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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAddenda - RFP - P982 BOBCAT RIDGE TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTON (6)Chapter 9 Action Plan 9.1 Introduction Management of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area presents several new challenges to the Natural Areas Program including the management of livestock grazing, management of fire-prone areas, habitat management for large herds of deer and elk, and associated herd management, hunting issues, and maintaining controlled access over a large backcountry area. The Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Management Plan main purposes are to: 1) document the natural and cultural resources and outline steps to preserve and enhance these resources for the benefit of the citizens of Fort Collins in perpetuity; and 2) to identify recreation opportunities compatible with resource protection. The recommended actions listed in this chapter are based on analysis from previous chapters and present an overall management strategy for Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. This plan identifies immediate needs to open this site to the public, and necessary actions to fully steward the natural area. These actions are subject to available funding and organizational capacity. For this reason, the actions listed below have been prioritized from 1 to 5 as indicated in the table below. Numeric Ranking Action items that ... 1  Provide public safety  Are critical to open natural area to public  Provide immediate resource protection 2  Desirable prior to site opening  Enhance resources 3 & 4  Are longer term resource protection projects  Investigation of other uses and management tools  Investigation needed for restoration  Restoration 5  Desirable/ beneficial but not essential to management 9.2 Action Plan for Physical Resources The physical resources presented in Chapter Two are topography, geology, soils, hydrology, watershed and scenic resources. Prevention of erosion and rehabilitation of eroded areas are essential to protecting soil and water quality. Although maintenance of air quality is largely a regional issue and beyond the scope of this management plan, management actions such as prescribed burning should be planned carefully to meet state and local standards. Recommended Actions for Geologic Resources:  (1) Do not allow rock climbing on fragile, easily erosive rock cliffs.  (4) Assess site for potentially appropriate rock climbing area. Recommended Actions for Soils:  (1) Complete a grazing plan that is directed toward maintaining adequate plant cover to limit erosion on green ridge and hogback ridge soils.  (1) Carefully engineer trails on valley soils to account for high shrink-swell potential, corrosiveness and general low strength of heavy-textured soils.  (1) Complete soil assessment prior to construction of public improvements  (3) Assess areas with high erosion potential and establish sufficient ground cover to prevent further erosion and improve water quality.  (4) Complete soil inventory prior to restoration work. Recommended Actions for Hydrologic Resources:  (1) Design trails to keep people away from canal and post signs that canal area is closed to public.  (2) Rehabilitate eroded drainages that were damaged by heavy rains following the 2000 Bobcat Gulch Fire. Establish sufficient ground cover over the burned areas for greater infiltration and reduction of sediment laden runoff.  (3) Assess the hydrologic systems to better understand sources of wetlands and drainages.  (3) Restore dammed drainages to ensure continued and natural hydrology of wetlands and drainages. Recommended Actions for Scenic Resources:  (2) Limit vehicle travel on site in order to reduce noise and improve air quality.  (2) Design trail to provide scenic vistas of the unbroken landscape within the natural area.  (3) Achieve state and local air quality standards during any management action such as prescribed burning for long-term air quality and visibility of scenic resources.  (5) Investigate burying a portion of the power line through the grassland/meadow portions of the site. 9.3 Vegetation and Plant Communities Action Plan Plant Communities and ecosystems are discussed in Chapter 3. The general goals and objectives are to enhance wildlife habitat value and native character through active restoration efforts and aggressive weed control. Management recommendations for each specific plant community are listed below. Issues concerning grazing or managing a burned forest are addressed in the appropriate vegetation community section of Chapter 3. Future grazing efforts will be directed toward curtailing the threats posed by non- native plants and maintaining the integrity of the desired plant communities through periodic disturbance. Ponderosa Pine Woodland The Ponderosa Pine Woodland is the most common ecosystem type of the foothills and montane elevations (6000-9000 feet) on the Front Range and it extends into adjacent Roosevelt National Forest. Ponderosa pine grows on warm dry slopes, is intolerant of shade, and grows well in full sun from bare mineral soil for germination and establishment. The severity of impacts of the 2000 Bobcat Gulch Fire on this community ranged from moderate to high. A majority of the 1,000 burned acres exhibit high severity impacts to both forest canopy and understory vegetation. Objective: Allow natural regenerative processes to restore portions of the forest while aggressively controlling invasive weeds and undertaking proactive restoration efforts to reduce erosion and enhance the native character. Recommended Actions for Ponderosa Pine Woodland:  (1) Aggressively control weeds. Conduct routine monitoring to detect new invasions.  (1) Complete a grazing plan.  (2) Conduct inventory to determine locations of severe erosion and implement management measures designed to stabilize exposed soils and reduce soil loss.  (3) Develop prescribed fire management plan to reduce probability of high intensity surface fires and contain the spread should one ignite.  (3) Monitor re-establishment of ponderosa pine seedlings.  (3) Explore creating a patchwork mosaic of small montane meadows (5–10 acres) to attract elk, deer and other browsers to the natural area.  (3) Complete comprehensive site restoration plan.  (4) Conduct a survey of bird use in burned areas to determine utilization by woodpeckers, flickers, nuthatch and similar species for cavity nesting, feeding, etc.  (5) Conduct forest stand reconstruction to determine historic range of variability of forest density and disturbance regime. Ponderosa Pine Savanna The Ponderosa Pine Savanna system consists of widely spaced ponderosa pine trees over grassland parks or shrublands. It occurs at relatively lower elevations and on somewhat rockier substrates, making this system moderately drier than the Woodland system. The hallmark plant association of this system at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is the Ponderosa Pine - Mountain Mahogany - Big Bluestem open woodland. Objective: Enhance habitat value and native character through restoration efforts designed to eradicate weeds and maintain the system through periodic natural disturbance. Recommended Actions for Ponderosa Pine Savanna:  (1) Complete a gazing plan.  (2) Target cool-season or dormant-season grazing to reduce cool-season, non-native species like cheatgrass.  (3) Monitor vegetation recovery on the 2004 10-acre burn. Implement early season prescribed burning if area continues to demonstrate native plant recovery.  (3) Complete comprehensive site restoration plan. Use composition and structural characteristics of existing patches of native grasslands as reference conditions for restoration goals.  (4) Introduce small-scale dormant-season prescribed burns to reduce the abundance of widespread non-native species. Ensure burn timing and fire intensity are managed such that prescribed burning occurs prior to cheatgrass setting seed and burn at a low to moderate intensity to inhibit further establishment by undesirable species.  (4) Once desired grassland composition and structure is achieved, reintroduce periodic natural disturbance processes including grazing and fire to sustain system diversity and health. Lower Montane Foothills Shrubland The Lower Montane-Foothills Shrubland system occupies the sandstone hogback that extends through the east side of the property. The expression of this system on Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is a mosaic of mountain mahogany plant associations. Cheatgrass is widespread through much of this habitat and is invading via bare soil patches that result from eroding sandstone bluffs. Objective: Enhance habitat value and native character by restoration of native plant understory (grasses and forbs) through aggressive weed control. Recommended Actions for Lower Montane Foothills Shrubland:  (1) Complete a grazing plan.  (2) Target cool-season and dormant-season (early spring) cattle grazing to eliminate non-native and invasive species like cheatgrass and Canada thistle.  (2) Attempt to control cheatgrass with fall, herbicide treatments of 2oz/acre application of Plateau.  (3) Complete comprehensive site restoration plan. Foothills Grassland The Foothills Grassland system is a strong candidate for restoration at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Much of this area was historically converted to hay grasses resulting in a loss of natural diversity. However, patches of this system remain that can serve as reference sites for restoration goals. Objective Enhance habitat value and native character through restoration efforts designed to eradicate weeds and convert hay crop and pasture grasses to native grasses. Recommended Actions for Foothills Grassland:  (1) Cease most crop agriculture activities. One exception to this action is to continue growing alfalfa in the 18-acre pasture for the purpose of encouraging nesting populations of grasshopper sparrows. Delay first cutting of alfalfa until mid-August or later to accommodate fledging and foraging.  (1) Complete a grazing plan.  (2) Target cool-season or dormant-season grazing to reduce cool-season, non-native species like cheatgrass.  (2) Investigate and better understand the habitat needs of grasshopper sparrows in the hay fields.  (3) Complete comprehensive site restoration plan. Use composition and structural characteristics of existing patches of native grasslands as reference conditions for restoration goals.  (4) Introduce small-scale dormant-season prescribed burns to reduce the abundance of widespread non-native species. Manage burn timing and fire intensity so that prescribed burning occurs prior to cheatgrass setting seed and burned at a low to moderate intensity to inhibit further establishment of undesirable species.  (4) Once desired grassland composition and structure is achieved, proactively manage to mimic periodic natural disturbances including grazing and fire to sustain system diversity and health. Lower Montane Riparian Woodlands The Lower Montane Riparian Woodland system occupies the immediate area adjacent to stream drainages throughout Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Altered hydrology (usually a lowered water table) combined with heavy grazing pressure, compromises the competitive edge of native species, allowing smooth brome and Canada thistle which are well established to invade from adjacent pastures. Objective: Maintain and enhance vegetative quality of this natural community through restoration of natural hydrology and weed eradication. Recommended Actions for Lower Montane Riparian Woodlands:  (1) Pursue aggressive control of Canada thistle and smooth brome in riparian areas.  (1) Conduct weed monitoring to determine the extent of Dalmatian toadflax. If found, use accepted methods of control to conduct aggressive eradication.  (1) Carefully manage cattle grazing from riparian woodland areas through appropriate wildlife- friendly fencing.  (1) Complete a grazing plan.  (2) Identify source of hydrology at Brooks Canyon and ensure its persistence.  (2) Evaluate the impact of stock tanks located in the upper reaches of these drainages and possibility of reducing natural water flow to lower elevation riparian areas.  (2) Explore other opportunities to re-structure the pasture layout within the landscape.  (3) Complete comprehensive site restoration plan. Bell’s Twinpod (Physaria bellii) Bell’s twinpod is a globally imperiled plant that occurs on sparsely vegetated red sandstone outcrops of the Ingleside Formation (hogbacks on the eastern edge of the property) within the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Bell’s twinpod is most abundant where the vegetation is sparse at the top of the slope and in ephemeral drainage channels. The meadows at the base of the slopes are dominated by non-native grasses including smooth brome and cheatgrass. Objective: Maintain and enhance existing population. Enhance conditions that perpetuate this species. Recommended Actions for Bell’s Twinpod:  (1) Control weeds aggressively around known occurrences to reduce the threats from non-native and invasive species like cheatgrass and Canada thistle.  (1) Limit cattle grazing in these areas until the effects are better understood.  (3) Monitor populations every three to five years and provide periodic updates to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program’s element occurrence tracking system. 9.4 Action Plan for Wildlife Management Bobcat Ridge Natural Area provides habitat to diverse wildlife from insects to top carnivores. Chapter 4 discusses management issues in detail and recommendations pertaining to the resident wildlife. Habitat protection and enhancement through seasonal closures and buffer zones are the focus of wildlife management at Bobcat Ridge. Listed below are specific management recommendations by wildlife grouping: Elk and Deer Objective: Optimize habitat value and protect critical range(s). Recommended Actions for Deer and Elk:  (1) Determine the densities, distribution, critical range, and movement corridors for deer and elk.  (2) Employ best management practices related to visitor management to prevent disturbance during mating and calving seasons.  (2) Establish a monitoring plan to identify the dynamics of plant community response to management decisions related to cattle grazing, presence/absence of hunting, etc.  (2) Identify critical indicators that would trigger the need to reduce herd numbers.  (3) Monitor for animals exhibiting symptoms of Chronic Wasting Disease; work with CDOW to mitigate.  (3) Explore creating a patchwork mosaic of small montane meadows (5-10 acres) to attract elk, deer and other browsers to the natural area.  (3) Implement a corrective measure to prevent declines in health of habitat (e.g., riparian areas) prior to, or as soon as habitat degradation is detected.  (3) Evaluate location and design of fences to ensure minimal impediment to wildlife movement/migration. Black-tailed Prairie Dogs Objective: Maintain stable populations that are balanced with other conservation goals. Recommended Actions for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs:  (1) Determine intervention measures to be taken in the event of a plague epizootic.  (2) Consider predator enhancements and trail locations to encourage a balanced predator/prey relationship.  (3) Determine sustainable prairie dog densities.  (3) Install educational features describing the benefits of prairie dogs and associated species.  (3) Implement a plan to support recommended numbers. Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) Potential habitat has already been found and mapped as a sensitive resource area. The portion of the natural area in Buffman Canyon adjacent to CR 32C was surveyed and no Preble’s meadow jumping mice were detected. Objective: Optimize habitat quality including riparian areas and adjunct grasslands to encourage the repopulation of native jumping mice. Recommended Actions for Preble’s Jumping Mouse:  (1) Survey specific potential habitat areas to be disturbed prior to any public improvement construction.  (3) Determine the presence/absence of jumping mice on interior locations. If not found, determine whether known mice populations would be able to colonize portions of Bobcat Ridge.  (3) Conduct an assessment of the functioning condition of riparian areas and adjacent grasslands if occurrences of Preble’s are documented or if it is determined that migration corridors exist that could connect Bobcat Ridge with known populations.  (3) Inventory and examine the sources of hydrology (overland runoff, springs and seeps) to determine the extent of impact due to grazing. Initial survey will also be necessary to determine sources of erosion, and erosion damage done along drainages and stream banks.   (4) Depending on outcome, these additional actions may be recommended: o Restore natural hydrology to drainages. This may include removal of stock tanks, and implementing soil erosion prevention practices. o Eliminate grazing from riparian areas, and buffer these areas 100 feet back as to provide for adjacent grassland. This may require some form of fencing while grazing lease is active. o Advance soil protection measures to ensure severely burned areas are not sediment loading drainages or eroding stream banks. o Monitor and coordinate with US Fish and Wildlife Services Carnivores Objective: Optimize and protect habitat. Recommended Actions for Carnivores:  (1) Identify sensitive habitat including den sites and ensure protection of the areas.  (1) Strictly enforce regulations regarding “Leave No Trace” and where recreation activity can occur.  (1) Establish buffer zones and avoid disturbance of areas where prey is abundant.  (1) Educate visitors about human–wildlife conflicts.  (4) Allow and manage for returning predator species and populations Bats Objective: Optimize habitat value. All bats are considered species of concern. Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhimus townsendii pallescens has been observed on the property and is a species of special concern at the State and Federal level. Other bats are likely to occur and hunt in the area. Recommended Actions for Bats:  (1) Identify and protect existing and potential roost and hibernation sites.  (2) Work with external agencies such as the US Geological Survey, Colorado Bat Society and Bat Conservation International to determine species presence on Bobcat Ridge. Birds Objective: Optimize habitat value and protect breeding, migration, summer, winter and year-round ranges. Recommended Actions for Birds:  (1) Establish buffer zones and close sensitive areas in need of protection.  (1) Maintain and monitor agricultural field in southeast corner for grasshopper sparrow population until better understood.  (1) Install wildlife “escape ladders” in water stock tanks.  (3) Maintain or restore the riparian corridor communities to provide for resident or migratory species.  (4) Manage portions of burned areas in standing dead trees for cavity nesters.  (4) Maintain or restore mountain shrub communities to provide for resident and migratory species.  (4) Manage for increasing nectar sources for resident and migrating hummingbirds.  (5) Monitor for presence of mosquito-borne virus or other diseases Moths and Butterflies Objectives: Maintain occurrences of documented rare butterfly species and provide for habitat requirements of those species listed as possible occurrences. Recommended Actions for Moths and Butterflies:  (1) Maintain larval host plants and nectar sources are available.  (3) Enhance population of larval host plants and nectar sources.  (4) Investigate the life cycle requirements of the butterfly species tracked by CNHP that could be expected at Bobcat Ridge.  (4) Evaluate whether those habitat requirements are physically represented at Bobcat Ridge.  (4) Continue surveying and monitoring for species and habitat elements.  (4) Restore habitat areas suitable for colonization and migratory stopover. 9.5 Cultural Resources Action Plan Bobcat Ridge Natural Area has historic and cultural resources representative of the Colorado Front Range foothills. These are categorized as historical and archaeological resources. Historical resources include the cabins and homesteads, the ranchstead and associated buildings, and two grave sites near the ranchstead farmhouse. The archaeological resources include a tipi ring and a small collection of Native American artifacts. These resources are discussed in detail in Chapter 6. Objective: Actively preserve some of the historical and archaeological resources for public benefit and interpret the significant human history of the site including the pre-settlement and settlement periods and the site’s land use history. Recommended Actions for Historical Resources:  (1) Remove the boxcar, poultry shed, equipment shed, pens, corral and hayshed. Leave the chicken house and barn as is for interpretation and aesthetic purposes.  (1) Preserve and restore the cabin at northeast part of the property. Interpret daily life of that era and possibly specific family history.  (2) Pursue grant funding for historic structure assessment and stabilize buildings in need of attention.  (5) Research who built and occupied the cabins on Green Ridge and in Mahoney Park. Leave cabin remnants as is; possibly interpret their history.  (5) Further research the settlement history and previous ownership of parcels within Bobcat Ridge Natural Area for interpretation purposes.  (5) Research who is buried in the graves near the ranchstead farmhouse. Recommended Actions for Archaeological Resources:  (1) Conduct archaeological reconnaissance prior to of any ground-disturbing projects.  (1) Consult with the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office and the State Archaeologist before publicizing and developing archaeological sites for interpretive purposes.  (1) Erect permanent fencing around the tipi ring and surrounding area to protect potential archaeological data until more conclusive examination can be completed.  (3) Develop interpretation materials concerning use by Native Americans if warranted by further investigation.  (5) As the need arises or as funding becomes available, conduct additional surface reconnaissance especially focusing upon selected areas whose natural topography is known to have high potential for archaeological resources such as rock cliff faces, ledges, overhangs, hogback ridges and their east- facing slopes, as well as ravines, springs, and creeks. 9.6 Visitor Use Action Plan Visitor uses, including some new to the Natural Areas Program, have been analyzed in Chapter 6. A trail system that considers both visitor enjoyment and protection of the resources is being designed. The approximate layout of this trail can be seen in figure 6.X. Public improvements necessary to implement this visitor use and trail plan are budgeted for implementation in 2005. Objective: Provide a variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities consistent with the Natural Areas Program’s mission, carrying capacity of the site, and the program’s capacity to deliver a safe, high quality visitor experience. Recommended Actions for Visitor Use:  Provide new opportunities for recreation: o (1) Provide an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant trail, picnic shelter, and wayside picnic areas. o (3) Determine the feasibility to offer “by permit-only” designated backcountry camping opportunities on a trial basis. o (3) Analyze and consider possibilities for hunting. Hunting at this site may be a necessary ecosystem management tool. Any consideration of hunting will strongly emphasize wildlife and vegetation management, visitor safety, safety of the Natural Areas and Trails rangers, and the Natural Areas Program’s ability to enforce hunting regulations. o (4) Analyze site for rock climbing and/or bouldering possibilities. If prospective locations exist, provide opportunities based on ecological and safety considerations.  Protect visitors, natural and cultural resources: o (1) Due to the sensitive nature of the resources, prohibit dog use (leashed or unleashed) on site; classify as a “sensitive” site. o (1) Manage timing and location of some recreational uses to protect critical habitats as described in Chapter 4, including the area east of canal, the hogback ridges, drainages, etc. o (1) Prohibit rock climbing on hogback areas on eastern portion of the property to protect sensitive habitat and for public safety (rock may not be safe for climbing). o (1) Do not develop car campground camping at this site due to the extensive infrastructure, management, and enforcement required. o (1) Designate portions of Bobcat Ridge as “on-trail only” use. These designations protect visitors from falling trees in burned areas, avoid interaction with cattle operations, and minimize disturbance to sensitive resources. Areas not posted as closed will be available for dispersed use for foot travel only. o (1) Bikes and equestrians will be restricted to on-trail only through-out the site. o (1) Designate the Brooks Canyon area as limited public access area and provide guided tours. o (1) Clearly mark the boundaries of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area.  Ranger Patrol and Emergency Response: o (1) Rangers will not patrol via vehicle or ATV’s. o (1) Work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to manage hunting activities on Bobcat Ridge. o (1) Determine the necessity of two (southern and northern) emergency access roads prior to Phase I trail construction. o (1) Determine if a southern helicopter landing zone site is needed and if so, where it should be located. o (2) Incorporate a horse stable, corral and barn for the potential future mounted patrol program into the design of the parking area. o (4) Create a mounted patrol program when determined necessary.  Education and Interpretation Related to Visitor Use: o (1) Incorporate “Leave No Trace” information in educational products. o (2) Provide regular guided birding and wildlife viewing field trips. o (2) Provide regular guided cultural history talks. o (2) Develop a guided field trip schedule for Brooks Canyon as this area is recommended for public access by guided field trip only. o (3) Create a self-guided nature/cultural walk to offer more education and outreach with less staffing time. o (3) Create educational products to assist the public understand the cattle grazing operations. Recommended Actions for Trail System Construction:  (1) Phase I – Valley Loop (construct prior to opening). Construct Valley Loop Trail. o Permit hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking on designated Phase 1 trails. o Construct an ADA compliant trail from the trailhead parking lot to the historic cabin. o Design trails to minimize the opportunity for visitors to create unwanted social trails. o Work with ranchers to locate trail in existing cattle pastures. Install cattle guards, spring- loaded pedestrian gates and other features to mitigate potential cattle and visitor conflicts. o Design trails to minimize wildlife impacts.  (2) Phase II – Mountain Loop (construct within three years). Construct Mountain Loop and designate separate uses. o Designate the north trail for hiking and equestrians only (no mountain biking). o Remove hazardous dead trees on each side of the trails within the burned area. o Design portions of the trails specifically for biking and multiple-use interests in mind. o Design trail layout to access scenic vistas. o Determine suitable location and number of wayside picnic areas which are “pack in - pack out” areas. o Design trails to minimize wildlife impacts.  (4) Phase III – Eden Valley Extension (construct within five years). This trail provides access for the neighbors to the south. This will be walk-in only (no parking lot). o Construct trail extension to Eden Valley area. Establish a neighborhood trailhead. Recommended Actions for Future Planning:  (2) Develop baseline wildlife surveys to determine effect visitation may have.  (3) Complete a mini-plan to identify designated backcountry campsites, permit administration system, and other relevant management issues.  (3) Evaluate hunting as a possible future management tool and determine the feasibility of mixing limited hunting with other recreation uses/visitors.  (4) Conduct inventory in mountain area for potential climbing areas. 9.7 Education and Outreach Action Plan The educational opportunities at Bobcat Ridge are numerous. The focus of the education is on ecological processes, cultural history, and visitor management and the challenges land managing agencies face. The education will help citizens understand and better appreciate the commitment the program has to well- managed lands. Overall Interpretive Theme: Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is a land of surprising diversity in its landscapes, history, plants and wildlife. Recommended Actions for Education:  (1) Design and install interpretive panels, features, and entrance kiosk.  (1) Place strong emphasis on Leave No Trace ethics that help inform about visitor impacts and how to use the land in a sustainable fashion.  (2) Help visitors understand forest fire ecology, cultural history, diversity of flora, fauna, geology, and on-going management operations.  (2) Develop self guided interpretive walks and brochures.  (2) Provide guided birding and wildlife viewing field trips in a manner that will not disturb nesting or other sensitive wildlife activities.  (2) Create a site specific brochure including trail map and regulations.  (4) Compile species lists/brochures. 9.8 Site Administration Action Plan Property stewardship began at Bobcat Ridge following its acquisition in December 2003. Management activities that have been completed to date include a complete inventory and mapping of existing roads, structures and other features, removal of unnecessary fencing and trash, perimeter boundary marking, and signage indicating closure of the site prior to opening. A series of administrative and public improvement measures will need to be completed prior to Bobcat Ridge’s formal opening to the public. Details of those improvements can be found in Chapter 8 of this document and are summarized below: Recommended Actions for Administration:  (1) Complete renovations or replacement of site ranger’s house.  (1) Hire and train on-site ranger in early 2005.  (1) Update neighbors on issues associated with CR 32C and inform them of trailhead parking design.  (2) Develop protocol for full parking lot.  (2) Designate and make clear a road washout protocol for neighbors and visitors (CR32C).  (2) Set up visitor use monitoring (# visitors, types of uses, measures of use impacts).  (2) Inform property neighbors (south end of canal road) on decisions regarding possible southern access. Recommended Actions for Public Improvements for CR32C Road Access:  (1) Work with Larimer County Engineering Department to make any improvements to CR32C.  (1) Clearly mark private roads and route to public trailhead parking.  (1) Install roadside directional signs and “No parking on road” signs. Recommended Actions for Public Improvements for Trailhead Parking:  (1) Construct parking lot.  (1) Design and install entrance sign.  (1) Install a vault toilet.  (1) Install bear-proof trashcans.  (1) Install welcome kiosk with regulatory and educational information.  (1) Install fencing and gates with locks; remove any excessive fencing and gates.  (2) Construct picnic shelters. Recommended Actions for Public Improvements for Trail Construction:  (1) Construct Phase I trail before site opening.  (1) Install trail signs before site opening.  (1) Install interpretive signs before site opening.  (1) Decommission and restore Phase I unnecessary roads.  (2) Design and implement trail phases II & III.