.f,k�..rvC• KS}, I Et .. 4 w. i•�'. `,, .Y� '•. K. M hltt. a6,0 r rr� j- `t 1 ?': �ftl rf • r� F 4 r .141 _ .t,. `� • '. ' :�• �1 '.l( .;/��w1 fir; •,_ ji'r`, '�,• f t�(.tt 'fN k�, i ,-'}� • - `�,� � <'. M77 �i�•„� �a �St�' { {; @ k !tt r i ► _ • rr1 .�� -'.•ti4 �,b .\ J uirf' Ir h M1�. �' \,1 I�`'' !I� � S4 t~t- �•. 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Z'k�•�J G ..,_ MEMORANDUM Date: February 8, 2023 To: Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Through: Katie Donahue, Natural Areas Director Julia Feder, Environmental Planning Manager From: Kate Rentschlar, Environmental Planner Jen Shanahan, Senior Watershed Planner Kristy Bruce, Environmental Planner Subject: Poudre River Zone Update Process Summary Over the past year, the Natural Areas Department conducted a zone update process for the Cache la Poudre River Zone (Poudre River Zone). This process resulted in a set of draft Conservation Priorities and People Priorities. These guided the drafting of a suite of updated management tactics for the Zone. In 2023, staff will get feedback on the draft Poudre River Zone Update, close out the Poudre River Zone Update and start the update process for the Urban Zone. Staff looks forward to LCSB's discussion and input about the Poudre River Zone Update. Background The zone update planning process is part of the larger Conservation and Stewardship planning framework (CSP) that Natural Areas adopted in 2022. CSP aligns and directly connects the ballot language, the Department's mission, the community's priorities, and staff efforts. The result of the zone update is a suite of management tactics generally scheduled for implementation in the five to seven-years following the update. Tactics support the adaptive management of conserved lands in response to available data, changing needs of the land, public feedback, and emerging priorities. The Natural Areas' Director approves the final Zone Update document, including the priorities and tactics. Between zone updates, staff produce progress reports, identify emerging management needs, and conduct relevant public engagement to gather input ahead of tactical implementation. Poudre River Zone Update The Poudre River Zone follows the iconic Cache la Poudre River from Gateway Natural Area in the scenic Poudre Canyon downstream through the heart of Fort Collins as it makes its way through Arapaho Bend Natural Area, adjacent to Interstate 25. The zone is a patchwork of management and ownership entities, including 21 natural area properties, multiple City Parks and stormwater outfalls, and extensive private lands. The Poudre River Zone Update process began in January 2022. The initial discovery phase included gathering broad feedback from the public and partners to develop conservation and people priorities for the zone. During public engagement, more than 300 people provided responses to an online survey or at community outreach events. Staff engaged LCSB to gather initial input on priorities at the April 2022 meeting and was encouraged to provide additional feedback via the online survey. Priorities The Poudre River Zone is characterized by high ecological value and high visitor use. Conservation and people priorities were developed from the feedback received during the discovery phase and conversations with NAD staff and partners. These priorities will guide the Department's management efforts in protecting and sustaining the resources in the Poudre River Zone. Conservation Priorities Conservation priorities are ecological processes, plant or animal communities, and species that require protection, monitoring, and maintenance to sustain a functioning, healthy, and resilient river ecosystem. Functional river flows (peak, base, and scouring flows) Coarse &fine-scale physical habitat in the river Sediment balance in the river River and Ponds water quality Ecological Connected river and riparian habitat Process Confluence(s)with Poudre tributaries Riparian flooding Oxbow analogs, overflow channels, backwater habitats Native fish refugia Vegetative structural diversity Mammal mesopredators (mink, otter) Plains native fish (2) Aquatic insects Midstory bird indicator species Cottonwoods(3) Plant or Animal Pond fringe wetlands Community Native amphibians (4) Secretive marsh birds (5) Hanging gardens New noxious weeds Sensitive, rare, or important plant species(6) Pollinators Species Little brown bat Preble's meadow jumping mouse 1 Spring Creek,Dry Creek,Boxelder Creek 2 Plains Topminnow,Iowa Darter,Orange-spotted Sunfish,Northern Redbelly Dace 3 P.deltoidies,P.angustifolia,P.acuminata 4 Chorus Frogs,Woodhouse Toads,Plains Spadefoot, Northern Leopard Frog 5 Virginia Rail,American Bittern,Sora,Wilson's Snipe 6 Wolffia borealis,Dichanthelium acuminatum,Ribes americanum,Carex atherodes,Lysimachia thyrsifolia,Lobelia siphilitica var.ludoviciana,Humulus lupulus var.neomexicanus,Rhytidium rugosum, Argyrochosma fendleri People Priorities People priorities are community needs in the Poudre River Zone. Addressing these will enhance the visitor use experience. Creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere allows all community members to care for natural areas and be part of protecting conservation values. Resource Protection Adapt to visitor use trends Concentrated use and access Welcoming for all Community members and visitors with disabilities Equitable & Safe Parking lot safety Use by families or large groups Native American and Indigenous culture and history, past and present People experiencing homelessness Assess access nodes Visitor Use Experience Coordination with adjacent management agencies Fishing experience Watercraft recreation experience and safety Wayfinding Tactics Once priorities are set, they guide the development of management actions. Over 110 management tactics have been drafted for the Poudre River Zone. Tactics support ecosystem health and resilience by continuing collaborations on projects such as the Poudre Flows Plan, the River Health Assessment Framework, and large-scale restoration projects. Many new ecological tactics focus on improving knowledge of important animal and plant communities by conducting studies or mapping to support adaptive management efforts. Tactics related to people direct Natural Areas to continue to partner with other departments and agencies to address complex safety and social issues like recreation during high flows and illegal camping along the river. In addition, many tactics promote equity and accessibility through installing bilingual signage and conducting focused outreach to better understand the needs of children, community members with disabilities, and Native American and Indigenous people. Next Steps The Poudre River Zone update process is moving from the planning phase to implementation and adaptive management phase. The first step is getting feedback from LCSB and other select audiences on the work thus far. Once this feedback has been considered, a final draft of the Zone Update will be available for the public to review (March-June). The Zone Update will conclude with administrative approval of the Zone Update document by the Natural Areas Director and publishing online, Conclusion Staff looks forward to LCSB's discussion and input about the Poudre River Zone Update. Specifically, staff would like to hear the Board's perspective on these questions: • What caught your attention when seeing the priorities for the Poudre River Zone? • As we look ahead to the Urban Zone Update, how did the Poudre Update Process feel for you? Board members are also invited to provide feedback through the public feedback form when the draft Poudre River Zone Update is available. Attachments 1. Poudre River Zone Map 2. Power Point Presentation 3. 2022 NAD Public Engagement Report Y ' Poudre River Zone Gateway^� • Natural A; _ Butterfly Woods Natural Area Magpie Meander North Shields Ponds Natural Area _ tural a Natural Area Na An �7 I NOlYat,Opan X Picnic Rock Salyer to the lc NJatural A, Natural Area .7 River's Edge I Natural Area McMurry Gustav Swanson I Natural Area Natural Area Homestead Natural Area Williams Udall - Natural Area ,vim•... - / R Natural Area iverbend Ponds Natural Area /�• t- Springer I'm I Natural Area Cottonwood Hollow - Natural'Area �1 �' Kingfisher Point ' Natural Area Running CQ.r t o ` Cattail Chorus Natural Area �\ J Natural Area Prospect Ponds Natural Area Topminnow � w t.M Rd Natural Area (Not Yet Open to the Public) - Ar aho Bend City of - Natural al Area Fort Collins w� Areas j, oudre River one Update Process LCSB Meeting February 8th , 2023 Kate Rentschler, Jen Shanahan, Kristy Bruce City of F6rt Collins Natural Areas CSP Process . � R � Poud re River Update � _- 5 Conservation p v. Priorities I cs mn Next SteCity of ps ort Co ins Conservation al �^ � r���.� R�.'_�y,F.�•'-:sue` f � and Stewardship Planning -J� S� "'_ •���a. .. z.'r i-� .•gJd ! k �kCity of Fort Collins • y:,1 sM '. .. *tip AYRI tu ♦� .!- + Y � C� City of Collins Zone Mana gement WYOh,Nr Zone Updates ➢2022 ➢Closed MtP �87 ➢Started Poudre ➢2023 ➢ Close Poudre K14 tr `1 ➢Start Urban CSP Zones -Foothills -Fossil Creek a -Montane G, Zone Check- Ins Mountains a Plains 14 n Poudre River � yy I i -Urban ➢ Ongoing � T nn RIV�y 'per � 5 Miles 4 0 5 10 15 20 34 "All -ft� 7_ 7+ • .. '. ��� �Y� �'�; ' � y �� `x •f � �^ � •�• .a fir �.�. 1 •.� � AV +,; -.., .. , ,� .�•. ;: .��' •;. k' ' , .. s- _. �. Poudre River PF Zone Update City/of 4. 7 art Collins Natural \ Areas Poudre River Zone Stats • 21 — 2 , 307 �' _ Poudre River Zone properties � �-- - a c re s Natural Araa_ T Butterfly Woods Natural Area Magpie Meander I / i .) North Shields Ponds Natural Area Natural Area 7l vl Natural Area Net Yel Open � Pic�Rock Salyer to tlw�publi< Natural Area Natural Area I .>�,/� River's Edge • 534 acres at Arapaho �,� Natural Area �' � M<Murry 4v QN.,,.t usavSwanson Natural Area ral Area Bend to 1 .4 acres at Homestead Natural Area I V ` Williams Udall _, Natural Area Riverbend Ponds Williams Natural Area �� Natural Area • I i 1 t Springer Natural Area Cottonwood Hollow . ,.o Kingfisher Point Natural Area ` Natural Area R'nning Deer Natural Area . .' /� �o."" Cattail Chorus Natural Area • NA manages 2 0 m i of r - w ,.ka Prospect Ponds Area � Natural Area trails + Parks 2 0 m i trails 4 = : rePminnow ))) .� Natural Area V (NatOpen e Yet blic) to th Public) - Clty Arapaho Nattu al Area d 19,` �+ Fort Collins W ° • Highest known visitation Areas j' at NAs is along the River City of ortCollins 6 Areas Timeline Phase: Document Phase: Discovery Phase: Refine & Close-Out • Broad Public Engagement • Draft & Refine Tactics with • Feedback on Draft Plan • Engage NAD Staff Staff and Partners • Finalize products • Engage Partners • Draft & Refine Website • Approve Products • Analyze Data • Draft & Refine Update • Begin focused Public • Create Conservation and Document Engagement People Priorities City of ortCollins 7 Areas Discovery Phase Site visits with FCNAD work groups • Meetings with key partners • Review existing data , plans, and policies • Broad public feedback mow Conservation and people Priorities City o�olhns Fort �'/ �I-y ea�5` 8 A �� Conservation Priorities Ecological processes, plant or animal communities, and species that require protection, monitoring, and maintenance to sustain a functioning, healthy, and resilient river ecosystem. Functional flows (peak, base, Mammal mesopredators (mink, scouring) otter) Coarse & fine-scale physical Plains native fish habitat in the river Aquatic Insects Sediment balance Midstory bird indicator species Water quality Cottonwoods Connected river and riparian Ecological Process habitat Plant or Animal Community Pond fringe wetlands Confluence(s) with Poudre Native amphibians _ tributaries Secret'Kgyiarsh bird Riparian flooding Hanging gardens Oxbow analogs, overflow channels, New noxious weeds backwater habitats Sensitive, rare, or important plant Native fish refugia species Vegetative structural diversity Pollinators Species Little Brown Bat Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse City of Fort Collins 9 Areas �� People Priorities People priorities are community needs in the Poudre River Zone. Addressing these will enhance the visitor use experience. Creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere allows all community members to care for natural areas and be part of protecting conservation values. Resource Protection Adapt to visitor use trends Concentrated use and access Welcoming for all Community members and visitors with disabilities Equitable & Safe Parking lot safety Use by families or large groups Native American and Indigenous culture and history, past and present People experiencing homelessness Assess access nodes Visitor Use Experience Coordination with adjacent management agencies Fishing experience Watercraft recreation experience and safety Wayfinding City of ortCollins 10 Natural A Pouldre Tactics lie Sample of Conservation Tactics 7 • Develop a ponds strategic plan that will prioritize FCNAD pond management efforts including: fisheries, water quality, restoration, and recreation. • Secure instream flows for the Poudre River through the ELC project ? and Poudre Flows Plan. • Further define FCNAD conservation priorities for amphibians; r: - '`. '��. ` formalize a rotational schedule for amphibian surveys along the river to support those priorities. City of ortCollins 11 Areasi A Pouldre Tactics Sample of People Tactics • Continue collaborations with Highwater Safety Group and implementing best practices. Encourage more frequent meetings in the spring/summer. • Explore locations for an ADA accessible water play feature along the river. • j�4_ Nr Keep the regulations about no dogs or biking at Running Deer and h Cottonwood Hollow natural areas. � ,: , , ' ► City of ortCollins 12 Areasi A Next Steps • Finalize draft products - Spring All • Public review of draft — Spring/Summer 'X�4 K • Publish Final Version - Fall • Focused public outreach - Ongoing Cache la Poudre River 2023 Zone Update DRAFT City of Fort Collins 13 ����� We want to hear from you 1 . What caught your attention when seeing the priorities for the Poudre River Zone? 2 . As we look ahead to the Urban Zone Update, how did the Poudre Update Process feel for you? Look forward to your feedback on the Draft Zone Update Document this Spring . ctY of Fort Collins Thanksi _ r: -'-i ' • '1� ,`S� r r \ -.../!"•C__,�s� `r�✓ ', v1r��. �, /--^•MR""�,ls-" �,.y�� c-7 s "���•,, -� �, �� � 7- !Yr•' oc NA 'a•-�. - --' s��� .a ,.� r 7• / ���� .-_- ��__- - - ��� —_ice—r - l - -��— ,� "'r�••a.� �- " i �♦ .-F ss91, e"- ,� =`a- ."E '%'� -/ � � � _.�bf. , l�ytyw r + •a -rd MW 401 -Z21N 41 ry --�.'. =��'-'- � � �—_ .-r�,� a:��.�'� �— -�„` .r_ ��,_ -ate' _. w•31F.d��ye�^'-' � � ,. �.�a.'� '� _c' 'a r� .��j�e. •� � � a #�r ��`� _ .s' i -._ ._.r _ T- 'T � - •_ •r - J C. ^.a. ter. - City of Fort • tu Natural Areas Each year, community members give feedback and answer questions to shape how Fort Collins' natural areas should be managed. Feedback comes in many forms, all of which are valued and heard by the Natural Areas Department. 2022 Engagement Topics Community Voices • Kestrel Fields Natural Area • Revised the trail alignment and picked the • Mountains to Plains Zone Update: Soapstone entrance sign art at Kestrel Fields Prairie Natural Area • Identified signage improvement opportunities at Soapstone Prairie and choose the signage style • Poudre River Natural Areas Zone Update that will be installed. • Influenced the draft tactics in the Poudre River Zone, with further engagement in 2023. Feedback Input was collected in English and Spanish through web-based and paper forms, online and at events, March-June 2022. Outreach included: Fields• Irish Elementary Day of the Child - Land Conservation and Stewardship Board • Kestrel ••-In - Social Media • Poudre River Drop-In - Trailhead Signs • Soapstone Prairie Drop-In - Mailing to Neighbors • • e• Accessibility Assessment at - VolunteerCoffee PresentationsSoapstone Prairie - • Poudre School • Natural Areas E-news • . PSD English • .• • • fcgov.com/naturalareas/feedback i , .. .. ` ^-•.�. 'mil.. ' .,. r; �..1 - 'r►.is�_ ,�iv �� _ _ - M l' Y # �,���• t n ,��n � +fit Y Y'�yd4,�r��$'"�}�! � r. . � f Feedback Demographics The Natural Areas Department strives to conduct inclusive public engagement that matches the demographics of our community and is always evolving its processes to meet this goal. The demographics of the 372 respondents were generally older, wealthier, and more educated than the general population. Six percent of feedback form respondents self-identified their ethnicity as hispanic/latinx compared with 14% city-wide. Household Income Feedback Form Fort Collins Less than$10K per year 2% 2.5% ■ $IOK-$34.9K per year 9% 11.4% ■ $35K-$74.9K per year 31% 24.5% ■ $75K-$149.9K per year 42% 30.3% $150K+ per year 17% 16.8% ■ Race Feedback Form Fort Collins American Indian/Alaska Native 0.7% .9% ■ Asian 0.3% 3.6% ■ Black/African American 0.3% 1.5% ■ Two or more races/Other 7.6% 13.2% White 91.1% 80.8% ■ City of ""�—��Nawr'al 22-24792 1 Auxiliary aids and services are F6rt Collins availabledisabilities.