HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-089-10/07/2014-ADOPTING THE 2014 NATURAL AREAS MASTER PLAN TO REPLACE THE 'LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP' MASTE RESOLUTION 2014-089
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING THE 2014 NATURAL AREAS MASTER PLAN
TO REPLACE THE "LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP" MASTER PLAN
AS A COMPONENT OF THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the voters of Fort Collins and Larimer County have elected to entrust certain
dedicated local tax revenues 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 Open Space, Yes!, and the Larimer County Help
Preserve Open Space sales and use tax revenues currently provide over $10 million a year for
operation of the City of Fort Collins' Natural Areas Program; and
WHEREAS, as of the end of 2013, the City's Natural Areas Program has conserved over
38,000 acres of public natural areas and over 100 miles of trails since inception of the Program;
and
WHEREAS, in 1992, the City Council adopted the Natural Areas Policy Plan, which
provided a 10-year guide for the conservation and management of City natural areas; and
WHEREAS, in April 2003, the City Council adopted a new Natural Areas Policy to
replace the policy component of the Natural Areas Policy Plan; and
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2004, the City Council adopted Resolution 2004-092, which
approved the "Land Conservation and Stewardship" Master Plan to replace and supersede the
Natural Areas Policy Plan, creating an updated 10-year vision for conservation and management
of City natural areas, and recognizing that plan as a component of the City's Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, during 2012 and 2013, Natural Areas staff participated in the regional Our
Lands Our Future study to assess citizen desires for the future of land conservation programs
throughout Larimer County; and
WHEREAS, the Our Lands Our Future study gathered county-wide citizen input through
broad public outreach efforts, including mail surveys, online surveys, online comment
opportunities, a website, and public meetings; and
WHEREAS, Natural Areas staff compiled data and responses collected during the Our
Lands Our Future study and have developed the proposed 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan, as
attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein, that establishes an updated 10-year plan for
conservation and management of City natural areas; and
WHEREAS, on September 10, 2014, the Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
reviewed the proposed 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan, and unanimously recommended Council
adopt the final draft; and
1
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan is
in the best interests of the City and should be adopted.
c
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS that the 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" is
hereby adopted by the Council of the City of Fort Collins, thereby replacing and superseding the
"Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan", as a component of the City of Fort Collins
Master Plan, establishing a vision and direction for the Natural Areas Program through 2024.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 7th
day of October, A.D. 2014.
C: SEA)L *:u'
Ma or
ATTEST:City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
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CITY OF FORT COLLINS
NATURAL AREAS DEPARTMENT
FINAL DRAFT
NATURAL AREAS
MASTER
PLAN
September
City of
F6rt •A Areas
reas
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Photo Credits: Valley Loop Trail, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (Photo by D. Daniels),
inserts (top to bottom): Cattail Chorus Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo),
Master Naturalist at McMurry Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo), Great
horned owl at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally).
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�y
Milky Way above Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
?L- E F4 LIL. CE (Photo byJeremy White, Courtesy of National Park Service)
Conservation and Wellbeing
In many regards , Fort Collins is the envy of other mid-size communities around the nation . Again and
again , publications and surveys tout its high quality of life . Many factors contribute to the success of Fort
Collins . The physical environment of Fort Collins , with its beautiful location on the Rocky Mountain Front
Range and , in particular, the matrix of conserved natural areas in and around the City, is a fundamental
part of the City's renowned character. Additional factors include a culture of entrepreneurship , an
accomplished local school system, Colorado State University, an engaged community, and in particular
a devotion to the outdoors and environmental protection. The City's network of natural areas , made
possible by a series of citizen-initiated sales taxes , constitutes a strong testament to this devotion and
plays a key role in making Fort Collins one of the best places to live in the country.
Fort Collins ' natural areas are a leading expression of our community's values , hopes , and aspirations .
Moreover, in Fort Collins and other communities around the world, there is growing understanding
and appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between local land conservation and human wellbeing .
This emerging understanding will be a major driver as the Natural Areas Department pursues its core
conservation mission over the next ten years .
The Fort Collins model of conserving land lies squarely within a great American tradition that many
historians trace to the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. During his tenure Roosevelt established
numerous National Forests and Parks and protected nearly 230 million acres in the public domain. Since
the turn of the last century, land conservation has become firmly entrenched in the culture and history
of America, and the tradition of conservation continues to be one of our nation 's greatest achievements .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 Hill
Two interesting phenomena in the land conservation movement occurred in the latter part of the 20th
century. The conservation land trust movement exploded and there are now over 1 , 700 land trusts that
have helped conserve nearly 50 million acres nationally. In addition to the private , non-profit sector,
local governments launched their own conservation efforts . This has been especially true in Colorado ,
and Fort Collins has been a leader in the local government conservation movement.
An important factor that drove the desire for land conservation in Fort Collins was the booming economy in
the 1990s and early 2000s. Community members in Fort Collins recognized that unless something was done
to set aside key lands , they would be lost to development. Citizen activists orchestrated a series of citizen-
initiated sales tax measures that provided additional resources to acquire important lands and to restore their
ecological value, as well as to provide recreation amenities , public safety, education, and outreach programs .
Fort Collins can be deservedly proud of its role in the local government conservation movement. To
date , the efforts of the City have resulted in the conservation of approximately 41 , 000 acres . The Natural
Areas Department manages 35 , 000 acres with a full-time permanent staff of 30 and another 20 seasonal
employees . In addition to the professional staff, volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time
each year. On-the-ground management of the 6 , 000 acres that have been protected with conservation
easements is conducted by the City's community partners and private landowners . On an annual basis
the City monitors the eased lands to ensure compliance with the protective terms of the easements .
Of course , the numbers only scratch the surface of the underlying story. They are unable to capture the joy
of a child playing at the water's edge ; the deep contentment of an afternoon spent fly casting in the middle
of town; the music of birdsong on a warm spring day; a quiet walk, or a hard run on the Foothills Trail as
the sun rises . These descriptions hint at the deeper meaning and values of the City's natural areas system-
-a system that supports two fundamentally intertwined benefits associated with conservation at the local
scale : the preservation and support of the diversity of life, and support for human wellness and health.
Fort Collins is on the leading edge of a movement that is just beginning to appreciate and understand how
supporting the diversity of life at the local scale can also help support the wellbeing of local residents .
Human health experts are beginning to realize , through peer reviewed research, that outdoor activity can
have highly beneficial impacts on both physical and mental health.
In Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv (2005 ) argues forcefully that children have become too
disconnected from nature in our highly regimented approach to education, sports , and the pervasive use
of electronic media. When the broken connection
to nature is re-established , children are happier,
calmer, and better at solving problems . Similar '
results have been shown for adults ; for example ,
numerous outdoor programs have been established
for war veterans to help them cope with trauma and healffi, weXbein' , *Pirif, and '
re-integrate into civilian society. With over 100 miles Richard Low (2011)
of trails and nearly 35 , 000 acres of land open to the
public , the City provides numerous opportunities The Atafure Principle: Re4orafion and fhe
for connecting and re-connecting with nature . End of Atafure-Defied Diwrder
iv Preface FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
In addition to human wellness , biologists and city planners now understand that supporting a matrix
of conserved lands at the local level can be fundamentally important to sustaining the diversity of life .
For example , conservation at the local level can play a vital role in connecting biological corridors that
would otherwise be disconnected by urban development.
Two examples from the Fort Collins ' experience are the Cache la Poudre River corridor and Soapstone
Prairie Natural Area. In the case of the Poudre , biologists note that riparian corridors in Colorado are
the primary reservoirs of biological diversity in the state . The City 's history of conserving land along
the Poudre , and more recent efforts to reconnect the river to its floodplain and to modify or remove
dams to facilitate fish passage , are intended to restore and sustain important elements of the river's
biological richness . Public ownership of over 60 % of the Poudre River floodplain within Fort Collins
has contributed to multiple community goals , strongly evidenced by the resilience of the river system
to the September 2013 flood event. In the case of Soapstone Prairie , this 22 , 000-acre property provides a
vital link in a series of protected lands in the 150 , 000-acre Mountains-to-Plains Laramie Foothills Project
that connects higher elevation habitat to the prairie , a regional connection that is vanishing along the
developing Front Range of Colorado .
Perhaps in a way that our community was not able to anticipate 20 years ago , efforts to enhance wellbeing
and social sustainability as well as efforts to conserve and restore the quality of our natural areas are
symbiotically reinforcing each other. This symbiosis is likely to be one of the most important movements
of the 21st century, especially as population trends place increasing pressure on the resilience of our
economic , social , and environmental fabric .
The City will continue to implement programs and initiatives that strongly support the movement towards
local resilience , biological conservation , and human health and wellbeing. Looking forward to the next
ten years , the Natural Areas Department will execute its core conservation mission by protecting land
and water, providing a safe and appropriate user experience , sharing through learning opportunities , and
restoring and rehabilitating land and natural systems to build ecological diversity and staying power.
John Stokes
Natural Areas Department Director (2003—Present)
John Stokes at Two Creeks Natural Area
(City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department thanks all the citizens who have contributed to the
conservation and stewardship of our community's natural areas . Your citizen-initiated sales tax dollars
have conserved natural areas , provided visitor services , and restored habitat for generations to come . We
especially thank citizen open space leaders , public officials , conservation partners , volunteers , and City
staff who have supported the natural areas vision over the last 22 years .
City Council Master Plan Writing Team
Karen Weitkunat, Mayor
City of Fort Collins
Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem , District 6
Karen Manci , Project Manager
Bob Overbeck, District 1
Rick Bachand
Lisa Poppaw, District 2
Barb Brock
Gino Campana, District 3
Tawnya Ernst
Wade Troxell , District 4
Ross Cunniff, District 5 Lindsay Ex
Daylan Figgs
City Management Sue Kenney
Darin Atteberry, City Manager Ryan Kogut
Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager Aran Meyer
Wendy Williams , Assistant City Manager Matt Parker
Marty Heffernan , Director of Community Services Rhonda Peckham
John Stokes , Natural Areas Department Director Brandon Poole
Mark Sears , Natural Areas Manager Kristin Powell
Land Conservation and Stewardship Board Justin Scharton
Mark Sears
Trudy Haines , Chairperson
ff Jen Shanahan
Gail Dethlo
Rachel Steeves
Kathryn Grimes
K John Stokes
Kent Leier
Crystal Strouse
Kelly Ohlson Michelle Vattano
Ed Reifsnyder Ryan Vincent
Raymond Watts Zoe Whyman
Logan Simpson Design Inc.
Jeremy Call , Lead
Kerri Flanagan
Ben Hammer
Libby Kaiser
Tom Keith
i
r
Staff, volunteers, and visitors at Gateway Natural Area
(City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
vi Preface FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Plan Fort Collins and the Natural Areas Master Plan 2
The Value of Natural Areas 2
Four Decades of Land Conservation and Stewardship 3
A Continuous Dialogue : Community Involvement in the 2014 Master Plan Update 7
Performance Metrics 12
Chapter 2 Funding and Expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Historical Funding and Expenditures ( 1993-2013 ) 13
Future Funding and Expenditures over the Next Ten Years (2014-2023 ) with and without Larimer County's
"Help Preserve Open Space " Sales Tax 14
Other Potential Funding Sources 16
Chapter 3 Land Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Inventory of City Natural Areas and Other Protected Sites 21
Conservation Focus Areas 28
Land Conservation Strategies 33
Chapter4 Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Staffing 39
Land Conservation and Stewardship Board 40
Policies , Plans , and Procedures 40
Management Zoning System 42
Education 43
Volunteer Coordination 45
Research 46
Resource Management 48
Cache la Poudre River and Other Aquatic Systems 54
Ranger and Visitor Services 59
Recreation and Public Improvements 62
Cultural Resources 69
Agriculture 72
Energy Development and Minerals Extraction 73
Utility Easements and Rights-of-Way 75
Private Land Management Assistance 77
Facility Operations 77
Environmental Sustainability 80
Chapter 5 Looking Forward to the Next Decade and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Partnership Opportunities 83
Priorities 84
Challenges 88
Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 vii
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Appendix A 2014 City Council Resolution to Adopt the Natural Areas Master Plan (Pending) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Appendix B 2011 City Plan Principles and Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B -1
Appendix C "Our Lands - Our Future" Results for Fort Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
List of Figures
Figure 1 . Percentage of "Very Good" or " Good" Quality Ratings of Natural Areas Department Programs and
Facilities (Fort Collins Citizen Surveys 2003-2013) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 2 . Natural Areas Revenue , 1993-2013 (Total $184 ,006 ,420) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 3 . Change in Distribution of Natural Areas Expenditures over Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 4 . Natural Areas Expenditures by Work Group , 1993-2013 (Total $170,444 ,314) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 5 . Natural Areas Estimated Expenditures by Work Group with "Help Preserve Open Space" Sales Tax
over the next Ten Years , 2014-2023 (Total $117 ,618 ,251) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 6 . Natural Areas Estimated Revenue with "Help Preserve Open Space" Sales Tax over the next Ten
Years, 2014-2023 (Total $117 , 618 ,251) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 7 . Natural Areas Estimated Revenue without "Help Preserve Open Space" Sales Tax Extension over the
next Ten Years , 2014-2023 (Total $93 ,878 ,417) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 8 . Total Spending and Acres Conserved by Focus Areas (2003-2013) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 9 . Number of Volunteer Hours per Year, 2007-2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Figure 10 . Number of Natural Areas Open to Specific Recreation Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
vill Table of Contents FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
List of Tables
Table 1 . Current Natural Areas Department Metrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Table 2 . Examples of Conservation and Stewardship Partnerships over the Past Ten Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Table 3 . Natural Areas Inventory of Conserved Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 4. Natural Areas Policies, Plans, and Procedures (2004-2014) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Table 5 . Examples of Special-Permit Research Projects on City Natural Areas over the Last Four Years. . . . . . . . . 47
Table 6 . Selected List of Research Topics to Help Stewardship of Natural Areas over the Next Ten Years . . . . . . . 48
List of Maps
Map 1 . Local Natural Areas and Community Separators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Map 2 . Regional Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Map 3 . Land Conservation Focus Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 ix
x Table of Contents FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
IV i4al
OIL �r
I Arapaho Bend Natural Area
F .vTV. . 0DUCT10 . L.1 (Photo by Norm Keally)
Growing out of earlier open space
efforts in the 1970s , the City of Fort Irte
Collins established a Natural Areas
Program in 1992 . Over the last few decades , Exceptionalfor ' ' community.
the Program evolved into a multi-faceted
department responsible for the conservation
and stewardship of land and water with The missionAreas . , ,
natural resource , agricultural , recreation , and conserve and enhance lands with natural resource,
scenic values . The Natural Areas Department agricultural , - providing
is not alone in this endeavor. Other City of meaningful education and appropriate recreation
Fort Collins departments , neighboring cities , opportunities .
Larimer County, state and federal agencies ,
land trusts , and private landowners all partner er •
with the Department. Above all , the support
of the Fort Collins community itself has made Through ' rk ' - Natural Areas Department,
the original vision of the 1992 Natural Areas diversewill stem ' conserved � restored lands
nature . These
Policy Plan a reality. connect community members '
conserved lands will protect nature and contribute
The Fort Collins community has conserved to the health and wellbeing of our community.
over 40 , 000 acres and the Natural Areas
Department manages 35 , 000 of those acres
within 43 local and regional natural areas . More than 30 ,000 acres—roughly 75 % have been conserved
in just the past ten years . With over 100 miles of trails on the 40 sites open to- date , natural areas have
become a beloved community asset, central to Fort Collins ' identity and quality of life . This remarkable
accomplishment has presented new resource management, natural areas education, and recreation
opportunities , as well as inherent challenges .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 1
This 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan summarizes agricultural lands also provide valuable wildlife
the accomplishments of the last ten years , habitat,
since adoption of the 2004 Land Conservation
and Stewardship Master Plan . The 2014 Plan Fort Collins natural areas offer ecosystem goods
establishes the priorities for conservation and and services , such as filtering the water and
stewardship of the City's natural areas system air, providing pollination of crops , stormwater
for the next ten years based on ballot measure detention , and flood protection. Our natural
language , the values and functions of the natural areas support unique native plant populations ,
areas system as a whole , community input, and including 36 species listed as rare or sensitive ;
emerging trends and needs . The Master Plan will two of which are federally threatened species .
also serve as a foundation for future site-specific Our natural areas provide habitat for 18 species
management plans , of animals on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Species of Concern List, including seven in the
threatened or endangered category. More bird
PLAN FORT COLLINS AND THE NATURAL species have been recorded from our natural areas
AREAS MASTER PLAN than from such iconic national parks as Rocky
In 2011 , the City adopted its updated comprehensive Mountain , Yellowstone , or even the Everglades .
plan. City Plan Fort Collins (2011a) provides strong Unique archaeological, historical , paleontological ,
direction for the Natural Areas Department, with and geological features can be found on many of
numerous policies and principles devoted to our natural areas . The Lindenmeier Archaeological
environmental health, including a section entitled Site on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is listed
" Open Lands " that largely reflects the mission of on the National Register of Historic Places and
the Department. Moreover, a central tenet of Plan is recognized as a site of international cultural
Fort Collins is natural resource and natural area significance .
conservation. Relevant principles and policies of
Plan Fort Collins for economic sustainability, land Natural areas provide a respite from the urban
conservation, and stewardship of natural areas are environment—a place to hike , bike , walk your
included in Appendix B . While the Department's dog , ride your horse , fish, picnic , create art, or
main focus is on natural areas , community just enjoy some quiet time outdoors . Natural
separators and agricultural lands are also conserved areas give everyone the opportunity to connect to
when they meet the Department's mission. nature 's spiritual qualities . Each person has their
own reason for caring about natural areas . Among
others , Fort Collins residents value them for their
THE VALUE OF NATURAL AREAS ecological , recreational , educational , scientific ,
The Fort Collins landscape is endowed with prairie economic , cultural , and spiritual significance.
grasslands , streams and forested river corridors ,
and an iconic foothills backdrop of mountain Conserved natural areas add economic value
mahogany shrublands and ponderosa pine forests to the community and contribute to make Fort
that support a high diversity of natural systems Collins a highly desirable place to live and work.
throughout the year. Human-made reservoirs , The high quality of life provided in part by natural
areas amenities helps support the City's healthy
gravel ponds , detention ponds , drainage
channels , and irrigation ditches contribute to economic climate . Nature-based recreation areas
t also play an important role in providing enjoyable
he diversity of habitats within our urban, built
environment. Pockets of naturalized vegetation experiences for visitors and offer active living
within stormwater drainage features , parks , and options for residents .
2 Introduction FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
WW i 7 a Nafural Area •
+• " ° ' "Area of land or water that contains or supports the
A continued existence of geological, paleontological,
TY 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 ;
or unique or rare examples of our natural heritage. "
v ' _ (City Plan 2011 )
itiWhaf a COMMUrd4 Separator?
} '
"Community separators define the area between more
7 intensely developed urban areas of one municipality and
the same of another. They provide visual and physical
: 1 separation between communities by providing transitions
e from urban level development using rural/open lands
(including agricultural uses and clustered residential
development) and lower densities . " (City Plan 2011 )
What iti Agricultural Land?
"Land in use for agricultural purposes such as pasturage ,
+ farming , dairying, horticulture , animal husbandry, and
related activities . " (City Plan 2011 )
I I I I • I
I • • I
. 11 • • • I • • • • • • . 11 • I • I • I I • 1 • I
Awards fo the Natural Areas neparWenf
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department has been recognized as an
outstanding organization over the last ten years, including these achievements :
• Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education Award for Best Governmental
Educational Program, 2014
• Friend of Preservation Award, for restoration of historic outbuildings on Bobcat Ridge
Natural Area, 2013
• Colorado Division of Mining Reclamation and Safety and the Colorado Stone , Sand and
Gravel Association - Jack Starner Reclamation Award, for restoration at Running Deer
Natural Area, 2011
• Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals Gold Award, for
interpretive signage at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, 2010
• Blue Grama Award , Colorado Open Space Alliance , 2007
• Millions of dollars in grants from competitive grant processes such as Great Outdoors
Colorado , History Colorado , Natural Resources Conservation Service , and Poudre
Heritage Alliance
Natural areas are key to Fort Collins' high quality of life, as recognized by these
prestigious awards,
• Most Satisfied (94 . 9 % ) with their City in Nation: Time Magazine , 2014
• 3rd Highest Community (along with Loveland) in Well-being Index for Nation: Gallup
and Healthways Survey, 2014
• Best Towns in America: Outside Magazine, 2013
• 4th Healthiest Mid-Size City in the U. S . : Gallup-Healthways Survey, 2012
• Top Ten Places to Retire : CBS Money Watch, 2012
• One of the Top 15 Best Places for triathletes to live and train: Triathlete Magazine , 2011
• One of the Top Ten Places to Retire in the Nation : Charles Schwab 's On Investing, 2011
• One of the Top 25 Best Places to Retire : CNNMoney. com, 2010
• One of the Top 10 Best College Towns : Small-Sized Cities Category, USA Today, 2010
• 6th Best Place to Live in the Nation: Money Magazine, 2010
• One of the Greatest Places to Live in the West: American Cowboy Magazine , 2010
• One of Top 20 Places to Thrive : Best Boomer Towns , 2009
• One of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids : Business Week, 2008
• 2nd Best Place to Live : Money Magazine , 2008
• Top 10 College Towns for Grown-Ups : Kiplinger's Magazine, 2007
• # 1 Best Place to Live in the Nation : Money Magazine , 2006
• Fort Collins is one of the 50 Best Places to Live (ranked 34th) : Kiplinger's Magazine, 2006
• American Dream Town. Fort Collins rated as one of the Best Towns in the U. S . : Outside
Magazine, 2005
• • • � ' � - • - 60MAW1411
i
i
410
LL
7
Red fox kits at Gustav Swanson Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally)
sites . Specific areas identified as priorities included due to expanding residential and commercial
the Poudre River corridor, portions of Spring Creek, development , the City recognized the need to step-
and the foothills west of the City. up land conservation efforts . In 1992 , the Natural
Resources Division presented to City Council the
Initial funding for the new Open Space Program Natural Areas Policy Plan , which focused land
was through a referendum passed in 1973 by conservation on the protection and enhancement
the citizens of Fort Collins for a seven-year of natural areas—a change in direction from the
1 -cent Capital Improvement sales tax; a portion previous efforts to acquire open spaces focused
of which went for the purchase of open spaces . on providing recreational opportunities . The
Through other funding , the Parks and Recreation policy plan also set forth strategies to protect
Department was responsible for acquiring and habitat through land development regulations ,
managing natural areas preserved as open space , partnerships with other departments and
with the primary goal of providing recreational agencies , encouraging enhancement of habitat on
areas . The Parks Department also acquired areas privately owned land, and providing education
that were left in a natural state in conjunction with and interpretive programs to help ensure future
some of their developed parks . One of the largest conservation efforts .
of these was a portion of Lee Martinez Community
Park along the Poudre River. Soon after adoption of the Natural Areas Policy
Plan , Fort Collins voters passed the first citizens-
By the end of the 1980s , a little over 1 , 000 acres initiated 1/4-cent sales tax entirely dedicated to
of significant foothills and riparian habitat had implementing the plan through 1997 . The Natural
been protected through the City's Open Space Areas Program within the Natural Resources
Program. These lands helped maintain corridors Division was established and the Parks ' " open
for recreational trails , wildlife movement, and spaces " became known as "natural areas . "
visual serenity.
As more land was acquired , site maintenance
duties were transferred from Parks to Natural
NATURAL AREAS POLICY PLAN ( 1992 ) Areas and a Ranger Program was established in
As development pressures on wildlife habitat in 1997 • The need for a maintenance facility became
and around Fort Collins continued to increase critical to the Natural Areas Program's success . In
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 5
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
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6 Introduction FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
s
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Full moon setting over Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally)
2002 , the Nix Farm Facility on Hoffman Mill Road In 2011 , the Natural Areas Program became
was completed to house most office staff and all a department within the City of Fort Collins
field crews and rangers . At the end of 2003 , the government. The last ten years have been a period
City had conserved about 11 , 500 acres of natural of significant growth as the Department has tripled
areas and had begun to acquire regional natural the amount of acreage under its management. The
areas , including Bobcat Ridge , and to purchase largest site , Soapstone Prairie , is over 22 , 000 acres
conservation easements to conserve agricultural alone .
and viewshed values within community
separators . Today, with annual expenditures over $ 10
million, the Department has expanded its
efforts to restore degraded natural areas , provide
LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP educational opportunities , and develop public
MASTER PLAN (2004) recreational amenities , including over 100 miles
In response to requests by City Council and of natural surface trails . Volunteers provide over
the public to look at more land conservation 10 , 000 hours of labor to the Department each year
opportunities beyond the borders of Fort Collins , to support various programs .
Natural Areas Program staff developed the Land
Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan ,
which was adopted in 2004 . This plan focused A CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE :
on identifying and protecting natural areas within COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE
three major focus areas : ( 1 ) Local (Fort Collins 2014 MASTER PLAN UPDATE
Growth Management Area west to Horsetooth
Reservoir and Bellvue) ; (2 ) Community Separators The 2002 City of Fort Collins " Open Space Yes ! "
(Wellington , Timnath , Lower Poudre and Windsor, ballot language describes and directs the City's
Fort Collins-Loveland) ; and (3 ) Regional focus efforts in fulfilling the community 's conservation
area (high value Larimer County foothills west vision. It emphasizes ongoing community dialog
of Horsetooth, Rist Canyon, Upper Poudre to and input on natural areas plans and policies as
County Road 27 , Owl Canyon, Dry Creek, Laramie well as implementation. Over the past decade , the
Foothills to Plains area) . City has used a variety of means to listen to and
incorporate ideas from the community. The 2014
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 7
Natural Areas Master Plan builds upon a number When asked to rate the quality of 19
of previous and ongoing outreach efforts and recreational and cultural programs and
partnerships in order to continuously understand facilities offered by the City of Fort Collins ,
stakeholders and act in a responsive manner to respondents rated natural areas and open
public preferences regarding land conservation , space (95 % "very good" or "good " ) ,
stewardship , and recreation efforts . Three specific recreational trails (96 % ) , and parks (96 % ) as
efforts that directly influenced the Master Plan the most favorable .
are highlighted below: the Fort Collins Citizen About 98 % of residents indicated that the
Surveys , Our Lands - Our Future surveys , and same effort (65 % ) or more effort (33 % )
2014 Master Plan outreach, should be devoted to environmental
protection and land conservation.
CITIZEN SURVEYS Respondents also indicated satisfaction with
Natural Areas Rangers (81 % very good or
Numerous quality of life surveys , along with good) and perceptions of safety in natural
specific land conservation and recreation surveys , areas (88 % always or usually safe) .
have demonstrated that Fort Collins citizens
remain enthusiastic about land conservation
and outdoor recreation—a finding that mirrors OUR LANDS - OUR FUTURE SURVEY
statewide trends . In 2013 , 2 , 000 randomly selected RESULTS
Fort Collins households were asked to rate the From 2012 through 2013 , the City of Fort
quality of life in the City and their satisfaction Collins joined with Larimer County and all of
with community amenities and local government, its municipalities to analyze the challenges ,
including satisfaction with City natural areas . Key opportunities , and possible gaps in their collective
findings included the following : land conservation, stewardship , and outdoor
CITIZENS' RATINGS OF NATURAL AREAS DEPARTMENT
PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES, 2003 - 2013
100%
80%
60%
"Very Good " or
40% " Good " Quality
20%
0%
2003 2006 2008 2010 2012 2013
Figure 1 . Percentage of "Very Good " or "Good " Quality Ratings of
Natural Areas Department Programs and Facilities (Fort Collins
Citizen Surveys 2003-2013)
8 Introduction FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
recreation programs and portfolios . From this Collins residents (26 % ) , followed by " lands
precedent-setting countywide study, called Our within our communities near neighborhoods
Lands - Our Future: Recreation and Conservation and schools " (20 % ) , and " lands that provide
Choices for Northern Colorado (Larimer County regional trail corridors " ( 16 % ) . On the whole ,
2013 ) , came a statistical analysis of the conservation Fort Collins residents favor an equal balance
values and outdoor recreational preferences between natural resource preservation and
of Larimer County and Fort Collins residents . outdoor recreation.
Between June 2012 and June 2013 , over 4 , 200 . There is significant support from respondents
citizens offered their feedback through statistically for allocating revenues toward a broad set of
valid surveys , regional events , interactive online purposes , from land acquisition to ecological
geographic information system (GIS) scenarios , restoration to investing in current facilities .
participation of all open space advisory boards
across the county, and over 45 local presentations . The regional visioning process also helped
Many of the events occurred in Fort Collins , and further define the Department's unique role in
over 50 % of survey respondents were Fort Collins implementing the Our Lands - Our Future vision.
residents . Key findings included the following : See Appendix C for more information on the City
of Fort Collins survey results .
• The top activities for Fort Collins residents ,
children in their household , and the
household overall are walking/hiking/
running on natural surfaces (53 % ) and paved
surfaces (46 % ) , as well as biking on paved
trails (52 % ) . These activities are closely
followed by camping (44 % ) , biking on roads Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural
(37 % ) , and fishing ( 34 % ) . Overall , Fort Areas Department Photo)
Collins residents reported greater satisfaction
with nearly all activities offered than other 2014 NATURAL AREAS MASTER PLAN
county residents . OUTREACH
• Respondents identified that more land or In addition to Citizen Surveys and the 2013
facilities are needed for walking/hiking/ Our Lands - Our Future survey results , the Fort
running on natural and paved surfaces , biking Collins community provided specific feedback
on paved trails , camping , fishing, recreating on the 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan through
with dogs , and watching wildlife/birding. two open houses , online comment opportunities ,
and relevant City citizen boards . A Coloradoan
• All types of land conservation are important, newspaper article invited the public to the
with " Lands that provide regional trail
open houses , and comment opportunities were
corridors to connect to cities and towns " promoted through press releases , email invitations
and " Ecologically sensitive lands " rated
to approximately 350 people and organizations ,
as the most important , while "Working announcements in Natural Areas E-news (2 , 500
farms and ranches " were rated as relatively subscribers) , communication with volunteers ,
less important. In order to understand and social media postings . The website devoted
community attitudes toward land to the Master Plan featured open-house materials ,
conservation in greater detail , respondents
identified their single most important an online comment opportunity, and related
priority. " Ecologically sensitive lands " are materials . The website had 1 , 099 page views as of
considered the highest priority by Fort July 21 , 2014 .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 9
OPEN HOUSE # 1 Area received strong support. A slight majority
The first open house was held on January 30 ,
of the participants supported the Natural Areas
2014 . The Natural Areas Department presented Department's role in local food production. A
a review of Our Lands - Our Future, described simplified mission statement was supported by
current work, and highlighted changes being most. The open-ended comment section had a
considered in the Master Plan . Participants were variety of responses—several gave the Natural
asked to comment on the current level of service Areas Department kudos , some reiterated support
and priorities in recreation , resource management,
for hunting, and some expressed a desire to have
education , and land conservation. Specific input Reservoir Ridge Natural Area stay open later in the
was sought on the Department's role in local food evening ,
production, hunting at Soapstone Prairie Natural
Area, camping at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area,
interpreting and conserving cultural resources ,
and conserving and restoring the Cache la Poudre Rtc,emm� vx�
River. In addition, reactions to an updated mission
statement were also sought.
An opportunity for open-ended input was
provided. Eighty-five people attended the open
house , and 59 written comments were received.
During the online comment period (January 30-
March 3 , 2014) , 67 online feedback forms were
completed for a total of 126 written comments . ,
The comments received represented the diversity
of the community that the City serves ; a variety of
viewpoints on each topic were expressed. But in
general , the current level of service was positively
viewed in most areas including recreation, public January 2014 Open House for Natural Areas Master Plan (City of
Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
amenities , visitor and ranger services , restoration,
education, and cultural and historic preservation.
The feedback was more mixed on land OPEN HOUSE #2
conservation, with a positive reaction to proposed
priorities and some requests for additional The second open house was on June 19 , 20140
recreational opportunities or more of an emphasis The Natural Areas Department presented the
on a different focus area. Most citizens suggested priorities for the Master Plan at its offices at Nix
that the Natural Areas Department be a leader in Farm. Participants were asked to comment on
Poudre River conservation , with many supporting the priorities ; 80 people attended. Twenty-one
the current role . comment forms were submitted either on paper at
the Open House or online in the 30 days afterwards .
The question about hunting pronghorn at
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area generated lively The vision and mission were positively viewed
discussion; hunting was generally supported , but with a few requests for more focus on recreation
some participants expressed concern. Limited and providing public access . Land conservation
priorities were positively received with some
backcountry camping at Bobcat Ridge Natural
10 Introduction FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
concern about lack of regional focus , too much Land Conservation and Stewardship
agricultural land conservation , or not enough Board-2013 - 14 : monthly updates and
conservation easements . Work on the Cache la feedback opportunities ; draft plan discussion
Poudre River was supported with some concerns in July; recommendation to City Council in
about lack of family-friendly access , potential September
reservoir projects , and proposed water park. Natural Resources Advisory Board , April
Education and Outreach was supported with 2014
some concern about the concept of reaching 1 in
• Parks and Recreation Board, April 2014
10 people annually.
• Planning and Zoning Board , June 2014
Resource Management comments were positive Water Board , June 2014
with interest in reintroductions of species and Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board ,
some concern about hunting . Views on local May 2014
food and agriculture were mixed. Support was
expressed by some while others were concerned On June 12th, a draft plan was sent to various City
about grazing as a restoration activity, government departments and external agencies for review and
involvement in a private sector activity, and comment:
overly ambitious plans . Comments on Ranger/
Visitor Services included concerns about limited . park Planning & Development
horse trail availability, dogs-off-leash problems , or
not enough dog-off-leash areas . Recreation, Public • Parks and Recreation
Improvements , and Facility Operations generated Office of Sustainability
several longer comments about hunting (both pro Planning Department
and con) , a request for more emphasis on trails , and
concerns about camping and about remodeling the City of Loveland Natural Areas Program
little house at Nix. Larimer County Department of Natural
Resources
Cultural resources were important to several Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife
participants with others concerned that this is The Nature Conservancy
not the Natural Areas Department's role or budget
priority. Mineral development was a concern ' Legacy Land Trust
for several participants as well as more trails at
Maxwell Natural Area. The " follow-up from Open
House #1 " and open-ended comments were quite Taken as a whole, public
varied with mixed support for hunting , dogs- feedback .
it clear
off-leash, and concerns with trail maintenance , that protection and proper
lack of twitter for trail conditions , and mineral
development. Several ended their input with ' natural
positive or encouraging comments . areas is strongly ' ' ' '
and is vital to ensuring
Outreach to Citizen Boards , City Fort Collins' future as a
Departments , and Other Agencies worldmclass community.
City and County citizen advisory boards provided
feedback to staff during the Master Plan process :
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 11
PERFORMANCE METRICS
The ongoing dialogues with the community and recent City-wide efforts to systematically measure and
communicate how effectively citizens ' tax dollars are being spent have led to a series of performance
metrics . Each work group within the Natural Areas Department typically keeps track of various
measures for its own management objectives . Now a set of measures is reported to City managers and
the public through an interactive website and through the budgeting process and report. Table 1 lists
the current measures being used and proposed by the Natural Areas Department. Some of the data are
collected and managed directly by Department staff. Other data are collected via the City-wide Citizen
Survey conducted every two years . Some of the Citizen Survey data is directly related to natural areas
and included in the measures listed in Table 1 . Over the next ten years these metrics could change as
the Department and the City improve efforts to measure progress .
Table 1 . Current Natural Areas Department Metrics
Budgeting Target/Goal
Land and Resource Management
Metric ENV8 Percent of urban natural area acres in greater than 75 % native condition 50 % by 2030
New Metric Poudre River restoration—linear extent of river channel or riverbank Yet to be determined
restored per year
New Metric Poudre River restoration—acres of river floodplain restored per year Yet to be determined
Public Improvements, EducationOutreach, Rangers
Services, Facility Operations
Metric ENV98 Percent citizens responding very good/good quality of natural areas and Above 80 %
open space, determined by Citizen Survey
Metric CR66 Trail condition 85 % of trails in good
condition
Metric CR6 Cumulative program participation per capita Reach 8%-10% of Fort
Collins population each
year
Metric SAFE36 Percent of citizens responding always safe/usually safe in natural areas/ 85 % or higher
open space, determined by Citizen Survey
Metric SAFE51 Percent of citizens responding very good/good quality Natural Area 80 % or higher
Ranger service, determined by Citizen Survey
ProgramLand and Water Conservation, ,
Metric ENV15 Cumulative land conservation Upward trend annually
New Metric Poudre River in-stream flow—number of days where City has positively To increase duration and
impacted river flows through any given reach magnitude of flows
New Metric Poudre River in-stream flow—additional acre-feet added to river as a To increase duration and
direct result of City management action magnitude of flows
12 Introduction FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
1 i ,
two, a
r . ` �" �_ 1. V. •ice :`/ Rl,, -y'
or
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1 1
L
1
he Natural Areas Department is fortunate to have funding from both the County - Help Preserve Open
Space 1/4-cent Sales Tax and the City - Open Space Yes ! 1/4-cent Sales tax; both were citizen-initiated.
The anticipated revenue for 2014 from each of these taxes is $3 . 8 million and $6 . 6 million, respectively,
for a total $ 10 .4 million. This level of funding allows the City the ability to manage 35 ,000 acres of land on
43 natural areas and maintain over 100 miles of trails , while still conserving land. Over the next ten years ,
the Natural Areas Department anticipates spending 60 % of its revenues on stewardship (the operation and
maintenance of already conserved land and developed public improvements) and 40 % on land conservation.
HISTORICAL FUNDING AND EXPENDITURES ( 1993-2013 )
The primary funding for the Natural Areas Department has come from the following ballot measures:
1992—City 1/4-Cent Sales Tax for Natural Areas 1999—Larimer County Help Preserve Open
The initial funding for the Natural Areas Program Space (HPOS) Sales Tax
began with 5 3 % voter approval of this citizen-initiated 60 % of the voters approved this citizen initiative
5-year 1/4-cent sales tax, which expired in 1997. for a 15 -year extension of this sales tax. This sales
tax will provide funding for the City's Natural
1995—Larimer County Help Preserve Open Areas Department from 2004 through 2018 .
Space (HPOS) Sales Tax
A citizen-initiative approved by 65 % of voters 2002—Open Space Yes ! - City 1/4-Cent Sales
in 1995 . This sales tax was collected from 1996 Tax for Natural Areas
through 2003 . 65 % of Fort Collins voters approved this citizen-
initiated 25 -year sales tax extension at the fully
1997—Building Community Choices (BBC) — restored 1992 1/4-cent level . This sales tax will
City 1/4-Cent Sales Tax with a portion going be collected through 2030 . Eighty percent or
to Natural Areas more of these revenues must be spent on land
69 % of Fort Collins voters approved this seven- conservation or land restoration, while 20 % or
year sales tax, which expired in 2005 . This tax also
f less of these revenues can be spent on operations
funded the following capital projects : Community
and maintenance .
Horticulture Center (Gardens on Spring Creek) ,
Fossil Creek Community Park, Community Park
Improvements , and Regional Paved Trails .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 13
About 18 % of the Natural Areas Department revenue from 1993 - 2013 came from sources other than the
ballot measures (Figure 2 ) . In 2004 , at the time of the Bobcat Ridge and Soapstone Prairie natural areas
purchases , funds for land conservation were depleted. Yet, there were still incredible opportunities
for land conservation, and land values were on the rise . City Council decided to use Certificates of
Participation (COPS ) , a funding mechanism available to local governments , to create a $ 15 , 000 , 000
reservoir for additional land conservation (Figure 2 ) . The Department will complete its payments for the
certificates in 2019 .
In 1993 , when the Natural $2.288,382 $152045028
1% 1%
Areas Program assumed the $15,0345e74
costs of managing the already $15,3913407
conserved open space lands 8% ■ 1996-2013 HPOS County 1/4 Cent
from the Parks Department, ■ 2006-2013 Open Space Yes! City 1/4 Cent
the focus was primarily on ■ 1998-2005 BCC City 1/4 Cent
■ 1993-1997 Choices 95 City 1/4 Cent
land conservation with only ■ 2004 COPS
minimal focus on stewardship ■ Grants and Donations
(operations and maintenance) $30,1133441 ■ Miscellaneous
and capital site improvements 17% ■ 1993-2003 General Fund
of the existing 1 , 203 acres
of natural areas and the few
miles of natural surface trails .
Figure 2. Natural Areas Revenue, 1993-2013 (Total $184, 006, 420)
As the amount of conserved
land and interest in recreation increased , so did the need for capital site improvements to open sites
to the public . Over time , costs associated with site improvements and stewardship (which includes
restoration, long-term operations , and maintenance) have required a greater proportion of the Natural
Areas Department funding (Figure 3 ) , In 2003 the Department spent about 77 % of its revenues on land
conservation, while in 2013 it spent about 41 % (Figure 3 ) .
Over the entire 21 years , 60 % of the revenues were spent on land conservation (Figure 4) . As more land
is conserved and more sites are developed for public use , the costs to operate and maintain those lands
and public improvements will continue to grow; thus , amount of funding available for land conservation
will continue to decrease , unless additional funding is provided. The Natural Areas Department will
continue to leverage existing land conservation funding through partnerships and grants to maximize
the City's land conservation efforts .
FUTURE FUNDING AND EXPENDITURES OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS
( 2014-2023 ) WITH AND WITHOUT LARIMER COUNTY ' S " HELP PRESERVE
OPEN SPACE " SALES TAX
The two primary funding sources for the Natural Areas Department over the next ten years (2014-2023 ;
the life of this Master Plan) are the " Fort Collins Open Space Yes ! " 1/4-cent sales tax, which expires in
2030 , and Larimer County 's " Help Preserve Open Space " 1/4-cent sales tax, which expires in 2018 (unless
renewed by the voters ) . The potential expiration of the County tax represents a significant challenge to
the Department because the tax supports a majority of its operating and stewardship expenses .
14 Funding and Expenditures FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
$8,0009000 ■ Stewardship
■ Capital
$7,000,000 Improvements
Land Conservation
$8,000,000
$S,OOO,OOO
$4,000,000
$3,0001000
$2,0009000
$100009000
$o
1993 2003 2013
Figure 3. Change in Distribution of Natural Areas Expenditures over Time
$43722,457
$5,32%896 3°�` $3,340,161
3% / 2%
$5,987,769
3%
$8,1943450
5% ■ Land Conservation
■ Public Improvements and Maintenance
$14306937 ■ 2004-2013 Resource Management
8% ■ Department Management
■ 1998-2013 Rangers
$2634753560 ■ Education
16% ■ 2002-2013 Facility Operations
■ 2005-2013 Land Management
Figure 4. Natural Areas Expenditures by Work Group, 1993-2013 (Total $170, 444, 314) (see page 39
for description of Work Group responsibilities; prior to 2004, "Maintenance " Work Group handled
both Public Improvements and Resource Management Activities)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 15
Larimer County Commissioners have placed an
extension of HPOS on the November 2014 ballot.
With the assumed revenues from extending the
" Help Preserve Open Space " sales tax, potential
expenditures by the Natural Areas Department
over the next 10 years are shown in Figure 5 .
Please note that these are projected expenditures
and it is likely that spending would vary at least
slightly from these projections .
Assuming that the Larimer County "Help Preserve Canada geese in flight (Photo by worm xeally)
Open Space " sales tax is extended , estimated
revenues over the next 10 years (the life of this maintain existing natural areas at current service
Master Plan) would be as shown in Figure 6 . levels—funds for land conservation , restoration,
and capital projects such as new trails would be
If the Larimer County " Help Preserve Open Space " very limited.
sales tax is not extended , it would be difficult
for the Department to provide stewardship As directed by City Council in 2003 , the
of conserved lands and recreation amenities . Department has a contingency plan to continue
Activities such as maintenance of natural surface operating at current service levels from 2018 to
trails , restrooms , parking lots , weed control , 2021 if the County tax is not renewed . However,
and programmatic efforts such as educational land conservation, restoration , and capital projects
programs , ranger services , and planning would would be greatly reduced during this period .
need to be significantly reduced or eliminated .
Addition of new or improved trails or other
recreation amenities would be severely limited. OTHER POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES
Revenues from 2014 to 2023 would be greatly While it would be difficult to predict with any
reduced, as shown in Figure 7 . certainty, the Department anticipates finding
other sources of revenues to enhance its ability to
The potential reduction in revenues is made more conserve and steward land, although backfilling
difficult because the City 1/4-cent sales tax ballot for a potential loss of $ 3 . 5 million/year if the " Help
language requires that 80 % or more of the funds be Preserve Open Space " sales tax fails to be renewed
spent on land conservation and restoration and that is unlikely. With that said , the Department will
20 % or less be spent on operations and maintenance. continue to apply for grants and engage in
In order to meet these requirements without the partnerships to leverage and extend funding .
County 1/4-cent sales tax, public maintenance In addition, the Department will participate in
and recreation improvements would need to be the City's budget process to compete for " Keep
significantly reduced or the requirement for the Fort Collins Great" discretionary sales tax funds
80/20 split would need to be changed by voters , or general funds that are administered by City
Council . The Department may also benefit from
Even if the City sales tax 80/20 split were removed renewal of the existing '/4-cent capital projects
by voters , there would still be no County sales sales tax,
tax; the City would only have the resources to
16 Funding and Expenditures FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
$3,598,744
$597093098 3%
5% ■ Land Conservation
$793539634 ■ Resource Management
6% ■ Public Improvements
■ Department Management
■ Rangers
$8,459, 966
■ Land Management
7% $4733443926 ■ Education
40% ■ Facility Operations
$939109483
9%
$15,5041463 Figure 5. Natural Areas Estimated Expenditures
13% by Work Group with "Help Preserve Open Space "
Sales Tax over the next Ten Years, 2014-2023
Am (Total $117, 618, 251) (see page 39 for description
of Work Group responsibilities)
$155819523
1%
giow
■ 2014-2023 Open Space Yes! City 1/4 Cent
$3934025784 ■ 2014-2023 HPOS County 1/4 Cent (Extended)
34% ■ Miscellaneous
$7636333944
65%
PF Figure 6. Natural Areas Estimated Revenue with
"Help Preserve Open Space " Sales Tax over the
next Ten Years, 2014-2023 (Total $117, 618, 251)
$135819523
2%
$1999869297
21%
■ 2014-2023 Open Space Yes! City 1/4 Cent
■ 2014-2018 HPOS County 1/4 Cent (Not Extended)
$72,310, 597 ■ Miscellaneous
77%
Figure 7. Natural Areas Estimated Revenue
without "Help Preserve Open Space " Sales Tax
Extension over the next Ten Years, 2014-2023
(Total $93, 878, 417)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 17
PARTNERSHIPS
The Natural Areas Department has had the benefit of many partners throughout the program 's history.
Partnerships offer each partner the ability to leverage resources , share expertise , build synergy, and
collaborate to implement innovative community projects . The Department's most significant financial
partners have been, and will likely continue to be , City Departments (particularly Parks , Stormwater, and
Water) , Larimer County Department of Natural Resources , and Great Outdoors Colorado . Both the County
Open Space and GOCO programs go before the voters for renewed funding during the time horizon of
this plan. In the last ten years alone , more than 25 partnerships have provided multiple benefits to the
conservation and stewardship of City of Fort Collins natural areas (Table 2 ) .
USER FEES
The Natural Areas Department
operates under the informal
1
philosophy that citizens are r } "
paying taxes for public natural "
areas and should not be charged
again for the privilege of visiting
the sites . The exception to this - -
guideline is Gateway Natural - -
Area, which was supported by
an entrance fee and a shelter �wr_
reservation fee when it was
previously managed by the City
Parks Department. The Natural
Areas Department has kept
these fees due to the higher Gateway Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
costs of maintaining the " park-
like " portion of the natural area. The only other fee-based operation is the Primrose Studio meeting room
at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. These rental fees cover the upkeep of the meeting room and the salary
of the part-time attendant for the building. In the future , there may be situations that would call for
utilizing fees to support the Natural Areas Department; however, at this time the intention is to continue
the philosophy of leaving the vast majority of natural areas free to users .
18 Funding and Expenditures FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Table 2 . Examples of Conservation and Stewardship Partnerships over the Past Ten Years
PartnersProject (Years) Natural Areas Benefits
Multiple Agency Partnerships
Fort Collins — Loveland Community Separator Land Conservation Larimer County; Loveland; Great
(2004-present) Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area (2004-present) Land Conservation; Resource Larimer County; North Poudre
Management; Recreation; Irrigation Company; GOCO
Ranger and Visitor Services ;
Education
Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Land Conservation Larimer County; The Nature
(2004-present) Conservancy; GOCO; Legacy Land
Trust; Private Landowners
Poudre River Regional Trail (2012-present) Trail Connections Larimer County; Timnath; Windsor,
Greeley; GOCO
Our Lands — Our Future: Regional Land Study Planning; Research Larimer County; All County
(2012-2013) Municipalities ; GOCO
MultipleDepartments
Riverbend Ponds Flood Control Project Restoration Stormwater; Transportation
(2006-2007)
Prospect Road Widening (2006-2007) Trail Connections; Restoration Transportation; Stormwater
Red Fox Meadows Stormwater Improvements Restoration; Resource Stormwater
(2007-2012) Management; Recreation
Udall Water Quality and Stormwater Improvements Land Conservation; Resource Stormwater
(2004-2005) Management; Recreation
Multipurpose Land Use Study — Trail, Wildlife, and Wildlife Corridors ; Utilities; Parks
Drainage Corridors (2012 -2013) Neighborhood Natural Areas;
Trail Connections
North Shields Bridge Improvements (2013-Present) Recreation; Resource Larimer County; Parks; Stormwater
Management
West Vine Outfall (2013-Present) Land Conservation; Wildlife Stormwater; Parks
Corridor; Trail Connection
Non-Profit Partners
Neotropical Bird Surveys (2007-present) and Resource Management; Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
Screech Owl Survey (2013) Research
Corporate Partners
West Main Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement Land Conservation; Xcel Energy
Project (2012-Present) Restoration; Recreation
Woodward Development Project (2013-Present) Land Conservation; Resource Woodward, Inc.
Management; Recreation
Rigden Water Storage Reservoir (2013-Present) Land Conservation; Wetland Flatiron Company; Fort Collins
and Pond Conservation Water Utility
Nature Tracker Software (2012-2013) Enhanced Customer Service; Squarei, Technologies , Inc.
Volunteer Coordination
Stateand Federal Partners
Nix Farm Historic Barn Restoration (2005 ) Cultural Resources History Colorado
Bobcat Ridge Historic Outbuilding Restorations Cultural Resources ; Education History Colorado ; Pulliam
(2011-Present) Charitable Trust
Shields Pit Restoration (2013-present) Wetland Restoration Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Museum of Discovery Displays (2011 -2012 ) Education U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Soapstone Prairie Black-Footed Ferret Resource Management; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Reintroduction (2013-present) Education
Bobcat Ridge Trail Easement (2007) Recreation U. S. Forest Service
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 19
20 Funding and Expenditures FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
r
v
l '•y
4 1�
r
he Fort Collins community is fortunate to have a wealth of wildlife habitat and native plant
communities at its doorstep . Over the past few decades , the City has worked to protect special
lands both within and outside city limits . From shortgrass prairies to cottonwood forests and
farm fields , the portfolio has grown from a handful of properties to encompass more than 40 , 000 acres
conserved through fee-simple acquisitions , conservation easements , and donations . Working closely
with willing property owners , a number of key acquisitions have involved partnerships with the Larimer
County Department of Natural Resources , Great Outdoors Colorado , the City of Loveland, Legacy Land
Trust, and other conservation organizations . To date , the City of Fort Collins has acquired nearly 34 , 800
acres of natural areas for public use and protected another 5 , 800 acres in conservation easements . The
recreational rights are leased on 900 acres of reservoirs to help protect key wildlife habitat.
INVENTORY OF CITY NATURAL AREAS AND
OTHER PROTECTED SITES
As a result of following the 2002 Open Space Yes ! ballot
language , City Council direction , and the 2004 Land
Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan , the Natural
Areas Department has conserved over 30 , 000 acres with
willing landowners in the last ten years alone (Table 3 ) .
The Department now manages 43 natural areas ranging in
T size from one acre to 22 , 258 acres (Table 3 ; Maps 1 and
2 ) . A wide diversity of native plant communities have
been protected , including mature cottonwood forests ,
foothills shrublands , wet meadows , emergent marshes ,
Mallard on the Poudre at Riverbend Ponds Natural and shortgrass prairies . These areas provide critical habitat
Area (Photo by Norm Keally)
for a suite of native wildlife species .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 21
Ilington
Local Natural Areas and Community Separators a
Public Conserved Lands Conservation Easements North
City of Fort Collins Natural Area City of Fort Collins
Other Public Open Space City of Fort Collins shared with others -
- State Parks and Wildlife �\\\7 Others TO
City of Fort
1 2 3 4 Miles
� � Collins
Natural
Areas00
Ill:
cd
c
he�d400 J
a„0
e
14
C
1 Fort Collins
287
Loveland
Map 1 . Local Natural Areas and Community Separators
22 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
WYOMING
COLORADO
Soapstone Prairie
Natural Area
Meadow Springs Ranch
Red Mountain ( City of Fort Collins Utilities)
Open Space
ow
Gateway
Natural Area Regional Natural Areas
Public Conserved Lands Conservation Easements
City of Fort Collins Natural Area City of Fort Collins
14 ,
Picnic Rock Other Public Open Space City of Fort Collins shared with others
Natural Area State Parks and Wildlife Others
L Federal Land 0 1 2 3 4 Miles
WYOMING
COLORADO
Bobcat Rid e
9 I a
Natural Area North L A R I M E R
M
City of Fort
Fort Collins Collins
Lovelan
I Natural r
Areas
t
Map 2. Regional Natural Areas
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 23
Table 3 . Natural Areas Inventory of Conserved Lands
Acres
Conserved
Acres by Natural
Conserved Areas since
Site Purchase History by City' 2004
NaturalLocal Focus Areas
Core
Fischer Natural Area' Donated 1977 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas. 12
Mallard's Nest Natural Area' Acquired' 1985-2002 by Parks , Utilities , and Natural Areas; 7
Natural Areas and Utilities manage.
Red Fox Meadows Natural Acquired' 1986-2000 by Utilities, Parks , and Natural Areas; 9
Area' Natural Areas and Utilities manage.
Redwing Marsh Natural Area' Acquired 1993 -1995 by Natural Areas and Utilities ; Natural 16
Areas and Utilities manage.
Ross Natural Area' Acquired 1978 by Parks and Utilities; transferred to Natural 27
Areas ; Natural Areas and Utilities manage.
The Coterie Natural Area' Acquired 2000 by Natural Areas. 5
#13IS1 (Forney Property) Acquired 2013 by Stormwater Utility and Natural Areas 37 15
(41 % ) ; currently managed by Stormwater; no public access
yet.
Dry Creek Stormwater Wetland Acquired 1999 by Natural Areas and Utilities; managed by 7
Stormwater Utility; no public access .
Horticulture Center (buffer Acquired 2001 by Natural Areas for Spring Creek buffer and 5
portion) native plant demonstration area; managed by Parks.
Focus Area Subtotal: 157 15
Poudre River
Arapaho Bend Natural Area' Acquired' 1995-2011 by Natural Areas, 302 24
Butterfly Woods Natural Area' Acquired 1996 by Natural Areas and Parks. 24
Cattail Chorus Natural Area' Acquired 1997 by Natural Areas; received GOCO Grant. 102
Cottonwood Hollow Natural Acquired 1995 -1998 by Natural Areas, 93
Area'
Gustav Swanson Natural Area' Acquired' 1955-2002 by City of Fort Collins and Natural 12
Areas .
Kingfisher Point Natural Area' Acquired' 1979-2013 by Parks and Natural Areas; received 157 17
GOCO Grant.
Magpie Meander Natural Area' Acquired 1995 -2013 by Natural Areas. 21 10
McMurry Natural Area' Acquired' 1998-2003 by Natural Areas; received GOCO 45
Grant.
North Shields Ponds Natural Acquired' 1962-2014 by City of Fort Collins and Natural 54 44
Area' Areas .
Prospect Ponds Natural Area' Acquired 1974 by Utilities; Natural Areas manages . 25
River's Edge Natural Area' Acquired 1994-2001 by Natural Areas, 8
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area' Acquired' 1977-1999 by Parks and Natural Areas. 220
Running Deer Natural Area' Acquired 1998-2011 by Natural Areas ; received GOCO Grant. 294 19
Salyer Natural Area' Donated 1985 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas. 24
Springer Natural Area' Donated 1990 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas. 21
Udall Natural Area' Acquired' 1994 by Natural Areas and Utilities; Natural Areas 25
and Utilities manage.
Williams Natural Area' Donated 1990 to Parks; transferred to Natural Areas. 1
24 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Table 3 . Natural Areas Inventory of Conserved Lands (Continued)
Acres
Conserved
Acres by Natural
Conserved Areas since
so
ite Purchase History by City' ii
#14PR1 (Woodward Property) Donated 1990-2014 to Parks and Natural Areas. 37 34
Natural Areal
#14PR2 [Shields Pit Property] Acquired 2014 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public . 50 50
Natural Area
Arnett Conservation Easement Conservation Easement acquired 2013 by Natural Areas; 25 25
landowner manages; will have trail easement in future.
Focus Area Subtotal: 19540 223
Fossil Creek Corridor
Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Acquired3 1993-2002 by Natural Areas and Larimer County 954
Area' Open Lands (7 % ) ; received GOCO Grants. Total site
acreage=1 ,083 .
Colina Mariposa Natural Area' Acquired3 1998 by Natural Areas. 192
Eagle View Natural Area Acquired 2002 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public . 90
Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Acquired3 1998-2010 by Natural Areas and Larimer County (17%); 19164 95
Area' 810 acres leased from North Poudre Irrigation Company; Natural
Areas started managing in 2010. Total site acreage = 1 ,399.
Fossil Creek Wetlands Natural Acquired 1995 by Natural Areas. 229
Area'
Hazaleus Natural Area Acquired3 1999 by Natural Areas; not yet open to the public . 168
Pelican Marsh Natural Area' Acquired 2002 by Natural Areas. 156
Prairie Dog Meadow' Acquired3 1994-2003 by Natural Areas. 84
Redtail Grove Natural Area' Acquired3 1996-2010 by Natural Areas. 51 8
Two Creeks Natural Area' Acquired3 1999 by Natural Areas. 30
Coventry Hidden Cattails Dedicated 1994 to Natural Areas; sold to Coventry with 3
Conservation Easement Conservation Easement 2005 .
Swift Farm Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2003 by Natural Areas; 82
Easement landowner manages ; not open to the public .
Focus Area Subtotal: 3 ,203 103
Foothills Corridor
Coyote Ridge Natural Area' Acquired3 1994-2007 by Natural Areas and Larimer County 2 ,005 151
Open Lands (11 % ) ; a portion of site is also in Fort Collins—
Loveland Separator. Total site acreage = 2 , 242 .
Maxwell Natural Area' Acquired3 1976-1996 by Parks and Natural Areas . 290
Pineridge Natural Area' Acquired3 1976-2007 by Parks and Natural Areas ; 83-acre 744 83
Dixon Reservoir leased.
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area' Acquired3 1985-2008 by Parks and Natural Areas . 764 297
Hazelhurst Conservation Conservation Easement acquired4 2005 ; landowner manages ; 35 35
Easement not open to the public.
MacEwen Conservation Conservation Easement acquired4 2005 ; landowner manages; 45 45
Easement not open to the public.
Million Conservation Easement Conservation Easement acquired 2011 ; landowner manages ; 100 100
not open to the public.
Focus Area Subtotal: 3 , 983 711
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 25
Table 3 . Natural Areas Inventory of Conserved Lands (Continued)
Acres
Conserved
Acres by Natural
Conserved Areas since
Site Purchase History by City' ii
Community Separator Focus Arearm
Wellington Separator
Bee Conservation Easement Conservation Easement acquired 2004 by Larimer County 70 70
and Natural Areas (50 % ) ; landowner manages; not open to
the public . Total site acreage = 139.
Kerbel Conservation Easement Conservation Easement acquired 2002 by Larimer County 42
and Natural Areas (50 % ) ; landowner manages; not open to
the public . Total site acreage = 84.
Kraft Farm II Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2011 by Natural Areas; 156 156
Easement received Farm and Ranch Protection Program (FRPP) ;
landowner manages ; not open to the public .
Lockman Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2011 by Natural Areas; 121 121
Easement received FRPP Grant; landowner manages ; not open to the
public.
Maxwell Farm Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2013 by Natural Areas; 136 136
Easement landowner manages; not open to the public .
Phytogen Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2011 by Natural Areas; 66 66
Easement received FRPP Grant; landowner manages ; not open to the
public.
Sod Farm Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2005 by Natural Areas; 453 453
Easement landowner manages ; not open to the public .
Weber Conservation Easement Conservation Easement acquired 2004 by Larimer County 35 35
and Natural Areas (50 % ) ; landowner manages; not open to
the public . Total site acreage = 70.
Focus Area Subtotal: 19079 1 ,037
Collins-LovelandFort
Separator
Prairie Ridge Natural Area Acquired 2000 by City of Loveland Larimer County, and 196
Natural Areas (25 % ) ; received GOCO Grant; City of Loveland
manages ; not open to the public yet. Total site acreage = 785 .
Long View Farm Open Space Acquired 1997 by Larimer County Open Lands and Natural 159
Areas (33 % ) ; received GOCO Grant; Larimer County
manages ; not open to the public . Total site acreage = 479.
Focus Area Subtotal: 355
Lower Poudre and Windsor
Separator
Three Bell I & II Conservation Conservation Easements acquired 2010 by Larimer County 169 169
Easements and Natural Areas (28 % ) ; landowner manages ; not open to
the public yet. Total site acreage = 338 .
Focus Area Subtotal: 169 169
Timnath Separator
Cribari I & II Conservation Conservation Easements acquired 2005 by Natural Areas ; 73 73
Easements landowners manage ; not open to the public .
Hansen I & II Conservation Conservation Easements acquired 2004-2012 by Natural 82 82
Easements Areas ; landowner manages; not open to the public
Person I & II Conservation Conservation Easements acquired 2005-2013 by Natural 141 141
Easements Areas ; landowner manages; not open to the public.
Focus Area Subtotal: 296 296
26 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Table 3 . Natural Areas Inventory of Conserved Lands (Concluded)
Acres
Conserved
Acres by Natural
Conserved Areas since
Site Purchase History by City' 2004
Regional Focus Areas
oo i
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area' Acquired3 2003 by Natural Areas. 21604
Culver Open Space Acquired 2004 by Larimer County and Natural Areas (13 % ) ; 38 38
County manages; site not open to the public; City holds
Conservation Easement. Total site acreage = 288 .
Devil's Backbone Open Space Acquired 2003-2004 by Natural Areas ( 75 % ) and Larimer 19159 1 , 159
(Indian Creek Property) County; received GOCO Grant; Larimer County manages ;
open to the public. Total site acreage = 1 ,545
(Indian Creek only) .
Rimrock Open Space Acquired 2002 by Larimer County Open Lands and Natural 43
Areas (10% ) ; Larimer County manages; open to the public .
Total site acreage = 437 acres.
Focus Area Subtotal: 39844 1 ,197
Upper Poudre
Gateway Natural Area' Acquired 1930 by City of Fort Collins; management transferred 170 170
to Parks in 2002 and then to Natural Areas in 2007.
Picnic Rock Natural Area' Acquired 1986-2008 by City of Fort Collins and Natural 323 323
Areas ; management of 1986 acreage transferred to Natural
Areas in 2007.
Focus Area Subtotal: 493 493
Meadow
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area' Acquired 2004-2011 by Natural Areas; received LOCO 22 ,258 229258
Grant; Larimer County holds conservation easement on a
portion of the property.
Red Mountain Open Space Acquired 2007 by Larimer County and Natural Areas (24 % ) ; 361 361
(Gallegos Property) received GOCO Grant; Natural Areas holds conservation
easement on the property; open to the public . Total site
acreage = 1 ,480 (Gallegos Property only) .
Wire Draw Ranch Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2007 ; by Natural Areas; 15150 1 , 150
Easement landowner manages; not open to the public .
Focus Area Subtotal: 239769 23,769
Laramie Foothills
Roberts Ranch Conservation Conservation Easement acquired 2004 ; by Nature 2 , 734 2 , 734
Easement Conservancy, Larimer County, and Natural Areas (60 % ) ;
received GOCO Grant; landowner manages; not open to the
public. Total CE acreage = 4 ,557.
Stonewall Creek Ranch Conservation Easement acquired 2005 by Larimer County; 97 97
Conservation Easement Natural Areas contributed (71 % ) to purchase, but does not
hold easement. Total CE acreage = 136 acres.
Focus Area Subtotal: 29831 2,831
Table Notes: Total Acres Conserved by City: 41 ,550
'Current acres may not correspond to 2004 document due
to change in names of sites or combining sites together. Acres Acquired for Public Use: 34,842
'These sites are open to the public and managed by the
Natural Areas Department. Conservation Easements: 59815
3Includes partial donation, dedication, and/or reduced Leased: 893
purchase price.
Total Acres Conserved by Natural Areas since 2004: 309844
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 27
CONSERVATION FOCUS LAND COSTS FOR LAND CONSERVATION By FOCUS AREAS
AREAS $353000 — ■ Land Costs
Land conservation efforts from 31129 ■ Acres Protected
1993 to 2003 primarily were $30,000 —
focused within the Fort Collins $27 513 76
$25,000 $25,597,953 $25 531992
Growth Management Area
and the Fort Collins-Loveland
o $209000 —
Community Separator Area. In o
2002 , City Council directed the $15,000
Natural Areas Department to
O
develop a land conservation plan $103000
that also included a regional
5,764
focus . The resulting 2004 Land $5,000 3656
Conservation and Stewardship
Master Plan outlined a number of $0
Local Separators Regional
high-priority land conservation
(" focus ") areas that were Figure 8. Total Spending and Acres Conserved
grouped into three categories : by Focus Areas (2003-2013)
local , community separators ,
and regional (Map 3 ) . That ten- developed maps highlighting agricultural , natural
year master plan provided guidance that land resource , and regional and local conservation
conservation funds were to be equally divided opportunities . The outcomes of that effort and other
between the three focus area categories . However,
Public outreach activities have helped provide
more land conservation opportunities arose
the framework for the next decade's conservation
regionally (in particular, the Soapstone Prairie/Red
vision—one that is shared by Larimer County and
Mountain acquisitions) , and therefore spending its municipalities . As the City looks to the next
in the Regional Focus Area category outweighed ten years , the Natural Areas Master Plan 's focus
that of the Community Separator and Local areas areas remain the same , but the priorities for land
categories . Total spending from 1993 to 2013 , conservation within and between the focus areas
however, is almost equally balanced between the have been further refined by the outcomes of the
three focus area categories (Figure 8) . Nevertheless , Our Lands - OurFuture project and the subsequent
the acreages conserved are not balanced due to the
differences in land conservation costs in each of public process .
the focus areas . As shown in Figure 8 , conservation
of local focus area lands cost more per acre than The intent of the focus areas is to identify properties
separator lands , and regional land conservation is within these areas that may be considered for
much less expensive . conservation when willing landowners desire to
sell or donate their land or conservation easements .
In June 2012 , local governments within Larimer Properties outside of the focus areas may also
be considered , depending on opportunities and
County, including the City of Fort Collins , conservation values of the site . As described in
embarked on an effort, Our Lands - Our Future, Chapter 2 (Funding) , the Department's ability to
to analyze the future challenges and opportunities achieve the community's future land-conservation
for land conservation. By defining common open
aspirations hinges on the extension of Larimer
space goals and using the best available geographic County's Help Preserve Open Space ! sales tax.
information system (GIS ) datasets , the partners
28 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
WYOMING _
COLORADO
I
City of O
Fort Collins
Natural North
Areas
Ii
4
i
I
Meadow
Springs
I
Laramie
Foothills
\
z F
\ \ U U
Owl
X Canyon
■
Wellington i
Dry
I
l4 — Upper ' Creek 14 I
Pore r
Wellington I
■ Separator
Bellvue j
Rist m
Canyon
I
i
0 2 4 6 8 Miles
91
Land Conservation Focus Areas 14
Core Poudre
Local Natural Corridor
Community Separators Areas Tlmnath
Separator
Regional Foothills
Public Conserved Lands Corridor Fort Collins
not
r7 City of Fort Collins Natural Area Fossil Creek Lower PoudrO
Larimer County Open Space Corridor and Windsor
Foothills/Buckhorn/Redstone Separator I
Other Public Open Space 287
r State Parks and Wildlife Fort
Federal Land Collins Lovea d
Conservation Easements Separator
City of Fort Collins
City of Fort Collins shared with others Loveland
Others 34
Map 3. Land Conservation Focus Areas
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 29
LOCAL FOCUS AREAS Poudre River Corridor
Local focus areas encompass stream corridors , The Poudre River, often considered the life
foothills habitat, and pockets of open land within blood of the Fort Collins community, is not only
and near Fort Collins city limits that provide a critical water source for irrigation, drinking ,
opportunities for a variety of land protection goals , and industry, but also a haven for wildlife and
including wildlife habitat, recreation, agriculture , recreationists . Resource values include wildlife
and viewsheds . Land in the local focus areas tends habitat, floodplain, and watershed protection. The
to have higher costs for acquisition as a result of City has a strong desire to protect and enhance the
development potential. Stewardship costs are also natural state of the river by expanding its current
typically higher due to greater recreation pressure inventory of natural areas from the canyon mouth
and restoration needs due to impacts from past to I- 25 . Continued protection along the river
land use and urbanization. Over the next ten years , will ensure floodplain protection , habitat, and
the local focus areas discussed below will be the migration/travel corridors for both wildlife and
primaryPeople . As previously discussed , the Poudre River
focus for conservation efforts . This focus is
aligned with public feedback received through the corridor has been an important focus area for the
Our Lands — Our Future Project, Master Plan open community for decades . More than 1 , 500 acres
houses , and the Land Conservation and Stewardship have been protected adjacent to the river, of which
Board. Other City initiatives , such as Nature in 223 acres have been protected since 2004 .
the City (which the Department participates in)
and the Multi-purpose Lands effort (which the
Department is the lead) may provide opportunities
to conserve natural areas in partnership with other
City departments .
Bellvue
Bellvue , a small agricultural community northwest
of Fort Collins , lies in Pleasant Valley. The narrow
valley at the mouth of Rist Canyon stretches between
the Dakota Hogback ridge and the foothills. Resource _
values are plentiful: wildlife habitat, agricultural
production, scenic viewsheds , community separator,
and the Poudre River floodplain. Key elements for
protection include rare species habitat and important -
wetlands , especially along the Poudre River
floodplain and adjacent riparian community. The f
i
Fort Collins community is interested in conservation y '
opportunities that would preserve ecosystem • ��
connectivity from the shortgrass prairie to the
foothills forest and linkages to Horsetooth Mountain
Open Space and Lory State Park. Conservation in
the Bellvue area will help maintain the agricultural
heritage and rural character of Bellvue and Laporte.
To date, the City has not completed any conservation
projects within this focus area. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally)
30 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Core (Neighborhood) Natural Areas views to the foothills and mountains along the I- 25
Conservation of nature in an urban environment corridor. Within this focus area, more than 3 , 000
has many benefits , including aesthetic values , acres have been protected , which mostly consists
nearby recreational opportunities , and protection of two larger properties , Fossil Creek Reservoir
of islands of habitat that promote biodiversity and and Cathy Fromme Prairie natural areas . Just over
provide a home for species that otherwise would 100 of these acres have been acquired since 2004 .
not be able to exist in an urban environment. In
light of the data gleaned from Our Lands - Our Foothills Corridor
Future, Plug In To Nature (Design Workshop Land conservation in the foothills will not only
2012 ) , and Nature in the City (City of Fort Collins preserve the City's mountain viewshed , but will
Planning Department) studies , the Department also help conserve unique plant communities ,
is committed to acquiring properties that would important wildlife habitat and travel corridors ,
provide enhanced access to nature within the and the unique geology of the hogback ridges .
City's Growth Management Area and better reach There are opportunities to improve the ecological
underserved areas , such as the city's northeast connections between the shortgrass prairie and the
quadrant (see Map 1 for current location of natural foothills , as well as connections to other protected
areas) . Approximately 157 acres have been lands to the west. The Foothills Corridor is
protected within this focus area to-date , and 15 extremely popular for recreationists , particularly
acres since 2004 . cyclists and trail runners . Land conserved in the
southern portion of this area also functions as a
community separator between Fort Collins and
that Loveland. Nearly 4 , 000 acres have been protected
• Plug ' Nature study found by the City within this focus area, more than 700
whiletheir � � • • respondents
_ . • • • reported of which have been acquired since 2004 .
• • • • .
childrenvery high, 79 % of respondents wanted
their ' • Copy SEPARATORs Focus AREAs
nature than they currently do . Time , Community separators are parcels of undeveloped
location, and cost were the three greatest or minimally developed land that create a buffer
barriers to increasing access to nature , between municipal jurisdictions and preserve the
highlighting the need for more nature• - • • - (Design 2012 ) . individual identity of communities . Separators
often consist of undeveloped farmland, low-
density rural developments , floodplains , or
other areas that may or may not be desirable
for residential or commercial development. A
Fossil Creek Corridor separator can be achieved through a variety of
While the City has made great strides in protecting mechanisms , including conservation easements ,
the ecologically sensitive Fossil Creek area fee purchase of land for natural areas or other
since 2004 , some opportunities remain. Land open space uses , or zoning restrictions . Separators
conservation will help protect rare species and are often implemented along major roadways
riparian/wetland areas by expanding upon the connecting municipalities in order to preserve the
existing Fossil Creek natural areas , will provide open viewshed that provides a natural boundary
recreation opportunities , and will extend the Fossil between two communities . Land within the
Creek Trail . Additional land protection in this area community separator focus areas , particularly
contributes to community separation between those discussed below, is the second highest
Fort Collins and Loveland/Windsor and preserves
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 31
conservation priority over the next ten years , due in
part to rising land values and greater development
pressure than lands within the Regional Focus
Areas face .
Wellington Separator
The City has conserved more than 1 , 000 acres
in this separator, with more than 80 % of the
acreage protected since 2003 . The Natural
Areas Department will continue to reach out to
landowners , particularly on the west side of I- 25 .
Lands in the Wellington Separator Focus Area
provide prime soils for agriculture , an important
viewshed to the foothills and mountains , and a Sod Farm Conservation Easement in the Wellington Separator
significant number of irrigated farmlands that are (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
a staple of the local economy. Partnerships with the 2 , 242 -acre Coyote Ridge and 1 , 399-acre Fossil
the State of Colorado and City of Thornton in this Creek Reservoir natural areas , considered as local
focus area are warranted, given that each entity focus areas , contribute greatly to this community
has large landownership positions in this area. separator. These shortgrass prairies and farmlands
preserve scenic views , wildlife habitat and
Lower Poudre and Windsor Separator travel corridors , and agricultural land. The open
This separator area, located southeast of Fort character between Loveland and Fort Collins along
Collins , contains opportunities to protect rare the north-south main arterials helps give each
species habitat, wetland and riparian communities , community its own sense of character. The City
and agricultural values along the Poudre River. The will continue to work with Loveland to protect
City has successfully helped to protect 338 acres additional parcels appropriate for conservation
along the Lower Poudre , which in combination and regional trail connections .
with Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area (nearly
1 ,400 acres) creates community separation
between Fort Collins and Windsor. The Natural REGIONAL FOCUS AREAS
Areas Department will continue to collaborate The City has conserved nearly 31 , 000 acres in the
on conservation efforts with the Larimer County regional focus areas , most of which are located in
Department of Natural Resources , as well as with the Laramie Foothills and Meadow Springs focus
the Towns of Windsor and Timnath , including areas . The regional focus areas , in comparison
efforts to acquire key parcels for Poudre River to the other two focus categories , have lower
Trail System connections . acquisition costs due to lower development
pressure and lower stewardship costs due to lower
Fort Collins—Loveland Separator recreational pressure and higher quality habitat.
The majority ofthe FortCollins—Loveland Separator Opportunities exist to conserve a wide range of
has already been conserved. In addition to the conservation values , including wildlife habitat,
1 , 264 acres within Long View Farm Open Space scenery, agricultural , watershed protection, and
(managed by Larimer County) and Prairie Ridge recreation.
Natural Area (managed by the City of Loveland) ,
32 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Foothills: Buckhorn, Redstone, and Rist Canyon
Land conservation projects in these areas preserve
important wildlife habitat in the foothills transition
zone , while providing ecosystem connectivity and
possible future trail connections to Horsetooth
Mountain Park, Lory State Park, and Coyote Ridge
Natural Area. In addition , conservation efforts will
focus on protection of high- diversity wetland and
riparian areas and maintaining natural viewsheds
and rural/open character in the foothills . To date ,
the City has conserved 3 , 844 acres in this focus
area.
Upper Poudre or 1
The City will consider partnership opportunities
to conserve lands along the Upper Poudre River Mule deer on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
and Poudre Canyon that will enhance habitat (Photo byDaylan Figgs)
protection and ecosystem connectivity for LAND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
migrating wildlife within the canyon corridor. The City uses three primary strategies to conserve
Land protection projects in this area will also help land : fee ownership , conservation easements ,
maintain a healthy watershed to ensure a clean and land development regulations . The first
and natural river water supply and provide buffers two mechanisms can be tailored to specific
that help mitigate property damage from floods opportunities in partnership with willing
and fires . A total of 493 acres has been acquired by landowners , other agencies , and nonprofits .
the City for public use within this focus area.
Laramie Foothills-Meadow Springs FEE OWNERSHIP
The City will seek to conserve additional lands Purchase of Fee Interest in Land
in the Laramie Foothills-Meadow Springs focus Acquiring the fee interest, that is , obtaining full
areas to further enhance the conservation of this ownership , nearly always includes eventual
landscape-scale wildlife corridor and wildlife public access to at least a portion of the site . Land
area. Land conservation projects in this area costs to obtain fee ownership is generally two to
support opportunities for larger-scale prairie three times more than purchase of a conservation
conservation, including protection of prime easement, which in contrast allows continued use
pronghorn habitat , protection of the Foothills-to- of the land by the private landowner. In addition,
Plains wildlife corridor, reintroduction of native owning a property creates a long-term maintenance
shortgrass prairie species such as the black-footed obligation. Fee acquisition is most appropriate
ferret and the American bison, and protection of when public access and recreation, high natural
historical and archaeological resources . It also resource values , large restoration or management
sustains preservation of the I- 25 viewshed to the demands , or other issues are present that make
west with its uninterrupted views of the foothills full ownership of a property more advantageous .
and mountains . The Natural Areas Department It should also be noted that fee acquisition does
has protected 26 , 600 acres within this focus area. not always mean full control of the property.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 33
For example , many parcels the Natural Areas for the difference between the fair market value ,
Department has acquired are considered " split as determined by a certified appraisal , and the
estate , " or have had some rights (usually mineral sale price .
rights ) severed from the property. In practice ,
this means that the City must either seek out and
purchase the mineral rights from the owner or CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
must negotiate with the rights owner if it wants to Where public ownership of the land itself is
exercise the mineral rights on the property. not essential to the public interest, or when the
property owner is not interested in selling their
Over the last ten years , the Natural Areas property, the City may conserve the property by
Department has purchased the fee interest on over acquiring a perpetual conservation easement (also
25 , 000 acres in both local and regional focus areas . called the purchase of development rights) from
willing landowners . A conservation easement
limits development rights and places restrictions
on certain activities to achieve desired land uses
and protect important conservation values of a
property. Each conservation easement is tailored
to the specific property, runs with the land in
perpetuity, leaves the land in private ownership ,
and usually does not permit public access .
Conservation easements are far less expensive
initially and over the long term than full ownership ;
however, the City has perpetual stewardship and
enforcement responsibility to ensure that the
properties are managed consistently with the
terms of the easements .
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally)
Once a conservation easement is placed on a
property, the Natural Areas Department begins
Donation of Fee Interest the task of ongoing monitoring of the perpetual
When a landowner donates a portion or all of the easement to ensure that the deed restrictions
fee interest to a property, the landowner may be
eligible for a tax deduction (considered a charitable
contribution) . Donations have contributed to land
conservation of several natural areas over the last - -
ten years .
Bargain Sale
W4•as •
A bargain sale is merely a purchase in which a
landowner sells property to the City at a price
below the fair market value . The purchase can
be either fee interest or a conservation easement .
Usually the landowner can take a tax deduction
or credit (treated like a charitable contribution) Swift Farm Conservation Easement adjacent to Fossil Creek
Reservoir Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Department Photo)
34 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
placed on the property are honored . Monitoring Leases
also ensures that the land use on the property is The City leases surface rights from two irrigation
consistent with the conservation values described companies to enhance the wildlife habitat on
in the easement deed and that any violations are and surrounding the reservoirs and to provide
corrected. Staff conducts annual site visits to each recreation opportunities . Fossil Creek Reservoir's
easement property, takes photos of the property, recreational rights are leased from North Poudre
and files reports . Irrigation Company ; recreational rights for Dixon
Reservoir (on Pineridge Natural Area) are also
In 2011 the Colorado Department of Regulatory leased.
Agencies began administering regulatory oversight
of conservation easements in Colorado to comply Intergovernmental Cooperation
with a series of laws passed by the Colorado The Natural Areas Department works cooperatively
legislature . This oversight included a certification and in partnership with other City departments ,
process for holders of conservation easements , tax Larimer County, and other municipalities on
credit caps and rules , and reporting regulations . open space conservation. Many of these efforts
The City of Fort Collins was certified as a qualified have resulted in joint purchases of natural areas ,
entity to hold conservation easements in 2011 and open space , or conservation easements . The City
annually seeks recertification. has also worked with other local governments
to develop area plans that have helped guide
future land conservation efforts to protect natural
resources and agricultural land .
Multipurpose Lands
Within the City's Growth Management Area,
the Natural Areas Department continues to seek
out properties that provide opportunities for
partnerships with the Parks and/or Stormwater
departments . Red Fox Meadows Natural Area is
a current example of " multipurpose land " that
serves as both a neighborhood natural area and
*z' w7ow, Wr
r. an important stormwater detention site . The City
Ip -a n'l ' . . . 'M• -
`'`� ' will continue to work toward connecting open
lands with protected corridors , which could
serve as wildlife , trail , or drainage corridors and
sometimes all three . Multipurpose lands meet
Wire Draw Ranch Conservation Easement adjacent to Soapstone
Prairie Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas two or more of the following objectives : increased
Department Photo) local flood protection, prevention of stormwater
pollution , improved water quality in streams and
OTHER LAND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES groundwater, enhanced wildlife habitat/corridors ,
Other conservation mechanisms include leases , and increased recreational (e . g . , trail connections )
intergovernmental cooperation, and partnerships and educational opportunities .
with nonprofit groups .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 35
Partnerships with Government and Nonprofit from the initial conceptual design submittal
Conservation Organizations through post-construction monitoring to ensure
The City has a strong track record of successful resources are protected as designed.
collaborations in land conservation with both
government and nonprofit organizations in all The Land Use Code requires that every site be
three major focus areas (see Table 3 ) , including analyzed by an environmental professional prior
Larimer County, City of Loveland, and The Nature to the submittal of a development proposal . The
Conservancy. The City will continue to look for regulations also require that resources be protected
new and innovative conservation strategies and (or mitigated if impacted) and that protected
partnerships to conserve sustainable ecosystems resources be buffered from the developed portion
and working farms , including efforts to analyze of the site to ensure they are not only physically
the challenges , opportunities , and possible gaps protected but also functionally protected.
in their collective land conservation , stewardship ,
and outdoor recreation programs and portfolios .
Since these regulations were adopted in 1997 ,
Working together will encourage positive
over 30 natural habitats and features have been
changes for biodiversity and natural habitats and
agricultural land conservation. protected through the regulatory process , with
approximately 250 acres of resources and buffer
zones provided .
PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATION
Certified Natural Areas
As the first municipality in the country to be In 1994 , the City established the Certified Natural
designated as an Urban Wildlife Sanctuary ( 1987) , Areas Program for private landowners and
the City of Fort Collins has long valued the role non-City public landowners to encourage the
of nature within our urban environment. While protection of lands with existing natural areas
the Natural Areas Policy Plan (City of Fort Collins values as well as lands that could be restored or
1992 ) placed a strong emphasis on the acquisition enhanced to provide those values . Land certified
and stewardship of public lands , the plan also as a natural area is managed by the landowner
highlighted the many opportunities to partner so that native animal and plant communities
with private landowners to achieve the Natural are enhanced , restored , and protected . City
Areas Department's mission.
The City has been involved in developing and
refining a number of tools to ensure natural
resources are protected on private lands . These
tools have included development regulations ,
the Certified Natural Areas Program , and specific
subarea plans such as the Fossil Creek Reservoir
Area Plan ,
Development Regulations
Initially established in 1997 , the Land Use
Code contains an entire section dedicated to the :F
protection of natural habitats and features . A senior
environmental planner in the Planning Services Fossil Creek Meadows Certified Natural Area (City of Fort Collins
Department now administers this code section Natural Areas Department Photo)
36 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
staff provides assistance in the planning of this At far less cost, the City also used development
management. The Natural Areas Department regulations to protect the 1/4-mile buffer (established
provides monetary assistance in implementation via the area plan) around Fossil Creek Reservoir.
of management plans through the Natural Areas In 2014 , one of the last remaining large parcels
Enhancement Fund (see page 77 ) . Landowners can of land to be developed within the Fossil Creek
feel proud that they are contributing to the Fort Reservoir Area Plan, Kechter Farm, was approved
Collins community's goal of resource protection . and included over 120 acres of land managed for
Not only are they providing higher-quality habitat wildlife protection and enhancement. These efforts
for the wildlife that the landowners enjoy seeing , to implement buffer regulations paid off when bald
but they also are contributing to the protection eagles successfully nested on the reservoir in 2014
and enhancement of the quality of life for all of for the first time in at least three decades .
Fort Collins citizens . As of 2013 , 56 sites and a
total of 505 acres have been certified by the City Current Planning Department Efforts
as a natural area. While private land conservation tools have
served Fort Collins well over the past 20 years ,
Area Plans the city's development patterns are shifting from
In City Plan, the comprehensive plan for the City greenfield (i . e . , land that has never been used for
of Fort Collins , specific area plans are developed to development , such as agricultural land) to infill
focus on a particular subarea of the community. Each and redevelopment. As these patterns shift, private
area plan builds on City-wide vision and policies , land conservation priorities are also shifting from
while establishing a more specific level of detail protecting individual natural resources to ensuring
and focus within a subarea. Plans are established that natural systems in developed or informal
or revisited when there are emerging issues that natural areas are conserved and that everyone in
could affect development patterns. The Natural our community has access to nature .
Areas Department is involved in these area plans to
a greater or lesser extent given the need to protect To ensure that nature is protected within the urban
resource values. fabric of our community, the following efforts , led
by the Planning Services Department, are currently
One of the key area plans that helped preserve local
natural areas values was the Fossil Creek Reservoir
Area Plan, jointly adopted by the City of Fort Collins
and Larimer County in 1998 . The Fossil Creek
Reservoir ecosystem is unique and provides habitat
for over 180 species of birds , including winter
roost sites for bald eagles and has been recognized
as an Important Birding Area by the Audubon
Society. Since adoption of the area plan, the City
and Larimer County have dedicated more than $ 12
million for land protection along the reservoir's
shores to protect wildlife habitat and develop an t
outstanding regional bird watching area through
public land ownership , leasing and managing f
reservoir recreational rights , and conservation - J6*� , � {
easements on neighboring working farms . Bald eagles at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
(Photo by Dawn Wilson)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 37
under way to ensure our private lands are contributing to
this overall conservation goal :
• Development Regulations. City Planning staff will
continue to implement the Land Use Code standards
for protecting natural resources on private lands .
To ensure compliance with these requirements and
that the resources are adequately buffered from the
development, Planning Services staff is crafting
guidelines to illustrate how to protect and enhance
the site 's ecological value through proper plant
selection , minimizing construction impacts , and
ongoing maintenance requirements .
• Nature in the City. Initially contemplated in the
1992 Natural Areas Policy Plan , City Planning staff
is currently developing a Nature in the City Strategic
Plan to evaluate and plan for the incorporation of
nature into an increasingly urban environment. This
strategic plan will further expand upon community
Widow skimmer dragonfly at Cottonwood Hollow
conservation efforts by looking at how access to Natural Area (Photo by Dave Leatherman)
everyday nature can be provided within the urban
environment. This strategic plan is scheduled to be
completed in the spring of 2015 .
38 Land Conservation FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
r �
,r
•
1. =r
fA
0 r I A4'
A a-ho Bend Natural Area (City of Fort
T E ULTIL
A CollinsDepartment Photor
he City 's Natural Areas Program has been the major catalyst conserving the finest examples
of native ecosystems and valuable wildlife habitats within and near Fort Collins . Partners ,
such as Larimer County, and willing property owners have helped expand the acreage of
habitat conserved beyond the City 's Growth Management Area boundary. Collectively, these diverse
landscapes connect our community to our natural heritage and are emblematic of our active outdoor
lifestyle and our commitment to land conservation . The careful and responsible management or
" stewardship " of these lands is entrusted to the Natural Areas Department by the citizens of Fort
Collins and Larimer County.
STAFFING
From its small beginnings in 1992 of three Natural Resources Division staff and three Parks maintenance
staff, Natural Areas Department staffing has grown along with the acreage and complexity of lands the
department manages . Today, it takes a team of 50 professionals to manage the Natural Areas Department
and its properties . The Department is divided into eight work groups :
• Department Management (finance, budgeting, resources, agriculture and local food production
strategic planning, policy plan development, issues , property leases, energy development and
landscape level river issues , Land Conservation minerals extraction, utility easements and right-
and Stewardship Board support, clerical support) of-ways on natural areas, conservation easement
• Land Conservation (land, water, and conservation stewardship , night sky monitoring)
easement acquisitions) • Rangers (patrol, visitor contacts , enforcement)
• Education (outreach, community relations, • Public Improvements (recreation amenities,
interpretation, Master Naturalist Program including trails and trail head parking)
supervision, volunteer coordination) • Facility Operations (maintenance of offices, shops,
• Resource Management (restoration, weed control, storage buildings , ranger/caretaker residences,
wildlife management, research) and Primrose Studio; recycling; sustainability;
• Land Management (water rights management, pollution prevention)
post-gravel mining land restoration, cultural
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 39
Stewardship management responsibilities fall across development projects for which applications
all department work groups . Members of multiple have been submitted to the City for approval
work groups work as a team on planning and under the Land Use Code .
implementing various projects throughout the year. 5 . Upon request of the City Manager or at the
direction of the City Council , to advise City
Council in connection with the proposed
LAND CONSERVATION AND acquisition or disposition of land , interests
STEWARDSHIP BOARD in land, interests in water and other interests
The Land Conservation and Stewardship in real property for City programs other than
Board advises staff and City Council on matters the Natural Areas Department,
pertaining to the management and conservation POLICIES , PLANS , AND PROCEDURES
of natural areas . This nine-member citizen board
is the community's advocate for natural areas Various policies , plans , and procedures guide the
enhancement and conservation within Fort Collins Natural Areas Department in its daily operations
and regionally. and management of natural areas . The overarching
policies come from the City Council-adopted City
Specifically, the duties and functions of the Land Plan (see Appendix B ) . Various other policies ,
Conservation and Stewardship Board are : plans , and procedures are established for specific
sites or purposes and approved at different levels
within City government, Management plans and
1 . To advise City Council regarding policy and guidelines are meant to be somewhat flexible
budgetary matters pertaining to the Natural given the reality that changes occur during the
Areas Department, including but not limited life of these plans that were not anticipated
to the expenditure of Open Space , Yes ! and when initially written. Since the 2004 Land
Larimer County Help Preserve Open Space Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan , the
dedicated sales tax revenues . City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department has
2. To advise Natural Areas Department staff and the created more than 35 documents to help guide its
City Council in connection with the proposed daily operations (Table 4) .
acquisition or disposition of land, interests in
land, interests in water, and other interests in real `' '
property for the Natural Areas Department,
3 . To advise Natural Areas Department staff low
regarding the development of management
plans and public improvements for Natural
,r
Areas Department properties ,
Emil
4 . Upon request of the City Manager or at the
direction of the City Council , to advise City 4• -� ®
Council regarding any positive or negative
impacts that particular plans or projects of
ti
the City or of other public or private entities
p^_
may have on Natural Areas Department
properties or properties that may be of -
interest to the Natural Areas Department.
This provision shall not apply to Poudre River Projects Open House, June 2013 (City of Fort Collins
Natural Areas Department Photo)
40 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Table 4. Natural Areas Policies, Plans , and Procedures (2004-2014)
Document Category Document
Resolutions • Natural Areas and Open Lands Easement Policy (2012 )
(Adopted by City Council) • Council Involvement in Acquisitions for the Natural Areas Program (2005)
Regulations • Naming of City Properties and Facilities Ordinance (2011 )
(Adopted by City Council) • Revisions to Natural Areas Regulations Ordinances (City Code ; 2004-2012 )
Policies and Procedures • Use Policy for Primrose Studio at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (2012)
(Adopted by City Manager) • Conservation Easement Amendment Policy and Procedure (2011 )
• Conservation Easement Monitoring and Enforcement Policy and Procedure
(2011 )
• Conservation Easement Phasing Policy and Procedure (2011 )
• Land Conservation Due Diligence Procedure (2011 )
• Land Conservation Approval Policy and Procedure (2011 )
Policies • Community Services—Use of Motorized Mobility Devices on Parks and
(Adopted by Service Area Director) Natural Areas Policy (2012 ; revised 2014)
• Utilities Services—Poudre River Annual Debris and Downed Tree Removal
Policy (2011 )
Policies and Position Statement • Volunteer Policies and Procedures and Procedures (2013 )
(Adopted by Natural Areas Director) • Natural Areas Encroachment Policy (2011 )
• Natural Areas Agriculture Position Statement (2011 )
• Natural Areas Commercial Use Policy (2010)
• Natural Areas and Trail Rangers Policies and Procedures Manual (2008) (also
adopted by Police Services)
Management Plans • Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan Update (2011 )
(Adopted by Natural Areas Director) • Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Management Plan (2007)
• Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan (2007)
• Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space Habitat Improvement Plan (2006)
• Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Management Plan (2005 )
• Fossil Creek Natural Areas Management Plan (2005 )
• Resource Management and Implementation Plan for Fossil Creek Reservoir
Regional Open Space (2003)
Management Guidelines • Wildlife Management Guidelines (2007)
(Adopted by Natural Areas Director) • Vegetation Management Guidelines (2007)
Guidelines • User Guidelines for Gateway Natural Area Large Group/Event Permit (2011 )
• Policy Regarding Public Use of City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Photos
(2006)
• Natural Areas Permit Conditions (2002)
• Natural Areas Department Identity Standards and Guidelines (2013)
Plans and Manuals • Nix Emergency Action Plan (2014)
• General Resource Protection Standards for Easements or Rights of Way (2013 )
• Emergency Preparedness Plan for Fairport Dam, Robert Benson Lake (Pelican
Marsh Natural Area) (2012 )
• Fire Management Plan (2012)
• Vegetation Management Field Guide (2011 )
• Bobcat Ridge Operations Manual (2011)
• Gateway Natural Area Operations and Maintenance Manual (2011 )
• Natural Areas and Trail Rangers Field Training Officer Handbook (2010)
• Natural Areas Sign Manual (2005)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 41
Over the next ten years , new policies , plans , and - Areas closed for conservation or wildlife
procedures will undoubtedly be developed as the refuge
need arises and brought forward for adoption at the - Areas where no formal access is provided
appropriate level . Master Plan Priorities (Chapter - Areas closed due to public safety concerns
5 ) include stewardship policy and procedural - Areas under long-term restoration
needs identified at this time . (typically 10 years or more)
- Areas closed due to the presence of
cultural artifacts
MANAGEMENT ZONING SYSTEM - Areas closed on leased land because
In 2011 , the Natural Areas Department developed public access is not allowed by the terms
a new system of management zoning to more of the lease
effectively manage natural resource protection • Zone 2 — Resource Protection Zones : Portions
and human use within natural areas along the of a natural area where conservation and
Poudre River (City of Fort Collins 2011b) . This resource protection are the highest priorities .
system will also be used for other natural areas as Visitor access is generally limited to on-
new management plans are developed or updated . trail or trailside activities . Public amenities
are limited or nonexistent. Temporary or
The Management Zoning System consists of five
seasonal closures maybe enacted for resource
zones (0 to 4) ranging from areas closed to public protection , restoration , or other reasons .
use to " focal areas " prescribed for intensive public
use . A modifier is added to the zoning designation Zone 3 — Natural Experience Zones : Portions
to describe whether on-trail-only or off-trail use of a natural area that are intended to provide
will be permitted : visitors with a place to connect with nature
and enjoy site-appropriate recreation. Off-
trail use is generally allowed and public
TRAIL MODIFIERS (REGULATORY ZONING) : amenities may exist, although, not to the scale
• A — On-trail only or frequency of a focal area. Temporary or
• B — Off-trail use allowed seasonal closures may be enacted for resource
• C — Closed, no trails available (Zone 1 ) protection , restoration , or other reasons .
MANAGEMENT ZONES :
• Zone 0 — Closed Natural Area: The entire
natural area is not open for public access . The 7
natural area is either not intended for public `
use or is not yet open due to lack of public
amenities (e . g. , trails , parking lots) , which
require construction prior to opening .
• Zone 1 — Closed Zones : Portions of a natural
area that are not open to the public due to one
or more reasons specified below. In closed
zones , trails and other public amenities either
do not exist or are intended for maintenance
purposes only. All Zone 1 — Closed Zones are
modified as " C — no trails available . " Reasons
for closures may include : Osprey at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area (Photo by Jack Hicks)
42 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
• Zone 4 — Focal Recreation Zones : Portions of a MASTER NATURALISTS
natural area that provide intense and directed The volunteer Master Naturalist Program began in
recreation. These are developed areas intended 1994 and has become the mainstay of the Natural
to provide defined recreation or access to Areas Education Program. Each certified Master
recreation. Focal areas generally include Naturalist completes over 50 hours of hands-
parking lots , picnic areas , boating or fishing on training focused on local natural history and
access points , designated rock climbing areas , public speaking . In 2013 , 164 Master Naturalists
etc . Temporary or seasonal closures may be and their volunteer assistants helped the City
enacted for resource protection, restoration , reach out to the community, donating thousands
or other reasons . of hours . Because of their dedication , the Natural
Areas Department is able to provide nearly 300
EDUCATION educational activities and events each year,
Natural areas are treasured by the community and currently reaching approximately 11 , 000 people
individuals for many reasons , including education, annually.
recreation, scientific , economic , cultural ,
ecological , and spiritual values . The mission of the Education Staff Work Group is to increase _
citizens ' awareness of natural areas , promote
understanding of natural systems , and foster each
individual 's realization of the importance and
meaning natural places add to our lives .
The goals of the Education Staff Work Group are
to : LLif
• Increase recognition, awareness , and support
of natural areas , natural areas values , and '
the Natural Areas Department's vision and
mission.
• Provide a diversity of meaningful experiences =„
for residents of every age , toddler to seniors ,
to facilitate their connections to nature .
• Directly reach portion of the Fort Collins Master Naturalist at McMurry Natural Area (City of Fort Collins
Y a P Natural Areas Department Photo)
community (current goal is 8 % -10 % annually)
while ensuring participant demographics
match the demographics of the community. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
• Strive to meet these goals through community The Natural Areas Department arranges community
programs , school programs , special events , programs on a variety of topics each year. Programs
media, community involvement , and service are offered through the Tracks £r Trails publication,
learning through volunteer opportunities . The or listed in monthly press releases and the natural
programs are regularly evaluated to determine areas electronic newsletter. Community programs
the most effective way to reach the public . can also be requested by groups for a mutually
agreed upon topic or date .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 43
SCHOOL PROGRAMS The Department funded a lobby visitor center
AND SPECIAL EVENTS and interactive exhibits at the Fort Collins
Museum of Discovery, which opened in
Field trips to natural areas 2012 . The highlight of the free natural areas
for students , grades pre visitor center is the live black-footed ferret
K- 12 , are available free of display, which focuses on the values of the
-.� charge to local schools , native shortgrass prairie . An interactive map
Lessons are taught and brochures help to orient the public to
by Master Naturalist the wealth of natural areas available for their
volunteers and staff using use in the community. Master Naturalist
unique , standards-based, volunteers staff the exhibit at peak times .
interactive activities
developed by the Natural Technology is part of connecting people
Areas Department, to natural areas , so the Department has an
Limited transportation extensive website and employs social media
Master Naturalist at Wade fundingis b as important communication strategies .
the River 2013 (City of s available y
Fort Collins Natural Areas request. School field trips Printed materials , such as maps and
Department Photo) are offered in the spring brochures , complement online resources and
and fall . provide material that is accessible for field
experiences . Maps and brochures are provided
The Natural Areas Department sponsors events at most trailhead kiosks . The Natural Areas
and participates in local festivals by providing a Map is the most popular brochure ; it is printed
staffed booth with interactive activities . Special and updated as needed . New in 2010 was the
events include the NoCo Nature Festival , Wade the popular Tracks & Trails, the Department's
River, Picnic on the Poudre , Cinco de Mayo , and guide to free education-sponsored activities ,
National Get Outdoors Day celebrations . These are May—October. Site brochures are provided
effective events in reaching new audiences and a for the most visited sites such as Soapstone
large number of people . The Department attends Prairie , Bobcat Ridge , Gateway, and Coyote
or sponsors an average of two events a month. Ridge . An annual report is produced to report
on the Department's revenues , expenditures ,
and accomplishments . The School Program
MEDIA Guide is created annually to promote
The Natural Areas Department uses a free student field trips sponsored by the
comprehensive communications strategy to Department. Other publications highlight
support community access and enjoyment of wildlife , native plants , current projects , trails ,
natural areas :
and cultural resources .
• Communications and marketing focus on
• Interpretive features are installed on the most sharing information about Natural Areas
visited natural areas . Currently, 23 sites contain Department events , activities , and public
interpretive signage . Signage (free-standing or input opportunities . These include a monthly
on kiosks) has been installed on 13 of these e-newsletter (available by free subscription) ,
sites since 2004 . These products explain the social media postings , targeted emails ,
natural features of the natural areas , increase newspaper columns , paid advertising , direct
visitor enjoyment, and contribute to visitor mail , and press releases .
management.
44 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Keeping up with a changing media landscape and
Everyone in the community is invited to technology is an issue for all professionals involved
participate in developing the plans and policies of in education . While many new communications
the Natural Areas Department through frequently strategies have been introduced in the last 10
offered feedback and input opportunities , and by years , the older methods are still necessary, making
communicating concerns , ideas , and compliments communications a more complex endeavor. The
to staff at any time . The Education Work Group City will continue to seek out new opportunities
is responsible for planning and coordinating for using technology to connect people to the
natural world.
community involvement processes in collaboration
with staff leading the plan/policy effort.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION
PARTNERSHIPS Citizens support natural areas in many ways
The Natural Areas Department is involved from voting for ballot measures that fund the
in the Fort Collins community and regional conservation of these special lands to volunteering
environmental education efforts through to participate in stewardship activities . In 2011 , a
partnerships and collaborations . Education staff seasonal educator was hired to introduce service
works with relevant professional associations at learning into volunteering . Service learning
the state and national level , related organizations volunteer events include an educational component
and agencies , and other City departments on taught by education staff or another professional
mutually beneficial work and projects . in the natural areas field. Through these efforts to
provide more volunteer opportunities , the Natural
Areas Department now receives more than 10 , 000
BALANCING FUTURE NEEDS hours of volunteer support each year (Figure 9) .
Currently, most natural areas
educational activities and events
are filled to capacity. While the NUMBER OF VOLUNTEER HOURS PER YEAR, 2007 - 2013
Education staff is now able to 16,000
meet the current goal of reaching 14 ,000
8 % -10 % of the community,
with population growth this may 12,000
become more difficult to achieve. 10,000
cc
Several approaches could be o
= 8,000
considered to address this issue
0
including decreasing the level 61000
of service , increasing volunteer 41000
recruitment and volunteer
management capacity, increasing 21000
staff, increasing funding , or o
revisiting the model of volunteers 2007 2008 Zoos 2010 2011 2012 2013
providing most of the Department's Years
education offerings in order to Figure 9. Number of Volunteer Hours per Year, 2007-2013
provide more reliable staffing. (Note: The drop in 2013 resulted from 6 weeks of program
cancelations due to the September flood event)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 45
2008 , Citizen Scientists have collected data about
natural areas , including occurrence of plants and
� ,..•,Y wildlife (e.g. , monitoring motion-activated wildlife
cameras at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area) ,
rr`
rr� T ' RESEARCH
The City has both supported and benefited from
many research projects conducted on natural
areas even before the Natural Areas Program was
established in 1992 . Natural areas provide an
excellent opportunity for scientists to conduct
local research across a variety of disciplines and
Volunteers planting shrubs on Kingfisher Point Natural Area conditions including habitat types , land uses , and
next to Nix Farm Facility (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Department Photo) the urban to rural spectrum.
Volunteer opportunities for residents to get more Research conducted on natural areas include (1 )
deeply involved in natural areas vary from a projects initiated internally or collaboratively to help
single half-day project to projects spanning over a the City manage natural resources or (2 ) research
year or more . Short-term projects of a half or full proposed by others through Special Use Permits to
day typically are service-learning stewardship allow external organizations access to ecosystems on
projects , such as trail building/maintenance , City natural areas and access to species specific to
plantings , weed pulling , and site cleanups . Over their research needs .
1 , 000 people participated in service-learning
projects in 2013 , -~
Volunteer projects with a longer time commitment
include Master Naturalists , Master Naturalist
Assistants , Volunteer Ranger Assistants , Adopt-a-
Trail , Adopt-a-Natural Area, and Citizen Scientists .
Although the Master Naturalists and the Adopt-a-
Natural Area Program were in existence since the
mid- 1990s , the other volunteer programs have been
established in just the last 10 years . The Master
Naturalist Assistant Program was established in
2009 to help educate and inspire stewardship
by assisting the Certified Master Naturalists in 1
community and school programs . The Volunteer i
Ranger Assistants Program was established jointly ,
with Larimer County in 2007 . The 143 Ranger
Assistants greet visitors , promote outdoor safety, 1
and monitor natural areas , logging over 2 , 200 k
hours in 2013 alone. Adopt-a-Trail volunteers , : .
established in 2012 , are groups that commit to Checking wildlife cameras at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (City of
trail maintenance three times a year or more. Since Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
46 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Natural areas serve as valuable resources for local Research studies that have taken place on City
scientists and managers . On average , 27 Special natural areas have addressed various components
Use Permits are now approved each year to allow of local ecosystems that demonstrate value , use ,
access and use of Fort Collins natural areas for application, and relevance of natural area-based
research. Additionally, each year the Natural Areas research to contemporary ecosystem management
Department initiates , or is collaboratively involved issues (Table 5 ) . Projects may be very narrow or
with, a handful of research projects directly tied to local in scope , or even help to answer population-
immediate management questions . For example , or landscape-level questions . Research has
archaeological research efforts are underway on included innovative methods for restoration,
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, which includes integrated pest management, disease management,
the Lindenmeier Site , a National Historic Site that and other resource management topics valuable
is the largest Paleo-Indian Folsom-era campsite for future management of natural areas .
known in the world.
Table 5 . Examples of Special-Permit Research Projects on City Natural Areas over the Last Four Years
Research Category
Plants Rare plant mapping, vegetation recovery following fire and urban disturbances ,
population and demography studies, floristic inventories
Insects Rare insects , grasshopper research, collections and species lists, disease vectors (West
Nile virus , plague)
Fishes and Amphibians Boreal chorus frog interactions with greenback cutthroat trout, citizen science
amphibian survey
Wildlife Predator prey relationships with prairie dogs (raptors and potential for ferret
reintroduction) , mountain lion and bear behavior and movement patterns in the
urban Front Range, breeding bird studies , wildlife movement on fragmented sites, bat
research, wildlife behavior research, mark and recapture study on deer
Atmosphere and Skies Night-sky light pollution, weather-monitoring stations
Restoration and Integrated Innovative restoration methods under challenging conditions (prairie dog colonies,
Pest Management weeds) , efficacy of riparian exclosures
Disease Management Oral plague vaccine research for prairie dogs , chronic wasting disease prevalence and
movement research for deer
Recreational Impacts Noise impacts on prairie dogs, wildlife camera studies observing wildlife movement
with recreational activity and urban development
Archaeology Survey and documentation of archeological sites on natural areas
Cache la Poudre River Modeling future river conditions
Educational Research Long term datasets collected by middle and high school students, groundwater wells
and watershed education, undergraduate term projects (wildlife cameras, various mini
research projects) , habitat evaluations , testing and teaching protocols for large scale
public agency research (such as wetland inventories)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 47
FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS
Natural Areas Department staff has
identified a number of research topics
that would aid in stewardship of natural
areas over the next 10 years (Table 6) .
This working list will help direct local
researchers , both student and professional , . :
toward meeting some of the needs for site
surveys and management. The City will dd
continue to provide opportunities for
children, students , and the community to
become involved in natural areas research
and management.
Black-tailed prairie dogs on Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area (Photo by
Steve Nelson)
Table 6. Selected List of Research Topics to Help Stewardship of Natural Areas over the Next Ten Years
CategoryResearch i
pic
Monitoring • Climate change
• Night skies (continue)
Site Inventories • Invertebrates, including aquatic insects and crustaceans
• Herptiles
• Mammals (large and small)
• Fish (especially small streams and ponds)
Management • River woody debris management
Techniques • Urban prairie dog management/conservation
• Growing native plant species in greenhouses
• Relationship between soil disturbance , native plant establishment, and mycorrhizal fungi
• Other integrated pest management methods besides herbicide treatments to control cheatgrass ,
annual ryegrass , bindweed, and Japanese brome.
• Methods to eliminate smooth brome while causing the least amount of disturbance
• Connections between wildlife populations and vegetation species and structure (creating a link
between what works and what doesn't so that restoration efforts are more successful)
Values • Ecosystem goods and service values
• Ecological value of really small sites for wildlife species—what can you reasonably attract with
little effort (Nature in the City)
Recreational Use • Creel survey at pond sites (and River) in cooperation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The Resource Management Work Group focuses on river banks , and conducting sustainable wildlife
stewardship of native plant communities and the management. Resource Management staff oversees
wildlife those habitats support. Activities over the the implementation of projects that meet natural
last ten years have included managing nonnative resource objectives outlined in site-specific natural
and invasive plants , restoring native plant areas management plans .
communities (primarily grasslands) , rehabilitating
48 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
As the City's inventory of natural areas has WEED MANAGEMENT
increased , so too has the human population of Fort Local natural areas typically host nonnative plant
Collins and the Front Range . With more people communities due to historic land uses such as poor
and development , land stewardship has become farming practices , livestock overgrazing, gravel
more complex in response to the challenges of mining , and poor land management practices .
habitat fragmentation, increased recreational Those land uses had the unintended consequences
needs , threats to habitat integrity from nonnative of creating soils deficient in nutrients and organic
plants and animals , increased demands for water, matter and creating conditions conducive to weed
and the reality of a changing climate .
species .
Although resource management in an urban For much of the past ten years Resource
environment poses many challenges , opportunities Management staff has worked to control
abound as well. With careful thought, planning , and nonnative and invasive plant species under a
adaptive approaches to management our natural
typical integrated weed management paradigm.
areas can provide a visitor experience that even fora Significant accomplishments during this time
brief period, transcends the hustle and bustle of life include the near elimination of Russian olive
in the city. The aspiration to provide visitors with (Elaeagnus angustifolia) and salt-cedar ( Tamarix
high quality experiences and habitat opportunities chinensis) within Poudre River natural areas , and
for wildlife beyond the typical generalist urban the substantial reduction in acreage of problematic
species has been termed "wilderness in the city" by weeds such as leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) ,
the Natural Areas Department. Canada thistle ( Cirsium arvense) , Dalmatian
toadflax (Linaria dalmatica ssp . dalmatica) , purple
Wilderness , when used in the federal land loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) , field bindweed
management context has specific meaning centered ( Convolvul us arvensis) , kochia (Bassia scoparia) ,
in the concept that lands exist "untrammeled or and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) throughout
unchanged by man, where man himself is a visitor the natural areas system. Likewise , major gains
who does not remain " ( 1964 Wilderness Act) . The have been made to reduce residual agricultural
aspiration of the Department, however, is to create grasses , including crested wheatgrass (Agropyron
a very high-quality experience in nature even cristatum) and cereal ryegrass (Secale cereale) .
though it occurs within an urban environment.
Weed management actions are based on the
The Department will seek to return landscape integrated pest management (IPM) philosophy : a
level natural disturbances , such a fire , grazing , combination of chemical , mechanical , cultural ,
and expansion of riparian areas where appropriate and biological treatments . Herbicides are selected
given public safety and urban infrastructure for use based on lowest environmental toxicity,
needs . Where opportunities exist , staff will design selectivity to the target species , and effectiveness ,
restoration projects to provide habitat for native By using the most effective chemical in
species that may be uncommon to this area, but combination with other treatments , the Natural
are known to thrive here if certain habitat elements Areas Department is seeing improved control
exist. High quality habitat and the associated lasting multiple years and promoting a competitive
experience , or feeling, of being in a "wild " advantage for native plants .
environment dovetails with the Department's
objectives to restore ecologic function, and to More recently, management actions have focused
provide exceptional educational and recreation on promoting the health of native vegetation in
experiences , contrast to a sole focus on management against
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 49
nonnative vegetation . The evolution of this the natural areas system in 2004 . Over the last ten
approach has manifested in a grassland health— years , using a GIS model to focus rare plant surveys
based approach , which includes the use of fire and a dedicated corps of volunteers , Resource
through controlled burns to invigorate native Management staff located 26 additional species of
vegetation and the control of prairie dogs to plants rare to Colorado and, in some cases , even
promote sustainable native grasslands . globally rare . City of Fort Collins natural areas are
the only known locations in Colorado for some
of these rare plant species . Knowledge of rare
plant occurrence on natural areas is critical to
4 management planning and stewardship .
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
1
In addition to significant efforts at managing
g g g
weeds , the City is taking a proactive approach
to restoring degraded lands back to native plant
communities . Restoration efforts have been
initiated and are progressing well in degraded
Prescribed burn at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (City of Fort Collins grasslands of southwest Fort Collins on lands
Natural Areas Department Photo) previously in winter wheat. A more challenging
grassland restoration has been the restoration of
VEGETATION MONITORING lime waste pits along the Poudre River that began
Staff monitors vegetation management to improve in 2003 . Few thought that these severely degraded
long-term success and determine best methods . lands would ever support native vegetation, but
Repeat ground photography (" photo points " ) and today wildlife thrive in a native grassland mix
weed mapping provide extremely useful data on established on both sides of Timberline Road
the effectiveness of various treatments through south of the Poudre River.
time.
Several natural areas , under joint ownership
In 2005 , the Natural Areas Department developed and management with Stormwater Utility, have
the Resource Management Information System undergone extensive wetland restoration as part of
(RMIS) , which is a GIS-based planning and tracking flood protection and water quality improvement
software that records management and monitoring Projects . With funding support primarily
activities on a management unit (geographic) Provided by Stormwater Utility, the Natural Areas
basis . This system permits the easy retrieval of Department staff provides expertise throughout the
management actions that affect the vegetation on Planning and implementation process . The largest
properties in the natural areas system. RMIS can Project, to date , has been the Canal Importation
generate summary data for year-end reporting and and Ponds Outfall Project that included a major
other data inquiries , as needed. portion of the Red Fox Meadows Natural Area.
Between 2008 and 2011 , the Department and
Stormwater Utility restored over 26 acres of
A key contribution to resource management has this natural area to wetlands and native upland
been the implementation of a system-wide rare vegetation through an award-winning project that
plant survey on City natural areas . Only ten rare improved water quality, reduced neighborhood
plant species were known to occur throughout flooding , and enhanced wildlife habitat.
50 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
The major focus of restoration for the Natural the goals of each restoration effort are met. Over
Areas Department since 2011 has been the the next decade , the Department will continue to
floodplains and cottonwood forests of the focus on restoration in the Poudre River corridor
Poudre River Corridor. In 2011 the first phase in addition to completing the large grassland
of the McMurry Ponds Restoration Project was restoration projects on the southwest side of the
accomplished on the west pond where four acres city on Coyote Ridge Natural Area.
of new wetland habitat were created and three
acres of new floodplain cottonwood habitat were
initiated . Likewise in 2013 , a major effort began WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
at North Shields Ponds Natural Area where five For decades , conserving land that supports
acres of new wetland habitat were created in an black-tailed prairie dogs has been a conservation
old gravel pond and eight acres of new floodplain priority. However, prairie dog management can be
cottonwood habitat were created. Perhaps the very controversial. Unlike the natural expansion ,
greatest accomplishment was the removal of the movement, and contraction of prairie dog colonies
Josh Ames Ditch diversion structure at North throughout the Great Plains of the 1800s and
Shields Ponds Natural Area. The structure , no prior, colonies within the Fort Collins region are
longer needed for water diversion, was essentially restricted from this natural movement due to
a small dam in the Poudre River that prohibited conflicts with urban development and agriculture .
fish passage . The lack of movement possibilities outside of
the conserved natural area produces a situation
where intensive prairie dog grazing degrades the
health of the grassland to a point where topsoil
becomes exposed and can be easily eroded by
frequent wind events and vegetation composition
becomes dominated by undesirable nonnative
plants . Cyclical periods of drought exacerbate
these conditions .
In the past decade , the City has experimented
with a suite of management efforts ranging from
a " hands-off"/no-lethal-control approach to
significant lethal control . Adoption of the Wildlife
Management Guidelines in 2007 created a hybrid
approach that seeks to balance the conservation of
prairie dog colonies with maintaining grassland
Removal of the Josh amen Dinh diversion structure at North structure beneficial to a variety of grassland wildlife
Shields Ponds Natural area (City of Fort Collins Natural areas species . This approach manages colony acreages
Department Photo)
below system "maximums " observed from 2004
to 2006 toward overall improvement of grassland
Over the past ten years , a total of 867 acres of natural health. Looking forward , the Natural Areas
areas within the local focus areas of Fort Collins has Department will continue to carefully monitor
been restored to a composition of greater than 75 % and manage prairie dog colonies while exploring
native plant species . One important component of innovative techniques that promote prairie dog
these restoration efforts is the annual monitoring communities in harmony with grassland health.
and adaptive management necessary to ensure that
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 51
and number of permits issued , and be offered
to the public through a random draw or similar
selection approach .
WILDLIFE REINTRODUCTIONS
* - The City is working with several federal and
• state agencies to reintroduce rare and endangered
� .•� wildlife species to natural areas through
cooperative species conservation projects .
American Bison
The Natural Areas Department is pursuing the
reintroduction of the American bison to Soapstone
Prairie Natural Area in support of a larger effort to
Great horned owls on Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area (Photo conserve the plains bison as a wildlife species . Staff
by Aran Meyer)
is working with Colorado State University, the U. S .
Other wildlife management efforts in the past ten Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health
years have included the routine monitoring and Inspection Service , and others to bring bison with
protection of raptors and the initiation of breeding a genetic background of the Yellowstone herd to
bird surveys along the Poudre River corridor and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
foothill properties . The information gathered from
these surveys guide restoration , recreation , and Black-Footed Ferrets
management operations on natural areas . Over the The City submitted an allocation request to release
next decade , the Department anticipates examining black-footed ferrets onto Soapstone Prairie Natural
how beavers could be managed harmoniously Area and the adjacent Meadow Springs Ranch
within the urban environment. Similarly, the (owned and managed by Utilities for the deposition
department is seeking to promote healthy aquatic of dry bio-solids) . The Soapstone Prairie Natural
wildlife (including sport and native fisheries) in Area Management Plan (City of Fort Collins 2007b)
partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife . identified the black-tailed prairie dog community
as a conservation priority within the shortgrass
To date , wildlife management has not included
harvesting of game animals . As regional properties
are added into the natural areas portfolio ,
opportunities may exist to add hunting as both
a recreation and wildlife management tool . As
6P
an example , pronghorn hunting for wildlife + ,�
management and recreation will be considered `
• �' ` t,.•
for Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in the next
ten years . As with any hunting program, the r ,jtie , '•Wo''
rw
Department will work closely with Colorado : ,•vrl for
Parks and Wildlife to establish season and harvest
objectives . Implementation of a hunting program
must minimize or avoid conflicts with other Black-footed ferret (Photo Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service)
recreation users , be controlled in terms of location
52 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
prairie system . In May 2014 , Colorado Governor
John Hickenlooper signed HB14- 1267 authorizing
city and counties to have the ability to reintroduce
experimental populations of black-footed ferrets to
their property. The first release of ferrets occurred
in early September 2014 ,
Rare Native Fishes
The City is working with Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce and monitor the Assessing prevalence of weeds on Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural
status of rare fishes on several sites . Within Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Meadow
S larger grasslands , inadequate nonlethal methods
Springs Ranch, the Natural Areas Department is
working to manage native northern redbelly dace for controlling prairie dogs , threats from invasive
(Phoxinus eos) and brassy minnow (Hybognathus tree insect pests , and obtaining funding to cover
hankinsoni) populations , state endangered the high costs of river and floodplain restoration.
and state threatened species , respectively. The
Department is also partnering with CPW and the Nonnative , invasive grasses pose a particular
Colorado Water Conservation Board to protect problem for Resource Management, especially in
water flow in four stream stretches on these two areas where control is difficult due to terrain or
sites to support rare native fish and amphibians , habitat (e .g . , the understory of cottonwood forests ;
including the northern leopard frog (a state species steep foothills mountain mahogany shrublands) .
of special concern) . The threat of invasive grass species in all of the
City's natural areas cannot be ignored. Species
The Natural Areas Department is also working with such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) , Japanese
CPW to create habitat for native rare fishes within brome (Bromus japonicas) , smooth brome (Bromus
Fort Collins at a recently acquired gravel mining pit inermis) , jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) ,
west of Arapaho Bend between Strauss Cabin and quackgrass (Elymus repens) , exotic strains of reed
Ziegler roads . The pit is a typical sand and gravel canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) , and cereal
lake constructed with steep sides and supporting rye (Secale cereale) are among the many grasses
little to no wetland or shallow water habitat. that continue to establish on sites . These grasses
The restoration project will convert the 22 -acre are more difficult to control than typical weeds
deepwater lake to a mix of shallow wetlands and because of their resistance to herbicides , extensive
deeper, open water. Once complete, the site will root systems , and hardiness . Invasive grasses
serve as a ref igium for several species of rare native also pose more of a wildfire threat compared to
fishes within the Cache la Poudre watershed. broadleaf weeds .
Periodic burning, mowing , or grazing of restored
URBAN CHALLENGES OF RESOURCE grasslands is necessary to mimic natural
MANAGEMENT disturbance regimes that maintain native
Urban natural areas in Fort Collins pose many grasslands . Prescribed burns and livestock grazing
challenges for ongoing resource management on smaller properties within Fort Collins can be
and restoration. Among the challenges is the operationally difficult in the urban environment.
predominance of highly successful weedy species , Unfortunately, prairie dogs , a native grazer, can
limited ability to use fire or grazing to manage cause considerable damage to native grasslands in
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 53
an urban context where natural colony movement CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER AND OTHER
and expansion cannot take place due to land use
and ownership limitations . AQUATIC SYSTEMS
The Fort Collins community recognized the need
Since the mid- 2000s the mountain pine bark beetle to protect the Cache la Poudre River long before
(Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak has moved the existence of the Natural Areas Department. In
from the west onto the foothills of the northern fact, threats to this valuable resource , primarily
Front Range . At Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, from expanding development, helped drive the
resource managers have aggressively treated a relict adoption of the City's Natural Areas Policy Plan in
stand of ponderosa pine on the west edge of the 1992 • Along with the Poudre River and its tributary
property that is home to trees that date back to the streams , open water habitat such as ponds and
early 1500s . Protecting this small stand preserved lakes , as well as the wetlands throughout Fort
a unique plant community and the local climate Collins play a critical role in supporting the broad
history locked within the trees ' annual rings . At spectrum of wildlife that inhabit our natural
this time , the Natural Areas Department does not areas in this semiarid region. The river and other
have any plans to treat larger stands of ponderosa aquatic systems also provide excellent recreation
pines , such as those on the City's foothills natural and educational opportunities highly valued
by the Fort Collins community such as fishing ,
areas ,
experiential and environmental education,
transportation corridors , wildlife viewing , and
Much of the subcanopy of the cottonwood forests places for families and children to explore.
along the Poudre River and its drainages are in
green ash trees . The invasive emerald ash borer
(Agrilus planipennis) is expected to be present in
the Fort Collins area within the next few years .
Its arrival is likely to greatly reduce the amount
of subcanopy trees in the cottonwood forests and
I .
modify the existing floristic composition of the
Poudre River and other stream drainages in the
city. The high cost annual chemical treatment -
necessary to save green ashes has secondary
and nontarget impacts that likely are significant
enough to outweigh the value of saving the trees .
Therefore , staff will focus efforts on planning for
Poudre River spring flooding, 2011, on Kingfisher Point Natural
re-vegetation or replacement of ash's ecological Area (city of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
niche rather than treatment of extant stands .
River and floodplain restoration , while highly MANAGING A HEALTHY RIVER SYSTEM
desirable by many in the community for ecological , The City of Fort Collins is situated along more than
social , and economical reasons , can be expensive. ten miles of the Cache la Poudre River, and through
For example , the 2013-2014 project to restore efforts by the Natural Areas Department and other
the Poudre River floodplain and remove the Josh City departments such as Parks , Stormwater, and
Ames Ditch diversion dam on North Shields Ponds Water Utility, the City has conserved more than
Natural Area cost nearly $ 1 million dollars . 60 % of the floodplain. Natural areas adjacent to
the Poudre River help protect and conserve unique
natural features . However, the long-term ecological
54 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
function and scenic beauty of these conserved -
properties require a multifaceted management
approach. The Natural Areas Department will
continue to play numerous roles in managing for a
healthy river system.
Land Acquisition
Recognized as critical for natural areas conservation, A
the Poudre River Corridor will continue to be a high
priority for land acquisitions. Over the last ten years ,
the Natural Areas Department has acquired nearly =
200 acres along the river, adding acreage to North
Shields Ponds , Magpie Meander, Kingfisher Point, Mink plunging into the Poudre River (Photo by Norm Keally)
Running Deer, and Arapaho Bend natural areas. Collaboration with City Departments
The Natural Areas Department is collaboratively
Site Management and Habitat Restoration engaged in several City projects to enhance overall
In 2011 , the Natural Areas Department completed visitor experience , safety, and access to the river.
the Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas Effective collaboration with Stormwater, Water
Management Plan Update (City of Fort Collins Resources , Parks and Recreation, and Planning
2011b) . This comprehensive plan documented has been imperative to the success of complex
our understanding of the physical, ecological, and projects such as the stormwater improvements
human dimensions pertinent to management of at Riverbend Ponds (L-Path ; 2006-07 ) , river
Poudre River natural areas. It also included a refined restoration at Woodward Inc . ( 2013-2014) , and
set of management goals for each site. Ongoing the development of the Poudre River Downtown
stewardship of these floodplain properties is a high Master Plan (2014) . The Department is engaged in
priority for the Department. Successes include many smaller, but equally important, dialogs on
efforts to eliminate nonnative Russian olives , projects such as the ongoing management of wood
protection of native cottonwood trees with a sandy debris in the floodplain , and balancing community
paint that deters beavers , restoration of grasslands safety (flood prevention) with ecological values .
within the floodplain, cataloging of rare aquatic
plants , establishing a management zoning system, Water Rights and Instream Flows
and developing trail systems , fishing piers , and other The Natural Areas Department owns a small water-
public amenities that help direct visitor use away rights portfolio acquired during the purchase of
from more sensitive habitats in need of protection, properties in and around Fort Collins . Over the
last ten years , acquisition efforts were focused
Restoration in the Poudre River Corridor over on conserving natural lands , riparian areas , and
the last ten years has included reconnecting the agricultural properties , and not water rights .
river to its floodplain by lowering river banks , However, the Department has now begun to focus
cleaning up and revegetating banks , expanding more effort on the purchase of water rights and
shallow water and emergent habitats along ponds , managing water rights to improve stream health
and creating a diversity of underwater habitats to and habitat restoration. The Department continues
support sport and native fishes . Collectively, these to pursue opportunities to conserve environmental
restoration efforts improve and extend quality flows (i. e. , flows necessary to sustain an ecologically
habitats to provide a valued urban refuge for the functioning river system) and will work to pursue
benefit of both wildlife and people. partnerships , as needed, to accomplish this goal.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 55
The Natural Areas Department collaborates with out of priority depletions caused by evaporative
other City departments , irrigation companies , loss from exposed groundwater. The Department
and conservation organizations in efforts to is currently developing an augmentation plan for
provide instream flows to support aquatic habitat several wetlands and ponds owned as of the date
through the urban stretch of Fort Collins . One of this document. As the Department continues
approach underway is to identify and define an to acquire new wetlands and ponds , there will
instream flow segment and to quantify the flows be a need to secure additional water to meet the
necessary to both protect and enhance the natural additional augmentation requirements . Meeting
environment. From this information, the Natural these needs may also involve the appropriation
Areas Department can better understand the of new water rights and/or appropriative rights of
timing , duration, and volume of flows needed to exchange , develop water storage , and construct
sustain a healthy river. However, the Department's various facilities related to water management. The
relatively small water portfolio will be a limiting Department plans to use all of the tools available
factor in providing adequate environmental flows . under Colorado water law to acquire , develop , and
manage water rights and water resources to meet
The City is actively working to expand water- its goals and objectives .
sharing opportunities and is in the process of
completing a Poudre River Operations Study. The The Natural Areas Department plans to use its
purpose of this study is to better understand ( 1 ) current and future water portfolio in conjunction
the administration of water rights , particularly with the water sharing approach to build strong
in relation to river flow through the urban reach; conservation partnerships with other City
(2 ) the low-flow and " dry up " locations ; and (3 ) departments , irrigation companies , agriculture
extreme short-term fluctuations in water levels . interests , and conservation organizations and to
This information will help to identify water focus on collaborative projects designed to :
sharing and management opportunities that will
lead to environmental benefits for the river. This Protect and enhance stream flows through
study will also help to identify locations where agreements that provide multiple use and
measuring devices and bypass structures will benefits of water, avoid injury or conflicts
aid in the distribution of water for the health of with other users , and avoid the costly need to
the river and will aid in fish passage at diversion permanently encumber water rights ;
structures .
• Enhance permanently conserved lands and
habitats adjacent to rivers and streams ;
This water sharing approach does not change
ownership of water or permanently encumber • Emphasize concepts and recommendations
the water in any way; it simply encourages identified in Colorado 's Statewide Water
willing parties to enter into agreements to utilize Supply Initiative ( State of Colorado 2011 ) and
agriculture or municipal water in ways to provide appropriate Basin Roundtables ;
ecological benefits to rivers and streams while not Provide funding to offset transaction costs in
injuring other water users . terms of conveyance loss or similar costs to
the project; and
In addition, the Natural Areas Department currently Provide funding for the design and
owns and manages several wetlands and ponds and construction of bypass structures (for both
continues to expand ownership of this important water and aquatic species) and measuring
habitat type . Acquisition of wetlands and ponds devices necessary for water administration as
may create augmentation requirements to replace it relates to the water sharing agreements .
56 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
TRIBUTARIES Several regional natural areas include streams
The main tributaries that drain into the Poudre with extremely important conservation values .
River through Fort Collins include Spring Creek, For example , the federally threatened Preble 's
Fossil Creek, Boxelder Creek, Cooper Slough, and meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius
Dry Creek. These urban tributaries run across a preblei) occurs in habitat along an intermittent
diverse set of land uses and ownership such as foothills stream on Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. On
Fort Collins Utilities , Natural Areas , and Parks and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, prairie streams
Recreation departments and many private parcels , support rare native fishes and amphibians . Closer
including open lands managed by homeowners ' to the heart of Fort Collins , 15 rare plants occur
associations . Thus , the Natural Areas Department in riparian areas along streams within the Fort
has limited direct influence on the overall tributary Collins Growth Management Area.
system . In spite of that constraint, the Department's
goal is to support stream projects that help sustain DITCHES AND CANALS
local aquatic life , restore native vegetation , and
improve connections to the Poudre River. Fort Collins has numerous ditches and canals that
function to direct irrigation and storm water above
ground through the city. Many ditches and canals
serve as wildlife corridors and some even resemble
an intermittent stream with thick riparian wooded
habitat. Although typically not managed by the
City, ditches and canals offer opportunities for
working with irrigation companies to enhance
wildlife habitat or provide trail corridors .
PONDS AND WETLANDS
In the urban reach through Fort Collins , the Poudre
River and its associated tributaries is a highly
altered stream system with few side channels ,
floodplain wetlands , or oxbows remaining. One
of the most significant changes to the floodplain
Butterfly Woods Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas that has occurred over the last 50 ears or more
Department Photo) y
has been the establishment of many ponds as
The Stormwater Utility has begun a long-term the consequence of past sand and gravel mining
Stream Rehabilitation Program to restore urban operations . Ponds range from those resembling
creeks within Fort Collins . The Natural Areas natural wetlands and side channels to ponds
Department is engaged in a supportive role and that are steep sided and uniform depths . The
the planning process has identified some exciting Department also owns Robert Benson Reservoir
projects and opportunities . Key objectives at Pelican Marsh Natural Area and leases the
include restoring reaches with dangerous and recreation rights to Dixon and Fossil Creek
unsustainable erosion resulting from unnatural reservoirs ,
flow patterns , increasing connectivity of aquatic
habitats , and improving stream habitat through Future management objectives for some ofthe ponds
grade control and revegetation . will focus on creating shallow water conditions to
mimic much of the floodplain wetland functions
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 57
lost due to development. Wildlife management,
in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife ,
will focus on native fish reintroduction , native
amphibian management, and creating a functional
self-sustaining wetland system.
i
Many of the deeper ponds function as excellent j
sport fisheries and will continue to be managed to
provide recreational opportunities for the public . -� r
A portion of the shorelines may be managed to
create shallow wetlands , while still providing
fishing access . Fisheries management (including
stocking) will be in partnership with Colorado
Parks and Wildlife .
Gateway Natural Area (Photo by Richard Ernst)
The least common but still very important categories An integrated watershed perspective will help the
of aquatic system are wetlands not dependent on community understand and manage the Poudre
the river or its tributaries . Examples include seeps , River ecosystem and associated ecological values .
bogs , salt flats , and marshes . On the edges of the To that end , the Natural Areas Department is
Poudre floodplain, a handful of seeps exist on building a long-term effort to work with partners
steep hillsides where groundwater surfaces . Often to address the challenges presented by continued
these seeps host unique native plant communities , development pressures on the river, coupled with
provide year-round habitat for amphibians , and the potential for more frequent extreme climate-
provide awinter water supply for birds and other driven events in the coming years .
wildlife. Fens , salt flats , wet meadows , and marshes
are found on some natural areas . Management
approaches to protect these unique habitats may The Department will continue to engage in
include limiting public access and protection collaborative initiatives that build partnerships
during cleanup and improvement projects. and influence positive outcomes that collectively
benefit the river on a landscape scale . Some possible
tangible actions that could help maintain a healthy
AN INTEGRATED WATERSHED APPROACH upper watershed include targeted fee acquisitions
or conservation easements at key locations , use of
Attention to the Poudre River has grown recently best management procedures (BMPs) on stream
under pressures of future water depletions and segments through City properties , support of key
recent extreme climactic events , including the studies contributing to understanding the health
forest fires of 2012 and the floods of 2013 . Regional of the urban reach, and participation in regional
outreach and collaborations will be necessary collaborative communication platforms such as
to achieve the City's overarching objective of a the Poudre River Forum hosted by Colorado Water
sustainable and healthy river through Fort Collins . Institute in February 2014 .
In particular, it will be important to cultivate
awareness of the influence of inputs to the
urban river from the upper watershed as well as On the landscape scale, and using science as a
guide, the Natural Areas Department initiated the
landscape scale issues such forestry and ex-urban
development. Ecosystem Response Model (ERM) study in 2012
to help expand our understanding of the drivers ,
58 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
threats to , and anticipated conditions of, indicator
biota within the Cache la Poudre River System. The -
ERM for the Fort Collins reach of the river uses a AL
multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the river -
system. The model will foster a more informed f
dialog with a broad audience of stakeholders as to - _
the current and anticipated use and condition of the
Poudre River. Moreover, it will inform management
and investment decisions . Built by a team of expert
river scientists , the ERM is based on a wealth of
accumulated knowledge of river science combined
with local data. The model is based on the overarching
theory that flows are the master variable of the Ranger assisting visitor on Kingfisher Point Natural Area (Photo
by Kristin Powell)
ecosystem. Additionally, the project incorporated
the interaction of other important variables such Over the last ten years , natural areas rangers have
as the physical setting, aquatic life, and riverside experienced a significant evolution and increased
vegetation to provide a better understanding of this professionalization of duties . Focus has moved
ever-changing river ecosystem, from primarily enforcement work to a full suite
of visitor engagement, resource protection , and
regional natural area management. During this
Preliminary results of the ERM indicate that the time , ranger staff has adapted to emerging needs
Cache la Poudre River system in Fort Collins within the expanding natural areas system to
has been changing for some time . Current flows , include emergency medical care , wildland fire
which reflect existing withdrawals for municipal support, and on-site ranger-managed regional sites
and agricultural uses , are approaching the low end at Bobcat Ridge and Gateway. However, natural
of flow thresholds that are needed for scouring of areas patrol and visitor engagement remains the
algae , aquatic habitat, and channel maintenance, program 3s primary responsibility.
The modeling process has also shed light on other
factors critical for the City to pay attention to , such
as the poor functionality of hardened (e . g. , riprap , PATROL AND VISITOR ENGAGEMENT
concrete structures) riparian habitats , water
quality concerns related to contemporary land Natural areas rangers provide dawn-to- dusk
uses , and the lack of aquatic habitat connectivity coverage seven days a week. Patrol activities
(Ecological Response Model Team 2014) . include enforcement of City Municipal Code ,
providing visitor education, and protecting natural
and cultural resources . In 2008 , the City's Natural
RANGER AND VISITOR SERVICES Areas and Trail Rangers Policies and Procedures
Manual was adopted by Police Services and the
The natural areas rangers are charged with Natural Areas Department to outline the scope
providing a safe , peaceful , and enjoyable of the ranger's duties and set protocols for visitor
environment for all natural area visitors and trail safety and resource protection . The City's Natural
users while ensuring the protection of natural and Areas and Trail Rangers Field Training Officer
cultural resources . Rangers are responsible for Handbook (adopted in 2010) outlines standardized
patrolling all natural areas and trails . Two seasonal training for all newly assigned rangers in the
gate attendants help provide visitor services at practical application of learned information and
Gateway and Soapstone Prairie natural areas . provides clear standards for rating and evaluation .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 59
person in real time . Rangers use smartphones to
promptly update trail conditions on the webpage .
Quick Response codes on closed trail signs and
kiosks allow visitors to tap into the current status
' 1 - on conditions .
f + Ongoing challenges to patrol activities are primarily
related to alcohol possession and illegal camping
in natural areas . Illegal camping is dominated by
Fort Collins ' homeless population who utilize
natural areas , parks , and road underpasses to
1 ins. .y4
camp overnight in the absence of, or in spite of,
0
available charitable services . Data collected over
a five-year period (2009-2013 ) show an increasing
Ranger on patrol at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (City of Fort trend of illegal homeless camping . In 2009 , 6 %
Collins Natural Areas Department Photo) of all natural areas , parks , and trails violations
Typically, the Natural Areas Department rangers cited by rangers were for illegal camping. In 2010
cite 800-1 , 000 municipal code violations per and 2011 , camping violations increased to 9 % . In
year. Through the years , the rangers ' enforcement 2012 , violations increased to 16 % , and in 2013
efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in nearly one-quarter (22 % ) of all violations cited
the numbers of animals off leash in the natural by rangers were for illegal , homeless camping ,
areas system. In part, this may have resulted Moreover, illegal possession and consumption of
from a two-year period ( 2004-2005 ) when a zero- alcohol by homeless comprised almost 50 % of all
tolerance policy for animals off leash was enacted. ranger-issued alcohol violations from 2009-2013 .
This effort seems to have turned the tide in gaining Looking forward, Fort Collins ' effort to eliminate
compliance for the leash ordinance in natural homelessness by 2020 may require a significant
areas . A recent observation/trail count survey to commitment from Natural Areas staff to support
support the 2013 Paved Recreational Trail Master a holistic community response to a growing
Plan showed that 95 % of dogs (965 observed) on homeless population.
paved trails were leashed.
As part of the rangers ' effort to engage the Fort
Rangers are on the front-line of natural areas Collins community and provide stewardship
customer service . Daily interactions , including opportunities for the public , a Volunteer Ranger
friendly and educational contacts , phone inquiries , Assistant Program, in partnership with Larimer
agency assists , and more are accomplished County Department of Natural Resources , was
by rangers . Rangers logged over 6 , 800 visitor created in 2007 . In 2013 , over 130 trained citizens
contacts in 2013 and recognize that understanding participated in monitoring natural areas and
customers ' needs is critical to providing working with ranger staff to ensure visitors remain
outstanding service . Rangers handled over 800 safe and enjoy the natural area experience , logging
phone inquiries in 2013 from natural area users over 2 , 500 service hours and making nearly 4 , 000
via the on-duty ranger phone line , affording contacts with the recreating public ,
visitors the opportunity to speak with a live
60 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
adopted by City Council in 2013 , covers paved
trails managed by Parks and Recreation and Streets
departments , many of which provide access to , or
through, natural areas .
Al
RANGER MANAGEMENT OF REGIONAL
PROPERTIES
- ' The City's first regional natural area, Bobcat
Ridge , opened in 2006 . During the management
` planning for this 2 , 000-acre site near Masonville ,
Volunteer Ranger Assistant at Gateway Natural Area (City of Fort it became apparent that a resident ranger would
Collins Natural Areas Department Photo) be needed to provide on-site security, visitor
assistance beyond normal working hours , and
RANGER STEWARDSHIP EFFORTS day-to-day maintenance . Thus , a full-time ranger
In addition to ongoing patrol responsibilities and was assigned and housed at Bobcat Ridge .
enforcement of the City's Municipal Code on
natural areas , rangers have embarked on a number Likewise , in 2007 when Gateway Park was
of significant projects that support the day-to- transferred from the City's Parks Department to
day operations of the natural areas system. In the Natural Areas Department, a full-time resident
2005 , ranger staff completed a project to identify, ranger was hired to provide site security, operations ,
formalize , and sign every legal trail entrance into maintenance , and to collect fees . Gateway Natural
natural area properties . Similarly, another effort Area was established by the Parks Department as
was undertaken to inventory, mark, and record a fee-based site due to its remoteness and need
all gates and administrative access points in the for on-site staff, and remains the only fee-based
natural areas system. In the mid-2000s , ranger staff natural area due to the higher level of park-like
began marking property boundaries of natural areas . maintenance needed for the site . The Gateway
This effort was followed in 2010 with the creation Natural Area ranger is also responsible for patrol
of a property boundary encroachment policy and and management of the Picnic Rock Natural Area
monitoring effort designed to correct property at the entrance of the Poudre Canyon.
encroachments occurring on nearly one-third of
natural area boundaries shared with neighborhoods . The opening of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Violations continue to decline , from the high of 100 in 2009 marked the creation of the first seasonal
in 2011 to only 18 in 2013 , indicating that neighbors Visitor Services staff who operates the entrance
of natural areas understand that encroaching on gate during peak visitation days to orient visitors ,
City property is illegal. The project ensures the provide educational materials , and be the " eyes
proper stewardship of property boundaries while and ears " of the ranger staff at this remote natural
promoting neighbor awareness . area. The site does not house a resident ranger;
however, a ranch manager resides on the site year-
In 2012 , rangers participated in the Park Planning round . The manager is employed by the grazing
and Development Department's project to develop association that leases land for cattle grazing on
a long-range plan for the paved recreational trail Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
system. The Paved Recreational Trail Master Plan ,
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 61
RECREATION AND PUBLIC Overarching recreation goals are to :
IMPROVEMENTS • Provide diverse opportunities for enjoyable
The City recognizes the enthusiastic culture public use of sites , while minimizing user
and affinity that citizens have for spending time conflicts and disturbance to sensitive wildlife
in nature . Recreation in natural areas provides and plant communities
wellness opportunities , improves quality of life , Provide a variety of nature-based recreation
and provides settings for visitor experiences opportunities , while enhancing user
ranging from urban to semi-primitive. Activities experience and enjoyment
include walking , hiking , jogging , horseback riding , Provide access to visitors of all ages and
fishing , non-motorized boating , photography, abilities
artwork, wildlife viewing , and relaxing , among Recognize that City natural areas are an
others . Public improvements enhance recreational important bridge to provide a connection
opportunities on natural areas . to solitude and peacefulness in an outdoor
setting
The numerous positive impacts outdoor recreation provide recreation infrastructure that is
has on an individual 's physical , mental , and social modest, adequate , safe , and accessible
health are widely documented. According to the
2011 Fort Collins Resident Survey Report , 70 % of Place trails to avoid or minimize impacts
respondents believed that natural areas contribute to sensitive habitat, to increase trail
to a "great extent" to the communities overall sustainability, and to reduce maintenance and
wellness , while 79 % of respondents believed need for weather-related trail closures
natural areas contribute to the recreational
opportunities available to the community to a Providing public recreation has been a key element
{{ great extent. In a study conducted by Kay-Linn in the success of the Natural Areas Department
Enterprises (2013 ) , Northern Front Range survey over the last 20 years . In just the last ten years ,
respondents strongly agreed that trails ( 1 ) promote the Natural Areas Trail System has doubled to
a high quality of life and healthy lifestyle (95 . 7 % ) , over 100 miles and acres open to the public have
(2 ) are central to recreation (83 . 4 % ) , and (3 ) tripled to 35 , 000 acres . Adding regional properties
connect people with nature (85 . 7 % ) . to the already impressive portfolio has allowed
the City to expand recreational experiences even
Although the Natural Areas Department's primary more for visitors .
land acquisition focus has been the protection of the
natural habitats and features for their conservation 'TYPES OF RECREATION OFFERED
values , these acquisitions have subsequently
created diverse public recreational opportunities . Walking , hiking , running, and biking on natural
Over the last ten years , the Department has opened surface trails or pavement are the most common
a dozen new natural areas to the public , including outdoor activities of Larimer County residents
Bobcat Ridge and Soapstone Prairie—both with surveyed in the 2013 Our Lands - Our Future
an extensive trail system. Of the 43 natural areas survey (Larimer County 2013 ) ; these activities are
managed by the Department, 40 currently are open also the most frequently available on City natural
for some type of recreation. Eventually, all 43 sites areas (Figure 10) .
will be opened.
Within the City's natural areas , the visitor experience
may range from solitude and quiet reflection to
62 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
NATURAL AREAS OPEN TO RECREATION
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Figure 10. Number of Natural Areas Open to Specific Recreation Types
The Natural Areas Department will be pursuing
offering limited hunting of pronghorn on
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in cooperation
with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) over
the next ten years . CPW has indicated a need to
harvest pronghorn in the Soapstone area when
animal densities reach thresholds that cause
increased disease issues , impacts to habitat, and
surrounding landowner agricultural damage .
{
The Department does not foresee pursuing
backcountry camping over the next ten years due
Birdwatching at Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area to the limited number of people it would serve ,
(Photo by Sue Kenney) abundance of other regional opportunities , and
the high cost of this service. Dogs off-leash areas
moderately high visitor encounters with high energy are also not being considered because of their
physical challenges . Natural areas support a wide incompatibility with the Department's conservation
range of recreation, including walking, hiking, trail mission. Parks does provide three off-leash dog-
running, wildlife viewing, on-leash dog walking, parks in Fort Collins . A larger, off-leash area may
off-trail exploration, biking, horseback riding, also be compatible with the City's Parks System.
nonmotorized boating, fishing, picnicking, sledding,
and rock climbing. Most of the City's natural areas Properties managed by the Natural Areas
are at least partially accessible to people with Department for recreation can be categorized as
disabilities via the Parks or Natural Areas paved trail urban , foothills , or regional properties . These
system and designated parking areas . varying property types offer the public a diverse
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 63
and Reservoir Ridge natural areas , and connects
_ to the Fossil Creek and Spring Creek bike trails at
�_ — Spring Canyon Community Park.
��► , �` - Regional
Regional natural areas offer the public some of
- - the most diverse landscape topography, wildlife
viewing , and recreational opportunities . The four
regional natural areas are Bobcat Ridge , Gateway,
Picnic Rock, and Soapstone Prairie .
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, located just outside
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas the town of Masonville , offers recreationalists over
Department Photo) 2 , 600 acres of diverse topography for all visitor
selection of aesthetic experiences and recreation groups ' capability levels , from expert mountain
opportunities depending on the location. biking terrain to accessible trails for people with
disabilities . This property's scenic trails take
Urban visitors along grassy flat valley floors , over rolling
Most urban natural areas are located along terrain , up through rocky drainages , to scenic
the Cache la Poudre River and its tributaries . mountain vista views . The historic structures and
Currently, 18 natural areas are open to the public features throughout the property also offer users
along the Poudre River offering a wide range of an educational aspect to their experience as they
land- and water-based recreation. More than 30 tour the property's rich pioneering , ranching , and
of the urban natural areas can be accessed via 36 American Indian cultural influences .
miles of paved trails managed by Parks , including
the 10 . 1 -mile Poudre Trail , 6 . 9-mile Spring Creek Gateway Natural Area is located in the Cache la
Trail , 5 . 9-mile Fossil Creek Trail , 3 . 9-mile Power Poudre Canyon at the confluence of the Cache
Trail , and the 3 . 5 -mile Mason Trail . la Poudre River and its North Fork Tributary.
This 170-acre natural area is located adjacent to
Foothills thousands of acres of land and water managed
Natural areas within the 3 , 800 acres of protected by the City of Greeley (Seaman Reservoir) , U. S .
local foothills habitat support over 20 miles of Forest Service (Roosevelt National Forest) , and
natural surface trails in ecosystems dominated State Land Board (leased by Colorado Parks and
by ponderosa pine forests , foothill shrublands , Wildlife) . Gateway has continuously proven to be
and native grasslands . These properties consist of popular for recreationalists due to its river access ,
Coyote Ridge , Pineridge , Maxwell , and Reservoir
Ridge natural areas . Year after year, the foothills
natural areas are consistently some of the most
actively used areas by recreationalists , especially
hikers , mountain bikers , and equestrians . The
popular 9 . 6-mile Foothills Trail offers great trail -_
connectivity along the western foothills as it
crosses City, county, state , and federal lands . This
trail currently links together Pineridge , Maxwell ,
Poudre River fisherman (Photo by Norm Keally)
64 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
boat launch (i . e . , kayaks , canoes , tubes , rafts) ,
picnic shelters , natural playground, and natural Wr
surface trails , among others . _
.0 y.
Picnic Rock Natural Area is located downstream ' ', All
from Gateway in a beautiful section of the Poudre
Canyon. The site has been a very popular picnic ,
wading , and tubing area for families and students
for many years . The Natural Areas Department w
took over management of the site in 2007 . The Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally)
site presents various management challenges that
will need to be addressed in the future . The City General findings from these surveys indicated :
owns very little land ( 1 . 5 acres) in the area heavily . Nearly 47 , 000 unique visitors enter City
frequented by visitors . Most of the surrounding
natural areas annually with high repeat
land is owned by Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitations resulting in over 2 million annual
(CPW) and the City operates under the terms of
Memorandum of Understanding with CPW. The visits
City is able to provide minimal services to the site • The annual number of visits per year per
(trash pick-up , bathroom cleaning, etc . ) ; however, natural areas visitor ranges from 20 to 80
the City's jurisdiction is limited. 60 % of visitors arrive by car
• 26 % of visitors arrive by bike
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, located on the 75 % of those surveyed spend 1-2 hours in a
Colorado/Wyoming border, offers recreationalists natural area per visit
over 20 , 000 acres of unique trails , wildlife
viewing , and interpretive features that focus on • Hiking/walking and biking are the most
world-renowned cultural resources . This area popular activities pursued in natural areas
offers over 40 miles of natural surface trails open In relation to the experience of visitors , 93 % of
to hiking , mountain biking , and equestrians , visitors reported that crowding is slight or not at
that wrap around rolling prairie terrain , with all (National Research Center 2011 ) . Crowding
wide open vistas and mountain views , and trail was not perceived as a negative impact in 90 %
connectivity options that lead to Big Hole Open of responses and of the remaining percentage of
Space (City of Cheyenne) and Red Mountain Open those who reported a negative experience in a
Space (Larimer County) . natural area within the last year the incident was
related to dogs or other animals .
VISITATION SUMMARIES To decrease negative experiences of overcrowding ,
To assess current visitor use and for future which also can result in resource degradation ,
recreation planning , the Natural Areas Department Natural Areas Department staff use professional
collected data from on-site visitor counts and experience , input from other land management
surveys in 2006 and 2010 . The Fort Collins Resident agencies with similar resources , research into
Survey (National Research Center 2011 ) and the accessibility from neighborhoods and commuters ,
Our Lands — Our Future survey (Larimer County and design standards to create visitor use limits
2013 ) also help to identify visitor satisfaction and on natural areas properties so that site visitor
expectation of future recreation needs . use capacity (sometimes referred to as carrying
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 65
capacity) is not exceeded . New recreational Although all 43 natural areas will eventually be
features , such as trails , are designed to minimize open to the public , not all areas within a particular
impacts to natural resources and to be more natural area are accessible to the public . Public
sustainable over time , improvements have potential impacts on wildlife
and native plant communities . Natural Areas
Managing recreation over the next ten years will Department staff evaluates potential impacts from
continue to involve adapting to increased visitor trails , parking lots , and other public improvements
use due to expected increase in human populations during planning , design, and construction phases .
(Colorado Conservation Trust 2012 ) and balancing Trails and other public improvements may be
natural resources protection with increased restricted or even absent in a particular area of a
recreational demands . Opportunities for additional site to protect sensitive wildlife species , rare plant
land acquisition over the next ten years are communities , archeological resources , historical
unknown at this time ; however, the Natural Areas structures , or fragile geologic features . Public
Department will continue to expand its portfolio of improvements are planned in accordance with
properties to provide more trails and recreation. individual site management plans , site restoration
plans , or determined among natural areas work
groups for smaller projects .
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
Public i Trails
mprovements are the built recreational
Trails on natural areas provide directed routes for
amenities that enhance visitor use of a natural
area. They serve two important functions : ( 1 ) help recreation, reducing the impact to other portions of
the public to more safely use and enjoy natural the sites and, thus , the overall impacts to wildlife
areas and ( 2 ) help protect natural resource values . populations and native plant communities . Proper
Natural areas accommodate visitors through trails , trail placement helps avoid or minimize impacts
parking lots , restrooms , kiosks , benches , signage , to sensitive habitats and features , while increasing
and observation structures . The need for public trail sustainability and reducing maintenance and
i need for weather-related trail closures . The Natural
mprovements varies from site to site and not all of
Areas Department provides " natural surface " trails
these improvements are needed at each site open
to the public . Fencing may be needed regardless of comprised primarily of native material found on
whether a site is open to the public or not. the site . Sometimes , gravel , recycled asphalt, dirt,
or crusher fines are imported into the site to provide
a more sustainable surface . Wooden (or recycled
plastic lumber) footbridges and boardwalks are
built where necessary to alleviate drainage issues .
Over 100 miles of natural surface trails have been
built on City natural areas and an additional 3 . 5
miles of concrete trails in areas where use levels
or accessibility needs are greater.
Parks and Recreation designs , constructs , and
maintains the concrete trails that form the Fort
Collins Paved Trail System; eight miles of the
paved trails run through natural areas . The paved
trail system is accessible to persons in wheelchairs .
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (Photo by crystal strouse) Funding for the paved trails comes from the Parks
66 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Picnic Tables and Benches
4
. t
Over the last ten years , picnic amenities have
increased within the natural areas system. As of
2014 , ten natural areas have picnic shelters and/
or picnic tables . Only one site—Gateway Natural
Area—has shelters that can be reserved, with a fee ,
for site-compatible events .
Benches provide a comfortable viewing and
• resting spot for visitors and help to limit off-trail
All I impacts . Older benches , constructed from lumber
or recycled plastic lumber, are being gradually
Magpie Meander Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas replaced by stone benches . The stone benches last
Department Photo) longer and are more resistant to graffiti .
and Recreation Department, the Natural Areas
Department , the Conservation Trust Fund , and Fishing and Wildlife Observation Structures
Great Outdoors Colorado grants . Fishing and wildlife observation structures help
to reduce impacts to natural areas by providing
Parking Lots a convenient, practical place to fish or watch
Parking lots at natural areas are primarily wildlife . These structures often provide access
constructed for the convenience of the public , but for site visitors who are less mobile , including
they also help to reduce site impacts . Parking lots those who use wheelchairs . Fishing piers are
are designed to meet the specific needs of each site especially useful in reducing bank erosion around
and to minimize the physical and visual impact to popular fishing ponds . Restoration work on old
the site . Currently, the Natural Areas Department gravel ponds along the Poudre River provide good
maintains 29 parking lots , varying in size from opportunities for the creation of gravel fishing
five-car to 50-car lots . Only a few of the urban " pods " along the bank.
lots are paved (asphalt) . Most lots are gravel for
permeability of water and to blend-in with the Signage
natural landscape. Signs on natural areas identify sites , mark boundaries ,
inform the public of restricted use and regulations ,
Amenities at the newer parking lots typically mark trails , and provide user safety information. Staff
include vault toilets , informational kiosks , bike is conscious of the need to limit signage because it
racks , and concrete handicapped spaces . Some can be a source of "visual pollution, " impacting the
smaller, older lots do not have all these amenities . users' experience in nature.
Vault toilets cannot be constructed in the 100-year
floodplain, which has restricted their installation Fencing
on some sites along the Poudre River. Fencing the perimeter of natural areas is often
needed to prevent illegal access by vehicles ,
Kiosks help orient the visitor to the site , provide People , and/or livestock from adjacent properties .
educational information, provide a place to post
City notices related to natural areas , display Barbed-wire and electric fencing is prohibited
regulatory information, and provide additional within the city limits . Barbed- , electric- , and
information as needed. smooth-wire fencing can be potentially hazardous
to wildlife when poorly designed and/or located .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 67
but is more prevalent when public improvement
structures and interpretive features are present.
With over 100 miles of trail , keeping up with trail
maintenance can be difficult. Volunteers help
crews maintain the trails from spring through
A -
fall . In addition, Public Improvements Crews
now include a dedicated seasonal trails crew for
the summer months . In 2013 , the Natural Areas
Department actively maintained or improved 25 %
of the trail system. About 80 % of the trails were
in good condition by the end of the year and only
Trail improvement on Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (Photo by 1 % in poor condition. Our goal during the next
Todd Juhasz) ten years is to continue to improve maintenance
so that 85 % of the trails are in good condition and
For example , raptors can be severely injured 0 % in poor condition at the end of each year.
or killed when their wings hit the wire upon
swooping down or up when hunting prey under Whether trails , parking lots , kiosks , fences , or
the fence . Fort Collins is within a major migratory another type of public improvement, repairs
and wintering corridor for bald eagles , ferruginous can be quite unexpected due to a weather event
hawks , and other raptors . Whenever feasible , or vandalism. A major weather event, such as
wire fencing is removed and replaced with wood flooding that occurred in September 2013 , puts
fencing where illegal access problems create a additional and unexpected strains on material
need for fencing. and labor budgets for the Public Improvements
Work Group . With global climate change , extreme
Previously, the signature fencing style in natural weather events will likely increase and could
areas was the buck-and-rail style , popular for its impact the Natural Areas Department's ability
"western" look. However, over the last ten years , to accommodate the public 's desire for well-
the Natural Areas Department has shifted toward maintained recreational amenities .
using single-rail fencing, which is less obtrusive
on the landscape . Single-rail fences are now used Future Improvements
as the standard parking lot fence . While most new improvements over the next ten
years will be associated with future acquisitions ,
Maintenance the City does have plans for improving access on
Ongoing maintenance of public improvements is several existing natural areas . New parking lots
essential for preserving wildlife habitat and native and associated amenities are expected to be built
plant communities , as well as providing site visitors at:
a high-quality, safe outdoor experience. Although •
some maintenance activities increase when sites Arapaho Bend (replaces smaller lot)
are opened to the public (e.g. , cleaning restrooms , North Shields Bridge (new lot to provide
regrading parking lots , and trail maintenance) , other parking for river access)
activities (e .g. , site cleanup , fence repair) remain the • Kingfisher Point (north side of the Poudre
same. Vandalism repair, such as graffiti removal , River, will include a natural surface trail)
can occur on sites open or closed to the public , Eagle View (will include a natural surface
trail)
68 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
In addition, concrete trails constructed by Park
Planning and Development in the next few years
are expected to be built on :
• Redtail Grove (west to Fossil Creek Drive) • Asa r; " `
• Arapaho Bend (east to I- 25 ; north to
Horsetooth)
v •rY _
• Fossil Creek Wetlands (south of Trilby and r
west of railroad tracks) : }
• Hazaleus (south to Trilby)
• Colina Mariposa (Trilby to Long View Farm ='
Open Space)
Lindenmeir Site on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (City of Fort
CULTURAL RESOURCES Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
Northern Colorado has a rich history of human physical evidence of human habitation, use , or
occupation and use of the landscape . As such , activity.
many natural areas conserved by the City contain
evidence of Paleo-Indian artifacts , remnants of Survey efforts have revealed archaeological sites
pioneer homesteading, historic buildings from on many of the City natural areas , both urban and
ranching and farming operations , and remnants of regional . The best known site is the Lindenmeier
significant industries from the early 1900s . Site , a National Historic Landmark located within
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. The Lindenmeier
The Natural Areas Department's primary mission Site is the largest Folsom-era campsite known in
is to conserve natural resource values . However, the world . All sites , from single points or tools
the Department recognizes the value of cultural to larger campsites , are protected by City Code
and historic resources and the connection between and state law. Removal of artifacts is unlawful
people and landscapes . As such , the Department unless done so under permit by the Colorado State
strives to protect these nonreplaceable resources Historical Society and by a qualified professional .
for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Furthermore , the Department will continue to When archaeological artifacts are discovered, the
focus education and outreach efforts around the Natural Areas Department's preferred approach is
human connection to landscapes and the critical to leave the item in place . The Department consults
connection between healthy natural systems and with Colorado State University and the Fort
healthy communities . Collins Museum of Discovery to document the site
and make the final determination if the artifact is
to remain in place . In general , known sites will not
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES be excavated unless damage to the site is expected
Archaeological resources are found throughout to occur from a planned activity. If approached
the natural areas system and are generally with requests for excavations , the Natural Areas
described as material remains of human activities Department will consult with the Fort Collins
that are at least 100 years of age and capable of Museum of Discovery and other professional
providing understandings of past human behavior archaeologists to understand the merits of the
and cultural adaptation. Generally, remains are requests . As a natural resource conservation
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 69
organization, the continued conservation and
interpretation of cultural resources is the primary ----------
focus of management efforts and can often be done f
so without any additional excavation . Surveys are
required when surface disturbance will occur and
excavation may be necessary to remove artifacts .
In all cases , artifacts removed from City property
will be housed at the Fort Collins Museum of
Discovery,
Public interest in archaeological resources is
high and few opportunities exist for the public to
volunteer or participate in resource survey efforts . Great Western Sugar Company Beet Effluent Bridge on Kingfisher
The Department will continue to partner with Point Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
Colorado State University's Center for Mountain Photo)
to Plains Archaeology to identify outreach and represent well-preserved and fairly complete farm
volunteer opportunities . Possible projects include : and ranch facilities .
• Volunteer participation in site surveys . Future sites for restoration activities may include
• Volunteer participation in excavations . F.E . Warren Ranch headquarters on Soapstone
Prairie Natural Area. The Great Western Sugar Beet
• Establishment of a "permanent " excavation Factory Flume on Kingfisher Point, currently being
at a select site and use for public education. considered for National Register of Historic Places
The project would be in partnership with designation, may possibly also have a future reuse
other entities and protected with a building as a pedestrian bridge if the design can adequately
or similar structure to prevent access . preserve the historic character of the structure , The
"A" on the hillside of Maxwell Natural Area, another
HISTORIC RESOURCES National Register historic feature, is maintained
Historic resources on natural areas are generally by Colorado State University as stipulated in the
structures and buildings related to farming , easement established before City ownership of the
ranching, or industry. The City's Historic land. Additional sites will be considered based on
Preservation Department is consulted on a regular criteria and funding. Typically, funding for these
basis for newly acquired sites with buildings . efforts will use outside sources , such as State
The office is also contacted when any potentially Historic Grant funds , in combination with Natural
significant structure is encountered during site Areas Department dollars.
maintenance activities .
More commonly, historic structures found on
The Department will focus its historic restoration natural areas properties are well beyond repair
efforts on a few select building sites and features or represent a modest opportunity for restoration
that provide an opportunity for public access and and outreach. However, management activities
education and that represent significant historic will include a survey and inventory of the site to
value to the City. Sites to date include the Nix Farm record the historic value. The site will be managed
Facility and Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Both sites to avoid impacts associated with maintenance
70 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Since 1995 , the Natural Areas Department has
been required to incorporate art into capital
construction projects over $ 250 , 000 on natural
areas . The Department has also been the recipient
of art projects required for adjacent capital road
Ih ` improvements . The City of Fort Collins has
successfully worked with artists to incorporate
;, > •��: ' natural and cultural history into natural areas
facilities . Art can be an asset to a natural area in
r a variety of ways , including providing unique
opportunities for site interpretation and reducing
White Pine Fire Lookout Cab on Running Deer Natural Area (City future maintenance costs of structures .
of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
activities and public use , but overtime , features will Currently, a dozen art-in-public places projects are
eventually degrade and blend into the landscape . located on natural areas and four projects grace
An example of this includes the remains of the the Nix Farm and Primrose Studio facilities . Art
brick factory operations , which date from the early can help to " soften " concrete structures on natural
1900s to late 1940s , on Redtail Grove and Cathy areas and can help prevent graffiti . Graffiti artists
Fromme Prairie natural areas . Another example seem to respect other artists , as evidence of the
is the Strauss Cabin located within Arapaho Bend widespread utility box art within Fort Collins .
Natural Area. However, interpretation for both
sites is planned for the future .
On occasion, a historic structure will be reused
for another purpose such as the White Pine Fire
Lookout cab on Running Deer Natural Area. The -
fire lookout tower was in service until 1967 on
West White Pine Mountain, about 35 miles west
of Fort Collins . In 1978 , the U. S . Forest Service
had the fire lookout cab moved by helicopter to
Lee Martinez Park in Fort Collins . In the mid-
1990s , it was moved to Colorado State University's
Environmental Learning Center, and finally, in
2011 it was moved again to Running Deer Natural Art-in-Public Places Artist Joe McGrane 's "Ghost Kitchen on
Area where Natural Areas Department staff and Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Department Photo)
volunteers refurbished the cab for use as a viewing
structure . While quite a bit of historic integrity was Modern art is particularly useful in interpretation
lost when the cab was moved off the original site , or simply highlighting the cultural history of
interpretation of the structure 's history provides a a natural area. For example , both historic and
visitor amenity on Running Deer Natural Area. prehistoric people are showcased through several
of the art pieces incorporated into structures for
modern recreational and educational use on
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 71
AGRICULTURE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
The protection of agricultural land became more of AGRICULTURAL LANDS
a priority for the City in its 2004 Land Conservation Several options for operation of properties that
and Stewardship Master Plan . Agricultural lands have agricultural values and that are owned in fee
worth conserving were identified in all three focus simple by the City may be used independently or
areas : local , community separators , and regional . in conjunction with each other.
In 2011 , the Natural Areas Department adopted
an Agriculture Position and Policy Statement. The Restore Land in Agricultural Crop Production
intent of this document was to clarify the value to Native Vegetation Communities
of agriculture to the Department; to articulate the Enhancing lands with existing or potential natural
role of the Department in acquiring , operating , features typically involves restoring these lands
and maintaining valued agricultural lands ; and to native vegetation, which may then benefit from
to define policies with respect to appropriate agricultural practices (e . g. , grazing or haying) .
agricultural production and uses on natural areas
managed by the Department. In the past few years , Prescription Grazing
the City as a whole has started looking at more Prescriptive grazing techniques can be used to
ways to support urban agriculture and local food mimic natural ecological processes . Situated on
production for sustainability and human health. the western edge of the shortgrass prairie and
deep within the rain-shadow effects of the Rocky
Agricultural production on appropriate natural Mountains , the open lands around Fort Collins
areas can be a beneficial use for the community are dominated by grassland ecosystems that
when conducted in a sustainable manner. have evolved with a diversity of native grazing
Agriculture can benefit the community when animals . Native grazers now generally exist in
utilized as a vegetation management tool (e . g . , numbers too few to provide the same ecological
grazing , haying) as well as a land use (e .g . , benefits . As such, managed grazing systems using
traditional farm, urban farm , pasture) . As a domestic livestock are often used in an attempt to
management tool , agricultural practices can help mimic the natural ecological process . However,
managers achieve desired resource goals such as poorly managed grazing does have the potential
controlling invasive plants or helping manage
habitat for grassland wildlife species . As a land
use , agriculture serves to provide a local food base ,
contributes to the local economy, helps minimize
urban sprawl , and provides a community
connection to the rural culture . In addition,
agriculture is an important historical land use and .'► �_ ���A
is an integral component to the local history of AI
Fort Collins and Larimer County. Preservation and • `
interpretation of this important and declining land
•
use is a benefit to the community from a historical
context. Whether as a land management tool or a
land use , agriculture can provide both ecological Cattle on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (City of Fort Collins
benefits and community benefits . Natural Areas Department Photo)
72 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
to cause significant negative effects , including ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND
vegetation loss or vegetation community change ; MINERALS EXTRACTION
soil compaction and erosion; riparian area overuse
and degradation, including bank destabilization The Natural Areas Department owns and manages
and woody vegetation loss ; and destruction roughly 35 , 000 acres in Larimer County. In
of biological soil crusts . Thus , it is extremely addition , the Department is responsible for
important to properly manage grazing . monitoring the stewardship on another 17 , 000
acres of conservation easements . All of the
Mowing and Haying properties are subject to impacts from a variety
Mowing and haying grasslands mimic the grazing of energy development including oil and gas
process , thus removing plant biomass and exploration, wind and solar development and
stimulating grassland vigor. This plant material associated electric transmission lines , and sand
often needs to be removed by raking and burning and gravel mining. While gravel mining has
so that litter does not accumulate . Although these occurred on natural areas since the beginning
techniques cannot provide all of the ecological of the program, renewable energy development
benefits associated with carefully managed and oil and gas exploration and production are
grazing, mowing and haying can replicate some relatively new issues that have emerged in the
of the aspects of vegetation removal and may be last ten years . They are likely to continue into the
more logistically feasible than grazing on some foreseeable future .
properties .
Partner with a Third Party to Perform RENEWABLE ENERGY
Agricultural Activities The City supports the exploration and
The City recognizes the potential benefits from development of renewable energy such as wind
agricultural practices and uses , but it is not the and solar generation. However, impacts on natural
Department's intent to solely bear the financial and cultural resources can and do occur from
burden of agricultural infrastructure (specialized commercial-scale development. Current policy
farm equipment, livestock costs , etc . ) . The is to not allow commercial-scale wind or solar
Department can , under certain circumstances , development to occur within natural areas owned
benefit financially and/or gain ecological benefits fee simple . Additionally, the City will continue to
from partnering with third-party producers (lessees) work to provide siting and other recommendations
to provide food and/or fiber for the community. for wind farms that occur within viewsheds of
These partnerships can also accomplish social conserved lands .
goals such as local employment. Examples include
haying or grazing as a vegetation management tool , The Natural Areas Department does typically
growing local produce that benefits the local food allow small-scale energy development on lands
bank, or other mutually beneficial activities . In all protected with conservation easements . The intent
partnerships , the City will ensure that agricultural is to allow renewable energy to be developed for
activities incorporate best management practices meeting the needs of the conserved property, not
and demonstrate ecologically centered agricultural for commercial venture . Natural Areas Department
practices . staff works with the owners of the property to
locate the infrastructure to avoid or minimize
impacts on natural resource values .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 73
MINERAL RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT process similar to EBD will occur to understand
The majority of lands owned by the Natural how to best avoid, minimize , and mitigate impacts
Areas Department are considered " split estate , " on natural , cultural , scenic , and recreational
meaning that the surface estate is owned by the
values of the site .
City and underlying minerals are owned by
separate entities . Current state law allows mineral The Natural Areas Department does own the
owners access to their mineral estate . How access mineral estate underlying some properties ,
is granted is a negotiated agreement between the Requests for leasing the minerals for development
surface owner and mineral owner. will be denied in most cases . However, the
Department may use the opportunity to explore
In 2010 , the City was approached by mineral Pooling agreements to access the mineral estate
owners interested in developing the mineral from inevitable off-site development to generate
estate underlying portions of Soapstone Prairie income . Second, the Department will work to
Natural Area. In response , the City worked with
leverage the value of the mineral estate to avoid ,
the mineral owners to better understand and minimize , and mitigate resource impacts from the
address this possibility and ultimately these off-site development.
efforts lead to the Mountains to Plains Energy by
Design (EBD) planning process between the City; Soapstone Prairie Natural Area represents a unique
Larimer County; The Nature Conservancy; and the situation where the Department is working with
Colorado State Land Board, which is the owner of the State Land Board to lease the State's underlying
a significant mineral estate underlying Soapstone mineral estate . The intent is to keep the minerals
Prairie (The Nature Conservancy 2013 ) . in a nondevelopment status for a period of time .
However, given the checkerboard pattern of mineral
Essentially, the EBD process is designed to bring ownership , it is conceivable that an adjoining
together all of the parties-in-interest, including Private mineral owner will desire to develop their
surface owners , mineral rights owners and mineral estate underlying an adjacent section. The
lessees , and local experts and stakeholders Department will use the EBD approach and work
in order to develop a common understanding with all interested parties toward an outcome
of natural , cultural , scenic , agricultural , and that avoids or minimizes impacts to the highest
recreational resources . Once those resources resource values , and mitigates the impacts using a
have been carefully identified and understood , " no net loss " strategy.
the participants design an approach to minerals
exploration and production activities intended
to direct surface activities away from critical UTILITY EASEMENTS AND
resources (such as wetlands , rare species , nesting RIGHTS-OF-WAY
bird habitat , viewshed corridors , and cultural As with any property, when a natural area is
sites) . Additionally, the approach entails a " no net acquired by the City all of the easements granted
loss " strategy that requires the mining companies by former landowners " run with the land, " or are
to protect habitat of equal value or restore habitat conveyed with the property to the next landowner.
to equal value . This can be accomplished through These easements include utility easements and
on-site or off-site mitigation (including land and road rights-of way. Properly managing existing and
water conservation) , new easements and rights-of-way is an ongoing
and important component of protecting important
If energy development is to occur within City resources on natural areas .
natural areas or other conserved properties , a
74 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
In 2001 , the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas APPLICABILITY
and Open Lands Easement Policy was adopted to The Natural Areas Department administers existing
establish the practices and procedures used to grant and new requests for easements or rights-of-way
requests for utility easements or rights-of-way on on owned and/or managed properties , as well
City natural areas and other open lands managed by properties where the City holds a conservation
the Natural Areas Department. This policy served easement. Because these lands were acquired
as the guidance document for negotiating and by the City for the specific purpose of protecting
granting easements and rights -of-way until 2013 , natural areas and other conserved lands , the
when an update to the policy was adopted by City
general policy regarding easements and rights-
Council to include more contemporary issues and of-way on natural areas properties is that any
evolve a compensation model to include impacts application should be considered in that context
to ecosystems by construction projects . and approval should only be given if impacts are
minimized or eliminated , and the project cannot
reasonably be relocated to another property (City
of Fort Collins 2012 ) ,
ALTERNATIVES AND REGULATORY
CONSISTENCY
Applicants for easements or rights-of-way are
typically required to conduct an alternative route
analysis to seek out other alignments besides
crossing a natural area, and must demonstrate
why it is not economically or structurally feasibly
to do so . A summary of the alternative analysis
Powerline on Kingfisher Point Natural Area (City of Fort Collins is presented to the Land Conservation and
Natural Areas Department Photo)
Stewardship Board and City Council as part of the
The policy applies to requests for new easements approval process ,
or rights-of-way and to projects within existing
easements , as appropriate , which provide for a Additionally, applicants must show that their
wide variety of purposes , including streets , water, project is consistent with applicable regulatory
sewer, drainage , flood control , electric power, guidance , City Plan Fort Collins (City of Fort
wind generation, solar generation , pipelines , Collins 2011a) , site-specific natural areas
telecommunications facilities , and oil , gas , and management plans , and the Natural Areas Master
minerals exploration . The policy applies to Plan . Applicants must also show that they have
projects of the City and to those proposed by other coordinated with other utility providers with
public entities , such as special Utility Districts , infrastructure in the area to ensure that they do not
and private parties . The policy does not apply object or want to partner on a project to minimize
to trails , parking lots , interpretive features , or construction impacts . Finally, applicants must
other facilities that are proposed as part of the adhere to the rights of existing easements or rights-
management of public natural areas , of-way on the property.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 75
The applicant must then create an on- or off-site
mitigation plan (at staff's discretion) to help offset
project impacts . Restoration of the affected land to
its original condition is also required for release of
the project.
REVIEW PROCESS
Applicants requesting an easement on a City-
owned natural area or conserved land are
required to arrange for a public meeting at which
information regarding the proposed easement and
Surveying in monitoring wells at site along the river (Photo by related project will be provided , and at which
Dave Myers) questions regarding the easement and related
project will be taken. The Land Conservation and
RESOURCE PROTECTION, COMPENSATION , AND Stewardship Board then review the easement
MITIGATION proposal and makes a recommendation in its
Applicants are required to adhere to a comprehensive advisory role to the City Council . Finally, since an
list of Resource Protection Standards to help easement or right-of-way conveys a property right,
ensure that the project will be completed in a high- Council must approve the easement by ordinance .
quality manner and ensure that impacts to wildlife ,
vegetation, water courses , and other sensitive Once a utility easement or right-of-way is
natural systems are kept to a minimum. approved, Natural Areas Department staff monitor
the construction , restoration , and mitigation of the
The City is compensated for the value ofthe easement project and work with the easement or right-of-way
or right-of-way across the property, typically in holder to ensure that all project requirements and
cash compensation, but in-kind compensation can restrictions are adhered to before a release of the
be mutually advantageous as well . The applicant is project is approved. The Natural Areas Department
billed for the City staff time spent working on their will continue to use GIS technology to map
request, and a mitigation value is also calculated easements and rights-of-way on its properties , try
to offset impacts of the project to natural systems , to vacate abandoned easements and rights-of-way,
which can also be in cash or in-kind. and work with existing easement and right-of-way
owners to update agreements when opportunities
Mitigation requirements are calculated using a arise to include more contemporary easement
model created for the Trust for Public Land that language and resource protection standards .
values different types of land cover types based on
the natural goods and services they provide to the
ecosystem (Sargent-Michaud 2010) . For example , PRIVATE LAND MANAGEMENT
wetlands are excellent at filtering pollutants in ASSISTANCE
stormwater, which saves the costs of treating Although Natural Areas Department staff are
that water in a treatment plant. In this model , a
always willing to provide any landowner
per acre value is placed on each major land cover information or advice on protecting and enhancing
type . Staff calculate the impact to the respective land for natural areas values , the two primary
land cover types for the period of time before the means of assisting private landowners are through
system is completely restored, typically ten years .
76 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
, €
- cost sharing , planning resources , facilitation of
` � ' ;IIL other grant funding sources , and other resources
�.ri needed to complete the enhancement project.
Coventry 1 I • ` f
Hidden Cattails1�r
Conservation Easement �" ' ' ` NATURAL AREAS ENHANCEMENT FUND
liltThe Natural Areas Department encourages site
management practices that focus on protecting ,
"w restoring , and enhancing native animal and
plant communities on private lands certified
by the City as a natural area. City staff provides
assistance in the planning of site management
Conservation Easement and Certified Natural Area in southwest through the certification process . The Natural
Fort Collins (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo) Areas Enhancement Fund was created to provide
conservation easements or the Certified Natural monetary assistance in the implementation of
Areas Program. management plans on private properties . Typically,
five to nine applicants receive funding from the
$ 15 , 000 available each year to plant native plants ,
CONSERVATION EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP restore native grasslands , or remove exotic shrubs .
A perennial issue that arises in the ongoing Since its inception in 1994 , the Fund has provided
stewardship of conservation easement properties over $262 , 000 for enhancement of 65 sites . Thirty-
i two homeowner associations , five neighborhood
s that of landowners being willing, but unable , to
e groups , seven private landowners , eleven schools
enhance the conservation values of the site . For
example , while not required by the conservation from elementary to college , and two businesses
easement deed, replacing an existing stretch of have been among the recipients over the last 19
five-strand barbed wire fencing with wildlife years ,
friendly fencing would allow better movement of
wildlife through an important travel corridor. The
landowner may be willing to make the change , FACILITY OPERATIONS
but might not be able to afford efforts like this The Natural Areas Facility Operations staff is
not directly tied to the economic viability of their responsible for the maintenance of buildings that
operation . In the past, City staff would recommend support the Department's staff and programs .
the changes but not be able to partner on making Natural Areas Department building needs are met
improvements , through natural areas dedicated tax revenues and
are not funded by the City's General Funds through
Recognizing that the City has a vested and the Facility Operations Service Area. In the past
perpetual interest in the best management of these ten years , the number of facilities increased from
easement properties , moving forward the Natural one to six, primarily due to the expansion of the
Areas Department will consider establishing a Department's conservation efforts to include
competitive grant process to work more pro-actively regional properties .
with landowners on enhancement projects . Such
projects could include wildlife friendly fencing ,
native grass and shrub plantings , and noxious NIX FARM
weed management resources . These grants , funded The historic Nix Farm has been the Natural
by the City, would provide the landowner with Areas Department's main facility since 2002 , The
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 77
renovated 1920s-era home provides offices and studio be available for groups to use , in particular
meeting space , while the early 1900s-era barn nonprofit groups .
and loafing sheds provide room for equipment
and materials storage . The maintenance shop , The remodeled Primrose Studio opened for public
constructed in 2002 , provides crew work space rental in November 2007 . The studio 's unique
and secure equipment, tool , and vehicle storage, design is inspired by the spectacular setting and
Also on the property is small late- 1800s-era house , Dorothy Udall 's art, some of which is displayed
currently used for educational materials storage at Primrose Studio . Artist Barb McKee of Surface
and has not been remodeled yet. Strategies , Inc . , painted images of native grasses
from Dorothy's compositions on the face of several
Nix Farm Facility provides a central location for doors and cabinets as part of the City's Art in
Natural Areas Department staff and operations , Public Places Program .
conveniently located near major roads that provide
efficient access to local natural areas . The Nix
Farm is adjacent to over 1 , 000 acres of protected
natural areas along the Poudre River. Designated V -
as a local Historic District by the Fort Collins ti
Landmark Preservation Commission in 2001 , both
the historic barn and small house have received
State of Colorado Historic Preservation Funds to
stabilize and protect the structures .
Unfortunately, the renovated historic home was
not large enough to accommodate offices for all
Primrose Studio (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
Natural Areas Department staff, even in 2002 . Photo)
Thus , a second office building at Nix Farm was
constructed in early 2014 . Management staff from A building attendant for the Primrose Studio rents
215 North Mason moved to the new building , the Udall 's former home on the property. The
as well as Education staff from the overcrowded attendant orients each rental group and is available
historic Nix Farm house . The Department may should an issue arise during the rental . Over the
need to add another office building at some time last five years , the studio has been rented for up
in the future . However, enlarging the shop and to 140 days per year with May and August being
improvements to the interior of the small house the most heavily rented months . Nonprofit and
will likely be higher priorities for the next ten government rates are reduced by half compared
years , to private groups . Other than routine maintenance
and minor improvements , no extensive new
improvements or additions are expected to be
PRIMROSE STUDIO needed over the next ten years for either the studio
In 2001 , the late Rob and Dorothy Udall , advocates or building attendant's residence .
for conservation and social work, donated their
home , art studio , and about 26 acres of surrounding
land to the Natural Areas Department. The Udall 's GATEWAY ON-SITE RANGER
wish was that the land be conserved as part of the Gateway Natural Area is owned by the City of Fort
adjacent Reservoir Ridge Natural Area and that the Collins Water Utility, which still manages Poudre
78 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
River Canyon land surrounding the site for water Four historic structures to the east of the ranch
resources . The historic water treatment facility on house are being restored with funds provided by
the site dates back to 1903 when the first sediment the History Colorado — Colorado Historic Fund and
removal basins were constructed . The site was the D . R. Pulliam Family Charitable Trust (former
opened for public recreational use in the late owners of the property) . Restoration of the 1888
1930s but then closed by the late 1970s . The City chicken house and pioneer barn was completed in
of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Department 2013 . Restoration of the cinder block turkey house
opened the Gateway Mountain Park site again to and metal equipment shed will start in late 2014 .
the public in 2002 . In 2007 , the Natural Areas Only the equipment shed is currently being used
Department took over management of Gateway for storage .
Mountain Park and renamed it Gateway Natural
Area.
Two homes on the property, built in the 1970s ,
were retained for on-site ranger use . One is rented
to the ranger as a residence , and the other is used
for the ranger office and shop . In the last few years , —
a room in the office building has also been rented
to a seasonal employee who helps the ranger Fossil Creek Reservoir Facility (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
P g Department Photo)
manage the site . Although the Gateway Facility
buildings have required routine maintenance and
minor improvements (e .g . , energy conservation FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR FACILITY
features) over the last six years , no extensive new Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space
improvements or additions are expected to be was opened to the public in 2004 by the Larimer
needed over the next ten years . The Water Utility County Department of Natural Resources . The
owns and manages the historic water treatment site , jointly acquired and developed by the City
building , which is not open to the public . and Larimer County, includes a small building
with public restrooms , ranger offices , and a single-
bay maintenance garage. In 2010 , the City started
BOBCAT RIDGE ON-SITE RANGER managing the site, in accordance with the terms of
In 2003 , the City purchased the first parcel an interagency agreement that provided for transfer
of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, which now once the site was incorporated into the City of Fort
encompasses 2 , 600 acres west of Masonville . The Collins Growth Management Area. In 2014 , the site
site was opened to the public in 2006 . Shortly was renamed Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area
after opening , the Department began remodeling and joined with over 930 acres of adjacent parcels
the historic (late 1890s) portion of the ranch home managed by the City. However, Larimer County
into a ranger office and removed the late- 1940s Department of Natural Resources rangers continue to
addition to accommodate the addition of a ranger occupy the office and use the garage in exchange for
residence. A new garage and small attached shop site patrol and light maintenance. Repairs and any
was also built. A 1940s calving shed , hay pole barn, improvements to the facility are the responsibility
and corrals were retained for their historic value. of the Natural Areas Department. Larimer County
No extensive new improvements or additions are rangers will move out of the facility once their new
expected over the next ten years , ranger office facility is built, possibly within the next
ten years . At that time , the best use for the office and
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 79
garage may be for a satellite City Ranger Office or recommended policy, goals , and targets for
perhaps a small education center, advancing sustainability within City operations
with a unified , cross- departmental approach.
SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE FACILITY The following policy statement was developed
The Soapstone Prairie Facility consists of an from the Action Plan:
older 1960s-era cabin in usable condition for a The City of Fort Collins will serve as a community
field office and a newer ( 2012 ) pole barn garage/ leader in sustainability by conducting daily
maintenance shop . These two buildings support operations and through balanced stewardship of
the Natural Areas technician and seasonal staff human, financial, and environmental resources
assigned to the 22 , 000-plus acres of Soapstone for present and future generations.
Prairie from March through November each year.
No additional structures are expected to be added The Natural Areas Department will continue to
to the facility over the next ten years ; however, embrace the City's overall environmental policies
solar power may be added to the garage , which
currently relies on a gas generator. A 1960s-era by reducing our operational environmental
house and several older outbuildings exist on the impacts .
eastern boundary of the property and are currently
used to house a ranch manager employed by the BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
current grazing tenant.
The Natural Areas Department pursues the
implementation of best management practices
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY that act to reduce the impact of operations on the
environment. These practices include pollution
The Natural Areas Department is committed prevention , solid waste diversion and recycling ,
to environmental sustainability through energy and water conservation, and pesticide
pollution prevention practices , recycling , waste impact reduction. The Department will continue
management, energy and water conservation, and to seek additional best management practices by
the implementation of best management practices . maintaining a forward thinking approach to field
Protection of natural habitats and features is at and facility operations .
the core of the Natural Areas Department mission;
however, improving all aspects of environmental pollution Prevention
performance is a core value of the City Since 2009 , the Natural Areas Department has
organization. Although the Department currently performed annual pollution prevention (P2 )
has no certified environmental management assessments at the Nix Farm Facility and every
system in place , pollution prevention practices , few years at Bobcat Ridge , Primrose Studio ,
along with environmental management processes Gateway, Fossil Creek Reservoir, and Soapstone
and standards have been established. Prairie facilities . The P2 assessments are intended
to identify potential pollution mitigation
The Department's commitment to reducing its improvements , risks , and mitigation actions ,
negative impacts on the environment is bolstered The systematic inspections require a continual
by the City of Fort Collins overarching position improvement approach to pollution prevention,
on sustainability. In 2004 , City staff developed including, but not limited to pesticide usage ,
the visionary Action Plan for Sustainability recycling, inventory control , housekeeping, and
(City of Fort Collins 2004a) . This plan provides training . P2 assessments have continually led
80 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
to improvements with fuel storage , chemical The Natural Areas Department has tracked fuel
management, and recycling efforts . Every year new consumption since 2011 . The Department is
opportunities are identified and implemented. committed to reducing its fuel use through an
These assessments are meant to review facility informal program of communicating fuel use (a
and field processes and determine if any of those year-to-date comparison) , the presentation of fuel
processes require additional management or if there reduction driving techniques , and an emphasis on
are additional opportunities for improvement. making responsible vehicle choices . For example ,
predefined routes are used in order to reduce fuel
Waste Management and Recycling use associated with refuse collection and restroom
The Natural Areas Department strongly emphasizes cleaning on natural areas .
the practice of recycling and waste management.
As the City of Fort Collins moves toward reducing
its overall waste , the Department continues to
be an early adopter of efforts to recycle office
materials (cardboard, paper, electronics , green
waste , plastics , and organics) , as well as metaland harder-to-recycle materials such as pesticide `
containers . -
In 2013 , the Natural Areas Department recycled
the following :
• 27 , 588 pounds of metal
• 64 cubic yards of comingled papers , plastics , Installation of solar panels on Nix Farm Maintenance Shop (City ,
and cardboard of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department Photo)
• 107 signs and 52 pieces of Telespar signposts
• 139 . 6 tons of old concrete and pavers Water Conservation
The Natural Areas Department has long been a
• 832 . 5 cubic yards of organic material proponent of water-wise landscaping , using native
(branches , grass , chipped trees , tree stumps ) plant materials to reduce the requirements for
• Additional items such herbicide containers irrigation on natural areas and at facilities . Rain
and electronics , batteries , furniture , and tires sensors were installed at Nix Farm , Bobcat Ridge ,
abandoned on natural areas and Fossil Creek Reservoir to reduce the quantity
of water used for landscape irrigation , resulting in
Energy Conservation an annual water reduction of 25 % -50 % per site .
In 2012 , the Natural Areas Department installed
solar panels atop the Nix Farm Maintenance pesticide Use
Shop in an ongoing effort to reduce the carbon Natural areas field technician training for use of
emissions associated with coal- derived power. pesticides exceeds state and federal standards .
The solar panels have resulted in a 25 % reduction Additionally, the Natural Areas Department
in electrical use from the power grid. In 2014 , conducts an annual review of the pesticide-related
solartubes were installed to reduce energy use for toxicity literature to reevaluate the risk associated
shop lighting . with applications and to seek out effective , less
toxic pesticides .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 81
NEw BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
' The Natural Areas Department has just completed a
Lev
new office building at the Nix Farm Facility, adjacent
mAw - to the existing office building and operations shop .
' r SA � ' r The building was constructed to meet Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold
Standards ; however, the building was not actually
. _ certified, partly because its size is under the City's
f " 5 , 000-square-foot threshold. The building is heated
AV ` r and cooled by heat pumps using geothermal energy
from four 500-foot-deep geothermal wells ; the
building envelope is extremely air tight and well
Native prickly poppy on Pineridge Natural Area (Photo by Zoe insulated; windows are designed for passive solar
whyman) heat gain in the winter and shading in the summer;
The Department recognizes the risks associated and photovoltaic solar panels provide a portion of
with the application of herbicides for weed control ; the electrical needs for the building. Solar tubes
thus , it uses an integrated pest management have been installed on the second floor to use
approach that emphasizes competitive plantings , natural lighting throughout the year.
prescribed fire , and biological controls , where
appropriate . Staff tries to mitigate neighbor
conflicts with prairie dogs through public FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
education; early intervention; and, when While the full benefits of implementing a
necessary, the use of rodenticides that cause the formal environmental management system are
least possible environmental impact. understood by the Natural Areas Department,
the current operations of the Department do not
require implementation of a certified system at
this time . Certain standards of certified systems ,
such as the new LEED-standard building , might be
adopted or used as examples for future building
improvements .
82 Stewardship FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Geese in migration
(Photo by Norm Keally)
OOKING FORWARD
TO THE NEXT DECADE
0 ver the last ten years , the City of Fort Collins has tripled the acreage of conserved land, substantially
increased education and volunteer efforts , tackled monumental river and grassland restoration
projects , plunged into efforts to improve river health , expanded ranger and visitor services to
meet community needs , opened up a dozen new natural areas to the public , doubled the miles of natural
surface trails , protected regional and even globally important cultural resources , raised the awareness of
the need to protect local agricultural lands , stepped up environmental sustainability efforts , and greatly
improved numerous other aspects of land stewardship .
Looking ahead, while the City will continue to make land conservation a high priority, a greater amount
of revenues now needs to be placed on land stewardship simply because there is so much more land
to care for. At this time , the Natural Areas Department spends about 60 % of its overall revenues on
stewardship activities and 40 % on land and water conservation .
As even before the beginning of the Natural Areas Program over 20 years ago , the Cache la Poudre River
will remain a high priority for the City, with more emphasis on protecting and restoring the ecological
functions to help ensure that this working river continues to provide outstanding wildlife habitat,
recreational opportunities , and flood protection for the Fort Collins community.
While the Natural Areas Department, along with other Front Range conservation agencies , will likely
face some major challenges over the next decade and beyond , the Department looks forward to the many
outstanding opportunities to advance conservation for the Fort Collins community.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The tremendous progress toward conservation and stewardship of natural areas in Fort Collins could
not have been made without the support of the community and numerous partners within and outside
of City government, as noted throughout this Master Plan . Moving forward , these partnerships will
continue to be extremely important over the next ten years to meet future City priorities . A few examples
of key opportunities for the Natural Areas Department include :
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 83
FUNDING
• Partner with other City departments , ifke Natural ' i
government agencies , nonprofit organizations , Succeeh
and private individuals and companies to ki
leverage financial resources . The Natural Areas Department
• Seek grants from agencies such as Great continue too,
Outdoors Colorado , Colorado Parks and Aspire to its vision: Through the
Wildlife , the Natural Resources Conservation
Agency, History Colorado , Colorado Water • • • ' • •
Conservation Board , among others to diverse stem � • � and
supplement revenues . restoredlandsillconnectcommunity
membersto nature . These conserved
STEWARDSHIP lands will protect nature and contribute
• Implement habitat management activities to the health and wellbeing of our
in partnership with fee owners of conserved community.
lands and/or other public lands to increase Stick to its core • mission
regional biological diversity and species of the Natural Areas • •
richness . is to conserve . • enhance lands
• Collaborate with other City departments , with natural resource , • :
water users , and nonprofit organizations on and scenic values , while providing
broad watershed issues to help protect and meaningful education an • appropriate
improve water quality, water quantity, and recreation opportunities .
overall health of the Poudre River ecosystem . The Natural Areas Department will act
RESEARCH too
• Pursue opportunities with college students Conserve land , water, wildlife corridors ,
and professionals to conduct research on and trail connections .
important topics , including climate change , site Restore habitat.
inventories , management techniques , ecological Provide visitor and recreation
values , and recreational use, which will benefit Provide education, • , and
future management of natural areas. volunteeropportunities .
PRIORITIES Contribute to the character •
culture
The Natural Areas Department looks forward to
the next ten years with enthusiasm for continuing In all , the Department has established 35 priorities
land conservation and stewardship efforts to meet for the next ten years :
the needs of the Fort Collins community. Priorities
emerging out of this Master Plan portray the LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION
dedication to not only natural resource protection, A fundamental guiding principle of this Master
but efforts to restore ecosystem functions , enhance Plan is to maintain the Natural Areas Department's
recreational experiences , expand community core focus on biologically significant lands , or
outreach, and maintain visitor safety. Agriculture lands that have the potential to contribute to
lands , cultural resources , and environmental biological integrity and richness . An additional
sustainability are recognized as valuable principle is to acquire water in order to enhance
components of the natural areas system. and sustain habitat; to link it to appropriate lands
(such as productive farmland) ; and, to satisfy
84 Looking Forward to the Next Decade and Beyond FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
water rights administrative obligations . Based on
these principles and the focus areas and in order > :
y
of priority the Department will conserve :
• Lands within the local focus areas particularly r
4
the Poudre River, the Bellvue area, and
adjoining foothills . AL
• Agricultural land in the Wellington Separator. '
• Regional lands as opportunities and funding ' , '
permit.
Poudre River (Photo by Norm Keally)
r F - EDUCATION, OUTREACH , AND VOLUNTEER
COORDINATION
• Use diverse and creative strategies to connect
people to nature .
• Ensure offerings engage and reflect the
demographics and diversity of the entire
community.
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally) • Meet the community's expectation to give
back to the places they love by expanding
THE CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER opportunities for service learning and other
• Help convene , and collaborate with, City volunteer involvement.
departments , water users , and nonprofit
organizations on broad watershed issues to
further protect and improve water quality,
water quantity, and overall health of the
Poudre River ecosystem. .
• Work to sustain and improve water flows to
boost ecologic function of the Poudre and - - its.-
other important streams .
• Implement restoration projects that connect
the river to its floodplain, create abundant o a =
wildlife habitat, improve aesthetics , and
provide recreational opportunities .
• Develop and implement comprehensive
water augmentation and water supply plans
to address water administration needs for
consumptive and non-consumptive water use .
Gateway Natural Play Area (Photo by Jen Shanahan)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 85
RANGER AND VISITOR SERVICES
Maintain high quality customer service , as
measured by Citizen Survey reports .
Conduct daily patrols of natural areas and
trails to provide visitor safety, assistance
and education while protecting natural and
cultural resource values .
ti =' Collaborate with Social Sustainability
' - t Department and Police Services to resolve
homeless issues .
Snapping turtle on Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area (Photo by
Norm Keally) Monitor visitor use and capacity and seek out
techniques to resolve multiuse conflicts .
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
• Substantially complete grassland restoration RECREATION, PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS ,
in southwest Fort Collins and foothills natural FACILITIES
areas .
• Construct improvements to open sites in the
• Reintroduce endangered or threatened native natural areas network not yet open to the public
wildlife into suitable landscapes including and collaborate with other agencies and City
the black-footed ferret and bison to Soapstone departments to improve access to the Poudre
Prairie Natural Area. River.
• Aspire to create "Wilderness in the City" — Use innovative design and management
places that feel wild and remote and exceed techniques to adapt to changing environmental
traditional expectations for urban natural areas . and recreational conditions while not exceeding
visitor use carrying capacity of each site.
• Maintain a natural surface trail system that
supports a variety of recreational experiences ,
while minimizing user conflicts and negative
impacts on conservation values , and improve
trail sustainability and connectivity.
• Expand the spectrum of recreational
opportunities compatible with the Natural
Areas Department mission , such as sport and
, :- family-friendly fishing , areas for solitude , off-
trail nature exploration , natural play areas for
children, and limited hunting opportunities .
• Proactively maintain all staff facilities to
reduce future repair costs , expand Nix Farm
Facility shop and remodel small historic
house to meet anticipated operational needs ,
and make energy and safety improvements to
all facilities .
Anheuser-Busch volunteers planting shrubs on Kingfisher Point
Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
Photo)
86 Looking Forward to the Next Decade and Beyond FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND
IMPLEMENTATION, ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
• Prepare or update management plans and
agreements for all natural area sites .
• Document mineral ownership and develop
a minerals extraction policy that helps to
Bobcat Ridge Natural Area (City of Fort Collins Natural Areas avoid , minimize , or mitigate negative impacts
Department Photo) on natural areas from energy development;
investigate opportunities for mineral
CULTURAL RESOURCES purchase or lease arrangements that benefit
• Seek to utilize non-departmental resources , the Department's conservation.
including grants , to conserve and restore Influence utility easements and rights-of-
cultural resources . way projects on natural areas to minimize
impacts and maximize mitigation efforts to
• Develop policies to guide the Department in achieve Department goals , update agreements
funding and managing cultural resources . to contemporary standards , and vacate
abandoned rights-of-ways .
• Pursue state or federal historic designation for Support the City's Planning Department's
noteworthy structures , such as the Warren Ranch efforts to protect natural resources through
buildings on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. the development review process .
• Support the City's Planning Department's
Nature in the City effort, a long-range planning
program to ensure all residents have access to
nature close to where they live and work.
• Manage the perpetual stewardship
responsibilities for City-held conservation
easements using best management practices
(BMPs) and establish an enhancement
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (Photo by Norm Keally) grant program for conservation easement
landowners .
LOCAL AGRICULTURE Expand internal Facility Operations Pollution
• Conserve working agricultural lands with Prevention Team and set targets for ongoing
prime soils and water, including lands that can environmental sustainability improvements ,
be used for local food production, typically
through conservation easement acquisitions .
• Pursue both resource conservation and
agricultural activities on conserved working
farms and ranches .
• Utilize appropriate agriculture-based
management activities such as haying and
grazing as a tool to aid in restoration and to help
replace lost or impacted ecological processes . Cribari II Conservation Easement (City of Fort Collins Natural
Areas Department Photo)
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 87
CHALLENGES Clearly, Fort Collins ' natural areas will be affected
by these regional and global trends of increased
Although it is impossible to predict all the human populations and climate change , but with
challenges that the Natural Areas Department will the support of the community, including the voters
face over the next decade , the top three challenges of Larimer County, the Natural Areas Department
that emerge throughout this Master Plan are : will continue to play an important role in meeting
these challenges over the next decade and beyond.
1 . Financial—if Larimer County's " Help
Preserve Open Space " 1/4—cent sales tax
would not be extended beyond the 2018
sunset. This sales tax provides approximately Ike portion of the planet , , ,
one-third of the Department's revenues . on track to triple from 2000 to 2030-tkaf ,
re
Larimer County Commissioners have placed alread3 almoe7f kalfwa3 tkere. Meanwkile, 17percent
an extension of HPOS on the November 2014 of tke 800 or evo Uortk American bird species are in
ballot. decline, and all 1 species on fke Audubon ,
2 . Visitor Carrying Capacity—if the number of list of 'common birds in decline' kave lost af least kalf
people recreating in natural areas increases
to the point of negatively impacting
resources and visitor experience beyond Rickard Conniff
acceptable levels . Population estimates for UrIban
Colorado are projected to nearly double 1310diversiN in World'e, Cities
to between 8 . 6 and 10 million people by Yale Environment 360, 2014
2050 (State of Colorado 2011 ) , with Larimer
County having one of the highest populations
in the State . Fort Collins alone is projected
to add nearly 100 , 000 people by 2040
(North Front Range Metropolitan Planning
Organization 2014 ) . 4
3 . Climate Change—if global climate warming
and/or occurrence of extreme weather
events continue to increase . A recent study
conducted on behalf of Fort Collins found
"s
that by 2050 average annual temperatures
are likely to increase from about 2 . 5 to 3 . 5
degrees Fahrenheit (Rocky Mountain Climate
Organization 2014 ) . The impacts of higher
heat on natural resources are likely to be
profound, including shifts in floral and
faunal communities , increased fire events ,
and alteration in the Cache la Poudre water
temperature , flows , and water quality and
quantity. Land conservation and restoration
could play a role in mitigating some of the
effects of local climate change. Storm over the Poudre River at North Shields Ponds Natural Area
(Photo by Michael Van Beber)
88 Looking Forward to the Next Decade and Beyond FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Ft,. EFE1?,.E =kTCES
City of Fort Collins . 2014 . Poudre River Downtown Master Plan . City of Fort Collins , Park Planning ,
Utilities , and Natural Areas , Fort Collins , Colo . [Draft] .
City of Fort Collins . 2013 . Paved Recreational Trail Master Plan . City of Fort Collins , Park Planning and
Development, Fort Collins , Colo . 19 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 2012 , Natural Areas and Conserved Lands Easement Policy. City of Fort Collins ,
Natural Areas Department, Fort Collins , Colo . 7 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 2011a. City Plan Fort Collins. City of Fort Collins , Planning Department , Fort Collins ,
Colo . 165 pp . + appendices
City of Fort Collins . 2011b . Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas Management Plan Update. City of Fort
Collins , Natural Areas Program , Fort Collins , Colo . 147 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 2010 . Natural Areas and Trail Rangers Field Training Officer Handbook. City of Fort
Collins , Natural Areas Program , Fort Collins , Colo . 46 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 2008 . Natural Areas and Trail Rangers Policies and Procedures Manual. City of Fort
Collins , Natural Areas Program , Fort Collins , Colo . 51 pp .
City of Fort Collins . 2007a. Wildlife Management Guidelines. City of Fort Collins , Natural Areas Program ,
Fort Collins , Colo . 96 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 20071b . Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Management Plan . City of Fort Collins ,
Natural Areas Program, Fort Collins , Colo . 101 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 2004a. Action Plan for Sustainability: Policy and Recommended Strategies. City of
Fort Collins , Fort Collins , Colo . 20 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 2004b . Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan . City of Fort Collins , Natural
Areas Program , Fort Collins , Colo . 46 pp . + appendices .
City of Fort Collins . 1998 . Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan . City of Fort Collins , Planning Department,
Fort Collins , Colo . 42 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 Memoranda.
City of Fort Collins . 1974 . The Open Space Plan : An Element in the Comprehensive Plan of the City of
Fort Collins. City of Fort Collins , Planning Division, Fort Collins , Colo . 27 pp .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 89
Colorado Conservation Trust, 2012 , Colorado 's Rapidly Increasing Population : Impacts on Our Land and
Water. Presentation, Spring 2012 ,
Design Workshop . 2012 . Plug in to Nature : Finding Connections to the Outdoors for Youth and Families
in Larimer County. Larimer County Open Lands , Loveland , Colo . 91 pp .
Ecological Response Model Team. 2014 . Ecological Response Model for the Cache la Poudre River. City
of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department, Fort Collins , Colo . [Draft] .
Kay-Linn Enterprises . 2013 . Overland Mountain Bike Club Trail Vision Plan . Overland Mountain Bike
Club , Fort Collins , Colo . 14 pp .
Larimer County. 2013 . Our Lands - Our Future : Recreation and Conservation Choices for Northern
Colorado. Larimer County Open Lands , Loveland , Colo . 95 pp .
Louv, R. 2011 , The Nature Principle : Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit Disorder,
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , N. C. 352 pp .
Louv, R. 2005 . Last Child in the Woods : Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin
Books of Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , N. C . 336 pp .
National Research Center, 2011 . City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Resident Survey Report of Results.
National Research Center, Inc . , Boulder, Colo . 20 pp . + appendices .
North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization. 2014 . Socio-Economic Forecast. North Front
Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, Fort Collins , Colo . [Draft] .
Rocky Mountain Climate Organization, 2014 , Fort Collins Extreme Heat. The Rocky Mountain Climate
Organization, Louisville , Colo . 14 pp . + appendices .
Sargent-Michaud, J. 2010 . A Return on Investment: The Economic Value of Colorado 's Conservation
Easements. The Trust for Public Land , Washington D . C . 9 pp .
State of Colorado . 2011 . Colorado 's Water Supply Future : Colorado Water Conservation Board Statewide
Water Supply Initiative 2010. Final Report, Colorado Water Conservation Board , Denver, Colo .
240 pp .
The Nature Conservancy, 2013 . Mountains to Plains Energy by Design Report to the Colorado State Land
Board. The Nature Conservancy, Fort Collins , Colo . 53 pp . + appendices .
90 References FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
1 '
2014 CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO
ADOPT THE NATURAL AREAS MASTER
PLAN ( PENDING )
Place holder for now
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 A-1
A-2 Appendix A FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
2011 CITY PLAN PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
The following are relevant principles and policies of City Plan Fort Collins (City of Fort Collins 2011a)
for economic sustainability, land conservation , and stewardship of City natural areas .
PRINCIPLE ENV 2
Open lands and natural areas within Fort Collins , the Growth Management Area, and the region will be
conserved , preserved , and protected to provide habitat essential to the conservation of plants , animals ,
and their associated ecosystems , and to benefit the citizens of Fort Collins by providing opportunities
for education , scientific research, nature interpretation , fishing , wildlife observation, hiking , and other
appropriate recreation activities , and protecting view-sheds .
POLICY ENV 2 . 1 - MAINTAIN SYSTEM OF OPEN LANDS
Maintain a system of publicly-owned open lands to protect the integrity of wildlife habitat and
conservation sites , protect corridors between natural areas , conserve outstanding examples of Fort
Collins ' diverse natural heritage , and provide a broad range of opportunities for educational , interpretive ,
and recreational programs to meet community needs .
POLICY ENV 2 . 2 - OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC
Promote understanding and enjoyment of local and regional open lands through appropriate recreational
activities , formal and non-formal education , and interpretive programs .
POLICY ENV 2 . 3 - PARTNER , COLLABORATE , AND COORDINATE ON OPEN LANDS
Develop effective local and regional partnerships , and collaborate and coordinate within the City, and
with other public and private agencies for the protection and conservation of locally and regionally
valued open lands . Also , seek the cooperation and assistance of citizens , businesses , community groups ,
conservation organizations , and governmental agencies in the development and implementation of
programs to protect and conserve local and regional open lands .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 B-1
POLICY ENV 2 . 4 - INVENTORY OPEN LANDS
Develop and maintain a data inventory on local and regional open lands to aid the City and the public
in decisions about these areas , including management of publicly owned lands .
POLICY ENV 2 . 5 - PROVIDE LAND CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP
Acquire , manage , maintain, and enhance public open lands and natural areas in accordance with the
2004 Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan (including the plan's Conservation Focus Areas
Map) to ensure the ongoing conservation of plants and animals in need of protection and their associated
ecosystems , to support biodiversity, to control the invasion and spread of undesirable non-native plants ,
to improve aesthetics , and to provide opportunities for appropriate public use .
POLICY ENV 2 . 6 - MANAGE CONFLICTS
Manage conflicts between people and public open lands through site design , public information and
education, habitat manipulation, and plant and animal population management techniques .
POLICY ENV 2 . 7 - INVOLVE AND INFORM THE PUBLIC
Involve citizens in planning the management of public open lands , and collect, maintain , and distribute
up-to-date information about publicly owned open lands including maps , reports on the conservation
values and current resource conditions , and reports on the management needs of local and regional open
lands .
POLICY ENV 2 . 8 - SEEK SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING SOURCES
Seek supplemental funding sources to further implement open lands policies and programs including
private , State , and Federal grants and donations of money, property, and in-kind services .
POLICY ENV 2 . 9 - PROVIDE ACCESS
Design trail routes in open lands to minimize ecological impacts , while enhancing access and recreation.
Determination of type of trail or suitability for access will be made through an analysis of potential
ecological impacts and recreation needs . Special attention will be given to environmentally sensitive
trail design, location , and construction.
PRINCIPLE ENV 3
Open lands will benefit the City by providing a well- defined edge , establishing community separators ,
directing development, and conserving rural character.
B-2 Appendix B FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
POLICY ENV 3 . 1 - UTILIZE CONSERVATION TOOLS
Purchase open lands and conservation easements , and use other tools such as development regulations ,
transfer of development rights , and Growth Management Area planning for the purposes of defining and
protecting community edges and establishing community separators .
POLICY ENV 3 . 2 - PLAN FOR COMMUNITY SEPARATORS
Identify strategic open lands that serve as community separators outside the Growth Management Area
for either public ownership or other land conservation measures .
POLICY ENV 3 . 3 - COORDINATE TO CREATE COMMUNITY SEPARATORS
Actively work with local , regional , State , and Federal agencies , as well as private entities , to acquire
open lands and conservation easements to create community separators .
PRINCIPLE ENV 4
The City will pursue new opportunities to provide multifunctional open lands .
POLICY ENV 4 . 1 - IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY
Explore opportunities for land conservation partnerships between Stormwater, Parks and Recreation,
Transportation and Natural Areas departments to provide and enhance trail corridors to connect open
lands ; to enhance wildlife habitat and corridors ; and , to improve bicycle and pedestrian access to schools ,
parks , natural areas , rivers , shopping areas , and neighborhoods .
POLICY ENV 4 . 2 - ENHANCE AND RESTORE STREAMS
Explore opportunities for Stormwater, Parks and Recreation, and Natural Areas departments to partner
on acquiring and rehabilitating lands to enhance streams .
POLICY ENV 4 . 3 - IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND DETENTION
Explore opportunities for Stormwater, Parks and Recreation, and Natural Areas departments to partner
on acquiring lands to incorporate stormwater systems that improve water quality and contribute to the
ecologic functioning of urban watersheds .
POLICY ENV 4 .4 - PROVIDE NEIGHBORHOOD NATURAL AREAS
Explore opportunities for Stormwater, Parks and Recreation , and Natural Areas departments to partner
on acquiring lands for neighborhood natural areas .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 B-3
POLICY ENV 4 . 6 — UTILIZE CORRIDORS
Provide public access , promote wildlife movement, and link neighborhoods , parks , and activity centers ,
commercial centers , and streets through a network of open lands and trails along streams , drainageways ,
and irrigation ditch corridors , where compatible with natural habitats , utilizing environmentally
sensitive trail design.
PRINCIPLE ENV 5
To reduce net community energy use for new construction from conventional fossil fuel sources , the
City will expand on current efforts and develop new strategies for increased energy efficiency and use
of renewable energy.
POLICY ENV 5 . 1 - DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
Serve as a model to the community by building public facilities to a higher energy efficiency standard
than applies to other buildings (e . g . , Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold
certification) and by using on-site renewable energy in new buildings and facilities where technically
and economically practical .
PRINCIPLE ENV 24
The City will support a healthy and resilient Cache la Poudre ecosystem and protect, enhance and
restore the ecological values of the River
POLICY ENV 24 . 1 — SUPPORT ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE
Support a healthy river ecosystem that is resilient; i . e . , a river ecosystem that has the capacity to persist
and adapt over time in the face of natural and human-caused challenges . Protect or enhance opportunities
for natural processes to drive ecosystem renewal.
POLICY ENV 24 . 2 — CONSERVE NATURAL FEATURES
Conserve and protect important natural areas and natural values within the Poudre River Corridor.
This will include acquiring land for public natural areas and conservation easements to protect natural
area values on privately owned lands , establishing appropriate cooperative agreements with adjacent
landowners , developing and applying development regulations and design standards , and promoting
public education and outreach programs and other appropriate techniques .
POLICY ENV 24 . 4 — RESTORE AND ENHANCE
Restore or enhance degraded or disturbed areas of the Poudre River Corridor to improve natural habitat
conditions , biodiversity, and aesthetic and recreational values . Restoration and enhancement projects
may be performed cooperatively with adjacent private landowners and volunteer community groups .
B-4 Appendix B FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
POLICY ENV 24 . 5 — COORDINATE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE INSTREAM FLOWS
Work to quantify and provide adequate instream flows to maintain the ecological functionality, and
recreational and scenic values of the Cache la Poudre River through Fort Collins .
PRINCIPLE ENV 25
The City will provide enhanced recreation opportunities within the Poudre River Corridor, with an
emphasis on scenic values , heritage education, and interpretation while avoiding or minimizing impacts
to environmentally sensitive areas .
POLICY ENV 25 . 1 — MINIMIZE IMPACTS
Locate and design recreational features within the Poudre River Corridor in a way that avoids or minimizes
impacts to natural areas , wildlife habitat, water quality, and other environmental values .
PRINCIPLE ENV 27
Historic landmarks , cultural landscapes , and scenic and aesthetic qualities will be protected within the
Poudre River Corridor.
POLICY ENV 27 . 1 — PROTECT HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPES
Protect historic landmarks and significant cultural landscapes within the Cache la Poudre River National
Heritage Area, which extends for 45 miles and includes the lands within the River's 100-year floodplain.
Protection of the historic and cultural resources will be accomplished using land acquisition , local
landmark designation, conservation easements , land use policies , and development and design standards .
POLICY ENV 27 . 4 — RESTORE AND ENHANCE
Restore or enhance degraded or disturbed areas of the Poudre River Corridor to improve ecological
conditions , aesthetics , and recreation access . Restoration and enhancement projects may be performed
cooperatively with private landowners and volunteer community groups .
PRINCIPLE ENV 28
The City will encourage learning and community awareness of the Poudre River's historic , cultural , and
natural heritage through education and interpretation.
POLICY ENV 28 . 1 - SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Support and provide historical , cultural , and environmental learning opportunities in the Poudre River
Corridor. The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area was formed to provide for the interpretation
of the unique and significant contributions of cultural and historic lands , waterways , and structures to
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 B-5
our national heritage . Integrate education with interpretation , which may include interpretive trails and
educational facilities as well as outdoor laboratories for lessons on wildlife habitat, gravel extraction and
reclamation, floodplain management, rural heritage , farming , pollution prevention, and conservation/
reconstruction of historic sites and structures .
PRINCIPLE ENV 29
The City will collaborate with gravel mining interests to ensure that mining operations are conducted to
meet community values and restore ecological function.
POLICY ENV 29 . 1 — GRAVEL MINED LAND PURCHASES
Evaluate areas along the Poudre River that have been mined for gravel for acquisition for public open
lands purposes .
PRINCIPLE LIV 42
Rural lands and agricultural land uses will be a valuable component of Fort Collins ' economy, culture ,
and heritage , and be used to create an edge to the community.
POLICY LIV 42 . 1 — PROTECT RURAL LANDS
Work with Larimer County to protect rural lands , including agricultural and low intensity residential
areas that form part of a community separator. Work with the County on the planning of new residential
development adjacent to the Growth Management Area, encouraging clustered development to protect
rural lands .
POLICY LIV 42 . 2 — ENCOURAGE AGRICULTURAL USES
Encourage sustainable agricultural uses that are compatible with watershed qualities and wildlife
habitats .
POLICY LIV 42 . 3 — COLLABORATE ON RURAL LANDS DEVELOPMENT
Develop and maintain effective partnerships with Larimer County, other governmental organizations
and jurisdictions , and the private sector for the protection of rural landscapes and the continuance of
regional agricultural activities .
PRINCIPLE SW 2
The City will provide opportunities for residents to lead healthy and active lifestyles .
B-6 Appendix B FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
POLICY SW 2 . 1 - PLAN AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES
Provide opportunities for engagement, activity, and recreation through the ongoing maintenance of
existing facilities and planning for new recreational and cultural facilities , bicycle lanes , sidewalks , parks ,
trails , and natural areas in accordance with the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan, Land Conservation and
Stewardship Master Plan , and Cultural Plan .
PRINCIPLE HI 1
Encourage and celebrate volunteerism and philanthropy throughout the community.
POLICY HI 1 . 3 - WELCOME AND SUPPORT VOLUNTEERISM IN THE CITY ORGANIZATION
Provide a range of opportunities for citizens to volunteer for and learn about the City of Fort Collins
organization (e .g . , Citizens Police Academy, City Works 101 , Natural Areas , Parks and Recreation , and
other opportunities) .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 B -7
B-8 Appendix B FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
' ' I
OUR LANDS - OUR FUTURE
RESULTS FOR FORT COLLINS
INTRODUCTION TO OUR LANDS - OUR FUTURE
With the recognition that change will inevitably occur and that unprotected open land is a diminishing
resource in the urbanizing Front Range , Larimer County and all of its municipalities joined together in
2012 to analyze the challenges , opportunities , and possible gaps in their collective land conservation ,
stewardship , and outdoor recreation programs and portfolios . All of the local government programs in
Larimer County are motivated by a desire for coordinated, science-based planning to conserve land-based
resources and meet public recreation needs and desires . The local governments assembled a county-
wide Partners Team and Advisory Board consisting of individuals intended to represent the diversity of
Larimer County.
The Partners Team and Advisory Board guided a precedent-setting, county-wide study and comprehensive
program of public engagement to document the conservation values and outdoor recreational preferences
of Larimer County residents , and develop a grassroots vision for the future of the county's critical
landscapes (Larimer County 2013 ) . Between June 2012 and June 2013 , over 4 , 200 citizens offered their
feedback through statistically valid surveys , regional events , interactive online geographic information
system (GIS) scenarios , participation of all open space advisory boards across the county, and over 45
local presentations .
PUBLIC INPUT RECEIVED APART FROM OUR LANDS - OUR FUTURE
The Our Lands - Our Future study built upon a number of previous and ongoing outreach efforts and
partnerships in an effort to continuously understand stakeholders and be responsive to public preferences
regarding land conservation, stewardship , and recreation efforts . Numerous quality of life surveys , along
with specific land conservation and recreation surveys , have demonstrated that Larimer County and Fort
Collins citizens remain enthusiastic about land conservation and passive outdoor recreation , with high
program performance ratings in all surveys — a finding that mirrors statewide trends . For example , when
asked to rate a list of programs offered by the City of Fort Collins , the most favorable quality ratings in
2012 were often natural areas and open space (94 % " very good" or "good") , recreational trails (93 % ) ,
and parks (93 % ) . While residents felt that less effort and funding is needed for parks and recreation,
more effort is needed for environmental protection and land conservation (National Research Center
2012 ) . A separate survey in 2013 asked County residents to list "the top three to five things Larimer
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-1
County should focus on in the future . " Protection of open spaces was seen as the single most important
concern (Gilliland 2013 ) .
SURVEY METHODS
Our Lands - Our Future study conducted two surveys through the survey firm RRC Associates of Boulder,
Colorado : one in 2012 and a follow-up survey in 2013 . The survey program was designed to probe
usage characteristics of parks , trails , and other facilities ; community values with respect to natural areas ;
satisfaction with current facilities ; the importance of various natural area features ; views on natural area
and trail management; and communication. This feedback and subsequent analysis were designed to
assist the partner agencies in future planning and policy formulation efforts .
Findings were organized around the following subject areas :
About Individuals and Their Household
• Outlines respondent demographics , such as the location of residence and years spent living in
Larimer County, and size and makeup of the household.
Use of Natural Areas/Nature-Based Facilities
• Explores the frequency of visits to countywide natural areas , the location of these visits , and
reasons that inhibit use of natural areas . This section also provides an in-depth look at the activities
commonly participated in by respondents , children in the household, and the household overall.
Values Placed on Natural Areas
• Investigates attitudes regarding conservation/acquisition and recreation. Respondents were asked
about funding allocation and preferred sources of funding.
Communication
• Presents results on current and preferred methods of receiving information about natural areas .
Respondents ' familiarity with natural areas and natured-based opportunities in the county is also
examined.
Then and Now
• Compares similarities and differences between respondents ' preferences reported in these 2012 /2013
surveys and those reported in a similar survey conducted in 2001 .
Suggestions and Comments (Open-Ended Responses)
• Respondents had many opportunities to express opinions , including elaborating on " other" items
not listed within survey questions , voicing additional comments or suggestions regarding methods
to obtain additional funding , commenting on land conservation priorities , and other considerations
related to natural areas important to them. Open-ended responses totaled over 153 pages .
The methods and major findings with particular relevance to the Natural Areas Master Plan are
summarized below. Fort Collins results (in red) are isolated from all other Larimer County responses (in
blue) , which include other cities , towns , and unincorporated areas , for questions where more than a 5 %
difference exists .
C-2 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
2012 SURVEY METHODS
The first survey in 2012 was conducted using three methods : ( 1 ) a mail-back survey, ( 2 ) an online
invitation-only survey to further stimulate response from those residents already within the defined
random sample , and (3 ) an open link online survey for members of the public who were not part of the
random sample . A total of 7 , 500 surveys were mailed to a random sample of Larimer County residents
in August 2012 , with 7 , 250 being delivered after subtracting undeliverable mail. The final sample size
for this statistically valid survey was 922 , resulting in a response rate of 12 . 7 % and a margin of error
of approximately +/- 3 . 4 % points . ' Results from the open link survey generated an additional 1 , 248 '
responses . In total , 2 , 170 responses were received, of which 1 , 170 (54 % ) were Fort Collins residents .
Throughout this document , the sample size used for the survey results is approximately 2 , 170 (both the
open-link and invitation survey) .
2013 FOLLOW-UP SURVEY METHODS
A follow-up web survey in early 2013 gathered additional information concerning planning and funding
for open lands , land conservation , and an assessment of user experiences . Surveys were mailed to
participants that provided emails and expressed a willingness to participate . In addition an " open link"
version of the survey was again created and publicized at public meetings . The open-link version of the
survey provided an opportunity for a broad cross section of County residents to participate in the follow-
up survey. It collected 324 responses from the original sample of participants (termed the Invitation
respondents) and 344 from the open link respondents . The follow-up survey results present a tool for
further examining local opinions and evaluating relative preferences for various options . ' Results from
the resampled respondents and open-link respondents are , for the most part, similar, which indicates
that there are widely held opinions on most of the topics measured through this survey.
1 For the total random sample size of 922 margin of error is +/- 3 . 4 % calculated for questions at
50 % response . Note that the margin of error is different for every single question response on the survey
depending on the resultant sample sizes , proportion of responses , and number of answer categories
for each question. Comparison of differences in the data between various segments , therefore , should
take into consideration these factors . As a general comment, it is sometimes more appropriate to focus
attention on the general trends and patterns in the data rather than on the individual questions .
2 As responses to the open-link version of the questionnaire are " self-selected" and not a part of
the randomly selected sample of residents , results from the open-link questionnaire differed in some
cases from the results of the other two methods . However, the results of the questions presented in this
section were not significantly affected by the open-link survey responses .
3 Unlike the random sample of respondents to the 2012 survey, the follow-up survey was based
on randomly sampled respondents who expressed a willingness to participate in the Our Lands - Our
Future study. Therefore , the methods allowed for greater self-selection than the first survey. As a result,
the responses should be used with some caution—they were not randomly obtained nor are statistically
valid—but offer one more valuable means of understanding public preferences .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-3
SURVEY FINDINGS
Just over half of the survey respondents resided in Fort Collins (54 % ) , which allowed for a nearly even
comparison of survey results between Fort Collins and the rest of Larimer County. While the sample size
of Fort Collins residents was similar to that of the rest of the county, the demographics of Fort Collins
respondents differed notably. The majority of respondents from Fort Collins were in the age groups of
35-49 or under, with the 18-24 age student group most represented . At the same time , the older age
group was also overrepresented , with both City respondents above age 65 ( 13 % ) and County respondents
(23 % ) exceeding the census profile for Fort Collins (9 % ) and Larimer County ( 13 % ) . This generally
reflects the actual demographics in the region, as the median age in Fort Collins is 29 , and that of Larimer
County as a whole is 35 (U. S . Census Bureau 2010) .
Part of the difference in age profiles for Fort Collins compared to the rest of the county can be explained
by the large presence of college students in Fort Collins . Twenty percent of Fort Collins respondents
were students , compared to only 6 % of the other Larimer County respondents . As such , both age and
student status should be considered when reviewing the survey results .
City of Fort Collins
3 % City of Loveland
■ Town of Estes Park
°
2 % 13 % ■ Town of Berthoud
1 /° ■ Town of Wellington
4 % ■ Town of Windsor
2 % ■— Town of Timnath
Town of Johnstown
2 %
4 % Unincorporated Larimer County
15% Other
Survey Question :
Which of the following areas best describes the location of your home in the county?
C-4 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
65 or older
50 - 64
35 - 49
25 - 34
18 - 24
0% 5 % 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%
Fort Collins PW Larimer County
Survey Question :
Age of respondent.
No
Yes
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Fort Collins — Larimer County
Survey Question:
Are you currently a student?
Walking , hiking , running , and biking on either pavement or natural surfaces are the most common
activities engaged in by respondents , children in their household , and the household overall for both
Fort Collins and the rest of Larimer County. Overall , Fort Collins residents reported greater satisfaction
with nearly all activities offered than other county residents , though satisfaction with these activities is
generally high for the county as a whole .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-5
Frequent walking , hiking , running , and biking activity emerges in other parts of the survey as well.
Respondents plan to increase their participation in these activities within the next year, and would like
to see more land or facilities provided for walking/hiking/running on natural surfaces and pavement,
and biking on paved trails . Similar to the rest of Larimer County, the top activities Fort Collins residents
identified were walking/hiking/running on natural surfaces (53 % ) and paved surfaces (46 % ) , as well
as biking on paved trails ( 52 % ) . For Fort Collins residents , these activities were closely followed by
camping (44 % ) , biking on roads (37 % ) , and fishing ( 34 % ) . The top ten activities with an anticipated
increase in participation were generally similar for both Fort Collins and the rest of the county, though
the order of activities varied slightly. On the whole , more Fort Collins residents plan to increase their
participation in nearly all activities than other county residents , with the exception of motorized boating
and wildlife watching/birding.
Related to increased activity participation , respondents also identified up to three activities for which
they would like to see more land or facilities provided. Seven of the top ten activities differed only slightly
between Fort Collins and the rest of Larimer County—walking/hiking/running on both natural and paved
surfaces , biking on paved trails , camping , fishing , recreating with dogs , and watching wildlife/birding .
In comparing Fort Collins to the greater region, there was greater demand from the city's residents for
shooting/archery, road biking , and backpacking/backcountry camping .
From both sets of responses , there is very high demand for new trails (both natural and paved surface) ,
additional on-street bike facilities , and moderate demand for added shooting/archery, fishing, recreating
with dogs , and camping opportunities to serve Fort Collins residents , so increasing opportunities to
engage in these activities may be worthwhile .
Despite high participation rates and considerable demand for an array of recreational activities , there
are still barriers that prevent Fort Collins and Larimer County residents from using natural areas and
nature-based facilities to the extent they would prefer. In Fort Collins , a lack of awareness and/or time
is most likely to prevent someone from using natural areas or nature-based facilities . Interesting , cost
was also a factor despite the fact that no user fees are charged at Fort Collins natural areas , with the
exception of Gateway. In the rest of the county, the preference for federal lands or other parks outside
the county is a much greater barrier. This indicates that Fort Collins resident would prefer to recreate
within Larimer County and closer to home , but are more constrained by time and cost factors than other
county residents . The results also suggest a need for more targeted communication efforts regarding the
free , nature-based recreation opportunities available in Fort Collins .
C-6 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Walking/hiking/running - natural surfaces
Bikingon paved trails
Walking/hiking/running - pavement
Camping
Bikingon roads
Fishing
Winter activities ( snow/ice )
Recreating with dog( s)
Picknicking
Camping - backpacking or backcountry
Bikingon unpaved trails
Shooting/archery
Photography/drawing/painting
Boating, non-motorized ( canoe/kayak)
Watching wildlife/birding
Boating, motorized
Horseback riding
Hunting
Rock climbing/bouldering
Education programming ( nature/history)
Community gardening
Geocaching
Snowmobiling
Other
Large group picknicking (10 + people)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
— Fort Collins — Larimer County
Survey Question:
Identify which activities your household plans to increase participation in over the next 12 months .
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-7
Bikingon paved trails
Walking/hiking/running on natural surfaces: roads or trails
Shooting/archery
Fishing
Bikingon roads
Walking/hiking/running on pavement: roads or trails
Camping
Recreating with dog( s)
Camping - backpacking or backcountry
Watching wildlife/birding
Community gardening
Winter activities ( snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, etc)
Bikingon unpaved trails
Boating, non-motorized ( canoe , kayak, etc )
Hunting
Boating, motorized
Picnicking
Education programming ( learning about nature and history)
Horseback riding
Rock climbing/bouldering
Photography/drawing/painting
Other
Snowmobiling
Large group picnicking (10 people or more )
Geocaching
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
— Fort Collins — Larimer County
Survey Question:
For which activities would you most like to see more land or facilities provided?
C-8 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Not aware of natural areas or facilities
Notime
Too expensive/fees are too high
Too many people norm
Regulations are too restrictive
Other
Prefer other parks/locations such as RMNP or outside county
No interest
Too far from home
Don't have the programs or facilities I want
Noway to get there
Not enough parking
Feels unsafe
Unsuitable condition of natural areas & facilities/amenities
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
— Fort Collins — Larimer County
Survey Question:
If you don't use natural areas or nature-based facilities in Larimer County, what are the reasons?
To elicit feedback on priorities for future expenditures , one survey question asked, "If you had $ 100 in
public funds to spend on natural areas , agricultural land, and/or construction of nature-based recreation
facilities , how would you allocate those funds ? " Respondents were given the option of allocating funds
toward fifteen categories of "buy " and " invest" expenditures , broken into various types of new land
acquisitions ("buying") and maintenance improvements (" investing ") . The responses provide an overall
prioritization of investments for both Fort Collins residents and other county residents .
Most respondents demonstrated broad support for a variety of goals related to land conservation/
acquisition over investing in current management or infrastructure . Respondents generally favored buying
land or acquiring rights over investing in existing lands . However, all categories received some degree
of financial support. Fort Collins residents would spend slightly more on management and maintenance
of existing natural areas and facilities , as well as buying land or acquiring rights for greenways or trail
corridor connections , than other county residents .
For each category/choice , no more than 2 % of respondents opted to allocate the full $ 100 to that
particular choice , and a strong majority of respondents spread the $ 100 over a large number of choices .
This indicates significant support from respondents for allocating dollars to a broad set of purposes ,
and in a related question the vast majority of respondents supported the use of public funds for land
conservation activities . In general , preferences for allocating public funds were similar for Fort Collins
and the rest of the county.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-9
Buy land or acquire rights to protect lakes, rivers, streams, and
preserve water quality
Buy land or acquire rights to protect wildlife habitat and rare
species
Buy land or acquire rights to create greenways or trail corridors
that connect communities and parks
Invest in management and maintenance of current natural areas
and facilities
Buy land or acquire rights for more outdoor recreation
opportunities
Buy land or acquire rights to preserve working farms and ranches
Invest in more paved trails ( usually 10 feetwide and concrete )
Invest in more natural surface trails ( usually 2-4 feet wide, dirt-
surface trails)
Invest in additional/upgraded trailheads, parking, restrooms,
shelters and signs
Buy land or acquire rights to protect in-stream waterflows
Buy land or acquire rights to protect scenic views
Invest in restoration and rehabilitation, such as weed
management, or grassland habitat enhancement
Buy land or acquire rights to preserve historic and archaeological
sites in natural areas
Other
Invest in renovation of historic structures that allowfor public
benefit
$0 $5 $10 $15 $20
— Fort Collins — Larimer County
Survey Question:
How would you allocate $100 in public funds?
The survey measured community priorities regarding land acquisition and conservation for six different
categories of lands found throughout Larimer County. Respondents answered using a 5 -point scale : 1 =
" Not at all important" and 5 = "Very important. " As shown in the graph, "Ecologically sensitive lands "
and " Lands that provide regional trail corridors to connect to cities and towns " were rated as the most
important, while working farms and ranches were rated as relatively less important. However, in all
categories approximately half of respondents or more called the land preservation choice either a " 4 " or
" 5 " on the 5 point scale . Also , it should be noted that the statistical margin of error is ± 3 . 4 percent. In
other words , there are relatively slight differences placed on the top five categories of land preservation.
C-10 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
Respondents were asked to consider which of the same categories represented their single most important
priority, in order to understand community attitudes in greater detail . Fort Collins residents ranked
" ecologically sensitive lands " as the single highest priority ( 26 % ) , while other Larimer County residents
ranked community separators as the single most important priority (29 % ) . Perhaps not surprisingly, Fort
Collins residents considered " lands within our communities near neighborhoods and schools " more
important, while others in the county considered regional trail corridors a higher priority.
While Fort Collins residents have a strong preference for the protection of ecologically sensitive lands ,
respondents valued both outdoor recreation and natural resource preservation. In response to a question
that asked respondents to place themselves on a scale where " strong emphasis on resource conservation
and protection " was at one end, and " strong emphasis on outdoor recreation " was at the other end ,
more than 40 % of respondents from both Fort Collins and the rest of Larimer County favored an equal
balance . However, in both cases the responses did not fit a perfect bell curve from one extreme to another,
but rather indicated a greater emphasis on outdoor recreation, overall . This is an interesting finding
when compared to the results of the previous question , and could reflect a desire for both protection of
ecologically sensitive areas and recreational access to those areas .
Ecologically sensitive lands (significant wildlife
habitat, wetlands, rare plants)
Lands that provide regional trail corridors to
connect cities and towns
Lands within our communities near neighborhoods
and schools
Community separators, or open lands between our
cities and towns
Regional lands (greater than two square miles)
generally located within 30 minutes from cities and
towns
Working farms and ranches
0 .0 1 .0 2 .0 3 .0 4 .0 5.0
— Fort Collins Larimer County
Survey Question:
How important should each of the following be in prioritizing
land acquisition or conservation throughout the county?
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-11
Ecologically sensitive lands
Lands within our communities near
neighborhoods and schools
Lands that provide regional trail corridors
Regional lands located within 30 min. of
towns/cities
Working farms and ranches
Community separators, or open lands
between our cities/towns
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
— Fort Collins — Larimer County
Survey Question:
Which do you consider to be the single most important priority to acquire/conserve?
5= Strong Emphasis (Outdoor recreation in natural
setting)
4=Slight Emphasis (Outdoor recreation in natural r
setting)
3=Equal Balance
2 =Slight Emphasis ( Natural resource
preservation/protection)
1=Strong Emphasis ( Natural resource
preservation/protection)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
— Fort Collins Larimer County
Survey Question:
Please indicate what emphasis you would like to see Larimer County
and our cities and towns pursue.
C-12 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014
In the 2013 follow-up survey, respondents were asked to rank the importance of conserving four types of
natural areas and open space . Respondents ranked regional open space and trails as the most important,
followed by natural resource and wildlife areas . However, Fort Collins respondents indicated greater
support for the conservation of urban open space and trails and less support for conservation easements
on working farms and ranches than did other county respondents . These results do not suggest that there
is weak support for the lower-rated categories . Rather, the ratings are relative to one another and show
that on average certain categories rank higher than others .
Regional Open Space & Trails
Natural Resource & Wildlife Areas
Urban Open Space & Trails
Working Farms & Ranches - Conservation Easements
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80 %
— Fort Collins Larimer County
Survey Question :
Two most important conserved land types .
In conclusion, the Our Lands - Our Future study and the subsequent 2014 Natural Areas Master Plan are
greatly informed by public and stakeholder input. The above survey results are one important perspective
on community values , satisfaction levels , needs , and priorities for the Master Plan, and will be combined
with feedback from public meetings and other outreach methods . It is clear that protection and proper
management of natural areas is strongly supported and one of the most important concern facing Fort
Collins ' future as a world-class community.
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Master Plan FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014 C-13
APPENDIX C REFERENCES
Gilliland, D . L . 2013 . Lorimer County Citizen Survey 2013 Analysis, Larimer County, Fort Collins , Colo .
43 pp .
Larimer County. 2013 . Our Lands - Our Future : Recreation and Conservation Choices for Northern
Colorado. Larimer County, Colo . 104 pp . + appendices .
National Research Center. 2012 . City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey Results. National Research Center,
Inc . , Boulder, Colo . 36 pp . + appendices .
U. S . Census Bureau. 2010 . American Community Survey, 2010 . Demographic Profile Data for Larimer
County, Colorado , and Fort Collins , Colorado . American FactFinder. http : //factfinder2 . census .
gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml (accessed in 2012 ) .
C-14 Appendix C FINAL DRAFT September 24, 2014