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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 11/20/1991MINUTES CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING 300 LAPORTE AVENUE - CIC ROOM NOVEMBER 20t 1991 Board Members Present Bill Miller Steve Erthal Phil Friedman Hal Swope Tim Johnson Will Smith Board Members Absent (ezeused) Deni LaRue Chuck Davis Christine Ferguson Staff Present Tom Shoemaker Susie Gordon Guests Present Greg Long Alex and June Cringan Susan Jones Bruce and Renee Baker Jim, Mary, and Martha Miller The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. New Business Miller announced that he will abstain from discussion or voting on the Mitigation Fund applications because of his association with one of the groups (Operation Osprey) that has submitted a proposal. Shoemaker reviewed the background of the Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Fund, which was created as part of the development agreement for the Arbor Plaza development. He noted that it casts the Board in a decision making role instead of its usual review and Council advisory function. This is the second round of requests for proposals and four applications have been submitted. A total of $7,529 is available with the recent addition of the Fund's interest earnings. If it is not awarded now, the money will continue to be available for another round. Although it is only a one-time fund, Shoemaker anticipates that other money will be available for this type of mitigation and enhancement work in the future. Shoemaker discussed the Fund's eligibility criteria. Projects may be for wildlife habitat acquisition, acquisition of conservation easements, or enhancement of habitat within the Urban Growth Area, with a preference given to Mail Creek and Fossil Creek basin projects. Funds may only be used for implementation; salaries and 1 studies cannot be financed. Applications may be made by public or' private citizens for both public and private lands, with the landowner's approval. Preference will be given for projects with public access. The general criteria were established by ordinance and Board motion. The following presentations were made by applicants. 1. Ross Open space Plantings -- The proposal from a group of neighbors to plant conifers between their properties and spring Creek (directly north of Drake Road) was presented by Mr. Bruce Baker. He provided a sketch and showed several slides of the site. Baker explained that the intent is to improve wildlife habitat by providing structural diversity and winter cover for birds. Last spring, 150 shrubs were planted and a plan was developed to plant wetland vegetation along the creek. Stormwater staff would not approve wetland plantings because of concerns for retaining water flow through the channel. Baker affirmed that he and other neighbors will irrigate the plantings. After the trees are established, their roots will reach the water table because it is high at this location. In response to a question about the high cost of trees ($200 each), Baker related that the Assistant City Forester suggested planting 6-foot trees, but that it may be possible to get them at a lower cost through the City. Johnson commented that it would be more appropriate to plant varying sized (aged) trees to simulate natural growth. Baker remarked that although he would prefer to use a non -linear planting design, Stormwater engineers specified rows as a requirement for planting in the flood fringe. Swope asked whether staff had advised Baker to use natural riparian habitat plant species. Baker replied that he had been in contact with staff, but that agreement on species selection has not been resolved; staff response varies depending on who you talk to. Baker went on to state that, although we don't necessarily want to make it more non-native, the area is already non-native. However, grasses have been unmowed on the site for several years, and it may give some people the aesthetic impression that it is "unkempt." He considers that conifers have a well -maintained look. When asked whether he has had input from wildlife habitat experts, Baker replied that he himself is a professional wildlife and riparian biologist. The site is used by raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and birds. The project is designed to make it even more of a refuge for animals that frequent the open space. E Erthal remarked that the impression from the slides is that the area is "land -locked" by fencing to the east and west. Baker suggested that the project will allow an increase in use by warblers, blue jays, and black -capped chickadees. At the conclusion of Baker's presentation, Shoemaker distributed copies of a letter of support for Baker's proposal from Ralph Zentz, Assistant City Forester. 2. Operation Osprey Besting structures -- Dr. Alex Cringan, Operation Osprey Boardmember, spoke on behalf of the group to request funding for lumber and hardwood to build nesting platforms. Cringan, discussed Operation Osprey's three objectives; to establish osprey, establish a volunteer base, and increase public awareness. There have been 18 to 20 osprey hacked so far. Although there may have been some mortality, nine birds from the first release may be returning in April, possibly accompanied by wild mates. Between 75-150 volunteers have logged thousands of hours of work in the project. Both volunteers and funding are being provided through private companies. Slide shows are available upon request, and teachers in the school district have been provided with a teaching packet. Cringan explained that, although wild osprey typically nest in the tops of trees, Fort Collins birds may be imprinted with greater familiarity with artificial structures because they were hatched and hacked on artificial structures. The Division of Wildlife has reported success in getting released osprey to nest in a platform in the top of a pine tree in the Grand Lake area. Swope asked if other species would use the platforms. Cringan stated that it is quite possible that birds will use the nesting platforms, including great horned owls, although it is likely that owls will already be fledged before April. Another early nester, Canada geese, would be relocated in accordance with Division of Wildlife management guidelines. However, if red-tailed hawks, Swainson's hawks, great blue herons, or night herons use the platforms, it will be considered desirable because they are an attractive element in the urban environment. The number of platforms proposed is well in excess of the number of osprey that are expected, especially in the first year. Cringan explained that sheets of galvanized metal will be used around the bottom of the poles to deter raccoons. Predatory conflicts with owls are unlikely because of the owls are nocturnal. The platforms will probably hold up physically for at least ten years. Once the project is underway, the need for them will be evaluated on an annual basis. 3 Smith commented on the wide feeding range of osprey and wondered if it is appropriate to concentrate the nests in Fort Collins. Cringan. explained that for the first four to six years, the platforms will be located in the UGA so they can be more easily monitored. Later, a 20 - 30 mile range will be considered. 3. Fort Collins Re -leaf Plantings -- Mr. Greg Long described Re- leaf's project at Riverbend Ponds last year. About 360 seedlings were planted by 75 - 100 volunteers, and the plants were irrigated seven times through the summer. Re -leaf is also supported by a coalition of schools who have made tree planting a class project. This year, Re -leaf would like to plant between 230 - 932 narrowleaf cottonwood trees, depending on the cost of the trees, and over 1,280 shrubs. The group will select species using a list created for the Gustav Swanson Nature Area. Long stated that Re -leaf intends to coordinate with a number of agencies, including the DOW and City Forestry and Natural Resources Departments, as well as the Colorado Native Plant Society and Audubon Society, to help plan the project. Johnson inquired where at Riverbend Ponds will planting occur. Long explained that Parks Planning has been consulted, and that exact planting locations are still being considered. Certain areas will be avoided, such as the prairie gentian wetland. Smith commented that there may already be enough young trees around the northern ponds, and that a lot of beaver damage has occurred. Long responded that the use of "Tubex" shelters around newly planted trees may protect them from beavers. Re -leaf would be willing to consider any other appropriate locations at the site. Swope asked whether the Russian olive trees in the wetland areas at Riverbend could be removed as part of Re -leafs work. Long responded that, although the City intends to begin an eradication program sometime, Re -leaf chose to proceed with its project rather than waiting to coordinate with the removal program. 4. Platirons open space Boardwalk -- Jim Miller from Parks Maintenance presented his proposal to build a boardwalk through the wetlands at Flatiron Open Space and showed slides of the site to illustrate its saturated conditions. A rare plant which grows in the wetland, the prairie gentian, is impacted when people stray off the path in search for drier ground. Parks considered building a dike over the site to improve access until it was determined that a dike would create hydrology problems. A boardwalk will allow the public, including wheelchair users, to reach the rest of the open space without walking through puddles, and at the same time help protect the rare plants. 4 Miller was asked how heavily the area is used. He responded that it is difficult to tell, except that new trails are often being created. Smith commented that more and more people seem to be discovering the open space and usage will continue to increase. Staff Review Shoemaker provided staffs' comments on the applications, starting with Miller's proposal. A boardwalk is considered to be a good management tool for the Flatiron Open Space. Shoemaker commented that the site is also very likely to be a priority pilot project for the Russian olive eradication program. Shoemaker stated that Cringan answered staffs' concerns about Operation Osprey's proposal, including the future of platforms and questions about use by other species. Some details about the specific location of platforms on individual sites may need to be worked out for aesthetic considerations. There are fine details that need to be worked on Re -leaf s proposal also, Shoemaker continued. Flatirons/Riverbend Ponds is a large area, and the overall site needs careful planning. The grassland species and prairie gentian habitat should be retained, but there are plenty of other places to plant. Re -leaf s plant list is good, and Shoemaker noted that it will be exciting for Natural Resources to work on projects with Re -leaf and Forestry. Shoemaker commented that beavers have caused considerable damage along this portion of the River, and it illustrates the need for the City to develop management policies for wildlife. The Ross Open Space proposal also exposes the need for improved policies and guidelines that will be set forth in the pending plan for natural areas, Shoemaker said. He regrets the confusion between City departments that has occurred on this project and the problems that are caused when good ideas get proposed. Solutions to these weaknesses will also be resolved by the Natural Areas Policy Plan. Shoemaker explained that staffs' concerns with Mr. Baker's proposal don't relate to the enthusiasm and interest that have been expressed by the applicants. He recognizes that they are caught in a little of the confusion that results from different department's interests and lack of coordination that sometime occurs. Shoemaker suggested that the site is a transition area, located as it is between city streets, parking, neighborhood and open space. For instance, what determines that the area should be mowed? Perhaps there are alternative management approaches that would enhance its transitional habitat characteristics. The final plan could incorporate backyard and urban wildlife habitat principles. Shoemaker identified the unresolved issues as; 1) the Stormwater 5 Department wants to look at the location one more time; and 2) the landowner/manager, Parks, has not yet given approval. Mr. Baker pointed out that the Parks Department recently made a planting similar to what he proposes at a site on Spring Creek last year. Board Comments and Action Smith remarked on the successful integration of activities within the community and wildlife habitat goals that is represented by applications to the Mitigation Fund. He considers it crucial to have interest by community groups, and it provides increasing incentive for the Board to promote natural areas preservation. After a general discussion on the individual proposals, Swope moved to approve funding for Re -leaf contingent upon agreement from staff about the planting details. Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. (Miller withdrawn.) Erthal moved to approve Operation osprey's proposal. Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. (Miller withdrawn.) Johnson moved to approve funding for Jim Miller's proposal. Swope seconded. The motion carried unanimously. (Miller withdrawn.) It was moved to table the proposal for plantings at the Ross Open Space until problems have been resolved, with the stipulation that $2,000 will be retained in the fund until the proposal has been resubmitted and considered at the January Board meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. (Miller withdrawn.) A draft of the 1992 workplan was distributed. Smith reminded the Board that the final plan must be ready by December. The goal is to approve it "pro -forma" at the next meeting in two weeks, so any additional comments must be made now. Smith. requested that members draft a list of the Board's 1991 accomplishments for discussion at the December meeting, to be finalized in January and submitted to Council. Smith reported that not too much comment or enthusiasm was raised at Council's worksession on the Transportation Plan. The primary 6 changes that have been made are in the levels of priority - to do projects now instead of later. Smith remarked that it is in the Action Plan stage where the "rubber hits the road." Shoemaker confirmed that an action item is to form a fully commissioned Transportation Board after January. Shoemaker reported that the EMP Framework, renamed for clarity the Framework for Environmental Action, has been completed in draft form. It will be mailed in next week's packet and the December 4 meeting will include discussion of the document. M_ A motion was made by Erthal to approve the draft letter to Council commenting on the Demand Management Resolution prepared by the Water Demand Management Committee. Amendments were proposed to the letter. The second sentence in item #3 was changed to read "The Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority provides grants to public entities for conservation of water resources." The third sentence in item #3 was changed to read, "The Fort Collins water conservation program should be worthy of their consideration for funding. A fourth sentence was added; "The City should also seek funding from the Office of Rater Conservation." Friedman suggested adding consideration of the use of grey water and inquired whether it was appropriate to reopen discussion about the contents of the letter. Smith replied that the intent was to ensure that it captured everything the Board wanted to include. Shoemaker stated that it would be valuable to focus the letter on Council's resolution, and that a separate letter could be sent to Mike Smith asking for information on grey water. Erthal contended that another point should be added to the letter to Council. Swope suggested that item #7 could include consideration of grey water without diluting the rest of the letter. It was agreed to amend item #7 to read as follows. "With an eye to the future, the Board recommends two items for additional considerations 1) a specific cost/benefit analysis should be initiated to compare the present cost of economic incentives and rebates to the future cost of building additional reservoirs, and 2) an investigation should be made into the reuse of grey water as a water conservation method." 7 The question was raised whether items #1 and #4 are redundant. Item #1 was amended to read, "There should be strong economic incentives for new construction to include water conserving devices and techniques." A motion was made and seconded to add the changes as discussed to the letter. The Motion was unanimously approved. TransRortation Committee Johnson and Smith reported that they met and drafted two letters, which were discussed. The first is a letter to Council commenting on the new Fort Collins High School as a "commuter school which sets a bad example;" and suggests that Council work with the school district to improve the design. Smith added that he will redraft the letter with changes in the land use comments and include it in members' packets for the December 4 meeting. The second letter, to Police Services, advocates use of bicycles by the police. Smith related that the department has expressed an interest in discussing their efforts to increase bicycle use. Enemy Conservation Committee Smith informed the Board that Council will be voting on the Solar Orientation Ordinance on December 3 and that it appears the development community intends to lobby against it. He suggested sending another letter to Council to strengthen arguments for the ordinance. Shoemaker commented that the Board already sent a letter of endorsement. It was agreed that Smith will make a verbal presentation at the hearing, including remarks on the actual cost (about $21) for site evaluations, the advantages of reduced solar architectural considerations when buildings are correctly oriented, and the fallacy of quoting lower resale values for solar designed homes when prices actually reflect other construction devaluations. Shoemaker reported that Council's budgetary review went well. Three new positions were approved for the Division, including a natural areas coordinator, a Clean Air Colorado coordinator (3/4 time), and a hazardous waste/materials specialist. The Division's move to 281 North College was funded. Zilch loans received $20,000 and $35,000 was approved for visibility monitoring. $280,000 has been added to open space and natural areas acquisition, including $200,000 that was added by Council specifically for natural areas and $80,000 that was in the Parks' budget for open space. Shoemaker stated that by the end of the year, about half or two thirds of the $280,000 will probably be committed to purchases. The Seven Springs property acquisition is progressing and the Hahn property is being evaluated. He added that a big step forward has 8 occurred with the Water Department's consideration of gravel pits as water storage sites, and a pilot project may be initiated. Shoemaker reported that the Trust for Public Land is interested in helping facilitate transactions. They are able to provide bridge financing, technical expertise to the seller for tax purposes, and third party principal, which helps dispel mistrust., Smith discussed sending personal thank -you notes to Council members for approving additional natural areas acquisition money. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. 9