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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/11/2023 - Land Conservation And Stewardship Board - Agenda - Regular Meeting Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting Hybrid format: In person or Zoom 1745 Hoffman Mill Road/Main Office Conference Room October 11, 2023 October 11, 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, October 11, 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. Join Zoom Meeting https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/95836874270?pwd=d3pPaTluOTBlMlVpbXpCQTFWbTZ3dz09 Meeting ID: 958 3687 4270 Passcode: 85q?8r!Y One tap mobile +17209289299,,91262842297# US (Denver) +13462487799,,91262842297# 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) Find your local number: https://fcgov.zoom.us/u/aeizWCgMH 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. Public Participation (Phone): 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 Format: In person or Zoom October 11, 2023 October 11, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS 30 Years of Botany at NAD Crystal Strouse 15 min NAD finance overview Katie Donahue 20 min LCSB input on City Strategic Outcome LCSB 15 min LCSB 2024 Work plan LCSB 20 min 7. BOARD UPDATES BAC Scott Mason 5 min 8. DEPARTMENT UPDATES Katie Donahue 10 min 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION* Land Conservation update Tawnya Ernst 15 min 10. ADJOURNMENT *Executive session is for Board Members and Staff only. Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting | 1745 Hoffman Mill Road September 13, 2023 Members: Ross Cunniff, Chair Elena Lopez, Member Scott Mason, Vice Chair River Mizell, Member Denise Culver, Member Joe Piesman, Member Andrea Elson, Member Mark Sears, Member Holger Kley, Member 9/13/202 3 – MINUTES Page 1 1. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 5:31 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Holger Kley, Scott Mason, Joe Piesman, Denise Culver, Andrea Elson, River Mizell, Mark Sears, Elena Lopez, Ross Cunniff NAD Staff: Katie Donahue, Mary Boyts, Kristina Ostrowski, Matt Parker, Tawnya Ernst, Julia Feder, Alynn Karnes, and Rachel Balduzzi City Staff: Ted Hewitt, Assistant City Attorney 3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION: None 4. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There were no changes to the August 2023 LCSB Meeting Minutes. Member Piesman made a motion to approve the August LCSB Meeting Minutes. Member Elson seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8-1, with Member Lopez abstaining. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS Poudre Flows Plan Update Bernadette Kuhn, Senior Environmental Planner described the Poudre Flows Plan as an innovative solution created by regional partners to address inadequate flows and dry up points that are harmful to the health of the Cache la Poudre River. The initial concept was conceived by the Poudre Runs Through It (PRTI) Study/Action Work Group in 2013. Bernadette Kuhn shared a map locating the reaches of the river where each of the three partners (City of Fort Collins, City of Greeley, and the City of Thornton) would contribute a portion of their water rights to instream flows. The Plan will increase flows by using existing water rights that have been historically used to irrigate crops. Once added to the river, the “augmentation water” will increase flows and be protected from diversion by others until it reaches a downstream point when the augmentation water may be reused. Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 9/13/2023 MINUTES Page 2 The City’s seed water will increase flows in a reach that begins at the Southside Ditches diversion structure above Lion’s Open Space in Laporte and ends at the Fossil Creek Inlet Ditch near Drake and Timberline, allowing flows to continue through the urban river reaches of Fort Collins. The City’s seed water is provided from Fort Collins Utilities’ water right shares in the New Mercer, Larimer #2, and Arthur ditches. Depending on various river conditions, the City’s seed water could contribute up to 57 cubic feet per second. Bernadette Kuhn invited questions from the Board before continuing her presentation. Member Culver asked if the City is monitoring groundwater in the river reaches or at other sites throughout the watershed. Bernadette Kuhn explained monitoring wells were installed at the Environmental Learning Center as part of the instream flow restoration project to understand how the project impacts groundwater at the site. Chair Cunniff asked how much water Thornton would contribute to the Flows Plan compared to the amount they propose to divert through their pipeline. Bernadette explained the amount of “seed” water for the initial phase of the Flows Plan is quite small. The current objective is to set up a legal framework to allow for the instream augmentation. Hopefully other entities will come forward with more water to add to instream flows. Several members asked for clarity on the amount that would flow through Fort Collins. Bernadette Kuhn and Julia Feder explained the Flows Plan allows flexibility in water use, but the amount would represent a small fraction of the full water rights of the three contributors. Water historically used for irrigation or other municipal use would be permitted to augment instream flows, depending on the needs of the contributing entity. The decree would define instream flow augmentation as a “use” for the owner of the water right. Bernadette Kuhn continued her presentation by describing the infrastructure required to implement the Flows Plan. The City would need to coordinate with the irrigation companies to retrofit the Little Cache and Arthur diversion structures to install bypass flow infrastructure and measurement gauges. The project team is also exploring the addition of a fish passage and higher standards of safety for structure design in the two locations. Member Lopez asked if there is concern about sediment or turbidity from the gravel operation relative to the fish passage. Bernadette Kuhn pointed out that the gravel operations are downstream of the City’s two planned augmentation structures. Bernadette Kuhn then walked the LCSB through a high-level project timeline. The City and its partners are now seeking Water Court approval of the Plan and are engaged with an engineering firm to help with feasibility, early design, and cost estimates. Staff intends to submit a formal budget request for the full design in the next budget cycle. Permitting is scheduled for 2025-26 followed by construction in 2027, and the plan operational in 2028. Bernadette ended her presentation by reporting that Council’s support of instream flows has Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 9/13/2023 MINUTES Page 3 been key in acquiring funding, grants, and partnerships. The work at the Whitewater Park and Environmental Learning Center was made possible because Council prioritized protecting and enhancing instream river flows. Bernadette Kuhn asked the LCSB if they would be interested in helping NAD to keep in-stream flows as a Council priority. Chair Cunniff asked about the best timing for the Board’s support. Katie Donahue suggested submitting a memo to Council when they are setting their priorities for the next BFO cycle. Chair Cunniff added the LCSB could review all of the Council Priorities relevant to the Board’s work and make appropriate recommendations. Katie Donahue clarified the funding for the Poudre Flows Plan would likely be a combination of sources including Utilities, Natural Areas, and grants. Member Piesman asked if augmentation could occur in the summer if needed. Bernadette Kuhn replied yes. The project team water resource engineers have the data to coordinate instream flow augmentation with “calls” for irrigation water from other entities to ensure the best timing for our contributions. Member Culver stated the more letters of support to Council for this project the better. As a member of Trout Unlimited, she offered to request a letter from that group as well as other regional conservation groups. Bernadette Kuhn noted the project team would be applying for a grant in December and would appreciate a letter of support from the LCSB. Several members agreed the Flows Plan aligns with the LCSB priorities. Member Kley inquired about the ownership of the two structures that require retrofitting. Bernadette Kuhn explained that while the City is a major shareholder in the two ditches, they need to work with the other shareholders. Member Kley asked if the other members were also interested in safety improvements. Bernadette Kuhn stated it is in the best interest of all shareholders to improve safety and to create a safe outlet downstream of the structure to prevent injury. Member Lopez asked if there were any downsides to the plan; could partners change their mind and choose to not contribute. Bernadette explained the Flows Plan is voluntary with no contract that commits a specific amount of water in a specific time frame. It allows for flexibility dependent on availability and need. Tawnya Ernst, Land Conservation Lead Specialist began her presentation with a review of Conservation Easements (C.E.) which are voluntary, perpetual agreements between a landowner and a conservation organization to protect a property's conservation value. She noted that a conservation easement doesn’t necessarily encumber or restrict an entire property; the landowner might choose to retain rights to farm, graze livestock, build a house, etc. Conservation easements are not a “cure all” and eminent domain could still happen, and oil and gas development could occur if the mineral rights were severed from the property. More importantly, the conservation easement gives the conservation organization a seat at the table when those discussions occur to try to limit impact to the conservation values. The C.E. process can be quite lengthy depending on the complexity of the property, types of rights and uses retained, necessary due diligence, title work, appraisal, baseline inventory etc. Both the NAD and C.E. organizations continue their relationships with landowners and monitor properties each year to ensure all easement terms are being upheld. Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 9/13/2023 MINUTES Page 4 Tawnya Ernst shared maps locating the C.E. held by the NAD (22,000 acres) and those co-held with another entity (3,000 acres). Currently, approximately 5,000 acres owned solely by Natural Areas are encumbered with conservation easements. Former staff, including Mark Sears and Dave Myers, began exploring increased layers of protection for natural areas. The current Land Conservation work team has been building on that initial work and this year made C.E. one of its top priorities. Staff has had multiple meetings internally with the City Attorney’s Office and the Utilities Department. Tawnya Ernst noted Ted Hewitt, Assistant City Attorney was present to address legal questions from the LCSB. Tawnya Ernst walked the LCSB through the list of NAD properties that have been prioritized for C.E. consideration with Meadow Springs Ranch and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area heading the list followed by the Montane and Foothills properties. Member Elson asked if the priority was determined by resource value or the threat of development. Staff replied it was both. Julia Feder clarified that the priorities list is not necessarily pursued in numerical order but rather as opportunities arise and partnerships become available. Tawnya Ernst reported staff has made significant strides towards protecting Meadow Springs Ranch (MSR). An appraisal site visit was conducted this summer; multiple meetings were held with utility staff; and types of reserved rights and permitted uses to be retained on the property were defined. Staff recognizes the sheer size of this property will likely require acquiring the easement in phases. Member Piesman offered that putting C.E. on the outer ring of the property might be a strategy against development. Member Culver stated the American Farmland Trust could be an option as the C.E. holder, as they are well received in the rural community. Member Piesman noted the Legacy Land Trust dissolved and stated the importance of the financial viability of the C.E. holder. Staff explained the C.E. is still in effect even if the holding entity is dissolved; the C.E. will need to be acquired by another entity. Chair Cunniff reported Boulder County terminated a C.E. under eminent domain. Ted Hewitt explained, in general non-profit entities don’t want to extinguish C.E., which is why they are good partners. While it’s possible to terminate a C.E. it is a difficult task. Member Lopez asked if a city could use eminent domain to override a C.E. holder. Ted Hewitt stated this was possible; a city could convey away rights and then in the future exercise eminent domain to get those rights back. Katie Donahue explained NAD staff is carefully analyzing properties and prioritizing those most at risk. There are opportunity costs with C.E. since the funds are drawn from the land acquisition budget. Member Elson asked for clarity around the process for Meadow Springs Ranch. Tawnya Ernst explained when the City conveys away property rights, they must receive fair market value unless the property meets five public purposes as outlined in the City code (included in the meeting packet). In the case of MSR, the Utilities ratepayers would need to be “made whole” in that Utilities is not allowed to donate the full value of the property rights. Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 9/13/2023 MINUTES Page 5 Tawnya Ernst then described the two pilot projects currently underway at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and Heaven’s Door Ranch, both in partnership with Larimer County and the City of Loveland. County and City staff are finalizing the C.E. draft with terms expected to be finalized Q4 2023 - Q1 2024. Member Lopez asked if it made sense to lower the restrictive bar on the five public purposes requirements to allow more properties to be protected. Tawnya Ernst listed several of the NAD C.E. partners including Larimer County Open Lands, City of Loveland, Colorado Open Lands, and American Farmland Trust. She briefly reviewed the costs to NAD to acquire a C.E. She noted the possibility of restrictive covenants on properties held jointly by the City and Larimer County, and C.E. swaps with other property holders. Tawnya Ernst stated it is feasible to consider one or two C.E. per year. Member Sears pointed out unlike NAD properties, Meadow Springs Ranch has no protection at all. He stated protecting it now, before some future date when Utilities no longer has use for the property, makes sense. Chair Cunniff said if NAD plans to place C.E. in phases, then the portions most likely to be developed should be prioritized. Member Elson and Member Piesman expressed appreciation for the progress staff has made in pursuing C.E. on natural areas. Member Kley asked if there were any conversations with non-regional governmental partners. He pointed out the shared interests of the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, and the City of Loveland might unduly influence C.E. decisions. Having partners outside of the regional sphere of influence might be worth consideration. 9. BOARD UPDATES Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) Member Mason reported the Ad Hoc Committee on Boards and Commissions is recommending the BAC transition to a Type 1, standalone Advisory Board and be renamed the Active Modes Advisory Board. This change will better reflect all use modes and will allow for direct recommendations to Council. Members to the new board will be appointed after seating of Council following the November election. BAC also heard presentations on the 10-year Transportation Capital Improvement Plan (TCIP) and Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization Study. Agenda topics Chair Cunniff asked the Board for topics for future agendas. Member Piesman asked for an update on mitigating the fire risk of invasive grasses in natural areas. Member Culver explained the invasive grasses in Hawaii were dry, unlike smooth brome which stays green year-round. Katie Donahue reported the City is updating the Community Wildfire Protection Plan and staff will update the LCSB when the new plan is finalized and there are strategies in place to guide fire mitigation. Chair Cunniff expressed concern about the Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 9/13/2023 MINUTES Page 6 electric powerlines that cross natural areas. Member Culver asked about the monitoring of groundwater before the implementation of the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). She noted the associated fire risk that comes with depleted ground water and drying vegetation. Katie Donahue offered to bring a budget/finance presentation to the Board and asked for input on the kinds of information they would like. It was decided that staff will present an overview of funding and expenditures. 9. DEPARTMENT UPDATES Katie Donahue, Natural Areas Director provided updates on several department items. Kestrel Fields Natural Area Celebration The formal opening celebration of Kestrel Fields Natural Area was a huge success with well over 300 community participants. Thank you to the LCSB for their support and for those able to attend the event. Follow up items from the August LCSB Meeting Communications and Public Involvement (CPIO) responded the West Nile Virus visual communications meet Design Communications for Accessibility standards. Staff appreciates the feedback from Member Mizell. It is a good reminder to monitor our in-house communications for accessibility standards. Mineral oil as a mosquito abatement tool is used only when mosquitos have reached the pupa stage. The oil creates a film on the surface of non-flowing water preventing the pupa from rising. This method is only used when mosquito breeding sites are discovered after the larval stage; it's a fairly limited application. The product breaks down within 24 hours. Non-selective staff established an annual target to minimize the amount used. Larimer and Weld Irrigation Company Fencing In August, the Larimer and Weld Irrigation Company began installing a fence along the Eaton Canal. The City has been in communication with the company regarding City code, required permits and easements. The company does not plan to extend the fence into Red Wing Marsh Natural Area. Easement Requests Tawnya Ernst has been working to ensure the easement application process is thorough and rigorous in protecting the community’s assets. Staff has started to track easement applications and share the information with the LCSB. Recently a developer withdrew their easement request across Red Wing Marsh Natural Area after discussions with Land Conservation staff. Utilities Infrastructure Work Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 9/13/2023 MINUTES Page 7 Utilities is performing work on their raw water line upstream of Gateway Natural Area. This is the drinking water source for Fort Collins and the maintenance actions they're doing is to ensure the safety of our drinking water and make updates to all sections of the pipe. Natural Areas and Utilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dating back to 2016. They are a good partner for NAD in terms of respecting the goals and mission of the department. Fair Campaign Practices Act The City Clerk’s Office recently issued an update about appropriate actions of Boards and Commissions once an issue has been submitted to City Council for fixing of the ballot title. Board members are not restricted in their actions as private citizens. Katie Donahue will forward the information to Board members. City Strategic Outcomes The City will be updating the Strategic Plan before heading into the next budget cycle. The Budget office is seeking input from Boards and Commissions on the City’s Strategic Outcomes. This is an opportunity for Boards and Commissions to weigh in on City priorities. 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m. Ross Cunniff, Chair Date 1745 Hoffman Mill Road PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 CRYSTAL STROUSE/BOTANIST 970-402-6385/P cstrouse@fcgov.com /E MEMORANDUM Date: 10/11/2023 To: Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Through: Katie Donahue, Director, Natural Areas Matt Parker, Senior Supervisor, Natural Areas From: Crystal Strouse, Specialist - Botanist, Natural Areas Subject: LCSB Presentation - 30 Years of Native Plants Summary For 30 years the Natural Areas Department (NAD) has conserved land, restored habitat, and facilitated community conversations highlighting the importance of native vegetation. Over millennia native plants of this region have evolved with our soils and varying levels of precipitation. Their diverse genetics allow the best level of flexibility to deal with climate change. Our wildlife also evolved with these plants, some species requiring native plants to complete their lifecycles. Native plants share the land with other natives, creating diverse ecosystems that provide a rich natural experience for our community. Native vegetation and the appropriate ecological disturbances required to maintain it serve as the foundation for the conservation and enhancement of land. NAD promotes native vegetation through conservation, community education, restoration and ongoing management. Conservation of Native Plants NAD conserves native species by acquiring land, monitoring, and limiting introduction of non-native plants. Purchasing land with intact native vegetation is the most effective and impactful way to conserve native plants. To date, the community has acquired 54 natural areas, conserving 43,506 acres. The natural areas contain a stunning amount of plant diversity, almost 1,000 species! This diversity represents 25% of all plants known in Colorado. Many of these plants are among the rarest species in Colorado including Bell’s twinpod (Physaria bellii), an endemic plant. Endemic plants exist in only one geographic area in the world. Bell’s twinpod occurs only in Boulder and Larimer counties. The Magpie Meander population of tufted loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora), discovered in 2006, is the only known population in the State of Colorado. In fact, botanists thought the species no longer existed in the state with the last documented occurrence recorded in 1903. In total, 130 rare plants exist within the natural areas system, of which Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) tracks 36 species, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracks two species listed as Federally Threatened. Advocation from NAD staff contributed to multiple City departments amending their policies to disallow planting of smooth brome, the single most significant threat to native species in the region. In 2014 the Community Development and Neighborhood Services Department officially prohibited smooth brome in development seed mixes and plantings. The Stormwater Department also included smooth brome on a “no plant” list for their recommendations for construction, stormwater basins, and revegetation for temporary erosion control. With many City departments now understanding the important role of native plants, NAD staff worked through the Nature in the City program to form the City Vegetation Team in 2018. This multi-disciplinary team promotes the use of native vegetation through policy, practice, and the production of a public-facing plant database oriented towards those wanting to reduce water use, provide better pollinator habitat, and otherwise contribute to improved ecological conditions. Restoration and Ongoing Management Time and staff-learning have significantly improved the management of our community’s natural areas. With 15 natural areas and 1,181 acres in 1992, management activities focused on reacting to noxious weed complaints, reseeding limited properties with rudimentary native species lists, and providing public education regarding the importance of using native species. The department now manages ecological resources in a more holistic way founded in understanding the functions required to maintain healthy native ecosystems. From the earliest iteration of the department, staff recognized the importance of using native plants to restore habitat quality and soil health. At the time, this native species-focused paradigm conflicted with the majority approach within the restoration field. The overwhelming majority of restoration projects (most of which were transportation related) utilized crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, and other introduced species selected for quick germination and soil stabilization. This approach did not recognize the long-term importance of species diversity. This native-focused vision, enhanced through additional learning, carries on today. Aside from a few agricultural and cover crop species, the department primarily uses plants native to Fort Collins to restore natural areas. Using landscape-level management actions that mimic historic activities, such as grazing and fire, NAD actively enhances the habitat of native plants, for example the Colorado butterfly plant (Oenothera coloradensis) at Soapstone Prairie. This Federally Threatened species requires sunlight to reach the rosette to initiate flowering and drive reproduction. Grazing and fire are both key management actions aimed at reducing the shading caused by dense vegetation cover in its habitat. These management actions, and the resulting robust population at Soapstone and surrounding areas prompted The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to begin the delisting process of this species. Through a variety of learning opportunities and collaborations with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and Colorado State University, NAD staff implemented key improvements and principles over the years including: • creation of a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis tool to assist in prioritizing restoration projects • dollar cost averaging restoration efforts each year • reshaping the topography of lands previously disturbed to once again allow for diverse habitats • limiting soil disturbances to take advantage of already present mycorrhizal fungi soil communities • using a diverse palette of native species growth forms (grasses, wildflowers & shrubs); some mixes containing over 85 species • creating specific seed mixes for soil conditions targeting habitat for pollinators, breeding birds, and other wildlife • creating seed mixes that exploit the full soil profile • using eco-typic seed when appropriate and available • aggressively targeting smooth brome • employing ecosystem functions such as grazing and fire • applying the art of patience and avoiding project set-backs due to excessive and unneeded actions Community Education Through community education promoting the value of native plants, NAD has spread the beneficial impact of native vegetation beyond our land acquisition borders. Native plant education has taken many forms over the years, generally moving from the “what” of native plants through the “why” and now really focusing on the “how” to successfully plant and care for native vegetation. The list below highlights these efforts through the years. • creation of native plant lists for management plans and as a public resource • installation of native demonstration gardens at Nix Maintenance Facility and Sugar Beet Park • distribution of native seed packets, native “Garden in a Box” supplies, and hosting plant swaps • native plant diorama at the Museum of Discovery • creation of the Nature in the City Program to support community use of native plants • co-hosted the 2017 Natural Areas Association Conference • creation of the web-based City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant Database • offering grants to homeowners that plant at least 80% natives in their yards • creation of a document resource on how to establish native species The steady and intentional effort to educate the public on the value of native plants, particularly helping community members understand that they too can play a crucial role in conservation, has shaped both the urban and natural environment in the community. It has also primed the commercial nurseries, leading to both a community movement seeking native plants and a market to serve the movement. ### 30 Years of Native Plants 1955- Gustav Swanson 1962- North Shields Pond 1974- Prospect Ponds 1976- Maxwell & Pineridge 1977- Fischer & Riverbend Ponds 1978- Ross 1979- Kingfisher Point 1985- Mallard’s Nest, Reservoir Ridge, Cattail Chorus & Salyer 1990- Springer & Williams 1993 Cathy Fromme Prairie, Pineridge & Redwing Marsh 1994 Coyote Ridge, Prairie Dog Meadow, River’s Edge & Udall 1995 Arapaho Bend, Cottonwood Hollow, Fossil Creek Wetlands, Magpie Meander, Red Fox Meadows & Redwing Marsh 1996 Butterfly Woods, Kingfisher Point & Redtail Grove 1997 Cattail Chorus 1998 Colina Mariposa, Fossil Creek Reservoir, McMurry & Running Deer 1999 Hazaleus & Two Creeks 2000 Coterie 2001 River’s Edge 2002 Eagle View, Mallard’s Nest & Pelican Marsh 2003 Bobcat Ridge 2004 Soapstone Prairie 2007 Picnic Rock & Gateway 2009 Tanglewood 2013 Puente Verde & Homestead 2014 Topminnow 2015 Crossline Canyons & Soaring Vista 2016 Flores del Sol 2017 Dry Creek & Goose Hollow 2019 Kestrel Fields 2021 Cooper Slough CONSERVATION Policy 1992 1994 2013 CONSERVATION Rare Plants CONSERVATION Threatened & Endangered Species 2009 Smithiomyces crocodilinus © Rob Hallock Soapstone Prairie BioBlitz NATIVE PLANT EDUCATION Nature In The City 2015 20212020 2019 Commercially Available Plants •Left - 1995 List of Commercially Available Native Plants •Right - 2021 City of Fort Collins Recommended Plant List & Searchable Database NATIVE PLANT GARDENS •2001 Nix Native Plant Garden •2019 Sugar Beet Pollinator & Native Plant Demonstration Garden •2019 Gardens on Spring Creek 2019 2002 2001 RESTORATION Planting 1999 First Restoration 2007 Largest Restoration 835 acres 2,543 acres in Restoration RESTORATION Tools 20031999 & 2021 2012 RESTORATION Ecotypic Plants •2013 & 2014 Springer •2017 Kingfisher Point (Gadwall Pond) A genetically distinct population of plants, animals, or other organisms that is found in a particular habitat. RESTORATION Capital Projects •left- 2006 Udall •middle - 2002 Gustav Swanson •right - 2010 River to Floodplain Cottonwoods RESTORATION Planning 30 Years of Native Plants 1745 Hoffman Mill Road PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 KATIE DONAHUE/DIRECTOR 970-416-8067/P kdonahue@fcgov.com /E MEMORANDUM Date: October 11, 2023 To: Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Members From: Katie Donahue, Natural Areas Director Subject: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Ballots and Budgets The Land Conservation and Stewardship Board requested information and updates on the Natural Areas Department’s (NAD) ballot measures, sources of funding, and budget. This presentation will provide the foundational background and context; cover NAD’s two primary sources of funding; address the concept of “blue/green money”; and provide information on the NAD budget and spending. Staff look forward to hearing the board’s questions and suggested topics for future conversations. Sales Tax Sources of Funding: City and County The Northern Colorado region enjoys a long history of community driven land conservation, funded through a variety of sales taxes over the years. Currently, two sales tax ballot measures provide the primary funding for land conservation through the work of the NAD. The City of Fort Collins citizen- initiated measure known as “Open Space Yes!” and the Larimer County measure described as “Help Preserve Open Space,” together provide roughly $17 million annually for land conservation, operations, and maintenance. A summary of the ballot measures that through time have funded natural areas can be found at this URL https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/natural-areas-ballot-issues-funding- summary.pdf?1653001788. City of Fort Collins 2002 Ballot: Open Space Yes! Open Space Yes!, passed in 2002, dedicates a point-of-sales tax of ¼ cent per $1 (excluding food and prescription drugs) to land conservation and natural areas operations and maintenance. This measure generates funds from 2006-2030. The ballot (full language attached), prescribes that the proceeds be spent as follows: a) Not less than 80% of the total revenue of the Tax shall be used solely for Land Conservation Activities as defined herein. b) Not more than 20% of the total annual revenue of the Tax shall be used solely for Operations Activities and Maintenance Activities as defined herein. City of Fort Collins Green/Blue Funding in Open Space Yes! NAD refers to these two types of revenues as green (land conservation) and blue (operations and maintenance). The ballot measure defines green funding (land conservation) as acquiring and improving lands, including hiring land agents. This specifically includes acquiring open spaces, community separators, natural areas, wildlife habitat, riparian areas, wetlands, valued agricultural lands, and acquiring water rights/storage and mineral rights for conservation. Also included in green/land conservation, is restoration and enhancing native plants and wildlife, along with enhancement grants for communitywide conservation. Blue funding (operations and maintenance) includes education, outreach and volunteer programs, communications, as well as visitor use-related facilities such as trails, fences, restrooms, trash collection, parking infrastructure and signage. Land management planning, administration, law enforcement and supervision are all defined as operations and maintenance activities and use blue money as well. Larimer County 2014 Ballot: Help Preserve Open Space Larimer County Commissioners referred a ballot measure entitled Help Preserve Open Space to voters in 2014. This measure established the collection of a Larimer County-wide point-of-sale tax of ¼ cent per $1 (all sales) for the dedicated purpose of land conservation and natural areas operations and maintenance. This revenue source collects sales taxes from 2018-2043. The ballot (full language attached), prescribes proceed distribution as follows: • 50% to Larimer County Department of Natural Resources o Of the County’s portion, 35% dedicated to land acquisition, 50% to operations and maintenance, 15% to either and/or improvement of Carter Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir. o Acquisition includes conserving natural areas, open spaces, rivers and wildlife habitat, lands that preserve water quality, and rivers, lakes, and streams. Protecting working farms and ranches is also included. o Operations and maintenance includes operating, maintaining, and improving natural areas, parks, and trails. • 50% to the municipalities in Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, etc.), portioned by population. This money may be spent on any natural area purpose. Since Fort Collins has the greatest population, the NAD receives the highest percentage of Help Preserve Open Space of the municipalities. City of Fort Collins Budgeting, Revenue, and Spending The City administers the revenue for its ballot-defined purposes through the Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process. The City uses the BFO process to develop a transparent two-year budget designed to meet objectives from City Council’s Strategic Plan, incorporate community input, and focus on outcomes (such as environmental health or safe community). This budgeting process highlights the community’s involvement in purchasing outcomes, the trade-offs inherent with limited funds, and results of community spending through time. In crafting BFO offers, NAD staff carefully follow blue/green funding rules to match the ballot requirements of the two applicable measures. When both funding sources are combined, budgets, revenues, and spending are currently split about evenly between land conservation/restoration (green) and operations and maintenance (blue). In the 2023 and 2024 BFO cycle, the NAD provided budget the following funded offers: Offers using Open Space Yes! and Help Preserve Open Space funding • Land Conservation (Offer 44.1) – This offer includes green funds for land and water rights acquisitions, including appraisals, surveys, and legal support. Personnel costs are a combination of blue and green funding because this offer includes conservation easement monitoring as well as acquisition. • Planning and Special Projects (Offer 44.7) – This offer includes blue funds for developing, implementing, and updating the Strategic Framework and zone-specific management plans. Green dollars fund major restoration of acquired sites. Personnel costs are split between green and blue in proportion to position responsibilities. • Resource Management (Offer 44.4) – This offer includes green funds for restoration and vegetation enhancement. Blue funds provide for management of noxious weeds, conducting routine vegetation management, etc. Personnel costs are split between green and blue in proportion to position responsibilities. • Trails & Visitor Amenities (Offer 44.5) – This offer includes blue funds for building and maintenance of trails, trailheads, signage, interpretive exhibits, bathroom facilities, and parking lots. Personnel costs are also blue. • Department Management (Offer 44.2) – This offer includes blue funds for the administration of the department, including costs for IT, SRM and the City Administration charges as well as interacting with City Council and the citizens. Personnel costs are blue. • Rangers and Visitor Services (Offer 66.3) – This offer is exclusively blue funds for patrol, enforcement of natural areas regulations and personnel costs. City of Fort Collins • Facility Operations (Offer 44.6) – This offer includes blue funds allocated toward the asset and fleet management, maintenance of office space and staff facilities as well as public meeting space. Personnel costs are blue. • Public Engagement (Offer 44.3) – This offer uses blue funds to provide education, volunteer programs and outreach materials as well as personnel costs. NAD administered offers using funds other than Open Space Yes! or Help Preserve Open Space, or a combination of funding sources • Environmental Learning Center Flow Restoration Project (Offer 1.45 General Fund, NAD Reserves, and Wastewater Fund) • Nature in the City Program (Offer 48.1 General Fund, and Offer 48.2 CCIP) • West Nile Virus Program (Offer 49.1 General Fund) NAD contributes to work supported by a BFO offer administered through the Sustainability Services Department. • Funding for Site Cleanups (General Fund and Stormwater Fund, Offer 66.2) Accountability In addition to the transparent BFO offers, additional accountability is provided to the community through Open Book, https://opendata.fcgov.com/, a data set of all city spending. The Open Space Yes! ballot language also requires that staff provide an annual report on revenues and expenditures. Each year, the NAD Annual Report provides these details, see https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/naars. Unexpended funds are returned to the Natural Areas fund balance, where they become available for reappropriation in later years. The Department has a strong record of planning for variations in tax revenue and maintaining enough resources to be opportunistic when land conservation opportunities arise, while delivering on the overall intent of the ballot language. Attachments (find these at https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/aboutus) • Open Space Yes! ballot language • Help Preserve Open Space ballot language • Summary of tax measures funding City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Natural Areas Department Ballots and Budgets A Green Blue Odyssey 2 1.Sources of Funding •Open Space, Yes! •Help Preserve Open Space 2.Green Money and Blue Money 3.NAD's Budget (BFO Offers) 4.NAD Spending 5.Discussion/Questions Tonight we will cover: 3 Open Space Yes! (2006-2030) •Within the city of Fort Collins •¼ cent per $1 (not on exempted items such as food, prescription drugs) •80% land conservation/restoration | Green •20% operations & maintenance | Blue Sources of Funding 4 (Fort Collins) Green Money- Acquire & Improve Lands •Acquiring open space, community separators, natural areas, wildlife habitat, riparian areas, wetlands, and valued agricultural lands •Hiring land agents •Water rights/storage & mineral rights for conserving lands •Restoring and enhancing native plants and wildlife •Enhancement grants for communitywide conservation Use of Open Space Yes! 5 Help Preserve Open Space (2018-2043) •Within Larimer County •¼ cent per $1 (all sales) •County Natural Resources Dept 50% •35% acquisition, 50% operations, 15% either •Municipalities 50%, by population •This funding may be spent on any natural area purpose •Fort Collins has the greatest population and share of funds. Sources of Funding Use of Open Space Yes! (Fort Collins) Blue Money- Operations & Maintenance •Educational and volunteer programs, communications •Visitor use improvements, including trails, fences, restrooms,trash, parking, signage •Developing, implementing and updating strategic framework •Monitoring conservation easements •Management of noxious weeds; maintenance of restoration •Ranger patrol and enforcement of regulations •Facilities and asset management •Administration Use of Help Preserve Open Space (Larimer County) •Conserving natural areas, open spaces, rivers, and wildlife habitat •Protecting lands that preserve water quality, rivers, lakes, and streams •Operating, maintaining, and improving natural areas, parks, and trails •Protecting working farms and ranches 8 Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) •Designed to put community priorities first •Focused on outcomes such as environmental health, culture & recreation, and safe community •Objectives from Council's Strategic Plan •Staff recommendations inform Council adopted budget, bi-annually 9 •Transparent BFO Process •Accountability through metrics •Public & Council Priorities •Every transaction available on Open Book •Ballot-required reporting via NAD Annual Report Public Accountability 10 BFO Offers 2023/2024 •Land Conservation •Resource Management •Planning & Special Projects •Trails & Visitor Amenities •Facility Operations •Rangers •Dept Management •Public Engagement 11 Budgeted Expenditures 2023 $14,106,562 12 Projected Revenues 2023 $15,411,228 13 Green Money Spending 2020-2022 14 Blue Money Spending 2020-2022 15 Green and Blue Spending Side by Side 16 Questions/Discussion . City of Fort Collins ‘Outcomes’ Outcomes are the highest-level goals the City aspires to provide to our community. This applies to residents and businesses, as well as those who are visi�ng. The progress towards these Outcomes is achieved through the programs and services the City works to provide. Neighborhood Livability and Social Health Fort Collins provides a high-quality built environment, supports connected neighborhoods, seeks to advance equity and affordability, and fosters the social health of the community Culture and Recrea�on Fort Collins provides and maximizes access to diverse cultural and recrea�onal ameni�es Economic Health Fort Collins promotes a healthy, sustainable economy reflec�ng community values Environmental Health Fort Collins promotes, protects and enhances a healthy and sustainable environment Safe Community Fort Collins provides a safe place to live, work, learn and play Transporta�on and Mobility Fort Collins provides a transporta�on system that moves people and goods safely and efficiently while being accessible, reliable and convenient. High Performing Government Fort Collins exemplifies an efficient, innova�ve, transparent, effec�ve and collabora�ve city government Adopted by LCSB November 9, 2022 Natural Areas Department 1745 Hoffman Mill Road PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.416.2815 970.416.2211 - fax fcgov.com/naturalareas Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Key Initiatives/Work Items for 2023 1. Advocate for accelerated Land Conservation, through partnerships, land acquisitions and conservation easements. 2. Advocate for funding mechanisms that make possible land conservation at a faster pace than can be supported by current funding, in recognition of future land unavailability and higher price. 3. Advise Natural Area Department staff and City Council regarding Natural Area Department land conservation opportunities, priorities, and future direction. 4. Advise Natural Areas Department staff and City Council on matters affecting Natural Areas Department land, water and other real property interests. 5. Review City and Growth Management Area plans for Natural Area opportunities and impacts. 6. Advise Natural Area Department staff on Natural Area Department strategic plans, management plans, and other management initiatives. 7. Review the Natural Areas Department’s budget re-appropriation requests. Provide recommendations to City Council as needed. 8. Advise on proposed projects that may potentially impact Natural Area conserved properties, for example NISP and oil and gas development. Advise on policies to protect these properties and other City-owned lands that have conservation value. 9. Advise Natural Areas Department, other City Departments, and City Council on long-term strategies for conserving Meadow Springs Ranch. 10. Advise Natural Areas Department on planning for and mitigating against the effects of climate change; educate Council on the role of natural areas… 11. Elevate the voices of underserved voice and community members when considering advice and when making decisions 2 Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Role and Responsibilities 1. To advise City Council regarding policy and budgetary matters pertaining to the Natural Areas Department, including but not limited to the expenditure of Open Space, Yes! and Larimer County Help Preserve Open Space dedicated sales tax revenues. 2. To advise Natural Areas Department staff and the City Council in connection with the proposed acquisition or disposition of land, interests in land, interests in water, and other interests in real property for the Natural Areas Department. 3. To advise Natural Areas Department staff regarding the development of management plans and public improvements for Natural Areas Department properties. 4. Upon request of the City Manager or at the direction of the City Council, to advise City Council regarding any positive or negative impacts that particular plans or projects of the City or of other public or private entities may have on Natural Areas Department properties or properties that may be of interest to the Natural Areas Department. This provision shall not apply to development projects for which applications have been submitted to the City for approval under the Land Use Code. 5. Upon request of the City Manager or at the direction of the City Council, to advise City Council in connection with the proposed acquisition or disposition of land, interests in land, interests in water and other interests in real property for City programs other than the Natural Areas Department. 6. Periodically organize and hold meetings with the Larimer County Open Lands Board, and Loveland’s Open Lands Board to discuss regional conservation planning and funding. 7. Provide one LCSB member to serve on the Bicycle Advisory Committee. 8. Provide one LCSB board member to serve on the Nature in the City Community Projects Selection Committee. 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 4/12 /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. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 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 that 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. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 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. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 5 9. 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. 10. 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 DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 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. 11. 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. DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Regular Meeting 4/12 /2023 MINUTES Page 7 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Ross Cunniff, Chair Date DocuSign Envelope ID: 8F597AF2-32C3-478A-A296-B32E2810FFB8 5/15/2023 Adopted by LCSB November 9, 2022 Natural Areas Department 1745 Hoffman Mill Road PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.416.2815 970.416.2211 - fax fcgov.com/naturalareas Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Key Initiatives/Work Items for 2023 1.Advocate for accelerated Land Conservation, through partnerships, land acquisitions and conservation easements. 2.Advocate for funding mechanisms that make possible land conservation at a faster pace than can be supported by current funding, in recognition of future land unavailability and higher price. 3.Advise Natural Area Department staff and City Council regarding Natural Area Department land conservation opportunities, priorities, and future direction. 4.Advise Natural Areas Department staff and City Council on matters affecting Natural Areas Department land, water and other real property interests. 5.Review City and Growth Management Area plans for Natural Area opportunities and impacts. 6.Advise Natural Area Department staff on Natural Area Department strategic plans, management plans, and other management initiatives. 7.Review the Natural Areas Department’s budget re-appropriation requests. Provide recommendations to City Council as needed. 8.Advise on proposed projects that may potentially impact Natural Area conserved properties, for example NISP and oil and gas development. Advise on policies to protect these properties and other City-owned lands that have conservation value. 9.Advise Natural Areas Department, other City Departments, and City Council on long-term strategies for conserving Meadow Springs Ranch. 10. Advise Natural Areas Department on planning for and mitigating against the effects of climate change; educate Council on the role of natural areas… 11. Elevate the voices of underserved voice and community members when considering advice and when making decisions ATTACHMENT 1 LCSB Retreat 4/28/2023 ATTACHMENT 2 LCSB RETREAT 4/28/2023 VALUES ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH Advocating for the value of natural areas ADD ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE TO OUR MISSION AND OUTREACH EQUITY (DEI) Advocate/educate policy makers on impacts of possible decisions (minimize “policy damage”, maximize “policy benefit”) LAND CONSERVATION Seeking permanent protection for natural areas EXPANDING # OF ACRES OF CONSERVED LAND (LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY) (EASEMENTS) Land purchase Accelerate Land Conservation as opportunities continue to disappear. PROTECT EXISTING ASSETS Protecting natural areas from infrastructure encroachment Minimize human-caused damage to NA & wildlife PRIORITIZE WILDLIFE HABITAT & LAND CONSERVATION OVER HUMAN ACCESS & IMPACT Holding back overdevelopment Focus on impacts from NISP and oil & gas regulations in the near term Maximize conserved habitat in perpetuity RESTORATION & REHAB. LAND REHABILITIATON & RESTORATION Restoration Poudre River ecological “health” CONNECTIVITY Habitat corridors, establishing and preserving them Promote continuity and compatibility of adjoining uses to maintain habitat value FUNDING Establishing and expanding the regional context IDENTIFYING ADDITIONAL FUNDING MECHANISMS SO WE ARE COMPETITIVE IN OFFERS & FORT AQUISTION, O&M Look for and/or advocated for a permanent funding source for NAs