If March saw a lot of snow, it seems like April saw just as much if not more! However, that didn’t seem to slow down the teams at our Jeffco Open Space Parks:

North Table Mountain Park – West Trailhead

The entry sign received a new sign face with updated trailhead name and new timbers.

Clear Creek Canyon Park Gateway Segment

The Gateway Segment is getting some new steps leading down to the Peaks to Plains Trail. The contractor is installing steel stairs, steel shade structures, and pavers, while the Trails Team is constructing timber stairs.

The Buildings & Historic Sites Team has installing interior plumbing and a snow melt system, while the contractor has installed concrete in front of the restroom.

Peak to Plains Trail

JCOS staff is currently in the midst of a listening tour with Peaks to Plains Trail partners and stakeholders for the Plains Segment from Golden to Adams County.  The objective of the effort is to identify and act on opportunities for improvement in this trail corridor of statewide significance.  Download the Peak to Plains Collaborative Fact Sheet for more detailed information.

The Buildings & Historic Sites Team repaired railing along the trail damaged from a rockslide.

Van Bibber Park

The Trails Team prepared for the Earth Day volunteer project on Saturday, April 24.  The focus of the project was natural surface trail construction, unauthorized trail restoration, fence installation and shrub/forb plantings.

Beaver Ranch Park

Through an extensive community engagement process, the Beaver Ranch Park Master Plan was completed in 2017 and includes an outline for park-wide improvements.  The primary focus of the proposed improvements is to create a main trailhead at the Park’s entrance and limit the vehicular access beyond this new space.  The trailhead will become the primary parking destination for most visitors and most amenities not included in the new trailhead design will be accessed on foot.

As a part of park-wide improvements included in the Master Plan, Jefferson County Open Space is considering a relocation of the dog off-leash area.  To get a better understanding of the community needs, a Beaver Ranch Dog-Off Leash survey has been issued.  The survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code with the on-site signage or by clicking the link to the Beaver Ranch Park page.  The survey will run from April 1 – April 30. (Note: sadly, at the time of publication, Miss Mountain Manners could not find the survey on the Beaver Ranch Park page. Dear Reader, if you find it, could you post the location in the comments below? Thank you!).

Wednesday Forums Are Back

For the first time in more than a year, the Planning Team hosted the first of the virtual Wednesday Forums of 2021 in early April.  More than 70 attendees joined the forum to learn about the South Table Mountain Park Land Exchange and park improvements, as well as the work that’s happening at Beaver Ranch Park.  The following week the Planning and Projects Teams discussed the latest developments for Alderfer/Three Sisters and Tincup Ridge Parks. Want to get notifications prior to the meetings? Go to the Open Space Calendar Page and click the “Notify Me” icon at the top of the page.

South Table Mountain Park – Department of Energy (DOE) Land Exchange

On April 8, JCOS held a virtual community meeting to discuss the proposed DOE land exchange and planned access and trailhead updates to South Table Mountain Park.  Over 100 community members attended the live virtual meeting, which is available for viewing on our STM park page. The public comment period runs through May 12. If you are interested in providing feedback, please send comments to STM@jeffco.us.

Trails Partnership Program 2021 Success! 

As a part of Conservation Greenprint Goal #8, Easy and Equitable Access, JCOS created the Trails Partnership Program to help support our partners who are interested in building and improving the greater Jefferson County Trail System.  Partners were required to apply for funding, and a review team of JCOS staff and Open Space Advisory Committee members decided on the following projects to receive funding:

City of Arvada – A new trailhead at Standley Lake Library providing an outdoor classroom for the library and an ADA accessible connection from Kipling Parkway to the Rocky Mountain Greenway.

Buffalo Park Improvement Association – A permanent vault restroom will replace the current port-o-lets at the Buffalo Creek Trailhead.

City of Lakewood – Maintenance to Bear Creek Trail and the construction of a parallel crusher fine trail to relieve visitor conflict.

Leawood Metro Rec & Park District – Bridge maintenance at Weaver Park.

City of Wheat Ridge – The addition of two trail connections from the sidewalks on either side of Wadsworth Boulevard down to the Clear Creek Trail.

All of these projects will add great value to our Jefferson County community, and we are looking forward to the next four years as we continue the Trails Partnership Program and help more of our partners achieve their goals.

Abandoned Mine Closures

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) has begun an abandoned mine reclamation project on JCOS properties, which will run through the end of June.  There are 14 stopes or adits that will be closed and/or fenced at no expense to JCOS.  All of the sites have been evaluated for bat habitat and will be remediated accordingly.  Please note that the conditions when mines may open, enlarge, or reopen continue to change, so operate with extreme caution when in the vicinity of former mining locations.  Just to be on the safe side, please report any unsecured mine openings to the closest Park Ranger or Volunteer.

First Quarter Camping Reservations

With camping reservations already being scheduled through the beginning of July at all three Open Space campgrounds, the word is out.  Below are the year-to-date camping reservation totals and the 10-year comparison for the first quarter of 2021.

Land Acreage Verification Project – Complete!

The Land Acreage Verification Project (LAVP) began with the need to understand the different types of acreage Jefferson County Open Space has contributed to preserving. Through an exhaustive and meticulous three-year collaboration between the Real Estate and GIS Teams, each JCOS land record was examined and its acreage verified which has led to an accurate count of the preserved acreage: 54,318 acres. Moving forward, the Real State and GIS Teams will work together to ensure this number is accurate and up-to-date and have developed processes to ensure that whenever someone asks how many acres JCOS is preserving, that question can be answered with confidence.

Partners in the Outdoors 2021 Virtual Conference Details and Registration

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Partners in the Outdoors Conference unites partners in the outdoors community as we continue to explore the complicated relationship between conservation and recreation in our state.  This year’s virtual conference will continue efforts to advance the priorities identified in Colorado’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) while also supporting Colorado’s Outdoor Principles.  Consider registering (required) for a session to learn about key issues in the industry while generating innovative solutions to advance and balance both recreation and conservation in Colorado.

Conference sessions began April 22 (Earth Day) and will continue through June 3.  JCOS is a conference sponsor and we are specifically highlighting the May 20 session, “Effectively Managing Increasing Visitation to Colorado’s Public Lands”. Expanded conference details can be found here: Colorado Parks & Wildlife – Partners in the Outdoors Conference (state.co.us)

There’s always a lot going on in our Open Space Parks! The to-do list must be longer than any of us could imagine!

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”.

Paul Dayton Kilburn, born in Hibbing, Minnesota, June 28, 1929, died April 12, 2021.

“His strong interest in the environment, particularly plants, allowed him to become a leader and environmental activist in Jefferson County, Colorado. As the president of the Jefferson County Nature Association (JCNA), he and fellow members successfully advocated for maintaining the natural vegetation along Ralston Creek and  northeast North Table Mountain. His final project for JCNA involved picking local, native grass seeds for revegetation of specific areas of Rocky Flats. His knowledge of Colorado native prairie grasses and his work with local volunteer groups contributed to the success of this project. He was also co-founder of the North Jeffco Area Group (NJAG), a discussion forum for the conservation of lands in and around Rocky Flats.”

Paul’s full obituary can be found here.

Memorial gifts in Paul’s name can be made to two of Paul’s favorite organizations: PLAN Jeffco, https://planjeffco.org, or the Colorado Native Plant Society, https://conps.org.

Jean Tate and Riley at White Ranch OS Park

Sharing the outdoors with your dog—it’s one of the most enjoyable things I know!  For that reason—and because our open lands and trails are used by wildlife plus an ever-increasing number of people for a variety of activities, and also because of dogs’ natural inclinations—there are rules to be followed when you and your dog are outdoors, outside the bounds of your private property.  Those rules vary by location based on political boundaries, land ownership, and land management.

Open lands provide habitat for all sorts of wildlife that collectively comprise an ecosystem.  The creatures in that ecosystem rely on it for food and water, shelter, and successful seasonal reproduction.  People enjoy these open lands for their beauty and the personal renewal they enable, so they add permanent trails that they use for hiking, birding and other critter watching, enjoyment of plants, running, bicycling, horseback riding, and…you guessed it…sharing with their dogs.  These activities occur at different speeds and with various degrees of disruption to each other and to the native inhabitants.

How do dogs fit into such a busy place?  On their own, in a healthy ecosystem, wild dogs do just fine.  They have mice, chipmunks, and perhaps an occasional fawn or elk calf to feed on.  That fits into the food web so, when food becomes scarce there would be fewer surviving dogs until food becomes abundant once more.

Once people enter the picture, however, that balance is disrupted.  The pressure on wildlife increases, especially if they bring well-fed dogs, most of which—if running free– will display hunting behavior…just because it’s their nature to do so. The pressure increases if the people or their dogs stray from the trails.  In addition, what is fun to one person may be terrifying to another (https://trailrunnermag.com/people/trail-talk-can-you-please-keep-your-ing-dog-under-control.html).  Hence the rules.

Statewide, there are many laws that basically make a dog’s owner responsible for their dogs’ actions (https://www.animallaw.info/statute/co-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws).  Within many counties and cities there are additional rules that require dogs to be on a leash at all times.  For example, this is true within:

• Jefferson County (https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter/View/437/Leash-Law-PDF?bidId=)
• Jefferson County Open Space Parks (https://www.jeffco.us/1583/Regulations)
• the City of Arvada (https://arvada.org/residents/animal-info/arvada-animal-rules-regulations)
• the City of Wheat Ridge (https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/FAQ.aspx?QID=249)
• the City of Lakewood: (https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Police/Animal-Control-Information/Leash-Law) and
• the City of Littleton (https://www.littletongov.org/city-services/city-departments/police-department/regulations-enforcement/animal-control).

In addition, both Jefferson and Boulder Counties have seasonal restrictions in specific locations to minimize damage to breeding wildlife.

Ah, BUT….dogs love to run and dog owners love to see their dogs having fun.  Plus, many dog owners enjoy training their pets and take pride in having a well behaved and obedient dog.  Therefore, IN SOME LOCATIONS the leash rules governing dogs have been relaxed.  This is true in designated dog parks, most of which are fenced.  It is also true on SPECIFIC TRAILS within Boulder County IF the dog and owner have successfully completed the Voice and Sight Education Class and the dog is wearing a current Voice and Sight Program tag (https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/dog-regulations-by-area).  There are also private dog trainers within Colorado who focus on helping dog owners work toward excellent off-leash control of their dogs and provide certificates upon successful completion of their classes.  While this training certainly aids owners’ successful communication with their dogs, it does NOT supersede the location-specific rules or give the owner and dog carte blanche to overlook dog-on-leash regulations.

WHAT’S THE POINT of this message?  KNOW where you are and what the RULES are AT THAT LOCATION….and PLEASE remember that in ALL Jefferson County Open Space Parks dogs must be on leash at all times unless otherwise indicated, no matter what certifications you and your dog may hold……

Then ENJOY sharing the outdoors with your dog!!

Jean Tate, author of this article and PLAN Jeffco Board Member, with her beloved Riley, hiking at Windy Saddle on Lookout Mountain.

Miss Mountain Manners extends great thanks to Jean Tate & Riley for sharing their thoughts on how to behave in our Open Space Parks.  And as always, fellow Park visitors, stay safe.

                        Are you looking to try something new to fill these long COVID days?

                        MISS MOUNTAIN MANNERS INVITES YOU TO GO BIRD WATCHING  

But it’s the middle of winter, why would I do that now?

1. With fewer leaves on the deciduous trees and bushes it makes it easier to spot the birds.
2. Many ducks and geese are at their most colorful in the winter, in preparation for the coming mating/nesting season.
3. Birds are everywhere, from your backyard and neighborhood, through the flatlands, and into the foothills and mountain parks. Note that bird species—in fact all species of flora and fauna—are most numerous near water. The riparian areas (along streams and lake shores) provide the lushest vegetation, satisfying birds’ needs for sustenance, and cover for their nests.
4. Birding satisfaction merely requires a little patience and time to watch and listen for them, while being quiet and mindful of the area. You’ll be amazed at how many of the sounds of birds—and in fact the natural world in general–are revealed when you stand quietly. Eventually, you’ll be able to identify different types of birds not only by sight, but also be their calls and songs.

Mountain Chickadee, photo courtesy of eBird

The Jeffco Open Space Bird Species Checklist lists 388 possible species present in Jefferson County. For example, in September, 2015, 195 individual birds, representing 31 species, were sighted over four and one-half hours by a small group of bird watchers at the West end of Mount Falcon Open Space Park. Go to the ebirdhotspots website for lists of birds currently being viewed in various park areas in Jefferson County.

So, has Miss Mountain Manners tweaked your interest?  If so, here are some of the many birds you might find as Spring progresses in the following parks:

Crown Hill–in the lake: Ring-billed Gull, Common Merganser, Mallard, Coot, Goldeneye; in the reeds at the water’s edge: Red-winged Black Bird; in the trees: American Kestrel, Red-Tailed Hawk.

Stellar’s Jay, photo courtesy of Boulder Audubon

South Valley Park: Mallard (in the pond near the main entrance), Mountain and Western Bluebird, Red-tailed Hawk, Magpie, Prairie Falcon, Scrub Jay, Towhee.

White Ranch: Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco.

Mount Falcon: Pygmy Nuthatch, Black-capped and Mountain Chickadee, Common Raven, Townsend’s Solitaire.

Walk a mile: the paved path that circles the lake at Crown Hill is 1.2 miles long, while the Coyote Song/Swallow trails loop at South Valley is 2 miles. Miss Mountain Manners says, “Get out there and watch for our feathered friends,” you will not be disappointed! Be sure to stay on designated trails to protect the habitat and animals.

How do you identify a bird? First, get your general impression, the size and shape of the bird (“giss” in bird watcher talk). Then, look for the color of the bill, marks around the eyes, breast color, wing bars, and tail markings. Now refer to your guide book.

As it warms up: Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s Hawk Watch is a volunteer program to monitor the migration of raptors along the Dakota Hogback of Dinosaur Ridge in Jeffco, from mid-March through mid-May. Visitors are welcome. Parking is across the road from Mathew-Winters Park.

Pygmy Nuthatch, photo courtesy of eBird

Portions of several JCOS parks are closed to protect ground-nesting bird habitats, nesting birds of prey, and nesting and brooding waterfowl: Clear Creek Canyon Park, Deer Creek Canyon Park/Hildebrand Ranch Park, North Table Mountain Park, South Table Mountain Park, and Cathedral Spires Park (generally from February 1 – July 31, but check each park site for specific details). Miss Mountain Manners reminds you to respect the closures, they mean more birds in the future. (Parks may also be closed due to mud.)

Grab your binoculars, a bird book (David Sibley’s “Field Guide to Birds of Western North America” is recommended), and maybe a bird app for your phone (Merlin, eBird, Audubon Birds, iBird Pro, National Geographic), then enjoy the quietness of the natural world and a new sense of connection with the wild.

It’s been a busy start to 2021, let’s take a look at what’s been happening at Open Space during January… 

Crown Hill Park – Kestrel Pond & Park Plans

A collaborative effort between Park Services, Natural Resources and the Trails Teams started the process of removing two of the three old, deteriorated wildlife viewing blinds in the Kestrel Pond area of Crown Hill Park.

Elizabeth O’Brien, JCOS Planner Extraordinaire, narrates an update on the Park Plan & 2020-2023 actions at Crown Hill Park.  Sincere thanks to all staff involved in the improvements to this much-loved Park.  Check out the video for details! https://youtu.be/dZINHajMMM8

Clear Creek Canyon Park: Gateway Segment Update – Stairs, Restrooms & Park Video

The Trails Team is constructing timber steps leading from the Peaks to Plains Trail to the east side of the wooden flume.

The Building & Historic Sites Team is installing siding, roofing and plumbing and electrical to the restroom during the month of January.

Check out the great progress being made in Clear Creek Canyon in this month’s video update. https://youtu.be/QgPYGt0g2C0

Dinosaur Ridge – Rockfall Mitigation

Rockfall mitigation at the upper curve of Dinosaur Ridge began during the week of 1/18 and continued through nearly the end of January.  Mitigation efforts at the project area included removal of loose rock on the rock slope and installation of rock mesh, which is now draped over the rock face and secured with a steel cable and steel bars which are anchored five feet into bedrock. This mesh is meant to direct future rockfall to the toe of the slope, improving overall visitor safety.

Pedestrian and cycling traffic on the Ridge did remain open during construction but the Arthur Lakes Lookout was temporarily closed during construction.

Reynolds Park – Fuel Break

This project began in the spring of 2019, with the JCOS forestry team operating large equipment and the youth contractor, TeamWorks, providing most of the labor.  We created a 10-acre, 200-foot fuel break along Foxton Road.  The 10 acres managed in this project were identified as the most hazardous section of JCOS property along Foxton by our partners at Elk Creek Fire Protection District.  The fuel break is part of a larger effort to create safe ingress and egress for emergency response and evacuation for residents along the entirety of Foxton Road.  Jefferson Conservation District, the Colorado State Forest Service, Denver Mountain Parks, Beaver Ranch Community, Inc., and several private residents have worked together on this landscape-scale effort.

South Table Mountain – Russian Olive Removal

Natural Resource Team members will complete Russian Olive removal work along the Welch Ditch on the north side of South Table Mountain this week.  The team is timing this important invasive species removal work to be completed before the Golden Eagle nest protection closure. Russian Olive is native to Eurasia and is a Colorado List B noxious weed; containment is required in Jeffco.

Elk Meadow Park Improvements Planning – the Open Space Planning Team has been hard at work for the last year, putting together a proposed series of improvements for Elk Meadow OS Park, which are detailed in this memo, Greenprint Implementation Details. If you’re familiar with the Jeffco Open Space 2020-2025 Conservation Greenprint, this memo falls in line with implementing Goal 10, trailhead improvements to help improve the visitor experience. 2021 will be the design year, 2022 the implementation and construction year.

On December 8, 2020, the Planning Team proposed series of improvements to Management Team for Elk Meadow Park.  These improvements were proposed after a series of meetings, site visits and discussions with Open Space staff throughout 2020 and can be found detailed in this memo.  The recommendation included is the culmination of that work related to enhancing the visitor experience through trailhead improvements.   Design is planned for this year and construction in 2022.

Clear Creek Canyon Park Gateway Restroom Update – the electrical work for the restroom has passed rough-in inspection and drywall installation has begun.

Undesignated Trail Restoration Preparation – You know that spring is on its way when the Trails Team starts harvesting and peeling logs for new buck-n-rail fencing, which will be used to help with restoration of all the undesignated trails in all the Open Space Parks.

Miss Mountain Manners wants to let everyone at JeffCo Open Space how proud we 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”.