HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/20/2021 - STAFF REPORT: NATURAL AREAS VISITATION UPDATENatural Areas VisitationStaff Report7-20-2021Zoë SharkInterim Natural Areas Department Director
2AlignmentCITY PLANENV 1c: Promote understanding and enjoyment of local andregional open lands... (through) recreational activities, formal and nonformal education, and interpretive programs.CR 2: Provide a variety of high quality outdoor recreational opportunities that are accessible to all residents.2020 STRATEGIC PLANENV 4.10: Expand the Natural Areas land portfolio while simultaneously maintaining existing lands and improving equitable access to nature.CR 2.5 Ensure safety and welfare in City parks, natural areas, trails and cultural and recreational facilities for visitors and employees.
3To conserve and enhance lands with natural resource, agricultural and scenic values, while providing meaningful education and appropriate recreation opportunities.Natural Areas Department Mission
Natural Areas Visitation Trends4214%35%19%64%34%35%13%34%26%40%22%77%0200004000060000800001000001200001400001600002019-2020 VISITATION2019Drivers of Visitation• COVID-19• Population growth• Access to information
Natural Areas Visitation• People connecting to nature• Physical and mental health benefits• Rediscovering special spots• Increased community engagement• Visitation shows support for natural areas5OpportunitiesChallenges• Parking lot management and crowd control• Increased waste collection, restroom cleaning• Staff capacity• Potential for visitor experience impacts• Potential for resource damage
Natural Areas Visitation Management StrategiesRapid Response Visitor Use Team•Plan- Example: Gateway Natural Area Charette•Do- Webcams, parking lot changes, increased waste collection, communications, trailhead tables, volunteers, additional land conservation, etc.•Check- field reports, resource and trail assessments, visitor and resident surveys•Act- adjust, improve processes, explore new ideas6
Moving Forward TogetherVisitation will be a major opportunity and challenge into the future.• Strategic approach• Resources• Continued stewardship• Community engagement7
For More Information, VisitTHANK YOU!fcgov.com/NaturalAreas