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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8659RESOLUTION NO. 8 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PUEBLO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AND THE STATE BOARD OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO TRUST FUND RELATING TO THE ARKANSAS RIVER AND FOUNTAIN CREEK PLANNING PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL TO EXECUTE SAME WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo supports the enhancement and preservation efforts along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek; and WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo has received a grant from The State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund for the development of a plan for the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek project, subject to the execution of a grant agreement; and BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, COLORADO, that: SECTION 1 The grant agreement dated December 7, 1998, between the City of Pueblo, a Municipal Corporation, and The State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, for the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek project, a copy of which is attached hereto (a copy of the City's complete application is on file in the office of the City Clerk), having been approved as to form by the City Attorney, is hereby approved. SECTION 2 The President of City Council is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the Grant Agreement on behalf of the City of Pueblo, a Municipal Corporation, and the City Clerk shall affix the seal of the City thereto and attest same. SECTION 3 Funds in the amount of $20,000, Account 001- 0100 - 111 -000 - 010 -0104, are hereby appropriated, budgeted and irrevocably pledged to meet the City of Pueblo's financial obligations of the Contract. SECTION 4 The Resolution will become effective upon final passage. INTRODUCED: March 22.1999 BY: Al Gurul I COUN ER ON ��,� � C—/ APPROVED: U,.�i cif C� � >/ ATTESTED BY: Cl CLERK Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement GRANT AGREEMENT Name: Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project Completion Date: No later than June 2, 2000 Contract Number: 9136 PARTIES TO AGREEMENT: Board: The State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Address: 303 East 17 Avenue, Suite 900 Denver, CO 80203 Telephone: (303) 863 -7522 Grantee: City of Pueblo Address: 211 East'D' Street Telephone: (719) 543 -6006 Contact Name: Steven Meier Contact Title: Senior Planner, Department of Planning and Development Date: December 7, 1998 CONTEXT OF AGREEMENT: A. The Board is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, created by Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution, adopted at the November, 1992 General Election. The Constitution appropriates a portion of the net proceeds of the Colorado Lottery to the Board and directs the Board to invest those proceeds in the State's parks, wildlife, open space and recreational resources. B. In 1994, the Board created a statewide grant program, pursuant to which eligible entities could apply for grants for Planning and Capacity Building Projects to which Grantee responded with a detailed application (the "Project Application "). C. Grantee submitted a Project Application to the Board which contemplates the execution of the Project entitled and described above (the "Project "), a copy of which is incorporated by reference and attached as Appendix A. D. The Board approved Grantee's Project Application on December 2, 1998, subject to the execution of a detailed Grant Agreement the conditions of which are set forth herein. E. Grantee anticipates that the Project described in the Project Application Project 9136 Page I Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement will be substantially completed on June 2, 2000. F. Grantee has undertaken responsibility for obtaining the match (funds and in -kind contributions) described in the Project Application. G. The parties intend this document to be the detailed Grant Agreement required by the Board. The Grantee shall carry out the Project in accordance with this agreement and a work program to be approved by the Executive Director of the Board pursuant to this Agreement. AGREEMENT The parties agree as follows: 1. Grant and Project The Board hereby grants to Grantee the sum not to exceed $40,000, subject to the terms of this Agreement. These funds shall be used by Grantee solely to complete the Project described in Grantee's Project Application as approved by the Board. Grantee hereby agrees to use its best efforts to complete the Project. 2. Project scope The Project, Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project, as described in the Project Application, will not be materially modified by the Grantee without the written approval of the Executive Director of the Board. In multi -phase projects, this Agreement only pertains to the identified phase of the Project, and not the Project as a whole. 3. Information to be provided upon execution of this Agreement NO FUNDS WILL BE DISBURSED BY THE BOARD UNLESS AND UNTIL THE GRANTEE FURNISHES THE BOARD WITH THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THIS AGREEMENT. Prior to execution of this Agreement, Grantee will submit the following information to the Board's staff: a. A resolution adopted by the governing body of the Grantee authorizing the execution of this agreement and approving its terms and conditions; b. A detailed Work Plan and Budget for this Project. Grantee hereby agrees to promptly submit all material revisions to their Work Plan and Budget. As provided further below, the Board reserves the right at any stage of the Project to withhold funding if (i) modifications to the Project are so substantial as to make it, in the Board's reasonable judgment, substantially different in quality or kind from that approved by the Board, or (ii) there have been delays in the implementation of the Project which, in the Board's reasonable judgment, make the Project impracticable; Project 9136 Page 2 Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement C. Project funding which will (i) briefly identify each major stage or milestone of the Project, (ii) set out the source, amount and anticipated date of each disbursement of funds for the Project, and (iii) show the Board payment with respect to the Project; and d. The payment schedule agreed between the parties is checked below: 0 OPTION A: Payment on contract completion. Full payment of the contract amount will be made upon project completion and submission of the information required in paragraph 3 and 4. A . OPTION B: Progress payments. 50% payment upon submission of the information required by this paragraph 3, including a signed copy of the grant agreement. In addition, 25% will be distributed upon submission and approval of a periodic progress report in a form similar to Appendix B. The final 25% of the grant award will be withheld against all the requirements detailed in paragraph 4. 4. Disbursement of Funds Prior to final payment by the Board at the completion of the Project: a. The Grantee must provide to the Board: (1) Written assurance the Project has been substantially completed according to the work plan and budget, along with Project Expenditure Documentation detailed in Appendix C (the "Project Expenditure Documentation "), and reports as noted above to support this claim; (2) Written assurance that no material modifications or delays have been made or experienced (or the Board has been advised of the modifications or delays and has elected to continue to participate in the funding of the Project); (3) Written assurance that matching funding has been received as outlined in the Project Expenditure Documentation (Appendix C) (or the status of efforts to secure matching funding has been disclosed to Board staff and it has been found to be satisfactory); and (4) Written assurance that the representations made to the Board in the Project Application continue to be true (or, if there have been any material changes, the Board has been advised of such changes and has assented to them). b. The Board will release funding subject to the following conditions: (1) Disbursement shall be made on the basis of costs incurred. A reduction in total Project cost or Grantee's matching funding may cause a proportional reduction in the grant award, and; Project 9136 Page 3 Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement (2) Grantee shall submit a written request for reimbursement as outlined in the Project Expenditure Documentation within 180 days of Project completion. Projects are considered completed upon accomplishment of the objectives stated in the Project Application or expenditure of the entire grant amount. Failure to submit the request for reimbursement within the specified time period may result in reduction or loss of grant dollars even if there are undisbursed amounts remaining in the grant. 5. Waiver The Executive Director may waive one or more of the obligations in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Agreement, or may require performance of one or more of these obligations subsequent to disbursement. 6. Compliance with regulatoly requirements and federal and state mandates The Grantee hereby assumes responsibility for compliance with all regulatory requirements in all applicable areas, including but not limited to nondiscrimination, worker safety, local labor preferences, preferred vendor programs, equal employment opportunity, use of competitive bidding, and other similar requirements. To the extent permitted by law, the Grantee will indemnify the Board from any liability or any failure to comply with any such applicable requirements. 7. Nondiscrimination During the performance of this agreement, the Grantee and its contractors shall not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical handicap, medical condition, marital status, age or sex. The Grantee and its contractors shall ensure that the evaluation and treatment of their employees and applicants for employment are free of such discrimination. 8. Publicity and Project Information Grantee agrees: a. Grantee shall acknowledge Board funding in all publicity issued by it concerning the Project; b. Grantee shall cooperate with the Board in preparing public information pieces; and C. Grantee shall give the Board the right and opportunity to use information gained from the Project. 9. Audits and Accounting Grantee shall maintain standard financial accounts, documents, and records relating to the use, management, and operation of the Project. The accounts, documents, and records related to the Project shall be retained by the Grantee for five (5) years following the date of disbursement of funds under this Agreement. The Board, or its designated agent, shall have the right, upon reasonable notice to the Grantee, to audit the books and records of Grantee which pertain to the Project and to the use and disposition of Board funds. The Grantee may use any accounting system which follows the guidelines of "Generally Accepted Accounting Project 9136 Page 4 Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement Practices" published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 10. Withdrawal of Board Funding The Board may withdraw its approval of funding to the Grantee and cease funding of the Project if, in its sole discretion, it determines conditions have occurred which fundamentally change the expectations of the parties or which make the grant infeasible or impractical. 11. Grantee's inability to complete Project If the Grantee determines with reasonable probability that the Project will not or cannot be completed as reflected in the Project Application the Grantee will promptly so advise the Board, and cooperate in good faith with respect to alternative solutions to the problem before any further funds are advanced. 12. Governmental Immunity The following provision applies to the Board. This provision may apply to the Grantee if the Grantee qualifies for protection under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, C.R.S. §24 -10 -101 et seq ( "CGIA "). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, no term or condition of this Agreement shall be construed or interpreted as a waiver, either express or implied, by any party to this Agreement, of any of the immunities, rights, benefits or protection provided under the CGIA, as amended or as may be amended (including, without limitation, any amendments to such statute, or under any similar statute which is subsequently enacted). The parties agree that no provision of this Agreements a ll be construed in such a manner as to reduce the extent to which the CGIA limi e liability of any party to this Agreement. Cz I io-Ks1 13. Liabili . To the extent permitted by law, the Grantee shall be r onsible for, indemnify and hold harmless the Board, its officers, agents and employees from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, damages or costs resulting from, growing out of, or in any way connected with or incident to this Agreement, except for the ne�gence or willful and wanton conduct of the Board its officers, agents, or employees. Grantee hereby waives any and all rights to any type of express or implied indemnity or right of contribution from the State of Colorado, the Board, its officers, agents or employees, for any liability resulting from, growing out of, or in any way connected with or incident to this Agreement. 14. Assignment Grantee may not assign its rights under this Agreement without the written consent of the Board. 15. Good faith There is an obligation of good faith on the part of both parties, including the obligation to make timely communication of information which may reasonably be believed to be of interest to the other party. 16. Applicable Law Colorado law applies to the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement. 17. Independent Contractor Grantee is an independent contractor acting in its separate capacity and not as an officer, employee or agent of the Board. Project 9136 Page 5 Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement 18. Severability If any provision of the Grant Agreement, or the application thereof is found to be invalid, the remainder of the provisions of this Grant Agreement, or the application of such provision other than those as to which it is found to be invalid, shall remain in full force and effect. 19. Entire Agreement Except as expressly provided herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No oral understanding or agreement not incorporated in this Agreement shall be binding upon the parties. No changes in this Agreement shall be valid unless made as an amendment to this contract, approved by the Board, and signed by the parties in this Agreement. 20. Fax and Counterparts This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute one Agreement. In addition, the parties agree to recognize signature to this Agreement transmitted by telecopy as if they were original documents. STATE BOARD OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO TRUST FUND By: Will Date GRANTE . By: Name: Cori nne Koehl Pr Title: President of City Council Dated: 3 -22 -99 Project 9136 Page 6 Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement APPENDIX A PROJECT APPLICATION Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project Project 9136 Page 7 0/94 Great Outdoors Colorado PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION — SUMMARY FORM (Please see instructions for completing this form on the next page.) For planning projects that will directly advance the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund's mission of preserving, protecting, enhancing and managing the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. Participant Information 1. Applicant: City of Pueblo 2. Third Party/Partner: 3. Applicant Address: 4. Third Party Address: 211 E. "D" Stre et, Pueblo, CO 81003 5. Applicant Contact: Name: Steven Meier Title: Senior Planner, Dept. of Planning and Devel. Telephone #:(719) 543 -6006 Fax #: (719) 543 -0572 E -mail: none 6. Third Party Contact: Name: Title: Telephone #: Fax #: E -mail: PROJECT INFORMATION 7. Project Title: Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project 8. U.S. Congressional District: 9. Colorado Senate District #: 3 Third Colorado House District #: 45 & 46 10. County: Pueblo 11. Brief Description of Project (please describe the scope and nature of this project): The City of Pueblo is requesting funds to help develop a master plan for the Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project. The Planning Grant will allow the City to hire a project coordinator whose key role will be to develop a strategic plan for implementation of the pilot projects identified in the recently completed Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan. The Plan will focus only on the significant natural resource and environmental education projects along the City's two major river corridors. 12. Applicant and Partner Contributions: Source Amount Cash or In -Kind City of Pueblo $ 15,000 Cash Pueblo County $ 5,000 Cash City of Pueblo $1,500 In -Kind Pueblo County $ 1,500 In -Kind Pueblo Greenway and Nature Center $ 2,000 In -Kind Pueblo Zoological Society $ 4,000 In -Kind University of Southern Colorado $ 3,000 In -Kind 13. Project Funding: Grant Request: $45,000 Local Match: $32,000 ($20,000 Cash & $12,000 In -kind services) Total: $77,000 (Sponsor and Partner Total from #12 above) 14. Primary oag is /objectives for planning project: (i.e. develop open space plan for county; prioritize land acquisition opportunities; funding mechanism to support open space program.) 1. To establish a strategic plan for implementation the coordinated natural resource, environmental education, habitat improvement, open space, trail, park, and recreational projects. 2. To coordinate the many different partnerships who are involved with the different projects, both financial and in -kind contribution. 3. To identify which pilot projects are achievable. 15. Tasks to undertake to achieve goals /objectives for planning project: (i.e. inventory existing needs; develop selection criteria to prioritize acquisitions; explore options for developing; dedicated funding source.) 1. To hire aproiect coordinator whose role will be to develop this strategic plan. 2. To determine which pilot projects identified in the PNREEC strategic plan best meet the objectives, have achievable funding goals, and realistically could be completed within the next 2 -3 years. 3. Complete an implementation plan, in conjunction with the PNREEC partners that will formalize projects and establish detailed project budgets that integrate funding to more fully secure project partnerships. 4. Complete pilot project schedules based on timing of funding and coordination of projects that create a logical progression of implementation. 16. End Products/Deliverables for planning project: (i.e. county open space plan; program selection criteria; determine appropriate funding mechanism for community.) 1. A Strategic Plan focusing on the key pilot projects which are achievable with in a two to three time frame. 2. A Strategic Plan identifying the partnerships and their responsibilities. 3. A determination of how water qualily issues will incorporated with the project. 4. Determine appropriated means of funding the implementation of the proiects (i.e. GOCO "Legacy" 17. Authorized Signature: .,&L Date: I. Eligibility Requirements A. Project Types: Multi- jurisdictional planning — The planning project involves several different federal, state, and local agencies; educational institutions; interest organization; and private businesses /land owners. 2. Multi- objective planning — The planning project will strategically lead to a larger more tangible project which will preserve, protect and manage wildlife, parks, rivers, trails and open space. B. Recipients: The grant recipient will be the City of Pueblo. C. Required Matching Resources: The total cost for the planning project is estimated to cost $79,000. The grant request if for $45,OOOf from Great Outdoors Colorado, The City and their partners will provide a cash match in the amount of $20,000 and $14,000 match in in -kind services. A Eligible Costs: Funds used in completing the planning project will only be spent on eligible cost such as: to hire a project coordinator who's role will be to work on this newly formed project; all expensed associated surveying, legal and professional services; public processes in order to complete the plan; travel and postage expenses. The grant funds will not be used to fund an existing staff position. E. Maximum Grant: The total project is estimated to cost $79,000. The grant request is for $45,000. F. Project Period: The project will be completed within a 12 month period from the grant's contract award date. rd II. Selection Criteria A. Characteristics and Need for the Project The Pueblo Arkansas River & Fountain Creek Project clearly falls into two GOCO project types: Multi jurisdictional Planning, and Multi - objective Planning. The project will coordinate planning efforts by State Parks, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers, City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, University of Southern Colorado, School Districts # 60 and #70, Pueblo Zoo, Friends of the River Trails, and the Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo to into an overall strategic plan for the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek areas. The plan will allow each of the agencies to proceed with pilot projects which have been identified in the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan ( PNREEC Plan) in a coordinated and integrated manner. (note: the PNREEC was funded by GOCO through a planning grant in 1997). The pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Plan that are along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek incorporate all of the categories within the multi - objective planning section. These projects offer a combination of wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, open space, parks, open space, environmental education, and trails within an overall theme that focuses on environmental experiences offered by the two waterways. The following narrative will address the need and benefits of this multi jurisdictional effort that integrates the multi - objective planning categories. 1. a. Need For and Benefits of the Planning Activity: (1) Need For Project In January 1995 more than 75 representatives from community organizations and citizens joined together to discuss ways to improve environmental education throughout Pueblo County. The outcome of these discussions resulted in the formation of the Pueblo Natural Resources Environmental Education Council, referred to as PNREEC. Shortly after the formation of PNREEC the Council embarked on the completion of a plan to inventory and identify significant natural resource and outdoor recreation opportunities within Pueblo County. PNREEC envisioned that this effort would invoke long range direction in planning and resource protection; along with creating and enhancing partnerships in developing environmental education opportunities and natural resource sites. As a measure of the significant efforts by the PNREEC group they received statewide recognition from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and the Colorado Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. An important component of the PNREEC Plan was the completion of questionnaires, interviews, surveys, and public meetings to determine the community interest and the need, for protection of natural resources and incorporating environmental education as a key part of the conservation efforts. The general consensus of the responses from these efforts strongly indicated that -- "diversity of the natural resources in Pueblo County is of great interest to the area's citizens, natural scientists, and educators as a living, learning laboratory for all to experience and enjoy." The PNREEC Plan resulted in the identification of 57 pilot project sites throughout Pueblo County. The pilot project sites were separated into four physiographic regions: mountains, foothills, plains, and waterways. Recognizing resource limitations, PNREEC identified the need to focus on a theme that exemplified the key goals of the group. Through an extensive process the PNREEC members agreed to focus on a combination of plains and waterway pilot projects along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. The key goal of the program is to focus on the environmental qualities of the corridors, interpretation of the ecological values, and allowing trail access to the waterways for residents of nearby neighborhoods. Following the identification of the key pilot projects along the two waterways, the PNREEC members recognized the need for a coordinated planning effort to assist the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, State, and Federal agencies in developing a plan for the implementation of the key projects along the two waterways. They recognized that each agency alone was not capable of bringing the various projects together into an overall project implementation plan. They acknowledged a critical need to have a coordinator that would work with the PNREEC partners to determine what role each agency should undertake to ensure the successful completion of the projects, along with their responsibilities for long -term funding and management of the projects. The key role of the project coordinator will be to develop an integrated project plan that identifies which pilot projects have achievable funding goals, and realistically could be completed within the next 2 -3 years. All of the partners have recognized the importance of working in a unified effort to complete projects that meet their agencies specific goals and objectives. They have participated as members of the PNREEC Council to develop steps needed to complete pilot projects along the two waterways. In addition to the local partners, the Army Corps of Engineers has recently identified the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek as sites for future improvements to in- stream habitat and the riparian environments within the floodways immediately adjacent to the normal river channels. The Corps of Engineers has been working with the Division of Wildlife, the Pueblo Conservancy District, and the City of Pueblo to complete a habitat improvement plan and funding program. The project will provide extensive habitat improvements along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek within the proposed project planning area. The PNREEC plan documents the need to provide for a balance of public values along the stream corridors that will have an impact on the types of pilot projects that can be completed which provide the greatest value to the Pueblo region. The issues of preserving and enhancing habitat for wildlife and environmental education will need to be balanced with the City of Pueblo's capacity to meet water quality standards within the streams, flood protection, control of storm water runoff. The 6 benefit of this plan will be to determine which of the pilot projects can be accomplished that meet the overall public values and do not create long -term financial obligations that the partners are unable to fund. There is a need to begin implementing the pilot projects within the PNREEC Strategic Plan. The agencies have an opportunity to dramatically improved river habitats through the efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers and the abandonment of gravel mining operations below Pueblo Dam in the Chain -of -Lakes area. The benefit of this plan will be to determine the feasibility of the proposed improvements and determine how partners can take advantage of the environmental education and other related opportunities. There is also a need to develop a strategic plan that incorporates ways the PNREEC partners can leverage their financial resources with each other, in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers, GOCO, Federal Highway Administration, and non- profit foundations to fund the pilot projects. The benefit of this plan will be to focus on projects that the partners are financially capable of completing and have the strong likelihood of receiving additional funds from other partners. Colorado State Park's long -term plans for Lake Pueblo State Park are to expand the operating area of the park east along the Arkansas River to Pueblo Boulevard. This area includes several of the key pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan including the State Honor Farm land, Greenway and Nature Center improvements, Chain -of -Lakes project (old mining pits), stream habitat improvements, and a trail connection to Pueblo West. The Colorado Division of Wildlife anticipates playing a primary role in the management of wildlife and stream enhancement projects, along with the environmental education programs planned for both the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. • How Will The Planning Project Address The Needs Described Above? The end product of the project will be a strategic plan that is completed through the leadership of a project coordinator, in conjunction with the PNREEC members. The plan will prioritize the pilot projects along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek waterways that are identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. The higher priority projects will be the focus of continuing funding efforts by the PNREEC members. The prioritizing of pilot projects will take into account the need to balance public values for the natural resources, along with the environmental education and recreation opportunities for each of the waterways. The plan will also examine the costs and feasibility of completing the proposed pilot projects and analyze those factors in relationship to the future plans and 7 activities of the Division of Wildlife, Lake Pueblo State Park, Army Corps of Engineers, and the other management agencies. • What Will Be Gained? This planning effort will assist the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, State, and Federal agencies to develop a plan for implementing the key multi- objective pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. A critical need is to coordinate with the PNREEC partnership agencies to determine what role each agency should undertake to ensure the successful completion of the projects, along with their responsibilities with long -term funding and management of the projects. In order to develop an integrated project plan it is necessary to determine which projects have achievable funding goals, and realistically could be completed within the next 2 -3 years. The PNREEC Strategic Plan identified potential pilot projects that could be part of a regional environmental education program. This planning project will assist the PNREEC partners in developing a plan that formalizes projects, establishes detailed project budgets that incorporates the timing of funding and coordination of projects that establishes a logical progression of the pilot projects. Pilot projects will progress from the concept/identification stages, that are identified in several local and state plans (see section on related plans), to a point where more detailed plans and funding strategies are completed to enable the agencies to begin securing funding to complete the projects. Some of the key project components include the coordination of water quality and habitat issues within the streams, acquisition of water rights, land acquisition for some of pilot projects, location of an Environmental Education Center and the relationship of other environmental education programs and facilities to the new facility. Additional project tasks include coordinating potential federal funding from the public and private funding programs. • What Is The Importance Of This Planning Effort To The Community, Region, and/or State? The planning effort will bring the organizations that have already been involved in the PNREEC Strategic Plan into a focused effort to complete many of the pilot projects along the two rivers. The planning effort will solidify State Park plans to extend the boundaries of Lake Pueblo State Park east toward Pueblo Boulevard and address future management issues of the State Honor Farm property. Through coordinated efforts by the PNREEC partners the most suitable site for an Environmental Education Information Center that will serve as the focal point for environmental education activities in Southern Colorado will be determined. The planning effort will also result in a specific plan that recommends ways to fund development of the following types of pilot projects identified in the PNREEC plan: R 1. The enhancement of in- stream habitat for the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek that incorporates funding opportunities from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, and private foundations. 2. Riparian and short grass prairie restoration efforts and enhancement of recreation and environmental education facilities at the Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo. 3. Floodplain parks along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek that promote environmental education and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. 4. Exhibits at the Pueblo Zoo that focus on local, indigenous wildlife, along with a trail connection from the zoo to the river trail system. 5. The recommendation for the implementation of trail projects connecting the Pueblo West and the St. Charles Mesa areas to the river trail system. 6. The plan will develop funding strategies for completing improvements to the existing sections of the existing river trail system that do not meet current design and safety standards. 0 What Is The Approximate Size Of The Area That Will Be Covered By The Plan? The area covered within this plan is a 15 -mile corridor that extends to a maximum width of one -half mile. The area includes the ten mile reach of the Arkansas River between Lake Pueblo Dam and the confluence with Fountain Creek; and the five mile reach of Fountain Creek extending north from its confluence with the Arkansas River. The pilot project planning area encompasses approximately 1275 acres. • Map of Area See attached map of the project location. (2) Plans That Directly Relate to the Planning Effort ffort Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan (199 7) This plan has served as the basis of developing the project theme for the enhancement and reclamation of the two major stream corridors within the City of Pueblo. The plan provides a list of potential pilot projects that are incorporated into an overall environmental education, protection of wildlife habitat, and recreation theme. This plan will continue to provide the initial inventory information and public documentation supporting the concept for implementing projects within the plan. Lei Pueblo Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan (1996) This document is a plan, prepared by the City of Pueblo, for the Arkansas River and its two tributaries, Fountain Creek and the St. Charles River. The purpose of the plan is to aid resource managers to understand the issues surrounding water use in Pueblo County, and how to balance the traditional supply management approach with progressive demand - management. The plan will be used to evaluate the proposed pilot projects in conjunction with the need to balance the competition between traditional uses (generally agriculture) and new recreation and environmental uses. In addition, the plan will be used to evaluate proposed in- stream improvements in relationship to the need to preserve watercourse uses, stream classifications, and standards desirable for cost - effective residential, commercial, and industrial development and urban drainage. Lake Pueblo State Park Master Plan 0989) This document was developed by Colorado State Parks to provide guidance for the management and future expansion of the park. The information in the plan will be used to evaluate the pilot projects proposed in the PNREEC Strategic Plan that are below Pueblo Dam and east along the Arkansas River to Pueblo Boulevard. The plan will also be used to review options for the management of the area east of Pueblo Dam including the Honor Farm property, Greenway & Nature Center facility, in- stream recreation uses between the dam and Wildhorse Creek. Teaching Environmental - Science Naturally Program (1995) This program developed by eight local, state, and federal agencies established a local outdoor environmental science classroom program. The program was developed to enable teachers to offer hands -on, first -hand experiences to students. A key objective of the program is to expose students to the nature and knowledge of science in order to promote a sense of history and importance of science in their lives. The plan offers environmental curriculum for the Rock Canyon area in Lake Pueblo State Park and the Arkansas River & Dam at Lake Pueblo State Park. These programs have formed the basis for an expansion of the environmental education program extending along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. Pueblo River Trail Expansion (1998) This plan identifies opportunities for the expansion of the Arkansas River trail system east beyond the confluence with Fountain Creek, with connections to the St. Charles River and the St. Charles Mesa neighborhoods. The plan proposes a series of construction phases to complete the trail project over an extended period of time. The plan will be used to evaluate initial trail alignment and design options to the link the St. Charles Mesa area to the existing river trails system. Preliminary Master Plan (1994) prepared for the Pueblo Conservancy District The Pueblo Conservancy District was established in 1922 to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of flood control facilities along the Arkansas River within in the City of Pueblo. The Preliminary Master Plan was developed for the Conservancy District as an initial assessment and concept for the development of lands along the Arkansas River as open space and recreation. The information in the plan will be used in the evaluation of pilot projects proposed in the PNREEC Strategic Plan that are along the Arkansas River. The plan will also be used to guide the development of these recreational opportunities and public access to the Arkansas River within the Conservancy District project area. The Master Plan is limited to the area along the Arkansas River corridor from the Board of Water Works plant west of Wildhorse Creek to the confluence of the river with the Fountain Creek east of Runyon Lake. Pueblo 1990 Bicycle System Plan Update (1990) This document provides an update and evaluation of Pueblo's 17 -mile River Trail System within the floodplains of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. The plan separates the trail system into eleven segments and provides an evaluation of each section. The recommendations in the plan will be incorporated into the review of the river trail improvements and connections pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. 1. b. Description of Goals /Objectives/Tasks/End Products: The scope of the project is to complete an implementation plan that will coordinate the efforts of the PNREEC partners to complete pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan that are located along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek corridors. Implementation Plan Goals /Objectives: 1. Establish a strategic plan for implementation of coordinated natural resource, environmental education, open space, park, trail and recreation projects. The plan will prioritize the pilot projects along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek that are identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. The projects will include a combination of all the GOCO funding areas. 2. To coordinate the many different partnerships who are involved with the different projects. The project coordinator in conjunction with the PNREEC members will work cooperatively to further develop pilot project plans and continue fostering the partnerships in order maximize project implementation activities and the ability to leverage development and management funds. IF 3. To identify which pilot projects best meet the objectives of the project and are achievable. The plan will focus on projects that best meet the objectives of the project, are financially feasible, do not contain unrealistic land acquisition expectations, and are achievable in a 2 -3 year period of time. Project Tasks: 1. To hire a project coordinator The project coordinator will work with the PNREEC members to complete a strategic plan for implementing the key pilot projects along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. He coordinator will responsible for the final completion of the plan. 2. To determine which pilot projects identified in the PNREEC strategic plan best meet the objectives, have achievable funding goals, and realistically could be completed within the next 2 -3 years. This task is the backbone of the project that requires the coordinator and PNREEC members to evaluate pilot projects, identify opportunities to leverage funds, coordinate management responsibilities if projects are implemented. Ultimately, this portion of the project is the key to maintaining a strong level of support from the participating agencies. 3. Complete an Implementation plan, in conjunction with PNREEC partners that formalizes projects and establishes detailed project budgets that integrate funding to more fully secure partnerships. The implementation plan will identify funding requirements, potential funding sources and partnerships for habitat improvements, natural park areas, land acquisitions, interpretive centers, and trail linkages, along with providing a logical progression for the development of the projects along the two waterways. Products/Deliverables: 1. A Strategic Plan focusing on the key pilot projects along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek which are achievable within a 2 -3 year timeframe. The plan will be used by the PNREEC members as a guide for the development of specific pilot projects. It will also be utilized as a document to explain and justify the projects recommended for future implementation along 11) the waterways. The plan will also be utilized as a supporting document for future funding proposals and requests. 2. A Strategic Plan identifying the partnerships and each partners responsibilities within the overall Arkansas River and Fountain Creek projects. The plan will provide recommendations for the management of the in- stream habitat areas, natural park areas, interpretive displays and exhibits, along with the trail linkages to the river trail system. This portion of the plan will be critical for the long -term sustainability of the overall project. 3. A determination of how water quality issues will be incorporated with the project. The section of the Strategic Plan will focus on the issues surrounding water quality and the classification of the streams based on the sustainability of healthy aquatic species. Another aspect of this section will be an analysis of the ability to improve water standards that allow for the public to have contact with the water in the streams. This analysis will take into account other water users issues and the ability of the City of maintain Class Iwater quality conditions and still provide for public safety and diversified use of the water resources. 4. Determine appropriate means of funding the implementation of the projects. This section of the plan will recommend funding strategies, funding partnerships, and the ability of the PNREEC members to leverage their funds with GOCO, other state agencies, federal programs, private foundations, and educational institutions. Implementation of the Plan The pilot projects will require a coordinated management strategy for the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek areas. This strategy will need to address both physical improvements and public programs along the waterways. The benefit of this strategy will be to develop management programs for the PNREEC partners that most effectively protect the natural resources, provide for public use and education, and limit the duplication of responsibilities along the waterways. 1. c. Threats and Urgency: The Army Corps of Engineers is currently working in conjunction with the City of Pueblo and the Colorado Division of Wildlife to complete significant habitat improvements in the Arkansas River and wetland improvements in the Fountain Creek levee area. The Army Corps of Engineers has indicated that up to $4 million iz dollars could be anticipated to assist with the funding of these significant improvements. The City of Pueblo, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the other PNREEC partners are in a unique situation to coordinate the efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers and leverage additional public and private funds to implement other pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. Also, there is the opportunity to acquire a series of old gravel pits that are now lakes and are adjacent to the Arkansas River and below Pueblo Reservoir. The lakes were established by Valco, Inc., a gravel mining company that has used the area for their operations during the past 20 years. The lakes cover an area approximately 500 acres in size that are located on the south side of the river across from the current location of the Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo. Valco, Inc. has extinguished its gravel resources in this immediate area and intends to relocate its gravel mining operation within the next couple of years. The company has offered to donate the property that contains the series of lakes to the City of Pueblo provided the City can obtain water rights to account for the evaporative loss of water from the lakes. The value of the donation is estimated to be between $400,000 and $500,000. The location of the lakes is also within the area that has been identified for the expansion of Lake Pueblo State Park. This 500 acres would provide a significant addition of preserved wildlife habitat and environmental education opportunities to the Arkansas River corridor. If the water rights issue related to the evaporative water loss is not resolved, Valco, Inc. could withdraw their offer to donate the property to the City of Pueblo. As well as, all PNREEC partners are working in supporting the project and are ready to begin the implementation of the proposed pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. 2. b. Need and Benefits of Multi- jurisdictional Planning: This planning effort will assist the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, State, and Federal agencies to develop a plan for implementing the key multi - objective pilot projects identified in the PNREEC Strategic Plan. A critical need is to coordinate with the PNREEC partnership agencies to determine what role each agency should undertake to ensure the successful completion of the projects, along with their responsibilities with long -term funding and management of the projects. In order to develop an integrated project plan it is necessary to determine which projects have achievable funding goals, and realistically could be completed within the next 2 -3 years. The PNREEC Strategic Plan identified potential pilot projects that could be part of a regional environmental education program. This planning project will assist the PNREEC partners in developing a plan that formalizes projects, establishes detailed project budgets that incorporate the timing of funding and coordination of projects that establishes a logical progression of the pilot projects. Pilot projects will progress from the concept/identification stages that are identified in several local and state plans (see section on related plans), to a point where more 14 detailed plans and funding strategies are determined which will enable the agencies to begin securing funding to complete the projects. B. Impact of the Project 1. Project Results: The strategic plan will prioritize the key element in the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project. It will also develop a funding plan for these projects and coordinate the management of the river corridors in conjunction with State Parks, the Division of Wildlife, the City of Pueblo, and the Pueblo Conservancy District. The PNREEC Committee recognizes that all the pilot projects identified along the river corridors will not be able to be completed as part of this plan but will be based on available funds, land availability and cost, and the ability to secure outside funds for specific portions of the project. The identified projects will have realistic implementation plans that can be acted on by the appropriate agencies in a systematic progression that fits with the overall program goals. The resulting projects will be proposed to GOCO for funding to assist in the accomplishment of the PNREEC Council's goals of creating and enhancing partnerships and public opportunities within Pueblo County for awareness, appreciation, and environmental educational experiences in the use and stewardship of our natural resources and open -space heritage. The completion of this implementation plan will establish a plan for the PNREEC partners to preserve and enhance the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek corridors which are critical areas for birds and riparian animal species in Southern Colorado. The plan will recommend a strategy to acquire water rights that will result in the donation of the 500 -acre Chain -of -Lakes property that will likely be incorporated into the operations of Lake Pueblo State Park, the Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The strategic plan will also recommend strategies for the development of natural park sites along both the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. The trail linkages identified within the PNREEC Strategic Plan will also be included as part of the regional efforts to link communities to the river corridors. The strategy for monitoring and evaluating the program results includes: 1. The Planning Director of the City of Pueblo Planning & Development Department will supervise the Project Coordinator. 2. Conducting monthly meetings with PNREEC members to monitor the progress of pilot project plans and funding strategies. 3. Monitoring the key components of the planning effort that include: a) Water quality and quantity issues in relation to the Army Corps of Engineers project b) Water rights needed to secure the Valco property donation c) Coordination of pilot projects with the Colorado Division of Wildlife 15 d) Coordination of pilot projects with Colorado State Parks e) Coordination of pilot projects with other affected agencies The success of the planning effort will be defined and measured by the success of the partnerships that are formalized to implement the key projects included in the plan. These partnerships should result in the securing of supplemental grant funds and donations to enable the plan to be implemented. 2. Likelihood of Implementation: The projects recommended for the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Plan will be implemented through a series of joint projects involving federal and state agencies, local city and county funds, and contributions from private foundations. The PNREEC partners have indicated their interest in participating in a funding plan that would incorporate funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, the donation of the Valco Chain -of -Lakes property, funding from Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado State Parks, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The City of Pueblo and Pueblo County have identified the need to provide matching funds for grant projects identified through this planning process. Funding from the Federal Highway Scenic Byway Fund and the Federal Highway Enhancement Program will be pursued by the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County in conjunction with land acquisition of scenic river corridor property and the development of bicycle /pedestrian access to the river corridors. The Greenway & Nature Center of Pueblo and the Pueblo Zoological Society will be pursuing contributions from private foundations to assist in funding displays, an Environmental Education Center, and other improvements. The potential sources of funding for the Arkansas River/Fountain Creek corridor pilot projects include the Army Corps of Engineers, GOCO Legacy Grant, Colorado State Parks, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Valco, Inc., TEA21 Enhancement Project, Federal Highway Scenic Byway Program, City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, State Trails Program, Private Foundations, and Educational Institutions. The total project expenses could reach an estimated $10 million, although several pilot projects could be completed without all the potential sources of funding. At this time the City has had preliminary discussions with the funding partners, and they all believe that now is the time to bring the plan to fruition. 3. Catalyst and Demonstration Value: The City of Pueblo's plan for implementing pilot projects in the PNREEC Strategic Plan is a key step for the more than 75 organizations and individuals that initially were involved in the PNREEC planning process. This project will result in an implementation plan that will be a powerful tool in securing partnership funds for development of the pilot projects. While similar strategies have incorporated cooperative partnerships between funding agencies, the PNREEC concept 16 emphasizing a community -wide effort to enhance environmental education has not previously been undertaken by other communities in Colorado. C. Leveraging and Partnerships 1. Leveraging of Funds: Source Amount Cash or In -Kind City of Pueblo $15,000 Cash Pueblo County $ 5,000 Cash City of Pueblo $ 1,500 In -Kind Pueblo County $ 1,500 In -Kind Pueblo Greenway & Nature Center $ 2,000 In -Kind Pueblo Zoological Society $ 4,000 In -Kind University of Southern Colorado $ 3,000 In -Kind Total Amount $32,000 ($20,000 Cash/$12,000 In -Kind) Please see letters of support for documentation. 2. Partnership and Support: a. Partnerships In addition to the in -kind and cash match, members of the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Council will be providing non -cash support through regular council meetings to provide direction on the implementation of the plan. Representatives from Pueblo School District #60 and Pueblo School District #70 will also provide support for the implementation plan. Letters of Support: • Pueblo Conservancy District • Pueblo School District #60 (letter forthcoming, will be forwarded) • Pueblo School District #70 (letter forthcoming will be forwarded) b. Support 17 In addition to the in -kind cash and services match, members of the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Council will be providing non -cash support such as gathering the necessary graphic materials, information, expertise, and current materials. Partners include, but are not limited to, the local Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, US Army Corps of Engineers, Natural Resources and Conservation District, the Girl and Boys Scouts of America, Friends of the River Trails, Board of Water Works, and the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway. (See list of PNREEC members in the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan included within the Planning Documents attachment to this application. 18 Attachments • Resolution • Map • Work Budget • Timeline • Letters of Support Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners Pueblo Zoological Society Pueblo Conservancy District University of Southern Colorado Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo • Planning Documents 19 RESOLUTION NO. 8530 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PUEBLO TO SUBMIT A PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE PUEBLO ARKANSAS RIVER AND FOUNTAIN CREEK PROJECT TO THE STATE BOARD OF OUTDOORS COLORADO TRUST FUND, AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL TO EXECUTE SAME WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo supports the Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project and planning grant applications to the State Board of Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund; and WHEREAS, the proposed projects have been identified as pilot projects in the City's Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan•, and BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, COLORADO, that: SECTION 1 The President of the City Council is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the planning grant application for the Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project on behalf of the City of Pueblo, a Municipal Corporation, to the State Board of Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, and the City Clerk shall affix the seal of the City thereto and attest same. SECTION 2 The grant application is requesting $45,000 from LOCO, with the City of Pueblo obligating up to $20,000 as cash match from the City's 1999 budget towards the total project cost. SECTION 3 A copy of the grant applications are on file at the City of Pueblo's Department of Planning and Development. INTRODUCED: September 28, 1998 BY: Corinne Koehler COUNCIL PERSON APPROVED: - PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL ATTESTED BY: TY CLERK ARKANSAS RIVER AND FOUNTAIN CREEK APRIL 1998 PUEBLO WEST rf • •° c r O J ¢ 1 N h r G 0 F vd r f a UMN or flow r SOU TERN E < �Dst:ft COLD ADO O 9, {L.IJ 0 Irks p Sr, � 29th St A•F,EA r o 3 Ivd ti 2 4 f t15 - "R° 4 h s Z 241h SI 9 boa m ` o n = Rf % $ ( o to`oo "18th St u u 1D1 St O u ,ccfa4 Rood 7�{ rl St SNORE tiolorc G°� u " C' h 5 8l S 1 = Al St -9 MARINA , y j Rt r4' 0.rtl - 7 < o LAKE PUE13LD STATE PARK o° ;a�n[ �, "� ,11 I C �_ 7 ThnlCher Ave 11- V t ot Ave � t t� � \ `�+ Pion Ve_r 5�' 1 `' •__ C' t 6 Uee Va So,linqs Rd Arroyo ve f atA V loth e Avt cf ° h1 Ave L o a Av J V14 r < lalr Wt STATE M-Y 9S rlw Id In .o o N ^ ^r9uo 1 c `ri i LEGEND: �11v1r0�1.wCr��'n� E��czi - toN GJ •�� SI�S 1. PUEBLO WEST TRAIL LINK 2. ACQUISITION OF THE REMAINING PRIVATE PARCELS OF LAND IN AND AROUND THE HONOR FARM 3. IMPROVEMENTS AT THE GREENWAY AND NATURE CENTER AND CREATE A PHYSICAL LINK TO THE CHAIN OF LAKES (ACROSS THE ARKANSAS RIVER) 4. ACQUIRE AND ENHANCE VALCO'S "CHAIN OF LAKES" 5. CREATE STREAM HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS IN THE ARKANSAS RIVER FROM PUEBLO DAM DOWNSTREAM TO THE FOUNTAIN CREEK CONFLUENCE 6. REPLACE THE EXISTING DROP STRUCTURES IN THE ARKANSAS RIVER WITH BOAT CHUTES T. ACQUIRE LANDS ADJACENT TO OLIVE MARSH FOR USE AS BUFFERS AND CREATE ADDITIONAL WETLANDS 8. CREATE A TRAIL LINK TO THE PUEBLO ZOO AND ENHANCE THE EXHIBITS BY FOCUSING ON LOCAL AND INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE 9. REHABILITATE AND ENHANCE THE ARKANSAS RIVER AND FOUNTAIN CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM 10. DEVELOP A WILDHORSE CREEK INTERPRETATIVE AREA 11. CREATE A DIRECTIONAL AND INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE SYSTEM FOR NATURAL RESOURCE AND RECREATION SITES 12. IMPROVE ACCESS INTO RUNYON LAKE WILDLIFE AREA 13. CREATE WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS ALONG THOMAS PHELPS CREEK 14. CREATE WETLANDS IN THE FOUNTAIN CREEK LEVEE AREA 15. CREATE A FOUNTAIN CREEK REGIONAL PARK 16. DEVELOP A TRAIL CONNECTING THE ST. CHARLES MESA AREA ALONG THE ARKANSAS AND ST. CHARLES RIVERS PUEBLO ARKANSAS RIVER AND FOUNTAIN CREEK PROJECT PLANNING GRANT SEPTEMBER 1998 "DETAILED WORK BUDGET" SOURCE OF FUNDS DATE GOCO APPLICANT PARTNER TOTAL SECURED REQUEST MATCH MATCH CASH 1 \99 -4 \99 $45,000 $15,000 $5,000 $65,000 IN -KIND 1. PUEBLO CITY (design & $1,500 $1,500 mapping) 2. PUEBLO COUNTY $1,500 $1,500 (mapping & engineering) 3. UNIV. OF SOUTHERN $3,000 $3,000 COLORADO (surveying & mapping) 4. PUEBLO ZOOLOGICAL $4,000 $4,000 SOCIETY (design, surveying, & engineering) 5. PUEBLO GREENWAY & $2,000 $2,000 NATURE CENTER (mapping & tech. Expertise) TOTAL SOURCES OF FUNDS $45,000 $16,500 $15,500 $77,000 USES OF FUNDS DATE GOCO APPLICANT PARTNER TOTAL USED FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS PROJECT COORDINATOR 3/99- 12/99 $45,000 $5,000 $3,000 $53,000 IN -KIND SERVICES 2/99- 12/99 $1,500 $10,000 $11,500 TELEPHONE / FAX $500 $500 PRINTING, 4/99 - 12 \99 $8,500 $2,000 $10,500 REPRODUCTION, COMPUTER PLOTS TRAVEL 4 \99- 12 \99 $500 $1,500 TOTAL USES OF FUNDS $45,000 $16,500 $15,500 $77,000 C4 z MCI z O A z r � V1 z Fit O M � M h+� W a N Q� i O O� CN 01 00 0 cl ti W aZ as �w w Vl M Q1 N O� O� r � � zo °�� Uon z °z wc� O�HQZ d �a0 U�WQHUQ z¢aUo3!~� o�¢Ox��wa v zH � ww�w � u� uQa �� H o� o WO� a 0 ., a a a Q KATHY FARLEY CHAIRPERSON 1997 DR. RICHARD A. MARTINEZ CHAIRPERSON 1998 JOHN L. KLOMP CHAIRPERSON 1999 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS September 22, 1998 Mr. Will Shaffroth, Executive Director State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund 303 East 17th Ave., Suite #810 Denver, CO 80203 Dear Mr. Shaffroth: CHRIS C. MUNOZ COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER TERRY HART COUNTY ATI ORNEY AIMEE TIHONOVICH 01111_CTOR. OFFICE OP BUDGET Pueblo County has been an active participant providing both cash and in -kind assistance for the development of the Pueblo Natural Resources & Environmental Education Strategic Plan completed by the Pueblo Natural Resources & Environmental Education Council (PNREEC). The County is one of thirty agencies and local organizations who have been actively involved in the development of the strategic plan, which identifies several potential pilot projects for this region. The PNREEC committee members have identified the pilot projects within the Strategic Plan that are along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek as important projects to focus on implementing during the next 2 -3 years. The County Commissioners recognizes a critical need to have a project coordinator to work with the organizations to integrate the pilot projects along the river corridors into a comprehensive environmental education/ recreation plan. Therefore, we are support the City of Pueblo's planning grant proposal for the Pueblo Arkansas River & Fountain Creek Project to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. The Board of County Commissioners is willing to consider providing a cash match, in addition to the funds being provided by the City of Pueblo, for the planning grant project. Additionally, the County has committed to provide the following in -kind assistance: 1. Mapping services from the County GIS and Planning Department to assist the project coordinator. 2. General project engineering assistance for the St. Charles Mesa Trail Connection to determine pilot project costs and feasibility. 3. Technical review of potential land acquisition costs by the County Planning Department. PUEBLO COUNTY COURTHOUSE 215 W. 10TH ST., PUEBLO, CO 81003 -2992 (719) 583 -6000 FAX (719) 583 -6549 �.� ji I� r' SEP 2 9 199 - _ _ k ro � nrc.r rni Mr. Will Shaffroth, Executive Director State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Page 2 of 2 We encourage the Great Outdoors Colorado Board to consider approving funds for the City of Pueblo and the many partners to continue the strategic planning effort along Pueblo's two major waterways. Sincerely, X. wz Dr. Richard A. Martinez Chairman f OL. Klomp VKath Farley cc: John Simmer, Public Works Director Kim Headley, Director, Planning & Development Steven Meier, Senior Planner, City of Pueblo Planning Department SH /sh E .-IJUENWAUALLAU11ii Pueblo Zoological Society 3455 Nuckolls Avenue Pueblo, CO 81005 -1234 JUY. M` Phone: (719) 561 -1452 PUEBLO Fax: (719) 561 -8686 zoo Mr. Will Shafroth, Executive Director State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund 303 East 17th Ave., Suite #810 Denver, CO 80203 September 23, 1998 Dear Mr. Shafroth: As an original member of the Pueblo Natural Resources & Environmental Education Council ( PNREEC), The Pueblo Zoologial Society wishes to support the City of Pueblo's planning grant proposal for the Pueblo Arkansas River & Fountain Creek Projects. Because of the scope of the projects, we feel it is necessary to have someone coordinate the efforts on behalf of PNREEC. This person would work with the PNREEC partners to plan pilot projects, so identified by the Pueblo Natural Resources & Environmental Education Strategic Plan, that could be implemented within two to three years. In the event of your favorable response to this proposal, as its in -kind contribution to this project, the Zoological Society would provide design, survey, and engineering studies for the North American river otter exhibit here at the Zoo, valued at $4,000. Construction of Colorado native animal exhibits at the Zoo, has identified as a key project priority. These studies would be preliminary to the construction of the exhibit, which would include extensive educational graphics relating to the natural history of this important Colorado native. In addition, we would commit $1,500 of staff time to help in this effort. Sincerely, 9 Jonnene McFarland Executive Director SEP 2 41998 AMEIICAN Zoo Am AQUAMM ASSOCIATION THE PUEBLO CONSERVANCY DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS I 11 EAST FIFTH STREET MAILING ADDRESS: P. KELLY P. O. BOX 234 K. FARLEY 544 -6823 PUEBLO. COLO. 81002 G. SANDSTROM PUEBLO, COLORADO September 22, 1998 Mr. Will Shaffroth, Executive Director State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund 303 East 17th Ave., Suite #810 Denver, CO 80203 Dear Mr. Shaffroth: The Pueblo Conservancy District is the owner of a large portion of the property that has been utilized for Pueblo's unique river trails system. The District has a long - standing record of supporting Pueblo's trails and ecological areas along our major waterways. The establishment of the trails, one of the earliest urban trail systems in Colorado, was a cooperative effort involving both local and state agencies. As the need to preserve and enhance our waterway environment began receiving local attention, the Conservancy District participated in the development of the Pueblo Natural Resources & Environmental Education Strategic Plan. We are one of thirty agencies and local organizations who have been actively involved in the development of the Pueblo Natural Resources & Environmental Education Committee's strategic plan, which identifies several potential pilot projects for this region. Several of the pilot projects identified in the strategic plan will be located on property owned by the Conservancy District. These projects will need to be planned in a manner that allows continued partnerships with Lake Pueblo State Park, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Army Corp of Engineers, as well as other local agencies. In order to assist the efforts underway, we support the City of Pueblo's planning grant proposal for the Pueblo Arkansas River & Fountain Creek Project to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. We recognize the need to have a coordinator to assist the local, state and federal agencies to further develop the proposed pilot projects for this area including plans for interpretation, recreation, environmental education, and the implementation of a stewardship plan for the project improvements. We encourage the Great Outdoors Colorado Board to consider approving funds for the City of Pueblo and the many partners to continue the strategic planning effort along Pueblo's two major waterways. Sincerely, !: Gus Sandstrom Chairman cc: Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners Ray Koester, Engineer, Pueblo Conservancy District Steven Meier, Senior Planner, City of Pueblo Planning Department U/CUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 2200 Bonforte Boulevard Pueblo, Colorado 81001 - 4901 COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS 719 549 - 2340 DEAN OF THE COLLEGE FAX. 719 549 - 2732 September 24, 1998 Mr. Will Shaffroth State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund 303 East 17` Avenue Suite 810 Denver, CO 80203 Dear Mr. Shaffroth: The College of Science and Mathematics at the University of Southern Colorado has been an active participant in assisting with the development of the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan and continue to support the mission of the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Council. We are one of the thirty agencies and local organizations who have contributed significant support in the form of funding and staff time to the process of creating the strategic plan which identifies several potential projects for this region of the State. We are cognizant of the City of Pueblo's planning grant proposal for the Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project being submitted to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund for consideration for funding and wish to add our commitment to support the Project through allocating staff time and fiscal resources. The University of Southern Colorado and the College of Science and Mathematics are aware of the value and need to coordinate the pilot projects proposed for our region of the State which includes interpretation, recreation, environmental education, and the implementation of a stewardship plan for the Project improvements. To the end of the assuring project integrity, coordination and success, we believe it is essential to have a Project Coordinator whose primary responsibility will be that of facilitating communication and collaboration among the projects selected for implementation and for providing the leadership and management necessary to meet the objectives of the Project on time. The College of Science and Mathematics commits to provide staff time valued at $2,000 to $3,000 to assist in the completion of the Project. As Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, I urge you to consider approving the funds requested for the City of Pueblo and the numerous partners to continue the strategic planning effort along Pueblo's two major waterways. Respectfully, {{ J Jack A. Seilheimer, Ph.D. `4rofessor of Biology Dean, College of Science and Mathematics xc: Steven Meier, Senior Planner, City of Pueblo Planning Department SFQ .f X94 /mjm CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND LEISURE STUDIES MATHEMATICS NURSING PHYSICS / PHYSICAL SCIENCE PUEBLO GREENWAY AND NATURE-CENTER GREENWAY& September 22, 1998 of Pueblo The Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board 5200 Nature Center Road 303 East 17th Street, Suite 810 Pueblo, CO 81003 Denver, CO 80203 Office: (719) 549 -2414 FAX: (719) 549 -2547 E -mail: gnc@uscolo.edu Web Address: http://www.uscolo.edu/gnc Dear Board Members: The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo has been actively involved in the development of the Pueblo National Resource and Environmental Education Strategic Plan and supports the mission of the Pueblo National Resource and Environmental Education Council ( PNREEC). We are one of thirty agencies and local organizations who have been actively involved in the development of the strategic plan, which identifies several potential pilot projects for this region. We support the City of Pueblo's planning grant proposal for the Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo recognizes the need to coordinate the proposed pilot project for this area including plans for interpretation, recreation, environmental education, and the implementation of a stewardship plan for the project improvements. The Greenway and Nature Center is an important regional education, recreation, and conservation center that is located in this project area. To this end, we feel it is critical to have a project coordinator whose key role will be to work with the PNREEC partners in the following ways: 1) To evaluate and coordinate the pilot projects identified within the PNREEC '< 1 • program and determine which projects best meet the objectives of GOCO and the PNREEC strategic plan, have achievable funding goals, and realistically could be completed within the next 2 -3 years. 2) Work with the PNREEC partners to develop an integrated implementation plan that formalizes projects, establishes detailed project budgets that integrate funding to more fully secure pilot partnerships. A . 3) Complete pilot project schedules based on timing of funding and {' coordination of projects that create a logical progression of implementation. The Greenway & Nature Center of Pueblo is a member supported nonprofit facility of the University of Southern Colorado. Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board, page 2 The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo commits to provide in -kind services in the form of technical expertise, continued involvement with the Technical Advisory Committee of the PNREEC Council and general administrative assistance. We estimate this assistance is valued at least $2,000. We encourage the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board to consider approving funds for the City of Pueblo and the many partners to continue the strategic planning effort along Pueblo's two major waterways. We strongly support this project and feel that this proposed plan will greatly benefit the community, region, and state. Sincerely, i `1 Timothy B Sandsmark Director c. Steven Meier, Senior Planner, City of Pueblo Planning Department ��'F,S �E;IVIR h K C J C i 7Y C� `1p �e3na �»y PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN Presented By The Beasjson Sim ,1; West Into Consia Beam DS V i DESIGN STUDIOS WEST, INC. Section A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Pueblo Strategic Natural Resources and Environmental Education Plan was managed by the following Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): • Steven Meier, Senior Planner; Parks, N Tim Sandsmark, Director - The Trails, and Open Space - City of Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo Pueblo, Department of Planning and 0 Rich Dudley - Lake Pueblo State Park Development N Al Trujillo - Colorado Division of • Jim Munch, Director - City of Pueblo, Wildlife Department of Planning and 0 Steve Lucero - Colorado Division of Development Wildlife • Marty Rahl - Pueblo School District No. N Jena Ehrenhart - USDA Forest Service 70 0 Tony Langoni - Citizen • Cindy Elm -Sinn - Pueblo School District 0 Betsy and Reeves Brown - Landowner No. 60 of the 3R Ranch • Roy Wiley - Pueblo County GIS Services 0 Utilicorp Energy Delivery - WestPlains • Marti Osborn - Pueblo Zoological USDA Forest Service Society • • Jonenne McFarland - Pueblo Zoological a Southern Colorado Runners Society Bureau of Land Management Project Manager: ■ Steven Meier, Senior Planner, Parks, Trails, and Open Space - City of Pueblo, Department of Planning & Development Thanks to the following entities and organizations for their financial commitment in the development of this planning document: • State Board of Great Outdoors N Valco, Inc. Colorado Trust Fund a CF &I • The City of Pueblo 0 Thatcher Foundation • Pueblo County • Pueblo Zoo • Pueblo School District No. 60 0 Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo • Pueblo School District No. 70 0 Teaching Environment Naturally • Colorado Division of Wildlife (T.E.N.) • Colorado State Parks 0 Utilicorp Energy Delivery - WestPlains • USDA Forest Service Energy • University of Southern Colorado a Southern Colorado Runners • Bureau of Land Management 0 Pueblo Area Council of Governments • Board of Water Works (PACOG) • Pueblo Conservancy District PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONINtEhTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 31 Section A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S Thanks to the following entities for their in -kind services in preparing this planning document: • The City of Pueblo's Department of Planning and Development for mapping data and general administration • The Pueblo County's Finance Department for the financial administration • The Pueblo County's GIS Services for mapping data • The Colorado Division of Wildlife for mapping and wildlife habitat data PARTNERS This plan was based upon valuable information and data gathered from various representative from the following agencies and organizations: • City Council of Pueblo 0 Valco Inc. • City of Pueblo - Planning and X Public Service Company Development a Utilicorp Energy Delivery/WestPlains • Pueblo County Commissioners Energy • Pueblo County - Planning and 0 CF &I Corporation Development 0 University of Southern Colorado • Board of Water Works Colorado Division of Wildlife • Pueblo Conservancy District T.E.N. Committee • Pueblo School District No. 60 ■ Lake Pueblo State Park • Haaff Elementary School x CSU Cooperative Extension • Pueblo School District No. 70 ■ Colorado Southeast Water • Pueblo County - GIS Center Conservancy District • Friends of The River Trail K U.S. Forest Service • 2010 Commission - Environment 0 Bureau of Land Management • HARP Commission 0 Corps of Engineers - Southern • Southern Colorado Runners Colorado Regulatory Office • Pueblo Zoological Society 0 Natural Resource Conservation Service • Greenway & Nature Center of Pueblo 0 Girl Scouts Columbine Council • Arkansas Valley Audubon M Boy Scouts • Pueblo Chamber of Commerce M Audubon Society • Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway ■ George Williams • COPAA - Colorado Outdoor ■ Tony Langoni Performing Arts Association PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN Section I N T R O D U C T I O N Introduction The Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Strategic Plan is a guidebook for citizens and organizations involved in protecting and enhancing Pueblo's natural resources, and educating both the young and old about the importance of the natural world. The diversity of the natural resources in the County is of great interest to the area's citizens, natural scientists, and educators as a living, learning laboratory for all to experience and enjoy. The Plan is the result of collaborative work undertaken by the Pueblo Natural Resources and Environmental Education Council ( PNREEC), the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, and more than 25 agencies that work with the natural environment. This Plan provides an overview of the locations, organizations, and programs that provide environmental education in the Pueblo region. Additionally, it serves to identify ways in which natural resource awareness and environmental education in the Pueblo region may be enhanced through partnerships and cooperation. Partnerships that will result from this plan are important to expanding the ability of member organizations to provide quality environmental education programs. The Plan identifies means by which members can share resources and coordinate efforts. Additionally, this Plan responds to, and builds on, previous planning efforts conducted in Pueblo County including the following. • Pueblo Regional Comprehensive Development Plan, 1980. • Communities ofPueblo County Strategic Plan, November 1994. Preliminary Alaster Plan, prepared for the Pueblo Conservancy District, August 1994. • Pueblo Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan, April 1996. Pueblo Natural Resources Environmental Education Council The development and preparation of this plan was initiated by the Pueblo Natural Resources Environmental Education Council ( PNREEC). The Council was created as a coalition of groups, agencies, and organizations. The stated mission of the PNREEC is the following. "To create and enhancepartnersbips and public opportunities within Pueblo County for awareness, appreciation, and environmental educational experiences in the use and stewardship of our natural resources and open -apace heritage. " Each of the member organizations is involved in educating people about the natural resources of the Pueblo region. The focus of education efforts is to help people learn about and appreciate the unique resources of the area, and understand the need to protect these resources. It is the common belief of this group that only through education can we preserve, protect, and truly appreciate our natural resources. A complete list of PNREEC members can be found in Appendix A. The PNREEC was established in January 1995, when more than 75 organizations and citizens joined together to discuss ways they could improve environmental education throughout Pueblo County. The Council's first task was to prepare this Plan. As a measure of the importance of the group and this plan, the PNREEC was recognized by state -wide Environmental Education umbrella organization for its efforts. In March 1996, the Pueblo Natural Resource and Environmental Education PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVLRONMEN ,-& EDUCATION STRATEGIC PL1N I.I Section 1 N T R O D U C T 1 0 N Council received the "Citizen- Community Partnership Award" from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education. The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education presents awards that recognize the dedication required by environmental partnerships to accomplish their work. Geographical Context Pueblo County is located on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 100 miles south of Denver (Figures 1 -3). The area has a diverse landscape and environment. Elevations range from the peak of Greenhorn Mountain in the west, at over 12,300 feet, to the eastern edge of the County at approximately 4,000 feet. Within that elevation range are multiple small environments, each with interesting, diverse, and fragile components. The Pueblo region can be characterized as having four main physiographic areas: the mountains, foothills, plains, and the water courses and eater bodies which run through them (Figure 4). Additionally, there are environmental education sites, such as the Pueblo Zoo and the Greenway and Nature Center, which offer learning opportunities that cross many of the physiographic boundaries. Plan Organization The Plan is organized into four sections, which form the body of the report, plus the appendices. Section One, Introduction, provides background information about the PNREEC, the purpose of the Plan, and a summary of the planning process. Section Two, Pueblo's Natural Resources, lists and describes the many sites and features significant within the Pueblo region, some of which may play an important role in expanding environmental education. Section Three, Environmental Education in Pueblo County, contains descriptions of the environmental education programs in the Pueblo region; it emphasizes strengths and weaknesses, with suggestions for improvements. Additionally, it identifies additional, helpful resources for anyone involved in environmental education. Section Four, Strategic Plan of Action, charts a course for implementing the objectives of this Plan. This section recommends specific Pilot Projects in environmental education, and presents an ongoing process to fulfill the mission of the PNREEC. Finally, it provides suggestions for maintaining and updating the Plan document. The Plan document has been designed to be used in its entirety, but some individual portions may also be used outside the document without a loss of understanding. The Plan document is structured around the four, broad physiographic areas identified within the Pueblo region: Mountains, Foothills, Plains, and Water Features (both Water Courses and Water Bodies). These physiographic areas form the basis for environmental education as described in the Plan. Within each of the physiographic areas, the sites have been grouped into "environmental education units." These units are a method of cataloging natural resource and environmental education opportunities in the Pueblo region. Each of the Environmental Education Units focus on three major themes. The themes are: • uniqueness and similarity of the physiographic areas including all the natural elements (i.e. climate, geology, physiography, soils, vegetation, wildlife, etc.); the ecologic systems of each area, their interactions, and their influence on each other and the natural, cultural, and historic development of the region; and • the Arkansas River, its natural and man -made systems, and its influences on Pueblo County. PUEBLO N AT U R AL R & E NVIRONMENT AL E D U C A TION STRATT.GIC PLAN 1.2 i 9 . J " >. D ), 3 >'. ). 1` :. � . )' . D ). 1 <'. �. )' � .. :. >' ). ). >. ). 1 _r Section I N T R O D U C T I O N ` D Purpose of the Strategic Plan This Plan is to serve as a resource and guidebook for the organizations and individuals involved in natural resources and environmental education in the Pueblo community. It is a single source where natural resources and environmental education sites and programs in the Pueblo region are described, and users of the Plan may find helpful information on curriculum planning, funding, partnerships, and teaching aids. Goals of the Strategic Planning project were identified as: • identify the significant natural resource areas which have value or potential for Education and Recreation in Pueblo County, and focus on "resource area themes," such as, the mountains, foothills, plains, and river environments; • identify existing environmental education programs in the region, and define where facilities and experiences are needed to educate people about the area's natural resources in the four theme areas (mountains, foothills, prairie, and water); • within the "resource area themes," analyze the existing recreation facilities which enable people to understand and experience the environment; and • related to the resource area themes, generate ideas and pilot programs which help promote the conservation of our natural resources; outline ideas which define what is needed to help improve and advance environmental education related to the natural resources; and define what is needed to sensitively improve the recreational experience in the region's natural resource areas. The PNREEC established a set of objectives through interviews with various agencies and organizations that provide or have an interest in the area's natural resources and environmental education. In no particular order, the most frequently stated objectives were the following: • create greater awareness of the importance of natural resources and agriculture; • expand public opportunities through the identification of significant natural resource sites; • incorporate historic resources into environmental education; • conserve natural and agricultural resources and promote their sustainable use; • inventory and identify recreation and natural resource sites and opportunities; • invoke long range direction in planning and resource protection; • incorporate environmental education into school curriculum and improve educational experiences; • create and enhance partnerships in developing environmental education opportunities and natural resource sites; • generate pilot projects, programs, and renovation projects, and enhance regional understanding of wildlife and other natural systems; • provide environmental education opportunities; and • identify unique and significant open space resources. The information, policy recommendations, and pilot projects contained in this plan are in response to the stated intent, purpose, and objectives of the Pueblo Natural Resource Environmental Education Council. PUEBLO NATUR.iL RESOURCES & ENNIRONNIEN IAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 1 -7 C Se�ctl�on P U E B L O' S N A T U R A L Plains The plains or prairie theme is defined as those lands lying below 5,600 feet. The plains rise gently from an elevation of about 4,000 feet in the easterly portion of the County along the Arkansas River to 5,600 feet where they meet the foothills nearly 50 miles to the west. The plains theme encompasses most of central and eastern Pueblo County. The plains are characterized in their native state by flat to rolling short grass prairie devoid of trees, except along watercourses. Plains Strengths • Wildlife Habitat • Numerous Sites • Visual Opportunities • Agricultural Opportunities • Open Space • Historic Plains Weaknesses /Threats • Public lack of understanding of prairie Eco- System • Fragility of the Eco- System Plains Theme Sites Plains theme sites recommended for environmental education, and /or recreational sites include: • Butler Ranch* • COPAA (Colorado Outdoor Performing Arts Association) • Doyle School and Settlement • Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway* • Greenway and Nature Center* • HAAFF Earthship (proposed) • Historic Goodnight Ranch /Barn • Honor Farm • Hudson LLC Ranch* • Hunter Education Building • Lake Pueblo State Park • Liberty Point Park • Pike's Stockade R E S O U R C E S • Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) • Pueblo City Parks • Pueblo State Wildlife Area • Pueblo Zoo • Runyon Lake State Wildlife Area • St. Charles Mesa Agricultural area • Transportation Technology Center (TTC) * site located in more than one theme area P UEBLO NAT R ESOURCES & E NVIRONMENTAL E DUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -33 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Se p P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S PLAINS THEME GREENWAY AND NATURE CENTER OF PUEBLO Pbj Location: 5200 Nature Center Road (off 11` Street) Mission: The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo (GNC) serves the region by providing quality educational, recreational, and conservation programs related primarily to the environment, natural, and cultural history. Physical Description: The GNC is located on approximately 75 acres of land leased from the City of Pueblo and the State of Colorado. This land is a blend of aquatic, riparian, and semi -arid, short -grass prairie environments. The GNC is the primary access point for the 21 -mile Greenway River Trail System, which adjoins 16 more miles of trails at Lake Pueblo State Park. There are a number of educational and recreational facilities located at the GNC. Owner and/or Managing Agency: The GNC is managed by the University of Southern Colorado under a lease arrangement with the old Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo, Inc. The lease provides to USC the facilities and assets of the Nature Center and responsibility to operate the GNC. Under the arrangement, USC did not assume any debts or liabilities of the GNC Inc. In exchange for the lease, USC provides the GNC Inc. with monthly lease payments (in actuality, these lease payments are being used by the GNC Inc. Board to repay loans made to the Nature Center in late 1992 that was part of a financial bailout plan. When the loans are paid the eventual plan is to merge the two organizations under USC management) Access (public or private): Open to the public 365 days per year sunrise to sunset. The GNC riverfront area is 100% ADA accessible. The office, gift shop, interpretive center, and Raptor Center are open Tuesday - Sunday (hours vary by season). Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) • Recreation • Biking • Roller Blading • Hiking • Eating at Cafe del Rio • Picnicking • Fishing • Nature Study • Birdwatching • Recreational Learning • View Raptors at Raptor Center PUEBLO NATURAL RESO &c ENVIRONMENTAL E DUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -38 SQ. PUEBLO'S N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S • Tubing • Rafting • Horseback Riding • General Relaxing • Special events, such as "Bluegrass on the River Festival," summer dances, rolling river raft race, Halloween spook trails, cleaning the rivers day, Earth Day activities, and other events. • Natural Resources ♦ Raptor Center rehab program, trying to preserve aquatic, riparian and short -grass prairie areas. • Environmental Education • Greenway and Nature Center programs served 14,300 people in 1996. • School Programs. all school programs are correlated with the Colorado Model Content Standards. For the 1996 -1997 school year they are as follows: — Arkansas River Life (grades K -6` — Jurassic Giants (grades K -4 ` — The Ecology of Plants of the Nature Center (grades 3rd -8th) — Nature Discovery Walk (grades K -4` — Bats to the Rescue (grades K- adult) — The Wiley Coyote (grades K -8` — Critters and creatures of Colorado (grades K -8` — Birds of Prey (grades K- adult) — Owls of Colorado (grades K- adult) — Bird of Prey Pellet Dissection (grades 3rd -8rh) — Raptor Identification (grades 3r -8` — Star Watch (grades 6` adult) — Self- Guiding Activities (grades 1" -6` Aquatic Discovery Kit and Eco -games kit Many of these programs are conducted on and off -site — Weekend programs. Programs on a wide variety of subjects are presented to the general public almost every n throughout the year (subject matter and programs vary from month to month and year to year). — EcoCamp program: Twelve half -day, full -day, overnight, and traveling camps are offered throughout the summer for kids from ages 4 to high school. About 25% less privileged kids attend on scholarships each summer. — After - school Junior Naturalist program: Offered primarily to 4` -6` grades on a variety of subjects. — `Beyond Fishing "program: Intensive eight month fishing program for at -risk teens. — Teaching Environmental Science (T.E.N.) program: the GNC is a participant in this program and offers our site for activities. PUEBLO NATupu REsoURCEs & ENNIRONSIENrAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLICN 2 -39 r� Section . P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Potential Uses Recreation: Same as above under existing uses. Natural Resources. Same as above; however, we are trying to manage these resources more effectively through planning. We currently have a Master's Thesis project with a graduate student completing an integrated ecological assessment of the GNC. We are also applying for funding to complete a strategic plan for the GNC, which will help us plan for existing and future uses of the GNC, land acquisition, such as the VALCO ponds south of us, VALCO lands to the west of us, and Private land to the north and west of us (or utilization through leases with other public agencies). Additionally, protecting fragile areas, planning for and managing recreation use (planning for recreation use zones or developing a mini -ROS - Recreation Opportunity Spectrum orientation for the GNC) are potential projects. Also, managing use through management monitoring techniques such as LAC- Limits of Acceptable Change or others that may now exist are methods being investigated by the GNC. Environmental Education: Future program ideas include the following: • developing an Elderhostel program (a service learning program has been developed with Pueblo Community College that will be offered in September, 1997) • pre - school programs • more middle and high school programs • further development of Junior Naturalist programs that have progressed through the ranks • Environmental Education programs with cultural emphasis (we may bring back the Native American encampment program) • prehistoric hunter/ gatherer program • more geologic history (with rock Canyon and bluffs, fossils, etc.) • programs with a sustainability theme focus (land -use, agriculture, alternative energy forms and building methods, composting, xeriscaping, etc.) • further development of the "Beyond Fishing" program • completion of "EarthTalks" environmental speakers bureau program that will provide a menu of program speakers and topics to area schools, service clubs, and organizations, etc. Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? A current Master Plan is not in place. Planning Needs A grant application was made for a GOCO planning grant. We are also in dire need of doing some public surveying to help determine the public's needs and desires for what the GNC should be to them. PUEBLO NATURAL. RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -40 Section 4.d P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Partnerships Developing Partners: • USC • Schools Districts 60 and 70 • CDOW • State Parks • VALCO • Friends of the River Trail • Arkansas Valley Audubon Society • Pueblo County • City of Pueblo • Pueblo Zoo (currently have a joint composting project called ( "Natures Wild Doo ") • Pueblo Board of Water Works • Greater Arkansas River Nature Association • El Pueblo Museum • Pueblo County Historical Society • GNC Members • U.S. Forest Service • BLM • Members of the PNREEC Council User Groups: • General Public from city, county, region, state, country and world • School age children from throughout southeastern Colorado • Hikers • Bikers • Walkers • Fishermen • Picnickers • Nature Lovers • Rafters • Tubers • Horseback Riders • Audiences attracted by specific special events Grant Support Partners: • See above under developing partners, also grant sources like GOCO, private foundations, private individuals, and businesses. Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • In general, staff and funding. More specifically: regarding the acquisition of the VALCO property, the biggest obstacle here is funds to pay for water augmentation rights in the pond across from GNC. There appears to be willingness on VALCO's part to transfer ownership of this pond and land to a public entity when they are through mining. ) j PUEBLO NATURAL. RESO URCES & ENVIRONMEN EDU STRATEGIC PLAN l 2 -41 Section P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Their also appears to be willingness to transfer land that they are mining to the west of the GNC to a public entity, too. However, they won't be through mining for another 10 to 15 years. Access to the pond area would also need to be worked out; that could be a bridge across the Arkansas River from the GNC, or a trail or road access from the south side of the river. In addition, if the ponds and other land to the south and west of the GNC were to be put in the public trust, there are many details to be planned for, such as who will manage, how land will be used, trails and facilities needed, protection of the resource, who will pay for this management, etc. ) i • Regarding acquisition of private lands to the north and west of the GNC, this would need to be done with the cooperation of Lake Pueblo State Park and the landowner, who must be willing to sell, and then funds have to. be secured to buy the land. There is also one landowner (Greg Adams) that operates a "Native American Cultural Center" on about 60 acres of the land between the GNC and the State Park. He appears to be there to stay and we don't really have much information on the place and whether this will offer some potential partnership possibilities or potential conflicts. • Planning efforts and future program development obstacles are staff time and expertise and funding. We do not lack ideas, but rather, time and money to carry them out and research the needs of the public. PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & ENNTRONMENTAL EDUCATION S TRATEGIC PLA 2 -42 Section L-) P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S PLAINS THEME PUEBLO ZOO Physical Location: City Park, corner of Goodnight and Pueblo Blvd., 3455 Nuckolls Ave. Mission: Pueblo Zoo seeks to make an impact on present and future generations by exhibiting and interpreting varied aspects of the living world in an enjoyable setting, by participation in the conservation of animal species, and by encouraging related research. Physical Description: The Zoo covers an area of 25 acres. The Zoo exhibits 310 animals of 119 species. Of those, approximately 20 percent are local species. Among its assets it has the only zoo interactive discovery room in the state; a small mammal building; a herpetarium; a rainforest; a penguin exhibit with underwater viewing; a Colorado wetlands area; interpretive signage on all exhibits; and graphics interpreting a variety of biological concepts, as well as the culture of indigenous peoples. A variety of gardens and planting areas include butterfly, perennial, and native gardens, as well as replications of animal habitats. The Zoo Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Owner and/or Managing Agency: The Zoo is owned by the City of Pueblo and managed under contract by the Pueblo Zoological Society. Access (public orprivate): Public, from west via Pueblo Blvd. and from east via Goodnight Blvd. It is open to the public 362 days /year. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) • Regularly scheduled programs utilized by school classes: • Grades Pre K - K - "Close Encounters of the Animal Kind" (live animals) • Grades 1 - 2 - "Animal Coats and Colors" (camouflage, etc.) • Grades 2 - 3 - "Animal Babies" • Grades 3 - 5 - "Animal Signs and Sounds" (biological indications of animal presence) • Grades 3 - 4- "Zoo Outreach" (Docents go to schools with programs on reptiles, birds, and mammals, then children come to the Zoo for a guided tour). • Grade 2 through adult - "Colorado Animals" (slides and hands -on biofacts) • Grade 4 through adult - "While There's Still Time" (endangered species) and "Knights of Nature" (Anthropoids) • Adult programs and classes on ecology and landscape design using primarily native plants. • Grade 2 and up - "Penguin World" • Grade 2 and up - "Green Cathedral" (Tropical rainforest) • Grade 2 and up - "Knights of Nature" (Insects and their relatives) • Teacher education class each summer for graduate credit. Most recent class was "Biodiversity, Endangered Species, and Zoos" • TEN Program (Teaching Environmental Science Naturally) PUEBLO NATURAL R & E EDUCATION STRATE PL1N 2 -57 r} Section �..w P U E B L O' S N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S • Zoo staff and docents give animal presentations throughout the summer and fall on grounds. • Summer day camps and weekend classes during winter. • Classes use both native and exotic animals and biofacts, with the exception of the "Colorado Animals" program which utilizes only native species. • Gardens and animal habitats contain interpretive elements. • The zoo's staff is frequently consulted as a resource for the identification of various animal species, from anthropoids to mammals. ) ) ) ) Potential Uses: • Add more local species to Zoo exhibits including the following: • A River Otter Exhibit, with a pool for underwater viewing, terrestrial habitat, and an animal holding area. • An overlook at the Bison -Elk Exhibit to include a visitor viewing area, new walkways, appropriate prairie landscaping, and the addition of wild turkeys to the exhibit area. • A Colorado Prairie Bird Exhibit and Waterfowl holding building will be the second phase in the renovation and development of a complex featuring Colorado birds. Construction of a holding building will provide winter quarters for white pelicans and sandhill cranes, a "nursery" area for native waterfowl, and a breeding/exhibit facility for endangered prairie chickens. • An exhibit identifying and interpreting all species of Reptiles and Amphibians found in Pueblo County. • Construction of a teepee village overlooking bison /elk exhibit with program and graphic interpretation of Native Americans' utilization of the bison, as well as their connections with other local plant and animal species, i.e., importance to the prairie ecosystem. • Further development of Colorado Wetlands area and interpretive programs. • Addition of exhibits on Pueblo County/Colorado species including Pueblo County Reptiles and Amphibians, native plants, nocturnal prairie species, etc., and development of programs related to Colorado endangered species. • Expansion of existing prairie area to include shelter /habitat for prairie birds such as prairie chickens or grouse. • Installation of a xeriscape /native demonstration garden (planning underway funded by a grant from the American Association of Zoo Horticulturists). • Addition of Colorado species to the collection, which will require modification and /or construction of exhibits. • Adaptive re- use /renovation of Zoo Historic District. Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? "The Pueblo Zoo Master Plan." Staff and planning committee members are working with an architect to develop a master plan for the Zoo's Historic District. PUEBLO NATURAL. RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -58 1 1 r r ) ► ) ► i ) i i ) ► 1 Sect on P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Partnerships Developing Partners: • City of Pueblo • Pueblo County • Pueblo Zoological Society • Colorado Division of Wildlife User Groups: • Pre -K through 16 school classes from Southern Colorado and Northern N.M. • General public, e.g., families, seniors, tourists Grant Support PartnerN: • School Districts • Colorado Division of Wildlife • TEN • USC • City of Pueblo • Pueblo County • Nature Center • Audubon Society Note: Current partnerships include: (1) a project with The Greenway and Nature Center in which the Zoo sends its animal wastes to the Center grounds for composting, and Juniper Valley Industries (Colorado Correctional Facilities) provides the equipment and labor for composting, bagging, and sales; (2) working cooperatively with members of the "TEN" project in helping in the development of education classes for in- service teachers; and (3) working cooperatively with both school districts. Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • Financial support for operations is probably the biggest limiting factor • Escalating costs of new exhibit construction and renovation certainly is also very restrictive. • Many antiquated facilities with a high cost of renovation • Increased competition for contributed /granted funds. PU EBLO N A T URAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 .59 See�t'ion P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Water Courses and Water Bodies The watercourse theme occurs along the banks and floodplains of rivers, streams, creeks, and other water bodies including lakes and reservoirs. In the plains lowlands, the water courses are typically the only natural areas with trees. The lowland water courses join the mountain rater courses and their associated plant communities at the base of the foothills. Since streams and rivers run at all altitudes, they form continuous links that cut across mountains, foothills, and prairie. Water courses are therefore important dynamic areas that act as migration corridors that link mountain to foothill and foothill to plains. Water Strenths • Diversity of Plant and Animal usage • Abundance • Water Quality • Life sustaining • Critical riparian habitat • Wetland Water Weaknesses /Threats • Attraction to development • Riparian habitat degredation and loss • Minimum in- stream flow • Water Shed Management beyond Pueblo's boundaries • Ground Water Contamination • Minimal Stream flow • Wetland Destruction Water Theme Sites Watercourse theme sites recommended for environmental education, and /or recreational sites include the following. Upper Courses and Bodies • Lake Isabel Recreation Area* • Saint Charles River, Canyon, and Tributaries* Lower Courses and Bodies • . Arkansas River • Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Trail System • Conduit (TEN) Trail at Pueblo State Wildlife Area • Fountain Creek and Trails • Greenhorn Creek* • Greenway & Nature Center* • Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) • Huerfano Lake • Huerfano River and Canyon* • Lake Pueblo • Lake Pueblo Dam • Minnequa Lake • Olive Marsh - Arkansas River • Pueblo Fish Hatchery • Pueblo State Wildlife Area* • Rock Canyon • Runyon Lake State Wildlife Area* • Saint Charles Lakes 2 & 3 (CFI Reservoirs) • Saint Charles River* • Salt Creek • Thomas Phelps Creek - Runyon Trail Linkage • Urban Arkansaa Drainage • VALCO's "Chain of Lakes" • Wildhorse Creek * site located in more than one theme area • Graneros Creek and Gorge* • Greenhorn Creek* • Lake Beckwith State Wildlife Area* ) PUEBLO NATURAL RESO URCES & ENAIRONM E STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -65 seStion PUEBLO'S NATURAL RESOURCES WATER THEME ARKANSAS RIVER Physical Location: The Arkansas River runs from nest to east across the center of Pueblo County and the City. Mission: None Physical Description: The Arkansas River is a major drainage basin in Southern Colorado and nest of the Mississippi River. In the late 1980's, the Colorado State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management developed the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan for approximately 150 miles of the River, from Leadville to Lake Pueblo. The headwaters begins in a high mountain valley surrounded by snow - capped peaks of the Collegiate Range and runs through Browns Canyon, the Arkansas River Canyon, the Royal Gorge, and then onto the plains before entering Lake Pueblo. The landscape is rugged as the River flows between narrow canyons and open parks. The course of the River parallels State Highways 50 and 24. In Pueblo County, the River runs gently along a serpentine course dropping only 15 vertical feet per mile and is lined by cottonwood and willow stands of vegetation. Owner and/or Managing Agency. The Arkansas River Recreation Park is owned and managed by BLM, the State Parks, National Forest, and privately owned lands. Access (public orprivate): Access for the public is via road crossings and around Lake Pueblo. Through the City the trail runs along the River, providing a great means of access. Existing Uses Some private, consisting of agriculture related activities. The public areas see a variety of uses including the following. • White water boating activities • Picnicking • Fishing • Sightseeing • Camping • Hiking Potential Uses To further develop the Environmental Education opportunities along the corridor. Is there a Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? The Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan and Environmental Analysis. PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & EN\1RONNIE\ - r11 EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -67 Section .,..J P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Planning Needs Develop an acquisition plan for the privately owned lands. Partnerships Developing Partner: • City of Pueblo • Pueblo County • Corps of Engineers • Natural Resource Conservation Service • Division of Wildlife • Colorado State Parks • School District 60 and 70 • Friends of the River Trail • Other interested groups User Groups. Same as the developing Partners. Grant Support Partner. Same as the developing Partners. Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) Acquiring private lands and funds. PU EBLO NATURAL RESO URCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -68 Section WATER THEME ARKANSAS CREEK TR2 P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S RIVER AND LIL SYSTEM FOUNTAIN Physical Location: The Fountain Creek Trail runs north and south from Jerry Murphy Road north of State Highway 47 to the Arkansas River, where it connects to the Arkansas River Trail system. The Arkansas River Trail runs east and west from the Fountain Creek and Arkansas River confluence west to Pueblo Lake State Park. From here it connects with the trail system at the state park. A spur route goes from the Arkansas River Trail just east of Pueblo Boulevard and runs several miles along the north side of the Arkansas and up Wildhorse Creek. Mission: No formal mission, but trails are multi -use recreation trails serving walkers, bicyclists, runners, roller - bladers, fishermen, horseback riders, and others. Physical Description: Trails meander through riparian areas along Fountain and Wildhorse Creeks and the Arkansas River in areas that range from heavily urbanized and disturbed to less disturbed natural areas. State Park portions of trails traverse short grass prairie areas along the reservoir and the riparian areas along the Arkansas River. Owner and/or Managing Agency: Most of the land that the trails cross is owned by the City, State or the Pueblo Conservancy District. The trail system in the state park is owned and managed by the State Park. The remaining portions are managed and maintained by the City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation Department under the guidance of the Friends of the River Trail organization (an organization of user groups, interested citizens, non- profit organizations like the Greenway and Nature Center and City and County government). This group oversees the expenditure of $35,000 to $40,000 of annual maintenance funds and assists in writing grants for new and replacement trail projects. The Pueblo Police and Sheriffs Departments do some seasonal bike patrolling and the Greenway and Nature Center has a volunteer Trail Ranger program that routinely patrols the trail. Access (public or private): Open year round. The most popular access point is at the Greenway and Nature Center where parking, restroom, water, picnic, food, and other services are available. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) • Recreation • Biking • Rollerblading • Hiking • Fishing • Nature study PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & EN %IRON.NIENrAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -69 .,4 1111 Section P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S • Birdwatching • Horseback Riding • Access to river and creeks • Environmental Education: The following organizations use the trail to access areas for Environmental Education • Some District 60 and 70 schools • The Greenway and Nature Center • State Parks • CDOW • Specific: Standard conservation and management programs in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) exist with numerous landowners along the river course. Any other cooperative planning efforts, such as wildlife conservation, development, etc., are not known of at this time. Water management is in conjunction with the State Water Engineer and with several private ditch companies including the Huerfano, Welton, and Dotson. The Cucharas reservoir controls water releases to some degree. Potential Uses • Recreation: same as above in existing uses • Environmental Education: same as above in existing uses, but could be expanded • Watchable Wildlife Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? Planning Needs Partnerships Developing Partners • University of Southern Colorado • School Districts 60 and 70 • CDOW • State Parks • VALCO • Friends of the River Trail (which includes the Greenway and Nature Center, Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, Southern Colorado Runners, Pueblo County, City of Pueblo Planning and Parks and Recreation Department, Pueblo senior Walkers, El Pueblo Mountain Club, Pueblo Family YMCA) E PUEBLO NATURAL RESO URCES &c E EDUCA STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -70 �L IRI I I I III I I I WII I�I� ���iW Sect on PUEBLO'S N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S User Groups: • General public from city, county, region, state, country, and World • School age children from throughout the area • hikers • bikers • walkers • fishermen • picnickers • nature lovers • rafters • tubers • horseback riders • etc. Grant Support Partner: • Same as above developing partners • GOCO • Private Foundations • Private Individuals • Businesses Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • In general, funding. Many portions of the trail are heavily damaged or destroyed and in need of replacement. To replace with multi -use trail material (concrete and accompanying crusher fine) will costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are also new sections of trail that need to be constructed as identified in the Pueblo County Trails Master Plan, which will cost in the millions of dollars. Some of these projects include extending the trail east along the Arkansas River and St. Charles River, extending the Fountain Creek Trail to the University of Southern Colorado, extending the Arkansas River Trail to Pueblo West, and new trail links in and to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. • Another barrier or challenge is trail user safety and general trail aesthetics along certain portions of the trail. PUEBLO NA TURAL RESO URCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2.71 r'f Section L._' P U E B L O ' S N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S WATER THEME FOUNTAIN CREEK Ph}sical Location: Fountain Creek is approximately 45 miles long, extending from near Pikes Peak in the Rampart Range west of Colorado Springs, to the Arkansas River in the City of Pueblo Mission: None i Ph} -sisal Description: The Fountain Creek carries run -off from a drainage area of 927 square miles. The headwaters are fed from glacial snow -packs and springs of the alpine west slope canyons of Pikes Peak. The eco- system of the creek is made up of aspens, spruce, and pine existing in and along the narrow canyon walls near the start of the creek. The transition to foothills takes place near Colorado Springs. This area consists of gently sloping mesas with pine, pinon, cedar, and oak vegetation covering the area. South of Colorado Springs, the creek slows down and becomes wide and shallow. The vegetation is sparse and typically semi -arid high plains, predominantly sage brush, cactus, willows, cottonwoods, and native grasses. Owner and /or Managing Agency: The Fountain Creek is owned by several different owners: City of Pueblo owns the portion within the City limits. The Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Albuquerque, New Mexico District manages the flooding in the watershed. The Natural Resource Conservation Service also works with the landowners to assist in managing the soils and erosion along the creek. Access (public orprivate): Access is only available when a road either crosses the Creek or parallels it. There are approximately five miles of bicycle /pedestrian trails along the east side of Fountain Creek within the City limits of Pueblo. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) Primarily private and agriculture related uses. The area within the City limit of Pueblo currently has many uses consisting of recreation uses on the trail (bicycling, pedestrian, roller blade, jogging, etc.) to educational uses such as nature walks, riparian and wetland studies, elementary classroom activities /studies, etc. Potential Uses: To further develop the environmental education opportunities and improve the trail system along the Fountain Creek corridor. Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? Yes, trail system only. P UEBLO NA TURAL RESOURCES R ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -72 ) ) SOLzon 1.j PUEBLO ' S NATURAL RESOURCE S Planning Needs Needs to develop a Master Plan of the Environmental Education opportunities along the creek and coordinate similar interest and activities to prevent duplicating programs, also make others aware of what the opportunities are in the creeks corridor. Partnerships Developing Partners: • City of Pueblo • Pueblo County • Corps of Engineers • Natural Resource Conservation Service • School districts No's. 60 and 70 • University of Southern Colorado • Friends of the River Trails organization • Other Interest Groups User Groups: • Same as the Developing Partners Grant Support Partner.- • Same as Developing Partners • Division of Wildlife • Nature Center Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • Vandalism and developing costs. P UEBLO NATURAL. RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -73 s � F 1—t Section Z. j P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S WATER THEME OLIVE MARSH - ARKANSAS RIVER Physical Location: North side of the Arkansas River floodplain, east of Pueblo Blvd. and across the River from City Park Mission: None Physical Description: Olive Marsh is a flood plain riparian wetland characterized w /Russian Olive trees. Owner and /or Managing Agency: Owned by the City of Pueblo; managed by the City and the Division of Wildlife with a portion leased for private grazing. Access (public orprivate): Private with some limited public access. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) • Recreation trails Potential Uses: • Wetland ecological systems & wildlife • Exotic vegetation influence on natural systems • Watchable Wildlife Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? Give title: None Planning Needs • Olive Marsh clean -up (see Zoo needs) • Low Impact (see Zoo needs) • Purchase /Lease property • Provide linkage w /City Park /Zoo Partnerships Developing Partners: • City Park • Pueblo Zoo • CDOW • Audobon Society • Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo • School District 60 and 70 P NA TU R AL R ESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION S TRATEGIC PLAN 2 -83 S ct�on P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S User Groups • Public • Private Lease Grant Support Partner. • GOCO Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • Costs for minor improvements • Private ownership of land around the marsh • Threatened development on the edge, of the marsh PUEBLO N ATURAL RESOURCES & ENNIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC P LAIN 2 -84 Section i, P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S WATER THEME ST. CHARLES RIVER Physical Location: The St. Charles River is approximately 50 miles long, originating near San Isabel, on the northeast face of Greenhorn Peak in the Wet Mountain range. The confluence with the Arkansas River is approximately eight miles east of Pueblo Mission: None Physical Description: The St. Charles River drainage basin area is 482 square miles. The headwaters begin at an elevation of approximately 12,000 feet, and the mouth is at an elevation of 4,545 feet at the confluence with the Arkansas River. In the foothills portion of the River, the canyons are steep and severe, creating many unique rock formations. One particular formation is known as the "Natural Arch." The upper watershed vegetation consist of mixed conifers, such as pines, firs, and spruces, and typical mountain grasses. The lower watershed vegetation consist of short grass prairie grasses, and rabbit brush, with cottonwood, willow, and tamarisk trees growing along the stream banks. Owner and/or Managing Agency: The St. Charles River is owned and managed by several different organizations including the Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, and private landowners. The Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Albuquerque, New Mexico District manages the flooding in the watershed. The Natural Resource Conservation Service also works with landowners to assist in managing the soils and erosion along the River. Access (public or private): In the upper portion of the River the access is through the National Forest at San Isabel Lake. In the lower portion, access is only available when a road either crosses the Creek or parallels it. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) Primarily private and agriculture related uses. The only public uses occur around San Isabel Lake and consist of hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. Potential Uses To further develop the environmental education opportunities along the corridor and develop a trail system in the St. Charles Mesa area, which will serve a significant population of the County. Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? P UEBLO NA TURAL RESOURCES & ENNIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLILN 2 .87 Section L.�.1 PUEBLO'S N ATURA L RESOURCE'S Planning Needs A Master Plan of the Environmental Education opportunities along the River and coordination of similar interests and activities to prevent duplication of programs; also, make others aware of what opportunities exist along the corridor. Partnerships Developing Partners: • Pueblo County • Corps of Engineers • Natural Resource Conservation Service • School Districts No's. 60 and 70 • University of Southern Colorado • Friends of the River Trails organization • Other Interest Groups User Groups: • Same as the Developing Partners Grant Support Partner • Same as Developing Partners • Division of Wildlife • Nature Center Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • Development costs and acquiring private lands. PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & ENNIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAIN 2 -88 Section P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S WATER THEME URBAN ARKANSAS RIVER /DRAINAGEWAY Physical Location: Urban River /Channel between Wildhorse Creek confluence and Fountain Creek confluence. Minion: None Physical Description: Concrete channel characterized w /graffiti /wall art with little to no native vegetation. Owner and /or Managing Agency: Pueblo Conservancy District Access (public orprivate): Public Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) • Recreation Trail Potential Uses • River ecological systems interaction and urban river corridor use and resource amenities. • Linkage to El Pueblo Museum & cultural ties in neighborhoods • Cultural & Ecological resource value focus on confluence of Arkansas River & Fountain Creek • River changes and water quality over time (i.e., re- location, pollution, uses) • Interactive recreation in and adjacent to river. • Environmental interpretation of Arkansas River - where it starts - where it ends and how it changes over time. • Cultural interpretation of why Pueblo was situated by Arkansas River and along its course through Fountain Creek and how it is used as a resource. • Watchable Wildlife ) Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? Preliminary Master Plan for the Pueblo Conservancy District Planning Needs • Gain Class 1 water quality permits through the City for in -water use of river • Stress non - motorized, in -water use (canoe, kayak, and fishing) • Provide boat rentals with in -put and take -out points • Stress in -water Environmental Education programs • Runyon Lake, Fountain Creek /Arkansas River confluence restoration, cultural & natural resource interpretation facilities improvement PUEBL NATU R ESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC P LAIN 2.94 S lion P U E B L O' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S • Consider removing /redesigning some or all of river levee walls and drop structures • Provide more attractive access into /out of Arkansas River Trail • Sign well for key access points (i.e., El Pueblo Museum, downtown) and make part of an overall Environmental Education sign system • Improve trail facilities and maintenance Partnerships Developing Partners: • City of Pueblo • Nature Center • HARP • State Parks • Friends of the River Trail User Groups: • Public Grant Support Partner- Obstacles/Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • River Channel /Trail needs rehabilitation and management PUEBLO NATURAL. RESOURCES $ ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN 2 -95 j Section P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S WATER THEME VALCO "CHAIN OF LAKES" Ph) Location: North of Highway 96 approximately one mile down river from Lake Pueblo and the Dam. Mission: Gravel mining Physical Description: The VALCO property is south of the Arkansas River in the flood plain and has direct linkage to a railway spur. Each "gravel pit" comprises the "chain of lakes ". Owner and/or Managing Agency. VALCO Access (public orprivate): Strictly private. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) • None Potential Uses • River /wetlands ecological system • Wetland restoration /reclamation • Cultural interpretation of gravel mining process & environmental effects • Angler Recreation • Watchable Wildlife Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? No Master Plan Planning Needs • Develop a master plan with the Nature Center and Honor Farm • Negotiate lease, purchase, or access • Restoration plan • (see Nature Center needs) Partnerships Developing Partners: • Greenway Nature Center • CDOW PUEBLO N ATURAL RESOURCES & ENMTRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLOY 2 -96 Sec t on iJ PUEBLO ' S NATURAL RESOURCES User Groups: • Same as Nature Center Grant Support Partner.. • City or State Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • The VALCO property is still functioning as a mining operation. PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURC & ENVIRONMENT.kL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PL1%N 2 -97 Section L P U E B L O ' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S WATER THEME WILDHORSE CREEK Physical Location: Wildhorse Creek is approximately 17 miles long, originating in the northwest portion of Pueblo County near Fort Carson Military Reservation. It's confluence with the Arkansas River is just up stream from the Arkansas River levee in the City of Pueblo, near 4` Street Bridge. Mission: None Physical Description: The Wildhorse drainage basin area is 83 square miles. The headwaters begin at an approximate elevation of 6,000 feet, and the mouth is at an elevation of 4,700 feet. The upper watershed vegetation consists of pinon pines, one - seed juniper, and tall prairie grasses. The lower watershed vegetation consists of short grass prairie grasses, sage and rabbit brushes, and cottonwood, willow, and tamarisk trees growing along the stream banks. Owner and/or Managing Agency :• The Wildhorse Creek is owned by several different owners. In the City of Pueblo, the City owns a portion of the creek just above it's confluence with the Arkansas River. The Pueblo Conservancy District owns the area around the confluence. The Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Albuquerque, New Mexico District manages the flooding in the watershed. The Natural Resource Conservation Service also works with the landowners to assist in managing the soils and erosion along the Creek. Access (public or private): The only access is via 18` and 11` Streets in the City of Pueblo and the River Trail System. Existing Uses (EE /Rec /NR) Primarily private and agriculture related uses (range land). The only public uses occur in the City is at the Wildhorse neighborhood park, consisting of typical park activities and a trail system connecting with the Arkansas River trail system. There is a fisherman access, parking lot, restroom and a large natural area existing in the adjacent area around the confluence. Potential Uses • To further develop the environmental education opportunities along the corridor and develop a nature trail system in the confluence area. • Watchable Wildlife PUEBLO NATURAL RESOURCES & ENRIRONMENMALL EDUCATION STRAT P LAL.N 2 -98 Section ti 4. P U E B L 0' S NATURAL R E S O U R C E S 1 Master Plan/Document which identifies these uses? A preliminary master plan has been done by the Pueblo Conservancy District for the confluence area. The City of Pueblo Parks Department has a Master Plan for the Wildhorse neighborhood park. Planning Needs Needs to develop a Master Plan of the Environmental Education opportunities along the River and coordinate similar interest and activities to prevent duplicating programs; also, make others aware of what the opportunities are along the corridor. Partnerships Developing Partners: • City of Pueblo • Pueblo County • Corps of Engineers • Natural Resource Conservation Service • School District's 60 and 70 • university of Southern Colorado • Friends of the River Trails organization • Other interested groups User Groups. • Same as the Developing Partners Grant Support Partner: • Same as Developing Partners • Division of Wildlife • Nature Center Obstacles /Barriers (ex. cost, access, facilities, etc.) • Development costs and acquiring private lands. PUEBLO NATURAL. RESOURCES & EMIRONVENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAIN 2.99 :4 r '�` �x•..r. y :4 Pueblo Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan April 1996 "River Corridors and their Environs" PARTNERS: City Council of Pueblo City of Pueblo - Planning and Development Pueblo County Commissioner Pueblo County - Planning and Development Board of Water Works Pueblo Conservancy District Pueblo School District No. 60 Haaff Elementary School Pueblo School District No. 70 Pueblo County - GIS Center Friends of The River Trail 2010 Commission - Environment HARP Commission Rich Barrows, Southern Colorado Runners Pueblo Zoological Society Pueblo Greenway & Nature Center Arkansas Valley Audubon Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway COPAA -Colo. Outdoor Performing Arts Assoc. Valco Inc. Public Service Company Utilcorp Energy Delivery/WestPlains Energy CF&I Corporation University of Southern Colorado Division of Wildlife T.E.N Committee Lake Pueblo State Park CSU Cooperative Extension Colorado SE Water Conservancy Dist. U.S. Forest Service Bureau of Land Management Corps of Engineers -S. Colo. Regulatory Office Natural Resource Conservation Service Girl Scouts Columbine Council Boy Scouts Audubon Society IIJT Environmental George Williams Tony Langoni This document was written by the City of Pueblo's Department of Planning and Development with funding assistance from the Great Outdoors Colorado and the Pueblo Area of Council of Governments i I i I I I 9 9 0 ` L14 I. INTRODUCTION I.1 THE THREE RIVER CORRIDORS OF PUEBLO Rivers are the lifeblood of the southwestern United States and the development and management of these rivers have been a focus of attention for more that a century. The river corridors in Pueblo County have always shaped its future; whether supporting the first settlement, destroying a city through flooding, or providing recreation for thousands. In 1994 the Pueblo City and County staffs completed a preliminary inventory which identified the stakeholders on three river corridors. The findings noted the duplication of planning efforts which were counter - productive to the overall management and conservation goals of the region. As a result of this study, the City and County of Pueblo partnered with GO COLORADO to develop a County -wide plan which would integrate the concerns of all stakeholders. In the following pages, the attitudes surrounding the management of Pueblo's river corridors will come as no surprise to anyone who enjoys the outdoor climate and beauty of Colorado. All of us want to preserve the corridor's beauty; however each of us wants the freedom to enjoy it in our preferred way. Are we in danger of losing this freedom? No, not if we take preventative measures. In fact, what has thus far been a determinant in preserving our river corridors is that people choose to experience them in a wide variety of ways, thus minimizing the impact of our presence in any one spot. Pueblo County as well as the State is experiencing high growth and with that comes more demands on limited natural resources. The sooner we act to coordinate plans to protect the river corridors, the less damage we will have to repair. The less repair work required, the more freedom we have to enjoy the outdoors. I.2 PURPOSE The purpose of this plan is to develop an integrated resource management and conservation plan for the Arkansas River, the Fountain Creek, the St. Charles River Basin, and their environs. This plan will accomplish its purpose by identifying the users of the river corridors, user conflicts in the river corridors, problems or issues in the river corridors and building a consensus process that outlines the values of the corridor users. Why plan for an integrated resource management? According to the USGS National Water -Use Information Program, "The transition is well under way to an era of 'integrated water- resource management' that balances traditional supply - mangement options with progressive demand - management options. The governors of the western states have issued a policy statement calling for sharply enhanced efficiency in water use, and the President signed into law the Energy Policy bill which calls for government agencies to take the lead in water - use - efficiency measures. Water- resources managers and hydrologists need comprehensive, unbiased, and reliable water -use data to assess the impacts of demand - management strategies and to balance the competition between traditional uses and new recreational and environmental uses." (USGS Water -Use Fact Sheet, http://h2o.er.usgs.gov/public/Watuse/Wufactsheet.html#HDR2) Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan 1 J I I _J a I I It is not the purpose of this plan to develop specific strategies for addressing the issues, nor is it to form an action agenda. Such information is currently being put together for a larger regional plan entitled "The Strategic Natural Resource and Environmental Education Plan ". This document will serve as an important resource to that larger plan. At the same time, it will draw a comprehensive picture of the many masters that must be served by a single water source; the first tool of discussion that will lead to user cooperation. I.3 METHODOLOGY OF PROJECT The usefulness of this plan was made possible by the multi - jurisdictional planning approach used to develop it. Once the stakeholders were identified and notified of this plan's development, all of the persons contacted were genouraous in providing good and current information. The project began with the collection of the most current available data such as flows, land ownership in the river corridors, water quality, water rights, and the history of the corridors. Next, the major stakeholders, both private and public, were identified and interviewed. The interviews were conducted on March 7 and March 12 1996. In addition to the interviews, all participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding usage of the river corridors. A comprehensive list was compiled of all user conflicts and/or barriers which prohibited stakeholders from fulfilling their conservation objectives. This list led to the development of corridor issues. Issues in this report are defined as those tasks or problems that must be addressed now if the common objectives/goals/values for the river basin corridor are to be reached. The last step was to begin identifying values in the river corridors. This report contains five chapters. Chapter One serves as an introduction to the project. Chapter Two describes the river corridors as a system. The rivers are shown as evolutionary both in history and in physical qualities. Chapter Three describes each public project, both proposed and existing, that relies on the water and its habitat . Chapter Four presents the issues or problems facing each of the projects listed in Chapter Three. Matrices are used to identify user conflicts between projects Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan 2 I.4 CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT and occurrence of issues or problems. Chapter Five lists the Values or standards that the stakeholders have identified as being critical to the conservation of the corridor Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan 3 STREAM CLASSIFICATION Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan River Corridors and their Environs 5/ s0 Pueblo 1 County line � I - -- - o rr. - T I — N 9 L ' distance in miles T _ 0 I 2 3 +. - -- J. Moore City of Pueblo P &D 4196 EET Stream Classifications: III= aquatic life cold - I use protected aquatic life warm - I use protected recreation - I aquatic life warm - 2 recreation - 2 aquatic life warm - 2 water supply recreation - 2 water supply recreation - 2 agriculture agriculture agriculture water supply agriculture Exhibit 4 Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan 11 RIVER CORRIDOR PROJECTS Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan River Corridors and their Environs' 25 Trail Link to El Paso County (p) a Rock Canyon Recreation Area 50 t Reservoir Road Fishing Access + 9 ' i Pueblo West Trail Link i � Founta n Creek Regional Park Pueblo Count line t° Y ' Honor Farm* 4 o i ?' y f Liberty Point Park( s --- - : I ? Fish Habitat Im roveinents , - --- '' 1995 Trail Re placement Proj Red Marsh ~ P r.. P I p ?i �� ctive Os re Wild Horse Cr. Bridge i ; A P y N ,, Are ' Burkhart Bridge - WA- — ' (�;Earthship Environmental Center ,Pueblo Wildlife Refuge Wild Horse �YrA (Olive Marsh) --T ; Park 9 (,reenway & - Nature I r i s0 Grp E f 7 Center— � � I ` !' ? - �ThomasPhel Creek Wildlife Area HARP :,Thomas Phelps Creek Trai i . t - - i c� Runyon Fields �k Ne e _o n ' Lake ake 1 Mesa Trail Link t City Park and Zoo- Pueblo Consvy. Dist. Park _ 1 - f r , ! Fish Habitat Improvement - - Fountain Lake Crossover County Park ^i'r % ,/` i Pearl Street Trailhead N 9 id �i I { i i . Fountain Creek Bridge - _ _r il Access A Union Ave. Trail Access ; A COPAA,i / Main Street rar kans — f - ` - State Fish Hatchery �: c Runyon State Wildlife ea (leased) t S ? c 44 Run on Brid e distance in miles t g ` 0 1 2 3 Watchable Wildlife Area E Mo t Street Tra Highway 96 Fishing Access ..... T 5 U rya ilhead F,. State Paris Picnic Area ' .� t � Chain of Lakes -- -- - - - -- _ v� J. Moore s City of Neblo NJ) 4196 Goodnight Barn ' Project Legend: existing river trail system proposed trail existing project or r r ` I ii e ' proposed project or Exhibit 5 Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Plan 18 ,M T E c �,h1VIRONMENT.AL - SCIENCE L I J%hL\l A T U R 'A L 1 PUEB PUEBLO SCHOOL DISTRCI ;0. w DOLMDO SCHOOLDISTRICT Nok NNW c:; ) STA"W,d Groenway & Matur* Center o4 Pueblo PUEBLO ZO it PREFACE THE COLORADO DIVISION OF PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECRERTION, THE DIVISION OF WILDLIFE, PUEBLO SCHOOL DISTRICTS 70 AND 60, THE PUEBLO ZOO, THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, AND THE GREENWAY AND NATURE CENTER OF PUEBLO HAVE COME TOGETHER TO DEUELOP A LOCAL OUTDOOR ENUIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLRSSROOM PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM IS USER FRIENDLY AND ENRBLES TEACHERS TO OFFER HANDS -ON, FIRST- HAND EXPERIENCES TO STUDENTS: OUR GOAL IS TO CREATE EXPERIENCES WHICH WILL EXPOSE STUDENTS TO THEIR ENUIRONMENT AND TO SCIENCE IN A MEANINGFUL MANNER. THIS PACKET WAS DEUELOPED RS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY, SUPPLEMENTARY, ENUIRONMENTRL SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM. OUR OBJECTIVES FOR THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE: * EXPOSING STUDENTS TO THE NATURE AND KNOWLEDGE OF SCIENCE IN ORDER TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE IN THEIR LIVES. * EXPOSING STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCES THAT WILL PERPETUATE THEIR NRTURRL CURIOSITY RND INTERST IN SCIENCE. * PROVIDING STUDENTS EXPERIENCES IN SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM SOLVING (I.E. QUESTIONING, COLLECTING DRTR, RNRLYZING DRTR, AND EHPAINING RESULTS). * HELPING STUDENTS RECOGNIZE THE INTERACTIONS OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY. AFTER MANY HOURS OF SERRCHING FOR THE RIGHT MATERIALS, WE RRE HAPPY TO PRESENT THIS NOTEBOOK FOR PROJECT T.E.N. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY USING THIS PACKET RS MUCH AS WE ENJOYED WRITING IT. JOHN BEARDSLEY - BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LEAH QUESENBERRY - BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT RICH DUDLEY - COLORADO PARKS ERIC HARPER - DIVISION OF WILDLIFE STEVE LUCERO - DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AL TRUJILLO - DIVISION OF WILDLIFE DONNA BOTTINI - DISTRIC 70 CANDY MUSSO - DISTRICT 70 MARTY RAHL - DISTRICT 70 BARBARA LEONARD - DISTRICT 60 MATT KEEFAUUER - GREENWAY AND NATURE CENTER MARTY OSBORNE - PUEBLO ZOO JENA EHRENHRRT - U.S. FOREST SERVICE LERUE EUERYTHING RS YOU FOUND IT, TAKE ONLY YOUR MEMORIES! ROCK CANYON AT LAKE PUEBLO STATE PARK �ROOCK CANYON AT LAKE F`'UE =LOO STATE PARK INTRODUCTION Lake Pueblo State Park, one of Colorado's most popular parks, lies in an area of contrast. The high plains around the reservoir appear to stretch endlessly eastward, while the Greenhorn, Sangre de Cristo and Pikes Peak mountains ranges form a scenic alpine backdrop to the south, west and north. Buttes and limestone cliffs adorn much of the land comprising the park, and attest to the power of the Arkansas River which carved this scenic landscape. Complex geologic formations and a unique representation of both riparian and transitional ecosystems can be found in the Rock Canyon area located east of the dam. This richly diverse setting is readily identified by the bluffs to the north and the river to the south. While offering ample learning opportunities for students of nature, Rock Canyon also illustrates the impact man has on the surrounding environment and how individual communities and ecosystems have adapted to human presence. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This teaching aid is intended to serve as a vehicle for environmental education. Direction for this educational process is twofold: 1) expose and familiarize teachers with the learning opportunities available at specific areas or "outdoor classrooms "; 2) instill in children, at an early age, a set of environmental values and ethics, while at the same time developing a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature and science. Utilization of this packet will allow teachers to maximize opportunities for learning while on site at Rock Canyon. Incorporated here are activities proven to be of great educational benefit which children will find challenging, fun and interesting all at once. Detailed information is also included for the teachers benefit and will allow additional flexibility in devising their own activities. LAKE PUEBLO DAM W ARKANSAS RIVER THE A�KAfVSAS RIVER &DAM QT LAKE PUE : LO STATE PARK INTRODUCTION Lake Pueblo State Park, one of Colorado's most popular parks, lies in as area of contrast. The high plains around the reservoir appear to stretch endlessly eastward, while the Greenhorn, Sangre de Cristo and Pikes Peak mountain ranges form a scenic alpine backdrop to the south, west, and north. Buttes and limestone cliffs adorn much of the land comprising the park , and attest to the power of the Arkansas River which carved this scenic landscape. A large earthen dam and concrete spillway have tamed the effects of the mighty Arkansas River which historically has been responsible for killer floods on Colorado's southeastern plains. While serving primarily as storage for agricultural water used downstream, the dam and resulting reservoir have created a recreational mecca as well as forever altering the dynamics of the river itself and the surrounding terrain. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This teaching aid as intended to serve as a vehicle for environmental education. Direction for this educational process is twofold: 1) expose and familiarize teachers with the learning opportunities available at specific areas or "outdoor classrooms "; 2) instill in children, at an early age, a set of environmental values and ethics, while at the same time developing a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature and science. Utilization of this packet will allow teachers to maximize opportunities for learning while on site at the Pueblo Dam. Incorporated here are proven to be of great educational benefit which children will find challenging, fun and interesting all at once. Detailed information is also included for the teachers benefit and will allow additional flexibility in devising their own activities. GENERAL INFORMATION Located at Lake Pueblo State Park approximately six miles west of the city, the dam itself is the focal point of the area and can be reached from Highway 96 by taking the Service Road to Juniper Road and following it north to the spillway. The south side of the spillway can be reached by turning left just prior to the entrance station below the dam. The north side of the spillway can be reached by continuing north on Juniper Road, crossing the Arkansas River until just north of the entrance to Rock Canyon where a left turn will gain access to the area. Tours through the dam must be arranged in advance with the Bureau of Reclamation at 561 -8361. PUEBLO RIVER TRAIL SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION The City of Pueblo has constructed, since 1975, a 17-mile long River Trail System located primarily within the floodplain of two river courses--the Fountain Creek and the Arkansas River' This Trail System is located between the University of Southern Colorado on the north and the Pueblo Reservoir State Recreation area on the west' The 6-mile long Fountain Creek segment serves both recreational riders and commuters' It has seven street accesses to the downtown, USC and Pueblo Mall employment areas. Recreation areas served include Trail Head Park, Runyon Lake and two picnic areas' The connecting Arkansas River segment is more secluded, has fewer street accesses and is primarily a recreation corridor' It has direct access to City Park, the Greenway and Nature Center, Runyon Lake and the Pueblo State Recreation area. The Pueblo Conservancy District, which owns the trail segment between the Boettcher Bridge and Wildhorse Creek, has initiated a community planning network of which the trail system is a part. This network was designed to bring the Conservancy District together with the City, County, State and private agencies into common discussions on how to develop and use cooperative recreational resources and amenities of the community. The development of this cooperative trail system and associated recreational amenities is the result of this networking' Construction Older Segments .''''''''''2^ to 4^ Asphalt--6' to B' wide' New Segments'''''''''''--4^ Concrete--B' wide' Trail Seqment Review 11) USC to the Pueblo Mail and State Highwov 47. Lenoth: 1'3 miles to just south of State Highway 47 and 0.8 miles to the Pueblo Mall (Combined 2.1 Miles). FuILdiIigL: Colorado Department of Highways, 19B4' interest: Points of The trail is attached to the State Highway 47 Bridge over Fountain Creek' There is direct access to the University Park residential and commercial or Co. Areas: Problem Shared drainage tunnel under Jerry Murphy Road' All trail access points are not signed- There are no destination signs' Pueblc River Trail System Page Two (2) ' 1 5 Mil F1Z rli Q: State Trails Grant and the new segment constructed by a housing developer' : Access to H School' p��t����: All of the acce�s point igned' Access to Glenmore and Hunter Streets are not ramped' There are no (3estination signs The older asphal� trail is in need o me repair- (3) U.B' Hiohway 50B to W. 4th Street. L tfI Llthv 1'3 Miles' �j��l: State Trails Gr�nt and 1989 Army Corps of Engineers' 50/50 Matching Trails and Recreation Grant as�ociate� with the Fountain Creek Flood Control Project' : The City has constructed a new trail and picnic areas from East 15th Street Lo E=st 4th Street and the restroom facilities at Trailhead Park' : Erosion control and drainage on trail under U'S' Highway 50B and on the tr�il adjacent to w�rehouses' There are no destination Signs or trail acce�s sign�' (4) West 4th Street to Confluence Bridqe. Lk- [ILlt I I : 1-7 Miles' F Lt! I I P. he Fountain Creek Flood Control Project-19B9 (A�sociated TraiIs and Recreation element 50/50 Matching Grant). : The picnic areas near Confluence 8ridge (parking and a,ccess provided)' The Confluence Bridge over the Fount�in Creek (designed to with=tand a 500-year flood> which cost $250,000 of which the Gates Foundat�on gave �30,000 to the Greenway and Nature Center for its construction' : Access points to the trz- il system are not signeG ' No destina�ion signs' Weed control and maintenance will �e necessary on this traiI section' Pueblo River Trail System Page Three <5) L�I. 0 ddin�: 1 mile on south side of Ru­yon Lake plus 0.75 miles on north side of Runyon Lake (Combined 1.75 Mile�). F1- i P, in o: The Greenway and Nature Center. "Put-Your-Foot-Down Funds" and shing is Fun" Grants' A Boettcher Founi tion Gr-tnt to th� Greenway �nd N�ture Center t� build he Boettcher Bridge over the Arkan�as R�ver. : There are fishing piers and fisFling acce�� all along Runyon Lake and Fountain La e. A trail monument i� l�cated next to the Boettcher Bridge' A proposed boat chute is located under the bridge' There is access to and parkif for motor vehicles' Restroom faciliti�s are provided, and there �re trash container� placed around Runyon Lake. ProbIem Areas: Weed con ound Runyon Lake and Fountain L underpas�, and Fountain Lake fishing area e on this trail Dra�nage is is a lack Access poi sing' Ther t' eeded tra�h signs are no n the railroad cont aft iner� at to the L l and destination signs (6) ' Lj�L�th: 16 MiIes- Fjj.��: State Trails 8rant; Feder�I ^Fishing is Fun^ Grants' : Pueblo Conservancy District' : Flood Cantilevered tr�il segment �egment near W 4th Stre West 4th Street Bridge' con�rol levees and murals, over the river- Boardwalk t Bridge' New trail acCess near F�]o L l Fp, si: Condition of and drainage on the original asphalt trail' M�intenance, drainage, longevity, riding comfort on the Boardwalk' L�[� T_ Ff� 2'3 Miles' F\�ldj��: Colora�o St�te Trails GranLs' Pueblo River Trail System Page Four : Dutch Clark Stadium. the Arkansas River' Park' Access from Bcho 0 Proximity to City wildIife area on Fishing access and access to City Drainage on and condition of the 15-ye�r old asphalt trail. Access points are not signed to the trail sy�tem Burk rdt Crossing Bridge is not connected by trail L. o the trail to City Park. There are no destination signs' (B) Street' Fi�Idj�L�: CETA Manpower Grant' : Pueblo' area' Railroad the floodpla, In. Pueblo ConservAncy Di�trict and t�e City of ��t: Access from the underpass' Seclu�ed Location �f Wildhors We�t side neighborhood nature of the trail in Park' points are not signed' Poor condition of this 15-year old trail' There are no destination sign leading users to City Park the Bre�nw�y an� Nature Center and to Wildhors,e Creek' L t--L 1 1 : 1 Mile' ���l: CoIorado Trails Grants' : There is access to and parking at the Burkhardt Crossing Bridge and access from City Park' The Greenway and Nature Center, the most highly used are.=i on the �ystem, has picnic reas, a new restaurant and a fishing pier that was funded b Federal "Fishing Gr t Pueblo Boulevard' Poor condition of this older asphalt �ection' No trail access signs anywhere leading users to the sy�tem' No destination �iqns leadinq users to the Greenwav and Nature Center, Pueblo Reservoir and City the Park' i Pueblo River Tr�l System Page Five (10> ^ L�l���l: 2 Miles' F ' i F Trails Grants' : AccesS. onto the Nature Center natural surface Loc of the propo�ed new Valco, Inc', graveI mine and the movement of the river and tr�il north to the foot of �he bluffs' F r ]0 Lb l s- : Condition of the olde halt the trail' Absence of any trail access and destination A41 1ns. Width of the asphalt trail in thi hi h use area' (11) Pueblo State Recreation Area. L�l�Il�: En tire �ystem--16'5 miles' Points of Interest: Arkansas Point Trail which rnan a m��e, F _ t7-- erpreT ye gns ano oencnes' � lead� to bIuffs that overlook the south side of the park' The Rock Canyon area trails include fishing acce�s, a strength and conditioning course, restroom facilities and picnic areas' Th� Dam traiI includes wa ti Lit s, picnic �reas, and reStroom facilities, and connects Rock C�nyon, South na and the campgrouno. : Asph lt 4" to B" thick--6' to 8' in width. p1�d�l���i: Ero�ion controJ and drain�ge on the �rail' There are no destination, mileage or trail �ccess signs' Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement APPENDIX B PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORT Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project Project 9136 Page 8 W1 GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO Request for Grant Disbursement Contact Name and Phone Number: Contract Number: Project Title: GOCO Grant Award: $ Dollar Amount Requested: S Please briefly describe the reason you are requestin; a disbursement: Please include a brief project description: Please complete and attach the following: Project Funds and Expenditures a. LOCO project funds disbursed to date b. GOCO project funds expended to date e. Cash matchdna funds collected to date d. In -hind match provided to date e. ` any funding conditions placed oar S S S S i this ?rant? Yes o If;yes, please describe the condirioiis and how;you hm f 1filied r .is r�. ^uirernent: _. Submit the followin; Financial Documentation: _' Ene I o e a copy' o1 the - -p pro % "ed bud?et reflecting pr0iected `'s. aC _ia! °xpens es to - whiC11 the tollov'vin ce .lI_..ut:on =1St Je auued and sl'ne d: '? A it documen aiion SLLbnlltted in tills 1'er.Or reIZPCtS On!v tliOSe lte nS .`' 1'.0 C011IOrm t0 the prO,eCt deSCrlCi_C The 'Jrolecl reCelVed aii apr ICabLe per ^its ailCf 1S SUDStanrla complete at t .ls ti__ e budi7et si:ouled also rer'lect the matching and in -rind resources detailed iI. the p:eiect = t=!'cation. �t ach. invoices or p=hase orcers ior all cash expenditures :D Enclose cancelled checks or a certified accounting statement that tie directly to the invoices or purchase orders. • Label each invoice to a matching proof of payment and expense category on the budget • Please include only project related expenses in your report. If necessary, break -out project expenses from non - project expenses when an invoice or payment incorporates both ❑ For in -kind matching funds. attach an invoice or letter from a vendor stating what their service would normally cost o For volunteer labor. attach a list of the number of volunteer hours spent Or each component alone with an hourly rate and total. Include documentation to support all account costs including time cards and payroll sheets. ❑ Include documentation to support sponsor - owned equipment costs to include use vouchers and cost summary sheets. Use vouchers and cost summary sheets must be clearly annotated to indicate hours or mileage rates, and costs related to the project. Colorado State Highwav Department or locally developed rates may be used. 3. Submit a Copy of the Approved Work plan a. If your project's work plan has changed since the approval of your grant, please submit a revised work plan which reflects any changes to date and includes a more detailed estimation of the events necessary for the completion of the project (subject to approval by GOCO). b. Please list the changes, numbering them in descending order of importance, and discuss the reasons for the departures from the original work plan. How do the changes to the work plan effect your project's budget? 4. Estimate the Percentage of the Overall Project that has been Completed to Date a. If your project is not on schedule, please discuss the reasons �,vhy and reeuest a new expected completion date (subject to approval by GOCO). Evaluate the Success of your Project at this time a. How has the implementation of your project differed from your origi ~al expectations? Have you met with any unexpected difficulties? Discuss any significant changes that you have not mentioned thus far. Please provide any additional comments you may have here: 'hank voa. Please include this document along with the additional inforynation rerjztested. Great Outdoors Colorado Planning and Capacity Building Grant Agreement APPENDIX C PROJECT EXPENDITURE DOCUMENTATION Pueblo Arkansas River and Fountain Creek Project Project 9136 Page 9 Final Report Contact Name and Number: Contract/Grant Number: Project Title: Amount of Final Payment Requested: $ Project Cost GOCO Grant Award $ Cash $ In -Kind labor /materials) $ Total Project Cost $ (Attached documentation should support this number and reflect all funds spent to complete the project) Were any funding conditions placed on this grant? Yes No If yes, please describe the conditions in an attachment and how you have fulfilled this requirement... Financial Documentation (see attached example) • Enclose a copy of the approved budget reflecting projected vs. actual expenses to which the following certification must be added and signed: "All documentation submitted in this report reflects only those items which conform to the project description. The project received all applicable permits and is substantially complete at this time ". The budget should also reflect the matching and in -kind resources detailed in the project application. • Attach invoices or purchase orders for all cash expenditures ❑ Enclose cancelled checks or a certified accounting statement that tie directly to the invoices or purchase orders. • For in -kind matching funds, attach an invoice or letter from a vendor stating what their service would normally cost • For volunteer labor, attach a list of the number of volunteer hours spent on each component along with an hourly rate and total. Include documentation to support all account costs including time cards and payroll sheets. • Include documentation to support sponsor -owned equipment costs to include use vouchers and cost summary sheets. Use vouchers and cost summary sheets must be clearly annotated to indicate hours or mileage rates, and costs related to the project. Colorado State Highway Department or locally developed rates may be used. In addition, please: • Label each invoice to a matching proof of payment and expense category on the budget • Include only project related expenses in your report. If necessary, break -out project expenses from non - project expenses when an invoice or payment incorporates both ❑ Provide a picture or slide of the project ❑ Provide evidence of signage acknowledging GOCO grant (include picture or explanation of when signage will be complete) Kom GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO Final Report/Page 2: Planning /Capacity (Disregard if you did not receive a Planning /Capacity Grant) Contact Name: _ Project Title: _ Contract Number: Work Plan I. Project Objectives/Tasks A. Submit copies of the final approved budget and timeline for the project. B. Please list the project objectives and/or the tasks to be accomplished from your application, including the status of each. If an objective was added, omitted or changed from the original application, please explain. Please note that budget information should correlate to the project objectives and tasks listed here. C. Estimate the percentage of the overall project that has been completed to date D. If you are aware of specific funding conditions that were placed on your grant, please list them and describe how they have been met. H. Products/End Results A. Please list final products resulting from your project and attach a copy of each. For example, final products might include: (1) a parks and recreation plan; (2) a strategic plan for land trust; or (3) prioritization criteria for open space acquisitions. B. If one of the products includes a new or modified plan: (1) Has the plan been adopted by a local government, land trust board or any other appropriate organization? (2) If so, when will implementation begin? If not, please explain. (3) Please describe the funding sources available to implement the plan. III. Project Impact A. Please describe how the planning or capacity building project has helped to advance parks and recreation, open space, and/or trails preservation and enhancement in your community. B. Were there any unanticipated benefits of the project? Challenges? Please describe. Thank you. Please include this document along with the additional information requested.