Let’s see what JCOS has been up to in the month of June…

ALDERFER/THREE SISTERS PARK, WEST TRAILHEAD – MOUNTAIN LION KILL SITE

A park visitor alerted Ranger Billy Hall to an Elk carcass in the meadow near Silver Fox Trail. When Billy inspected it, it was covered with dead grass, a sure sign of a mountain lion kill site. According to the Santa Cruz Puma Project (UC Santa Cruz and CA Fish & Game), here are some additional ways to discern a mountain lion kill: Lions tend to eat the chest-area organs first (lungs, heart, liver). Lions remove the stomach (called the rumen) when they first open the chest cavity and bury it a few feet away from the body.  This prevents stomach acids from spoiling the meat over the 3-5 days it will take the lion to finish eating. Lions will nip or “shave” the hair off the body with their incisors before they start chewing into it.  Think of a surgeon shaving the patient before cutting.  The clumps of nipped hair are about 1” across – the distance between the lion’s canine teeth.

BEAVER RANCH PARK TRAIL CONSTRUCTION

Development of Beaver Ranch Park is moving ahead on schedule. The Trails Team used the new dozer to cut 1,100 feet of trail in one afternoon.

CENTENNIAL CONE PARK – RAMSTETTER ACQUISITION

JCOS completed the purchase of the 58-acre Ramstetter property this week!  The northernmost portion of the property can be seen from Golden Gate Canyon Road & Centennial Cone Park, and is part of a broader preservation effort planned for the Park and the Douglas Mountain Study Area.  This acquisition is a strategic priority to ensure the viewshed to and from the property is preserved.

CLEAR CREEK CANYON GATEWAY SEGMENT

The Buildings & Historic Sites Team fabricated the steel hand railing along the stairs that the Trails Team constructed. The Trails Team cautiously removed large amounts of poison ivy and began trail construction to connect the Gateway Trailhead to the Creek access points. The BHS Team continues to put the finishing touches on the restroom. Opening ceremonies are planned for the end of August…

CLEAR CREEK CANYON PARK, BIG EASY TRAILHEAD – PROTECTING THREATENED SPECIES

JCOS contractors completed the installation of metal railing at two locations within the Big Easy trailhead. The railing protects the federally threatened Ute ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), growing near the ADA picnic shelter, and discourages visitor shortcutting across riparian habitat on the south side of the parking lot.

CLEAR CREEK CANYON, COLLABORATIVE RESCUE

In the second week of June a call came through Jeffcom Dispatch for two critical female patients who were each struck by rockfall at the Highwire Crag in Clear Creek Canyon Park.  Rangers Krause, Joyce, Holzman, and Dargatz all responded to the scene and assisted in various aspects. The operation consisted of a low-angle belayed litter, with three litter attendants from Golden and West Metro Fire Departments tied in, near the entrance of Tunnel 2. Golden Fire also utilized a ladder truck to transfer the patient, and then lower the ladder with the patient to the ground, where a Flight for Life helicopter sat waiting on Highway 6 to transport the most critical patient to the hospital by air. JCOS Rangers were among the eight agencies that assisted in this rescue.  Great job by all!

HIWAN HERITAGE PARK

The BHS Team fabricated and installed a new chimney cap on the Hiwan Museum.

NORTH TABLE MOUNTAIN, GOLDEN CLIFFS TRAILHEAD – RATTLESNAKE AT THE RESTROOM

Thanks to the sharp eyes and quick action of Park Services Specialists Chad Vidas and Steven Fernandez, a potentially dangerous situation was averted.  After spotting this three-foot rattlesnake near the door of the Golden Cliffs restroom, they called Jeffcom non-emergency and alerted visitors to the danger while they waited for a trained Animal Control officer to collect and move the snake to a safer location (for people and snake) in the Park. Photos are courtesy of artist and photographer, Chad Vidas.

RATTLESNAKE ACTIVITY SEASON IS HERE!

The 2021 rattlesnake activity season is off to a severe start.  There have been two reported bites to dogs at North Table Mountain Park, one bite to a park visitor at East White Ranch Park, and numerous reports of snakes parked on or next to busy trails.  Please be aware of your surroundings and, when you have the chance, be sure you are sharing our most important rattlesnake safety messages: stay on authorized trails, wear closed-toe shoes, keep one earbud out, and always keep dogs on a leash.  These behaviors do not completely prevent bites, but they go a long way toward mitigating the risk of a bite.  If you encounter a snake, give it space and time to leave the area.  Do not approach it, poke it, throw things at it or attempt to move it.

PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS DISCOUNTED LYFT FARES TO FOUR OF JCOS’ BUSIEST TRAILHEADS

Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) is excited to announce a pilot program giving park visitors the opportunity to take advantage of reduced fares from rideshare company Lyft, in hopes of helping with parking congestion at four of our busiest Front Range trailheads and access points.  The pilot program will serve North Table Mountain Park – West Trailhead, South Table Mountain Park – Camp George West Trailhead, South Table Mountain Park – Golden Hills Access and White Ranch Park – East Trailhead.  Beginning June 28 through December 31, Lyft users can take advantage of a $2.50 reduction in their fare each direction.  Discounts will be valid during park hours, seven days a week, to the four locations listed above.  https://www.jeffco.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1592

WINDY SADDLE PARK, BEAVER BROOK TRAIL SEARCH & RESCUE

Jeffco Open Space Rangers were involved in a search and rescue operation on the Beaver Brook Trail in early June. All ended well when the young man was found, safe and sound.

SUMMER TRAIL COURTESY EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AT FRONT RANGE TRAILHEADS

Jeffco Open Space (JCOS) is partnering with City of Lakewood, Gilpin County and Clear Creek County land managers and FRONT (Front Range Optimized and New Trails) to provide informal trail courtesy education pop-ups at select trailheads this summer.  Specific topics will include passing on trails, sharing the trail, pet safety and management, and minimizing visitor impact.  The pop-ups will be staffed by paid marketing professionals who also love trails.  JCOS staff provided basic training that included key stewardship messages, basic incident response and trailhead behavior expectations.  You will see the FRONT pop-ups at Apex, North Table Mountain (west trailhead) and White Ranch (east trailhead) Parks.   The first JCOS pop-up will be this weekend at Apex (June 12-13). This effort will continue through September 26.

2022 Trails Partnership Program

Applications for the 2022 Trails Partnership Program are now available.  The purpose of the Trails Partnership Program is to provide financial support to partners seeking to meet the goals of the Jeffco Trails Plan: improve safety, provide equitable access, and increase connectivity of Jefferson County trails or greenspaces.  Applications are due on September 20 with expected January 2022 funding.  Anyone who manages public land and/or provides public park and recreation services in Jefferson County and has a construction-ready project is eligible to apply. Check out the website at https://www.jeffco.us/4138/Trails-Partnership-Program and the Info Sheet for more details on the application process or contact Trails Program Manager, Rachel Brenna rbrenna@co.jefferson.co.us, with any questions.

Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT)

The CFRT Feasibility Study was kicked off the end of June in order to identify an alignment completing the regional trail connector through northern Jefferson County. Over the next year, the study will evaluate several alignment alternatives between North Table Mountain and the Boulder County line to identify a safe, enjoyable, and constructable trail connection for both community and regional use. The study is made possible through strong support from several area partners including DRCOG, City of Arvada, the Trust for Public Land, and CDOT. We are so excited to be leading these efforts in helping to improve safe access to recreation along the Front Range!

Burro Patrol – A New Way to Volunteer

The Burro Patrol is a pilot program to utilize specially trained adult volunteers that lead youth and pack burros in public outreach, education, and stewardship projects. They will help by collecting and packing out trash/cleanup bags in hard-to-reach areas with the hope of being a visible presence in parks.  The educational expectation will be to interact with visitors around trail courtesy and the importance of sharing the trail.

Miss Mountain Manners wants to let everyone at JeffCo Open Space know how proud we at PLAN Jeffco are of the terrific work that they’re doing. The next time you’re in one of our Parks and you see a JCOS Staffer or Volunteer, introduce yourself and say “thank you”.

 

Federal, state, and local agencies remind everyone to know before you go, plan ahead, be courteous on area trails, and help protect sensitive natural resources.

With visitation to Front Range trails expected to increase over the next several weeks, a group of eight federal, state, and local Colorado land managers remind visitors to recreate responsibly on area public lands. Recreating outdoors is an important way of life for all Coloradans, and public land agencies need everyone’s cooperation to help them sustain enjoyable outdoor experiences and preserve natural areas for future generations.

Public land agencies with lands along Colorado’s Front Range remind visitors to “know before you go,” plan ahead, and remember several essential responsible recreation guidelines over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, including:

• Enjoy and protect shared public lands. With visitation continuing to increase, the agencies remind visitors to do their part to help protect land, wildlife, water, and plants. Numerous small disturbances can quickly harm sensitive natural resources and have a lasting impact on shared public lands. Remember to “Leave No Trace” and be prepared to pack out all trash and dog waste when receptacles aren’t available.
• Be courteous and inclusive. People visit trails and public lands for many reasons, including emotional and physical well-being and spending time with friends and family members. Visitors of all identities and abilities deserve respect and courtesy while recreating outdoors.
• Plan visits ahead of time and know your limits. Local public land agencies continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Look at the weather forecast and trail and trailhead information. Visit public lands with a friend or a family member. Tell people where you’re going and when you plan on returning. Make sure to bring food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cold, wet, or changing weather conditions.
• Don’t park illegally at full trailheads and follow all rules and regulations. Have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Parks and trails are generally less crowded on weekdays. Trailhead parking lots are often full early in the morning on weekends. Take shuttles to popular recreation areas, if available. Review agency rules and regulations before heading to the trailhead as individual areas may have special restrictions or guidelines.
• Continue to follow all public health guidance and requirements. Stay home if you are sick. Remember to “keep the space in open space” by maintaining 6 feet of distance from people not in your household. While no longer required, it’s recommended you bring a face covering with you because it’s not always possible to maintain 6 feet of physical distance outdoors, such as passing others on a narrow trail.
• Stay on trail and walk through mud. If you need to step off-trail to let others pass, avoid stepping on vegetation. Step back on trail immediately after people pass you. Please don’t travel off trail. Help protect sensitive wildlife habitats by staying out of wildlife closure areas.

The group of public land agencies who participated in this joint release remind residents to access their websites to view critical advisories and trail maps BEFORE planning visits to public lands:

• Boulder County Parks & Open Space
• City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
• Jefferson County Open Space
• City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife
• Larimer County Natural Resources
• U.S. Bureau of Land Management
• U.S. Forest Service

Visitors can also download the following trail apps developed with support from the State of Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado:

• Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), available for free in the Apple and Google stores.
• Boulder Area Trails App, available for free in the Apple and Google store

CRAZY ABOUT CONSERVATION?

SERIOUS ABOUT LAND STEWARDSHIP?

CONCERNED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE?

Join us for our 7-week Stewardship Academy. During this time you’ll learn about

Jefferson County and what makes it so special.

The Jeffco Open Space Program and how it came to be.

The Open Space Parks, how they’re organized and maintained.

The Jeffco Open Space Greenprint and what it means for the Parks’ future.

Ecology, land preservation, and citizen science in Jeffco.

The Open Space Advisory Committee, what it is and what it does.

Threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, how to mitigate them.

Human activity and its impact on open spaces.

Visitor experience in Jeffco Open Space Parks.

Taking care of our precious lands.

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This seven-week program, meets once a week, in a virtual classroom setting plus in-person field experience in the Jeffco Open Space Parks.

Enrollment is now open…classes start Tuesday, May 4th, 6-8 PM.

$35 Enrollment fee*, includes:

Six weeks of presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management, and more.

Opportunity to observe the Open Space Advisory Committee in action.

A group stewardship project in one of the Jeffco Open Space Parks.

One-year full membership in PLAN Jeffco.

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Download planned curriculum HERE.

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Connect to EventBrite to make your reservation here

or download this form, fill it out and mail with your check for $35 to

PLAN Jeffco

11010 West 29th Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80215

EventBrite will collect email address, first name, last name and payment information during checkout.

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*limited scholarship available upon request. Contact academy@planjeffco.org for more information.

fFebruary was a short month, and with all the snow that fell in March, it seemed reasonable to pair the reports for these two months together. Despite the time limit and the weather interruptions, JCOS got a lot done!

 

Centennial Cone Park – 2020-2021 Hunting Numbers

During this past hunting season, there were a total of 225 unique hunter sign-ins, the majority of whom had a companion with them.  A total of 15 deer and two elk were harvested.  Two hunters called to report that their harvested deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.  Based on hunter observations, as many as 50 elk were observed in the Park at one time during the two month period.

 

 

 

Clear Creek Canyon Park Improvements – Gateway to Huntsman Trail Segment

In preparation for design of the next trail segment in Clear Creek Canyon, a drone flew through the Canyon in early February to collect more accurate survey data to help with the design phase of the project.  The steep canyon walls, dense trees and rocky overhangs led to some inaccuracies with the plane-based LiDAR survey data which was originally gathered for the project. The weather and the light were so perfect that the drone survey was finished in two days instead of the four that was originally planned.

Clear Creek Canyon Park, Gateway Segment

The Gateway Trailhead is inching closer to completion.  The crews continue to make great progress as they get closer to opening this summer.

Restroom Update

The Building & Historic Sites Team has completed installing drywall and the drywall has passed inspection.  HVAC layout and installation has begun, with lots of piping and a boiler for in-floor heating. The roofing was completed just before the big March snow. Interior wall finishes are being completed. Way to go Buildings & Historic Sites Team!

Stairs

The Trails Team completed the timber stairs and retaining walls that connect the Peaks to Plains Trail to the east side of the wooden flume.

Permeable Paver Install

Installation of the interlocking concrete permeable pavers at the Gateway Trailhead began in early March.  These pavers are very similar to the trailhead surface at Hildebrand Ranch Park and allow surface water to seep back into the ground instead of being carried into a traditional storm water system.  This not only eliminates the need for a storm water quality pond and frees up space for more parking, the pavers are a key piece in low-impact development. Check out the latest update video to learn how interlocking concrete permeable pavers are installed.  https://youtu.be/4M0XVveM35o

Board of County Commissioners Approves Design Contract for Next Segment

The next segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail and the continued development of the Clear Creek Canyon Park cleared a major hurdle in early March.  The BCC approved the contract with the Design-Build team led by Concrete Express and Muller Engineering.  This 3-mile segment is funded by $10.25M from the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Transportation Improvement Program, and will run from where the Gateway Segment ends at the west portal of Tunnel 1 to Huntsman Gulch.  It will include two new trailheads, multiple bridges and numerous creek access points.  Design has begun, with construction to commence in 2022.  The entire project should open to the public in 2024.

Mount Falcon Park – Entry Sign Update

The entry sign at the West Mount Falcon Trailhead has been updated to provide clear direction to Park visitors.

 

Matthews/Winters Park – Dakota Ridge Trail Fencing

Thanks to the collaboration of the Trails and Park Services Teams, 56 feet of high tensile fence was installed on a portion of the Dakota Ridge Trail for visitor safety and resource protection.

Preparation for Unauthorized Trail Restoration – Log Harvesting

The Trails Team has finished harvesting and peeling lodgepole pine for buck-n-rail fencing material used to close unauthorized trails.

 

Snow Removal Operations

Great pride, appreciation and respect towards the field staff and the efforts taken toward an efficient response to Winter Storm Zylia.  Without hesitation the Park Services, Ranger, Trails, Community Connections, Buildings & Historic Sites and Natural Resources teams collaborated to both prepare for and respond to the Metro Area’s fourth largest snowstorm in recorded history.  This effort enabled JCOS to restore access to all of the main trailheads, provide at least 50% available parking at those locations, clear the paved trails and ensure the functionality of the facilities in just two days!  Huge thanks and appreciation to Jeffco Road and Bridge and local transportation departments for maintaining the roads and assisting with some of the more challenging trailhead locations.  Same for the Facilities Department who worked towards having the JCOS office open and available.  Following on the heels of Zylia, additional snowfall has pushed full recovery into subsequent weeks as JCOS staff continues to open trailheads, improve access and further clear parking lots and other trailhead amenities.

Beaver Ranch Park – Jeffco Open Space Foundation/Hanna Trust Property

Thanks to the persistence of the Real Estate Team and a little help from the Jeffco Open Space Foundation, JCOS can finally provide legal access to the south entrance of the Valley Trail at Beaver Ranch Park!  The addition of this 0.44-acre property eliminates the gap between the Park and neighborhood access from Black Hawk Drive and will enable JCOS to install visitor information at this entry point.

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North Table Mountain – Spring Snake Emergence

With the official start of spring just around the corner and two feet of snow on the ground, the Front Range is sending its usual mixed seasonal signals, including the first reported snake sightings of 2021. Garter snakes have been observed crossing trails at a few locations along the Front Range, and JCOS herp volunteer Ryan Borgmann photographed this bull snake parked at the entrance of its hibernaculum on March 7^th at North Table Mountain Park.  Snakes are not likely to venture far from the shelter of their wintering den, but warm, sunny spring days may bring them out for a healthy bask.

Apex Park – Mountain Lion Encounter

March 13, 2021: From the HWI (Human-Wildlife Interaction) reporting app: “I (adult female) was hiking down Paydirt Trail and noted an adult mountain lion walking down the hill, about 50-75 yards away.  It heard me, turned and looked at me, but continued to descend towards Magic Mountain Trail.  I took a short video since it appeared uninterested in me.  I was still and just watching, and when it disappeared from view, I noticed a trail runner above me on the Hardscrabble. I yelled “mountain lion, mountain lion, cougar, puma!  Careful!  I just saw it go down this hill!” and the runner turned around.  I continued to descend slowly and saw another trail runner coming up the Apex/Magic Mountain towards where I had last seen the lion, yelled to alert them, and they also turned around.  I was afraid I’d see it as I got on Magic Mountain back to the trailhead and walked slowly backwards on the trail until it curved.  I did not see the lion again.  A few minutes later two trail runners were coming up the trail towards me.  I warned them I had just seen it disappear in this area, they said they knew about it, and (foolishly) decided to continue running onwards towards where I had last seen it.  I got to the parking lot, saw a ranger’s truck and told Adam Campbell about it.  He gave me his business card and I emailed him the video.”

Stormwater Operations and Cartegraph

Storm water operations are evolving thanks to leadership, team effort and Cartegraph. JCOS is starting to get a bird’s eye view of its assets and a good overall understanding of their condition.  The Park Services Team completed their first round of field collecting and test inspections, entering assets and essential details into the asset management system, Cartegraph.  The GIS Team has done an amazing job giving teams the tools needed to inventory the system, discover concerns and plan strategic repairs.  This improves collaboration with Planning and Zoning, supporting MS4 permit compliance.  It also improves the ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. It may not seem important to know how many culverts there are and where they’re located, until a catastrophic flood happens.

Colorado Front Range Trail

A Request for Proposal was advertised last week to find a design team to complete a Feasibility Study for the northern Jefferson County segment of the Colorado Front Range Trail.  This multi-modal segment will connect North Table Mountain Park to the border with Boulder County. The Feasibility Study will identify the most feasible trail alignment, develop a preliminary design of this alignment, and create design/construction cost estimates.  The Study is funded by the Trust for Public Land, City of Arvada, JCOS, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Transportation Improvement Program. More to come in the near future as the selection process moves forward!

JCOS Fun Fact – Pavement

Thanks to recent GIS and Cartegraph efforts JCOS has been able to quantify many assets, including pavement. JCOS maintains 3.8 million square feet of paved surfaces including concrete, asphalt, recycled asphalt, road base, crusher fines, and pavers. That is equivalent to 89.7 acres or 31 miles of a two-lane roadway.

Forest Health Successful Grant Award

JCOS received notice in February that they had been awarded $47,653.70 to help purchase a second masticator (also called a forest brush cutter).  For those who are keeping track, the Natural Resources Team is 2-for-2 on grant applications this year.

Invasive Species 101 Webinar Series Receives More Than 430 Registrations

Jeffco Invasive Species Management and Jeffco CSU Extension have partnered with Boulder and Larimer County CSU Extension to present a webinar series focused on invasive species issues along the Front Range.  This four session speaker series aims to educate and inform landowners on invasive species terminology, identification, treatment, and latest trends.  Sessions are held virtually from 6:00–7:30 pm from late March until early May. The first session had 181 attendees and to date, a total of 432 registrations.  More information can be found on Jeffco CSU Extension’s webpage https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/2021/02/03/upcoming-webinar/

Whew! Despite the short month of February and the very snowy month of March, it’s readily apparent that JCOS has been busy!! Even throughout the winter and all this construction, visitor numbers in the Parks are above what they have been historically, so keeping the Parks maintained for everyone’s enjoyment has been a priority. And JCOS has risen to the challenge!

Miss Mountain Manners wants to let everyone at JeffCo Open Space know how proud we at PLAN Jeffco are of the terrific work that they’re doing. The next time you’re in one of our Parks and you see a JCOS Staffer or Volunteer, introduce yourself and say “thank you”.