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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAddenda - RFP - P982 BOBCAT RIDGE TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTON (11)Chapter 8. Site Administration Bobcat Ridge is the first “regional”, and largest property to date that will be managed and operated by the City of Fort Collins Natural Area Program. Staff immediately began assessing initial needs of the site following the acquisition of the property in December 2003. This including posting the area as closed, managing the boundaries, and completing an inventory of existing roads, structures, and other features of importance. The intent in this chapter is to layout other property management considerations related to infrastructure, access, administration, roles, and restrictions of easements and leases, and costs for planned public improvements. Existing Easements and Leases Lease of the Farmhouse At the time of acquisition, the farmhouse at the entrance of Bobcat Ridge (8429 West County Road 32C) was rented to an individual, though there was no formal rental lease between the Pulliam Trust and the tenant. After the City purchased Bobcat Ridge, a rental lease agreement was signed with the occupant for a period of twenty-four (24) months commencing on December 17, 2003 and terminating at midnight on December 16, 2005. At this time, it is the intention of the Natural Areas Program to allow the lease to expire, remodel the interior, and station an on- site ranger to occupy the quarters and be responsible for the overall operation of Bobcat Ridge. Lease for Cattle grazing The formal grazing lease between the Pulliam Trust and the Meining Cattle Company LLC was (upon the City’s acquisition) transferred to the City and extended from December 17, 2003 and terminating on December 16, 2005. The Lease states, a rental rate of $12.00 per cow/calf pair per month (AUM) for the grazing seasons, June through October. Cattle are permitted to remain on site between grazing seasons but are fenced and hay-fed during that time. The Meining Cattle Company is also permitted to grow and cut hay and other crops and to pasture and graze up to 150 cow/calf pairs, and up to six horses at any one time. During the time of the lease, the Cattle Company is also responsible for weed control in the valley portions of Bobcat Ridge and all aspects of irrigation related to crops. Power Line Road & REA Road Easement Rural Electric Authority has an easement to check the power lines that run from east to west through Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. They gain access through a lock they keep on the gate at the end of 32C to check a breaker box near the large stock pond between the Powerline Road and the North Road on a monthly basis. Once every four years REA uses the Powerline road to limb trees for the purposes of protecting the lines. Al Hinojosa at REA may be contacted at (970) 226- 1234, ext. 403. Hansen Feeder Canal The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) operates the Hansen Feeder Canal which supplies water to private ranches and transfers water from Carter Lake to Horsetooth Reservoir in Larimer County. NCWCD uses the canal road (that runs parallel to the canal) on a regular basis for maintenance on the canal. At this time only NCWCD the City of Fort Collins, and the Meining Cattle Company have legal access to use the canal road. In an initial scoping meeting held on December 2, 2003, NCWCD expressed concern related to any public development or access to or near the canal as it poses a safety hazard. In the past, neighbors used the road based on an informal agreement with the Pulliam family. Based on safety and liability concerns, the Natural Areas Program will strictly limit access and monitor use of the canal road to legal users. The canal road will be closed to public use. However, arrangements will be made to utilize the canal roads for the purposes of emergency access in the event of flooding of CR 32C, wildfire, or other natural emergency. The NCWCD uses the canal road on a regular basis for maintenance on the canal. The two field technicians who service this area at this time are Roger Sinden (622-2223) and Dennis Miller (622-2500). County Road 32C This road historically has washed out once or twice every five years at the mouth of Buffam Canyon where the road intersects CR 27. Neighbors indicate there are about five other areas along the road that also wash out. One (non-functioning) culvert near the Norman residence causes their basement to flood on a more frequent basis. Repair or replacement of this culvert could alleviate some of these issues, but primarily would be the responsibility of Larimer County. When this road does flood, neighbors, the on-site manager and visitors to Bobcat Ridge may be prevented from using this access. In the past, residents have used the canal road and exited via the Eden Valley road. An emergency protocol is required to address this issue in the event the road is not passable and should be made clear to neighbors and natural area visitors alike. The protocol suggested is for stranded residents or visitors to notify the county sheriff, city ranger staff, Bobcat Ridge Ranger, or the NCWCD to open the gate at the canal road and permit residents to exit via the south entrance (Eden Valley road) until the road is repaired. Local residents expressed concern with the public venturing down some of the private drives and roads along CR 32C. The Natural Areas Program could alleviate much of this concern by providing standardized signing indicating the driveways are private with no public access. Another approach will be to sign CR 32C as “local traffic only” or “Dead end”. The Bobcat Ridge site ranger should remain in contact with neighbors to monitor the situation and adapt as necessary. Shooting Range A private shooting range is located on private lands bordering the southeast boundary and is oriented toward the natural area. The range sits in a ravine and all targets are below the ridge top. Participants shoot the third Sunday of every month and they use black powder rifles. The range (shot distance) of a black powder rifle is approximately 150 to 200 yards. The area of Bobcat Ridge adjacent to this site is planned to be closed to public access as this area includes all lands east of the Hansen Canal, including Brooks Canyon which will be closed to public access other than occasional tours. US Forest Service USFS is an adjacent property owner and has three parcels (totaling 160 acres) of inholdings on Bobcat Ridge. The following issues were discussed with USFS and are summarized below: USFS In-holding properties: The USFS currently owns 160 acres on three separate parcels within Bobcat Ridge’s boundary. These parcels and the adjacent lands are managed as part of the Cedar Park Geographic Area and managed as forest flora and fauna habitats and scenery. This management direction is consistent with the Natural Areas Program’s management for natural areas values. The Forest Service is willing to work with the City of Fort Collins in a land exchange to consolidate ownerships. Fire Management: The Forest Service is interested in developing a joint fire management plan for the area to limit the potential for catastrophic wildfire. While much of the Bobcat Ridge’s forest burned during the Bobcat Fire (~50%), there is still some potential for wildfire in existing forests and in areas heavily invaded by cheatgrass. Grazing allotments: There are not any active grazing allotments permitted on USFS lands adjacent to Bobcat Ridge. Any vacant allotments within this management area are by prescription to be eliminated. Hunting: Hunting is permitted on USFS lands during designated seasons. The USFS is aware of hunting that takes place to the west and north of the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area but is not aware of hunting on the in-holding parcels within the property. Access to federal lands from Bobcat Ridge is restricted since they are surround by non-public lands. Trail Management: There is no legal access to USFS trails/roads that cross the natural area boundary. Most trail use on adjacent lands is by hunters using ATVs. The USFS responded cautiously when asked about formalizing trail connections linking Bobcat Ridge to USFS lands since natural areas trails would be required to meet USFS standards and the concern that trail use may not be consistent with the flora, fauna, and wildlife management prescription for this area. The Forest Service is open to a trail easement agreement with the Natural Areas Program for the existing roads that cross through USFS land. Weed Control: The USFS is not actively managing weeds in the area. Anticipated Public improvements Improvements to Farmhouse This management plan recommends an on-site ranger to provide visitor services, law enforcement and light maintenance at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The following list was provided by City of Fort Collins Facilities Office for the necessary improvements to the farmhouse. Improvements to Farmhouse Update electrical system up to code Test well, possibly construct new well and septic leach field Major interior re-construction Kitchen, bath, laundry, and back porch floor tile Install new carpeting on second floor Install new carpeting on first floor Interior new paint Replace/update major appliances Miscellaneous Other Public Improvement The table below is a list of anticipated public improvements that are probable based on experience gained at other natural areas. At this time costs are too hard to predict and are therefore listed in this document. Features Comments Public Improvements Entrance  Engineering Design contractor costs  Road improvements Access off of County Road 23  Entrance Gate Electric gate  Entrance/Site Sign  Parking Lot natural surface, 25 car & 6 horse trailer parking spots  Restrooms vault toilets, no water  Trailhead Kiosk Three panel style  Benches  Trashcans Need bear proof cans at parking lot and picnic area Structures and Infrastructure  Farmhouse renovations  Historic Cabin  Removal of debris/vehicles/etc.  Relocate Corrals Fencing  Boundary marking/fencing signing and fencing  Interior fencing (Hansen canal) may not be necessary per NCWCD Trails  Phase I trail improvements depends on condition of trail/etc.  Phase I trail decommission depends on condition of road/etc.  Trail layout and trail markers  Phase 1 hazard tree removal Educational Features Maintenance Trash Removal & other labor Trail Maintenance Weed Control Enforcement On-site Ranger Resource Management Grassland restoration Weed control (beyond maintenance) fire and chemical treatment for 3 yrs Fire rehab/soil erosion management exact condition not yet understood Riparian restorations weed and erosion control Irrigated crop fields Mahoney Park Drainages and streams remove dams, restore natural flows General Site Management Below is a list of current visible concerns or needs and recommended actions. Administrative  Develop method to inform visitors that parking lot is full. This may include an adjustable sign at the intersection of CR 32C and CR 27.  Update neighbors on issues associated with CR 32C and involve them in trailhead parking design.  Update property neighbors (south end of canal road) on decisions regarding possible southern access.  Designate and make clear a road washout protocol for neighbors and visitors (CR32C).  Set up visitor use monitoring (# visitors, types of uses, measures of use impacts).  Complete renovations to Site Ranger’s house by May 2006.  Assign ranger by early 2005. Public Improvements – CR 32C Road Access  Work with Larimer County Engineering Department to make any improvements to CR 32C.  Clearly mark which private roads and route to public trailhead parking.  Install roadside directional signs and “No parking on road” signs. Public Improvements – Ranchstead Trailhead Parking  Complete design of parking lot in 2005.  Design & install entrance sign by spring 2006.  Complete construction of parking lot and installation of Vault-toilet by spring 2006.  Install bear-proof trashcans by spring 2006.  Install welcome kiosk with regulatory & educational information (see chapter 7) prior to opening.  Install fencing and gates with locks; remove any excessive fencing and gates by fall 2005.  Locate site for phase I trailhead picnic area by September 2005. Public Improvements – Trail Construction  Construct phase I trails (as described in chapter 6).  Install trail signs.  Install interpretive signs.  Decommission and restore unnecessary roads (as described in chapter 6).