https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/c87d13419b2ae3e4a9479f5425f37772.pdf 5b79c32cabcd2627510b134be5104d3f PDF Text Text CC OOLLOORRAADD OO P PA AR RK K SS & & W W II LL D D LL II FF EE Arkansas Headwaters Headwaters Arkansas RecreationArea Recreation Area ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS ENJOY YOUR STATE PARKS cpw.state.co.us cpw.state.co.us �T he Upper Arkansas River Valley is a treasure trove of geology, history, wildlife, scenery and just plain good times. Whether you want to explore a ghost town, run a rapid, hook a trout, watch a bighorn sheep or stare into the depths of the Royal Gorge, chances for adventure are all around you. Below, you will find a community-by-community tour of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, featuring both river access sites and campgrounds. Please enjoy your visit. Leadville to Buena Vista River Access Sites • Crystal Lakes (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Hayden Meadows (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Hayden Ranch (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Arkansas River Ranch (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Kobe (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Granite • Rapid #5 1/2 • Granite Rock • Boulderfield • Granite Boat Chute • Rapid #6 • Clear Creek • Riverside • Stone Cabin • Railroad Bridge • Pine Creek • Elephant Rock • Grassy Knoll • Numbers • Tunnel View • Arkansas River Placer • Buena Vista Whitewater Park • Rapid #4 (Managed by Buena Vista.) • The Wall Campgrounds • Railroad Bridge The river below Leadville formed when ancient glacial dams broke, scattering huge boulders across the river bottom. At first, this upper stretch flows fairly quietly between banks that are sometimes open and sometimes forested with Douglas fir and Englemann spruce. Below Granite, the river changes dramatically as it flows into a narrow canyon that is home to Pine Creek rapids (Class V-VI). Below Pine Creek, the Arkansas offers boaters technically challenging (Class III-V) water to Buena Vista. Buena Vista to Salida (Managed by Salida.) Campgrounds • Ruby Mountain • Hecla Junction Salida to Vallie Bridge River Access Sites • Salida Whitewater Park (Managed by Salida.) • Salida East • Wellsville • Point Barr • Rincon • Vallie Bridge Campgrounds • Salida East • Point Barr • Rincon • Vallie Bridge (Boat in/Walk in) The Salida Whitewater Park is located at the Salida Boat Ramp. Just below Salida, the river flows into Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a granite canyon dotted with stands of pinon pine, juniper and oak brush. Anglers especially enjoy this segment – it offers deep pools, rock banks and gravel bars. In addition to public land access along the river, Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing easements also provide river access. Boaters will find Class II-IV rapids in this segment. Vallie Bridge to Parkdale River Access Sites • Vallie Bridge • Canyon Trading Post • Loma Linda • Lone Pine • Fern Leaf Gulch • Ford Crossing • Texas Creek • Lazy J • Maytag Campgrounds © JW WILDER River Access Sites • Buena Vista Whitewater Park (Managed by Buena Vista.) • Fisherman’s Bridge • Ruby Mountain • Hecla Junction • Stone Bridge • Big Bend • Slaughterhouse • Salida Whitewater Park The Buena Vista Whitewater Park is located at the Buena Vista boat ramp. Beyond the river park, this stretch’s outstanding feature is Browns Canyon, a brown granite gorge of whitewater rapids. The busiest stretch of river, Browns is a wild ride at high water, although at any water level it is a beautiful and challenging river trip. Ruby Mountain, the canyon’s northern gateway, provides access to the Browns Canyon National Monument. Here, visitors can hike, backpack, camp, fish and view wildlife. Below Browns Canyon, the valley widens and the river calms though spectacular views remain. This stretch, called Big Bend, offers prime trout fishing, and numerous Colorado Parks and Wildlife easements provide anglers with river access on private land. • Cottonwood • Pinnacle Rock • Salt Lick • Five Points • Five 1/2 Points • Lower Floodplain • Spikebuck • Bootlegger • Old Parkdale • Parkdale • Vallie Bridge (Boat in/Walk in) • Five Points The section between Vallie Bridge and Parkdale is teeming with wildlife. Herds of bighorn sheep and deer silently drink from the river banks while an abundance of birds soar overhead. This section is ideal for rafting and fishing alike, as well as for other recreational activities such as picnicking along the banks of the river. The rapids in this section range from Class II-V, and this diversity makes for a very popular stretch of river. Parkdale to Cañon City River Access Sites • Parkdale • Copper Gulch • River Station • Centennial Park (Managed by Cañon City/Closed to commercial boaters.) Parkdale Recreation Site provides public access before the river enters the Royal Gorge. From this peaceful spot, the river plunges into the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River’s most famous achievement. Over millions of years, the river carved through the hard rock of the Royal Gorge Plateau, forming the 1,000-foot walls of the gorge. Boaters who go to view the gorge from the bottom up should take note: within the gorge, the river gives you a wild ride, with Class IV-V (extremely difficult) rapids. In addition, scouting and portaging this section of the river is very difficult. Cañon City to Lake Pueblo River Access Sites • Cañon City Whitewater Park (Managed by Cañon City.) • Centennial Park (Closed to commercial boaters.) • River Station (Closed to private boaters.) • Raynolds • MacKenzie Bridge • Pathfinder Park (Managed by Florence.) • Florence Whitewater Park (Managed by Florence.) • Blue Heron • Swallows The Whitewater Kayak & Recreation Park (WKRP) is located at Centennial Park near the 4th Street Bridge. Below Cañon City, the Arkansas changes into a quiet, meandering great plains river with Class I-II water. Cottonwood, willow and water-loving plants along its banks create a “riparian zone” that is home to an abundance of wildlife. Therefore, this stretch of river offers fantastic wildlife viewing and great fishing. The slower pace of the river also makes for excellent canoeing; however, caution and skill are still necessary to avoid lowhead dams and overhanging/ fallen trees. Most of the river here is bordered by private land. Please respect landowners and do not trespass. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area ends at Lake Pueblo State Park. Photos by the Numbers. �W Camping elcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. AHRA also offers a world-class trout fishery and sightseeing within the Upper Arkansas River Valley as well as abundant opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHV travel. Camping is allowed in designated sites by reservation only at all AHRA campgrounds. Reservations may be made the day of arrival or up to six months in advance. Advance reservations are recommended due to demand and spotty cellular/data service throughout the AHRA. Dispersed camping is also available along the Arkansas River. Campers in these areas must provide their own portable toilet device that is designed to carry human waste and they must have their own fire container. Rock fire rings are prohibited. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a landmark cooperative effort between Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Forest Service (USFS). Through this partnership, the agencies provide visitors with outstanding recreation From the peaks to opportunities and care for the nationally significant the prairies, the natural resources of the Upper Arkansas River is a Arkansas River Valley. powerful influence, The Arkansas River begins shaping lives and its 1,400-mile journey to the Mississippi among the landscapes... loftiest peaks in the Rockies, including 14,433-foot Mt. Elbert, the highest mountain in Colorado. In 152 miles, the river tumbles 4,650 vertical feet through open valleys, boulder-strewn canyons, and the depths of the Royal Gorge. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) includes portions of Browns Canyon National Monument, which was designated in February 2015 and encompasses a rugged landscape of stunning beauty and rich biodiversity. Browns Canyon is notable because of its abundant wildlife such as elk, deer, mountain lions, black bears, golden and bald eagles, and bighorn sheep. Access the monument through the Ruby Mountain or Hecla Junction Recreation Sites, float through the National Monument with a group of friends, or use one of AHRA’s whitewater outfitters. Evidence of the first humans in the Upper Arkansas River Valley dates to at least 10,000 years ago. Attracted to the water, wildlife, and climate of the area, these prehistoric people most likely used the valley to travel between the mountains and the plains. Later, the Apaches, Utes, Arapahoes, Cheyennes, and Kiowas followed many of these same migration routes. In 1706, the Spaniard Juan de Ulibarri explored the region, followed a century later by Zebulon Pike. Trappers and traders explored and lived in relative solitude within the valley until 1859 when gold was discovered and prospectors poured into the area. Leadville’s silver boom in the late 1870s led to a race between the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and the Santa Fe Railroad for the lucrative Upper Arkansas River Valley railroad route. The Denver and Rio Grande won, and to this day the rails follow this same route along the river. To book a site: By phone: 1-800-244-5613 Online: www.cpwshop.com Browns Canyon National Monument Picnicking Picnicking is permitted throughout the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area except in designated campsites. There are tables and grills available at select developed sites or one can enjoy an impromptu picnic near the river. Picnic areas do not have potable water or trash services. Please take trash with you when you leave. Please park in designated parking areas. A daily park pass is required to picnic in fee sites. Passes, Permits, Fees Fee sites within the recreation area have improvements and services, and either a daily or annual Colorado State Parks pass is required to use them. Developed campsites require an additional fee for a camping permit. All fees collected are returned to the area for its operation, maintenance and improvement. Daily park passes can be purchased at self-service dispensers at fee sites or at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center in Salida. Annual passes allowing unlimited visits to all Colorado State Parks and hunting and fishing licenses are also available at the AHRA Visitor Center. Colorado residents 64 years of age or older qualify for a discounted Aspen Leaf Pass. Several other state, federal and local agencies manage a variety of recreation sites in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Please note and abide by the requirements for use of these areas. Safety Do not underestimate the power of the Arkansas River - enjoy it safely. Follow these tips for an enjoyable and safe experience: • Water from the river and streams may look clear and clean but that does not mean it is safe to drink. Bring your own drinking water. • Even in calm water sections, the river has powerful currents and it is very cold. • When on the water, wear a properly-sized personal flotation device (PFD) designed for whitewater use. • Closely supervise children near the river. • All persons under the age of 13 swimming in the Arkansas River must wear a PFD (lifejacket) as required by regulation. • The river’s side canyons are subject to flash flooding. Avoid camping inside canyons, even those that seem very dry. If you anticipate a flash flood hazard, climb high to safety. • On the highway, be alert for other vehicles slowing and turning into pull-outs and recreation sites located along the river. �The Finer Points of Enjoying Your Visit to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Public fishing access is available on public lands and on fishing easements crossing private lands. Signs mark all public fishing access points along the river. Refer to the map in this brochure for more information about fishing easements, AHRA recreation sites and state wildlife areas. Regulations vary along the river, so please be certain you know the rules that apply to the areas you will be fishing. Fishing regulations and licenses are available at the AHRA Visitor Center, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices and at numerous sporting goods stores throughout the area. Boaters and anglers share the river, with some sections of the river being more heavily boated than others. Most whitewater boating takes place from mid-morning to mid-afternoon and therefore the best fishing is typically early and late in the day. High water in the late spring and early to mid-summer brings the most intense boating use, while fishing use peaks both before and after high water. Wildlife Viewing Bighorn sheep. As the Arkansas River flows from the alpine highlands to the prairie lowlands, it attracts and sustains a variety of wildlife species. Many animals, such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep live year-round in the valley. Other species, such as elk, or even moose are also found in the valley. In addition, elusive bobcats and mountain lions are year-round residents, but are seen only occasionally. Many different species of birds also inhabit and migrate through the valley – including the peregrine falcon and bald eagles. Watch for Colorado’s state mammal, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, on the rocky slopes along the river in Bighorn Sheep Canyon along U.S. Highway 50 and in Browns Canyon. Mid-morning and late afternoon are prime times for bighorn sheep viewing. When you see wildlife – keep voices down, give the animals plenty of space and allow them to go about their business undisturbed. © TIM BROWN Eddies, ripples, deep pools ... the Arkansas River within the AHRA is noted as a world-class fishery and provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to test their skills at catching brown and rainbow trout. Both browns and rainbows average 12 to 14 inches with the possibility of an occasional trophy catch. As a testament to the excellent fishery, in 2014, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) designated over 100 miles of the Arkansas River, from the confluence with the Lake Fork to Parkdale as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery. To find out more about the wildlife of the Upper Arkansas River Valley, stop by the Watchable Wildlife exhibits located at Arkansas River Ranch, Canyon Trading Post, Collegiate Peaks, Crystal Lakes, Fisherman’s Bridge, Five Points, Hayden Meadows, Hayden Ranch, Hecla Junction, Kobe, or Ruby Mountain. Whitewater Boating The Arkansas is one of the world’s most popular whitewater rivers for kayaking and rafting – with good reason. Clear water, dramatic scenery and rapids rated from beginner to expert lure boaters from around the world. Within the recreation area, the river changes character several times as it travels through the varied geologic features, making for a variety of boating experiences. With native flows peaking in early June, and the Voluntary Flow Management Program providing supplemental water during the summer months, the Arkansas has an extended boating season, reaching well into mid to late August. Private Boaters The Arkansas can present tremendous challenges to both novice and experienced boaters. Be certain to get specific information about the section of river you are interested in. Consult others who have boated there, know your abilities – and carry and use safety equipment. All boats (canoes, kayaks and rafts) must have the owner’s name and current address written legibly and clearly visible somewhere on the craft. In addition, it is also recommended that a telephone number be clearly displayed on the boat. Commercial Outfitters Many commercial boating companies operate within the recreation area and offer visitors the chance to experience the “wet side” of the river with experienced guides. AHRA encourages you to explore the Arkansas River first hand, be it a wet and wild ride through Class III+ rapids, a relaxing float trip through calm water, spending time enjoying one of the whitewater parks located in Buena Vista, Salida, Cañon City, Florence or a walk and wade or float fishing trip in world-class trout waters. River Ethics With such spectacular surroundings and unlimited recreational opportunities, the Arkansas River draws over 1 million visitors annually to the recreation area. Please treat the AHRA, your fellow visitors, and local residents with courtesy. Follow these basic rules: • Respect the rights and property of landowners and residents – do not trespass on private land and keep noise down near homes. • Boaters, if possible, move to the other side of the river, away from anglers and avoid playing in fishing holes. • Dispose of trash and waste properly. If you pack it in, please pack it out. Trash pickup costs time and money that could be much better spent on other efforts. • Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet. • Fires must be built within a permanent constructed fire grate or a portable fire container elevated off the ground with a two inch+ rigid side (as required by regulation). Tend fires constantly and extinguish them when no longer needed. • All campers camping outside of established campgrounds, and all commercial boating trips must provide and use a portable toilet device capable of carrying human waste out of the AHRA (as required by regulation). • Keep vehicles on existing roads and parking areas, unless otherwise posted. • Follow specific regulations posted at individual locations. © the Numbers Fishing �SUCCESS STORY Success Story L ocated awithin a three-hour of Colorado Located within three-hour drive of drive Colorado Springs, Denver Denver andthe other Front Range cities, and otherSprings, Front Range cities, Upper Arkansas River Valley is the “backyard” to Arkansas millions ofRiver Colorado In addition, the Upper Valleyresidents. is the “backyard” international andColorado national residents. recognitionInofaddition, the area’sinternational outstanding to millions of recreation opportunities andofresources visitors here and national recognition the area’sdraws outstanding from across the U.S. and around the world. recreation opportunities and resources draws visitors here The Arkansas is managed from across Headwaters the U.S. andRecreation around theArea world. through a unique, cooperative partnership between Colorado The and Arkansas Headwaters Area is managed Parks Wildlife, the BureauRecreation of Land Management, and the through a unique, cooperative partnership US Forest Service. Colorado Parks and Wildlifebetween and the BLM Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the of Land provide the primary management forBureau the intensive recreation use as well as theand area’s resources. The Colorado partners have Management, themany US Forest Service. acquired important for the publicthe and developed Parks and Wildliferiver andaccess the BLM provide primary recreational facilities such as campgrounds, management for the intensive recreation picnic use as areas, well as boat wildlife viewing areas, fishing access sites and theramps, area’s many resources. The partners have acquired OHV trails. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, important river access for the public and developed National Forest Land, BLM managed public lands, Bureau campgrounds, picnic areas, ofrecreational Reclamationfacilities projects,such StateasWildlife Areas and various boat ramps, wildlife viewing areas, fishing access sites and easements together provide many of the outstanding resources OHV trails. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and recreational opportunities found in the Upper Arkansas National BLM agencies, managedlocal public lands, Bureau River Valley.Forest State Land, and federal governments, private organizations and individuals responsible for various managing of Reclamation projects, State Wildlife Areas and the land and together resourcesprovide of the Upper River Valley easements manyArkansas of the outstanding work together inrecreational a partnership. resources and opportunities found in the The goal:Arkansas to balanceRiver increasing and agencies, other Upper Valley.recreation State and use federal demands with resource protection – for whatand would the local governments, private organizations individuals Upper Arkansas Valleythe be without wildlife responsible forRiver managing land andwater, resources of and wilderness? the Upper Arkansas River Valley work together in a partnership. The goal: to balance increasing recreation use and other demands with resource protection – forHeadwaters what would Arkansas Recreation Area the Upper Arkansas River W. Sackett Valley 307 be without water,Avenue, Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-7289 • ahra@state.co.us wildlife and wilderness? cpw.state.co.us @COPARKSWILDLIFE This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 307 W. Sackett Avenue • Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-7289 • E-mail: ahra@state.co.us cpw.state.co.us Visit Bureau of Land Management at www.blm.gov/co Visit the U.S. Forest Service at www.fs.usda.gov Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado through Colorado Lottery proceeds. Funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado through Colorado Lottery proceeds. (I&E) (I&E) ENG_3200_03/2024 ENG_V. 03/12/2024 CPW_SEAR_5K_06/23 �Mt. Arkansas 13795' Arkansas River Ranch Big Bend Blue Heron Bootlegger Boulderfield Buena Vista Whitewater Park Canyon Trading Post Cañon City Whitewater Park Centennial Park 2 1 3 Hayden Ranch 4 Hayden Meadows Arkansas River Ranch Kobe 5 Twin Lakes Village Granite 6 Collegiate Peaks Overlook Copper Gulch Elephant Rock Fern Leaf Gulch Fisherman’s Bridge Five Points Five ½ Points Florence Whitewater Park Ford Crossing Granite Granite Boat Chute Granite Rock Grassy Knoll Hayden Meadows Hayden Ranch Hecla Junction Kobe Lazy J Loma Linda Lone Pine Lower Floodplain Maytag MacKenzie Bridge Numbers Old Parkdale Parkdale Pathfinder Park Pine Creek Pinnacle Rock Point Barr Railroad Bridge Rapid #4 Rapid #5 ½ El. Grassy Knoll Elephant Rock Tunnel View Buena Vista Whitewater Park 11 12 13 Rapid #6 For campground reservations, please call 1-800-244-5613 or online at www.cpwshop.com 10 14 Crystal Lakes • Annual passes, regulations, and guide books are available at the AHRA Visitor Center. • The AHRA Visitor Center is located on the corner of G Street and Sackett Avenue in downtown Salida, one block North of Highway 291. 9 7,965' Cottonwood Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center Granite Rock Granite Boat Chute Clear Creek 7 Stone Cabin 8 Pine Creek Numbers Arkansas River Placer Rapid #4 The Wall Numbers The Rapid #5½ Boulderfield Rapid #6 Riverside Railroad Bridge Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway Clear Creek Hundreds of thousands of visitors boat on the river each year, and close to a million people enjoy the recreation area. Courtesy and respect for others will make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. You can minimize your impact and help us protect this valuable resource by observing the following guidelines: • respect private property and don’t trespass • keep noise down • if you are boating, travel on opposite side of the river from anglers and avoid fishing holes • learn and practive Leave No Trace backcountry ethics, including pack it in/pack it out • use existing restroom facilities, or a portable toilet (groover), required by regulation • stop only at well-established, well-used sites and avoid trampling streamside vegetation • build fires only in grills and fire pans, required by regulation 10,151 Raynolds Red Wall Rincon River Station Riverside Ruby Mountain Salida Whitewater Park Collegiate Peaks 15 Salida East Salt Lick Slaughterhouse Fisherman’s Bridge Spikebuck Stone Bridge Ruby Mountain 16 18 Stone Cabin 17 Swallows Browns Canyon National Monument Browns Creek TH Texas Creek The Wall Tunnel View Vallie Bridge Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area Browns Canyon 27 Wellsville LEGEND Hecla Junction Peak 12,208' Stone Bridge 163 150 Big Bend Paddock SWA Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway 19 Slaughterhouse Reddy SWA Fishing Easement 21 166 22 Box Creek STL Poncha Springs Visitor Center Hardeman SWA Fishing Easement 160 23 24 25 7,083' Salida East Wellsville Clear Creek Reservoir SWA Tiger Lily STL Fishing/Portage Easement Red Wall Monarch Crest Trail Point Barr Rincon Buena Vista SWA Harmon SWA 26 Chubb Park Ranch STL Chubb Park Ranch SWA Johnson Village SWA Champion SWA Bighorn Springs Ruby Mountain Wright’s Lake SWA and Great Sand Dunes National Park River (Jointly managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service) 11386' SalidaWhitewater Park Granite SWA Heckendorf SWA 28 11716' 20 Crystal Lake STL Fishing Easement LEGEND 9,763' Lower Parkdale Floodplain Old Five ½ Parkdale Points Bighorn Sheep Canyon Salt Lick Bootlegger Copper Gulch Pinnacle Rock Spikebuck Five Points Maytag Cottonwood Texas Creek Lazy J Ford Crossing Vallie Bridge Loma Fern Leaf Linda Lone Gulch Pine Canyon Trading Post 5,331' River Station Raynolds MacKenzie Bridge Centennial Park Pathfinder Park 29 Blue Heron Miles National Monument Border Florence Whitewater Park Swallows Road State Wildlife Areas/Fishing Easements Pridemore Fishing Easement Big Bend SWA Swallows Mt. Ouray Fishing Easement Mt. Ouray SWA 30 Frantz Lake SWA Mount Shavano SWA Sands Lake SWA Ogden/Treat SWA Skaguay Reservoir SWA 28 Beaver Creek SWA 29 Brush Hollow SWA 30 Swallows /Pueblo SWA Pa rk ing Pi cn ic Ta ble Po s/G rta ril ge ls Tra il Re str oo ms Ri ve rA cc es Sc s en ic Ov er W loo atc k ha ble W Fe ild eS life ite Arkansas River Placer Visitor Etiquette Crystal Lakes Ho rs e/M tn .B OH ike V Recreation Site Facilities Welcome to the Upper Arkansas River Valley, famous for its 14ers, whitewater, wilderness and wildlife. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers many fun and exciting activities. Please: • know your skill level • be aware of risks involved in an activity • be familiar with safety practices • equip yourself properly Copper Mountain AH RA Ma na Bo ge at d Ra mp Ca / Sl mp ide ing Ch an gin gF Di s ac ilit Di pers ies sp e er d/D Fis sed esi Ca gn hin mp ate gA ing d cc Hi es kin s g Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area AccessibilityInformation Information Accessibility The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has fully accessible restroom facilities and at least one fully accessible campsite at each developed The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has fully accessible restroom facilities and at least one fully accessible campsite at each developed campground, except for Salida East, Point Barr and Vallie Bridge (walk-in/boat-in only access). campground, except for Point Barr and Vallie Bridge (walk-in/boat-in only access). Select river access sites have fully accessible restroom facilities, Select river access sites have fully accessible restroom facilities, complete with accessible parking spots. Please call 719-539-7289 or complete with accessible parking spots. Please call 719-539-7289 or visit www.cpw.state.co.us for more information. visit www.cpw.state.co.us for more information. 0 1 2 3 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/4ab14a6af713fb2e6275bcafe3d447da.pdf d1097d561705abb29156e09fe006db5e PDF Text Text Leadville’s silver boom in the late 1870s led to a race between the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and the Santa Fe Railroad for the lucrative Arkansas River Valley railroad route. The Denver and Rio Grande won, and to this day the rails follow this same route along the river. • Even in calm water sections, the river has powerful currents and it is very cold. Picnicking is permitted throughout the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area except in designated campsites. There are tables and grills available at selected developed sites or one can enjoy an impromptu picnic near the river. Picnic areas do not have potable water or trash services. Please take trash with you when you leave. Please park in designated parking areas. A daily park pass is required to picnic in fee sites. � • Always wear a life jacket when boating. • Closely supervise children near the river. • The river’s side canyons are subject to flash flooding. Avoid camping inside canyons, even those that seem very dry. If you anticipate a flash flood hazard, climb high to safety. • On the highway, be alert for other vehicles slowing and turning into pull-outs and recreation sites located along the river. PASSES, PERMITS, FEES Fee sites within the recreation area have improvements and services, and either a daily or annual Colorado State Parks pass is required to use them. Developed campsites require an additional fee for a camping permit. All fees collected are returned to the area for its operation, maintenance and improvement. Daily park passes and camping permits can be purchased at self-service dispensers at fee sites or at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center in Salida. Annual passes allowing unlimited visits to all Colorado State Parks and Division of Wildlife licenses are also available at the Visitor Center. Colorado residents 64 years of age or older qualify for a discounted Aspen Leaf Pass. Several other state, federal and local agencies manage a variety of recreation sites in the Arkansas Valley. Please note and abide by the requirements for use of these areas. T LEADVILLE TO BUENA VISTA RIVER ACCESS SITES • Hayden Meadows (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Hayden Ranch (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Arkansas River Ranch (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Kobe (Closed to commercial boaters.) • Granite • Clear Creek • Stone Cabin • Numbers Site • Rapid #4 • Railroad Bridge • Buena Vista Boat Ramp (Managed by Buena Vista.) CAMPGROUNDS • Railroad Bridge The river below Leadville formed when ancient glacial dams broke, scattering huge boulders across the river bottom. At first, this upper stretch flows fairly quietly between banks that are sometimes open and sometimes forested with Douglas fir and Englemann spruce. Below Granite, the river changes dramatically as it flows into a narrow canyon that is home to Pine Creek rapids (Class V-VI). Below Pine Creek, the Arkansas offers boaters technically challenging (Class III-V) water to Buena Vista. BUENA VISTA TO SALIDA RIVER ACCESS SITES • Buena Vista Boat Ramp (Managed by Buena Vista.) • Fisherman’s Bridge • Ruby Mountain • Hecla Junction • Stone Bridge • Big Bend • Salida Boat Ramp (Managed by Salida.) CAMPGROUNDS • Ruby Mountain • Hecla Junction Whitewater drop. Pho to by AHRA. For new and current information on all Colorado State Parks visit us online at www.parks.state.co.us. Rock climbi ng. Ph . y Meierdirk oto by Penn Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 307 W. Sackett Avenue Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-7289 E-mail: ahra@state.co.us Visit us online at www.parks.state.co.us Visit Bureau of Land Management at CSP-AHRA-8.5M-5/08 www.blm.gov FISHING ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA Eddies, ripples, deep pools ... the Arkansas offers excellent angling along its entire length. In the spring and fall, the brown trout fishing is exceptional. Both browns and rainbows average 10 to 12 inches with the possibility of an occasional trophy catch. The Arkansas River has a self-sustaining brown trout population and is recognized as Colorado’s premier brown trout fishery. Public fishing access is available on public lands and on fishing easements crossing private lands. Signs mark all public fishing access points along the river. Refer to the map in this brochure for more information about fishing easements, AHRA recreation sites and state wildlife areas. Regulations vary along the river, so please be certain you know the rules that apply to the areas you will be fishing. Fishing regulations and licenses are available at Colorado Division of Wildlife offices and at numerous sporting goods stores throughout the area. Photo by Lee Robinson. Photos by the Numbers. Photo by AH RA. VALLIE BRIDGE TO PARKDALE RIVER ACCESS SITES • Vallie Bridge • Canyon Trading Post • Lone Pine • Texas Creek • Pinnacle Rock • Salt Lick • Spikebuck • Parkdale CAMPGROUNDS • Vallie Bridge (Boat in/Walk in) • Five Points RIVER ACCESS SITES • Parkdale • River Station (Managed by Cañon City/Closed to private boaters.) • Centennial Park (Managed by Cañon City/Closed to commercial boaters.) Parkdale Recreation Site provides public access before the river enters the Royal Gorge. From this peaceful spot, the river plunges into the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River’s most famous achievement. Over millions of years, the river carved through the hard rock of the Royal Gorge Plateau, forming the 1,000-foot walls of the gorge. Boaters who go to view the gorge from the bottom up should take note: within the gorge, the river gives you a wild ride, with Class IV-V (extremely difficult) rapids. In addition, scouting and portaging this section of the river is very difficult. CAÑON CITY TO LAKE PUEBLO STATE PARK RIVER ACCESS SITES • River Station (Managed by Cañon City/Closed to private boaters.) • Centennial Park (Managed by Cañon City/Closed to commercial boaters.) • Florence River Park (Managed by Florence.) • Blue Heron • Lake Pueblo State Park CAMPGROUNDS • Lake Pueblo State Park Below Cañon City, the Arkansas changes into a quiet, meandering great plains river with Class I-II water. Cottonwood, willow and water-loving plants along its banks create a “riparian zone” that is home to an abundance of wildlife. Therefore, this stretch of river offers fantastic wildlife viewing and great fishing. The slower pace of the river also makes for excellent canoeing; however, caution and skill are still necessary to avoid low-head dams and overhanging/fallen trees. Most of the river here is bordered by private land. Please respect landowners and do not trespass. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area ends at Lake Pueblo State Park. Photos by the Numbers. THE FINER POINTS OF ENJOYING YOUR VISIT TO THE ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA. L The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is managed through a unique, cooperative partnership of Colorado State Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service. State Parks and BLM provide the primary management for the intensive recreation use as well as the area’s many resources. The partners have acquired important river access for the public and developed recreational facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, wildlife viewing areas, fishing access sites and OHV trails. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, National Forest Land, BLM Public Land, Bureau of Reclamation projects and State Wildlife Areas together provide many of the outstanding resources and recreational opportunities found in the upper Arkansas Valley. State and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations and individuals responsible for managing the land and resources of the upper Arkansas Valley work together in a partnership. The goal: to balance increasing recreation use and other demands with resource protection – for what would the upper Arkansas Valley be without water, wildlife and wilderness? RIVER ACCESS SITES • Salida Boat Ramp (Managed by Salida.) • Salida East • Rincon • Vallie Bridge CAMPGROUNDS • Rincon • Vallie Bridge (Boat in/Walk in) The Salida Whitewater Park (kayak play-hole/slalom course) is located at the Salida Boat Ramp. Just below Salida, the river flows into Bighorn Sheep Canyon, a granite canyon dotted with stands of pinon pine, juniper and oak brush. Anglers especially enjoy this segment – it offers deep pools, rock banks and gravel bars. In addition to public land access along the river, Division of Wildlife fishing easements also provide river access. Boaters will find Class II-IV rapids in this segment. The section between Vallie Bridge and Parkdale is teeming with wildlife. Herds of bighorn sheep and deer silently drink from the river banks while an abundance of birds soar overhead. This section is ideal for rafting and fishing alike, as well as for other recreational activities such as picnicking along the banks of the river. The rapids in this section range from Class II-V, and this diversity makes for a very popular stretch of river. The Buena Vista River Park (kayak play-hole) is located at the Buena Vista boat ramp. Beyond the river park, this stretch’s outstanding feature is Browns SUCCESS STORY ocated within a three-hour drive of Colorado Springs, Denver and other Front Range cities, the Upper Arkansas River Valley is the “backyard” of millions of Colorado residents. International and national recognition of the area’s outstanding recreation opportunities and resources draws visitors here from across the U.S. and around the world. SALIDA TO VALLIE BRIDGE PARKDALE TO CAÑON CITY Photos by the Numbers. Visit all your Colorado State Parks at www.parks.state.co.us Boaters and anglers share the river, with some sections of the river being more heavily boated than others. Most whitewater boating takes place from mid-morning to midafternoon and therefore the best fishing is typically early and late in the day. High water in the late spring and early to mid summer brings the most intense boating use, while fishing use peaks both before and after high water. WILDLIFE VIEWING Bighorn sheep. As the Arkansas River flows from the alpine highlands to the prairie lowlands, it attracts and sustains a variety of wildlife species. Many animals, such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep live year round in the valley. Other species, such as elk, or even moose are found in the valley. Elusive bobcats and mountain lions are year-round residents, but are seen only occasionally. Many different species of birds also inhabit and migrate through the valley – including the peregrine falcon and bald eagles. Watch for Colorado’s state mammal, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, on the rocky slopes along the river in Bighorn Sheep Canyon from U.S. Highway 50 and in Browns Canyon. Mid-morning and late afternoon are prime times for bighorn sheep viewing. When you see wildlife – keep voices down, give the animals plenty of space and allow them to go about their business undisturbed. To find out more about the wildlife of the Arkansas Valley, stop by the Watchable Wildlife exhibits located at Blue Heron, Five Points, Pinnacle Rock, Lone Pine, Canyon Trading Post, Fisherman’s Bridge, Collegiate Peaks, Hayden Meadows and Crystal Lakes recreation sites. Photo by Tim Brown. WHITEWATER BOATING The Arkansas is one of the world’s most popular whitewater boating rivers for kayaking and rafting – with good reason. Clear water, dramatic scenery and rapids rated from beginner to expert lure boaters from around the world. Within the recreation area, the river changes character several times as it travels through the varied geologic features, making for a variety of boating experiences. With native flows peaking in early June, and the voluntary flow program providing supplemental water during the summer months, the Arkansas has an extended boating season, reaching well into July and August. Private Boaters The Arkansas can present tremendous challenges to both novice and experienced boaters. Be certain to get specific information about the section of river you are interested in. Consult others who have boated there, know your abilities – and carry and use safety equipment. All white-water boats (canoes, kayaks and rafts) must have the owner’s name and current address written legibly and clearly visible somewhere on the craft. Commercial Outfitters Many commercial boating companies operate within the recreation area and offer visitors the chance to experience the “wet side” of the river with experienced guides. AHRA encourages you to explore the Arkansas River first hand, be it a wet and wild ride through Class III+ rapids, a relaxing float trip through calm water or a walk and wade or float fishing trip in world-class trout waters. RIVER ETHICS With such spectacular surroundings and unlimited recreational opportunities, the Arkansas River draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the recreation area. Please treat the AHRA, your fellow visitors and local residents with courtesy. Follow these basic rules: • Respect the rights and property of landowners and residents – do not trespass on private land and keep noise down near homes. • Boaters, if possible, move to the other side of the river, away from anglers and avoid playing in fishing holes. • Dispose of trash and waste properly. If you pack it in, please pack it out. Trash pickup costs time and money that could be much better spent on other efforts. • Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet. • Fires must be built within a permanent constructed fire grate or a portable fire container elevated off the ground with a two inch+ rigid side (as required by regulation). Tend fires constantly and extinguish them when no longer needed. • All campers camping outside of established campgrounds, and all commercial boating trips must provide and use a portable toilet device capable of carrying human waste out of the AHRA (as required by regulation). • Keep vehicles on existing roads and parking areas, unless otherwise posted. • Follow specific regulations posted at individual locations. Photos by the Numbers. P In 1706, the Spaniard Juan de Ulibarri explored the region, followed a century • Water from the river and streams may look clear and clean but that does not mean it is safe to drink. Bring your own drinking water. C AMPING The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation The Arkansas Headwaters features six Area began as a landmark cooperative campgrounds with a total of 101 campsites, effort between the US Bureau of Land 88 of which are reservable Management (BLM) and Colorado with advance reservations. State Parks. Today, the Colorado From the peaks The campgrounds are located Division of Wildlife and the US to the prairies, at Five Points, Vallie Bridge, Forest Service have joined State the Arkansas Rincon, Hecla Junction, Ruby Parks and the BLM in this River is a Mountain, and Railroad Bridge. management venture. Through powerful influence, Most sites are located near the this partnership, the agencies shaping river and some are accessible provide visitors with outstanding lives and to the physically challenged. recreation opportunities and landscapes... Campgrounds care for the nationally significant do not have potable water, natural resources of the Arkansas electricity or trash services. Please take River Valley. trash with you when you leave. Bring The Arkansas River begins its firewood with you, wood gathering is not 1,400-mile journey to the Mississippi allowed. Please camp only in designated or among the loftiest peaks in the Rockies, numbered sites and display your camping including 14,433-foot Mt. Elbert, the permit in the marker provided at your highest mountain in Colorado. In 150 campsite. A daily park pass as well as a miles, the river tumbles 4,650 vertical camping permit are required for each day. feet through open valleys, boulder-strewn canyons and the depths of the Royal Gorge. ICNICKING Evidence of the first humans in the Arkansas River Valley dates to at least 10,000 years ago. Attracted to the water, wildlife and climate of the area, these prehistoric people most likely used the valley to travel between the mountains and the plains. Later, the Apaches, Utes, Arapahoes, Cheyennes and Kiowas followed many of these same migration routes. Do not underestimate the power of the Arkansas River - enjoy it safely. Follow these tips for an enjoyable and safe experience: Canyon, a brown granite gorge of white-water rapids. The busiest stretch of river, Browns is a wild ride at high water, although at any water level it is a beautiful and challenging river trip. Ruby Mountain, the canyon’s northern gateway, provides access to the 6,660-acre Browns Canyon Wilderness Study Area. Here, visitors can hike, backpack, camp, fish and view wildlife. Below Browns Canyon, the valley widens and the river calms though spectacular views remain. This stretch, called Big Bend, offers prime trout fishing, and numerous Colorado Division of Wildlife easements provide anglers with river access on private land. he upper Arkansas River Valley is a treasure trove of geology, history, wildlife, scenery and just plain good times. Whether you want to explore a ghost town, run a rapid, hook a trout, watch a bighorn sheep or stare into the depths of the Royal Gorge, chances for adventure are all around you. Below, you will find a community-by-community tour of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, featuring both river access sites and campgrounds. Please enjoy your visit. Photo by AHRA. W SAFETY later by Zebulon Pike. Trappers and traders explored and lived in relative solitude within the valley until 1859 when gold was discovered and miners poured into the area. Courtesy, Colorado Historical Society, Royal Gorge Arkansas River. elcome to the Arkansas Headwaters, one of the nation’s premier recreation areas and host to the most commercially rafted river in the world. Stretching 150 miles along the Arkansas River, AHRA offers abundant and outstanding opportunities for angling, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, OHV travel, mountain biking and sightseeing among deep canyons, broad valleys and towering mountain peaks. Photo by JW Wilder. � �Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Outdoor Adventures in the Upper Arkansas River Valley Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (Jointly managed by State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management) elcome to the Upper Arkansas River Valley and its famous 14’ers, whitewater, wilderness, and wildlife. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area offers many fun and exciting activities. Please: • know your skill level and physical condition • be aware of the risks involved in an activity • be familiar with safety practices • equip yourself properly W AHRA Headquarters AHRA Recreation Site (See chart for activities available at each site.) Boat Ramp/Slide Site (See chart for activities available at each site.) Fishing easements crossing private lands. Look for signs marking easements Kayak Play Park Visitor Etiquette Public Campground Hundreds of thousands of visitors boat on the river every year, and close to a million people enjoy the recreation area. Courtesy and respect for other users will make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. You can minimize your impact and help us protect this valuable resource by observing the following guidelines. Please: • respect private property and don’t trespass • keep noise down • if you are boating, travel on the opposite side of the river from anglers, and avoid fishing holes • learn and practice Leave No Trace back-country ethics, including pack it in/pack it out • use existing restroom facilities, or a portable toilet (groover), required by regulation • stop only at established, well-used sites and avoid trampling streamside vegetation • keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, required by regulation • build fires only in grills and fire pans, required by regulation Recreation Site Visitor Information Wildlife Viewing Area Private/State Lands (No public access) Colorado State Park Lands Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Public Land BLM Wilderness Study Area US Forest Service Land US Forest Service Wilderness Area Communities US Highway and Interstate Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Visitor Center Paved Road Dirt Road • Annual passes, registrations, maps and guides are available at the AHRA Visitor Center. • The AHRA Visitor Center is located on the corner of G and Sackett streets in downtown Salida, one block north of Highway 291. Trail ss Continental Divide ing Big Bend Blue Heron Buena Vista Canyon Trading Post Centennial Park Clear Creek Collegiate Peaks Crystal Lakes Fisherman’s Bridge Five Points Florence Granite Hayden Meadows Hayden Ranch Hecla Junction Kobe Lone Pine Numbers Parkdale Pathfinder Park Pinnacle Rock Point Barr Railroad Bridge Rapid #4 Rincon Frantz Lake Sands Lake Ruby Mountain Salida Salida East Salt Lick Spikebuck Stone Bridge Stone Cabin Texas Creek Vallie Bridge PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED ACCESS The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has fully accessible restroom facilities at each developed campground and each campground has at least one fully-accessible campsite. Swallows Road and Great Sand Dunes National Park Selected river access sites also have fully accessible restroom facilities, complete with accessible parking spots. Please call 719-539-7289 or visit www.parks.state.co.us for more information. ( ) For Campground Reservations call 1-800-678-2267 or 303-470-1144 within the Denver metro area or online at www.parks.state.co.us Funded in part through Great Outdoors Colorado with Colorado Lottery proceeds. Swallows life ble ha Wa tc Arkansas River Ranch Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway Wi ld k sF oo ed erl Ne Ov ial ec Sp ic en Sc les ms Ta b nic ng str Re Pic rki Pa oo tn. /M V ing rse OH Ho Hik ish s rill /G e Bik s cc ac gA gF gin hin Fis an es ilit ide Ch mp Ra at mp Ca Bo ing /Sl d ss ge ce na Ac Ma RA at Bo AH Recreation Site Facilities ies Ac ce 1" = 5 miles � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/8e1b7f9fa664f6397114938d19c4cb68.pdf 088449fcfbd5308a23cbf6f63fbc514c PDF Text Text 2024 Annual Report Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2024 Overview A recap of park activity from January 1 through December 31. Water and Visitation The Arkansas River sustained higher-than-average flows this year, providing quality extended recreational opportunities. According to the Wellsville gauge, peak flows occurred on June 9, 2024, with a discharge of 4870 cfs. AHRA and partners continued the education effort to disperse boaters from heavily used sections and encouraged them to boat in less used sections. Revenue Comparison Revenue Type Camping 2024 Revenue 2023 Revenue % of Change $ 457,255.42 $ 456,592.80 +0.15% $ 1,064,085.44 $ 1,081,220.94 -1.58% $ 27,691.73 $ 13,889.34 +99.37% $ 90.00 $- Park Passes $ 141,372.51 $ 217,053.38 -34.87% Registrations $ 35,888.67 $ 35,280.43 +1.72% $ 207.64 $ 139.50 +48.85% $ 18,655.08 $ 19,828.51 -5.92% Search and Rescue $ 155.00 $ 174.00 -10.92% Special Activities $ 1,390.00 $ 1,260.00 +10.32% Specialty Retail $ 258.91 $- $ 1,747,050.40 $ 1,825,438.90 Commercial Agreements Donation / Special Projects Gift Certificates Penalty Assessments Licenses Totals n/a n/a -4.29% COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 1 �Visitation Month 2024 People Count 2023 People Count % of Change January 21,290 15,769 +25.93% February 25,856 24,009 +7.14% March 35,926 39,028 -8.63% April 57,590 39,156 +32.01% May 85,198 98,772 -15.93% June 222,654 241,223 -8.34% July 287,220 276,943 +3.58% August 217,198 205,898 +5.20% September 67,146 66,656 +0.73% October 58,410 67,420 -15.43% November 25,711 26,650 -3.65% December 30,229 30,718 -1.62% 1,134,428 1,132,242 +0.19% Totals Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) Special Activity Type Count River Races 4 Weddings 2 River Cleanup 3 Photo / Filming Events 6 Festivals 4 Group Picnic Area 3 Search and Rescue 9 Drone Permits 4 Other 4 Total 39 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 2 �AHRA Work Section Updates Full-Time Employees AHRA is organized into work sections for daily operations. Each section has specific responsibilities and is staffed by permanent and temporary employees designated for specific job assignments. Our many dedicated temporary employees complete a large portion of the visible fieldwork. In 2024, AHRA employed 31 temporary positions. One permanent full-time position, Park Resource Tech Supervisor, was added to our staff, bringing our full-time staff count to 11. The following permanent staff members supervised the sections noted below: Section Lead Name Title Section Name Tom Waters Park Manager LE/Upper Management Corrine Servis Operations Manager LE/Upper Management Glenn Cottone Senior Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) Jeff Hammond Park Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) Serena Rocksund Park Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) Jessica King Park Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) Steve Wyatt Park Resource Tech Supervisor Maintenance Will Taliaferro Park Resource Tech (partial year) Maintenance Owen Richmond Park Resource Tech (partial year) Maintenance Connor Dady Park Resource Tech (partial year) Maintenance John Kreski Rationing & Permit Coordinator Special Use Permits Jennifer Crawford Administrative Assistant Administration COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 3 �Temporary Employees Department Temp Employee Count Administration 3 Interpretive Naturalist 1 Special Use Permits 1 Maintenance 5 LE - River Rangers 8 LE - Land Rangers 6 LE - Intern 1 LE - OHV Rangers 2 LE - Recreation Rangers 4 Total 31 Administrative Section Responsibilities for the administrative section include greeting visitors, answering phone inquiries, completing sales, handling field revenue, generating administrative reports, and maintaining park-related web pages. CPW park passes, hunting and fishing licenses, registrations, and special activity permits are among the items processed/sold. We also partner with our friends group, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), selling books, maps, apparel, and other educational and gift items. Education and Interpretation Section Supervised by Park Rangers, the Seasonal Naturalist and Naturalist Supervisor organize and host several programs and one-time events, including Junior Rangers and Tots on Tuesdays youth programs, Cleanup-Greenup, and other school and community programs. This year, the education team supported Get Outdoors Leadville with multiple programs, including Community Archery, Dia de los Muertos, and the annual GOL Latino Community Event. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 4 �Education Events Event Name Event Count Boat Safety Event, All Ages 7 Boat Safety Event, School 2 Interpretive Hikes 2 Education/Interp 29 Jr Rangers/Tots on Tuesdays 19 School Group (not boat safety) 6 Career Day 2 Events/Booths/Festivals 7 Total 74 Volunteer Section The AHRA volunteer section during 2024 changed supervision a few times throughout the season with programs being rearranged. Bluebird Monitoring Jeanette Lara, Southeast Region Volunteer Coordinator, helped with the Bluebird Monitoring programming and provided insights for the 2025 season. AHRA has a 2025 Bluebird meeting set with GARNA and Area 13 to design a monitoring program for AHRA and Area 13 and recruit a lead volunteer to assist with accountability for recording Bluebird data. Campground Hosts Three of the seven campground host sites were filled during the 2024 season. All active hosts during 2024 were recruited by employees locally. School Programs & Partnerships In partnership with GARNA, AHRA will continue to assist with the GARNA School Programs. These programs provided educational opportunities to youth in Chaffee County. Salida High School and Colorado Mountain College (CMC) had three students volunteer in 2024. These students gained valuable experience volunteering at the AHRA while receiving college credit through CMC. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 5 �Volunteer Hours Opportunity Name Volunteer Count Volunteer Hours Bluebird Monitoring 8 304 Campground Host 5 1,388 Citizen Task Force (CTF) Delegate 22 142 CMC Student 3 162 Maintenance and Trail Work 2 95 Naturalist 8 647 Rationing and Permit Advisory Committee Member 5 69 Special Projects 5 40 Totals 58 2,846 Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributed time and energy! *The table above reflects only those hours reported in our visitor database. Special Activity Permits Section The Special Activity Permits section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Activity Permits and administer the Rationing Plan for commercial boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 56 commercial contractors in 2024, conducting 95 different activities. Permitted concessioners provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, and photo/video imaging to over 168,093 paying clients in 2024. In 2024, the overall commercial use of paying clients at AHRA decreased by 6.60% compared to 2023. Total Gross Receipts outfitters received from all commercial operations within the AHRA in 2024 were 1.59% below receipts received in 2023. This total includes revenue from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. In 2024, commercial permittees contributed $1,030,103.98 in use fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most, commercially rafted rivers in the United States. The AHRA Rationing Plan regulates the carrying capacities of commercial boats per day (bpd) on sixteen different river sections. In 2024, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section-specific boating restrictions. Data control methods and commercial use verification controls manage contractor Special Activity Permit compliance. This year, one count crew employee assisted in counting private boaters using photo images online and in-field spot checks. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 6 �Commercial Special Activity Permits by Type Commercial Special Activity Type Active Permits in 2024 Active Permits in 2023 Boating 45 45 Imaging 27 27 Walk and Wade Fishing 15 15 Shuttle Services 4 4 Rock Climbing 4 3 Totals 95 94 Rationed Days by Section For the 2024 season, water flows were very good for overall rafting, with the Voluntary Flow Management Program needed from July 1st to August 15th. There were fifteen days of high water advisories for the Royal Gorge, Section 5, and thirteen days of high water advisories for the Numbers, Section 1E. Therefore, June's higher water levels provided more challenging flows in the higher-class rated sections for the summer season. River Section Rationed Days in 2024 Rationed Days in 2023 1e Numbers to Railroad Bridge 0 2 2b Fisherman's Bridge to Stone Bridge 2 4 3a Salida East to Rincon 0 1 4a Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek 2 4 5 Parkdale to Canon City 8 12 Totals 12 23 Law Enforcement Section Throughout the year, the ranger section patrols all portions of AHRA, both land and river. It is led by upper management and divided into four sub-sections: land, river, off-highway vehicle, and recreation. All permanent rangers are certified Colorado Peace Officers. All AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These rangers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. All rangers can take appropriate law enforcement action when necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource, and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is all rangers' essential and necessary responsibility. It should also COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 7 �be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state, and federal peace officers and resource managers to perform their duties. In the winter, the rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities involve assisting other agencies with motorists who end up in the river. Full-time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols and avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest, and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison, and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also ideal for Rangers to complete most of their training and recertification, organize and evaluate programs, and plan for the upcoming high-use season. Upper Management The Law Enforcement (LE)/Management section oversees and coordinates the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit within this document. This section is the communication link between field staff, the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. This section works closely with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District (SECWCD), Pueblo Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA), and Trout Unlimited (TU) to ensure the success of the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP). They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to meet management plan goals and directives. Most importantly, this section works with staff and the public to provide the many community and resource-wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor while developing and enhancing communication and cooperation among visitors and current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, all AHRA staff maintained the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. River Rangers River Rangers, a team of six temporary employees, specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. River Rangers spent nearly 3,000 hours patrolling the Arkansas River by boat this year. Since the Arkansas River is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the River Rangers’ time is spent administering the River Outfitter Licensing Program. These rangers set proactive safety at major rapids, mitigate hazards such as fallen trees, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment, investigate boat incidents, and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. River Rangers manage the Loaner Life Jacket program. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 8 �Salida, Buena Vista, and Cañon City have installed life jacket stations that allow users to borrow a life jacket for free and encourage all to wear a life jacket when recreating on the river. In 2024, AHRA expanded the River Safety in Schools program to 3rd-grade classrooms in Buena Vista, Salida, and Cañon City, providing over 500 children with a free life jacket and basic river safety education. This program partners with local schools, recreation departments, fire departments, and non-profits. It was funded by AHRA and CPW’s Philanthropy at Work Grant. Land Rangers Land Rangers, a team of six temporary employees assigned to land-based operations, manage visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and collect field revenue critical to AHRA operations. They are the park's customer service face, assisting visitors in making reservations, providing basic interpretive information, and ensuring compliance with all Parks and Wildlife statutes and regulations. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers are part of a multi-agency partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the United States Forest Service. The OHV Rangers are a trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from the Colorado OHV Grant, which is funded entirely by OHV registration dollars. The trail crew maintains motorized trails, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the San Isabel National Forest, Fourmile Recreation Area, and neighboring forest areas. The trail crew promotes responsible motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices, Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines, and trail etiquette with non-motorized users. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities through the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. In recent years, we have seen both increases in trail users and significant trail damage from the fallout of wildfire and weather events, keeping the OHV Rangers busy. In 2024, OHV Rangers rode over 2,000 miles, improved trail sustainability by servicing or building roughly 80 drains, and cut out over 1,700 fallen or ready-to-fall trees. Recreation Rangers Designated dispersed camping on the AHRA continues to be in ever-increasing demand. The Recreation Ranger program focuses on these dispersed lands by creating a presence, providing education, monitoring use, and supporting sustainable recreation on public lands in Chaffee, Fremont, and Lake County. In 2024, AHRA had four seasonal recreational rangers and two AmeriCorps Members with Blue Elements who patrolled the dispersed camping areas within the AHRA. The six recreation rangers patrolled 94 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 9 �designated campsites throughout the Arkansas River corridor. The recreation rangers also participated in multiple partner projects with the BLM, USFS, and the Chaffee Rec Adopters. The 2024 recreation rangers made approximately 2,415 visitor contacts, removed 4,732 gallons of trash off public lands, dismantled 90 rock rings, removed 117 piles of dog waste and 27 human feces, provided 66 green tags for educational purposes, and one citation for an aggressive dog off-leash. The AHRA partnered with Salida High School and Colorado Mountain College to promote future environmental educators by providing an internship program. The internship provides the next generation with experience and skills to apply as recreation rangers as they conclude their high school years. These local youth are also provided opportunities with the CPW team, where safety and sustainability are promoted. Law Enforcement Reporting Investigated and Reported Incidents Type of Incident Incident Count for 2024 Incident Count for 2023 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 23 22 Private Boat Accidents 0 3 Commercial Non-Boating Accidents 5 5 Private Non-Boating Accidents 2 0 Medical Assists 0 0 Inter-Agency Assists / SAR 2 2 Vandalism / Theft 4 1 Law Enforcement 4 0 Other Incidents 7 1 Totals 47 34 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 10 �Citations Issued Citation Count for 2024 Citation Count for 2023 Pass / Permit Violations 7 1 Resource Protection Violations 3 3 Public Safety Violations 4 0 Records / Reporting Violations 1 2 Commercial Outfitter Citations (included in totals above) 0 2 Totals 15 6 Citation Type Maintenance Section Facilities Maintenance Facility Maintenance is a team of permanent and seasonal employees. Their primary role is to maintain all AHRA-managed facilities throughout the river corridor. These duties include maintenance and service to vault toilets and changing areas; upkeep of campgrounds and day-use sites; improvements to dispersed recreation sites; installing new signs, as well as updating existing signs; installation and repairs to fencing; maintaining solar systems for campground vaults and signs; grounds and landscape maintenance; tree care and weed control; maintenance and repairs for the visitor center, shop, and garage bays; large and small equipment service and repairs; and traffic counter maintenance. Some noteworthy projects completed by the crew and with volunteers in 2024 were: ●​ The painting and repair of several vault toilets and sheds ●​ Adjustment of lighting at Ruby Mountain Campground to be designated as a “dark sky” park ●​ Planted 40 new trees around the Salida East Campground ●​ Replacement of the Railroad Bridge Campground tent pads ●​ Replacement of old wooden signposts with new metal posts ●​ Repaired the new ADA fishing pier at the Vallie Bridge Campground. ●​ Weed and brush control: continually trimming back the vegetation along pathways and campsites, as well as around facilities, signs, and parking areas ●​ Worked with National Public Lands Day volunteers to install new fencing in dispersed camping areas. ●​ Continual cleaning and maintenance of 74 vault toilets and several port-a-potties to look after. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 11 �Staff continuously works hard to maintain and clean up along the river to improve the visitor experience. If you see these maintenance folks out and about, thank them for their work. Construction Maintenance It has been a very eventful year for site development at AHRA. Staff is in charge of all the sites along the river. They maintain the roads, parking lots, and boat ramps and address issues to keep river users flowing smoothly. Many large and small projects were completed to enhance the sites up and down the river. One-hundred twenty-six (126) new picnic tables have been placed at nearly every site around the park. Replacing the old tables brings cleaner, more modern amenities to our park, and visitors have been very impressed with the new look. Canyon Trading Post was renovated with new day-use areas and rocks outlining the roads and pathways. Some great projects coming up include: ●​ Rebuilding the Vallie Bridge parking area and vault toilet will bring the site's facilities up to ADA standards. Hopefully, this is the first of many such projects. ●​ Rebuilding the stairs leading to the shade shelters at the Collegiate Peaks Overlook site is also an in-house project. ●​ The boat ramp at Parkdale will be rebuilt. It will soon be out to bid, and construction is planned to begin in January. ●​ Widening of the county road into Ruby Mountain. This project will improve access to Browns Canyon National Monument by involving rock scaling, blasting, and road construction. AHRA’s shop is well-equipped to handle almost any project, from welding to woodworking and everything in between. Being able to do projects in-house not only saves time but also money. Staff is already busy for the 2025 season to provide the best experience possible for visitors. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE• 307 W Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201 • (719) 539-7289 • cpw.state.co.us​ | v. 02/04/2025​ 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/7fe6c682898f94faa479d02fe9caa553.pdf 93e2c8f7c372b45e3f82bf6c34f183d6 PDF Text Text Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report �2023 Overview..................................................................................... 1 Water and Visitation........................................................................... 1 Revenue Comparison........................................................................... 1 Visitation Within the AHRA....................................................................2 Special Activity Agreements (SAAs)..........................................................2 AHRA Work Sections.............................................................................. 3 Full-Time Employees........................................................................... 3 Temporary Employees..........................................................................3 Administration.................................................................................. 4 Community Events..........................................................................4 Volunteer Hours.............................................................................5 Special Activity Permits....................................................................... 5 Commercial Special Activity Permits by Type.......................................... 6 Rationed Days by Section................................................................. 6 Law Enforcement............................................................................... 7 Investigated and Reported Incidents.................................................... 9 Citations Issued............................................................................. 9 Maintenance - Facilities......................................................................10 Maintenance - Construction................................................................. 10 LE/Management............................................................................... 11 �2023 Overview A recap of park activity for the period of January 1 through December 31. Water and Visitation The Arkansas River saw sustained average flows that provided quality extended recreational opportunities this year. AHRA and partners continued the education effort to disperse boaters from heavily used sections and encouraged them to boat in less used sections. Revenue Comparison Camping Commercial Agreements Donation / Special Projects Gift Certificates Park Passes Registrations Penalty Assessments Licenses Search and Rescue Special Activities 2023 2022 $ 456,592.80 $ 485,922.15 $ 1,081,220.94 $ 1,131,923.16 $ 13,889.34 $ 11,455.47 $$ 80.00 $ 217,053.38 $ 284,023.36 $ 35,280.43 $ 37,840.03 $ 139.50 $ 205.00 $ 19,828.51 $ 13,176.12 $ 174.00 $ 54.00 $ 1,260.00 $ 1,508.00 $ 1,825,438.90 $ 1,966,187.29 % of Change -6.04% -4.48% 21.25% -100.00% -23.58% -6.76% -31.95% 50.49% 222.22% -16.45% -7.16% 1 �Visitation Within the AHRA 2023 People 2022 People % of Change January 15,769 27,428 -73.94% February 24,009 18,119 24.53% March 39,028 53,889 -38.08% April 39,156 53,789 -37.37% May 98,772 91,351 7.51% June 241,223 194,735 19.27% July 276,943 307,816 -11.15% August 205,898 226,606 -10.06% September 66,656 70,770 -6.17% October 67,420 53,186 21.11% November 26,650 27,503 -3.20% December 30,718 27,715 9.78% 1,132,242 1,152,907 -1.83% Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) Applicant Group Name Count Location River Races 3 Various Weddings 2 Various River Cleanup 3 Entire River Photo / Filming Events 3 Various Festivals 4 Salida, Cañon City, Buena Vista Group Picnic Area 1 Collegiate Peaks Overlook Search and Rescue 4 Various Drone Permits 5 Various Other 7 Various 32 2 �AHRA Work Sections Full-Time Employees AHRA is organized into work sections for the purpose of daily operations. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by permanent and temporary employees designated for specific job assignments. Our many dedicated temporary employees complete a large portion of the visible fieldwork. In 2023, AHRA employed 28 temporary and 8 permanent staff members. We were able to fill the open Land Ranger Supervisor position in November, resulting in a 9th permanent staff member. The following permanent staff members supervised the sections noted below: Name Title Section Tom Waters Park Manager LE/Management Corrine Servis Operations Manager & Rec Rangers LE/Management Glenn Cottone Senior Ranger & Land Rangers Law Enforcement (LE) Jeff Hammond River & OHV Ranger Supervisor Law Enforcement (LE) Serena Rocksund Land Ranger Supervisor Law Enforcement (LE) Steve Wyatt Park Resource Tech Maint - Construction Will Taliaferro Park Resource Tech Maint - Facilities John Kreski Rationing & Permit Coordinator Special Use Permits Jennifer Crawford Administrative Assistant Administration Temporary Employees Administration 3 LE - River Rangers 6 Special Use Permits 2 LE - Land Rangers 5 Maint - Facilities 4 LE - Intern 1 Maint - Construction 0 LE - OHV Rangers 3 LE - Recreation Rangers 4 3 �Administration Responsibilities for the administrative section include greeting visitors, answering phone inquiries, completing sales, handling field revenue, generating administrative reports, and maintaining park-related web pages. Among the items processed/sold are CPW park passes, hunting and fishing licenses, registrations, and special activity permits. We also partner with our friends group, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), selling books, maps, apparel, and other educational and gift items. Each year, the administrative team organizes and hosts several programs and one-time events, including Junior Rangers and Tots on Tuesdays youth programs, Cleanup-Greenup, and other various school and community programs. On behalf of CPW and AHRA, we’d like to extend a “thank you” to our many volunteers who donate their time and travel miles to help with these and other opportunities throughout the year. Community Events Event Name Event Count Boat Safety Event, All Ages 1 Boat Safety Event, School 5 Interpretive Hikes 11 Education/Interp 12 Jr Rangers/Tots on Tuesdays 34 School Group (not boat safety) 9 Career Day 2 Events/Booths/Festivals 6 4 �Volunteer Hours Opportunity Name Volunteers Hours Bluebird Monitoring 3 124 Campground Host 7 1,872 Citizen Task Force (CTF) Delegate 15 133 CMC Student 1 2 Maintenance and Trail Work 3 115 Naturalist 8 580 Rationing and Permit Advisory Committee Member 5 68 Special Projects 11 112 53 3,005 Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributed time and energy! *The table above reflects only those hours reported in our visitor database. Special Activity Permits The Special Activity Permits section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Activity Permits as well as administer the Rationing Plan for commercial boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 55 commercial contractors in 2023, conducting 94 different activities. Permitted concessioners provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, and photo/video imaging to over 179,980 paying clients in 2023. In 2023, the overall commercial use of paying clients at AHRA decreased by 9.91% as compared to 2022. Total Gross Receipts outfitters received from all commercial operations within the AHRA in 2023 were 4.24% below receipts received in 2022. This total includes revenue from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. In 2023, commercial permittees contributed a total of $1,045,030 in use fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most, commercially rafted rivers in the United States. 5 �The AHRA Rationing Plan regulates commercial boats per day (bpd) carrying capacities on sixteen different river sections. In 2023, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section-specific boating restrictions. Data control methods and commercial use verification controls are used to manage contractor Special Activity Permit compliance. This year, two count crew employees assisted in counting private boaters via photo images online and in the field spot checks. Commercial Special Activity Permits by Type 2023 2022 Boating 45 45 Imaging 27 25 Walk and Wade Fishing 15 15 Shuttle Services 4 4 Rock Climbing 3 3 94 92 Rationed Days by Section For the 2023 season, water flows were very good for overall rafting without the need for the Voluntary Flow Management Program with thirty-eight days of high water advisories for Pine Creek Rapid. Therefore, June's higher water provided more challenging flows in the higher-class rated sections for the summer season. Section 2023 2022 1e: Numbers to Railroad Bridge 2 3 2b: Fisherman's Bridge to Stone Bridge 4 5 3a: Salida East to Rincon 1 3 4a: Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek 4 15 5: Parkdale to Canon City 12 12 23 38 6 �Law Enforcement The ranger section patrols all portions, both land and river, of AHRA throughout the year. The section is divided into four sub-sections: land, river, off-highway vehicle, and recreation. All permanent rangers are certified Colorado Peace Officers. All AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These rangers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state, and federal peace officers and resource managers in performing their duties. In the winter, the rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities involve assisting other agencies with motorists who end up in the river. Full-time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest, and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison, and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for Rangers to complete most of their training and recertification, organize and evaluate programs, and plan for the upcoming high-use season. Land Rangers, a team of four temporary employees assigned to land-based operations, are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. They are the customer service face of the park, assisting visitors in making reservations, providing basic interpretive information, and ensuring compliance with all Parks and Wildlife statutes and regulations. In 2023, dispersed camping continued to be in high demand. Land Rangers were assisted in managing these areas by the new Recreation Ranger program focused on education in dispersed areas. Land Rangers managed busy boat ramps and parking lots during peak usage days and assisted with education programs hosted by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). They even went above and beyond the bounds of the park and assisted other first responders with highway accidents. 7 �River Rangers, a team of six temporary employees, specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Since the Arkansas River is one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment, investigate boat incidents, and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. River rangers assisted with the management of the Loaner Life Jacket program. Salida, Buena Vista, and Cañon City had a life jacket station installed that allowed a user to borrow a life jacket for free and encouraged all to wear a life jacket when recreating on the river. In 2023, AHRA piloted the River Safety in Schools program in Salida, providing nearly 100 3rd graders with a free life jacket and basic river safety education in partnership with Salida Recreation, Salida Fire, FIBArk, and GARNA. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers are part of a multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from the Colorado OHV Good Management Grant, funded by OHV registration dollars. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the San Isabel National Forest as well as at the Big Bend OHV Track. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. Recent years have seen both increases in trail users and major trail damage from wildfire and weather events, keeping the OHV Rangers busy. In 2023, OHV Rangers rode over 2,000 miles to build or maintain more than 500 miles of trail and cut out nearly 1,100 trees. Recreation Rangers - This year, we had four seasonal recreational rangers who patrolled the dispersed camping areas within the AHRA. Their duties included campground clean-up efforts and education of our visitors on recreating responsibly within the river corridor. The Recreation Rangers also took part in multiple joint projects with BLM, USFS, and the Chaffee Rec Adopters. This year we also partnered with Salida High School and Colorado Mountain College to bring in local students who were part of an internship program to fill most of the Recreation Ranger positions. This partnership was a way to introduce local youth to the natural resource field. 8 �Some of their accomplishments in 2023 included contacting over 1,500 visitors, breaking up over 150 illegal fire rings, and removing over 200 bags of trash/human waste from the park. Investigated and Reported Incidents 2023 2022 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 22 10 Private Boat Accidents 3 1 Commercial Non-Boating Accidents 5 4 Private Non-Boating Accidents 0 0 Medical Assists 0 1 Inter-Agency Assists / SAR 2 4 Vandalism / Theft 1 3 Law Enforcement 0 11 Other Incidents 1 2 34 36 Citations Issued 2023 2022 Pass / Permit Violations 1 3 Resource Protection Violations 3 8 Public Safety Violations 0 6 Records / Reporting Violations 2 0 Commercial Outfitter Citations (included in totals above) 2 3 6 17 9 �Maintenance - Facilities Facility Maintenance is a team of permanent and seasonal employees. Their primary role is to maintain all AHRA-managed facilities throughout the river corridor. These duties include maintenance and service to vault toilets and changing areas; upkeep of campgrounds and day-use sites; improvements to dispersed recreation sites; installing new signs, as well as, updating existing signs; installation and repairs to fencing; maintaining solar systems for campground vaults and signs; grounds and landscape maintenance; tree care and weed control; maintenance and repairs for the visitor center, shop, and garage bays; large and small equipment service and repairs; and traffic counter maintenance. Some noteworthy projects completed by the crew and with volunteers in 2023 were: ● The painting and repair of several vault toilets and sheds ● The clean-up after the flash flood at Railroad Bridge Campground ● Replacement of the Five Points Campground tent pads ● Assist with signage and development of the Salida East Campground project ● Maintenance, signage, and installation of appropriate ADA access features ● The removal and installation of new “Welcome To” frames and signs ● Weed and brush control; continually trimming back the vegetation along pathways and campsites, as well as around facilities, signs, and parking areas ● Work with the Southwest Conservation Corps on a section of the Ruby Mountain Trail through a Colorado Youth Conservation Association award ● Work with the Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited to install a new fishing access ladder at Rapid Number 4 recreation site ● Continual cleaning and maintenance of 73 vault toilets and several port-a-potties to look after. Staff continuously works hard to maintain and clean up along the river to make the visitor experience the best it can be. If you happen to see these maintenance folks out and about, give them a thank you for the work they do. Maintenance - Construction It has been a very eventful year at AHRA for site development. Staff is in charge of all the sites along the river. They keep up with roads and parking needs, maintain the boat ramps, and take care of any issues that come up to keep the river users flowing as smoothly as possible. Many projects, large and small, were completed to enhance the sites up and down the river. 10 �Staff also assisted the group Volunteers of Colorado (VOC) in rebuilding trails where needed. We brought in materials to build and tighten up the edges of the trails. It is usually a two-day weekend project when we get this group. Our in-house crews also worked on the Elephant Rock dispersed camping site. We defined the campsites with rocks so that users are able to stay within the areas designated for camping. The Salida East Campground rebuild finished up around Father's Day weekend. This was a total rebuild of the site, with more vault toilets and three new shade shelters installed. Once open to the public, nothing but good comments from the visitors were expressed. We were able to get a new skid steer this year, and it will be a great asset for future projects. Some great projects coming up include: ● Rebuild of the Canyon Trading Post viewers platform. This will be an in-house project. ● Rebuild the stairs leading to the shade shelters at the Collegiate Peaks Overlook site. This is also an in-house project. ● Rebuild of the Ramp at Parkdale. This will hopefully be out to bid and completed soon. ● Small-cap money for 121 new cement picnic tables to replace old ones at the sites. These are ordered and scheduled for delivery in March. From welding to woodworking and everything in between, AHRA’s shop is well-equipped to handle almost anything that comes up. Being able to do projects in-house not only saves time but also money. Staff is already busy for the 2024 season to provide the best experience possible for the visitor. LE/Management The Law Enforcement (LE)/Management section oversees and coordinates the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit within this document. This section serves as the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. This section works closely with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District (SECWCD), Pueblo Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA), and Trout Unlimited (TU) to ensure the success of the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP). They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to ensure that management 11 �plan goals and directives are being met. Most importantly, this section works with staff and the public to provide the many community and resource-wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor while continuing to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, all AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/5730a77b865e9b69fa7989543f9a3c56.pdf 32733d473c00ac98f726fd4d2e88e50c PDF Text Text Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report �2022 Overview Water and Visitation Revenue Comparison Visitation Within the AHRA Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) 1 1 1 2 2 AHRA Work Sections Leadership Team Temporary Employees Administration Community Events Volunteer Hours Special Activity Permits Commercial Special Activity Permits by Type Rationed Days by Section Law Enforcement Investigated and Reported Incidents Citations Issued Maintenance - Facilities Maintenance - Construction LE/Management 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 9 9 10 10 11 �2022 Overview A recap of park activity for the period of January 1 through December 31. Water and Visitation The Arkansas River saw slightly below-average flows that still provided a good boating season and excellent fishing opportunities. Summer flow augmentation through the Voluntary Flow Management Program, along with great coordination from our water partners, ensured a viable recreational boating season through the peak visitation months. Lower river flows in the early season and fall led to outstanding fishing opportunities. AHRA and partners continued the education effort to disperse boaters from heavily used sections and encouraged them to boat in less used sections. Revenue Comparison Camping Commercial Agreements Donation / Special Projects Gift Certificates Park Passes Registrations Penalty Assessments Licenses Search and Rescue Special Activities 2022 2021 $ 485,922.15 $ 516,580.37 $ 1,131,923.16 $ 1,339,791.57 $ 11,455.47 $ 15,597.27 $ 80.00 $ 1,524.96 $ 284,023.36 $ 305,328.59 $ 37,840.03 $ 40,991.80 $ 205.00 $ 344.50 $ 13,176.12 $ 23,422.90 $ 54.00 $ 165.00 $ 1,508.00 $ 1,536.00 $ 1,966,187.29 $ 2,245,282.96 % of Change -5.93% -15.51% -26.55% -94.75% -6.98% -7.69% -40.49% -43.75% -67.27% -1.82% -12.43% 1 �Visitation Within the AHRA 2022 People 2021 People % of Change January 27,428 26,003 5.20% February 18,119 24,263 -33.91% March 53,889 37,588 30.25% April 53,789 38,866 27.74% May 91,351 64,076 29.86% June 194,735 218,888 -12.40% July 307,816 273,060 11.29% August 226,606 220,139 2.85% September 70,770 64,769 8.48% October 53,186 55,730 -4.78% November 27,503 37,428 -36.09% December 27,715 24,915 10.10% 1,152,907 1,085,725 5.83% Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) Applicant Group Name Count Location River Races 15 Various Weddings 2 Various River Cleanup 2 Entire River Photo / Filming Events 2 Various Festivals 3 Salida, Cañon City, Buena Vista Group Picnic Area 5 Collegiate Peaks Overlook Search and Rescue 2 Various Drone Permits 6 Various Other 7 Various 44 2 �AHRA Work Sections Leadership Team AHRA is organized into work sections for the purpose of daily operations. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by permanent and temporary employees designated for specific job assignments. Our many dedicated temporary employees complete a large portion of the visible fieldwork. In 2022 AHRA employed 22 temporary and 9 permanent staff members. The following permanent staff members supervised the sections noted below: Name Title Section Tom Waters Park Manager LE/Management Corrine Servis Operations Manager LE/Management Glenn Cottone Senior Ranger Law Enforcement (LE) Tappan Brown River Ranger Supervisor Law Enforcement (LE) Jeff Hammond Land Ranger Supervisor Law Enforcement (LE) Steve Wyatt Park Resource Tech Maint - Construction Will Taliaferro Park Resource Tech Maint - Facilities John Kreski Rationing & Permit Coordinator Special Use Permits Jennifer Crawford Administrative Assistant Administration Temporary Employees Administration 3 LE - River Rangers 4 Special Use Permits 1 LE - Land Rangers 4 Maint - Facilities 4 LE - Intern 1 Maint - Construction 1 LE - OHV Rangers 2 LE - Recreation Rangers 2 3 �Administration Responsibilities for the administrative section include greeting visitors, answering phone inquiries, completing sales, handling field revenue, generating administrative reports, and maintaining park-related web pages. Among the items processed/sold are CPW park passes, hunting and fishing licenses, registrations, and special activity permits. We also partner with our friends group, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), selling books, maps, and other educational and gift items. Each year, the administrative team organizes and puts on several programs and one-time events, including Junior Rangers and Tots on Tuesdays youth programs, Cleanup-Greenup, and other various school and community programs. On behalf of CPW and AHRA, we’d like to extend a “thank you” to our many volunteers who donate their time and travel miles to help with these and other opportunities throughout the year. Community Events Event Name Event Count Career Day 3 Education/Interp Program 4 Interpretive Hikes 19 Jr Rangers/Tots on Tuesdays 22 School Group 5 Specialized Training 3 4 �Volunteer Hours Opportunity Name Volunteers Hours (Individual) (Individual) Volunteers (Partner Groups) Hours (Partner Groups) 2 1,504 Bluebird Monitoring 4 137 Campground Host 5 2,165 Citizen Task Force (CTF) Delegate 15 130 Maintenance and Trail Work 3 139 Naturalist 6 829 Rationing and Permit Advisory Committee Member 5 43 Special Projects 7 145 2 54 45 3,587 4 1,558 Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributed time and energy! *The table above reflects only those hours reported in our visitor database. Special Activity Permits The Special Activity Permits section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Activity Permits as well as administer the Rationing Plan for commercial boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 55 commercial contractors in 2022 conducting 92 different activities. Permitted concessioners provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, and photo/video imaging to over 199,804 paying clients in 2022. In 2022, the overall commercial use of paying clients at AHRA decreased by 23.35% as compared to 2021. Total Gross Receipts outfitters received from all commercial operations within the AHRA in 2022 were 15.99% below receipts received in 2021. This total includes revenue from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. In 2022, commercial contractors contributed a total of $1,099,336 in use fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States. 5 �The AHRA Rationing Plan regulates commercial boats per day (bpd) carrying capacities on sixteen different river sections. In 2022, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section-specific boating restrictions. Data control methods and commercial use verification controls are used to manage contractor Special Activity Permit compliance. This year one count crew assisted in counting private boaters via photo images online and in the field spot checks. Commercial Special Activity Permits by Type 2022 2021 Boating 45 47 Imaging 25 25 Walk and Wade Fishing 15 15 Shuttle Services 4 5 Rock Climbing, Hiking, and Mtn Biking 3 4 92 96 Rationed Days by Section For the 2022 season, water flows were very good for overall rafting with help from the Voluntary Flow Management Program with seven days high water advisories for Pine Creek Rapid. Therefore, good safe flows for the summer season. Section 2022 2021 1e: Numbers to Railroad Bridge 3 2 2b: Fisherman's Bridge to Stone Bridge 5 4 2d: Big Bend to Salida East 0 12 3a: Salida East to Rincon 3 4 3b: Rincon to Vallie Bridge 8 19 4a: Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek 15 17 5: Parkdale to Canon City 12 12 46 70 6 �Law Enforcement The ranger section patrols all portions, both land and river, of AHRA throughout the year. The section is divided into four sub-sections: land, river, off-highway vehicle, and recreation. All permanent rangers are certified Colorado Peace Officers. All AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These rangers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state, and federal peace officers and resource managers in performing their duties. In the winter, the rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities involve assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full-time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest, and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison, and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for Rangers to complete most of their training and recertification, organize and evaluate programs, and plan for the upcoming high-use season. Land Rangers, a team of four temporary employees assigned to land-based operations, are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. They are the customer service face of the park, assisting visitors in making reservations, providing basic interpretive information, and ensuring compliance with all Parks and Wildlife statutes and regulations. In 2022, dispersed camping continued to be in high demand. Land Rangers were assisted in managing these areas by the new Recreation Ranger program focused on education in dispersed areas. Land Rangers managed busy boat ramps and parking lots during peak usage days and assisted with education programs hosted by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). They even went above and beyond the bounds of the park and assisted other first responders with highway accidents. 7 �River Rangers, a team of four temporary employees, specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Since the Arkansas River is one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment, investigate boat accidents, and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. River rangers assisted with the management of the Loaner Life Jacket program. Salida, Buena Vista, and Canon City had a life jacket station installed that allowed a user to borrow a life jacket for free and encouraged all to wear a life jacket when recreating on the river. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers are half of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from the Colorado OHV Good Management Grant, funded by OHV registration dollars. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the San Isabel National Forest as well as at the Big Bend OHV Track. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. Recent years have seen both increases in trail users and major trail damage from wildfire and weather events, keeping the OHV Rangers busy. The most notable accomplishment for 2022 was concluding the six-year-long reroute project for seven miles of the Rainbow Trail near Coaldale, a section destroyed by the 2016 Hayden Pass Fire. Other wins include installation of width limiters and structures to prevent off-trail use in the Fourmile Area. Recreation Rangers - New this year, we had two seasonal recreational rangers who patrolled the dispersed camping areas within the AHRA. Their duties included wildfire prevention by enforcing the requirement of having a container (firepan) for any fires. Mitigating impacts from campers through enforcement of the portable toilet requirement and education of leave no trace principals. Coordinating with volunteers on different clean-up projects in the area. Some of their accomplishments in 2022 included contacting over 2,000 visitors, breaking up over 100 illegal fire rings, and removing over 200 bags of trash / human waste from the park. 8 �Investigated and Reported Incidents 2022 2021 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 10 22 Private Boat Accidents 1 0 Commercial Non-Boating Accidents 4 1 Private Non-Boating Accidents 0 0 Medical Assists 1 1 Inter-Agency Assists / SAR 4 3 Vandalism / Theft 3 3 Law Enforcement 11 3 Other Incidents 2 5 36 38 Citations Issued 2022 2021 Pass / Permit Violations 3 7 Resource Protection Violations 8 10 Public Safety Violations 6 10 Records / Reporting Violations 0 11 Commercial Outfitter Citations (included in totals above) 3 14 17 38 9 �Maintenance - Facilities Facility Maintenance is a team of permanent and temporary employees. Their primary role is to maintain all AHRA-managed facilities throughout the river corridor. These duties include maintaining vault toilets/changing areas; ash removal from grills and fire rings; developing new recreation sites; designing new signs as well as updating existing signs; maintaining solar systems in campgrounds; weed control; maintaining the visitor center, shop, and garage bays; recycling cardboard, paper, and metals; grounds maintenance; and traffic counter maintenance. The summer of 2022 proved to be challenging for the maintenance team, as we were unable to hire any temporary staff at the beginning of the year. It was exceptional to see the other ranger crews step in and help maintain facilities. Another new change for the summer was the hiring of campground hosts to provide more detailed cleaning and site maintenance. Some noteworthy projects completed by the crew or with volunteers in 2022 were: ● Work in and around the Granite Rock trail system ● Refurbishment of several Vallie Bridge tent pads ● Maintenance, signage, and organization of the Rapid #4 campground ● Removal of numerous fee tubes to clear the way for kiosks ● Weed and brush control; continually trimming back the vegetation along pathways and campsites, as well as around facilities, signs, and parking areas Staff also goes out and helps keep the dispersed camping sites cleaned up along the River to make the visitor experience the best it can be. If you happen to see these maintenance folks out and about, give them a thank you for the work they do. Maintenance - Construction It has been a very eventful year at AHRA for site development. Staff is in charge of all the sites along the river. They keep up with roads and parking needs, maintain the boat ramps and take care of any issues that come up to keep the river users flowing as smoothly as possible. Many projects, large and small, were completed to enhance the sites up and down the river. Staff also assisted the group, Volunteers of Colorado (VOC), to rebuild the trail leading upstream at Lone Pine. We brought in materials to build fishing access and tighten up the edges of the trail. It was a great two-day weekend project. 10 �Also assisted with the new crossroads trail up at Hayden Meadows area. This new trail now connects users with miles of existing trails without having to cross the highway. Crews also worked on the Elephant Rock area to define the campsites and rebuilt buck and rail fencing. The Salida East Campground rebuild project phases 1 and 2 started this spring. Phase one was completed before the busy season, and the visitor numbers doubled in usage. Phase two began in October and will rebuild the entire campground. This project will make this site one of the best sites along the river. From welding to woodworking and everything in between, AHRA’s shop is well-equipped to handle most anything that comes up. Being able to do projects in-house not only saves time but also money. Staff is already busy for the 2023 season to provide the best experience possible for the visitor. LE/Management The Law Enforcement (LE)/Management section oversees and coordinates the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit within this document. This section serves as the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. This section works closely with the Bureau of Reclamation, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy, Pueblo Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA), and Trout Unlimited (TU) to ensure the success of the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP). They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to ensure that management plan goals and directives are being met. Most importantly, this section works with staff and the public to provide the many community and resource-wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor while continuing to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. 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�ÿ������ÿ���'�ÿ��ÿ�����ÿ��"ÿ��ÿ%(*#�ÿ��ÿ%��!"�ÿ��ÿ���$ÿ ÿ����(��$ÿ��"ÿ����(���8�"�ÿ����"�����ÿ���!���ÿ��"ÿ�������ÿ���"�"ÿ���(��(�ÿ ÿ��ÿ9:;8� #�ÿ�!��ÿ����"��ÿ� #�ÿ�����(��ÿ��ÿ"�!�#�%ÿ��"ÿ�� ����ÿ����(������ÿ ÿ��"ÿ���%������ÿ�����ÿ!�����ÿ��ÿ��##ÿ��ÿ�(�����ÿ��"ÿ%������#ÿ%�������)ÿ ÿ �ÿ$���3ÿ��ÿ�ÿ%���ÿ$����3ÿ�##ÿ5<,5ÿ�����ÿ�����(�"ÿ��ÿ������ÿ��ÿ�������#ÿ=(�#�$ÿ ÿ��ÿ����������ÿ%�������ÿ��"ÿ%(*#�ÿ���!���ÿ���ÿ�#%ÿ������!�ÿ��ÿ5�'�����ÿ,!��ÿ ÿ��"ÿ��ÿ(�=(�ÿ����(���ÿ���ÿ�!��$���>�ÿ��&�$����)ÿ ÿ123456578986ÿ ÿ9;ÿ � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/0df7f275d1cdbbb2d8a4784214182d27.pdf a3566a7e0b6028f90e1a11bf36b07918 PDF Text Text Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report �2020 Overview Water and Visitation Revenue Comparison Visitation Within the AHRA Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) 1 1 1 2 2 AHRA Work Sections Leadership Team Temporary Employees Administration Community Events Volunteer Hours Special Use Agreements Commercial Special Use Agreements by Type Rationed Days by Section Law Enforcement Investigated and Reported Incidents Citations Issued Maintenance - Facilities Maintenance - Construction LE/Management 3 3 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 10 10 11 11 12 Thank You, Retirees 13 �2020 Overview The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report recaps park activity for the period of January 1 through December 31. Water and Visitation An above average snowpack led to good early season flows on the Arkansas River. Summer flow augmentation through the Voluntary Flow Management Program, along with great coordination from our water partners, ensured a viable recreational boating season through the peak visitation months and helped the commercial boating industry have a productive year even after a slow start due to the COVID pandemic. Lower river flows in the fall led to outstanding float and walk & wade fishing opportunities. AHRA saw an increase in the number of private boaters. Many boat ramps and parking lots were atypically full early in the spring when no commercial boating was available. Many users found boating as an opportunity to recreate while maintaining social distancing. Commercial boating use picked up later in the summer and AHRA saw a significant increase in overall visitation during July and August. Revenue Comparison Camping Commercial Agreements Donation Gift Certificates Park Passes Registrations Penalty Assessments Licenses Search and Rescue Special Activities 2020 2019 $ 390,734.00 $ 270,050.76 $ 889,205.27 $ 708,927.74 $ 602.17 $ 5.00 $ 406.00 $ 520.25 $ 293,086.13 $ 210,985.11 $ 42,225.50 $ 54,105.00 $ 417.50 $ 27.50 $ 14,597.96 $ 19,324.73 $ 135.00 $ 138.00 $ 714.00 $ 118,547.31 $ 1,632,123.53 $ 1,382,631.40 % of Change 44.69% 25.43% 11,943.40% -21.96% 38.91% -21.96% 1,418.18% -24.46% -2.17% -99.40% 18.04% 1 �Visitation Within the AHRA 2020 People 2019 People % of Change January 23,054 8,522 63.03% February 19,335 15,657 19.02% March 29,576 33,371 -12.83% April 41,980 45,040 -7.29% May 85,782 74,820 12.78% June 181,175 165,931 8.41% July 311,025 228,227 26.62% August 214,527 185,450 13.55% September 59,906 49,618 17.17% October 56,540 43,113 23.75% November 32,686 17,582 46.21% December 17,617 15,112 14.22% 1,073,203 882,443 17.77% Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) Applicant Group Name Event Type Location Blue Sky Adventures River Surveying Coaldale to Cotopaxi Fibark (Lite) Race Salida Whitewater Park, Helca, Stone Bridge Our Daily Bread Ministries Filming Arkansas River Lake County High School Cross Country Race Hayden Flats UpRiver Fly Fishing Filming/Drone Browns Canyon, Ruby to Hecla 2 �AHRA Work Sections Leadership Team AHRA is organized into work sections for the purpose of daily operations. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both permanent and temporary employees who are designated specific job assignments. A large portion of the visible field-work is completed by our many dedicated temporary employees. In 2020, AHRA employed 19 temporary and 9 permanent staff members, with temporary hiring numbers down from previous years as a result of COVID-19 hiring restrictions. The following permanent staff members supervised the sections noted below: Administration Administrative Assistant Jennifer Crawford Special Use Agreements Rationing & Agreement Coordinator John Kreski Law Enforcement (LE) Senior Ranger Glenn Cottone Law Enforcement (LE) River Ranger Supervisor Tappan Brown Law Enforcement (LE) Land Ranger Supervisor Jeff Hammond Maint - Facilities Park Resource Tech Ken Lindbloom R: 08/20 (vacant) E: 08/20 Maint - Construction Park Resource Tech Steve Wyatt LE/Management Park Manager Rob White R: 06/20 Tom Waters E: 09/20 LE/Management Operations Manager Tom Waters (vacant) E: 09/20 r: Retire Date, e: Effective Date Temporary Employees Temporary Employees Department Temp Employees Administration 2 LE - River Rangers 4 Special Use Agreements 1 LE - Land Rangers* 5 Maint - Facilities 4 LE - OHV Rangers 2 Maint - Construction 1 Department Temp Employees *Count includes one intern. 3 �Administration Responsibilities for the administrative section include greeting visitors, answering phone inquiries, completing sales, handling field revenue, generating administrative reports, and maintaining park-related web and social media pages. Among the items processed/sold are CPW licenses, registrations, mining permits, park passes, and BLM fuelwood permits. We also partner with our friends group, the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), selling books, maps, and other educational and gift items. Due to the impacts of COVID, AHRA was unable to host many of the education and special events that have come to be part of our culture. We missed seeing our Jr Rangers, school groups, and other community participants. Because we know it is important to the river and our community, CPW and GARNA converted our annual Cleanup-Greenup to a month-long non-group event. Our hike group, led by volunteers Bob Hickey and Linda Julia was also able to function in a modified capacity. We’d like to, once again, thank our volunteers for their hard work. Though volunteer opportunities and event group sizes were reduced, COVID made the work no less easy. Community Events Event Name Event Type Location Family Nature Night Education, Youth Salida Interpretive Hikes Hike Multiple Locations Cleanup-Greenup Impact Mitigation Multiple Locations 4 �Volunteer Hours Opportunity Name Hours Cleanup-Greenup* 59 Bluebird Project 184 Campground Host 1,377 Citizens Task Force 175 Maintenance & Construction, and Trail support 123 Naturalist/Environmental Educator 294 Special Projects 78 Raptor Monitoring Program 220 TOTALS 2,508 Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributed time and energy! *The table above reflects only those hours that were reported in our visitor database. 5 �Special Use Agreements The Special Use Agreement section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for commercial boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 59 commercial contractors in 2020 conducting 98 different activities. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking, and photo/video imaging to over 184,734 paying clients in 2020. In 2020, the overall commercial use of paying clients at AHRA decreased by -4.30% as compared to 2019. Total Gross Receipts outfitters received from all commercial operations within the AHRA in 2020 was 6.83% above receipts received in 2019. This total includes revenue from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. In 2020, commercial contractors contributed a total of $872,399 in use fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States. The AHRA Rationing Plan regulates commercial boats per day (bpd) carrying capacities on sixteen different river sections. In 2020, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. Data control methods and commercial use verification controls are used to manage contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. This year due to Covid, only one count crew assisted is counting private boaters via photo images online. Due to Covid and the concern for the welfare of the outfitter’s staff and clients, several companies declared a season of non-use. The season proved to be successful with commercial clients reaching near average and total gross receipts exceeding their expectations. 6 �Commercial Special Use Agreements by Type Activity 2020 2019 Boating 48 48 Imaging 26 26 Walk and Wade Fishing 15 15 Shuttle Services 5 6 Rock Climbing, Hiking, and Mtn Biking 4 5 98 100 TOTAL Rationed Days by Section For the 2020 season and the uncertainty how Covid was going to affect the visitation by the county public orders controlling bus capacity and boat capacity, the Park Managers decided to declare a Public Health Exception at the beginning of the season. Basically it stated that 2020 Ration Historic Use and Actual Use will not be counted for demand or recalculation for this year. Although you needed to have allocated or borrowed boats to run on rationed days in those sections. Loaning and borrowing were encouraged throughout this year. This decision was made in consideration for boating outfitters to help make financial and health-minded decisions regarding the safety of the employee and public welfare. Section 2020 2019 1e: Numbers to Railroad Bridge 3 3 2b: Fisherman's Bridge to Stone Bridge 4 6 2d: Big Bend to Salida East 9 5 3a: Salida East to Rincon 4 5 3b: Rincon to Vallie Bridge 19 19 4a: Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek 15 8 5: Parkdale to Canon City 11 11 65 57 TOTAL 7 �Law Enforcement The ranger section patrols all portions, both land, and river, of AHRA throughout the year. The section is divided into three sections: land, river, and off-highway vehicle. Land Rangers, a team of five temporary employees assigned to land-based operations, are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds, and for collecting field revenue which is critical to AHRA operations. They are the customer service face of the park, assisting visitors in making reservations, providing basic interpretive information, and ensuring compliance with all Parks and Wildlife statutes and regulations. 2020 saw the initial closure and later reopening of campgrounds due to COVID restrictions, still resulting in a year of record visitation. Point Barr was converted from a dispersed camping area into a developed campground, helping to focus impact on hardened surfaces and prevent resource damage. In the same vein, this was the first full year of Tunnel View functioning as the first designated dispersed camping area at AHRA. This allows free camping in a specified number of sites, limiting the sprawl that often occurs in dispersed areas. With Tunnel View’s success, Rapid #4 was also converted to a designated dispersed area, a model that has been gaining traction with federal agencies as well. River Rangers, a team of four temporary employees, specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Since the Arkansas River is one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment, investigate boat accidents, and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. River rangers assisted with the management of the new Loaner Life Jacket program. Salida, Buena Vista, and Canon City had a life jacket station installed that allowed a user to borrow a life jacket for free and encouraged all to wear a lifejacket when recreating on the river. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers are half of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from the Colorado OHV Good Management Grant, funded by OHV registration dollars. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the 8 �San Isabel National Forest as well as at the Big Bend OHV Track. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. Recent years have seen both increases in trail users and major trail damage from wildfire and weather events, keeping the OHV Rangers busy. Notable accomplishments for 2020 were addressing the Bear Creek flash flood, the Green’s Creek rock slide, working with BLM and CCMR to open the DudBob Trail, reopening Rainbow Trail section closed from the Decker Fire, and constructing 100ft of the Rainbow Trail Turnpike. All permanent rangers are certified Colorado Peace Officers. All AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These rangers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter, the rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities involve assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full-time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for Rangers to complete most of their training and recertification, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the upcoming high-use season. 9 �Investigated and Reported Incidents 2020 2019 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 14 27 Private Boat Accidents 2* 4 Commercial Non-Boating Accidents 2 1 Private Non-Boating Accidents 0 0 Medical Assists 0 1 Inter-Agency Assists / SAR 7 5 Vandalism / Theft 20 7 Law Enforcement 7 0 Other Incidents 8 5 Fatalities Investigated* (included in totals above) 2 3 60 53 TOTAL Citations Issued 2020 2019 Pass / Permit Violations 7 3 Resource Protection Violations 15 17 Public Safety Violations 10 1 Records / Reporting Violations 2 2 Commercial Outfitter Citations (included in totals above) 6 2 42 25 TOTAL 10 �Maintenance - Facilities Facility Maintenance is a team of five temporary employees. Their primary role is to maintain all AHRA-managed facilities throughout the river corridor. These duties include maintaining vault toilets/changing areas; ash removal from grills and fire rings; developing new recreation sites; designing new signs as well as updating existing signs; maintaining solar systems in campgrounds; weed control; maintaining visitor center, shop, and garage bays; recycling cardboard, paper, and metals; ground maintenance; and traffic counter maintenance. Some noteworthy projects completed by this crew in 2020 was to keep the sites and vault toilets as clean as possible with the record number of visitors and all the sanitary issues that 2020 presented. Staff stayed busy with numerous projects large and small. Phase two and three of the three-panel sign project was completed. Now all the frames are metal which will last a long time. Staff also worked on staining the visitor centers fence, and cleaned up the landscaping in the front also. Staff also goes out and helps keep the dispersed camping sites cleaned up along the River to make the visitor experience the best it can be. If you happen to see these maintenance folks out and about, give them a thank you for the work they do. Maintenance - Construction It has been a very eventful year at AHRA for site development. Staff is in charge of all the sites along the river. They keep up with roads and parking needs, maintain the boat ramps and take care of any issues that come up to keep the river users flowing as smoothly as possible. Many projects large and small were completed to enhance the sites up and down the river. Staff also built the new Vallie Bridge Boat Ramp, which has been such a great hit for the outfitters. Made twelve camping sites at the Point Bar area, and cleaned up the day-use side downriver. Staff also worked on the Big Bend OHV track to remove as much rock and add new dirt to help with riding conditions. From welding to woodworking and everything in between, AHRA’s shop is well equipped to handle most anything that comes up. Being able to do projects in house not only saves time, also money Staff is already busy getting ready for the 2021 season and is looking forward to providing the visitors with the best experience possible. 11 �LE/Management The Law Enforcement (LE)/Management section oversees and coordinates the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit within this document. This section serves as the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. This section works closely with the Bureau of Reclamation, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy, Pueblo Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA), and Trout Unlimited (TU) to ensure the success of the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP). They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to ensure that management plan goals and directives are being met. Most importantly, this section works with staff and the public to provide the many community and resource-wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor while continuing to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, all AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 12 �Thank You, Retirees Rob White, 30 years A heart-felt “thank you” from all of us at CPW and the AHRA to Rob White for his 30 years of service to our agency. As our Park Manager, Rob continually strove to improve the park, and to balance recreational opportunities with the need to protect natural resources throughout the river corridor. Rob, we are so happy to see you out smiling and enjoying the beauty of our State! Ken Lindbloom, 20 years Maintenance staff are often the unsung heroes in any operation, but we know how much work goes into maintaining our facilities. Ken, “thank you” for the time and effort you put into keeping our buildings and sites clean and in working order. We hope you are enjoying your retirement! Jon Jenkins, 25 years AHRA staff would like to issue a sincere “thank you” to Jon Jenkins, who retired after his 25th year of service as a seasonal Park Ranger. Jon was the longest standing employee at AHRA and quite possibly one of the longest standing seasonal Rangers within Colorado Parks and Wildlife. His professionalism and compassion when interacting with visitors has been an inspiration to new seasonals and career staff alike. Park visitors who return year-after-year would look forward to being greeted by Jon’s warm smile. You may still see Jon around the park, but now he’ll have the time to enjoy it. 13 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/6a2dba913a0180d7202c6df80ce32334.pdf 3c9ed3aa83419b0d2b8738030c855449 PDF Text Text Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report �2019 Overview Water and Visitation Revenue Comparison Visitation Within the AHRA Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) Special Activity Agreements Approved in 2019 1 1 1 2 3 3 AHRA Work Sections Leadership Team Temporary Employees Administration Community Events Volunteer Hours Special Use Agreements Commercial Special Use Agreements by Type Rationed Days by Section Law Enforcement Investigated and Reported Incidents Citations Issued * Includes Notice of Violation citations (windshield citations). These citations were not issued in 2019. Maintenance - Facilities Maintenance - Construction LE/Management 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 �2019 Overview The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report recaps park activity for the period of January 1 through December 31. Water and Visitation A strong winter snowpack resulted in high river flows throughout the spring and early summer limiting some whitewater boating opportunities. Visitation increased in the later summer as the river receded to lower flows. Revenue Comparison Camping Commercial Agreements Donation Gift Certificates Park Passes Registrations Penalty Assessments Licenses Search and Rescue Special Activities 2019 $ 274,308.76 $ 817,195.92 $ 3,810.23 $ 600.00 $ 184,123.11 $ 31,336.63 $ 27.50 $ 37,239.75 $ 138.00 $ 118,547.31 $ 1,467,327.21 2018 $ 242,582.34 $ 911,534.23 $ 62.51 $ 706.00 $ 179,517.54 $ 40,605.80 $ 594.00 $ 29,229.88 $ 81.00 $ 3,355.59 $ 1,408,268.89 % of Change 13.08% -10.35% 5,995.39% -15.01% 2.57% -22.83% -95.37% 27.40% 70.37% 3,432.83% 4.19% 1 �Visitation Within the AHRA 2019 People 2018 People % of Change January 8,522 28,248 -69.83% February 15,657 18,647 -16.03% March 33,371 22,715 46.91% April 45,040 49,802 -9.56% May 74,820 84,315 -11.26% June 165,931 176,177 -5.82% July 228,227 223,364 2.18% August 185,450 112,743 64.49% September 49,618 39,060 27.03% October 43,113 23,530 83.23% November 17,582 20,301 -13.39% December 15,112 16,749 -9.77% 882,443 815,651 8.19% 2 �Special Activity Agreements (SAAs) Special Activity Agreements Approved in 2019 Applicant Group Name Event Type Location October Films Filming Lone Pine & Parkdale TransRockies Run Race Railroad Bridge Chaffee County Search & Rescue Training Big Bend Timberline Events Race Railroad Bridge Down River Rendezvous Equip Demo Numbers, BV - BCNM Lucky Ducky Race Race Salida Boat Ramp - Bandshell Colorado Whitewater Assoc Training Arkansas River Access Points Pole, Peddle, Paddle Race Big Bend River - Salida RunOff Race IW - Salida Civic Brand - Saltbox Filming; Photo Big Bend River - Wellsville Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Festival Canon City JC Films Filming Various PerformanceTours/Justin Park Filming Fish Bridge - Stone Bridge PaddleFest Festival BV FIBArk Festival Salida Echo Canyon Photo Bighorn- Gorge Chaffee County Search & Rescue Training Stonebridge Colorado Springs Search & Rescue SRT Parkdale - Spikebuck Fort Carson / Garcia Training Canon City - Pueblo USRA - Nat Raft Race Race Browns Open Canoe Race SA - RN Raft Masters Filming Pinnacle - Parkdale Fremont County Tourism Council Filming Bighorn Sheep Canyon 3 �AHRA Work Sections Leadership Team AHRA is organized into work sections for the purpose of daily operations. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both permanent and temporary employees who are designated specific job assignments. A large portion of the visible field-work is completed by our many dedicated temporary employees. In 2019, AHRA employed 23 temporary and 9 permanent staff members. The following permanent staff members supervised the sections noted below: Administration Administrative Assistant Jennifer Crawford Special Use Agreements Rationing & Agreement Coordinator John Kreski Law Enforcement (LE) Senior Ranger Glenn Cottone Law Enforcement (LE) River Ranger Supervisor Tappan Brown Law Enforcement (LE) Land Ranger Supervisor Jeff Hammond eff. Dec '19 Maint - Facilities Park Resource Tech - Facilities Kenneth Lindbloom Maint - Construction Park Resource Tech - Construction Steve Wyatt LE/Management Park Manager Rob White LE/Management Operations Manager Tom Waters Temporary Employees Temporary Employees Department Temp Employees Administration 4 Special Use Agreements 2 LE - River Rangers* 5 LE - Land Rangers* 5 LE - OHV Rangers 1 Maint - Facilities 5 Maint - Construction 1 *Count includes one intern. 4 �Administration Responsibilities for the administrative section include greeting visitors, answering phone inquiries, completing sales, handling field revenue, generating administrative reports, and maintaining park-related web and social media pages. Among the items processed/sold are CPW licenses, registrations, and park passes; BLM fuelwood permits, Christmas tree permits, and mining permits; as well as books, maps, and other items provided for sale by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). Each year, the administrative team organizes and puts on several activities and events including Junior Rangers and Tots on Tuesdays youth programs, Cleanup-Greenup, and various campground and environmental education programs. On behalf of CPW and AHRA, we’d like to extend a “thank you” to our many volunteers who donate their time and travel miles to help with these and other opportunities throughout the year. Community Events Event Name Event Type Location Cañon City Whitewater Festival Boating Competition Cañon City FIBArk Boating Competition Salida Paddlefest Boating Competition Buena Vista Water Fest Conservation Salida & Buena Vista Holiday Open House Education, Public Salida Kickoff to Summer Education, Public Salida 3rd Grade Field Day Education, Youth Salida 4th Grade Raft Trip Education, Youth Salida Adventure Camp Education, Youth Buena Vista Conservation Camp Education, Youth Buena Vista Career Fairs Education, Youth Salida, BV, & Leadville Ecology Field Trip Education, Youth Buena Vista Family Nature Night Education, Youth Salida Service Learning Education, Youth Salida Stream Explorers (w/ GARNA) Education, Youth Buena Vista 5 �Junior Rangers Program Education, Youth Salida, BV, & Leadville Fremont Fall Heritage Festival Hike Cañon City Interpretive Hikes Hike Multiple Locations Cleanup-Greenup Impact Mitigation Multiple Locations National Public Lands Day Impact Mitigation Multiple Locations Bike Your Park Day Trails and Cycling Hayden Meadows Gathering of the Guides Workshop Salida Volunteer Hours Opportunity Name Hours Cleanup-Greenup* 28 Bluebird Project 98 Campground Host 1,089 Citizens Task Force 275 Maintenance & Construction, and Trail support 5 Naturalist/Environmental Educator 930 Special Projects 150 Raptor Monitoring Program 273 TOTALS 2,846 Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributed time and energy! *The table above reflects only those hours that were reported in our visitor database. We’d like to thank the hundreds of individuals who assisted in our river-wide Cleanup-Greenup this year. Your effort represents hundreds of hours of unclaimed work in keeping our river clean. 6 �Special Use Agreements The Special Use Agreement section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for commercial boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 59 commercial contractors in 2019 conducting 99 different activities. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking, and photo/video imaging to over 193,030 paying clients in 2019. In 2019, the overall commercial use of paying clients at AHRA decreased by -12.70% as compared to 2018. Total Gross Receipts outfitters received from all commercial operations within the AHRA in 2019 was -10.53% below receipts received in 2018. This total includes revenue from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. In 2019, commercial contractors contributed a total of $817,196 in use fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States. The AHRA Rationing Plan regulates commercial boats per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river sections. In 2019, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. Data control methods and commercial use verification controls are used to manage contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a two-person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting spot checks and maintaining an electronic database for trip log comparison. Commercial Special Use Agreements by Type Activity 2019 2018 Boating 48 48 Imaging 26 27 Walk and Wade Fishing 15 15 Shuttle Services 6 7 Rock Climbing, Hiking, and Mtn Biking 5 3 100 100 TOTAL 7 �Rationed Days by Section Section 2019 2018 1e: The Numbers 3 2 2b: Browns Canyon 6 6 2d: Big Bend to Salida 5 7 3a: Salida East to Rincon 5 20 3b: Rincon to Vallie Bridge 19 20 4a: Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek 8 13 5: The Royal Gorge 11 10 57 78 TOTAL 8 �Law Enforcement The ranger section patrols all portions, both land, and river, of AHRA throughout the year. The section is divided into three sections: land, river, and off-highway vehicle. Land Rangers, a team of five temporary employees assigned to land-based operations, are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds, and for collecting field revenue which is critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary personnel our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. River Rangers, a team of five temporary employees, specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Since the Arkansas River is one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment, investigate boat accidents, and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant, funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the San Isabel National Forest as well as at the Big Bend OHV Track. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. All Full-Time Rangers are certified Level I Colorado Peace Officers. All AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These Title 33 officers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter, the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other 9 �agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full-time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for Rangers to complete most of their training and recertification, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the upcoming high-use season. Investigated and Reported Incidents 2019 2018 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 27 16 Private Boat Accidents 4 1 Commercial Non-Boating Accidents 1 0 Private Non-Boating Accidents 0 0 Medical Assists 1 0 Inter-Agency Assists / SAR 5 1 Vandalism / Theft 7 1 Law Enforcement 0 1 Other Incidents 5 2 Fatalities Investigated* (included in totals above) 3 1 53 22 2019 2018 Pass / Permit Violations 3 35* Resource Protection Violations 17 4 Public Safety Violations 1 3 Records / Reporting Violations 2 0 Commercial Outfitter Citations (included in totals above) 2 2 TOTAL 25 42 TOTAL Citations Issued * Includes Notice of Violation citations (windshield citations). These citations were not issued in 2019. 10 �Maintenance - Facilities Facility Maintenance is a team of five temporary employees. Their primary role is to maintain all AHRA-managed facilities throughout the river corridor. These duties include maintaining vault toilets/changing areas; ash removal from grills and fire rings; developing new recreation sites; designing new signs as well as updating existing signs; maintaining solar systems in campgrounds; weed control; maintaining visitor center, shop, and garage bays; recycling cardboard, paper, and metals; ground maintenance; and traffic counter maintenance. Some noteworthy projects completed by this crew in 2019 include the following: Constructed a secure cabinet for AHRA’s revenue and a secure area for law enforcement evidence; worked on a functioning water model and trailer that displayed the Arkansas River waterway for demonstrations; designed and installed signage for the new Numbers recreation site; installed an interpretive sign at Fisherman’s Bridge depicting Native American Indian Life in the Arkansas Headwaters; and placed a memorial plaque on a large stone for Kim Saltus-Johnson in front of a shade shelter donated by family members. Maintenance - Construction It has been a very eventful year at AHRA for site development. We were able to purchase some new equipment this year, and have been busy putting it to work. Many projects large and small were completed to enhance the sites up and down the river. From gravel to rock work, site maintenance staff are working hard to get the sites the best they can be. Cleanup, leveling, and boat ramp work are the main concerns. 11 �LE/Management The Law Enforcement (LE)/Management section oversees and coordinates the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit within this document. This section serves as the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. This section works closely with the Bureau of Reclamation, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy, Pueblo Water, Colorado Springs Utilities, Arkansas River Outfitters Association (AROA), and Trout Unlimited (TU) to ensure the success of the Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP). They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to ensure that management plan goals and directives are being met. Most importantly, this section works with staff and the public to provide the many community and resource-wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor while continuing to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, all AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/c6feea922098e0ca09118a59fd02207e.pdf a94e78eb1b1a13924c0ea653bce3cc9d PDF Text Text ÿ ÿ 23456757ÿ9 5 5 37ÿ� �35��6ÿ235ÿ 266�5�ÿ� ��3ÿÿ ÿ ÿ �ÿ ÿÿ 1234ÿ678978 ����ÿ���ÿ���������� �������ÿ���������� ����������!ÿ"��ÿ ��#��ÿ�#�ÿ$%�$ '(8)*+ÿ,)-7-.ÿ,/988081-2ÿ3',,24 6����!ÿ$ �����7ÿ$8��������ÿ$�������ÿ��ÿ�9:; ,=>,ÿ?@9Aÿ'8)-@12 C������#��ÿD��� $������������� ��������7ÿG����� ��!������ÿ%���� ��������!ÿ$8�������� ��������!ÿ6����!ÿ"��ÿ$8��������ÿJ7ÿD7�� ��������ÿK�7�ÿJ7ÿ6����� ���8��� L������8����ÿ���ÿ��������ÿL������� ���������ÿL����� M��!���8ÿN��������� 6���ÿN��������� N���8����� ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ 1ÿ �ÿ �ÿ &ÿ 5ÿ <ÿ Bÿ Eÿ Fÿ Hÿ ;ÿ Iÿ Iÿ :9ÿ :9ÿ :�ÿ :�ÿ :&ÿ :&ÿ :<ÿ ÿ ÿ :ÿ �ÿ 123 4 ÿ 67 8 9 7 8 ÿ ÿ 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https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/1087d2de5f0d410a7f20d48a12146ff3.pdf f61d2428c23639f5bc0341032b8e3ad3 PDF Text Text 2017 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Rincon Boat Ramp Construction Project 2017 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 01/28/2017 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s (AHRA) Annual Report for 2017. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. An above average snowpack and the resulting run-off, an improved economy and stable fuel prices helped fuel summer vacation travel in 2017. Despite the favorable water and economic condtions, commercial boating visitation decreased by 0.11%, primarily due to too high of flows (high water advisories). High water helped increase private boater activity; private boating increased 3.1% in 2017 as compared to 2016. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets up to five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, since the AHRA management plan revision process continued in 2017, the CTF played an important role in providing management plan feedback to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In 2017 the Citizens Task Force was composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs approximately 30 temporary staff members. In 2017, AHRA employed 24 temporary staff members. The following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (CPW) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone and Andrew Maddox (CPW) Administration: Rose Bayless (CPW) Commercial Agreements: John Kreski (CPW) Management: Rob White, Tom Waters (CPW) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) 1 �In 2017 there were no Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) full-time staff changes. John Nohomenuk retired from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the BLM River Manager position will most likely be modified in several capacities for 2018. 2017 Special Activities Applicant Group Name Event Type Location Timberline Events Colorado Whitewater Association Journey Racing Down River Equipment Paddle Fest TransRockies Run 2016 Phillips Reception DeMoss/Francis Wedding FIBArk Boat Races Inc. Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Ride the Rockies Colorado Standard Relay Race Railroad Bridge Kayak Instruction Adventure Race Raft Demos Raft and Kayak Events Race Reception Wedding Raft and Kayak Events Clear Creek Rafting Prospect Arts and Colorado Arial Filmworks TK Digital / Echo Canyon Rafting Central Colorado Bike Trials Filming Various River Sections Cotopaxi to Cañon Browns Canyon BV WW Park / Numbers Railroad Bridge Collegiate Peaks Overlook Jump Rock/ Hecla Salida WW Park / Other Canon WW Park & Royal Gorge Haydan Meadows Browns Canyon Big Horn Sheep Canyon / Royal Gorge Filming Royal Gorge Filming Trials Comp Big Horn Half Day Granite Mountain Raft and Kayak Events Bicycle Tour Filming 2 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2017 PEOPLE 308,305 2016 PEOPLE 303,151 ‘16 TO '17 % CHANGE +1.7% Shore Boat 98,113 5,570 48,864 82,518 5,477 47,532 +18.9% +1.7% +2.8% Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting, Other) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL 278,501 25,619 37,839 278,798 24,849 37,727 -0.11% +3.1% +0.3% 26,355 19,764 59,404 908,334 25,837 19,483 59,944 885,316 +2.0% +1.44% -0.9% +2.6% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING ** *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual number, includes guides, trainees and clients AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2017 was staffed by one full-time CPW Program Assistant, Rose Bayless; two temporary Customer Service Representatives, Mari Griffin and Jamie Tackel; and one temporary summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Kerry Dietterich. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on the Upper Arkansas River Valley and recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from Commercial Special Use Agreements, notices of violation, special activity/event agreements, park passes, camping permits, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). AHRA administrative staff also sells BLM fuel wood permits, Christmas tree cutting permits, and placer area notifications. Program Assistant Rose Bayless also records meeting minutes for the AHRA Citizen Task Force (CTF) and manages communications with the CTF concerning meetings, speakers, reports and other relative information. In addition, the Administrative Section is responsible for reporting and reconciling all revenues received by AHRA 3 �from many different sources, as well as maintaining records and reports for budgets and expenditures from a number of funds, including grants. Administrative personnel function as the AHRA base radio dispatchers to field staff, provide administrative support to AHRA and BLM employees, and maintain current CPW website information for AHRA. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers”, “TOT’s on Tuesdays” and other youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings and events throughout the year. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics $31,800 (January through December 2017) Compared to 2016 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold +11.12% $12,240 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold* +16.02% $127,134 Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes +1.6% $152,560 Revenue from Camp Permits and Reservations +10.54% $42,650 Revenue from Registration Sales 2017 $17,806 Activity -4.52% Misc. Revenues (Citations, Special Activities, Wildlife Licenses) +19.21% $907,200 Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** +0.79% *** Total includes administrative fees not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary # Of People 34,610 1,891 15,255 2,850 Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2017 Type of Activity Compared to 2016 Visitor Center +1.7% Personal Interpretation/Events +1.67% Non-Personal Interpretation/Media/Events +1.7% Environmental Education +1.8% Volunteer Hours for 2017 # of Hours Type of Activity 4,037 hrs All Volunteers (groups or individuals) 136.50 hrs AHRA Advisory Groups - RAAC 557 hrs AHRA Advisory Group - CTF Compared to 2016 -3.7% -62% -20% * Total Volunteer Mileage was 6,444 in 2017 AHRA’s Volunteer Program hours were consistant with 2016 hours, the Citizen Task Force (CTF) and Rationing and Agreement Advisory Committee (RAAC) contributed more hours than in 2016 as AHRA continued to work on revisions to the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan. Volunteers at the annual Arkansas River 4 �Cleanup/Greenup events contributed over 1,000 hours; campground hosts contributed 600 hours; and Court Ordered volunteers contributed 430 hours. A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs, hikes and events were presented to the public throughout 2017. GOCO Naturalist Kerry Dietterich captivated Junior Rangers ages 5-10 in Salida, Buena Vista and Leadville with programs and activities such as “Eye See You”, “Camouflage Craze” and “Survivor Showdown”. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 10, with 32 participants. It was the first time on the river for many of the children, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives! Little children ages 2-4 eagerly participated in “TOTS on Tuesday” each week in Salida. Their rapt attention was matched with that of their accompanying parents, as Kerry revealed nature’s secrets with crafts and nature walks. AHRA continued to be very active in 2017 with area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA participated in GOCO-sponsored environmental education initiatives SOLE (Schools and Outdoor Learning Environment) for 4th graders in Salida; and INSPIRE youth/community programs in Lake (GOL! – GO Leadville!) and Chaffee (ICC – Inspire Chaffee County) counties. The objective of INSPIRE is to connect youth and their families with the outdoors to learn and have fun. AHRA teamed up with Trout Unlimited for “Fourth Friday Fishing” to teach youth how to fish. AHRA and CPW staff, as well as GARNA, recruited volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some faithful volunteers who continue to staff the Poncha Springs’ Crossroads of the Rockies Visitor Center, assist with our 26th annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup on May 20th, and help out with a variety of special projects, events and programs. Volunteer Naturalist, Bob Hickey, continues to be instrumental in leading many hikes and an auto tours of the AHRA, as well as assisting with the “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and other programs. Bob’s love and knowledge of local geology has built up a region-wide following who participate in his talks and hikes year-round. 5 �2017 Community Events *AHRA staff maintained an information booth or participated in the following events. Event Earth Day Cleanup/Greenup Paddlefest Gathering of the Guides FIBArk Canon City Whitewater Festival Gold Rush Days National Public Lands Day Event Type Multiple Vendors AHRA Beautification Project Boating Competitions/Multiple Vendors Workshop Boating Competitions/Multiple Vendors Boating Competitions/Multiple Vendors Multiple Vendors Volunteer Trail Building Location Riverside Park, Salida Multiple Locations Buena Vista Whitewater Park Salida Steamplant Salida Whitewater Park / Riverside Park, Salida Centennial Park, Canon City Buena Vista Multiple Locations AHRA CALENDAR YEAR 2017 REVENUES Year 2017 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Special Use Agreements Penalties, License Sales, Special Activities, COSAR, etc. TOTALS January $1,195.00 $176.00 $1,045.00 $938.46 $68.69 $3423.15 February $2,723.00 $325.00 $1,035.00 $11,629.35 $193.40 $15,905.75 March $6,937.00 $2,525.70 $6,115.00 $22,667.34 $630.03 $38,875.07 April $11,391.00 $8,036.83 $5,925.00 $10,859.56 $2,030.29 $38,242.68 May $22,049.00 $18,330.00 $5,470.00 $129,681.35 $2,443.58 $177,973.93 June $34,564.00 $30,063.22 $7,430.00 $253,209.75 $4,226.64 $329,493.61 July $32,191.00 $33,824.51 $5,040.00 $1,000.00 $4,501.62 $76,557.13 August $25,063.00 $26,371.86 $3,645.00 $2,000.00 $3,808.13 $60,887.99 September $13,876.00 $21,114.00 $2,760.00 $7,850.04 $4,461.64 $50,061.68 October $7,225.00 $10,351.65 $1,035.00 $113,815.04 $2,144.01 $134,570.70 November $2,788.00 $948.93 $2,500.00 $313,521.32 $591.45 $320,349.70 December $1,580.00 $489.95 $650.00 $40,027.49 $241.48 $42,988.92 2017 TOTALS $161,582.00 $152,557.65 $42,650.00 $907,199.70 $25,340.96 $1,289,330.31 2016 TOTALS $157,344.00 $137,840.32 $44,265.00 $900,053.74 $15,447.72 $1,261,904.27 *AHRA revenues saw an overall 2.7% increase in 2017 as compared to 2016 6 �**AHRA self-serve field revenue difference between actual park pass/camp permit cost and amount received AHRA FISCAL YEAR 2017 EXPENDITURES – CPW ONLY Year Totals Temporary Personnel Operating Utilities 2017 TOTALS $264,905 $158,034 $32,303 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2017 Capital Projects/ Equipment Controlled Maintenance TOTALS $831,000 $114,849 $1,401,091 BOR Storage USGS Gage Maintenance PBWW – West Pueblo Ditch SECWD Maintnenance Ordway Lease $40,040 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,554,347 $16,995 $5,471 $1,750 $89,000 *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures such as region, law enforcement, real estate, etc., staff assistance. AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The rangers are put into three sections, Land, River and Off Road Vehicle. This year the AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget allowed for eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers for the 2017 summer season. In addition, in 2017 funding from the Youth Internship Program (YIP) grants allowed one additional summer temporary ranger position to be filled. Distribution of these temporary ranger positions were as follows: The river section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had five, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. In addition to these nine TWP or YIP funded rangers there were two TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The CPW/AHRA OHV Rangers worked with two OHV Rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by a similar grant. The 5 temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff members are the primary personnel our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Night shifts occurred on Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings and were staffed by one temporary ranger and one full-time ranger. Four of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas River otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river 7 �flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. The 2017 boating season saw excellent river flows. With average to slightly above average flows, the dedication and cooperation of commercial outfitters and private boaters helped the number of serious accidents stay below average for the conditions. Since the Arkansas River is one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. Removing tree hazards from the river when a public safety concern is present, also occupied a significant amount of river ranger time. River rangers also make many private boater contacts informing boating visitors of current conditions and ensuring they understand the challenges of the section of river they are attempting to boat. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as monitoring of river camp and picnic sites and the monitoring of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the San Isabel National Forest as well as at the Big Bend OHV Track. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the operations manager are all certified Level I Colorado Peace Officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These Title 33 officers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct 8 �snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 91 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 9 River Assists 256 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 5 River Hazard Removal Operations - River 10 Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Hydraulic 2017 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 1 Capsized 10 Falls In Boat 7 Falls Overboard 11 Other 1 4 Hydraulic TOTAL ACCIDENTS 34 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” and “Hydraulic” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 9 �2017 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat 24 Accidents Private Boat Accidents 4 Non-Boating Commercial 4 Accidents Private Non-Boating Accidents 0 Medical Assists 3 Interagency Assists / SAR 7 Vandalism / Theft 5 Law Enforcement 5 Other Incidents 4 Totals 56 Above incidents include 2 fatalities investigated 2017 Citations Issued 2017 Year Pass/Permit Violations 352 Resource Protection 9 Violations Public Safety Violations 7 Records/Reporting 0 Violations *Total 368 *Above total includes 2 citations to commercial outfitters AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 58 commercial contractors in 2017. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking, food vendor and photo/video imaging to over 226,223 paying clients in 2017. In 2017, overall commercial use at AHRA DECREASED by 0.17% as compared to 2016. Gross revenue received from all commercial operations within the AHRA in 2017 was 2.80% ABOVE revenue received in 2016. This total includes revenue from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river sections. In 2017, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a two person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has one temporary Rationing Program Assistant, Jennifer Crawford, which is employed during a nine month time frame to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. 10 �AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements by Type 2017 2016 Boating ............................................................................... 48 ................. 47 Imaging ............................................................................... 28 ................. 27 Walk and Wade Fishing ................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services ................................................................. 7 .................... 7 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking………………………………4 …………….…… 3 Food Vendor…………………………………………………………………… 0 ……….………… 1 Total ............................................................................. 102 ................ 100 Rationed Days By Section 2017 2016 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 3 ................... 4 Section 2b – Browns Canyon ............................................... 5 ................... 4 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida............................................ 9 .................... 8 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ..................................... 27 ................. 38 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek ………………………….17..……………… 17 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale .................................. 0 .................... 1 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................. 10 .................. 12 Total................................................................................ 71 ............... 84 AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see changes over what was reported in the 2016 report. The BLM recreation staff members in 2017 were the River Manager and a seasonal (6 months) administrative position that is responsible for the operation of the front desk of the AHRA Visitor Center. The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk), who retired in mid 2017, worked side by side with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He was also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager and Tom Heinlein was the District Manager who oversaw the Royal Gorge, Gunnison and San Luis Valley Field offices in 2017. 11 �Jamie Tackel was our Administrative Assistant in 2017. Jamie was funded six months through the BLM and six months through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. Jamie is the first line of contact for visitors in need of information whether in person or on the phone. She also sells Colorado off highway vehicles, boats and snowmobile registrations. Hunting and fishing licenses are also available at the AHRA Visitor Center. Jamie also issues permits for firewood gathering, Christmas trees and recreational mining. The Royal Gorge Field Office continued to prepare the Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan (RMP) in 2017. The RMP is the overriding document that will guide the management of BLM lands for the next 20 years. The ARRMP river plan will be adopted into the RMP. Revisions of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan started in late 2015 and continued through 2017. These updates will focus on issues that were not addressed during the first revision that was approved in January 2001. Browns Canyon National Monument continues to see an increase in visitation and interest. The national monument will have its own management plan prepared and is in the beginning stages of this preparation. The monument will be managed by BLM and the USFS in partnership with CPW. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Pink House Recreation Site in Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. To assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2017 the maintenance section utilized the Department of Corrections and CDOT’s sign shops. During 2017 the maintenance department accomplished the following:        Recreation Area and Visitor Center Maintenance. Began installation of newly designed pay stations. First proto type of all metal three panel sign frames installed at Ruby Mt. Worked with CDOT on highway signage for AHRA. Sign designing with DOC Sign Shop on signage for AHRA. Re-designing park pass metal boxes with DOC metal shop. Developed a solar system for illuminating the new metal three panel sign frames for campground sites. 12 �     Installation of amber LED lights at campground vault toilets. Providing maintenance for the Brown Canyon National Monument CXT. Inputting data for the M5 Maintenance Directive. Organize annual fire extinguisher testing and inspection. Assisted with annual Green Up Clean Up. AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Operations Manager, Tom Waters oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA rangers, count crew and administrative staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. During 2017 the AHRA ranger, count crew and administrative staff accomplished the following: (In addition to their regular day to day responsibilities)             Contacted presenters for the Gathering of the Guides. Measured Ruby Mountain for campground site attributes. Attended RMS River Ranger Rendezvous. Responded to several campsite disputes. Continued with researching new fee collection bag. Worked with a Restorative Justice Work Crew at Stone Bridge. Estimated the percent of river shoreline that is accessible to the public. Prepared nominations for CPW Partnership Awards. Hosted SE Region snowmobile riding clinic. Inspected the Big Bend OHV Track. Provided River Rangers support for the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. Provided River and Land Ranger support for FIBArk. 13 �This concludes the 2017 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/ArkansasHeadwatersRecreationArea. 14 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/5ecea71e39eeb061c4b30d61d0974c04.pdf 97cc1c25c8180ee3fafb98aa1640a967 PDF Text Text 2016 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Ruby Mountain Campground Improvements Site #19 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 01/31/2017 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s (AHRA) Annual Report for 2016. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. An above average snowpack and the resulting run-off (almost too much), an improved economy and stable fuel prices helped increase summer vacation travel in 2016, which resulted in commercial boat number increase of 11.6% and private boat numbers increases of 8.7% in 2016 as compared to 2015. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with the AHRA management plan revision process continuing in 2016, the CTF will continue to play an important role for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2016, AHRA employed 25 temporary staff members. The following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (CPW) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone and Andrew Maddox (CPW) Administration: Rose Bayless (CPW) Commercial Agreements: John Kreski (CPW) Management: Rob White, Tom Waters (CPW) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2016 there were no Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) full-time staff changes. 1 �2016 Special Activities Applicant Group Name Timberline Events Colorado Whitewater Association Journey Racing Down River Equipment Paddle Fest TransRockies Run 2016 Phillips Reception DeMoss/Francis Wedding FIBArk Boat Races Inc. Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Ride the Rockies Colorado Standard Clear Creek Rafting Prospect Arts and Colorado Arial Filmworks TK Digital / Echo Canyon Rafting Central Colorado Bike Trials Event Type Relay Race Kayak Instruction Adventure Race Raft Demos Raft and Kayak Events Race Reception Wedding Boating Competitions Boating Competitions Bicycle Tour Filming Location Railroad Bridge Various River Sections Cotopaxi to Cañon Browns Canyon BV WW Park & Numbers Railroad Bridge Collegiate Peaks Overlook Jump Rock/ Hecla Salida Whitewater Park etc. Canon WW Park & Royal Gorge Haydan Meadows Browns Canyon Filming Big Horn Sheep Canyon & Gorge Filming Filming Japanese TV show Trials Comp Royal Gorge Big Horn Half Day Granite Mountain 2 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2016 PEOPLE 303,151 2015 PEOPLE 297,207 ‘15 TO '16 % CHANGE +2% Shore Boat 82,518 5,477 47,532 82,720 5,337 43,949 -.25% +2.5% +8.2% Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting, Other) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL 278,798 24,849 37,727 249,621 22,867 38,715 +11.7% +8.7% -2.5% 25,837 19,483 59,944 876,544 24,336 16,524 49,766 814,577 +6.2% +17.9% +20.5% +7.6% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING ** *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual number, includes guides, trainees and clients AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2016 was staffed by one full-time CPW Program Assistant, Rose Bayless; two temporary Customer Service Representatives, Mari Griffin and Jamie Tackel; and one temporary summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Katie Lotzgesell. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on the Upper Arkansas River Valley and recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from Commercial Special Use Agreements, notices of violation, special activity/event agreements, park passes, camping permits, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). AHRA administrative staff also sells BLM fuel wood permits, Christmas tree cutting permits, and placer area notifications. Program Assistant Rose Bayless also records meeting minutes for the AHRA Citizen Task Force (CTF) and manages communications with the CTF concerning meetings, speakers, reports and other relative information. 3 �The Administrative Section is responsible for reporting and reconciling all revenues received by AHRA from many different sources, as well as maintaining records and reports for budgets and expenditures from a number of funds, including grants. Administrative personnel function as the AHRA base radio dispatchers to field staff, provide administrative support to AHRA and BLM employees, and maintain current CPW website information for AHRA. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers”, “TOT’s on Tuesdays” and other youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings and events throughout the year. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics 2016 $28,618 $10,550 $125,134 $138,011 $44,671 $14,937 $900,054 (January through December 2016) Compared to 2015 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold -1.6% Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold* +1.8% Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes +9.25% Revenue from Camp Permits and Reservations +7.5% Revenue from Registration Sales -7% Misc. Revenues (Citations, Special Activities, Wildlife Licenses) +1% Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** +14.4% Activity *** Total includes administrative fees not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary # Of People 34,030 1,860 15,000 2,800 Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2016 Type of Activity Compared to 2015 Visitor Center -3.35% Personal Interpretation/Events +12.6% Non-Personal Interpretation/Media/Events +7.8% Environmental Education -4.4% Volunteer Hours for 2016 # of Hours Type of Activity 4093 hrs All Volunteers (groups or individuals) 944 hrs AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Compared to 2016 -15% +24% AHRA’s Volunteer Program hours were down overall, but the Citizen Task Force (CTF) and Rationing and Agreement Advisory Committee (RAAC) contributed more hours than in 2015 as AHRA continued to work on revisions to the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan. Volunteers at the annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup events contributed over 1,000 hours; campground hosts contributed 600 hours; and Court Ordered volunteers contributed 430 hours. 4 �A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs, hikes and events were presented to the public throughout 2016. GOCO Naturalist Katie Lotzgesell captivated Junior Rangers ages 5-10 in Salida, Buena Vista and Leadville with programs and activities such as “Eye See You”, “Camouflage Craze” and “Survivor Showdown”. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 10, with 32 participants. It was the first time on the river for many of the children, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives! Little children ages 2-4 were captivated each week in Salida with “TOTS on Tuesday”. Their rapt attention was matched with that of their accompanying parents, as Katie revealed nature’s secrets with crafts and nature walks. AHRA continued to be very active in 2016 with area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA participated in GOCO-sponsored environmental education initiatives SOLE (Schools and Outdoor Learning Environment) for 4 th graders in Salida; and INSPIRE youth/community programs in Lake (GOL! – GO Leadville!) and Chaffee (ICC – Inspire Chaffee County) counties. The objective of INSPIRE is to connect youth and their families with the outdoors to learn and have fun. AHRA teamed up with Trout Unlimited for “Fourth Friday Fishing” to teach youth how to fish. AHRA and CPW staff, as well as GARNA, recruited volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some faithful volunteers who continue to staff the Poncha Springs’ Crossroads of the Rockies Visitor Center, assist with our 25 th anniversary Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup on May 21st, and help out with a variety of special projects, events and programs. Volunteer Naturalist, Bob Hickey, continues to be instrumental in leading many hikes and an auto tours of the AHRA, as well as assisting with the “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and other programs. Bob’s love and knowledge of local geology has built up a region-wide following who participate in his talks and hikes year-round. 5 �2016 Community Events Event Earth Day Cleanup/Greenup Paddlefest Gathering of the Guides FIBArk Canon City Whitewater Festival Gold Rush Days National Public Lands Day Event Type Multiple Vendors AHRA Beautification Project Boating Competitions/Multiple Vendors Workshop Boating Competitions/Multiple Vendors Boating Competitions/Multiple Vendors Multiple Vendors Volunteer Trail Building Location Riverside Park, Salida Multiple Locations Buena Vista Whitewater Park Salida Steamplant Riverside Park, Salida Centennial Park, Canon City Buena Vista Multiple Locations AHRA CALENDAR YEAR 2016 REVENUES Year 2016 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Special Use Agreements Penalties, License Sales, Special Activities, COSAR, etc. TOTALS January $1,323.00 $88.00 $1,700.00 $650.00 $42.40 $3,803.40 February $2,629.00 $442.00 $1,185.00 $5,621.98 $510.25 $10,388.23 March $5,406.00 $1,126.00 $4,950.00 $29,832.67 $395.15 $41,709.82 April $11,236.00 $4,798.00 $5,665.00 $17,471.28 $1,521.25 $40,691.53 May $22,628.00 $14,766.55 $5,735.00 $115,090.11 $1,747.75 $159,967.41 June $31,414.00 $27,778.15 $6,790.00 $194,063.66 $2,871.75 $262,917.56 July $33,352.00 $31,333.41 $6,120.00 $2,100.00 $2,657.50 $75,562.91 August $25,053.00 $28,313.42 $4,135.00 $2,020.70 $3,055.30 $62,577.42 September $12,898.00 $17,641.79 $2,625.00 $42,217.04 $1037.00 $76,418.83 October $8,042.00 $9,736.00 $1,180.00 $275,328.80 $1,122.75 $295,409.55 November $2,772.00 $1,673.00 $1,550.00 $188,141.29 $274.62 $194,410.91 December $591.00 $144.00 $2,630.00 $27,516.21 $212.00 $31,093.21 **Contra Adjustment $6,953.49 2016 TOTALS $157,344.00 +6,953.49 $137,840.32 $44,265.00 $900,053.74 $15,447.72 $1,261,904.27 2015 TOTALS $145,680.06 $115,228.80 $47,430.25 $770,458.28 $15,725.98 $1,101,724.96 *AHRA revenues saw an overall 14.5% increase in 2016 as compared to 2015 6 �**AHRA self-serve field revenue difference between actual park pass/camp permit cost and amount received AHRA FISCAL YEAR 2016 EXPENDITURES – CPW ONLY Year Totals Temporary Personnel Operating Utilities 2016 TOTALS $264,905 $158,034 $32,303 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2016 Capital Projects/ Equipment Controlled Maintenance TOTALS $831,000 $114,849 $1,401,091 BOR Storage USGS Gage Maintenance PBWW – West Pueblo Ditch SECWD Maintnenance $40,040 $16,680 $5,471 Ordway Lease $1,750 $89,000 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,554,032 *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The rangers are put into three sections, Land, River and Off Road Vehicle. This year the AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget allowed for eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers for the 2016 summer season. In addition, in 2016 funding from the Youth Internship Program (YIP) grants allowed one additional summer temporary ranger position to be filled. Distribution of these temporary ranger positions were as follows: The river section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had five, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. In addition to these nine TWP or YIP funded rangers there were two TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The CPW/AHRA OHV Rangers worked with two OHV Rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by a similar grant. YIP funding also allowed AHRA to hire a winter temporary ranger in the later part of 2016 and continuing into 2017. Because YIP funding was reduced in the F/Y 16/17 funding cycle two less River Rangers were staffed than in the F/Y 15/16 funding cycle. The 5 temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff members are the primary personnel our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Night shifts occurred on Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings and were staffed by one temporary ranger and one full-time ranger. 7 �Four of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas River otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. The 2016 boating season saw excellent river flows. With average to slightly above average flows, the dedication and cooperation of commercial outfitters and private boaters helped the number of serious accidents stay below average for the conditions. Since the Arkansas River is one of, if not the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. Removing tree hazards from the river when a public safety concern is present, also occupied a significant amount of river ranger time. River rangers also make many private boater contacts informing boating visitors of current conditions and ensuring they understand the challenges of the section of river they are attempting to boat. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as monitoring of river camp and picnic sites and the monitoring of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements in the San Isabel National Forest as well as the Big Bend OHV Tracks. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the operations manager are all certified Level I Colorado Peace Officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers have limited commissions. These Title 33 officers only enforce Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. 8 �In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, AHRA rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 94 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 10 River Assists 253 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 2 River Hazard Removal Operations - River 12 Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Hydraulic 2016 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 9 Capsized 0 Falls In Boat 0 Falls Overboard 0 Other 1 9 Hydraulic TOTAL ACCIDENTS 19 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” and “Hydraulic” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 9 �2016 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat 19 Accidents Private Boat Accidents 0 Other Commercial Accidents 8 Other Non-Commercial Accidents 0 OHV Accidents 1 Interagency Assists / SAR 7 Vandalism / Theft 14 Law Enforcement 4 Other 7 Totals 60 Above incidents include 2 fatalities investigated 2016 Citations Issued 2016 Year Pass/Permit Violations 522 Resource Protection 5 Violations Public Safety Violations 19 Records/Reporting 33 Violations *Total 579 *Above total includes 54 citations to commercial outfitters AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 57 commercial contractors in 2016. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking, food vendor and photo/video imaging to over 226,615 paying clients in 2016. In 2016, commercial use at AHRA INCREASED by 13.52% as compared to 2015. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2016 was 18.42% ABOVE revenue received in 2015. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains one of, if not the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river sections. In 2016, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a two person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has one temporary Rationing Program Assistant, which is employed during a nine month time frame to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. 10 �AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements by Type 2016 2015 Boating ............................................................................... 47 ................. 49 Imaging............................................................................... 27 ................. 26 Walk and Wade Fishing ................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services ................................................................. 7 .................... 6 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking………………………………3 …………….…… 4 Food Vendor…………………………………………………………………… 1 ……….………… 1 Total ............................................................................ 100 ............... 101 Rationed Days By Section 2016 2015 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 3 ................... 4 Section 2b – Browns Canyon ............................................... 5 ................... 4 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida............................................ 9 .................... 8 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ..................................... 27 ................. 38 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek ………………………….17..………………. 17 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale .................................. 0 .................... 1 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................. 10 .................. 12 Total ............................................................................. 71 ............... 84 AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see changes over what was reported in the 2015 report. The BLM recreation staff members in 2016 were the River Manager and a seasonal (6 months) administrative position that is responsible for the operation of the front desk of the AHRA Visitor Center. The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multiagency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager and Tom Heinlein is the District Manager who oversees the Royal Gorge, Gunnison and San Luis Valley Field offices. 11 �Jamie Tackel was our Administrative Assistant in 2016. Jamie was funded six months through the BLM and six months through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. Jamie is the first line of contact for visitors in need of information whether in person or on the phone. She also sells Colorado off highway vehicles, boats and snowmobile registrations. Hunting and fishing licenses are also available at the AHRA Visitor Center. Jamie also issues permits for firewood gathering, Christmas trees and recreational mining. The Royal Gorge Field Office continued to prepare the Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan (RMP) in 2016. The RMP is the overriding document that will guide the management of BLM lands for the next 20 years. The ARRMP river plan will be adopted into the RMP. Revisions of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan started in late 2015 and continued through 2016. These updates will focus on issues that were not addressed during the first revision that was approved in January 2001. Browns Canyon National Monument continues to see an increase in visitation and interest. The national monument will have its own management plan prepared and is in the beginning stages of this preparation. The monument will be managed by BLM and the USFS in partnership with CPW. The “Over the River” project has been cancelled by artist, Christo as he will no longer pursue this project. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Pink House Recreation Site in Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. To assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2016 the maintenance section extensively utilized Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews. The Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed 970 hours towards grounds maintenance of land under AHRA jurisdiction. During 2016 the maintenance department accomplished the following:      Recreation Area and Visitor Center Maintenance. Coordinated DOC Labor Crew spring and fall clean up. Worked with CDOT on highway signage for AHRA. Sign designing with DOC Sign Shop on signage for AHRA. Re-designing park pass metal boxes with DOC metal shop. 12 �          Installed traffic counters at Pink House, Salida East, and Ruby Mt. Recreation Sites. Replaced old cedar sign posts with channel iron at re-built Ruby Mt. Recreation Site. Contracted Complete Door Systems to replace obsolete overhead door closers. Replaced fluorescent lamps with LED lamps at all of the AHRA campground solar systems. Worked with Bradley Metals Co. Inc. on automated gate for the Pink House Recreation Site. Assisted with annual Green Up Clean Up. Worked with The Central Colorado Conservancy (CCC) and The Salida Mountain Trail on a Ecological Restoration Project (STERP) on the wetland area at our Visitor Center. Installed refrigerated drink fountain with bottle filling feature. Assisted BLM with boarding up condemned Texas Creek house. Installed road closure, advisory, and warning signs at the Point Barr Recreation Site. Project Maintenance                    Managed the Ruby Mountain Campground Project. Worked with Shaun Gordon on the replacement of foot bridges at Hayden Meadows. Worked on the plan and design for improvements at the Arkansas River Placer Property. Designed, fabricated and installed the Salida Boat Chute Sign. Managed the Rincon Shade Shelter Project. Managed the Bald Mountain Gulch Project. Planned and worked with engineers for improvements on the Point Barr Road. Managed the Ruby Mountain Boat Ramp Project. Re-Certified for Swift Water Rescue. Managed the Hayden Meadows Handicapped Fishing Project. Planned and Designed new Picnic Area for Pinnacle Rock. Constructed new section and overhauled the existing track on the Little Big Bend Track. Worked on Big Bend Track. Worked with CYCA on projects at Big Bend, Collegiate Peaks and the Hayden Meadows Recreation Sites. Planned and prepared for the Boat Ramp construction project at the Rincon Recreation Site. Worked on plans for the Stone Bridge Shade Shelter Worked on plans for new Pay Tubes and Three Panel Signs Maintained Roads and Parking Areas Assisted with hazard trees 13 �AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Operations Manager, Tom Waters oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA rangers, count crew and administrative staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. During 2016 the AHRA ranger, count crew and administrative staff accomplished the following: (In addition to their regular day to day responsibilities)             Contacted presenters for the Gathering of the Guides. Measured Ruby Mountain for campground site attributes. Attended RMS River Ranger Rendezvous. Responded to several campsite disputes. Continued with researching new fee collection bag. Worked with a Restorative Justice Work Crew at Stone Bridge. Estimated the percent of river shoreline that is accessible to the public. Prepared nominations for CPW Partnership Awards. Hosted SE Region snowmobile riding clinic. Inspect Big Bend OHV Track. Provided River Rangers support for the Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. Provided River and Land Ranger support for FIBArk. 14 �This concludes the 2016 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA BLM River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/ArkansasHeadwatersRecreationArea. 15 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/eccd3f94dafdfe017d042fe6cc452c10.pdf 5c8b7efb9d573449dc26e513f956fe4a PDF Text Text 2015 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Hecla Junction Campground Improvements Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 03/04/2016 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s (AHRA) Annual Report for 2015. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. With an above average snowpack and the resulting run-off, an improved economy and stable fuel prices helped increase summer vacation travel in 2015, which resulted in commercial boat number increase of 4.1% and private boat numbers increases of 2.6% in 2015 as compared to 2014. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with the AHRA management plan revision process starting in 2015, the CTF will continue to play an important role for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2015, AHRA employed 26 temporary staff member and the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: Administration: Commercial Agreements: Management: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (CPW) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone, Andrew Maddox (CPW) Rose Bayless (CPW) John Kreski (CPW) Rob White, Tom Waters (CPW) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2015 there were no Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) full-time staff changes. 1 �2015 Special Activities Applicant Group Name Timberline Events LLC Colorado Whitewater Association Event Type Race Location Railroad Bridge Kayak Instruction Various River Sections Yabe-Hansen Wedding Wedding Down River Rendezvous Adventure Xstream Race Boy Scout Troop 67 BV, CO Chaffee SAR South Raft Demos Adventure Race Scout Camping Motorized Training Paddlefest Boating Competitions Fly Fishing 101 FIBArk CPW Fly Fishing Class Boating competitions TransRockies Run Trail Running Race Denver Post Ride the Rockies Celebration of Life Colorado Springs Fire Beyond Productions Sharp Entertainment Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Pinnacle Rock to Parkdale Parkdale and Royal Gorge Fisherman’s Bridge Ruby Mountain Big Bend Track Buena Vista Whitewater Park Parkdale Salida Whitewater Park Railroad Bridge Campground Bike Tour 5 Points Memorial Gathering SAR Training Filming Filming Parkdale Browns Canyon South Main - BV Salida Whitewater Park Royal Gorge and Cañon City Ruby Mountain Amphitheater Ruby Mountain CPO Parkdale Bridge and RGR Beach Spikebuck Big Bend Track Boating Competitions Csdizmadi-Lords wedding Wedding The Sierra Club Obernyer Wedding BCNM Celebration Wedding Beyond Productions Filming Colorado Springs Fire U.S. Forest Service SAR Training UTV Training 2 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2015 PEOPLE 297,207 2014 PEOPLE 289,958 ‘14 TO '15 % CHANGE +2.5% Shore Boat 82,720 5,337 43,949 75,157 5,189 42,877 +10% +2.9% +2.5% Commercial Private Visitor Center, 249,621 22,867 39,683 239,794 22,280 38,715 +4.1% +2.6% +2.5% 24,336 16,524 41,898 814,577 23,743 16,121 40,876 794,710 +2.5% +2.5% +2.5% +2.5% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING ** OTHER (Minerals, Hunting, Other) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual number, includes guides, trainees and clients AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2015 was staffed by one full-time Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Assistant I, Rose Bayless; two temporary Customer Service Representatives, Mari Griffin and Jamie Tackel; and temporary summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Kate Spinelli. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on the upper Arkansas River valley and recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial Special Use Agreements, notices of violation, special activity/event agreements, Park passes, camping permits, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). AHRA administrative staff also sells BLM fuel wood permits, Christmas tree cutting permits, and placer area notifications. Program Assistant Rose Bayless serves as secretary for the AHRA Citizen Task Force (CTF), and manages communications with the CTF concerning meetings, speakers, reports and other relative information. The Administrative Section is responsible for reporting and reconciling all revenues received by AHRA from many different sources, as well as maintaining records and reports for budgets and expenditures from a number of funds, including grants. 3 �Administrative personnel function as the AHRA base radio dispatchers to field staff, provide administrative support to AHRA and BLM employees, and maintain current CPW website information for AHRA. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers”, “TOT’s on Tuesdays” and other youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings and events throughout the year. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics 2015 (January through December 2015) Activity Compared to 2014 489 Annual and Multiple Passes Sold $29,075 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 225 Aspen Leaf, Lifetime and Multiple Passes Sold $10,350 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold* +14% +15% $106,255.06 Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes $115,228.80 Revenue from Camp Permits and Reservations 1765 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations and Permits Sold $47,430.25 Revenue from Registration Sales $15,081.98 Misc. Revenues (Citations, Special Activities, Wildlife Licenses) $770,458.28 Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** +2% +12% -2% +21% +3% +4% -3% -.005% * Introduction of Lifetime Aspen Leaf Pass November 2010 – Issued many “Lifetime Aspen Free” in 2015 *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary # Of People 35,170 1,440 13,830 2,924 Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2015 Type of Activity Compared to 2014 Visitor Center +10.9% Personal Interpretation/Events +0% Non-Personal Interpretation/Media/Events +8% Environmental Education +10% Volunteer Hours for 2015 # of Hours Type of Activity *6709 hrs All Volunteers (groups or individuals) 596 hrs AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) *AHRA did not have any volunteer camp hosts in 2015 Compared to 2014 +6% +10.7% AHRA’s Volunteer Program hours were up 6% overall. Volunteers at the annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup events contributed ---- hours; campground hosts contributed 996 hours; and Court Ordered volunteers contributed 780 hours. 4 �A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs, hikes and events were presented to the public throughout 2015. GOCO Interpreter Kate Spinelli captivated “junior rangers” with programs and activities such as “Wilderness Survival”, “Scats and Tracks”, “Water Word Search”, and “Scavenger Hunt”. Excited kids ages 5-11 beat a path each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday morning and afternoon in Buena Vista and Leadville to join Kate as she wove her web of magic and revealed nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 8, with 25 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. Little tots ages 2-4 were captivated each Tuesday with “TOTS on Tuesday”. Their rapt attention was matched with that of their accompanying parents, who had lots of fun with crafts and nature walks. AHRA continued to be very active in 2015 with area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA teamed up with CPW staff and GARNA to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some faithful volunteers who continue to staff Poncha Springs’ “Heart of the Rockies” visitor center”, and hundreds of volunteers assisted with our 24th Annual River Cleanup on May 16th, and with a variety of special projects, events and programs. Volunteer Naturalist, Bob Hickey, was instrumental in leading many hikes and an automobile tour of AHRA, as well as assisting with the “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and other campground programs. Community events included Paddlefest and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista; Earth Day, “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and FIBArk in Salida; and the Canon City River Festival. AHRA, GARNA, and the FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” parade partnered together for the 24th Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp in May. 5 �AHRA YEAR 2015 REVENUES Year 2015 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Penalties, License Sales, Special Use Special Activities, Agreements COSAR, etc. TOTALS January $922.00 $112.00 $1,640.00 $0.00 $86.00 $2760.00 February $2,270.00 $322.00 $610.00 $3,659.25 $176.00 $7,037.25 March $6,589.06 $1,692.00 $5,065.25 $33,942.34 $971.50 $48,260.15 April $10,074.00 $4,132.80 $6,365.00 $39,911.35 $1,471.25 $61,954.40 May $18,079.00 $11,448.90 $5,470.00 $61,202.43 $1,751.25 $97,951.58 June $28,943.00 $22,565.70 $6,975.00 $212,785.87 $3,129.25 $274,398.82 July $28,309.00 $26,974.60 $5,820.00 $2,096.00 $1,996.00 $65,195.60 August $26,580.00 $24,449.60 $5,575.00 $4,287.75 $3,231.23 $64,123.58 September $14,607.00 $16,384.20 $3,395.00 $4,746.85 $1,336.25 $40,469.30 October $6,635.00 $6,557.00 $1,000.00 $221,113.42 $531.25 $235,836.67 November $1,749.00 $435.00 $3,460.00 $156,184.17 $872.00 $162,700.17 December $923.00 $155.00 $2,055.00 $30,528.85 $174.00 $33,835.85 Contra Adjustment $7,201.59 2015 TOTALS $145,680.06 +$7,201.59 $115,228.80 $47,430.25 $770,458.28 $15,725.98 $1,101,724.96 2014 TOTALS $143,599.39 $95,229.96 $45,350.00 $774,487.36 $16,127.76 $1,074,794.47 *AHRA revenues saw an overall --- 2.5% increase in 2015 as compared to 2014 AHRA CALENDAR YEAR 2015 EXPENDITURES – CPW ONLY Year Totals Temporary Personnel Operating Utilities Capital Projects/ Equipment Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS 2015 TOTALS $255,584.93 $150,147.19 $32,020.04 $446,000.00 $48,165.76 $47,981.00 $979,898.92 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2015 Southeast Colorado Water Cons. District $1,750.00 Bureau of Reclamation $53,685.00 Ordway Water Lease $89,000.00 Pueblo Board of Water Works USGS Water Gages $5,299.00 $9,758.00 $1,155,575.92 Grand Total *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. In the past, the three full-time staff members hired up to twelve temporary staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget allowed for eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers for the 2014 summer season. In 2015 the procurement of Youth Internship Program 6 �(YIP) grants allowed three additional temporary ranger positions. The river section had six, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had five, 40 hour per week temporary rangers. In addition to these eleven TWP rangers there were two TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The OHV rangers worked with two OHV rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by a similar grant. YIP funding allowed AHRA to hire a winter temporary ranger in the later part of 2015 and continuing into 2016. We are hopeful that YIP funding will continue to support staffing at these levels. Temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. This vital field staffs are the primary personnel our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. At these staffing levels the temporary staff was unable to maintain ideal coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some temporary shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Night shifts occurred on Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings and were staffed by one TWP and one full-time ranger. The shortening of TWP seasons and shifting duties to full-time staff during the shoulder seasons seems to be the preferred method of staying within the TWP budget. Six of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. The 2015 boating season saw near record high flows. Even with such high flows the number of serious accidents was reduced to less than half of the 2014 incidents. As the Arkansas River is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the State River Outfitter Licensing Program. Removing tree hazards from the river when a public safety concern is present, also occupied a significant amount of river ranger time. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. 7 �The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers who enforce only Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage three snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 111 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 15 River Assists 355 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 13 River Hazard Removal Operations - River 21 Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Hydraulic 2015 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 10 Capsized 0 Falls In Boat 0 Falls Overboard 0 Other 2 17 Hydraulic TOTAL ACCIDENTS 29 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” and “Hydraulic” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 8 �2015 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat 26 Accidents Private Boat Accidents 2 Other Commercial Accidents 2 Other Non-Commercial Accidents 0 OHV Accidents 0 Interagency Assists / SAR 8 Vandalism / Theft 10 Hazard Removal / HAZMAT - Land 1 Other 2 Totals 51 Above incidents include 2 fatalities investigated 2015 Citations Issued 2015 Year Pass/Permit Violations 306 Resource Protection 9 Violations Public Safety Violations 5 Records/Reporting 9 Violations *Total 329 *Above total includes 12 citations to commercial outfitters AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 59 commercial contractors in 2015. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking, food vendor and photo/video imaging to over 199,625 paying clients in 2015. In 2015, commercial use at AHRA INCREASED by 2.88% as compared to 2014. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2015 was 3.97% ABOVE revenue received in 2014. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river sections. In 2015, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a two person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has one temporary Rationing Program Assistant, which is employed during a nine month program through the winter months and part of the summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. 9 �AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2014 2015 Boating ............................................................................... 50 ................. 49 Imaging............................................................................... 26 ................. 26 Walk and Wade Fishing ................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services ................................................................. 5 .................... 6 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking…………………………….. 6 …………….…… 4 Food Vendor…………………………………………………………………… 0 ……….………… 1 Total ............................................................................ 102 ............... 101 Rationed Days By Section 2014 2015 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 9 ................... 7 Section 2b – Browns Canyon .............................................. 10 .................. 5 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida........................................... 10 ................... 9 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ..................................... 50 ................. 46 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek ………………………… 0 ………………. 11 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale .................................. 4 .................... 2 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................. 14 .................. 13 Total ............................................................................. 97 ............... 93 AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2014 report. The BLM recreation staff members in 2015 were the River Manager and a seasonal (6 months) administrative position that is responsible for the operation of the front desk of the AHRA Visitor Center. The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multiagency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Assistant Field Office Manager for Renewable Resources located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager and Tom Heinlein is the District Manager who oversees the Royal Gorge and San Luis Valley Field offices. Jamie Tackel was our Administrative Assistant in 2015. Jamie was funded six months through BLM and six months through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to 10 �our very busy office. Jamie is the first line of contact for visitors in need of information whether in person or on the phone. She also sells Colorado off highway vehicles, boats and snowmobile registrations. Hunting and fishing licenses are also available at the AHRA Visitor Center. Jamie also issues permits for firewood gathering, Christmas trees and recreational mining. Mari left her position at AHRA on September 30 to work in the private sector. Jamie Tackel replaced Mari and began working year round. The Royal Gorge Field Office began the preparation of the Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan (RMP) in 2015. The RMP is the overriding document that will guide the management of the BLM lands for the next 20 years. The river plan will be adopted into the RMP. The second revision of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan started in late 2015. This update will focus on issues that were not addressed during the first revision that was approved in January 2001. The Browns Canyon National Monument was created through a Presidential Proclamation on February 19, 2015. The national monument will have its own management plan prepared. The monument will be managed by BLM, USFS in partnership with CPW. The “Over the River” project continues to be on hold pending the outcome of a lawsuit. No construction will occur until the lawsuit is settled and only if the decision is in favor of the Over the River Corporation. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Pink House Recreation Site in Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. To assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2015 the maintenance section extensively utilized Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups (10 hrs.), community service workers (62 hrs.). The Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed 722 hours towards grounds maintenance of land under AHRA jurisdiction. In addition the maintenance staff provided 246 hours of weed control efforts. During 2015 the maintenance department accomplished the following:        Recreation Area and Visitor Center maintenance. Coordinated DOC labor crew spring and fall clean up. Working with CDOT on highway signage for AHRA. Sign designing with Department of Corrections Sign Shop on signage for AHRA. Continued to improve our AHRA signage throughout the park. Attended PRT training in Fresco. Interviewed applicants for temporary summer positions. 11 �                                         Reinforced fence around AHRA shop parking area. Continued research and development for a more secure pay tube system. Erected buck & rail fence above Ruby Mt. recreation site to designate the newly established Browns Canyon National Monument. Constructed a signage array designating the Browns Canyon National Monument. Replaced fluorescent lamps with LED lamps at all of the AHRA campground solar systems. Installed warning sign at the Canyon City dam indicating boat chute. Rebuilt Silver Bullet portage trail due to high water erosion. Installed bollard at Kobe road. Observed the installation of a CXT at the Arkansas River Ranch. Conducted a building site analysis with American Electric and Xcel Energy for a LED conversion of our fluorescent lights. Constructed solar LED light system for fish hatchery low head dam illuminated sign. Managed the Hecla Campground Project Organized and instructed an Avalanche Training with Chaffee County Search and Rescue Designed and planned for improvements at the Arkansas River Ranch Worked with engineers for modifications to the Silver Bullet Took an AIARES Avalanche Level 1 Course Planned for the new campground and renovation project at Ruby Mtn. Maintained and rebuilt roads and parking areas Worked on estimate and plan for decontamination of the Texas Creek house Worked with LCI to clean out of the Sediment Traps at Hecla Worked on design and concept for a ramp and parking at the new property by Texas Creek Remodeled shop areas Worked on the Salida Boat Chute Sign Project Purchased new welding equipment Repaired flood damage on the Pt. Bar Road, CPO, Parkdale, Ruby and Hecla Assisted with a recovery in Browns Canyon Maintained ramps and areas affected by high water Prepared for and constructed a Buck n Rail fence at Monument parking area Re-built the portage trail at the Silver Bullet and graded the Scarett’s driveway Assisted River crew with hazard tree removal Attended a Project Management Workshop in Denver Built a new weight rack for the plow truck Designed and built a new platform for the water truck Worked on plans and lay out for the Rincon Shade Shelter Met with Shaun Gordon for plan and design of the ramp at Rincon Worked on an estimate of repairs to the Pt. Barr road Managed and worked with the Youth Corps at Hayden Meadows Worked on the replacement bumper/winch for Andrew’s truck Started construction with ACA at Ruby Mountain Campground Attended 16 hr course for EMT Continuing Education Units Snow removal at the Visitor Center and sites 12 � Scheduled maintenance of fleet vehicles and equipment AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Assistant Park Manager, Tom Waters oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2015 Annual Report Accomplishments                     Worked on Big Bend, Fisherman’s Bridge, Stone Bridge, Salida East, Rincon, Trading Post and Collegiate Peaks Overlook parking and roads Prepared nominations for CPW Partnership Awards. Issued volunteer parks passes for Poncha Springs Visitor Center volunteers Reviewed and commented on Bighorn Sheep panel for Ruby Mt. and Monarch Kiosk Met with Engineers at the Silver Bullet for future modifications Assisted State Patrol with a car in the river near Wellsville Hosted SE Region snowmobile riding clinic Removed telephone pole from Spikebuck Completed REAP and expense sheets for CPW/BLM office share. Worked on programs and preparations for April 25 Earth Day Festival Worked on estimates and design for the Salida Boat Chute Worked on estimate and plan for decontamination of the Texas Creek house Repaired chainsaws and purchased two replacement saws Removed trees from Canyon Trading Post Submitted railroad crossing applications to Union Pacific for Kobe area crossings Inspect Big Bend OHV Track Provided feedback for park pass sales procedures Replacing solar fluorescent lamps with LED lamps at all campground sites Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival safety Maintained ramps and areas affected by high water 13 �        Worked on the Salida Boat Chute sign project Planned Browns Canyon National Monument rafting event Hosted Browns Canyon National Monument rafting trip Planned and prepared for work with the Youth Corps at Hayden Meadows Put together a cost estimate for tree removal in Cañon City Removed trees from river on Sackett, Screen Door, and Widow Maker and a rope from Pinball Mowed the trail at Hayden Meadows Assisted with install of the CXT at Hayden Meadows This concludes the 2015 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA BLM River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/ArkansasHeadwatersRecreationArea. 14 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/523ac7102ae663528b55022111047fac.pdf ce70b49987a47492d01926e6760d9653 PDF Text Text 2014 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Silver Bullet Boat Chute: May 2014 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 02/26/2015 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2014. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. A better than average snowpack and the resulting run-off, an improved economy and stable fuel prices helped increase summer vacation travel this past summer which resulted in commercial boat number increase of 6.8% and private boat numbers increases of 12.1% in 2014 as compared to 2013. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with the AHRA management plan revision process starting in 2015, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2014 AHRA employed 25 temporary staff members and a volunteer internship. For 2014, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (CPW) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone, Andrew Maddox (CPW) Administration: Rose Bayless (CPW) Commercial Agreements: John Kreski (CPW) Management: Rob White, Tom Waters (CPW) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2014 there were no Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) full-time staff changes. 1 �2014 Special Activities Applicant Group Name Event Type Location Timberline Events LLC Arkansas River Trust-Salida pole Paddle and Paddle Colorado Whitewater Assoc. Training Camp Gravity Play Sports, Adventure Xstream Race Ski, Bike & Kayak Race Railroad Bridge Kayak Instruction Paddlefest Multiple Events Gravel Bar Study Browns Trail Running Race Swiftwater Rescue Training Swiftwater Rescue Training Various River Sections W.A. Rafting to Fisherman’s Bridge Buena Vista Whitewater Park Aaron Zetler Mann TransRockies Run Fremont County SAR Fremont County SAR Adventure Race FIBArk Boat Races Inc. Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival KRDO TV & Heuberger Motors Down River Rendezvous Chaffee County Heritage Advisory Board Chaffee County SAR CCCM Projects LLC/Original Media Grit and Thistle Film Central Colorado Bike Trails Rocky Mountain Adventure Quest Whitewater Festival Camp 4 Collective Extreme Makeover Weight Loss S5 Whitewater Festival Commercial Filming Raft Demons Dedication of Historic Bridge OHV Training Big Bend to Salida Fish to Hecla Railroad Bridge Campground Centennial Park, Cañon City Centennial Park, Cañon City Ark. River Pine Creek to Cotopaxi Cañon City and Royal Gorge Fisherman’s Bridge to Hecla Jct. Buena Vista to Hecla Stone Bridge Big Bend Track Film Film Bicycle Trials Competition Various Browns Canyon Filming Filming Various Browns Canyon- Hecla Junction Filming Royal Gorge - Rafting Granite Mountain Site 2 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2014 PEOPLE 289,958 2013 PEOPLE 248,575 ‘13 TO '14 % CHANGE +16.6% Shore Boat 75,157 5,189 42,877 68,060 5,090 37,093 +10.4% +1.9% +15.6% Commercial Private Visitor Center, 239,794 22,280 38,715 224,600 19,588 38,183 +6.8% +12.1% +1.1% 23,743 16,121 40,876 20,094 15,577 36,669 +15.4% +3.5% +10.3% 786,928 717,791 +9.6% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING ** OTHER (Minerals, Hunting, Other) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual number, includes guides, trainees and clients AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2014 was staffed by one full-time Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Assistant I, Rose Bayless; two temporary Customer Service Representatives, Mari Griffin and Jamie Tackel; and temporary summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Jeff Rangitsch. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on the upper Arkansas River valley and recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial Special Use Agreements, notices of violation, special activity/event agreements, Park passes, camping permits, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). AHRA administrative staff also sells BLM fuel wood permits, Christmas tree cutting permits, and placer area notifications. Program Assistant Rose Bayless serves as secretary for the AHRA Citizen Task Force (CTF), and manages communications with the CTF concerning meetings, speakers, reports and other relative information. 3 �The Administrative Section is responsible for reporting and reconciling all revenues received by AHRA from many different sources, as well as maintaining records and reports for budgets and expenditures from a number of funds, including grants. Administrative personnel function as the AHRA base radio dispatchers to field staff, provide administrative support to AHRA and BLM employees, and maintain current CPW website information for AHRA. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers”, “TOT’s on Tuesdays” and other youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings and events throughout the year. Other duties include training seasonal employees and interns; maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information and creating related reports; and providing human resources assistance for AHRA staff. It should be noted that with the merger of Parks and Wildlife, the joint accounting system for CPW through the State was updated and went on-line in August 2014. The joint CPW web site also went on-line during 2014. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2014) 2014 Activity Compared to 2013 429 Annual parks passes sold 25,355.00 Revenure from annual passes sold 220 Aspen Leaf passes sold 9,105.00 Revenue from Aspen Leaf passes sold * 101,474.00 Field revenue from daily passes 95,293.96 Revenue from camp permits and reservations 1,705 Boat, Snowmobile, and OHV registrations & permits sold 45,970.00 Revenue from registration sales 15,940.26 Misc revenues (citations, special activities, wildlife licenses) 773,812.36 Revenue from commercial agreements 16% 22% 11% -17% 7% 7% 3% 3% 2% 9% *Issued many “Lifetime Aspen Free” in 2014 *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary # Of People 35,170 1,440 13,830 2,924 Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2014 Type of Activity Compared to 2013 Visitor Center +10.9% Personal Interpretation/Events +0% Non-Personal Interpretation/Media/Events +8% Environmental Education +10% 4 �Volunteer Hours for 2014 # of Hours Type of Activity *6709 hrs All Volunteers (groups or individuals) 596 hrs AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Compared to 2013 +6% +10.7% *AHRA did not have any volunteer camp hosts in 2014 AHRA’s Volunteer Program hours were up 6% overall but we did not have volunteer campground hosts during the summer of 2014. In 2012 (the last year we had camp hosts), campground hosts contributed 770 hours. The biggest reason AHRA has a difficult time attracting camp hosts is the absence of hook-ups (electric, water, sewer). A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs, hikes and events were presented to the public throughout 2014. GOCO Interpreter Jeff Rangitsch captivated “junior rangers” with programs and activities such as “Wilderness Survival”, “Scats and Tracks”, “Water Word Search”, and “Scavenger Hunt”. Excited kids ages 5-11 beat a path each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday morning and afternoon in Buena Vista and Leadville to join Jeff as he wove his web of magic and revealed nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 8, with 25 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA continued to be very active in 2014 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA teamed up with CPW staff and GARNA to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some valuable and faithful volunteers to assist with staffing the Poncha Springs “Heart of the Rockies” visitor center”, and many volunteers assisted with our 23rd Annual River Cleanup in May, and with special projects, events and programs. Volunteer Naturalist, Bob Hickey, was instrumental in many hikes and an automobile tour of AHRA, as well as assisting with the “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and other campground programs. AHRA also participated in many community events including Paddlefest and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista; Earth Day, the River Guide “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and FIBArk held in Salida; and the Canon City River Festival. AHRA, GARNA, and the FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” parade partnered together for the 23rd Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp on May 17th. 5 �AHRA YEAR 2014 REVENUES Year 2014 by Month Penalties, License Sales, Camping Special Permits/ Special Use Activities, Park Passes Reservations Registrations Agreements COSAR, etc. Totals January February March April May June July August September October November December 1,359.06 833.76 3,583.28 9,808.26 20,933.85 34,472.64 29,570.78 20,662.36 13,370.40 5,632.54 2,384.73 934.00 128.00 173.00 323.00 3,330.40 12,271.25 21,743.84 24,537.00 20,629.55 8,810.92 2,360.00 875.00 112.00 810.00 830.00 5,895.00 5,115.00 6,000.00 7,130.00 7,395.00 4,270.00 3,640.00 1,735.00 1,510.00 1,640.00 2,000.00 8,442.50 23,225.53 11,146.95 98,682.20 207,673.63 1,200.00 2,250.00 2,371.99 210,209.68 174,294.00 32,315.88 889.75 46.50 1,014.02 1,657.25 2,003.25 2,042.50 2,983.94 2,672.75 1,484.50 860.05 200.25 85.50 5,186.81 10,325.76 34,040.83 31,057.86 139,890.55 273,062.61 65,686.72 50,484.66 29,677.81 220,797.27 179,263.98 35,087.38 2014 Totals 143,545.66 95,293.96 45,970.00 773,812.36 15,940.26 1,074,562.24 2013 Totals 120,393.26 88,807.06 44,756.50 708,151.24 15,570.11 974,579.77 *AHRA revenues saw an overall --- 10.3% increase in 2014 as compared to 2013 AHRA CALENDAR YEAR 2014 EXPENDITURES – CPW ONLY Year Totals *Temporary Personnel All Sources Operating Capital Projects/ Equipment Utilities Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS 2014 TOTALS $303,321.56 $174,263.22 $29,409.70 N/A $82,636.08 $30,825.00 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2014 Southeast Colorado Water Cons. District Bureau of Reclamation Ordway Water Lease Pueblo Board of Water Works USGS Water Gages $620,455.56 $ 1,000.00 $33,790.00 $12,375.00 $ 5,330.00 $16,100.00 **Grand Total $689,050.56 *Does not include Full-Time Personnel **Does not include pro-rated system-wide Division expenditures 6 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. In the past, the three full-time staff members hired up to twelve temporary staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget allowed for eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers at the start of the 2014 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers. In addition to these eight TWP rangers there were two TWP OffHighway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The OHV rangers worked with two OHV rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by the same grant. Youth Internship Program (YIP) grant money funded one of the four Land Ranger temporary positions starting July 1st. YIP funding allowed AHRA to hire a winter temporary ranger in the later part of 2014 and continuing into 1015. In the 2015 summer season the YIP grants will fund two River Ranger Interns and Land Ranger Intern that will be in addition to the four temporary rangers in each section. Temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. This vital field staffs are the primary personnel our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of TWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the temporary staff was unable to maintain ideal coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some temporary shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Night shifts occurred on Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings and were staffed by one TWP and one full-time ranger. The shortening of TWP seasons and shifting duties to full-time staff during the shoulder seasons seems to be the preferred method of staying within the TWP budget. Four of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. The 2014 boating season saw a record number of serious accidents creating significant additional workload and stress to the temporary and full time ranger staff. As the Arkansas River is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV 7 �routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers who enforce only Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 90 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 13 River Assists 292 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 21 River Hazard Removal Operations - River 17 2014 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other CAUSE TOTAL 7 Collision w/ Fixed Object 13 Capsized 1 Falls In Boat 6 Falls Overboard 2 Other 0 Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL ACCIDENTS 29 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 8 �2014 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 19 Private Boat Accidents 8 Other Commercial Accidents 10 Other Non-Commercial Accidents 0 OHV Accidents 1 Interagency Assists / SAR 10 Vandalism / Theft 1 Hazard Removal / HAZMAT - Land 0 Other 7 Totals 56 Above incidents include 9 fatalities investigated 2014 Citations Issued Pass/Permit Violations 295 Resource Protection Violations 6 Public Safety Violations 11 Records/Reporting Violations 14 *Total 326 *Above total includes 18 citations to commercial outfitters 9 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 59 commercial contractors in 2014. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking and photo/video imaging to over 194,032 paying clients in 2014. In 2014, commercial use at AHRA INCREASED by 6.33% as compared to 2013. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2014 was 9.12% ABOVE revenue received in 2013. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river Sections. In 2014, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing Section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a two person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has two temporary Rationing Program Assistants, one of which is employed during the winter months, and one of which is employed during the summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements - By Type 2013 2014 Boating ..................................................... 53 ........... 50 Imaging ..................................................... 25 ........... 26 Walk and Wade Fishing .................................. 15 ........... 15 Shuttle Services ............................................ 3 ............. 5 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking…………………………… 7 ………….…… 6 Total ....................................................... 103 ...........102 Rationed Days - By Section 2013 2014 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................ 9 ............ 9 Section 2b – Browns Canyon .............................. 9 ........... 10 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................... 9 ............ 10 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge .................... 47 ........... 50 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale................... 4 ............. 4 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ........................... 14 ........... 14 Total ........................................................ 92 .......... 97 10 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2013 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2014 were the River Manager, a seasonal park ranger whose focus was on wilderness characteristic inventory, and a seasonal administrative position. The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multiagency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Assistant Field Office Manager for Renewable Resources (Melissa Garcia) located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager and Tom Heinlein is the District Manager who oversees the Royal Gorge and San Luis Valley Field offices. Janine Snyder (seasonal Park Ranger) was our main public contact representative in 2014 and spends a great deal of her time patrolling the uplands and making contacts with the recreating public. She is also responsible for maintaining trails and facilities. Janine’s main project last year focused on conducting the Wilderness Characteristic Inventory for the Royal Gorge Field Office. This inventory looked at BLM lands that were Roadless and were greater than 5,000 acres in size. These lands also need to have outstanding opportunities for solitude, outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined types of recreation and feature naturalness, with any work by humans being substantially unnoticeable. Janine receives assistance from the recreation staff out of Canon City. Janine left the seasonal BLM on October 30, 2014 and took a permanent position with the US Forest Service in Fairplay, Co. Mari Griffin was our Administrative Assistant. Mari was funded six months through BLM and six months through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. Mari is the first line of contact for visitors in need of information or to register Off Highway Vehicles and boats. Mari also issues permits for firewood gathering, Christmas trees and recreational mining. Mari left her position at AHRA on September 30 to work in the private sector. Jamie Tackel replaced Mari and began working year round funded by BLM and CPW. The Over the River project continues to be on hold pending the outcome of various lawsuits. No construction will occur until these lawsuits are settled and only if the decision is in favor of the Over the River Corporation. 11 �AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Pink House Recreation Site in Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. To assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2014 the maintenance section extensively utilized Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups, community service workers. The Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed 850 hours towards grounds maintenance of land under AHRA jurisdiction. In addition the maintenance staff provided 760 hours of weed control efforts. During 2014 the maintenance department accomplished the following:                          Recreation Area and Visitor Center maintenance. Coordinated DOC labor crew spring and fall clean up. Working with CDOT on highway signage for AHRA. Sign designing with Department of Corrections Sign Shop on signage for AHRA. Attended PRT training in Pueblo. Contracted Custom Weed Control (CTS) for bare ground herbicide application on roads and parking lots. Contractor replaced deteriorating turbines and risers on older brick vault toilets. Interviewed applicants for temporary summer positions. Installed CPW logos on park signage. Installed webcam on Salida Steam Plant overlooking Arkansas River Whitewater Park. Installed bird proof screens on CXT vents. Set up for Stone Bridge historical designation ceremony. Fence repairs around AHRA visitor center perimeter. Continued research and development for a more secure pay tube system. Installed signage for the newly developed Pink House Recreation Site. Expanded our use of Southland Organics “OP-Port” vault toilet odor control product to include all of our sites. Continued to improve our AHRA signage throughout the park. Research and development for fish hatchery low head dam illuminated signage. Worked with Engineers and ACA on the Helena Project Met with Engineers, Fisheries Biologist to assess the function of the Helena Improvements Tested the Helena Improvements with an Oar Boat Worked closely with Engineer (Eric Stenke) on plans and design for Hecla CG Oversaw operations and construction of Hecla renovation Worked on plans and design for the Arkansas River Placer Property Worked with ACA on the Flood Damage Contract at Pink House, Parkdale, Pinnacle, Trading Post and Hecla 12 �                     Worked on Big Bend track and parking Maintained all roads and parking areas Built Three Panel and Welcome signs Attended Advanced WSTA at Steamboat Lake Attended Annual PRT Training in Pueblo Refreshed skills in the Swift Water Rescue Course Worked with CYCA at Arkansas River Ranch and Big Bend Worked with the OHV Crew at Texas Creek, Triad Ridge and Ute Trail Assisted with the removal of multiple hazard trees in the river Built new Overflow Parking at Railroad Bridge Worked on flood damage from heavy rains at Ruby, Hecla, Stone Bridge, Salida East and Rincon Installed the bollards at Hayden Meadows and Arkansas River Ranch and scarified reclamation area Assisted Rangers with the removal of back boards in Browns Canyon Attended 13th Annual Colorado Snow and Avalanche Workshop Attended Outdoor Emergency Care Refresher for EMT Continuing Education Unit’s Attended IMBA Trail Building Workshop Attended Stage Coach Trail Public Meeting in BV Trained with WSTA Instructors on Snowmobile Riding and Instructing Techniques Planned and helped instruct the Avalanche Course Assisted Chaffee County Search and Rescue with stranded snowmobilers Repaired the Visitor Center Fence AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Assistant Park Manager, Tom Waters, oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 13 �2014 Annual Report Accomplishments                               Worked on SUA Red Line version including “non-owned” auto insurance requirements and low water exception Prepared 2014 invoices Published use reports on Boating, Walk/Wade, Private boating and Float Fishing Completed AIARE Instructor Course Instructed at AWSTA-Steamboat Lake State Park Assisted Chaffee South S&R with training Worked on the Helena Project with ACA making daily visits Started Flood Damage work downstream with ACA Worked on Big Bend track and parking Attended Colorado River Outfitters Association February 4th thru 6th Work on the new deployment of AHRA Waterflow website Met with the New CPW Director at the SE Region office Reworked the Count Crew temp budget Instructed at West Slope in-service Attended disaster meeting in Fremont County Attended Park Resource Technician training at Lake Pueblo Sign design with DOC sign shop for “FEE” and “Welcome To” signs Completed MRMI requests Processed Task Force nominations. Completed CTF Selection Matrix Worked on roads and parking at Railroad Bridge, Collegiate Peaks Overlook, Fisherman’s Bridge, Big Bend, Salida East and Rincon Met with Engineers for problems at Helena Met with Engineer for Hecla Campground Fibark Pine Creek and Hooligan Safety Researched Boat Safety Equipment Grant Request Chaffee Search and Rescue Training Met with Engineer and Contractors for Hecla CG Bid Show Removed hazard tree from Hecla Day Use Area and trail to Seidels Repairs on Ruby Mt. flood damage. Replaced damaged picnic table at site #21. Attended water treatment class held in Alamosa. Did concrete work for bollards at Hayden Meadows and Arkansas River Ranch This concludes the 2014 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA BLM River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/ArkansasHeadwatersRecreationArea. 14 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/28ce92c0e16ce4e51e3468e11e1005b9.pdf e7aa878dc7d3f507603d76497c6796ef PDF Text Text 2013 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Royal Gorge Fire: June 2013 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 4/15/2014 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2013. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. Despite the fact that the Royal Gorge fire resulted in the closure of the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River for over a two week period of time, commercial boat numbers increased 4.7% and private boat numbers increased by 7.75% in 2013 as compared to 2012. The fact that over 14,610 acre feet of water was released in an attempt to maintain flows during the July 1 – August 15 time period is an important factor that contributed to this success, despite the fact that 2013 was not a banner water year by any stretch of the imagination. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with the AHRA management plan revision process starting in 2013, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2013 AHRA employed 25 temporary staff members and a volunteer internship. For 2013, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: Administration: Commercial Agreements: Management: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (CPW) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone, Andrew Maddox (CPW) Rose Bayless (CPW) John Kreski (CPW) Rob White, Tom Waters (CPW) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2013 there were no Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) full-time staff changes. 1 �2013 Special Activities Applicant Group Name Event Type Location Salida 3P Colorado Whitewater Assoc. Paddlefest Devon Brecke Gravity Play Sports Royal Gorge WW Fest Timberline Events LLC Pole Pedal Paddle Kayak Instruction Multiple Events Wedding Adventure Race WW Festival Race Swiftwater Rescue Training Bicycle tour Bike Trials Competition Trail Running Race Big Bend Various AHRA Sites Buena Vista River Park Ruby Mountain Amphitheater Fisherman's Bridge Royal Gorge Railroad Bridge Fremont County SAR Denver Post Ride The Rockies Central Colorado Bike TransRockies Run FIBArk Boat Races Inc. Chaffee SAR North KMGH-TV Colorado Springs Fire Salida SUP Sessions Extreme Weight Loss 4 Whitewater Festival Swiftwater Rescue Training Honda TV Commercial S&R Train SUP Filming Centennial Park, Cañon City 5 Point Campground Hwy 24, MM 195-196 Railroad Bridge Ark. River Pine Creek to Cotopaxi Rapid #4 Hecla Junction Various Town and Salida East Royal Gorge Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2013 PEOPLE 248,575 2012 PEOPLE 218,515 ‘12 TO '13 % CHANGE +13% Shore Boat 68,060 5,090 37,093 64,814 5,857 35,107 +4.75% -15% +5.35% Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL 224,600 19,588 42,445 213,982 18,075 38,183 +5% +7.75% +17.2% 20,094 15,577 36,669 711,058 19,446 13,903 37,206 658,827 +3.25% +10.75% -1.5% +7.35% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING ** *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual number, includes guides, trainees and clients 2 �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2013 was staffed by one full-time Colorado Parks and Wildlife Program Assistant I, Rose Bayless; two temporary Customer Service Representatives, Mari Griffin and Jamie Tackel; and temporary summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa Arentsen. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on the upper Arkansas River valley and recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial Special Use Agreements, notices of violation, special activity/event agreements, Park passes, camping permits, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). AHRA administrative staff also sells BLM fuel wood permits, Christmas tree cutting permits, and placer area notifications. Program Assistant Rose Bayless serves as secretary for the AHRA Citizen Task Force (CTF), and manages communications with the CTF concerning meetings, speakers, reports and other relative information. The Administrative Section is responsible for reporting and reconciling all revenues received by AHRA from many different sources, as well as maintaining records and reports for budgets and expenditures from a number of funds, including grants. Administrative personnel function as the AHRA base radio dispatchers to field staff, provide administrative support to AHRA and BLM employees, and maintain current CPW website information for AHRA. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers”, “TOT’s on Tuesdays” and other youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings and events throughout the year. Other duties include training seasonal employees and interns; maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information and creating related reports; and providing human resources assistance for AHRA staff. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2013) 2013 Activity Compared to 2012 Annual and Multiple Passes Sold 369 $20,725 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 198 Aspen Leaf, Lifetime and Multiple Passes Sold $10,950 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold* $95,112.96 Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes $88,807.06 Revenue from Camp Permits and Reservations 1658 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations and Permits Sold $44,756.00 Revenue from Registration Sales $15,527.99 Misc. Revenues (Citations, Special Activities, Wildlife Licenses) $708,151.24 Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** +35% +15% +12% +16% +14% +2.5% -6% -9% +37% +11% * Introduction of Lifetime Aspen Leaf Pass November 2010 – Issued many “Lifetime Aspen Free” in 2013 *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary 3 �# Of People 31,695 1,450 12,730 2,657 Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2013 Type of Activity Compared to 2012 Visitor Center +10.9% Personal Interpretation/Events +6.3% Non-Personal Interpretation/Media/Events +22% Environmental Education +20% Volunteer Hours for 2013 # of Hours Type of Activity *5651 hrs Volunteers (groups or individuals) 538 hrs AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) 6189 hrs Total Volunteer Hours in 2013 Compared to 2012 +2% +20.5% +2% *AHRA did not have any volunteer camp hosts in 2013 AHRA’s Volunteer Program hours were up 2% overall but we did not have volunteer campground hosts during the summer of 2013. In 2012, campground hosts contributed 770 hours, and if AHRA had these volunteer hours again in 2013, we would have seen an overall increase of 14.6%. A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs, hikes and events were presented to the public throughout 2013. GOCO Interpreter Melissa Arentsen captivated “junior rangers” with programs and activities such as “Wilderness Survival”, “Scats and Tracks”, “Water Word Search”, and “Scavenger Hunt”. Excited kids ages 5-11 beat a path each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista and Leadville to join Melissa as she wove her web of magic and revealed nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 8, with 25 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA continued the “Hanging Out – Outdoors” program for youth ages 12-17, with “Bang and Twang” rifle and archery activities on July 13th with 75 participants, and a Teen Raft Trip on August 8th with 25 participants. AHRA continued to be very active in 2013 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA teamed up with CPW staff and GARNA to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some valuable and faithful volunteers to assist with staffing the Poncha Springs “Heart of the Rockies” visitor center”, and many volunteers assisted with our 22nd Annual River Cleanup in May, and with special projects, events and programs. Volunteer Naturalist, Bob Hickey, was instrumental in many hikes and an automobile tour of AHRA, as well as assisting with the “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and other campground programs. AHRA also participated in many community events including Paddlefest and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista; Earth Day, the River Guide “Gathering of the Guides” workshop and FIBArk held in Salida; and the Canon City River Festival. AHRA, GARNA, and the FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” parade partnered together for the 22nd Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp on May 18th. 4 �AHRA YEAR 2013 REVENUES Year 2013 By Month Camping Permits/ Reservations Park Passes Registrations Special Use Agreements Penalties, License Sales, Special Activities, COSAR, etc. TOTALS January $730.40 $48.00 $993.00 $774.54 $63.40 $2,609.44 February $848.50 $32.00 $574.75 $1,376.39 $87.50 $2,919.14 March $2,970.80 $194.00 $4,402.00 $28,338.56 $373.75 $36,279.11 April $5,962.86 $2,290.87 $4,727.75 $13,940.33 $1,616.00 $28,537.81 May $20,245.40 $14,462.83 $6,369.25 $84,210.00 $1,684.50 $126,971.98 June $31,563.28 $19,756.61 $7,312.00 $188,435.39 $2,748.00 $249,815.28 July $24,928.73 $22,253.99 $7,551.50 $1,200.00 $3,160.49 $59,094.71 August $17,816.73 $18,357.56 $4,018.50 $1,550.00 $2,409.47 $44,152.26 September $9,081.62 $8,749.20 $3,583.75 $18,636.52 $2,182.68 $42,233.77 October $4,344.75 $2,274.00 $954.00 $110,282.28 $461.00 $118,316.03 November $1,144.30 $288.00 $2,440.25 $257,446.73 $713.00 $262,032.28 December $755.89 $100.00 $1,829.75 $1,960.50 $191.00 $4,837.14 $120,393.26 $88,807.06 $44,756.50 $708,151.24 $15,570.11 $974,579.77 2012 TOTALS $102,081.54 $86,913.75 $48,669.25 $625,380.97 *AHRA revenues saw an overall --- 10.2% increase in 2013 as compared to 2012 $12,111.70 $875,175.21 2013 TOTALS AHRA YEAR 2013 EXPENDITURES – CPW ONLY Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts $728.45 $15,877.13 $2,083.46 $87,499.51 $8,365.70 $628.91 $16,719.95 $2,458.65 $87,219.65 $61,019.83 $4,818.04 $539.24 $420.58 $3,760.43 $70,558.12 April $66,509.60 $9,562.75 $760.01 - $1,479.29 $2,120.71 $80,432.36 May $79,815.19 $17,591.35 $521.00 - $34,272.03 $13,896.72 $146,096.29 June $95,922.62 $19,999.15 $7,110.71 - $64,603.74 $13,618.90 $201,255.12 July $91,493.79 $14,551.22 $2,092.31 $9,241.73 $8,376.31 $125,755.36 August $94,021.95 $20,279.43 $7,946.25 $3,010.95 $16,846.64 $142,105.22 September $83,772.75 $11,612.69 $1,237.21 $2,875.67 $8,718.29 $382,961.97 October $67,980.30 $8,225.25 $1,242.58 $136.16 $6,634.24 $84,218.53 November $64,334.32 $8,336.95 $2,149.64 $404.26 $2,399.42 $77,624.59 December $62,680.45 $4,925.71 $971.18 $5,457.70 $3,661.59 $77,696.63 TOTALS $888,606.88 $135,069.07 $25,927.49 $274,742.36 $154,499.19 $84,575.36 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2013 Southeast Colorado Water Cons. District Bureau of Reclamation Consulting Pueblo Board of Water Works USGS Water Gages $1,563,420.35 $ 1,000.00 $27,980.00 $ 4,427.00 $ 4,983.00 $15,720.00 Grand Total $1,617,530.35 Year 2013 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel January $62,009.64 $6,800.83 February $59,046.44 March Operating Capital Equipment Projects Utilities $274,742.36 - *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures 5 TOTALS �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. In the past, the three full-time staff members hired up to twelve temporary staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget allowed for eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers at the start of the 2013 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers. In addition to these eight TWP rangers there were two TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The OHV rangers worked with two OHV rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by the same grant. Temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary personnel our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of TWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the temporary staff was unable to maintain ideal coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some temporary shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Night shifts occurred on Friday, Saturday and holiday evenings and were staffed by one TWP and one full-time ranger. The shortening of TWP seasons and shifting duties to full-time staff during the shoulder seasons seems to be the preferred method of staying within the TWP budget. Four of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers who enforce only Colorado Parks and Wildlife laws and regulations. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action 6 �necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 94 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 22 River Assists 178 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 4 River Hazard Removal Operations - River 17 2013 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object CAUSE Capsized Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL ACCIDENTS Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL 6 4 1 4 2 0 17 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 2013 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Private Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents OHV Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT - Land Other Totals 13 1 4 0 0 3 8 0 4 33 7 2013 Citations Issued Year 2013 Pass/Permit Violations 344 Resource Protection Violations 6 Public Safety Violations 19 Records/Reporting Violations 10 OHV Violations 8 *Total *Above total includes 21 citations to commercial outfitters 387 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 62 commercial contractors in 2013. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking and photo/video imaging to over 182,479 paying clients in 2013. In 2013, commercial use at AHRA INCREASED by 6.23% as compared to 2012. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2013 was 17% ABOVE revenue received in 2012. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river Sections. In 2013, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing Section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has two temporary Rationing Program Assistants, one of which is employed during the winter months, and one of which is employed during the summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2012 2013 Boating ................................................................................ 53 ................. 53 Imaging................................................................................ 25 ................. 25 Walk and Wade Fishing....................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services .................................................................... 3 .................... 3 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking……………………………….….. 6 …………….…… 7 Total ............................................................................. 102 ............... 103 Rationed Days By Section 2012 2013 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 9 ................... 9 Section 2b – Browns Canyon ............................................... 9 ................... 9 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida............................................ 9 .................... 9 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ..................................... 47 ................. 47 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale .................................. 4 .................... 4 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................. 14 .................. 14 Total ............................................................................. 92 ............... 92 8 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2012 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2013 were the River Manager, a seasonal park ranger whose focus was on wilderness characteristic inventory, and a seasonal administrative position. The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the AHRA Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Assistant Field Office Manager for Renewable Resources (Melissa Garcia) located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager and Tom Heinlein is the District Manager who oversees the Royal Gorge and San Luis Valley Field offices. Janine Snyder (seasonal Park Ranger) was our main public contact representative in 2013 and spends a great deal of her time patrolling the uplands and making contacts with the recreating public. She is also responsible for maintaining trails and facilities. Janine’s main project last year focused on conducting the Wilderness Characteristic Inventory for the Royal Gorge Field Office. This inventory looked at BLM lands that were Roadless and were greater than 5,000 acres in size. These lands also need to have outstanding opportunities for solitude, outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined types of recreation and feature naturalness, with any work by humans being substantially unnoticeable. Janine receives assistance from the recreation staff out of Canon City. Mari Griffin is our Administrative Assistant. Mari is funded six months through BLM and six months through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. Mari is the first line of contact for visitors in need of information or to register Off Highway Vehicles and boats. Mari also issues permits for firewood gathering, Christmas trees and recreational mining. The Over the River project continues to be on hold pending the outcome of various lawsuits. No construction will occur until these lawsuits are settled and only if the decision is in favor of the Over the River Corporation. 9 �AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. To assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2013 the maintenance section extensively utilized Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups, community service workers. The Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed 1000 hours towards grounds maintenance of land under AHRA jurisdiction. In addition the maintenance staff provided 1200 hours of weed control efforts. During 2013 the maintenance department accomplished the following:                  Maintained track and parking area at Big Bend Met with CDOT to discuss install of Welcome To sign at Salida East Built Lower Stone Bridge Boat Ramp Ordered a new maintenance truck Approved the bid for purchase of a new trailer Looked at plan and design for ramp improvements at Pathfinder, Pink House and Spike Buck Interviewed applicants for temporary summer positions Designed Ruby Mt. fishing easement map and sign Attended PRT training in Grand Jct. Reconstructed the Lower Stone Bridge Boat Ramp Worked on plan and design for proposed improvements on the Pike Property Recreation Area and Visitor Center maintenance Installed solar systems at various recreation sites Installed CPW logos on car Coordinated DOC labor crew spring clean up Worked on Roads and Parking lots at CPO, Ruby, Fisherman’s, Hecla, Stonebridge, Salida East, and Parkdale recreation sites Repaired flood damage at Ruby, Hecla, Stone Bridge and Parkdale recreation sites 10 �AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Assistant Park Manager, Tom Waters, oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2013 Annual Report Accomplishments                       Updated TWP Hiring Forms and Job Descriptions for 2013, posted jobs on AHRA and CPW website Completed “On our Screen” survey Attended Winter Skills Training Academy Participated in Employee Recognition Group Worked on SUA Red Line version including Rock Climbing certification requirements Prepared 2013 invoices Published Use Reports on Boating, Walk/Wade, Private boating and Float Fishing Coordinated Earth Day activities for April 20, 2013 Researched GIS coordinates for monitoring Arkansas River Ranch and completed reports Sent out nomination notices, letters and news release for CTF vacancies Completed mandatory Computer Security Training Received Admin Rights and Access to TLS Product Program/Screen Processed CTF nomination forms Closed out 2012 AHRA volunteer hours from Data Base with Vicki Leigh’s data Updated and copied new Temporary Employee Hiring Packets, started distributing to 2013 temps Met with Trey Shelton, CMC, regarding CMC offering Rock Climbing course Worked with Peak Fly Fishing regarding transferring South Platte To Peak Fly Fishing Authorized 2013 SUA Contractors Continued to worked with Jim Langdon and Kirk Teklits on the SUA on-line application Attended the High school Career Fair in Leadville Attended the Canon City Tourism Expo Attended the DTR Programming Project 11 �         Finished and distributed 2012 AHRA End of Year Report Worked with GARNA on River Cleanup Plans One AHRA LE state member attended FBI Instructor School Completed Temporary Ranger/Staff Training Coordinated the Third Grade Raft Trip Worked with KMGH for Honda commercial LE staff attended a Jet Boat Operations Class Worked on Royal Gorge Fire Issues Investigated the Crystal Lake property ownership and nearby access This concludes the 2013 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA BLM River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/ArkansasHeadwatersRecreationArea. 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/219e6a41c1c1de306e1a8f4fe853cda3.pdf 5a0fccff3a5b33ccd60387d735a21b50 PDF Text Text 2012 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 4/24/2013 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2012. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Commercial visitation, revenue and private boat numbers were down approximately 18% for AHRA in 2012 as compared to 2011. Fires and a poor snowpack (low water) were two of the most important factors that contributed to this downturn. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with the AHRA management plan revision process starting in 2013, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2012 AHRA employed 26 temporary staff members. For 2012, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: Administration: Commercial Agreements: Management: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone, Andrew Maddox (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Rob White, Tom Waters (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2012 there were no Colorado Parks and Wildlife full-time staff changes. 1 �2012 Special Activities Event Name Denver Museum of Nature & Science Central Colorado Bike Trials Paddle Fest Paddle Fest Royal Gorge WW Festival Colorado WW Association Chaffee/Lake ARES GARNA Central Colorado Bike Trials FibArk CKS TransRockies Tracy Scott Schott Productions Central Colorado Bike Trials Merrell Footwear Event Type Event Location Colorado Spider Survey Park Wide Trials Comp Freestyle Kayak Kayak/Raft Rodeo Race/Raft Rodeo/Etc. Kayak Instruction Search and Rescue Lecture and Hike Bike Trials Slalom Feestyle/Down River SUP Comp Running Filming Bike Trials Filming Across from Lower Play Hole BV BV River Park BV River Park Canon City/Royal Gorge Arkansas River Stone Bridge Ruby Mountain MM 195 Salida WW Park Salida WW Park/Salida East RailRoad Bridge Parkdale MM 195 BV WW Park Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2012 PEOPLE 218,515 2011 PEOPLE 263,907 ‘11 TO '12 % CHANGE -17.2% Shore Boat 64,814 5,857 35,107 69,316 6,145 41,613 -6.5% -4.7% -15.6% Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL 213,982 18,075 38,183 258,572 19,970 29,008 -17.25% -9.5% +24% 19,446 13,903 37,206 665,088 25,520 14,447 38,265 767,123 -23.8% -3.75% -2.75% -13.3% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING ** *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides, trainees and clients 2 �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2012 was staffed by one full-time Parks and Wildlife Program Assistant I, Rose Bayless. AHRA’s Customer Service Representative, Heather Wright, left in March to work for the City of Salida after working at AHRA for 13 years for both CPW and BLM. She was replaced by temporary employee Mari Griffin and a second summer temporary assistant Ingrid DeChatelets. The Administrative section also had one temporary summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Claire Davis. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial agreements, penalty assessments, special activity agreements, Park passes, camping permits and off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). Administrative personnel function as the base radio dispatchers to AHRA field staff and provide administrative support to AHRA and BLM employees. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers” and “TOT’s on Tuesdays” youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings and events throughout the year. Other duties include: docketing and maintaining law enforcement penalty assessment records; training seasonal employees; maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information; and providing human resources assistance for AHRA staff. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2012) 2012 Activity Compared to 2011 243 Annual Passes Sold -33% $18,000.00 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold -27% Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 135 -67.75% Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold* $9,220.00 -66% Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes $82,891.99 -18% Revenue from Camp Permits** $86,913.75 -3.7% Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold 1,223 -18% Revenue from Registration Sales $48,733.00 +4.5% $19,293.66 Misc. Revenues (Citations, Special Activities, Licenses) +77.8% $625,380.97 Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** -18% * Introduction of Lifetime Aspen Leaf Pass November 2010 – Issued many “Lifetime Aspen Free” in 2012 ** Reservation Revenue is included in this total *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2012 # Of People Type of Activity Compared to 2011 28,572 Visitor Center 4.75% 1,364 Personal Interpretation 17.15% 10,404 Non-Personal Interpretation -10.7% 2,135 Environmental Education 22% 3 �Volunteer Hours for 2012 # of Hours *5639 hrs 433 hrs 6072 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2012 Compared to 2011 69.25% 7.85% 62.65% *Total does not include Dept. of Corrections Crews or Community Service AHRA’s Volunteer Program hours increased by over 62% in 2012! This was due to expanding existing volunteer projects and creating new opportunities. A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs, hikes and events were presented to the public throughout 2012. GOCO Interpreter Claire Davis captivated “junior rangers” with programs and activities such as “Wilderness Survival”, “Scats and Tracks”, “Water Word Search”, and “Scavenger Hunt”. Excited kids ages 5-11 beat a path each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to join Claire as she wove her web of magic and revealed nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 8, with 26 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA continued the “Hanging Out – Outdoors” program for youth ages 12-17, which was funded in 2010 and 2011 by a grant from the Bureau of Land Management and by AHRA GOCO funding in 2012. Recreation activities in 2012 included Archery, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Fishing, Rappelling and Rafting. “TOT’s on Tuesdays” was offered for the first time in 2012 for children age 2-4 years, and parents were very excited to give their little ones this wonderful chance to begin exploring their natural surroundings. AHRA continued to be very active in 2012 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also teamed up with CPW staff and GARNA to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some valuable and faithful volunteers to assist with special projects, events and programs, and serve as campground hosts. Volunteer Naturalist, Bob Hickey, AHRA sponsored visitor information volunteers at the Heart of the Rockies Visitor Center in Poncha Springs during the summer of 2012, their first full season in the brand new visitor center at the junction of Highways 285 and 50. AHRA also participated in many community events including Paddlefest and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista; Earth Day, the River Guide Workshop and FIBArk held in Salida; and the Canon City River Festival. AHRA, GARNA, and the FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” parade partnered together for the 21st Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp on May 19th. 4 �AHRA YEAR 2012 REVENUES Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Penalties, License Sales, Special Use Special Activities, COSAR, etc. Agreements Year 2012 By Month Park Passes January $1479.00 $160.00 $957.50 $984.00 $60.50 $3,641.00 February $879.75 $0 $638.00 $0 $7,893.41 $9,411.16 March $5456.06 $585.50 $4835.25 $21,813.62 $369.50 $33,059.93 TOTALS April $10,687.72 $4837.08 $7013.75 $11,029.32 $1122.00 $34,689.87 May $17,930.38 $13,369.00 $6888.00 $69,322.35 $926.00 $108,435.73 June $23,365.24 $18,588.98 $8033.50 $268,299.28 $2140.50 $320,427.50 July $19,334.00 $22,807.28 $6386.75 $0 $1650.50 $50,178.53 August $15,657.94 $15,150.06 $5203.50 $0 $2189.75 $38,201.25 September $9202.44 $8737.10 $4102.75 $7246.48 $905.00 $30,193.77 October $4312.82 $2075.75 $1610.00 $39,192.89 $1836.25 $49,027.71 November $1198.30 $436.00 $885.00 $195,080.21 $85.00 $197,684.51 December $608.34 $167.00 $2180.00 $4541.16 $115.25 $7611.75 $110,111.99 $86,913.75 $4,8734.00 $617,509.31 $19,293.66 $882,562.71 2012 TOTALS 2011 TOTALS $149,906.65 $90,233.06 $46,619.75 $762,201.41 *AHRA revenues saw an overall 16.75% decrease in 2012 as compared to 2011 $11,939.32 $1,060,100.19 AHRA YEAR 2012 EXPENDITURES – CPW ONLY Year 2012 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel January $56,634.11 $6,546.53 February $56,892.25 $6,674.23 March $58,389.92 $6,491.03 $766.06 - $89.97 $367.23 $66,104.21 April $65,011.81 $11,442.11 $1,164.17 - $55,803.00 $1,538.34 $134,959.43 May $94,684.60 $21,923.26 $1,550.58 - $12,451.82 $15,472.14 $146,082.4 June $93,793.87 $33,460.62 $3,556.31 - $45,079.36 $14,630.45 $190,520.61 Operating Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts $638.53 - $90.74 $2,661.29 $66,571.20 $542.44 - $1,725.24 $2,536.26 $68,370.42 Utilities TOTALS July $98,192.83 $18,193.05 $1,425.02 - $10,313.71 $8,264.93 $136,389.54 August $92,324.17 $19,137.40 $1,202.96 - $18,147.35 $8,074.83 $138,886.71 September $80,795.72 $16,227.35 $6,781.56 - $148,643.47 $6,378.33 $258,826.43 October $63,069.52 $10,510.24 $1,288.72 - $2,225.89 $7,948.49 $85,042.86 - $1,545.72 $70,403.79 $31,356.41 $3,894.47 $106,382.94 TOTALS $877,600.44 $167,243.35 $24,457.31 $325,926.96 $73,312.48 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2012 Southeast Colorado Water Cons. District Bureau of Reclamation Ordway Salida USGS Water Gages $1,468,540.54 $ 4,837.63 $26,980.00 $25,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $15,420.00 Grand Total $1,544,778.17 November $58,396.97 $8,159.02 $2,302.08 December $59,414.67 $8,478.51 $3,238.88 - *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures 5 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. In the past, the three full-time staff members hired up to twelve temporary staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget for eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers at the start of the 2012 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers. In addition to these eight TWP rangers there were two TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The OHV rangers worked with two OHV rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by the same grant. Temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of TWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the temporary staff was unable to maintain ideal coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some temporary shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Four of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers who enforce only Parks and Wildlife laws. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. 6 �In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands in Chaffee, Lake, Gunnison and Saguache counties as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the upcoming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 70 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 7 River Assists 183 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 6 River Hazard Removal Operations - River 13 2012 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized CAUSE Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL 7 Collision w/ Fixed Object 1 Capsized 0 Falls In Boat 1 Falls Overboard 1 Other 0 Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL ACCIDENTS 10 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 2012 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Private Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents OHV Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT - Land Other Totals 10 0 6 3 1 9 7 8 2 46 7 2012 Citations Issued Year 2012 Pass/Permit Violations 321 Resource Protection Violations 6 Public Safety Violations 10 Records/Reporting Violations 1 OHV Violations 4 *Total *Above total includes 2 citations to commercial outfitters 342 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 62 commercial contractors in 2012. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk & wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking and photo/video imaging to over 171,787 clients in 2012. In 2012, commercial use at AHRA DECREASED by 17.25% as compared to 2011. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2012 was 18% BELOW revenue received in 2011. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river Sections. In 2012, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing Section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has two temporary Rationing Program Assistants, one of which is employed during the winter months, and one of which is employed during the summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2011 2012 Boating ................................................................................ 54 ................. 53 Imaging ............................................................................... 26 ................. 25 Walk and Wade Fishing ...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services .................................................................... 3 .................... 3 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking…………………….. 4 …………… 6 Total ...................................................................................102..................102 Rationed Days By Section 2011 2012 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 6 ................... 9 Section 2b – Browns Canyon ............................................... 9 ................... 9 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... 7 .................... 9 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ................................... 48 ................. 47 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 2 ................... 4 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................ 13 .................. 14 Total ................................................................................... 85 ................ 92 8 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2011 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2012 were the River Manager, a seasonal park ranger who’s focus was on Travel Management inventory, and a seasonal administrative position (October 2012 – June 2013). The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife) to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the AHRA Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Assistance Field Manager for Renewable Resources (Melissa Garcia) located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager and Tom Heinlein is the new District Manager who oversees the Royal Gorge and San Luis Valley Field offices. Janine Prout (seasonal Park Ranger) was our main public contact representative in 2012 and spends a great deal of her time patrolling the uplands making contacts with the recreating public. She is also responsible for maintaining facilities. Janine also played a critical role in continuing to implement the Arkansas River Travel Management Plan and in 2012 she was also responsible for inventorying roads and trails to begin another Travel Management Plan mainly north of Cotopaxi and the South Park area. Janine receives assistance from the recreation staff out of Canon City. Mari Griffin is our new Administrative Assistant, replacing Heather Wright, who took a full time position with the City of Salida. Mari is funded 6 months through BLM and 6 months through Parks and Wildlife. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. The Over the River project continues to be on hold pending the outcome of a review by the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA). It was speculated that IBLA would issue a decision by the end of the 2012 calendar year, but as of this writing IBLA has still not issued any type of decision. There are also 2 lawsuits pending that would need to be resolved depending on IBLA’s ruling. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. To assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2012 the maintenance section extensively utilized Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups, community service workers. The 9 �Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed 482 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction. In addition the maintenance staff provided 720 hours of weed control efforts. During 2012 the maintenance department accomplished the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Created quarterly maintenance work plan for 2012. Organized defensive driving training for southeast regional staff. Attended training for interviewing and resume writing. Attended AWWA training to maintain class D water certification. Attended PRT training in Denver. Photo documented old CDOT signs upriver for replacement. Photo documented new AHRA downriver CDOT signs. Small water system training. Completed online solar system class. Attended Upper Arkansas Cooperative Weed Management Area meeting in Canon City. Attended 4th Annual Arkansas River Watershed Invasive Plant Partnership (ARKWIPP) Conference in Avondale. Attended Upper Arkansas Cooperative Weed Management meeting/training (CEU’s for Qualified Supervisor) at Canon City. Re-vegetation at Lone Pine, Rincon, Newsome property, and Hecla. Wood staining three panel sign frames, “Welcome To” sign frames, kiosk, and changing rooms. Gmail training. Pay tubes re-painted. Installed track map signs at Big Bend OHV. Replaced seven sections of “Attention Boater” signs with updated maps and text. Added new “FEE” sign text change for Aspen Leaf passes. Replaced CPW & BLM decals on “Entering/Leaving Public Lands” signs. Installed Public Mining Area Entering/Leaving signs and rebuilt sign frame/lexan cover for gold panning information at Point Barr. Installed new CPW and BLM logos at Crystal Lakes. Per request of commercial boat companies moved all signs at Salt lick to increase size of parking lot. Used DOC inmate crews for fall grounds maintenance – 482 hours. Brick repairs for vault toilet/changing room partitions completed by Dave Gibbons. Refurbish web coat picnic tables. AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Assistant Park Manager, Tom Waters, oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and 10 �continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2012 Annual Report Accomplishments � Hosted the 21th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up � Reviewed film locations for Regis University film student request � Obtained visitor count numbers for Ruby, Fisherman’s Bridge, and Hecla � Completed statewide DTR radio interoperability training � Organized defensive driving training for southeast regional staff for March � Photo documented new AHRA downriver CDOT signs � Snow removal at the VC and sites � Installed new Storm Drains at the VC � Cut and removed hazard trees at Trading Post � Prepared and planned for work at Texas Ck. Boat Ramp � Completed section operational report for 2012 and compiled AHRA staff worksheets � Compiled park pass/camp permit sales numbers for BLM � Registered National Public Lands Day event in coordination with BLM/Nomi � Maintain and rebuild the rock work and eddy at Texas Ck. Boat Ramp � Worked on roads and parking at Stone Bridge, Fisherman’s and Pinnacle � Issued the 2012 Rationing Report FINAL � Worked with Kirk Teklits on building ahraoutfitters.org � Processed outfitter applications and payments � Rebuilt access road to Lone Pine CG � Backfilled retainer wall at Hecla ramp � Met with LCI for Lone Pine improvements � Earth Day event at Scout Hut in Salida � Attended Teaching Outside the Box CAEE Interp. Training � Scheduled maintenance of fleet vehicles � Routine maintenance on heavy equipment � Solar system installation and start up down river � Visitor Center sprinkler systems start up � May 29-30 GOCO Interpretive Training at Sylvan � Assisted with Ruby Mountain Amphitheater VOC project � Updated Bus Driver’s Guide � Leave No Trace open house and training � Safety and Welcome sign project � Irrigate newly seeded areas of the park � Apply new CPW decals to vehicles � Herbicide application and weed identification training � Mari and Ingrid did FAM tours with AHRA staff � Set up and manned FIBArk Booth with GARNA � Provided safety for FIBARK downriver race 11 �� Moved and hauled materials for the contractor at the Amphitheater � Worked with SWYCC at Hecla � Graded roads at Hecla and Stone Bridge � White stripes re-painted at Five Points day use parking lot � Assisted Chaffee S&R at Clear Creek Reservoir � Completed and submitted several news releases on rafting and interp programs � Ran ads for AHRA youth and public programs on KWAZ/KSBV radio � Posted and updated fire restriction information as things continually changed � Weed management � Continuing to work on New Database Design Specifications � Trouble shooting problems with solar systems � Installed Carsonite Boundary Signs � Volunteer National Public Lands Day Project, Ruby Mt Trail � OHV Color Tour “Booth” in Buena Vista � Maintained track and parking area at Big Bend � Refurbish web coat picnic tables � Fall shut down of portions of the park facilities � Reviewed AHRA map for needed updates and changes � Submitted AHRA advertising for Winter Fun and Fishing Guides � Maintained track and parking area at Big Bend � Built rock walkway for the Amphitheater � Contacted Lori Morgan to send AHRA brochures to out of state CPW trade shows This concludes the 2012 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA BLM River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/. 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/0e5aa198b8546f245c32a389216f6cd6.pdf bb716b1d1606b3ea3103c777e3689f64 PDF Text Text 2011 ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ANNUAL REPORT Colorado Parks and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management U.S. Forest Service 4/17/2012 �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2011. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Commercial visitation, revenue and private boat numbers were slightly down for AHRA in 2011 as compared to 2010. A national economy still stuck in a recessionary mode was one factor that contributed to this downturn, as well as the fact that high water kept commercial boating contractors out of the Royal Gorge and the Numbers for most of the month of June as well as almost half of the month of July. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with a revision of the AHRA management plan getting closer to reality, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2011 AHRA employed 24 temporary staff members, one more than 2010. For 2011, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: Administration: Commercial Agreements: Management: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone, Andrew Maddox (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Rob White, Tom Waters (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2011 there was one Colorado State Parks full-time staff change. Andrew Maddox completed the law enforcement academy in August 2010 and after that completed Parks specific training in Denver. He arrived at AHRA in February 2011 and filled the River Ranger Supervisor position. 1 �2011 Special Activities Event Name Gravity Play Sports Colorado Whitewater Association GORETEX Trans Rockies Run Arkansas River Trust Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Sharp Entertainment/Travel Channel Paddle Fest FibArk Friends of the Arkansas River Fremont S&R Colorado Springs Fire Department Denver Post Ride the Rockies American Canoe Asc. Colorado Kayak Supply Event Type Event Location Adventure Race River from BV to FishBridge Kayak Instruction Trail Running Race Kayak Race/Mtn Bike Kayak, Body Board, Raft Filming a raft demonstration Kayak/Freestyle/Raft Rodeo Boat Festival Volunteer Clean Up Training Training Bike Canoe Championship Stand Up Paddle Comp. Lower Ark Big BendParkdale Railroad Bridge Big Bend OHV Royal Gorge Centennial Park BV River Park Salida Pinnacle to Canon Sweetwater Campground Parkdale/Browns Hayden Meadows/Tiger Lilly Salida WW Park Salida WW Park Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING 2011 PEOPLE 263,907 2010 PEOPLE 254,737 ‘10 TO '11 % CHANGE 3.6% 69,316 8,109 41,613 60,403 7,584 40,871 14.75% 7% 1.8% 250,335 21,967 35,142 262,122 24,162 29,008 -4.5% -9% 11.5% 25,520 14,447 38,265 768,621 25,569 8,461 35,279 748,196 -.2% 70% 8.5% 2.7% Shore Boat PICNICKING BOATING ** Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE/EVENTS CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and clients 2 �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2011 was staffed by one full-time State Parks Program Assistant, Rose Bayless - two temporary administrative assistants; Heather Wright who works for State Parks 6 months from April through September and the Bureau of Land Management for 6 months from October through March; and Linda Sapp who worked from May through September - one summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Claire Davis - and a BLM summer student employee to assist with outdoor recreation programs, Elissa Martin. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with tens of thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial agreements, penalty assessments, special activity agreements, State Park passes, camping permits and off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, fish and game licenses, and also sell guide books, maps and other items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). Administrative personnel function as the base radio dispatchers to AHRA field staff and provide administrative support to AHRA State Park and BLM employees. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as Earth Day and the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup; “Junior Rangers” and “Hanging Out – Outdoors” youth activities; campground and environmental education programs; administers the AHRA Volunteer Program; and organizes a variety of meetings throughout the year. Other duties include: docketing and maintaining law enforcement penalty assessment records; training seasonal employees; maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information; and providing human resources assistance for AHRA staff. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2011) 2011 Activity Compared to 2010 368 Annual Passes Sold -16.93% Revenue from Annual Passes Sold $21,935.00 -2.55% Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 319 21.75% $27,057.00 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold* 404% $100,914.65 Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes 8.9% $90,233.06 Revenue from Camp Permits** 5.35% Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold 1,699 -10% Revenue from Registration Sales $46,619.75 -10% Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** $762,201.41 2.24% * Introduction of Lifetime Aspen Leaf Pass - $175 Jan-June 2011; $300 July-Dec 2011 ** Reservation Revenue is included in this total *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2011 # Of People Type of Activity Compared to 2010 28,572 Visitor Center 9.05% 1,130 Personal Interpretation 5.02% 11,651 Non-Personal Interpretation 48.91% 1,666 Environmental Education 36.78% 3 �Volunteer Hours for 2011 # of Hours *3332 hrs 401 hrs 3733 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2011 Compared to 2010 10% -4.5% 8.3% *Total does not include Dept. of Corrections Crews or Community Service A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2011. GOCO Interpreter Claire Davis captivated “junior rangers” with programs and activities such as “Wilderness Survival”, “Scats and Tracks”, “Water Word Search”, and “Scavenger Hunt”. Excited kids ages 5-11 beat a path each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to join Claire as she wove her web of magic and revealed nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 3, with 36 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA received a grant in 2010 through the Bureau of Land Management to initiate an outdoor recreation program for youth, and 2011 was the second year for “Hanging Out – Outdoors” which offered outdoor recreation opportunities for kids ages 12-17. Included in the grant was funding for a part-time (college) student employee, Elissa Martin, to assist with planning and implementation. The “Hanging Out” program activities included Zip Line, Geo-Cache/Map and Compass, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Fishing, Rappelling and Rafting. Due to aggressive advertising and marketing on the part of AHRA, we tripled the attendance from 2010 and were very pleased with our success. Without grant money for 2012, AHRA still plans to continue the “Hanging Out” program as part of our GOCO funded summer youth activities to introduce young people to the wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities available throughout the AHRA. AHRA continued to be very active in 2011 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also teamed up with Colorado Wildlife staff and GARNA to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Monitoring Project. We were also very fortunate to have some valuable and faithful volunteers to assist with special project, events and programs, and serve and campground hosts. AHRA sponsored visitor information volunteers at the Heart of the Rockies Visitor Center in Poncha Springs during the summer of 2011, their first season in the brand new visitor center at the junction of Highways 285 and 50. One of our volunteers, Bob Hickey, was recognized for his outstanding efforts at a DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) luncheon in Denver and also at a Parks luncheon at the Southeast Region office in Colorado Springs. AHRA also participated in many community events including Paddlefest and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista, and Earth Day, the Headwaters Institute Guide Training and FIBArk held in Salida. AHRA, GARNA, and the FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” parade partnered together for the 20th Anniversary National River CleanUp/GreenUp on May 21st. 4 �AHRA YEAR 2011 REVENUES Year 2011 By Month Camping Permits/ Park Passes Reservations Registrations Special Use Agreements Penalties, DOW Sales, Special Activities, etc. TOTALS January $1,393.96 $32.00 $1,668.75 $189.88 $32.00 $3,316.59 February $1,177.26 $0.00 $897.00 $4,814.69 $38.00 $6,926.95 March $3,607.87 $273.00 $3,972.00 $18,554.80 $121.00 $26,528.67 April $7,746.90 $2,765.00 $5,636.50 $21,317.80 $1,256.50 $38,722.70 May $24,353.88 $12,167.00 $6,009.75 $104,579.06 $1,226.60 $148,336.29 June $42,750.86 $18,988.72 $7,099.25 $234,306.64 $1,488.00 $304,633.47 July $27,789.13 $25,377.01 $7,642.25 $300.00 $3,301.75 $64,410.14 August $22,659.78 $14,487.25 $4,982.00 $0.00 $2,943.76 $45,072.79 September $12,650.55 $12,116.95 $3,119.75 $3,091.96 $761.71 $31,740.92 October $4,519.60 $3,910.13 $1,539.25 $131,125.79 $329.50 $141,424.27 November $880.79 $116.00 $2,052.25 $233,850.03 $82.50 $236,981.57 December $376.07 $0.00 $2,001.00 $358.00 $12,805.83 2011 TOTALS $149,906.65 $90,233.06 $46,619.75 $762,201.41 $11,939.32 $1,060,100.19 2010 Revenue $122,529.49 $85,650.31 $51,807.00 $745,498.92 $14,437.88 $1,019,923.26 $10,070.76 *AHRA revenues saw a 4% increase in 2011 as compared to 2010 AHRA YEAR 2011 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYYear 2011 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel Operating Utilities Capital Equipment January $54,816.00 $5,362.67 $670.50 $0 Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS $386.76 $1,472.67 $62,708.50 February $54,559.76 $8,294.68 $631.75 $0 $11,301.07 $16,295.84 $91,083.10 March $57,619.73 $7,437.40 $639.20 $0 $13,142.57 $9,366.06 $88,204.96 April $63,042.52 $7,548.71 $472.83 $0 $2,750.79 $7,871.91 $81,686.76 May $78,651.21 $8,969.42 $3,614.22 $0 $15,695.34 $18,145.98 $125,076.17 June $107,146.47 $21,569.32 $6,408.96 $0 $1,811.85 $31,016.68 $167,953.28 July $88,711.20 $15,090.86 $3,096.75 $0 $0 $9,777.07 $116,675.88 August $87,700.34 $13,114.20 $4049.07 $0 $0 $9258.44 $114,125.05 September $96,105.41 $11,542.89 $2,887.95 $0 $710.58 $8,335.48 $119,582.31 October $64,032.30 $9,379.89 $5,899.14 $0 $1,870.02 $14,055.61 $95,236.96 November $55,560.57 $6,035.80 $454.39 $0 $3,596.35 $10,158.43 $75,805.54 December $56,894.51 $6,500.45 $1,564.43 $0 $8,650.00 $4,523.56 $78,132.95 TOTALS 864,840.02 $120,846.29 $30,389.19 $0 $59,915.33 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2011 Pueblo Board of Water Works Bureau of Reclamation USGS Water Gages $140,277.73 $1,216.268.56 Grand Total $0 $23,980.00 $15,420.00 $1,255,668.56 *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures 5 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. In the past, the three full-time staff members hired up to twelve temporary staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget for FY 10/11 allowed eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers at the start of the 2011 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers. In addition to these eight TWP rangers there were two TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rangers, one more than the 2010 season. These positions were funded by an OHV grant and were supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. The OHV rangers worked with two OHV rangers assigned to the U.S. Forest Service funded by the same grant. Temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of TWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the temporary staff was unable to maintain ideal coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some temporary shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Four of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows, mitigate hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV rangers are part of a four-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers who enforce only Parks and Wildlife laws. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. 6 �In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river. Full time rangers also conduct snowmobile patrols as well as avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 92 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 18 River Assists 126 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 10 River Hazard Removal Operations 8 2011 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized CAUSE Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL 13 Collision w/ Fixed Object 8 Capsized 6 Falls In Boat 11 Falls Overboard 5 Other 0 Collision w/ Other Vessel 43 TOTAL ACCIDENTS *There was one private river fatalities that occurred within the AHRA in 2011. *There were two commercial river fatalities within the AHRA in 2011. Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 2011 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Private Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents OHV Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Totals 38 2 5 2 1 9 7 8 2 74 2011 Citations Issued Year 2010 Pass/Permit Violations 370 Resource Protection Violations 20 Public Safety Violations 3 Records/Reporting Violations 3 OHV Violations 9 *Total 405 *Above total includes 3 citations to commercial outfitters 7 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 63 commercial contractors in 2011. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, shuttle services, rock climbing, hiking, Mt. biking and photo/video imaging to over 210,147 clients in 2011. In 2011, commercial use at AHRA DECREASED by 1.30% as compared to 2010. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2011 was 2.04% BELOW revenue received in 2010. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river Sections. In 2011, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing Section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has two temporary Rationing Program Assistants, one of which is employed during the winter months, and one of which is employed during the summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2010 2011 Boating ................................................................................ 55 ................. 54 Imaging ............................................................................... 27 ................. 26 Walk and Wade Fishing ...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services .................................................................... 3 .................... 3 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking…………………….. 2 …………… 4 Total ...................................................................................102.................. 95 Rationed Days By Section 2010 2011 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 6 ................... 6 Section 2b – Browns Canyon ............................................... .9 ................... 9 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... .7 .................... 7 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ................................... 48 ................. 48 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 2 ................... 2 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................ 13 .................. 13 Total ................................................................................... 85 ................ 85 8 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2010 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2011 were the River Manager, a seasonal park ranger, a seasonal Student Career Employment Program (SCEP) interpreter and a winter seasonal administrative position (October 2011 – March 2012). The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife) to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the AHRA Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office, Renewable Resources Supervisor located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith E. Berger is the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager. Janine Prout (seasonal Park Ranger) is our main public contact representative and spends a great deal of her time patrolling the uplands making contacts with the recreating public. She is also responsible for maintaining facilities. Janine spends a great deal of her time leading volunteers in trail building, clean-up and construction and maintenance projects. Janine also played a critical role in continuing to implement the Arkansas River Travel Management Plan. Janine receives assistance from the recreation staff out of Canon City. Elisa Martin (SCEP) was responsible for BLM’s “Hangin Out Outdoors” program. This program was for youth’s between the ages of 14 and 21 and consisted of programs that would engage youth’s in outdoor activities such as: Rock climbing, rafting, horseback riding, etc.. the program was a huge success with over 100 youths participating. Heather Wright continued to work as the seasonal BLM Recreation Technician and Parks and Wildlife Administrative Program Technician during the 2011 season. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. BLM released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Christo and Jeanne-Claude Over the River (OTR) art project in late 2011. Though Jeanne-Claude passed away in 2009, Christo continues to move forward with the project. The proposal calls for draping approximately 6 miles of the Arkansas River (between Salida and Canon City) with translucent fabric. All costs to the BLM associated with the project are paid for by the proponent. The art display, if approved, would not be viewed until 2015 at the earliest. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. 9 �The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. During 2011, one of these major improvements was an extensive re-construction of Hecla Junction, which included re-vegetation of disturbed areas including hydro-mulching, construction of a split rail fence, and six new interpretive signs. All facility changing rooms received a wood preserving treatment. All of our traffic counters were upgraded with new battery boxes that will prevent moisture causing corrosion. Designed and installed new locking security devices on our solar system boxes to prevent thefts. Downriver vault toilet doors were professionally refinished and painted by contractor. Pinnacle Rock vault toilet/changing facility had roof replaced by contractor. Designed and had Department of Corrections Metal Shop construct Park Regulation brochure boxes for each recreation site. Implemented safety inspection recommendations by adding bollards around natural gas meter and enclosure cages around overhead chain driven door closers. AHRA continues to work with CDOT on new highway signs for AHRA sites, as well as implementing new signage and replacing sign logos to represent the merger of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. AHRA’s maintenance staff and Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed over 550 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction. The maintenance section extensively utilized Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps to assist AHRA in achieving many of its maintenance goals in 2011. Project Maintenance • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Big Bend Track maintenance Worked with contractor for Big Bend sidewalk Worked with Langston and engineers on the Hecla Drainage Project Worked on drainage project at Hecla CG Attended PRT training in Denver Mobilized road grader from Mueller Repaired road grader from Mueller Set Welcome sign at Spikebuck and installed traffic counter loop Built rock steps and retainer wall at Rincon with LCI Worked on estimates for water usage permit Worked on Big Bend Track and source pit Worked with LCI on the install of new boat ramp at Big Bend Worked with Kaess on filling sediment trap at Hecla Prepared for Hydro Mulching at Hecla and Stone Bridge Installed split rail fence at Hecla Mobilized Mueller’s grader to 11-Mile Built eddy at Texas Ck. Installed erosion matting at Hecla Finished buck n rail at Big Bend and Vallie Bridge Worked with engineers to improve the sediment trap at Hecla Worked with Shaun Gordon and met with R&R Construction for in stream improvements, sediment basin adjustments and armoring ramp at Hecla Met with Mike Tezak Construction for improvements to Lone Pine Looked at moving and improving the amphitheater at Ruby Mt. Worked on weed management throughout the entire park 10 �• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dealt with hydraulic fluid spill at Vallie Bridge caused by Fremont County Road and Bridge Department Worked on landscaping at Hecla beach area and near the restroom Built a retainer wall for access to the sediment basin at Hecla Installed retainer walls on the upstream side of Hecla ramp Planned and marked route for new trail at Five Points CG with PM V Worked with CYCA on preplanning and for new trail at Five Points Landscaped and built a rock wall around the bus parking area at Hecla Worked with contractor on paving V.C. parking Prepared for and helped teach Avalanche Course Serviced all small engines Worked on the inventory, repair and maintenance of AHRA trailers V.C. drainage work on maintenance parking area Rock work at Big Bend Assisted with rescue operations Cleaned the visitor center and sites Scheduled maintenance of fleet vehicles Routine maintenance on heavy equipment Plowed and shoveled snow at the VC and sites Road and parking maintenance AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Assistant Park Manager, Tom Waters, oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 152-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2011 Annual Report Accomplishments � � � � Hosted the 20th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up Hosted the 22nd Annual Contractors Workshop Hosted “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day” event in conjunction with IMBA Gave out 17 pfd’s to youths as part of the Lifejacket Giveaway Program 11 �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � AHRA staff participated in several environmental education and water safety presentations for local elementary schools Coordinated a Junior Rangers and “Hanging Out – Outdoors” raft trips Completed improvements to Visitor Center parking area and drainage Assisted Colorado State Patrol with USAPCC bike race Represented State Parks at the Fall Color Tour OHV ride in Buena Vista Completed OHV State Trail Grant Applications Performed track maintenance and rock work at Big Bend OHV area Hosted 3-Day Swiftwater Rescue training course for AHRA staff, Salida Fire Department and other federal and state agencies Hosted 2-day Avalanche Field Rescue training Worked closely with FIBArk race coordinators to increase and assist with safety during river race events Through AHRA’s FIBArk Sponsorship, AHRA and the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas hosted a booth during the 4-day festival AHRA attended “Gold Rush Days” in Buena Vista and offered a gold panning demonstration for kids and adults The multi-agency OHV trail crew patrolled, maintained, rerouted and cleared over 3,400 miles of trail, made 2,182 contacts and worked on trail projects throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley The OHV crew assisted with a special trail clearing saw project at Cheyenne Mountain State Park AHRA’s maintenance staff and Department of Corrections Labor Crews contributed over 550 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction. Worked on a plan for parking and boater access at Railroad Station in Canon City Rob White, John Nahomenuk, John Kreski and Andrew Maddox attended the 2011 Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) Conference Attended meetings regarding the proposed Over The River project by Christo Conducted a Browns Canyon monitoring trip with BLM Completed construction for the Hecla Junction Drainage Project Hosted River Ranger Rendezvous for the South West Chapter of the RMS Photograph and monitor Hecla Junction construction Trail Building workshop USFS Over the River project for Southeast Region office Responded to and removed a raft stuck in Salida low-head dam Almost 2 dozen youth PFD’s given out through PFD give-a-way program Finished VOC project application for Ruby Mountain amphitheater Found methamphetamine making ingredients at an abandoned camp Organized a Cub Scout service project at Hecla Junction Recovered and returned stuck kayak below Spikebuck Attended Chaffee County Search and Rescue dedication ceremony for Vern Kelso This concludes the 2011 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA BLM River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/. 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/c15031b83d25b3443e155a87ed53123b.pdf 3dcca6f660d73dcf58e52156e5061fb3 PDF Text Text Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2010 End of Year Report �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2010. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Commercial visitation, revenue and private boat numbers were slightly down for AHRA in 2010 as compared to 2009. A national economy stuck in a recessionary mode was the major factor contributing to the downturn. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with a revision of the AHRA management plan on the horizon, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and temporary employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated temporary employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 temporary staff members. In 2010 AHRA employed 23 temporary staff members, one more than 2009. For 2010, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: Administration: Commercial Agreements: Management: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone & Danielle Hill (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Rob White, Tom Waters (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2010 two Colorado State Parks full-time staff changes occurred. The Assistant Park Manager position vacated in October 2008 was filled by Tom Waters in April and the River Ranger Supervisor position was vacated by Danielle Hill in June. AHRA Temporary River Ranger Andrew Maddox passed the Park Manager-I test for a full time ranger position and went into the law enforcement academy in August. Andrew was then notified that he would be assigned to the AHRA as the River Ranger Supervisor in February 2011. 1 �2010 Special Activities Event Name Salida Pole, Pedal, Paddle Gravity Play Sports BV Pro Rodeo Colorado School of Mines Colorado Whitewater Association Dawson School The America Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament BV Raft Rodeo Pro Raft Race Colorado Rocky Mountain School Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival FIBArk Whitewater Festival CO Springs Fire Dept. CO Springs Fire Dept. CO Springs Fire Dept. World Team Sports GORETEX Trans Rockies Run Vettes on the Rockies CKS CKS Chaffee County SAR Colorado Women Fly fishers Time Inc Content Solutions Event Type Adventure Race Adventure Race Kayak Freestyle Competition Geophysics Field Camp Kayak Instructional Down River Canoe & Kayak Event Location Big Bend OHV BV to Fisherman's Bridge BV Whitewater Park Hecla Junction Sec. 2c, 3, 4a, 4b Sect 4a Fishing Tournament Rafting Freestyle Competition Pro Sprint Raft Race Kayak Team Training Raft & Kayak Events Raft & Kayak Events Swiftwater Rescue Training Swiftwater Rescue Training Swiftwater Rescue Training Adventure Race Trail Running Race Scenic Drive SUP Contest and Race Salida Kayak Freestyle Rodeo OHV Training Volunteer Clean Up Photo Shoot Granite Wildlife Area BV Whitewater Park BV Whitewater Park Browns, Numbers, Gorge Royal Gorge and Cañon City Pine Creek, Salida to Cotopaxi Spikebuck Browns Canyon Spikebuck Granite to Pine Creek Railroad Bridge Collegiate Peaks Overlook Salida East BV River Park Big Bend Track Salida East to Wellsville Stone Bridge Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING 2010 PEOPLE 254,737 2009 PEOPLE 259,169 ‘09 TO '10 % CHANGE -1.8% 60,403 7,584 40,871 68,191 11,661 42,520 -11.5% -35% -3.5% 262,122 24,162 31,625 254,431 25,433 29,008 +3% -5% +9% 25,569 8,461 35,279 750,813 23,424 7,868 33,682 758,259 +9% +7% +4.75% -1% Shore Boat PICNICKING BOATING ** Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and clients 2 �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section for 2010 was staffed by one full-time State Parks Program Assistant, Rose Bayless - two temporary administrative assistants; Heather Wright who works for State Parks 6 months from April through September and the Bureau of Land Management for 6 months from October through March; and Bob Dickey who worked from May through September - one summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Leda Baca - and a BLM summer student employee to assist with outdoor recreation programs, Zach Short. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial agreements, penalty assessments, special activity agreements, State Park passes, camping permits and off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, and also sell guide books, trail maps and a variety of items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). Administrative personnel function as the base radio dispatchers to AHRA field staff and provide administrative support to AHRA State Park and BLM employees. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup, Junior Rangers, campground and environmental education programs, administers the AHRA Volunteer Program, and organizes a variety of meetings throughout the year. Other duties include docketing and maintaining law enforcement penalty assessment records, training seasonal employees, volunteer recruitment and maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2010) 2010 443 $22,510.00 262 $6,693.00 $93,326.49 $85,650.31 1,888 $51,807.00 $745,498.92 Activity Compared to 2009 Annual Passes Sold -2.42% Revenue from Annual Passes Sold -2.49% Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -16.83% Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -14.63% Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes -6.37% Revenue from Camp Permits** +7.81% Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold +2.66% Revenue from Registration Sales +6.92% Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** -1.48% ** Reservation Revenue is included in this total *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2010 # Of People 26,200 1076 7824 1218 Type of Activity Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education 3 Compared to 2009 0% +35% +30% +11% �Volunteer Hours for 2010 # of Hours 4521 hrs 420 hrs 4921 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2010 Compared to 2009 52% 21% 33% A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2010. Junior Ranger programs took the lead with GOCO Interpreter Leda Baca fascinating kids with programs such as “Don’t Take the Arkansas River Rocks for Granite”, “Scats and Tracks”, “Water’s the Matter”, and “Scavenger Hunt”. Children ages 5-10 stormed the gates each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to watch Leda weave her web of magic and to investigate nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 4, with 34 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA received a grant through the Bureau of Land Management to initiate an outdoor recreation program for youth, and 2010 was the pilot year for “Hanging Out – Outdoors” for kids ages 12-17. Included in the grant was funding for a part-time (college) student employee to assist with planning and implementation. The “Hanging Out” program included Geo-Cache/Map and Compass, Rappelling, and Rafting and we are looking forward to 2011 to increase the momentum of this great opportunity to introduce young people to the wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities available throughout the AHRA. AHRA continued to be very active in 2010 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also teamed up with the Division of Wildlife to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Project. AHRA also participated in many community events including Paddlefest and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista as well as the Headwaters Institute Guide Training and FIBArk, both held in Salida. AHRA, GARNA, FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” and the Salida Police Dept. Bike Rodeo partnered together for the 19th Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp on May 15th. GARNA also assists AHRA with the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which is popular with visitors in the summer. Finally, it should be noted that AHRA assisted the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau during the summer of 2010 with volunteers who provide the workforce at the Heart of the Rockies Visitor Center in Poncha Springs. 4 �AHRA YEAR 2010 REVENUES Year 2010 By Month Camping Permits/ Park Passes Reservations Registrations Special Use Agreements Penalties, DOW Sales, Special Activities, etc. TOTALS January $1,563.97 $42.00 $1,249.50 $9.00 $660.41 $3,524.88 February $1,120.00 $36.00 $916.75 $9,985.23 $46.00 $12,103.98 March $1,796.65 $132.00 $2,775.50 $18,757.71 $205.00 $23,666.86 April $7,098.97 $1,936.00 $6,873.25 $10,401.61 $424.55 $26,734.38 May $15,874.95 $12,349.57 $5,519.50 $133,754.84 $1,348.35 $168,847.21 June $33,377.16 $15,956.02 $8,669.00 $194,572.31 $1,545.50 $254,119.99 July $27,899.69 $24,080.12 $8,349.25 $700.00 $3,296.23 $64,325.29 August $17,683.11 $16,160.30 $6,416.25 $2,549.05 $2,366.51 $45,175.22 September $10,046.83 $11,368.30 $3,857.00 $12,995.87 $1,010.99 $39,278.99 October $3,661.63 $3,103.00 $1,710.50 $129,304.96 $89.00 $137,869.09 November $1,457.64 $403.00 $3,651.00 $226,415.63 $3,508.00 $235,435.27 December $948.89 $84.00 $1,819.50 $142.50 $9,047.60 2010 TOTALS $122,529.49 $85,650.31 $51,807.00 $745,498.92 $14,643.04 $1,020,128.76 2009 Revenue $133,331.11 $79,412.64 $48,456.00 $756,666.77 $15,158.90 $1,033,025.17 $6,052.71 *AHRA revenues saw a 1% decrease in 2010 as compared to 2009 AHRA YEAR 2010 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLY- Year 2010 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts Operating Utilities Capital Equipment January $54,806.46 $3,601.15 $1,281.54 TOTALS 0 $2,744.00 -$85.73 $62,347.42 February $53,000.68 $4,604.62 $639.32 0 $5,875.38 $2,798.01 $66,918.01 March $51,968.18 $1,979.33 $864.12 0 $4,569.91 $17,066.59 $76,448.13 April $61,137.10 $8,083.49 $498.00 0 $13,256.16 $5,006.08 $87,980.83 May $86,410.16 $10,330.91 $598.90 0 Incl. June Incl. June $97,339.97 June $92,170.53 $64,964.68 $10,086.07 0 $30,556.17 $63,602.86 $261,380.31 July $82,784.26 $14,844.91 $1,312.61 0 $6,212.73 $1,849.92 $107,004.43 August $100,336.36 $17,097.00 $6,804.61 0 $25,599.36 $6,296.87 $156,134.20 September $72,061.87 $10,872.67 $2,722.22 0 $86,095.19 $75,856.63 $247,608.58 October $57,653.35 $9,744.14 $692.52 0 $24,000.00 $64.34 $92,154.35 November $50,865.88 $9,917.31 $374.86 0 -$2,469.14 $3,986.74 $62,495.65 December $51,207.70 $9,385.98 $744.06 0 $2,093.74 $7,293.25 $70,724.73 TOTALS $814,222.53 $165,426.19 $26,618.83 0 $198,533.50 Total Expenditures for Water and Related Costs in 2010 Pueblo Board of Water Works Bureau of Reclamation USGS Water Gages $183,735.56 $1,388,536.61 Grand Total $ 6,000.00 $21,000.00 $15,000.00 $1,430,536.61 *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures 5 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. In the past, the three full-time staff members hired up to twelve temporary staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) budget for FY 09/10 allowed eight, 40 hour per week temporary rangers at the start of the 2010 summer season. A ninth temporary river ranger was added the last week in June. Therefore, the river section had five, 40 hour per week temporary rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week temporary rangers. In addition to these nine TWP rangers there was one TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Ranger that was funded by an OHV grant. This position was supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. Because of reduced budgets, AHRA continues to struggle to regain its former TWP ranger staffing levels. Temporary rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of TWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the temporary staff was unable to maintain ideal coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some temporary shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Five of the AHRA temporary rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV ranger is part of a three-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration and equipment requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA temporary law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers who enforce only Parks and Wildlife laws. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. 6 �In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river and snowmobile patrols/avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 83 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 5 River Assists 148 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 11 River Hazard Removal Operations 8 2010 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized CAUSE Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL 10 Collision w/ Fixed Object 9 Capsized 3 Falls In Boat 9 Falls Overboard 4 Other 3 Collision w/ Other Vessel 38 TOTAL ACCIDENTS *There were four private river fatalities that occurred in three accidents within the AHRA in 2010. *There was one commercial river fatality within the AHRA in 2010. Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. 2010 Investigated and Reported Incidents Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Private Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents OHV Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Totals 37 4 7 0 1 5 8 0 2 64 2010 Citations Issued Year 2010 Pass/Permit Violations 370 Resource Protection Violations 20 Public Safety Violations 3 Records/Reporting Violations 3 OHV Violations 9 *Total 405 *Above total includes 4 citations to commercial outfitters 7 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 102 commercial contractors in 2010. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, shuttle services and photo/video imaging to over 212,920 clients in 2010. In 2010 commercial use at AHRA increased by 2.75% from 2009. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2010 was 0.09% above revenue received in 2009. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river Sections. In 2010, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing Section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a four person temporary Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has two temporary Rationing Program Assistants, one of which is employed during the winter months, and one of which is employed during the summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2010 2009 Boating ................................................................................ 55 ................. 55 Imaging ............................................................................... 27 ................. 22 Walk and Wade Fishing ...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services .................................................................... 3 .................... 3 Rock Climbing, Hiking & Mt. Biking…………………….. 2 …………… 0 Total ...................................................................................102.................. 95 Rationed Days By Section 2010 2009 Section 1c – The Numbers ................................................... 6 .................. 13 Section 2b – Browns Canyon ............................................... .9 .................. 12 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... .7 .................... 4 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ................................... 48 ................. 49 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 2 ................... 3 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................ 13 .................. 14 Total ................................................................................... 85 ................ 95 8 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2009 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2010 were the River Manager, a seasonal park ranger and a winter seasonal administrative position (October 2010 – March 2011). The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the AHRA Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Renewable Resource Supervisor, Leah Quesenberry, located at the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City, CO. Keith Berger became the new Royal Gorge Field Office Manager with the retirement of Roy Masinton. Starr Jamison, who was in the BLM Student Career Employment Program (SCEP) as a Recreation Technician in 2009, left that position and it has remained vacant throughout 2010. Janine Prout (seasonal Park Ranger) is our main public contact representative and spends a great deal of her time patrolling the uplands making contacts with the recreating public. She is also responsible for maintaining facilities. Janine spends a great deal of her time leading volunteers in trail building, clean-up and construction and maintenance projects. Janine also played a critical role in continuing to implement the Arkansas River Travel Management Plan. Janine receives assistance from the recreation staff out of Canon City. Heather Wright continued to work as the seasonal BLM Recreation Technician and State Parks Administrative Program Technician during the 2010 season. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. BLM continues to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Christo and Jeanne-Claude Over the River (OTR) art project. The final EIS is expected to be released to the public sometime in the spring of 2011. Though Jeanne-Claude passed away in 2009, Christo continues to move forward with the project. The proposal calls for draping approximately 6 miles of the Arkansas River (between Salida and Canon City) with translucent fabric. All costs to the BLM associated with the project are paid for by the proponent. The art display, if approved, would not be viewed until 2014 at the earliest. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. During 2010, these improvements included the installation of two CXT’s at Five Points Day Use site, construction of a retaining wall and fence behind the maintenance shop, completing a weed control project with help from a Colorado Dept of Agriculture grant, erecting two different sections of buck & rail fence on BLM 9 �land across from Fisherman’s Bridge, installing newly designed “Attention Boater” signs at boat launch sites, installing low head dam “Caution” signs, planting 100 willows and 10 alder trees at Hecla Junction with Trout Unlimited volunteers, treating park wood structures with preservative treatment, refinishing picnic tables, installing fire rings at select undeveloped sites, began the down river vault toilet door painting project, creating a new parking area and building buck and rail fence at Vallie Bridge, wood treatment on the fencing and improving site drainage at the Visitor Center, rock work and track maintenance at Big Bend, campground improvements and drainage improvements at Hecla Junction, and road and parking lot maintenance at multiple sites as well as the day to day cleaning and maintenance of the recreation area. While AHRA’s maintenance staff contributed over 500 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction, we had an additional 300 hours of volunteer labor. AHRA also received a $3500 Colorado Dept. of Agriculture grant to work on specific species such as yellow toadflax, dalmation toadflax, tamarisk, hoary cress, and Russian knapweed. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2010. AHRA State Park Management Park Manager, Rob White, and Assistant Park Manager, Tom Waters, who joined AHRA in May 2010, oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 10 �2010 Annual Report Accomplishments    Hosted the 19th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up Hosted the 21st Annual Contractors Workshop Built a buck and rail fence at Fisherman’s Bridge on BLM land for National Public Lands Day, and a group of Cub Scouts did a cleanup at Hecla Junction.  AHRA recognized “World Rivers Day” with a resource awareness event beginning at Hecla Junction and ending with a float trip from Hecla Junction to Stone Bridge  AHRA staff participated in several environmental education and water safety presentations for local elementary schools Coordinated a Junior Rangers and “Hanging Out – Outdoors” raft trips Built new parking area, buck and rail fence and rock work at Vallie Bridge Completed improvements to Visitor Center parking area and drainage, back entrance access and perimeter fence Assisted with recovery operations at Frog Rock Represented State Parks at the Fall Color Tour OHV ride in Buena Vista Completed OHV State Trail Grant Applications Performed track maintenance and rock work at Big Bend OHV area Completed OHV sound testing at Four-Mile with USFS and BLM Hosted 3-Day Swiftwater Rescue training course for AHRA staff, Salida Fire Department and other federal and state agencies Worked closely with FIBArk race coordinators to increase and assist with safety during river race events Through AHRA’s FIBArk Sponsorship, AHRA, GARNA and the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas hosted a booth during the 4-day festival AHRA attended “Gold Rush Days” in Buena Vista and offered a gold panning demonstration for kids and adults The multi-agency OHV trail crew patrolled, maintained, rerouted and cleared over 2,844 miles of trail, made 1206 contacts and worked on trail projects throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley AHRA maintenance staff contributed over 500 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction, and we had an additional 300 hours of volunteer labor Worked on a plan for parking and boater access at Railroad Station in Canon City Rob White, John Nahomenuk and John Kreski attended the 2010 Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) Conference Attended meetings regarding the proposed Over The River project by Christo Developed a spreadsheet for monitoring dispersed campers along the river Conducted a Browns Canyon monitoring trip with BLM Assisted with Droney Gulch Natural Area survey Organized “Take a Kid Mountain Biking” event Completed construction plans for the Hecla Junction Drainage Project and began preliminary work Investigated and assisted with search and recovery of Pine Creek fatality Participated in river search and rescue operation near Florence Conducted an investigation regarding a snowmobile fatality                          This concludes the 2010 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA River Manager at (719) 539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/. 11 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/b22c21b19ad1460fbe9637c91b6bdf34.pdf 862b6c13fb49785214842ddff15b7a44 PDF Text Text The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2009 2009 End of Year Report �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2009. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Commercial visitation, revenue and private boat numbers were slightly down for AHRA in 2008 as compared to 2009. A national economy stuck in a recessionary mode was the major factor contributing to the downturn. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. In addition, with a revision of the AHRA management plan on the horizon, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 seasonal staff members. In 2009 AHRA employed 22 seasonal staff members, one less than 2008 due to declining budgets. For 2009, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance: Rangers: Administration: Commercial Agreements: SCEP Ranger: Management: John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, Glenn Cottone & Danielle Hill (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Starr Jamison (BLM) Rob White (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2009 one Colorado State Parks full-time staff change occurred. The River Ranger Supervisor position was filled by Danielle Hill in October. The Assistant Park Manager Position vacated in October 2008 remained unfilled the remainder of the year and will be filled April 15th of 2010. 1 �The following special activities took place within the recreation area in 2009. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Special Activity Location Wedding Kayak Instruction Fremont Co. Search and Rescue Training Memorial Service Transrockies Run FIBArk Clean Up/Green Up Build Your Own Boat & Royal Gorge Raft Race Paddlefest CSC Fire Dept. Swift Water Training Gold Prospectors of Colorado Picnic Adventure Race 3 P Race Geology Field Camp (2) Swiftwater Rescue Training Ride the Rockies Family Reunion OHV Agency Training Mentor Series Monarch Center Filming Stone Bridge Lower Arkansas River Loma Linda Collegiate Peaks Overlook Numbers & Railroad Bridge Park-wide Arkansas River Canon City Buena Vista Whitewater Park Browns Canyon Point Barr Buena Vista to Fisherman’s Bridge Big Bend Ruby Mountain Salida Whitewater Park Hayden Meadows and Tiger Lily Collegiate Peaks Overlook Big Bend Track Park-wide Browns Canyon and Royal Gorge Overall AHRA visitation numbers in 2009 increased from 2008 with total activities up 2.9%. Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING 2009 PEOPLE 259,169 2008 PEOPLE 235,221 ‘08 TO '09 % CHANGE 10% 68,191 11,661 42,520 67,053 10,211 41,909 1.7% 14.2% 1.5% 254,431 25,433 31,880 265,422 27,488 29,008 -4.1% -7.5% Shore Boat PICNICKING BOATING ** Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL 23,424 7,868 33,682 758,259 *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and clients 2 22,640 7,803 30,058 736,813 2.8% 3.5% .8% 12% 2.9% �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section is staffed by one full-time State Parks Program Assistant, Rose Bayless, two seasonal administrative assistants - Heather Wright who works for State Parks 6 months from April through September and the Bureau of Land Management for 6 months from October through March, and Bob Dickey who works from May through September- and one summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator, Leda Baca. The Administrative Section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, deal with thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking, biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping for all AHRA revenues from commercial agreements, penalty assessments, special activity agreements, State Park passes, camping permits and off-highway vehicle, snowmobile and boat registrations, as well as retail sales of items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA). Administrative personnel function as the base radio dispatchers to AHRA field staff and provide administrative support to AHRA State Park and BLM employees. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup, environmental education programs, and a variety of meetings. Other duties include docketing and maintaining law enforcement penalty assessment records, training seasonal employees, volunteer recruitment and maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2009): 2009 454 $23,085.00 315 $7,840.00 $99,670.74 $79,447.17 1839 $48,456.00 $756,666.77 Activity Compared to 2008 Annual Passes Sold 1.10% Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 6.3% Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 16.8% Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 44.1% Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes 4.9% Revenue from Camp Permits** 13.8% Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold 2.7% Revenue from Registration Sales 4.3% Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** .28% ** Reservation Revenue is included in this total *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2009 # Of People 26,299 796 5975 1097 Type of Activity Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Compared to 2008 6.9% -2.8% 1.5% .5% Volunteer Hours for 2009 # of Hours 2974 hrs 333 hrs 307 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2009 3 Compared to 2008 36.4%% 4.3% 32.3% �A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2009. Junior Ranger programs took the lead with GOCO Interpreter Leda Baca fascinating kids with programs such as: “Don’t Take the Arkansas River Rocks for Granite”; “Scats and Tracks”; “Birds on the Brain”; “Water’s the Matter”; and “Scavenger Hunt”. Children ages 5-10 stormed the gates each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to watch Ranger Leda weave her web of magic and to investigate nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 5, with 34 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA continued to be very active in 2009 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also teamed up with the Division of Wildlife to recruit volunteers to monitor bluebird houses at AHRA recreation sites for the National Bluebird Project. AHRA participated in many community events including Paddlefest in Buena Vista as well as the Headwaters Institute Guide Training and FIBArk, both held in Salida. AHRA, GARNA, FIBArk “Cruiser Crit” and the Salida Police Dept. Bike Rodeo partnered together for the 18th Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp on May 16th. GARNA also assists AHRA with the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which is popular with visitors in the summer. Finally, it should be noted that AHRA assisted the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau during the summer of 2009 with volunteers who provide the workforce at the Heart of the Rockies Visitor Center in Poncha Springs. AHRA revenues saw a 2.7% increase in 2009 as compared to 2008. AHRA YEAR 2009 REVENUES Year 2009 By Month Camping Permits/ Park Passes Reservations Registrations Special Use Agreements Penalties, DOW Sales, Special Activities, etc. TOTALS January $4,910.59 $161.60 $1,931.75 $825.00 $481.00 $8,309.94 February $2,764.96 $144.00 $867.75 $6,030.32 $147.50 $9,954.53 March $4,884.77 $678.00 $3,262.00 $12,610.56 $64.25 $21,499.58 April $7,173.11 $1,783.00 $4,746.75 $23,614.62 $737.00 $38,054.48 May $21,965.34 $12,312.00 $6,079.50 $124,864.77 $1,336.50 $166,558.11 June $29,940.48 $16,357.00 $7,180.50 $195,298.01 $1,385.50 $250,161.49 July $28,028.01 $22,204.97 $7,509.25 $1,045.99 $2,404.65 $61,192.87 August $19,040.66 $14,773.47 $5,555.00 $721.79 $3,111.75 $43,202.67 September $9,433.02 $9,028.60 $4,418.50 $2,116.29 $2,708.50 $27,704.91 October $2,896.79 $1,505.00 $2,150.25 $150,401.18 $2,636.00 $159,589.22 November $1,645.72 $409.00 $1,735.00 $209,883.98 $46.00 $213,719.70 December $647.66 $56.00 $3,019.75 $100.00 $33,077.67 TOTALS $133,331.11 $79,412.64 $48,456.00 $756,666.77 $15,158.90 $1,033,025.17 2008 Revenue $122,945.09 $69,828.18 $46,462.25 $754,549.34 $12,141.35 $1,005,926.21 4 $29,254.26 �AHRA YEAR 2009 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLY- Year 2009 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel Operating Utilities Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS January $52,155.45 $4,793.84 $779.69 $0 $644.38 $3,732.24 $62,105.60 February $53,903.72 $9,069.85 $687.41 $0 $1094.95 $15.53 $64,771.46 March $54,180.36 $5,485.03 $540.99 $0 $785.21 $626.54 $61,618.13 April $61,433.37 $7,236.67 $598.10 $0 $2,005.88 $391.99 $71,666.01 May $79,370.53 $7,770.77 $1008.79 $0 $2,196.84 $6,215.64 $96,562.57 June $101,586.46 $35,193.79 $5,681.62 $0 $9,571.68 $19,666.18 $171,699.73 July $84,044.54 $12,017.23 $1,044.99 $0 $2,548.39 $13,083.48 $112,738.63 August $84,692.27 $15,005.04 $1,981.72 $0 $4,432.02 $3,389.94 $109,500.99 September $76,108.06 $10,729.34 $1,331.51 $0 $3,017.10 $721.15 $91,907.16 October $55,691.86 $4,359.53 $669.44 $0 $213.78 $2,732.21 $63,666.82 November $52,676.45 $4,168.11 $5,713.17 $0 $717.44 $171.59 $63,446.76 December $52,883.55 $4,413.29 $1,658.03 $0 $0 $543.16 $59,498.03 TOTALS $808,726.62 $120,242.49 $21,695.46 $0 $27,227.67 $51,289.65 Water Purchase/Lease – 600 acre feet from Total Expenditures for Water Purchases in 2009 Bureau of Water Works Pueblo @ $50/acre ft Temporary Storage Contract 11,000 acre-feet from Bureau of Reclamation @ $20.53/acre ft USGS Water Gages $1,029,181.89 Grand Total $1,094,141.89* $30,000.00 $20,530.00 $14,430.00 *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Temporary Work Program (TWP) or seasonal budget for FY 08/09 allowed eight, 40 hour per week seasonal rangers for the 2009 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week seasonal river rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week seasonal rangers. In addition to these eight TWP rangers there was one TWP Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Ranger that was funded by an OHV grant. This position was supervised by the Land Ranger Supervisor. Because of reduced budgets, AHRA continues to struggle to regain its former TWP ranger staffing levels. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of TWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the seasonal staff was unable to maintain typical coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some seasonal shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Four of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible 5 �to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV ranger is part of a three-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river and snowmobile patrols/avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 65 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 22 River Assists 115 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 9 River Hazard Removal Operations 17 6 �2009 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 10 Capsized 6 Falls In Boat 2 Falls Overboard 6 Other 0 Collision w/ Other Vessel 1 TOTAL ACCIDENTS 25 *There were two private river fatalities that occurred in the same accident within the AHRA in 2009. *There was one commercial river fatality within the AHRA in 2009. Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2009 Number Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Private Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents OHV Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Totals 18 5 4 0 0 6 9 0 3 45 Citations Issued for the Year 2009 Year 2009 Pass/Permit Violations 468 Resource Protection Violations 10 Public Safety Violations 3 Records/Reporting Violations 3 OHV Violations 10 Snowmobile Violations 3 Other Violations (Illegal rafting outfitting) 5 *Total 502 *Above total includes 4 citations to commercial outfitters 7 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 95 commercial contractors in 2009. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, shuttle services and photo/video imaging to over 207,216 clients in 2009. In 2009 commercial use at AHRA decreased by 3.96% from 2008. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2009 was 1.06% below revenue received in 2008. This total includes revenue only from total gross receipts and does not include administrative and assessment fees. The Arkansas River within the AHRA remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river Sections. In 2009, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing Section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a seasonal Rationing Program Assistant, who is employed during the winter months to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2009 2008 Boating ................................................................................ 55 ................. 55 Imaging ............................................................................... 22 .................. 9 Walk and Wade Fishing ...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services .................................................................... 3 .................... 3 Total ....................................................................................95................... 82 Rationed Days By Section 2009 2008 Section 1c – The Numbers .................................................. 13 ................. 19 Section 2b – Browns Canyon .............................................. .12 ................. 12 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... .4 .................... 8 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ................................... 49 ................. 34 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 3 ................... 4 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge ............................................ 14 .................. 12 Total ................................................................................... 95 ................ 89 8 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2008 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2009 were the River Manager, a Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) individual, a seasonal recreation technician and a winter seasonal administrative position (October 2009 – March 2010). The BLM River Manager (John P. Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the Arkansas River Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Renewable Resource Supervisor (Paul Trentzsch, retired June and Leah Quesenberry, current) located at the BLM headquarters in Canon City, CO. Starr Jamison continued in 2009 to be part of the Student Career Employment Program (SCEP) as a Recreation Technician. The SCEP position requires the student to complete 640 hours of mentoring, and if successful, will be offered a position (budget allowing) with BLM upon graduation. Starr graduated in August of 2009 and was placed in a career seasonal position. This position is targeted to work out of the AHRA office in Salida. Duties this position will be responsible for include management of the BLM upland recreation program associated with the Arkansas River corridor. This position is directed to work closely with AHRA staff, other Federal and state agencies, local government entities and with various user groups. This includes project planning, grant acquisition, preparation and input into NEPA documents, volunteer program management, resource monitoring, implementation of the Fourmile and Arkansas River Travel Management Plan and providing resource protection and monitoring of two BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and to four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This position provides assistance to visitors in BLM uplands and carries out patrols and maintenance on public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA sites along the river corridor. It also provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. The position is also part of an AHRA team that performs resource monitoring (in its ninth year) of lunch and campsites within Browns Canyon. Heather Wright continued to work as the seasonal BLM Recreation Technician and State Parks Administrative Program Technician during the 2009 season. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. Janine Prout (Recreation Technician) is our main public contact representative and spends a great deal of her time patrolling the uplands making contacts with the recreating public. She is also responsible for maintaining facilities. Janine spends a great deal of her time leading volunteers in trail building, clean-up and construction and maintenance projects. BLM hired a third party contractor (EDAW / AECOM) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Christo and Jeanne-Claude Over the River (OTR) art project. Though Jeanne-Claude passed away this year, Christo continues to move forward with the project. The proposal calls for draping approximately 6 miles of the Arkansas River with 9 �translucent fabric. The OTR proposal prepared in 2008 by JF SATO will be used to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. All costs to the BLM associated with the project are paid for by the proponent. The art display, if approved, would not be viewed until 2013 at the earliest. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible for year-round daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site maintenance, improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. During 2009, these improvements included the construction of wildlife friendly fences on the Parkdale property line, Arkansas River Ranch/ Mt. Massive Subdivision property line and the newly acquired property adjacent to Fisherman’s Bridge, replacing the roof on the Railroad Bridge vault toilet building, installing newly designed “Information” signs in our three panel sign frames, treating all park wood structures with preservative treatment, refinishing picnic tables, installing fire rings at select undeveloped sites, servicing all doors and locks on AHRA facilities, re-keying all vault toilets to a single key and remodeling the Visitor Center basement to create a new office space. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections Sign Shop and Labor Crews, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2009. AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager & Assistant Park Manager (Position Vacant in 2009) oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region Office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Upper Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Management Program (VFMP) each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. As mentioned earlier in the report, in October 2008 the Assistant Park Manager was temporarily assigned to the Southeast Region Office to assist them with their operations. This temporary assignment carried through October 2009 when the assignment became permanent with the appointment of John Geerdes as the Southeast Region Manager. The vacant AHRA Assistant Park Manager position was recently filled with the appointment of Tom Waters, from the Colorado State Parks Public Safety and Training Unit. Tom begins his assignment at AHRA on a part-time basis (three days a week) starting April 15th, 2010 and then will be assigned to AHRA on a full-time basis May 1st. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 10 �2009 Annual Report Accomplishments � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Hosted the 18th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up Hosted the 20th Annual Contractors Workshop Celebrated AHRA’s 20th Anniversary at the Salida Steamplant on October 27th Participated in Colorado State Parks 50th Anniversary activities Cleaned up disbursed camping areas along the river and performed maintenance on trail #T6034 in the Fourmile Travel Management Area on National Public Lands Day AHRA staff participated in several environmental education and water safety presentations for local elementary schools Coordinated a Junior Ranger Raft Trip in cooperation with Noah’s Ark Prepared special program for Lt. Governor Barbara O’Brien’s visit to Salida in conjunction with the “Colorado Kids Outdoor Forum” The Southwest Conservation Corps worked on projects during the month of July Instructed CPR / AED class for staff Assisted BLM with motorcycle recovery Assisted Salida Fire and State Patrol with overturned tanker truck at the Rincon curves Responded to and investigated double fatality in Pine Creek (private) Assisted with evacuation of flash flood victims at Texas Creek Testified at Fremont Co. Tanner murder trial Complied with the required furlough days mandated by Governor Ritter Represented State Parks at the Fall Color Tour OHV ride in Buena Vista Took pictures of all campsites for Reserve America reservation project Testified in Denver Federal Court, civil lawsuit Completed OHV State Trail Grant Applications requesting $107,150 Completed OHV Sound Test enforcement level training Hosted 3-Day Swiftwater Rescue training course for AHRA staff, Salida Fire Department and other federal and state agencies Worked closely with FIBArk race coordinators to increase and assist with safety during river race events The multi-agency OHV trail crew patrolled, maintained, rerouted and cleared over 2,680 miles of trail, made 1259 contacts and worked on trail projects throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley AHRA maintenance staff contributed over 500 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction Performed track maintenance in the Big Bend riding area and placed road base in the OHV parking area Rob White, John Nahomenuk and John Kreski attended the 2009 Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) Conference Attended meetings regarding the proposed Over The River project by Christo Conducted a Browns Canyon monitoring trip with BLM This concludes the 2009 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA River Manager at (719)539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/. 11 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/9080e22df8f53de51f11947d23a64e82.pdf 45db820c71a9880b8ca24dde951635ac PDF Text Text The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2008 End of Year Report �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2008. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Commercial visitation, revenue and private boat numbers were down for AHRA in 2008. High water, a declining economy and high gas prices were major factors contributing to the downturn. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 seasonal staff members. In 2008 AHRA employed 23 seasonal staff. For 2008, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsSCEP Ranger Management - John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort & Glenn Cottone (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Star Jamison (BLM) Rob White, John Geerdes (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2008 two Colorado State Parks full-time staff changes occurred. River Ranger Supervisor Sean Shepherd transferred to the Division of Wildlife at the end of April and Assistant Park Manager John Geerdes was put on special assignment at the Southeast Region Office in mid October. With the Governor’s hiring freeze in effect it is uncertain when these positions will be filled. The full-time BLM Contact Representative position eliminated in April 2005 has not been reinstated and so Heather Wright remains in the same capacity with the position being funded jointly by State Parks and BLM as alternating seasonal positions. The following special activities took place within the recreation area in 2008. 1 �Special Activity • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Location USFS OHV Training National Public Lands Day Fremont Co. Search and Rescue Training TV Filming / Indigo Films Colorado Tourism Photo Shoot Radical Media Filming Sledging Film Royal Gorge Raft Race “How to” Video on Kayaking Memorial Service Transrockies Run Family Challenge FIBARk Rubber Duck Race Clean Up/Green Up Paddlefest Riverboard Demonstration Build Your Own Boat Race Easter Sunrise Service Kayak and Raft Surf Contest CSC Fire Dept. Swift Water Training Gold Prospectors of Colorado Picnic Kayak Instruction Adventure Race Snowmobile Racing Wedding 3 P Race Big Bend Collegiate Peaks Overlook Five Points Browns Canyon Browns Canyon Pinnacle – Spike Buck Numbers – Railroad Bridge Royal Gorge Browns Canyon Browns Canyon Numbers – Railroad Bridge Railroad Bridge Park-wide Canon City Arkansas River Buena Vista Whitewater Park Salida Whitewater Park Canon City Collegiate Peaks Overlook Buena Vista Whitewater Park Browns Canyon Point Barr Lower Arkansas River Buena Vista to Fisherman’s Bridge Hayden Meadows Collegiate Peaks Overlook Big Bend AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative section was staffed by one full-time State Parks Program Assistant, Rose Bayless, two temporary administrative assistants - Heather Wright who works for State Parks 6 months from April through September and the Bureau of Land Management for 6 months from October through March, and Bob Dickey who works from May through September- and one summer GOCO Naturalist/Volunteer coordinator, Phyllis Cron. The Administrative section staff meet and greet visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center, field thousands of phone calls and provide a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking, etc. They handle sales and recordkeeping, including revenues from concession agreements, State Parks Passes, camping permits and recreational vehicle and boat registrations, and retail sales of items provided by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association. Staff serve as the base radio dispatcher to AHRA staff in the field and provide administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. The Administrative section also coordinates AHRA special events, such as the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup, and meetings. Other duties include filing, docketing and maintaining law enforcement penalty assessment records, training seasonal employees, volunteer recruitment and maintaining AHRA budget, visitation and revenue information. 2 �Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2008): 2008 Activity 449 Compared to 2007 Annual Passes Sold 15.13% Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 29.9% 274 Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -7.43% $5,440 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -6.11% $95,045.09 Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes 1.61% $69,828.18 Revenue from Camp Permits** -2.01% Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold -10.63% $46,462.25 Revenue from Registration Sales 28.9% $754,549.34 Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** $22,460.00 1790 -12.26% ** Reservation Revenue is included in this total *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2008 # Of People 24,604 819 5887 1097 Type of Activity Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Compared to 2007 -5.71% -64.51% -8.22% -21.02% Volunteer Hours for 2008 # of Hours 2180 hrs 319 hrs 2499 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2008 Compared to 2007 -35.3 -35.9 -35.25% A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2008. Junior Ranger programs took the lead with GOCO Interpreter Phyllis Cron fascinating kids with programs such as: “Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind”; “Don’t Bug Me”; “Birds on the Brain”; and “Spider Sniffing”. Children ages 5-12 stormed the gates each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to watch Ranger Phyllis weave her web of magic and to investigate nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 6, with 29 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. AHRA continued to be very active in 2008 with Project Wild, environmental education for area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA participated in many community events including Paddlefest in Buena Vista as well as the Headwaters Institute Guide Training and FIBArk, both held in Salida. AHRA and GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) partnered on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events such as the 17th Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp. GARNA also assists AHRA with grant writing and administration, interpretive signs and displays, and the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which consistently grows in sales and popularity with the public. AHRA assisted GARNA during the summer of 2008 with 3 �volunteers who provide the workforce at the Heart of the Rockies Visitor Center in Poncha Springs Overall AHRA visitation numbers in 2008 decreased from 2007 with total activities down by 10.33%. Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING 2008 PEOPLE 235,221 2007 PEOPLE 256,577 ‘07 TO '08 % CHANGE -8.32% 67,053 10,211 41,909 71,206 10,615 43,879 -5.83% -3.81% -4.49% 265,422 27,488 29,008 295,172** 30,118 44,839 -10.08% -8.73% 22,640 7,803 30,058 736,813 23,980 10,111 35,183*** 821,680 Shore Boat PICNICKING BOATING Commercial Private OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL -35.31% -5.59% -22.83% -14.57% -10.33% *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and clients ***Number of nights camping AHRA revenues saw a 7.7% decrease in 2008 as compared to 2007. AHRA YEAR 2008 REVENUES Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Special Use Other: Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. Year 2008 By Month Park Passes January $1,806.64 $28.00 $1,517.50 $0.00 $28.00 $3,380.14 February $1,885.55 $10.00 $882.75 $4,423.72 $322.00 $7,524.02 March $4,603.26 $223.00 $3,998.75 $20,477.12 $0.04 $29,302.17 April $11,644.69 $3,178.00 $4,438.75 $19,519.82 $336.01 $39,117.27 TOTALS May $18,475.01 $9,727.06 $5,615.25 $135,256.16 $526.00 $169,599.48 June $27,724.45 $14,109.51 $6,337.50 $227,803.37 $2,178.75 $278,153.58 July $24,561.26 $18,981.00 $7,317.25 $0.00 $2,774.31 $53,633.82 August $17,024.72 $14,099.10 $5,312.50 $450.00 $2,782.24 $39,668.56 September $9,225.77 $7,080.81 $4,700.75 $6,569.01 $2,126.50 $29,702.84 October $3,668.31 $1,932.90 $2,074.50 $91,441.71 $869.50 $99,986.92 November $1,433.43 $416.80 $1,029.50 $220,935.29 $145.00 $223,960.02 December $892.00 $42.00 $3,237.25 $53.00 $31,897.39 TOTALS $122,945.09 $69,828.18 $27,673.14 $46,462.25 $754,549.34 4 $12,141.35 $1,005,926.21 �AHRA YEAR 2008 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLY- Year 2008 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel Operating Utilities Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS January $54,746.55 $7,121.97 $870.06 $0 $6,021.66 $2,131.61 $70,891.85 February $55,227.54 $6,837.07 $716.44 $0 $2,038.82 $684.00 $65,503.87 March $57289.99 $7,167.33 $630.25 $0 $127.11 $211.33 $65,426.01 April $61,531.13 $10,301.36 $2,561.96 $0 $44,215.63 $16,747.41 $135,357.49 May $74,169.79 $14,665.08 $1,045.36 $0 $13,295.02 $300.95 $103,476.20 June $74,090.47 $16,555.87 $1,715.90 $0 $12,117.20 $15,472.60 $119,952.04 July $86,162.08 $20,949.14 $1,761.66 $0 $0 $6,553.91 $115,426.79 August $82,968.26 $18,743.00 $2,785.94 $0 $2,865.91 $7,051.33 $114,414.44 September $67,289.38 $14,209.66 $5,388.68 $0 $6,414.52 $5,618.49 $98,920.73 October $63,472.69 $4,912.90 $832.30 $0 $363.59 $2,360.80 $71,942.28 November $50,879.03 $7,548.93 $1,768.64 $11,000.00 $45.84 $2,408.62 $73,651.06 December $50,938.17 $7,800.65 $4,125.56 $0 $1,595.20 $2,779.64 $67,239.22 TOTALS $778,765.08 $136,812.96 $24,202.75 $11,000.00 $89,100.50 $62,320.69 Total Expenditures for Water Purchases in 2008 Water Purchase/Lease Temporary Storage Contract 650 acre-feet USGS Gauges $1,102,201.98 $0 $13,344.50 $13,260.00 Grand Total $1,128,806.48* *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Seasonal Work Program (SWP) budget for FY 07/08 allowed eight, 40 hour per week seasonal rangers for the 2008 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week seasonal river rangers assigned to it. The land section had four, 40 hour per week seasonal rangers. This was down one 20 hour per week Land Ranger position from the 2007 season. In addition to these eight SWP rangers there was one SWP OffHighway Vehicle (OHV) Ranger that was funded by an OHV grant. This position was supervised by the Assistant Park Manager in the absence of the River Ranger Supervisor. Because of reduced budgets, AHRA continues to struggle to regain its former SWP ranger staffing levels. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of SWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the seasonal staff was unable to maintain typical coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some seasonal shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Four of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible 5 �to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV ranger is part of a three-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are limited commission, Title 33 officers. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river and snowmobile patrols/avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 87 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 7 River Assists 190 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 17 River Hazard Removal Operations 15 *There was one private river fatality within the AHRA in 2008. *There were four commercial river fatalities within the AHRA in 2008. 6 �2008 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE 2008 Boat Acidents By Cause Collision w/ Ot her Vessel 5% CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 18 Capsized 8 Falls In Boat 2 Falls Overboard 5 Other 3 Collision w/ Other Vessel 2 TOTAL ACCIDENTS 35 Ot her 8% Collision w/ Fixed Object Falls Overboard 13% Capsized Collision w/ Fixed Object 48% Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Falls In Boat Ot her 5% Collision w/ Ot her Vessel Capsized 21% Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2008 Number Fatal Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Private Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents OHV Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Totals 34 3 2 1 3 8 22 16 2 91 4 1 1 4 10 Citations Issued for the Year 2008 Year 2008 Pass/Permit Violations 584 Resource Protection Violations 10 Public Safety Violations 4 Records/Reporting Violations 2 OHV Violations 4 Snowmobile Violations 0 Other Violations (Illegal rafting outfitting) 1 *Total 605 *Above total includes 4 citations to commercial outfitters 7 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 82 commercial contractors in 2008. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, shuttle services and photo/video imaging to over 215,763 clients in 2008. In 2008 commercial use at AHRA decreased by 10.76% from 2007. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2008 was 7.43% below revenue received in 2007. The Arkansas River remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river sections. In 2008, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a seasonal Rationing Program Assistant, who is employed during the winter months to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2008 2007 Boating................................................................................ 55 ................. 55 Imaging ................................................................................ 9 .................. 10 Walk and Wade Fishing...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services.................................................................... 3 .................... 4 Total ....................................................................................82................... 84 Rationed Days By Section 2008 2007 Section 1c – The Numbers.................................................. 19 ................. 22 Section 2b – Browns Canyon.............................................. .12 .................. 7 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... .8 ................... 10 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge................................... 34 ................. 44 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 4 ................... 2 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge............................................ 12 .................. 11 Total ................................................................................... 89 ................ 96 8 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2007 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2008 were the River Manager, a Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) individual, a seasonal recreation OffHighway Vehicle trail crew member and a winter seasonal administrative position (October 2008 – March 2009). The BLM River Manager (John Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the Arkansas River Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Renewable Resource Supervisor (Paul Trentzsch) located at the BLM headquarters in Canon City, CO. Starr Jamison continued in 2008 to be part of the Student Career Employment Program (SCEP) as a Recreation Technician. The SCEP position requires the student to complete 640 hours of mentoring, and if successful, will be offered a position (budget allowing) with BLM upon graduation. Starr is expected to graduate in May of 2009. This position is targeted to work out of the AHRA office in Salida. Duties this position will be responsible for include management of the BLM upland recreation program associated with the Arkansas River corridor. This position is directed to work closely with AHRA staff, other Federal and state agencies, local government entities and with various user groups. This includes project planning, grant acquisition, preparation and input into NEPA documents, volunteer program management, resource monitoring, implementation of the Fourmile and Arkansas River Travel Management Plan and providing resource protection and monitoring of two BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and to four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This position provides assistance to visitors in BLM uplands and carries out patrols and maintenance on public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA sites along the river corridor. It also provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. The position is also part of an AHRA team that performs resource monitoring (in its ninth year) of lunch and campsites within Browns Canyon. Heather Wright continued to work as the seasonal BLM and State Parks Visitor Contact Representative during the 2008 season. Her year-round support to the Administrative section and AHRA provides much needed consistency to our very busy office. In 2008, staff members continued to work closely with our Congressional Delegation to develop legislation for a Browns Canyon Wilderness Bill. No legislation was drawn in 2008 for a Browns Canyon Wilderness Bill as issues regarding motorized access continue to be discussed with proponents and opponents. BLM received a 2000 (+ or -) page proposal that details the construction, display and deconstruction of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Over the River art project. The proposal calls for 9 �draping approximately 6 miles of the Arkansas River with translucent fabric. The proposal will be used to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. A consultant will be selected by the BLM to prepare the EIS in 2009. All costs to the BLM associated with the project are paid for by the proponent. The art display, if approved, would not occur until 2012 at the earliest. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2008, these improvements included: two additional shade shelters erected at Parkdale’s group picnic area including new ground material underneath the shelter and all picnic tables aligned & leveled; the majority of all park wood structures were given wood preservative treatment; picnic tables were added to Hayden Meadows and Big Bend OHV’s new shade shelter; Collegiate Peaks Scenic overlook shelter had all metal frame work repainted and new interpretive signs installed; Ruby Mt. had a new “Welcome To Ruby Mt”. sign installed at the entrance; new information panels with maps were installed in the three panel entrance signs as part of a continued effort to improve the visitor’s experience in our park. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections Sign Shop, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2008. AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. As mentioned earlier in the report, in October 2008 the Assistant Park Manager was temporarily assigned to the Southeast Region Office to assist them with their operations. This temporary assignment is expected to last at least through October 2009. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 10 �2008 Annual Report Accomplishments � Hosted the 17th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up � Hosted the 19th Annual Contractors Workshop � Hosted Volunteer Recognition Reception in cooperation with DOW and GARNA � Participated in the Colorado Conference for Volunteerism � Completed a reroute of trail #6034 in the Fourmile Travel Management Area on National Public Lands Day. � Hosted 3-Day Swiftwater Rescue training course for AHRA staff, Salida Fire Department and other federal and state agencies � Responded to six river related fatality investigations and a number of other search and rescue operations � Assisted with a Hazardous Materials incident upstream of Rincon involving an overturned semi-truck carrying 1100+ twenty pound propane tanks � Worked closely with FIBArk race coordinators to increase and assist with safety during river race events � The multi-agency OHV trail crew maintained, rerouted and cleared 17,068 feet of trail, made 592 contacts and worked on trail projects throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley � Planned, prepared and supervised Colorado Youth Corps Association projects � AHRA maintenance staff contributed over 700 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction � Refinished picnic tables at Parkdale, Riverside, Big Bend and Hayden Meadows � Completed the second phase of the Parkdale group picnic area shade shelter, including landscaping and picnic table installation � Worked with a contractor to install snow guards on the Visitor Center buildings � Relocated the water line for the Visitor Center sprinkler system � Improved drainage and the parking area at the Visitor Center � Road work and maintenance were performed at the Numbers, Collegiate Peaks Overlook and Fisherman’s Bridge � Boat ramp improvement and maintenance were performed at Pinnacle Rock and Maytag with major improvements at Texas Creek � Installed new culvert and improved drainage and a bus parking area at Hecla Junction � Installed new culvert and improved drainage at Stone Bridge � Performed track maintenance in the Big Bend riding area and placed road base in the OHV parking area � Worked at Salida East on cleaning up fill material left behind by contractors � Replaced the steps at the Numbers boat ramp � Handrail replacement and staining project at Hayden Meadows � Investigated fraudulent use of vehicle passes � Assisted Fremont County with homicide investigation � Cited an illegal outfitter at Hecla Junction � Mapped fishing access sites between Salida and Stone Bridge � AHRA staff worked several boat, sports, travel and fishing trade shows in Denver and Colorado Springs � Recruited a land ranger intern from Central Michigan University and a river ranger intern from Taylor University in Indiana � Took receipt of new John Deere backhoe 11 �� Rob White, John Kreski and Stew Pappenfort attended the 2008 Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) Conference. � Law enforcement staff developed critical incident investigation procedures and flowchart � Reworked the boat ramp at Pinnacle Rock to provide better drainage � Hosted Naturally Neighbors volunteer fair in partnership with GARNA and DOW. � Presented AHRA Dam Diversion grant request to the Colorado Water Conservation Board � Prepared portage options and secured private property permissions in preparation for high runoff. � Set up Division of Wildlife, Total Licensing System at front desk in the AHRA Visitor Center � Rob White, John Geerdes, John Nahomenuk, Mike French and a select group of AHRA Outfitters met with Governor Bill Ritter in Salida on May 11th to discuss the importance of AHRA and recreation/tourism to the upper Arkansas River Valley � Coordinated DOC crews work at various recreation sites � Rob White and John Nahomenuk attended the River Management Society Symposium � Completed weed spraying with Chaffee County Weed Department � Worked on the Maytag boat ramp to ready it for increased use due to high flows � Completed temporary repairs at Hecla Junction � AHRA staff participated in several environmental education and water safety presentations for local elementary schools � River Rangers Tim Wyatt and Rusty Wardlow responded to a capsized raft and recovered it at the Wellsville Bridge. Tim & Rusty saved the lives of two children trapped under the raft � Attended meetings and submitted Parks’ comments regarding the proposed Over The River project by Christo and Jeanne-Claude � Rose Bayless began working with the State Parks 50th Anniversary committee � Assisted Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and The Colorado Bureau of Investigation with the investigation of a homicide that occurred between the Lone Pine and Spikebuck Recreation Sites � Mike French, Rob White, John Geerdes & BLM staff met with personnel from Nestle Waters to discuss their possible acquisition of the Hagen Fish Hatchery and the potential associated benefits Nestle Waters could provide to AHRA � Mike French, Rob White, John Geerdes and John Nahomenuk toured the Arkansas River Placer property (adjacent to the Numbers Recreation Site) to discuss the potential of an FS exchange for the property or the possibility of State Parks acquiring the land � Attended many water related meetings covering various topics including the Voluntary Flow Management Program, Southern Delivery System, Nestle Waters acquisitions, Ark. Basin Round Tables, Ark. Basin Water Forum and the Colorado Watersheds and Governors Drought Conference � Met with property owners adjacent to the Helena Diversion Dam (BV Dam, AKA Silver Bullet) regarding a scouting/portage trail � Surveyed AHRA visitors in a statewide Parks Visitor Survey � Tamarisk control at Parkdale and Texas Creek � Installed new information signs at 10 AHRA recreation sties � Coordinated a Junior Ranger Raft Trip in cooperation with Noah’s Ark and Four Corners Rafting 12 �� Conducted a Browns Canyon monitoring trip with BLM � Spent a day filming Ranger Station with ESPN � AHRA Staff held meetings with representatives of the AHRA outfitting community to discuss river safety, the Special Use Agreement and associated Riders to determine if injuries and fatalities could be reduced on the Arkansas River within the AHRA � Reviewed and approved 35 special activity permits This concludes the 2008 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA River Manager at (719)539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from: www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/. 13 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/71df966c9542a93c21033ea0dbe2cfd3.pdf b5f603b479df128f1242812f2f881fc4 PDF Text Text The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2007 End of Year Report �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2007. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. 2007 was a very great year in terms of both commercial visitation and revenue for AHRA. Great water, a good economy and good weather were major factors contributing to a very successful season. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 seasonal staff members. In 2007 AHRA employed 25 seasonal staff. For the majority of 2007, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, Sean Shepherd & Glenn Cottone (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Position not filled (BLM) Rob White, John Geerdes (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2007 no Colorado State Parks full-time staff changes occurred. The full-time BLM Contact Representative position eliminated in April 2005 has not been reinstated and so Heather Wright remains in the same capacity with the position being funded jointly by State Parks and BLM as alternating seasonal positions. Overall AHRA visitation numbers in 2007 increased from 2006 with total activities up by 5.91%. Camping numbers continued their increase, up 18.89%. As the Arkansas River’s reputation as a world class fishery continues to spread one of the largest visitation surges occurred in the boat fishing category, up 31.79%. Commercial boating continued its steady increase at a rate of 4.33%. Interestingly, the category that increased the most at 35.03% was the other category which includes many diverse activities such as recreational mining and AHRA Visitor Center visits. 1 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2007 PEOPLE 256,577 2006 PEOPLE 252,132 ‘06 TO '07 % CHANGE 1.73% Shore Boat 71,206 10,615 43,879 69,390 7,241 42,173 2.55% 31.79% 3.89% Commercial Private 295,172** 30,118 44,839 282,381** 29,385 29,131 4.33% 2.43% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITIES TOTAL 23,980 10,111 35,183*** 821,680 22,898 9,829 28,537*** 773,097 35.03% 4.51% 2.79% 18.89% 5.91% *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and clients ***Number of nights camping The following special activities took place within the Recreation Area in 2007. Special Activity • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Location Clean Up/Green Up Adventure Race Colorado Spider Survey Pine Creek Race National Raft Race Swift Water Rescue Training Plastic Duck Race Rubber Duck Race Build Your Own Boat Race Riverboard Demonstration FIBARk Royal Gorge Raft Race Paddlefest Ride the Rockies Bike Tour CWWA Training Camp Gold Prospectors of Colorado Picnic Arkansas River Buena Vista to Fisherman’s Bridge Park-wide Pine Creek Numbers to Railroad Bridge Spikebuck, Browns Canyon Salida Whitewater Park Canon City Canon City Salida Whitewater Park Park-wide Royal Gorge Buena Vista Whitewater Park Hayden Meadows Park-wide Point Barr 2 �Overall recreational use was up 5.91% in 2007, and AHRA revenues saw an encouraging 17.60% increase. In addition, AHRA revenues exceeded one million dollars for the first time in the recreation area’s history. AHRA YEAR 2007 REVENUES Year 2007 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Registrations Reservations Special Use Other: Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. TOTALS January $1,740.34 $30.00 $1,133.25 $1,575.00 $28.00 $4,506.59 February $1,796.25 $104.00 $925.25 $5,289.75 $65.00 $8,180.25 March $5,546.95 $847.10 $3,323.75 $24,281.14 $3.00 $34,001.94 April $7,387.31 $2,120.10 $3,285.75 $15,592.73 $51.00 $28,436.89 May $20,397.47 $10,680.75 $3,774.25 $61,554.44 $895.00 $97,301.91 June $27,887.11 $15,662.95 $5,303.25 $224,663.24 $1,580.37 $275,096.92 July $21,015.10 $17,792.04 $5,307.75 $3,150.00 $1,271.00 $48,535.89 August $16,328.86 $12,936.30 $3,640.75 $11,636.69 $1,018.00 $45,560.60 September $7,875.06 $8,584.05 $3,511.50 $1,000.00 $452.00 $21,422.61 October $3,514.07 $2,125.10 $968.75 $108,524.92 $324.68 $115,457.52 November $1,758.23 $380.00 $1,899.25 $363,437.77 $59.00 $367,534.25 December $1,378.60 $0.00 $2,970.50 -$24.80 $43,604.90 TOTALS $116,625.35 $71,262.39 $39,280.60 $36,044.00 $859,986.28 $5,722.25 $1,089,640.27 AHRA YEAR 2007 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYYear 2007 By Month Full Time and Seasonal Personnel Controlled Maintenance GOCO, Grants & Misc. Accounts Operating Utilities Capital Equipment TOTALS January $50,866.98 $7,136.80 $1,418.26 $0 $114.96 $379.88 $59,916.88 February $51,302.56 $6,075.86 $1,311.51 $0 $1,263.63 $399.16 $60,352.72 March $53,032.23 $5,972.16 $1,175.05 $0 April $52,893.08 $3,585.52 $738.71 $0 $1,303.57 $393.95 $61,876.96 $29,325.61 $4,484.84 $91,027.76 May $74,835.00 $9,602.60 $808.38 $0 $14,457.10 $4,693.55 $104,396.63 June $88,492.90 $12,766.14 $3,041.66 $0 $5,700.78 $2,312.06 $112,313.54 July $88,346.05 $13,890.19 $1,084.25 $0 $9,617.56 $7,160.38 $120,098.43 August $80,939.16 $13,320.16 $2,265.72 $0 $4,880.10 $5,278.22 $106,683.36 September $73,706.22 $9943.95 $1,930.75 $0 $3,868.24 $11,078.89 $100,528.05 October $58,651.07 $8,628.43 $531.10 $0 $84,923.64 $1,418.77 $154,153.01 November $53,227.65 $5,711.72 $1,112.05 $0 $15,325.00 $127.03 $75,503.45 December $54,080.41 $6,999.38 $1,071.35 $0 $15,529.91 $3,382.69 $81,063.74 TOTALS $780,373.31 $103,632.91 $16,488.79 $0 $186,310.10 $41,109.42 $1,127,914.53 $12,318.00 Total Expenditures for Water Purchases in 2007 Grand Total $1,140,232.53* *Does not include pro-rated system wide Division expenditures 3 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Seasonal Work Program (SWP) budget for FY 06/07 allowed eight, 40 hour per week seasonal rangers and one, 16 hour per week seasonal ranger to be hired during the 2007 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week seasonal river rangers assigned to it and one, 40 hour per week Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) ranger (funded by OHV grant). The land section had four seasonal rangers during the weekdays and one additional ranger to make five on weekends. Because of reduced budgets, AHRA continues to struggle to regain its former SWP ranger staffing levels. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of SWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the seasonal staff were unable to maintain typical coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some seasonal shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Four of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the world, much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV ranger is part of a three-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are Title 33 commissioned officers. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. 4 �In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Winter search and rescue activities usually amount to assisting other agencies with motorists that end up in the river and snowmobile patrols/avalanche rescue activities. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 89 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 17 River Assists 144 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 8 River Hazard Removal Operations 17 *There have been no private river fatalities for the last four years within the AHRA. *There were five commercial river fatalities within the AHRA in 2007. 2007 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 14 Capsized 3 Falls In Boat 4 Falls Overboard 3 Other 10 Collision w/ Other Vessel 1 TOTAL ACCIDENTS 35 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2007 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Total 29 4 4 2 14 17 8 85 Note: the State-wide River Outfitting Licensing Program investigated one boat accident that occurred in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 5 �Citations Issued for the Year 2007 Year 2007 Pass/Permit Violations 237 Resource Protection Violations 44 Public Safety Violations 8 Records/Reporting Violations 3 OHV Violations 1 Snowmobile Violations 3 Other Violations 4 *Total 300 *Above total includes 4 citations to commercial outfitters AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 84 commercial contractors in 2007. Permitted contractors provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, shuttle services and photo/video imaging to over 239,887 clients in 2007. In 2007 commercial use at AHRA increased by 4.7% from 2006. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2007 was 8.3% above revenue received in 2006. The Arkansas River remains the most commercially rafted river in the world. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on thirteen different river sections. In 2007, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a seasonal Rationing Program Assistant, who is employed during both the winter and summer months to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2007 2006 Boating................................................................................ 55 ................. 55 Imaging ............................................................................... 10 ................. 11 Walk and Wade Fishing...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services.................................................................... 4 .................... 5 Total ....................................................................................84................... 86 Rationed Days By Section 2007 2006 Section 1c – The Numbers.................................................. 19 ................. 22 Section 2b – Browns Canyon.............................................. .12 .................. 7 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... .8 ................... 10 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge................................... 34 ................. 44 6 �Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 4 ................... 2 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge............................................ 12 .................. 11 Total ................................................................................... 89 ................ 96 AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2006 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2007 were the River Manager, a BLM Student Training Employment Program (STEP) individual who in the later part of 2007 was converted into the BLM Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), a seasonal recreation Off-Highway Vehicle trail crew member and a winter seasonal administrative position (October 2007 – March 2008). The BLM River Manager (John Nahomenuk) works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager to assure that the decisions within the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP) are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations unique to this multi-agency partnership. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the Arkansas River Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Renewable Resource Supervisor (Paul Trentzsch) located at the BLM headquarters in Canon City, CO. STEP – Starr Jamison started her second year as a Recreation Technician in the BLM’s Student Training Experience Program (STEP). This position provides assistance to visitors in BLM uplands and carries out patrols and maintenance on public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA sites along the river corridor. She provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. She also collects data with the Global Position System in order to record the locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Data collected will be used to support the Travel Management Planning process. The position is also part of an AHRA team that performs resource monitoring (in its ninth year) of lunch and campsites within Browns Canyon Starr was moved into BLM’s Student Career Employment Program late in 2007. The SCEP position requires the student to complete 640 hours of mentoring, and if successful, will be offered a position (budget allowing) with BLM upon graduation. Starr is expected to graduate in December of 2008. This position is targeted to work out of the AHRA office in Salida. Duties this position will be responsible for include management of the BLM upland recreation program associated with the Arkansas River corridor. This position is directed to work closely with AHRA staff, other Federal and state agencies, local government entities and user groups on issues regarding public lands within the river corridor, implementation of Fourmile and Arkansas River Travel Management Plans. This includes project planning, grant acquisition, input into NEPA documents, volunteer program management, resource monitoring and providing resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and to four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). SCEP – Last year it was reported that Elliot Hinckley would be converted from the SCEP program to a full time BLM position responsible for the Upland Recreation program associated with the Arkansas River corridor. Elliot is still employed in the SCEP program and upon 7 �completion of his Masters Program will be converted to a full time position in the Royal Gorge Field Office in Canon City as the Special Recreation Permit administrator. Heather Wright (formerly Goodroe) continues to work as the seasonal BLM and State Park Visitor Contact Representative during 2007 season. She meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking, etc. She handles sales and bookkeeping, including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, park passes and recreational vehicle registrations. She acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. She also files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees and maintains park visitation and revenue information. The duties associated with the Outdoor Recreation Planner position that has been vacant since early 2004 are now being carried out by staff located at the BLM field office in Canon City. The recreation staff located at the headquarters office consists of a lead Outdoor Recreation Planner (Leah Quesenberry) {responsible for overall program guidance and budget}, another Outdoor Recreation Planner (Cora Whisenhunt), a Recreation Park Ranger (Merle Blankenship) and a SCEP student (Elliot Hinkley). This centralized approach allows for assignments to be made depending on an employee’s particular skills and strengths. In 2007, staff members worked closely with Congressman Allard to produce a Proposed Browns Canyon Wilderness Map to show what the Proposed Wilderness Area may look like. Local meetings were held by Senator Allard’s staff and with Senator Salazar. These meetings conveyed the overwhelming support at the local level for the Bill. No legislation was drawn in 2007 for a Browns Canyon Wilderness Bill as issues regarding motorized access continue to be discussed with proponents and opponents. BLM received a 2000 page proposal that details the construction, display and de-construction of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Over the River art project. The proposal calls for draping approximately 7 miles of the Arkansas River with translucent fabric. The proposal will be used to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. A consultant will be selected by the BLM to prepare the EIS in 2008. All costs to the BLM associated with the project are paid for by the proponent. The art display, if approved, would not occur until 2012 at the earliest. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2007): 2007 390 Activity Compared to 2006 Annual Passes Sold -12% Revenue from Annual Passes Sold (2007 $5.00 Increase) 68.9% 296 Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 23.3% $5,794 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 19% $93,540.45 Revenue from Daily Individual and Vehicle Passes* 28.3% $71,262.39 Revenue from Camp Permits** 24.75% 2003 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold 3.4% $36,044 Revenue from Registration Sales 8.5% Revenue from Commercial Agreements*** 15.1% $17,290 $859,986.28 8 �* This year Vehicle Passes were added to our pass system ** Reservation Revenue is included in this total *** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2007 # Of People 26,093 2,308 6,414 1,389 Type of Activity Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Compared to 2006 11.8% 20.1% 1.5% -12.6% Volunteer Hours for 2007 # of Hours 3361 hrs 498 hrs 3859 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2007 Compared to 2006 23.56% -42.97% 14.98% A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2007. Junior Ranger programs took the lead with GOCO Interpreter Phyllis Cron fascinating kids with programs such as: “Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind”; “Don’t Bug Me”; “Birds on the Brain”; and “Spider Sniffing”. Children ages 5-12 stormed the gates each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to watch Ranger Phyllis weave her web of magic and to investigate nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 8, with 21 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. The “icing on the cake” for the Junior Ranger program was that AHRA participated in the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAAE) awards ceremony on March 2, 2007, where AHRA was awarded the 2006 Environmental Education Award for Excellence in the government category. . AHRA continued to be very active in 2007 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA participated in many community events including Paddlefest in Buena Vista as well as Headwaters Institute guide training and FIBArk, both held in Salida. AHRA and GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) partnered on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events such as the 16th Annual National River CleanUp/GreenUp. GARNA also assists AHRA with grant writing and administration, interpretive signs and displays, and the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which consistently grows in sales and popularity with the public. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2007, these improvements included: the 9 �completion of Vallie Bridge Campground by adding concrete pads, fire rings and replacing old tables; a shade shelter was erected at Parkdale’s group picnic area; at Railroad Bridge group picnic area all metal picnic table legs were replaced with concrete legs; throughout the AHRA river corridor all BLM / AHRA “Entering & Leaving Public Lands” signs and posts were replaced; all metal pass boxes were replaced park-wide; boat ramps were rebuilt at Pinnacle Rock and Spikebuck; mitigated flood damage and started the planning process for future development and maintenance at Hecla Junction; performed road and parking lot maintenance involving increased snow removal; completed drainage improvements including a new culvert at Parkdale; removed trees affected by pine bark and other beetles and utilized the region’s chipper to disperse material; completed fencing and landscaping projects; performed trail maintenance and development, including rerouting a section of the Seidel’s Trail. Center panel and fee/information sign design, construction, and installation/replacement continued to be a large part of the maintenance objective this past year. This section also oversees the maintenance, repairs and reporting for all Fleet vehicles and AHRA heavy equipment. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections Sign Shop, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2007. AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2007 Annual Report Accomplishments � Hosted the 16th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up � Hosted AHRA Volunteer Program Open House � Hosted 3-Day Swiftwater Rescue training course for AHRA staff, Salida Fire Department and federal agencies from across the state � Hosted 1-Day Swiftwater First Responder course for Colorado Division of Water Resources staff � AHRA received an award from the Colorado Environmental Education Alliance for the best Government Environmental Education program � Recruited a Park Management intern from Kansas State College for the winter � Completed an Upper Arkansas Motorized Trail Crew grant application for the 08-09 season � Hosted the 18th Annual Outfitters Workshop 10 �� AHRA maintenance staff contributed over 1200 hours towards noxious vegetation control on lands under AHRA jurisdiction � Removed drought and insect killed trees from Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Rincon, Stone Bridge and Lone Pine � Obtained 2-weeks of Youth Corps crews from the Los Valles Youth Corps to complete various maintenance projects in the recreation area � Installed new center and fee panels at nearly all “fee” recreation sites throughout the river corridor � Sean Shepherd completed EMT training � Ken Lindbloom completed Qualified Supervisor Training for weed control � Continued reconditioning of picnic tables within the recreation area � Participated in the Colorado Conference for Volunteerism � Responded to seven river related fatality investigations and a number of other search and rescue operations � Stew Pappenfort completed media interviews concerning river safety with NPR, Denver Post, 9 News and Good Morning America � The multi-agency OHV trail crew maintained and cleared 8797 feet of trail, made 437 contacts and worked on trail projects throughout the Upper Arkansas Valley � Continued work with the Colorado Division of Risk Management to secure insurance claims for flood damage at Hecla Junction � Completed Hecla Junction Flood Mitigation and Restoration concept plan with assistance from Lifezone Ecological and the Colorado Water Conservation Board � Completed revisions to the Special Use Agreements, Riders and the Rationing Plan as discussed during 2007 RAAC meetings � Completed a reroute of Seidel’s Suckhole trail on National Public Lands Day. Had assistance from Pikes Peak Whitewater Club, Pikes Peak River Runners, Colorado Whitewater Association and the Buffalo Peaks Chapter of the Backcountry Horseman’s Assocation � Met with Homestake Water Project officials to discuss possible replacement of the Granite Dam/Diversion structure � Completed maintenance and reroute work of the Big Bend OHV track � Completed the first phase of the Parkdale group picnic area shade shelter � Roads improved at Parkdale, Salida East, Railroad Bridge and Pinnacle Rock � Boat Ramps improved at Pinnacle Rock and Canyon Trading Post � Acquired just under 4 acres adjacent to the Fisherman’s Bridge Recreation Site � Made minor adjustments to the Numbers Recreation Site to improve boat ramp access for private boaters and relieve congestion at the site � Completed Railroad Bridge group picnic area improvements This concludes the 2007 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA River Manager at (719)539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/Publications. 11 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/9cf6778836f92cba219afb1695bcd9fa.pdf f88009f0f4a12b39ed5b03543ec0df88 PDF Text Text The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2006 End of Year Report �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2006. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006. 2006 was a very good year in terms of both commercial visitation and revenue for AHRA. Great water, a good economy and good early summer weather were major factors contributing to a very successful season. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 seasonal staff members. In 2006 AHRA employed 23 seasonal staff. For the majority of 2006, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, Sean Shepherd & Glenn Cottone (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Position not filled (BLM) Robert White, John Geerdes (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2006 only one significant Colorado State Parks full-time staff change occurred. In February Glenn Cottone filled the Land Ranger Supervisor position vacated by JW Wilder in July of 2005. The full-time BLM Contact Representative position eliminated in April 2005 has not been reinstated and so Heather Goodroe remains in the same capacity with the position being funded jointly by State Parks and BLM as alternating seasonal positions. Overall AHRA visitation numbers in 2006 decreased slightly from 2005 by –1.58%. However, there were increased visitation numbers in camping, which saw 8,845 more visitors than in 2005 (+30.99%); in Boat Fishing, which saw 344 more visitors than in 2005 (+4.75%); in Commercial Boating, which saw 11,201 more visitors than in 2005 (+3.97%); and in the Minerals/Visitor Center/Hunting/Swimming category, which saw 1,820 more visitors than in 2005 (+6.25%). 1 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2006 PEOPLE 252,132 2005 PEOPLE 273,664 ‘05 TO '06 % CHANGE -8.54% Shore Boat 69,390 7,241 42,173 72,939 6,897 45,660 -5.11% 4.75% -8.27% Commercial Private 282,381** 29,385 29,131 271,180** 30,127 27,311 3.97% -2.53% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING OTHER (Minerals, Visitor Center, Hunting and Swimming) TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITY TOTAL 22,898 9,829 28,537*** 773,097 24,445 13,428 19,692*** 785,343 6.25% -6.76% -36.62% 30.99% -1.58% *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and customers ***Number of nights camping The following special activities took place within the Recreation Area in 2006. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Special Activity Location Clean Up/Green Up Riverbank Cleanup – Trout Unlimited Colorado Spider Survey Zebulon Pike Commemoration Christmas Pine Creek Raft Race Disabled Veterans Kayak Clinic Swiftwater Rescue Training Rubber Duck Race Build Your Own Boat Race FIbArk Royal Gorge Raft Race Kayak Demonstrations Ride the Rockies Bike Tour Fabian/Smart Wedding CWWA Training Camp Gold Prospectors of Colorado Picnic 2 Arkansas River Hayden Meadows to Parkdale Park-wide Big Bend Pine Creek and Numbers Salida Play Hole Spikebuck, Browns Canyon Canon City Canon City Park-wide Royal Gorge Buena Vista Whitewater Park Five Points Campground Collegiate Peaks Overlook Park-wide Point Barr �Although overall recreational use was down 1.58% in 2006, AHRA revenues saw an encouraging 13.02% increase. AHRA YEAR 2006 REVENUES Year 2006 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Special Use Other: Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. TOTALS January $2,004.39 $64.00 $1,163.75 $350.00 $43.00 $3,582.14 February $1,599.40 $36.00 $956.00 $25,748.13 $39.00 $28,382.53 March $2,521.37 $292.50 $2,176.25 $22,016.97 $68.00 $27,046.09 April $6,647.79 $2,419.50 $2,967.75 $22,332.84 $66.00 $34,435.88 May $13,114.17 $8,543.50 $3,657.75 $15,053.07 $390.75 $40,434.49 June $21,941.10 $13,157.65 $5,563.00 $256,511.00 $108.10 $297,563.50 July $17,029.21 $13,740.99 $5,704.50 $6,100.00 $273.69 $42,682.80 August $11,763.75 $9,582.34 $4,085.00 $16,857.92 $59.00 $42,562.70 September $5,379.05 $6,251.00 $2,441.75 $4,244.68 $3.00 $18,375.48 October $3,001.34 $2,671.00 $984.75 $144,499.80 $10.00 $151,159.89 November $1,328.39 $339.90 $1,115.00 $192,045.36 $0.00 $194,838.55 December $1,681.79 $24.00 $2,404.75 $41,205.53 $43.00 $45,316.07 TOTALS $88,011.65 $57,122.38 $33,220.25 $746,965.30 $1,060.54 $926,380.12 AHRA YEAR 2006 EXPENDITURES** -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYYear 2006 By Month Personnel Operating Capital Equipment Utilities Controlled Maintenance Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS January $48,405.39 $5,303.60 $795.45 $0 $1,658.31 $106.71 $56,269.46 February $40,635.45 $6,788.23 $755.33 $0 $2,397.61 $9,472.09 $60,248.71 March $50,413.23 $4,956.74 $826.07 $0 $19,295.65 $1,350.89 $76,842.58 April $56,400.52 $13,042.21 $1,263.79 $0 $3,579.62 $1,104.56 $75,390.70 May $72,611.00 $24,315.27 $604.07 $0 $15,486.49 $1,935.63 $114,952.46 June $83,580.38 $28,429.96 $2,337.61 $0 $5,246.54 $8,485.39 $128,079.88 July $58,750.13 $19,013.81 $1,517.49 $0 $4,525.84 $3,964.66 $87,771.93 August $92,533.62 $18,105.79 $1,195.46 $0 $9,416.84 $3,231.70 $124,483.41 September $62,608.35 $13,258.73 $3,900.41 $0 $9,077.70 $3,417.25 $92,262.44 October $49,138.55 $5,939.62 $3,301.14 $0 $3,261.26 $353.47 $61,994.04 November $39,556.53 $7,204.74 $3,094.20 $0 $4,179.98 $506.09 $54,541.54 December $50,499.05 $6,678.97 $772.50 $0 $1,627.87 $2,035.27 $61,613.66 TOTALS $705,132.20 $153,037.67 $20,363.52 $0 $79,953.71 $35,963.71 $994,450.81 $12,500.00 Total Expenditures for Water Purchases in 2006* Grand Total $1,006,950.81 *$12,500 for storage of 600 acre feet carried over from 2005 **Does not include some pro-rated system wide Division expenditures 3 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Seasonal Work Program (SWP) budget for FY 05/06 allowed eight, 40 hour per week seasonal rangers and one, 16 hour per week seasonal ranger to be hired during the 2006 summer season. The river section had four, 40 hour per week seasonal river rangers assigned to it and one, 40 hour per week Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) ranger. The land section had four seasonal rangers during the weekdays and one additional ranger to make five on weekends. There was a reduction of one river seasonal position and ½ land seasonal position from the 2005 summer season. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. These vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Because of SWP budget and associated seasonal staff cuts, the seasonal staff were unable to maintain typical coverage of two shifts per day, seven days a week, patrolling both upstream and downstream of Salida. Even with some seasonal shifts covered by full-time supervisors, there were some weekdays with only one shift both up and downstream. Four of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. As the Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the world much of the river rangers’ time is spent administering the state River Outfitter Licensing Program. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as river camp and picnic site monitoring and the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The OHV ranger is part of a three-person multi-agency trail crew working in the Upper Arkansas Valley. The trail crew members represent Colorado State Parks, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Funding for this collaborative effort comes from an OHV grant funded by OHV registrations. The trail crew maintains trails and OHV routes, provides input on new OHV routes, and enforces OHV registration requirements. The trail crew promotes motorized recreation by encouraging safe riding practices and Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly guidelines. The trail crew also works with local OHV riding clubs to promote volunteer opportunities by means of the U.S. Forest Service Adopt a Trail program. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are Title 33 commissioned officers. When necessary, all rangers can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. 4 �In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the Colorado State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the up-coming high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections River Outfitter Office Records Inspections River Assists Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 95 17 139 7 River Hazard Removal Operations 18 *There have been no private river fatalities for the last three years within the AHRA. *There was one commercial river fatality within the AHRA in 2006. 2006 Boat Accidents By Cause 2006 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL ACCIDENTS Collision w/ Other Vessel 3% Other 15% Falls Overboard 30% Collision w/ Fixed Object 37% Falls In Boat Capsized 3% 12% TOTAL 12 4 1 10 5 1 33 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2006 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 23 Other Commercial Accidents 1 Other Non-Commercial Accidents 8 Interagency Assists / SAR 8 Vandalism / Theft 6 Hazard Removal / HAZMAT 0 Other 6 Total 52 Note: the River Outfitting Licensing program investigated nine of the boat accidents that occurred in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Citations Issued for the Year 2006 Year 2006 Pass/Permit Violations 29 Resource Protection Violations 30 Public Safety Violations 11 Records/Reporting Violations 6 OHV Violations 9 Snowmobile Violations 2 Other Violations 2 *Total 89 *Above total includes 17 citations to commercial outfitters 5 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements (Permits) as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 86 commercial outfitters in 2006. Permitted outfitters provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, shuttle services and photo/video imaging to over 239,113 clients in 2006. In 2006 commercial use at AHRA increased by 3.9% from 2005. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2006 was 9.64% above revenue received in 2005. The Arkansas River remains the most commercially rafted river in the world. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on twelve different river sections. In 2006, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a three person seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a seasonal Rationing Program Assistant, who is employed during both the winter and summer months to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2006 2005 Boating................................................................................ 55 ................. 55 Imaging ............................................................................... 11 ................. 16 Walk and Wade Fishing...................................................... 15 ................. 15 Shuttle Services.................................................................... 5 .................... 5 Total ....................................................................................86................... 91 Rationed Days By Section 2006 2005 Section 1c – The Numbers.................................................. 25 ................. 36 Section 2b – Browns Canyon............................................... 5 ................... 7 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... 4 ................... 3 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge................................... 36 ................. 24 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek.......................... 0 ................... 4 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 2 ................... 2 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge............................................ 11 .................. 14 Total ................................................................................... 83 ................ 90 6 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management recreation staff continues to see some changes over what was reported in the 2005 report. BLM recreation staff members in 2006 were the River Manager, an individual participating in the BLM Student Training Employment Program (STEP), an individual participating in the BLM Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), a seasonal recreation trail crew member and a winter seasonal Administrative position (October 2006 – March 2007). The BLM River Manager is responsible for the overall operation and the maintenance of this unique multi-agency partnership. He works side by side with the Colorado State Park Manager to assure that the decisions within the ARRMP are fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The River Manager receives management recommendations from the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Citizens Task Force. The BLM River Manager is responsible to the Royal Gorge Field Office Manager (Roy Masinton) located at the BLM headquarters in Canon City, CO. The duties associated with the Outdoor Recreation Planner position that has been vacant since early 2004 are now being carried out by staff located at the headquarters office. The recreation staff located at the headquarters office consists of a lead Outdoor Recreation Planner (responsible for overall program guidance and budget), another Outdoor Recreation Planner, a Recreation Park Ranger and a SCEP position. This centralized approach allows for assignments to be made depending on an employee’s particular skills and strengths. SCEP – Elliott Hinckley was selected to fill the Student Career Employment Program position. Elliott is completing his Master’s degree in Recreation Resource Management at Utah State University. The SCEP position requires the student to complete 640 hours of mentoring, and if successful, will be offered a position (budget allowing) with BLM upon graduation. Elliott is expected to graduate in December of 2007. Duties this position will be responsible for include management of the BLM upland recreation program associated with the Arkansas River corridor. Currently this position is targeted to work out of the headquarters office. This position is directed to work closely with AHRA staff, other Federal and state agencies, local entities and user groups on issues regarding public lands within the river corridor. This includes project planning, grant acquisition, input into NEPA documents, resource monitoring and providing resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and to four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Recreation Technician, worked this year under BLM’s Student Training Experience Program (STEP). This position provides assistance to visitors in BLM uplands and carries out patrols and maintenance on public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA sites along the river corridor. It provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. It also collects data for the Global Position System in order to record the locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Data collected will be used to support the Travel Management Planning process. The position is also part of an AHRA team that performs resource monitoring (in its ninth year) of lunch and campsites within Browns Canyon. 7 �The BLM Contact Representative position was eliminated in April of 2005. Heather Goodroe continues to work as a seasonal BLM and a seasonal State Parks employee to fulfill these duties during 2006. This employee meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking. She handles sales and bookkeeping, including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, park passes and recreational vehicle registrations. She acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. She also files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees and maintains park visitation and revenue information. In 2006, staff members worked closely with Congressman Hefley to produce a Proposed Browns Canyon Wilderness Map to show what the Proposed Wilderness Area may look like. Local meetings were also held by Senator Allard’s staff and with Senator Salazar. These meetings conveyed the overwhelming support at the local level for the Bill. The House held a SubCommittee Hearing regarding the Browns Canyon Wilderness Legislation in the fall of 2006. A last minute intervention by the National Rifle Association in opposition of the Bill stemmed from the proposed closure of a portion of FS Road 184 (the Turret Trail). The Bill never made it out of Committee and died when the 108th Congress ended. It remains hopeful that a similar Bill will be introduced in the next Congress. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2006): 2006 Activity 443 Compared to 2005 Annual Passes Sold 102.28% Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 8.71% Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 35.59% $4,871.00 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 30.52% $72,905.65 Revenue from Daily Individual Passes 6.59% $57,122.38 Revenue from Camp Permits* 1.14% Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold 2.54% $33,220.25 Revenue from Registration Sales 2.84% $746,965.30 Revenue from Commercial Agreements** $10,235.00 240 1937 15.53% *Reservation Revenue is included in this total ** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2006 # Of People 23,344 1,922 6,318 1,589 Type of Activity Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Compared to 2005 +16% -41.6% -31.4% +72% Volunteer Hours for 2006 # of Hours 2569 hrs 712 hrs 3281 hrs Type of Activity Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Total Volunteer Hours in 2006 8 Compared to 2005 60.7% -8 40.5% �A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2006. Junior Ranger programs took the lead with GOCO Interpreter Phyllis Cron fascinating kids with programs such as: “Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind”; “Don’t Bug Me”; “Birds on the Brain”; and “Spider Sniffing”. Children ages 5-12 stormed the gates each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to watch Ranger Phyllis weave her web of magic and to investigate nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip on August 9, with 30 participants. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. The “icing on the cake” for the Junior Ranger program was notification that AHRA received the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAAE) 2006 Environmental Education Award for Excellence in the government category. The award ceremony for this statewide recognition took place March 2, 2007. AHRA continued to be very active in 2006 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA Interpreter Phyllis Cron worked with several local organizations to host the first annual “JUST DO IT! Teen Raft Trip” for local kids from financially disadvantaged families, and we hope to continue and expand this for 2007. AHRA participated in many community events including the FIB-Ark Parade in Salida. AHRA and GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) partnered on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events such as the 15th Annual National River Clean-up. GARNA also assists AHRA with grant writing and administration, interpretive signs and displays, and the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which consistently grows in sales and popularity with the public. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2006, these improvements included boat ramp rehab projects at Railroad Bridge and Spikebuck, road improvements at Hecla Junction, the Numbers and Parkdale, refinishing of picnic tables, wood treatment, sign post replacement, road and parking lot maintenance, drainage, signage, weed control/re-vegetation, fencing, landscaping and trail maintenance and development. Welcome and fee/information sign design, construction, and installation/replacement continued to be a large part of the maintenance objective this past year. This section also oversees the maintenance, repairs and reporting for all Fleet vehicles and AHRA heavy equipment. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections Sign Shop, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2006. 9 �AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2006 Annual Report Accomplishments ™ Hosted the 15th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up ™ Hosted AHRA Volunteer Program Open House ™ Completed instructor training for the Division’s Boating Safety Class ™ Radio promotion for Arkansas Headwaters on “The Fan” radio show ™ Hosted Swiftwater Rescue training 3-day ™ First Aid / CPR / AED recertification for L.E. staff ™ L.E. staff attended and completed rifle, shotgun, and less lethal training in Pueblo ™ Received four new AED’s from Summit County Public Access Defibrillation Project ™ Completed Upper Arkansas Motorized Trail Crew grant application for 07-08 season ™ Hosted the 17th Annual Outfitters Workshop ™ Coordinated a Colorado Cares volunteer project in Browns Canyon ™ Continued an aggressive tamarisk and noxious weed control campaign on lands under AHRA jurisdiction ™ Began reconstruction of the Salida East site including new boat ramp, entrance road and parking area ™ Worked with volunteers from CWWA to construct steps at Browns Creek landing ™ Youth Corps completed fencing and trail improvement projects at Hayden Meadows ™ Continued reconditioning of picnic tables within the Recreation Area ™ Attended the Governor’s Tourism Conference in Keystone ™ Participated in the Colorado Conference for Volunteerism ™ Assisted with the re-design of the AHRA State Parks web site ™ Responded to a number of river related search and rescue operations ™ Removed a variety of debris (tires, refridgerators, rims, washers, dryers, vehicles, trees, etc.) from various portions of the Arkansas River ™ Maintained and cleared 1288 miles of OHV routes in the Upper Arkansas Valley ™ Revised all Attention Boaters signs thoughout the Recreation Area to include new maps, river mileage and GIS information ™ Submitted insurance claim on Hecla Junction damage from August 2006 flood, working with CWWB on a damage plan for the recreation site 10 �™ Completed revisions to the SUA, Riders and the Rationing Plan as discussed during 2006 RAAC meetings ™ Began research on management solutions to inner tube problems experienced within the AHRA ™ Continual grading of roads and picnic areas with AHRA ™ Rebuilt Spikebuck boat ramp and parking area near boat ramp ™ Continued to investigate and cite where possible “pirate” commercial whitewater and float fishing trips within the AHRA ™ Constructed various sections of buck and rail fencing at AHRA recreation sites for resource protection ™ Successfully negotiated an agreement between RGX and AHRA to allow commercial photographers and outfitter access to the Royal Gorge RGX property for imaging and rescue related purposes ™ Completed Rincon boat ramp / parking lot/ road improvements ™ Completed Fisherman’s Bridge boat ramp / step improvement project ™ Completed Railroad Bridge boat ramp / picnic area improvements This concludes the 2006 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Annual Report. If you should have any questions regarding this report please contact Rob White, the AHRA Park Manager, or John Nahomenuk, the AHRA River Manager at (719)539-7289 or via e-mail at ahra@state.co.us. Additional copies of this report can be downloaded from www.parks.state.co.us/Arkansas/Publications. 11 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/f0c7dff760c534b49f9d40d89fe2a4e9.pdf abfa06625eb6feec23e72b44ad1d9eef PDF Text Text The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2005 End of Year Report �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2005. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. In general, 2005 was a very good year in terms of both visitation and revenue for AHRA. A good economy and great summer weather, combined with the fact that the drought of the past several years continued to lessen, were major factors contributing to a very successful season. Most AHRA commercial outfitters also saw an increase in use and revenue during 2005. In addition, private boat numbers for 2005 were also somewhat above those reported this past season. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - John Fell and Ken Lindbloom (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, JW Wilder, Sean Shepherd and Glenn Cottone (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) John Kreski (Parks) Position not filled (BLM) Robert White, John Geerdes (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) In 2005 four significant full-time staff changes occurred. In January John Fell and Ken Lindbloom filled both maintenance positions. In July Land Ranger Supervisor JW Wilder promoted to Senior Ranger at Eleven Mile State Park. Glenn Cottone was selected to fill that position in August. He then began his law enforcement training, which continued through the end of 2005, and began duty at the park in February 2006. AHRA Senior Ranger Stew Pappenfort assumed responsibilities for the Land Ranger section in the interim. In April the full time BLM Contact Representative position held by Heather Goodroe was eliminated. Heather stayed on in the same capacity with the position being funded jointly by State Parks and BLM as alternating seasonal positions. AHRA overall visitation numbers in 2005 increased over 2004 by 2.17% but still remained under the record year of 2001 which saw 806,439 total visitors. The most significant increase for 2005 was in commercial boating, which saw 27,318 more visitors than in 2004 (+10.07%). Camping numbers also rebounded from a drop in 2004 with an increase of 2,263 nights (+11.49%). 1 �Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison 2005 PEOPLE 273,664 2004 PEOPLE 283,669 ‘04 TO '05 % CHANGE -3.66% Shore Boat 72,939 6,897 45,660 68,570 6,895 42,740 5.99% .03% 6.40% Commercial Private 271,180** 30,127 24,445 13,428 19,692*** 758,032 243,862** 28,691 20,715 29,029 17,429*** 741,600 10.07% 4.77% 15.26% -116.18% 11.49% 2.17% ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITY TOTAL *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number, includes guides and customers ***Number of nights camping The following Special Activities took place within the Recreation Area in 2005. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Special Activity Location Clean Up/Green Up Riverbank Cleanup – Trout Unlimited Colorado Spider Survey Build Your Own Raft Race Texas A & M Geology Field Trip CWWA Training Camp Salida Chamber Ducky Race FIBArk Swift water Rescue Training Kayaking Competition Kayak Instructional Rodeo Colorado Slalom Cup Series Kayak/raft race Plastic Duck Race CSU Geosciences Field Camp Catlin/Tergen Wedding Donnell/Sheets Wedding Love Wedding Gold Prospectors Annual Picnic 2 Arkansas River Hayden Meadows to Parkdale Park wide Canon City Ruby Mountain Arkansas River Salida Salida to Texas Creek Parkdale and Browns Canyon The Numbers Buena Vista Play Hole The Numbers The Royal Gorge Arkansas River Walk Ruby Mountain Upper Riverside Five Points Hecla Junction Point Bar �Although recreational use was up just over 2% in 2005, AHRA revenues saw an encouraging 12% increase. As noted on the following table, revenues exceeded three-quarters of a million dollars in 2005. AHRA YEAR 2005 REVENUES Year 2006 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Reservations Registrations Special Use Other: Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. TOTALS January $1,896.20 $122.00 $799.50 $1,143.38 $115.84 $4,076.92 February $1,179.96 $113.00 $662.50 $12,824.06 $230.35 $15,009.87 March $2,522.17 $445.80 $2,555.25 $22,324.14 $740.00 $28,587.36 April $5,437.16 $2,143.26 $2,923.00 $20,152.91 $333.00 $30,989.33 May $13,801.90 $7,706.40 $3,751.00 $96,106.02 $816.64 $122,181.96 June $18,670.91 $14,222.25 $4,303.50 $130,366.12 $59.00 $167,621.78 July $19,296.61 $14,656.00 $8,213.75 $7,575.72 $305.05 $50,047.13 August $10,754.93 $9,752.96 $3,200.00 $13,535.72 $150.00 $37,393.61 September $4,041.91 $5,170.99 $1,878.75 $4,976.20 $74.50 $16,142.35 October $1,902.23 $1,628.41 $1,674.50 $119,248.53 $0.00 $124,453.67 November $965.88 $519.00 $1,075.00 $205,771.30 $0.00 $208,331.18 December $1,078.13 $0.00 $12,511.74 -$27.00 $14,828.87 TOTALS $81,547.99 $56,480.07 $32,302.75 $646,535.84 $2,797.38 $819,664.03 $1,266.00 AHRA YEAR 2005 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYYear 2005 By Month Personnel Operating Utilities Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS January $45,610.05 $5,309.53 $632.03 $0 $1,942.99 $1,865.29 $55,359.89 February $47,954.74 $3,529.92 $610.81 $0 $521.31 $594.73 $53,211.51 March $49,653.03 $8,186.94 $1,063.19 $0 $5,741.76 $4,370.12 $69,015.04 April $56,065.97 $10,249.59 $603.77 $0 $1,715.35 $3,561.76 $72,196.44 May $68,962.17 $31,279.83 $1,532.23 $0 $14,624.36 $17,121.04 $133,519.63 June $87,409.74 $16,077.79 $7,395.41 $0 $2,729.66 $9,480.59 $123,093.19 July $66,377.54 $14,425.21 $1,614.98 $0 $11,334.82 $2,762.10 $96,514.65 August $83,893.15 $14,911.86 $2,118.46 $0 $7,304.90 $2,801.70 $111,030.07 September $70,719.94 $7,449.37 $3,238.27 $0 $251.17 $3,382.88 $85,041.63 October $52,044.88 $7,416.96 $2,506.18 $0 $65.00 $13,458.22 $75,491.24 November $47,848.70 $6,103.44 $406.81 $0 $102.30 $689.18 $55,150.43 December $42,755.92 $4,719.15 $881.98 $0 $3,156.48 $6,613.61 $58,127.14 TOTALS $719,295.83 $129,659.59 $22,604.12 $0 $49,490.10 $66,701.22 $987,750.86 Total Expenditures for Water Purchases in 2005* $145,206.00 Grand Total $1,132,956.86 * $120,000 for water lease, $12,936 for storage and $12,270 for stream gauges 3 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. The AHRA Seasonal Work Program (SWP) budget for FY 04/05 allowed ten seasonal rangers to be hired during the 2005 summer season. Land and river sections each had five seasonal rangers. Because of budget cuts to the FY 05/06 SWP some seasonal positions were ended earlier than originally projected. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. Because the seasonal staff typically covers two shifts per day, seven days a week, and are assigned to patrol both upstream or downstream of Salida each day, these vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Five of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are Title 33 commissioned officers. When necessary, they can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and re-certifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 107 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 15 River Assists 193 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 11 River Hazard Removal Operations 18 *There have been no private river fatalities for the last two years within the AHRA. *There was one commercial river fatality within the AHRA in 2005. 4 �2005 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Collision w/ Other Vessel 0% Other 35% Falls Overboard 17% CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL ACCIDENTS Collision w/ Fixed Object 31% Capsized Falls In10% Boat 7% TOTAL 9 3 2 5 10 0 29 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2005 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Total 25 3 1 10 7 1 7 54 Citations Issued for the Year 2005 Year 2005 Pass/Permit Violations 70 Resource Protection Violations 28 Public Safety Violations 13 Records/Reporting Violations 7 OHV Violations 23 Snowmobile Violations 7 Other Violations 1 *Total 149 *Above total includes 29 citations to commercial outfitters 5 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements (Permits) as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 90 commercial outfitters in 2005. Permitted outfitters provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing, and photo/ video imaging to over 230,155 clients in 2005. In 2005 commercial use at AHRA increased by 11.80% from 2004. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2005 was 16.76% above revenue received in 2004. The Arkansas River remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on twelve different river sections. In 2005, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 360 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Contractor Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a four person seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a seasonal Rationing Program Assistant, who is employed during both the winter and summer months to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2005 2004 Boating................................................................................ 55 ................. 56 Imaging ............................................................................... 16 ................. 10 Walk and Wade Fishing...................................................... 15 ................. 13 Shuttle Services.................................................................... 5 .................... 3 Total ....................................................................................90................... 82 Rationed Days By Section 2005 2004 Section 1c – The Numbers.................................................. 36 ................. 40 Section 2b – Browns Canyon............................................... 7 .................. 11 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... 3 ................... 3 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge................................... 24 ................. 38 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek.......................... 4 ................... 8 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 2 ................... 3 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge............................................ 14 .................. 21 Total ................................................................................... 90 ............... 124 6 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management staff underwent changes again in 2005, with the elimination of the Contact Representative position in April. BLM staff members in 2005 were the River Manager, seasonal Recreation Technician and the addition of a winter seasonal Administrative position. The BLM River Manager is responsible for the overall operations and the maintenance of this unique multi-agency partnership. He works closely with the Park Manager to assure that the direction within the ARRMP is fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The Outdoor Recreation Planner position remains vacant, but is high on the list of priorities for BLM positions to be filled when funding becomes available. This position is directed to work closely with other AHRA staff, many other Federal and state agencies, and local entities and user groups on issues regarding public lands within the river corridor. This includes project planning, grant acquisition, input into NEPA documents, and monitoring and providing resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and to four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Recreation Technician provides assistance to visitors in BLM uplands and carries out patrols and maintenance on public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA sites along the river corridor. He provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. He also collects data for the Global Position System in order to record the locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Data collected will be used to support the Travel Management Planning process. He is also part of an AHRA team that performs resource monitoring (in its ninth year) of lunch and campsites within Browns Canyon. The Contact Representative position was eliminated in April of 2005. Heather Goodroe continues to work as a seasonal BLM and seasonal State Parks employee to fulfill these duties year round. This employee meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking. She handles sales and bookkeeping, including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, park passes and recreational vehicle registrations. She acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. She also files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees and maintains park visitation and revenue information. In 2005, staff members worked closely with Congressman Hefley to produce a Proposed Browns Canyon Wilderness Map to show what the area may look like. In August of 2005, the Congressman held the long awaited public meeting to hear comments on the proposed wilderness area. Overwhelming support was conveyed to the Congressman during this meeting. As 2005 closed, no Bill had been introduced in Congress, however, BLM remains hopeful that in 2006 a Bill will be introduced to protect this backcountry haven for hikers, horseback riders, fishermen and all other outdoor enthusiasts. 7 �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative Section provides support services for all State Parks and BLM employees, full-time and seasonal alike. Administrative staff coordinate visitor and customer services; administer park pass and registration programs and sales; oversee field and office revenues and accounting; manage the Environmental Education and Interpretive Program including special projects and grants; assist with purchasing and receiving; take care of personnel and payroll matters; and handle thousands of telephone and radio calls each year. One permanent full-time State Parks position, three seasonal State Parks employees and one seasonal BLM employee staff this section. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2005): 2005 219 Activity Compared to 2004 12.31% Annual Passes Sold $9,415 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 10.18% 177 Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -3.28% $3,732 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -3.91% $68,401 Revenue from Daily Individual Passes 7.14% $56,480 Revenue from Camp Permits* 7.60% 1889 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold -.53% $32,303 Revenue from Registration Sales -.33% $646,536 Revenue from Commercial Agreements** 15.95% *Reservation Revenue is included in this total ** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2005 # Of People 20,140 3,293 9,211 924 Type of Activity Visitors to Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Compared to 2004 -1.73% -57.07% 29.75% 75.67% Volunteer Hours for 2005 # of Hours 1559 hrs 775 hrs 2334 hrs Type of Activity Compared to 2004 Volunteers(groups or individuals) 28.84% AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) -20.27% Total Volunteer Hours in 2004 6.97% DOC crews are no longer considered volunteers, so hours are documented under accomplishments. 8 �A variety of Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were presented to the public throughout 2005. Junior Ranger programs took the lead with GOCO Interpreter Phyllis Cron fascinating kids with programs such as: “Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind”; “Don’t Bug Me”; “Birds on the Brain”; and “Spider Sniffing”. Children ages 5-12 stormed the gates each Wednesday morning in Salida and Thursday afternoon in Buena Vista to watch Ranger Phyllis weave her web of magic and to investigate nature’s secrets. The grand finale was the Junior Ranger raft trip in August, with 25 kids and parents participating. It was many a child’s first time on the river, and although the stretch of river from Johnson’s Village to Fisherman’s Bridge is a gentle one, the kids were thrilled and had the time of their lives. Ranger Phyllis’s “dog and pony show” entertained visitors to AHRA recreation sites and the Salida Visitors Center, and Bully the snake and Leggs the tarantula were more than happy to show off. A number of campground programs such as “Starry, Starry Night”, public presentations like “Train, Train – Railroad History” and guided nature hikes rounded out the summer’s activities. AHRA continued to be very active in 2005 with Project Wild, area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA participated in many community events including the FIB-Ark Parade in Salida. AHRA and GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) partnered on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events such as the 14th Annual National River Clean-up and the Hunters Safety Tent. GARNA also assists AHRA with grant writing and administration, interpretive signs and displays, and the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which consistently grows in sales and popularity with the public. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. In 2005, AHRA welcomed two new Park Resource Technicians to the full time staff – John Fell and Ken Lindbloom. John Fell came to AHRA from the BLM and Ken Lindbloom transferred over from the Department of Corrections. The maintenance section is extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2005, these improvements included boat ramp construction and maintenance, road and parking lot maintenance, drainage, signage, weed control/re-vegetation, fencing, landscaping and trail maintenance and development. Welcome and fee/information sign design, construction, and installation/replacement continued to be a large part of the maintenance objective this past year. An overhaul and standardization of the solar power arrays, which power lights for the pass stations at campgrounds, was another successful project. This section also oversees the maintenance, repairs and reporting for all Fleet vehicles and AHRA heavy equipment. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections work crews, volunteer groups, community service workers, and Youth Corps helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2005. 9 �AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 148-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2005 Annual Report Accomplishments ™ Participated in the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum ™ Developed a web-based Arkansas River Water Flow data and information site ™ Participated in a number of State Parks marketing efforts promoting AHRA and the outfitting community ™ Continued an aggressive tamarisk eradication campaign on lands under AHRA jurisdiction ™ Assisted the Colorado State Patrol with the removal of several vehicles from the Arkansas River ™ Conducted swiftwater rescue training for AHRA staff, Salida Fire and Yampa River State Park staff ™ Investigated and sought convictions of three unlicensed/un-permitted boating outfitting operations and one un-permitted photographer operation ™ Continued meeting with state and federal agencies as well as local and state officials in an effort to obtain funding for a feasibility study of a Natural Resource Center in Salida ™ Continued to work with representatives from the BLM, BOR and Colorado State Parks on the possible acquisition of a portion of the Hayden Ranch property near Leadville ™ Continued work on Phase IV of the AHRA commercial use web site program improvements. Phase V will include a Web Based Rationing Program ™ Completed the reconstruction of the Collegiate Peaks Recreation Site ™ Hosted the 14th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up ™ Met with representatives from CIG LLC in Denver to discuss issues related to railroad trespass and their purchase of the quarry at Parkdale. Also met with Fremont County Commissioners to discuss the purchase of Agile Stone by CIG ™ Continued to remove rock fire rings and human waste from Brown’s Canyon and dispersed camping areas in the Numbers and along Hwy 50 10 �™ Began discussions for use changes at the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site to include access for commercial float fishing and ADA river trips ™ Began work on developing an AHRA river access site in Canon City ™ Began the planning process for development of the Salida East Recreation Site ™ Revised the AHRA map which will be used in future brochure printings and on entrance station signs ™ Supervised Department of Corrections (DOC) work crews from Buena Vista Facility to install 3-panel signs, clean up campgrounds and complete fence repairs at The Numbers. DOC crews from Buena Vista contributed 2,047 labor hours in 2005 ™ Completed parking and boat ramp improvements at Salt Lick Recreation Site ™ Removed hazardous trees from Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction and Rincon ™ Youth Corps completed fencing and trail improvement projects at Parkdale and Hecla Junction ™ Attended Arkansas Valley Weed Cooperative training in Canon City ™ Attended Tamarisk Symposium in Albuquerque, NM ™ Began project of reconditioning all picnic tables within the Recreation Area ™ AHRA staff participated in a variety of sports, boat and travel shows in Denver and Colorado Springs promoting State Parks and AHRA ™ Certified in Ice rescue at Chatfield State Park ™ Assisted DOW with a Big Horn Sheep survey at Hecla Junction ™ Received Grant for 2006 OHV presence ™ Applied for OHV grant for 2007 field presence ™ Attended Homeland Security Hazardous Materials presentation at Lake Pueblo State Park ™ Attended 2005 State Trails Symposium ™ Hosted a RMSPEC raft trip in the Royal Gorge ™ Attended the annual Colorado River Outfitters Association meeting in Grand Junction ™ Hosted an RMS raft trip through Browns Canyon 11 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/ccac61cdf06fb0064d3ab9c498d2b4ca.pdf 550d97c143919ce641d7dfbc601c5752 PDF Text Text �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2004. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. The year 2004 saw a slight downturn in visitation for AHRA, as well as for nearly all natural resource agencies in the Upper Arkansas River Drainage. Although the drought of the past several years continued to lessen a bit, visitation at our recreation sites remained slow to recover. In addition, most AHRA commercial outfitters saw a slight decrease in their 2004 use and private boat numbers were also somewhat down during this past season. The Citizens Task Force (CTF) continues to be an instrumental force behind the success of the AHRA. This advisory committee meets five times a year and provides recommendations to the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role for the partners that form AHRA – Colorado State Parks, BLM, Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full-time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA accomplish the visible fieldwork. In a typical season, AHRA employs nearly 30 seasonal staff members. In 2004 AHRA employed 25 seasonal staff. For the majority of 2004, the following full-time staff members supervised the work sections noted below: AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - Tom Talbot and Harry Singleton (Parks) Stew Pappenfort, JW Wilder, and Sean Shepherd (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) Heather Goodroe (BLM) Mike Walker and John Kreski (Parks) Position not filled (BLM) Robert White, John Geerdes (Parks) and John Nahomenuk (BLM) 1 �In 2004 several significant full-time staff changes occurred. Beginning in January, Dave Taliaferro retired from the BLM River Manager position. In April John Nahomenuk was promoted to the BLM River Manager position and his Recreation Planner position was left unfilled. Harry Singleton retired from his position in the Maintenance Section in April and his position was left unfilled for the remainder of 2004. In May Sean Shepherd graduated from the Arapahoe Community College Police/Law Enforcement Academy and assumed the position of River Ranger Supervisor, which had been vacant since September 2003. Mike Walker transferred to Steamboat Lake State Park as a Senior Ranger in May and his position was left unfilled until December when John Kreski joined the AHRA team as the Commercial Agreement and Rationing Coordinator. Tom Talbot retired from his position in the Maintenance Section in October and that position was left unfilled for the remainder of 2004. With both full-time maintenance positions unfilled, Assistant Park Manager John Geerdes assumed the supervisory responsibilities for the remainder of 2004. AHRA overall visitation numbers in 2004 remained strong compared to 2002 numbers, but as previously noted saw a slight decrease from 2003. The most significant decreases were in private boating and camping. These two activities are somewhat related as many private boaters camp when visiting the AHRA. Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two-Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITY TOTAL 2004 PEOPLE 283,669 2003 PEOPLE 286,598 ‘03 TO '04 % CHANGE -1.02% Shore Boat 68,570 6,895 42,740 73,975 7,441 47,293 -7.30% -7.34% -9.63% Commercial Private 243,862** 28,691 20,715 29,029 17,429*** 741,600 255,788** 31,816 22,065 29,129 23,141*** 777,246 -4.66% -10.89% -6.12% -.34% -24.68% -5.32% *May include participants in multiple activities **Actual visitor number ***Number of nights camping 2 �Although recreational use was down slightly in 2004, AHRA revenues saw an encouraging 4% increase. As noted on the following table, revenues were just shy of three-quarters of a million dollars in 2004. AHRA YEAR 2004 REVENUES Year 2004 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Registrations Reservations Special Use Other: Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. TOTALS January $1,938.41 $96.00 $951.50 $22,364.58 $0.00 $25,350.49 February $827.00 $24.00 $551.25 $1,252.50 $-29.00 $2,625.75 March $4,026.68 $932.00 $2,472.25 $23,209.47 $-10.50 $30,629.90 April $3,508.24 $1,739.11 $1,987.50 $14,304.80 $65.25 $21,604.90 May $13,311.80 $8,047.85 $4,106.75 $33,082.49 $131.75 $58,680.64 June $17,799.76 $9,722.22 $3,903.00 $181,459.29 $313.75 $213,198.02 July $17,130.75 $16,256.25 $7,984.50 $2,731.36 $119.35 $44,222.21 August $9,345.66 $8,510.90 $4,149.75 $250.00 $243.80 $22,500.11 September $4,417.93 $5,485.90 $1,539.25 $3,998.54 $45.00 $15,486.62 October $1,984.50 $1,511.00 $1,873.00 $170,550.29 $530.00 $176,448.79 November $695.35 $153.00 $1,448.50 $101,780.92 $3.00 $104,080.77 December $1,283.90 $12.00 $1,442.00 $2,596.36 $143.50 $5,477.76 TOTALS $76,269.98 $52,490.23 $32,409.25 $557,580.60 $1,555.90 $720,305.96 AHRA YEAR 2004 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYUtilities Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS $4,047,41 $742.68 $0 $3,735.12 $4,757.77 $57,523.84 $44,053.00 $6,342.74 $526.13 $0 $36,972.98 $2,379.15 $90,274.00 $60,190.95 $6,795.07 $540.19 $0 $3,493.48 $0 $71,019.69 April $58,342.16 $17,822.77 $393.67 $0 $21,136.06 $893.26 $98,587.92 May $69,624.73 $23,730.23 $2,634.89 $0 $11,693.38 $4,034.09 $111,717.32 June $79,502.36 $20,039.70 $8,049.62 $0 $394.25 $6,647.91 $114,633.84 July $48,755.29 $18,092.55 $1,282.32 $0 $3,799.40 $869.57 $72,799.13 August $55,043.37 $14,020.47 $18,601.70 $0 $5,372.39 $2,019.89 $95,057.82 September $67,570.94 $8,831.10 $844.24 $0 $1,795.30 $6,223.25 $85,264.83 Year 2004 By Month Personnel Operating January $44,240.86 February March October $42,181.85 $974.40 $1,232.23 $0 $2,831.24 $1,057.44 $48,277.16 November $32,957.53 $5,667.12 $403.64 $0 $0 $1,626.86 $40,655.15 December $36,233.53 $4,434.24 $721.60 $0 $134.22 $380.28 $41,903.87 TOTALS $638,696.57 $130,797.80 $35,972.91 $0 $91,357.82 $30,889.47 $927,714.57 Total Expenditures for Water Purchases in 2004* $135,000.00 Grand Total $1,064,214.57 * $80,000 for water, $40,000 for storage and $15,000 for stream gauge maintenance 3 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. A portion of the AHRA Seasonal Work Program budget was restored enabling ten seasonal rangers to be hired during the 2004 summer season, up two from the 2003 season. The two reinstated positions were in the land section. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. Because the seasonal staff typically covers two shifts per day, seven days a week, and are assigned to patrol both upstream or downstream of Salida each day, these vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Four of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. In addition, river rangers also undertake a variety of resource related projects such as the control of invasive plant species in remote sections of the recreation area. The three full-time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are Title 33 commissioned officers. When necessary, they can take the appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full-time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, National Forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the State Parks Snowmobile Program responsibilities. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and recertifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 110 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 16 River Assists 185 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 19 River Hazard Removal Operations 16 *There were no private river fatalities within the AHRA in 2004. *2004 was the third consecutive year with no commercial river fatalities within the AHRA. 4 �Collision w/ Other Vessel 6% Other 16% 2004 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE CAUSE Collision w/ Fixed Object Capsized Falls In Boat Falls Overboard Other Collision w/ Other Vessel TOTAL ACCIDENTS Collision w/ Fixed Object 46% Falls Overboard 23% Falls In Boat 6% Capsized 3% TOTAL 14 1 2 7 5 2 31 Note: Many “Collision with Fixed Object” accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2004 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Total 26 3 7 8 7 0 2 53 Citations Issued for the Year 2004 Year 2004 Pass/Permit Violations 65 Resource Protection Violations 32 Public Safety Violations 11 Records/Reporting Violations 4 OHV Violations 10 Snowmobile Violations 6 Other Violations 5 *Total 133 *Above total includes 15 citations to commercial outfitters 5 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements (Permits) as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 82 commercial outfitters in 2004. Permitted outfitters provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing experiences, and photo and video images to over 204,000 clients in 2004. Commercial use at AHRA in 2004 decreased by 5% from 2003. Gross revenue received from commercial operations within the AHRA in 2004 was 3% above revenue received in 2003. The Arkansas River still remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on twelve different river sections. In 2004, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 450 bpd to 10 bpd with differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Outfitter Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a four person seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a Rationing Program Assistant seasonal, that is employed during both the winter and summer months, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Special Use Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2004 2003 Boating................................................................................ 56 ................. 60 Photography / Video ........................................................... 10 .................. 6 Walk and Wade Fishing...................................................... 13 ................. 15 Shuttle Services.................................................................... 3 .................... 3 Total ................................................................................... 82 ................ 84 Rationed Days By Section 2004 2003 Section 1c – The Numbers.................................................. 40 ................. 35 Section 2b – Browns Canyon.............................................. 11 ................. 10 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida .......................................... 3 ................... 3 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge................................... 38 ................. 35 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek.......................... 8 ................... 9 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ................................. 3 ................... 4 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge............................................ 21 .................. 21 Total .................................................................................. 124 .............. 117 6 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management staff underwent changes in 2004, starting with the retirement of long time River Manager Dave Taliaferro early in the year. However, we were fortunate to have the Outdoor Recreation Planner, John Nahomenuk, promoted to the River Manager position. John brings plenty of experience and familiarity with the partnerships and operations of the AHRA. Additional BLM staff members in 2004 were the seasonal Recreation Technician, seasonal Recreation Aide and the term Contact Representative. The BLM River Manager is responsible for the overall operations and the maintenance of this unique multi-agency partnership. He works closely with the Park Manager to assure that the direction within the ARRMP is fully implemented, as well as working with a multitude of other agencies, interest groups and organizations. He is also responsible for the maintenance and enhancement, where possible, of the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor. The Outdoor Recreation Planner position was left vacant by the promotion of John Nahomenuk during the summer. This position remains vacant, but is high on the list of priorities for BLM positions to be filled when funding becomes available. This position is directed to work closely with other AHRA staff, many other Federal and state agencies, and local entities and user groups on issues regarding public lands within the river corridor. This includes project planning, grant acquisition, input into NEPA documents, and monitoring and providing resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) and to four Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Recreation Technician provides assistance to visitors in BLM uplands and carries out patrols and maintenance on public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA sites along the river corridor. He provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. He also collects data for the Global Position System in order to record the locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Data collected will be used to support the Travel Management Planning process. He is also part of an AHRA team that performs resource monitoring (in its ninth year) of lunch and campsites within Browns Canyon. The Recreation Aide primarily handles actual field patrols and public contacts in addition to assisting the Recreation Technician as needed. The Contact Representative meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking. She handles sales and bookkeeping, including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, park passes and recreational vehicle registrations. She acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. She also files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees and maintains park visitation and revenue information. 7 �AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative Section provides support services for all State Parks and BLM employees, full-time and seasonal alike. Administrative staff coordinate visitor and customer services; administer park pass and registration programs and sales; oversee field and office revenues and accounting; manage the Environmental Education and Interpretive Program including special projects and grants; assist with purchasing and receiving; take care of personnel and payroll matters; and handle thousands of telephone and radio calls each year. One permanent full-time State Parks position, two seasonal State Parks employees and the BLM Contact Representative staff this section. 2004 195 Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2004): Annual Passes Sold Activity Compared to 2003 -19.09% $8545 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold -11.86% 183 Aspen Leaf Passes Sold -37.97% $3884 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 27.68% $63,841 Revenue from Daily Individual Passes -7.26% $52,490 Revenue from Camp Permits* 68.68% 1899 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold 10.34% $32,409 Revenue from Registration Sales 16.05% $557,581 Revenue from Commercial Agreements** 5.68% *Reservation Revenue is included in this total for 2004, but was not included in 2003 ** Total includes administrative fees and fines not reflected under the Special Use Agreement Section summary Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2004 # Of People 20,495 7,670 7,099 526 Type of Activity Visitors to Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Volunteer Hours for 2004 Volunteers (groups or individuals) AHRA Advisory Groups (CTF, RAAC) Buena Vista Correctional Facility Inmates Canon City Correctional Facility Inmates Community Service Volunteers Total Volunteer Hours in 2004 8 1018 hrs 972 hrs 1943 hrs 906 hrs 192 hrs 5031 hrs �Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services continued to captivate the public throughout 2004. In February 2004, the Raptor Center from Pueblo was invited to present “Raptors Over the River” at the Howard Community Center, and the public was more than enchanted with the live hawk, owl, and falcon. GOCO Interpreter Amy Duggins presented Junior Ranger and campground programs covering such topics as: “Take Two Dandelions and Call Me in the Morning”, “Lazy Campers Guide to the Night Sky”, “Pine Needle Tea” and “Wildflowers in Love”. Children of all ages were enthralled with the Junior Ranger programs in Buena Vista and Salida, and attendance was at maximum capacity for nearly every program. One junior ranger parent wrote, “what a wonderful impact Amy had on her (daughter) and all of the children who participated in the program.” Visitors to AHRA also appreciated having the GOCO interpreter walk/hike around and talk to them about the area and respond to their questions. It should be noted that one of the most well applauded efforts for the summer of 2004 were interpretive talks that Amy gave to commercial river guides on the Arkansas River, which enabled AHRA to further expand its natural resource stewardship message. AHRA continues to be very active year-round with area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also participates in many community events throughout the year, including the FIB-Ark Parade in Salida and Gold Rush Days in Buena Vista. AHRA and GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) partner on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events such as the 2004 River Clean-up/Green-up and the Hunters Safety Tent. GARNA is also instrumental in assisting AHRA with grant writing and administration, interpretive signs and displays, and the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center, which continues to grow in sales and popularity with the public. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, and improvements for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. This takes a great deal of effort and coordination, yet our staff meets this challenge and continues to excel at it. This section is also extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2004, these improvements included drainage, signage, weed control/revegetation, fencing, landscaping and roadway/trail maintenance and development. Welcome and fee/information sign design, construction, and installation/replacement was a large part of the maintenance objective this past year as was increasing the overall efficiency in the maintenance department. Extensive utilization of Department of Corrections work crews, volunteer groups, community service workers, and a variety of youth organizations helped AHRA achieve many of its maintenance goals in 2004. 9 �AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager and Assistant Park Manager oversee and coordinate the daily visitor service and maintenance operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication link between field staff and the Southeast Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They also work closely with the Bureau of Land Management to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Voluntary Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work with the public to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 148-mile river corridor and continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among visitors as well as current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 2004 Annual Report Accomplishments Discussed and partially resolved issues in the ICP (Integrated Concept Plan) and presented these to the Parks Board Participated in the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum Development of a web-based Arkansas River Water Flow data and information site Participated in a number of State Parks marketing efforts promoting AHRA and the outfitting community BLM hosted the Carnage Canyon clean-up project on National Public Lands Day Continued an aggressive tamarisk eradication campaign on lands under AHRA jurisdiction Partnered with CDOT to obtain materials for rehabilitation of the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site Replaced the damaged steps at the Fishermen’s Bridge Recreation Site Rebuilt the aging timbered staircase out of rock at the Stone Bridge Recreation Site The Western Colorado Conservation Corps out of Grand Junction worked 720 man-hours to complete reclamation and trail projects at the Lone Pine and Hecla Junction Recreation Sites Partnered with Fremont County Road and Bridge Department to grade and add road base to the Parkdale and Spikebuck Recreation Sites Continued to perform construction and reclamation projects at the Hayden Meadows Recreation Site Added a multi table day use picnic site at the Railroad Bridge Recreation Site Worked through the Central Mountain Training Foundation in their 04/05 grant cycle to receive $1142.55 in training, travel and per diem as well as six free classes for law enforcement training, including radar enforcement training Remodeled the AHRA Visitor Center meeting room, reception workstation, lobby, bathrooms, river ranger offices, land ranger office and interpretative/BLM seasonal office with new paint and floor coverings 10 �Assisted the Colorado State Patrol with the removal of several vehicles from the Arkansas River Recorded GIS data on river features from the confluence of the Lake Fork to Lake Pueblo State Park for the purpose of generating a variety of river maps for various projects Received funding from the State of Colorado Telecommunications Division to install digital trunk radios in all AHRA patrol vehicles Completed the Parkdale beach enhancement project adding usable ramp space to the existing boat ramp Completed the installation of new boat safety signs Conducted swiftwater rescue training for AHRA staff, Fremont County Sheriff’s Deputies, Salida Fire, Chaffee Country EMS and Yampa River State Park staff Investigated a string of pay station thefts. Modified pay tubes with antitheft devices and added new padlocks. Assisted the 11 mile State Parks staff with the apprehension and conviction of the suspect involved in these thefts Investigated and sought convictions of three unlicensed/un-permitted boating outfitting operations and one un-permitted photographer operation Received a surplus Boston Whaler from Cherry Creek State Park and leased it to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Worked on issues related to the permitting of commercial river boarding (sledging) on the Arkansas River Participated in a Civil Air Patrol search and rescue training exercise Installed signage and provided education on AHRA fire pan and groover regulations Organized an award ceremony for nine individuals/commercial raft guides involved in river rescues along the Arkansas River Continued meeting with state and federal agencies as well as local and state officials in an effort to obtain funding for a feasibility study of a Natural Resource Center in Salida Continued meeting with the AHRA Private Boater Permit Planning Team to discuss the development of a framework for a private boating permit system for AHRA should private boater capacities be exceeded in the future AHRA staff participated in a variety of sports, boat and travel shows in Denver and Colorado Springs promoting State Parks and AHRA Continued to work with representatives from the BLM, BOR and Colorado State Parks on the possible acquisition of a portion of the Hayden Ranch property near Leadville Participated in State Parks’ Strategic Planning efforts via public and internal meetings Continued work on Phase IV of the AHRA commercial use web site program improvements. Phase V will include a Web Based Rationing Program Began the reconstruction of the Collegiate Peaks Recreation Site Hosted the 13th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up Met with representatives from CIG LLC in Denver to discuss issues related to railroad trespass and their purchase of the quarry at Parkdale. Also met with Fremont County Commissioners to discuss the purchase of Agile Stone by CIG Created additional parking spaces and an additional boat ramp at the Hecla Junction Recreation Site Discussed potential West Nile Virus prevention strategies with local health departments Continued to remove rock fire rings and human waste from Brown’s Canyon and dispersed camping areas in the Numbers and along Hwy 50 Began discussions for use changes at the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site to include access for commercial float fishing and ADA river trips 11 �Worked to resolve a private boater access issue at Johnson’s Village Completed the expansion of the Vallie Bridge Campground Sites Began work on developing an AHRA river access site in Canon City Began the planning process for development of the Salida East Recreation Site Revised the AHRA map which will be used in future brochure printings and on entrance station signs Researched the ownership of the low head diversion adjacent to the Clear Creek North River access site. Gave a Power Point presentation to the Homestake Board of Directors to make them aware of the boating hazards created by the structure and requested their assistance in rebuilding the structure • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Special Activity Location Clean Up/Green Up Riverbank Cleanup – Trout Unlimited Brook Bevin Fundraiser Colorado Spider Survey Build Your Own Raft Race CMC Geology Field Trip Chamber of Commerce Raft Trip Whitewater Wednesday Salida Chamber Ducky Race FIBArk Swift water Rescue Training TEN – teacher education workshop Kayaking Competition Pimp n hoe Rodeo Romine/Webb Wedding High Angle Rescue Training Star Gazing Dawson School Canoe Qualifications Arkansas River Hayden Meadows to Parkdale Salida and Buena Vista Play Holes Park wide Canon City Rincon, Stone Bridge and Hecla Junction Browns Canyon Browns Canyon Salida Salida to Texas Creek Parkdale and Browns Canyon Hecla Junction The Numbers Buena Vista Play Hole Five Points Overlook Hecla Junction Stone Bridge Salida 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/7c4c5bc63def605ee45d1f5873a0d534.pdf 6d289192b3c05a745b4c7297857e9711 PDF Text Text �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2003. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The year 2003 was a much better year than 2002 for AHRA, as well as for nearly everyone in the Upper Arkansas River Drainage. The drought of the past several years lessened, leading to full irrigation ditches, near normal river flows and much improved visitation at our recreation sites. Most commercial outfitters saw their use increase dramatically over 2002. Private boating also increased considerably from the 2002 season. The year 2003 marked the third year of management under the newly revised Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP). Operating under the original ARRMP, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado State Parks forged a ground breaking intergovernmental agreement in 1989 proving that, with the support of the public users, this kind of partnership can be very successful. Building on the original ARRMP, the new management plan has helped AHRA address new challenges, while at the same time giving the AHRA new resources and partners including the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The Citizens Task Force (CTF) has been an instrumental force behind the success of the abovementioned partnership. This advisory committee meets five times a year and helps advise the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role in the above-mentioned partnerships. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The visible fieldwork is accomplished by the many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA. In a typical season, AHRA employs over 30 seasonal staff members. For the majority of 2003 those work sections were supervised by the following full time staff members: 1 �AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - Harry Singleton and Tom Talbot (Parks) Casey Swanson, JW Wilder, and Stew Pappenfort (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) Heather Goodroe (BLM) Mike Walker (Parks) John Nahomenuk (BLM) Robert White (Parks) and Dave Taliaferro (BLM) In the later part of 2003 several significant full time staff changes occurred. Beginning in August, John Geerdes filled the vacant Assistant Park Manager position. In September, Casey Swanson left AHRA to take the Rocky Mountain Region Trails Coordinator position in Colorado Springs. Stew Pappenfort then promoted in mid-September to fill the Senior Ranger position vacated by Casey. Sean Shepherd, a 4-year veteran Seasonal River Ranger, was then selected to fill the River Ranger Supervisor position vacated by Stew. After completing the law enforcement academy, Sean will assume his duties at AHRA in mid May 2004. As mentioned above, 2003 saw a strong recovery from the decrease in use resulting from the drought of 2002. As snow pack and river flows returned to more normal levels, commercial boating use rebounded to encouraging levels. Private boating use on some sections of the river was also at record levels. Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITY TOTAL 2003 PEOPLE 286,598 2002 PEOPLE 217,648 ‘02 TO '03 % CHANGE 31.68% Shore Boat 73,975 7,441 47,293 59,377 5,446 33,324 24.59% 36.63% 41.92% Commercial Private 255,788** 31,816 22,065 29,129 23,141** 777,246 170,164** 23,912 16,742 20,986 14,936** 562,535 96.17% 24.84% 31.79% 38.80% 54.93% 39% *May include participants in multiple activities. **Actual visitor number 2 �Although not quite reaching their former levels, AHRA revenues saw an encouraging rebound in 2003 as well. As noted on the preceding table, revenues were just shy of three-quarters of a million dollars in 2003. AHRA YEAR 2003 REVENUES Year 2003 By Month Park Passes Camping Permits/ Registrations Reservations Special Use Other: Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. TOTALS January $1,674.06 $122.00 $731.25 $4,573.00 $25.00 $7,125.31 February $1,079.79 $40.00 $448.00 $300.00 $5,980.00 $7,847.79 March $1,556.88 $349.00 $1,249.50 $3,043.09 $-15.24 $6,183.23 April $4,584.84 $1,777.00 $2,190.50 $27,997.69 $95.00 $36,645.03 May $9,619.78 $5,786.41 $2,531.50 $7,449.09 $257.25 $25,644.03 June $24,507.24 $11,290.45 $3,708.75 $121,571.47 $332.75 $161,410.66 July $19,180.27 $12,671.46 $6,538.75 $0.00 $52.49 $38,442.97 August $10,014.88 $9,707.12 $4,211.00 $250.00 $113.00 $24,296.00 September $4,865.72 $4,282.60 $1,627.50 $0.00 $554.50 $11,330.32 October $1,929.03 $1,316.55 $1,982.00 $235,928.40 $85.00 $241,240.98 November $901.04 $332.00 $1,296.50 $100,377.20 $4.00 $102,910.74 December $1,664.52 $63.00 $1,411.50 $26,114.86 $0.00 $29,253.88 TOTALS $81,578.05 $47,737.59 $27,926.75 $527,604.80 $7,483.75 $692,330.94 AHRA YEAR 2003 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYUtilities Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS $6,200.79 $571.93 $4,035.00 $2,964.74 $4,825.05 $60,546.43 $39,884.44 $5,001.40 $595.30 $0 $10,805.26 $3,687.40 $59,973.80 $42,097.74 $4,200.33 $490.43 $0 $11,881.45 $6,784.31 $65,454.26 April $43,792.80 $3,612.12 $509.12 $0 $5,127.37 $2,231.53 $55,272.94 May $60,734.66 $8,140.52 $2,661.86 $0 $7,840.83 $5,427.11 $84,804.98 June $64,288.63 $16,738.13 $2,217.32 $0 $8,667.21 $7,004.38 $98,915.67 July $66,091.36 $12,171.01 $684.94 $0 $3,558.18 $2,487.77 $84,993.26 August $65,511.68 $9,372.94 $1,653.84 $0 $1,609.67 $4,564.81 $82,712.94 September $55,497.76 $6,579.60 $2,927.47 $0 $1,925.75 $10,638.35 $77,568.93 Year 2003 By Month Personnel Operating January $41,948.92 February March October $48,014.40 $6,952.60 $1,054.58 $0 $3,382.45 $3,624.71 $63,028.74 November $43,877.96 $4,260.84 $751.43 $0 $2,497.71 $948.85 $52,336.79 December $39,484.25 $3,956.82 $554.31 $0 $848.16 $1,454.02 $46,297.56 TOTALS $611,224.60 $87,187.10 $14,672.52 $4,035.00 $61,108.78 $53,678.29 $831,906.30 Total expenditures for water purchases in 2003 $18,000.00 Grand Total $849,906.30 3 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibilities. Because of budget reductions, the number of seasonal rangers for the 2003 season was reduced to eight. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. Because the seasonal staff typically covers two shifts per day, seven days a week, and are assigned to patrol either upstream or downstream of Salida each day, these vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Four of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. The three full time park rangers, the state park manager, and the assistant park manager are all certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally, all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are Title 33 commissioned officers. When necessary, they can the take appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full time rangers continue to patrol AHRA sites along the river corridor. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, national forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the State Parks Snowmobile Program. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and recertifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections 120 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections 0 River Assists 185 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations 12 River Hazard Removal Operations 18 * There was one private river fatality within the AHRA in 2003. It was the second consecutive year with no commercial boating fatalities. 4 �2003 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE 2003 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Falls Overboard 11% Falls In Boat 14% Other 6% Collision w/ Other Vessel 0% Collision w/ Fixed Object 58% CAUSE TOTAL Collision w/ Fixed Object 20 Capsized 4 Falls In Boat 5 Falls Overboard 4 Other 2 Collision w/ Other Vessel 0 TOTAL ACCIDENTS 35 Capsized 11% Note: Many collision with fixed object accidents resulted in capsize, falls in boat, or falls overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2003 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Total 31 2 6 4 5 1 1 44 Citations Issued for the Year 2003 Year 2003 2002 2001 Pass/Permit Violations 89 143 202 Resource Protection Violations 18 21 23 Public Safety Violations 13 12 07 Records/Reporting Violations 03 22 04 OHV Violations 35 34 33 Snowmobile Violations 10 28 16 Other Violations 0 04 06 *Total 168 264 299 *Above Total Includes Citations to Commercial Outfitters - broken out as follows 09 08 32 5 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements (Permits) as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. AHRA had 84 Outfitters in 2003. Permitted Outfitters provided various combinations of activities such as whitewater rafting, float fishing, walk and wade fishing experiences, and photo and video images to over 215,000 clients in 2003. The commercial use at AHRA increased by 54% from 2002 (a low water year) while still 15% below 2001 levels; however, the Arkansas River still remains the most commercially rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates commercial boat per day (bpd) carrying capacities on twelve different river sections. In 2003, river sections had commercial bpd carrying capacities ranging from 450 bpd to 10 bpd and differing section specific boating restrictions. In addition, this section develops data control methods and commercial use verification for Outfitter Special Use Agreement compliance. Assisting in this program is a seasonal Count Crew responsible for collecting Spot Checks and maintaining an electronic database for Trip Log comparison. This section also has a Rationing Program Assistant winter seasonal, to assist with annual boat allocations and oversee the Agreement Application program. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2003 2002 Boating.................................................................................60....................60 Photography / Video .............................................................6......................7 Walk and Wade Fishing.......................................................15....................13 Shuttle Services.....................................................................3......................2 Total ....................................................................................84....................82 Rationed Days By Section 2003 2002 Section 1c – The Numbers...................................................35....................34 Section 2b – Browns Canyon...............................................10....................10 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida ...........................................3......................3 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge....................................35 ...................33 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek...........................9......................8 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ..................................4......................5 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge.............................................21....................21 Total ...................................................................................117..................114 6 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management staff consists of the Contact Representative, the Recreation Technician, the Outdoor Recreation Planner and the River Manager. These employees work together to fulfill the BLM’s role within the AHRA Partnership. The Contact Representative meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking. This representative handles sales and bookkeeping, including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, park passes and recreational vehicle registrations. This person acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. This staff member also files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees during the busy summer season and maintains a database of information on park visitation and revenue. The Recreation Technician provides assistance to visitors in the BLM uplands and specifically carries out patrols and maintenance on the public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA managed lands along the river corridor. This technician provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates other volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. This technician also collects data for the Global Position System in order to record the locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Data collected will be used to support the Travel Management Planning process. The technician is also part of an AHRA team that carries out resource monitoring {in its eighth year} of lunch and campsites along the river in Browns Canyon. The Outdoor Recreation Planner provides a wide range of professional level expertise to AHRA related to both the BLM upland management as well as the immediate public lands along the river corridor within AHRA. This planner works closely with other AHRA staff, many other federal and state agencies, as well as local entities and user groups on issues tied to public lands within the river corridor. The Fourmile Travel Management Plan was completed in 2002 and implementation of the plan began in 2003. The plan was a joint effort between the BLM and the FS and involved approximately 100,000 acres of public lands. The purpose of the plan was to designate a system of roads and trails for the publics use. This planner provides input into various NEPA documents and is also continuing to monitor and provide resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas {WSA’s} and to four BLM Areas of Critical Environmental Concern {ACEC’s}. In addition, this planner is assisting AHRA staff with the development of the Big Bend OHV riding area. The OHV track was opened in 2002 and additional grants, through the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Program, have been secured in 2003 to continue to work on this project. The BLM River Manager is responsible for the overall operations, care and feeding of this unique multi-agency partnership. This individual works closely with the Colorado State Parks AHRA Park Manager to assure that the direction provided within the ARRMP is fully implemented. This individual is also responsible for seeing that the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor is maintained and enhanced as feasible. Most recently, a complete reassessment of the potential land acquisitions directed by the management plan was carried out with 28 properties or easements being pursued through BLM, State Parks, USFS and 7 �Cities/Towns within the corridor. Other major initiatives recently worked on are the site management planning for the newly purchased 251 acre Blue Heron Property, the private boater permitting issue, input into the rationing plan modifications, the continued effort with the Lake County Open Space Initiative and the very near purchase of the 1310 acre Hayden Ranch Property. The River Manager also works in conjunction with the Arkansas Headwaters Citizens Task Force. The CTF consists of 14 individuals representing 7 different interest groups. The group provides advice to AHRA managers on a variety of issues affecting the river. The River Manager also works closely with various water interest groups such as the Upper Arkansas Watershed Council, the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District and the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative Section provides support services for all State Parks and BLM employees, full time and seasonal alike. Administrative staff coordinate visitor and customer services; administer park pass and registration programs and sales; oversee field and office revenues and accounting; manage the Environmental Education and Interpretive Program including special projects and grants; assist with purchasing and receiving; take care of personnel and payroll matters; and handle thousands of telephone and radio calls each year. One permanent full time State Parks position, two seasonal State Parks employees and the BLM Contact Representative staff this section. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2003): 2003 241 Activity Compared to 2002 + 12.09% Annual Passes Sold $9,695 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold + 6.71% 295 Aspen Leaf Passes Sold + 16.60% $3,042 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold + 33.13% 1,721 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold + 57.31% $27,927 Revenue from Registration Sales + 11.82% $31,118 Revenue from Camp Permits + 24.60% $68,841 Revenue from Daily Individual Passes + 56.17% $527,605 Revenue from Commercial Agreements + 51.20% 8 �Administrative Section Visitor Contacts for 2003 # Of People 17,123 3,745 7,164 1,097 Type of Activity Visitors to Visitor Center Personal Interpretation Non-Personal Interpretation Environmental Education Volunteer Hours for 2003 Volunteers (groups or individuals) Buena Vista Correctional Facility Inmates Canon City Correctional Facility Inmates Community Service Volunteers Total Volunteer Hours in 2003 1,428 2,226 659 96 4,409 Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were enhanced significantly throughout 2003. GOCO Interpreter, Phyllis Cron, presented Junior Ranger and campground programs covering such topics as: “Don’t Take Arkansas River’s Rocks for Granite”; “Don’t Bug Me!”; “Spider Sniffing”; “Scat, Tracks & Fur…Who’s Been Here?”; “Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind”; “Starry, Starry Night”; “Walk on the Wildflower Side”; “Owl Prowl” and “Helgamite Hunt”. The singing cockroaches from Madagascar, Leggs the tarantula and Bully the snake were also welcomed attractions. Children of all ages were enthralled with the Junior Ranger programs in Buena Vista and Salida, and attendance was at maximum capacity for nearly every program. The “Don’t Bug Me” with the “I Ate a Bug Club” awards were so popular that even the parents came to join the fun. Roving interpretation also proved to be very popular. Visitors enjoyed having the GOCO interpreter come up and talk to them about the area and respond to their questions. Campers at Hecla Junction also appreciated the AHRA campground hosts, Nettie and Giff Babcock. Besides answering questions, Nettie and Giff gave interpretive programs in the evening at Hecla Junction. Finally, it should be noted that one of the most well applauded efforts for the summer of 2003 were interpretive talks that Phyllis gave to commercial river guides on the Arkansas River. AHRA continues to be very active year-round with area schools, local recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also participates in many community events throughout the year. AHRA and GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) partner on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events, such as the 2003 River Clean-up/Green-up. GARNA is also instrumental in assisting AHRA with grant writing and administration, and the GARNA sales outlet at the AHRA Visitor Center continues to grow in sales and popularity with the public. 9 �AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, improvements and up keep for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville, to the Parkdale Recreation Site near Canon City. This takes a great deal of effort and coordination, yet our staff meets this challenge and continues to excel at it. This section is also extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2003, these improvements included drainage, signage, weed control/re-vegetation, fencing, landscaping and roadway/trail maintenance and development. Welcome and fee/information sign design, construction, and installation/replacement was a large part of the maintenance objective this past year as was increasing the overall efficiency in the maintenance department. Extensive utilization of corrections inmate work crews, volunteer agencies, community service workers, and a variety of youth groups also received added emphasis during 2003. AHRA is hopeful that use of these entities will be increased even further in the future, as all parties involved derive great benefits. In addition, when these volunteer groups are utilized, the limited maintenance resources of the park are multiplied many times over and the result is a win/win for the recreation area. AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager oversees and coordinates the daily operations and overall programs and projects for the entire work unit described above. He is the communication link between field staff and the Rocky Mountain Region office in Grand Junction and State Park offices in Colorado Springs, Denver and Littleton. He also works closely with the Bureau of Land Management to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Flow Program each year. Most importantly, he works to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150 mile river corridor and continues to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. This year AHRA was also fortunate to have the Assistant Park Manager position filled. This Colorado State Park position, vacant for the past two years, fills an essential role at AHRA providing a key administrative link between both the visitor services and maintenance staff. The preceding information provided a section-by-section analysis of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. What follows is the final portion of the Annual Report, which provides a detailed list of accomplishments completed during 2003. 10 �2003 Annual Report Accomplishments Added an ambitious Tamarisk control and eradication effort to the Weed Management Program and increased efforts to control specifically targeted species such as Canada Thistle and Poison Ivy Assisted in the removal of 4 vehicles from the Arkansas River Conducted River Rescue Training for AHRA Staff, the Statewide River Ranger Team and Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Co-sponsored and hosted the 12th Annual Arkansas River Clean-Up / Green-Up with GARNA (the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) Patrolled and picked up litter per agreement with the Lake County Open Space Initiative (LCOSI) and Lake County to manage the Hayden Meadows Recreation Site in Lake County Hosted a Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) crew for several backcountry construction and maintenance projects Improved roadways, trails and picnic areas at upriver section of Parkdale site Installed or replaced welcome signs at eleven of our recreation sites Manned a State Parks booth at the Denver RV Show and the Colorado State Fair Set up an AHRA booth at the Buena Vista trade fair and Gold Rush Days festival PARKS web-based accounting system implemented at AHRA and all State Parks Heather Goodroe assisted the State Parks Reservation Unit in Littleton for a week in order the open the campground reservation system early AHRA enhanced marketing relationship with the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau JW Wilder instructed at the Winter Skills Training Academy 01-21 to 01-24-03 Land Ranger Section moved from the trailer back into the office Made new templates for the sign site inventory and for sign orders All fully commissioned L.E. personnel attended In-service Training Casey and JW assisted in the recovery of a body from Hancock Pass avalanche Investigated the theft of money from our pay-tubes, designed and installed anti-theft devices in all pay-tubes Received two AED’s and trained staff in their use JW gave an AHRA presentation to the Southeastern Water Conservancy District (SECWCD) and Pueblo Board of Waterworks JW did two 10 minute radio spots with Fan Outdoor Radio Show’s Terry Wickstrom with Tony Keenan and Rod Patch Maintenance staff and rangers assisted with the Rincon asphalt spill cleanup AHRA staff and volunteers manned the Hunter Safety Tent the two days prior to each of the October/November hunting seasons JW created Ranger field notebooks Received two ice rescue suits and related ice rescue equipment from MASARS Remodeled and expanded picnic area at Parkdale, replaced picnic table tops Saved the lone pine at Lone Pine Built two rock dikes and performed river bank stabilization at Vallie Bridge Built new walk/boat in campground at Vallie Bridge RMYC & CWP harvested and hauled over 1500 corral poles and 750 posts Finished the Jump Rock staircase Built buck and rail fence at Railroad Bridge 11 �Built day use picnic site at Railroad Bridge Renovated Numbers Site access road into usable and safe condition Major renovation of the boat ramp at Salida East Installed wastewater dump station for camp host at Hecla Junction Worked with several volunteer groups Special Activity Location Clean Up/Green Up Leave No Trace & Kitchen Class Gold Prospectors Picnic CWWA Training Camp 99 Basic kayak fundraiser Lion’s Club Motorist Service Build Your Own Raft Race Kayak Surfing Contest Chamber of Commerce Raft Trip Whitewater Wednesday – Buena Vista Chamber Ducky Race FIBArk Swiftwater Rescue Training TEN – teacher education workshop Freestyle Kayaking Competition Rhinehiemer/Bridges Wedding National Bike for the Family Royal Gorge Go Fast games ATV Color Tour Star Gazing Arkansas River Ruby Mountain Campground Point Bar Arkansas River Arkansas River Spike Buck Canon City Buena Vista Browns Canyon Browns Canyon Salida Salida, etc. Park dale and Browns Canyon Hecla Junction Salida Play Hole Collegiate Peaks Spike Buck Royal Gorge/Canon City Ruby Mountain Stone Bridge 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/360433b79ac31bb3f328beea6c61005d.pdf ce5de41a67b974cfc0aae6f14f6d1f1e PDF Text Text �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2002. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The year 2002 was a memorable year for AHRA as well as for everyone in the Upper Arkansas River Drainage. The continuing drought of the past several years only got worse, leading to a season of dried up irrigation ditches, record wildfires, historically low river flows and reduced visitation. Most commercial outfitters saw their use dwindle dramatically. A fire ban existed in the recreation area for most of the summer. Congestion, due to low water at some rapids like Sunshine and Raft Ripper, caused an inconvenience to our visitors and outfitters. Many recreation sites languished, under used. Perhaps the only silver linings were the fact that private boating in Browns Canyon was considerably reduced from the 2001 season, eliminating the need to permit that section of the river for the 2003 season, and that the low water benefited the fishery. The year 2002 marked the second year of management under the newly revised Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP). Operating under the original ARRMP, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado State Parks forged a ground breaking intergovernmental agreement in 1989 proving that, with the support of the public users, this kind of partnership can be very successful. Building on the original ARRMP, the new management plan has helped AHRA address new challenges, while at the same time giving the AHRA new resources and partners including the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U. S. Forest Service (USFS). The Citizens Task Force (CTF) has been an instrumental force behind the success of the abovementioned partnership. This advisory committee meets five times a year and helps advise the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. It is expected that under the current management plan, the CTF will continue to play an important role in the above-mentioned partnerships. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The visible field work is accomplished by the many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA. In a typical season, AHRA employs over 30 seasonal staff members. The below noted work sections are supervised by the following full time staff members: 1 �AHRA Sections and Supervisors Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - Harry Singleton and Tom Talbot (Parks) Casey Swanson, JW Wilder, and Stew Pappenfort (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) Heather Goodroe (BLM) Mike Walker (Parks) John Nahomenuk (BLM) Robert White (Parks) and Dave Taliaferro (BLM) AHRA stretches nearly 150 miles from Leadville to Lake Pueblo along the Arkansas River. Although the recreation area has grown in visitation throughout its history, this past year the unprecedented drought and wildfires forced a drastic reduction in both visitation and revenue generation. This past season further emphasizes the need for AHRA to continue to maintain the public recreation facilities along the river corridor while optimizing revenues in the form of annual and daily individual parks passes, camping permits, recreational vehicle registrations, and special use concession agreement fees, in order to provide for the budgetary needs for operation, maintenance and development. Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two Year Comparison ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITY TOTAL 2002 PEOPLE 217,648 2001 PEOPLE 282,472 ‘01 TO '02 % CHANGE -22.95% Shore Boat 59,377 5,446 33,324 70,011 7,089 44,826 - 15.19% - 23.18% - 25.66% Commercial Private 170,164** 23,912 16,742 20,986 14,936 562,535 312,784** 30,669 21,646 12,753 24,189 806,439 - 45.60% - 22.03% - 22.66% 64.56% - 38.25% - 25.28% *May include participants in multiple activities. **Actual visitor number 2 �AHRA YEAR 2002 REVENUES Park Passes Camping Permits/ Reservations Other: Special Use Penalties, Agreements Donations, Misc. Registrations TOTALS January $1,698.02 $25.00 $789.00 $2,258.08 $4,040.39 $8,810.49 February $1,149.71 March $1,857.37 $51.00 $411.00 $850.00 $0.00 $2,461.71 $296.00 $1,044.00 $770.01 $0.00 $3,967.38 April $4,596.17 $1,525.00 $3,126.00 $76,272.59 $0.00 $85,519.76 May $7,543.65 $3,541.00 $1,740.00 $83,337.40 $1.00 $96,163.05 June $16,048.27 $5,707.61 $3,334.00 $101,482.63 $25.25 $126,597.76 July $8,808.70 $4,570.07 $4,707.00 $250.00 $457.00 $18,792.77 August $6,317.96 $4,746.05 $2,625.75 $0.00 $663.00 $14,352.76 September $3,678.53 $2,949.00 $1,668.00 $4,533.84 $107.25 $12,936.62 Year 2002 By Month October $1,986.17 $1,354.00 $1,833.00 $18,111.55 $0.75 $23,285.47 November $498.30 $90.00 $1,258.75 $61,215.27 $0.00 $63,062.32 December $1,267.89 $120.00 $1,140.25 $0.00 $983.00 $3,511.14 TOTALS $55,450.74 $24,974.73 $23,676.75 $349,081.37 $6,277.64 $459,461.23 AHRA YEAR 2002 EXPENDITURES -COLORADO STATE PARKS ONLYYear 2002 By Month Personnel Operating Utilities Capital Equipment Controlled Maintenance Grants & Misc. Accounts TOTALS January $47,258.16 $8,773.50 $796.64 $0 $1,277.29 $2,599.24 $60,704.83 February $44,145.76 $6,189.90 $877.33 $0 $671.66 $258.40 $52,143.05 March $35,480.41 $6,510.01 $868.57 $0 $3,515.19 $14,058.15 $60,432.33 April $65,934.55 $5,612.96 $1,129.09 $0 $1,210.77 $4,753.86 $78,641.23 May $64,521.65 $10,941.82 $871.02 $0 $7,319.94 $9,430.70 $93,085.13 June $75,572.24 $18,735.22 $5,761.13 $2,628.77 $16,832.38 $15,117.05 $134,646.79 July $67,401.70 $10,487.11 $1,261.69 $0 $4,426.73 $7,153.76 $90,730.99 August $66,649.89 $13,167.31 $1,650.20 $613.00 $3,217.07 $5,137.36 $90,434.83 September $57,116.93 $8,494.94 $543.02 $9,287.00 $4,473.31 $8,780.02 $88,695.22 October $44,005.12 $4,670.67 $858.79 $0 $1,064.76 $4,183.55 $54,782.89 November $41,505.96 $6,169.67 $425.65 $579.00 $3,131.26 $2,920.04 $54,731.58 December $41,892.23 $7,238.74 $547.75 $10,124.00 $2,220.59 $4,199.67 $66,222.98 TOTALS $651,484.60 $106,991.85 $15,590.88 $23,231.77 $49,360.95 $78,591.80 $925,251.85 3 �AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibility. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. Because the seasonal staff typically covers two shifts per day, seven days a week, and are assigned to patrol either upstream or downstream of Salida each day, these vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Six of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. The three full time park rangers and the state park manager are level one certified Colorado peace officers. Additionally all AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are commissioned officers. When necessary, they can the take appropriate law enforcement action necessary to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. It should also be noted that AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full time rangers continue to patrol the AHRA sites along the river corridor. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, national forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the State Parks Snowmobile Program. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and recertifications, to organize and evaluate programs and plan for the high use season. Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections River Outfitter Office Records Inspections River Assists Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations River Hazard Removal Operations = 70 = 25 = 281 =5 = 22 ** The low water season of 2002 was the first season since AHRA began operation that not one person died as a result of a boating accident within the recreation area. 4 �2002 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE TOTAL CAUSE 2002 BOAT ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE Falls Overboard 14% Falls in Boat 5% Other 14% Collision w/ Other Vessel 0% Capsize 14% Collision w/ Fixed Object 53% Capsize 3 Collision w/ Fixed Object 11 Collision w/ Other Vessel 0 Falls in Boat 1 Falls Overboard 3 Other TOTAL ACCIDENTS 3 21 Note: Many collision with fixed object accidents resulted in a capsize, fall in boat, or fall overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2002 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other Total 19 6 5 7 1 6 5 49 Citations Issued for the Year 2002 2002 143 21 12 22 34 28 04 264 Pass/Permit Violations Resource Protection Violations Public Safety Violations Records/Reporting Violations OHV Violations Snowmobile Violations Other Violations *Total 2001 202 23 07 04 33 16 06 299 *Above Total Includes Citations to Commercial Outfitters (broken out below) 08 32 5 �AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as administer the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. Currently, the AHRA has 60 Boating Outfitters. Various Outfitters provide combinations of whitewater rafting, float fishing and walk and wade fishing experiences to over 250,000 AHRA guests annually. The commercial use at AHRA decreased by 45% from the year 2001 to 2002; however, the Arkansas River still remains the most rafted river in the United States. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates carrying capacities on twelve different river sections that have different carrying capacities ranging from 450 commercial boats per day to 10 commercial boats per day throughout different times of the year. In addition, this section designs, develops and utilizes custom computer programs and related software, computerized reports and data control methods, commercial use verification methods and physical audits of records to maintain compliance. Assisting in this effort is a Count Crew who visually count river and site visitors (both commercial and private) to maintain accurate records of river use and outfitter rationing compliance throughout the recreation area. This section was staffed with one full time State Parks employee, five summer seasonal employees, and one winter seasonal employee in the year 2002. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2002 2001 Boating.................................................................................60....................60 Photography / Video .............................................................7......................6 Walk and Wade Fishing.......................................................13....................10 Shuttle Services.....................................................................2......................1 Total ....................................................................................82....................77 Rationed Days By Section 2002 2001 Section 1c – The Numbers...................................................34....................33 Section 2b – Brown’s Canyon .............................................10.....................7 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida ...........................................3......................8 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge....................................33 ...................38 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek...........................8.....................18 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ..................................5......................8 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge.............................................21....................21 Total ...................................................................................114..................133 6 �AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management staff consists of the Contact Representative, the Recreation Technician, the Outdoor Recreation Planner and the River Manager. These employees work together to fulfill the BLM’s role within the AHRA Partnership. The Contact Representative meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking. This representative handles sales and bookkeeping including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, park passes and recreational vehicle registrations. This person acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. This staff member also files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees during the busy summer season and maintains a database of information on park visitation and revenue. The Recreation Technician provides assistance to visitors in the BLM uplands and specifically carries out patrols and maintenance on the public lands immediately adjacent to AHRA managed lands along the river corridor. This technician provides support for OHV partnership projects, coordinates other volunteer resource improvement projects and works to support the AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. This technician also collects data for the Global Position System in order to record the locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Most recently, this geographical data role will be expanded through acquisition of a large mapping plotter. This technician is also part of an AHRA team that carries out resource monitoring {in its seventh year} within resource damaged zones along the river in Browns Canyon. Finally, during the upcoming year, this technician will be developing mechanisms and controls to curb some of the river-related resource use impacts within the canyon. The Outdoor Recreation Planner provides a wide range of professional level expertise to AHRA related to both the BLM upland management as well as the immediate public lands along the river corridor within AHRA. This planner works closely with other AHRA staff, many other federal and state agencies, as well as local entities and user groups on issues tied to public lands within the river corridor. This year the Fourmile Travel Management Plan was completed and implementation of the plan has begun. The plan was a joint effort between the BLM and the FS and involved approximately 100,000 acres of public lands. The purpose of the plan was to designate a system of roads and trails for the publics use. This planner provides input into various NEPA documents and is also continuing to monitor and provide resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas {WSA’s} and to four BLM Areas of Critical Environmental Concern {ACEC’s}. In addition, this planner is assisting AHRA staff with the development of the Big Bend OHV riding area. The OHV track was opened in October of this year, although additional grants will be needed to complete this project. The BLM River Manager is responsible for the overall operations, care and feeding of this unique multi-agency partnership. This individual works closely with the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (CDPOR) AHRA Park Manager to assure that the direction provided within the ARRMP is fully implemented. 7 �This individual is also responsible for seeing that the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor is maintained and enhanced as feasible. Most recently a complete reassessment of the potential land acquisitions directed by the management plan was carried out with 28 properties or easements being pursued through BLM, CDPOR, USFS and Cities/Towns within the corridor. Other recent major initiatives worked on are the site management planning for the newly purchased 251 acre Blue Heron Property, the private boater permitting issue, input into the rationing plan modifications, the continued effort with the Lake County Open Space Initiative and the very near purchase of the 1310 acre Hayden Ranch Property. AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative Section provides support services for all State Parks (CDPOR) and BLM employees, full time and seasonal alike. Administrative staff coordinate visitor and customer services; administer park pass and registration programs and sales; oversee field and office revenues and accounting; manage the Environmental Education and Interpretive Program including special projects and grants; assist with purchasing and receiving; take care of personnel and payroll matters; and handle thousands of telephone and radio calls each year. One permanent full time CDPOR position, two seasonal CDPOR employees and the BLM Contact Representative staff this section. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2002): 2002 215 Activity Annual Passes Sold Compared to 2001 - 17.31% $9,085 Revenue from Annual Passes Sold 4.19% 253 Aspen Leaf Passes Sold - 4.53% $2,285 Revenue from Aspen Leaf Passes Sold 4.82% 1,094 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold -15.98% $23,689 Revenue from Registration Sales 16.47% $24,975 Revenue from Camp Permits - 2.21% $44,081 Revenue from Daily Individual Passes - 30.27% $348,941 Revenue from Commercial Agreements - 42.62% Administrative Section Visitor Contacts # Of People 10,649 3,986 5,443 908 Type of Activity Visitors to Visitor Center Personal Interp Non-Personal Interp Environmental Education 8 �Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were enhanced significantly throughout 2002. GOCO Interpreter, Phyllis Cron, presented the Junior Ranger Program in both Buena Vista and Salida each week. Junior Ranger and campground programs covered such topics as “Don’t Take Arkansas River’s Rocks for Granite”, “Don’t Bug Me!”, “Spider Sniffing”, “Scat, Tracks & Fur…Who’s Been Here?”, “Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind” and “Starry, Starry Night; Helgamite Hunt”. The singing cockroaches from Madagascar and Bully the snake were also welcomed attractions. AHRA continues to be very active yearround with area schools, recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. AHRA also continues to be active in community events. We even decorated one of our ranger trucks hauling a raft with red, white and blue balloons, crepe paper and American flags for the Buena Vista 4th of July parade, to the cheers of young and old alike! In an effort to provide historical interpretation within the river corridor AHRA received a grant through the Colorado Historical Society to host an Open House at the Hayden Ranch property in LCOSI. Many visitors came from up and down the river corridor to get a taste of Lake County’s ranching history. AHRA continued its partnership with GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events. GARNA also helped AHRA with the 2002 River Clean-up/Green-up, and is instrumental in assisting AHRA with grant writing and administration. AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, improvement and up keep for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes Recreation Site near Leadville to the Blue Heron Recreation Site near Lake Pueblo. This takes a great deal of effort and coordination, yet our staff meets this challenge and continues to excel at it. This section is also extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters, and staff. During 2002, these improvements included drainage, signage, weed control/re-vegetation, fencing, landscaping and roadway/trail maintenance and development. Welcome and fee/information sign design, construction, and installation/replacement was a large part of the maintenance objective this past year as was increasing efficiency in the maintenance department overall. Extensive utilization of corrections inmate work crews, volunteer agencies, community service workers, and a variety of youth groups also received added emphasis during 2002. It is anticipated that use of these entities will be increased even further in the future, as all parties involved derive great benefits. In addition, when these volunteer groups are utilized, the limited maintenance resources of the park are multiplied many times over and the result is a win/win for the recreation area. During these difficult budget times, the work performed by these groups is extremely helpful and appreciated. AHRA State Park Management The State Park Manager oversees and coordinates the daily operations and overall programs, and projects for the entire work unit described above. He is the communication link between field staff and the South Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and 9 �Littleton. He works closely with the Bureau of Land Management to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Flow Program each year. Most importantly, he works to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150 mile river corridor and continues to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among current and potential partners. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. The preceding information provided a section-by-section analysis of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. What follows is the final portion of the Annual Report, which shows a detailed list of accomplishments completed during the year 2002. 2002 End of Year Report Accomplishments Added an ambitious Tamarisk control and eradication effort to the Weed Management Program and increased efforts to control specifically targeted species such as Canada Thistle and Poison Ivy Assisted Chaffee County in repairing a serious drainage problem by placing a culvert on CR 300 near the Ruby Mountain campground Assisted in a live recovery from an avalanche on Cottonwood Pass Assisted in the removal of 3 vehicles from the Arkansas River Assisted in the search and recovery of two DOW personnel involved in a plane crash at Hunts Lake Assisted with the evacuation of residents and visitors during the Iron Mountain Fire Assisted with the Hayman Fire restoration project Attended Meth Lab training given by the CBI Casey Swanson and JW Wilder received certificates of recognition from FBI Director Robert Mueller and US Congressman Scott McGinnis for the apprehension of the fugitive Stovall Brothers Completed a bank stabilization project at Ruby Mountain to protect the bank and boat ramp Completed a stair construction and bank stabilization project at Hecla Junction Completed construction and sign installation at the Big Bend OHV Track and Recreation Site so that it could be opened to the public – (rave reviews from local riders and other users) Completed Phase II of the Web Based Commercial Use Report Completed the Blue Heron Recreation Site acquisition Completed the Vallie Bridge land exchange to give AHRA two acres more of river frontage so that a boat-in campground on the river can be created Constructed a backfilled rock retaining wall with new vegetation to stabilize the riverbank at Canyon Trading Post to address severe river erosion at the site Coordinated River Rescue Training for AHRA Staff, the Statewide River Ranger Team and Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Cosponsored and hosted the 11th Annual Arkansas River Clean-Up / Green-Up with GARNA (the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) 10 �Forged an agreement with the Lake County Open Space Initiative (LCOSI) and Lake County to manage the Hayden Meadows Recreation Site in Lake County Hosted a Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) crew for several backcountry construction and maintenance projects Hosted a successful Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado (VOC) project at the Hayden Meadows Recreation Site consisting of a buck and rail fence, trails, roads, and foot bridges Improved roadways, trails and picnic areas at upriver section of Parkdale site Improved the Ruby Mountain cattle encroachment problem with fencing and a new cattle guard Installed battery backup exit signs and emergency lighting at the AHRA visitor center to improve fire safety Installed or replaced welcome signs at eleven of our recreation sites Investigated the dumping of over 30 truck wheels and tires in the river, which resulted in the cleanup and removal of a riverside junkyard in Johnson’s Village Maintained an aggressive watering program for both newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as for many established trees up and down the river, saving valuable vegetation from the severe drought Manned the State Park booth and OHV track at the Colorado State Fair Modified berms and fencing at Railroad Bridge site to reduce trespass problems Monitored river traffic at “bottle neck” spots and worked with outfitters and guides on river etiquette to mitigate river rage Our Rationing Coordinator completed the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy at CMC in Buena Vista Signed the low water hazard at Frog Rock Rapid State Parks and AHRA, through the audit firm of Cominskey & Company, audited seven AHRA commercial agreement holders Successfully applied for an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) grant from RETAC. Obtained two units, one of which is shared with Monarch ski patrol Three staff attended the National River Symposium in Boise, Idaho Took advantage of the low flows and spent 170 hours removing hazards and debris from the Arkansas river Worked with AHRA Rationing Agreement and Advisory Committee to make the Rationing Plan work for both the commercial outfitters and AHRA Worked with Mt. Harvard Estates to ensure a new bridge across the Arkansas river did not encroach on river traffic Worked with private boaters and volunteers to educate private boaters on ways to avoid possible private boat rationing of Brown’s Canyon Special Activity Location Clean Up/Green Up Gold Prospectors Camporee Arrive Alive Hospitality Stand Urbine Wedding Whitewater Wednesday - Salida Whitewater Wednesday – Buena Vista Arkansas River Point Barr Spike Buck Numbers Browns Canyon Browns Canyon 11 �Spider Survey FIBArk Build Your Own Raft Race CWWA Training Camp FIBArk Ducky Race Ride the Rockies Ducky Race Colorado Cup Slaloms Freestyle Kayaking Competition Star Gazing Various sites Salida, etc. Canon City Arkansas River Salida Salida Numbers Salida Play Hole Stone Bridge 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/57d188e4ab2296b03632f06b7a73fe0d.pdf 87bb8f286418a1d30759d45f0e129cbe PDF Text Text Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 2001 Annual Report ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA 2001 END OF YEAR REPORT �Welcome to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s Annual Report for 2001. This annual report covers the activities of the AHRA from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2001. Please remember when comparing statistics to reports from the 1990’s that there will be significant differences in some areas because of the change in reporting periods. The year 2001 marked the first year of operation under the newly revised Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP). Operating under the original ARRMP, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Colorado State Parks forged a ground breaking intergovernmental agreement in 1989 proving that, with the support of the public users, this kind of partnership can be very successful. Building on the original ARRMP, the new management plan has helped AHRA address new challenging issues, and at the same time has given the AHRA new resources and partners including the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U. S. Forest Service (USFS). The Citizens Task Force (CTF) has been an instrumental force behind the success of the above mentioned partnership. This advisory committee meets five times a year and helps advise the management team on many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. During the next ten years, the CTF will continue to play an important role in the partnership. The Citizens Task Force is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The visible field work (the real work) is really accomplished by the many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA. In the busy season, AHRA employs over 30 seasonal staff members. Each work section is supervised by the following full time staff members and their primary areas of responsibility include: Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - Harry Singleton and Tom Talbot (Parks) Casey Swanson, JW Wilder, and Stew Pappenfort (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) Heather Goodroe (BLM) Mike Walker (Parks) John Nahomenuk (BLM) Robert White and Dave Spencer (Parks) and Dave Taliaferro (BLM) AHRA stretches nearly 150 miles from Leadville to Lake Pueblo along the Arkansas River. Although it has not grown in length, there has been steady growth in terms of total visitation to 1 �the area. AHRA was established to assist in management of this increased recreational use throughout the valley and to maintain public facilities along the river corridor. AHRA has been anything but stagnant. Revenues, in the form of annual and daily individual parks passes, camping permits, recreational vehicle registrations, and special use concession agreement fees, continue to remain strong so as to provide for budgetary needs for operation, maintenance and development. AHRA YEAR 2001 REVENUES Year 2001 Park Passes Month Camp Permits Registrations &Reservations Special Use Other: Don - TOTALS Agreements ations, Misc. January $1,248.51 $20.00 $441.75 $19,081.26 $27.00 $20,818.52 February $738.25 $20.00 $603.25 $797.38 $14.00 $2,172.88 March $1,464.90 $248.00 $1,359.25 $10,451.58 $0.00 $13,523.73 April $4,085.02 $1,593.89 $1,779.75 $88,968.26 $103.00 $96,529.92 Gift Certs./ Over/Short May $11,190.80 $4,737.00 $1,866.75 $38,316.78 $180.00 $56,291.33 June $19,276.13 $10,178.85 $2,792.50 $122,426.92 $5,865.00 $160,539.40 July $19,480.50 $10,738.36 $4,530.50 $100.00 $500.00 $35,349.36 August $9,823.82 $7,823.00 $3,122.50 $4,902.83 $153.00 $25,825.15 September $3,667.79 $3,539.15 $1,472.75 $9,992.34 $79.00 $18,751.03 October $1,416.41 $978.00 $1,281.00 $57,503.14 $0.00 $61,178.55 November $829.35 $401.00 $737.00 $223,561.81 $20.00 $225,549.16 December $456.81 $53.00 $658.50 $32,013.11 $0.00 $33,181.42 TOTALS $73,678.29 $40,330.25 $20,645.50 $608,115.41 $6,941.00 $749,710.45 $55 GC +$.25 +$23 $10 GC $15 GC AHRA YEAR 2001 EXPENDITURES Year 2001 Personnel Operating Utilities Month Capital Controlled Grants & TOTALS Equipment Maintenance Misc. Accts. $923.28 $0.00 $10,207.28 $14,133.75 $66,807.27 $4,656.16 $542.55 $0.00 $492.55 $2,977.58 $37,672.80 $7,654.79 $1,155.01 $0.00 $1,137.24 $3,187.35 $56,724.09 ($708.67) $548.00 $0.00 $2,656.65 $21,827.84 $63,161.17 $16,029.02 $1,036.00 $0.00 $6,389.70 $2,234.93 $91,450.28 January $34,993.96 $6,549.00 February $29,003.96 March $43,589.70 April $38,128.68 May $65,760.63 June $78,220.82 $22,809.74 $2,664.66 $0.00 $945.14 $12,704.53 $117,344.89 July $73,394.26 $11,056.48 $1,680.51 $35,691.01 $1,816.47 $1,930.82 $125,569.55 August $75,531.33 $13,646.61 $5,223.91 $0.00 $4,022.71 $1,768.25 $100,192.81 September $69,099.92 $10,407.90 $958.60 $0.00 $7,074.83 $2,505.12 $90,046.37 October $56,358.45 $10,227.82 $2,714.28 $0.00 $179.50 $5,090.47 $74,570.52 November December $52,103.81 $35,672.73 $4,950.38 $4,911.57 $414.40 ($2503.99) $0.00 $0.00 $10,716.29 $0.00 $2,057.04 $14,045.28 $70,241.92 $54,629.58 TOTALS $651,858.25 $112,899.47 $17,861.20 $35,691.01 $45,638.36 $84,462.96 $948,411.25 Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Two Year Comparison 2 �ACTIVITY* SIGHTSEEING FISHING PICNICKING BOATING TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CAMPING ACTIVITY TOTAL 2000 PEOPLE 266,676 2001 PEOPLE 282,472 ‘00 TO '01 % INCREASE 5.9% Shore Boat 66,426 6,631 44,160 70,011 7,089 44,826 5.4% 6.9% 1.5% Commercial Private 301,152 28,105 26,445 11,574 22,973 774,142 312,784 30,669 21,646 12,753 24,189 806,439 3.9% 9.1% -18.1% 10.2% 5.3% 4.2% * May include participants in multiple activities AHRA Ranger Section The Ranger Section patrols all portions, both land and river, of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibility. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. Because the seasonal staff covers two shifts per day, seven days a week, and are assigned to patrol either upstream or downstream of Salida each day, these vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Six of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. All AHRA seasonal law enforcement rangers are commissioned officers. When necessary, they can take appropriate law enforcement action to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. Additionally, three full time park rangers, one seasonal ranger and two full time park managers are fully commissioned Colorado peace officers. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. In the winter the full time rangers continue to patrol the AHRA sites along the river. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts and patrol 3 �snowmobile trails on Bureau of Land Management, national forest and other public lands within the river corridor as part of the State Parks Snowmobile Program. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and recertifications, to organize programs and plan for the high use season. 2001 Boat Accidents by Cause TOTALS BY CAUSE Capsize 2001 Boat Accidents by Cause Falls Overboa rd 9% 5 Collision w/ Fixed Object 24 Collision w/ Other Vessel 1 Falls in Boat 7 Falls Overboard 4 Other 6 Total 47 Other 13% Capsize 11% Falls in Boat 15% Collision w/ Fixed Object 50% Collision w/ Other Vessel 2% Note: Many collision with fixed object accidents resulted in a capsize, fall in boat, or fall overboard. Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2001 Reportable Commercial Boat Accidents 46 Other Commercial Accidents Other Non-Commercial Accidents Interagency Assists / SAR Vandalism / Theft Hazard Removal / HAZMAT Other 7 6 6 8 2 9 Total 84 Summary of Public Safety Field Actions River Outfitter Safety Inspections = 106 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections = 13 River Assists = 242 Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations = 16 River Hazard Removal Operations = 14 River Ranger Section Accomplishments 4 �~ Participated with Rock & Rail, Royal Gorge Scenic Railway and area outfitters in a major river clean-up in the Royal Gorge. ~ Rebuilt the stairs at Jump Rock with San Luis Valley Youth Corps. ~ Investigated AHRA’s first double boat fatality. Following the investigation, completed extensive removal of debris in the slot in Frog Rock Rapids. ~ Assisted Colorado State Patrol with the removal of two vehicles from Three Forks Rapid in two separate incidents. ~ Recovered the body of a person who jumped off the Royal Gorge Bridge. ~ Distributed over 100 recycled lifejackets to Colorado law enforcement and emergency response agencies. ~ Assisted DOW with a fish shocking project at LOCSI (Arkansas River Ranch). Land Ranger Section Accomplishments ~ Investigated a suicide at Salida East. ~ Created the Sign Order and Site Plan for the Big Bend OHV Park. ~ Coordinated Ranger Training for AHRA Staff and the Statewide River Ranger Team. ~ Presentation to the environmental festival at Otero Jr. College in La Junta, 300 Students. ~ Completed a successful sting operation on a pirate fishing outfitter. ~ Found and arrested a wanted escapee at the Wellsville Bridge. ~ Arrested an underage person who was convicted of Boating Under the Influence. ~ Rescued a panicked eleven year old boy from the river by swimming to him and getting him to shore and his father. ~ Got highway site signs up at our recreation sites in the Durango CDOT District. ~ Assisted in the search for and capture of the Stovall Brothers. Citations Issued for the Year 2001 Pass/Permit Violations Resource Protection Violations Public Safety Violations Records/Reporting Violations OHV Violations Snowmobile Violations Other Violations *Total 2000 94 17 09 06 20 23 09 178 2001 202 23 07 04 33 16 06 299 *Total Includes Citations to Commercial Outfitters 14 08 AHRA Maintenance Section The Maintenance Section is responsible year-round for the routine daily site cleaning, repair, improvement and up keep for the entire recreation area from the Crystal Lakes near Leadville to the Blue Heron recreation site near Lake Pueblo. This takes a great deal of effort and coordination, yet our staff meets this challenge and continues to excel at it. This section is also extensively involved in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters 5 �and staff. During 2001, these improvements included drainage, signage, weed control/revegetation, fencing, landscaping and roadway/trail maintenance and development. Full time maintenance staff members increased from one to two positions in September 2001. This increase in staff will improve staffing continuity, reduce redundant training hours, increase efficiency and enhance productivity in the AHRA Maintenance Section. There are now seven maintenance staff in the summer season and three maintenance staff during the winter season including both seasonal and full time employees. With the addition of one full time maintenance employee, utilization of corrections inmate work crews, volunteer agencies, and youth groups also received greater emphasis during 2001, and will be increased even further in the future, as all parties involved derive great benefits. In addition, the limited maintenance resources of the park are magnified many times over and everybody wins. AHRA Special Use Agreement Section The Special Use Agreement Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer the overall and day-to-day AHRA Special Use Agreements as well as the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. Regulated outfitters provide whitewater and float fishing experiences to over 300,000 AHRA guests annually. Use and consequent impacts increased by 3.9% from the year 2000 to 2001. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates carrying capacities on twelve different river sections that have different carrying capacities ranging from 450 commercial boats per day to ten commercial boats per day throughout different times of the year. This section designs, develops and utilizes custom computer programs and related software, written correspondence, computerized reports and data control methods, telephone and personal contacts, commercial use verification methods and physical audits of records to maintain compliance. Assisting in this effort is a Count Crew who visually count river and site visitors (both commercial and private) to maintain accurate records of river use and outfitter rationing compliance throughout the recreation area. This section is staffed with one full time position, six summer seasonal employees, and one winter seasonal employee. AHRA Commercial Special Use Agreements By Type 2000 2001 Boating.................................................................................60....................60 Photography / Video ............................................................11.....................6 Walk and Wade Fishing.......................................................11....................10 Shuttle Services.....................................................................2......................1 Total ....................................................................................84....................77 Rationed Days 6 �By Section 2000 2001 Section 1c – The Numbers....................................................9.....................33 Section 2b – Brown’s Canyon .............................................12.....................7 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida ..........................................10.....................8 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge....................................49 ...................38 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek..........................14....................18 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale ..................................6......................8 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge.............................................22....................21 Total ...................................................................................122..................133 AHRA Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management staff consists of the Contact Representative, Recreation Technician, Outdoor Recreation Planner and River Manager. These employees work together to fulfill the BLM’s role within the AHRA Partnership. The Contact Representative meets and greets visitors to the AHRA Visitor Center and provides a full range of information services on recreational activities including camping, boating, fishing, gold panning, hiking and biking. This representative handles sales and bookkeeping including revenues from concession agreements, retail GARNA items, parks passes and recreational vehicle registrations. This person acts as radio dispatcher to staff in the field and provides administrative support to all AHRA employees as needed. This staff member files, dockets and maintains the law enforcement penalty assessments, trains seasonal employees during the busy summer season and maintains a database of information on park visitation and revenue. The Contact Representative also maintains two new large wall displays, one of which is a relief map of the entire 150 mile river corridor, showing towns, recreation site locations, etc. The other display is photo collection of different residents of the river corridor, reflecting the users of the river and its water. The Recreation Technician provides assistance to visitors in the BLM uplands and specifically carries out patrols in the public lands immediately adjacent to the AHRA managed lands along the river corridor. This technician provides support for OHV partnership projects, other volunteer resource improvement projects, as well as carrying out support to AHRA in the Geographical Information System process. This technician provides capabilities related to Geographical Position System efforts related to recording locations of roads, trails and other recreational use sites within the river corridor. Most recently, this geographical data role will be expanded through acquisition of a large mapping plotter. This technician is also part of an AHRA team that carries out resource monitoring {in its sixth year} within resource damaged zones along the river within Browns Canyon. In addition, during the upcoming year this technician will be developing mechanisms and controls to curb some of the river-related resource use impacts within the canyon. The Outdoor Recreation Planner provides a wide range of professional level expertise to AHRA related to both the BLM upland management as well as the immediate public lands along the river corridor within AHRA. This planner works closely with other AHRA staff, many other federal and state agencies, as well as local entities and user groups on issues tied to public lands within the river corridor. A continuing extensive effort is being made to complete a large-scale 7 �travel management plan for the Four Mile Area. This planner is also continuing to monitor and provide resource protection to the two units of BLM Wilderness Study Areas {WSA’s} and to four BLM Areas of Critical Environmental Concern {ACEC’s}. In addition, this planner is assisting AHRA staff in bringing the Big Bend OHV riding area into fruition, so that this site will be open to the OHV riding public. The BLM River Manager is responsible for the overall operations, care and feeding of this unique multi-agency partnership. This individual works closely with the Colorado Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPOR) AHRA Park Manager to assure that the direction provided within the ARRMP is fully implemented. During the last several years a ten-year revision of the original ARRMP was carried out and implemented during 2001. The addition of a vision statement and modifications of 50 + decisions within the plan need to now be fully implemented. This individual is responsible for seeing that the overall health of the public lands along the river corridor is maintained and enhanced as feasible. Most recently a complete reassessment of the potential land acquisitions directed by the management plan was carried out with 28 properties or easements being pursued through BLM, CDPOR, USFS and Cities/Towns within the corridor. Other recent major initiatives worked on are the site management planning for the newly purchased 251 acre Blue Heron Property, the private boater permitting issue, input into the rationing plan modifications, the continued effort with the Lake County Open Space Initiative and the very near purchase of the 2200 acre Hayden Ranch Property. AHRA Administrative Section The Administrative Section provides support services for all State Parks and BLM employees, full time and seasonal alike. Administrative staff coordinate visitor and customer services; administer park pass and registration programs and sales; oversee field and office revenues and accounting; manage the Environmental Education and Interpretive Program including special projects and grants; assist with purchasing and receiving; take care of personnel and payroll matters; and handle thousands of telephone and radio calls each year. One permanent full time position, one seasonal employee and the BLM Contact Representative staff this section. Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2001): 2001 525 Activity Annual and Aspen Leaf Passes Sold $10,900 Revenue from Annual and Aspen Leaf Pass Sales +21.31% 1,302 Boat, Snowmobile and OHV Registrations Sold +31.91% $20,340 Revenue from Registration Sales +36.07% $88,757 Revenue from Camp Permits and Daily Individual Passes +2.64% $608,115 Revenue from Commercial Agreements +20.78% Administrative Section Visitor Contacts 8 Compared to 2000 +5.63% �No. Of People 342 264 485 1,450 5,481 5,244 Type of Activity Junior Ranger, Campfire and Story Hour Programs School Programs Environmental Education Presentations to Groups Demonstrations and Community Events Visitors to AHRA Headquarters and Visitor Center Information Contacts in the Field Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were noteworthy achievements in the year 2001. A second Junior Ranger series was continued in Buena Vista each week to complement the Salida series held on Saturday mornings. The children’s programs covered such topics as track and scat identification, fossils, a live snake exhibit and rock hounding. AHRA continues to be very active year-round with area schools, recreation programs and other youth groups to provide environmental education that is consistent with their own curriculum. Thirty-eight specific programs and demonstrations reached a total of 2,541 people. We even included one of our ranger vehicles towing a trailer and raft in the Buena Vista 4th of July parade, to the cheers of young and old alike. AHRA continued its partnership with GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) on many educational and interpretive programs, projects and events. AHRA assisted GARNA in staffing the Poncha Springs Visitor Center, and GARNA helped AHRA with the 2001 River Clean-up/Green-up. GARNA is also instrumental in assisting AHRA with grant writing and administration. AHRA State Park Management State Park Managers oversee and coordinate the daily operations and overall programs, and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication line between field staff and the South Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They work closely with the Bureau of Land Management to insure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150 mile river corridor. They continue to develop and enhance communication and cooperation among current partners in addition to pursuing new partnership opportunities. Among the most important accomplishments of this past year for the management section has been the implementation of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan. The new plan provides a vision which will serve as a road map for the next 10 years of operation. This year, as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 9 �The preceding information provided a section-by-section analysis of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. What follows is the final portion of the Annual Report, which shows a detailed list of accomplishments completed during the year 2001. 2001 ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA ~ Implementation of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan culminated three years of work by AHRA staff, the Citizens Task Force and members of the public who provided input into the planning process ~ New representatives as needed were selected for the Citizens Task Force ~ Developed and implemented a new web-based Boat Transfer System ~ Conducted the annual Outfitter’s Workshop ~ In conjunction with the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association, organized and conducted the tenth annual River Clean-up/Green-up ~ Completed work on the Texas Creek residence to convert it into a downriver ranger substation and seasonal employee residence ~ Took mitigation steps including the construction and re-establishment of several fence lines to prevent future livestock damage to the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site ~ Resurfaced the entrance to the Stone Bridge Recreation Site ~ Conducted Whitewater Rescue and Swiftwater 1st Responder training classes for AHRA and other agency staff ~ Conducted a survey and published a report entitled Visitor Characteristics, Perceptions of Crowding and Conflict, and Management Preferences at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Summer 2001 ~ Assisted DOW and BLM in the installation of an additional two guzzlers for wildlife watering in lower Big Horn Sheep Canyon ~ Hosted a Youth in Natural Resources crew that completed several improvements at various sites throughout the Recreation Area ~ Hosted the San Luis Valley Youth Corp that rebuilt the stairs at Jump Rock and closed several social trails near the Seidel’s Suckhole Rapid ~ Through cooperative efforts of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District (SECWCD), the Pueblo Board of Water Works and the DNR, the Voluntary Flow Program once again mitigated the negative effects of this low water year ~ Natural resource partners, including the DOW, US Forest Service, Colorado State Forest Service and NRCS, worked through the conceptual phases of building a “Natural Resources Center” in Salida ~ Produced a report on the last 5 years of environmental monitoring of the recreational use in Browns Canyon ~ Assisted Pueblo State Park with an extended park closure (for security of the dam) following the terrorists activities of September 11 ~ Assisted local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the search and capture of two fugitive killers at Bear Creek ~ Began planning for a private boater permit system for Browns Canyon after AHRA count data indicated that private use in that section had surpassed use allocation on three separate occasions 10 �~ Purchased the Blue Heron property near Florence which provides over one mile of additional river frontage for AHRA. This property will eventually be developed into a day-use site for boating, fishing, wildlife watching and picnicking. ~ Assistant Park Manager Dave Spencer retired on December 31, 2001 2001 SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS ~ Pole, Pedal, Paddle Race ~ Let’s Go Gold Panning ~ Swiftwater Rescue Training ~ Goodman Memorial Service ~ Memorial Day Coffee Stop ~ Student Kayak Trip ~ Whitewater Wednesday ~ FIBArk Duck Race ~ Duck Race ~ Whitewater Rodeo ~ Advertising Video Shoot ~ Kayak Trip ~ Freestyle Kayaking ~ Geology Field Studies ~ Camp Promotional Video Tape ~ Colorado Cup Slalom Race ~ Arkansas Valley Astronomical Society Star Gazing 11 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/10c37c556448c19db3965aaabedeade9.pdf 51fe428080f6553d6a6a9c798d2c885f PDF Text Text 2000 Annual Report of the ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA Welcome to Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area’s (AHRA) Millenium Annual Report. In the past our annual reports have been “End of Season” reports. The reporting period for these seasonal reports was April 1 through September 30, covering only the high-use season of AHRA. Because AHRA is a year round recreation area, we have changed the reporting period to cover the entire year, from January 1 through December 31 of the year 2000. Please note this change when comparing statistics from prior reports to those presented in this report. In many areas, such as boat accidents for example, statistics are directly comparable since virtually all boat accidents occur between April 1 and September 30 anyway. In other areas statistics are significantly different, reflecting our winter operation. The year 2000 was an important year for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This marked the beginning of a new decade of the partnership’s management of recreation on the Arkansas River, one of the most popular and important outdoor recreation rivers in the country. Operating under the original Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Colorado State Parks forged a groundbreaking intergovernmental agreement in 1989 proving that, with the support of the public users, this kind of partnership can be very successful. Building on the original ARRMP, a new management plan was developed during the year 2000 to guide the AHRA into the new millennium. Perhaps the most exciting change with the new Management Plan is the addition of two new partners to the team, the U.S. Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. While AHRA has worked with these key agencies in the past, having them as active management partners will contribute tremendously to the effectiveness of the recreation area. The four active partners bring a depth of natural resource knowledge and management skills to the AHRA that can only enhance the resource protection and recreational opportunities already offered. Recreational Use of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 10 Year Comparison 1990 ACTIVITY PEOPLE SIGHTSEEING 68,743 FISHING Shore 14,102 Boat 853 PICNICKING 14,044 BOATING Commercial* 178,690 Private 19,043 OTHER 6,432 INTERPRETIVE 1,216 (1992) CAMPING 8,748 TOTAL 311,871 * May include participants in multiple activities 1999 PEOPLE 247,598 2000 99 TO '00 90 TO '00 PEOPLE % INCREASE % INCREASE 266,676 7.7% 287.9% 50,367 6,538 34,524 66,426 6,631 44,160 31.9% 1.4% 27.9% 371.0% 677.4% 214.4% 293,848 28,550 39,793 10,781 26,618 738,617 301,152 28,105 26,445 11,574 22,973 774,142 2.5% -1.6% -33.5% 7.4% -13.7% 4.8% 68.5% 47.6% 311.1% 851.8% 162.6% 148.2% ! " # 1 $ ! �AHRA stretches nearly 150 miles from Leadville to Lake Pueblo along the Arkansas River. Although it has not grown in length, there has been steady growth in terms of total visitation to the area. AHRA was established to assist in management of this increased recreational use throughout the valley and to maintain public facilities along the river corridor. AHRA has been anything but stagnant. Revenues, in the form of annual and daily individual parks passes, camping permits, recreational vehicle registrations, and special use concession agreement fees, continue to remain strong so as to provide for budgetary needs for operation, maintenance and development. AHRA YEAR 2000 REVENUES Year 2000 Park Passes Camping Permits/ Month Registrations Reservations Special Use Other: Agreements Donations, Misc. TOTALS January $1,468.00 $14.00 $447.25 $15,436.13 $0.00 $17,365.38 February $893.76 $44.00 $508.25 $337.70 $36.50 $1,820.21 March $1,575.52 $309.10 $934.75 $10,157.63 $42.50 $13,019.50 April $4,295.39 $1,172.00 $1,463.75 $93,779.05 $25.35 $100,735.54 May $11,157.77 $5,954.78 $1,438.50 $48,675.87 $9.75 $67,236.67 June $18,388.70 $10,194.60 $2,180.50 $82,837.35 $0.00 $113,601.15 July $16,896.51 $11,071.35 $2,490.75 $0.00 $252.00 $30,710.61 August $9,014.01 $7,049.80 $1,514.75 $0.00 $161.00 $17,739.56 September $3,760.34 $3,597.24 $879.25 $17,268.94 $52.00 $25,557.77 October $1,161.49 $924.00 $1,209.75 $39,299.40 $10.00 $42,604.64 November $599.80 $341.12 $1,311.50 $237,886.24 $8.51 $240,147.17 December $527.64 $16.00 $826.00 $8,286.82 -$1.00 $9,655.46 TOTALS $69,738.93 $40,687.99 $15,205.00 $553,965.13 $596.61 $680,193.66 AHRA YEAR 2000 EXPENDITURES Year 2000 Personnel Operating Utilities Month January $40,257.11 $5,561.38 Capital Controlled Grants & Equipment Maintenance Misc. Accts. $616.81 $0.00 $6,391.58 $22,190.74 TOTALS $75,017.62 February $39,363.47 $5,147.07 $535.54 $3,148.44 $3,172.96 $1,384.06 $52,751.54 March $39,109.73 $8,697.92 $499.35 $0.00 $3,434.45 $780.00 $52,521.45 April $43,454.53 $10,111.52 $2,972.87 $0.00 $759.00 $219.42 $57,517.34 May $67,233.89 $10,217.96 $1,034.49 $967.49 $8,813.83 $6,388.96 $94,656.62 June $103,508.81 $17,249.84 $3,892.65 $998.46 $13,155.81 $19,336.45 $158,142.02 July $62,914.73 $13,241.65 $4,008.87 $0.00 $0.00 $1,688.47 $81,853.72 August $62,490.70 $9,881.73 $3,159.39 $119.00 $524.03 $1,566.49 $77,741.34 September $62,946.10 $9,506.53 $712.89 $496.31 $2,221.35 $2,855.91 $78,739.09 October $51,661.62 $4,639.59 $900.55 $611.14 $4,507.85 $947.60 $63,268.35 November $42,240.80 $10,978.27 $471.69 $0.00 $120.00 $0.00 $53,810.76 December $36,962.20 $4,668.20 $4,739.56 $273.55 $884.52 $5,267.87 $52,795.90 TOTALS $652,143.69 $109,901.66 $23,544.66 $6,614.39 $43,985.38 $62,625.97 $898,815.75 2 �Throughout the first ten years of the AHRA, the Citizens Task Force (CTF) has been an instrumental force behind the success of the partnership. This advisory committee meets five times a year and helps advise the management team with many critical and diverse issues facing the recreation area. During the next ten years, the Task Force will continue to play an important role in the partnership. The CTF is composed of two representative members from each of the following AHRA constituency groups: Anglers Commercial Permittees Environmentalists Water Users Private Boaters Local Governments River Front Property Owners For the purpose of daily operation, AHRA is organized into work “sections”. Each of these sections has specific responsibilities and is staffed by both full time and seasonal employees with specific job assignments. The visible field work (the real work) is really accomplished by the many dedicated seasonal employees at AHRA. In the busy season, AHRA employs over 30 seasonals. Each work section is supervised by the following full-time staff members and their primary areas of responsibility include: Maintenance Rangers Administration Commercial AgreementsRecreation Planning Management - Harry Singleton (Parks) Casey Swanson, JW Wilder, and Stew Pappenfort (Parks) Rose Bayless (Parks) Mike Walker (Parks) John Nahomenuk (BLM) Robert White and Dave Spencer (Parks), Dave Taliaferro (BLM) The Ranger Section patrols all sections of the AHRA throughout the year. The three full-time staff members typically hire up to twelve seasonal staff members to assist them with their patrol responsibility. Seasonal rangers assigned to land-based operations are responsible for managing visitor use in the busy recreation sites and campgrounds and for collecting field revenue critical to AHRA operations. Because the seasonal staff covers two shifts per day, seven days a week, and are assigned to patrol either upstream or downstream of Salida each day, these vital field staff are the primary resource our visitors come into contact with during the summer months. Five of the AHRA seasonal rangers specialize in whitewater boating activities on the river. Known as river rangers, they patrol whitewater sections of the Arkansas otherwise inaccessible to AHRA staff. These rangers actively monitor river flows and hazards, provide whitewater search and rescue support, inspect commercial and private boat trips for adequate safety equipment and operations, investigate boat accidents and provide expert river education to AHRA visitors in the field. Percentage of Land Ranger Time by Activity Revenues/ Reservations Training Percentage of River Ranger Time by Activity Other 3% S2A%R SAR 2% 8% Other 9% On River 14% Invest. 8% 4% Training 8% Maintenance/ On Land 22% Special Projects 4% Projects 9% LandPatrol 72% OfficeAdmin Maint. 7% 7% Note: Special Projects includes one internship. 3 Admin. 21% �Investigated and Reported Incidents for the Year 2000 1999 2000 Reportable* Commercial Boat Accidents ................60........................ 38 Other Commercial Accidents .....................................2........................ 13 Other Non-Commercial Accidents.............................2.......................... 8 Interagency Assists / Search and Rescue ...................2.......................... 3 Vandalism / Theft ......................................................0.......................... 7 Hazard Removal / HAZMAT ....................................0.......................... 3 Other ........................................................................16.......................... 0 Total ........................................................................82........................ 72 *As required by law Boat Accidents by Cause Boat Accidents by Cause Capsized .......................................5 Collision with Fixed Object .......16 Collision with Other Vessel .........2 Falls in Boat .................................6 Falls Overboard ............................8 Other .............................................4 TOTAL ......................................41 (38 Commercial, 3 Private) Fatalities ........................................3 Other 10% Falls Overboard 20% Capsize 12% Falls in Boat 15% *Note that private boat accidents often go unreported Collision w/ Fixed Object 38% Collision w/ Other Vessel 5% 2000 Arkansas River Flow Calendar (in Cubic Feet Per Second) 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 Confirmed Data Not Yet Available 500 4 12/30/2000 12/16/2000 12/23/2000 12/2/2000 12/9/2000 11/18/2000 11/25/2000 11/4/2000 11/11/2000 10/28/2000 10/14/2000 Summary of Public Safety Field Actions 1999 2000 River Outfitter Safety Inspections............................92...................... 109 River Outfitter Office Records Inspections..............14........................ 12 River Assists ..........................................................104.................... 288* Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations ..................8.......................... 6 River Hazard Removal Operations ..........................19.......................... 8 10/21/2000 9/30/2000 10/7/2000 9/16/2000 9/23/2000 9/2/2000 9/9/2000 8/19/2000 8/26/2000 8/5/2000 8/12/2000 7/29/2000 7/15/2000 7/22/2000 7/1/2000 7/8/2000 6/17/2000 6/24/2000 6/3/2000 6/10/2000 5/20/2000 5/27/2000 5/6/2000 5/13/2000 4/29/2000 4/15/2000 4/22/2000 4/1/2000 4/8/2000 3/18/2000 3/25/2000 3/4/2000 3/11/2000 2/19/2000 2/26/2000 2/5/2000 2/12/2000 1/29/2000 1/15/2000 1/22/2000 1/1/2000 1/8/2000 0 �All AHRA law enforcement rangers are commissioned officers. When necessary, they can take appropriate law enforcement action to protect our visitors, preserve the resource and ensure compliance with other administrative regulations. Additionally, four park rangers and two park managers are fully commissioned Colorado peace officers. While law enforcement may not be the primary function of any ranger’s job, it is an important and necessary responsibility of all rangers. AHRA rangers work closely with other local, state and federal peace officers and resource managers in the performance of their duties. Citations Issued for the Year 2000 1999 2000 Pass/Permit Violations .............................................58........................ 94 Resource Protection Violations ................................11........................ 17 Public Safety Violations ..........................................10.......................... 9 Records/Reporting Violations ....................................8.......................... 6 OHV Violations .........................................................4........................ 20 Snowmobile Violations .........................................n/a*........................ 23 Other Violations .........................................................2.......................... 9 Total ........................................................................93...................... 178 (Citations to Commercial Outfitters .........................15.......................14) *Note that 1999 statistics are for summer season and 2000 statistics are for the calendar year In the winter the full time rangers continue to patrol the AHRA sites along the river. Additionally, rangers manage several snowmobile trail-grooming contracts on Bureau of Land Management lands, national forests and other public lands within the river corridor and also patrol snowmobile trails as part of the State Parks Snowmobile Program. Winter is also the ideal time for rangers to complete most of their training and recertifications, to organize programs and plan for the high-use season. The Maintenance Section is responsible for the routine daily cleaning, repair, improvement and upkeep of the entire recreation area from top to bottom. It takes a great deal of effort to maintain every site from Crystal Lakes to Parkdale every day, yet our staff meets this challenge and continues to excel at it. They are also involved extensively in site improvements and modifications suggested by our visitors, outfitters and staff. During 2000, these improvements included interpretive information displays and signing changes; drainage, trail, and roadway improvements; safety enhancements such as river access trails and steps; and picnic area and campsite upgrades. The summer 2000 staff consisted of one full-time employee and five seasonal staff whereas in the winter there are typically only two seasonal employees working with the full-time maintenance staff. " % " & ! Percentage of Maintenance Time by Activity Other 14.0% Special Projects 30.0% Weed Control 15.0% Facility Cleaning 41.0% ' & & $ $ The Commercial Agreements Section exists to accurately and efficiently administer the overall and day-to-day AHRA Special Use Agreements and the Rationing Plan for Commercial Boating on the Arkansas River within the AHRA. Regulated outfitters provide whitewater and float fishing experiences for over 300,000 AHRA guests annually. Use and consequent impacts are increasing at an average annual rate of 7% since 1990. This section also administers the AHRA Rationing Plan that regulates carrying capacities on 12 different river sections that have different carrying capacities ranging from 450 commercial boats per day to 10 commercial boats per day throughout different times of the year. This section designs, develops and utilizes custom computer programs and related 5 �software, written correspondence, computerized reports and data control methods, telephone and personal contacts, commercial use verification methods and physical audits of records to maintain compliance. Assisting in this effort is a 5-person Count Crew who visually count river and site visitors to maintain accurate records of river use and outfitter rationing compliance throughout the recreation area. This section is staffed with one full time position, 5 summer seasonal employees, and 1 winter seasonal employee. AHRA Commercial Special Use Concession Agreements by Type Summary of Count Crew Time by Percentage Litter Control 3% Traveling 18% Orientation 3% DataEntry 8% Counting 65% 1999 2000 Boating ...................................................................................................60 ....................... 60 Photography / Video ..............................................................................12 ....................... 11 Walk and Wade Fishing ..........................................................................9 ........................ 11 Shuttle Services .......................................................................................3 ......................... 2 Total ......................................................................................................84 ....................... 84 Rationed Days by Section 1999 2000 Section 1c – The Numbers .................................................................... n/a ........................ 9 Section 2b – Brown’s Canyon .................................................................8 ........................ 12 Section 2d – Big Bend to Salida..............................................................8 ........................ 10 Section 3 – Salida to Vallie Bridge ........................................................39 ...................... 49 Section 4a – Vallie Bridge to Texas Creek .............................................3 ........................ 14 Section 4b – Texas Creek to Parkdale .....................................................5 ......................... 6 Section 5 – The Royal Gorge .................................................................17 ....................... 22 Total ......................................................................................................99 ...................... 122 The Bureau of Land Management Recreation Planner and River Manager work as a team to fulfill BLM’s role in the AHRA partnership. The Recreation Planner works closely with AHRA staff, other agencies and local user groups throughout the valley. Considerable efforts were made this year on a large travel management plan for the Fourmile Area, which is adjacent to AHRA and the Brown’s Canyon Wilderness Study Area. This plan, involving approximately 100,000 acres of public lands, will designate specific roads and trails while closing unauthorized roads and trails that are causing resource degradation. Other projects involving AHRA staff this year include planning for the Big Bend Off-Highway Vehicle Park, designing interpretive exhibits for AHRA’s office lobby and working on the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan. The BLM Recreation Planner is also responsible for providing input for all Environmental Analysis that will result in ground disturbing activities on public lands throughout the valley. In addition, BLM also administers 20 Special Recreation Permits for commercial activity on public lands. Permits are issued for a variety of activities such as rock climbing, horseback rides, motorcycle events, foot races, burro races, ATV tours and mountain bike events. One seasonal staff person works six months of the year conducting visitor patrols throughout the valley to assist the Recreation Planner with his duties. These patrols include visitor contacts, road and trail inventory, monitoring two wilderness study areas and upland outfitter compliance. A second seasonal staff member assists with administrative duties. Resource monitoring of lunch and camp areas throughout Browns Canyon was conducted for the fifth consecutive year. Human waste concerns at these areas continue to be a problem. Impacts from human use are measured each year to determine a trend in resource condition. Education of the commercial outfitters to the problems associated with heavy visitation of these areas has led to a reduction in impacts from use. Continued monitoring and education will determine if stricter regulations are needed at these areas in the canyon. 6 �The Administrative Section provides support services for all State Parks and BLM employees, full-time and seasonal alike. Administrative staff coordinate visitor and customer services; administer park pass and registration programs and sales; oversee field and office revenues and accounting; manage the Volunteer, YNR and Interpretive programs including special projects and grants; assist with purchasing and receiving; take care of personnel and payroll matters; and handle thousands of telephone and radio calls each year. The section is staffed by one full time position and 3.5 seasonal employees during the summer, and one full time and one seasonal staff member during the winter. No. of People 516 264 389 350 4,310 5,745 Statistics 497 Percentage of Visitor Services by Time and Activity Special Events 12% Information Requests/ Brochures 16% Parks Passes and Registrations 21% Volunteers and Projects 24% Interpretive/ Environmental Education 27% Administrative Section Visitor Contacts Type of Activity Junior Ranger, Campfire and Story Hour Programs School Programs Environmental Education Presentations to Groups Demonstrations and Community Events Visitors to AHRA Headquarters and Visitor Center Information Contacts in the Field Administrative Services, Sales and Revenue Statistics (January through December 2000): Activity Compared to 1999 Annual and Aspen Leaf Passes Sold + 9.69% Revenue from Annual and Aspen Leaf Pass Sales - 0.46% Boat, Snowmobile, and OHV Registrations +15.75% $ 14,948 Revenue from Registration Sales +17.57% $ 86,479 Revenue from Camp Permits and Daily Individual Passes + 3.34% $ 503,503 Revenue from Commercial Permits +1% $ 8,985 987 Part of the Administrative Section, the Volunteer Program continues to provide both AHRA and the public with opportunities to make a positive difference throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley. One seasonal employee was assigned to coordinate volunteer projects and events and supervise 5 summer Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) employees. Four hundred seventeen volunteers donated a total of 3,914 hours during this reporting period, with an in-kind monetary contribution of $27,150. Typical projects were burning slash piles on Pike/San Isabel National Forest lands and building stone steps at Hecla Junction. Volunteers played an integral part in the 9th Annual Arkansas River Clean-up/Green-up, which attracted 345 people from ages 2 to 82, who pitched in to keep the Arkansas River clean and green by collecting trash and planting trees and shrubs along the river from Leadville to Canon City. AHRA also hosted the Beckwourth Group again, an organization dedicated to bringing inner city kids into the backcountry to experience the wonders of nature. Because a raft trip down the Arkansas River is included as part of their experience, AHRA always comes up at the top of their list of places to visit. Interpretive and Environmental Education programs and services were an unequivocal success in the year 2000. A second Junior Ranger series was added in the Buena Vista area every Tuesday afternoon to compliment the Salida series held on Saturday mornings. The children’s programs covered such topics as track identification, animal skulls, water pollution, rock art and storytelling through art. AHRA also received a “Best New Partnership” award from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education for our weekly story hour, held in cooperation with the Salida Library, which focused on natural resource subjects. AHRA continues to be very active yearround with area schools, recreation programs and other youth clubs to provide environmental education that is consistent with their curriculum. Forty-two specific programs and presentations reached a total of 1,519 people. 7 �AHRA also continues to work with GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association), which helps sponsor many of our educational and interpretive programs, projects and events. Working through GARNA, AHRA is on the threshold of having another illustrated book published, the Arkansas River Driving Guide. This is the sister guide to the Guide’s Guide to the Arkansas River and is funded by AHRA, GO-CO, Colorado State Parks and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Guide takes the reader on an enlightening journey through the Upper Arkansas River Valley from Leadville to Pueblo, describing the valley’s geology, history, wildlife and people. AHRA also received funding to complete a Watchable Wildlife kiosk at Canyon Trading Post, informing visitors about the bighorn sheep herds that inhabit the rocky hills across the river. These herds are seen coming down to the water to drink at this and other locations along Highway 50 as it travels through Bighorn Sheep Canyon. In addition, interpretive exhibits and displays for the AHRA headquarters building were installed, providing the public with various mediums to explore and understand the recreation area. AHRA Special Events and Activity Permits for 2000 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pole, Pedal and Paddle Race – Monarch to Salida Swiftwater Rescue Technician Course – Spikebuck Lets Go Gold Panning – Point Bar Isgrigg Wedding – Five Points Colorado Springs Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Series Whitewater Wednesday – Brown’s Canyon Rubber Duck Race – Salida FIBArk Duck Race – Salida FIBArk Boat Races – Salida Jack Pot Kayak Races – Salida The Columbine Project – Ruby Mountain Divers Instruction for River Runners – Lower River Tresor TV/ Baughan Productions Video Shoot – Upper River Manthey Wedding and Reception – Ruby Mountain Cramsey Film Shoot – Browns Canyon AHRA’s State Parks Managers oversee and coordinate the daily operations and overall programs, and projects for the entire work unit described above. They are the communication line between field staff and the South Region office in Colorado Springs and State Park offices in Denver and Littleton. They work closely with the Bureau of Land Management to assure that management plan goals and directives are being met and to implement the Arkansas River Flow Program each year. Most importantly, they work to provide the many community and resource wide coordination activities and efforts needed throughout the 150 mile river corridor, working to develop and enhance communication and cooperation along with new partnership opportunities. Among the most important accomplishments of this past year has been the completion of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan. The new plan builds on the first 10 successful years of the operation of the AHRA, and provides a vision to serve as a road map for the next 10 years of operation. The preceding information provided a section by section analysis of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. What follows is the final portion of the annual report, which shows a detailed list of additional accomplishments completed during the year 2000. This year as in past years, AHRA staff continued to maintain the essential quality of management practices and public services that help conserve the Arkansas River and its unique features for everyone’s enjoyment. 8 �AHRA Accomplishments for 2000 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan Completed revision of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan Conducted planning meetings and workshops Conducted public meetings at Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Cotopaxi, Canon City, and Denver Placed draft of ARRMP on the State Parks website Completed final draft of the Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan on January 19, 2001 Continued to work with the Lake County Open Space Initiative to preserve invaluable lands and provide recreational opportunities along the Arkansas River in Lake County Continued to work with the Over the River Project permitting process, including public hearings at Canon City, Cotopaxi and Salida Hosted the annual Outfitter Workshop Organized the annual Arkansas River Cleanup/Greenup Planned and received grant for Big Bend Motorized Use Area Worked to resolve issues surrounding the Helena Ditch Dam and Boatchute Worked to continue the annual Arkansas River Flow Program Completed bank stabilization at Ruby Mountain Campground Worked with the Arkansas River Trust on the Salida Riverfront Enhancement Project Worked in conjunction with the Department of Corrections to obtain a work crew during the winter to clean and improve sites throughout the area Conducted two Swiftwater Rescue Training courses for agencies Planted 15 large cottonwood trees at Five Points Campground. Trimmed large trees at Rincon, Trading Post and Five Points. Removed tentworms from trees at five downstream sites. Installed beaver guards on over 100 additional trees at five threatened sites Assisted BLM and the Division of Wildlife with the installation of two guzzler units in Bighorn Sheep Canyon for wildlife watering Removed the old and hazardous Scott’s Bridge from the river in the Numbers during high water Coordinated in the administration of level I and level II fire bans in June and July with local sheriffs’ departments, the BLM and the USFS Directed and supervised a five person Youth in Natural Resources crew at AHRA during the summer months Conducted one snowmobile safety and enforcement course for other agency staff Toured proposed wilderness areas in the AHRA area (including Brown’s Canyon WSA) with Congresswoman Dianne DeGette and BLM State Director Ann Morgan Completed design and installation of new exhibits for the AHRA lobby Conducted the fifth annual review and assessment of the environmental conditions in Brown’s Canyon (Brown’s Canyon Human Impact Study) Completed significant remodeling of the Texas Creek residence and facility to make it habitable as a ranger substation and seasonal employee residence Assisted the Division of Wildlife in two days of fish shocking Manned the Hunter Safety Tent in Salida prior to each of the big game seasons Rebuilt all campsites at the Rincon Campground Actively participated in the Upper Arkansas Weed Management Cooperative Completed construction and opened the Canyon Trading Post Recreation Site Decreased slope and turn radius of the Parkdale exit road 9 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Colorado State Parks Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) Description An account of the resource The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) was created in 1989 with the passage of Colorado State House Bill 1253. Operating under the original Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan (ARRMP), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Colorado State Parks forged a groundbreaking intergovernmental agreement in 1989 proving that, with the support of the public users, this kind of partnership can be very successful. <br /><br />Building on the 1989 Arkansas River Recreation Management Paln, <a href="https://spl.cde.state.co.us/artemis/nrmonos/nr42ar62001internet/">a new management plan was released in 2001</a>. AHRA is now managed through a partnership between the BLM, CPW, and the U.S. Forest Service. The 2001 plan was revised in 2019: <a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/nepa/61688/20001092/250001248/ArkRivMgmtPlan_final_signed.pdf">Final Management Plan and Environmental Assessment: Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area</a><br /><br />Annual reports from 2000-current are available in digital format (see links to the right).&nbsp;<br /><br />For current information on AHRA, download the <a href="https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/c87d13419b2ae3e4a9479f5425f37772.pdf">brochure</a> and <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/arkansas-headwaters-recreation-area">visit the website.</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/">No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only</a>