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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 08/22/2007Call Meeting to Order: Michael called the meeting to order at 5:35 Agenda Review: No changes to the Agenda as printed. Citizen Participation: Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Ann seconded by Mary the Board approved the July 25, 2007 Minutes: 7:0 Soapstone Presentation The Board watched a video presentation of the Soapstone Natural Area. The City of Fort Collins purchased the 18,728 acre area for $11.1 million in 2004. The area is located south of the Colorado/Wyoming border. Soapstone is part of the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project. This is a joint effort by the by the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, The Nature Conservancy, Legacy Land Trust and Great Outdoors Colorado and was funded by sales tax revenues from the City's Building Community Choices and the City's portion of Larimer County's Help Preserve Open Spaces Initiative, these revenue sources are dedicated to the City's Natural Areas Program. Visitors to Soapstone will have access to a variety of non -motorized recreation such as trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, picnicking and relaxing. After the video Daylan Figgs from the Natural Resources department reviewed the Draft Management Plan. He stated that Soapstone's western border adjoins Larimer County's Red Mountain Open Space. He informed the Board that dogs would be prohibited because they could disturb the preservation. Daylan said horseback riding will only be allowed on designated trails. He mentioned that they are still considering allowing rock climbing, hunting and camping. Daylan explained that the area has a number of pronghorn antelope that will move from people and if hunting is allowed it may disrupt them. There are also wild populations of swift fox, coyotes, mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black -tailed prairie dogs. Daylan also said that it is a great place for bird watching. Field studies by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory revealed 113 bird species at Soapstone. According to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Soapstone Prairie's mosaic of shrublands and mixed -grass prairie is a globally rare ecosystem in extremely high quality condition. Natural Areas Program staff has identified 219 species of native plants, including the Colorado butterfly plant, a threatened species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Daylan said that Parks and Recreation Board Minutes August 22, 2007 Page 2 there will be guided on and off trail tours by Master Naturalists and other trained volunteers. J.R asked if there will be an entrance fee. Daylan said they will not charge an entrance fee. He said that they will have and entrance station to provide information. Mary asked if they would be opened seven days a week and Daylan said that they will determine the use pattern. Mary also asked if you could get cell phone reception since the area is so remote. Daylan said that you can get reception in some areas and they are discussing having emergency phones available. Cathy feels that they should charge fee because people tend to respect things that they pay for. Daylan said that it's difficult because the Sales Tax program paid for it. Cathy said that it's going to be expensive to maintain so a fee may be beneficial. Daylan reminded that Board that this project is in conjunction with Larimer County so if we charge a fee then they would have to consider it as well. Mary also believes it would be beneficial and there are areas such as Gateway, Horsetooth and Lory State Park that charge a fee. Cathy mentioned that she read that they would prefer to limit the groups to 12 people and she was wondering if they would allow school groups to tour. Daylan said they would allow that. Walt stated that the area looks great. Mary asked if the road was still closed and Dalyn said that it was because there is still some private land. The area is scheduled to be open to the public in 2009. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Mark Sears briefly discussed the area. The 2,600 acres is located west of Masonville. It was acquired with natural areas tax dollars. You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, bird watching and native plant hikes, llama demonstrations and historic structures. The area was open to the public last fall. Primrose The area is 27 acre area will open in October and an open house will take place in November. Ann asked if they will rent the building out and Mark said they will. Board Member and Staff Comments There were no comments at this time. Proiect Updates Spring Canyon Community Park Craig mentioned that the City Manager really liked the area and he is planning on touring the area throughout the month. Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Craig said that we will take the plan to City Council on September I Ith Parks and Recreation Board Minutes August 22, 2007 Page 3 nxr Craig informed that Board that trail maintenance was reinstated. J.R mentioned that we received more money for seasonal employees as well as additional funding to maintaining the downtown area. He also mentioned that the Gardens on Spring Creek are on a two-year corrective process. J.R. informed the Board that they have met with the Fox Baseball team about building a baseball field because they lost their field at CSU. Other Business The Board then took a tour of the new Northside Aztlan Community Center Corresuondence There were none at this time Adjournment: The Board unanimously agreed to adjourn at 7:26 p.m Respectfully submitted, 00,A)U ww+_I� Dawn Worth Administrative Aide Board Attendance Board Members: Mary Carlson, Michael Chalona, Ann Hunt, Cathy Kipp, Mark Leuker, Greg Miller, Walt Peeples Staff: Daylan Figgs, Craig Foreman, J.R. Schnelzer, Mark Sears, Dawn Worth Guests: None