HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/20/2004 - RESOLUTION 2004-092 ADOPTING THE LAND CONSERVATION ITEM NUMBER: 32
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: July20, 2004
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
STAFF: Mark Sears
SUBJECT
Resolution 2004-092 Adopting the Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan as a Component
of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff,Natural Resources Advisory Board,and Parks and Recreation Board recommend adoption of
the Resolution. Members of the Planning and Zoning Board were evenly split in its support of the
Resolution. The reasons for their split vote are reflected on the attached meeting minutes.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Natural Areas Program is 11 years old,yet it is still very much in its infancy. The Natural Areas
Policy Plan (NAPP), adopted by the Fort Collins City Council in 1992, established the vision and
policies for much of the first 11 years. The Natural Areas Program has outgrown the NAPP. The
Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan replaces the NAPP, establishing a vision for the
new era 2004-2013, providing updated policies, and documenting the accomplishments of the
Natural Areas Program's first 11 years. (Historical information in this document is through the end
of 2003.)
The Master Plan,like the NAPP which it will replace,will become part of the City's Comprehensive
Plan —City Plan.
Chapters I and H of the Master Plan provide an introduction and give historical and funding
information about the Natural Areas Program.
Chapter III is the land conservation portion of the Master Plan. Since Council's earlier review of
this section, it has been modified to consolidate the two five-year frameworks into one ten-year
framework. Land conservation funds in the original frameworks were allocated to the three focus
areas as follows:
2004—2013 - Regional 1/3, Local 1/3, Community Separators 1/3
2013 —2018 - Regional 1/2, Local 1/4, Community Separators 1/4
The consolidated ten-year framework has funding allocated as follows:
2004—2018 -Regional 1/3, Local 1/3, Community Separators 1/3
July 20, 2004 -2- Item No. 32
Chapter IV has not been reviewed by Council. This chapter describes the various aspects of the
Natural Areas Program,existing as well as those envisioned for the future,that help make the City
good stewards of the lands entrusted to it.The chapter addresses program management,education,
enforcement, public improvements, maintenance, restoration and habitat enhancement, facility
operations, and staffing.
Chapter V provides an overview of policies under which the Natural Areas Program operates. It
covers policies that have been previously adopted, including those in City Plan (the City's
comprehensive plan), and discusses topics for which new policies are needed.
RESOLUTION 2004-092
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING THE LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP MASTER PLAN
AS A COMPONENT OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the voters of Fort Collins and of Latimer County have elected to entrust
certain dedicated funding to the City of Fort Collins for the purpose of conserving and managing
local and regional natural areas, community separators, agricultural lands, and scenic vistas; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program, as of the end of 2003, had
conserved over 11,000 acres of natural areas; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, in 1992, adopted the policies of the Natural Areas Policy
Plan, which guided the conservation and management of natural areas; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Areas Policy Plan is now outdated and needs to be replaced; and
WHEREAS, the City Council in April 2003 adopted a new Natural Areas Policy to
replace the policy component of the Natural Areas Policy Plan, which Natural Areas Policy has
since been updated; and
WHEREAS, the Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan, a copy of which is on
file in the Office of the City Clerk and available for public inspection, will replace and supercede
the Natural Areas Policy Plan, and incorporate the concepts embodied by the 2003 Natural Areas
Policy as amended, in order to establish a comprehensive vision for the Natural Areas Program
for the next ten years (2004-2013) and to provide for a consistent program direction to support
that vision; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Resources Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Board
have reviewed the plan and recommended that Council adopt the plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Board's review of the plan resulted in a split
decision: three voting for adoption and three against.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS that the Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan is hereby adopted by
the Council of the City of Fort Collins, thereby replacing and superceding the policies of the
Natural Areas Policy Plan and establishing a vision and direction for the Natural Areas Program
through 2013.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins held
this 20th day of July, A.D. 2004.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Planning and Zoning Board Minutes
May 20, 2004
Project: Recommendation to City Council for the Land
Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan
Project Description: The Land Conservation and Stewardship
Master Plan replaces the NAPP, establishing a
vision for the new era 2004-2013, providing
updated policies, and documenting the
accomplishments of the Natural Areas
Program's first 11 years.
Hearing Testimony, Written Comments and Other Evidence:
Member Gavaldon stated that the reason he asked that this be pulled was he
wanted a separate vote from the consent agenda.
Member Gavaldon moved for denial of The Land Conservation and
Stewardship Master Plan from the Natural Resources Department, Natural
Areas Program and Natural Areas Management.
Member Meyer seconded the motion.
Member Craig stated that her only comment was that she would like to commend
staff. She thinks they did a good job on this and it was definitely needed. It was
time for us to look forward and decide what to do. She was fortunate enough to
attend the public workshop where staff really put it out on the table and let the
citizens look at it and decide whether they like the 1/3 funding and some of the
areas and she thanked staff for putting this together and hopes it moves forward
quickly.
Member Lingle would like to hear from Member Gavaldon why he was not
supporting this item.
Member Gavaldon responded that he was not in favor of this plan because he
thinks it needs more work, because of the funding and things like this are getting
more attention that our needed areas. He was worried about the direction this
was going for the future and overtime we are going to have to say "no" to natural
areas and "no" to the funding because we are going to need the money to pay for
a Police building and for infrastructure. Natural areas are not infrastructure to
him. So the whole process is what he does not favor.
Member Schmidt seconded Member Craig's comments. She also felt that staff
did a good job putting the plan together. The citizen's voted for this, so that part
is done and the report writes up how the money will be spent. If the citizen's vote
in transportation or Police, then a report will be written on how that money will be
spent, but that has not happened yet. Given that consideration, she felt this was
a good plan and has quite a bit of public comment. She thanked staff as was
glad to see it move forward.
Member Gavaldon added that we don't have a lot of money to do a lot of things
in the city. We are going to have all natural areas and no fundamentals. Citizens
can go back and say "I think we made a mistake" and we may need to say "no"
and repeal these and go back to the basics of what Fort Collins is. We need
other things more than we need natural areas and we certainly don't need to be
buying natural areas on the Wyoming border and now we have to maintain it.
Chairperson Torgerson also felt that staff has done a good job on this one.
However, he disagrees so strongly with the one's that are up near the Wyoming
border. He has real concerns with Fort Collins buying natural areas that are so
far from Fort Collins that there are actually towns between us and them and he
believes that is inappropriate. For that reason he would be supporting the
motion, but in general it is a good plan, it is just that aspect that he disagrees
with.
There was a split vote on the motion with Members Meyer, Gavaldon and
Torgerson voting for the motion and Members Craig, Lingle and Schmidt
voting against the motion to deny.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Minutes of Regular Meeting
June 23, 2004
215 North Mason
Community Room
5:30 p.m.
Council Liaison: Bill Bertschy Staff Liaison: Marty Heffernan, 224-6064
Natural Areas Master Plan Recommendation
Mark Sears said at the last meeting we discussed the Natural Areas Program in detail and he is
asking for the Board's recommendation of the plan tonight.
Del asked what is the management philosophy for the large regional lands. Mark showed the
land conservation area map. As they acquire property, they will study the area, and then develop
a management plan. Del said it appears that the intent is to lease the land out to ranchers. Mark
responded that the Soapstone purchase was done to protect wildlife habitat and to develop the
partnership of Mountains to Plains preservation. He explained that large areas of the ranch would
be leased for grazing. Del said it concerns him that it will be costly to manage and maintain these
areas. He said he is concerned costly staffing will be needed to manage these large areas
because environmental and grazing capacity studies will be needed.
John Stokes understands the grazing concerns Del has. He said he hopes they will get help from
other agencies. He thinks they can put together a range management plan and have an ecological
study done without great costs. He is optimistic in managing the grazing. His long-term
concern is managing the grazing and the recreational amenities. Staffing needs are really
speculative at this time.
Lance is concerned about the recreation element. The operation and maintenance long term
costs will be a huge burden to the City. What is the philosophy on these lands? Mark
responded that we will open lands to the public that have already been acquired. We are not
going to double or triple our land in the next 10 years. We had a unique opportunity to purchase
this large parcel of land and we bought it primarily for conservation. We had the resources to
accomplish it. Soapstone doesn't lend itself for recreational needs at the moment. It is a long-
term visionary purchase. John Stokes said that this will be a catalyst for other organizations to
conserve lands. John shares Lance's concerns. There isn't any answer right now as to how
future operation and maintenance costs will be covered once the Open Space Yes! Money is
gone. We will seriously have operation and maintenance costs in the future. When we devise a
management plan for this area, we will have to study the operation and maintenance for each
piece of property and try to manage them within our means.
Del Said he spent 30 years working for the Bureau of Land Management. He doesn't think it
(Soapstone) is going to be used. John said he would have to disagree with Del and to look at the
web site and Natural Areas staff would be willing to take the Parks and Recreation Board on a
tour of the property. Del said the citizens should know what the management of these lands is
going to cost in the future. Mark said they are predicting that operation and maintenance costs
will be approximately $200,000 annually. Jon Sinclair asked how would you involve public
input for use of this property? Mark said we would seek input from DOW, the Grazing
Association, the Natural Resources Board, the public, surrounding property owners, invite
people to open houses.
On a motion by Greg Miller, seconded by Lance Freeman, the Board recommended to Council
that the Natural Area Master Plan be adopted. The vote was (7-1). Mary Carlson, Lance
Freeman, Dean Hoag, Ann Hunt, Jessica MacMillan, Greg Miller, and Jon Sinclair voting yes;
and Del Price voting no.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Rael
Executive Administrative Assistant
Meetine Attendance
Board Members: Mary Calson, Lance Freeman, Dean Hoag, Ann Hunt, Jessica MacMillan,
Greg Miller, Del Price, and Jon Sinclair
Staff: Craig Foreman, Marty Heffernan, Jackie Rael, and Mark Sears
DRAFT MINUTES
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
281 N. COLLEGE
June 2, 2004
For Reference: Nate Donovan, NRAB Chair - 472-1599
Eric Hamrick, Council Liaison - 225-2343
John Stokes, Staff Liaison - 221-6263
Board Members Preent
Joann Thomas, Clint Skutchan, Linda Knowlton, Gerry Hart, Nate Donovan, Randy
Fischer, Rob Petterson
Board Members Absent
Ryan Staychock, Glen Colton
Staff Present
Natural Resources Dent: Terry Klahn, John Stokes, Mark Sears, Lucinda Smith
Guests
Dale Adamy
Land Conservation & Stewardship Master Plan, Mark Sears
John Stokes said there's nothing new in this stewardship plan. The only thing Council
has not seen is the stewardship chapter. Sears said that everyone the plan has been
presented to has been comfortable with it. We took it to the Parks Board, and there was
very little concern over the document. They wanted a friendly dialogue about things like
Soapstone and Bobcat Ridge. They asked a lot of good questions. They did not vote one
way or the other. They'll make a recommendation in June.
• Sears: We would like generic feedback, or hear about any aspect you might take
exception to. We're getting pretty close to having it polished.
• Knowlton: We don't need to make a recommendation to Council tonight.
• Sears: We'd like you to.
• Stokes: We've worked on this a long time, and been through it with a fine tooth comb.
We're getting pretty close. The only new chapter is stewardship. The policies are
polices contained in City Plan. The map was approved along with the revision to the
natural areas acquisition policy. We're considering putting this on consent. Everyone
is comfortable with all aspects of the program
Linda Knowlton made the following motion:
Move that the board recommend that Council adopt the Land Conservation &
Stewardship Master Plan.
The motion was seconded by Clint Skutchan.
• Skutchan: I would suggest that it might be wise to go over the fact that what you're
presenting is composition of City Plan, and what the tax payers voted for. It's just a
suggestion. You did a good job, and I'm eager to see where we're at in five years.
It's a vision and goal, and an appropriate one.
Natural Resources Advisory Board
May 5, 2004
Page 2 of 2
• Stokes: We heard from every single member of Council. I'm glad that Council went
on the record that way.
• Knowlton: I recommend putting it on consent. The elements have already been seen.
• Thomas: Would we find a description of accessibility under the stewardship section?
• Sears: Those types of details are in the management guidelines and the individual site
management plans.
• Thomas: You do address small issues, but no where do you mention accessibility.
• Sears: Are you suggesting we should?
• Fischer: I'm a big supporter of accessibility, but that could open a Pandora's box if we
had to make every trail accessible.
• Thomas: There are areas that are accessible. Coyote Ridge is the only one. It would
be nice if we had one or two more.
The motion passed unanimously.
Submitted by Terry Klahn
Admin Support Supervisor
e�au
Land Conservation
and Stewardship
Master Plan
City of Fort Collins
City of Fort Collins
Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Chapter I : Introduction
A . Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
B . Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
C . Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
D . Master Plan Development, Review, and Approval Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter II : Funding and Expenditures
A . Historical Funding and Expenditures — 1993 through 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
B . Future Funding and Expenditures — 2004 to 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
C . Other Sources of Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter III : Land Conservation
A . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
B . Inventory of Existing Natural Areas/Protected Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
C . Data Synthesis and Identification of Resource Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
D . Natural Areas Land Conservation Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
E . Ten-Year Land Conservation Framework (2004-2013 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter IV : Stewardship
A . Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
B . Program Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
C . Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
D . Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
E . Public Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
F . Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
G . Restoration and Habitat Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
H . Facility Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
1 . Staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
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Chapter V : Policies
A. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
B . Existing Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
1 . City Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
2 . Land Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
3 . Specific Management Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Prairie Dog Policy for City Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
• Natural Areas and Open Lands Utility Easement Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SiteNaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
C . Additional Policies Needed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
1 . Council Adoption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2 . Administrative Adoption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
References
Appendices
A. Adoption Resolution
B . Definition of Terms
C . Land Evaluation Guidance System
List of Tables
Table III- 1 Natural Areas Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Table III-2 Planned Land Conservation Allocations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
List of Maps
Map III- 1 Existing Natural Areas (2003) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Map III-2 Land Conservation Task Force Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Map III-3 Conservation Focus Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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Executive Summary
Introduction taxes also provide funding for the Fort
Collins Natural Areas Program, as well as
The Land Conservation and Stewardship for other cities and towns within Larimer
Master Plan is the long-range visioning County and for Larimer County ' s Open
document of the City of Fort Collins Natural Lands Program.
Areas Program.
Funding
The mission of the Natural Areas Program is
to protect and enhance lands with existing or Revenues over the past 11 years have totaled
potential natural areas values, lands that $61 , 770,000 . While dedicated tax revenues
serve as community separators, agricultural are the primary source of funding, grants,
lands, and lands with scenic values . donations, dedications, and partnerships
Protection of natural habitats and features is round out program funding . Great Outdoors
the highest priority, while providing for Colorado has awarded grants of over
education and passive recreation for the Fort $ 1 . 5 million for land acquisition in Fort
Collins community. Collins . Other organizations have provided
smaller grants for fishing piers, wildlife
The Natural Areas Policy Plan has guided plantings, weed control, and education
the Natural Areas Program since 1992 . But projects .
the program has grown and changed
dramatically, necessitating a document to set Land Conservation
policy and direction for the next 10 years .
The Land Conservation and Stewardship
Master Plan replaces the 1992 Natural Areas The Natural Areas Program has taken a new
Policy Plan. direction. While early program efforts were
focused primarily within the Fort Collins
Natural areas protection began long before Growth Management Area, the program has
the 1992 inception of the Natural Areas expanded over the years to include
Program. In 1974, City Council adopted an conservation of community separators . Now
open space plan that was implemented by the program is conserving lands in regional
the City' s Parks and Recreation Department. areas . This approach reflects ballot language
Early acquisitions included sites in the of the 1977 Building Community Choices
foothills and along the Poudre River.
While 1973 and 1984 tax initiatives funded
early natural areas and open space activities,
19921 1997, and 2002 Fort Collins tax '
initiatives provide funding for the
acquisition and management of natural areas
in the current Natural Areas Program. In
1995 and 1999 , Larimer County voters '
passed similar tax initiatives. These County
iii
tax, the 2002 Open Space Yes ! Fort Collins Areas Program expands into regional areas .
sales tax initiative (which takes effect in Larger, more distant properties will require
2006), City Council direction, and support the Ranger Program to identify new ways of
expressed by the public during review of patrolling including mounted patrol and
plans for this new direction. As of the end of working with volunteer groups for bike and
2003 , the City has conserved 4,270 acres in backcountry patrol.
the local focus area, 3 ,300 acres in the
regional focus area, and 3 ,900 acres in the Public improvements help to make natural
community separator focus area. Land areas safe and enjoyable for visitors and
conservation in the next 10 years will be help to protect natural resource values .
within local, regional, and community These improvements include trails, parking
separator focus areas, with funds anticipated lots, restrooms, kiosks, benches, fishing and
to be fairly evenly allocated among the three wildlife observation structures, signs, and
focus areas . fencing. Along with maintaining these
improvements, maintenance personnel
Stewardship manage the control of prairie dog movement
from natural areas onto private property and
While Chapter III provides a vision of where continue the ongoing struggle with weed
land conservation can be expected to occur, control and exotic shrub removal. Adopt-a-
Chapter IV presents a vision of how the Natural Area volunteers will continue to
Natural Areas Program will continue to care play a key role in maintenance and litter
for these lands . This includes an overview of control.
program management, education, Restoration enhances and maximizes the
enforcement, public improvements, potential natural values of sites acquired by
maintenance, restoration and habitat
enhancement, facility operations, and the program. In the next 10 years, the
staffing. restoration program will undertake
significant ecological restorations on
Program management ' s role is to provide existing sites along the Poudre River and
the direction, resources, and staffing foothills corridors and on newly-acquired
necessary to take care of the City ' s natural regional properties . Through the Natural
areas . Education functions include Areas Certification Program and
interpretive field trips, interpretive signs, Enhancement Fund, the City assists private
and printed materials, all of which help land owners who wish to restore their
visitors enjoy natural areas and provide an properties to more native conditions .
understanding that helps engender The Natural Areas Program operates out of a
ecological protection. Volunteer Master recently renovated historic farm, the Nix
Naturalists will continue to be a vital part of
the education program. Maintenance Facility and Natural Areas
Program Offices . The offices are in a
The Natural Areas and Trails Ranger restored 1920s era Craftsman style home. A
Program promotes the safety and well-being new maintenance shop was constructed on
of natural areas and trails visitors while the site to provide work space for field
ensuring the protection of biological, crews and storage for equipment, tools, and
physical, and ecological resources . Rangers vehicles. Expansion to provide additional
will face new challenges as the Natural office and maintenance space was approved
iv
with the original site development plan and Policies
will be needed as the program grows .
To meet the needs of the program, staffing Chapter V describes the existing policies
has grown over the past 11 years, reaching under which the Natural Areas Program
23 .4 FTEs as of the end of 2003 . Twelve of operates as well as additional policies that
these are technicians and technician are needed. The land use policies under
assistants who are critical to restoring and which the program operates are a part of
maintaining the growing number of acres City Plan, the City' s community planning
managed by the Natural Areas Program. document. The City has Council-adopted
Over the next 10 years, the challenges of policies that direct activities associated with
expanding into larger, more distant sites will prairie dog management and the granting of
require program managers to evaluate utility easements and rights-of-ways on
staffing levels . Volunteers will continue to natural areas or open lands managed by the
be a critical element in the program. Natural Areas Program. A Council-adopted
policy is needed relative to user fees .
Administratively-adopted policies are
needed to direct conservation easements,
land disposition/change of use, fire control
and management, historic preservation,
education, enforcement, and corporate
sponsorship .
v
Chapter 1 : Introduction
A . Mission B . Purpose
The mission of the City of Fort Collins The Natural Areas Program is 11 years old,
Natural Areas Program is to protect and yet it is still very much in its infancy. The
enhance lands with existing or potential Natural Areas Policy Plan (NAPP), adopted
natural areas values, lands that serve as by the Fort Collins City Council in 1992,
community separators, agricultural lands, established the vision and policies for much
and lands with scenic values . Protection of of the first 11 years . The Natural Areas
natural habitats and features is the highest Program, however, has outgrown the NAPP .
priority, while providing for education and The Land Conservation and Stewardship
passive recreation for the Fort Collins Master Plan replaces the NAPP, establishing
community. a vision for the new era 2004-2013 ,
providing updated policies, and
documenting the accomplishments of the
Natural Areas Program' s first 11 years .
- � (Historical information in this document is
w 4 through the end of 2003 .)
C . Background
Official recognition of the value of the City's
natural areas first occurred in 1974 when
City Council adopted an open space plan.
This plan addressed a wide variety of
community needs and led to the
establishment of an active open space
acquisition and management program. The
plan identified priority areas within and
adjacent to Fort Collins to be included in the
City's Open Space system. The importance
of the area for fish and wildlife habitat was
among the criteria used to identify priority
sites . Specific areas identified as priorities
included the Poudre River corridor, portions
of Spring Creek, and the foothills west of
the city.
1
During the early years, significant lands and In 1992 , the Natural Resources Department
riparian corridors were conserved along the presented to City Council the Natural Areas
Poudre River, Spring Creek, and Fossil Policy Plan, which focused land
Creek. These efforts helped to maintain conservation on the protection and
corridors for wildlife movement, enhancement of natural areas ; a change in
recreational trails, and visual serenity. direction from the previous efforts to acquire
Early conservation efforts also focused on open spaces focused on providing
protecting lands at the base of the city' s recreational opportunities . Later that year,
foothills (Foothills Corridor) . These lands Fort Collins citizens passed the first 1/4-cent
provide ecological and recreational sales tax entirely dedicated to implementing
connectivity between the foothills and the Natural Areas Policy Plan for the first
prairie ecosystems . They also contribute to 5 years of the Natural Areas Program.
maintaining a degree of community
separation, which can be defined as land Citizens of Larimer County demonstrated
conservation efforts designed to preserve the their commitment to land conservation in
identities of individual communities . 1995 by passing a citizen-initiated 1/4-cent
sales tax for the acquisition and long-term
Initially, the Parks and Recreation maintenance of open space, natural areas,
Department was responsible for acquiring wildlife habitat, parks, and trails . A
and managing natural areas preserved as minimum of 55 % of the funding was
open space, with the primary goal of pledged to the municipalities of Loveland,
providing recreational areas . The Parks Fort Collins, Estes Park, Berthoud, Timnath,
Department also acquired areas that were and Wellington, with the remainder being
left in a natural state in conjunction with directed to lands within unincorporated
some of their developed parks . One of the Larimer County and funding Larimer
largest of these was the portion of Lee County ' s Open Lands Program.
Martinez Community Park along the Poudre
River. In 1997, as part of the Building Community
Choices tax and capital improvements
In 1973 , the citizens of Fort Collins passed a package, Fort Collins voters extended a
7-year, 1 -cent Capital Improvement Sales major portion of the 1992 1/4-cent City sales
Tax; a portion of which went for the tax for natural areas and trails for 8 more
purchase of open spaces . This tax provided years .
the funds for the initial parcels at Maxwell
and Pineridge open spaces . In 1984, the In 1999 , in an effort known as Help Preserve
citizens approved an additional %-cent Open Space, voters approved the extension
Capital Funds tax, which included allocation of the 1995 County-wide 1/4-cent sales tax
of a little over $ 1 million for land until 2018 .
acquisition and public improvements for
open spaces and recreational trails, In 2002 , Fort Collins voters extended the
particularly for areas along the foothills. City ' s 1/4-cent sales tax until 2030 . The 2002
This tax provided funds for the purchase of Open Space Yes ! citizen ' s initiative
portions of Reservoir Ridge and Campeau included a more "regional" approach to
open spaces (later combined into one site — natural areas land protection as well as the
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area) . protection of community separators and
valued agricultural lands .
2
D . Master Plan Development , Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee,
Review , and Approval civic groups, and a public open house,
Natural Areas Program staff gathered input
Process on the proposed Framework. A web site also
was available for citizens to review the
The development of the Land Conservation proposed Framework and provide input.
and Stewardship Master Plan began in early Staff received comments from more than
2002 when City Council asked staff to 75 people.
update the NAPP and take a look at broader
opportunities for land conservation. Natural Overall, most people were in favor of the
Areas Program staff formed a task force of land conservation plan. They felt it was well
local and regional land conservation experts balanced and flexible, and they expressed
to explore broader opportunities for land confidence in the Natural Areas Program to
conservation that would benefit the citizens continue to implement its mission to protect
of Fort Collins . This task force identified and enhance lands with existing or potential
high priority resource areas and grouped natural areas values, as well as lands that
them into a series of focus areas . (Details serve as community separators and lands
can be found in Chapter III.) with scenic values . Residents said they felt
fortunate that Fort Collins has a program in
In fall 2002 , these focus areas were mapped place to conserve natural areas and open
and presented to City Council for review lands .
and comment. Staff explained that funding
for the broader regional land conservation At the December 9, 2003 study session, staff
shown on the focus area map was not presented City Council the Framework for
available within current funding, however if Future Land Conservation - 2004-2013 and
the Open Space Yes ! sales tax passed in the public input that had been received.
November, the broader more regional land Council acknowledged that they were
conservation efforts could be funded. In comfortable with staff proceeding with
November 2002 , Open Space Yes ! sales tax implementation.
passed by 65 % .
With the Land Conservation aspect of the
In April 2003 , City Council adopted the Master Plan completed and accepted, staff
Land Conservation Focus Area Map and began drafting the Stewardship aspect of the
amended the NAPP to provide for regional Master Plan to be in line with the Land
land conservation. City Council asked staff Conservation plan. The Natural Resources
to seek more public input on the Focus Area Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation
Map and regional land conservation. Board, and Planning and Zoning Board
reviewed the Land Conservation and
Staff prepared the Framework for Future Stewardship Master Plan. The Natural
Land Conservation in an effort to represent Resources Advisory Board and Parks and
the community ' s priorities for land Recreation Board recommend adoption.
conservation. The Framework provides a The Planning and Zoning Board was evenly
vision for land conservation for the next 10 split in their support of the plan.
years (2004 — 2013 ) . Through presentations
to City of Fort Collins advisory boards,
Larimer County advisory boards, Larimer
County Commissioners, the Chamber of
3
Chapter II : Funding and Expenditures
A . Historical Funding and Chapter I) . Funding has also come from
other sources , including City general fund,
Expenditures - 1993 grants, donations, and partnerships .
through 2003
The Natural Area Program ' s revenues over
The Natural Areas Program has been the 11 -year period from 1993 through 2003
primarily funded through various City have amounted to nearly $ 62 million, as
natural areas and Larimer County open shown below . During this period,
space sales taxes passed by the voters from expenditures of almost $56 million were
1992 through 2002 (described in detail in made . The remaining $6 million will be
spent on land conservation in 2004 .
Natural Areas Revenues 1993 - 2003
$6197699274
Miscellaneous Revenue
$7,982,210 1998 BCC City of Fort
13% Collins 1 /4 Cent Sales Tax
$149970,000
General Fund 24%
$9389427
2%
1992-1997 City of Fort
Collins 1/4 Cent Sales Tax
$161415,445
27%
1996 HPOS Larimer County
114 Cent Sales Tax
$21 ,463,192
34%
Natural Areas Expenditures 1993 - 2003
$55 ,916, 386
Facility Development &
Operations $2,085,808 4%
Program Management
$1 ,965,946 4%
Maintenance $3,522,663 6%
Restoration $1 , 189,752 2%
Enforcement $691 ,798 1 %
Education $1 ,301 ,627 2%
Public Improvements
$19094,814 2%
Land Conservation
$44,0639978 79%
4
B . Future Funding and Fort Collins Building Community Choices
Expenditures - 2004 to 1/4-cent sales tax and a portion of Larimer
County' s Help Preserve Open Space 1/4-cent
2013 sales tax. Beginning in 2006, program
funding also will include the Fort Collins
The Natural Areas Program land Open Space Yes ! citizen initiated 1/4-cent
conservation and stewardship activities are sales tax. The table below shows the
currently funded by a large portion of the timetable of each of these funding sources .
Sales Tax Amount Today 2030
HPOS
(Larimer County Help W 1t _
Preserve Open Space) 2018
BCC ( Building '/4 ccnt
Community Choices) 2005
OSY ! ' crnt
(Open Space Yes! 2006
z.
5
The Natural Areas Program anticipates total economic assumptions . Anticipated
sales tax revenue for 2004 — 2013 to be revenues and expenditures are summarized
approximately $ 104 million under current below .
Natural Area Revenues 2004 - 2013
$ 107 ,321 ,255
1998 - 2005 BCC City of Fort
Miscellaneous Revenue Collins 1 /4 Cent Sales Tax
1996 HPOS Larimer County $15018,772 1 % $1794009000 16%
1 /4 Cent Sales Tax
$35,713,448 33%
2006 - 2030 Open Space Yes
City of Fort Collins 1 /4 Cent
Sales Tax $53,189,035 50%
Natural Areas Budgeted Expenditures 2004 - 2013
$ 113 , 1745142
(includes $5, 852, 887 of carryover from previous years)
Transportation Capital
$2,65%452 2% Facility Development &
Program Management rOperations $2,131 ,687 2%
$4,7419399 4%
Enforcement $4,074,779 4%
Education $2,951 ,522 3%
Maintenance $12,684,358
11 %
Land Conservation
$60,000,000 53%
Public Improvements
$11 ,644,243 10%
Restoration $12,286,702
11 %
6
The Open Space Yes ! City sales tax and maintenance funding from other
revenues, which will begin in 2006, have the revenue sources . Options for meeting this
following spending requirements : need will be evaluated.
• 80% or more of the revenues must be C . Other Sources of Funding
spent on Land Conservation and
Restoration;
Park Fees . Although no part of Park Fees
• 20 % or less may be spent on (development fee) goes directly to the
management, education, enforcement, Natural Areas Program, the larger parks
public improvements, maintenance, and built after 1992 , such as Fossil Creek
operations . Out of this 20%, 5 % or less Community Park and the future Southwest
of the total Open Space Yes ! tax Community Park, as well as some
revenues may be spent on City of Fort neighborhood parks, have stream corridors
Collins transportation capital needs, that are managed by the Parks Department
which can be used for improvement of as natural area features within the parks. The
existing roads or acquisition of rights-of- conservation of these natural areas within
way adjacent to property owned by the parks adds to the total acreage of natural
City of Fort Collins that was acquired area habitat in Fort Collins .
after January 1 , 2006 with the proceeds
of this tax. Grants . The natural areas and open space
taxes help Fort Collins and neighboring
The City' s portion of the Help Preserve communities leverage funds to obtain large
Open Space County sales tax revenues has Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grants .
no percentage spending limitations . In 1994, GOCO awarded two grants totaling
Therefore, until that tax expires in 2018 , the $650,000 to the City of Fort Collins and
overall program allocations to land Larimer County Open Lands to assist in the
conservation will not be equal to 80% . purchase of 200 acres to expand the Cathy
Fromme Prairie Natural Area.
During the first 11 years of the Natural
Areas Program, 8 1 % of revenues were spent In 1996 and 1999 , GOCO awarded the City
on land conservation and restoration. of Fort Collins and nine other local
Expenditure projections for the next government agency partners a total of
10 years show 64% of revenues being spent $5 . 9 million from their Legacy Grant
Program for the Cache la Poudre — Big
on land conservation and restoration. As the
area of land, number of sites, and miles of Thompson Rivers Legacy Project. The goal
trails the Natural Areas Program manages of this collaborative project was to protect
grows, the percentage of revenues spent on open spaces and natural areas, construct
regional recreational trails, and develop
management, education, enforcement, public
improvements, maintenance, and operations interdisciplinary environmental education
will grow, and the revenues available for and interpretation facilities along the Cache
land conservation and restoration will la Poudre and Big Thompson rivers from the
decrease . As we approach 2013 , the Natural South Platte River to Rocky Mountain
Areas Program will begin to have difficulty National Park. Fort Collins Natural Areas
meeting the spending requirements of Open Program ' s share was about $ 1 million and
Space Yes ! without additional operations was used to assist in the acquisition of
146 acres of natural areas, as well as the Fromme Prairie and Coyote Ridge natural
design and installation of interpretive areas . The City ' s Natural Areas Program
features at seven sites . contributed funds for the County' s Devil ' s
Backbone Open Space (Indian Creek
In addition to GOCO grants, the Natural parcel), Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional
Areas Program has received smaller grants Open Space, Rimrock Open Space, and
(<$ 10,000 each) to assist in fishing pier Long View Farm Open Space . The City
construction, wildlife plantings, weed also partnered with the County on the
control, and education projects . development of the public improvements,
restoration, and interpretive features on
Donations. From the very beginning of Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
the City' s Open Space Program, donations, Space. Both agencies partnered with the
as well as dedications of land parcels (result City of Loveland for the purchase of the
of development approval), have contributed Dryland Wheat Farm in the Fort Collins-
to the total acreage of protected lands owned Loveland Separator. The City and Larimer
and managed by the City. Since 1992, the County have also partnered on a
Natural Areas Program has received conservation easement in the Wellington
donations or dedications for portions of Community Separator.
12 natural areas : Bobcat Ridge, Two Creeks,
Colina Mariposa, Hazaleus, Hidden Cattails, The U. S . Government has been involved in
Maxwell, McMurry, Pineridge, Redtail several partnerships with the City to restore
Grove, Reservoir Ridge, Prairie Dog gravel-mined sites along the Poudre River.
Meadow, and Riverbend Ponds . In 1994, a collaborative reclamation plan
prepared by the U. S . Geological Survey,
Similar to land dedications, mitigation Fort Collins Science Center; Lafarge North
requirements for habitat impacts due to America, Inc . ; Colorado State University,
development have provided funds for a few Department of Horticulture and Landscape
small projects ($ 1 ,000-$2,000 each) to Architecture; and the City Natural Areas
enhance wildlife habitat and to construct Program was initiated for the Cottonwood
public improvements . Hollow Natural Area. The site, which had
been mined for gravel, was reclaimed to a
Partnerships. In addition to the Parks and combination of riparian, wet meadow, open
Recreation Department, the Natural Areas water, and upland native habitats . The
Program has partnered with other City innovative project received the Reclamation
departments to help fund both acquisition Excellence Award from the Colorado
and restoration of natural areas . Division of Minerals and Geology and the
Partnerships with the City ' s Utilities Environmental Stewardship Award from
Services have included acquisition and Larimer County. Currently, the Natural
restoration of Redwing Marsh, Red Fox Areas Program is in a partnership with the
Meadows, and Udall natural areas that serve U. S . Army Corps of Engineers to develop a
dual functions of stormwater detention/water plan to restore the gravel ponds, weedy
quality and wildlife habitat. uplands, and stream bed of the Poudre on
Kingfisher Point Natural Area. This project
The Natural Areas Program also partners is in the design phase.
with entities outside City government.
Larimer County Open Lands contributed
funds for the acquisition of the City ' s Cathy
s
Partnerships with Larimer County Open
Lands, City Departments, City of Loveland,
and new partnerships will continue to be
essential to the Natural Areas Program' s
land conservation efforts . Partnerships are
currently being developed with Legacy Land
Trust, The Nature Conservancy, The
Archeological Trust, and The Trust for
Public Lands . New partnerships will be
developed, perhaps with the US Forest
Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and
private property owners and businesses.
9
Chapter I I I : Land Conservation
A . Introduction and Golden Meadows Park) . Fort Collins
also is fortunate to be near open space areas
In November 2002 the citizens of Fort owned and managed by other entities
Collins passed a tax initiative extending the including Larimer County ' s Horsetooth
City ' s 1/4-cent sales tax for land conservation Mountain Park, Strauss Cabin, and Lyons
until 2030 . In order to implement the will of Park and the States CSU Environmental
the citizens, Natural Areas Program staff Learning Center and Lory State Park.
worked to develop a bold vision for land Adoption of the Natural Areas Policy Plan
conservation. This chapter describes the in 1992 and voter approval of a dedicated
results of that effort, which included the funding source were watershed events that
participation of a Citizens Task Force and launched a more comprehensive protection
other public outreach activities . The result
is a ten-year framework for implementing a Program.
new land conservation vision. As noted in During the period 1992 through 2003 , the
Chapter I, the Framework for Future Land Fort Collins City Council formally approved
Conservation received extensive public the use of City funds allocated to the Natural
review. Areas Program for the acquisition of land in
In addition to presenting the Natural Areas the following geographic areas :
Program ' s overall conservation vision, this 1 . Natural areas within the Fort Collins
chapter includes a summary of public Urban Growth Area ( 1992) ;
comments and other information that was 2 Open Lands within the Corridor between
used in developing land conservation goals
and strategies . Fort Collins and Loveland ( 1995 ) ;
3 . Community separators between Fort
B . Inventory of Existing Collins and Wellington, Timnath, and
Windsor (2002).
Natural Areas/ Protected 4. Regional Focus Areas (2003 ) .
Areas
In addition to the efforts of the Natural
Prior to the establishment of the Natural Areas Program, other City departments have
Areas Program in 1992 , the City protected also participated in natural areas land
17 open space sites totaling 1 ,268 acres ; conservation. The Parks and Recreation
more than half the sites were located along Department has continued to incorporate
the Poudre River while 65 % of the total small natural areas and stream corridors into
acreage was located in the foothills . Many new community parks, the horticulture
of these open space sites were protected by center, and some neighborhood parks . In
the City' s Parks and Recreation Department; 2002, a major natural areas land
some were Utilities sites . Several developed conservation effort was completed by the
parks also have natural areas within their Parks and Recreation Department with the
boundaries (e. g. , Lee Martinez Park, opening of Gateway Mountain Park — the
Overland Park, Avery Park, Troutman Park, 440-acre site of Fort Collins ' retired Water
10
Treatment Plant 91 in the Poudre Canyon. marshes, and shortgrass prairie providing
This "natural park" provides recreational critical habitat for numerous wildlife
opportunities such as hiking, picnicking, species .
fishing, and kayaking while maintaining the
majority of the site in protected natural area As of the end of 2003 , the City of Fort
habitat and preserving historic water works Collins Natural Areas Program has
buildings. conserved 11 ,472 acres of land. Map III- I
and Table III- I show the natural areas
As of the end of 2003 , the City' s Natural inventory as of the end of 2003 . The table
Areas Program owns and manages natural indicates the total acres per site, the sum of
areas ranging in size from 1 to 2,604 acres . which is greater than 11 ,472 acres because
A wide diversity of native plant the 11 ,472 acres includes only the Natural
communities have been protected, including Areas Program ' s percentage on joint
mature cottonwood forests, foothills acquisitions .
shrublands, wet meadows, emergent
Table III - 1 Natural Areas Inventory
Site Acres Comments
Local Focus Area
Core Natural Areas
Fischer Natural Area 11 Donated 1977 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas.
Mallard' s Nest Natural Area 7 Acquired* 1985-2002 by Parks, Utilities, and Natural Areas; Natural
Areas and Utilities manage.
Red Fox Meadows Natural 39 Acquired* 1986-2000 by Utilities, Parks, and Natural Areas; Natural
Area Areas and Utilities manage.
Redwing Marsh Natural 16 Acquired 1993 - 1995 by Natural Areas and Utilities; Natural Areas and
Area Utilities manage.
Ross Natural Area 31 Acquired 1978 by Parks and Utilities; transferred to Natural Areas;
Natural Areas and Utilities manage.
The Coterie Natural Area 5 Acquired 2000 by Natural Areas.
Dry Creek Stormwater 7 Acquired 1999 by Natural Areas and Utilities; Utilities manages; no
Wetland public access.
Horticulture Center (buffer 5 Acquired 2001 by Natural Areas for Spring Creek buffer and native
portion) plant demonstration area; managed by Parks.
Poudre River Corridor
Arapaho Bend Natural Area 278 Acquired 1995 by Natural Areas.
Butterfly Woods Natural 24 Acquired 1996 by Natural Areas and Parks; open to the public summer
Area 2004.
Cattail Chorus Natural Area 40 Acquired 1997 by Natural Areas; received GOCO Grant.
Cottonwood Hollow Natural 93 Acquired 1995- 1996 by Natural Areas.
Area
Gustav Swanson Natural 12 Acquired* 1987-2002 by Utilities and Natural Areas.
Area
11
Site Acres Comments
Kingfisher Point Natural 154 Acquired* 1997-2000 by Natural Areas .
Area
Magpie Meander Natural 11 Acquired 1995 by Natural Areas; open to the public summer 2004.
Area
McMurry Natural Area 45 Acquired* 1998-2003 by Natural Areas; received GOCO Grant.
Nix Natural Area 34 Acquired* 1979- 1996 by Parks and Natural Areas; received GOCO
Grant.
North Shields Pond Natural 10 Acquired 1962 by City of Fort Collins; transferred to Natural Areas.
Area
Prospect Ponds Natural Area 25 Acquired 1974 by Utilities; Natural Areas manages.
Resource Recovery Farm 156 Acquired 2003 by Natural Areas; no public access.
River' s Edge Natural Area 8 Acquired 1994-2001 by Natural Areas.
Riverbend Ponds Natural 225 Acquired* 1977- 1999 by Parks and Natural Areas.
Area
Running Deer Natural Area 275 Acquired 1998-2000 by Natural Areas; received GOCO Grant.
Salyer Natural Area 24 Donated 1985 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas.
Springer Natural Area 24 Donated 1990 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas.
Udall Natural Area 25 Acquired* 1994 by Natural Areas and Utilities; Natural Areas and
Utilities manage; not yet open to the public.
Williams Natural Area 1 Donated 1990 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas.
Archery Range Natural Area 50 Acquired 1983 by Utilities; transferred to Parks ; Parks manages.
Fossil Creek Corridor
Cathy Fromme Prairie 11088 Acquired* 1993-2002 by Natural Areas and Larimer County Open
Natural Area Lands (7%); received GOCO Grants.
Eagle View Natural Area 90 Acquired 2002 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public.
Colina Mariposa Natural 192 Acquired* 1998 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public.
Area
Fossil Creek Reservoir 833 Acquired* 1998-2001 by Natural Areas; 810 acres leased from North
Natural Area Poudre Irrigation Company; not yet open to the public.
Fossil Creek Wetlands 229 Acquired 1995 by Natural Areas.
Natural Area
Hazaleus Natural Area 168 Acquired 1999 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public.
Hidden Cattails Natural 3 Dedicated 1994 to Natural Areas.
Area
Pelican Marsh Natural Area 156 Acquired 2002 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public.
Prairie Dog Meadow 84 Acquired* 1994-2003 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public .
Redtail Grove Natural Area 43 Acquired* 1996- 1999; not yet open to the public.
Two Creeks Natural Area 30 Acquired* 1999 by Natural Areas.
12
Site Acres Comments
Fossil Creek Reservoir 470 Acquired 2001 -2003 by Natural Areas (50%) and Larimer County
Regional Open Space Open Lands; Natural Areas is contributing 50% toward educational and
public improvements; Larimer County manages; open to the public fall
2004.
Swift Farm Conservation 82 Conservation Easement acquired 2003 by Natural Areas; landowner
Easement manages ; not open to the public.
Foothills Corridor
Coyote Ridge Natural Area 11118 Acquired* 1994-2000 by Natural Areas and Larimer County Open
Lands (9%).
Maxwell Natural Area 311 Acquired* 1976- 1996 by Parks and Natural Areas.
Pineridge Natural Area 661 Acquired* 1976- 1998 by Parks and Natural Areas.
Reservoir Ridge Natural 311 Acquired* 1989-2002 by Parks and Natural Areas.
Area _
Regional Focus Are
Foothills/Buckhorn/Redstone
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area 25604 Acquired* 2003 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public.
Devil ' s Backbone Open 15545 Acquired 2003 by Natural Areas (75%) and Larimer County Open
Space (Indian Creek Lands; Larimer County manages; not yet open to the public.
Property)
Rimrock Open Space 437 Acquired 2002 by Larimer County Open Lands and Natural Areas
(10%); Larimer County manages.
Community Separators
Wellington Separator
Kerbel Conservation 84 Conservation Easement acquired 2002 by Natural Areas (50%) and
Easement Larimer County Open Lands; landowner manages; Larimer County
monitors conservation easement; not open to the public.
Fort Collins-Loveland Separator
McKee Farm 973 Acquired 1997 by Natural Areas; not open to the public.
Dryland Wheat Farm 785 Acquired 2000 by City of Loveland Natural Areas, Larimer County
Open Lands, and Natural Areas ( 10%); received GOCO Grant; City of
Loveland manages; not open to the public.
Long View Farm 479 Acquired 1997 by Larimer County Open Lands and Natural Areas
(28%); received GOCO Grant; Larimer County manages ; not open to
the public.
*Includes partial donation, dedication, and/or reduced purchase price.
13
t it w
No i, 1
tt � r
sir
R I
� I I
Apr
1 ;
! I
L
' -imp
1
l
J � 1
Lggend S
City Limits 2003
r --
Urban Growth Area 2003
- -
- Fort Collins Natural Areas
- Managed by Others, but contributed to by Fort Collins Natural Areas Program
- Other Public Open Space
Lease Held By Fort Collins Natural Areas Program
® Conservation Easement held by Fort Collins Natural Areas Program
® Other Conservation Easements
Map III - 1 . Existing Natural Areas (2003 )
14
C . Data Synthesis and developed a geographic overlay analysis
Identification of Resource method that displayed areas of known
conservation value . An overlap of two or
Areas more conservation features was considered
as a "conservation hot spot," which the Task
In 2001 , the Larimer County Open Lands Force used as a basis for further discussions .
Program surveyed Larimer County residents The following data sets and maps were
to determine the desired types and uses of utilized in this analysis :
county open lands . More than half of the
respondents to the scientifically valid survey 1 . City of Fort Collins
listed a residence in Fort Collins . Survey
results for the Fort Collins respondents Location of current natural areas in Fort
showed outstanding public support for Collins
conservation of open lands with public use Known location of possible future
(79%), with limited public use (68%), and natural areas in Fort Collins
with no public use (66%) (Larimer County The City of Fort Collins Natural Habitat
Open Lands Master Plan, Oct. 2001). This and Features Inventory Map (shows
survey provides significant evidence of location of wetlands, native grasslands,
widespread public support for land foothills forest, etc .)
conservation and sets the backdrop for the
Natural Areas Program data analysis and
land conservation planning efforts .
Limited Public Use
Public Use No Public Use
9%
12% 9 eryM
Very Much Fay
15°b
in Favor I, V 12%In F8V 49% In Favor28%
30% In Favor23%
In the summer of 2002, the Natural Areas Location for Community Separators (as
Program convened a panel of local experts identified in The Northern Colorado
to help Natural Areas Program staff envision Separator Study, 1999)
new opportunities for land conservation, City of Fort Collins Structure Plan
natural resource protection, and appropriate
recreation for the benefit of the citizens of 2 . Larimer County
Fort Collins . The Citizens Task Force met
over a period of 2 months to identify Location of important (productive)
geographic areas of high habitat value, value agricultural lands (Land Evaluation Site
as a viewshed or scenic resource, recreation, Analysis, LESA)
productive agricultural value, important
floodplains, and lands that serve as
community separators . The Task Force
15
- - - - -
3 . Larimer County Open Lands 4 . The Nature Conservancy
Master Plan
Priority areas of high biodiversity
• Citizen Survey of Larimer County identified by the Nature Conservancy
residents
Wildlife (Division of Wildlife) 5 . Colorado Natural Heritage
o Bighorn sheep lambing areas Program - conservation sites
o Pronghorn concentration areas
o Mule deer migration corridors and The resulting mapping and analysis
winter concentration areas identified a "first cut" of important
o Elk migration corridors and severe conservation landscapes by highlighting
winter range areas "hot spots" with overlapping conservation
o Duck winter range areas features . The final map assembled these hot
spots into single units or "resource areas"
Rare and Sensitive Species and is entitled "Conservation Focus Area"
o Colorado Division of Wildlife rare (see Map III-2) .
vegetation satellite data
Public and Protected Lands Each resource area is intended to identify
o County, State, Federal areas where high conservation values
o Private protected lands (ecological, scenic, lands that could provide
o Conservation easements community separation, etc . ) exist and guide
future land protection efforts . As described
Hydrology and Wetlands (Cooper and in the next section, the information
Merritt, 1999) presented in Map III-2, "Conservation Focus
o Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and Area," was further refined and became the
reservoirs basis for the overall land conservation vision
o 100- and 500-year flood zone described in the next section.
16
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Fort Collins County, State, and Targeted Continently Winner County Open Resource Areas
Natural Areas Federal lands Separators lands Master Plan
Map 111 -2 . Land Conservation Task Force Vision
17
D . Natural Areas Land -
Conservation Vision
The mapping analysis and work of the Task
Force resulted in the identification of
15 high priority resource areas . This -- "
information was further refined, and they
high priority areas were grouped into a
series of 16 focus areas that were then
grouped into 3 categories : local, regional,
and community separator. (See Map III-3 ) .
The intent of the analysis shown in
Map III-3 is to identify focus areas with high
conservation values and opportunities, not to Each of the individual focus areas shown in
acquire or protect the entire area. Map III-3 is described below. The City of
Fort Collins Natural Areas Program will
As the Natural Areas Program pursues the pursue conservation projects within these
vision outlined in Map III-3 , land focus areas alone or in partnerships with
conservation efforts will emphasize others, and with willing sellers or donors .
achieving sustainability of native plant and
animal communities . For this reason, land
acquisitions will be evaluated to ascertain
how they contribute to landscape-scale
conservation, which is the scale needed to
perpetuate natural processes and enable
individuals, species, and native communities
to thrive .
The vision is to conserve a Mountains to
Plains corridor that would connect large
publicly owned mountain landscapes to the
west (Roosevelt National Forest, Rocky
Mountain National Park) to large publicly
held grasslands to the east (Pawnee National
Grasslands) . Such a large protected area
could serve as a reintroduction site for the
black-footed ferret and maintain sustainable
levels of other native prairie wildlife
including prairie dogs, pronghorn,
burrowing owls, and grassland birds .
18
r
Meadow Springs
12
Laramie Foothills
11
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Owl Canyon O
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4' Wellington
Upper Poudre ,", Dry Creek � - - ^� -� � KERBEL
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Wellington
Separator
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AMap III - 3 . Conservation Focus Areas Map 05oo
19
Local Focus Areas 3 . Fossil Creek Corridor
Resource Values : Habitat, Viewshed,
1 . Bellvue Community Separator
Resource Values : Habitat, Agriculture, Purpose : To expand
Viewshed, Community Separator, protection in the
Floodplain ecologically
Purpose : To _ sensitive Fossil
protect rare species Creek area. Land
habitat and conservation will
important wetlands help protect rare
especially along species and riparian/wetland areas by
the Poudre River expanding upon the existing Fossil Creek
floodplain and natural areas/open spaces, provide recreation
adjacent riparian community. Land opportunities, and extend the Fossil Creek
conservation provides ecosystem trail. Additional land protection in this area
connectivity from the shortgrass prairie, contributes to community separation
through the hogback ridges and to the between Fort Collins and Loveland/Windsor
foothills forest, while building on protected and preserves views to the foothills and
open space to the south including mountains along the I-25 corridor.
Horsetooth Mountain Park and Lory State
Park. Benefits include creating community 4. Core Natural Areas
separation between Fort Collins and Resource Values : Habitat, Viewshed
LaPorte, maintaining the rural character of Purpose : To protect and expand the City ' s
LaPorte and Bellvue communities, current inventory of natural areas within the
preserving the presence and historical Growth Management Area. These areas
importance of agriculture in the community, provide quick recreational or educational
and protecting viewsheds from LaPorte, get-aways for the citizens of Fort Collins .
Bellvue, and area travel corridors for both They also provide habitat for urban wildlife
wildlife and people . and protect pocket wetlands .
2. Poudre River Corridor 5. Foothills Corridor
Resource Values : Habitat, Floodplain, Resource Values : Viewshed, Habitat,
Watershed Community Separation
Purpose : To protect and expand the City ' s Purpose : To protect
current inventory of natural areas along the and expand the
Poudre River Corridor. Continued protection City' s current
along the river will ensure floodplain inventory of natural
protection, habitat, and migration/travelM
areas in the
corridor for both wildlife and people . Foothills Corridor.
'oa� Continuing land
conservation in this area would add to the
protection of rare plant habitat along the
unique geology of the hogback ridges and
would continue to build toward ecological
connectivity between the shortgrass prairie
and the foothills and further west to other
protected lands. It will continue to support
20
rare and diverse species habitat and provide 8. Upper Poudre
popular recreation activities . Land Resource Values : Habitat, Watershed,
conserved in the southern portion of this Viewshed
area also functions as a community separator Purpose : To create additional open space
between Fort Collins and Loveland/ opportunities along the Upper Poudre River
Masonville. The City will continue to and Poudre Canyon that can compliment the
protect its mountain backdrop and popular City ' s Parks and Recreation Department ' s
recreation area. Gateway Park. Land conservation projects
will enhance habitat protection and
Regional Focus Areas ecosystem connectivity for migrating
wildlife along the canyon corridor. All land
6. Foothills/Buckhorn/Redstone protection projects in this area will help
Resource Values : Viewshed, Habitat, promote healthy watersheds to maintain a
Watershed clean and natural river water supply.
Purpose : To protect
the viewshed of the 9. Dry Creek
foothills. Land Resource Values : Agriculture, Habitat,
conservation Viewshed, Floodplain
projects in these Purpose : To preserve agricultural land
areas preserve through the use of agricultural easements or
important wildlife through acquisition where there is strong
habitat in the foothills transition zone, while ecological value or potential for native
providing ecosystem connectivity and trail restoration. The focus of this resource area
connections to Horsetooth Mountain Park, is to conserve
Lory State Park, and Coyote Ridge Natural important upland
Area. and wetland areas
to provide a natural
7. Rist Canyon transition between
Resource Values : Habitat, Viewshed, the plains and
Watershed him foothills .
Purpose : To protect
high diversity 10. Owl Canyon
wetland and Resource Values : Habitat, Viewshed
riparian areas that Purpose : To
serve as important preserve important
wildlife habitat. wildlife habitat
Other land while protecting
conservation projects will work toward viewsheds near
maintaining natural viewsheds and US 287 . A
satellite natural
rural/open character of the area. area in Owl Canyon could provide a short
destination trip to this unique landscape.
21
11 . Laramie Foothills Community Separators
Resource Values : Habitat, Viewshed,
Agriculture, Watershed 13 . Wellington Separator
Purpose : To help Resource Values : Community Separator,
provide large-scale Viewshed, Agriculture
z habitat protection Purpose : To create
and rare species distinct community
,... habitat protection
P separation between
in this area. Land Fort Collins and
conservation - Wellington. The
projects will build toward providing area contains
ecosystem connectivity between the outstanding
shortgrass prairie to the east and foothills agricultural land where the City could assist
forest and mountains to the west. City the County in acquiring agricultural
assists on projects that preserve the conservation easements to promote an open
viewshed along US 287 and participates in character while preserving the viewshed to
land conservation on grazing lands where the foothills and mountains from the I-25
those lands and practices contribute to corridor.
ecological and viewshed conservation goals .
14. Timnath Separator
12. Meadow Springs Resource Values : Community Separator,
Resource Values : Habitat, Agriculture, Agriculture, Viewshed, Habitat
Viewshed - Tt Purpose : To create
Purpose : To distinct community
capitalize on or add separators between
to existing land Fort Collins and
owned by City the Timnath area.
Utilities in the area Land conservation
of Meadow projects will
Springs Ranch. protect rare species habitat and riparian
Land conservation projects in this area areas along the Poudre River, and provide
support opportunities for larger-scale prairie opportunities to extend the Poudre River
conservation including protection of prime Trail. Agricultural easements in the area
pronghorn habitat, restoration of native will help preserve its open/rural character.
shortgrass prairie species and protection of Both habitat and agricultural conservation
cultural and archaeological resources . It also efforts together will help maintain the I-25
sustains preservation of the I-25 viewshed to viewshed to the foothills and mountains .
the west with its uninterrupted views of the
foothills and mountains .
22
15. Lower Poudre River and Windsor E . Ten -Year Land
Separator
Resource Values : Habitat, Viewshed, Conservation Framework
Community Separator, Floodplain ( 2004 - 2013 )
Purpose : To protect
rare species habitat, The 10-year land conservation vision for the
wetland/riparian Natural Areas Program is based on citizen
communities, and input, ballot direction from citizen
agricultural values initiatives, and the principles of conservation
along the Poudre science . The conservation vision also
River to the reflects policy guidance from Fort Collins
southeast of the city. Both habitat and City Council. Specifically, on April 1 , 2003
agricultural conservation activities in this the City Council adopted resolution
area will contribute to the Fort Collins - 2003 -051 amending the Natural Areas
Windsor community separator project. Policy Plan to include "regional" land
conservation projects and adopt the Focus
16. Fort Collins — Loveland Separator Area Map . The Focus Area Map (Map
Resource Values : Community Separator, III-3 ) illustrates the regional focus areas
Viewshed, Habitat, Agriculture where the Natural Areas Program will
Purpose : To protect pursue future land conservation efforts . In
and expand the the same resolution, City Council adopted a
City' s current set of land acquisition considerations
inventory of directing staff to consider (when purchasing
16sA Natural Areas in a property) the willingness of the property
this area. Most of owner to sell, a property ' s potential
this area that is available for conservation recreation value, ecological value,
has already been conserved and has thus acquisition cost, long-term stewardship
protected scenic views, wildlife habitat, and costs, proximity to Fort Collins, and level of
the agricultural way of life . The open threat to the integrity of the natural resource
character between Loveland and Fort values of a property. In view of these
Collins on the western and eastern arterials considerations adopted by City Council and
helps give each community its own sense of other factors that influence land
character. conservation decision making, Natural
Areas Program staff have developed a "Land
Evaluation Guidance System" as a decision-
making guide. This guidance system is
presented in Appendix C .
23
The Natural Areas Program' s 10-year Land Conservation Strategies
conservation goals and strategies balance
factors such as the costs and benefits of The Natural Areas Program will pursue land
conserving land locally versus regionally, conservation opportunities alone or in
conserving many small areas of land versus partnerships with other land conservation
fewer large areas of land, and conserving organizations such as Larimer County Open
land through acquisition versus conservation Lands, Legacy Land Trust, and The Nature
easements . These factors (listed below for Conservancy. Financial resources for land
each focus area), future funding, and conservation will be allocated in the
available lands for conservation have been following manner: approximately one-third
taken into consideration for the proposed of the resources toward conservation in the
10-year plan. Local Focus Areas, approximately one-third
toward conservation in the Regional Focus
Over the next 10 years, the Natural Areas Areas, and approximately one-third to
Program will work to achieve significant conserving land in the Community Separator
community separation between Fort Collins Focus Areas . The allocation of funds could
and other municipalities while conserving result in the achievements in Table III-2 .
special lands and providing recreational
opportunities in both the local and regional
focus areas .
Local Areas Regional Areas Community Separators
High acquisition costs Low acquisition cost Moderate acquisition costs
Low to mixed ecological Mixed to high ecological Mixed ecological values
value value Moderate stewardship costs
High stewardship costs Low stewardship costs Close to Fort Collins
Within Fort Collins Farther from Fort Collins High threat to integrity
High threat to integrity Moderate threat to integrity Scenic, agriculture,
Habitat, scenery Habitat, scenery, watershed, community separation
Recreation opportunities agriculture Recreation opportunities
Recreation opportunities limited
24
Table III -2 . Planned Land Conservation Allocations
Allocations Anticipated Accomplishments 2004-2013
Local Conservation Areas :
$20 million Add more natural areas, trails, and recreation opportunities within the local focus
allocated for areas.
2004 - 2013 Focus more on areas near Bellvue (# 1 ) and along the Poudre River (#2).
• Conserve an additional �3 ,000 acres.
Regional Conservation Areas :
• Acquisition of 1 or 2 large natural areas in the Foothills, Buckhorn, Redstone (#6)
area to provide hiking, biking, equestrian, picnic, and educational opportunities.
�2,500 to 5 ,000 acres.
• Work alone or in partnership on large conservation projects in the Laramie Foothills
$20 million (# 11 ) and/or Meadow Springs (# 12) areas to protect scenic views along Hwy 287,
allocated for conserve large habitat areas, preserve a prairie to peaks wildlife corridor, and
2004 - 2013 provide many miles of trails, picnic shelters, and educational features to interpret the
historic, archaeological, geological, and ecological resources. � 20,000 to 30,000
acres.
• Add 1 or 2 large natural areas in Rist Canyon (#7), Dry Creek (#9), Upper Poudre
(#8), and/or Owl Canyon (# 10) areas to add more recreational opportunities within
30 minutes of the city.
Community Separators :
$20 million Accomplish significant portion of community separator areas :
allocated for Timnath (# 14) - 1 ,800 acres desired for conservation.
2004 - 2013 Lower Poudre/Windsor (# 15) -2,300 acres desired for conservation.
• Wellington (# 13 ) -7,000 acres desired for conservation.
• Conserve � 3 ,000 to 4,000 acres of desired total of 11 ,000 acres .
25
Chapter IV : Stewardship
A . Introduction program. This plan will be updated in
10 years .
This chapter describes the various aspects of
the Natural Areas Program, existing as well Long-Range Plan . This plan will identify
as those envisioned for the future, that help and anticipate the funding, staffing, and
make the City good stewards of the lands management the Natural Areas Program will
entrusted to it. The following discussion need to implement the Land Conservation
addresses program management, education, and Stewardship Master Plan for the next
enforcement, public improvements, 10 years . The current long-range plan is
maintenance, restoration and habitat three years old. It will be updated in 2005
enhancement, facility operations, and and in the future as often as warranted,
perhaps every 5 years .
staffing.
B . Program Management Management Plans. These plans specify
how each natural area will be managed
relative to habitat protection, site restoration
What does it take to adequately manage the and habitat enhancement, public access,
open lands the community has chosen to appropriate recreation, public
purchase and enhance? improvements, vegetation management,
wildlife management, etc . Site management
The Program Management section of the plans are reviewed by the public and by the
Natural Area Program is responsible for Natural Resources Advisory Board and the
answering that question. The Program Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The
Management section prepares master plans, joint Trails Committee of both Boards
individual site management plans, long- reviews detailed trail location plans on
range action plans, and management natural areas . Site management plans are
guidelines . Program Management staff also intended to be updated approximately
conduct resource research and inventories, 5 years after the completion of the initial
plan for the program' s financial, material, plan and thereafter on a 10-year cycle .
equipment, and staffing needs, administer
requests for special use permits, grant Natural Areas Regulations. These are
easements and leases, and conduct other the laws that appear in City Code to protect
functions necessary for the stewardship the natural areas . They are changed as
activities described in this chapter. needed. Changes must go through the City
Council approval process .
Elements of Program Management
General Management Guidelines for
Land Conservation and Stewardship Natural Areas and Agricultural Lands
Master Plan . This plan, which replaces the Managed by the Natural Resources
Natural Areas Policy Plan adopted in 1992, Department . This document is the 2001
defines the vision for the future of the update of the 1994 General Management
Guidelines for City owned Open Spaces and
26
Natural Areas that was prepared by the Other Agencies : Other agencies often
Open Space/Natural Areas Management request permission to conduct their research
Team after much public review. It also projects on the City ' s natural areas . The
describes the natural areas management Natural Areas Regulations allows such
classification categories, which help to research depending on resource impacts .
determine the level of resource protection on Researchers must apply for a Natural Areas
a site-by-site basis . The document will be Permit to conduct their projects on the
updated as needed. City ' s natural areas . Over the past 5 years,
over 50 research permits have been issued.
Budgets. The budget and budget forecast Agencies that conduct research on City
for the following year are prepared annually. natural areas are required to provide a copy
of the findings to the Natural Areas
Work Plans. Each sub-program (i. e. , Program.
program management, education,
enforcement, public improvements, C . Education
maintenance, and restoration and habitat
enhancement) within the Natural Areas The mission of the Natural Areas Education
Program prepares an annual work plan. Program is to increase citizens ' awareness of
Individual employee work plans are natural areas ; promote understanding of
prepared to coordinate with sub-program natural systems, and foster each individual ' s
work plans . realization of the importance and meaning
natural places add to our lives .
Inventory and Research . The need for
local wildlife and plant inventories and the The goals of the education program are to :
need for site-specific research were
recognized in the Natural Areas Policy Plan. Instill a sense of stewardship toward
natural areas .
Funded Research: Since 1993 , the Natural
Resources Department has allocated Help all citizens, even those who do not
$ 15 ,000 annually to meet research needs . visit natural areas, become aware of the
Over the past 10 years, research has overall values realized by the
included site-specific plant inventories ; rare preservation of natural areas in our urban
plant, raptor winter roost sites, Prebles setting.
meadow jumping mouse, and prairie dog
colony surveys ; and research projects on Take a primarily interpretive approach to
prairie dogs, wetland restoration, and rare educational activities.
plants .
Provide scientifically accurate
Volunteer Research: Colorado State information.
University students and others have
volunteered their time to conduct surveys Integrate education with recreation in
and research in local natural areas . These natural areas to further promote
include the 9-year winter raptor data awareness .
research. This information has been helpful
in identifying key areas to protect. Provide diverse materials on a variety of
natural areas topics .
27
Provide experiential and participatory site, and participation in community events .
learning situations . Popular, effective components of the natural
areas education program will continue to be
Education is essential for ecological implemented. Components that cease to be
protection and visitor enjoyment. When site effective will be discontinued and new ones
visitors understand the natural values being added as appropriate.
protected, they can better appreciate how
some recreational activities fit into natural Master Naturalists . In 1994, at the urging
areas and others do not. When students learn of the Natural Resources Advisory Board,
about the intricacies of nature, they are the volunteer Master Naturalist Program
better prepared to take care of the began. It has become the mainstay of the
community' s natural features and become natural areas education program.
leaders in natural areas protection.
Certified Master Naturalists are trained
Tactile and audio elements are incorporated volunteers who conduct interpretive field
into some education features to provide trips in natural areas for school groups,
elements of interest to persons of various clubs, and other groups and for events
levels of capabilities who visit the natural sponsored by the Natural Areas Program. By
areas . Programming elements make the end of 2003 , there were 100 Certified
reasonable accommodations for persons Master Naturalists . Over the 10 years of the
with disabilities when such needs are program, volunteer Master Naturalists have
identified. donated over 7 , 500 hours, giving over 700
presentations and reaching over 34,000
Natural Areas Program education funds are people .
expended for properties owned and managed
by the City of Fort Collins as well as for Interpretive Features. Interpretive
properties jointly owned by the City and features have been installed on many natural
another entity (e. g. , Larimer County) but areas and will be installed on most, but not
managed by the other entity. For example, all, additional natural areas as time and
the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas funds allow. These interpretive products
Program is providing 50% of the funding for (usually signs) explain the natural features
educational features at the City/County- of the sites, increase visitor enjoyment, and
owned Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional contribute to visitor management. When
Open Space . people understand the values of a site, they
are more likely to abide by site regulations
Components of the Education (e. g. , requirements to stay on trail) .
Program
Printed Materials . A brochure (Nature
Within funding and staffing allocations, the Next Door) providing a map of the City' s
goals of the education program are met natural areas and describing specific sites
through various strategies . Components of has been produced for several years and is a
the education program can be expected to very popular publication. Information from
include the Master Naturalist program, on- this brochure also is provided on the web
site interpretive features, printed materials, a site . Individual site brochures are published
teacher training program, public for the more popular sites . Other popular
presentations, a presence on the City' s Web publications include lists of native plants
28
suitable for urban landscapes, checklists of tend to be weekend events and are often
birds and mammals that can be seen in Fort staffed by Master Naturalists .
Collins, and a brochure to help citizens
design their home landscapes to attract D . Enforcement
wildlife. These brochures will be updated,
and others developed, as needed in the The Natural Areas and Trails Rangers play a
growing Natural Areas Program. critical role in the stewardship and
management of Fort Collins ' natural areas .
Teacher Training . Since 1998, the Natural The primary mission of the ranger program
Areas Program and Fort Collins Utilities is to promote the safety and well-being of
have provided a training program for Poudre natural areas and trails visitors while
School District teachers . The training, ensuring the protection of the biological,
which is free, focuses on landforms, water, physical, and ecological resources of the
and wildlife explorations and offers natural areas .
standards-based activities that integrate
science, reading, writing, math, and visual The ranger program includes wildland fire
arts . Each teacher who goes through the management, trail and boundary
training program receives transportation management, and implementation of pre-
funding for a field trip for his/her class to an emptive crime prevention strategies.
outdoor classroom or natural area, field
teaching assistance by Master Naturalists Commission . Rangers are commissioned
and Utilities WaterSHED staff, access to by the City of Fort Collins Chief of Police as
field equipment for classroom use, and "special police officers" conferring a level
notebook materials . The City also pays for of authority comparable to the Fort Collins
substitute teachers who cover the classroom Police Department' s Community Service
while teachers attend the training. Officers . This authority enables rangers to
enforce natural areas regulations and issue
Public Presentations . Natural Areas summons for misdemeanors related to
Program staff make presentations at events resource damage, littering, vandalism,
sponsored by the City and accept invitations criminal trespass, leash laws, illegal
to speak to service clubs and other camping/hunting, etc . As natural areas
organizations that want to learn more about become some of the last undeveloped and
the City' s Natural Areas Program. "natural spaces" in a highly urbanized
environment, rangers are more commonly
Web. The Natural Areas Program maintains enforcing regulations related to non-
pages and/or links on the City' s web site permitted recreational uses such as off-trail
providing information about the Natural biking, motorized vehicles (ATVs, scooters,
Areas Program, volunteer opportunities, etc .), and other incompatible activities .
having a Master Naturalist presentation for a
group or organization, regulations, and other Qualifications . Rangers complete a
information of interest. comprehensive criminal and personal
background check consistent with City of
Community Events . Education staff Fort Collins Police Services standards .
prepares displays for various community Rangers serve in an unarmed capacity.
events such as Earth Day events, Riverfest, Rangers are highly skilled and trained in a
Avian Appreciation Days, and others . These variety of visitor management and resource
29
protection skills including law enforcement, improvements are needed at all sites open to
wildland fire management, search and the public . Fencing may be needed
rescue, medical first responder and CPR, regardless of whether a site is open to the
and environmental education. public .
Existing Challenge. A major complaint It is acknowledged that public
that led to the creation of the ranger improvements have potential impacts to
program, as well as a continuing challenge, wildlife and native plant communities . Such
is dogs off leash in natural areas . In 2001 , a potential impacts are evaluated and given
"no tolerance policy" for off-leash pets was high consideration during planning, design,
implemented in an attempt to resolve on- and construction phases .
going visitor safety and resource protection
issues . This policy has resulted in improved Public improvements are planned in
compliance, though it has not been 100% accordance with the "General Management
effective. Guidelines for Natural Areas and
Agricultural Lands" (2001 ) and individual
New Challenges. As the Natural Areas site management plans .
Program grows regionally, greater distances
to natural areas will increase the time The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
required for "back-up" police assistance to Program provides public improvements not
arrive to assist rangers . Rangers will begin only for properties owned and managed by
to deal with illegal hunting, boundary the City but also for properties jointly
management and trespass, and monitoring owned by the City and another entity (e . g. ,
permitted uses on natural areas including Larimer County) and managed by the other
utility easement construction. Rangers are entity. For example, the Natural Areas
increasingly dealing with potentially Program is paying 50% of the costs of
dangerous individuals (transients, gang public improvements at the City/County-
members, wanted individuals) in natural owned Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional
areas . More and larger properties will Open Space .
require the ranger program to identify new
methods of patrol including mounted patrol Improvement Elements
and working with citizen volunteer groups
for bike and backcountry patrol. Trai Is . Trails on natural areas provide
directed routes for recreation, reducing the
E . Public Improvements impact to other portions of the sites and,
thus, the overall impacts to wildlife
Public improvements serve two important populations and native plant communities .
functions : ( 1 ) help the public more safely The Natural Areas Program provides "soft"
use and enjoy natural areas and (2) help trails composed of dirt, gravel, or crusher
protect natural resource values of each site. fines and wooden (or recycled plastic
By the end of 2003 , about 70% of the City ' s lumber) footbridges and boardwalks where
natural areas were open to the public . These necessary due to drainage issues . Over
sites accommodate visitors through trails, 23 miles of "soft" trails are present on the
parking lots, restrooms, kiosks, benches, City ' s natural areas . The Natural Areas
signage, public buildings, and observation Program envisions having "soft" trails on
structures . Not all of these public most natural areas acquired by the City.
30
The Parks and Recreation Department used. Some benches are as simple as a
designs and constructs concrete trails that strategically placed log or as ornate as a
form the Fort Collins Bike Trail System, bench that contains an interpretive feature .
some of which runs through natural areas .
The paved trail system is accessible to Fishing and Wildlife Observation
persons in wheelchairs . Funding for the Structures . Fishing and wildlife
paved trails comes from the Parks and observation structures help to reduce
Recreation Department, the Natural Areas impacts to natural areas by providing a
Program, the Conservation Trust Fund, and convenient, practical place to fish or watch
Great Outdoors Colorado grants . wildlife. These structures often provide
access for site visitors who are less mobile,
Parking Lots. Parking lots at natural areas including those who use wheelchairs .
are primarily for the convenience of the Fishing piers and fishing bank steps are
public, but they also help to reduce site especially useful in reducing bank erosion
impacts . Parking lots will be designed to around popular fishing ponds .
meet the specific needs of each site and to
minimize the physical and visual impact to Signage. Signs on natural areas identify
the site . Design and construction standards sites, mark boundaries, inform the public of
for parking lots in natural areas will be restricted use and regulations, mark trails,
developed. and provide user safety information.
Restrooms. The need for restrooms at Educational Centers and Public
natural areas is evaluated with respect to Meeting Space. Providing buildings for
existing or planned facilities in the area, public meetings is not a goal of the Natural
such as at nearby developed parks . Areas Program. However, one site —
Restroom facilities may be either permanent Reservoir Ridge Natural Area — received a
(i. e. , vault toilets) or portable (i. e . , rented, donation stipulating that the art studio on the
non-permanent structures) depending on the site be available for public classes and, if
location. For example, vault toilets cannot possible, the home be available as a meeting
be constructed in 100-year floodplains . place for local non-profit environmental and
art organizations . The Natural Areas
Kiosks . Kiosks can help to orient the Program is working toward implementing
visitor to the site, provide educational this donor request.
information, provide a place to post City
notices related to natural areas, display Other buildings for educational purposes
regulatory information, and provide and public meetings may be built, or
additional information as needed. Kiosk existing buildings utilized, depending on
brochure holders make related materials donor requests and on management plan
available to visitors . development for specific sites .
Benches. Benches provide a comfortable Fencing. Fencing the perimeter of natural
viewing and resting spot for visitors and areas often is needed to prevent illegal
help to limit off-trail impacts . Most benches access by vehicles, people, and/or domestic
are constructed from recycled plastic lumber grazing animals from adjacent sites .
and are similar in style, but occasionally
unique designs or construction materials are
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Barbed wire and electric fencing is (2001 ) and individual site management
prohibited within the city limits . Barbed, plans . Ongoing maintenance of natural
electric, and smooth wire fencing are areas is essential for preserving wildlife
potentially hazardous to wildlife, habitat and native plant communities as well
particularly raptors that can be severely as providing site visitors a high quality, safe
injured or killed when their wings hit the outdoor experience.
wire upon swooping down or up when
hunting prey under the fence. Fort Collins is As of the end of 2003 , the Natural Areas
within a major migratory and wintering Program manages 40 local natural areas,
corridor for bald eagles, ferruginous hawks, totaling over 10,000 acres, with about 70%
and other raptors . Whenever feasible, the of these sites open to the public . In general,
Natural Areas Program removes wire sites not yet open to the public are those in
fencing, replacing it with wood fencing need of public improvements and/or major
where illegal access problems create a need site restoration.
for fencing.
Although some maintenance activities
Most fences are buck-and-rail style, which increase when sites are opened to the public
has become the program ' s "signature" fence . (e. g. , cleaning restrooms, regrading parking
Staff have received many compliments on lots, and trail maintenance), other activities
this style from the public and from other (e. g. , weed control, litter control, site clean-
open lands agencies, some of whom have up, fence repair) remain the same .
subsequently adopted this style for their Vandalism repair, such as graffiti removal,
public open spaces . People feel that the can occur on sites open or closed to the
buck-and-rail fence portrays a "western" public, but is more prevalent when public
look, blends with the landscape, and improvement structures and interpretive
identifies a site as a natural area even if a features are present.
site sign isn 't present. Western rail is used
on some sites to blend with existing fences . Maintenance Activities
Staff is currently considering the use of a
single rail fence to use in place of the buck- Site Clean -up . All natural areas require
and-rail. The single rail retains much of the periodic litter and site clean-up . As more
character and function while reducing the sites are open to the public, trash pick-up
cost. activities increase, but major site clean-up
decreases (e. g. , illegal dumping is not as
Accessibility. The City of Fort Collins prevalent on sites open to the public) .
Natural Areas Program makes reasonable Volunteers, including the "Adopt-a-Natural
accommodation for access to services, Area" participants, provide valuable
programs, and activities and makes special assistance by conducting litter pick-up . In
communication arrangements for persons 2003 , 25 organizations or groups of
with disabilities . individuals who had adopted natural areas
contributed over 700 hours to site clean-up
F . Maintenance activities .
Natural areas are maintained according to Maintenance and Repair of Public
the "General Management Guidelines for Improvements. The Natural Areas
Natural Areas and Agricultural Lands" Program maintains "soft" trails . Such
32
maintenance can be expected to increase protected in areas of high beaver activity to
with more use as the Fort Collins population provide feeding and nesting sites for
increases . songbirds .
The City ' s Parks Department maintains Unique wildlife management needs are
hard-surface trails (e.g . , bike trails) . addressed as they arise. In 2003 , a pair of
osprey exhibited nesting behavior at
Parking lots on natural areas are primarily Riverbend Ponds and Running Deer natural
gravel, which require periodic regrading. A areas . Under the supervision of the
few of the parking lots have asphalt or paver Colorado Division of Wildlife, a potential
surfaces . Design standards for natural area nesting structure for the osprey will be
parking lots will be developed in 2004 to improved and relocated to a more isolated
guide the development of future parking location in the area of these two natural
lots . areas to, hopefully, provide the pair with a
more attractive nest site .
Various maintenance activities are required
to keep natural areas attractive and Weed Control and Exotic Shrub
functional. Maintenance of site features such Removal . Maintenance crews use an
as kiosks, benches, interpretive features, and integrated weed management approach on
signs is required at times due to vandalism. natural areas . Various biological, cultural,
Interpretive signs are cleaned periodically to chemical, and mechanical means are used to
remove dirt and bird droppings . Fences are remove and control weedy species . Weed
repaired as necessary due to vehicle control efforts on natural areas include
accidents or vandalism. Older wooden reducing the number and limiting the spread
structures (e. g. , fences, benches, kiosks, of leafy spurge, Canada thistle, knapweeds,
boardwalks) may need to be repaired or dalmatian toadflax, and other persistent
replaced as the wood ages and weathers . weeds . Efforts will continue to be made to
eradicate purple loosestrife and other new,
Wildlife Management . A primary highly invasive weed species before they
component of wildlife management in become well established in natural areas.
natural areas is prairie dog colony
maintenance including prairie dog barrier The Maintenance Crew controls the
fencing and plantings to limit movement of resprouting of invasive, exotic shrubs on
prairie dogs onto adjacent residential natural areas including Russian olives,
property. Maintenance of predator saltcedars, and Siberian elms on sites where
enhancements (e .g. , raptor poles, shrub these trees were initially removed as part of
plantings to provide coyote and fox "hunting site restoration activities .
cover") is also a key component of prairie
dog colony management. Volunteer Support . Volunteers contribute
hours of dedicated service on various site
Other wildlife maintenance activities include management projects including site clean-
protecting the trunks of larger cottonwood up; trail, boardwalk, fishing pier, and
trees from beavers by poultry wire wrapping footbridge construction; interpretive trail,
and/or "sand painting" bands . Beavers are brochure, and sign design; enhancement and
allowed to take smaller cottonwoods, but restoration; prairie dog relocation and
many of the larger cottonwoods are observation; weed control; raptor and other
33
predator enhancements ; wildlife management are operating to maintain a
observations ; bat and flicker box "dynamic equilibrium. "
construction; barbed wire fence removal;
and wildlife plantings . In 2003 alone, over Many of the City ' s natural areas have past
375 individuals contributed nearly 4, 500 land uses that degraded plant communities
hours of volunteer labor on site management and wildlife habitat. These uses include
proj ects . cropland, grazing, gravel mining, and
deposition of various types of fill. At the
G . Restoration and Habitat time of acquisition, the Natural Areas
Program evaluates the management and
Enhancement restoration needs of the site with the goal to
restore the land to as close to a natural
The mission of the Natural Areas Program is condition as possible. This typically
" . . . to protect and enhance lands with involves the control and removal of exotic
existing or potential natural areas values . . . . " vegetation, planting of native grasses and
It is the goal of the restoration program to shrubs, and removal of man-made structures
enhance and maximize the potential natural such as farmstead buildings, abandoned
area values of all acquired sites . The initial equipment, and debris .
restoration process entails identifying the
target goals of the restoration project. This In the next 10 years, the restoration program
involves determining the ecological will undertake significant ecological
potential for the site, the ecosystem that was restorations including existing sites along
native to the area prior to European the Poudre River and foothills corridors and
settlement, and/or the site ' s potential to be newly-acquired regional properties . Many
managed for critical plant and animal natural areas along the Poudre River were
species . It must first be ensured, however, previously mined for gravel, resulting in a
that the appropriate conditions and string of open water ponds with bermed
ecological processes are in place to uplands . The banks of the Poudre River
perpetuate the restoration goal. Therefore, have also been altered significantly since
extensive planning is required to identify settlement of the city, much of it having
components (plants, wildlife, soil, water), been armored through town.
processes (drought, hydrologic regime,
burning, soil movement), and interactions In late 2002, the Natural Areas Program
(grazing, predation, etc .) that must be initiated its first major controlled burn in
restored to result in a properly functioning preparation for restoring Kingfisher Point
ecosystem. Restoration is a process and Natural Area to native shortgrass prairie .
requires a multiple year commitment. For The site, dominated by the weed kochia, was
example, a former agricultural field can be historically used for deposition of sugar beet
planted in one season in native grasses, but a waste.
multi-year commitment must be made to
control weeds, mow or graze (to gain good The City also assists with restoration on
root establishment), and water or reseed if non-City-owned properties . The Natural
necessary. Once conversion to native and Areas Certification Program and
natural conditions occurs, monitoring must Enhancement Fund was established in 1994
take place to assure that the appropriate to assist landowners with restoration and
ecological processes supplemented by enhancement of privately-owned natural
34
areas . Natural Areas Certification is open to Craftsman main house on the Nix complex
individual private landowners, groups of property. The Nix complex is adjacent to
private landowners (e.g . , homeowners' over 1 ,000 acres of protected natural areas
association), and non-City public land along the Poudre River.
management agencies whose properties are
at least 1 /4 acre in size, located within the Additional office space will be needed at the
Fort Collins Growth Management Area, and Nix facility to accommodate expected staff
have existing or potential wildlife habitat increases . Expansion and improvements to
value . As of the end of 2003 , 33 sites have the Nix Maintenance Facility and Natural
been certified as natural areas : Areas Program Offices complex were
22 homeowner association open spaces, approved with the original site development
5 school sites, and 6 private landowner plan.
properties . Enhancement projects on
Certified Natural Areas are eligible for I . Staffing
limited City funding .
At the inception of the Natural Areas
H . Facility Operations Program in 1992, the Natural Resources
Department had 2 1 /4 FTE staff devoted to
In 1996 , the Natural Areas Program implementing the Natural Areas Polity Plan.
acquired the pioneer historic Nix Farm for On-site management of City-owned natural
the purpose of using the farm site and areas continued to be the responsibility of
buildings for offices and maintenance the Parks Division until 1998 when natural
facilities and restoring the surrounding lands areas maintenance personnel were
to a natural area. In October 2002 , the transferred to the Natural Resources
initial phases of the Nix Maintenance Department.
Facility and Natural Areas Program Offices
were completed and the majority of the Over the past 10 years, the number of acres
Natural Areas Program staff moved their of City-managed natural areas grew from
offices to this building. A new maintenance 16 sites and about 1 ,200 acres to 40 sites and
shop was constructed to provide work space over 10,000 acres . There is public demand
for field crews and storage for equipment, for higher levels of site maintenance, public
tools, and vehicles . access and improvements, restoration and
enhancement, and education and interpretive
The complex has provided a much-needed features . Natural Areas Program staffing has
central location for Natural Areas Program increased to meet the program' s needs .
staff and operations, conveniently located
near major roads that provide efficient By the beginning of 2004, Natural Areas
access to local natural areas . Visitors to the Program staff was comprised of the
site continue to have very positive following positions :
comments about the central location of staff
and information, preservation of historic Natural Areas Program Manager
buildings, and the setting. In 2003 , the Fort ( 1 FTE)
Collins Landmark Preservation Commission Natural Resources Director ( . 5 FTE)
awarded the Natural Areas Program the Senior Environmental Planner (3 FTE)
annual "Friend of Preservation Award" for Environmental Planner ( I FTE)
its exemplary efforts in restoring the historic Education Coordinator ( 1 . 5 FTE)
35
• Natural Areas Crew Chief ( 1 FTE) managed by the Natural Areas Program are
Natural Areas Technician (6 FTE) acquired. Increased volunteer efforts will
• Seasonal Natural Areas Technician require staffing support, which is expected
Assistants (6 .4 FTE) to include a full-time volunteer coordinator.
• Natural Areas and Trails Rangers In addressing new challenges, the ranger
(3 .25 FTE) program will explore working with local
Research Assistant (0 .25 FTE) citizen volunteer groups as well as the
Administrative Support ( 1 FTE) possibility of additional staffing if needed.
Financial Coordinator (. 5 FTE)
Legal Counsel (.25 FTE) Over the next 10 years, the City anticipates
Real Estate Personnel (2 FTE) acquiring and managing several larger (e . g. ,
>2 ,000 acres/site) regional natural areas that
In the next 10 years, increases will be will require on- site managers who will
needed to meet the needs of a growing conduct routine maintenance and serve as
program. Staffing will increase as more sites on-site rangers .
36
Chapter V : Policies
A . Introduction policies . Additions included community
separator policies .
This chapter provides an overview of
policies under which the Natural Areas The Natural Areas Program is responsible
Program operates. It covers policies that for implementing, at least partially, the
have been previously adopted, including following City Plan policies that relate to
those in City Plan (the City ' s comprehensive natural areas and other open lands, adopted
plan) as well as topics for which new by City Council on May 4, 2004 . To the
policies are needed. It discusses both City extent this Land Conservation and
Council adopted policies and those that are Stewardship Master Plan includes or
administratively adopted within the Natural references City Plan policies, such
Areas Program. references are for convenience only and are
not intended to supersede or alter the
B . Existing Policies requirements of City Plan. Should City Plan
policies change after the adoption of the
1 . City Plan Land Conservation and Stewardship Master
Plan, City Plan policies will prevail.
In 1992, City Council adopted 12 natural
areas policies to guide actions by the City of Open Lands
Fort Collins to achieve the recommended
goals and objectives for natural areas. The Policy OL- 1 . 1 Open Lands System The City
policies were organized into seven will have a system of publicly-owned open
categories : Public Land Management; lands natural areas to protect the integrity of
Private Land Management; Recreation, wildlife habitat and conservation sites,
Interpretation, and Education; Cooperation protect corridors between natural areas,
with Others ; Public Information; Program preserve outstanding examples Fort Collins '
Funding; and Program Evaluation. These diverse natural heritage, and provide a broad
policies were later incorporated into City range of opportunities for educational,
Plan ( 1997), with some minor rewording interpretive, and recreational programs to
and reorganization of themes under the meet community needs .
category of Natural Areas and Open Lands .
In addition, City Plan included new policies Policy OL- 1 .2 Urban Development. The
in the categories of Water Corridors, Poudre City will conserve and integrate open lands
River Corridor, and Edges (Foothills and areas into the developed landscape by
Rural/Open Lands), some of which the directing development away from natural
Natural Areas Program was, at least habitats and features and by using
partially, responsible for implementing. innovative planning, design, and
management practices . When it is not
In April 2003 , City Plan was reviewed by a possible to direct development away from
Citizen Advisory Board and City staff for natural habitats and features, they should be
necessary changes and additions to all integrated into the developed landscape in a
manner that conserves their integrity. If
integration will not effectively conserve the
37
integrity of the natural habitats and features, and explore ways of integrating open lands
then either on-site or off-site mitigation will protection into ongoing City programs .
be applied. The City will encourage and
assist efforts by private landowners and Policy OL- 1 . 8 Ecosystems Mana eg ment.
organizations to integrate open lands into The City will manage, maintain, and
new development and to protect, restore, or enhance public open lands and natural areas
enhance privately owned natural areas to ensure the ongoing conservation of plants
within the Growth Management Area. and animals in need of protection and their
associated ecosystems, to control the
Policy OL- 1 . 3 Public Programs. The City invasion and spread of undesirable non-
will promote understanding and enjoyment native plants, improve aesthetics, and
of local and regional open lands through provide opportunities for appropriate public
appropriate recreational activities, formal use.
and non-formal education, and interpretive
programs . Policy OL- 1 . 9 Conflicts. The City will
manage conflicts between people and
Policy OL- 1 .4 Partnerships. The City will natural areas through site design, public
seek to develop effective local and regional information and education, habitat
partnerships with other governmental manipulation, and plant and animal
organizations and the private sector for the population management techniques .
protection and preservation of locally and
regionally valued open lands . It will also Policy OL- 1 . 10 Public Involvement. The
seek the cooperation and assistance of City will involve citizens in planning the
citizens, businesses, community groups, management of public open lands.
conservation organizations, and
governmental agencies in the development Policy OL- 1 . 11 Public Information. The
and implementation of programs to protect City will collect, maintain, and distribute up-
and preserve local and regional open lands . to-date information on the location, values,
status, and management needs of local and
Policy OL- 1 . 5 Inventory. The City will regional open lands . It will also report
develop and maintain a data inventory on periodically on the status of natural areas in
local and regional open lands to aid the City the community.
and the public in decisions about these areas,
including management of publicly-owned Policy OL- 1 . 12 Funding. The City will seek
lands . alternative funding sources to implement
open lands policies and programs, including
Policy OL- 1 . 6 Land Acquisition and private, State, and Federal grants, and
Management. The City will acquire and donations of money, property, and in-kind
manage land and water to preserve, protect, services .
and enhance natural areas.
Policy OL- 1 . 13 Access. The City will
Policy OL- 1 . 7 Internal Departmental and design trail routes in open lands to enhance
Agency Coordination. The City will access and recreation while minimizing
coordinate open land' s programs within the ecological impacts . Determination of type
City and region to maximize public benefit of trail or suitability for access will be made
dependent on potential ecological impacts
38
and recreation needs . Special attention will Corridor. This will include acquiring land
be given to environmentally sensitive trail for public natural areas and conservation
design, location, and construction. easements to protect privately-owned lands ;
establishing appropriate cooperative
Policy OL-2 . 1 Conservation Tools . The agreements with adjacent landowners ;
City will purchase open lands, conservation developing and applying development
easements, and/or development rights and regulations and design guidelines ; and
use other tools such as development promoting public education and outreach
regulations and planning for the purpose of programs, and other techniques as
defining and protecting community edges . appropriate.
Policy OL-2 . 3 Community Buffer. Strategic Policy PRC-2 . 3 Restoration and
open lands that serve as community Enhancement. The City will restore or
separators outside the Growth Management enhance degraded or disturbed areas of the
Area will be identified for either public Poudre River Corridor to improve natural
ownership or other land conservation habitat conditions and aesthetic and
measures. recreational values . Restoration and
enhancement projects may be performed
Policy OL-2 . 5 Coordination. The City will cooperatively with adjacent private
actively work with local, regional, State, and landowners and volunteer community
Federal agencies, as well as private entities, groups .
to acquire larger tracts of key open lands in
the region. Policy PRC-7 . 1 Environmental Learning
Opportunities. The City will continue to be
Water Corridors supportive of environmental learning
opportunities in the Poudre River Corridor.
Policy WC- 1 .2 Natural Environment and
Wildlife. The City will preserve, protect, Policy PRC-8 . 1 Gravel Mined Land
enhance, and restore important natural areas, Purchases. The City will continue to
wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and wildlife evaluate areas that have been mined for
corridors within Water Corridors . gravel and are identified as desirable for
public open lands, to determine if they
Poudre River Corridor should b acquired for use as natural areas or
other open lands along the Poudre River
Policy PRC- 1 .4 Regional Collaboration. Corridor.
Because the reach of the Poudre River
Corridor within the City is only a portion of Policy PRC- 8 .2 Gravel Mine Reclamation.
a larger river system and watershed, the City The City will collaborate with gravel mining
will collaborate with other public and interests to develop innovative approaches
private entities throughout Northern to gravel mine reclamation that will provide
Colorado to enhance river protection and wildlife habitat, restoration of native
stewardship efforts . landscapes, recreational opportunities,
limited development, and other public
Policy PRC-2 . 1 Conservation. The City will values .
conserve and protect important natural areas
and natural values within the Poudre River
39
Community Separators Policy FE- 1 . 3 View Corridors and Access.
Special efforts will be undertaken to protect
Policy CS- 1 . 1 Community Separators. view corridors and public access to the
Strategic open lands that serve as foothills .
community separators inside and outside the
Growth Management Area will be identified 2 . Land Acquisition
for either public ownership or other land
conservation measures . Community With passage of the 2002 Open Space Yes !
separators should be as large as possible and sales tax, the City is able to expand its
could include low intensity residential natural areas acquisition program beyond
development, undeveloped lands, and "local" lands to a more regional area, as well
natural or rural landscapes including open as focus on the preservation of community
lands, natural areas, farmland, clustered separators beyond the Fort Collins Growth
residential development and recreational Management Area. In April 2003 , City
areas such as golf courses . Council adopted modifications to the natural
areas policies including the addition of a
Policy CS- 1 . 3 Northern Colorado "regional" category of land conservation in
Community Separator Study. The physical addition to the "local" category adopted in
and visual separation between Fort Collins, the 1992 Natural Areas Policy Plan. These
LaPorte, Loveland, Wellington, Tin-math, changes have also been incorporated into the
and Windsor should be preserved and above City Plan policies . A new policy also
maintained in general accordance with adopted in April 2003 directed the City to
approved community separator plans and implement a system of land conservation
studies and community comprehensive acquisition considerations by examining
plans . seven factors .
Policy CS- 1 . 6 Open Lands Protection. LCA- 1 . 1 . The City will implement a
Open lands should be preserved, and system of land conservation acquisition
protected through purchase of lands, considerations by examining the following
development rights, or conservation factors (listed in no priority order) :
easements and/or other measures such as
land use planning or development . Willingness of current property owner to
regulations . sell
• Ecological value and importance
Foothills • Appropriate passive recreation and
educational opportunities
Policy FE- 1 .2 Preservation of the Foothills. • Costs of acquisition
The City will continue to consider Long-term stewardship costs
appropriate measures to preserve and protect Expected threat to the integrity of the
the natural features and views of the natural resource values of a property
foothills, such as conservation easements, (development, agricultural conversion,
purchase of land or development rights, and etc .)
zoning . Geographic proximity to Fort Collins
40
3 . Specific Management Policies Natural Areas and Open Lands Utility
Easement Policy. In 2000, the Natural
Prairie Dog Policy for City Natural Resources Advisory Board directed staff to
Areas. During the mid- 1990's, formalize into policies the practices and
management of prairie dogs became procedures used to grant requests for utility
controversial in Fort Collins and elsewhere easements or rights-of-way on City natural
along the Front Range. Some people did not areas or other open lands managed by the
want the City to kill a single prairie dog, no Natural Areas Program. The policies apply
matter the reason; some urged eradication of to requests for new utility easements or
all prairie dogs within the city. In between rights-of-way for a wide variety of purposes,
were the majority of residents who including streets ; water; sewer; drainage;
supported conservation of prairie dogs and flood control; electric power; and
prairie ecosystems but understood the need telecommunications facilities, and apply to
for limited prairie dog population control to City projects as well as those of other public
minimize conflict with adjacent landowners entities (e. g. , special utility districts) and
or to restore degraded habitat to native private parties . The policies do not apply to
grassland so large prairie dog colonies trails, parking lots, interpretive features, or
would remain intact and healthy. other facilities that are part of the
management of the City natural area.
In fall 1997 , the Prairie Dog Policy Review
Committee, made up of City staff and The goal of the policies is to avoid, to the
community members, was formed to review maximum extent feasible, granting utility
current policies, guidelines, practices, and easements or rights-of-way for activities that
techniques related to prairie dog will adversely affect the community ' s goals
management conducted by the City. This for natural area protection or community
committee developed a philosophy shaping.
statement and formulated the 33 policy
statements the City now follows in Where utility easements or rights-of-way are
maintaining prairie dog colonies on City permitted by ordinance of the City Council,
natural areas. The policies address land to the maximum extent feasible, impact on
protection, education, research, natural the natural area or the community must be
control, barriers, relocation, disease control, minimized by limiting size and visibility of
and fumigation. They apply only to natural the area affected; managing construction or
areas managed by the Natural Resources other human activities with respect to
Department, not to other City properties timing, duration, and frequency of
such as developed parks, utility substations, occurrence; and restoring affected areas to a
or water treatment facilities . In March 1998 , condition equal to or better than the
City Council adopted the 33 policies . The condition at the time the easement is
policies have been valuable in formalizing granted. In 2001 , City Council adopted nine
techniques and procedures, supporting policies that address alternatives analysis,
public expenditures on prairie dogs and their land use consistency, master plan
habitats, and increasing public support for consistency, coordination with other entities,
the City' s efforts to preserve the prairie dog compliance with existing easements,
and its habitat. resource protection standards,
compensation, advisory board and council
41
review, and application requirements and be necessary to revisit the policy and
review process . establish a user fee structure.
Site Naming . In 1995 , the Natural Areas 2 . Administrative Adoption
Program developed, and administratively
adopted, a policy for the process of naming The following have been identified as areas
natural areas . This policy is in effect as of needing new policy administratively adopted
December 2003 . by the Natural Resources Director.
C . Additional Policies Conservation Easement . The Natural
Needed Areas Program has received a few requests
from landowners asking the City to purchase
conservation easements on their properties .
The following policies are needed to provide Such requests may increase in the future
consistent expectations and implementation with expansion of the City' s land
within the Natural Areas Program. Their conservation beyond the Fort Collins
inclusion in this document does not ensure Community Growth Management Area.
that all policies will be developed and Even accepting a donated conservation
adopted within the 10-year life of the Land easement requires staff time to negotiate the
Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan . easement agreement, develop the land
Rather, the expectation is that the management plan, and monitor the site in
advisability of developing these policies will perpetuity. A City Council adopted policy is
be evaluated, and those policies deemed needed to establish criteria for acceptance or
appropriate will be developed and brought purchase of conservation easements . Such
forward for adoption at the appropriate criteria would include location, land type,
level. and subsequent management.
1 . Council Adoption Land Disposition/Change of Use. An
administratively adopted policy is needed to
The following has been identified as an area direct the disposition or change of use of
needing new policy adopted by City properties, or portions or properties, owned
Council. or acquired by the Natural Areas Program.
Such policy should address the conditions
User Fees. The Natural Areas Program that would cause or allow the program to
operates under the informal philosophy that ( 1 ) place a conservation easement on a
through their taxes citizens have paid, and property and then sell the property, (2) sell a
are paying, for public natural areas and property, or portion of property, with no
should not be charged again for the privilege restriction, (3 ) change a property to, or from,
of visiting the sites . A Council adopted agricultural use, (4) put cluster development
policy is needed to formalize that intent. on a property, (5) use properties for
Such policy also should address whether industrial purposes, or (6) other disposition
providing funding to other agencies (e . g. , or changes of use. While City Council
purchasing land in partnership with Larimer approval is required for disposing of
County) carries with it the requirement that property, there is no policy to determine
the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas whether disposition of property is
Program user fee policy be adhered to . As appropriate. Nor is there policy direction
the Natural Areas Program matures, it may regarding change of use of a property.
42
Examples include the following : ( 1 ) under include additional administratively adopted
what conditions should a portion of property policies and fire management objectives for
with a livable dwelling unit be sold and the natural areas .
rest of the property kept in Natural Areas
Program ownership? (2) under what Historic Preservation . Properties
conditions should the program place a acquired as natural areas or conserved as
conservation easement on a piece of open lands often have historic structures or
property an interested party wants to features that the community may want to
purchase and sell the property to the preserve or restore. Indeed, the City' s
interested party? (3 ) under what conditions Historic Preservation Program may require
should the Natural Areas Program acquire that certain structures be preserved. An
properties with elements that could be used administrative policy is needed to provide
for active recreation and allow the property clear direction as to when Natural Area
to be used for the active recreation? Program funds should be expended for the
preservation or restoration of historic
Fire Control and Management . Over the structures and features .
past few years, Poudre Fire Authority (PFA)
and the Natural Areas Program have become Education . An administratively adopted
increasingly interested in using fire as a policy is needed to address issues such as
management tool on City natural areas . when the trade-offs of negative site impacts
PFA ' s interest has been to decrease the build will be permitted to allow the building of
up of dense vegetation and litter (fuels), and education/interpretive centers; how site
thus the intensity of future wild fires . The impacts (e. g . , damage caused by vehicles
Natural Areas Program' s interest has been during installation and repair, visual impacts
the use of fire, through a controlled burn, as of signs, wildlife disturbance caused by
a management tool to suppress weeds and artificial bird calls on interpretive features,
exotic grasses while protecting wildlife, etc .) will determine design and placement of
native plant communities, structures (both interpretive features, the role of interpretive
on City and adjacent private property), and features in recreation management, what
air quality. drives the content of interpretive features,
whether all sites are required to have
In September 2003 , the Natural Resources interpretive features, whether fees will be
Department and PFA administratively charged for interpretive programs, and the
adopted the "Interim Fire Management and role of volunteers in education.
Control Guidelines," which presents five fire
management policies and eight guidelines. Enforcement . There is a growing concern
The purpose of these policies and guidelines for the safety of the rangers as they are
is to ( 1 ) assure the safety of the general increasingly dealing with potentially
public and Natural Areas Program staff, dangerous individuals (transients, gang
(2) provide interim guidelines for Poudre members, wanted individuals) within natural
Fire Authority for their use in controlling areas . The addition of regional properties
natural or human-caused fires, and adds concerns related to time required for
(3 ) define the role of Natural Areas Program armed officer backup in more rural areas . It
staff in both wildland fire suppression and is anticipated that policy changes may be
prescribed fire efforts . The Natural Areas required to ensure the rangers have all tools
Program will continue to work with PFA to and training needed to maintain officer and
develop a Fire Management Plan, which will visitor safety.
43
Corporate Sponsors. Businesses and
corporations sometimes want to provide
funding for property acquisitions, public
improvements, and other aspects of City of
Fort Collins natural areas in exchange for
corporate identity at a natural area or within
the Natural Areas Program. An
administratively adopted policy is needed to
direct whether such an exchange is
acceptable, and if so, the specifics of the
type of corporate identity that would be
allowed.
44
References
City of Fort Collins . 1974 . The Open Space Plan . City of Fort Collins, Planning Division, Fort
Collins, Colo . 27 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 1988 . Parks and Recreation Master Plan. City of Fort Collins, Parks and
Recreation Division, Fort Collins, Colo . 82 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 1992 . City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Policy Plan. City of Fort Collins,
Natural Resources Division, Fort Collins, Colo . 98 pp . + 5 Technical Memorandum.
City of Fort Collins . 1995 . Cathy Fromme Prairie site management plan. City of Fort Collins,
Natural Resources Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 45 pp . + attachments .
City of Fort Collins . 1996 . Parks and Recreation Policy Plan. City of Fort Collins, Parks and
Recreation Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 115 pp . + maps and appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 1997 . Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan. City of Fort Collins,
Natural Resources Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 62 pp. + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 1998 . Prairie Dog Policy for City Natural Areas . City of Fort Collins ,
Natural Resources Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 17 pp.
City of Fort Collins . 2001 . General Management Guidelines for Natural areas and Agricultural
Lands managed by the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department. City of Fort
Collins, Natural Resources Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 24 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 2001 . Natural Areas and Open Lands Easement Policy. City of Fort
Collins, Natural Resources Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 6 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 2002 . Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan. City of
Fort Collins, Natural Resources Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 94 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 2003 . City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program Interim Fire
Management and Control Guidelines . City of Fort Collins, Natural Resources
Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 4 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 2004 . City Plan, Fort Collins, Colorado. Comprehensive Plan. May 4,
2004. City of Fort Collins, Community Planning and Environmental Services, Advance
Planning Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 250 pp . + appendices .
City of Loveland, City of Fort Collins, and Larimer County. 1995 . Plan for the Region between
Fort Collins & Loveland. Available through City of Fort Collins, Natural Resources
Department, Fort Collins, Colo . 45 pp . + maps .
45
EDAW, Inc . 1999 . Northern Colorado Community Separator Study. Available through City of
Fort Collins, Community Planning and Environmental Services, Fort Collins, Colo . 46
pp. + maps, figures, and appendices .
EDAW, Inc . 2003 . The Fort-Collins-Timnath-Windsor Community Separator Study. Available
through City of Fort Collins, Community Planning and Environmental Services, Fort
Collins, Colo . 25 pp .
Larimer County. 2001 . Larimer County Open Lands Master Plan. Larimer County, Parks and
Open Lands Department, Loveland, Colo . 40 pp . + maps and appendices .
Larimer County and City of Fort Collins . 2002 . Fossil Creek Reservoir Resource Management
Plan. Larimer County, Parks and Open Lands Department, Loveland, Colo . 48 pp . +
maps and appendices .
46
Appendix A
Adoption Resolution
Appendix B
Definition of Terms
Definition of Terms
Administrative Adoption : Policy or document adopted by the Natural Resources Director. Such
policies or documents can be changed at the department level.
Agricultural Land : Land on which the soil is cultivated, crops are produced, and/or livestock is
raised or grazed.
Appropriate Recreation (referred to in some documents as passive recreation) : Includes
recreation that generally can be done by one person and does not include team-oriented activities
or require specialized equipment. Activities typically termed "appropriate" in natural areas
include hiking/walking, jogging, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback
riding, and on-leash dog walking.
Community Separator: Physical and visual separation between Fort Collins and an adjoining
community. The Natural Areas Program will protect properties to serve as community separators
in designated areas . These properties may also have natural area values such as wildlife habitat,
scenic views, or agricultural values .
Conservation Easement: Acquisition, through donation or purchase, of specific rights to the
property rather than ownership of the property. Purchase of a conservation easement is less
expensive than purchasing the property. Land management plans are negotiated between the land
owner and easement holder. The land remains in private ownership and management; public
access is limited or not allowed.
Council Adoption : Policy adopted by legal process through City Council. Such policies can
only be changed or repealed by City Council.
Fee Simple Purchase : Outright purchase where buyer (the City) owns the land. Typically more
expensive than a conservation easement since land ownership allows for management control
and flexibility. Public access depends on the nature of the resources that are protected.
Focus Area : An organizational grouping of resource areas for the purposes of planning. Each
grouping (i. e . Local, Regional, and Community Separator) is lumped together based on similar
properties or characteristics . Focus Areas provide a regional framework through which the
Natural Areas Program will pursue future land conservation efforts .
Growth Management Area : An area identified through official public policy, within which
urban development will be allowed.
Guideline : A suggested, and expected but not necessarily required, course of action designed to
accomplish the goals of the Natural Areas Program.
Land Conservation : The act of protecting land from developed uses . This typically involves
purchasing the land outright to be managed for natural purposes or placing conservation
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easements on the land to restrict (in perpetuity) undesirable types of uses/development that could
occur.
Maintenance : Upkeep required to maintain properties in their natural or restored condition;
reducing the decline of un-restored properties ; upkeep required to maintain public improvements
in good, clean, useable, safe condition.
Natural Area : Area of land or water that contains or supports the continued existence of
geological, paleontological, ecological, or other natural features that are : classified as endangered
or threatened, sensitive to the impact from human activity, or otherwise in need of protection;
important to the conservation of natural resources that provide environmental protection,
recreational, educational, scientific, aesthetic, or economic benefits ; unique or rare examples of
our natural heritage.
Open Lands : Open lands include natural areas, greenways, developed and undeveloped parks ,
trails, streetscapes, cemeteries, drainageways, and golf courses .
Policy : A decision directing actions that are to be followed relative to the Natural Areas
Program.
Resource Area : A geographic location of high conservation value. Conservation values may be
ecological, scenic, recreational, agricultural, desired areas for community separation, or
important floodplains .
Restoration : Returning land to its natural, or near natural, condition.
Steward : One who manages another's property.
Stewardship : The office, duties, and obligations of a steward, also : the individual's
responsibility to manage his life and property with proper regard to the rights of others .
Utility Easement: Legal access across natural area property whereby grantee has the right,
within stipulations of the easement, to use a specified portion of the property for installation and
maintenance of a utility (e. g. , water line, wastewater line, electric line, etc .)
Water Corridors : Natural and man-made waterways and open space — serving the needs for
drainage and water conveyance, as well as recreational, educational, ecological, and
environmental uses .
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Appendix C
Land Evaluation Guidance System
Land Evaluation Guidance System
Natural Areas Current Program Mission
The mission of the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is to protect and enhance lands with
existing or potential natural areas values, lands that serve as community separators, and lands with
scenic values . Protection of natural habitats and features is the highest priority, while also providing
opportunities for education and appropriate recreation for the Fort Collins community.
What is a Land Evaluation Guidance System?
The Natural Areas Program has reached a point where there are more opportunities and/or requests for
land protection funding than is available . With limited resources, staff has identified the need for a
decision- support tool to inventory the merits of individual land conservation projects and identify land
conservation priorities when more than one opportunity presents itself.
How will the Natural Areas Program use the Guidance System?
The intent of this guidance system is to aid managers in identifying the highest priority lands for
acquisition or conservation easement. It is intended to evaluate all possible types of lands (natural
areas, community separators, scenic viewsheds, etc . ) and serve as a basis for comparison among these
land types . This system can never, and is not intended to, supplant the knowledge and experience base
of professional staff. Thus, this guidance system does not develop an overall ranking score or category
(High, Moderate, Low) for all properties within the Focus Areas, but merely provides a high,
moderate, or low rating for individual conservation values . The Guidance System is intended to be a
tool to guide decision making, not to prescribe decisions .
All proposed land acquisitions shall be evaluated using this Guidance System, utilizing any and all
resources available (site information, data, maps, etc.) . Additional questions or issues may be
considered during the evaluation process if determined appropriate by staff.
Land Evaluation Guidance System
The Guidance System is broken down into four distinct sections :
1 . General Project Description
2 . City Council Approved Acquisition Considerations
3 . Conservation & Supplemental Values Assessment
4. Summary Assessment
Section 1 : General Project Description describes the general physical location of the site,
landowner/contact information the type of project (acquisition or conservation easement), and the
nature of the land conservation deal.
Section 2 : City Council Approved Acquisition Considerations : This section of the guidance system
addresses City Council approved (from April 1 , 2003 ) acquisition considerations and is the only part of
this ,guidance system that staff is required to complete prior to the purchase of a new property in fee or
part of acquiring an easement.
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Section 3 : The Conservation & Supplemental Values Assessment is intended to provide a
comprehensive analysis of the property ' s natural, scenic, recreational, community separation,
agricultural, cultural resources and other public benefits . This section also addresses how an individual
land conservation project fits into a landscape scale conservation vision.
Section 4 : The Summary Assessment identifies the potential assets or conflicts/liabilities that may be
absorbed if a project were undertaken. It also summarizes the previous section, which serves for a
quick reference, not a final score. To reiterate, only Section 2 (City Council Approved Acquisition
Considerations) is approved policy (Resolution 2003 -051 , April 1 , 2003 ) that requires staff to evaluate
seven considerations when looking at properties for acquisition. However, these additional
assessments will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the property.
Although a property or project may contain conservation and natural resource values or other public
benefits, other factors will be considered in fully evaluating the project. Among these factors are the
type of land and the resources to be protected, landowner objectives, the Natural Areas Program' s
available resources, and stewardship needs . For example, a conservation easement may be the best
approach to preserving a property' s scenic or agricultural values, whereas fee acquisition is typically
the best alternative for land protection that includes public access . Conservation easements with
substantial reserved landowner rights (such as multiple home sites) typically have greater negative
impact on the resources to be protected and require more on-going management than do easements
without substantial reserved rights . These and other factors must be considered when determining how
or whether to undertake a project.
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Section 1 : General Project Description :
Project Name :
Physical location:
Contact Information:
Phone :
Date of Site Visit:
Project Map(s) Attached: Yes ❑ No ❑
Photos Available : Yes ❑ No ❑
Acres Involved: Appraised/Estimated Value :
County: Water Rights?
Zoning : City / County (circle one) Mineral Rights?
Quad Map(s) :
Natural Areas Resource Area: Yes ❑ No ❑ If so, which one?
Type of Project: ❑ Individual Landowner
❑ Partnership venture with
❑ Other:
Type of Deal : ❑ Fee Purchase ❑ CE Purchase ❑ Sale to 3rd Party
❑ Fee Donation ❑ CE Donation ❑ Bargain Sale
Date reviewed by Staff:
Describe the potential transaction. How did the project come about?
Describe how this project fits with the Natural Areas Land Conservation Implementation Framework and
City Plan.
Do funds utilized conform to allocations set forth in the Land Conservation Implementation Framework?
What is the conservation classification of this property (flagship/satellite%ore%ommunity
separator/conservation easement) ?
Describe in general the land conservation values.
Describe why the project is important to the City of Fort Collins. Describe the possible direct and
indirect costs/benefits of the acquisition (i. e. transportation, utilities, etc).
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Section 2 : City of Fort Collins City Council Approved Natural Areas
Acquisition Considerations
On April 1 , 2003 , City of Fort Collins City Council adopted resolution 2003 -051 that established a set of
seven considerations (in no priority order) as a general guide for the Natural Areas Program in land
conservation and acquisition efforts. Briefly respond to the following questions and provide additional
information if necessary.
1. Is the current landowner a willing seller/donor? (choose one)
a. Yes, owner is making partial / whole donation
b. Yes, seller is highly motivated
c. Yes, seller is willing to negotiate
d. No, not willing to sell or negotiate
2. Describe the potential recreation opportunities for this property. (choose one)
a. High appropriate recreation opportunity with extensive public access
b. Moderate appropriate recreation opportunity with limited public access
c. No recreation opportunity (explain)
3. Describe the ecological value of this property.
a. High - the property is large or native or hosts rare species/communities or is
a critical wildlife corridor
b. Moderate - the property has important but not unusual ecological values
c . Moderate — the property has some values and needs some restoration
d. Low — the property requires significant ecological restoration
4. What is the anticipated acquisition cost for this property? (state the amount)
5. Estimate the long-term stewardship costs for this property?
a. General Operations : $ annually
b. Public Improvements : $ one-time cost
c. Restoration : $ annually
d. Other Liabilities : $ one-time cost
e . Education: $ one-time/annual cost
6. Describe the property' s geographic proximity to Fort Collins.
a. Within City Limits
b. Less than 30 minutes from the City
c . 30 — 60 minutes from the City
7 . Describe the threat to the integrity of the property' s natural resource values (choose one).
a. Development is imminent (includes subdivision to 35-acre parcels)
b. Development is anticipated to occur within 3 years
c . Development is anticipated to occur within 5 — 10 years
d. Property is non-growth/low threat area
Based on questions 1 — 7, in your opinion would conservation of this property be of significant
public benefit to the citizens of Fort Collins? (Yes or no and please explain)
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Section 3 : Conservation & Supplemental Values Assessment
Conservation Values
Because the mission of the Natural Areas Program is "to protect and enhance lands with existing
or potential habitat values", this section assesses ecological, habitat and wildlife values
associated with the property in question. As with the required sections of this Project Selection
Guidance System, these ratings are intended to inform decision making, not confine it.
Value I Definition Mr I Rankin
General Overall Qualities
Property larger than 250 acres High
Size Property between 101 — 250 acres Moderate
Property smaller than 100 acres Low
Adjacent to protected area or public land High
Connectivity Adjacent to planned protected area or surrounded Moderate
by undeveloped land
Isolated - surrounded by developed land Low
Property is in relatively native condition High
Property requires some restorative management Moderate
Property Condition weed control, cleanup, structure demolition, etc .) -
Property requires significant restoration Low
Wildlife and Habitat Resources
Has the Colorado Natural Heritage Program been consulted to determine the
status of species or communities of conservation interest? YES or NO
Describe below the general (terrestrial and aquatic) vegetation communities, habitat and
wildlife resources that best characterize the property.
Presence of threatened, endangered, candidate, High
species of special concern or relatively intact native
Species or Community community
Uniqueness Not unique in any particular way, but in generally Moderate
good condition
Property has significant weed problem or requires Low
significant restoration
Property provides critical corridor for movement of High
Landscape Connections wildlife from one habitat to another
& Property functions or could function as corridor Moderate
Corridor values depending on status of adjacent properties
Property is isolated by development Low
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Value Definition Rankin
Waterways, Riparian & Wetland Areas
Waterway contains year round flows or is relatively High
free from human impacts
Waterways that do not meet "high" criteria; can
include "naturalized" channels Moderate
Waterways Waterways either non-existent or highly eroded or
channelized; may be adjacent to developed areas or
other impacts . Includes drainage ways and
detention ponds . Low
Property contains wetlands/riparian corridors that
support multiple purposes (e .g. habitat, stormwater High
management, greenway, etc) .
Property contains functional wetland or riparian
habitat including native species and a diverse plant High
Riparian & community
Wetland Areas Property contains wetlands or riparian areas in
good to fair condition, some restoration required Moderate
functional at-risk
Property contains degraded, non-functioning Low
wetland or riparian areas requiring significant
restoration
Property is close to schools or has high potential for High
a field trip opportunities ; high opportunity for a
nature center or other educational resource
Education Opportunities Property has some field trip potential, opportunity
for interpretive features but not as extensive as a Moderate
nature center
Property may be distant from urban center or has
few or limited educational opportunities and little Low
or no field trip potential
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Supplemental Values Assessment
Because many lands serve multiple functions and uses, this section is intended to assess other
land values associated with the property that are not directly natural resource related. As with
other sections of this Project Selection Guidance System, the ratings are intended to inform
decision making, not confine it.
Value I Definition Rating
Property is in identified CS High
Property not in identified CS
Community Separation area, but functions by Moderate
maintaining open character
Property is rural or located Low
such that it is not applicable
Describe what communities this property helps to separate and how it does that.
Visible from a populated
Scenic Resources & location or significant High
Viewsheds travelwa
Local scenic importance Moderate
Secluded or not visible to the Low
general population
Briefly describe the scenic resources of the property.
Productive farm or ranchland High
Moderate or marginally
productive farm or ranchland Moderate
Agricultural Values Eroded, degraded or otherwise Low
unproductive; restoration
would be difficult
Briefly describe the agricultural values of the property. Is it irrigated or non-irrigated?
Property is known to include High
significant cultural resources
Cultural Resources Property has limited cultural Moderate
resource values
Property known not to have Low
significant cultural resources
Has the City of Fort Collins or the State of Colorado Historic Preservation Office been
contacted about this property ? Y/N
Briefly describe the cultural/historic/archaeological resources of the property.
C-5
High levels of visitor use
experience ; visitor use is High
compatible with resource
protection
Public Access Visitor use can be managed to Moderate
protect resources
Public access would conflict
or impact resource protection Low
or no public access
High appropriate recreation High
opportunity with extensive
Recreation Opportunities public access
Appropriate recreation Moderate
opportunity but with limited
public access
No recreation opportunity Low
Briefly describe the possible appropriate recreation opportunities for the property.
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Section 4 : Summary Assessment
Feasibility Yes No Unknown
Is the property owner willing to sell?
Is there a good legal description?
Are all property boundaries known and marked?
Are there water rights associated with the property?
Are there mineral rights associated with the property?
Does acquisition of this property conforms to the Natural
Areas Land Conservation Implementation Framework?
Issues
Are there negative tax or legal issues?
Are there unresolved Title issues?
Are there zoning or development rights issues?
Are there existing minerals/oil/gas leases?
Are there known hazardous materials on the property?
Are there other liability or safety issues?
Would there be significant enforcement issues?
Comments :
Total Acquisition Cost: $ Total Property Acreage : Acres
Public Improvement: $
Total Water Rights Cost: $
Restoration Cost: $
Total Cost for Conservation Easement $
Please review sections 3 and 4 and circle the rating you selected based on questions provided.
General Values Rating Supplemental Values
Size H M L Community separation H M L
Connectivity H M L Scenic resources & viewsheds H M L
Property Condition H M L Agricultural values H M L
Ecological Values Cultural resources H M L
Species or Community Uniqueness H M L Public access H M L
Landscape Connections & H M L Recreation opportunities H M L
Corridor Values
Waterways H M L
Riparian & Wetland Areas H M L
Education Opportunities H M L
Given all the above considerations, is this property a good value and a significant public benefit to
the citizens of Fort Collins? Yes or no and explain.
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