No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutC15-479 Cordillera Ridge Management PlanEagle County is the current owner of the Cordillera Ridge property (the "Property"J legally described in and subject to that certain Deed of Conservation Easement granted to the Eagle Valley Land Trust onl3/'rlao,S and recorded at Reception No. O-otS-aea-B ("Conservation Easement") in the real estate records of Eagle County, Colorado. MANAGEMENT PIAN FOR CORDILLERA RIDGE OPEN SPACE Under the terms of the Land Exchange Agreement, Eagle County agreed to encumber the Property with the Conservation Easement. The Eagle Valley Land Trust has been selected to accept, hold, administer, monitor and enforce the Conservation Easement. The purpose of the Conservation Easement is to preserve and protect the Conservation Values as that term is defined in the Conservation Easement. Conservation Values generally include the preservation of open space (scenic enjoyment of the general public), and relatively natural habitat of wildlife and plants. This management plan (the "Plan") has been created to outline specific strategies to further protect and maintain the Conservation Values. Eagle County intends to employ sound management and land conservation practices to protect its wildlife habitat and to preserve the Property in a natural, scenic, and open condition. Eagle County also intends to take the following actions, which are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Conservation Easement: Overall Management Periodically walk the Property to notice any changes, pick up any found inorganic debris, and take reasonable steps to address any changes that are noticed that adversely impact the Property's Conservation Values and natural condition. r Manage the Property for the uses permitted under the Conservation Easement. Land Management: . Unless specific natural resource problems arise, Eagle County intends to allow natural processes to take place unimpeded. Biological patterns of disturbance and succession, wildlife use and migration, and natural hydrology will be protected, According to data from Colorado Parks & Wildlife, the Property provides habitat for numerous species. A primary goal of management is to protect this habitat. Hunting is prohibited by this Plan, though it is not specifically prohibited by the Conservation Easement. o Control weeds on the Property, including but not limited to, those weeds required to be controlled in accordance with the State of Colorado's noxious weed lists and C15-479 Eagle County's Weed Management Plan. Weed control may be through cultural, mechanical, biological or chemical methods, as appropriate for the target weed species. If pesticides or herbicides are applied, Eagle County will only use chemicals approved for the intended application, and will use them in accordance with the specific labeling instructions to comply with state law. Eagle County will monitor the Property to ensure that weed control efforts, if necessary, are successful and that new populations do not become established o Maintain internal trails through the Property in their current condition or as otherwise allowed under the Conservation Easement, with the goal of preventing additional areas on the Property from being impacted by vehicle activities and social trail development. Forestry: The Property contains mixed stands of aspen and coniferous forest. These forests provide important habitat and will not be actively managed, except to protect them from insects or disease. Dead trees will be allowed to remain standing unless they pose a safety threat to recreational users. In the event that forest health deteriorates, Eagle County may consult with the U.S. Forest Service or the Colorado State Forest Service to create a management plan. Tree thinning to mitigate forest fires and maintain a healthy ecosystem is permitted in accordance with an approved amendment to the Plan. Fencing: If deemed by Eagle County staff as unnecessary fences will be removed. If additional fencing is required for management purposes, Eagle County is allowed to construct new fences. Eagle County will insure that the fences meet standards established by Colorado Parks and Wildlife designed to reduce wildlife entanglement risk. All fences on the Property will be monitored annually to determine if they are meeting a management objective, raising safety concerns, or posing an unnecessary threat to wildlife. Agriculture: Eagle County has no plans to lease the Property for livestock grazing or any other form of agriculture. Habitat Restoration: Eagle County will study the Property to determine if any habitat restoration projects are desirable and feasible. Prior to undertaking any habitat restoration or habitat management activities, Eagle County shall obtain an approved amendment to the Plan that describes the activities Eagle County may undertake. Access: The primary access point is off El Mirador Drive. o A network of passive recreational trails exists on the northwestern corner of the Property, which are depicted in the Baseline Report. Eagle County intends to continue to allow recreational access via this trail network and no changes are planned. These trails are mainly used by Cordillera residents for hiking. Eagle County has or will formalize an agreement with Cordillera Metropolitan District for maintenance of trails on the Propertywhereby Cordillera Metropolitan District will maintain the trails [the "Metro District Maintenance Agreement"). . The Metro District Maintenance Agreement shall specifically require compliance with the terms of the Conservation Easement and this Plan, and shall limit use of the trails to non-motorized, passive, low impact recreational purposes, including but not limited to, pedestrian use, bicycle use, wildlife/bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. . Any new trails may be located, constructed, maintained and repaired pursuant to the terms of an approved amendment to this Plan. . Develop and maintain, as appropriate, working relationships with all utilities (water, electricity, sewer, etc.) having rights to use the Property, and notiff the Eagle Valley Land Trust when learning of any planned or actual activities that impact the Property, even if the impact is just temporary. Trailhead: No trailhead facilities are planned. Trash: No trash services will be provided. Rules and Regulations for the Use of the Cordillera Ridge Open Space are as follows: o No fires or fireworks o No camping o No motorized use except for property management purposes as set forth in the Conservation Easement o No hunting, discharge of weapons, or harassing wildlife o No dumping or littering o No collecting of plants, animals or artifacts o Dogs must be on a leash Patrol: Eagle County Open Space will periodically visit the Property, and is working to reach an agreement with the Cordillera Metropolitan District for them to monitor the Property, Long Term Considerations: Eagle County Open Space typically seeks a local partner to manage open space lands. Cordillera Metropolitan District owns open space lands to the north and south of the Property. Eagle County may determine, in its sole discretion, to convey title of the Property to the Cordillera Metropolitan District or may negotiate and implement an agreement regarding specific management issues such as trails. [Rest of page intentionally Iefr blank] Adopted this i day of O-rx:.--lcr;-. zot5 COUNTY OF EAGLE, STATE OF COLOMDO, By and Through lts BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS andler-Henry, Chair , Executive Director