Page 4A in Friday, October 10, 2014 issue of The Denver Post, “Feds OK Chatfield Project; Suit Looms”
Deal will add to water supply but inundate 10% state park…by Bruce Finley, The Denver Post
Federal water engineers on Thursday launched the long-planned and controversial Chatfield Reservoir water supply project, closing a deal with Colorado sponsors.
Audubon Society opponents filed a lawsuit…
____________________________________________________________________________
If you’ve been following the Army Corp of Engineers’ proposal to heighten the dam at Chatfield, and you missed this article in the Denver and the West section, first page, I hate to break the news to you, but the project has been green-lighted, according to the Denver Post on Friday, October 10th.
The Chatfield Reservoir was initially constructed in 1975 for flood control. Supporters of this project claim that the Denver area will require additional water reserves in order to deal with an estimated population of 8.6 – 10.3 million residents by 2050. By reallocating these waters for residential, industrial and agricultural uses and increasing the holding capacity of the Reservoir, Denver water engineers hope to avoid having to siphon water from the Western Slope.
Conservation groups have fought long and hard to halt this project, citing the impending loss of bird, wildlife and recreational habitat due to the 12-foot projected rise in water level, and the eventual lack of snow melt to fill the larger reservoir. The Audubon Society of Greater Denver filed suit last week in U.S. District Court, arguing that federal authorities dismissed better alternatives without appropriate due diligence, and cited the Clean Water Act, which allows only the least-damaging alternative solution.
For the full story go to http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/DenverPost/Default.aspx?href=TDP%2F2014%2F10%2F10&pageno=4&view=document
Apex Park Update – Work Progresses on the New Trailhead
/0 Comments/in Features & Opinions Archive /by BlogMasterby Tim Sandsmark, Lookout Region Supervisor, Jeffco Open Space
You may have noticed the flurry of activity happening at Apex Park. The large dirt mound from excavation and grading is now gone as work progresses on the new trailhead area. In addition, much work has occurred on the closed portion of the lower Apex Trail.
Trailhead Project
Jeffco Open Space and County Road and Bridge crews have been working steadily on completing the new restroom, walkways, grading of slopes for erosion control and construction of the new concrete trail extension. The current pace of activity is dependent on weather and barring other unforeseen circumstances.
Apex Park Trail Network
Most of Apex Park’s trails have been open since last winter, but a severely damaged section of the lower Apex Trail remains closed. State and local permits were obtained and final approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) occurred in October to make significant repairs. Efforts are progressing rapidly and require the installation of 3 bridges and a large culvert in the most heavily washed out areas. The bridges are being constructed off site and will be lifted into place by helicopter. Work is also taking place on trail erosion and maintenance efforts on the west section of Apex Trail.
Thanks to the efforts by our Open Space trails staff and many dedicated volunteers, we are still on track for the Apex Trail restoration efforts to be completed by November 26. Once the lower Apex Trail is reopened, the odd-day directional travel by mountain bike will be reinstated on Apex, Argos and Enchanted Forest Trails, as had been in effect prior to the flooding events.
Remaining activity will include repairs to the upper Apex Trail and the realignment of the damaged Pick N’ Sledge Trail which will continue into the Spring of 2015. Some limited trail detours or closures will occur for this remaining construction activity.
Volunteers & Trails staff working on bridge abutments and trail repair on the lower Apex Trail on October 29th at Apex Park (Jefferson County Open Space).
MORE INFO:
Apex Park
DOUGLAS MOUNTAIN PROPOSED ACQUISITION CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS & LISTENING LOG
/0 Comments/in Calls to Action, Items of Interest, JeffCo Open Space, Land Preservation, News & Views, Welcome /by Michelle PooletOn the 22nd of October, Jeffco Open Space held a Community Meeting to discuss the proposed acquisition of 964 acres on the top of Douglas Mountain. This is the first page of the listening log — a summary of feedback from the audience. Click on the image to see a clearer copy; read the entire listening log here: http://jeffco.us/parks/documents/douglas-mountain-documents/jcos-listening-log-douglas-mountain-community-meeting-final/
Tuesday Birder group visits Lair ‘o’ Bear Open Space Park
/0 Comments/in Features & Opinions Archive /by BlogMasterAuthor: Ann Bonnell
Tuesday Birders lead by Dave Hill, Ann Bonnell and Mary Keithler, visited Lair ‘o’ Bear, a Jeffco Open Space Park, on November 4th for a three hour walk amidst 31 – 53° weather to record bird species and numbers.
The following is their report:
Leader(s): Dave Hill, Ann Bonnell and Mary Keithler
Observers: 27 (three groups)
Time: 0900-1215
Distance: 8.5 miles on foot
Habitat: Riparian, cottonwood, willow, mixed aspen and conifers, some Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir & blue spruce.
Elevation: 6427’-7361’
Weather: Mostly sunny; 31-53°F, SW wind, 0-8 mph
Totals: 19 species +3 taxa., 163 individuals
Summary:
“White-winged” race – 1
“Oregon” race – 2
“Pink-sided” race – 4
“Gray-headed” race – 4
Copyright © 2014 Ann Bonnell
Tuesday Birder group visits Lair ‘o’ Bear Open Space Park
/0 Comments/in Articles That Educate /by BlogMasterTuesday Birders lead by Dave Hill, Ann Bonnell and Mary Keithler, visited Lair ‘o’ Bear, a Jeffco Open Space Park, on November 4th for a three hour walk amidst 31 – 53° weather to record bird species and numbers.
The following is their report:
Leader(s): Dave Hill, Ann Bonnell and Mary Keithler
Observers: 27 (three groups)
Time: 0900-1215
Distance: 8.5 miles on foot
Habitat: Riparian, cottonwood, willow, mixed aspen and conifers, some Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir & blue spruce.
Elevation: 6427’-7361’
Weather: Mostly sunny; 31-53°F, SW wind, 0-8 mph
Totals: 19 species +3 taxa., 163 individuals
Summary:
“White-winged” race – 1
“Oregon” race – 2
“Pink-sided” race – 4
“Gray-headed” race – 4
Copyright © 2014 Ann Bonnell
SINGLE USE TRAILS WORKING GROUP IN JEFFCO
/0 Comments/in Calls to Action, JeffCo Open Space, News & Views, Welcome /by Michelle PooletJefferson County Open Space (JCOS) will be forming a working group to study the feasibility of single use trails within JCOS Parks. JCOS currently provides 236 miles of trail for outdoor, nature-based experiences. While the majority of these trails are open to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use under our multi-use definition, 21.5 miles offers an experience for specific user types. Today, JCOS offers 14 miles of hiker only, 7 miles of hiker and equestrian only and 0.5 miles of bike only trails. An additional 18.75 miles have some type of directional or alternating use management in place.
With the goal of being responsive to our user communities and reducing the potential for trail conflict, this working group will be assessing the effectiveness of our existing single use trails and exploring the possibility of providing this experience on new or existing trails.
This Working Group for Single Use Trails will be formed from JCOS staff, partner agencies, user advocacy groups and interested citizens. The purpose will be to explore the feasibility of single use trails in Jefferson County Open Space. The outcome of this working group will be a report on group findings that should include the pros and cons of providing single use trails in the Parks, and if applicable, indicate potential test sites with monitoring programs to gauge effectiveness. The Group will make a recommendation of action to JCOS management team.
The Group makeup will consist of 3 to 4 JCOS staff members, 9 to 10 representatives from user advocacy groups, reps from other partner agencies, and interested citizens. To apply, interested citizens must submit a resume and letter of interest to Dave Davenport, Outdoor Recreation Management Coordinator, by end of business, Friday, November 14, 2014 to dd******@****co.us or 700 Jeffco Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80401.
Selection criteria of Working Group members will include but is not limited to: residency or business interest in Jefferson County; involvement with JCOS as a volunteer, advocate, or have conducted permitted activities in the Parks; and individuals who identify themselves with more than one user group.
Mountain Area Land Trust Newsletter – Fall 2014
/0 Comments/in Items of Interest, Mountain Area Land Trust, News & Views, Welcome /by Michelle PooletIN THIS ISSUE
2014 Land Stewards
Deer Exclosure
Weed Eradication
Summer Hiking
Click on this link to read the full newsletter in your web browser.
CCLC Calendar Photo Contest Reception, Thu 10/30
/0 Comments/in Calls to Action, Clear Creek Land Conservancy, Events & Parties, Items of Interest, News & Views /by Michelle PooletPlease feel free to invite friends and supporters. A $15 donation is suggested, or purchase a calendar (which is $15).
RSVP by Monday, October 27th and please include the number and name of your guests. RSVP to:
Claire Riegelman
Executive Director
Clear Creek Land Conservancy
303.718.9546
cl****@***********************cy.org
www.clearcreeklandconservancy.org
JCOS Hosts ‘Trails Talk’ Forum Wed 10/29
/0 Comments/in Calls to Action, Events & Parties, Items of Interest, JeffCo Open Space, News & Views, Welcome /by Michelle PooletJeffco Open Space to Hold Follow-Up ‘Trails Talk’ Forum
Jeffco Open Space is hosting a second Trails Talk public forum this year to continue the dialog on experiences in the parks and on the trails. Come to listen, join the conversation, or sign up to put boots on the ground.
This event will be held on Wednesday, October 29, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St, Golden, CO 80401 in the first floor conference rooms.
In addition to talk of flood recovery, Jeffco Open Space will provide an update on new trails, the status of working groups, and volunteer involvement opportunities. Following a presentation, staff experts will be available for one-on-one questions on a variety of topics.
Jeffco Open Space was founded as a land conservation organization in 1972 to preserve land, protect park and natural resources and provide healthy nature-based experiences. We are funded with a one-half of one percent sales tax that has preserved over 53,000 acres and created 28 regional parks and 230 miles of trails in Jefferson County.
For more information contact Thea Rock, Jeffco Open Space
303-271-5902, tr***@****co.us
JEFFCO OPEN SPACE ACQUIRING GOLDEN CLIFFS CLIMBING AREA
/0 Comments/in Events & Parties, Items of Interest, JeffCo Open Space, Land Preservation, News & Views /by Michelle PooletJeffco Open Space and The Access Fund will celebrate the ownership transfer of the Golden Cliffs rock-climbing area at North Table Mountain Park on Friday, Oct. 24, from 3-4 p.m., at the Peery Trailhead on the south portion of the mesa. Representatives from Jeffco Open Space, The Access Fund, and the climbing community will be present at the celebration; the general public is invited to participate. Light refreshments will be served.
Read the full story at http://jeffco.us/parks/news/2014/golden-cliffs-transferring-to-jeffco-open-space-oct–24/
Golden Cliffs has been a popular destination with many established sport- and traditional-climbing routes. Jeffco Open Space adds this location to its inventory of climbing venues — Cathedral Spires, Clear Creek Canyon and Mt. Lindo. For more information on climbing, please visit the climbing page on our website at http://jeffco.us/parks/recreation/climbing/.
Feds OK Chatfield Project; Suit Looms…
/0 Comments/in Calls to Action, Items of Interest, Land Preservation, News & Views, Welcome /by Michelle PooletDeal will add to water supply but inundate 10% state park…by Bruce Finley, The Denver Post
Federal water engineers on Thursday launched the long-planned and controversial Chatfield Reservoir water supply project, closing a deal with Colorado sponsors.
Audubon Society opponents filed a lawsuit…
____________________________________________________________________________
If you’ve been following the Army Corp of Engineers’ proposal to heighten the dam at Chatfield, and you missed this article in the Denver and the West section, first page, I hate to break the news to you, but the project has been green-lighted, according to the Denver Post on Friday, October 10th.
The Chatfield Reservoir was initially constructed in 1975 for flood control. Supporters of this project claim that the Denver area will require additional water reserves in order to deal with an estimated population of 8.6 – 10.3 million residents by 2050. By reallocating these waters for residential, industrial and agricultural uses and increasing the holding capacity of the Reservoir, Denver water engineers hope to avoid having to siphon water from the Western Slope.
Conservation groups have fought long and hard to halt this project, citing the impending loss of bird, wildlife and recreational habitat due to the 12-foot projected rise in water level, and the eventual lack of snow melt to fill the larger reservoir. The Audubon Society of Greater Denver filed suit last week in U.S. District Court, arguing that federal authorities dismissed better alternatives without appropriate due diligence, and cited the Clean Water Act, which allows only the least-damaging alternative solution.
For the full story go to http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/DenverPost/Default.aspx?href=TDP%2F2014%2F10%2F10&pageno=4&view=document