HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/10/2023 - Land Conservation And Stewardship Board - Agenda - Regular Meeting
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting/Hybrid in person/ Zoom
1745 Hoffman Mill Road/Main Office Conference Room
May 10, 2023
May 10 , 202 3
Participation for this Land Conservation & Stewardship Board meeting will be available online, by phone or in
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The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:30 pm, May 10, 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.
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Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting/Hybrid in person/ Zoom
May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM
2. ROLL CALL & INTRODUCTIONS
3. AGENDA REVIEW
4. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
Poudre Heritage Alliance overview PHA 15 min
Larimer County Natural Resources Zoning Julia Feder 15 min
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.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting/Hybrid in person/ Zoom
May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
7. BOARD UPDATES
Retreat follow up LCSB 10 min
Former Hughes Stadium site tour LCSB 10 min
BAC Scott Mason 5 min
8. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Julia Feder 10 min
9. ADJOURNMENT
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting | 1745 Hoffman Mill Road
April 12, 2023
Members:
Ross Cunniff, Chair Holger Kley, Member
Scott Mason, Vice Chair Elena Lopez, Member
Denise Culver, Member Joe Piesman, Member
Andrea Elson, Member
2/8/2023 – MINUTES Page 1
1. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: Ross Cunniff, Scott Mason, Elena Lopez, Joe Piesman, Andrea Elson, Denise
Culver. Holger Kley joined the meeting at 5:35 p.m.
NAD Staff: Katie Donahue, Barb Brock, Matt Parker, Julia Feder, Tawnya Ernst, Kristina
Ostrowski, Mary Boyts
3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS: Rory
4. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes to the agenda.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Member Piesman made a motion to approve the March 2023 LCSB meeting Minutes.
Member Elson seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved 7-0.
6. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Rory (no last name) reported seeing people working at the former Hughes Stadium site and
stated it looked like a 5G tower was being erected. Katie Donahue explained that while there is
an active sale and purchase agreement, Colorado State University (CSU) still owns the property
and staff are unaware of such a project. Julia Feder stated it can be challenging to know the
boundaries of Maxwell Natural Area and CSU property. There is an inholding at Maxwell that
does have a cell tower which may be what the community member Rory described. Staff stated
if the tower is on CSU property, the Natural Areas Department would not have been notified.
The LCSB and staff thank Rory for his question.
Katie reported later during the meeting that Sylvia Tatman-Burruss, Project Manager, City
Manager’s Office, is not aware of a cell tower project, but there is a cell tower on the site. Sylvia
Tatman-Burruss said she would look to find out if there's something else.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 2
7. ACTION ITEMS:
Annual Appropriation of Prior Year Reserves
Barb Brock, Financial Analyst II explained to the LCSB that funding for the Natural Areas
Department (NAD) for purposes other than capital projects lapses each year if not spent.
Unspent prior year funds and unanticipated revenues need to be appropriated into the following
year’s budget before they can be used. The purpose of this item is to appropriate $12,102,550
in unspent funds and unanticipated revenues in the Natural Areas Fund to fund land
conservation, restoration of wildlife habitat, trails and visitor amenities, special projects and
other NAD needs to benefit the residents of Fort Collins.
Barb Brock noted reappropriation is a routine annual process and the bulk of this year’s carry-
over funds are for Land Conservation. She reported a reasonable likelihood that most of these
funds will be spent in 2023 with over $10,000,000 in land acquisitions under negotiation. Barb
Brock then provided a brief description of the remaining funds to be carried over to 2023 budget.
She is requesting a recommendation from the LCSB to Council in support of the proposed
annual appropriation of prior year reserves.
Discussion
Member Piesman asked if the Natural Areas required contribution towards the purchase of the
former Hughes Stadium site had occurred. Katie Donahue clarified the City has not yet acquired
the property and Barb Brock emphasized NAD has factored the potential costs into the Land
Conservation budget. Member Elson asked if the total amount is similar to last year. Barb Brock
replied yes and explained the most of the additional carry-over this year is due to unanticipated
funds; Help Preserve Open Space tax revenue was higher than expected. Chair Cunniff stated
that in the past Council has asked for an explanation as to why funds were not spent in the year
for which the funds were appropriated; was this still a request from Council? Barb Brock
explained the memo lists unanticipated use of funds for specific work groups/projects. Chair
Cunniff reiterated it is the “why” funds were not spent that Council may ask about and staff
should be prepared to answer. Staff assured the LCSB they are prepared to answer questions
from Council. Member Kley asked if there was balance sheet for 2022 of funding and
expenditures. Katie Donahue explained some revenue and expenditure information is published
in the department’s annual report. She stated staff would consider making a presentation to the
LCSB on department revenue and expenditures. Member Elson agreed it would be helpful to
receive a refresher presentation.
Member Elson made a motion that Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
recommends that City Council approves the proposed 2023 appropriation of prior year
Natural Areas reserves. Member Piesman seconded the motion. The motion was
unanimously approved, 7-0.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 3
Draft 1041 Regulations
Chair Cunniff opened the discussion by reminding everyone that the LCSB submitted a memo
to Council requesting the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area be designated as an
area of statewide interest under 1041 regulations. Katie Donahue stated the Poudre Heritage
Alliance has offered to attend the May 10 LCSB meeting. Member Mason asked when changes
are made to a draft ordinance after the first reading, is Council required do a first reading again.
Chair Cunniff said it depends on how extensive the changes are and if the City Attorney deems
it necessary. Member Piesman asked Chair Cunniff if any councilmembers have reacted to the
LCSB recommendation on the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Chair Cunniff
replied he had not seen any response from Council. Member Lopez stated enthusiasm for the
presentation from the Poudre Heritage Alliance and asked if the last memo to Council regarding
1041 and Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area be resubmitted. Chair Cunniff
supported her request and asked that the January 11 memo on 1041 also be resubmitted for
inclusion the May 2nd Council packet. Member Kley noted federal funding for the Poudre
Heritage Alliance would expire in 2024. Katie Donahue assured him the funding had recently
been reauthorized. Member Kley asked for clarification about the City’s 1041 powers relating to
the portions of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area outside of the City’s Growth
Management Area (GMA). Chair Cunniff stated the state statute likely contains geographic
restrictions. Member Piesman reminded board members they can comment as individuals (not
on behalf of the LCSB) about the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area as an area of
statewide interest at the May 2nd Council meeting.
Future of Hughes Stadium site
Chair Cunniff asked the board if they wanted to draft a memo on the proposed uses of the
former Hughes Stadium site. Several members supported drafting a memo to Council at some
point but expressed concern about the timing. Chair Cunniff stated the opportunity for the LCSB
to help shape the conversation around proposed uses of the site. He explained that while there
was high intensity use on the site with Hughes, humans have made mistakes and can do better.
He is advocating for low intensity use, especially in proximity to existing natural areas. Member
Piesman noted that because Council requested additional public input will not be making any
final decisions any time soon. Member Piesman emphasized the importance of getting the
opinions of the LCSB before Council but wants the advice to be timely.
Katie Donahue provided a brief update from the City’s Manager’s Office (CMO) for the Future of
Hughes Project. Currently, the CMO has stepped back to assess the feedback it has received to
date and is planning the next phase of public engagement scheduled for this fall. This next
phase will look quite different than the last round of public engagement with structured
conversations with the community. There are no definitive dates set for the engagement, but
likely between September and November. Member Elson asked if CMO and Kearns & West
planned to present to Council their findings and seek guidance. Katie Donahue replied this
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 4
occurred during a March Council work session where they were instructed to go back to the
community for more engagement; Council was not in a rush to make a decision on potential
uses.
Member Piesman pointed out, if the City will be asking NAD to help fund the purchase of the
former Hughes site, they probably expect input from the LCSB and NAD. The board should not
be shy in expressing its opinions. Member Cunniff agreed and suggested the LCSB could
continue to discuss this topic during the summer meetings. It would be useful for LCSB to
suggest avenues of investigation for CMO and Council: fully consider public sentiment around
the site, how much of the site should be natural areas, high vs. low intensity use, and the natural
habitat focus of the PATHS outreach efforts, and to include overhead costs associated with
proposed uses. Member Kley stated a need to address potential impacts on existing natural
areas and the responsibility to protect those spaces. A concern for existing natural areas may
justify making a statement to Council now. Member Piesman agreed habitat and ecology
protection is the focused work of the LCSB but suggested waiting to make a recommendation to
Council. Member Piesman urged Member Lopez to express her opinion. She voiced agreement
with other board members; it is the existing habitat that needs protecting including the Maxwell-
Pineridge wildlife corridor. She stated she has also heard from community groups about the
human dimension of wildlife and the connection with nature and natural areas. The LCSB
agreed to continue developing their future recommendation to Council on the proposed uses of
the former Hughes site.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Board Retreat
Chair Cunniff opened the discussion by stating the two items to be decided on were the date
and content of the retreat. Prior to the meeting, staff polled the LCSB members with April 28 or
May 19, 3:00pm-6:00 pm being the preferred dates. After further discussion, the LCSB agreed
to either date, to be determined by Chair Cunniff in consultation with Katie Donahue. Chair
Cunniff expressed interest in helping the LCSB prioritize its work plan. He asked Member Elson
what was covered in previous retreats, what content did the LCSB consider. Member Elson
said, other than general work plan topics, conservation easements on natural areas was a
recurring topic. Julia Feder explained a discussion of conservation easements might be better
suited to a regular board meeting. Other possible retreat topics of interest included NAD
finances, how to be most effective with Council, the former Hughes Stadium site, Northern
Integrated Supply Project (NISP), and creating a spreadsheet to track outcomes of
recommendations and memos to Council. Member Piesman stated his dissatisfaction with the
use of facilitator at the last retreat and would prefer the LCSB to self-facilitate the retreat.
Member Culver asked what the board envisions for Fort Collins in 10,20 or 30 years; what steps
can the LCSB take to achieve that vision. Chair Cunniff and Katie Donahue will prepare an
outline and summary agenda to be shared with the LCSB members prior to the retreat.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 5
8. BOARD UPDATES
LCSB Recruitment
Chair Cunniff announced recruitment has opened for the two vacancies on the LCSB.
Application deadline is 5:00 p.m., April 28th. Katie Donahue stated she responded to everyone
who contacted NAD regarding LCSB membership; 8-10 people.
Bicycle Advisory Committee
Member Mason shared highlights from the March 27 BAC meeting. Ginny Sawyer, Sr. Project
Manager, City Manager’s Office, made a brief presentation on the current status of the Future of
Hughes. She mentioned the possibility of ecological ground survey because there is some left
over stadium rubble and the potential significant restoration costs depending on the results of
the survey. Ginny Sawyer also reported there was some discussion about a bike park. The City
is considering developing a master plan of the entire area in the future.
Ginny Sawyer also provided BAC with a brief review of the Community Capital Improvement
Program and ¼ cent sales tax for the program set to expire at the end of 2025. City staff is
exploring various funding mechanisms to address the CCIP funding gap.
Scott Mason reported that Alex Gordon, North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization
(NFRMPO) updated the BAC on the Regional Transportation Plan. Member Mason stated the
area has grown by 100,000 people in ten years: a 22.7% increase. He shared highlights of the
NFRMPO two-year plan including road surface maintenance, road orientation, congestion
mitigation, transportation alternatives, a carbon reduction program and multi-modal
transportation.
The City is hosting the Dutch Thinkbike Workshop, April 18-20. The Workshop will culminate in
a celebration and panel discussion at New Belgium on April 20.
9. DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Staffing updates
Katie Donahue informed the LCSB of 3 current vacancies in the department: two Public
Engagement positions and one with Trails and Visitor Amenities. Those job announcements will
be posted over the next couple of months.
Public Engagement Cycle
The Spring Public Engagement Cycle is now underway. The initial Urban Zone online survey is
now open, and the Poudre River Zone draft update will be available for review and feedback by
the end of the month. Katie Donahue reported the Public Engagement staff is scheduling in
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 6
person feedback opportunities and those events will be posted in Engage.
Council update
The second reading of the ordinance to incorporate the Spring Canon Waste Way Ditch passed
on consent.
Bison Blessing
Katie reported the local Native American community held a blessing ceremony for the bison at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area on Saturday, April 8. There was not really any announcement
about the event, but Katie thought the LCSB would like to know. Colored ceremonial flags are
tied to the pasture fencing and will remain in place for about 30 days.
Poudre Heritage Alliance
The Poudre Heritage Alliance has offered to present to the LCSB next month to share an
overview of the organization. They can possibly answer questions around 1041 as it relates to
the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area.
Medical Leave
Katie Donahue stated she will be out on 4-12 weeks beginning April 24. Julia Feder will be
serving as LCSB staff liaison and Matt Parker as Acting Director.
Event Facility at Buckhorn
Staff are in the process of naming the event space located at the Buckhorn addition at Bobcat
Ridge Natural Area. The facility is similar to Primrose Studio and the naming procedure requires
staff to notify the City Manager through a memo. Historically staff have also checked in with the
LCSB as part of the process. Katie Donahue shared photos of the site, noted the PE team is
proposing “Creekside Haven”, and invited feedback from the LCSB. After a short discussion,
LCSB voiced approval.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Member Kley made a motion that the LCSB move into Executive Session to discuss
potential real property and specific legal questions regarding such property acquisitions.
Member Culver seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved 7-0.
The LCSB moved into Executive Session at 7:04 p.m.
The regular meeting reconvened at 7:41 p.m.
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board
Regular Meeting
4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 7
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Ross Cunniff, Chair Date
Land Conservation
Stewardship Board
May 10, 2023
What is a
national heritage area?
National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are designated by Congress as
places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form
a cohesive, nationally important landscape. Through their resources,
NHAs tell nationally important stories that celebrate our nation's
diverse heritage. NHAs are lived-in landscapes. Consequently, NHA
entities collaborate with communities to determine how to make
heritage relevant to local interests and needs.
NHAs are grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage
conservation and economic development. Through public-private
partnerships, NHA entities support historic preservation, natural
resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational
projects. Leveraging funds and long-term support for projects, NHA
partnerships foster pride of place and an enduring stewardship ethic.
Is the heritage area
a national park?
National Heritage Areas further
the mission of the National Park
Service (NPS) by fostering
community stewardship of our
nation's heritage. NHAs are not
national park units. Rather, NPS
partners with, provides technical
assistance, and distributes
matching federal funds from
Congress to NHA entities. NPS does
not assume ownership of land
inside heritage areas or impose
land use controls.
The
Cache la Poudre River
National Heritage Area
The lower 45 miles of the Cache la Poudre River
from Roosevelt National Forest to the confluence
with the South Platte River was designated a
National Heritage Area by Congress in 2009 and
reauthorized in 2023. It is only one of three
heritage areas in Colorado and one of 62 in the
nation.
Our river's heritage stems from conflict over the use
of the Cache la Poudre River. This led to the
development of Western water law, innovative
irrigation techniques, and water measurement
devices.
We work to PROMOTE historical and cultural
opportunities,ENGAGE people in the river corridor,
and INSPIRE learning, preservation, and stewardship
within the National Heritage Area.
The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area is
managed by the Poudre Heritage Alliance, a local
nonprofit.
Insert Map of the Heritage Area
Management
Plan Goals
Organizational Capacity
Story Telling
Striking a Balance
Promote Tourism
Board of Directors
& Staff
Programs & Projects
Community
Events &
Education
Interpretive
Wayfinding
Guided and
Self-Guided
Tours
Oral History Historic
Preservation
Play it Safe on
the Poudre
Learning in our
Watershed Field
Trips
Community
Grant Funding
Community Grants in Larimer County
Year of the River, Wolverine Farm Publik House
Poudre River Whitewater park & Heritage Trails, City of Fort Collins
Watering the West Documentary
Nature Rides, The Growing Project
Restoration of James Ross Proving Up House, City of Fort Collins
Interpretive signage at Council Tree, Strauss Cabin & Coy Homestead, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
North Loop Tour, North Park Scenic & Historic Byway Council
Fort Collins Water Works II, Poudre Landmarks Foundation
FC150: A Sesquicentennial Celebration exhibit; Food, Forage and Farm exhibit, Biodiversity Wall exhibit, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
River Education Initiatives, CSU Environmental Learning Center
Projects in
Progress
Island Grove Trailhead Signage
The Five States of Colorado Documentary
B.H. Eaton Nature Center Historic Rehabilitation
Poudre River Community Mural
Expansion of Learning In Our Watershed
Maintenance, tours, and restoration planning of the Bellvue Hydraulic Laboratory
Developing & promoting the Cache Pass -mobile app of curated tours for visitors and residents
Cache NHA rebrand
First annual Capture the Cache photography contest
Presented by:
Beth Bullard, Assistant Director
Dan Biwer, Chair
Wade Willis, Past Chair
Thank you!
www.poudreheritage.org
1745 Hoffman Mill Road
PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
JULIA FEDER/ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
MANAGER
970-221-6213/P
jfeder@fcgov.com /E
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas 1
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 10, 2023
To: Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
Through: Matt Parker, Natural Areas Acting Director
From: Julia Feder, Environmental Planning Manager
Subject: Larimer County Natural Resource Zoning
Summary
The 2021 update to Larimer County’s Land Use Code introduced a new zone district, NR-
Natural Resources. This designation can be applied to lands providing natural resource
conservation values. This zone district aims to further protect and buffer conserved parcels and
protect the intended purposes of conservation, public access, and recreation. The City of Fort
Collins Natural Areas Department, in collaboration with Larimer County Department of Natural
Resources staff, are considering a plan and timeline for redesignation of properties currently
zoned O-Open that qualify for NR-Natural Resources Zoning.
Background
In 2019, Larimer County updated its Comprehensive Plan. A major outcome of this process
included utilizing the Comprehensive Plan feedback to formulate new zone districts to guide
land use patterns in unincorporated Larimer County. In 2021, the County amended its Land Use
Code to include new zone districts with the goal of transitioning the current O-Open district over
time to encompass three new designations: NR-Natural Resources, Ag-Agriculture, and FO-
Forestry to provide more definition to the purpose and appropriate use of rural sectors of the
region. The NR-Natural Resources zone district intends to maintain the character of natural
areas, public lands, and open lands. The County intends to follow a quasi-judicial process for
migrating publicly owned and privately conserved lands from O-Open to NR-Natural Resources,
and re-zoning will occur upon the landowner’s or land manager’s request.
Designation of conserved lands in the NR-Natural Resources zone serves to both further protect
and buffer these conserved parcels and demonstrate on a larger scale the intentionality of
keeping land uses adjacent to, and in the region of, already conserved lands compatible with
protection of these properties. Attachment 1 provides a detailed review of allowable and
restricted uses within the NR-Natural Resources Zone compared to the current O-Open Zoning
District. Generally, allowable and preferred uses are much more restricted within the NR-
Natural Resources Zone. Specifically, the NR designation would provide enhanced protection to
Oil & Gas Drilling and Production and non-concealed tower construction. Unlike Open Zoning,
Natural Resources zoning will require enhanced buffers by neighboring properties, supporting
larger, naturalized setbacks between conserved properties and neighboring land use.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas 2
Overview of Character and Uses Within NR-Natural Resource Zone District
• Purpose and Character: Resource conservation and uses/products (e.g., ranching,
forest products) on federal, state, and local government-owned lands. Some public lands
are open to public access and recreation. Private lands under conservation easements
(no public access) may also qualify for the NR-District.
• Preferred Uses:
o Multiple Resource Uses (e.g., forestry, grazing)
o Outdoor recreation on publicly accessible lands
o Watershed Protection
o Hazard Mitigation (e.g., floodplain, slopes, high wildfire hazard)
o Conservation Easements (CEs)
• Additional Uses:
o Residential uses as permitted in a conservation easement
o Research and Public Institutions
• Discouraged Uses:
o Residential as a preferred use
o Commercial
o Industrial / Heavy Industrial
Implementation Timeline
In spring/summer 2023 Larimer County will move to re-zone county-owned open space lands as
a pilot effort. The county hopes to include county-managed properties that are partially owned
by other jurisdictions, such as the City of Fort Collins, in this phase of re-zoning. If other public
land managers desire to include lands under their respective jurisdictions (i.e., federally owned
lands, state owned lands, and municipally owned lands), Larimer County may also include those
lands in the pilot phase of this re-zoning effort. The re-zoning process is conducted through a
Larimer County Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) Hearing Process which is initiated via
public notice, followed by a scheduled hearing by the BOCC for a final decision.
Later in 2023, Larimer County intends to move forward with further re-zoning to designate
additional publicly conserved lands (open spaces, natural areas, etc.) into the Natural
Resources zone designation. Dependent on outcomes of the pilot effort, Larimer County intends
to follow the previously described re-zoning process conducted through a Larimer County
BOCC Hearing Process.
Larimer County hopes to migrate all county-owned open spaces to the NR-Natural Resources
designation and, as desired by other land managers, will also include municipal-owned natural
areas, state parks, NPS, USFS, Bureau of Reclamation, etc. In 2024, the county anticipates
beginning outreach to private landowners who have a conservation easement on their property
to gauge interest in those lands being re-zoned to the Natural Resources Zone designation.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas 3
Considerations for City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
While most City Natural Areas sit within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area or within City
Limits and therefore would be unaffected by such zoning changes, regional City-owned natural
areas within unincorporated Larimer County are currently zoned as O-Open. As the County
works to re-zone O-Open parcels, designation of these sites as NR-Natural Resources would
provide this land with additional protection. Attachment 2 identifies City Natural Areas being
considered for NR-Natural Resource Zone designation. This includes Bobcat Ridge Natural
Area (including the Buckhorn Addition), Crossline Canyons, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, as
well as several community separator natural areas. Additionally, the City holds numerous
conservation easements on privately owned lands currently zoned as O-Open and is partial
owner of properties managed by other regional agencies (i.e., Larimer County and the City of
Loveland).
City staff are currently considering a timeline for re-zoning all eligible City-owned properties from
O-Open to NR-Natural Resources. The City supports the County’s request to include sites on
which the City of Fort Collins is a partial owner (i.e., Long View Farm, Rimrock, Devil’s
Backbone open spaces) in the Q2-Q3 2023 pilot effort. Staff recommend re-zoning Soapstone
Natural Area to NR-Natural Resources during the pilot phase in Q2-Q3 2023. Dependent on
outcomes of the pilot effort, staff will establish a plan for re-zoning other eligible properties in the
latter half of 2023. Additionally, the City anticipates new acquisitions in unincorporated Larimer
County will be designated as NR-Natural Resources shortly following acquisition.
Staff look forward to fielding questions from and discussing this opportunity with the Land
Conservation and Stewardship Board at the May meeting.
Attachments
1. Larimer County Land Use Code Comparison Table of Allowable Uses in the Natural
Resources and O-Open Zoning Districts.
2. Map of City of Fort Collins Natural Areas located in unincorporated Larimer County.
Attachment 1: Larimer County Land Use Code Comparison Table of Allowable
Uses in the NR-Natural Resources and O-Open Zoning Districts
Table of Allowed Principal Uses – Rural
LEGEND: X = Not allowed Use
R = Allowed by Right SP = Site Plan AS = Administrative Special Review S = Special
Review Blank Cell = Prohibited use
District NR O
Use-
Specific
Standards
Agricultural Operation R R
Community Garden AS AS 3.3.2.B
Forestry R X 3.3.2.C
Nursery
Retail SP SP 3.3.2.D
Wholesale R R
Tree Farm
Retail SP SP
Wholesale R R
Agricultural Labor
Housing AS AS 3.3.2.F
Packing Facility X AS
Apiary R R 3.3.2.G
Commercial Feedlot or
Dairy X S
Equestrian Operation
Large X S 3.3.2.H
Small X AS 3.3.2.H
Poultry Keeping
Rural R R 3.3.2.I
Urban X X 3.3.2.J
Poultry Processing AS AS 3.3.2.K
Dwelling, Cabin R R 3.3.3.A
Dwelling, Single-Family
Detached R R
Manufactured Home R R 3.3.3.E
Storage Building or
Garage on Vacant Lot,
Residential
X R 3.3.3.G
Community Residential
Home R R 3.3.3.I
Group Home R R 3.3.3.I
Group Home for Aged R R 3.3.3.I
Group Home for Persons
W/ Behavioral or Mental
Health Disorders
R R 3.3.3.I
Assembly
Indoor only X AS
With outdoor area X S
Cemetery X AS
With Funeral Home or
Crematorium X X
School, Nonpublic X S
Natural Resources &
Wildlife Area R R 3.3.4.C
Park or Playground R R 3.3.4.C
Regional Open Space &
Trails R R 3.3.4.C
Reservoir Park R X 3.3.4.C
Urban Open Space & Trail X R 3.3.4.C
Garden Supply Center X AS
Bed & Breakfast
≤ Ten Guests X AS 3.3.5.A
> Ten Guests X AS 3.3.5.A
Resort Lodge or Resort
Cottages AS X
Short-term Rental
≤ Ten Occupants X AS 3.3.5.B
> Ten Occupants X AS 3.3.5.B
Campground
Primitive AS X 3.3.5.C
Modern S X 3.3.5.C
Membership Club or
Clubhouse X S
Recreational Vehicle
Park S X 3.3.5.D
Riding Stable S AS 3.3.5.E
Seasonal Camp S X
Shooting Range
Indoor Only AS X
With Outdoor Activity S X
Transit Terminal or
Station X S 3.3.5.I
Mining S S 3.3.6.C
Oil & Gas Drilling and
Production X S 3.3.6.D
Radio & Television
Transmitters X S
Small Solar Energy
Facility, Building-
Mounted
R R 3.3.7.A
Small Solar Energy
Facility, Ground-
Mounted
AS AS 3.3.7.B
Small Wind Energy
Facility S X 3.3.7.C
Wireless Communication
Facilities X X
Alternative Tower
Structure (concealed) X X Article 9.0
≤ 40 feet high SP SP Article 9.0
≤ 60 feet high AS AS Article 9.0
Attached Facility on
Existing Structure SP SP Article 9.0
Small Cell Facility SP SP Article 9.0
Tower (non-concealed) Article 9.0
≤ 40 feet high X X Article 9.0
≤ 60 feet high X AS Article 9.0
61-80 feet high X X Article 9.0
81-100 feet high X X Article 9.0
101- 120 feet high X AS Article 9.0
> 120 feet high X S Article 9.0
Crossline
Canyons NA
Butterfly
Woods NA
Flores del
Sol NA
Gateway NA
Picnic
Rock NA
Soaring
Vista NA
Bobcat
Ridge NA
Coyote
Ridge NA
Reservoir
Ridge NA
ST14
ST257
ST14
£¤287
£¤34
£¤287
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Boyd
Lake
E
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-34E
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-34 US-34 WUS-34 WWEisenhowerBlvdWEisenhowerBlvdE Eisenhower BlvdE Eisenhower Blvd US-34
E
US-34
EUS-34US-34 I-25 NI-25 NI-25 SI-25 SCO-14 WCO-14 W
U
S-
2
8
7 S
U
S-
2
8
7 S
CO-14CO-14CO-1 4 ECO-1 4 E
S College AveS College AveUS-287US-2877thSt7thStS Shields StS Shields StE
P
rosp e c t
R
d
E
P
rosp e c t
R
d
S Taft Hill RdS Taft Hill RdNWilsonAveNWilsonAveW Prospect RdW Prospect Rd
CR-19CR-19W Mu lbe rry StWMulberry St
E CR-70E CR-70
S County Road 5S County Road 5N Shields StN Shields StCR-9CR-9CR-54GCR-54G
N CountyRoad27N CountyRoad27NTaft HillRdNTaft HillRdCO-257CO-257CR-15CR-15Ri
st
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CR-38ECR-38EB
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S Lemay AveS Lemay AveSoapstone Prairie NA
0 1 2 3 4 5
Miles
I
City of Fort Collins
Natural Areas in
Unincorporated
Larimer County
Fort Collins Growth
Management Area
Loveland Growth
Management Area
Attachment 2: Natural Areas in Unincorporated Larimer County
Environmental Services
215 N. Mason
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221-6600
970.224-6177 - fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DATE: April 28, 2023
TO: City of Fort Collins - Transportation Board (T-Board)
FROM: City of Fort Collins - Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC)
SUBJECT: Expressing Support for Recreational Bicycling Facilities and Infrastructure
Dear Chair Brown,
The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) has recently discussed the importance of the City
investing in and developing recreational bicycling facilities and infrastructure for all ages,
abilities, and bicycling disciplines. Specifically, we feel the City should incorporate bike parks,
skill areas, soft-surface trails, recreational paved surfaces, and closed courses throughout the
City. We believe it is vital to get more members of the community biking more often, especially
youth and historically underrepresented groups.
The BAC believes FC Moves and Parks & Recreation should jointly create a Recreational
Bicycling Plan in support of this under-appreciated community need. Such a plan directly aligns
with the adopted Active Modes Plan (AMP) Big Move to create “A Supportive and Inclusive
Culture (SIC)” and specifically, SIC4: “Expand recreational active modes opportunities:Support
Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, and community organizations ’efforts to build
recreational amenities like a bike park and unpaved trails. Recreational amenities can help
people, particularly youth, develop skills and confidence and build a culture of support for active
modes.”
While great focus has been placed on building on-street infrastructure to achieve the goals and
outcomes in the AMP as well as the goals of Our Climate Future, we are concerned about the
lack of focus on and investment in recreational bicycling. We see a need to develop a robust bike
culture that supports an atmosphere in which bike riders, especially new riders, see both the fun
and utility of bike riding. Responses to the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Outreach survey
support our viewpoint. For example, responses to the item "If you or a family member has a need
for each type of outdoor facility” indicated that "Mountain Bike Courses and Bike Parks” were a
need for 12.1% and 6.8%, respectively, of respondents. When summed together, these two needs,
at 18.9%, beat out the top reported choice of community gardens (15%), dog parks, natural
areas/wildlife, water play features, and other surveyed options. The Master Plan in its final form,
however, makes no mention of bike parks, courses or trails, but instead focuses on “bike
connections” to parks, somewhat redundant with the AMP.
We ask for your support in forwarding this memo to Council to ensure that recreational biking is
recognized and prioritized as focus area for the City. Priority should be placed on both funding
the creation of these facilities and funding their maintenance in the future such that “the percent
of transportation funding allocated to active modes aligns with the City’s strategic outcomes
2
related to mode shift, safety, climate action, and equity.” (excerpt from the Active Modes Plan,
as adopted).
Very Respectfully,
Kevin Krause
Bicycle Advisory Committee Member (Natural Resources Advisory Board Liaison)
cc: Cortney Geary, Active Modes Manager
Mike Calhoon – Director of Parks
LeAnn Williams – Director of Recreation
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 3, 2023
To: Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
Thru: Matt Parker, Acting Natural Areas Director
Julia Feder, Environmental Planning Manager
From: Sylvia Tatman-Burruss, Senior Policy & Project Manager
Ginny Sawyer, Senior Policy & Project Manager
Re: Hughes Property Existing Cell Tower
There is an existing cell tower on the former Hughes site with a current contract dating back to
2002. The City intends for this cell tower to remain in place upon acquisition. No other cell
towers are currently proposed on the site.
Next Steps
• Staff plans to conduct more outreach on the project in the fall of 2023
• Staff will continue to utilize the OurCity platform for upcoming engagement opportunities:
https://ourcity.fcgov.com/future-of-hughes
CC:
Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager