https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/fab042f468907bd8574418b3879c1c3c.pdf f198876b274ea45e58f0c71cdb94cbf0 PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT cpw.state.co.us �Cover Photo: St. Vrain State Park ©Vic Schendel/CPW 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 �Contents Letter from the Director������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Working Together for Colorado����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 Resource Conservation & Outdoor Stewardship ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Land and Water Protection������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Capital Improvements ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Species Conservation, Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk, Natural Areas Program, and Wetlands Conservation��� 10 Resource Stewardship������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 Community Vitality & Equitable Access������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28 Recreation Management on State Parks ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Volunteers��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 Trails������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 33 CPW Website Redesign��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Partnerships����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35 Youth Connections������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������36 Outreach, Education, and Interpretive Programs������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 Angler education��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 Interpretation Programs��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40 Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42 Colorado Youth Corps Association������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44 Youth Internship Program����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 45 Watchable Wildlife ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 47 Grant Detail FY 2024–2025����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������48 3 �Letter from the Director It is a privilege to present the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) 2024-25 Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Trust. This year’s report is more than a summary of activities; it is a testament to a 125-year legacy of conservation and management of Colorado’s natural resources. Through the unwavering dedication of our team and vital support from GOCO, we continue to conserve our state’s wildlife, elevate the gold standard of our state park system, and pioneer sustainable recreation models that transform casual visitors into active and lifelong stewards of the land. GOCO funding is an integral pillar that supports CPW’s mission and contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s work, including managing state parks, statewide initiatives in species conservation, maintaining and developing trails and infrastructure projects, and providing educational opportunities for youth and families. GOCO funding helps CPW protect and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, outdoor education, hunting, angling, and species conservation. In this report, you will find an overview of the many ways that GOCO’s FY 2024-25 investment—including $17.7 million for outdoor recreation and $13.9 million for wildlife—benefits Colorado, including: › State Park Operations & Infrastructure: Supporting 19.2 million visitor days and funding 13 capital projects at 11 state parks, such as the new Visitor Centers at North Sterling and Stagecoach State Parks. › Wildlife Conservation: Finalizing the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which identifies 612 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and launching the new Invertebrate and Rare Plant Program to protect Colorado’s diverse pollinators. › Habitat & Wetlands Protection: Completing 29 wetland projects that restored 6,996 acres of habitat, and conserving the 743-acre Granby Highland Trails property to preserve a vital wildlife corridor. › Trails & Stewardship: Funding 13 major trail projects resulting in 1,086 miles of trail maintenance and reconstruction, alongside the expansion of our Resource Stewardship team to improve data collection via the CODEX mapping tool. › Youth & Volunteer Engagement: Supporting over 4,200 volunteers who contributed 273,614 hours of service (a value of $10.6 million) and providing 50 weeks of work for Colorado Youth Corps crews across the state. › Expanding Access: Launching a redesigned, accessible CPW website to enhance the customer journey and supporting 21 Regional Partnerships that now cover 80% of the state. As we look forward, we are committed to strengthening these partnerships and improving our operations to serve all current Coloradans and meet the demands of a growing state. We remain dedicated to ensuring that the wild spaces and recreational opportunities we enjoy today are available and accessible to the next generation of Coloradans. We thank you for your continued trust and partnership, and are proud to present the 2025 Annual Report. Warm regards, Laura Clellan Acting Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 4 �Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized across the country and around the world for its beautiful landscapes and diverse and healthy wildlife populations. Access to outdoor recreation and the state’s wildlife is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts. GOCO funding supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, as well as park operating and management activities. GOCO investments also support statewide initiatives in species conservation efforts, habitat protection and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails, and infrastructure projects. GOCO grant programs are rooted in the core values of its strategic plan: Resource Conservation, Outdoor Stewardship, Community Vitality, Equitable Access, and Youth Connections. GOCO’s mission is to help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail, and open space heritage. CPW's mission is complementary: to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO. Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy further reflects this alignment by embodying the complementary and interconnected nature of both organizations’ missions through its three north-star goals: Climate-Resilient Conservation and Restoration, Exceptional and Sustainable Outdoor Recreation, and Coordinated Planning and Funding—supporting a unified approach to conservation and recreation across Colorado. This annual report highlights the great things CPW has accomplished in the state fiscal year 2024-25 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives minimal general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW, making many of these accomplishments possible. At the end of this report, you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2024-25, organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged GOCO funding to conserve natural resources, promote outdoor stewardship, enhance community vitality, improve equitable access to the outdoors, and connect youth and families with nature. $17,762,564 $13,901,552 INVESTM E NT P L A N TOTA L AWARD F O R O U TD O O R RECRE ATI O N IN VE S T M E N T P LA N TOTAL AWARD FO R W ILD LIFE F Y 2024-25 FY 2024-25 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 5 �Resource Conservation & Outdoor Stewardship Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. The protection of Colorado’s natural resources is a shared mission between GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes, and maintain areas that are already under CPW’s care. Gateway Palisade Natural Area. ©Brittany Nordentoft/CNHP �LAND AND WATER PROTECTION In addition to managing Colorado’s wildlife and state park system, CPW is responsible for acquiring, protecting, and managing lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with private landowners and local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land include 31.8 million acres of agricultural land, which sustain more than 39,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, the conservation of Colorado’s abundant wildlife habitat and access to world-class recreation opportunities would be severely limited. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. Granby Highland Trails, Third Par ty Conservation Easement 743 A C R E S GOCO funds supported the Granby Highland Trails conservation easement acquisition by the Colorado Headwaters Land Trust. In addition to approximately $400,000 in GOCO funds, the Land Trust and its partners provided matching funds, bringing the total cost to $4.2 million. The property, owned by the Town of Granby, conserved 743 acres of wildlife habitat, including 1.7 miles of the Colorado River. 480 acres of the property will be designated as public recreational open space for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing, managed by the town. The remaining acreage will be preserved year-round for wildlife habitat. This project came to CPW in 2021 through the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program. The land had been sold multiple times over the last 20 years and was slated for the development of roughly 1,000 potential home sites prior to the 2008 recession. The property contains 25 acres of riparian habitat, 240 acres of sagebrush and bitterbrush interspersed with native grass and forbs, and 335 acres of mixed grass meadow. $430,468 GO CO RE IM B U RS E M E N TS FO R L AN D ACQ U IS IT IO N FY 2024-25 7 �CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PARKS L ARGE C APITAL Colorado’s system of state parks is more than 65 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and renovation to the standards expected by visitors. In addition, the infrastructure on many of the wildlife areas, including dams and hatcheries, is much older. Nor th Sterling State Park-Visitor Center and Shop Construction The CPW Capital Development program oversees the construction and maintenance of over 1,400 structures and 115 dams throughout the state. GOCO funding is one of the primary sources of funding for many capital projects at state parks. � North Sterling Visitor Center Construction ©CPW 8 $7, 378, 931 North Sterling State Park is a gem on the northeastern plains, located near the city of Sterling, and boasting a 3,000-acre reservoir. The park was opened to the public in 1992, and since that time, constructing a Visitor Center on the south end of the property, where most of the visitation occurs, has been part of the plan. For many years, staff offices were located in a house acquired with the park’s land purchase, and the house was in need of serious repairs, which prevented it from accommodating visitors. The new visitor center complex houses staff, serves the public by providing a convenient place for people to purchase items and learn about the surrounding environment, and offers staff a central location to store equipment in the nearby, newly added shop. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �John Mar tin Reservoir State ParkRoad Rehabilitation $ 1 ,6 7 0, 000 Another park serving the plains is John Martin Reservoir State Park, located in the lower Arkansas River Valley in the southeastern corner of the state. The park offers uncrowded angling and boating, and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park is owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and has been managed by CPW via lease for almost 25 years, and the infrastructure is showing its age. This project rehabilitated and repaved the park’s busiest stretch of roads, including the main park road, and the parking lots for the swim beach and west boat ramp. Chatfield State Park-Camper Services Building Paving and road rehabilitation at John Martin Reservoir State Park ©CPW $ 2 ,8 4 2, 000 This project replaced an aging building serving campers in the A Loop of the popular Chatfield State Park campground. The building was antiquated and did not meet the needs of the number of visitors utilizing the facility. The new, larger building is more centrally located and is more accessible for those with mobility limitations. Included in the project was the removal of two other restrooms that were in poor condition. Streamlining restroom facilities decreases the staff time spent on maintenance and upkeep of the facilities without decreasing the level of service provided. Future projects throughout the Chatfield campgrounds can use the design and concept from this project to further improve the site. Chatfield State Park Camper Services Building ©CPW Stagecoach State Park-Visitor Center Construction $11,957,597 $ 3 ,6 0 8, 000 GO CO RE IM B U RS E M E N TS FO R PARKS C A P ITAL IM P R O VE M E N TS Nestled in the Yampa Valley near Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach State Park offers a captivating backdrop for recreation year-round. With its expansive 820-acre reservoir, the park offers renowned fishing opportunities on the lake and river. The property is owned by the Upper Yampa Water Conservation District and managed by CPW. The new visitor center is conveniently located adjacent to the park entrance road, set on a gentle hillside overlooking the boat ramp, the Pinnacle Campground, and the lake. The center features a modern customer contact area and a welcoming introduction to all that Stagecoach State Park has to offer, as well as a conference room for programs, meetings, and training. FY 2024-25 $6,656,269 TOTAL GO CO FU N D IN G AWA RDE D, S U P P O R T IN G 13 P R O J E C TS AT 11 STATE PA RK S, CP W AD M IN IS T R AT IVE OFFI C E S, A N D S TAT E W ID E DAM MA IN T EN AN C E FY 2024-25 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 9 �SPECIES CONSERVATION, PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK, NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM, AND WETLANDS CONSERVATION Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America, comprising an astonishing 960 species of wildlife. CPW species conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. Logan Wash Mine Natural Area ©Raquel Wertsbaughy �2025 State Wildlife Action Plan The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is an expansive conservation plan with an emphasis on conserving individual species and their habitats. SWAP revisions are required every 10 years to maintain eligibility for federal, State, and Tribal Wildlife Grants. As a comprehensive strategy developed by experts at CPW and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), with input from partners, the SWAP will both inform CPW’s programs and serve as a model to other conservation organizations. The Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list is the centerpiece of the SWAP, comprising 612 species of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants that most urgently require conservation action. The SWAP identifies key habitats as well as threats to species and habitats and outlines prospective short- and long-term actions. After nearly two years of planning, the newly revised draft SWAP was submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2025. Colorado is a leader in the region with a first-of-its-kind digital SWAP that includes a Species Ranking Dashboard, SGCN & Habitats Data Hub, and interactive maps. All SWAP materials can be found at cpw.state.co.us/state-wildlife-action-plan. Bats Little brown bat receiving a vaccination for white-nose syndrome. ©L. Hamous Black-tailed Prairie Dog Efforts to monitor bat populations across Colorado in response to the arrival of a deadly disease affecting bats, known as white-nose syndrome (WNS), continued in 2025 through various survey methods. CPW and its partners participated in the continent-wide North American Bat Monitoring Program NABat effort, which deploys acoustic detectors at select sites annually and uses recorded bat calls to confirm species occurrence. This data has generated the first large-scale trends of bat species in Colorado and North America. NABat trends were then used to guide bat rankings in the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan. A variety of winter, spring, and summer work at bat hibernacula, foraging areas, and maternity roosts has allowed for the collection of skin swabs from Colorado bats to test for the presence of the fungus that causes WNS. Non-invasive efforts, such as guano collections at summer roost sites, have also been used to test for the fungus after bats groom the spores off their body and pass them through their digestive systems. CPW continued proactive efforts to treat bats by vaccinating them for a second year in the late summer of 2025. Individuals were given unique marks that allow them to be tracked over time to assess the effectiveness of the vaccinations. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus, BTPD) are a keystone conservation species throughout their range, providing vital habitat features and prey base for many other species such as black-footed ferrets and burrowing owls. CPW began range-wide monitoring of BTPD in 2002, with subsequent surveys conducted again in 2006-2007, 2016, and 2020. The 2016 effort utilized a rigorous range-wide occupancy monitoring methodology developed in 2011, which follows a three-step process that includes an aerial imagery analysis, aerial truthing, and ground truthing. During the summer of 2025, the monitoring effort repeated the survey with the current goal of determining the total range acreage of the species in the state. Comparisons of total acreage across time will be used to determine the stability of statewide populations. In 2020, staff estimated that BTPD occupied 500,375 acres in Colorado. This estimate remained stable compared to the 2016 effort, as defined in the Conservation Plan for Grassland Species in Colorado (Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2003), and will be compared to 2025 estimates later this year. nabatmonitoring.org 1 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 11 �Black-footed Ferret Black-footed ferrets are a federally listed endangered species that were once thought to be extinct. Colorado is a hotbed of black-footed ferret reintroduction efforts, with eight new release sites since 2013. GOCO funding is vital in supporting pre-release mapping and plague management efforts, as well as post-release monitoring. Colorado’s reintroduction efforts have kicked into high gear, with releases occurring on public and private lands in Larimer, Adams, Pueblo, Prowers, Baca, and Bent counties. Ferrets are one of many species that are highly dependent on prairie dogs, which means that plague management and conservation of prairie dog colonies is not only critical to supporting black-footed ferret populations but also benefits burrowing owls, swift foxes, raptors, reptiles, and other wildlife. Newly released black-footed ferret at the Thatcher Ranch, Pueblo County. ©D. Neubaum Spotlighting efforts in the autumn of 2024 yielded unmarked black-footed ferrets at two sites for the first time, confirming wild reproduction. Additionally, a total of 88 captive-reared black-footed ferrets were released at five sites across southeastern Colorado. CPW and its partners applied plague management practices to approximately 22,180 acres, utilizing insecticide dust, fipronil grain, and plague vaccine baits (produced in-house). CPW plans to release additional ferrets at current sites where plague management continues in autumn 2025. The agency has also been working with the State Land Board to investigate possible black-footed ferret release sites at a number of the properties they manage. Southern White -tailed Ptarmigan A new research project was initiated in 2025 to assess the potential effects of warming temperatures on female incubation behavior and survival, nest and brood success, and microsite habitat selection in Colorado's alpine areas. A graduate student who has worked on the ptarmigan projects since 2022 was hired to lead the project effort. Eastern Black Rail An unmarked black-footed ferret captured during surveys at the May Ranch, Prowers County. ©J. Reitz 12 CPW continues to monitor the elusive eastern black rail, a federally threatened subspecies facing steep declines across its range. The eastern black rail is the smallest of the rails and inhabits wetlands with dense herbaceous cover. Most known populations are concentrated in coastal marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �Pinyon jay flocks observed at one of the breeding colonies. ©CPW Unfortunately, many of these populations are threatened by rising sea levels. Southeast Colorado appears to have a relatively stable and dense population of black rails. In 2025, CPW provided an expert review of the Species Status Assessment revision and commented on the draft Recovery Plan for the Eastern Black Rail. The CPW staff comments highlighted the importance of conserving the Colorado population. Also, graduate student Nora Hargett and CPW Bird Conservation Coordinator, Liza Rossi, along with co-authors Auriel Fournier and T. J. Benson, submitted a manuscript documenting the abundance and occupancy of eastern black rails in southeastern Colorado. The manuscript is currently in review. Pinyon Jays Prior to 2019, CPW was not aware of any pinyon jay colonies within the state. Since that time, over 130 colonies have been mapped and periodic surveying efforts are ongoing. In 2025, CPW staff worked on a publication for the 2024 survey effort, and developed guidelines for woodland treatments within the breeding colonies in conjunction with BLM staff. CPW continues to conduct location and mapping training for biologists. Brown-capped Rosy-Finches A research project on brown-capped rosy-finches was funded by CPW and implemented by a PhD student. This dissertation used habitat surveys and behavioral observations during the breeding season to reveal strong associations with cliff proximity, persistent snow patches, and rocky substrates. Utilizing specific sampling methods across 57 alpine basins, the student produced the first reliable statewide population estimates, ranging from 116,421 to 148,546 individuals. The project employed density models that linked population abundance to physical habitat features such as elevation, cliff presence, and climate variables. Finally, the project examined the impacts of materials used for leg bands on finch winter behavior and survival. The results revealed differential icing risk and behavioral differences between metal and plastic bands, highlighting how marking methods can influence bird behavior, and potentially survival, when deployed in cold, snowy locations. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 13 �This photo: Sunrise lesser prairie-chicken surveys. ©J. Reitz, CPW. Photo inset: Male lesser prairie-chickens, Colorado.©L. Rossi/CPW Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions CPW partners with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other partners to monitor bird populations across Colorado and much of the central U.S. The Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program began in Colorado in 2008 and has since expanded across the Great Plains to the Great Basin. CPW has provided funding for Colorado IMBCR surveys from 2008 to 2025. Data from these annual surveys are used to estimate occupancy, abundance, and trends through time. CPW relied heavily on IMBCR trend data to evaluate avian species for inclusion as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) for the 2025 revision of the SWAP. Several species were removed from Colorado’s SGCN list because their trend appears stable; other species were added as Species of Greatest Information Need (SGIN) due to alarming trend data. CPW also leveraged the IMBCR program to partner with the USFS and BLM to investigate the impacts of recreation on western Colorado bird communities. A 14 manuscript focusing on management implications has been submitted and is under review. Staff found negative impacts from both recreational infrastructure, such as trails, and human presence on the majority of bird communities, including those listed in the 2025 SGCN. Lesser Prairie -Chicken CPW annually monitors lesser prairie-chickens across southeast Colorado, and consistent counts of 80 to 90 males were found for both 2024 and 2025. These numbers, though quite low and concerning, are much higher than the 25 males counted in 2016, and staff are encouraged to see birds in areas that have been vacant for over 10 years. CPW is working closely with landowners to identify partnership opportunities and provide incentives for habitat restoration and grazing deferment in a targeted area of Prowers County, along the Colorado-Kansas state line. The area is part of a Sand Sagebrush Generational Grassland identified across both states. CPW is collaborating with multiple partners to direct habitat protection and restoration efforts in this area, aiming to increase the effectiveness of these efforts with limited funding and ultimately conserve a sustainable population of lesser prairie-chickens in the Sand Sagebrush Ecoregion. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �PRO PAGATIO N O F AT- R IS K AQUAT I C SPECIES The J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF), situated in Colorado’s scenic San Luis Valley, was established in 2000 to promote the conservation of rare aquatic native species through captive propagation, genetic conservation, scientific research, and public education and awareness. Among the first facilities of its kind in the United States, NASRF works proactively to prevent state species of greatest conservation need from reaching levels that warrant federal protection. In FY 2024-25, the hatchery produced and stocked over 275,000 native fish and boreal toad tadpoles. Since its inception, NASRF has stocked over 4.5 million aquatic animals into suitable waters and wetlands throughout Colorado. NASRF currently houses 12 species of fish, as well as the boreal toad. NASRF’s stocking efforts include six species of small-bodied fishes for Colorado’s eastern plains, Rio Grande chub and sucker for the Rio Grande basin, federally endangered bonytail for the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, "three species" (bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub) for the Colorado, San Juan, and Yampa River basins, and boreal toads for montane wetlands. Through the continued development of improved culture techniques and new technologies, NASRF maximizes production while ensuring a safe and responsible culture environment for its native aquatic species at risk. The dedicated management and staff at NASRF bring over 100 years of combined fish culture experience to the mission of recovering Colorado's native aquatic species, which are in decline. Colorado is regarded as a leader in the field and nationwide. Nor thern Redbelly Dace Northern Redbelly Dace are a small minnow with a maximum length of two to three inches and a typical lifespan of two to three years. Identified by two dusky lateral stripes and small scales nearly invisible to the naked eye, males also develop their namesake brilliant red coloration on the body during the breeding season in late spring and summer. They are widely distributed in North America, particularly in the Atlantic, Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, upper Missouri, and Mississippi River systems, as well as across much of Canada. Colorado is the southernmost portion of Example of a wetland habitat restoration project where Northern Redbelly Dace have been reintroduced and are now thriving. ©M. Haworth/CPW. Adult Northern Redbelly Dace captured during sampling at a reintroduction site. ©M. Haworth/CPW. their native range, where they originally existed in isolated populations along the foothills of the Front Range in the South Platte drainage. The preferred habitat is clean, cool, vegetated, and slow-moving water in ponds and streams, with an absence of large predatory fish. While redbelly dace were once relatively abundant throughout much of their range, habitat alteration and introduction of non-native fish species reduced populations over time, leading to only one indigenous population remaining in Colorado by the 1990s. This population was used to develop a broodstock for conservation efforts at the NASRF. By identifying and creating suitable habitat for stocking, several stable populations have since been established in their historic range in Colorado. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 15 �Southern Redbelly Dace A Southern Redbelly Dace in spawning colors. ©A. Jouney/CPW The Southern Redbelly Dace is among the rarest fish species found in Colorado, characterized by its small body size, two dark lateral stripes, small scales, and a slightly overhanging jaw, which helps distinguish it from the Northern Redbelly Dace. Southern Redbelly Dace are only present in the Arkansas River Basin within Colorado, though they are more commonly found throughout the Midwest and Southeastern parts of the US. Colorado has only a single known indigenous population of this species remaining on the landscape, representing the westernmost extent of its range. Over the last 20 years, biologists and hatchery staff have collaborated to expand the range of this fish through careful consideration of habitat preferences and targeted stocking of water bodies. Today, Southeastern Colorado has multiple self-sustaining populations, with new projects consistently underway to further expand the species' range. This conservation effort was made possible in large part due to the NASRF, where the species is spawned and reared. R ARE PL ANTS AND INVE RT E BR AT E S Rare Plants Southern Redbelly Dace collected in canyon habitat near Beulah. ©A. Jouney/CPW The recent passage of HB24-1117, which gave CPW the authority to study and conserve rare plants and invertebrates, has led to a new work unit dedicated to this effort including a Rare Plant Conservation Program Manager. Conserving Colorado’s rare plants is a priority for CPW, as many are endemic to the state and live in unique, fragile habitats. This program will focus on the 195 SGCN plant species identified in the 2025 Colorado SWAP. CPW staff and partners are conducting important field work that informs our understanding of species’ trends, locations, and threats. In June 2025, a team of botanists from CPW, CNHP, and USFWS completed annual monitoring of the federally endangered Pagosa skyrocket (Ipomopsis polyantha) at a CPW-owned property near Pagosa Springs. This work involved long-term trend monitoring in established plots, as well as density estimates within 170 plots across the 80-acre site. Additional plots record the fate of individuals over time, allowing estimation of recruitment and mortality rates. This data helps inform species status assessments and management needs at the site. An example of a Southern Redbelly Dace habitat near Trinidad. ©A. Jouney/CPW 16 CPW staff conducted rare plant surveys throughout the state at locations such as Lake Pueblo State Park and Gateway, CO. These surveys increase our knowledge of where rare plants are located and help inform critical land-use COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �planning decisions. A highlight included locating the wheel milkweed (Asclepias uncialis, SWAP Tier 1) at Lake Pueblo. The plant’s diminutive pink flowers are often overlooked, leading to knowledge gaps for this rare shortgrass prairie species. Inver tebrates Colorado is a mecca of invertebrate diversity and home to an unknown number of insect species. For some groups, such as pollinators, the state is particularly diverse, and it is home to nearly a quarter of all bee and half of all butterfly species in the continental United States. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for CPW’s new Invertebrate and Rare Plant Program, which has collaboratively assessed nearly 800 species within CO for consideration as SGCN in CPW’s new SWAP. With the help of dozens of experts, 239 new species have been identified for action, including 24 SGCN Tier 1 (most concern), 142 Tier 2 (more concern), and 69 Species of SGIN. This list will guide conservation efforts across the state for at-risk pollinators and other invertebrate species. To carry out state-level coordination of invertebrate conservation, CPW hired a Pollinator Conservation Program Manager and two Invertebrate and Rare Plant Biologists over the summer of 2025. To date, staff have already built collaborations with external partners to launch a number of new programs, including expanded monitoring for bumble bees with the Xerces Society, explored dung beetle restoration with the Denver Zoo, supported expanded training and monitoring with Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), and funded student-led research at Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo. Staff have also built relationships with federal partners around the state’s proposed, threatened, and endangered invertebrates. CPW staff assisted with training Department of Defense (DOD) staff on bumble bee survey techniques for the Monarch Joint Venture, engaged with US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) through training to monitor threatened Nokomis silverspot butterflies, and coordinated with groups studying endangered Uncompahgre fritillary butterflies to expand future support for their conservation. Staff have also taken strides to impact local communities: working with Wildland Restoration Volunteers to create new pollinator demonstration gardens at Lory and Barr Lake State Parks, and creating and leading a Teacher Externship Program to incorporate pollinators into teaching and learning. These efforts will continue to grow as new opportunities for community science and conservation are explored across the state. Botanists monitor Pagosa skyrocket. ©Savanna Smith/CPW Wheel milkweed. ©Adrian Carper/ CPW The threatened silverspot butterfly. ©Adrian Carper/CPW SWAP SGCN Tier 1 western bumble bee, Bombus occidentalis, on our state flower. ©Adrian Carper/CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 17 �COLOR A DO N ATU R A L ARE A S P ROG R AM The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) has been showcasing and protecting Colorado’s natural treasures since 1977. With the support of GOCO, the program works to identify, designate, and protect Colorado’s most significant natural features through voluntary agreements with various landowners. Colorado’s Natural Areas contain rare and unique plants, wildlife, invertebrates, natural communities, geologic features, and fossils. CNAP helps to monitor and protect over 150 species of greatest conservation need on State Natural Areas. CNAP accomplishments during FY 2024-25 are highlighted below. Program Updates: With the new staffing focused on rare plant conservation and protection, CNAP staff have additional support within CPW, specifically in rare plant conservation, and work collaboratively with the new program staff. This added capacity provides new opportunities to get involved in pollinator conservation initiatives, fill knowledge gaps about our state's natural areas, and allows staff to redirect their focus across the diverse natural features that make the State Natural Areas remarkable. Geneva Basin Iron Fen. ©Raquel Wertsbaugh/CPW 18 Geneva Basin Iron Fen. ©Raquel Wertsbaugh/CPW CNAP Volunteer Steward Program CNAP’s volunteer program consists of over 50 dedicated volunteers who are assigned one or more State Natural Areas to steward. During FY 2024-25, CNAP volunteers contributed 1,200 hours conducting annual monitoring of their assigned State Natural Areas, including reporting on site conditions, photo monitoring, and documenting species of greatest conservation need. The data that volunteers collect help to provide valuable insights about each site for CNAP staff and the landowner. Volunteers become familiar with their assigned sites over many years; approximately half of the volunteers have been monitoring their sites for over 10 years. CNAP Volunteer & Staff at Gothic Natural Area. ©Savanna Smith/CPW » COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �Colorado Natural Areas Council: The Colorado Natural Areas Council (CNAC) is a seven-member advisory council for CNAP, comprising five Governor-appointed members, one representative from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, and one representative from the State Board of Land Commissioners. In early 2025, CNAC members and CNAP staff began revising the program’s five-year strategic plan, which will be implemented beginning in 2026. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 19 �RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP The CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado’s state parks and state recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and part-time staff, conservation and planning projects, and program operations. CPW Staff members working on a bumble bee survey at Roxborough State Park. ©CPW 20 �The Resource Stewardship Program addresses six main topic areas: (1) Developing Resource Stewardship Plans and resource management standards specific to the resources of each state park; (2) Developing and Managing natural and cultural resource GIS data to inform park management decisions; (3) Reviewing environmental and cultural resource data reviews to promote resource conservation during capital construction projects; (4) Managing invasive species, revegetation, and restoration efforts; (5) Managing forests, and (6) Managing volunteer community science project. Resource Stewardship Planning The first step in stewarding the natural and cultural resources at a state park is to understand what resources exist, as well as the condition, rarity, and legal protections associated with these resources. The natural and cultural resource data specific to each unique property is collected to create this foundational information. This information is compiled in Resource Stewardship plans, which identify conservation actions that help maintain the species diversity, ecological integrity and the history and heritage of parks now and for future generations while providing the best possible recreational experience for park visitors. During the past fiscal year, data collection projects were performed at 43 of the 44 state parks. Staff completed surveys of breeding birds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, prairie dogs, bats, rare plants, vegetation, paleontological, and cultural resources. Inventories also included geologic mapping and vegetation monitoring. During FY 2024-25, CPW’s Resource Stewardship Program utilized GOCO funds to accomplish many significant projects. A few highlights include: Resource Stewardship Team The first full-time staff member added to the team since 2010, the Resource Stewardship Biological Monitoring Coordinator, was introduced to the Stewardship Program in the fall of 2024, increasing the full-time program staff to three individuals. This employee has expanded the reach of community science programs in state parks, including the state park raptor monitoring program, and has added the monitoring of pollinator species to the breadth of the Resource Stewardship data collection efforts. This additional full-time team member has also expanded compliance support. Bumble bee monitoring. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 21 �N E W S TAT E PAR K S The work of the Resource Stewardship Program is one of the first steps required to create a new state park. The Program is currently working on the following new state park and state park expansion projects: Fishers Peak State Park Since 2019, program staff have been involved in the creation of the state park management plan to help achieve the goals of conservation and recreation. They are also working with park staff and consultants to develop the necessary recreational and operational infrastructure for visitation and property management. Sweetwater Lake Since 2021, Resource Stewardship staff have supported the CPW team working to include Sweetwater Lake as a new member of Colorado’s park and recreation area system. The interagency team, including staff from CPW, the US Forest Service, and the Eagle Valley Land Trust, identified the Resource Stewardship Program as the lead for natural resource data collection, resource condition assessments, and the identification of resource management prescriptions. The Stewardship team conducted and coordinated surveys for breeding birds, raptor nesting, small mammals and bats, habitat mapping and condition assessment, rare plants, invasive plants, reptiles and amphibians. The team is currently supporting this effort through recreation infrastructure planning, partnership coordination, and cultural resource management. Sweitzer Lake State Park Expansion Resource Stewardship staff are collaborating with region staff on the planning and development of this expansion project. The Program is supporting the expansion of Sweitzer Lake State Park through resource surveys, including habitat mapping, habitat condition assessments, surveys of rare plants, breeding birds, raptors, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as geological and cultural resources. The team is also supporting this project through cultural clearance surveys of infrastructure development, which include facilitating consultations with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and partners with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. 22 Nor th Sandhills Resource Stewardship is supporting the addition of the North Sandhills Recreation Area to be included in the Colorado State Park System. In the early stages of adding this property to CPW’s state park portfolio, the Stewardship Team is conducting resource data collection work through surveys that include habitat mapping, habitat condition assessment, rare plant surveys, breeding bird surveys, reptile and amphibian surveys, small mammal surveys, invertebrate surveys, noxious weed surveys, and cultural resource surveys. Pikes Peak Resource Stewardship staff have been planning for CPW’s management of recreation, infrastructure, and habitat on Pikes Peak. The Program has developed a survey plan and associated budget to begin the resource surveys necessary to manage recreation and infrastructure, including trails and facilities at Pikes Peak. Highline Lake State Park Expansion Resource Stewardship is supporting the development of infrastructure in the expanded areas of Highline Lake State Park through consultation with capital construction and park staff to aid in the conservation of local species during and after construction projects. Park-specific seed mixes, weed management recommendations, and wildlife monitoring have been performed to support conservation management on the property during the development of this newly added acreage and its infrastructure. INVASIVE SPEC IES MANAGEMENT The Program surveyed invasive plants (noxious weeds) in twelve state parks and created integrated weed management plans for each park. Plans include maps of known weed populations, weed species identification aids, identification of priority treatment areas and weed species, treatment method recommendations, seasonal treatment calendars by species and park location, and revegetation specifications and seed mixes. These plans are specifically COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �and lead training in natural and cultural resources for the classes of new state park rangers. These trainings are provided by CPW staff and through collaboration with partner organizations. Training is offered in the following areas: cultural resource management, plants and forestry, invasive species, bird biology and identification, pollinators and butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, and state park resource stewardship planning. COLOR AD O CONSERVATION DATA EXPLORER Invasive weed mapping. ©CPW The Resource Stewardship Program continues to lead agency efforts in collaborating with the CNHP to develop and utilize the Colorado Conservation Data Explorer, or CODEX. This web-mapping tool provides users with easy access to comprehensive spatial data related to habitats, wildlife occurrences, rare plants, and other tailored for each state park and its unique on-the-ground conditions. Tools were created and included in each plan to facilitate improved herbicide treatment efforts by contract sprayers and tracking of herbicide use by field staff. REVEGETATION AND RESTORATION Seeding specifications and seed mixes have been shared with the CPW dam safety engineers, capital development team, regional project managers, and state park land management partners to ensure that, where ground-disturbing projects occur, appropriate native plant species are seeded. Additionally, specifications to support the creation of pollinator habitats in state parks have been used by the new CPW Invertebrate Program for implementation. Seeding specifications outline how to perform seeding and planting projects; provide plant lists and seed mixes; and outline maintenance, care, and success criteria for pollinator habitat projects. Plant species are selected based on their presence in each park, their value to pollinators, and their availability from commercial seed and plant providers. Reviews of seed mixes are underway to ensure that restoration success and commercial availability are up to date. NATU R A L A N D CU LT U R A L RESOURC E T R A IN IN G F OR N E W STATE PA R K R A N G E R S The Resource Stewardship Program continues to support Pre-contact stone tools. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 23 �important natural resources. CODEX provides a critical decision-support tool in advancing efforts to ensure that future development occurs in ways that can maintain Colorado’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. The tool has over 400 organizations regularly utilizing its features, including many of the coalitions participating in the Regional Partnerships Initiative. FO RE ST MA N AG E M E N T The program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to secure funding and implement forest management projects in key areas, ensuring parks remained open and safe. CPW contracted with the conservation-focused tree nursery OneCanopy to produce over 1,200 native tree seedlings for state parks this year. Forest Management Plans were created for Castlewood Canyon and Mancos State Parks. Priority forest management projects were implemented on 5 acres at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 10 acres at State Forest State Park, and 9.5 acres at Jackson Lake State Park, as well as supporting significant planning for a complex forest management project on 73 acres at Staunton State Park. Staunton State Park is also being impacted by a large outbreak of mountain pine beetle, and program staff provided 2,000 verbenone packets for priority areas at Staunton to protect vulnerable ponderosa pine trees. Jackson Lake State Park continued to be the focus of a large-scale restoration project, featuring significant weed control, native seeding, and the planting of over 800 native trees and shrubs, as well as over 2,400 wetland species plugs. This project is part of a long-term forest improvement effort designed to transition the primary forest from Russian olive to native cottonwood, willow, and other bird-friendly fruit-bearing tree species. The program funded cultural surveys to clear future project areas at Ridgway State Park and Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Finally, the program continues to maintain a collection of ArcGIS Story Maps to illustrate forest management activities and photo monitoring that has occurred on state parks over the past two decades (cpw.info/forest-management-state-parks). Continuing to invest in proactive forest management helps improve the resilience and ability of state parks to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases. It also helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks, while ensuring key habitats are protected. 24 BIOLOGIC AL MONITORING AND COMM UNIT Y SC IENC E Staff continue to engage volunteers across multiple community science monitoring projects, expanding the Program’s capacity to collect important biological information within the State Park system. During FY 20242025, the Resource Stewardship team managed over 150 active volunteers who conducted more than 8,300 hours of biological monitoring within the State Park system. With the expansion of CPW protection into invertebrates and rare plants, CPW has piloted two new community science monitoring programs within the State Park system to collect biological data specifically on pollinators and their host plant associations. Surveys for invertebrates were conducted at Castlewood Canyon, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Eldorado Canyon, Fishers Peak, Golden Gate Canyon, Jackson Lake, Lory, Ridgway, and Roxborough State Parks. Data collected from these pollinator surveys will be incorporated into park management plans and help guide adaptive management decisions. The community science raptor monitoring program continues to provide valuable information on hawks, owls, and eagles located within the state park system. In FY 2024-25, volunteers monitored 465 nests to track nest phenology and productivity. There are currently volunteer raptor monitoring teams at 29 of the 44 state parks. Resource Stewardship staff conduct monitoring site visits to the remaining 15 parks that do not have volunteer teams at this time. Raptor nesting data collected by staff and volunteers is used to make timely on-the-ground decisions during the environmental review process, capital development projects, and the writing of park management plans. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �CPW Staff members and volunteers working on an invertebrate survey at Fishers Peak State Park. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 25 �WETLANDS CONSERVATION Wetlands are lands affected by water that support unique plants and soils, making up just two percent of Colorado’s landscape but providing benefits to over 75 percent of the state’s wildlife species. Protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetlands and riparian areas is vital to conserving wildlife diversity in the state. Wetland and riparian landscapes provide crucial habitats for feeding, resting, and rearing, as well as movement corridors. They also improve water quality and quantity, creating open spaces, educational opportunities, and economic benefits from hunting, fishing, and bird-watching. 8 New wetlands projects FY 2024-25 29 Completed projects FY 2024-25 6,996 Acres of wetland and riparian restoration FY 2024-25 San Luis Valley ©Stark/CPW �Pre- and post-restoration images of the Kenosha Creek Restoration project. This project used low-tech, process-based restoration techniques (including beaver dam analogs) to reconnect an incised stream to its floodplain.©Colorado Open Lands/EcoMetrics CPW’s Wetlands Program annually awards competitive grants to staff and external partners for projects that restore wetlands and riparian areas. These projects create new managed wetlands, improve the function and efficiency of existing wetlands, remove non-native invasive vegetation and replace it with native vegetation, manage invasive cattail growth in wetlands, restore riparian habitat impacted by mining, and reconnect incised creeks with their floodplains. Projects are conducted on state wildlife areas, state parks, and other public and private lands. The program directs funding priorities to projects benefiting species of greatest conservation need, as identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Aerial drone image of the Kinney Lake State Wildlife Area wetlands project. This project created a 40-acre managed shallow wetland complex, benefitting waterfowl, waterfowl hunters, and many other wildlife species. ©Ducks unlimited In FY 2024-25, CPW awarded funds for eight new wetlands projects and three previously funded projects that will help to restore or enhance at least 736 acres of wetland and riparian habitat. The projects will improve habitat on two state wildlife areas, two state parks, three county or municipal open space properties, thirteen private properties, and federal lands managed by the USFS. These projects will benefit eight priority waterfowl species, 13 Tier 1 or 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need as identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, including Tier 1 species greater sandhill crane, western yellow-billed cuckoo, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, boreal toad, northern leopard frog, bonytail, and beaver. Each CPW dollar invested in these projects resulted in $0.59 in matching funds contributed by 15 different partners, stretching GOCO and CPW funds further. Additionally, in FY 2024-25, CPW staff and partners successfully completed 29 projects, resulting in 6,996 acres of wetland and riparian restoration. Highlights included shallow wetland improvements on Kinney Lake SWA and completion of restoration plans for future work at Yampa River State Wildlife Area and the Blanca and Hebron wetland complex on BLM properties. Low-tech, process-based restoration projects reconnecting incised streams to their floodplains benefitted beavers and other priority species in multiple drainages in the South Platte, Rio Grande, and San Juan Basins. Finally, working with private landowners continued as a program emphasis. In conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program and other partners, 22 projects were completed on private lands across Colorado in the Arkansas Headwaters, Gunnison, San Juan, South Platte, Republican, Rio Grande, and Yampa/White/Green River watersheds. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 27 �Community Vitality & Equitable Access Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. With GOCO’s support, CPW provides opportunities to connect Coloradans with outdoor experiences statewide. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 43 state parks and approximately 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 4,500 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. Blacktail ditch volunteer crew at Radium State Wildlife Area ©Zach Swennes/CPW 28 �RECREATION MANAGEMENT ON STATE PARKS GOCO partnerships protect the places that Coloradans enjoy and support the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s state parks. This historic support for state park operations has been invaluable to CPW and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. 19,200,000 State Parks visitors FY 2024-25 $4,211,420 GOCO reimbursements for park operations FY 2024-25 29 �VOLUNTEERS Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s natural resources while cultivating stewardship and building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program offers recruitment, screening, training, retention, support, and resources to state parks, wildlife areas, hatcheries, educational programs, and administrative offices throughout the state. Highlights include: ★ Hosting the annual education and volunteer training attended by 60 staff who work with volunteers. This year’s theme was Difficult Dialogues: Navigating Sensitive and Challenging Topics. Sessions focused on foundational skills for approaching difficult dialogues, climate communication, talking points for ballot initiatives, and living with wildlife. Staff could stop by “world cafe” stations featuring a variety of topics and experiences, such as indigenous storytelling, partnerships gone astray, navigating challenging volunteer situations, inclusivity and accessibility, and the SWAP. ★ Embarking on a Next Generation of Volunteers initiative. CPW staff observe that current volunteers are “aging out.” CPW values these dedicated volunteers, while also understanding the need to engage new audiences and age groups in new ways. With the Next Generation of Volunteers initiatives, staff are: » Exploring and committing to creating pathways to volunteerism for younger audiences. » Instilling and inspiring volunteerism in younger generations, encouraging young people to grow up with a mindset of giving back, in big and small ways. Examples of initiative projects in FY25 include offering a ‘Meaningful Youth Engagement’ training to volunteers, cultivating new relationships with high schools and colleges, and attracting younger volunteers to new opportunities, such as the inaugural bumblebee and butterfly monitoring programs. 30 ★ In the words of staff and volunteers, volunteer contributions this year led to: » Producing 100+ million walleye eggs and collecting scientific fisheries data. » Maintaining clean and well-maintained shooting ranges, resulting in positive public feedback. » Increasing capacity to gather raptor nesting information across state parks. » Increasing education programs by 50%, as well as painting a house, building trails, and removing downed trees that staff could never have done alone. » Being relevant with younger generations. 273,614 Volunteer hours FY 2024-25 132 FTE equivalent of volunteer hours FY 2024-25 4,220 Total volunteers FY 2024-25 $10,600,000 Volunteer value FY 2024-25 $73,040 GOCO Reimbursements for State Parks Volunteer Program FY 2024-25 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �““I have seen our volunteers educate the community on human-wildlife conflict and responsible outdoor recreation. I’ve witnessed customers listen more receptively because of the obvious life experience demonstrated by our volunteers.” C PW Staf f “The novice hunters I work with told me they now look at wildlife conservation in a different light. Several mentioned they now have a better understanding of what CPW does and the importance of the agency’s role in Colorado.” C PW Volunteer “My favorite volunteer memory this year was taking a little girl out on the track chair - the more we bounced on rocks the better she liked it!” A Red Naped Sapsukcer is banded at Ridgway State Park. ©Shelby Martinez STORIE S C PW Volunteer “My favorite volunteer memory this year was meeting visitors from other countries and backgrounds, and learning the names of animals in other languages. Bird Banding at Ridgway State Park C PW Volunteer During the fall bird banding season at Ridgway State Park there was an incredible display of biodiversity. We were fortunate to see over 30 different species of birds during this two week period. This number includes the three species of hummingbirds that we were not able to band. There were a total of 195 birds caught and banded this season. Some species that stood out were the Northern Pygmy Owl, Lazuli Bunting, and Downy Woodpecker(s). We were unbelievably excited on September 9th, when a young Northern Pygmy Owl was caught in our net along with a few other small birds. We had seen the owl earlier that week being harassed by many small birds. We captured an overwhelming number of Audubon's Warbler compared to any other species. There weren’t very many recaptures this season as compared to the previous. Walleye spawn volunteers at Lake Pueblo State Park ©Jeanette Lara/CPW By Shelby Martinez, Naturalist @ Ridgway State Park There were 9 different school groups, a senior citizen group from the recreation center, and a large public interest that came out to view this event, bringing the total number of visitors witnessing this incredible occasion to well over 320 people. Eight volunteers and two staff members supported this incredible two-week season. I would like to give a special thanks to all volunteers, park staff, and partners who helped make this 2024 season possible. Overall, this was a very successful bird banding season! COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 31 �Mennonite volunteer crew on Radium's Blacktail Ditch Project ©Zach Swennes Mennonite Volunteer Crew On Radium's Blacktail Ditch Project Walleye Spawn at Lake Pueblo State Park By Zach Swennes, District Wildlife Manager, Kremmling South By Jeanette Lara, SE Region Volunteer Coordinator The blacktail ditch at Radium State Wildlife Area has been in a state of disrepair for the past few years and has been unable to flow the full water right. We have been working to get the ditch flowing the full water right and this volunteer crew is helping get us to that goal. The crew is part of the Mennonite church and as a part of their religion they are conscientious objectors to combat. This means that their church invests lots of time in their young adult men getting them volunteer hours with government agencies in lieu of being in the selective service program. The crew is made up of 15 volunteers, 2 crew leaders, a camp family (a family that keeps camp running) and a group of ladies that cook for everyone and do laundry for the volunteers. This crew accomplished more in two weeks than we thought they would get done in four weeks. It's truly impressive to see the work ethic these folks have and the challenges they take on with positive attitudes. This crew is a hugely beneficial asset to the agency as they have accomplished months of work in just a couple of weeks for no labor cost to the agency. 32 Each year the annual walleye spawn effort seeks to collect 132 million eggs to support sustainable fisheries across the state. In March 2025, during the two-week spawning period at Lake Pueblo State Park, 42 dedicated volunteers contributed over 850 hours of service. Their primary responsibility was to assist staff by reefing—straightening and detangling—the extensive gill nets deployed each day. They also sort fish, record data, and support a number of other tasks. This project is a significant undertaking for the Southeast Region, with Lake Pueblo accounting for 70% of the state's total egg production. The success of this project is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our volunteers. Some contributed for a single day, while others devoted 14 consecutive days to the cause! Their efforts are critical in ensuring the health and sustainability of Colorado's walleye populations. Trail Nutrition Labels at Mueller State Park In an effort to provide the best information possible to hikers of all ability levels, the Friends of Mueller, along with nine other volunteers, committed themselves to collecting trail data. This information will be used to create Trail Nutrition Labels, allowing users to determine the suitability of a trail for themselves. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �TRAILS Trails and outdoor recreation opportunities remain extremely popular among Coloradans and visitors to the State. The construction and maintenance of trails are crucial and vital tasks, and GOCO has been an integral partner with the State Trails Program for decades. With GOCO’s generous support, we are able to award grants across the State for trail-specific projects. Trail Stewardship, now in its third year as a pilot program, continues to be funded with an additional $500,000 in GOCO funds, which supports existing trail maintenance crews working on public lands. These increased ‘boots on the ground’ trail crews help support the Governor’s Wildly Important Goals to balance conservation and recreation by increasing the number of trail crew hours funded by the Program. Along with the stewardship pilot, requests for funding for trail construction, long-term maintenance, trail planning, and trail organizational support continue to increase every year. In Fiscal Year 2025, the projects funded by GOCO include planning and development, organization support, trail maintenance and reroutes, and new construction on state and federal lands. 2.24 Miles of new trail construction FY 2024-25 1,086 Miles of Trail Maintenance/ Reconstruction/Stewardship FY 2024-25 $2,019,535 GOCO total reimbursements for the Trails Program FY 2024-25 ▲ F EATURED PROJEC T Countywide Trail Maintenance Crew With 450 miles of trails in Grand County, maintenance is an ongoing need. Headwaters Trails Alliance was awarded a Trail Stewardship grant in FY 2024-25. The grant funded a five to six-person trail crew, focusing on a spring assessment, clean up and routine maintenance, eight bridge replacements, turnpike construction, armoring, heavy equipment maintenance, decommissioning and restoring trails, and more During FY 2024-25, 13 GOCOfunded projects were completed: (1) Fraser River Corridor Western Trail (Town of Fraser) (2) Partnership for Stewardship 2023 (Wildlands Restoration Volunteers) (3) Wilderness Stewardship of Four-Pass Loop (Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers) (4) Trail Training Expansion (Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado) (5) Trail & Maintenance Crew-Stewardship (Larimer County) (6) Non-Motorized Trail Crew-Stewardship (BLM, Gunnison) (7) Fall River Trail Design (Town of Estes Park) (8) Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument Access (Summit County) (9) Countywide Trail Maintenance Crew (Headwaters Trails Alliance) (10) Crested Butte Conservation Corps (Crested Butte Mountain Bike Assoc.) (11) Trail Conservation Services (Colorado Mountain Bike Assoc.) (12) Trail Stewardship Crew Expansion (Mesa County Public Health) (13) Trail Maintenance SLV Public Lands (San Luis Valley Great Outdoors) COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 33 �CPW WEBSITE REDESIGN CPW launched its newly redesigned website in late August 2024 to enhance its online presence, making it more accessible, visually appealing, and informative for customers. CPW staff have listened to customers and constituents over the years, using that feedback to re-envision information flows and customer journeys, and to build an entirely new website for the agency on Drupal, a proven CMS platform. “Reimagining a website as robust as ours is no easy task, and while we know changes are always a challenge, we think you’ll find this website more dynamic, functional, and easier for you, our customers and partners, to use,” said Branding and Communications Section Manager Rebecca Ferrell. Below are some examples of how CPW is making significant improvements for customers. › Enhanced Accessibility - The new site meets all state and federal accessibility requirements, ensuring that CPW continues to work toward a “Colorado for All.” These requirements make content easier for screen readers to assist customers with low vision or blindness, and provide translation into multiple languages. › Website Audit - CPW reviewed all existing web content to eliminate repetition, consolidate pages, update content, and utilize analytics to enhance visitors’ online journeys for agency information. › New Website Navigation - Menus have changed to help users quickly navigate to their areas of interest. › Updated State Park Finder - Graphic cards featuring images and park descriptions provide an immediate sense of each park’s features and activities. › Added mapping and event tools - The new website is a robust information base that will adapt and evolve for years to come, including an enhanced ability to search for park events, state wildlife areas, bodies of water, and more. Screen shots from CPW's newly redesigned website. ©CPW ▶ 34 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �PARTNERSHIPS Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy (COS) launched in April 2025, providing a collective vision and strategic actions to ensure a future where the outdoors, people, community character, and ways of life endure for generations to come. CPW is stewarding the Strategy by coordinating collaborative leadership and implementation with Great Outdoors Colorado, the Department of Natural Resources, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and the Governor’s Office, along with other agencies and partners. Collaboration with partners and stakeholders was integral to the development of the strategy and will be central to its long-term success. MOBI L E LO C AT I ON DATA CO L L E C T I O N With funding support from GOCO, CPW procured RRC Associates to provide a comprehensive analysis and visualization dashboard for mobile location data on public lands throughout the state. This project fills a critical data gap identified by Colorado's Outdoors Strategy Roadmap and will help inform recreation management needs and priorities. CPW and RRC convened a stakeholder advisory group to help inform project objectives and the selection of 60 case study sites across Colorado. RRC is in the process of procuring data and will begin their analysis and dashboard design in order to have a final product presented at the 2026 Partners in the Outdoors Conference. cpw.state.co.us/coloradosoutdoorsstrategy 2 COLOR AD O OUTDOOR REG IONAL PARTNERSHIPS The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) brings together a diverse range of interests to collaborate on advancing solutions that conserve Colorado’s outdoors for both people and wildlife. CPW and GOCO launched the initiative in 2021, offering grant funds to coalitions to join the Colorado Outdoor Partnership and commit to both regional and statewide conservation and recreation collaboration and planning. CPW is now in the 8th grant cycle, having awarded over $6.2 million to 21 regional partnerships across the state. These partnerships cover approximately 80 percent of Colorado, with proposals in place to further expand coverage. With the launch of Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, regional partnerships are aligning locally rooted efforts with the statewide goals for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience. Six regional partnerships have completed conservation and recreation plans, that inform strategic priority projects, align with Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, and present opportunities for measurable on-the-ground impact. At least 10 regional partnerships expect to have regional plans completed next year. Regional partnerships are using the COS data, mapping tools, and resources to inform their planning, with at least 10 that have invested in regional decision support tools that complement the COS resources hub and add data richness to CODEX. With GOCO support and leadership, investments in regional partnerships are driving local collaboration, deepening engagement with stakeholders and partners, and advancing coordinated investments in high-impact strategic projects to advance conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience efforts with landscape-scale benefits. 2025 Regional Partnerships Initiative Summit (RPI) ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 35 �Youth Connections Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. SOLE Grant recipients on a field trip to Crawford State Park ©CPW 36 �37 �OUTREACH, EDUCATION, AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Colorado Parks and Wildlife's education and interpretive programs serve as an essential bridge, connecting our community to the wild heart of this state. By fostering hands-on discovery and providing meaningful and memorable experiences, we ensure all people have access to the bounty of outdoor opportunities our state provides. Investment in interpretation and education programs ensures that we work toward equipping and inspiring others to protect Colorado’s natural world for generations to come. With GOCO support, CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the state's incredible parks and wildlife resources. Top: One of two Día de Pesca events held annually ©CPW Bottom: Participants in the YIP program practice archery at Cheyenne Mountain State Park ©CPW 38 �ANGLER EDUCATION Angler Education experienced a slight increase in clinic participants and total events this year compared to last year totaling 300-350 events and reaching 11,000 to 12,000 participants per year. This range represents the maximum capacity that CPW can manage with current staffing levels. CPW continues to host hundreds of small events that introduce people to fishing in an intimate setting, with a total of 10 to 40 participants and a minimum instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:10. These are hosted at state parks, state wildlife areas, schools, community centers, county parks, and private bodies of water. In addition to these smaller events, CPW also hosts several large-scale events, such as Get Outdoors Day in Denver and Colorado Springs, which attract around 1,000 attendees each. CPW also hosts two Hispanic fishing events every year called Día de Pesca, which attract 250 to 300 attendees each. This year, staff added a new location for these events, partnering with the City of Thornton’s Parks and Recreation Department to expand into the suburbs of metro Denver. State park staff and volunteers continue to be outstanding partners in the angler education program. Barr Lake, Staunton, and Mueller State Parks are great examples of parks that offer fishing clinics nearly every month. The hope is to increase the number of events held at other parks over the coming years as the volunteer base expands at these parks. The program will provide the necessary gear to enable them to independently lead successful programs. CPW’s grant with the National Fishing in the Schools program is continuing to grow, adding 12 new schools to the program this year. Staff hosted training sessions for the teachers at these schools to enhance their skills and connect with their local CPW representatives for future partnerships and events. 336 Number of Angler Education Clinics FY 2024-25 11,952 Number of Par ticipants FY 2024-25 Participant at one of CPW's angler education clinics.. ©CPW F ISHERIES SC HOL ARSHIP PROGR AM G R A N D J U N C T I O N , CO During summer 2025, CPW staff had the opportunity to work with District 51, Colorado Recovery Program, and the Grand Junction Jackalopes (Grand Junction’s minor league baseball team) on both promoting native (and protected) fish species of the Colorado River and creating a scholarship fund for Palisade High School hatchery program students who plan to study fisheries in college. Palisade High School has an on-campus hatchery where they have raised and released the Razorback Sucker, a native and endangered fish of the Colorado River. To promote this partnership, the Jackalopes were the Humpback Chubs (a protected native species of fish in the Colorado River) every Wednesday home game and on Father’s Day. At the end of the season, the special jerseys were auctioned off, and proceeds were donated to the School District to provide Scholarships to fisheries students. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 39 �INTERPRETATION PROGRAMS Statewide Program: CPW hired a full-time position dedicated to managing interpretive signs and visitor center exhibits, supporting interpretive infrastructure statewide. To amplify the reach and impact of programs beyond guided tours, it is critical to invest in expertise dedicated to crafting compelling, permanent signs and exhibits. The Interpretive Signs and Exhibits Coordinator is a crucial position that will ensure high-quality, consistent, accurate, and inclusive messaging is experienced across all properties. This leader will translate the wonder of Colorado’s natural world into lasting, impactful signage and exhibits, ensuring that the stories of conservation and outdoor connections continue to inspire visitors long after our programs conclude. INT E RPRE TAT ION IN AC T ION: E XAMPLE S AROUND T HE STAT E Found Film Program G O L D E N G AT E C A N YO N S TAT E PA R K Inspired by a similar program from the last summer season, the “Found Film program,” is a passive activity that lets visitors capture their memories on film. Four disposable cameras were placed in protective totes at popular locations: Panorama Point, Tallman’s Ranch, Dude’s Fishing Hole, and Frazier Meadow. Visitors could take a photo of their choice, then leave the camera for the next person to use. After the cameras were collected and the film was developed, the pictures were shared on the park's social media and displayed on the "Found Film Family" wall for visitors to pick up. Haunted History Hike E L D O R A D O C A N YO N S TAT E PA R K Interpretive sign at Vega State Park ©Doskocil/CPW 40 In October 2024, Eldorado Canyon turned into a living timeline with a Haunted History Hike. Volunteers and staff dressed as historic characters from the canyon’s colorful past, each with a story to share. Guests were given a riddle and a stamp card, collecting clues from each character along the trail. With a mix of mystery, history, and fun giveaways, families enjoyed a spooky yet fun way to connect with Eldo’s rich heritage. This event was a hit— and a great way to bring the past to life under the stars. �Diversity in Bloom event at Boulder Pride Festival. ©CPW Diversity in Bloom Firewatching-Stories of the Night Sky B O U L D E R P R I D E F E S T I VA L S T E A M B O AT L A K E S TAT E PA R K At this year’s Boulder Pride, the interpretive teams at Eldorado Canyon State Park and Golden Gate Canyon State Park brought a beautiful blend of art and advocacy with the “Diversity Flower Garden.” Starting with a blank poster, staff invited visitors to decorate and add their own unique flower, using one word that expressed what diversity in the outdoors means to them. As the day progressed, the garden blossomed into a vibrant, colorful collage filled with powerful words, creativity, and diverse community voices. Many folks returned later to show their friends their personal contributions. At the same table, Golden Gate Canyon educated guests on queer botany and how slurs like “pansy” and “lavender” have been reclaimed to be positive terms of endearment. It was a joyful, interactive celebration of inclusion and belonging in outdoor spaces. During this event, guests heard stories about the night sky accompanied by a brief history of storykeeping and firewatching within Native American Communities. Each story is related to an object with its own fun fact about it along the way. Mystery of Mueller Display M U E L L E R S TAT E PA R K In October 2024, park staff created a display in the Visitor Center about the disappearance of a homesteader who lived in the park in the early 1900s. The display included the stories of multiple family members, a timeline of events leading up to his disappearance, the search for him afterwards, and theories about what happened to him. This was a self-guided display using the Penfriend. Visitors used the pen to explore the many characters and the timeline. As they pointed at certain pictures, the Penfriend would read a piece of the story. This display was a fun way to highlight a part of the park’s history in an interactive and accessible manner. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 41 �SCHOOLS AND OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS CPW provides programming that serves students and educators from early childhood through 12th grade, as well as community college and university-level students, by creating impactful connections to Colorado’s natural resources. The goal of these programs is to be a leading source of natural resource-related educational resources, directly aligned with state academic standards, so that educators and students have a strong relationship and a solid knowledge base of the outdoors, which inspires behavior changes that increase stewardship and conservation best practices. The strategy is to develop high-quality resources and facilitate hands-on, relevant, nature-based learning experiences, allowing students and educators to deepen their connection to Colorado’s natural resources and the work being done by CPW. SOLE Grants Work Based Learning CPW supports schools with funding through an advanced waiver grant to help students spend time outside during the school day. For the 2024-2025 school year, CPW awarded $154,110 to 33 schools statewide and $15,000 to partner organizations. While funding was primarily used for transportation and entrance fees to provide students with experiences through field trips, it was also used to purchase materials, including trail cameras, bird feeders, and a skylab. In June 2025, CPW launched the pilot High School Internship program in response to the growing need for Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities and the broader movement to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) in schools. This pilot successfully placed two high school students in paid summer internships in rural Southern Colorado. One student worked at the Las Animas Hatchery, while the other split their time between the Monte Vista Hatchery and the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility in Alamosa. Both students were between their junior and senior years and received academic credit in addition to a paycheck for their experience. The pilot was a resounding success, with 100% of participating CPW staff expressing interest in hosting a high school intern again in the future. Both students also indicated a new interest in pursuing a career in Natural Resources and highly recommended the program to their peers. "Perhaps the most significant impact of the SOLE grant this year has been the revitalization of our schools outdoor learning and garden area. This space has come alive like never before, with teachers and students across all grade levels using it as a vibrant setting for discovery and learning." O rc ha rd Avenue E lem e nta r y S ch o ol “This school year we continued to develop and grow our outdoor learning opportunities for staff and students. Students biked, fished, studied macroinvertebrates, engineered traps like fur trappers and traders, visited pictographs, Nordic skied and snowshoed, shot archery, planted seeds at the farm, designed a greenhouse, visited a national monument, went to the zoo, and so much more!” L A K E CO U N T Y I N T E R M E D I AT E 42 "I would love to get a job working at a hatchery again if I could because that was an amazing experience." STUDENT INTERN “Getting students into this program is great, because if they love it they pursue it. This could possibly lead into longer temporary positions and possibly careers.” CPW INTERN SUPERVISOR COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �Left to Right: WBL intern at a hatchery in Southern Colorado; Southwest region OUT teachers participating in a 3-day backpacking program; Montezuma High School Career Day at Mancos State Park. ©CPW Vir tual Programs SOLE connected with K-12 classrooms across the state with programming delivered from our virtual studio, providing engaging insights into mapping, ecosystems, adaptations, and wolf biology and management. Through the 50+ programs that were provided, SOLE educators were able to connect with over 2,500 students. Outdoor Understanding for Teachers (OUT ) Regional Coordinators hosted several professional development courses that provided K-12 teachers and education partners enriching experiences through unique opportunities to engage with nature and enhance their outdoor teaching skills. In the Southeast Region, Upper Arkansas OUT focused on the importance of the Upper Arkansas Watershed to people, wildlife, and our natural resources. Teachers had the opportunity to experience several engaging activities including touring the Mount Elbert Powerplant, hearing from local ranchers about the importance of cattle grazing in watersheds, learning about beavers, and connecting art with nature. The local CPW Aquatic Biologist took the teachers fish shocking to sample the South Arkansas River. Daily mindfulness activities were incorporated, providing teachers with tools to use in their classrooms. One teacher said “I will never look at the Arkansas River the same way again.” The Pueblo OUT program was a blast from the past allowing educators to learn about the history of conservation, hike through time at the Pueblo Mountain Park, hear from SOAR (Storytellers of the Ancestral Red Road) about the importance of incorporating indigenous history, explore local history on the Historic Pueblo Riverwalk, and learn about how mining impacted local history and continues to do so today. Teachers also had the opportunity to experience the Ute STEM curriculum, which was created by History Colorado in collaboration with the Ute Tribe. Partnerships with the Pueblo Zoo, The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, El Pueblo Museum and History Colorado were all key in making this class a success. One teacher summed up her experience by saying “I never knew PD could be so fun.” In the Southwest Region, OUT continues to deliver high-impact professional development for K-12 educators in Delta, Montrose, and Ouray counties. In the summer, teachers completed a 3-day backpacking course focused on Leave No Trace principles, wilderness first aid, and growth-oriented challenges designed for classroom replication. One participant shared, “All of the team-building + LNT programs were creative, suited for backpacking/the outdoors, and meaningful…I also felt that the comradery was astounding and inspiring for everyone involved”. For the spring workshop, the group explored land, wildlife, and community values with stewardship experts and tools like COTREX. Field Experiences Field experiences connected students in rural communities to hands-on learning, offering guidance and support to engage with nature. The Southwest region highlighted several programs it provided that got students outdoors, engaging with field staff. Ridgway State Park offered school programs in archery, fishing, paddleboarding, bird banding, and life cycles, as well as inclusive outdoor skill days for TRY (Together for Resilient Youth). Crawford and Sweitzer Lake State Parks also welcomed local youth for recreation trips and summer camps, including Swetizer’s new low ropes course with The Nature Connection. Sweitzer Lake State Park holds its “Know your State Park’ for Delta County 5th graders in the spring and fall. Mancos State Park hosted Montezuma County high school students for a spring field career day led by CPW and its partners. These programs support students through mentorship, spark their stewardship, and inspire them for future outdoor adventures and careers. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 43 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently completed its 25th season of partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a statewide network of locally run youth corps. Youth corps crews made substantial contributions to CPW’s lands and the people who visit them. Work included trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, fence removal, fire mitigation, and the removal of invasive plants. In total, CYCA crews completed: 50 weeks of work at 17 state parks, 11 state wildlife areas, and four state fish hatcheries In addition to the valuable work completed, the partnership also provides young people with opportunities for professional development, skill building, environmental education, and career exploration. Corps members gain an awareness of the agency, meet and work alongside CPW staff, and learn about the various job pathways available. CYCA engaged 230 corps members and 70 crew leaders during the year, many of whom identify with traditionally underrepresented races, ethnicities, and genders. Ultimately, this partnership is helping to improve our lands, inspire stewardship, and train and recruit the next generation of natural resource professionals. 17,110 HOURS OF C YC A L ABOR 50 WEEKS OF WORK AT: 17 state parks 11 state wildlife areas 4 state fish hatcheries TOP TO BOTTOM: Trail crew at Staunton State Park; CYCA Corps members at West Rifle Creek State Wildlife area ; Larimer County Conservation Corp members cleaning out fish raceways at Bellvue Watson Fish Hatchery. ©CPW 44 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth, provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities, facilitate networking opportunities with CPW professionals, and offer exposure to various CPW career paths. YIP places interns in various positions throughout CPW. In FY 2024-25, CPW funded 66 internship positions. YIP interns assisted CPW program areas, including state parks, aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, water quality monitoring, administrative support, and education and interpretation. TOP TO BOTTOM: CPW Youth interns participate in ice rescue training; CPW Youth interns at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. ©CPW Q U OT E S F R O M Y I P I N T E R N S "Each time I would meet a new biologist, wildlife officer, or ranger it felt like they were all looking out for me and trying to further myself as an asset to the community and the natural resources of the state. Whether we were handling 50-pound invasive carp, administering vaccines to prairie dogs, or educating the public about wildlife management, each experience was fun and rewarding." “During my time here with CPW one thing that I have learned that will help me with my career is State Wildlife Area work. I learned so much on the importance of upkeeping SWA's so that hunters like myself can enjoy these properties the state provides. It was great to manage these properties and upkeep them and I can use this work in my future as I apply for a DWM position.” “My communication skills greatly improved along with leadership skills. I also have a much better idea of how to get a full time job with CPW." “I had no experience in biology aquatic sampling or amphibians or fish, and no feel like I've had a lot of opportunity to grow and learn, and now am considering some kinds of fish work for graduate school. Even graduate school I hadn't really thought too much of before this program." “I learned to be confident in my position, knowledge, and experience, as well as confident to ask questions to peers and management without feeling like a burden. I learned so much about working in and for the outdoors, like tool use, use of heavy machinery, collecting data, developing public speaking skills, etc.” “I learned how to work within a team but also individually. I was also able to grow professionally and find a new sense of confidence that I will take with me after this summer. I was also able to learn about other roles and positions that can be found within CPW that I never realized before. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT 45 �Bird watcher at Elkhead Reservoir State Park©Vic Schendel/CPW �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE Wildlife Viewing programs help connect people to wildlife through educational festivals, programs, and other engagement opportunities, promoting ethical behaviors and viewing skills. These programs provide experiences to observe wildlife and share biological and ecological information, fostering understanding and stewardship of Colorado’s wildlife. Wildlife viewing C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Bats of Colorado: Shadows in the Night The Wildlife Viewing program, with support from CPW biologists, produced the agency’s first Wildlife Viewing Pocket Guide focused on Colorado bats. The guide is a tool to help individuals understand and appreciate Colorado's bats, as it makes identifying these elusive and often misunderstood creatures accessible to the public. The simple act of identification transforms an ambiguous flying object into a recognizable species, connecting people to the natural world around them. Furthermore, these guides often include vital information on the ecological roles of bats, such as their importance in insect control and pollination, as well as conservation threats like White-Nose Syndrome. By doing so, they not only educate but also encourage a sense of stewardship, turning casual observers into advocates for bat conservation. © MERLINTUTTLE.ORG WILDLIFE VIEWING POCKET GUIDE Red bat Spotted bat © MERLINTUTTLE.ORG Townsend’s big-eared bat © MERLINTUTTLE.ORG Fringed myotis © MERLINTUTTLE.ORG Hoary bat © MICHAEL DURHAM Wildlife viewing, which involves intentionally observing, feeding, or photographing wildlife, or visiting or maintaining natural areas to benefit wildlife, is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities in the United States. CPW provided numerous opportunities to view and learn more about wildlife, from collaborative events like wildlife festivals to local nature walks at a state park. For example, Steamboat Lake State Park staff assisted with the Yampa Valley Crane Festival by providing “Birding by Boat” guided birding tours on Steamboat Lake via pontoon boat. cpw.state.co.us 47 �Grant Detail FY 2024–2025 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs:▶ O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N ★ Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. ★ Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. ★ Acquire, construct, and maintain trails and river greenways. ★ Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. WILDLIFE ★ Develop wildlife-watching opportunities. ★ Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. ★ Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. ★ Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases, or easements and restoring critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2024-25 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. �STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024–25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 20200 Park Improvements 6,991,024 5,046,817 1,591,524 21200 Park Improvements 5,054,334 3,748,164 698,357 22200 Land Acquisition and Leases 6,119,195 3,589,354, 304,21 22223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 16,409 283,591 22225 Director's Innovation Fund (Parks) 25,000 21,819 - 23000 Park Improvements 5,183,550 20,586 5,162,964 23221 Trails in State Parks Program 500,000 49,091 139,095 23223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 100,000 – 100,000 23225 Director's Innovation Fund (Parks) 75,000 47,629 24,940 24172 Capital Development Program 1,010,749 – 1,010,749 24173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 – 1,292,500 24174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 225,530 – 221,664 24175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,211,420 – 4,211,420 24197 Recreation Mobility Data 400,000 – 24200 Park Improvements 6,656,269 – 3,189,981 24225 Director's Innovation Fund (Parks) 75,000 – 30,987 24532 FY24 CPW Centennial Projects - Outdoor Recreation 11,900,000 – 18,500 25172 Capital Development Program 1,008,222 – – 25173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 – – 25174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 329,358 – – 25175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,211,420 – – 25200 Park Improvements 4,750,234 – – 25225 Director's Innovation Fund (Parks) 75,000 – – Totals this section: $ 61,786,305 $ 12,539,871 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT – $18,280,294 49 �STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 21222 Website Redesign 700,000 521,342 152,179 24187 Public Information Program 296,000 – 296,000 24188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,500,000 – 1,500,000 24189 Volunteer Programs 73,040 – 73,040 25187 Public Information Program 296,000 – – 25188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,500,000 – – Totals this section: $ 4,365,040 $521,342 $2,021,219 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 500,000 – 500,000 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 646,985 71,972 22192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,000,000 631,078 211,842 22221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 471,844 28,029 23192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,500,000 138,894 753,320 24191 State Trails Program - Operating 400,000 – 395,021 24192 Trails Grants Program - Capital 1,500,000 – 35,276 24221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 – 24,075 25191 State Trails Program -Operating 400,000 – – 25192 Trails Grant Program 1,500,000 – – 25221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 – – Totals this section: $ 9,300,000 18233 Legacy Loop - Rock Island Trail 21192 $ 1,888,800 $ 2,019,535 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 21194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 210,168 89,832 24193 Water Program 22,059 – 22,056 23193 Water Program 21,115 – – Totals this section: GRAND TOTAL, STATE PARKS PURPOSE 50 $ 343,171 $ 210,168 $ 111,888 $75,794,516 $15,160,182 $ 22,432,937 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 1,223,088 5,750 401,218 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 870,493 224,024 22531 FY22 CPW Centennial Projects 1,564,500 1,564,500 – 23153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 238,791 234,595 24150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,012,288 – 10,750 24151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 450,884 – 450,884 24152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 – 1,000,000 24153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 – 189,766 24154 GIS Habitat Information 410,186 – 406,745 23531 FY23 CPW Centennial Projects 6,250,000 24531 FY24 CPW Centennial Projects 22,985,500 – – 25150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 2,830,998 – – 25151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 450,884 – – 25152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 – – 25153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 – – 25154 GIS Habitat Information 408,784 – – GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 22150 Acquire High Priority Habitat- Capital 22153 Totals this section: AWARD ($) $46,987,112 6,250,000 – $ 8,929,534 $ 2,917,982 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 23155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 24161 Threatened, Endangered, and Native Species Conservation 25155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 25161 Threatened, Endangered, and Native Species Conservation Totals this section: AWARD ($) 488,129 – 483,885 4,740,346 – 4,740,346 465,110 – – 4,740,346 – – $ 10,433,490 – COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT $ 5,224,231 51 �WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 1,300,000 968,207 282,618 AWARD ($) 21166 Website Redesign 22163 Director's Innovation Fund 25,000 24,450 – 23163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 49,961 4,913 24158 Youth Programs 918,637 – 918,637 24159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 – 400,183 24160 Angler Education 161,000 – 161,000 24163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – 66,918 25158 Youth Programs 918,637 – – 25159 Education Programs 306,926 – – 25160 Angler Education 161,000 – – 25163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – – Totals this section: $ 4,416,383 $ 1,042,617 $ 1,834,270 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 24162 Wildlife Viewing 144,899 – 144,899 25162 Wildlife Viewing 144,899 – – $289,798 – Totals this section: GRAND TOTAL, WILDLIFE PURPOSE $ 62,127,223 $144,899 $ 9,972,151 $ 10,121,382 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2024-25 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 500,000 170,591 329,409 3,000,000 761,923 1,434,444 Totals this section: $3,500,000 $932,514 $1,763,853 GRAND TOTAL, INCLUDING OUTDOOR RECREATION, WILDLIFE, AND PARTNERSHIPS $ 141,421,739 $ 26,064,847 $34,318,172 PARTNERSHIPS GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 22351 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (Capacity) 22352 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (Regrant) 52 AWARD ($) COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT �53 ���CPW Mission The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. G OCO MISSION To help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. Colorado Parks & Wildlife 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 • cpw.state.co.us CPW (IE/BC_EK/IND) FACS_01/16/2026 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/108019b86137caebb46b980b4a86c709.pdf 3e7ef962149af81f997950e914c6f53d PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT cpw.state.co.us �Cover Photo: Red Cloud Peak Natural Area ©CPW 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 �Contents Letter from the Director������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Working Together for Colorado����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 Resource Conservation & Outdoor Stewardship ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Land and Water Protection������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Capital Improvements ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Species Conservation, Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk, Natural Areas Program, and Wetlands Conservation��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 Resource Stewardship������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Wetlands Conservation ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Community Vitality & Equitable Access������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������24 Recreation Management on State Parks ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27 Volunteers��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28 Trails������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 30 CPW Website Redesign��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 33 Youth Connections������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������34 Outreach, Education, and Interpretive Programs������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 36 Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 Colorado Youth Corps Association������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40 Youth Internship Program����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 Watchable Wildlife ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 43 Grant Detail FY 2023–2024����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44 3 �Letter from the Director I am excited to share the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report for the 2023-24 fiscal year with the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. The work described in this report continues the mission we’ve served for more than 125 years. The agency’s dedicated staff have used their time, talents, and energy to perpetuate the wildlife resources of Colorado, provide a quality state parks system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable out-door recreation opportunities that inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of our natural resources. GOCO funding is vital to the realization of CPW's mission and contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s work, including managing state parks, statewide initiatives in species conservation, maintaining and developing trails and infrastructure projects, and providing educational opportunities for youth and families. GOCO funding helps CPW protect and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, outdoor education, hunting, angling, and species conservation. In this report, you will see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: › Operating support for Colorado state parks, supporting over 18.5 million visitor days; state park infrastructure and capital improvements at 11 state parks supporting 16 projects; › Expansion of CPW’s resource stewardship team to further expand our abilities with data collection and management support of resources; › Completion of 15 wetland conservation projects that restored 4,700 acres of wetland and riparian habitat; › Support of the volunteer program that included 4,816 volunteers who donated 275,318 hours; › Trail maintenance and reconstruction of 121 miles, new trail construction of 19 miles, and additional 4 miles of trail planning; › Funding for 31 weeks of Colorado Youth Corps work weeks at 15 state parks; acquisition of nearly 2,000 acres for a new State Wildlife Area that preserves a vital elk migration corridor and miles of excellent fishing habitat; and › Continued support of the 20 Regional Partnerships across the state. In hopes of serving all Coloradans, we will continue improving operations and strengthening partnerships. Recruiting and retaining qualified employees to manage wildlife, park, recreational, and aquatic resources is a top priority. We are excited to continue our work on the Colorado Outdoors Strategy to galvanize stakeholder voices and help shape the future of recreation in our state. We are identifying and beginning to plan the development of new Colorado state park areas and investing in other initiatives to increase park visitation, maintain excellent customer service, and ensure financial sustainability. Across the breadth of the agency, our efforts are to ensure that the Colorado we all enjoy today will remain available and enjoyable for future generations, We thank you for trusting Colorado Parks and Wildlife and are proud to present the 2024 Annual Report. Warm regards, Jeff Davis Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 4 �Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized across the country and around the world for its beautiful landscapes and diverse and healthy wildlife populations. Access to outdoor recreation and the state’s wildlife is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts. GOCO funding supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, as well as park operating and management activities. GOCO investments also support statewide initiatives in species conservation efforts, habitat protection and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails, and infrastructure projects. GOCO grant programs are rooted in the core values of its strategic plan: Resource Conservation, Outdoor Stewardship, Community Vitality, Equitable Access, and Youth Connections. GOCO’s mission is to help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail, and open space heritage. CPW's mission is complementary: to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado's natural resources. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO. This annual report highlights the great things CPW has accomplished in the state fiscal year 2023-24 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives minimal general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW, making many of these accomplishments possible. At the end of this report, you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2023-24, organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged GOCO funding to conserve natural resources, promote outdoor stewardship, enhance community vitality, improve equitable access to the outdoors, and connect youth and families with nature. $16,131,965 $10,012,272 INVESTM E NT P L A N TOTA L AWARD F O R O U TD O O R RECRE ATI O N IN VE S T M E N T P LA N TOTAL AWARD FO R W ILD LIFE F Y 2023-24 FY 2023-24 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 5 �Resource Conservation & Outdoor Stewardship Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes, and maintain areas that are already under CPW’s care. Cormorants ©Wayne Lewis/CPW �LAND AND WATER PROTECTION In addition to managing Colorado’s wildlife and state park system, CPW is responsible for acquiring, protecting, and managing lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with private landowners and local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 31.8 million acres of agricultural lands, which sustain more than 39,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, the conservation of Colorado’s abundant wildlife habitat and access to world-class recreation opportunities would be severely limited. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. COLL ARD R ANC H STATE WILDLIFE AREA 1, 860 A C R E S This acquisition preserves an important elk migration corridor and miles of excellent fishing habitat along Taryall Creek, increasing hunting and fishing opportunities for Coloradans. The final fee title purchase, funded with habitat stamp and GOCO funds, was completed in March 2024 with Western Rivers Conservancy officially transferring the ownership to CPW. Collard Ranch State Wildlife Area opened to hunting in fall 2024 and will open to fishing access in spring 2025 after infrastructure updates are made to the property. 2,305 FE E T IT LE ACRE S ACQ U IRE D FY 2023-24 $6,855,750 GO CO RE IM B U RS E M E N TS FO R L AN D ACQ U IS IT IO N FY 2023-24 https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview. php?state=COLORADO 1 7 �CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PARKS L ARGE C APITAL Colorado’s system of state parks is more than 65 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and renovation to the standards expected by today’s visitors. In addition, the infrastructure on many of the wildlife areas, including dams and hatcheries, is much older. F ISHERS PEAK STATE PARKINITIAL PARK DE VELOPM ENT AND STE WARD SHIP INVENTORY The CPW Capital Development program manages the construction and maintenance of more than 1,400 structures and 115 dams across the state. GOCO funding is one of the primary funding sources for many capital projects at state parks. � Fishers Peak Tribal Consultation ©CPW 8 $2, 000, 000 Fishers Peak State Park is one of the newest properties in the system. It is located just outside the city of Trinidad and is characterized by its rugged terrain, expansive geographical area, and the iconic peak itself. Through this project, staff and consultants explored the park and conducted an inventory of its cultural, vegetative, and wildlife resources. CPW also hired consulting firms to begin mapping and designing the park's infrastructure. This information will help guide the placement of infrastructure and shape the park’s future appearance. Currently, about 13 miles of trails are open to the public, and CPW is working to enhance access and amenities in the park. Additionally, the Fishers Peak staff are making efforts to incorporate the voices of Indigenous peoples in the design and amenities. With available funding, staff organized a series of consultations with Native American tribes, including those from Oklahoma, who have utilized this land for generations. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �CR AW F O R D S TAT E PA R K -VOLUNTEER A N D E M P LOYE E C A M P S I TES $ 3 5 8 , 000 Through this project, CPW added new campsites for seasonal employees and volunteers with water, sewer, and electricity in the maintenance shop area at Crawford State Park to help with recruitment and retention during the busy season at the park. Located near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crawford State Park’s major draws are its reservoir and camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, water skiing, swimming, and even scuba diving. Due to the park's remote location, affordable housing for temporary staff and volunteers is limited. Having the option to place a camper near the property for the duration of their service can help recruit potential staff and volunteers, as there was not previously sufficient space for staff and volunteers in the popular public campgrounds. Crawford Employee and Volunteer Campsites ©CPW HIGHL I N E L AK E S TAT E PA R K -SWIM B EAC H R E S T ROOM $ 1 ,1 6 5, 000 This project replaced an aging swim beach restroom building, which was not large enough to serve visitors and needed numerous repairs. The new, larger building can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the popular park. Highline Lake State Park has two lakes and a popular trail system for the people living in and visiting the Grand Valley. In another project, CPW is also expanding the park to include more campsites and improve access to the water. MUE L L E R S TAT E PA R K -C A M P GRO UN D R E N OVAT I ON S $ 6 5 5 , 700 This project renovated a portion of the park's campsites and associated infrastructure, improving the camping experience for visitors. The project helped with erosion and stormwater movement issues in the campgrounds that have mountainous ridges with highly erodible decomposed granite soils. Visitors to Mueller State Park can explore a diverse landscape of spring-fed meadows, montane forests, and Pikes Peak granite rock formations – all within 50 miles of Colorado Springs. The park is popular with people throughout the state, and campgrounds are almost entirely booked during the summer and shoulder seasons, leading to damage and deterioration of the campsites and associated infrastructure. Highline Beach Restroom ©CPW $4,483,592 GO CO RE IM B U RS E M E N TS FO R PARKS C A P ITAL IM P R O VE M E N TS FY 2023-24 $5,183,550 TOTAL GO CO FU N D IN G AWA RDE D, S U P P O R T IN G 16 P R O J E C TS AT 11 STATE PA RK S, CP W AD M IN IS T R AT IVE OFFI C E S, A N D S TAT E W ID E DAM MA IN T EN AN C E FY 2023-24 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 9 �SPECIES CONSERVATION, PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK, NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM, AND WETLANDS CONSERVATION Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America, including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. Mist netting for bats at Dinosaur National Monument. ©D. Neubaum 10 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �BATS Efforts to monitor bat populations across Colorado in response to the arrival of a deadly disease affecting bats, white-nose syndrome (WNS), continued in 2024 through a variety of survey methods. CPW and its partners participated in the continent-wide NABat effort, which deploys acoustic detectors at select sites yearly over four nights and uses recorded bat calls to confirm species occurrence. This data generates the first large-scale trends of bat species in Colorado and North America. A variety of winter, spring, and summer work at bat hibernacula, foraging areas, and maternity roosts have allowed for the collection of skin swabs from Colorado bats to test for the presence of the fungus that causes WNS. Non-invasive efforts, such as guano collections at summer roost sites, have also been used to test for the fungus after bats groom the spores off their body and pass them through their digestive systems. CPW made proactive efforts to treat bats by vaccinating them for the first time in Colorado in the late summer of 2024. Individuals were given unique marks that will allow for them to be tracked over time to assess if the vaccinations are effective. Swabbing a hibernating bat at the Paradox Mine. ©E. Phillips B L AC K- F O OTE D F E R R E T Black-footed ferrets are a federally listed endangered species that were once thought to be extinct. Colorado is a hotbed of black-footed ferret reintroduction efforts, with eight new release sites since 2013. GOCO funding is vital in supporting pre-release mapping and plague management efforts, as well as post-release monitoring. Colorado’s reintroduction efforts have kicked into high gear, with releases occurring on public and private lands in Larimer, Adams, Pueblo, Prowers, Baca, and Bent counties. Ferrets are one of many species that are highly dependent on prairie dogs, which means that plague management and conservation of prairie dog colonies is not only critical to supporting black-footed ferret populations but also benefits burrowing owls, swift foxes, raptors, reptiles, and other wildlife. In 2023, 165 captive-reared black-footed ferrets were released at seven sites, including the newly added Pueblo Chemical Depot/Thatcher Ranch site. CPW and partners applied plague management practices to approximately 12,625 acres in the form of insecticide dust, 2023 black-footed ferret release at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Pueblo County. ©Pueblo Chemical Depot fipronil grain, and plague vaccine baits. In addition, a two-year study using scent dogs to detect the presence of black-footed ferrets found the survey technique could benefit monitoring efforts. CPW plans to release additional ferrets at current sites where plague management continues in late 2024. CPW has also established a five-year lease of approximately 1,821 acres on the Fort Collins Soapstone property for the black-footed ferret program. The agreement will allow CPW access to the enrolled lands for the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets, habitat monitoring and management at the site, and population monitoring of reintroduced and wild-born black-footed ferrets. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 11 �SOUTHERN WHITE- TAILED PTARM IGAN In response to the 2010 petition to list the southern white-tailed ptarmigan, CPW launched a seven-year research project to help inform the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s review. CPW’s research found that the ptarmigan is a resilient species occupying all suitable alpine habitats in Colorado, with stable populations with high genetic diversity. Though populations appeared to be healthy, CPW has continued to monitor the species using occupancy surveys in 2011, 2021, and 2022 in northern, central, and southern Colorado. Estimates of occupancy for males increased from 2011–2022. Conversely, female and chick occupancy declined. Occupancy surveys for white-tailed ptarmigan are being conducted in 2024 to determine if negative trends in female and chick occupancy continue. Female white-tailed ptarmigan with chicks. ©Dillon Sapena EASTERN BL AC K R AIL Eastern black rail and chicks captured on CPW game camera in southeast Colorado. ©CPW 12 CPW continues to monitor the elusive eastern black rail, a federally threatened subspecies facing steep declines across its range. The eastern black rail is the smallest of the rails and inhabits wetlands with dense herbaceous cover. Most known populations are concentrated in coastal marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Unfortunately, many of these populations are threatened by rising sea levels. Southeast Colorado appears to have a relatively stable and dense population of black rails. Beginning in 2018, CPW began long-term occupancy surveys across Southeast Colorado. CPW recently provided information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a range-wide data request to inform a Species Status Assessment update. The previous Species Status Assessment did not include any Colorado information, and our new data will inform occupancy modeling used to predict extinction risks. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �Pinyon jay flocks observed at one of the breeding colonies. ©CPW PINYO N JAYS Pinyon jays are thought to be declining range-wide and are currently being reviewed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Because of this concern for the species, CPW has been working to better understand jays' habitat use during the breeding season, assess threats to reproductive output, and coordinate with other agencies on land management practices to benefit and avoid detrimental impacts on jays. In 2024, CPW conducted surveys to determine pinyon jay occupancy within 2.5 km X 2.5 km grids with the aid of point count surveys. When located, staff followed jays to their breeding colony to map the area using historic and active nests. Preliminary results are positive, as summarized below. › Surveyed 88 grids and completed 876 point counts › Located 30 active breeding colonies › Located 100 active pinyon jay nests (i.e., eggs in nest, female incubating, nestlings in nests) › Located 145 fresh and potentially probable active nests › Located 935 old pinyon jay nests › CPW plans to conduct surveys again in 2025, incorporating new grid locations. INTEGR ATED M ONITORING IN BIRD CONSERVATION REGIONS CPW partners with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and other partners to monitor bird populations across Colorado and much of the central U.S. The Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program began in Colorado in 2008 and has since expanded across the Great Plains to the Great Basin. It is now the second-largest bird monitoring program in the country, encompassing Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of 12 other states. CPW has provided funding for Colorado IMBCR surveys from 2008-2024. Data from these annual surveys are used to estimate occupancy, abundance, and trend through time. CPW relied heavily on IMBCR trend data to evaluate avian species for inclusion as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) for the 2025 revision of the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan. Several species came off Colorado’s SGCN list because their trend appears stable; other species were added as Species of Greatest Information Need (SGIN) due to alarming trend data COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 13 �B L AC K S WI F T S U RV E YS The northern black swift (Cypseloides niger borealis) is a species of significant continental conservation concern. The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data and the Partners in Flight 2016 Landbird Conservation Plan indicate that the species has experienced steep range-wide population declines in the United States and Canada. Colorado has more known occupied sites than all other western states and Canadian provinces combined. However, CPW lacks reliable estimates of abundance or population trends, largely due to the remote nature of black swift breeding sites near mountainous waterfalls. CPW partnered with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to develop a robust monitoring protocol to estimate occupancy, abundance, and, through time, population trends. As part of this monitoring effort, CPW and Bird Conservancy biologists conducted repeat black swift surveys across Colorado in 2022-2024 and plan for a fourth year in 2025. NASRF Technician David Avila with a dip net of Bonytail chub. ©Ricardo Romero/CPW PROPAGAT ION OF AT -RIS K AQUAT IC SPE CIE S Black swift on nest, Colorado. ©Evan Phillips/CPW Fish Creek Falls black swift survey. ©Liza Rossi, CPW 14 The J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF), located in Colorado’s beautiful San Luis Valley, was constructed in 2000 to facilitate the conservation of rare aquatic native species through captive propagation, genetic conservation, scientific research, and public education and awareness. Among the first facilities of its kind in the United States, NASRF works proactively to keep state species of greatest conservation need from reaching levels warranting federal protections. For state fiscal year 2023-24, the hatchery produced and stocked over 215,000 threatened and endangered fish and boreal toad tadpoles. Since its inception, NASRF has stocked over 4.3 million aquatic animals into suitable waters and wetlands throughout Colorado. To date, NASRF has been successful in the captive propagation of all 12 species of fish currently on the unit, as well as the boreal toad. NASRF’s stocking efforts include Arkansas darters and other plains fishes for the streams of the Eastern plains, Rio Grande chub and sucker for the Rio Grande basin, "three species" (bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub) for the Colorado, San Juan, and Yampa River basins, and boreal toads for COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �montane wetlands. Through the continued development of improved culture techniques and new technologies, NASRF maximizes production while ensuring a safe and responsible culture environment for its native aquatic species at risk. The dedicated management and staff at NASRF bring over 100 years of combined fish culture experience in their mission to recover Colorado native aquatic species in decline. They are viewed as leaders in the field in Colorado and the nation. Profile of Arkansas darter. ©John Woodling B O NY TA I L Bonytail can grow to 22 inches or more in length and have been known to live up to 50 years. Bonytail were once common in portions of the upper and lower Colorado River basins. Today, the bonytail is among North America’s most endangered fish species. Its distribution and numbers are so low that it is threatened with extinction. No reproducing populations are known in the wild. Bonytail populations declined sharply after the construction of dams resulted in temperature and flow changes and with the introduction of non-native fish species that compete with or prey upon bonytail. A significant component of bonytail recovery is propagating and stocking these fish. As a partner in the Upper Colorado River Recovery Program, CPW raises bonytail at the NASRF, where 5,500 bonytail are released annually in the Yampa River, Colorado River, and tributaries. Once stocked, bonytail are rarely recaptured during survey efforts, making long-term survival challenging to document and measure. However, increasing numbers of bonytail have been detected in recent years. Hatchery staff continue to experiment with improvements to rearing and stocking techniques. These changes have likely contributed to the increasing number of detections in the wild. Holding a bonytail at NASRF hatchery ©Jenn Logan/CPW Collecting Arkansas Darter eggs from artificial spawning substrate. ©Ricardo Romero/CPW ARK ANSAS DARTER Arkansas darters occur only in parts of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. These fish inhabit low-gradient spring-fed streams and pools near shorelines, often with dense vegetation and silty, sandy, or sandy gravel substrates. Arkansas darters appear on several lists of concern: Colorado state threatened and Tier 1 species of Greatest Conservation Need (CPW 2015), sensitive (Bureau of Land Management), and near threatened (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Largescale withdrawals of groundwater and stream dewatering are thought to be the most significant threat to Arkansas darter’s viability. An important management action for conserving Arkansas Darters is establishing new populations in suitable habitats. Arkansas darters produced at CPW’s J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility are stocked annually in Southeastern Colorado streams. Stocking efforts show signs of success as CPW biologists have documented overwinter survival and multiple age classes of fish present in streams that were stocked by CPW. 15 �COLOR A DO N ATU R AL AR E AS PROGR AM The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) has been showcasing and protecting Colorado’s natural treasures since 1977. With the support of GOCO, the program works to identify, designate, and protect Colorado’s most significant natural features through voluntary agreements with various landowners. Colorado’s Natural Areas contain rare and unique plants, wildlife, invertebrates, natural communities, geologic features, and fossils. CNAP helps to monitor and protect over 150 species of greatest conservation need on State Natural Areas. CNAP accomplishments during FY 2023-24 are highlighted below. NE W S TAT E N AT U R A L A R E A A ND EXPAN SI O N S C NAP VOLUNTEER STE WARD PROGR AM CNAP completed the designation of a new state natural area, called Coal Creek Tallgrass Prairie and also finalized the expansions of both White Rocks and Colorado Tallgrass Prairie Natural Areas. The three sites are all owned and managed by the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, a long-time partner of CNAP for nearly 50 years. The new designation and expansions were celebrated at a designation event in October 2023. Certificates of Designation, signed by Governor Polis and DNR Executive Director Dan Gibbs, were presented to the City of Boulder by CPW Director Jeff Davis. CNAP’s volunteer program consists of nearly 60 dedicated volunteers who are assigned one or more State Natural Areas to steward. During FY 2023-24, CNAP volunteers contributed nearly 1,400 hours conducting annual monitoring of their assigned State Natural Areas, including reporting on site conditions, photo monitoring, and documenting species of greatest conservation need. Data volunteers collect help to provide valuable insights about each site for CNAP staff and the landowner. Volunteers get to know their assigned sites over many years; about half of the volunteers have been monitoring their sites for over 10 years. 2023 CNAP designation event. ©Ryan Jones/CPW 16 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �Corral Bluffs volunteer event. ©Ryan Jones/CPW CN A P P U BL I S H E S 2021–2023 TRIE N N I A L R E P OR T COLOR AD O NATUR AL AREAS COUNC IL REAUTHORIZ ATION By statute, CNAP is required to provide the governor with a report every three years that includes the status of each designated and registered State Natural Area. The 2021-2023 CNAP Triennial Report not only includes the status of each State Natural Area but also provides helpful information on the program’s partnerships, volunteer steward program, conservation highlights, and accomplishments. The Colorado Natural Areas Council (CNAC) is a seven-member advisory council for CNAP that includes five Governor appointees, one representative from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, and one representative from the State Board of Land Commissioners. The CNAC was successfully reauthorized for another ten years with the passing of H.B. 24-1257 during the spring 2023 legislative session. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 17 �RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP The CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado’s state parks and state recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and part-time staff, conservation and planning projects, and program operations. CPW Staff member working on a weed mapping survey.. ©CPW 18 �THE R E S O URCE S T E WA R D S H I P PRO G R A M A D D R E S S E S S I X MAIN TO P I C A R E A S: (1) The development of Resource Stewardship Plans and resource management standards for each state park; (2) the development and management of GIS natural and cultural resource data; (3) environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conservation during capital projects; (4) invasive species management, revegetation, and restoration; (5) forest management; and (6) volunteer citizen science project management. During FY 2023-24, CPW’s Resource Stewardship Program utilized GOCO funds to accomplish many significant projects. A few highlights include: RESOURC E STE WARDSHIP PL ANNING The first step in building a resource stewardship plan for a state park is the collection of natural and cultural resource data specific to each unique property. Resource stewardship plans help maintain the ecological integrity of parks now and for future generations while providing the best possible recreational experience for park visitors. During the past fiscal year, inventory projects were performed at state parks, including Rifle Gap, Rifle Falls, Harvey Gap, Fishers Peak, Highline Lake, Sweetwater Lake, Sweitzer Lake, Crawford Reservoir, Paonia Reservoir, Chatfield, Mueller, Eleven Mile, and Spinney Mountain. Staff completed surveys of breeding birds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, rare plants, vegetation, paleontology, and cultural resources. Inventories also included geologic mapping and vegetation monitoring. RESOURC E ST E WA R D S HIP T E A M The Resource Stewardship Team has consisted of two full-time program managers and a dedicated and experienced team of contract employees since the merger of State Parks and the Division of Wildlife in 2011. The program has grown to include data collection and management support on historic, cultural/prehistoric, geological, paleontological, soils, restoration, and pollinator resources, as well as a much-expanded scope that utilizes volunteers in community science projects. This expansion has resulted in a large amount of spatial data that is managed and stored in a state parks resource management GIS. The two full-time employees have also expanded their roles to include new areas of expertise, increased contract services coordination, and additional supervision of seasonal employees. The program is happy to announce the first addition of a full-time employee to the team since 2010, increasing full-time program staff to three individuals. This employee’s responsibilities will include management of state park monitoring programs, including volunteer community science-based programming and compliance support for the CPW development review administrative directive. The agency has approved the addition of a fourth full-time staff member who will be responsible for covering habitat and vegetation resources. Stewardship staff installing kestrel nest box in a state park. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 19 �FISHE RS PE A K S TAT E PA R K The Resource Stewardship Program is involved in the design of Fishers Peak State Park to meet the goals of conservation and the provision of recreation opportunities in the park. Program staff are collaborating to create the Fishers Peak State Park management plan. Additionally, stewardship staff are working with Southeast Region staff, park staff, and consultants to create a development plan to identify the future infrastructure necessary for visitation and management of the property. Program staff are also supporting efforts by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety to stabilize historic mine sites in the area for safety and interpretation for the public. Collaborative efforts with the Colorado Department of Transportation, CPW Southeast Region staff, and CPW staff from other statewide programs are underway to create a highway underpass on Interstate 25 to facilitate migratory passage for wildlife. This CDOT project involves the consideration of data made available through the program regarding the federally endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse. Program staff provide natural and cultural resource data, analyze and interpret this data, and apply the information to these and other park projects. Biological survey data for New Mexico meadow jumping mouse have also led to the identification of occupied habitat areas within the park, which enabled the creation of habitat maps to help visitation management and to ensure park infrastructure development avoids impacts to this protected species. Botanical surveys continue to reveal new and rare plant species, and projects are being developed to search for more important plant species on the property. These plant surveys support consultation with indigenous groups to inform how and where these communities may access the property for the collection and use of culturally significant plant species. Surveys and monitoring of specific breeding locations of raptor species, analysis of the use of forest habitats for wildlife breeding, and surveys for bat species on the property were completed. Additionally, data from cultural resource inventory work and paleontological surveys, geological surveys, and a geologic hazards assessment, including fault lines, landslide areas, and rock fall areas, have been compiled into maps and reports to help development projects avoid areas that are unsuitable for infrastructure development. 20 Fishers Peak New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse endangered species report. ©CPW HIGHLINE L AKE STATE PARK Highline Lake State Park was expanded by acquiring a neighboring property, and future visitor access is currently being planned. The Resource Stewardship Program has continued to support the development of this property through consultation with capital construction staff to aid in the conservation of local species during and after construction projects. Avian, raptor, and herptile surveys were performed to increase the understanding of the park’s wildlife to support conservation management on the property. INVASIVE SPEC IES MANAGEMENT The Program surveyed invasive plants (noxious weeds) in eleven state parks and created management plans for each park. Plans include maps of known weed populations, weed species identification aids, identification of priority treatment areas and weed species, treatment method recommendations, seasonal treatment calendars by species and park location, and revegetation specifications and seed mixes. These plans are all created specifically for each state park and their unique on-the-ground conditions. Tools were created and included in each plan to facilitate improved herbicide treatment efforts by contract sprayers and tracking of herbicide use by field staff. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �RE VE GE TAT I ON A N D RESTO R AT I O N COLOR AD O CONSERVATION DATA EXPLORER Seeding specifications and seed mixes have been shared with the CPW dam safety engineers, capital development team, regional project managers, and state park land management partners to ensure that, where ground-disturbing projects occur, appropriate native plant species are seeded. Additionally, specifications to support the creation of pollinator habitats in state parks are being adopted by some parks for implementation. Seeding specifications outline how to perform seeding and planting projects; provide plant lists and seed mixes; and outline maintenance, care, and success criteria for pollinator habitat projects. Plant species are selected based on their presence in each park, their value to pollinators, and their availability with commercial seed and plant providers. Reviews of seed mixes are underway to ensure that restoration success and commercial availability are current. The Resource Stewardship Program continues to lead agency efforts in collaborating with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program for the development and use of the Colorado Conservation Data Explorer or CODEX codex.cnhp.colostate.edu. This web-mapping tool allows users easy access to comprehensive spatial data related to habitats, occurrences of wildlife and rare plants, and other important natural resources. CODEX provides a critical decision support tool in advancing efforts to ensure that future development happens in ways that can maintain Colorado’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. The tool has over 400 organizations regularly utilizing its features, including many of the coalitions participating in the Regional Partnerships Initiative. NATU R A L A N D CU LT U R A L RESO URC E T R A IN IN G F OR N E W STATE PA R K R A N G E R S The Resource Stewardship Program continues to support and lead natural and cultural resource training for the classes of new state park rangers. These trainings are provided by CPW Resource Stewardship Program staff and through collaboration with partner organizations. Training occurs in the areas of cultural resource management, plants, forestry, invasive species, bird biology and identification, pollinators and butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, and state park resource stewardship planning. F OREST MANAGEM ENT The program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. CPW contracted with the conservation-focused tree nursery One Canopy to produce 1,300 native tree seedlings for state parks in FY 2023-2024. A wildfire resiliency study was completed at Lory State Park to determine opportunities for improving riparian function and sensitive wildlife habitats. Priority forest management projects were implemented on 40 acres at State Forest State Park and 9.5 acres at Jackson Lake State Park. Jackson Lake State Park was also the focus of a native tree/ shrub revegetation project, and dozens of cottonwood whips and willow stakes were planted in strategic areas of the park as part of the long-term forest improvement effort. Finally, the program published a collection of ArcGIS Story Maps to illustrate forest management activities and photo monitoring that has occurred on state parks over the past two decades cpw.info/forest-management-state-parks. Continuing to invest in these forest management activities helps improve the resilience and ability of state parks to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases. It also helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. Avian training day for new rangers and DWMS at Chatfield State Park. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 21 �WETLANDS CONSERVATION Wetlands are lands affected by water that support unique plants and soils, making up just two percent of Colorado’s landscape but providing benefits to over 75 percent of the state’s wildlife species. Protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetlands and riparian areas is vital to conserving wildlife diversity in the state. Wetland and riparian landscapes provide crucial feeding, resting, and rearing habitat, and movement corridors. They also improve water quality and quantity, creating open space, educational opportunities, and economic benefits from hunting, fishing, and bird watching. 8 NE W WE TL A ND S P R O JE C TS FY 2023-24 15 COMPL E TED P R O J E C TS FY 2023-24 4,700 ACRES O F W E TL A N D A ND R I PA RIA N RESTO R ATION FY 2023-24 Sandhill cranes at the Monte Vista Crane Festival ©Delliveneri/CPW �CPW’s Wetlands Program annually awards competitive grants to staff and external partners for projects that restore wetlands and riparian areas. These projects create new managed wetlands, improve the function and efficiency of existing wetlands, remove non-native invasive vegetation and replace it with native vegetation, manage invasive cattail growth in wetlands, restore riparian habitat impacted by mining, and reconnect incised creeks with their floodplains. Projects are conducted on state wildlife areas, state parks, and other public and private lands. The program drives funding priorities to those projects benefiting species of greatest conservation need identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. In FY 2023-24, CPW awarded funds for eight new wetlands projects and three previously funded projects that will help to restore or enhance 2,200 acres of wetland and riparian habitat. The projects will improve habitat on two state wildlife areas, one state park, two county or municipal open space properties, two private properties, federal lands managed by the USFS and BLM, and lands managed by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. These projects will benefit eight priority waterfowl species and 22 Tier 1 or 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need as identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, including greater sandhill crane, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, boreal toad, northern leopard frog, bluehead sucker, Rio Grande sucker, and Rio Grande chub. Each CPW dollar invested in these projects resulted in $1.22 in matching funds contributed by 16 different partners, stretching GOCO and CPW funds further. Also, in FY 2023-24, CPW staff and partners achieved more than 4,700 acres of wetland and riparian restoration in 15 completed projects. Highlights included shallow wetland improvements on CPW properties, including Jackson Lake State Park and the Centennial Valley State Wildlife Area, and completion of restoration plans for future work at Banner Lakes and Wellington State Wildlife Areas. Low-tech, process-based restoration projects reconnecting incised streams to their floodplains benefitted beavers and other priority species in multiple drainages in South Park, and Gunnison sage grouse in the Gunnison Basin. Finally, working with private landowners continued as a program emphasis. In conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program and other partners, six projects were completed on private lands across Colorado in the Arkansas Headwaters, Colorado Headwaters, South Platte, Rio Grande, and Yampa/White/ Green River watersheds. Wetland cells at Jackson Lake State Park after being filled for the first time. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 23 �Community Vitality & Equitable Access Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. With GOCO’s support, CPW provides opportunities to connect Coloradans with outdoor experiences statewide. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 43 state parks and more than 300 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 4,500 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. CNAP volunteers at the Mexican Cut Natural Area ©RSavannaSmith/CNHP 24 �25 �26 �RECREATION MANAGEMENT ON STATE PARKS GOCO partnerships protect the places that Coloradans enjoy and support the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s state parks. This historic support for state park operations has been invaluable to CPW and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. THE ANNUAL ‘GEAR UP FOR SUMMER’ EVENT AT ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA (AHRA). The purpose of this event is to get the local community of the Upper Arkansas River Valley outside, engaged, and ready for a safe, clean, and fun summer. CPW and partner groups set up booths and talk to visitors about recreation and safety to get them excited and geared up for summer. They also handed out free life jackets to the first 50 youth who attend! 18,503,228 S TATE PARKS V I S I TATI O N FY 2023-24 $4,211,420 G OCO REIMBUR S E M E N TS F O R PA R K OP ER ATIO NS FY 2023-24 PHOTOS Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Gear up event. ©CPW. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 27 �VOLUNTEERS STORIE S A YEAR TO VOLUNTEER Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s natural resources while cultivating stewardship and building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides recruitment, screening, training, retention, support, and resources for state parks, wildlife areas, hatcheries, educational programs, and administrative offices across the state. Partnerships and Trainings: The volunteer program continued statewide partnerships with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) and the Friends of Colorado State Parks (FCSP). VOC engaged volunteers to complete stewardship projects on CPW properties, and FCSP supported local Friends groups in their missions to support state parks. A Year to Volunteer (Y2V) is an RV-centric, nationwide nonprofit volunteer organization that travels the country performing projects at state parks and other nonprofits. Y2V joined CPW at State Forest State Park, and in just two weeks, they provided what would have been a year’s worth of work for one person. They built a campground, painted, stained, and deepcleaned cabins and cottages, cleared recyclable metals out of an old pit, dismantled picnic tables, built stairs on a trail, and upgraded and refreshed other campsites. Some volunteers, like heavy equipment operators, engineers, and carpenters, came with technical skills. One important part of Y2V projects is the community and relationship building. Y2Vers also came from across the country, and many saw both the Rockies and a moose for the first time. Highlights include: ★ Funding 11 wildlife-related volunteer projects, including tree planting, state wildlife area visitor education, bear aware programs, archery range improvements, and fence removal or shift to wildlifefriendly fencing. ★ Hosting the annual education and volunteer training attended by 60 staff who work with volunteers. This year’s theme was Outdoors for All: Planning and Building Accessible Education and Volunteer Programs. Sessions focused on universal design and physical and digital accessibility. Staff could stop by “world cafe” stations featuring a variety of topics and experiences, such as a pop-up sensory trail, neurodiversity and sensory tools, and check out adaptive hunting and angling equipment. As a result of this training, ten staff and volunteers became Certified Inclusivity Assessors. The statewide volunteer and interpretation programs also purchased and distributed 30+ pen friends and sensory bags to sites across the state. Pen friends are tools that read signs out loud for persons who are blind or have low vision. Sensory items benefit those who are neurodiverse or have sensory processing disorders. 28 A Year to Volunteer participants work on a State Park project. ©Phil and Shar Roos F IESTAS PATRIAS Fiestas Patrias is a family festival in Colorado Springs, bringing people from diverse Hispanic origins to create a central fusion. This full-day event provides live music and dancing, Mexican wrestling, vendor booths, and plenty of food. Haydee Ullrich has volunteered for CPW wildlife and outreach booths around the state for 19 years. Thanks to her Spanish fluency and fun attitude, she was instrumental in making the inaugural CPW booth at Fiestas Patrias a success! She interacted with both English and Spanish speakers at the event through our wildlife trivia wheel and talked to people about the wildlife hides we had displayed. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �“Partnering with individuals who choose to work with our agency is an incredible gift. Volunteers share their passion, and represent their community in ways I am not able to do. Fostering volunteer engagement with our shared resources is one of the greatest rewards of my job.” M E G A N M CCO N V I L L E WAT E R Q UA L I T Y S P E C I A L I S T A N D R I V E R WATC H PROGRAM MANAGER Bluebird monitoring volunteers at Mueller State Park. ©Anna Miller MUE L L E R S TAT E PA R K B LU E B IRD PRO JE C T The trails were wet, but the sun was shining when bluebird monitoring volunteers set out to check nest boxes at Mueller State Park. Volunteers learned how to respectfully check each box, saw old nests from last year, and honed their skills on how to tell a bluebird nest from a wren or sparrow nest. A group of volunteers started making their way across a clearing to reach a box by the edge of some pine trees. The closer they got, the deeper the snow was. When the snow was up to their knees, they wondered if they should continue. If you have ever postholed through snow, you know it is not easy. The group was persistent and ended up crawling on their hands and knees to increase their surface area so to avoid falling through the snow! Volunteers successfully checked all 24 nesting boxes at Mueller. “Volunteering with CPW has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I feel honored to invest my time and talents in an agency and with staff that mean so much to me personally and have taken my life in a new direction!” C P W V O LU N T E E R 275,318 VO LU N T E E R H O U RS FY 2023-24 132 FTE EQUIVALENT OF VOLUNTEER HOURS FY 2023-24 4,816 TOTA L VO LU N T E E RS FY 2023-24 $10,010,563 VO LU N T E E R VA LU E FY 2023-24 $116,527 GO CO RE IM B U RS E M E N TS FO R STATE PARK S VO LU N T E E R P R O GR AM Fiestas Patrias is a family festival in Colorado Springs. ©Dave Ullrich FY 2023-24 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 29 �F EATURED PROJEC T TRAILS GOCO is an integral partner with the State Trails Program that provides funding for non-motorized trail projects. Funding in FY 2023-24 included an additional $500,000 for a new grant opportunity, the Trails Stewardship grant, for trail maintenance crews who work on public lands. These increased ‘boots on the ground’ trail crews help to balance conservation and recreation by increasing the number of trail crew hours funded by the Program. EVERGREEN LAKE TRAIL This project delivered a multi-modal, accessible trail on the north side of Evergreen Lake, replacing an existing narrow, soft-surface trail built in 1988. The new trail improves access to recreational opportunities, creates off-street bike and pedestrian connections to downtown and local recreation destinations, and improves safety for trail users. Along with the stewardship grant program, trail-related funding requests continue to increase yearly. The projects include planning and development, organization support, trail maintenance and reroutes, and new construction on state and federal lands. 4 MIL ES O F TR A I L P L A NNI N G FY 2023-24 19 MILES OF NEW TRAIL CONSTRUC TION FY 2023-24 121 MIL ES O F TR A I L MA I NTE NA N C E AN D RECO NSTRU C TI O N FY 2023-24 $2,849,115 G OCO TOTAL R E I M B U R S E M E N TS FO R THE TR AIL S P R O G R AM FY 2023-24 30 Multi-modal, accessible trail on the north side of Evergreen Lake. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �Multi-modal trail at Evergreen Lake. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 31 �CPW WEBSITE REDESIGN CPW launched its newly redesigned website to make its online presence more accessible, visually appealing, and informative for customers. The launch is a starting point, not a finish line. CPW staff listened to customers and constituents over the years and used that feedback to re-envision information flows and build an entirely new website for the agency on a proven CMS platform. The new website is more modern and built with the customer experience in mind, making pathways to desired information faster and more seamless. “Reimagining a website as robust as ours is no easy task, and while we know changes are always a challenge, we think you’ll find this website more dynamic, functional, and easier for you, our customers and partners, to use,” said Branding and Communications Section Manager Rebecca Ferrell. Below are some examples of how CPW is making significant improvements for customers. › Enhanced Accessibility - The new site meets all state and federal accessibility requirements, ensuring that CPW continues to work toward a “Colorado for All.” These requirements make content easier for screen readers to assist low-vision or blind customers and provide translation into multiple languages. › Website Audit - CPW reviewed all existing web content to eliminate repetition, consolidated pages, updated content, and used analytics to improve visitors’ online journeys for agency information. › New Website Navigation - Menus have changed to help users quickly navigate to their areas of interest. › Updated State Park Finder - Graphic cards with images and a park description give an immediate sense of each park’s features and activities. › Added mapping and event tools - The new website is a robust information base that will adapt and evolve for years to come, including an enhanced ability to search for park events, state wildlife areas, bodies of water, and more. Screen shots from CPW's newly redesigned website. ©CPW ▶ 32 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �COLORADO OUTDOOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) convenes a broad spectrum of interests to collaborate in advancing solutions to conserve Colorado’s outdoors for people and wildlife. CPW and GOCO launched the initiative in 2021, offering grant funds to coalitions to join the Colorado Outdoor Partnership and commit to both regional and statewide conservation and recreation collaboration and planning. CPW is now in the 7th grant cycle, having awarded over $4.9 million to 20 regional partnerships across the state. These partnerships, covering more than 75 percent of Colorado, are committed to bringing regional perspectives to Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, a process led by GOCO, CPW, DNR, and the Governor’s Office to advance a collaborative vision for conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable recreation. There continue to be countless success stories from these regions, including two new regional conservation and recreation plans, the development of several new data dashboards and decision support tools, and an increase in collaboration across outdoor interest areas and sectors. New partnerships formed on Colorado’s Eastern Plains are filling an essential geographic gap, while other more established partnerships hired full-time coordinators. The Metro Denver Nature Alliance brought additional funding to its own grant program, awarding six projects that advance its conservation and recreation vision while increasing equitable access to nature. CPW convened monthly meetings with Regional Partnership staff leads to share information and resources along with lessons learned and best practices. Every Regional Partnership was engaged in developing Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, a statewide vision that elevates common goals, amplifies regionally rooted efforts, provides data and tools to inform local decision-making, and advances coordinated, statewide strategies and funding for conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience. CPW is anticipating the launch of the Strategy in 2025. Top and middle photos ©Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance ©Metro DNA COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 33 �Youth Connections Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. Corwin International Field trip ©CPW 34 �35 �OUTREACH, EDUCATION, AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS With GOCO support, CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resources of the state. ANGLER EDUC ATION The Angler Education programs held more events and saw marked increases in attendance in 2024. The total number of events was up by 19 percent over last year, and the total number of participants was up 32 percent. CPW changed its approach this year in two key ways. First, the statewide program staff distributed more equipment to state parks so the individual parks could host more events. Gear was sent to Staunton, Barr Lake, Boyd Lake, Chatfield, Ridgway, Pueblo, and Mueller State Parks, to name a few. Second, staff added a few larger-scale events back into the schedule in 2024 that they did not host in previous years. Two large events that were added are The International Sportsmen's Expo (ISE) and Safe Summer Kickoff on Get Outdoors Day. Safe Summer Kickoff had close to 1,000 people in attendance, and 896 people attended CPW's fishing experience at ISE. Those two large events accounted for two-thirds of the participant increase over last year. Angler Education staff also hosted two Hispanic fishing days, “Dia de Pesca,” one in May and one in September. Together, they had over 500 total participants. Attendees practiced casting (spin and fly), got a free rod/reel combo, and learned how to fish for trout at local parks in their neighborhoods. All instruction and printed educational materials were in Spanish. These events were very well received by the local community and made possible by partnerships with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the Colorado Wildlife Federation. ©CPW 36 �FISHI N G C L I N I C S AT S TAT E PA RKS M U E L L E R S TAT E PA R K Fly Fishing Basics is one of Mueller’s most popular summer programs. The program is offered two to four times a month between May and September. Groups range in age from 8 years old and up, with a size of 10 to 30 participants in each session. The program is two hours long and covers parts of a rod, how to tie basic knots, casting practice, and trying to catch a fish at Dragonfly Pond. In 2024, Fly Fishing Basics Plus classes were offered as well. This class is for Fly Fishing Basics program participants who want to learn more. The Plus program involves a three-hour audiovisual presentation covering different rod setups, how to read the water, and detailed information on the available gear. When time allows, fly choice is also covered. After the presentation, participants spend an hour or more on the water practicing all that they learned. Fly fishing clinic at Mueller State Park©CPW S TAU N TO N S TAT E PA R K Staunton’s angler education program hosted around 50 drop-in events in 2024, in addition to over 20 private events for youth organizations. Staunton also added fly-fishing programs to their schedule this year and hosted nine fly-fishing events. Staunton’s fishing program is an amazing example of volunteers taking the lead at a park and using their skills and passion to build an amazing program. 331 ©CPW NUMBER O F ANG L E R E D U C ATI O N C LI NICS FY 2023-24 11,588 NUMBER O F PA R TI C I PA NTS FY 2023-24 INTERPRE TATION PROGR AMS On September 3rd, 2023, Trinidad Lake State Park hosted its first Adult Novice Archery Program. This program was run by archery volunteers and rangers and was catered specifically for adults interested in archery but who may have never had the opportunity to try it. The volunteers, along with park staff and the local District Wildlife Manager, made this event a success for all who participated. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 37 �SCHOOLS AND OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS SCH O O L S A N D OU T D OOR LEA RN I N G E N V IRON M E N TS The Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) program is CPW’s overarching formal education program. It serves early childhood, kindergarten through 12th grade, community college, and university-level students and educators by creating impactful connections to the outdoors. The program’s goal is to be a leading source for natural resource related education resources, directly aligned with state academic standards, so that educators and students have a strong relationship and knowledge base of the outdoors, which inspires behavior changes that increase stewardship and conservation best practices. The focus is to connect students and educators to the natural resources of Colorado. While early childhood and elementary students will build this connection through play and exploration, middle school through college students will expand their understanding of natural resources through exploring research and work-based learning opportunities. The strategy is to develop high-quality resources and facilitate hands-on, relevant, nature-based learning experiences so that students and educators will have the opportunity to deepen their connection to Colorado’s natural resources and the work being done by CPW. SOLE GRANTS CPW supported 31 schools with approximately $130,000 in funding. SOLE schools used the funding to go on a total of 102 field trips, provide opportunities for families to explore the outdoors together, improve outdoor learning spaces, purchase resources to enhance students' understanding of science and social studies standards or equipment to experience recreational activities like camping, skiing, archery, and biking. 38 V I R T UA L P R O G R A M S SOLE connected with K-12 classrooms across the state with programming delivered from our virtual studio, providing engaging insights into mapping, ecosystems, and adaptations. Through the 30 programs that were offered, SOLE Educators were able to connect with over 1,200 students. TEACHER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM To support middle and high school teachers, including those teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) Natural Resource pathways, CPW partnered with Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to expand the summer teacher externship program. Eight teachers from across the state had the opportunity to dig into the topic of resiliency and the stressors for aquatic ecosystems with experts across the agency. From learning how to perform fish necropsies to look for parasites, to conducting titrations to determine water quality within local watersheds, to using microscopes to identify microscopic invasive species, this cohort of educators will build and test lessons in their classrooms based on these experiences. All educators in this program were provided a stipend for their time as the lessons they develop will be given to CPW to provide as a free resource for other educators. O U T D O O R U N D E R S TA N D I N G F O R TEACHERS (OUT) Regional Coordinators hosted several professional development courses that provided K-12 teachers and education partners enriching experiences through unique opportunities to engage with nature and enhance their outdoor teaching skills. In the Southeast Region, “Hand in Hand, Caring for the Land” was held in Fremont County to highlight various conservation issues and what is being done regarding those issues. Some of the topics teachers learned about were the reintroduction of ferrets, bear aware issues, wildlife crossings, and the local Superfund site. The Pikes Peak OUT class theme was “Exploring Ecosystems of the Pikes Peak Region,” where teachers explored the prairie, riparian areas, and montane ecosystems. They were able to participate in fish shocking on Fountain Creek, learned about Leave No Trace and the paint mines, and even had the opportunity to camp and do yoga in the sun at Mueller State Park as part of their experience. �In the Southwest Region, educators participated in an immersive three-day backpacking leadership trip, where they had the chance to learn and apply the Leave No Trace curriculum, gain essential Wilderness First Aid knowledge, and participate in outdoor team-building activities within the stunning Uncompahgre Wilderness. Another highlight was a 'WILD About Big Cats' workshop, where teachers learned from leading experts about Colorado's native cat species and wildlife tracking. A 'Wildlife Diseases' workshop allowed educators to delve into the health of wildlife with expert insights into the origins and impacts of disease threats to conservation. Participants explored how they can empower students to advocate for positive actions regarding wildlife health. Achieve Academy Archery. ©CPW “This was many students and chaperones first time camping. Many parents expressed their gratitude for having a guided service be able to teach them the safety and protocols for camping. Bonding and social emotional skills that happened during the trip was carried throughout the year.” 4 T H G R A D E T E AC H E R “The SOLE program allows us to bring our curriculum to life with hands-on experiences and real life experiences out in the field. Many of our students would never get to experience these things without this program. Students and their families are so grateful that we are able to bring these experiences to them through SOLE and our school. Thank you!” 4 T H G R A D E T E AC H E R “During our visit to the Montezuma Historic Society we had two students who learned the history of their own family (ranching in the area). They were so excited to see the impact their family had on our area.” 4 T H G R A D E T E AC H E R Riverwatch externship. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 39 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently completed its 24th season of partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a statewide network of locally run youth corps. Youth corps crews made substantial contributions to CPW’s lands and the people who visit them. Work included trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, fence removal, fire mitigation, and invasive plant removal. In total, CYCA crews completed: 31 weeks of work at 15 state parks, ten state wildlife areas, and two state fish hatcheries In addition to the valuable work completed, the partnership also provides young people with opportunities for professional development, skill building, environmental education, and career exploration. Corps members gain an awareness of the agency, meet and work alongside CPW staff, and learn about the various job pathways available. CYCA engaged 236 corps members during the year, many of whom identify with traditionally underrepresented races, ethnicities, and genders. Ultimately, this partnership is helping to improve our lands, inspire stewardship, and train and recruit the next generation of natural resource professionals. 12,570 HOURS OF C YC A L ABOR 31 WEEKS OF WORK AT: 15 S TAT E PARK S 10 S TAT E W ILD LIFE A RE AS 2 S TAT E FIS H H ATCH E RIE S TOP TO BOTTOM: Trail crew at Lory State Park; Trail crew at Lathrop State Park; CYCA Corps member at Bellvue Watson Hatchery. ©CPW 40 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth; provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities; facilitate networking opportunities with CPW professionals; and provide exposure to various CPW career paths. YIP places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW. In FY 2023-24, 64 internship positions were funded. YIP interns assisted CPW program areas, including state parks, aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, water quality monitoring, administrative support, and education and interpretation. Q U OT E S F R O M Y I P I N T E R N S "I have learned so many things doing various ride alongs with officers that I thought I knew but didn’t. I gained plenty of knowledge with the fish biologist from Fort Collins as the fish side of things are not my strong suit. I learned how to handle certain heavy machinery that I wasn’t as familiar with. I learned plenty of things to help me prepare to becoming a CPW District Wildlife Manager.” “One of my favorite experiences during my CPW internship (I have so many!) was when I got to assist with a mountain goat/bighorn sheep survey on Mt. Evans. We met at the trailhead before sunrise and set out to get to our location for spotting the animals. During the survey I was able to see goats, a group of rams, marmots, the largest bull elk the team lead had ever seen, and countless wildflowers and high alpine succulents. We also saw some kids (baby mountain goats).” “(CPW) was constantly sharing professional development opportunities, as well as eliminating any barriers to attend like funds, lodging, travel, unfamiliarity, etc. Making the interns feel heard, seen, and treated just as any other professional in the agency.” CPW youth intern participant. ©CPW “I've learned a lot about both my capabilities and interests! I've gained a better understanding about my passions and niches within the conservation industry to help better guide me in future career pursuits.” “I learned to be confident in my position, knowledge, and experience, as well as confident to ask questions to peers and management without feeling like a burden. I learned so much about working in and for the outdoors, like tool use, use of heavy machinery, collecting data, developing public speaking skills, etc.” “One memorable experience I had while interning at CPW was netting fish out of Lake Loveland for fish counts. The crew was able to net a 15lb Channel Catfish that was a tank. It was a great time and awesome experience!” “During my time as an environmental educator/ park interpreter, I had the ability to facilitate school field trips to the park. In the 15 trips I ended up completing, there were consistently groups of students that had never visited the park before. Many of these students lived just miles up the road, but had never gotten the opportunity to explore nature. Seeing students get the opportunity to make their own connections to the area and get to become more comfortable being in the outdoors was one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Seeing their confidence and curiosity grow in the short time of their visit and the possibility of having an influence on students' relationships with the outdoors was an impact of this job that will stay with me.” COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT 41 �Bird watcher at Harvey Gap State Park©Vic Schendel/CPW �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE Wildlife Viewing programs help connect people to wildlife through educational festivals, outreach programs, and other events to promote ethical viewing skills, provide experiences to observe wildlife, and share biological and ecological information to encourage awareness and understanding of Colorado’s wildlife. Try it out on this Mountain Lion WILD L I F E V I E W IN G Intentionally observing, feeding, or photographing wildlife, or visiting or maintaining natural areas to benefit wildlife – is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities in the United States. According to the 2022 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, over 57 percent of the U.S. population 16 years or older identify as wildlife viewers. CPW provided numerous opportunities to view and learn more about wildlife, from collaborative events like wildlife festivals to local nature walks at a state park. For example, in 2024, Mueller State Park offered nine bird hikes throughout the year, including special opportunities to walk with a wildlife biologist and another with local author of Mountain Birds of Teller County, Joe LaFleur. CPW also held wildlife festivals and other events across the state. ildlife 1-7618 s&W 29 ers 2/2024 lorado Park us, (303) o Bann o. : 08/0 Prom Date Name: Co @state.c Card ng Client r: erin.ki Them Wild ne ep sig De me: Ke Job Na Many wildlife-related outreach events focus on how to view wild animals from a safe distance. CPW employed a new tool in this endeavor, called the “Keep Them WILDCard,” a playingcard-sized card that uses cut-out windows to help keep a safe distance from a number of wildlife species. Inspired by a similar card produced by Parks Canada, this card helps protect both people and wildlife. Date: 08/0 2/2024 Client Nam e: Colorado Parks & Wild Designer: erin.king@sta life Job Name: te.co.us, (303 Keep Them ) WildCard Prom291-7618 o Banners rk ate Pa rest St Vinyl y: State Fo trate: er 480 Subs ng/Deliv o CO, 80 er pi Ship ina Rom , Walden, Tr AT TN Highway 14 56750 ch) (1 of ea 4CP gle ity: 3 / Quant lor: 4CP Sided: Sin Co le Press or Doub x 83.5”H W le Sing ze: 31.5” Si l na Fi Quantity: 3 (1 of each ) Press Colo r: 4CP Single or Dou / 4CP ble Sided: Final Size: 31.5” W x 83.5 Single ”H Substrate: Viny Shipping/De l livery: Stat ATTN Trina e Forest Stat Romero e Park 56750 High way 14, Wal den, CO, 804 80 Is this a sa distance? fe fe a s a s Is thi nce? dista Nope! © SANGUR/ABODE STOCK Wildlife Viewing Card_Promo Banners_07.25.2024_FINAL.indd 1 (CPW-IEBC-EK/ID) EDU_ENG_07.25.2024 8/2/24 4:18 PM ! p u Y 43 �Grant Detail FY 2023–2024 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs:▶ O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N ★ Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. ★ Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. ★ Acquire, construct, and maintain trails and river greenways. ★ Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. WILDLIFE ★ Develop wildlife watching opportunities. ★ Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. ★ Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. ★ Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases, or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2023-24 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. �STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023–24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 19200 Park Improvements 8,352,917 7,363,983 988,934 19201 Park Improvements 2 3,942,000 3,143,524 798,476 20171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 100,000 600,000 20192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 965,570 34,255 20200 Park Improvements 6,991,024 5,046,818 - 20223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 219,330 80,670 21200 Park Improvements 5,054,334 2,287,061 1,461,103 21223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 65,660 234,340 21225 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 60,720 9,471 22200 Park Improvements 6,119,195 2,374,861 1,214,493 22223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 – 16,409 22225 Director's Innovation Fund 25,000 21,819 – 23172 Capital Development Program 1,010,749 – 1,008,222 23173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 – 1,292,500 23174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 266,726 – 246,084 23175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,111,420 – 4,111,420 23200 Park Improvements 5,183,550 – 20,586 23223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 100,000 – – 23225 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – 47,630 24172 Capital Development Program 1,010,749 – – 24173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 – – 24174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 225,530 – – 24175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,211,420 – – 24200 Park Improvements 6,656,269 – – 24225 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – – 24532 FY24 CPW Centennial Projects - Outdoor Recreation 11,900,000 – – Totals this section: $ 70,570,883 $ 21,649,346 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT $ 12,164,594 45 �STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 21222 Website Redesign 700,000 325,589 195,754 23187 Public Information Program 296,000 – 296,000 23188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,167,603 – 1,167,603 23189 Volunteer Programs 189,459 – 116,527 24187 Public Information Program 296,000 – – 24188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,500,000 – – 24189 Volunteer Programs 73,040 – – Totals this section: $ 4,222,102 $325,589 $1,175,883 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 18192 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 834,329 128,223 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 2,988,006 2,111,423 801,176 18233 Legacy Loop - Rock Island Trail 21192 500,000 – – Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 314,542 332,444 21221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 423,075 71,740 22192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,000,000 71,123 559,955 22221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 56,290 415,553 23191 State Trails Program - Operating 352,039 – 352,039 23192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,500,000 – 138,894 23221 Trails in State Parks Program 500,000 – 49,091 24191 State Trails Program - Operating 400,000 – – 24192 Trails Grants Program - Capital 1,500,000 – – 24221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 – – Totals this section: $ 12,240,045 $ 3,810,782 $ 2,849,115 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 21194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 206,463 93,537 22194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 56,621 153,547 23193 Water Program 86,919 – 85,978 24193 Water Program 22,056 – – Totals this section: GRAND TOTAL, STATE PARKS PURPOSE 46 $ 708,975 $ 263,084 $ 333,061 $ 87,742,005 $ 26,048,801 $ 17,122,653 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 19253 Aquatic Habitat Improvement 2,000,000 1,784,329 126,070 19259 Fort Collins Service Center 2,500,000 1,228,223 1,156,187 20153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 645,866 453,184 20250 Protection and Restoration of Wildlife Habitat 3,600,000 3,115,313 282,248 21153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 793,725 300,838 21252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 1,943,117 56,883 22150 Acquire High Priority Habitat- Capital 1,223,088 – 5,750 22153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 522,466 348,027 22531 FY22 CPW Centennial Projects 1,564,500 1,564,500 – 23151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 23152 519,659 – 519,659 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 – 1,000,000 23153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 – 238,791 23154 GIS Habitat Information 464,419 – 463,017 24150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,012,288 – – 24151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 450,884 – – 24152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 – – 24153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 – – 24154 GIS Habitat Information 410,186 – – 23531 FY23 CPW Centennial Projects 6,250,000 – 24531 FY24 CPW Centennial Projects 22,985,500 – Totals this section: $ 55,480,524 6,250,000 – $ 11,597,539 $ 11,200,653 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 23155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 23161 Threatened, Endangered, and Native Species Conservation 24155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 24161 Threatened, Endangered, and Native Species Conservation Totals this section: AWARD ($) 488,129 – 465,110 4,740,346 – 4,740,346 488,129 – – 4,740,346 – – $ 10,456,950 – COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT $ 5,205,456 47 �WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 75,000 51,639 23,000 1,300,000 604,665 363,542 AWARD ($) 21163 Director's Innovation Fund 21166 Website Redesign 22163 Director's Innovation Fund 25,000 24,450 – 23158 Youth Programs 918,637 – 918,637 23159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 – 400,183 23160 Angler Education 161,000 – 161,000 23163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – 49,961 24158 Youth Programs 918,637 – – 24159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 – – 24160 Angler Education 161,000 – – 24163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – – Totals this section: $ 4,509,640 $ 680,753 $ 1,916,323 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 23162 Wildlife Viewing 144,899 – 144,899 24162 Wildlife Viewing 144,899 – – Grand total,Wildlife Purpose $ 70,736,912 $ 12,278,292 $ 18,467,330 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2023-24 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) PARTNERSHIPS GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) 21049 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (Comp) 320,000 256,113 63,887 21249 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative 160,000 128,057 31,943 21298 RESTORE Program 250,000 133,679 116,321 21299 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative 160,000 128,057 31,943 22351 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (Capacity) 500,000 55,090 115,501 22352 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (Regrant) 3,000,000 – 761,923 48 Totals this section: $4,390,000 $ 700,995 $1,121,519 GRAND TOTAL, INCLUDING OUTDOOR RECREATION, WILDLIFE, AND PARTNERSHIPS $ 162,868,917 $ 39,028,088 $ 36,711,502 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT �49 �C PW M ISSION The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. G OCO MISSION To help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. Colorado Parks & Wildlife 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 • cpw.state.co.us CPW (IE/BC_EK/IND) FACS_55_01/21/2025 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/c5d479f6f5f311ded3efbd621b0d1c7a.pdf a8a7ba47db9131e4e756fb1e725317aa PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT cpw.state.co.us �Contents Letter from the Director������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Working Together for Colorado ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 Resource Conservation & Outdoor Stewardship ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 Land and Water Protection������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Capital Improvements ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 Species Conservation ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 Colorado Natural Areas Program����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Resource Stewardship������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Wetlands Conservation ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23 Community Vitality & Equitable Access������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������24 Recreation Management on State Parks ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 26 Volunteers��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Trails������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 33 CPW Website Redesign��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Outdoor Equity Grant Program������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35 Youth Connections ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������36 Outreach, Education, and Interpretive Programs������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 Interpretation Programs��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42 Education and Teacher Training������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44 Youth Internship Program����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46 Colorado Youth Corps Association������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 49 Watchable Wildlife ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 50 Grant Detail FY 2022-2023����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������52 Cover Photo: Red Cloud Peak Natural Area ©CPW 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 3 �Letter from the Director I am pleased to share the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report for the 2022-23 fiscal year with the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. The work described in this report is a continuation of the mission we’ve served for more than 125 years. The agency’s dedicated staff have used their time and talents to perpetuate the wildlife resources of Colorado, provide a quality state parks system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of our natural resources. GOCO funding contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s mission, from the day-to-day management of state parks and wildlife areas to providing educational opportunities for youth and families to long-term research to protect Colorado’s native plant and animal species. GOCO funding helps CPW protect and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, outdoor education, hunting, angling, and species conservation. In this report, you will see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: › Operating support for Colorado’s state parks, which continued to host record visitation, totaling over 17 million visitor days in FY 2022-23. › Conserving non-game species and habitat through research, population status monitoring, reintroduction, habitat protection, and restoration benefitting threatened and endangered species. › Support for more than 295,000 volunteer hours at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. › Awarding 16 non-motorized trail grants totaling nearly $2 million. › Funding 16 regional partnerships to join a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences. We’re recruiting and retaining qualified employees to manage wildlife, park, recreational, and aquatic resources. We engage with the community and youth to increase their knowledge, appreciation, and connection with the outdoors and natural resources management. We are identifying and beginning to plan the development of new Colorado state park areas and investing in other initiatives to increase park visitation, maintain excellent customer service, and generate revenue. We’re investing in habitat and conservation efforts and reducing the need to list additional state trust species under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 by partnering with private landowners to improve species distribution, abundance monitoring, and disease prevention efforts. Our staff works tirelessly to ensure that the Colorado we all enjoy today will remain available and enjoyable for future generations to come. We thank you for trusting Colorado Parks and Wildlife and are proud to present the 2023 Annual Report. Warm regards, Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized across the country and around the world for its beautiful landscapes and diverse and healthy wildlife populations. Access to outdoor recreation and the state’s wildlife is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts. GOCO funding supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, as well as park operating and management activities. GOCO investments also support statewide initiatives in species conservation efforts, habitat protection and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails, and infrastructure projects. GOCO grant programs are rooted in the core values of its strategic plan: Resource Conservation, Outdoor Stewardship, Community Vitality, Equitable Access, and Youth Connections. GOCO’s mission is to help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail, and open space heritage. CPW’s mission is complementary: to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO, and a myriad of programs, projects, and activities managed by CPW are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things CPW has accomplished in the state fiscal year 2022-23 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives minimal general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW, making many of these accomplishments possible. At the end of this report, you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2022-23, organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged GOCO funding to conserve natural resources, promote outdoor stewardship, enhance community vitality, improve equitable access to the outdoors, and connect youth and families with nature. $17,389,550 $11,963,588 I N V E S T M E N T P L A N TOTA L AWA R D F O R S TAT E PA R K S I N V E S T M E N T P L A N TOTA L AWA R D F O R W I L D L I F E FY 2022-23 FY 2022-23 Jeff Davis Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 4 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 5 �Resource Conservation & Outdoor Stewardship Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes, and maintain areas that are already under CPW’s care. Boreal toad in wetland ©Jenn Logan/CPW �In addition to managing Colorado’s wildlife and state park system, CPW is responsible for acquiring, protecting, and managing lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with private landowners and local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 31.8 million acres of agricultural lands, which sustain more than 39,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, the conservation of Colorado’s abundant wildlife habitat and access to world-class recreation opportunities would be severely limited. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity 1. 16,286 FY 2022-23 W I L D L I F E CO N S E R VAT I O N EASEMENT ACRES FUNDED 16,949 FY 2022-23 FEE TITLE ACRES A CQ U I R E D $3,139,036 FY 2022-23 G O CO R E I M B U R S E M E N T S F O R L A N D A CQ U I S I T I O N Crystal Creek Ranch State Habitat Area © CPW L A N D A N D WAT ER P ROT EC T I O N GO CO -S UP P O RTE D P RO J E C TS IN F Y 2022-23 R ALS TON CREEK S TATE WILDLIFE AREA CRYS TAL CR EE K R A NC H S TATE H ABITAT ARE A 1 ,1 7 6 A C R E S 3 ,4 5 1 A C R E S This acquisition is Phase I of The Conservation Fund’s three-phase project to eventually protect approximately 3,155 acres in the rapidly growing Denver Metro area. The landscape-scale effort expands the Ralston Creek State Wildlife Area (SWA) by over 50 percent. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) has recognized this property for its “nearly pristine hydrology, and the steep rocky slopes, (that) have likely protected many ecological processes that support the diversity of plants, plant communities and animals that currently exist. There is a low degree of anthropogenic disturbances, including some areas that apparently have never been logged.” CNHP finds the plant species diversity to be very high and the percentage of non-native species to be low. The land offers exceptional habitat for elk, mule deer, and moose; provides related outdoor recreation; and supports a big game migration corridor - a true balance of conservation and recreation. Partners and supporters included The Conservation Fund, Jefferson County, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Mountain Area Land Trust. The 3,451-acre Crystal Creek Ranch is a beautiful property where mule deer, elk, moose, waterfowl, grouse, and numerous species of songbirds make their home. The ranch lies within a critical migration corridor between the Routt National Forest and the lower elevation winter range that is used by mule deer and elk from two of the largest herds in Colorado. Species of Concern known to inhabit the property include greater sandhill crane, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, bald eagle, Colorado River cutthroat trout, mountain sucker, and northern leopard frog. The property contains a great variety of wildlife habitat, including conifer and aspen forests, mixed mountain shrub communities, sagebrush shrublands, hay meadows, riparian vegetation communities, significant cottonwood stands, and wetlands. Approximately three and a half miles of the South Fork of the Williams Fork River cross through the property in addition to several tributaries, including Pagoda Creek, Crystal Creek, Alkali Creek, and Pine Creek. “Kim (Rogers, CPW Real Estate Section Manager)-The Mount Tom Savior! You rescued this deal numerous times and I can’t thank you enough. Your problem-solving philosophy was critical to achieving success in this iconic, collaborative effort!” — JUSTIN SPRING CO LO R A D O S TAT E D I R E C TO R & S O U T H W E S T R E G I O N A L D I R E C TO R AT T H E CO N S E R VAT I O N F U N D 1 https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview php?––=COLORADO COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 9 �WILDLIFE LARGE CAPITAL C A PI TA L IMP ROVE ME N TS ALBERTA PARK RES ERVOIR S TATE WILDLIFE AREA DAM REH ABILITATION DES IGN $ 7 5 0 ,0 0 0 Located in Mineral County and just minutes away from the Wolf Creek Ski Area, Alberta Park Reservoir SWA offers superior wildlife habitat and a beautiful location to catch trout. CPW owns and operates the dam associated with the reservoir and has the responsibility to properly maintain it. PA R K S L A RG E C APITA L CR AW F O R D S TAT E PA R K SO U T H E RN T R A IL CON N E C T ION $ 1 ,2 4 8, 200 Located near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crawford State Park’s major draws are its reservoir and camping facilities. It is a rare place on the western slope where people can enjoy fishing, water-skiing, swimming, and even scuba diving. However, before this project was completed with the installation of an ADA-accessible bridge, trail access in the park was a major challenge due to disjointed trail segments with significant hazards and natural landscape barriers. Visitors can now more safely enjoy an integrated trail system that connects the southern part of the park and allows for walking even when the water level is high. STAG E COAC H S TAT E PA R K V IS I TOR CENT E R CO NS T RU C T I ON $ 3 ,5 0 8, 000 Stagecoach State Park is an amazing focal point for recreation in the Yampa Valley. The 820-acre reservoir provides renowned lake and river fishing, and the park’s campsites provide visitors with a great base to explore a variety of sports and attractions in the area. The park itself is leased from the Upper Yampa Water Conservation District, which has proved to be a rewarding partnership. However, investment in infrastructure has been minimal since the park’s inception in 1989. CPW recently completed construction of the 4,000-square-foot Visitor Center and associated infra10 structure. This new facility replaced the existing building that was too small to provide the excellent level of customer service that park visitors have become accustomed to. CPW began welcoming visitors in fall 2023, and the Center is a place for the public to gather and learn about the natural environment. C HERRY C REEK STATE PARK DOG OF F - LEASH AREA IMPROVEMENTS $270, 000 $ 2 5 0 ,0 0 0 Cherry Creek State Park is one of the most visited parks in the system for a reason. It borders several major cities in the Denver Metropolitan area and offers an oasis from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park boasts a wide array of outdoor recreational opportunities. One of the most popular year-round activities is walking dogs off-leash at the designated Dog Off-leash Area (DOLA). The DOLA is so popular that some would say it is being ‘loved to death.’ Spinney Mountain SWA is connected to Spinney Mountain State Park in Park County, near the town of Hartsel. The area offers wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities, as well as stream fishing and waterfowl hunting opportunities. The property was previously fenced with traditional fencing, which clearly delineates property boundaries for hunters and anglers and prevents neighboring herds of cattle from grazing in the area. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT The CPW Capital Development program manages the construction and maintenance of more than 1,400 structures and 115 dams across the state. GOCO funding is one of the primary funding sources for many capital projects at state parks. This project continues CPW’s commitment to public safety by bringing dams needing repair into compliance with Colorado Dam Safety Standards. With this funding, CPW continued the design process for repairs. As of fall 2023, the dam is in the construction and implementation phase based on this project’s design work. S PINNEY MOUNTAIN S TATE WILDLIFE AREA WES TERN BOUNDARY FENCE REPAIRS This project helped to balance recreation with natural resource management. A hard surface concrete trail near the southern entrance of the DOLA was added, making the area more accessible. Other work included trail maintenance, fencing to support natural area reclamation, and a variable messaging sign at the entrance to the southern end of the DOLA to convey information to visitors before entering the busy parking lot. Colorado’s system of state parks is more than 60 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and renovation to the standards expected by today’s visitors. In addition, the infrastructure on many of the wildlife areas, including dams and hatcheries, is much older. However, this type of fence also disrupts wildlife movement throughout the area and poses collision risks for birds and entanglement risks for big game. The fence was converted to wildlife-friendly fencing, which allows for proper wildlife crossings and reduces the risk of injury or death for wildlife, while still maintaining the integrity of the property boundary. $9,289,395 FY 2022-23 G O CO R E I M B U R S E M E N T S F O R PA R K S A N D W I L D L I F E C A P I TA L IMPROVEMENTS $6,119,195 FY 2022-23 TOTA L G O CO F U N D I N G AWA R D E D, S U P P O R T I N G 1 2 S TAT E PA R K S Crawford Southern Trail Bridge Installation © CPW �EAS TERN BL ACK R AIL S P EC I E S CON S E RVATI ON Southeast Colorado appears to have a relatively stable and dense population of black rails. CPW has conducted six years of surveys and is supporting graduate research in southeast Colorado to estimate occupancy and abundance through time and understand habitat relationships associated with black rail presence. Improving our collective understanding of black rail habitat requirements and using inland marshes will be critical for range-wide conservation management as currently occupied areas are lost to sea level rise. SO U T H E RN W HIT E -TA I L E D PTAR M I GA N In response to the 2010 petition to list the southern white-tailed ptarmigan, CPW launched a seven-year research project to help inform the U.S. Fish and Wildlife review. CPW’s research found that the ptarmigan is a resilient species occupying all suitable alpine habitats in Colorado, with stable populations that have high genetic diversity and low extinction risk in the future. Though populations appeared to be healthy, in 2022 CPW continued to monitor the statewide population to assess changes in distribution and evaluate demographic changes in response to alpine climate changes. Since this species’ survival is reliant on adult female survival, negative impacts on populations may be predicted by continued or increasing shifts in adult sex ratios, and therefore continued monitoring is needed and is planned for 2024. Southern White-Tailed Ptarmagin © CPW CPW partners with Bird Con■ servancy of the Rockies, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Bureau of ■ Land Management, and multiple ■ other partners to monitor bird ■■■■ populations across Colorado and much of the central U.S. The Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program began in Colorado in 2008 and has since expanded across the Great Plains to the Great Basin� IMBCR Black-footed ferrets are a federally listed endangered species that was once thought to be extinct. Colorado is a hotbed of black-footed ferret reintroduction efforts, with eight new release sites since 2013. GOCO funding is vital in supporting pre-release mapping and plague management efforts as well as post-release monitoring. 12 Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America, including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. INTEGR ATED MONITORING IN BIRD CONS ERVATION REGIONS B L ACK- F O OT E D FE R R E T Colorado’s reintroduction efforts have kicked into high gear, with releases occurring on public and private lands in Larimer, Adams, Pueblo, Prowers, Baca, and Bent counties. Ferrets are one of many species that are highly dependent on prairie dogs, which means that plague management and conservation of prairie dog colonies for black-footed ferrets also benefits burrowing owls, swift foxes, raptors, reptiles, and other wildlife. CPW continues to monitor the elusive eastern black rail, a federally threatened subspecies facing steep declines across its range. The eastern black rail is the smallest of the rails and inhabits wetlands with dense herbaceous cover. Most known populations are concentrated in coastal marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Unfortunately, many of these populations are threatened by rising sea levels. It is now the second-largest bird monitoring program in the country, encompassing Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and portions of 12 other states� CPW has provided funding for Colorado IMBCR surveys from 2008-2023� Data from these annual surveys are used to estimate occupancy and abundance for priority species and trends through time� CPW uses these data to inform and prioritize bird conservation efforts and evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts� See the IMBCR Story Map2 for more information� https://birdconservancy.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index. html?appid=bf23599f073b4d8b97f876283dbb3ffa 2 Black-footed Ferret Release, Prowers County © CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT Graduate Student Nora Hargett and CPW Technician Owen McGowen conducting eastern black rail surveys in southeast Colorado. © Liza Rossi/CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 13 �The J. W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF), located in Colorado’s beautiful San Luis Valley, was constructed in 2000 to facilitate the conservation of rare aquatic native species through captive propagation, genetic conservation, scientific research, and public education and awareness. Among the first facilities of its kind in the United States, NASRF works proactively to keep state species of greatest conservation need from reaching levels warranting federal protections. TOP: Boreal toad metamorphs at NASRF ©Ted Smith BOTTOM: Stocking bluehead suckers ©Jenn Logan, Assistant Native Aquatic Species Coordinator In 2022-23, the hatchery produced and stocked over 280,000 threatened and endangered fish and boreal toad tadpoles. Since its inception, NASRF has stocked over 4 million aquatic animals into suitable waters and wetlands throughout Colorado. The facility rears and stocks a wide variety of species ranging from Arkansas darters and other plains fishes in the rivers of the Eastern plains, to Rio Grande chub and sucker in the Rio Grande basin, to “three species” (bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub) in the Colorado and Yampa Rivers, and boreal toads in montane wetlands. Through the continued development of improved culture techniques and new technologies, NASRF continues to maximize its production while ensuring a safe and ethical culture environment for its native aquatic species at risk. The dedicated management and staff at NASRF bring over 100 years of combined fish culture experience in their overall Mission to Recover Colorado Native Aquatic Species in Decline. They are viewed as leaders in the field in Colorado and the nation. To date, NASRF has been successful in the captive propagation of all 12 species of fish currently on the unit as well as the boreal toad. P RO PAG AT I O N O F AQ UAT I C SP EC I ES AT R ISK BOREAL TOAD BLUEH EAD S U C K ER Once common throughout most of Colorado’s high country, boreal toad populations experienced serious declines that were first documented in the 1990s. While its preferred habitat of montane wetlands and ponds remained relatively intact and widely available, the cause of the decline was a mystery until an invasive pathogen was identified and linked to amphibian declines and extinctions worldwide. The bluehead sucker is one of the so-called “three species,” which are large-bodied fishes native to the Colorado River basin that are not federally listed, but experiencing declines throughout their range. Confounding factors threaten their populations, including drought, habitat and hydrologic alterations, and the introduction of non-native fish species. Colorado’s State Wildlife Action Plan identifies the bluehead sucker as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and CPW has taken action to boost their populations through augmentation. CPW participates in extensive research seeking effective responses. Meanwhile, reintroducing populations in areas where the pathogen is not found is a key strategy to maintaining the species on the landscape. CPW has bred and reared boreal toads in captivity at the NASRF since 2005, with intermittent breeding success. NASRF also rears eggs that biologists collect from the wild and bring into the facility. This approach consistently produces animals for reintroduction. Staff at NASRF rear the eggs until they become late-stage tadpoles, and biologists then release them back into the wild at carefully chosen locations. Monitoring shows toads are surviving at several of these sites. At the longest-running reintroduction site, stocked tadpoles have matured to adulthood - which takes four to six years and are themselves successfully breeding. In 2015, CPW began annually stocking bluehead sucker produced at CPW’s J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility in the Yampa River basin. Since then, over 35,000 bluehead sucker have been released. Fish are implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags before release. PIT tags uniquely identify individual fish, enabling biologists to monitor their survival and movement with portable submersible antennas. Monitoring has indicated that stocked individuals survive and behave similarly to their wild counterparts by using tributaries during the spring spawning season and exiting the tributary during low water periods. This effort highlights the feasibility of augmenting wild populations of bluehead sucker with captive-reared individuals. Boreal toad ©Jenn Logan, Assistant Native Aquatic Species Coordinator Bluehead suckers ©Jenn Logan, Assistant Native Aquatic Species Coordinator COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 15 �CO LOR A DO N ATUR A L A RE A S P RO GR AM The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) has been showcasing and protecting Colorado’s natural treasures since 1977. With the support of GOCO, the program works to identify, designate, and protect Colorado’s most significant natural features through voluntary agreements with various landowners. Colorado’s Natural Areas contain the state’s rare and unique plants, wildlife, invertebrates, natural communities, geologic features, and fossils. CNAP helps to monitor and protect over 150 species of greatest conservation need on State Natural Areas. CNAP accomplishments during FY 2022-23 are highlighted below. NE W STATE NATUR AL AREA AND EX PANSIONS CNAP has been working with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks for over a decade to designate Coal Creek Tallgrass Prairie Natural Area - a 1,470-acre property containing high-quality tallgrass prairie on Colorado’s Front Range. The property contains important habitat for a multitude of prairie-dependent flora and fauna, including several species of greatest conservation need. CNAP has also been working with the City of Boulder to expand two other previously designated properties: White Rocks and Colorado Tallgrass Prairie Natural Areas. The new designation and expansions are nearly complete and were approved by the Parks and Wildlife Commission in June 2023. C NAP VOLUNTEER STE WAR D PROGR AM Pagosa Skyrocket Natural Area monitoring © CPW 16 CNAP’s volunteer program consists of nearly 60 dedicated volunteers who are assigned one or more State Natural Areas to steward. During FY 2022-23, CNAP volunteers contributed 1,200 hours conducting annual monitoring of their assigned State Natural Area and reporting on site conditions; conducting photo-monitoring; and documenting rare species. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT This data helps to provide valuable insights about each site for CNAP staff and the landowner. Volunteers get to know their assigned sites over many years; about half of the volunteers have been monitoring their sites for over 10 years. R ARE PL ANT CONS ERVATION CNAP continues to serve as a leader in rare plant conservation and works closely with partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Much of the program’s work focuses on prioritizing and implementing conservation actions for the state’s 117 plants of greatest conservation need. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University tracks and ranks Colorado’s rare and imperiled species and habitats, and provides information and expertise on these topics to promote the conservation of Colorado’s valuable biological resources. During FY 2022-23, CNAP supported multiple projects conducted by CNHP, including upgrades to the Colorado Rare Plant Guide3 and modeling potential habitat for Colorado’s rarest plant species4. These projects addressed major conservation actions outlined in the State Wildlife Action Plan, and are also integrated into the Colorado Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX)5. E VALUATING CLIMATE RES ILIENC Y IN TH E NATUR AL AREAS S YS TEM “CNAP has continued to persevere, grow, and remain an incredibly valuable conservation program over the course of its nearly five decades of existence. The program’s success can be tied to many things, but the dedication of staff, Council members, volunteer stewards, and positive partnerships stands out the strongest. R AQ U E L W E R T S B AU G H , C N A P CO O R D I N ATO R “The biological diversity and settings where natural processes are represented, protected, and allowed to function within the State Natural Areas are exceptionally valuable to our state and the region. In the late 1970s, when a formidable group of conservation-minded citizens worked to support the establishment of a Natural Areas Program in Colorado, they recognized the value of even small sites across the state with unique and high-quality natural features. Especially in the face of Colorado’s population growth and associated development, it became imperative to document and protect the best examples of the state’s natural areas.” LY N N R I E D E L , C N A P V O LU N T E E R A N D F O R M E R CO LO R A D O N AT U R A L A R E A S CO U N C I L M E M B E R A N D CHAIR The Colorado Natural Areas Council - a seven-member Governor-appointed advisory council - and CNAP staff continue to implement the program’s five-year strategic plan. One of the plan’s objectives includes evaluating climate resiliency in the Natural Areas System. In FY 2022-23, program staff evaluated multiple tools, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Resilient Land Mapping tool, which combines a multitude of data to assess a given piece of land’s ability to adapt to a changing world. Adopting new technologies and tools to analyze existing and potential Natural Areas will help strengthen CNAP’s understanding of our portfolio and prioritize new additions to the Natural Areas System. 3 4 5 https://cnhp.colostate.edu/rareplant/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Waj5O9yylVLbzXh-oRsZ1zNwIFm2HeL6/view https://codex.cnhp.colostate.edu Globe Gilia at Hoosier Ridge © CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 17 �FIS H ERS PEAK S TATE PARK RESOU RC E S TE WA RD S H I P Thanks to the continued support of GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado’s State Parks and Recreation Areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and part-time staff, conservation and planning projects, and program operations. RESOURC E STE WARDSHIP PL ANNING Archaeologist Dr. Rachel Egan provides cultural resources training to new rangers. © CPW staff THE R E S O URCE S T E WA R D S H I P PRO G R A M A D D R E S S E S S I X MAIN TO P I C A R E A S: (1) The development of Resource Stewardship Plans and resource management standards for each state park; (2) The development and management of GIS natural and cultural resource data; (3) Environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conservation during capital projects; (4) Invasive species management, revegetation, and restoration; (5) Forest management; and (6) Volunteer citizen science project management. During FY 2022-23, CPW’s Resource Stewardship Program utilized GOCO funds to accomplish many significant projects ▶ 18 The first step in building a Resource Stewardship Plan for a state park is the collection and creation of natural and cultural resource data specific to each state park property. Research stewardship plans help to maintain the ecological integrity of parks now and for future generations, while still providing the best possible recreational experience for park visitors. During the past fiscal year, inventory projects were performed at state parks including Elkhead Reservoir, Fishers Peak, Highline Lake, John Martin Reservoir, Lone Mesa, Sweitzer Lake, Ridgway, Sweetwater Lake, and Yampa River. Staff completed surveys of breeding birds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, rare plants, vegetation, paleontology, and cultural resources. Inventories also included geologic mapping and vegetation monitoring. C ASTLE WOOD C ANYON AND STAUNTON STATE PARKS Resource Stewardship staff are collaborating with CPW Policy and Planning and Park staff to finalize park management plans for Castlewood Canyon and Staunton State Parks. Plans incorporate data from resource stewardship plans, visitation information, and park operations to formulate a comprehensive path for the future of these properties. Plans balance the provision of recreation opportunities with the conservation of each park’s valuable biological, natural, and cultural resources. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT The Resource Stewardship Program continues to work with the CPW Policy and Planning and Southeast Region staff to collect and apply resource inventory data to park development activities. The program is involved in the design of Fishers Peak State Park to meet the goals of conservation and the provision of recreation opportunities in the park. Program staff provide natural and cultural resource data, analysis and interpretation of this data, and application of the information to construct new infrastructure in the park. Biological data from surveys for the federally endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse are being used to create habitat mapping for the project to help infrastructure development projects avoid impacts on this protected species. Botanical surveys continue to reveal new and rare plant species, and projects are being developed to search for more important plant species on the property. Surveys and monitoring of specific breeding locations of raptor species, analysis of the use of forest habitats for wildlife breeding, and surveys for bat species on the property were completed. Additionally, data from cultural resource inventory work and paleontological surveys, geological surveys, and a geologic hazards assessment, including fault lines, landslide areas, and rock fall areas, are being compiled into maps and reports to help development projects avoid areas that are unsuitable for infrastructure development. The program also collaborates with staff working on park management and capital development projects to guide park infrastructure development activities away from important park resources. H IGH LINE L AKE S TATE PARK Highline Lake State Park was expanded by acquiring a neighboring property where the development of visitor access is being planned. The Resource Stewardship Program has been a part of the property design team and has managed biological clearance projects to help ensure that development avoids sensitive resources. Avian surveys, prairie dog surveys, and invasive weed surveys were performed. Of note, burrowing owls were observed on the property, and the timing of construction projects was altered in an attempt to avoid impacts on this Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan Tier 1 listed species. Other SWAP species observed include the northern harrier, American white pelican, bald eagle, long-billed curlew, and Brewer’s sparrow. Resource Stewardship Team mapping invasive weeds © CPW staff �SWEE T WAT E R L A K E Resource Stewardship continues to collect biological and cultural data to fill remaining gaps in the data collection process. This information is being compiled into a comprehensive resource stewardship plan for the park. Surveys include rare plant and vegetation community mapping, condition assessments, reptiles and amphibians, birds and raptors, and invasive species. CPW staff are collaborating with partners at the U.S. Forest Service and their planning, biological, and cultural resource staff, as well as with local partners on park planning. Outcomes of these efforts are currently being used to inform designs for potential new infrastructure, potential management strategies for the property, and outreach to the public on the property planning process. K EST R E L N E S T B OX P I LOT PRO JE C T The Resource Stewardship Program continues to guide the installation of nest boxes for American kestrels, a small falcon native to Colorado that is declining across the U.S. This pilot project aims to increase nesting habitat in state parks by providing nest boxes. During the 2022-23 season, successful use of kestrel boxes occurred at each of the pilot locations. Additional analysis of box locations occurred, and in some state parks, placement of boxes was altered and new nest boxes were installed to enhance the use of these nesting features. INVAS I V E S PE C I E S MA N AG E M ENT The Resource Stewardship Program surveyed invasive plants (noxious weeds) in ten state parks and created management plans for each park. Management plans include maps of known weed populations, weed species identification aids, identification of priority treatment areas and weed species, treatment method recommendations, seasonal treatment calendars by species and park location, and revegetation specifications and seed mixes, all created specifically to each state park and their unique on-the-ground conditions. Tools were created and included in each plan to facilitate improved herbicide treatment efforts by contract sprayers and tracking of herbicide use by field staff. 20 ULTR ASONIC BAT DE TEC TI ON PROJEC T The Resource Stewardship Program is working to better understand the populations of bats at each state park. To date, detectors have been deployed in 20 of the 42 state parks. Detectors record the high-frequency calls of the bats and this data is analyzed using software that identifies the bat species by their call. Additionally, the software gives a confidence rating to the identifications. Program staff cross-reference the species identified and confidence ratings with distribution maps to create baseline bat species lists for each park, and potential bat habitat in each park are identified. RE VEGE TATION AND RESTOR ATION Seeding specifications and seed mixes have been shared with the CPW dam safety engineers, capital development team, regional project managers, and state park land management partners to ensure that, where ground-disturbing projects occur, appropriate native plant species are seeded. Additionally, specifications to support the creation of pollinator habitats in state parks are being adopted by some parks for implementation. Seeding specifications outline how to perform seeding and planting projects; provide plant lists and seed mixes; and outline maintenance, care, and success criteria for pollinator habitat projects. Plant species are selected based on their presence in each park, their value to pollinators, and their availability with commercial seed and plant providers. VOLUNTEER C ITIZ EN SC IENCE Citizen science is a critical tool for providing consistent real-time natural resource data and monitoring for use in park management decisions and projects across the state park system. In the last year, citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles, amphibians, pollinators, invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds, and nesting raptors. In FY 2022-23, the raptor monitoring program operated in all state parks and had over 200 participant volunteers. The annual meeting of the State Park Raptor Monitoring Volunteer Program has moved to a hybrid of in-person and online format so that volunteers and staff participants from all areas of the state could attend in real time. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT In addition, Resource Stewardship has expanded the iNaturalist State Park NatureFinder project, which has over 56,000 observations, 4,000 species, and nearly 4,000 participants. The program continued to utilize lessons learned during the pandemic via virtual resources with online tutorials, trainings, and volunteer resources to support these important citizen science projects. NATUR AL AND CULTUR AL RES OURCE TR AINING FOR NE W S TATE PARK R ANGERS The Resource Stewardship Program continues to support and lead natural and cultural resource training for the classes of new state park rangers. These trainings are provided by CPW Resource Stewardship staff and through collaboration with partner organizations. Training occurs in the areas of cultural resource management, plants forestry and invasive species, bird biology and identification, pollinators and butterflies, reptiles and amphibians and state park resource stewardship planning. yon State Park, 43 acres at Lory State Park, and 8 acres at Jackson Lake State Park. Jackson Lake State Park is also the focus of a native tree/shrub revegetation project and saw 525 trees planted across the park as part of the longterm forest improvement effort. Significant amounts of slash pile burning occurred on Lathrop, Lory and Golden Gate Canyon State Parks over the winter thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Continuing to invest in these forest management activities helps improve the resilience and ability of state parks to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases, and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. COLOR ADO CONS ERVATION DATA EXPLORER The Resource Stewardship Program continues to lead agency efforts in collaborating with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program for the development and use of the Colorado Conservation Data Explorer or CODEX (https://codex.cnhp.colostate.edu/). This web-mapping tool allows users easy access to comprehensive spatial data related to habitats, occurrences of wildlife and rare plants, and other important natural resources. CODEX provides a critical decision support tool in advancing efforts to ensure that future development happens in ways that can maintain Colorado’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. The tool has over 400 organizations regularly utilizing its features, including many of the coalitions participating in the Regional Partnerships Initiative. FORES T MANAGEMENT The program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. A forest management plan was completed for Lone Mesa State Park. Priority forest management projects were implemented on 108 acres at Golden Gate Can- Rare Plant Capulin Goldenrod with pollinator at Fishers Peak State Park © Dr. Jennifer Ackerfield COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 21 �W E T L A N DS CO N S ERVATIO N CPW’s Wetlands Program annually awards competitive grants to CPW staff and partners for projects that restore wetlands and riparian areas. These projects create new managed wetlands, improve the function and efficiency of existing managed wetlands, remove non-native invasive vegetation and replace it with native vegetation, manage invasive cattail growth in wetlands, restore riparian habitat impacted by mining, and reconnect incised creeks with their floodplains. Projects are conducted on state wildlife areas, state parks, and other public and private lands. The program drives funding priorities to those projects benefiting species of greatest conservation need identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. 10 FY 2022-23 NEW PROJECTS 26 FY 2022-23 CO M P L E T E D P R O J E C T S 6,000 FY 2022-23 A C R E S R E S TO R E D O R E N H A N C E D I N W E T L A N D / R I PA R I A N H A B I TAT S Navajo State Park ©Dustin Doskocil Wetlands are lands affected by water that support unique plants and soils, making up just two percent of Colorado’s landscape, but providing benefits to over 75 percent of the state’s wildlife species. The protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and riparian areas is vital to conserving wildlife diversity in the state. Wetland and riparian landscapes provide crucial feeding, resting, and rearing habitat, and movement corridors. They also improve water quality and quantity and create open space, educational opportunities, and economic benefits from hunting, fishing, and bird watching. In FY 2022-23, CPW awarded funds for 10 new wetlands projects and three previously funded projects that will help to restore or enhance nearly 4,000 new acres of wetland and riparian habitat. The projects will improve habitat in two State Wildlife Areas, two National Wildlife Refuges, one National Park, two municipal open space properties, and five private properties. These projects will benefit eight waterfowl species and 17 Tier 1 or 2 species of greatest conservation need as identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, including greater sandhill crane, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, boreal toad, and northern leopard frog. Each CPW dollar invested in these projects resulted in $3.10 in matching funds contributed by 21 different partners, stretching GOCO and CPW funds further. Also, in FY 2022-23, CPW staff and partners achieved nearly 6,000 acres of wetland and riparian restoration in 26 completed projects. Highlights included shallow wetland improvements on CPW properties, including the Jensen, Horsethief, Rio Blanco, and Rio Grande State Wildlife Areas, and at Navajo State Park. A 250-acre wetland and wet meadow restoration was completed on City of Boulder property along the Boulder Creek corridor. This project involved recontouring former gravel mines and reseeding with native wetland, riparian, and mesic grassland plant species. This project will benefit waterfowl and several Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including the northern leopard frog, northern redbelly dace, and plains topminnow, and will enhance habitat for the Ute ladies’-tresses orchid, a federally threatened plant species existing on the site. Finally, working with private landowners continued as a program emphasis. In conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, 17 projects were completed on private lands across Colorado in the Colorado Headwaters, Gunnison, San Juan, South Platte, Rio Grande, and Yampa/White/ Green River watersheds. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 23 �Outdoor Equity Grant recipient The Cycle Effect teaches mountain biking to girls and young women. ©Ryan Jones/CPW Community Vitality & Equitable Access Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. With GOCO’s support, CPW provides opportunities to connect Coloradans with outdoor experiences statewide. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 43 state parks and more than 300 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 4,500 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. 24 25 �RECR E ATI ON MA N AGE ME N T ON S TATE PARK S CASTLEWOOD CANYON STATE PARK GOLDEN GATE CANYON STATE PARK Castlewood Canyon’s Park Manager used operating funds to visit a local elementary school in Parker and give a ‘Leave No Trace’ presentation for 100 4th-grade students. In addition to learning about traveling on durable surfaces and respecting wildlife, they also hosted a general Q&A that covered questions like what working as a ranger is like, what makes state parks special, and how to safely feed birds without attracting bears. Park staff used operating funds for staff and materials to improve a high-use area at the Red Barn picnic area for groups and families to enjoy. CHAT F I E L D S TAT E PA R K Park staff offered pine needle basket making and botanical illustration educational events. Basket weaving has a long tradition throughout the Americas, and pine needle baskets, in particular, had been a traditional part of life for native Coloradans for countless generations before Europeans first touched this soil. Attendees practiced the basic techniques for turning pine needles into aromatic baskets while learning about the people who first wove them here. Participants in the botanical illustration with Ranger Jake learned how to make sketches like the botanists of old. Ranger Jake holds a degree in fine arts, and as a Master Naturalist, he is often out in the trees recording observations of the many plants one finds in Colorado. Participants can come by and hone the practice of sketching all the right details so that even if it’s a rendering of a plant you’ve never seen before, someone could still positively identify your work later. ELDO R A D O C A NYON S TAT E PARK Park staff organize and implement educational programs like “Little Critters” and “Junior Rangers” for kids interested in learning about Colorado’s natural resources. 26 GOCO partnerships protect the places that Coloradans enjoy and support the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s state parks. This historic support for state park operations has been invaluable to CPW and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. JAMES M. ROBB COLOR ADO RIVER STATE PARK (F RUITA SEC TION) The Fruita section of James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park enjoyed another successful year in 2023, hosting two riverfront concerts and the City of Fruita’s 4th of July fireworks show. With a stunning backdrop of the Colorado National Monument, the riverfront concerts serve as One Riverfront’s primary fundraiser each year. This is a non-profit entity that supports the continued expansion of the Riverfront trail. Due to concerns with local fire conditions, the City of Fruita partnered with CPW to host the annual fireworks show. Park staff look forward to maintaining these partnerships in the future. STEAMBOAT L AKE AND PEARL L AKE STATE PARKS Throughout the summer, park staff held a weekly “Craft Sunday’’ event. During these events, youth and adults were invited to make painted rocks, friendship bracelets, salt paintings, light globes, natural wind chimes, bird feeders, pine cone bears, and lighted jars. Between 25 and 100 people attended each event. A great time was had by both adults and kids! SWEITZ ER L AKE STATE PARK Every spring and fall park staff bring Delta County 5th graders out to the park for an event known as “Explore your local state park.” Over 700 5th graders had opportunities to fish, practice archery, canoe, and stand up paddle board at these events. For a lot of these kids, it is their first opportunity to try these activities. Park operating funds were used to purchase all the equipment used in these activities. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 17,930,033 FY 2022-23 S TAT E PA R K S V I S I TAT I O N $4,111,420 FY 2022-23 G O CO R E I M B U R S E M E N T S F O R PA R K O P E R AT I O N S PHOTOS Clockwise from top left: “Craft Sunday” at Steamboat/ Pearl Lake State Park ©Darlene O’Connell, Cecilia Garza/CPW; Fruita section of James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park riverfront concert at the City of Fruita’s 4th of July fireworks show © CPW; Participants in the botanical illustration class with Ranger Jake at Chatfield State Park © CPW. �VO LU N T EER S Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s natural resources while cultivating stewardship and building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides recruitment, screening, training, retention, support, and resources for state parks, wildlife areas, hatcheries, educational programs, and administrative offices across the state. PARTNERS H IPS AND TR AININGS ★ The volunteer program continued statewide partnerships with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) and the Friends of Colorado State Parks (FCSP). VOC engaged volunteers to complete stewardship projects on CPW properties, and FCSP supported local Friends groups in their missions to support state parks. ★ Thanks to GOCO, the statewide volunteer program funded four large volunteer projects at state wildlife areas. Projects featured tree planting, habitat management and improvements, and camp host site construction. ★ 55 staff attended the annual Education and Volunteer Training. The theme was: Back to Basics - Growing Your Taproot. Sessions focused on volunteer management basics, coaching and feedback, retention and reactivation, and our volunteer database. ★ Volunteers were invited to attend continuing education opportunities throughout the year, including: Methods for Interpretation and Education for Indigenous History by Dr. Rachel Egan, ADA Overview and Disability Awareness by the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, and a Mental Health First Aid Training by the National Center for Mental Wellbeing. 297,305 FY 2022-23 V O LU N T E E R H O U R S 143 FY 2022-23 F T E E Q U I VA L E N T O F V O LU N T E E R H O U R S 4,681 FY 2022-23 TOTA L V O LU N T E E R S $10,215,400 FY 2022-23 V O LU N T E E R VA LU E $231,000 FY 2022-23 G O CO R E I M B U R S E M E N T S F O R S TAT E PA R K S V O LU N T E E R PROGRAM © CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 29 �W H AT WO U L D YOU L IK E FU T U R E G E N E R AT ION S OF CPW VO LU N T E E R S TO K N OW? “Volunteers have made significant contributions to Colorado’s [natural resources] over the years. Future generations will find the same wonderful opportunities to carry on this work and make it possible for others to follow with the same love of the outdoors and the can-do spirit to serve for many more generations yet to come.” DORIS CRUZE R OX B O R O U G H S TAT E PA R K , V O LU N T E E R S I N C E 198 2 “Put your toes in the water and you’ll see how easy and rewarding it is, and how nice everyone is. It’s such an amazingly rewarding experience.” Friends of Mueller State Park volunteers landscaping and renovating the park’s Visitor Center entry garden. ©Friends of Mueller State Park Get Outdoors Day 2023 ©CPW Staff R O L F A S P H AU G M U LT I P L E S TAT E PA R K S , V O LU N T E E R S I N C E 2020 VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT GE T OUTDOORS DAY RUSTY MERRIL Get Outdoors Day 2023 was an “all hands on deck” event and our volunteers and staff came through, as always! Despite the rainy weather, Area 14 Manager Tim Kroening said, “We still had several thousand people attend. The line for the fishing pole giveaway was around the boat house for well over an hour!” W H AT I S YOU R FAVOR IT E VO LUN T E E R E X P E R IE N CE? “I’m a raptor monitor at Cherry Creek State Park and enjoy winter monitoring as well as nest monitoring. Volunteering for CPW is very important to me and brings a lot of joy to my life.” J E A N E T T E AU M A N R A P TO R M O N I TO R A N D N AT U R A L I S T, V O LU N T E E R S I N C E 2014 V O LU N T E E R S I N C E 2 0 1 7 W I T H 6 2 5 H O U R S AT M U E L L E R S TAT E PA R K As much as you can remember, tell us about the first time you volunteered with CPW. I joined the Friends of Mueller State Park group, helping raise money for projects around the park, then got trained as a naturalist, and still do both. What is your favorite volunteer memory / experience? Working with kids! Seeing their eyes light up when they experience nature, or learn a new skill. They are the future of our state parks, and I want them to learn to respect and love the parks as much as I do. What would you like future generations of CPW volunteers to know? Volunteering is a wonderful experience! You learn constantly, and work with amazing staff and volunteers! Plus you get to be outside in the BEAUTIFUL environment! 30 Tracy Predmore, SE Region Education Coordinator, noted that most participants were still having fun and happy to be there, despite the soggy conditions. RIDGWAY S TATE PA R K B I R D BANDING EDU C ATI O N P RO G R A M Ridgway State Park collaborates with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to host a two-week public bird banding station. Ridgway is fortunate to have 10+ volunteers whose knowledge and expertise keep the park current with the scientific community and provide quality programs to all ages. Over the two weeks, 111 species were recorded, and among them, the Orchard Oriole was spotted - a rare bird for the area! A Steller’s jay was also banded, which has not happened since 2014. The park had 10 elementary schools visit to learn about migration, habitat, banding the birds, adaptations, identification, and how to use binoculars. Volunteers ran a station for each topic, making each morning quite the production! 31 �GOCO continues to provide much-needed funding for non-motorized trails projects. The requests for funding are increasing every year, as Colorado sees more and more residents and visitors using the vast network of trails in the state. Subsequently, a variety of new trails have been constructed, and many existing trails received much-needed repairs and annual maintenance. In fiscal year 2023, the projects funded by GOCO include planning and development, organization support, trail maintenance and reroutes, and new construction on state and federal lands. The Colorado the Beautiful Initiative grant program originated in 2018. This standalone offering was divided into two cycles, 2018-19 and 2019-20. While most of the projects are now complete, several were granted time extensions. All will be closed no later than June 2024. This initiative represented a statewide effort to grow, enhance, and connect outdoor recreation opportunities with the vision that within a generation every Coloradan will live within ten minutes of a park, trail, or vibrant green space. All of the Colorado the Beautiful Trails grants are funded by GOCO. 19 34 G O CO - F U N D E D T R A I L P R O J E C T S CO M P L E T E D MILES OF NEW TRAIL CO N S T R U C T I O N 96 $3,265,845 MILES OF TRAIL MAINTENANCE A N D R E CO N S T R U C T I O N G O CO TOTA L R E I M B U R S E M E N T S FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM FY 2022-23 FY 2022-23 FY 2022-23 FY 2022-23 TRAILS H IGH LIGH TS FEATURED P RO J EC T Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, 19 GOCO-funded trail projects were completed: M E S A CO U N T Y T R A I L M A I N T E N A N C E M E S A CO U N T Y P U B L I C H E A LT H › Fremont Pass Recreational Pathway (Summit County Open Space) $600,000 › Great Western Trail (Great Western Trail Authority) $250,000 › Devil’s Playground, Phase II (National Forest Foundation) $280,720 › Frisco Nordic Center Trails (Town of Frisco) $168,390 › Divide Ranger District Maintenance (US Forest Service Divide Ranger District) $68,900 › Fountain Creek Greenway Plan (Fountain Creek Watershed District) $100,000 › Pagosa Regional Trail Connection (Archuleta County) $100,655 › San Juan 14ers Trail Reconstruction (Colorado Fourteeners Initiative) $250,000 › Project Raghorn (USFS Pagosa Ranger District) $106,000 › Partnership for Stewardship 2020-22 (Wildlands Restoration Volunteers) $84,617 › Salida Ranger District Maintenance (USFS Salida Ranger District) $96,300 › Devil’s Playground Improvement Project (Rocky Mountain Field Institute) $31,792 › Trail Training Enhancement (Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado) $41,614 › Daniel’s Pass Phase I (Colorado Springs PRCS) - $250,000 › Virginia Canyon Mountain Park Phase I (City of Idaho Springs) $249,487 › Mesa County Trail Maintenance (Mesa County Public Health) $114,500 › Carhart Trail Maintenance (Southern Colorado Trail Builders) $5,377 › Riparian Park to Refuge (City of Alamosa) $45,000 › Volunteers Leadership Development and Tools (Wildlands Restoration Volunteers) $45,000 The Mesa County Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) was formed in 2018, and Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) houses a trails coordinator position. The individual’s placement in a public health agency gave the initiative a unique direction, with a primary focus on promoting individual and community health through trail development. The TAC developed a plan to create the first professional trail crew in Mesa County. Funding from GOCO provided a foundation to get the crew off the ground in October 2020. This maintenance grant funded trail work throughout Mesa County. Led by MCPH with support from the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association, and Western Colorado Conservation Corps., crews worked on three major trail systems in the county - Kokopelli, North Fruita Desert and Lunch Loops. Technical rock work, re-vegetation of social trails, and erosion control were some of the issues addressed. They also worked with volunteers on how to educate users on ‘Leave No Trace’ ethics, etiquette, safety, and wildlife impact. This crew has since evolved into a more expansive unit, handling trail construction, restoration, fuels mitigation, volunteer projects, and habitat enhancement. None of this would have been possible without the support from GOCO. Trail crew member working on one of the three major trail systems in Mesa County county. ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 33 �CPW WEBSITE REDESIGN Utilizing GOCO grant funding, the CPW branding and communications team worked with a design and development partner to create and begin to build an entirely modernized website for the agency. The site design focuses on a more approachable customer interface that improves accessibility. Content is also being refined, aiming to provide answers based on a customer journey, whether a visitor seeks to purchase a license or pass or simply learn more about the conservation work being done every day by CPW staff. Current work includes developing the new website in a new platform, which is a major effort by CPW staff and the vendor. This portion of the work is expected to be completed by the end of calendar year 2024. COLORADO OUTDOOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (RPI) convenes a broad spectrum of interests to collaborate in advancing solutions to conserve Colorado’s outdoors for people and wildlife. CPW and GOCO launched the initiative in 2021, offering grant funds to coalitions to join the Colorado Outdoor Partnership and commit to both regional and statewide conservation and recreation collaboration and planning. CPW is now in the 5th grant cycle, having awarded over $3 million to 16 regional partnerships across the state. Partnerships that cover more than half of Colorado and over 80 percent of the western slope are committed to bringing regional perspectives to Colorado’s Outdoors Strategy, a process led by GOCO, CPW, DNR, and the Governor’s Office to advance a collaborative vision for conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable recreation. There are countless success stories from these regions, including development of landscape assessments that are informing conservation and recreation, a collaborative plan where conservation and recreation interests are pursuing funding for trail reroutes and riparian corridor protection, and another where the partnership leveraged $200,000 additional funding for on-the-ground pilot projects. CPW produced an annual report and story map to capture and share these stories. This past year, CPW supported a CU capstone student team to help strengthen the program into the future. Students interviewed RPI leads and agency partners to better understand the program and its needs and then presented their findings in numerous forums with conservation and recreation partners, gathering their input. Their final report is expected in December 2023. OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM For FY 2022-23, GOCO reallocated $100,000 from the Director’s Innovation Fund to the Outdoor Equity Grant Program’s inaugural grant round. By leveraging GOCO funds, the Outdoor Equity Grant Board (Board) was able to invest an additional $100,000 in outdoor equity projects to meet the high demand for grants during the inaugural grant application period. In its first year of operation, the Board received over 300 requests for funding and distributed nearly $3.1 million in grants to 69 organizations across the state. Asian Girls Ignite received an Outdoor Equity Grant to support AGI Outdoors, which addresses the lack of AAPI representation in outdoors spaces by providing AAPI girls access to learn outdoor skills, build confidence and selfefficacy, and connect with community © CPW In FY 2022-23, the inaugural Board also created and refined the grant application and selection process and balanced ease of application with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that the Outdoor Equity Grant Program is accessible to organizations that haven’t traditionally had access to state grant funds. The Board also began to work with a contractor to refine Board values, which will help with the grant solicitation and selection process in future grant cycles. FINALIZED OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANT B O A R D VA LU E S : ★ We value opportunities that respect the community’s ability to define their own priorities so they can obtain the resources to achieve their goals. ★ We value opportunities that instill a sense of wonder, excitement, and responsibility for the environment in Colorado youth and families. © CPW Staff Adaptive Sports Association in Durango received funding to support outdoor recreation programs for youth with disabilities. © Ryan Jones, CPW 34 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 35 �State Forest State Park ©Mike Delliveneri Youth Connections Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. With GOCO support, CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resources of the state 36 37 �O U T RE AC H, E D UC ATI ON, A ND I NTE R P RE TI VE P RO GR AM S AN GL E R E D U C AT ION CPW’s angler education program staff continued to hold fishing clinics statewide in FY 2022-23. These clinics included large-scale events with hundreds of participants, like Get Outdoors Day, Dia de Pesca (Hispanic Fishing Day), and St. Vrain State Park’s Fishing Experience. Dia de Pesca was a huge success with over 400 attendees, thanks in large part to the partnerships with Denver Parks and Recreation and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to hosting it again next year! The Angler Education program is also attempting to introduce a more diverse audience to fishing through hands-on clinics. Partnerships with Environmental Learning for Kids, Latino Outdoors, Colorado Treks, and Mercy Housing have been successful in reaching new audiences. In FY 2022-23, CPW was awarded Mercy Housing’s Impact Award for “Outside of School Time” programs. Staff are also actively performing outreach to adults and women with adult-only beginner classes and women-only classes taught entirely by female instructors. Angler Education has also started several new programs in 2023 that will carry into 2024. We’ve expanded our involvement with the National Fishing in the Schools Program and helped finance the program for four new Colorado schools (one from each region of the state). We were also awarded a GOCO Director’s Innovation Fund grant to work with the United Way of Weld County over the next three years, aimed at helping 300 people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity to obtain fishing licenses and equipment. The long-term goal is to materially help resolve housing and food insecurity for these individuals, while at the same time encouraging their investment in the conservation of local aquatic resources. 38 F ISHING C LINIC S AT STATE PARKS C H AT F I E L D S TAT E PA R K Chatfield staff offered regular Fishing 101 Clinics at Lake Lehow as well as Blackbird Pond, Muskrat Pond, and the main reservoir. Plans are underway to offer ice fishing clinics this winter and additional fly fishing clinics next summer. M U E L L E R S TAT E PA R K Fly fishing clinics are a popular activity at Mueller State Park. Classes are held almost weekly throughout the summer at Dragonfly Pond, where catchable-size rainbow trout have been stocked. Adults seem to really appreciate the hands-on learning and expert instruction from park staff and volunteers. Kids like it too! R I D G WAY S TAT E PA R K Ridgway State Park led 15 fishing clinics in FY 2022-23 and gave away over 300 fishing poles to youth and adults alike. Most fishing clinics were staged at the Pa-Co-ChuPuk ponds and led by the park’s naturalist and volunteers. Many clinic participants were first-time anglers. The clinics covered fish species, anatomy, ecosystems, how to handle a fish, and angler ethics, in addition to casting a pole and practicing fishing from shore. Nothing replaces that ecstatic smile from someone who has just caught their first fish! E L E V E N M I L E S TAT E PA R K Crawfishing is a popular activity at Eleven Mile State Park. Youth and adults have fun learning about the facts, features, and design of crawfish. CPW staff taught the group how to pick up a crawdad and also showed them how to tell the difference between males and females. Staff distributed fishing poles that were rigged up with string, a paperclip, and a piece of hot dog on the end. Participants learned the importance of sustainability by debating whether to keep caught crawfish or throw them back in the water. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT Angler education partnership with Mercy Housing. ©CPW Staff 2023 GE T OUTDOORS DAY COLOR ADO S PRINGS Despite the rain, the June 2023 event was a success, with several thousand people in attendance. Get Outdoors Day is an annual partner event hosted by CPW, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance, and the City of Colorado Springs. Many other partners, such as Pike Peak Generation Wild, Catamount Institute, and Fountain Creek Nature Center, provided hands-on activities for families to learn about the local outdoor opportunities in the Pikes Peak Region. While the conditions did not allow for the stand up paddleboards and kayaks to be out on the water, all of the other events, including archery, touch-atruck, .22 shooting, and many partner booth activities, carried on. CPW also distributed 800 fishing poles to youth at no cost and helped participants fish. 278 F Y 2022-23 NUMBER OF ANGLER E D U C AT I O N C L I N I C S 8,777 F Y 2022-23 NUMBER OF PA R T I C I PA N T S COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 39 �I N T ER PR E TAT I O N P RO G R A M S As storytellers, CPW Interpreters teach people to care for Colorado by connecting them to places, objects, and topics. Interpreters help foster stewardship of natural and cultural resources by facilitating relevant, meaningful, and memorable educational experiences. CERTIFIED INTERPRE TIVE GUIDE TR AINING PHOTOS Clockwise from top left: Students, teachers, and Tribal Elders from the American Indian Academy of Denver ©CPW; ELK Rangers sharing during an ice breaker activity ©CPW.; Archery with Outdoor Asian in a partnership with District Wildlife Managers, Eldorado and Golden Gate Canyon state parks. In November 2022, the Statewide Interpretation Program provided a five-day Certified Interpretive Guide training for 15 individuals at Ridgway State Park. Amongst the class were local teachers, seasonal rangers, full-time rangers, nonprofit representatives, and volunteers. This internationally recognized professional certification teaches the essential skills for creating meaningful place-based experiences for formal and informal education programs held in public venues. The course is taught with a course book and example programs led throughout the week showcasing the different teaching techniques. It culminates with each student leading a 10- to 12-minute program on a topic of their choice. AMERIC AN INDIAN AC ADEMY OF DENVER I N D I G E N O U S S TO R Y T E L L I N G I N S TAT E PA R K S P R O J E C T Over the last several years, CPW interpreters have been working with students, teachers, and Tribal Elders from the American Indian Academy of Denver (AIAD) to rectify the erasure of Indigenous stories and perspectives in our educational signage and programs. The initial focus has been on one state park in each region (Mueller, Navajo, Roxborough, and Vega State Parks). AIAD visited the parks to connect to the land and met with CPW staff to learn more about what current Indigenous interpre40 tation exists. At these April meetings, students met with Elders to develop their recommendations, which they then presented to CPW staff. Park staff helped ensure the students felt welcome at site visits and heard during their presentations. Stay tuned to hear more about how the students’ ideas will be implemented! In May 2023, staff and participants experienced a bittersweet park visit at Mueller State Park with AIAD staff, students, and Elders, as we shared our last time together since Denver Public Schools announced the school would be closing due to lack of enrollment. Students had a wonderful experience, hiking through the park, shooting archery, watching a raptor presentation, and bonding around a campfire. ENVIRONME NTA L L E A R NI NG FOR KIDS ( E L K ) I NTE R P R E TI V E TR AINING Staff spent several fun and interactive days in June training the ELK Urban Rangers on best practices and techniques for developing and delivering educational programs for the audiences they serve. Park rangers presented on various topics, including finding art and music in nature, mindfulness and how nature helps our mental health, the importance of fish adaptations, and more. One highlight was learning how bees communicate by “shaking their booties.” COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 41 �S C HOOL S A N D OUTD OOR LEAR NI NG E N VI RON ME N TS The mission of the Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) program is to connect schools with CPW and its network of partners to increase youth and family interest in the outdoors. Over the last 10 years, SOLE has provided funding for field trips, in-class programs and school-based family events called ‘Family Nature Nights’ for more than 50 schools across the state, representing approximately three percent of all Colorado public K-12 schools. Last year, program staff began to dive into the question: How do we meet the needs of more students and educators across the state within CPW’s capacity? This began a transition year for SOLE and the start of an exciting conversation about what SOLE will become in the future. The SOLE program will move away from focusing solely on 4th-grade classrooms and instead become CPW’s overarching formal education program. SOLE will serve early childhood, kindergarten through 12th grade, community college and university level students, and educators by creating impactful connections to Colorado’s natural resources and the outdoors. SOLE group hike at a State Park ©CPW. “Our school is located in a lower-income rural area so the opportunities for exploration provided by this funding cannot be understated. Many of our students have never been out of the area. When we visited the capitol we were able to get a private tour by the assistant to our district’s State Representative. It was a great opportunity for our students to broaden their environment as well as increase their knowledge of our government. With our funding, the students and I have decided to build an outdoor learning area outside of our classroom, including two picnic tables and improved landscaping. It is located near our school entrance and will not only improve the look of our school but provide students with a space to enjoy the outdoors and learn at the same time.” C A L I C H E S C H O O L S TA F F M E M B E R , I L I F F, CO Funding was used for transportation and entrance fees for field trips, outdoor tables and supplies for teachers to take classes outside, and to support hiking and ice fishing experiences. Teachers also used the funding to help bring more environmental science into the classroom by purchasing supply kits, owls pellets, and weather stations; and even started their own ‘Trout in the Classroom’ programs. PROGR AM HIGHLIGHT SOLE group at state park ©CPW Staff. HIGHL I G H TS FROM 2022-23 During this transition year, funding was provided directly to 38 schools. Schools were asked to prioritize which funding was most critical to support getting students outside and to connect students to Colorado’s natural resources through their science and social studies standards. 42 Highline Lake is a SOLE park location and the past three years park staff have been working with two local schools, Orchard Avenue Elementary and Pomona Elementary. The park is in the process of obtaining Leave No Trace (LNT) gold standard certification. Staff attend the elementary schools annually and work with their 4th grade students on LNT principles. Following this, the students visit the park and put the LNT principles in action with nature hikes, ‘stay the trail’ and ‘trash your trash’ games, setting up camps and learn responsible campfire building followed up with s’mores. These field trips help the local youth learn how to recreate outdoors in a responsible manner. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 43 �ED U C ATION A N D TE ACH E R T R A IN ING ARK A N S A S HE A DWAT E R S REC R E AT I O N A R E A A 3rd grade ‘River Safety in the Schools Program’ was piloted at Longfellow Elementary and Salida Montessori Schools, which reached 105 students. This River Safety in Schools Program for 3rd-grade students is a partnership with the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), FIBArk, the City of Salida and the Recreation and Fire Department, and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association. The Arkansas River unites this community, and river safety knowledge is essential to keeping the next generation safe as they play in and around the Arkansas River. 3rd graders received a basic river safety curriculum taught by partners covering topics such as proper life jacket fit, hazard recognition, and self-rescue. Upon completion of the course, students received a free youth life jacket to keep and use in all their river adventures. When they grow out of their first life jacket, students can exchange it at the AHRA office for an adult universal life jacket that will keep them afloat through adulthood. The program is free, and we plan to expand it to Buena Vista next year; we will look to bring it to Cañon City and Leadville in the future. TEAC H I N G E N V IRON M E N TA L SCIE N C E N AT U R A L LY ( T.E.N.) P U E B LO This summer, the Southeast Region offered teachers a four-day professional development T.E.N. class. The theme, Shedding Light on the Prairie, highlighted various topics related to the short grass prairie. Teachers learned about geology at Lake Pueblo State Park and local ranching history at the nearby Goodnight Barn. They also toured the Pueblo Chemical Depot to learn about prairie 44 restoration, endangered plains fish, and the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret. The Pueblo Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center hosted the teachers for a day and shared their Where the Prairie Meets the River curriculum and a presentation about prairie raptors. Teachers appreciated the hands-on learning that is integral to the T.E.N. program through activities as well as visiting different locations in the Pueblo County region. UPPER ARKANSAS Though the 2023 Upper Arkansas T.E.N. course for teachers consisted of a small group this year, the class was very successful. This is the 20th year of this T.E.N. group, so the week consisted of several favorite themes and activities from the past, along with a few new topics. There was also considerable focus each day on how nature benefits mental health. The class started by learning about wildlife forensics and wildlife tracking with local District Wildlife Managers. Partners from Get Outdoors Leadville and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association shared information about their gear libraries as a resource for the teachers and their students. The participants took a field trip on Cottonwood Pass to learn about ecosystems and visited the Hayden Ranch to learn about local history and current ranching practices. At Twin Lakes, Liz Cook from History Colorado presented the Ute STEM kit curriculum, and Good Natured Learning presented a mini workshop on best practices for taking kids outdoors. The final day brought everything together by blending science, art, and mindfulness in making clay skull models. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT OUTDOOR UNDERS TANDING FOR TEACH ERS ( OUT) Delta OUT offered five new professional development workshops for Delta, Montrose, and Ouray county K-12 educators. A three-day July Backpacking course in the Uncompahgre Wilderness included training for the Leave No Trace curriculum, Wilderness First Aid, and team-building activities for teachers to apply with students in outdoor education settings. In the fall, teachers visited the Ute Indian Museum and Shavano Valley petroglyph site in Montrose to uncover Ute understanding of, and connection to, the Colorado landscape and environment over time while applying History Colorado’s ‘Ute Knowledge History’ Kit. The subsequent cold-season workshop at Ridgway State Park, ‘Winter Wonders,’ facilitated an exploration of life in the cold in connection to wildlife, ecology, and recreation. In the spring, a ‘Bear Aware’ offering at Cedaredge Middle School involved background knowledge and tools for teaching about black bears in Colorado and how to co-exist responsibly. Additionally, a ‘WILD About Water’ workshop at Sweitzer Lake State Park brought Aquatic WILD aquatic habitat content, curriculum, and activities to life. “This is fantastic material to bring to my classroom. The well-planned, standards-based lessons will be such a great tool and learning experience for my students. I plan to use as much of the materials as possible.” “I feel it was all so motivating and useful. Having the opportunity to hear other groups share the different lessons was great”. T E AC H E R E VA LUAT I O N F E E D B AC K F R O M U T E MUSEUM TRAINING “I really enjoyed all of the activities and I am planning to incorporate several of them into my team building lessons. I also plan to incorporate the ‘Leave No Trace’ activities into some of my outdoor lessons.” T E AC H E R E VA LUAT I O N F E E D B AC K F R O M S U M M E R B AC K PAC K I N G T R A I N I N G DUR ANGO MAPS S TATION AT OXBOW PARK & PRES ERVE The monitoring avian productivity and survivorship (MAPS) program is a continent-wide collaborative effort among public agencies, non-governmental groups, and individuals to assist the conservation of birds and their habitats through bird banding. FY 2022-23 continued the 10th year of CPW and the City of Durango’s jointly funded MAPS Station on the City’s Oxbow Park and Preserve property. The large group pictures include Dr. Lehmer’s Field Zoology Class from Ft Lewis College attending a MAPS station. Several pictures of the birds were caught and recorded at the station. Over ten years, the MAPS Station has added substantive and important data on bird populations in the SW Region of Colorado. It is currently one of only two MAPS stations in the state. It is staffed mostly by local volunteers and provides the public with a unique opportunity to engage in research and data collection. Its efforts have helped inform the City’s management of the property to balance recreation and habitat protection. Mancos museum field trip ©Staci Greenlee �YO U TH I NTERN S H I P P ROGR AM The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth; provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities; facilitate networking opportunities with CPW professionals; and provide exposure to various CPW career paths. YIP Intern Makenzie Neil assists middle school students with fly fishing at Bel Aire State Wildlife Area ©Trina Romero/CPW. “Overall this was a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. I was able to see and participate in a variety of what CPW had to offer. This internship allowed me to see many different aspects of the agency that I was not familiar with before such as school programs, fishing clinics, and conferences. I enjoyed meeting new people and learning more about their roles with CPW and also getting to participate in what their job entails. I was also able to do some once-in-a-lifetime things such as writing an article for a published magazine!” M AC K E N Z I E N E I L , Y I P I N T E R N YIP places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW. In FY 2022-23, 62 internship positions were funded, utilizing over $1 million of GOCO funds. YIP interns assisted CPW program areas, including state parks, aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, water quality monitoring, administrative support, and education and interpretation. PRO G R A M H I G HL I G H T One of the YIP Interns this year, Georgia Horne, conducted an evaluation of CPW’s Urban Rangers Program as part of their internship. The results were presented to agency staff and showed a cross collaboration between different programs working with youth in CPW. Their results highlight successes and areas for growth and actively engaged the youth in the Urban Rangers Program. An interesting part of this project was the use of Photovoice to capture the Urban Rangers’ thoughts and emotions. Photovoice is a process in which people – usually those with limited power due to poverty, language barriers, race, class, ethnicity, gender, culture, or other circumstances – use video or photo images to capture aspects of their environment and experiences and share them with others. The pictures can then be used, usually with captions composed by the photographers, to bring the realities of the photographers’ lives home to the public and policymakers and to spur change. Below are some of the Photovoice images. The images have a theme like “Health and Wellness” and combine the image the students took and their words for what it meant to them. 46 YIP intern Georgia Horne used PhotoVoice to capture the thoughts and emotions of Urban Rangers thoughts and emotions. The images have a theme like “Health and Wellness” and combine the image the students took and their words for what it meant to them. ©Georgia Horne COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 47 �CO LO R A DO YO U T H CO R P S A SSO C I AT I O N Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently completed its 22nd season of partnership with Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a statewide network of locally run youth corps. Youth corps crews made substantial contributions to CPW’s lands and the people who visit them. Work included trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, fence removal, fire mitigation, and invasive plant removal. In addition to the valuable work completed, the partnership also provides young people with opportunities for professional development, skill building, environmental education, and career exploration. Corps members gain an awareness of the agency, meet and work alongside CPW staff, and learn about the various job pathways available. CYCA engaged 298 corps members during the year, many of whom identify with traditionally underrepresented races, ethnicities, and genders. Ultimately, this partnership is helping to improve our lands, inspire stewardship, and train and recruit the next generation of natural resource professionals. Colorado Youth Corps Association participant ©CPW $450,000 46 13,733 18 S TAT E PA R K S 13 S TAT E W I L D L I F E A R E A S 3 S TAT E F I S H H ATC H E R I E S G O CO F U N D S IN V E S T E D HO UR S O F C YC A L A B OR WEEKS OF WORK AT: Participants in the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) on their way to a trail construction project ©CPW Colorado Youth Corps Association participants ©CPW LEFT: CYCA Powerline Trail Corridor Clearnig and Repair at Roxborough State Park. RIGHT: CYCA Highline Lake Trail Building at Highline State Park ©CPW COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 49 �G R A N D M E S A M O O S E D AY WATCHABL E WI LD LI F E This annual event was hampered by rain, and that did not deter folks from learning about moose! CPW provided presentations indoors that were well-attended, and there were activities on the deck of the US Forest Service visitor center. CPW wildlife officers hosted a telemetry hike to learn the “science behind the collars” and talked to visitors at the Operation Game Thief trailer learning about anti-poaching efforts. The highlight every year is someone spotting a moose on the Mesa. YA M PA VA L L E Y C R A N E F E S T I VA L Wildlife Viewing programs help connect people to wildlife through educational festivals, outreach programs, and other events to promote ethical viewing skills, provide experiences to observe wildlife, and share biological and ecological information to encourage awareness and understanding of Colorado’s wildlife. WILD LIF E VIE WING Intentionally observing, feeding, or photographing wildlife, or visiting or maintaining natural areas to benefit wildlife - is one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities in the United States. In fact, the 2016 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation reported that there are approximately 86 million wildlife viewers aged 16 or older in the U.S. ‒ more than one-third of the adult population ‒ and participation in wildlife viewing has been increasing since the mid-1990s. While we have this great data from the national survey, we haven’t had Colorado-specific information to tell us the story of wildlife viewing in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife partnered with Virginia and other states as part of a multistate conservation grant effort to conduct national and state-level surveys to gather more information about wildlife viewers; Colorado was one state that requested state-specific data. The data that will be gathered through these surveys will be critical in creating more meaningful and effective experiences for the public and, in particular, ways to better connect to underserved communities. District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny hosts CPW education table at Crane Festival ©Cathy Dolder/CPW. 50 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT This multi-day event hosts many activities, from art exhibits to guided crane viewing tours and a CPW-led family activity event. All things Sandhill Crane are at your fingertips! The family activity day includes engaging activities such as a crane matching game, measuring your wingspan, origami crane folding, crane scavenger hunts, and a great migration game. Biologists, volunteer coordinators, and a host of volunteers make this a great event for the attendees. We hear cranes flying overhead in the mornings and evenings, and CPW is a partner hosting the shuttle tours to view the cranes. M O N T E V I S TA C R A N E F E S T I VA L “This is one of the great wildlife migrations in the country that people can actually get out and see,” said CPW Education and Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Dolder. “The Monte Vista Crane Festival is an exciting event that CPW and our wonderful volunteers take pride in being a part of, and we love this chance to reunite with some volunteers who have assisted with this for decades.” The highlight of the three-day festival, held in March 2023, was the spectacle of more than 20,000 greater sandhill cranes making their annual spring migration and stopping over in southern Colorado as they transition from winter habitat to breeding range in the north. CPW staff and volunteers supported outdoor scope sites and were on hand to help answer questions from the public. S T E A M B O AT L A K E A N D P E A R L L A K E S TAT E PA R K S The Steamboat Lake State Park and Pearl Lake State Park’s manager hosted guided birding by pontoon on Steamboat Lake, and the boat was at full capacity on each trip. The park manager is an expert birder with so much knowledge of the park and surrounding area. One pontoon adventurer mentioned, “this is such a fun and unique experience - we plan to be back each year!” A R K A N S A S H E A D WAT E R S R E C R E AT I O N AREA (AHRA) AHRA hosted an all-staff work day along with YIP Interns, Rec Rangers, and seasonal park ranger staff to clean up and improve the trail at Five Points Campground, a popular bighorn sheep viewing area in Fremont County. This year, Wednesdays were dedicated to group projects that focused on key areas of the park that needed attention to enhance the visitor experience. This also gave our staff the opportunity to bond as a team and feel like they were giving back while taking care of the area. Birds at Steamboat Lake SP pontoon tour with Park Manager Julie Arington ©Trina Romero/CPW. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 51 �Grant Detail FY 2022-2023 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs ▶ O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N ★ Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. ★ Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 18200 Eldorado Canyon State Park Entrance Station Relocation 650,000 224,441 344,796 19200 Park Improvements 8,352,917 6,624,079 739,904 19201 Park Improvements 2 3,942,000 2,874,665 268,859 ★ Acquire, construct, and maintain trails and river greenways. 19223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 138,942 161,058 20171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 10,741 89,259 ★ Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. 20200 Park Improvements 6,991,024 3,213,608 1,833,210 20223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 84,658 134,672 20225 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 63,242 - 21200 Park Improvements 5,054,334 664,325 1,622,736 WILDLIFE 21223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 5,033 60,627 ★ Develop wildlife watching opportunities. 21225 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 40,413 20,307 ★ Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. 22172 Capital Development Program 1,020,000 – 1,020,000 22173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 – 1,292,500 ★ Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. 22174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 350,000 – 225,530 22175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,111,420 – 4,111,420 22194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 – 56,621 22200 Park Improvements 6,119,195 339,684 2,035,178 22223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 – – 22225 Director's Innovation Fund (Parks) 25,000 – 21,819 23172 Capital Development Program 1,010,749 – – 23173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 – – 23174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 266,726 – – 23175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,111,420 – – 23200 Park Improvements 5,183,550 – – 23223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 100,000 – – 23225 Director's Innovation Fund (Parks) 75,000 – – Totals this section: $52,298,335 $14,283,831 ★ Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases, or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2022-23 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT $14,038,494 53 �STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 21222 Website Redesign 700,000 – 325,589 22187 Public Information Program 296,000 – 296,000 22188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,323,500 – 1,323,500 22189 Volunteer Programs 231,000 – 114,581 23187 Public Information Program 296,000 – 23188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,167,603 23189 Volunteer Program 189,459 Totals this section: $4,203,562 – DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 19169 Spring Creek Dam Phase 2 1,070,000 860,651 206,630 19253 Aquatic Habitat Improvement 2,000,000 1,331,873 452,456 19259 Fort Collins Service Center 2,500,000 170,481 1,057,742 – 19260 Fuels Mitigation 1,000,000 – 18,400 – – 20150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 3,848,589 2,274,053 1,574,536 – – 20153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 367,215 278,651 20250 Protection and Restoration of Wildlife Habitat 3,600,000 1,934,971 1,180,342 20252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 2,000,000 – 21153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 212,407 581,318 21252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 1,266,329 676,788 22150 Acquire High Priority Habitat- Capital 1,223,088 – – 22151 Acquire High Priority Habitat- Operations 693,000 – 624,225 $2,059,669 STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS GOCO LOG GOCO LOG TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 18192 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 834,329 – 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 2,988,006 1,488,247 623,176 18233 Legacy Loop - Rock Island Trail 500,000 – – 18234 Great Western Trail 250,000 197,500 52,500 22152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 – 1,000,000 18236 Fremont Pass Rec Pathway 600,000 450,000 150,000 22153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 – 522,466 19192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,000,000 741,629 243,690 19221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 241,983 233,012 22154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 – 420,767 20192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 180,035 785,535 22531 FY22 CPW Centennial Projects 1,564,500 – 1,564,500 20221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 256,727 176,332 23151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 519,659 – – 21192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 – 314,542 23152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 – – 21221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 130,486 292,589 23153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 – – 22191 State Trails Program - Operating 370,935 – 370,935 22192 Trails Grants Program - Capital 1,000,000 – 71,123 23154 GIS Habitat Information 464,419 – – 22221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 – 56,290 23531 FY23 CPW Centennial Projects 6,250,000 – – 23191 State Trails Program - Operating 352,039 – – Totals this section: $35,608,255 $10,417,981 23192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,500,000 – – 23221 Trails in State Parks Program 500,000 – – Totals this section: $14,060,980 $4,520,936 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION $ 3,369,725 GOCO LOG STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) $10,158,820 DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 22155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 – 575,000 22156 Native Species Protection 4,480,000 – 4,480,000 20194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 247,920 52,080 21194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 131,908 74,555 22157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 610,000 – 610,000 22193 Water Program 150,000 – 85,138 23155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 488,129 – – 23193 Water Program 86,919 – – Totals this section: $836,919 $379,828 $211,773 23161 Threatened,Endangered&Native Species Conservation 4,740,346 – – GRAND TOTAL, STATE PARKS PURPOSE $71,399,796 $19,184,595 $19,679,661 Totals this section: $10,893,475 – 54 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT $5,665,000 55 �WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS, RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, AND RESTORE TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 20163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 38,014 23,250 21049 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (comp) 320,000 109,564 146,549 21163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 23,241 28,398 21249 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative 160,000 54,782 73,275 21166 Website Redesign 1,300,000 – 604,665 21298 RESTORE Program 250,000 – 133,679 22158 Youth Programs 1,071,317 – 1,071,317 21299 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative 160,000 54,782 73,274 22159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 – 377,359 22351 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (Capacity) 500,000 – 55,090 22160 Angler Education 161,000 – 161,000 22352 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (Regrant) 3,000,000 – – 22163 Director's Innovation Fund 25,000 – 24,450 Totals this section: $4,390,000 $219,128 $481,867 23158 Youth Programs 918,637 – – 23159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 – – 23160 Angler Education 161,000 – – 23163 Director's Innovation Fund 75,000 – – Totals this section: $4,662,320 $61,255 $2,290,439 WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2022-23 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 22162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 – 150,000 23162 Wildlife Viewing 144,899 – – Totals this section: $294,899 – $150,000 Grand total,Wildlife Purpose $51,458,949 $10,479,236 $18,264,258 GRAND TOTAL, INCLUDING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND RESTORE $127,248,745 $29,882,959 $38,425,787 56 COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE • GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT 57 �C PW M ISSION The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. G OCO MISSION To help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage Colorado Parks & Wildlife 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 (303) 297-1192 • cpw.state.co.us � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/a3a2a68a0d07467725fb86333caf5654.pdf c3770128efc2016c7fb60641c8b7350a PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2021-2022 Annual Report �Letter from the Director We are pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report for the 2021-22 fiscal year to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. For 125 years, members of this agency have dedicated their careers to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of our natural resources. GOCO funding contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s mission, from the day-to-day management of state parks and wildlife areas to long-term research to protect Colorado’s native plant and animal species. GOCO funding helps CPW protect and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, hunting, angling, and species conservation. One of the most exciting developments is the forthcoming Keep Colorado Wild Pass. The pass fee will help us engage many more outdoor recreationists and add stability to the parks’ funding stream. In this report you will see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: • Operating support for Colorado’s state parks, which continued to host record visitation, totaling over 19 million visitor days in FY 2021-22. • Support for more than 310,000 volunteer hours at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. • Funding 11 regional partnerships to join a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing for equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences. With GOCO support, we continued important partnerships and programs that expand education and opportunities for young people to envision a career in natural resources, and maintained a strong and dedicated volunteer base. GOCO’s continuing support of the Regional Partnerships Initiative and a onetime contribution to the Outdoor Equity Grant Program demonstrates a commitment to innovative approaches, providing new opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation. CPW is expanding the number of hunters and anglers in Colorado though hunter outreach and angler education, holding in-person and virtual outreach events, contests, seminars and managing grant programs. The return of the Free Fishing Weekend events and promotions was a huge highlight for CPW in 2022 since it had been limited by the pandemic the past two years. State Parks continue to draw more visitors and we continue exploring opportunities to expand the state park system. Fishers Peak State Park, opened in fall 2020, currently offers hiker access to six trails, three of which are open to mountain biking, and one biking only downhill trail, and a scenic drive-in picnic area easily accessed from the parking lot. The park master planning process is in full swing, which includes striking the appropriate design and management balance that supports conservation and outdoor recreation. Sincerely, 2 Heather Disney Dugan Acting Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife �Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized around the country and the world for its beautiful landscapes and diverse and healthy wildlife populations. At the same time access to outdoor recreation and the state’s wildlife is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts. GOCO funding supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth and education programs, and park operating and management activities. GOCO investments also support statewide initiatives in species conservation efforts, habitat protection and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails, and infrastructure projects. In 2020, the GOCO Board adopted a new strategic plan to guide future funding priorities. GOCO grant programs are rooted in the core values of the plan: Resource Conservation, Outdoor Stewardship, Community Vitality, Equitable Access, and Youth Connections. This annual report is structured around these ideas. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO and a wide variety of programs, projects, and activities managed by CPW are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things that CPW has been able to accomplish in state fiscal year 2021-22 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives minimal general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW making many of the accomplishments possible. At the end of this report, you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2021-22 organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged GOCO funding to conserve natural resources, promote outdoor stewardship, enhance community vitality, improve equitable access to the outdoors, and connect youth and families with nature. $15,913,269 $13,999,923 FY 2021-22 FY 2021-22 INVESTMENT PLAN TOTAL AWARD FOR STATE PARKS INVESTMENT PLAN TOTAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE Cover Photo: Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area 3 �Resource CONSERVATION AND OUTDOOR STEWARDSHIP Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes and maintain areas already under CPW’s care. 4 �5 �Douglas Mountain Ranch 1,160 FY 2021-22 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACRES FUNDED 510 FY 2021-22 WILDLIFE ACCESS EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED $2,821,445 FY 2021-22 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LAND ACQUISITION 6 • �L A ND AND WATER P ROTEC TION In addition to managing Colorado’s wildlife and state park system, CPW is responsible for the acquisition, protection, and management of lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with private landowners and local, state, federal, and nongovernmental partners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 31.8 million acres of agricultural lands, which sustains more than 39,000 ranches and farms1. Without private landowner support, conservation of Colorado’s abundant wildlife habitat and access to worldclass recreation opportunities would be severely limited. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. GOCO-SUPPORTED PROJEC TS IN FY 2021-22 DO UGL AS M OU N TA IN R A N C H 1,659 ACRES Through a collaboration with GOCO, Douglas Mountain Ranch, the Mountain Area Land Trust, Clear Creek County Open Space, and Friends of Clear Creek, CPW acquired 123 acres of the Douglas Mountain Ranch, which is contiguous to the Georgetown Wildlife Watchable Area (WWA). The acquisition represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to expand the WWA, protect critical Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep habitat and a migration corridor while preserving scenic view sheds. Elk, deer, and moose can be seen in the open meadows and along the West Fork of Clear Creek, which passes through the property. The riparian habitat benefits game and nongame species including the boreal toad, bald eagle, and the Lewis’s woodpecker. The property is also within a buffer zone for peregrine falcon nesting grounds. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=COLORADO 1 7 �C A P ITA L IMPROVEMENTS Colorado’s system of state parks and wildlife areas is more than 60 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and upgrading to the standards expected by today’s visitors. The CPW Capital Development program manages construction and maintenance of more than 1,400 structures and 115 dams across the state. GOCO funding supports Capital Development program operations and is the primary funding source for many capital projects. PA R KS L A RG E C A P ITA L STAT E FOR E S T S TAT E PA RK North Michigan Dam Rehabilitation $7,000,000 In the ultimate rugged Colorado, State Forest State Park offers visitors 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife, and miles of trails. The park stretches along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains and into the north end of the Never Summer mountain range. One of the many popular locations in the park is the North Michigan reservoir. This dam is one of the highest CPW priorities to repair as it had been identified to have several failure risk factors. This project was a challenging full rehabilitation due to the elevation and limited season for work due to weather conditions. Even with these challenges, the majority of work was completed in one season. In addition to dam rehabilitation, the project also added aquatic habitat and increased fishing access. 8 C R AWF ORD STATE PARK Clear Fork Campground Renovation $1,537,487 Located near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crawford’s major draws are its reservoir and camping facilities. It is the rare place on the western slope where people can enjoy fishing, waterskiing, swimming, and even scuba diving. The park has two campgrounds, and this project is an exciting upgrade for visitors. The renovations include replacing multiple campsites with better ADA accessible campsites, more space, shade shelters, picnic tables, and full hookups. TRINIDAD L AKE STATE PAR K Road Rehabilitation $2,313,000 Trinidad Lake State Park, nestled in the Southern Colorado foothills of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is a great place to enjoy trails, camping, hunting, and easy access to the City of Trinidad. The park’s 800-acre lake provides ample opportunities for boating and fishing. The park was acquired in 1978 and many of the facilities are in need of replacement. The existing roads in the park are more 40 years old and need to be removed and replaced. This project made it possible to rehabilitate approximately 3 miles of roads and parking lots in some of the most popular places for visitors. �CPW Crawford State Park’s Clearfork Campground renovation 9 �W I L D L I FE L A RG E C A P I TAL AQ UAT I C H A B I TAT R E S TO R AT ION P ROJ E C TS $2,000,000 (in total) In 2020, CPW began the process of completing nine aquatic habitat restoration projects in three CPW regions (Northeast, Southwest, and Northwest). Each of the projects had slightly different goals, but the overarching benefits of this work include increased and improved aquatic habitat and better angling satisfaction. This project required challenging coordination between the regions, aquatic and research biologists, and engineers, while working in a limited construction season due to fish spawning and water fluctuations. Most of the sites are complete with some work still underway. CPW plans to complete more collaborative projects like this in the future. $15,679,878 SPRING C REEK DAM PHASE II- OUTLE T REHABILITATION $1,070,000 Spring Creek is a picturesque CPW-owned dam surrounded by United States Forest Service land and located outside Crested Butte. The dam has been identified as one of CPW’s highest ranked dams in need of repairs due to deterioration, age, and the potential damage that would be caused downstream if it were to fail. Inspections completed by Colorado State Engineer’s Office of Dam Safety indicated that the non-functioning gate, which allows staff to open and close it to store and release water when needed, and the lack of remote monitoring at the dam increased the potential for dam failure. Remote monitoring, using a computer program and electronic equipment, saves staff time and provides real time information on dam function, improving safety. This project remedied these deficiencies and highlights GOCO’s support of CPW’s continued commitment to dam safety maintenance. FY 2021-22 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARKS AND WILDLIFE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $5,054,334 $2,000,000 FY 2021-22 FY 2021-22 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING 14 STATE PARKS 10 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING NUMEROUS WILDLIFE SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS �WI L D L I FE S MA L L C A P I TAL This program has proved to be successful for state parks and in the last few years, has been expanded to include wildlife owned or managed properties. Regions and branches are assigned an annual budget for the small capital program. Projects are selected and prioritized at the regional or branch level and managed by field managers, allowing them to address highest priorities without competition from other regions or branches. The program averages about 120 projects completed per year. Many of the division’s hatchery facilities are 70 to 100 years old and with 574 wildlife facilities statewide, the maintenance needs are significant. Beginning in the FY 2018-19 investment proposal, GOCO awarded CPW two million dollars to initiate a wildlife small capital program, which CPW has matched with federal funds and agency cash funds, maintaining a Wildlife Small Capital Program with an overall budget of five million dollars. This program has been crucial in addressing the maintenance and rehabilitation needs of the wildlife areas. Although FY 2021-22 will be the last year that GOCO funds will be allocated to the wildlife small capital program, CPW plans to continue the program. Gunnison River at Gunnison River SWA: The project improved the resiliency and long-term stability of the river reach through the reconfiguration of the boulder diversion structure to improve overall function and the installation of boulder structures to improve flow depths and concentrate flows away from the river banks. Long-term stability of the river banks were also improved through the installation of bio-engineering solutions such as sod mats and layered brush treatments. 11 CPW Maintaining existing facilities is one of the top priorities of the CPW Capital Development Program. CPW dedicates a portion of its overall capital budget to small capital projects, defined as projects with a total cost between $5,000 and $150,000. These projects are primarily maintenance or minor improvements and address health and safety issues or repair minor issues before they become major problems. �S P E C IE S CONS ERVATION, N ATUR A L AREAS P ROGR A M AN D WE TL AN DS CONSE RVATION Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. 12 CPW CPW Ptarmigan �A L P I N E S P E CIE S Colorado is known for its high elevation “Alpine Zone” that begins at around 11,500 feet. At this elevation, trees can no longer grow and native habitats are comprised of short statured herbaceous vegetation, steep scree and rock talus slopes, alpine lakes, cliffs, and large boulder fields. The weather in the alpine is harsh and consists of short growing seasons, long winters, high winds, and afternoon summer thunderstorms that keep mean daily temperatures low. Climate change can affect the alpine zone with warming temperatures and more frequent droughts, intensified weather events, and changes in snow cover. Because Colorado contains the majority of alpine habitats in the lower 48 states, it is imperative for CPW to conserve the few species that call these habitats home. Two of these alpine species; the southern white-tailed ptarmigan and the browncapped rosy-finch are almost completely endemic to Colorado. As part of a long-term monitoring program beginning in 2011, CPW conducted occupancy surveys in 2022 for both of these species as well as the American pika. Survey plots were arrayed across the state from the southern La Plata Mountains north to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Hardy CPW technicians endured long hikes across difficult terrain to reach alpine habitats to survey for these species. Preliminary information suggests that all three species are maintaining, but continued monitoring is needed as recreation in the high country increases and environmental conditions change. Canada Lynx C ANADA LYNX Beginning in 1999 with GOCO funding, CPW initiated a reintroduction of this subalpine species to southwest Colorado. After declaring the reintroduction a success in 2010 based on benchmarks that indicate a self-sustaining population, biologists began monitoring the species using non-invasive techniques. This means that animals were no longer being captured and fitted with telemetry collars. Trail cameras and snow tracking efforts continue to be used to document occupancy in the region. Results thus far indicate a stable population. Information developed through on-going studies are also informative to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as they consider the federal status of the species. $5,537,552 FY 2021-22 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SPECIES CONSERVATION 13 �©NOPPADOL PAOTHONG Male Gunnison sage-grouse G U N N I S ON S AG E -G ROU SE To monitor population trends of the threatened Gunnison sage-grouse, staff counted birds on their mating sites. A total of 135 mating sites, known as leks, were counted across all seven populations in Colorado. Although the estimated population size of about 4,300 birds is up 24 percent from last year, all populations are still below U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and CPW recommended targets. CPW is working with partners and stakeholders to conduct a population viability analysis that will be used to guide the translocation program. Understanding the best methods to ensure success is the first step in developing a translocation program. If the Gunnison sage-grouse population continues to increase translocations can likely can begin in 2024. Translocations will be from Gunnison Basin into one of the satellite populations. PINYON JAYS Pinyon jays were recently petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act based on 14 information suggesting that populations were in steep decline. Pinyon jays are residents of pinyon-juniper woodlands in Colorado. These woodlands make up about 21 percent of the forested landscape in the state, making CPW an important contributor to pinyon jay conservation. The majority of Colorado’s pinyonjuniper habitat is managed by federal agencies responsible for habitat treatments that focus on multiple species management and reduction of fuel loads. CPW biologists’ have been studying pinyon jay breeding areas since 2019 and advise federal agencies on protocol development to locate breeding areas when planning habitat treatments, how to best implement habitat treatments to avoid disturbing breeding jays, and providing timing recommendations when treatments should be completed. PRAIRIE DOGS Concern about Gunnison’s and white-tailed prairie dog populations in Colorado stem from apparent declines in distribution caused by multiple factors including agricultural conversion, energy and mineral development, poisoning, recreational shooting, climate change, and urban development. However, the biggest threat to the species is plague, a nonnative disease. Both species have been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act, but were found not to be warranted for listing based partially on the efforts put forward by the states to manage and conserve the two species range-wide. As part of this coordinated effort, range-wide occupancy surveys are completed every six years to assess if states are maintaining occupancy across at least 75 percent of the geographic range of the two species. This will ensure long-term population viability. In 2022, staff completed occupancy surveys of 381 plots for both species on the ground and from fixed �wing aircraft. A written report of these findings became available in January 2023. These reports provide information about ongoing, long-term monitoring for both species. In 2022, populations were stable and increasing. Efforts to maintain populations through the management of plague are being successful. Yellow-billed cuckoo survey on TNC Carpenter Ranch along theYampa River. WESTERN YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO Biologists participated in the first range-wide survey for the western yellow-billed cuckoo. With 11 partnering states from Washington to Texas, biologists surveyed grids across the distinct population segment in an effort to document range-wide occupancy for this nomadic and rare species. The 2022 survey effort was the most thorough survey effort to date in Colorado. CPW biologists and partners surveyed over 2,750 call points at approximately 50 sites and detected over 20 cuckoos. Although the vast majority of these birds were likely passing through rather than establishing breeding territories, the survey provided an enormous amount of information about western yellowbilled cuckoo rarity and habitat use in Colorado. LIZA ROSSI /CPW Prairie dog 15 �CPW Collered lizards CO LO R A D O N AT U R A L A REAS P RO G R A M The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) is celebrating 45 years of identifying, designating, and helping protect Colorado’s most special natural places. With the help of GOCO, CNAP has designated 95 State Natural Areas and has helped to protect over 150 species of greatest conservation need. Colorado’s State Natural Areas contain the state’s most rare and unique natural features including plants, wildlife, insects, natural communities, geologic features, and fossils. During FY 2021-22, CNAP accomplished the following: 16 STATE NATUR AL AREAS M ONITORING One of the many benefits of designating State Natural Areas is ongoing, long-term monitoring of each site. Program staff monitor each State Natural Area every three years, while dedicated volunteer stewards monitor their assigned State Natural Area(s) annually. Program staff monitored 39 State Natural Areas and a total of 112 monitoring visits were made between staff and volunteer stewards. Nearly 90 species of greatest conservation need, including plants, were observed and documented on State Natural Areas. �C N A P VOLU N T E E R S T E WARD PRO G R A M The program’s volunteer steward program has been in existence for over 20 years. Volunteer stewards conduct annual monitoring on State Natural Areas including documentation of rare or tracked species, photo monitoring, and vegetation surveys. Over half of CNAP’s volunteers have been serving the program for over 10 years, providing long-term monitoring and knowledge of assigned State Natural Areas. In FY 2021-22, CNAP volunteer stewards collectively contributed 1,830 hours and monitored 44 State Natural Areas. S TAT E N AT U R A L A R E A S R E G I ST R AT I ON A N D D E S I GN AT ION R ARE PL ANT CONSERVATIO N The Colorado Natural Areas Program serves as a leader in rare plant conservation and is the only program within Colorado state government with a focus on rare plants. The program works closely with rare plant conservation partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to conserve and protect the state’s 117 Plant Species of Greatest Conservation Need. CNAP conducted and/or supported monitoring of over ten federally listed plant species, including Pagosa skyrocket, Parachute penstemon, Dudley Bluff bladderpod, North Park phacelia. Pagosa skyrocket monitoring In FY 2021-22, the Colorado Natural Areas Council, a seven member Governor-appointed advisory council to CNAP, registered the Coal Creek Tallgrass Prairie Natural Area. Registration is an administrative step taken prior to designation. The Coal Creek Tallgrass Prairie Registered State Natural Area is a 1,458 acre property containing high-quality remnant tallgrass prairie, owned and managed by the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. The property is expected to become officially designated by 2023. Parachute penstemon monitoring Coal Creek Tallgrass Prairie Registered State Natural Area 17 �R E S O URC E STE WARDS HIP Thanks to the continued support of GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado’s State Parks and Recreation Areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and part time staff, conservation and planning projects, and program operations. T H E R E S OU RC E S T E WA R DSHIP PROGR AM ADDRESSES S I X MA I N TOP I C A R E A S: • the development of Resource Stewardship Plans and resource management standards for each state park; • the development and management of GIS natural and cultural resource data; • environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conservation during capital projects; • invasive species management, revegetation, and restoration; • forest management; and • volunteer citizen science project management. During FY 2021-22, CPW’s Resource Stewardship Program utilized GOCO funds to accomplish many significant projects: RE SO URCE S T E WA R D S HIP P L A N NIN G The first step in building a Resource Stewardship Plan for a state park is the collection and creation of natural and cultural resource data specific to each state park property. During the past fiscal year, inventory projects were performed at Sweetwater 18 Lake, Fishers Peak, Ridgway, Yampa River, Elkhead Reservoir, Rifle Gap, John Martin Reservoir, and Mueller State Parks. These inventories included breeding bird surveys, cultural resource surveys, geologic mapping, paleontology surveys, raptor surveys, reptile and amphibian surveys, vegetation surveys and vegetation monitoring. Additionally, GOCO funds continue to be instrumental in supporting work to conserve natural and cultural resources while supporting the planning and opening of Fishers Peak State Park. �Endangered New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse captured at Fishers Peak State Park F I S H E R S P E A K S TAT E PA R K The Resource Stewardship Program continued working with the CPW Southeast Region staff, including park managers and the CPW master planning team, to bring public input, resource inventory, and research on local conservation topics into the development of the park. The Resource Stewardship Program continues to be involved in the design of Fishers Peak State Park to meet the goals of conservation and provision of recreation opportunities on the park. Program staff provide natural and cultural resource data, analysis and interpretation of this data, and application of the information in the design of the park. Biological surveys included in-depth data collection on the spatial distribution and habitat quality of the federally endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, a species known to live on the property, and the spatial distribution and habitat quality of the Capulin goldenrod, a rare plant species known in only 5 locations globally. Additionally, surveys and monitoring of specific breeding locations of raptor species, analysis of the use of forest habitats for wildlife breeding, spatial distribution of reptiles and amphibians, and surveys for bat species on the property were completed. Additionally, cultural resource inventory work and paleontological surveys, geological surveys, and a geologic hazards assessment including fault lines, landslide areas, and rock fall areas, for the property continue. The program is also collaborating with park management and capital development projects to guide activities away from impacting important park resources. SWEE T WATER L AKE The addition of Sweetwater Lake to the Colorado state park system began this year. Resource Stewardship is in the process of collecting the foundational biological and cultural data necessary to begin a park planning process. Surveys underway include breeding bird and songbird, raptors, waterfowl, amphibians, rare plants, pygmy shrews, noxious weeds, vegetation community mapping, and condition assessments. CPW staff are collaborating with partners at the U.S. Forest Service and their planning, biological and cultural resource staff, as well as with local partners on park planning. Outcomes of surveys include new populations of a rare penstemon plant, nests of 5 raptor species, a raptor conservation strategies document, and protections for cultural resources. 19 �ST E A M B OAT L A K E, P E A R L L A KE, E L D OR A D O C A NYO N, A N D G OL D E N G AT E C A NYON STAT E PA R K S CPW staff are working together and have finalized park management plans for each park. Plans incorporate data from resource stewardship plans, visitation information, and park operations to formulate a comprehensive path for the future of these properties. Plans balance the provision of recreation opportunities with the conservation of each park’s valuable biological, natural, and cultural resources. H I GH L I N E L A K E S TAT E PARK Highline Lake State Park was recently expanded through the acquisition of a neighboring property where the development of visitor access is being planned. The Resource Stewardship Program has been a part of the property design team and has performed a rapid ecological assessment of the newly acquired property. The assessment identified existing and potential resources based on the habitats found to help steer conservation of resources during the planning and development of the new parcel. SWE I T Z E R L A K E S TAT E PARK Sweitzer Lake State Park was recently expanded through the acquisition of a neighboring property where the development of visitor access is being planned. The Resource Stewardship Program supported the federal grant process through its biological survey work. This included a rapid ecological assessment of the newly acquired property to identify existing and potential resources based on the habitats found. The assessment will help steer conservation of resources during the planning and future development phases of this project. 20 KESTREL NEST BOX PILOT PROJEC T In 2020-21, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and St. Vrain State Parks served as the locations to pilot the installation of nest boxes for American kestrels, a small falcon native to Colorado that is on the decline across the U.S. This pilot project’s goal is to increase nesting habitat in state parks by providing nest boxes. During the 2021-22 season, successful use of kestrel boxes occurred at each of the pilot locations. INVASIVE SPEC IES MANAGEM ENT The Resource Stewardship Program surveyed invasive plants (weeds) in ten state parks and created management plans for each park. Management plans include maps of known weed populations, weed species identification aids, identification of priority treatment areas and weed species, treatment method recommendations, seasonal treatment calendars by species and park location, and revegetation specifications and seed mixes, all created specific to each state park and their on-the-ground conditions. Tools were created and included in each plan to facilitate improved herbicide treatment efforts by contract sprayers and improved tracking of herbicide use by field staff. �R E V E G E TAT ION A N D R E S TO R AT ION Seeding specifications and seed mixes were created specifically to support the creation of future pollinator habitats and gardens in state parks These specifications outline how to perform seeding and planting projects, supply plant lists, seed mixes, and outline maintenance, care, and success criteria for pollinator habitat projects. Plant species are identified based on their presence in each park, their value to pollinators, and their availability with commercial seed and plant providers. Additionally, staff collaborated and consulted with CPW Dam Safety Engineers to create successful native planting specifications for dams on CPW properties to facilitate revegetation success using location appropriate native species and to improve past revegetation projects that had challenging results. VO LU N T E E R C I T IZ E N S CIENC E Citizen science is a critical tool for providing consistent real-time natural resource data and monitoring for use in park management decisions and projects managed across the state park system. In the last year, citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles, amphibians, pollinators and other invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds, and nesting raptors. In FY 2021-22, the raptor monitoring program operated in all state parks and has over 200 participant volunteers. Additionally, Resource Stewardship has expanded the iNaturalist State Park NatureFinder project which has over 49,000 observations, 3,800 species, and 3,400 participants. The program continued to utilize lessons learned during the pandemic via virtual resources with online tutorials, trainings, and volunteer resources to support these important citizen science projects. Additionally, the annual meeting of the State Park Raptor Monitoring Volunteer Program has moved to a hybrid of inperson and online format so that people from all sectors of the public and from all areas of the state could participate in real time. COLOR AD O CONSERVATION DATA EXPLORER The Resource Stewardship Program led agency efforts in collaborating with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program for development of the Colorado Conservation Data Explorer or CODEX (https:// codex.cnhp.colostate.edu/). This web-mapping tool allows users easy access to comprehensive spatial data related to habitats, occurrences of wildlife and rare plants, and other important natural resources. CODEX provides a critical decision support tool in advancing efforts to ensure that future development happens in ways that can maintain Colorado’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. The tool officially launched in November 2021, already has over 350 organizations utilizing its features, including many of the coalitions participating in the Regional Partnerships Initiative. F OREST MANAGEM ENT The program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. Forest management plans were completed for Fishers Peak and Ridgway State Park. Priority forest management projects were implemented on 56 acres at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 3.5 acres at Roxborough State Park, and 20 acres at Vega State Park. Dozens of 2-inch caliper trees were planted across 3 acres at Jackson Lake State Park as part of a long term forest improvement effort. Significant amounts of slash pile burning occurred on Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Lory State Park over the winter. Continuing to invest in these forest management activities helps improve the resilience of state park areas to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. 21 �W E TL A ND S CON S ERVATION CPW’s Wetlands Program annually awards competitive grants to CPW staff and partners for projects that restore wetlands and riparian areas. These projects create new managed wetlands, improve the function and efficiency of existing managed wetlands, remove non-native invasive vegetation and replace with native vegetation, manage invasive cattail growth in wetlands, restore riparian habitat impacted by mining, and reconnect incised creeks with their floodplains. Projects are conducted on state wildlife areas, state parks, and other public and private lands. The program drives funding priorities to those projects benefiting species of greatest conservation need identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Wetlands are lands affected by water that support unique plants and soils, making up just two percent of Colorado’s landscape, but providing benefits to over 75 percent of the state’s wildlife species. The protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and riparian areas is vital to the conservation of wildlife diversity in the state. Wetland and riparian landscapes provide crucial feeding, resting and rearing habitat, and movement corridors. They also improve water quality and quantity, and create open space, educational opportunities, and economic benefits from hunting, fishing, and bird watching. 22 In FY 2021-22, CPW awarded funds to 11 new wetlands projects and two previously-funded projects that will help to restore or enhance more than 14,000 acres of wetland and riparian habitat. The projects will improve habitat on four State Wildlife Areas and will benefit 8 waterfowl species and 22 Tier 1 or 2 species of greatest conservation need as identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, including greater sandhill crane, southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, boreal toad, northern leopard frog, bluehead sucker, bonytail, northern redbelly dace, and plains topminnow. Also in FY 2021-22, CPW staff and partners achieved more than 8,000 acres of wetland and riparian restoration in 24 completed projects. Landscape-scale wetlands conservation in the San Luis Valley continues to be a program priority. The San Luis Valley hosts Colorado’s largest-scale wetlands, important to waterfowl and species of greatest conservation need such as greater sandhill crane, southwestern willow flycatcher, yellowbilled cuckoo, Rio Grande chub, and Rio Grande sucker. In FY 2021-22, seven projects in the San Luis Valley were completed in collaboration with private landowners, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. This complements ongoing work on additional private �lands and public lands, including the Bureau of Land Management Blanca Wetlands, Rio Grande State Wildlife Area, and the Alamosa, Baca, and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges. These projects will improve water management infrastructure to allow efficient management of natural wetland flow paths in the current time of limited water availability. Other restoration practices include installing wildlife-friendly fencing to better manage livestock grazing, and cottonwood and willow plantings to promote the native riparian plant community along the Rio Grande corridor. Blanca Wetlands 23 �Community Vitality and Equitable Access Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 43 state parks and more than 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 3,500 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCOsupported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. 24 �Track chair program that provides accessibility to Staunton State Park’s trails 25 �S TAT E PA R K O PER ATIO N S GOCO helps protect the places that Coloradans enjoy, and also supports the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s 43 state parks. GOCO’s historic support for basic state park operations has been invaluable to CPW, and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. 19,718,024 FY 2021-22 STATE PARKS VISITATION $3,000,000 FY 2021-22 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARK OPERATIONS Cheyenne Mountain State Park ranger visiting with a young camper. 26 �VOLUN T E ER S PA R T N E R S H I P S A N D T R AININGS Through a long-standing partnership, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) completed 13 service projects on properties that CPW stewards. VOC coordinated 301 volunteers for these projects, who contributed 2,087 hours of time, equivalent to 1 FTE and an economic value of $65,761. Thanks to GOCO, the statewide volunteer program funded five large volunteer projects at state wildlife areas. Projects featured tree planting, habitat 311,150 FY 2021-22 management and improvements, camp host site construction, and quail and cottontail monitoring. The annual education and volunteer training was back in person this year. 31 volunteers attended from all four regions. The theme was ‘Navigating a New World: Reconnecting and Cultivating Resilience in a Time of Change.’ Sessions focused on the power of storytelling, trends in interpretation and volunteerism, managing our programs through change, and learning resiliency from Colorado wildlife. $9,804,337 FY 2021-22 VOLUNTEER HOURS VOLUNTEER VALUE 150 $429,782 FTE EQUIVALENT OF VOLUNTEER HOURS GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR CPW VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS FY 2021-22 FY 2021-22 4,459 FY 2021-22 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS 27 �Volunteer Spotlight: Doris Cruze, Roxborough State Park volunteer since 1982 As much as you can remember, tell us about the first time you volunteered with CPW. In March 2022, I started my 41st year of volunteering at Roxborough State Park. I began when the naturalist training class of 1982 first met - even before the park was open. I believe we were the first such group in the State Park system. At Roxborough, we learned to give tours of the property for groups who made appointments through Chatfield State Park. We worked in pairs, picking up materials and keys from the Chatfield offices, meeting the groups at the first gate, selling park passes for $3 a vehicle, and leading tours. We locked the place back up, returned radios and the cash box and keys to Chatfield to earn volunteer hours. There were no tours in bad weather or in winter for lack of a decent entrance road. Volunteer groups could gain entrance to the park for special projects. I joined a group doing a bird census of the park, going out twice a month and discovering which birds were there. When the Visitor Center opened in 1987, things began to change, and things are still changing all these years later. What is your favorite volunteer memory / experience? I was leading a school group on a hike in Roxborough. We paused to look at something black across the way on the rocks, and it was a mother bear nursing her twin cubs. An unforgettable experience for me and for those ten students. What would you like future generations of CPW volunteers to know? Volunteers have made significant contributions to Colorado State Parks over the years. Future generations will find the same wonderful opportunities to carry on this work and make it possible for others to follow with the same love of the outdoors and the can-do spirit to serve in our parks for many more generations yet to come. Stor ies: Trail Restoration at Rama State Wildlife Area The Southeast Region has been partnering with the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind for a few years now. As part of the school’s curriculum, they offer a transition class to recent high school graduates, which finds opportunities for these young adults to volunteer in various roles to gain job skills, experience in their desired field, and the chance to practice communication skills. This hard working group restored a trail at Ramah State Wildlife Area. The trail was overgrown and hard to find due to a deteriorating weed barrier. After two days of efforts working alongside staff, they removed the cloth barrier and reworked the path with shovels, hoes, and rakes to restore this beautiful trail that leads to a Memorial Tree honoring the late Pam Wagner, who was a liaison for the Department of Natural Resources. 28 �Volunteer, Megan Caraway, teaches bear awareness Elise Lokey and volunteer Pat Grove teach Archery Get Outdoors Day The annual Get Outdoors Day event held at Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs on June 4th was a huge success, thanks to the nearly 50 volunteers, many CPW staff, and 20+ partner organizations and vendors that were there. This event brought in an estimated 3,000 members from the community and CPW handed out 800 fishing poles. Activities encouraged participants to try different shooting sports, attempt new paddle sports, learn about bear safety, take a pledge to follow the Leave No Trace Principles, and even discover invertebrates found in the water. Initial survey results indicate that 96 percent of participants are likely to try some of the activities on their own because they attended the Get Outdoors Day. State w ide: Volunteer Hosts Extraordinaire As our state parks and state wildlife areas see more and more visitation, having quality volunteer hosts becomes more and more critical around the state. Volunteer hosts can have different areas of focus - helping manage campgrounds, supporting maintenance, working entrance gates or visitor centers, and more. Bryan Salomone, Don Tressler (camp host at AHRA), and Judy Morgan 29 �TRAILS GOCO’s partnership with the CPW Recreational Trails Program was especially important during FY 2021-22. The impacts felt from the COVID-19 pandemic continued into this fiscal year, but crews were back on the ground, completing several GOCO-funded projects. Price increases and material and supply delays caused some entities major setbacks. One project was canceled altogether, and others have needed to request time extensions. GOCO quickly approved these extensions and provided additional support as needed. The projects funded by GOCO include planning and development, trail maintenance and reroutes, and new construction on state and federal lands. The Colorado the Beautiful Initiative grant program originated in 2018. This stand-alone offering was divided into two cycles, 2018-19 and 2019-20. Most projects should be complete and open to the public in 2023. This initiative represents a statewide effort to grow, enhance and connect outdoor recreation opportunities with the vision that within a generation every Coloradan will live within ten minutes of a park, trail, or vibrant green space. All Colorado the Beautiful Trails grants are funded by GOCO. 9 FY 2021-22 GOCO -FUNDED TRAIL PROJECTS COMPLETE 12.35 MILES FY 2021-22 TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION 11.5 MILES FY 2021-22 NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION $3,265,845 FY 2021-22 30 Volunteers work on Magic Meadows trail GOCO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM �Peaks to Plains trail Highlights: During FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022), nine GOCO funded trail projects were completed: › Devil’s Playground Trail, Phase 1 (Rocky Mountain Field Institute): $250,000 › Fruita Desert Cultural Surveys (City of Fruita): $20,065 › Loop to Gateway Trail (Town of Ault) - $39,826 › Magic Meadows Trail, Phase 2: $87,374 › North Elk Creek Trail Phase Plan (Colorado Mountain Bike Association): $44,948 › Partnership for Stewardship (Wildlands Restoration Volunteers): $137,807 › Peaks to Plains Trail, Phase 2 (Clear Creek County): $500,000 › Spring Valley Trails Plan (Colorado Mountain College): $17,500 › Twamore Farm Trail (City of Fort Morgan): $225,750 31 �CPW WE B SITE R ED ESIG N Powered by a grant from GOCO, CPW is in the process of redesigning its website. As the primary marketing and communications tool for the agency, aside from CPW’s incredibly knowledgeable staff, a modern, easy-to-use, accessible website is crucial to business activities, information communication, and customer satisfaction. The process of selecting a vendor began in CPW wildlife officer checking big game hunter’s license. Hunting and fishing licenses as well as campground reservations are available online at the CPW website. 32 Volunteers work on Magic Meadows trail late 2021, with an extensive request for proposals and interview process. In the spring of 2022, the CPW team selected a digital team to design a new customer-focused website. Kickoff meetings for the project began in summer 2022, with a goal of launching the new site by the end of calendar year 2023. �COLORADO OUTDOOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative convenes a broad spectrum of interests to collaborate in advancing solutions to conserve Colorado’s outdoors for people and wildlife. CPW and GOCO launched the initiative in 2021, offering grant funds to coalitions to join the Colorado Outdoor Partnership and commit to both regional and statewide conservation and recreation collaboration and planning. Following a second funding cycle in the spring of 2022, there are now 10 Outdoor Regional Partnerships working across 26 counties. These partnerships are making inroads in their regions, including working with CPW and other partners to protect critical habitats, assess and address outdoor recreation needs, and integrate stewardship messages across county, state and federal public outreach campaigns. This initiative will continue to grow as CPW offers future grant rounds with the support of GOCO investments. 33 �Youth Connections Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. 34 �35 CPW �O UT RE AC H, ED U C ATIO N, AND I NT E R PR E TIVE PRO GR A M S With GOCO support, CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resources of the state. Highlight A N G L E R E D U C AT I ON CPW’s statewide angler education program increased the number of in-person events it hosted during FY2021-22. CPW hosted 275 fishing clinics during the fiscal year that were attended by 9,081 people. Fishing at Prospect Lake at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs on Great Outdoors Colorado Day 2022. 36 Free fishing weekend promotions and events returned this year. Thousands of people attended Get Outdoors Day celebrations on free fishing weekend in Denver and Colorado Springs. CPW held 8 free fishing weekend events and gave away over 2,500 free rod and reel combos to new anglers statewide. �Prog ram Highlights TAYLO R C H A L L E N G E At the beginning of the school year, the entire 8th grade class from Gunnison Middle School and their teachers visited The Adventure Experience Inc. by Taylor Reservoir over 3 days. The multi-day outdoor recreation and team building program uses the outdoors as the unifying theme to build and promote community trust, confidence, and healthy life choices for all involved. CPW runs a fly fishing station each day and supports archery. Staff from Roaring Judy Hatchery, Pitkin Hatchery, Area 16, the Southwest Education Coordinator and Statewide Angler Outreach Coordinator come together to make this happen and lead the stations. G E T O U T D OOR S L E A DV ILLE CPW supports Get Outdoors Leadville by providing training for Rockies Rock counselors and hosting events during the summer. This year, CPW provided field archery instructor training in Leadville so that the counselors could offer archery as an activity. CPW also ran a fishing clinic at Hayden Meadows for several youth crews. Area 13 aquatic biologist Alex Townsend also led a crew of middle school students through a fish shocking exercise, which included recording the biological data from the fish caught and learning about fish adaptations through fish dissection. I N T E RP R E T I V E N AT U R A L IST TR AINING In May, new and returning interpreters gathered in person, for the first time since 2019, at the La Foret Conference Center in Colorado Springs. Participants experienced interactive activities and sessions, such as volunteer management best practices, agency messaging and education goals, relevancy video and discussion, program development and delivery skills, building audience-centered experiences, storytelling techniques, and more. 4 T H G R AD E WAT E R F E S T I VAL IN GUNNISON At the end of the school year, CPW joined other local agencies for an annual water festival event with a learning focus on water in the Gunnison watershed. Area 16 staff ran three of the eight offered stations: fisheries ecology, riparian wildlife, and waterfowl migration. D U R A NG O W IL D L IF E M USEUM 125 T H A N N IV E R S A RY CE L EBR ATION On a Saturday in June, a public event celebrated the re-opening of the Durango Wildlife Museum that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic with a fun day of education stations. Area 15 staff hosted topics and activities including wildlife conservation, fish and wildlife management, wildlife careers and tours of the Durango Fish Hatchery. Activities included casting practice for youth, hides and skull displays, and a station where the public could learn how and why CPW uses dart guns to tranquilize animals. 37 �State Park Events Each year, state parks host a variety of educational events geared toward advancing awareness of the importance of both CPW’s and GOCO’s shared missions. A sampling from the wide variety of park programs include: F O R E S T MA N AG E M E N T GUIDED HIKE AT S TATE FOR E S T S TAT E PARK In partnership with members of the Colorado State Forest Service, CPW hosted a guided hike up the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail at the state’s largest state park. As a multi-use park and Colorado’s largest state park, staff work closely with the state forest service. This area was greatly impacted by the recent pine beetle devastation, and Forestry experts helped guests understand the current conditions, the life cycle of pine beetles, and the ongoing management practices in the area. 4 T H G R AD E F I E L D T R I P TO A RK A N S A S HE A DWAT E R S REC REATION AREA In partnership with members of the Colorado State Forest Service, CPW hosted a guided hike up the Beaver Lodge Nature Trail at the state’s largest state park. As a multi-use park and Colorado’s largest state park, staff work closely with the state forest service. This area was Eldorado Canyon State Park’s Art in the Park participant 38 greatly impacted by the recent pine beetle devastation, and Forestry experts helped guests understand the current conditions, the life cycle of pine beetles, and the ongoing management practices in the area. �Eldorado Canyon State Park’s BARK Ranger program E L D O R AD O C A NYON S TATE PARK PROGR AM S Several events were held at Eldorado Canyon State Park, including BARK Ranger programs to bring awareness to dog safety at state parks. Park staff also partnered with the Boulder County Audubon Society to host a number of bird walks at Crescent Meadows, providing binoculars and bird guide books to assist in identifying birds. The park also held ‘Art in the Park’ programs introducing attendees to observing and recording their surroundings through a naturalist approach. Participants used both science and art to recreate the animals they observed. D E BUN K T HE W I N T E R F U NK AT STAGECOAC H STATE PARK In February, Stagecoach State Park hosted the annual event focused on inviting families and community members out to the park to enjoy a variety of winter activities. This year’s activities included archery, fat tire bike rides, ice fishing, sledding hill and ski bikes, skijoring demonstrations, and a snowshoe hike. Oak Creek Fire brought out fire trucks for kids to check out and hosted a fire and s’mores station. 39 �L A KE PU E B LO S TAT E PA R K PROGR AMS Boating safety programs were held at the park and at local community events throughout the summer. A highlight for participants is getting to try their hand at boat safety trivia, afterwards they are then able to pick a boat safety prize. Kids – many of which had never stepped foot on a boat before – were also able to get fitted for a life jacket and climb aboard a boat where they are able to explore, ask questions about boat safety, and learn about what it’s like to be a ranger at the park. Staff also hosted a Little Naturalist program at the park over four summer weeks. This program was held biweekly for a group of local kids with age ranges from one to ten years old and covered a variety of topics such as tracks and scats, fishing casting competition, pollinators, and geology. Most of these programs feature a short lesson on each topic, an activity to instill knowledge, and a craft that the kids could take home with them. L I F E JACK E TS S AV E L I V E S AT C HATF IELD STATE PARK This program functions as a weekly opportunity to teach and remind park visitors about the life-saving nature of water safety equipment and the various water safety regulations required at the park. This event helps keep important safety measures on the minds of visitors in a positive and interactive way. To make these regulations fun and accessible, visitors can spin the Wheel of Safety and answer water safety questions to win prizes. In recent years, the number of paddle boarders and kayakers has increased significantly which, while positive, presents a great number of visitors who are new to water activity and unfamiliar with water regulations. This makes the weekly program an extremely valuable and easily accessible event that can impart critically important knowledge to help maintain the safety of all park visitors. E L E V E N M I L E S TAT E PA R K PROGR AMS Eleven Mile State Park’s debut live painting event featured Ranger Kelli’s step-by-step instruction of how to paint the landscape with acrylic paints. Participants of all ages and skillsets attended and added their own creative spin to create one-of-a-kind artwork. Wildlife Officer Ian Petkash visits Eleven Mile State Park annually to put on a crowd favorite program about big game wildlife around Park County and beyond. People have an opportunity to ask a Colorado District Wildlife 40 Manager the questions they have always pondered about the job and about wildlife species of Colorado. This program also features the unique opportunity to meet the statewide-famous CPW K-9 Unit, Samson. Ian and Samson perform a K-9 demonstration and show real videos of hard releases of black bears that Samson has assisted with. This event illustrates one of the great ways parks and wildlife officers collaborate in our mission to educate the public about Colorado’s great natural resources. �S C H OO L S AN D O UT DO OR LEAR N IN G E NV I RON MEN TS The mission of the Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) program is to connect schools with CPW and its network of partners to increase youth and family interest in the outdoors. The program supports 4th grade classrooms by: providing funding for field trip activities; developing in-class programs, curriculum support, and professional development for teachers and partners; facilitating opportunities for students and their families to engage with partner programs; and providing opportunities to recreate outdoors. During the 2021-2022 school year, SOLE supported 50 schools across the state and utilized approximately $275,000 GOCO funds. This year saw a return to in-person programming with Family Nature Nights and in-class lessons being allowed once again in the schools. CPW also offered other programs including an annual art contest, Family Workshops, and Family Fun Days. 50 SOLE led in-class program FY 2021-22 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS hr~ l lh 1 ...... ,.,,,. ...,....,,11 t .....'I. ,1 ,_1 Ir• l~••'' l'~•l 1' HI OVER 1500 FY 2021-22 STUDENTS IN 25 4 TH GRADE CLASSROOMS PARTICIPATED IN SOLE LED IN-CLASS PROGRAMMING 28 FY 2021-22 FAMILY NATURE NIGHTS WITH 3,677 PEOPLE AT TENDING 41 �TEACHER TRAINING G ROWI N G U P W I L D WOR KSHOP: AUGUST 2021 CPW had the opportunity to work with the entire teaching staff at Castlewood Community Preschool in Franktown to share the Growing up Wild curriculum. Teachers engaged in hands-on activities learning new ways of bringing their preschool aged students outdoors for learning. C A R E E R A N D T E CHN OLOGY ED UC ATION (C TE) M I D - WI N T E R CON FE R E N C E JANUARY 2022 CPW provided a session for 22 middle and high school agriculture teachers interested in bringing more Natural Resources curriculum into their classrooms. This workshop focused on how current work in the development of wildlife crossings throughout Colorado could lead to a rich scenario-based lesson for students to dig into the relationship between government agencies, human interactions, and wildlife management. Evaluations showed high engagement and interest in the content. CO LO R AD O D E PA R TM E N T OF EDUC ATION(C DE) T E AC H E R I N S T I T U T E J U NE 2022 This summer CPW staff co-developed and facilitated three sessions with the CDE at teacher Institutes across the state. Workshops were provided in Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo for Kindergarten – 12th grade teachers interested in adding more environmental education to their lessons. In this session we explored how local phenomenon could be used to support students in going deeper with their questioning and modeling. S outheast PI KE S P E A K T E ACHIN G E NVIRONM ENTAL S C I E N C E N AT U R A L LY ( T.E.N.) 42 Pikes Peak Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (T.E.N.) hosted engaged teachers for this year’s “Things are Looking Up” class. The class was held at several sites in the Pikes Peak Region including Fountain Creek Nature Center, Ute Valley Park, Pinon Valley Park, and Mueller State Park. The theme of the class was looking up, and around, to learn about subjects such as birds, bats, Leave No Trace, drones, trees, lichen, forest bathing, GPS, nature journaling, and pollinators. While at Mueller, teachers also had the opportunity to camp overnight, which they really enjoyed. Teachers walked away with not only background knowledge about many different natural resource topics, but also hands on activities to take back to their classrooms. �S outhwest D E LTA OU T ( OU T D OOR UND ERSTAND ING F OR TEAC HERS): JA N UARY 2021- D E LTA We offered a virtual ‘Alpine Ecology’ workshop for educators to explore winter field trip ideas, academic lesson plans, & resources focused on nature ‘in the cold’ and Colorado alpine species. Our group was joined by expert speakers from Ridgway State Park and CPW’s Species Conservation Coordinator, Amy Seglund for a wildlife education presentation. D E LTA OU T: J U LY 2021- DELTA An ‘On the Fly’ workshop was held for 15 local teachers at Confluence Park in July. The group explored macroinvertebrates, practiced fly fishing skills, spent time fishing, and ended with a review of CPW education kits available to check-out and utilize with students. D E LTA OU T: MAY 2022- HOTC HKISS The theme of this teacher workshop was ‘Forests & Fire Ecology’, where our group learned about how ecosystems changed over time through patterns of growth and succession, the role of fire in forests, and how to live ‘firewise’ and connect those resources with students. We practiced hands-on related lesson plans from the Project WILD curriculum guide, and were joined by expert speakers from US Forest Service and CPW. D E LTA OU T: MAY 2022- RID GWAY STATE PARK This ‘Wildlife on the Move’ workshop for local K-12 teachers at Ridgway State Park focused on exploring wildlife habitat connectivity issues in Colorado. Park Manager Kirstin Copeland provided a background on this topic relative to the Park, and Area 18 Terrestrial Biologist Alyssa Kircher joined us for a presentation with more local examples, focused on the complexity of wildlife management decisions as they must consider political, social, economic, & biological concerns. Our group piloted our new curriculum based from Project Wild Activities, ‘Exploring Wildlife Crossings’, and provided feedback, as Education Coordinators are in the process of developing a Colorado-based unit on this topic for schools. For one of the activities, participants reviewed a scenario involving a state highway that interrupts the movement corridors of local wildlife. The teachers created 3D models to accompany their management recommendations, while considering how to balance the needs of both humans and wildlife. Delta OUT (Outdoor Understanding for Teachers) group 43 �YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth; provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities; facilitate networking opportunities with CPW professionals; and provide exposure to various CPW career paths. YIP places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW. In FY 2021-2022, 77 internship positions were funded, utilizing approximately $980,000 of GOCO funds. YIP interns assisted CPW program areas including state parks, aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, water quality monitoring, administrative support, and education and interpretation. Highlights: • Hosted a series of virtual YIP Workshops and one large in-person event focused on career exploration including cover letter and resume writing. • In-person orientation for all new interns and for all YIP supervisors. • Developed new resources to help interns connect with opportunities, including a welcome and orientation packet, job search resources, and a training and events calendar. • Created an updated YIP Supervisor Toolkit with information on mentorship, equitable hiring practices, and logistical details. • Planned for a partnered internship program with Hispanic Access Foundation and Colorado Youth Corps Association, which is launching in FY 2022-23. • Implemented new methods for quantitative and qualitative data collection. 44% FY 2021-22 OF RESPONDENTS TO THE YIP SUPERVISOR SURVEY REPORTED THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THEIR PREVIOUS YIP INTERNS HAS BEEN HIRED INTO A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION WITH CPW. 44 �Steamboat Lake State Park “ The encouragement and flexibility to explore all aspects of CPW as well as professional networking and educational opportunities are a huge plus. I felt essential to the agency and able to explore everything out there. I feel that I was able to fit in everything that I desired to and I attribute that to the support and encouragement of my supervisor. -Quote from YIP intern “ ” This YIP program is critical in the recruitment of future employees. The internship work we provide is very unique in that there is a lot of independence with a structured outline and goals to engage with the public and staff. With that we can expand our reach within more of the community. They are a huge asset to the DWMs,Wildlife Techs and the whole team helping all of us deliver our mission more effectively. -Quote from YIP super visor ” 45 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION In total, CYCA crews completed: 27 total weeks of work at 19 different State Parks supported by a GOCO investment of approximately $460,000. In addition to the valuable work completed, the partnership also provides young people with opportunities for professional development, skill building, environmental education, and career exploration. Corps members gain an awareness of the agency, meet and work alongside CPW staff, and learn about the various job pathways available. CYCA engaged 298 corps members during the year, many of whom identify with traditionally underrepresented races, ethnicities, and genders. Ultimately, this partnership is helping to improve our lands, inspire stewardship, and train and recruit the next generation of natural resource professionals. 13,733 FY 2021-22 HOURS OF CYCA LABOR 46 Colorado Youth Corps crew project �“ We had an amazing project partner [CPW] that helped me understand the importance of their job and how much one person can have a positive impact on the environment. We also got to see how different every single day was for our project partner. In the future, I want a job where I can try new things and have new experiences every day, so seeing that inspired me to consider working in this field. -Quote from CYCA crew leader “ ” Beyond the invaluable help they offer, these programs are paramount to getting these kids and young adults into the field and exposing them to potential careers. This is even more paramount when you consider there are decreasing amounts of applicants for our open jobs and longterm vacancies in the agency. I talk with the groups about potential careers in our agency and in natural resources as a whole. Of course simply educating them on the natural world, parks, wildlife, and land stewardship is rewarding in itself. I often wish I could’ve had these experiences when I was their age. -Quote from CPW staff member Colorado Youth Corps crew project ” 47 �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE The CPW Watchable Wildlife Program establishes new wildlife viewing and education opportunities and works with partners to develop and improve existing viewing resources. This program continues to identify, develop, and help establish wildlife viewing opportunities on public lands, including CPW properties and state parks; develop and establish wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with landowners on private lands; and prepare and distribute informational materials on wildlife viewing techniques and opportunities. The statewide Wildlife Viewing program was able to hire seasonal staff with the support of GOCO investments to help create and produce wildliferelated materials and social media content. Projects included stickers for wildlife festivals, a dark sky interpretive panel, wildlife profile sheets, and more. The program also contracted with a local tattoo artist to create wildlife coloring pages for adults. M O N T E V IS TA CR A N E F E STIVAL CPW volunteers and staff had a great ‘comeback’ role in the annual Crane Festival bird-watching event this year offering tours, Monte Vista Crane Fesival Sandhill cranes in the San Luis Valley 48 answering questions from the public, and assisting attendees using viewing scopes to observe the cranes in action. �CPW/GRETCHEN BAKER CPW/GRETCHEN BAKER Sandhill cranes in the San Luis Valley 49 �Grant Detail FY 2021-22 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: OUTD O O R RECREATI ON • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. • Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. WIL DLIFE • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. • Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2021-22 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. 50 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 16204 Crawford State Park- Clear Fork Campground Renovation 740,630 - 740,630 18200 Eldorado Canyon State Park Entrance Station Relo 650,000 166,263 58,179 18202 Highline State Park Infrastructure Improvements 870,000 41,232 828,000 18209 Staunton State Park Elk Falls Dam Report and Design 450,000 66,868 306,673 18210 Sweitzer State Park Water System Replacement 200,000 29,895 15,927 18223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 205,028 94,972 18240 Envision Recreation in Balance 99,367 84,124 11,475 19171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - 700,000 19200 Park Improvements 8,352,917 5,295,316 1,328,763 19201 Park Improvements 2 3,942,000 1,282,566 1,592,100 19223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 13,930 125,012 19225 Director’s Innovation Fund 76,517 57,932 - 20171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - 10,741 20200 Park Improvements 6,991,024 1,302,209 1,911,399 20223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 4,999 79,659 20225 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 30,493 32,748 21172 Capital Development Program 1,020,000 - 1,010,749 21173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 - 1,292,500 21174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 350,000 - 266,726 21175 Recreation Management on State Parks 3,000,000 - 3,000,000 21200 Park Improvements 5,054,334 - 664,325 21223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - 5,033 21225 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 - 40,413 22172 Capital Development Program 1,020,000 - - 22173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,292,500 - - 22174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 350,000 - - 22175 Recreation Management on State Parks 4,111,420 - - 22200 Park Improvements 6,119,195 - 339,584 22223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - - 22225 Director’s Innovation Fund 25,000 - - Totals this section: 49,057,404 8,580,855 14,455,608 51 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 21187 Public Information Program 296,000 - 296,000 21188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,273,500 - 1,167,603 21189 Volunteer Programs 231,000 - 189,459 21222 Website Redesign 700,000 - - 22187 Public Information Program 296,000 - - 22188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,323,500 - - 22189 GOCO LOG Volunteer Programs 231,000 - - Totals this section: 4,351,000 - 1,653,062 DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 1,000,000 811,452 100,901 STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 52 17229 Trail Mapping Application 17240 Loop to Gateway Trail 45,000 2,936 - 18192 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 734,617 99,712 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 2,988,006 216,618 1,271,630 18231 Lunch Loop Connector Trail 400,000 400,000 - 18232 LOVA New Castle- Canyon Creek Trail 500,000 52,934 - 18233 Legacy Loop-Rock Island Trail 500,000 - - 18234 Great Western Trail 250,000 197,500 - 18235 Methodist Mountain Trail 269,951 269,951 - 18236 Fremont Pass Rec Pathway 600,000 450,000 - 18237 Peaks to Plains Trail 500,000 - 500,000 18238 Stage and Rail Trail 205,400 205,356 - 18239 Palisade Plunge Phase 1 527,000 522,503 - 19192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,000,000 300,814 440,815 19221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 128,096 113,887 20192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 49,886 130,149 20221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 130,502 126,225 21191 State Trails Program 370,935 - 352,039 21192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 - - 21221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 - 130,486 22191 State Trails Program 370,935 - - 22192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 - - Totals this section: 15,027,227 4,473,164 3,265,845 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES 19194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 250,094 41,880 20194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 112,146 135,774 21193 Water Program 150,000 - 86,919 21194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 - 131,908 22193 Water Program 150,000 - - 22194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 - - Totals this section: 1,500,000 362,240 396,482 Grand total, State Parks Purpose: 69,935,631 13,416,259 19,770,997 AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT 18251 Tarryall SWA Dam Study and Design 400,000 184,935 189,793 18253 Habitat Improvement 800,000 434,201 339,326 18254 Wildlife Crossings 1,000,000 311,458 665,653 18255 Mt. Shavano Structure Engineering Study 200,000 200,000 - 19150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 850,000 823,000 27,000 19153 Wetlands Conservation 1,500,000 490,470 959,838 19167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 600,000 598,554 1,446 19169 Spring Creek Dam Phase 2 1,070,000 79,180 781,471 19252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 2,000,000 - 19253 Aquatic Habitat Improvement 2,000,000 231,517 1,100,356 19258 Equipment for Habitat Protection and Restoration 1,000,000 1,000,000 - 19259 Fort Collins Service Center 2,500,000 104,587 65,894 19260 Fuels Mitigation 1,000,000 - - 19261 Hatchery Study Phase 2 300,000 300,000 - 20150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 3,848,589 190,349 2,083,704 20153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 308,240 58,975 20250 Protection and Restoration of Wildlife Habitat 3,600,000 1,198,748 736,223 20252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 1,947,832 52,168 21151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 693,000 - 519,659 21152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 21153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 - 212,407 21154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 - 464,419 21252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 - 1,266,329 22150 Acquire High Priority Habitat- Capital 1,223,088 - - 22151 Acquire High Priority Habitat- Operations 693,000 - - 22152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 - - 22153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 - - 22154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 - - 35,527,677 10,403,071 10,524,662 Totals this section: 53 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION 21155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 - 488,129 21156 Native Species Protection 4,439,423 - 4,439,423 21157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 610,000 - 610,000 22155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 - - 22156 Native Species Protection 4,480,000 - - 22157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 610,000 - - 11,289,423 - 5,537,552 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) AWARD ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 19163 Wildlife Director’s Innovation Fund 73,483 68,271 5,201 19262 Internal Shooting Range Program 373,000 191,334 137,930 20163 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 37,864 150 21158 Youth Programs 1,021,317 - 918,637 21159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 - 400,183 21160 Angler Education 161,000 - 161,000 21163 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 - 23,241 21166 Website Redesign 1,300,000 - - 22158 Youth Programs 1,071,317 - - 22159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 - - 22160 Angler Education 161,000 - - 22163 Director’s Innovation Fund 25,000 - - 5,136,483 297,470 1,646,341 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING 54 21162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 - 144,899 22162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 - - Totals this section: 300,000 - 144,899 Grand total, Wildlife Purpose: 52,253,583 10,700,541 17,853,454 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2021-22 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS, RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, AND RESTORE 21048 Teamworks- State Park Collaborative 81,163 - 79,843 21049 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (comp) 320,000 - 109,564 21249 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative 160,000 - 54,782 21298 RESTORE Program 250,000 - - 21299 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative 160,000 - 54,782 22351 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative (Capacity) 500,000 - - 22352 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (Regrant) 3,000,000 - - Totals this section: 4,471,163 - 298,971 55 �CPW Mission The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GOCO’s Mission To help preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. 6060 Broadway Denver, Co 80216 cpw.state.co.us 56 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/f9e05bbdbbbe3b7a2c793f5133171581.pdf 5d47ef034a0e65bb120a4f6f10e82d9b PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2020-2021 Annual Report �Letter from the Director I am pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report for the 2020-21 fiscal year to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. The outdoors and our state’s amazing resources continue to be a respite, a focus of health and recreation and an inspiration to Coloradans and all who visit us. The value of GOCO’s investments can be seen in the management and conservation of these resources and in our work to educate and inspire those who value Colorado’s lands, waters and wildlife. While working to put some of the challenges of 2020 behind us, we found ourselves faced with new goals and new challenges in implementing the important work funded through the GOCO investment proposal. GOCO funding contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s mission, from the day-to-day management of state parks and wildlife areas to long-term research to protect Colorado’s native plant and animal species. GOCO funding helps CPW protect and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, hunting, angling, and species conservation. In this report you will see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: • Operating support for Colorado’s state parks, which hosted a record 19 million visitor days in FY 2020-21. • Support for more than 290,000 volunteer hours at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. • Funding for more than 80 miles of non-motorized trail development, maintenance, and planning projects. With GOCO support, we are funding new Regional Partnership programs to advance efforts to equitably balance the needs for conservation and recreation in our state at a local level. Despite some remaining pandemic restrictions and limitations, we continued important partnerships and programs that expand education and opportunities for young people to envision a career in natural resources, and maintained a strong and dedicated volunteer base. Fishers Peak State Park opened in fall 2020, and currently offers hiker access to three trails and a scenic drive-in picnic area easily accessed from the parking lot. The park master planning process is in full swing, and since the fiscal year closed in June, our 43rd state park has been announced at Sweetwater Lake in Garfield County. The park is expected to open to public access in 2022 and be an iconic mountain destination for outdoor recreation. Colorado is a wonderful place to live, attracting visitors and new residents from across the country. Increased population growth will apply increased pressure on the state’s wildlife and natural resources. Ongoing GOCO support for CPW’s habitat protection, resource stewardship, species conservation, and interpretive programs will help educate and train the next generation of natural resource stewards in Colorado. GOCO is a vital partner to CPW and makes many of the outdoor recreation and wildlife programs Coloradans count on possible, and we look forward to continued partnership over the coming years. Thank you for your continued support of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Sincerely, Dan Prenzlow Director, Colorado Parks & Wildlife 2 Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized around the country and the world for its beautiful scenery and diverse natural attributes. Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities has been valued through much of the state’s history. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts and supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, park operating and management activities. GOCO investments also support statewide initiatives in species conservation efforts, habitat protection and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails, and infrastructure projects. In 2015, the GOCO Board adopted a new five-year strategic plan to guide funding priorities through 2020, which was the basis of the 2020-21 fiscal year investments. The next investment proposal will be based on GOCO’s new strategic plan adopted in 2021. The 2015 plan was based around three key principles: • • • Protect more urban and rural land for people and wildlife Connect people to the outdoors Inspire more kids and families to explore and take care of our great outdoors This annual report is structured around these ideas. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO, and a wide variety of programs, projects, and activities managed by CPW are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things that CPW has been able to accomplish in state fiscal year 2020-21 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives minimal general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW and makes many of the accomplishments possible. At the end of this report, you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2020-21 organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged GOCO funding to help protect our landscapes and native species, connect Coloradans to the outdoors, and inspire kids and families to get outside. $17,624,959 $20,189,089 FY 2020-21 FY 2020-21 INVESTMENT PLAN TOTAL AWARD FOR STATE PARKS INVESTMENT PLAN TOTAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE Cover Photo: Cherry Creek State Park 3 �Protect LAND, WATER, WILDLIFE 4 ©CPW/JERRY NEAL Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes and maintain areas already under CPW’s care. 5 �Boreas Pass Ranch. L A ND A ND WAT E R P ROTE C T I O N In addition to managing Colorado’s wildlife and state park system, CPW is responsible for the acquisition, protection, and management of lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with private landowners and local, state, federal, and nongovernmental partners. 10,400 GOCO-SUPPORTED PROJEC TS IN FY 2020-21 Highlight: FY 2020-21 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED B O R E A S PA S S R A NC H 1,659 ACRES Through collaboration with GOCO, Colorado Open Lands, and the Boreas Pass Ranch, CPW helped establish a third-party conservation easement on the 1,291-acre ranch in 2021, creating important big game wildlife habitat and ecological connectivity within the South Park area. While Boreas Pass Ranch boasts sweeping views of aspen forests, meadows, and grasslands, the ranch also contains the Holthusen Gulch fen, which provides habitat for globally rare 7,456 FY 2020-21 WILDLIFE ACCESS EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED $ 2,686,744 FY 2020-21 ©CPW GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LAND ACQUISITION 6 Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 11.5 million acres of agricultural lands, which sustains more than 36,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, conservation of Colorado’s abundant wildlife habitat and access to worldclass recreation opportunities would be severely limited. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. plant communities and supports trout populations downstream in the Tarryall Creek. Hunters benefit from a public access easement, which provides for premier elk hunting. In addition to protecting the biodiversity of the Boreas Pass Ranch, the conservation easement ensures neighboring protected lands, including CPW’s Cline Ranch State Wildlife Area and the Pike National Forest, are further buffered from habitat fragmentation caused by development. 7 �C A P ITA L IMPROVEMENTS PA R KS L A RG E C A P ITA L LO RY S TAT E PA R K Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area Renovations, Phase I And II $1,083,000 Lory State Park is a popular park filled with a wide array of trail opportunities and is located just outside of the City of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir in Larimer County. The park’s rolling hills and scenic views make it a popular place to picnic and spend time with family and friends. The group picnic area, Soldier Canyon, is heavily used for visitor events, including weddings and large family gatherings, and was sorely in need of upgrades. CPW renovated the shade shelters and added amenities requested by the public including electric power, drinking water, space to prepare and warm food, a fire pit, and ADA accessible pathways. There is also a stage to accommodate small concerts and performances. All of these combined features provide a better experience for visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty. 8 STAUNTON STATE PARK Development, Phase 2B and Historical Structure Stabilization $2,164,795 This year, CPW completed two GOCO-funded projects within Staunton State Park. The park opened for day use in 2013, and CPW continues to add more amenities. Located in both Jefferson and Park Counties, the popularity of the park continues to grow, in large part due to its close proximity to the Denver Metropolitan Area. The park boasts montane forests, high grassy meadows and soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet in elevation. The first parcel of land was donated to then Colorado State Parks in 1986 by Frances Hornbrook Staunton and subsequent parcels of land were added over the years. Phase 2B worked on internal roads and parking lots in the park to create the new Middle Camp and Historic District Equestrian Parking lots. These lots have added more than 80 additional parking spaces, two vault toilets, and additional trail connections. The Historic Structure Stabilization project was able to address structural and roof stabilization of the Frances Staunton Cabin. This project was a joint effort between CPW, Friends of Staunton State Park, and the Colorado Historical Society. The Staunton Cabin is one of the most recognizable historic cabins at the park, but there are others. CPW will work into the future to further stabilize cabins within the historic district of the park. $15,683,903 FY 2020-2021 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARKS AND WILDLIFE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Staunton State Park’s Frances Staunton Cabin restoration. ©CPW Colorado’s system of state parks and wildlife areas is more than 60 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and upgrading to the standards expected by today’s visitors. The CPW Capital Development program manages construction and maintenance at more than 1,400 structures and 115 dams across the state. GOCO funding supports Capital Development program operations and is the primary funding source for many capital projects. 9 �Roxborough State Park road paving project. WILDLIFE L ARGE C APITAL $16,571,220 FY 2020-21 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING 14 STATE PARKS $2,000,000 FY 2020-21 WILDLIFE H ATC H ERY MODERNI Z ATI O N S TU DY Dam repairs Phase II $690,000 $300,000 Stalker Lake is a State Wildlife Area near the Wray Hatchery and the City of Wray in Yuma County. The dam’s official name is Chief Creek. The reservoir is an excellent warm water fishery boasting record size largemouth bass and is truly a gem to the local community. The dam has been identified as one of CPW’s highest ranked dams in need of repairs due to deterioration, age, and the potential damage that would be caused downstream if it were to fail. During this project, the dam’s outlet piping, gate, and upstream slope concrete facing were repaired. While the reservoir was empty, CPW was also able to construct new fishing piers and additional aquatic habitat. All of these upgrades will make the dam safer and the reservoir an even better fishery in the future. CPW’s hatchery system comprises 19 individual fish units across Colorado that breed, hatch, rear, and stock over 90 million fish per year. Of these 19 units, 15 operate as cold water facilities and many contribute to the vital work on threatened and endangered species recovery. The majority of these facilities are 70 to 100 years old; some are more than 100 years old. Fish hatchery technology and innovations have made many of CPW facilities antiquated and inefficient compared to modern, newly constructed fish rearing facilities. As facilities and the infrastructure become more and more outdated, maintaining them has become even more difficult and costly. When infrastructure components fail, the results can cause catastrophic fish mortalities, sometimes with significant economic loss. This is why CPW made it a goal to modernize one coldwater hatchery by 2025. In Phase II, CPW hired a consultant to provide a comprehensive infrastructure evaluation for the system. The final portion of the study, Phase III, is currently in process and will identify and design the first hatchery to be modernized. ©CPW TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING NUMEROUS WILDLIFE SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS S TALKER L AKE S TATE WILDLIFE AREA ( CH IEF CREEK) ROX BO ROU G H S TAT E PA RK Road paving project $1,363,000 10 number one enhancement opportunity identified was to pave the entrance road. The former gravel road was exceeding industry standard thresholds related to paving. It required constant maintenance, was often in poor condition, and frequently garnered complaints from the public. This project improves the visitor’s experience and will cut down on expenses related to staff time to complete road maintenance projects. ©CPW Roxborough State Park is one of the most popular day use parks in the state due to its stunning natural beauty, various rock formations, education and wildlife watching opportunities, and hiking trails. It is located within the Denver Metropolitan Area in Douglas County. Visitation continues to grow each year and CPW is making efforts to improve facilities to support increased demand. In 2010, a Management Plan update was completed and the 11 �Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife The brown-capped rosy-finch is a small, hardy song bird that resides in high elevation alpine habitats where it nests in steep cliff faces and rocky talus slopes. Its range is predominantly restricted to Colorado, making it an alpine icon for the state. The brown-capped rosy-finch is a Tier 1 species in Colorado’s State Wildlife Action Plan, with climate change identified as the leading factor that could negatively impact the species. CPW collected information on current population status, nest site selection, and habitat use during the breeding season to gain a better understanding of the species in Colorado. The baseline data collected from the survey will help inform future monitoring techniques and identify conservation efforts that could be implemented as environmental changes become more pronounced and human use of the alpine increases. reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. ©CPW/MIKE DELLIVENER CPW Black-footed ferret 12 BROWN-C APPED ROS Y-FINCH Brown-capped rosy finch ©CPW/ WAYNE D. LEWIS S P E C IE S CONS ERVATION A ND N ATUR A L AREAS PROGR AM BL ACK-FOOTED FERRE T REINTRODUC TION BL ACK-TAILE D P R A I R I E D O G MONITORING In 2013, Colorado began work with private landowners and agency partners to reintroduce the endangered black-footed ferret to Eastern Colorado. As of spring 2021, more than 450 ferrets have been released into six sites in five counties with additional sites in preparation. Outbreaks of sylvatic plague continue to pose the most significant risk to reintroduced ferrets leading CPW to make plague management a high priority at all the current and potential sites. CPW is also working with researchers to identify new methods for monitoring released populations, including the use of cameras and radio tracking. Black-tailed prairie dogs provide important habitat for a variety of grassland species, including black-footed ferrets and burrowing owls. CPW monitors this habitat every four to five years using a range-wide protocol developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The work starts by analyzing aerial images to identify possible prairie dog colonies, then verifying that a subset of those colonies are truly prairie dogs. The effort in 2020 found a stable number of black-tailed prairie dog acres across the range in Colorado compared to 2016. 13 �©CPW/JOE LEWANDOWSKI CANADA LYNX Beginning in 1999 with GOCO funding, CPW initiated a reintroduction of this subalpine species to southwest Colorado. After declaring the reintroduction a success in 2010 based on a selfsustaining population, biologists began monitoring the species using non-invasive techniques so animals were no longer being captured and fitted with radio collars. Trail cameras and snow tracking efforts continue to be used to document occupancy in the region. Results thus far indicate a stable population. Information developed through on-going studies is also an important factor in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service development of the post-delisting monitoring plan for the species. EASTERN BLACK RAILS CPW has documented that eastern black rails do, in fact, breed in the marshes in southeastern Colorado. Although CPW and the birding community have known for years that black rails are present in marshes along the lower Arkansas River drainage, no documentation was available of Colorado breeding in the form of a nest, chicks, or fledglings. Black rails 14 inhabit dense cattail and bulrush marshes and are often heard, but rarely seen. In the spring of 2020, Ross Wyatt, a biological technician working for CPW Bird Conservation Coordinator Liza Rossi, set up several camera trap arrays to capture the elusive birds on film. The ultimate objective was to document breeding through evidence of chicks or fledglings. The black rails rewarded those efforts, resulting in documentation of breeding through photos of both chicks and fledglings. Analysis of the photos is ongoing and will greatly improve the understanding of the seasonal timing of Colorado breeding, which will then inform habitat management in the marshes. GUNNISON SAGE- GROUSE To monitor population trends, staff counted birds on 139 leks across all seven populations in Colorado. CPW estimates a population size of approximately 3,500 birds, which is up 38 percent from last year. CPW continues collaborative projects working to reduce the effects of climate change by restoring and enhancing wet meadow habitats. These projects build resilience of priority brood rearing habitat for young sage-grouse. These projects in Gunnison Basin and three satellite populations, Crawford, Pinon Mesa, and San Miguel, include building small rock structures to increase wet meadow habitat. NATIVE BAT MONITORING Colorado is home to at least 18 species of insectivorous bats, many of which are facing significant threats. To be better informed about ©CPW Pinyon jay fledglings Female Canada lynx colony surveys conducted from 2019-2022 resulted in 23 breeding areas found, documented 304 active nests, and over 1400 previously active nests. Data collected are being analyzed to assess nests success, threats to nest success, site fidelity to breeding sites, and extent of breeding areas to inform habitat management. CPW continues to work with partners to apply learnings from our surveys to management across the range. these vital creatures, CPW started monitoring their populations using an occupancy survey effort developed by the USGS called the North American Bat Monitoring Program. This work involves deploying acoustic monitoring equipment at randomized sites throughout the state, and continent, for a week each summer. During that time the detectors record ultrasonic calls made by any bats in the area. The recorded calls can be used to identify which species are active in each grid cell. CPW also continues to monitor for the arrival of White-nose Syndrome, the fungal disease impacting bats throughout North America. PINYON JAYS Pinyon jays are thought to be declining range wide and in Colorado prior to 2019, little was known about their breeding status and habitat use. CPW partnered with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop standardized protocols to locate breeding colonies to document breeding distribution across the two states. CPW also developed methods to locate and revisit nests to evaluate productivity. Breeding 15 �Monarch butterfly larvae RES OURCE S TE WARDS H IP Thanks to continued support from GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of The Resource Stewardship Program addresses six main topic areas: • The development of Resource Stewardship Plans and resource management standards for each state park • The development and management of GIS natural and cultural resource data • Environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conservation during capital projects • Invasive species management, revegetation, and restoration • Forest management • Volunteer citizen science project management $5,633,258 FY 2020-21 The Colorado Natural Areas Program’s (CNAP) mission is to identify, designate, and help protect Colorado’s most significant natural places. There are 95 designated state natural areas across the state that hold or represent Colorado’s most rare and unique plant species, plant communities, insects, geologic features, fossils, and wildlife habitat. CNAP staff and their dedicated group of over 50 volunteer stewards monitor each natural area and collect important biological information. During FY 202021, staff and volunteers collectively completed over 70 field visits to state natural areas and documented 16 1 https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/CNAP-Info.aspx 2 https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Visit-a-State-Natural-Area.aspx over 50 species of greatest conservation need listed in the State Wildlife Action Plan. The program is a key leader in the conservation of the 117 plant species of greatest conservation need, including over ten species listed as federally threatened or endangered. The program has developed numerous outreach materials in the last year including a story map1 highlighting all 95 designated state natural areas and their outstanding natural features, as well as information about state natural areas that can be visited by the public2 . FIS H ERS PEAK S TATE PARK During FY 2020-21, the Resource Stewardship Program continued working with the CPW Master Planning team to bring public input, resource inventory, and research into the development of the new park. The Resource Stewardship Program has been highly involved in the design of Fishers Peak State Park to meet the goals of conservation and provision of recreation opportunities on the park. CPW staff provided natural and cultural resource data, analysis and interpretation of this data, and application of the information in the design of the park. Biological surveys include indepth data collection on the spatial distribution of avian species on the property, specific breeding locations of raptor species, analysis of the use of forest habitats for wildlife breeding, and spatial distribution of reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, staff is performing cultural resource inventory work and is beginning paleontological surveys, geological surveys, and a geologic hazards assessment, including fault lines, landslide areas, and rock fall areas, for the property. CPW also launched a partnership with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to map the habitat of the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, survey for occupancy for the mouse in drainages where they have not previously been found, survey for the very rare plant Capulin goldenrod, and to perform acoustic surveys for bats. Nesting Flammulated owl at Fishers Peak State Park. ©CPW CO LO R AD O N AT U R A L A REAS PRO G R A M During FY 2020-21, CPW’s Resource Stewardship Program utilized GOCO funds to accomplish many significant projects: ©CPW GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SPECIES CONSERVATION Colorado’s public state park and recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and temporary staff, projects, and program operations. 17 �American Kestral Nest Box project. Banded nestlings at Chatfield State Park. CPW staff are continuing to create park management plans. These plans incorporate resource data from resource stewardship plans, visitation information, and park operations to formulate a comprehensive path for the future of these properties that balances the provision of recreation opportunities with the conservation of each parks natural and cultural resources. Each of these parks contain valuable cultural resources. Additionally, Steamboat Lake State Park contains the rare plant Rabbit Ears gilia, nesting greater sandhill cranes, valuable migration corridors, and 96 species of birds were documented in the park. Steamboat Lake has a long history of supporting nesting raptors, including bald eagles, Cooper’s hawk, long-eared owl, and osprey, and has 63 species of butterflies documented within the park. Pearl Lake State Park has valuable willow carr habitat, boreal toad habitat, greater sandhill cranes, and excellent vegetative conditions. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is home to many cliff-nesting raptors, excellent perennially riparian habitats, several fish species, and habitat for the endangered species Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. GOLDEN GATE C ANYON STATE PARK The 2020-21 fiscal year marked the second phase of the Golden Gate Canyon/Green Ranch wildlife distribution study. In this phase, wildlife camera traps were deployed and a bird survey was performed. The Green Ranch parcel of this state park has traditionally been managed for local hunting opportunities. Future plans for this parcel will be established as part of the management plan currently under development. This project aims to establish statistically valid wildlife distribution information for the parcel to provide future analysis of how trails may influence wildlife distribution on the property. M UELLER STATE PARK The Resource Stewardship Program covers many topic areas for resource management at state parks. At Mueller State Park, the program adapted its bird survey and monitoring protocol to investigate how forest management projects effect avian species distribution. Surveys for birds were performed before and after forest management projects to monitor how these projects may influence birds over time. KESTREL NEST BOX PILOT PROJEC T Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and St. Vrain State Parks served as the locations to pilot the installation of nest boxes for American kestrels, a small falcon native to Colorado. This species is on the decline across the U.S. This pilot project’s goal is to increase nesting habitat in state parks by providing nest boxes. During this pilot, kestrel nestlings were banded by the Colorado Avian Research Institute. 18 ©CPW S T E A M B OAT L A K E, PE A R L L A K E, A N D G O L D EN G AT E C A NYON S TAT E PA R K S RES OURCE S TE WARDS H IP PL ANNING The first step in building a Resource Stewardship Plan for a state park is the collection and creation of data specific to each state park property. During the past fiscal year, inventory projects were performed at Fishers Peak, Ridgway, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Elkhead Reservoir, Golden Gate Canyon, John Martin Reservoir, and Mueller State Parks. These inventories include breeding bird surveys, geologic mapping, paleontology surveys, raptor surveys, reptile and amphibian surveys, vegetation surveys, and vegetation monitoring. At the new Fishers Peak State Park, species specific surveys were performed to identify breeding habitats for forest and cliff nesting raptors. Special findings included nesting golden eagles, the Colorado rare Mexican whip-poor-will, and nests for secretive forest raptors were discovered. Surveys for reptiles and amphibians were also performed and song meters were deployed to record amphibian calls and songs. VOLUNTEER CITIZE N S C I E NC E Citizen science is a critical tool for providing consistent real-time natural resource data and monitoring for use in park management decisions. The Resource Stewardship Program manages projects across the state park system. In the last year, citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles, amphibians, pollinators and other invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds, and nesting raptors. In FY 2020-21, the raptor monitoring program expanded to 42 parks and has over 200 participant volunteers. Additionally, the program has expanded the iNaturalist State Park NatureFinder project, which has passed 40,000 observations, 3,600 species, and 3,000 participants. Over 1,400 observations have been made of 685 species at Fishers Peak State Park alone. To address COVID-19 and the difficulties in managing volunteers during this time, the program continued to interact with the public through websites with online tutorials, virtual trainings, and volunteer resources to support these important citizen science projects. The annual raptor monitoring meeting was held virtually with over 100 volunteers in attendance. 19 �The Resource Stewardship Program led agency efforts in collaborating with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program for development of the Colorado Conservation Data Explorer (CODEX). This web-mapping tool will allow users easy access to comprehensive spatial data related to habitats, occurrences of wildlife and rare plants, and other important natural resources. CODEX provides a critical decision support tool in advancing efforts to ensure that future development happens in ways that can maintain Colorado’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. The tool will officially launch in FY 2021-22. F OREST M ANAGEMENT The program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. Forest type mapping occurred at Fishers Peak State Park and forest management plans were initiated at Fishers Peak, Lone Mesa and Ridgway State Parks. Priority forest management projects were implemented on 8 acres at Jackson Lake State Park, 19 acres at Lake Pueblo State Park, 20 acres at Roxborough State Park, 27 acres at Pearl Lake State Park, and 106 acres at Vega State Park. Significant amounts of slash pile burning occurred on Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Lory State Park over the winter. Continuing to invest in these forest management activities helps improve the resilience of state park areas to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. The Sylvan Fire in Eagle County started on June 20, 2021 sparked by lightning strike and burned over 3,700 acres southwest of Sylvan Lake State Park. ©CPW CO LO R A D O CON S E RVAT ION DATA E X P LOR E R Pearl Lake State Park. 20 ©CPW The Sylvan Fire in Eagle County started on June 20, 2021, sparked by lightning and burned over 3,700 acres southwest of Sylvan Lake State Park. Firefighters were able to utilize a previous GOCOfunded forest management treatment to anchor two “backfires.” As defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, a backfire is a fire set along the inner edge of a fire line to consume the fuel in the path of a wildfire or change the direction of force of the fire’s convection column. This strategy resulted in a low- to moderate-severity burn (see brown and red trees in photo), which was able to assist in preventing severe wildfire impacts to a key part of the park. The treatment area was originally cut in 2010 by the Western Conservation Corps and expanded upon in 2013 through collaboration with the Colorado State Forest Service. Aspen and native grass, and forbs have already begun to colonize the areas burned by the backfire operations. 21 �Connect: CITIZENS, PARTNERS, LANDS 22 ©CPW Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 43 state parks and more than 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 3,500 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCOsupported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. 23 �Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. STATE PARK OPERATIONS GOCO helps protect the places that Coloradans enjoy, and also supports the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s 43 state parks. GOCO’s historic support for basic state park operations has been invaluable to CPW, and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. 19,298,911 Visitor Center at Barr Lake State Park. Ridgway State Park. FY 2020-21 STATE PARKS VISITATION $2,750,000 FY 2020-21 ©CPW/DUSTIN DOSKOCIL ©CPW/DUSTIN DOSKOCIL 24 ©CPW GOCO REIMBURSEMENT FOR PARK OPERATIONS 25 �291,829 VOLUNTEERS FY 2020-21 VOLUNTEER HOURS 140 FY 2020-21 and public health requirements, moving some activities to virtual events, volunteers remained committed to CPW. The statewide volunteer program funded 14 volunteer projects at State Wildlife Areas, from habitat improvements to fire mitigation, to building a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and hunting blind. CPW also launched a new volunteer database that will enhance and expand volunteer engagement through new features. 3,554 FY 2020-21 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS $8,845,337 FY 2020-21 VOLUNTEER VALUE FR ANTZ L AKE S TATE WILDLIFE AREA Highlight: F LOAT - E L L A AT S T E A M B OAT L AKE STATE PARK ©CPW/KELLY COOK Steamboat Lake volunteers got creative with how to interact safely with the public in summer 2020. “Float-ella,” as staff called it, was a socially distanced floating concert that featured volunteers John Jump and Shawn David Allen. Guests of the park enjoyed the entertainment from shore as John and Shawn floated past playing music. Volunteers also led a painting party in the park. 26 ©CPW/SCOTT JEWELL Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s natural resources while cultivating stewardship and building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides recruitment, screening, training, retention, support, and resources for state parks, wildlife areas, hatcheries, educational programs, and administrative offices across the state. Although FY 202021 had limitations due to social distancing FTE EQUIVALENT OF VOLUNTEER HOURS In June 2021, GOCO funds were used for a tree planting project on the Frantz Lake State Wildlife Area located near Salida. The “Gunclub” portion of the property was used as a local shooting range until the late 1990’s, and was rehabilitated and traded to the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the early 2000’s. In 2018, CPW removed invasive Russian olive trees and began replacing them with fruit trees. To date, volunteers have planted approximately 30 fruit trees in the area. All trees are wrapped with protective fencing for beaver and deer protection, staked for support, and mulch was applied to the bases. The trees provide a food source for a variety of wildlife species, such as pollinators, birds, deer, and rodents. They are also adjacent to a public trail and provide a visual and sound barrier from traffic on the adjacent county road. The project allowed for volunteers to engage in a valuable experience that will benefit a connected trail between Salida and the state wildlife area. PH OTO CONT E S T In the fall of 2020, CPW ran a photo contest on the volunteer Facebook group. The contest’s theme was the season of autumn. The winner was Scott Jewell for his photo of a bull moose in State Forest State Park. The runner-up was Rose DiCenso with her photo of aspens glowing in water’s reflection. “ I recognized an opportunity close to home to study nesting birds and band nestlings. Monitoring bird boxes is fun! It is also exercise and gets people outside into natural areas. [It also] teaches people, especially children, and generates interest in birds and natural ecosystems. –David Elwonger, Volunteer ” 27 �Palisade Plunge trail construction. TRAILS GOCO’s continued partnership with the CPW Recreational Trails Program was especially important during FY 2020-21. COVID-19 had a significant impact on grantees as trail crews had to quickly adapt to social distancing requirements and adjust timelines in the middle of projects. GOCO worked quickly with CPW to provide additional support and approve grant extensions as needed. In FY 2020-21, the projects funded by GOCO include planning and development, trail maintenance and reroutes and new construction on state and federal lands. METHODIST MOUNTAIN TRAIL (SALIDA MOUNTAIN TRAILS) $269,951 DIVIDE RANGER DISTRICT TRAIL CREWS (SW CONSERVATION CORPS) $45,000 Chaffee County Montezuma County LUNCH LOOP CONNECTOR TRAIL (CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION) $400,000 OVERLAND TRAIL RECREATION AREA (CITY OF STERLING) $96,949 Mesa County Logan County STAGE AND RAIL TRAIL (CHAFFEE COUNTY) $205,400 BOGGY DRAW TRAIL EXPANSION (USFS DOLORES RD) $35,610 Chaffee County PALISADE PLUNGE (MESA COUNTY) $527,000 Mesa County Mesa County LA VETA TRAILS MASTER PLAN (LA VETA TRAILS) $38,000 ©CPW C PW PA R T N E R S COM P L E TED NINE GOCO F UNDED T R A I L P ROJ E C TS I N FY 2020-21: Highlight: PALIS ADE PLUNGE TR AIL PH AS E I- MES A COUN T Y Mesa County and its partners were the recipients of a construction grant for trail work. The Palisade Plunge Trail is a planned effort to expand the recreational opportunities of the already known hiking and mountain bike destination. The community is making the transition away from extractive industries as the primary driver of the area’s economy and trails provide economic benefit by increasing tourism to the area. The newly constructed trail traverses Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Town of Palisade, and City of Grand Junction lands that were previously inaccessible to the public.. Construction began in July 2019, and was completed in September 2020. Phase 1 included 16.7 miles of new trail going from Hwy. 6 up to Lands End Road on the face of the Grand Mesa. This grant utilized conservation corps to construct the trail using picks, shovels, and rock hammers. The crews also constructed retaining walls using rock cut off from the existing areas. This trail will utilize part of the Mesa Top Trail, which connects to the Flowing Park Trail, Deep Creek Trail, and other USFS trails. The end of the trail offers connection opportunities to the city and other amenities and recreational opportunities. Huer fano County PIONEER’S REDEFINED MASTER PLAN (MONTROSE WEST RECREATION) $45,000 Montrose County 28 29 �LUNCH LOOP CONNEC TOR TR AIL- CIT Y OF GR AND J U NC TI O N This Colorado the Beautiful construction grant funded a new 1.5-mile trail connecting the Colorado Riverfront Trail to the Lunch Loop Connector Trail System in Grand Junction. With the recent completion, outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities will enjoy a safe and almost seamless outdoor linear park that connects Las Colonias, the Audubon Trail, Connected Lakes, downtown Grand Junction, the Lunch Loops and Three Sisters Open Space. The project included the construction of concrete trail, two bridges, and four low water crossings. This project links Grand Valley residents to 75 miles of single track trail systems that previously were accessed via automobile only due to safety concerns along Monument Road. The low water crossings and culverts were designed to allow small storm events to be carried under the trail, while allowing large flood events to proceed uninhibited over the top of the trail. Features such as 5-inch thick concrete, retaining walls and bridge abutments will provide long lasting all-weather surfaces that can also sustain maintenance and emergency vehicles. The trail is already experiencing a high rate of utilization from hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers. Amenities include dedicated trailer, vendor and food truck parking, a paved section for handicap access, signage and shelters. 24 MILES FY 2020-21 NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION $2,757,157 FY 2020-21 GOCO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM 9 FY 2020-21 GOCO-FUNDED TRAIL PROJECTS COMPLETE 59 MILES FY 2020-21 ©CPW 30 ©CPW TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION 31 �Inspire KIDS, FAMILIES, FUTURE STEWARDS 32 ©CPW Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. 33 �OUTREACH, EDUCATION, AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS With GOCO support, CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these Highlight: ANGLER EDUC ATION CPW’s Angler Education program continued to promote fishing statewide. Although COVID-19 required limitations on events and group size, CPW continued to reach new anglers through clinics, free rod giveaways, contests, and partnerships. Over $55,000 worth of rods and reels were given away at fishing clinics statewide. The Take a Friend Fishing contest is entering its third year and entry numbers have equaled or surpassed the previous two years, with eight months remaining in the contest. New and reinvigorated partnerships with Lincoln Hills Cares, Latino Outdoors, Outdoor Afro, Outdoor Buddies, Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK), Denver Parks and Recreation, Colorado Treks, and the American Indian Academy of Denver helped reach a more diverse audience and further equity in the outdoors. programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resources of the state. In a program called ‘Human/Habitat Interactions’, teachers in the Southwest Region explored social and ecological considerations regarding human uses of land that are in conflict with one another and with wildlife habitat needs. Throughout the day, the group was joined by field experts and applied Project WILD lesson plans to evaluate different points of view that may arise regarding land-use issues. This special learning opportunity also included an embracing of ‘winter wonder’ on the Grand Mesa with a snowshoe nature hike, guided by Dr. Bruce Bauerle. Southeast CPW staff continue to support the Get Outdoors Leadville Rockies Rock camps by running multiple fishing clinics in July and August and using GOCO fishing poles. Salida staff also held a fishing clinic for students with special needs at Franz Lake State Wildlife Area and handed out GOCO fishing poles. Highlight: TEACH ING ENVIRONMENTAL S CIENCE NATUR AL LY ( T.E.N.) The Southeast Region also partnered with Get Outdoors Leadville to teach a one day course at Cheyenne Mountain State Park to encourage teachers to take their students outside for learning, even in the winter. Teachers learned management tools for teaching outdoors and walked away with several environmental education activities that can be incorporated into their curriculum, regardless of the subject they teach. Upper Arkansas River Valley bird watching. ©CPW 34 ©CPW/WAYN D. LEWIS The Southeast Region held two T.E.N. trainings for teachers in summer 2021. The Pueblo class, the Power of T.E.N., focused on powerful things in nature including wildlife, conservation, recreation, and energy. Teachers were exposed to several outdoor learning locations including Pueblo Lake State Park, Pueblo Zoo, Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center Mountain Campus, and the first official recreation park in the nation located in Beulah. The second class, Wild About Wings, was held in the Upper Arkansas River Valley with the focus on winged things in natural resources such as drones, raptors, pollinators, birds, and bats. The physics of flight, archery, and fly fishing were also worked into one afternoon. Though classes were smaller this year due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, 30 teachers gained valuable knowledge to take back to their classrooms through these two classes. 35 �Highlight: C E RT I FIE D IN T E R P R E T IV E GUIDE TR AINING quality educational programs that connect people to Colorado’s outdoors. The CIG certification is an internationally and nationally recognized accreditation for educational professionals in parks, zoos, aquariums, museums and other non-formal settings. Silversmithing workshop for children during the native education event at Lathrop State Park. Highlight: AG E N TS OF D I S COV E RY There are 13 state parks that offer educational augmented reality experiences through smartphone technology. Customers can download the free Agents of Discovery app from the App and Play stores and test their outdoor knowledge at Barr Lake, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Cheyenne Mountain, Crawford, Eleven Mile, Lake Pueblo, Mancos, Ridgway, St. Vrain, Staunton, Steamboat Lake, and Trinidad Lake State Parks. Agents rf~11 DISCOVER,Y. ~AGENTS of Discovery provides place-based, educational “missions” that are self-directed, needing no CPW staff, and that not only support social distancing protocols, but can provide essential resource management information on a broader scale than scheduled programs. Once missions are completed, reward items can be received such as stickers, virtual badges, and more. Staff are currently working on an at-home CPW Mission that can be accessed virtually. ©CPW In August 2020, the Statewide Interpretation Program provided a socially-distanced Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) certification training for 11 Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) Urban Rangers. This professional certification teaches the foundational skills for creating meaningful experiences and providing Making s’mores at OWLoween, an event held at Highline Lake State Park. Highlight: On the evening of July 30th, 2021 Lathrop State Park was honored to host Diné Hataałii (Navajo singer, healer, holder of ancestral knowledge) Ravis Henry, who serves as an Interpretive Ranger and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and his partner Lynnelle. Ravis quietly and reverently stood before the audience at the Amphitheater and for five minutes introduced himself and his ancestral clans in Diné Bizaad (the Navajo language). When finished, he translated for the rapt audience the wealth of historical and ancestral knowledge contained in the telling of clan identity. Ravis then recounted the resiliency of the Dine’ people by describing the 300 mile plus march, known as The Long Walk from northeastern Arizona to Ft. Sumner, 36 New Mexico, endured by men, women and children in the winter of 1864. He then painted the dramatic scene when four years later in 1868, the Dine’ were allowed to return to their homeland in the Four Corners area and sang a song. Saturday morning Ravis held a silversmithing workshop for children at the Visitor Center. Ravis provided bands of nickel silver and copper for the children to stamp their own unique designs with silver stamps he brought. Then one by one he filed and hammered their creations into a personalized bracelet all while sharing more history and culture of the Diné. The feedback from campers, visitors and community members was overwhelmingly enthusiastic with requests to schedule a return visit for Ravis and Lynnelle in summer 2022. ©CPW N AT I V E E D U C AT I ON E V E NT AT L ATHROP STATE PARK Highlight: OWLOWEEN AT H IGH LINE L AKE S TATE PARK On October 31, 2020 CPW hosted an OWLoween event at Highline Lake State Park. This socially distanced outdoor event was one of the only “Halloween” themed events hosted in the Grand Valley in 2020. The local community members that attended with their children were very excited to have planned fun and educational activities for kids to participate in. Activities were Halloween themed and included archery, a self-guided owl activity, presentations on bats of the Grand Valley and owls of Highline Lake State Park, and a s’mores station. A local neighbor of the park brought horses, and hosted carriage rides for visitors. It was so fun to see kids in their Halloween costumes, learning about the biological aspects of some “not-so-spooky” critters that make Colorado home. CPW staff and volunteers came together to make this event a huge success. 37 �The mission of the Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) program is to connect schools with CPW and its network of partners to increase youth and family interest in the outdoors. The program supports 4th grade classrooms by providing funding for field trip activities; developing in-class programs, curriculum support, and professional development for teachers and partners; and facilitating opportunities for students and their families to engage with partner programs and opportunities to recreate outdoors. Although FY “ We absolutely loved this program! We were very impressed with how well it was organized, as well as the clear email communication prior to the event. We drove in [to Denver] from Colorado Springs and it made for a super fun family day outing. This was our first time fishing and we truly appreciated all of the kind and knowledgeable volunteers who were scattered all around the lake to help out and offer tips and tricks. The kids did not want to leave and are already asking when we can go fishing again. It was incredibly sweet and generous of you to provide lunch and we loved all the fun giveaways & treats. It’s like you thought of everything! A BIG THANK YOU to Makenzie and her wonderful Team! What a great day! ” “ The most valuable part of the workshop was trying the activities as a student and thinking of ways to implement them. FAMILY WORKS H OPS FIELD TRIPS / V I R TUA L TR I P S Research shows for students to find lifelong connections with the outdoors, families and caregivers must also be involved. This year, four workshops were provided to SOLE families providing opportunities for fishing, nature hikes, paddle sports, and watershed explorations. 24 families had fun in the outdoors, and met a number of CPW partners including River Watch, Nature’s Educators and Poudre Valley Learning Center. Eight schools went on a total of 13 in-person field trips during the school year. CPW also provided schools with resources and connections to partner organizations so that they could find virtual field trip options that would better meet the health guidelines they were following as a school district. TEACH ER WORKS H OPS One way to increase the connection to the outdoors being made in the classroom is to provide learning opportunities for teachers. Through outdoor explorations, teachers develop new connections for teaching the standards and confidence in getting students outdoors. This year, 7 teachers joined SOLE staff at Castlewood Canyon State Park to learn more about exploring nature through math. They even had a chance to try out rock climbing! ” -Quote from a Family Workshop par ticipant 38 Career Day 2017 YIP Thank you for such a wonderful workshop/ retreat. It has revitalized me and I feel ready to go into the next year! -Quotes from Teacher Workshop par ticipants ©CPW “ 2020-21 looked different than other years, due to schools being virtual and increased public health and social distancing requirements, the SOLE program made an impact statewide. Events included 5 family fun days, 8 school visits to nearby State Parks or Wildlife Areas, 4 family workshops, the SOLE art contest with 90 students participating, and 4 new virtual program options developed and facilitated with schools and families. ©CPW S C H O O LS AND OUTDOOR L E ARNING EN V IRON MEN TS ” IN-CL AS S PRO G R A MS / VIRTUAL PRO G R A MMI NG While there was a decrease in the number of in-class programs CPW could provide to schools, SOLE still reached over 200 students in 10 classes at two schools by moving our in-class program outdoors. Staff also adapted two of these programs, Adaptations and Cookie Mining to an online platform to virtually interact with approximately 880 students in 44 classes across 18 schools. 39 �FA M I LY N AT U R E N I G H TS / FAM ILY F UN DAYS on a field right next to a school. Staff engaged 8 schools at these events. Partners provided interactive activities, and the SOLE program provided park information, introductory outdoor activities, snacks, and outdoor gear essentials to attending families such as wildlife ID pocket guides to help send families on their way to have a great time exploring a state park, for free, on their own. ~ ~ Bird Conservancy - ~ of the Rock ies CPW Due to health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, SOLE was unable to provide any Family Nature Nights for our schools. To fill this void, the team piloted a new event to not only engage with families and caregivers, but to also build connections with local state parks. These Family Fun Days took place at 4 different state parks or state wildlife areas around the state, and 1 N E W V I R T UA L R E S OU RC ES Virtual Book Club: Due to the changing health situation, CPW offered this entirely virtual event to gather SOLE families around the state together to discuss a grade-level appropriate book on a topic related to wildlife or natural resources, such as fire ecology, dinosaurs and fossils, nocturnal animals, and bees and pollinators. Families were mailed the book and an interactive activity related to the book was done during the Zoom meeting. Colorado Critter Challenge: Like March Madness, students learned about how adaptations can help a species survive an environmental disturbance through a bracket styled game based on the flooding event that occurred in Eldorado Canyon State Park in 2013. Nine classrooms participated in this virtual activity with close to 180 students playing. History Happened + curriculum: SOLE developed a video series with accompanying teacher guide for students to explore the history of different wildlife species and natural resources in Colorado. Through the video, students learned about human impacts and relevant legislation that regulated its use or conservation, spanning from presettlement to today. 52 FY 2020-21 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN 36 SCHOOL DISTRICTS 40 OVER 1,000 FY 2020-21 STUDENTS IN TEN 4TH GRADE CLASSROOMS PARTICIPATED IN SOLE-LED IN-CLASS PROGRAMMING 41 �“ YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth; provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities; facilitate networking opportunities with CPW professionals; and provide exposure to various CPW career paths. The YIP program places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW. In FY 2020-21, YIP interns assisted CPW program areas including aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, GIS, administrative support, education and interpretation, as well as assisting in 35 state parks with law enforcement, visitor services, operations, and interpretation. 96 73 FY 2020-21 FY 2020-21 INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS INTERN POSITIONS APPROVED ” “ Intern Anna Le conducting a stream survey in coordination with CPW’s Instream Flow Program, 2020. Over the course of the internship I worked alongside office staff, district wildlife managers,wildlife biologists, and property technicians.The exposure and experience I gained by working alongside such varied staff allowed me to learn an immense amount about how this agency works together to manage wildlife for Colorado’s citizens. Intern Demetria McDowell assisting with a bear relocation effort. I feel every single day the work I was assigned was vital knowledge that would help me along my career path in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in park patrols and using snowmobiles/ohv. Not many other agencies have these opportunities for interns to jump along. ©CPW ©CPW 42 CREDIT? ” 43 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a network of locally run Youth Corps, recently completed its 21st season of partnership with CPW. Youth Corps crews made substantial contributions to state parks, wildlife areas, and fish hatcheries. Youth Corps crews consist Highlight: CYCA crews removed 3.7 miles of obsolete fences on the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area to increase habitat effectiveness and permeability for wildlife and reduce wildlife collision and entanglement hazard. Removed fencing included old, yet mostly standing, woven wire topped by two strands of barbed wire, one of the most lethal and difficult to navigate fence configurations for wildlife. The work focused on productive mixed sagebrush and mountain shrub habitat in an area with some of the most heavily used elk and mule deer winter range in all of Colorado. The project also benefited Columbian sharp-tailed grouse as portions of the project were within 1/2 mile of an active lek. of 8-10 youth ages 16-26 working on various projects over the summer. Youth Corps continue to provide opportunities to engage young people by promoting work and life skills while protecting Colorado’s conservation legacy. “ The crew leader and crew did a good job cutting weeds in rugged riparian areas where spraying would be difficult. This work should reduce the amount of noxious weeds significantly in this critical wildlife habitat for years to come. ” -CPW staff FY 2020-21 FY 2020-21 OF CYCA LABOR OF TRAIL CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED OR CLEARED 44 TREES REMOVED FY 2020-21 FY 2020-21 OF FENCE CONSTRUCTED, REPAIRED OR REMOVED OF FIRE MITIGATION COMPLETED ©CPW 2,590 24.6 15.1 14,000 6.8 2020-21 MILES ACRES HOURS MILES FY INVASIVE 45 �CPW properties and state parks; develop and establish wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with landowners on private lands; and prepare and distribute informational materials on wildlife viewing techniques and opportunities. JU LY 2020, V E G A M OOS E F E ST I VA L AT V E G A S TAT E PA R K M OOSE F EST AT STATE F OREST STATE PARK This was a small event considering COVID-19 protocols, however CPW received great feedback from the attendees. The weather was not very cooperative that day, requiring a transition from a completely outdoor event to a covered, well-ventilated open shop that protected visitors engaged in moose-related activities from the rain. Visitors learned about moose safety, where to see moose on the Grand Mesa, how CPW manages moose populations, and kids were able to take home pre-packaged “moose antler hat” kits to make at home. The brave participants that ventured outside were able to participate in a scavenger hunt and earned a moose beanie for their efforts. CPW also attempted to host the annual State Forest State Park Moose Fest in August 2020 with COVID-19 protocols. However, the Cameron Peak fire closed the highway accessing the Moose Visitor Center so only local campers were able to attend the event. There were a few visitors that learned about moose biology and behavior with Mr. Moose during “Interview with a Moose”. The kids really enjoyed “talking” with the moose and he is great at posing in photos. SIGNAGE INSTALL ATION AT PAR AC HUTE POND STATE WILD LIF E AREA New interpretive and wildlife viewing signage was installed at Parachute Pond State Wildlife Area in July 2020. The existing signage had faded to the point of being unreadable. Three new signs were installed on the property: fish of Parachute Pond on the fishing pier, birds of the area, and riparian habitat. The signs have been well received by visitors and are a welcome update to the property. 46 New interpretive and wildlife signage at Parachute Ponds State Wildlife Area. Moose Fest at State Forest State Park, August 2020. COLOR ADO OUTDOOR REGIONAL PARTNERS H IPS RES TORE PRO G R A M CPW and GOCO are collaborating to fund new and existing coalitions to join a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing for equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences. Funding will support new and existing coalitions that meet criteria under a state-level vision and advance the development of local and regional planning elements to inform a Statewide Conservation and Recreation Plan. The first round of partnerships have been announced and includes seven coalitions across the state. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), CPW, the Gates Family Foundation and GOCO worked collaboratively over the past two years to co-create a Colorado-focused habitat restoration program and $250,000 of GOCO wildlife purpose funds were provided to support the program. RESTORE Colorado funds at-scale habitat restoration and stewardship projects on public and private conservation lands in Colorado that have the greatest benefit for wildlife and local communities. ©CPW The CPW Watchable Wildlife Program establishes new wildlife viewing and education opportunities and works with partners to develop and improve existing viewing resources. This program continues to identify, develop, and help establish wildlife viewing opportunities on public lands, including REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND RESTORE ©CPW WATCHABLE WILDLIFE 47 �GOCO LOG Grant Detail FY 2020-21 AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 16204 Crawford State Park- Clear Fork Campground Renovation 740,630 - - 16206 Arkansas Headwaters - Placer Development Phase II 580,254 559,315 - 16209 Cherry Creek State Park - Main Lift Station Replacement 351,750 280,462 71,288 16223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 300,000 - 17171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 17,001 680,608 17200 Swietzer Swim Beach Redevelopment 353,000 307,524 45,368 17201 Lake Pueblo South Marina Paving Renovation 1,100,000 1,100,000 - 17202 Lathrop Day Use Improvements 462,000 306,302 155,699 OUTD O O R RECREATI ON 17203 Colorado River Shade Shelter - Fruita 134,000 98,236 - • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. 17204 Colorado River Boat Ramp Reconfiguration 198,000 195,997 - 17205 Staunton Phase 3 Development Design 1,000,000 983,551 - 17206 Chatfield Camper Services Building 1,363,700 1,363,700 - • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. 17207 Sylvan Lake Spillway Replacement 4,466,734 4,466,734 - 17221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 485,876 2,420 17223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 282,254 17,746 • Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. 17225 Director’s Innovation Fund 50,000 41,876 - • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. 18171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - 198,309 18196 Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 160,000 160,000 - 18200 Eldorado Canyon State Park Entrance Station Relo 650,000 134,599 31,663 18202 Highline State Park Infrastructure Improvements 870,000 41,232 - 18203 Lake Pueblo State Park Road Paving Phase 4 1,130,000 438,702 - W IL DLIFE 18204 Ridgway State Park Marina Phase 1 220,000 94,933 117,434 • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. 18205 Rifle Gap State Park Lakeview Campground Shade Shelters 343,000 119,500 - 18208 Staunton State Park Historic Structure Stabilization- Phase 3 70,000 800 50,769 • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. 18209 Staunton State Park Elk Falls Dam Report and Design 450,000 - 66,868 18210 Sweitzer State Park Water System Replacement 200,000 - 29,895 • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. 18211 State Forest SP North Campground Master Plan 400,000 198,831 110,747 18223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - 205,028 18225 Directors Innovation Fund 75,000 64,165 2,608 18240 Envision Recreation in Balance 99,367 20,928 63,196 19171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - - 19172 Capital Development Program 1,020,000 1,020,000 - 19173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,092,500 1,092,500 - 19174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 400,000 297,158 - 19175 Recreation Management on State Parks 2,200,000 2,200,000 - 19200 Park Improvements 8,352,917 2,935,546 2,359,770 19201 Park Improvements 2 3,942,000 528,115 754,451 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: • Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2020-21 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. 48 DESCRIPTION 49 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 19223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - 13,930 17232 Salida District Trail Maintenance 80,000 79,901 - 19225 Director’s Innovation Fund 76,517 51,167 6,765 17233 Kiowa Park Trail 17,564 17,564 - 20171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - - 17234 Lower Valley-Canyon Creek Plan 45,000 - 45,000 20172 Capital Development Program 1,020,000 - 1,016,813 17235 Waldo Canyon Trail 45,000 45,000 - 20173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,092,500 - 1,092,500 17236 Alma Riverwalk Design 35,000 35,000 - 20174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 400,000 - 283,789 17237 Boulder Area Trails Mobile Application 31,500 31,500 - 20175 Recreation Management on State Parks 2,750,000 - 2,750,000 17239 Georgetown Greenway Trail 45,000 44,954 - 20199 Fishers Peak 9,750,000 9,750,000 - 17240 Loop to Gateway Trail 45,000 2,936 - 20200 Park Improvements 6,991,024 - 1,302,209 18192 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 471,005 263,612 20223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - 4,999 18221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 363,186 74,730 20225 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 - 30,493 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 2,988,006 21,033 195,585 59,429,893 29,937,002 11,465,366 18231 Lunch Loop Connector Trail 400,000 400,000 - 18232 Lower Valley-Canyon Creek Trail 500,000 - 52,934 18233 Legacy Loop-Rock Island Trail 500,000 - - 18234 Great Western Trail 250,000 - 197,500 18235 Methodist Mountain Trail 269,951 167,774 102,177 18236 Fremont Pass Rec Pathway 600,000 - 450,000 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 18237 Peaks to Plains Trail 500,000 - - 17226 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 14,961 - 18238 Stage and Rail Trail 205,400 193,941 11,415 19187 Public Information Program 296,000 296,000 - 18239 Palisade Plunge Phase 1 527,000 496,662 25,841 19188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,373,500 1,222,667 - 19191 State Trails Program - Operating 370,935 370,935 - 19189 Volunteer Program 306,000 206,714 - 19192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,000,000 10,261 290,553 20187 Public Information Program 296,000 - 296,000 19221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 61,146 66,950 20188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 1,373,500 - 1,098,143 20191 State Trails Program 370,935 - 370,935 20189 Volunteer Program 306,000 - 222,563 20192 Trails Grants Program 1,000,000 - 49,886 Totals this section: 3,966,000 1,740,342 1,616,706 20221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 - 130,502 Totals this section: 14,119,935 3,960,848 2,757,157 AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES 16231 Mt. Columbia Trail, Phase 2 6/30/20 130,009 130,009 - 19193 Water Program 150,000 150,000 - 16232 2018 Trails Projects 6/30/20 136,811 136,811 - 19194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 199,936 50,159 16233 Magic Meadows Trail 6/30/20 90,800 63,327 - 20193 Water Program 150,000 - 100,201 16238 Poudre Nature Trails 6/30/20 186,024 186,024 - 20194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 300,000 - 112,146 17229 Trail Mapping Application 1,000,000 630,961 180,491 Totals this section: 900,000 349,936 262,505 249,048 Grand total, State Parks Purpose: 78,415,828 35,988,128 16,101,734 17231 50 GOCO LOG Mt. Elbert Realignment, Phase II 250,000 918 51 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT 52 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION 16153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 2,833,085 2,477,969 333,934 18257 Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 160,000 160,000 - 17150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital * 4,800,000 4,005,522 1,114,478 19155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 562,873 - 17153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 1,000,000 925,510 62,340 19156 Native Species Protection 4,480,000 4,480,000 - 17167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 387,976 - 19157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 610,000 610,000 - 17168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehabilitation Phase 1 500,000 499,967 - 20155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 - 543,258 17169 Spring Creek Reservoir Dam Project Phase 1 520,000 427,757 - 18153 Wetlands Conservation 1,500,000 87,923 1,041,631 20156 Native Species Protection 4,480,000 - 4,480,000 18166 Alberta Park Dam Phase 2 500,000 177,443 261,116 20157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 610,000 - 610,000 18167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 82,877 155,351 11,490,000 5,812,873 5,633,258 18168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehab Phase 2 300,000 300,000 - 18169 Chief Creek Dam Repairs 500,000 93,135 406,865 18250 Haviland Lake Dam Rehab 500,000 500,000 - 18251 Tarryall SWA Dam Study and Design 400,000 54,275 130,660 AWARD ($) 18252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 1,410,968 480,684 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 18253 Habitat Improvement 800,000 255,740 178,461 WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 18254 Wildlife Crossings 1,000,000 125,589 185,869 18255 Mt. Shavano Structure Engineering Study 200,000 186,686 13,314 17163 Director’s Innovation Fund 50,000 39,344 365 18256 Hatchery Modernization Plan Phase 1 50,000 49,973 - 17164 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 15,000 - 19150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 850,000 - 823,000 18163 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 58,588 4,769 19151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 693,000 693,000 - 19158 Youth Programs 1,021,317 1,021,317 - 19152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters 1,000,000 1,000,000 - 19159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 399,668 - 19153 Wetlands Conservation 1,500,000 78,436 412,033 19160 Angler Education 161,000 161,000 - 19154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 448,369 - 19163 Wildlife Director’s Innovation Fund 73,483 48,271 20,000 19167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 600,000 42,093 556,461 19262 Internal Shooting Range Program 373,000 109,176 82,158 19169 Spring Creek Dam Phase 2 1,070,000 1,821 77,359 20158 Youth Programs 1,021,317 - 874,575 19252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 2,000,000 - 20159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 - 364,976 19253 Aquatic Habitat Improvement 2,000,000 - 231,517 20160 Angler Education 161,000 - 135,846 19258 Equipment for Habitat Protection and Restoration 1,000,000 944,612 55,388 20163 Wildlife Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 - 37,864 19259 Fort Collins Service Center 2,500,000 15,782 88,805 3,826,483 1,852,364 1,520,552 19260 Fuels Mitigation 1,000,000 - - 19261 Hatchery Study Phase 2 300,000 14,084 285,916 20150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 3,848,589 - 190,349 20151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 693,000 - 568,399 AWARD ($) 20152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 20153 Wetlands Conservation 1,100,000 - 308,240 20154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 - 435,265 20250 Protection and Restoration of Wildlife Habitat 3,600,000 1,736 1,197,012 20252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 - 1,947,832 Totals this section: 45,907,674 17,289,243 12,542,281 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING 19162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 99,515 - 20162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 - 84,283 Totals this section: 300,000 99,515 84,283 Grand total, Wildlife Purpose: 61,524,157 25,053,995 19,780,373 53 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2020-21 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND RESTORE 21049 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships (comp) 320,000.00 - 21249 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiatives 160,000.00 - 21298 RESTORE Program 250,000.00 - 21299 Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiatives 160,000.00 - 890,000 - Totals this section: American avocets foraging at Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area. ©CPW 54 ©CPW Pagosa Skyrocket. 55 �CPW Mission The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GOCO’s Mission To help preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. 6060 Broadway Denver, Co 80216 cpw.state.co.us 56 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/ac85cef6bf38cccfe7f734fdcb42fa60.pdf 4c7728e3dcb922e0d4f8bafade1564ed PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2019-2020 Annual Report �Letter from the Director In this most unusual year, I am pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report for the 2019-20 fiscal year to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. GOCO is a vital partner to CPW and makes many of the outdoor recreation and wildlife programs Coloradans count on possible. The significant changes over the last year have put to the test and proved the value of our joint investments. No segment of American society has escaped impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. For Colorado Parks and Wildlife, our mission to protect Colorado’s wildlife resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities remains unchanged, but the second half of the 2019-20 fiscal year threw unforeseeable new challenges our way. At the outset I want to commend all our agency employees for their efforts through these unprecedented times. Many of our office personnel switched to remote work overnight while at the same time our staff were overwhelmed by Coloradans taking to the outdoors for relief. Field research projects were slowed and sometimes pushed back by social distancing requirements but fishing license sales grew to new highs. Customer service staff developed new ways to do business safely and our volunteer program continued to facilitate thousands of hours of support for CPW efforts. GOCO funding contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s mission, from the day-to-day management of state parks and wildlife areas to long-term research to protect Colorado’s native plant and animal species. GOCO funding helps CPW protect and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, hunting, angling, and species conservation. In this report you will see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: • • • Operating support for Colorado’s state parks, which hosted a record 17 million visitor days in FY 2019-20. Support for more than 300,000 volunteer hours at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. Funding for more than 125 miles of non-motorized trail development and maintenance projects. The partnership between CPW and GOCO will only become more important as we address the coronavirus and other challenges in the near- and long-term future. Colorado is a wonderful place to live, attracting visitors and new residents from across the country. Increased population growth will apply increased pressure on the state’s wildlife and natural resources. Ongoing GOCO support for CPW’s habitat protection, resource stewardship, species conservation, and interpretive programs will help educate and train the next generation of natural resource stewards in Colorado. GOCO and CPW may be separate entities, but our shared vision of the future of Colorado’s natural resources unites us like no other. Sincerely, Dan Prenzlow Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2 �Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized around the country and the world for its beautiful scenery and diverse natural attributes. Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities has been valued through much of the state’s history. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts and supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, park and operating management activities, species conservation efforts, habitat protection throughout Colorado and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails, and infrastructure projects throughout Colorado. In 2015, the GOCO Board adopted a new five-year strategic plan to guide funding priorities through 2020. The plan is based around three key principles: • • • Protect more urban and rural land for people and wildlife Connect people to the outdoors Inspire more kids and families to explore and take care of our great outdoors This annual report is structured around these ideas. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO, and a wide variety of programs, projects, and activities managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things that CPW has been able to accomplish in state fiscal year 2019-20 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives almost no general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW and makes many of the things we accomplish possible. At the end of this report you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2019-20 organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged GOCO funding to help protect our landscapes, connect Coloradans to the outdoors, and inspire kids and families to get outside. $18,436,852 $22,160,500 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 INVESTMENT PLAN TOTAL AWARD FOR STATE PARKS INVESTMENT PLAN TOTAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE Cover Photo: CYCA Volunteers installing fence at Lone Mesa State Park 3 �F ISHE RS PEAK S TATE PA RK Undoubtedly a highlight of the year is the acquisition of the Crazy French Ranch, the keystone property for Fishers Peak State Park, Colorado’s 42nd state park. GOCO funding, in partnership with the City of Trinidad, The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land, helped CPW acquire the 19,200acre ranch that became Colorado’s newest state park. The ranch includes a towering landmark known as Fishers Peak, which overlooks Trinidad and the Eastern Plains at 9,633 feet. The peak has served as a landmark for Native Americans, a beacon for pioneers moving west and a waypoint along the historic Santa Fe Trail. At a “sneak peek” opening of 250 acre portion of the park in late October, Governor Jared Polis noted that, “Together, our administration and the local community are enhancing and protecting the Colorado way of life by ensuring future generations will be able to explore and experience our natural wonders. Outdoor recreation is an economic engine for Colorado and this park will help create good-paying rural jobs, protect our environment, preserve wildlife habitat, improve access to the outdoors and provide educational opportunities for children.” “Today is a historic day for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Coloradans and in particular the residents of Southern Colorado,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources. “The opening of Fishers 4 Peak State Park would not have been possible without the strong support of local governments, businesses, and unique partnerships with nonprofit organizations, all coming together with a goal to permanently protect this special place. Colorado’s 42nd and second-largest state park will ensure the residents of Southern Colorado have a first-class amenity and that the iconic Fishers Peak and its unparalleled wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities will be protected for future generations of Coloradans.” GOCO funding also provided critical supporting of accelerated resource assessments on the property and initial trail and public parking facilities. The two trails opened during the “sneak peek” event are the short “First Look Trail” and a 1.5 mile “Challenge Trail” which includes strenuous stretches with 30 percent grade. A further $1,000,000 in support was made available through the Colorado General Assembly through SB 20-003 (Garcia/Esgar). The Fishers Peak property is valued for the wildlife it shelters, including native species such as elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain lion, and black bear. It also preserves important migration corridors for these wildlife populations by linking grasslands to the east with foothills and mountains to the west. The new Fishers Peak State Park will increase opportunities for outdoor recreationists, wildlife watchers, hunters, and residents to explore a unique and stunning part of Colorado. �Fishers Peak State Park Surveys for reptiles and amphibians were also performed and song meters were deployed to record amphibian calls and songs. During these surveys, an unusual lizard was found – the variable skink. WAYNE D. LEWIS/CPW In preparation for the park opening, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program began work with the Fishers Peak partners to collect baseline information on the park property. Twenty-five point-count stations were surveyed for breeding birds, along with avian surveys for cliff nesting raptors, forest nesting raptors, owls, and ovenbird. Special findings included nesting golden eagles, the Colorado rare Mexican whip-poor-will, and nests for secretive forest raptors were discovered. 5 �Protect LAND, WATER, WILDLIFE Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes and maintain areas already under CPW’s care. 6 �WAYNE D. LEWIS/CPW 7 �5,225 FY 2019-20 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED $13,772,523 FY 2019-20 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LAND ACQUISITION 2,917 FY 2019-20 WILDLIFE ACCESS EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED 8 State Forest State Park �L A ND AND WATER P ROTEC TION CPW is responsible for the acquisition, protection, and management of lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, non-governmental partners, and private landowners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 11.5 million acres of agricultural lands, which sustains more than 36,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, access to Colorado’s abundant wildlife and world-class recreation opportunities would be severely limited. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. GOCO-S UPPORTED PROJEC TS IN FY 2019-20 Highlight: HALE RIVER RANCH VERDON TOMAJKO 659 ACRES With support from GOCO, CPW’s Habitat Stamp program, Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act program and the Hale River Ranch, CPW helped establish a third party conservation easement on the 695-acre Hale River Ranch, conserving a diverse array of critical habitat and wildlife within the San Luis Valley. The Hale River Ranch serves as an important movement corridor for a host of wildlife including mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, fox, and a number of other federally protected species. Hunters and anglers benefit from the Hale River Ranch easement as well, providing opportunities for big game hunting as well as more than two miles of fishing access to the Rio Grande River. In addition to protecting the rich biodiversity of the property, the conservation easement allows the Hale family to continue operating a working livestock ranch to support their agricultural heritage. Additional information on the easement is available on the Habitat Stamp page on the CPW website. 9 �C A P ITA L IMPROVEMENTS Colorado’s system of state parks and wildlife areas is more than 60 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and upgrading to the standards expected by today’s visitors. The CPW Capital Development program manages construction and maintenance at more than 1,400 structures and 115 dams across the state. GOCO funding supports Capital Development program operations and is the primary funding source for many capital projects. $2,000,000 FY 2019-20 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING NUMEROUS WILDLIFE SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS $13,639,669 FY 2019-20 C H AT F I E L D S TAT E PA R K $1,631,258 Road Improvements Chatfield State Park, located in the south Denver metro area, is one of the busiest parks in the state, hosting over 1.8 million visitors annually. Nearly all park visitors use the park’s roadways to recreate and to travel to different points in the park. The FY201920 project completed improvements to the last section of the main park perimeter roadway system by resurfacing and widening approximately 0.8 mile of roads that were over 35 years old. Additionally, bike lanes were added to improve both vehicle and bicyclist safety and more efficiently accommodate the increasing traffic load including the ever growing size of recreational vehicles. 10 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARKS AND WILDLIFE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELE VEN MILE STATE PARK MAINTENANC E SHOP PHASE II $904,398 Located on the eastern side of South Park, Eleven Mile is known for its large reservoir and outstanding fishing. To maintain this beautiful area, park staff needed several behind the scenes improvementts for safer working conditions and a place to house equipment and supplies. This project replaced a 40 year old existing shop building that was at the end of its service life. The new maintenance facility is constructed to current energy code and OSHA standards. It includes 3 vehicle bays, two interior offices, a meeting room, bathroom with shower and radiant heat in the shop area. �$11,002,917 FY 2019-20 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING 21 STATE PARKS 11 THOMAS SUMN- Eldorado Canyon State Park �W I LD LIFE SMAL L C APITAL H U G O S TAT E W IL D L IF E A R EA $24,000 Fence Repairs The Hugo State Wildlife Area, located 14 miles southeast of Limon in eastern Colorado, is known for its hunting, fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. It is also adjacent to private property. This project replaced three miles of dilapidated boundary fence, helping with neighbor relations and delineating the wildlife area boundaries for users. In conjunction with other improvements on the wildlife area, new fencing will also allow for improved management of grazing, which in turn will increase forage and habitat for wildlife. P I C E A N C E CR E E K S TAT E WILDLIF E AREA $41,435 R attlesnake Gulch Water Development Approximately 20 miles outside of the town of Meeker lies the Piceance Creek State Wildlife Area. During FY 2019-20, CPW invested in improved water distribution through the development of a spring. The project includes a storage cistern, eight water tanks, and two overflow ponds that will benefit both wildlife and livestock by spreading out sites 12 where animals can get water. Elk, mule deer, and wild turkeys are some of the species that utilize the property. Distribution of livestock during the short grazing period will be improved and wildlife will benefit year round from the improved habitat. �PA R AC H UT E P ON D S S TAT E WIL D L I F E A R E A $27,950 Tr a i l R e p a v i n g CPW The Parachute Ponds State Wildlife Area, located close to the Town of Parachute on the Colorado River, is a popular local destination for fishing and wildlife viewing. The main trail within the wildlife area leads to an ADA Accessible Fishing Pier and wildlife viewing signage. Unfortunately, the trail was an asphalt path that had degraded to the point that it was unpassable with a wheelchair. The FY 2019-20 project repaved the trail, once again opening up the area to a full array of users. Rattlesnake Gulch Water Development 13 Piceance Creek State Wildlife Area �S P E C IE S CONS ERVATION A ND N ATUR A L AREAS PROGR AM 14 Black Rail fledgling programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. CPW Colorado Parks and Wildlife boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife reintroduction �The brown-capped rosy-finch is a small, hardy song bird that resides in high elevation alpine habitats where it nests in steep cliff faces and rocky talus slopes. Its range is predominantly restricted to Colorado making it an alpine icon for the state. The brown-capped rosyfinch is a Tier 1 species in Colorado’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) with climate change being identified as the leading factor that could negatively impact the species. The CPW project collected information on current population status, nest site selection, and habitat use during the breeding season to gain a better understanding of the species in Colorado. The baseline data collected from the survey will help inform future monitoring techniques and identify conservation efforts that could be implemented as environmental changes become more pronounced and human use of the alpine increases. BL AC K- F O OT E D F E R R E T R E I N T RO D U C T I ON In 2013, Colorado began work with private landowners and agency partners to reintroduce the endangered black-footed ferret to Eastern Colorado. As of Fall 2019, more than 400 Ferrets have been released into six sites in five counties with at least two additional sites in preparation. Outbreaks of sylvatic plague continue to pose the most significant risk to reintroduced Ferrets leading CPW to make plague management a high priority at all the current and potential sites. CPW is also working with researchers to identify new methods for monitoring released populations, including the use of cameras and radio tracking. CPW GAME CAMERA BROWN - C A P P E D ROS Y -FIN C H Canada Lynx C ANADA LYNX Beginning in 1999 with GOCO funding, CPW initiated a reintroduction of this subalpine species to southwest Colorado. After declaring the reintroduction a success in 2010 based on a self-sustaining population, biologists began monitoring the species using non-invasive techniques, meaning that animals were no longer being captured and fitted with radio collars. Instead, trail cameras and snow tracking efforts have been used to document occupancy in the region. Results thus far indicate a stable population. Information developed through ongoing studies is also an important factor in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services development of a postdelisting monitoring plan for the species. 15 �PINYON JAYS The Species Conservation Unit has documented that eastern black rails do, in fact, breed in the marshes in southeastern Colorado. Although CPW and the birding community have known for years that black rails are present in marshes along the lower Arkansas River drainage, no documentation was available of Colorado breeding in the form of a nest, chicks, or fledglings. Black rails inhabit dense cattail and bulrush marshes and are often heard, but rarely seen. In the spring of 2020, Ross Wyatt, a biological technician working for CPW Bird Conservation Coordinator Liza Rossi, set up several camera trap arrays to capture the elusive birds on film. The ultimate objective was to document breeding through evidence of chicks or fledglings. The black rails rewarded those efforts, resulting in documentation of breeding through photos of both chicks and fledglings. Analysis of the photos is ongoing and will greatly improve the understanding of the seasonal timing of Colorado breeding, which will then inform habitat management in the marshes. The Species Conservation Unit is collecting novel information on pinyon jays, a little understood species in the state. The pinyon jay is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the 2015 Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan because it is believed to be declining across its range. CPW is coordinating with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, BIOLogic, Inc., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management to conduct colony surveys across Colorado and Utah. After two years of surveys, CPW has identified more than 20 colonies in Colorado. The research is also assessing colony site fidelity and developing methods to monitor pinyon jay colonies through time. CPW will apply the information gathered through this project to inform pinyon jay conservation and habitat management in Colorado. Pinyon jay chicks feeding 16 Bat Swabbing AAARON YAPPERT CPW E A S T E R N B L AC K R A I L S THE COLOR ADO NATUR AL AREAS PROGR AM (C NAP) The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) manages 95 designated Natural Areas in 38 counties through cooperative work with landowners and partners across the state. Volunteer stewards help to monitor the significant natural features on State Natural Areas including rare plants, wildlife, fossils, and geologic features. During FY 2019-20 CNAP staff, the Natural Areas Council and volunteers evaluated and prioritized potential new sites in underrepresented areas. The program continues to serve as a leader in rare plant conservation and implemented conservation actions on over 25 Plants of Greatest Conservation Need listed in the revised State Wildlife Action Plan including several federally listed species such as the Pagosa skyrocket, Parachute penstemon, and clay-loving wild buckwheat. prioritizing potential new sites specifically on the eastern plains. �CPW R E S O URC E S T E WA RD SHIP Thanks to continued support from GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado’s public state park and recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and temporary staff, projects, and program operations. T H E R E S OU RC E S T E WA R DSHIP PROGR AM A D D R E S S E S S I X MA IN TO PIC AREAS: ONE F OUR Th e d e ve l o pment o f R eso u rce Ste ward s h i p Pl a n s a n d reso u rce m an ag e ment sta n da rds fo r e ac h s t ate pa r k I nvasive sp ec ies management, reveget at ion and restorat ion T WO F IVE Th e d e vel o pment a n d ma n a gem ent o f G e o gra ph i ca l I n fo r mati o n s Sys te m (GI S) n atu ra l a n d cu l tural re s o u rce data Forest management T H RE E SIX Environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conser vation during capital projects Volunteer c it izen sc ience p rojec t m anagement 17 �D UR I N G FY 2019-20, T HE RESOURC E STE WARDSHIP P RO G R A M U T I L I Z E D G OCO F UNDS TO ACCOM PLISH MA NY S IG N I F I C A N T P RO JEC TS: Comprehensive Resource Stewardship Plans were completed for Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, and Eldorado Canyon State Parks, building a comprehensive database of information and identifying valuable cultural resources at each of the three parks: Steamboat Lake contains the rare plant Rabbit Ears gilia, nesting greater sandhill cranes, valuable migration corridors, and 96 species of birds. The park also hosts nesting raptors, including bald eagles, Cooper’s hawk, long-eared owl, and osprey, and has 63 species of butterflies documented within the park. Eldorado Canyon is home to many cliff-nesting raptors, excellent perennially riparian habitats, several fish species and habitat for the endangered Preble’s meadow jumping mouse. Inventory projects were also completed for Castlewood Canyon, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Elkhead Reservoir, Golden Gate Canyon, John Martin Reservoir, Stagecoach, and Yampa State Parks. LO N E M E S A S TAT E PA R K VOLUNTEER C ITIZ EN SC IENCE Fieldwork has been completed on a camera study at Lone Mesa, aiming to identify the distribution of wildlife species across the property, an important consideration in plans to open the park to visitation. The distribution study can be replicated after park infrastructure is developed to identify how changes affects the distribution of wildlife within the park. Citizen science is a critical tool for providing consistent real-time natural resource data and monitoring for use in park management decisions. In the last year, citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles, amphibians, pollinators and other invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds, and nesting raptors. In FY 2019-20, the raptor monitoring program expanded to 32 parks and has more than 200 participating volunteers. Additionally, the program grew the Naturalist State Park NatureFinder project which has passed 30,000 observations and 2,000 participants. To address COVID-19 and the complexity of managing volunteers during this time, the program began work on online tutorials, trainings, and volunteer resources to support these important citizen science projects. GO L D EN G AT E C A NYON STAT E PA R K 18 Pearl Lake has valuable willow carr habitat, boreal toad habitat, greater sandhill cranes, and excellent vegetative conditions. The 2019-20 fiscal year marked the first phase of the Golden Gate Canyon/Green Ranch wildlife distribution study. Wildlife camera traps were deployed and a bird survey was performed. The Green Ranch parcel of this state park has traditionally been managed for local hunting opportunities. Similar to the Lone Mesa study, the project aims to establish statistically valid wildlife distribution information to provide future analysis of how potential recreational opportunities may influence wildlife distribution on the property. �Elk fawn at Lone Mesa State Park CPW GAME CAMERA NATIVE AQUATIC SPEC IES RESTOR ATION FAC ILIT Y Built in 2000, the J. W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) located in Alamosa, Colorado facilitates the conservation of rare aquatic native species through captive propagation, genetic conservation, scientific research, and public education and awareness. One of the first facilities of its kind in the United States, NASRF takes a proactive approach in its attempts to keep state listed species at risk from reaching levels warranting federal protections. Currently there are 12 fish species and one amphibian species reared at NASRF. To date, NASRF has stocked 3.4 million fish and tadpoles in its ongoing mission to recover Colorado native aquatic species in decline. F OREST MANAGEM ENT CPW GAME CAMERA Bear cub at Lone Mesa State Park The Program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state, coordinating with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. Forest management plans were developed for Boyd Lake and St. Vrain State Parks. Priority forest thinning projects were implemented on 45 acres at Castlewood Canyon State Park, 95 acres at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 42 acres at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 146 acres at Lory State Park, and 98 acres at Roxborough State Park. Significant amounts of slash piles were burned on Golden Gate Canyon State Park and Lory State Park over the winter. Smaller projects were completed at John Martin Reservoir State Park and Trinidad Lake State Park. Continued investment in forest management activities helps improve the resilience of state park areas to the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities in the vicinity of the parks. 19 �Connect CITIZENS, PARTNERS, LANDS Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 42 state parks and more than 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 6,000 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. 20 �CPW - SCHENDEL/CPW 21 �STATE PARK OPERATIONS state park operations has been invaluable to CPW, and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. 17,066,484 $2,200,000 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 STATE PARKS VISITATION GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARK OPERATIONS NORA LOGUE/CPW 22 GOCO helps protect the places that Coloradans enjoy, and also supports the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s 42 state parks. GOCO’s historic support for basic �- SCHENDEL/CPW DOSKOCIL/CPW 23 �VOLUNTEERS Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s resources while building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides direct supervision, screening, training, and oversight of volunteers on state parks and wildlife areas, fish hatcheries, and educational programs statewide. H I GE L S TAT E W IL D L IF E A RE A STAUNTON STATE PARK The Higel State Wildlife Area is a key wetland in the San Luis Valley. The property provides access to the public for waterfowl and big game hunting, and provides vast amounts of wetland for wildlife habitat while still being actively farmed. One of Higel’s features is a hunting blind designated for people with disabilities. The previous blind was built twenty years ago and severely dilapidated, to the point that it blew into an old river slough. Four volunteers helped build a new wheelchair accessible blind in June 2020 to ensure that all individuals have access to spend time outdoors and enjoy waterfowl hunting. In the fall of 2019, 45 adults and 6 youth volunteers worked together to build a short track chair familiarization course including six features and obstacles for wheelchair users to practice on before tackling other ADA accessible trails in the park. Volunteers built 770 feet of new ADA accessible trail, including the track chair course and multiple connector trails to improve accessibility to existing routes. Volunteers also leveled four picnic table pads to make them wheelchair friendly. 4,476 FY 2019-20 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS 304,715 FY 2019-20 VOLUNTEER HOURS 24 146 FY 2019-20 FTE EQUIVALENT OF VOLUNTEER HOURS $8,989,093 FY 2019-20 VOLUNTEER VALUE 17:1 FY 2019-20 RETURN ON VOLUNTEER INVESTMENT (ROVI) �When the CPW Volunteer Program first heard that wearing masks helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, a call for help went out. Within a few days, 30 people jumped in and started sewing. They made over 1,100 cloth masks for CPW staff across the state who continued to work with the public and alongside each other. Volunteers are gifts to us. They bring talent, experience, enthusiasm and they bring who they are to add to the depth and diversity of our team. ” - Kirstin Copeland, Park Manager at Ridgway State Park 25 CPW MASK MA KE RS: K E E P I N G S TA F F SAF E AND HEALTHY “ �TRAILS GOCO’s partnership with the CPW Recreational Trails Program is an important and valued relationship that continues to help develop and maintain multi-use trails throughout Colorado. In Fiscal Year 2020, the projects funded by GOCO include planning and development, trail maintenance and reroutes and new construction on state and federal lands. The Colorado the Beautiful Initiative saw the creation of a new grant cycle for CPW. Over a two-year period, the initiative funded 23 grants across the State. All are active projects with anticipated end dates in 2021 and 2022. These projects represent a statewide effort to grow, enhance and connect outdoor recreation opportunities a goal of by the next generation every Coloradan will live within ten minutes of a park, trail or vibrant green space. All of the Colorado the Beautiful trails grants are funded by GOCO. C PW PA R T N E R S COM P L E TED EIGHT GOCO F UND ED TR AIL PRO JE C TS IN F Y 2019-20: Salida District Trail Maintenance $80,000 Chaffee County U.S. Forest Service, Salida Ranger District Kiowa Park Trail $17,500 Town of Wiggins, Morgan County Alma Riverwalk Design Boulder Area Mobile App $35,500 $31,500 Town of Alma, Park County Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Boulder County Shavano Gateway Cultural Resource Clearance $20,326 North Fruita Desert Master Trails Plan $35,610 Montrose County City of Fruita, Mesa County Georgetown Greenway Trail Plan Waldo Canyon Trail Plan $45,000 $45,000 Town of Georgetown, Clear Creek County Rocky Mountain Field Institute El Paso County CPW 26 �Highlight: SA L I DA R A N G E R D I S T R I C T TR AIL MAINTENANC E – SA N I SA B E L N AT ION A L FOREST A maintenance grant funded a trail crew focused on the non-motorized trail system managed by the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Salida District. In all, over 5,200 hours were provided by Forest Service staff, Youth Corps crews, and volunteers to complete five high priority trail issues of the district’s backlogged trail maintenance needs: • The Hunt’s Lake trail –- clearing an estimated 500 downed trees. • The Silver Creek trail -- significant maintenance and reconstruction including sustainable trail techniques and bridges, drain dips, check steps, elevated tread, and minor reconstruction. • The North Cottonwood Creek trail -improvements to water crossings, tread and drainage. • The Blanks Cabin section of the Colorado Trail-drainage improvements and elevated tread to reduce damage and trail braiding in wet weather conditions. • Trail crews completed extensive clearing activities on non-motorized trails during the 2019 season due to large and extensive avalanches across the district. EIGHT 1.6 miles FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 GOCO-FUNDED TRAIL PROJECTS COMPLETED NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION $2,992,309 127 miles FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION 27 �Inspire KIDS, FAMILIES, FUTURE STEWARDS Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. 28 �DELLIVENERI/CPW 29 �OUTREACH, EDUCATION & INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resources of the state. A N GL E R E D U C AT ION With support from GOCO, CPW’s angler education and outreach activities have continued to reach diverse groups throughout the state. Though many group angling clinics were affected by COVID-19 health concerns, CPW still found ways to connect with new anglers through unique efforts, such as smaller group clinics and drive-throughs to receive free fishing rod and reel combos. For example, COVID-19 forced cancellation of the annual Get Outdoors Day in Colorado Springs, but regional staff were able to distribute more than 700 fishing poles to youth during a drive-through giveaway at the Southeast Region Office the Friday before Free Fishing Weekend. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, CPW partnered with and participated in events with ViVe Wellness and Denver Metro Nature Alliance to promote fishing through these organizations, including providing free fishing rods. CPW also conducted fishing clinics with “at risk” youth, veterans, people with physical and mental disabilities and women’s clinics to encourage and inspire underrepresented persons to feel confident in fishing and the outdoors. 30 CPW also supported the Rockies Rock summer camp for youth in Leadville, which is part of Get Outdoors Leadville. CPW staff led four fishing days for the camps and each kid walked away with a fishing pole, even if they didn’t catch a fish. TEN (Teaching Env ironmental S cience Naturally) In ‘Human/Habitat Interactions’, teachers in the Southwest Region explored social and ecological considerations regarding human uses of land that are in conflict with one another and with wildlife habitat needs. Throughout the day, the group was joined by field experts and applied Project WILD lesson plans to evaluate different points of view that may arise regarding land-use issues. This special learning opportunity also included an embracing of ‘winter wonder’ on the Grand Mesa with a snowshoe nature hike guided by Dr. Bruce Bauerle. C ERTIF IED INTERPRE TIVE GUIDE TR AINING The Statewide Interpretation Program provided Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training to 14 staff, volunteers and partners at Barr Lake State Park in mid-March. The CIG credential is a nationally and internationally recognized certification designed for educators and outreach professionals interested in developing the skills necessary to create relevant and effective programs for targeted audiences. Managed by the National Association for Interpretation based in Fort Collins, the training helps connect people to Colorado’s outdoors. �Thirteen state parks offered more than 20 augmented reality educational experiences (called “Missions”) for 2,332 players across Colorado. The missions, which task users with accomplishing educational and fun outdoor activities, can be accessed by smartphone users by downloading the free Agents of Discovery (AoD) app. CPW staff have the capability to update educational information as needed. From holiday trails to Junior Ranger missions, AoD provides engaging self-guided experiences using the technology most visitors have in-hand while recreating in the park. In the ‘South River Road Tour’ workshop, K-12 Educators explored outdoor sites at the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and learned about possible field trip locations, local geology, and digital education resources (including Jr. Ranger) available to share with students. Representatives from Colorado Canyons Association and Bureau of Land Management also guided participants with an interpretive learning approach and overview of significant sites. CPW CPW SOUTH RIVER ROAD TOUR CPW AG E N TS OF D IS COV E RY 31 �SCHOOLS & OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS The mission of the Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) program is to connect schools with CPW and its network of partners to increase youth and family interest in the outdoors. The program supports 4th grade classrooms by providing funding for field trip activities; developing in-class programs, curriculum support, and professional development for teachers and partners; and facilitating opportunities for students and their families to engage with partner programs and opportunities to recreate outdoors. 3,628 FY 2019-20 STUDENTS IN 140 – 4TH GRADE CLASSROOMS ENROLLED IN SOLE 53 FY 2019-20 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN 37 SCHOOL DISTRICTS 71 CPW CPW FY 2019-20 32 PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS �“ The staff were amazing in helping us spot birds by sight and sound. They also showed us tools on how to identify the birds. My 11 year old girls loved the event!!! It was like a scavenger hunt for them. ” CPW -Family workshop par ticipant Thank you for such a great time. We look forward to participating in more SOLE events and recommend this program to everyone! ” -Family workshop par ticipant 33 CPW “ �“ We liked actually getting up to the lake, we have never been there before. And we didn’t know of the types of birds we saw, so we got to learn ” CPW -Family workshop par ticipant “ Field trips are fantastic! Very engaging and relevant to classroom learning. Awesome opportunity for Title 1 schools as our students won’t otherwise be able to experience these sites ” -FY 2019-20 SOLE Teacher CPW 34 �YOUTH INTERN S HIP P ROGR A M 72 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS INTERN POSITIONS APPROVED CPW 96 CPW The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth; provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities; provide networking with CPW professionals; and provide interns with exposure to various CPW career paths. The YIP program places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW; in FY 2019-20, YIP interns assisted CPW program areas including aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, GIS, and planning, as well as assisting in 30 state parks. 35 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a network of locally run Youth Corps, recently completed its 20th season of partnership with CPW. Youth Corps crews made substantial contributions to state parks, wildlife areas, and fish hatcheries. Youth Corps crews consist of 8-10 youth ages 16-26 working on various projects over the summer. Youth Corps continues to provide opportunities to engage young people by promoting work and life skills while protecting Colorado’s conservation legacy. +17,000 35.3 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 HOURS OF CYCA LABOR ACRES OF FIRE MITIGATION COMPLETED 13,795 9.7 FY 2019-20 FY 2019-20 INVASIVE TREES REMOVED MILES OF TRAIL CONSTRUCTED OR MAINTAINED 4 FY 2019-20 MILES OF FENCE CONSTRUCTED 36 �configurations for wildlife. The work focused on productive mixed sagebrush and mountain shrub habitat in an area with some of the most heavily used elk and mule deer winter range in all of Colorado. The project also benefitted Columbian sharp-tailed grouse as portions of the project were within one half mile of an active lek. CPW CPW CYCA crews removed 3.7 miles of obsolete fences on the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area to increase habitat effectiveness and permeability for wildlife and reduce wildlife collision and entanglement hazard. Removed fencing included old, yet mostly standing, woven wire topped by two strands of barbed wire, one of the most lethal and difficult to navigate fence CPW 37 �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE M O N T E V I S TA CR A N E F E STIVAL The 2020 Monte Vista Crane Festival was a wonderful success again this year, with awesome wildlife viewing opportunities for the public during this magical migration period. CPW Volunteers hosted spotting scopes for Sandhill Crane viewing and provided educational information at the viewing sites and at the indoor CPW booth. As a new task this year, staff assisted local partners in distributing a survey to visitors with a goal of demonstrating the economic benefit benefits that cranes bring to the San Luis Valley, which also went very well! 38 DOSKOCIL/CPW develop, and help establish wildlife viewing opportunities on public lands, including CPW properties and state parks; develop and establish wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with landowners on private lands; and prepare and distribute informational materials on wildlife viewing techniques and opportunities. JIM GUTHRIE/CPW With help from a Wildlife Viewing grant from GOCO, the CPW Watchable Wildlife Program establishes new wildlife viewing and education opportunities (such as the increasingly popular wildlife festivals) and works with partners to develop and improve existing viewing resources. This program continues to identify, �GR A N D M E S A M OOS E DAY 10TH ANNIVERSARY The 10th annual Grand Mesa Moose Day was celebrated in July, 2019 at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center. There were over 700 people in attendance to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of this event! Every year a great group of partners come together to make this event a success. All of the stations were well attended which included moose biology, viewing and safety, fly casting, a moose cookie walk and a moose documentary film. Thanks to CPW staff and volunteers, USFS staff and volunteers and Cabela’s staff for making the stations fun for all attendees! The “moose cookie walk” was unique to this event, being the 10 year anniversary. It was a hit! Sean Ender’s film, “Colorado Moose” was very well received and we had a lot of good questions from attendees. Sean had a second showing of his film at the State Forest Moose Fest in August, 2019 (hosted at State Forest State Park). The first winner of the “moose cookie walk” was all smiles and excited to eat her moosey-treat! 39 �Grant Detail FY 2019-20 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: OUTD O O R RECREATI ON • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. • Acquire, construct, and maintain trails and river greenways. • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. W IL DLIFE • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. • Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases, or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO grants that had reimbursement requests in FY 2019-20 and FY 2018-19, or grants that were open in FY 2019-20 but have no reimbursements. Grants information is organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. 40 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 15200 Service Center at Staunton State Park 2,123,672 2,123,672 - 15206 15214 State Forest State Park - Vault Toilet Replacements 264,600 256,756 - Rifle Gap State Park - Water Treatment Plant Upgrade 472,500 472,500 - 15215 Steamboat Lake State Park - Water Infrastructure Refurbish 261,635 253,772 - 15218 Boyd Lake State Park - Road Paving 904,659 904,659 - 16171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 151,046 - 16200 John Martin State Park - Parking Lot and Road Improvement 725,000 725,000 - 16201 Mueller State Park - Road Improvement 360,000 349,998 - 16202 Barr Lake State Park - ADA Fishing Pier 250,000 250,000 - 16204 Crawford State Park- Clear Fork Campground Renovation 740,630 - - 16205 Elkhead State Park - Campground Development 1,500,000 1,500,000 - 16206 Arkansas Headwaters - Placer Development Phase II 580,254 362,886 196,428 16208 Lory State Park - Solider Canyon Group Picnic Area 600,000 600,000 - 16209 Cherry Creek State Park - Main Lift Station Replacement 351,750 260,987 19,475 16223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 218,913 81,087 17171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 - 17,001 17200 Swietzer Swim Beach Redevelopment 353,000 - 307,524 17201 Lake Pueblo South Marina Paving Renovation 1,100,000 - 1,100,000 17202 Lathrop Day Use Improvements 462,000 - 306,302 17203 Colorado River Shade Shelter - Fruita 134,000 98,236 - 17204 Colorado River Boat Ramp Reconfiguration 198,000 - 195,997 17205 Staunton Phase 3 Development Design 1,000,000 65,817 917,734 17206 Chatfield Camper Services Building 1,363,700 811,387 552,313 17207 Sylvan Lake Spillway Replacement 4,466,734 4,459,062 7,672 17221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 348,398 137,479 17223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 47,108 235,146 17225 Director’s Innovation Fund 50,000 41,025 851 18171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - - 18172 Capital Development Program 603,000 603,000 - 18173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,092,500 1,092,500 - 18174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 18175 Recreation Management on State Parks 18196 400,000 336,435 - 1,350,000 1,350,000 - Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 160,000 87,756 72,244 18200 Eldorado Canyon State Park Entrance Station Relocation 650,000 4,302 130,297 18201 Eleven Mile State Park Picnic Table & Bench Replacement 154,000 153,938 - 18202 Highline State Park Infrastructure Improvements 870,000 - 41,232 18203 Lake Pueblo State Park Road Paving Phase 4 1,130,000 - 438,702 18204 Ridgway State Park Marina Phase 1 220,000 8,783 86,150 18205 Rifle Gap State Park Lakeview CG Shade Shelters 343,000 - 119,500 18206 State Forest State Park North Michigan Dam Rehab 3,750,000 - - 18207 Staunton State Park Development Phase 2B 2,094,795 - - 18208 Staunton State Park Historic Structure Stabilization Ph 3 70,000 - 800 18209 Staunton State Park Upper Elk Falls Dam Project 450,000 - - �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 18210 Sweitzer State Park Water System Replacement 200,000 - - 18211 State Forest SP North Campground Master Plan 400,000 36,609 162,222 18223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - - 18225 Director’s Innovation Fund 75,000 63,935 230 18240 Envision Recreation in Balance 99,367 - 20,928 19171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - - 19172 Capital Development Program 1,020,000 - 1,020,000 19173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,092,500 - 1,092,500 19174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 400,000 - 297,158 19175 Recreation Management on State Parks 2,200,000 - 2,200,000 19200 Park Improvements 8,352,917 - 2,935,546 19201 Park Improvements 2 3,942,000 - 528,115 19223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - - 19225 Director’s Innovation Fund 76,517 - 51,167 20199 Fishers Peak 9,750,000 - 9,750,000 20200 Park Improvements 6,991,024 - - Totals this section: 70,698,754 18,038,480 23,021,797 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 17226 2017 Outdoor Expo 17227 Emerging Leaders Program 18187 Public Information Program 18188 Environmental Education Program 290,000 18189 Volunteer Program 18190 Youth Programs 19187 Public Information Program 19188 Environmental Education and Youth Programs 19189 Volunteer Program Totals this section: 42 15,000 14,561 400 5,000 5,000 - 296,000 296,000 - 181,790 - 306,000 239,876 - 1,083,500 1,017,944 - 296,000 - 296,000 1,373,500 - 1,222,667 306,000 - 206,714 3,971,000 1,755,170 1,725,781 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) AWARD ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 15231 Regional 14er Maintenance 200,000 200,000 - 15232 WRV 2017 Trails Projects 27,300 25,912 - 15233 The Niwot Trails Improvement Project 110,000 110,000 - 15234 Cascade Creek Trail 82,864 51,480 - 15235 Toll Trail Plan Project 41,058 41,058 - 16192 State Trails Program - Capital - - - 16221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 500,000 - 16231 Mt. Columbia Trail, Phase 2 130,009 78,613 51,396 16232 WRV 2018 Trails Projects 136,811 96,787 40,024 16233 Magic Meadows Trail 90,800 63,327 - 16234 Buffalo Pass Trails 23,506 23,506 - 16235 Uncompahgre Single-Track Plan 45,000 45,000 - 16236 Replace Gunsight Bridge 17,850 17,850 - 16237 Grand County Master Trails Plan 20,000 19,909 - 16238 Poudre Nature Trails 186,024 20,517 165,507 17192 State Trails Program - Capital - - - 17229 Trail Mapping Application 1,000,000 512,178 118,783 17231 Mt. Elbert Realignment, Phase II 250,000 918 - 17232 Salida District Trail Maintenance 80,000 37,359 42,542 17233 Kiowa Park Trail 17,564 14,150 3,414 17234 LOVA Canyon Creek Plan 45,000 - - 17235 Waldo Canyon Trail 45,000 24,650 20,350 17236 Alma Riverwalk Design 35,000 26,113 8,888 17237 Boulder Area Trails Mobile Application 31,500 16,500 15,000 17238 Shavano Gateway Cultural Resource Clearance 20,326 20,326 - 17239 Georgetown Greenway Trail 45,000 17,461 27,493 17240 Loop to Gateway Trail 45,000 1,930 1,006 17241 North Fruita Desert Trails Master Plan 35,610 35,610 - 18191 State Trails Program 274,000 274,000 18192 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 11,098 459,907 18221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 46,938 316,247 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 2,988,006 - 21,033 18231 Lunch Loop Connector Trail 400,000 - 400,000 18232 LOVA New Castle-Canyon Creek Trail 500,000 - - 18233 Legacy Loop-Rock Island Trail 500,000 - - 18234 Great Western Trail 250,000 - - 18235 Methodist Mtn Trail 269,951 - 167,774 18236 Fremont Pass Rec Pathway 600,000 - - 18237 Peaks to Plains Trail 500,000 - - 18238 Stage and Rail Trail 205,400 - 193,941 18239 Palisade Plunge Phase 1 527,000 - 496,662 19191 State Trails Program - Operating 370,935 - 370,935 19192 Trails Grant Program - Capital 1,000,000 - 10,261 19221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 - 61,146 Totals this section: 13,646,514 2,333,191 2,992,309 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) AWARD ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES 16194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 460,000 228,445 - 18193 Water Program 150,000 144,557 - 19193 Water Program 150,000 - 150,000 19194 GOCO LOG 300,000 - 199,936 Totals this section: Water Acquisitions and Leases 1,060,000 373,002 349,936 Grand total, State Parks Purpose: 89,376,268 22,499,843 28,089,823 DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) TOTAL PRIOR FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENTS REIMBURSEMENT ($) REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT 44 16150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,800,000 2,358,007 - 16153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 2,833,085 1,597,797 880,172 17150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,800,000 - 4,005,522 17153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 1,000,000 389,636 535,875 17167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 334,589 53,387 17168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehabilitation Phase 1 500,000 51,231 448,736 17169 Spring Creek Reservoir Dam Project Phase 1 520,000 427,757 - 18151 Acquire High Priority Habitat Operations 693,000 690,427 - 18152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 1,000,000 - 18153 Wetlands Conservation 1,500,000 12,450 75,473 18154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 475,000 - 18166 Alberta Park Dam Phase 2 500,000 - 177,443 18167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 - 82,877 18168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehab Phase 2 300,000 - 300,000 18169 Chief Creek Dam Repairs 500,000 31,169 61,966 18250 Haviland Lake Dam Rehab 500,000 50,333 449,667 18251 Tarryall SWA Dam Study and Design 400,000 - 54,275 18252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 945,020 465,949 18253 Habitat Improvement 800,000 146,743 108,997 18254 Wildlife Crossings 1,000,000 - 125,589 18255 Mt. Shavano Div Structure Redev Engineering Study 200,000 101,187 85,499 18256 Hatchery Modernization Plan Phase 1 50,000 - 49,973 19150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 850,000 - - 19151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 693,000 - 693,000 19152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 19153 Wetlands Conservation 1,500,000 - 78,436 19154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 - 448,369 19167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 600,000 - 42,093 19169 Spring Creek Dam Phase 2 1,070,000 - 1,821 19252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 - 2,000,000 19253 Aquatic Habitat Improvement 2,000,000 - - 19258 Equipment for Habitat Protection and Restoration 1,000,000 - 944,612 �TOTAL PRIOR FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENTS REIMBURSEMENT ($) REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 19259 Fort Collins Service Center 2,500,000 - 15,782 19260 Fuels Mitigation 1,000,000 - - 19261 Hatchery Study Phase 2 20250 Protection and Restoration of Wildlife Habitat AWARD ($) Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 300,000 - 14,084 3,600,000 - 1,736 43,759,085 8,611,347 13,201,331 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) AWARD ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION 18155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 575,000 - 18156 Native Species Protection 3,390,000 3,374,536 - 18157 18257 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 500,000 500,000 - Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 160,000 87,756 72,244 19155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 - 562,873 19156 Native Species Protection 4,480,000 - 4,480,000 19157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION 610,000 - 610,000 10,290,000 4,537,293 5,725,117 TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) AWARD ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 17163 Director’s Innovation Fund 50,000 39,344 - 17164 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 10,600 4,400 17165 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000 5,000 - 18158 Youth Programs 1,021,317 911,195 - 18159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 400,183 - 18160 Angler Education 161,000 161,000 - 18163 Director’s Innovation Fund 19158 Youth Programs 75,000 26,453 32,135 1,021,317 - 1,021,317 19159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 - 399,668 19160 Angler Education 161,000 - 161,000 19163 Wildlife Director’s Innovation Fund 73,483 - 48,271 19262 Internal Shooting Range Program 373,000 - 109,176 3,756,483 1,553,775 1,775,967 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) FY 2019-20 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) TOTAL PRIOR REIMBURSEMENTS ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING 18162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 127,352 - 19162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 - 99,515 Totals this section: 300,000 127,352 99,515 58,105,568 14,829,766 20,801,930 Grand total, Wildlife Purpose: 45 �I, ~ I 46 �WAYNE D. LEWIS/CPW 47 �CPW Mission The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GOCO’s Mission To help preserve, protect, enhance, and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. 1313 Sherman St. #618 Denver, Co 80203 cpw.state.co.us 48 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/64b22096c5430dc0d85a906e5e095ac9.pdf 2868ab66d47b6f3dbcfcad60106e201c PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado DELLIVENERI/CPW FY 2018-2019 Annual Report �Letter from the Director Working Together for Colorado I’m pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. GOCO is a vital partner to CPW and makes many of the things we do possible. This report contains information about the many CPW programs and projects that benefitted from GOCO’s support in state fiscal year 2018-19. Colorado is recognized around the country and the world for its beautiful scenery and diverse natural attributes. Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities has been valued through much of the state’s history. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts and supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, park and operating management activities, species conservation efforts, habitat protection throughout Colorado and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails and infrastructure projects throughout Colorado. GOCO funding contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s mission, from the dayto-day management of state parks and wildlife areas to long-term research that will protect Colorado’s native plant and animal species. GOCO funding helps CPW preserve and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, hunting, angling, and species preservation. In this report you’ll see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: • • • Operating support at Colorado’s 41 state parks, which hosted more than 14.7 million visitor days in FY 2018-19. Support for more than 330,000 hours of volunteer activity at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. Funding for more than 54 miles of non-motorized trail development and maintenance projects. The partnership between CPW and GOCO will only become more important as we begin to address challenges in the near- and long-term future. Colorado is a wonderful place to live, attracting visitors and new residents from across the country. Increased population growth will apply increased pressure on the state’s wildlife and natural resources. Ongoing GOCO support for CPW’s hunter education, resource stewardship, species conservation, and interpretive programs will help educate and train the next generation of natural resource stewards in Colorado. GOCO and CPW may be separate entities, but our shared vision of the future of Colorado’s natural resources unites us like no other. In 2015, the GOCO Board adopted a new five-year strategic plan to guide funding priorities through 2020. The plan is based around three key principles: • • • Protect more urban and rural land for people and wildlife Connect people to the outdoors Inspire more kids and families to explore and take care of our great outdoors This annual report is structured around these ideas. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO, and a wide variety of programs, projects, and activities managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things that CPW has been able to accomplish in state fiscal year 2018-19 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives almost no general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW and makes many of the things we accomplish possible. At the end of this report you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 2018-19 organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged this GOCO funding to help protect our landscapes, connect Coloradans to the outdoors, and inspire kids and families to get outside. Sincerely, Dan Prenzlow Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2 $18,351,795 $16,340,500 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 TOTAL AWARD FOR STATE PARKS TOTAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE Cover Photo: Track chair program at Staunton State Park. 3 �Protect LAND, WATER, WILDLIFE 4 5 WAYNE D. LEWIS/CPW Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of GOCO and CPW. GOCO funding helps CPW protect new habitat and landscapes and maintain areas already under CPW’s care. �L A ND A ND WAT E R P ROT E C T I O N CPW is responsible for the acquisition, protection, and management of lands, water resources, and water rights in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, non-governmental partners, and private landowners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 11.5 million acres of 4,016 GOCO-SUPPORTED PROJEC TS IN FY 2018-19 Highlight: FY 2018-19 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED FLANDERS RANCH 1,659 ACRES $2,363,032 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 WILDLIFE ACCESS EASEMENT ACRES ACQUIRED 6 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LAND ACQUISITION 7,336 cropland, which sustains more than 36,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, access to Colorado’s abundant wildlife and world-class recreation opportunities would not exist. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. GOCO funding helped secure a third-party conservation easement and perpetual public access easement on the Flanders Ranch in Routt County. The ranch encompasses greater than a halfmile of the Yampa River and is immediately upstream from the 1-mile stretch of the river running through the Hereford Haven State Habitat Area. The river bottom supports approximately 50 acres of globally imperiled narrowleaf cottonwood riparian forest which, along with the river’s wetlands, provides habitat for a large number of species listed by CPW under Tier 1 of the Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including western yellow-billed cuckoo, greater sandhill crane, and northern leopard frog. This 1,659-acre property also provides habitat for bald eagle, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, and mountain lion. 7 �C A P ITA L IMPROVEMENTS S TAU N TON S TAT E PA R K $2,304,429 Visitor Center and Area Service Center This project designed and constructed the 5,000 SF, ADA accessible, Park Office and Area Service Center in the most recent state park Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened to the public. In addition to the offices and public space, the building includes a 1,300 square foot multi-purpose room and a concrete patio featuring a 50,000 BTU gas fire pit. The building’s aesthetic design looks uniquely at home with the park’s natural features such as the soaring granite cliffs and outcroppings. The visitor and employee parking areas were also reworked to improve traffic flow, offer additional visitor parking spaces, and incorporate an electric vehicle charging station. 8 FY 2018-19 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING 17 CAPITAL PROJECTS $2,000,000 FY 2018-19 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS $12,296,276 FY 2018-19 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS M UELLER STATE PARK $349,998 Paving Mueller is a popular state park situated at the base of Pikes Peak, west of Colorado Springs. The 5,000acre park hosts around 200,000 visitors a year. The final phase of a $2.3 million, three-phase repaving project replacing 8.4 miles of nearly 30-year-old asphalt was completed in FY 2018-19. This phase consisted of a new service road and replacement of the livery area, which had drainage problems that led to deterioration of the asphalt. The work included installation of speed humps to control traffic in a high pedestrian traffic area leading from a parking lot to a fishing pond. Staunton State Park office and area service center. 9 CPW Colorado’s system of state parks and wildlife areas is more than 50 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and upgrading to the standards expected by today’s visitors. The CPW Capital Development program manages construction and maintenance at more than 1,400 structures and 110 dams across the state. GOCO funding supports Capital Development program operations and is the primary funding source for many capital projects. $12,531,795 �H OMEL AKE S TATE WILDLIFE AREA $12,000 Fishing Pier JEFF BELVEAL/CPW NATHANAEL BOKELMAN/CPW The fishing pier at the Homelake SWA is located across the street from the Colorado State Veteran’s Center in Homelake, near Monte Vista. This pier is very popular with the community and is heavily used by anglers and wildlife viewers of all ages. Funds were used to replace the legs on the pier and reopen it for use in May 2019. Dedicated local support for the project included a family who enthusiastically cleaned the area of litter before the reopening of the pier. FRIS CO C R EE K WILDLIFE FAC I L I T Y $20,000 Bear Cub Pens R A MA H S TAT E W IL D L IF E AREA 10 cattle guard at the facility entrance, fencing to fence off the dam, and a wildlife-friendly livestock watering system to provide water to livestock and wildlife. These improvements will enable CPW staff to utilize grazing as a management tool to help improve wildlife habitat on over 400 acres. CPW The Ramah State Wildlife Area (SWA) provides habitat and associated recreation for a number of important small game species with high hunter retention and recruitment potential. These species include mourning dove, cottontail rabbits, wild turkeys and sometimes waterfowl. GOCO funding included materials and supplies necessary to install a MICHAEL SIROCHMAN/CPW $25,000 Grazing Management On an average year the Frisco Creek Wildlife Facility, near Del Norte, rehabilitates 12 to 15 orphan bear cubs. This project constructed a new enclosure for the orphan cubs that encompasses a large area of natural bear habitat. It will benefit the cubs during the rehabilitation process as it provides a natural setting that is very similar to the environment the cubs will encounter upon release. This enclosure will significantly increase Frisco Creek’s capacity for rehabilitating orphan bear cubs, but more importantly, it will better prepare the cubs for their release back into the wild. 11 �S P E C IE S CON S ERVATION A ND N ATUR A L AREAS PROGR AM CPW concluded an ambitious multi-year trapping and translocation effort to release lesser prairie-chicken in the Sand Sagebrush Ecoregion of southeastern Colorado and southwestern Kansas. Over the past four years, the multi-state partnership has released 205 lesser prairie-chicken on the Comanche National Grasslands in Colorado and another 206 on the Cimarron National Grasslands in Kansas. CPW is working with graduate students at Kansas State University to document survival, nesting success, dispersal, and, hopefully, increased booming males signaling the start of a local recovery of this iconic species of the prairie. reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. Breeding bird survey at Castlewood Canyon State Park. JEFF THOMPSON/CPW 12 CPW NORTH AMERIC AN BAT MONITORING PROGR AM In 2014, Colorado began piloting the North American Bat Monitoring Program protocols, a program which collects acoustic data on native bat species at randomly identified grid cells across the continent. In Colorado, 50 cells have been monitored with over 150,000 calls recorded and 16 bat species identified. In 2018-19, CPW, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and the U.S. Geological Survey began an analysis of the data collected to date to determine the baseline occupancy of most bat species in the state, important information in light of the increasing threats to these species from wind energy development and White-nose Syndrome. LIZA ROSSI/CPW Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife LES S ER PR AIRIE-CH ICKEN TR ANS LOC ATION WH ITE-TAILED P TA R MI G A N This iconic alpine species is a permanent resident of high altitude habitats in Colorado. Due to concerns of climate change, the whitetailed ptarmigan is currently being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. CPW has spent seven years of intensive research documenting the distribution, population dynamics, and genetic structure of the species. This research concluded the whitetailed ptarmigan to be resilient occupying all suitable habitats in the alpine, with stable populations in Colorado and low predicted extinction into the future. 13 �Ptarmigan, collared and marked. In 2018 and 2019, CPW conducted the first-ever surveys for eastern black rails in Colorado. This small, secretive marsh bird has declined across much of its range along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the eastern United States, but very little is known about the inland populations of Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Surveys documented the black rails calling at several SWAs and CPW estimated nearly 80 percent occupancy at emergent marshes along the Arkansas River from Pueblo to the Colorado/Kansas state line. CPW is also piloting novel techniques with remote broadcasters and acoustic recording units to estimate detection and inform surveys during different times of the day. CPW EASTERN BL AC K R AIL SURVEYS 14 Bat Swabbing The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) has been recognizing and conserving Colorado’s most important natural places for over 40 years. By working cooperatively with landowners, CNAP helps to protect the state’s most unique and extraordinary examples of rare species habitats, geologic features, fossils, and representative ecosystems. As of 2018, there are 95 designated state natural areas, representing 178,000 acres and supporting the conservation of 130 species of greatest conservation need. Knowledgeable volunteers help the program to monitor significant species and features on state natural areas. During the 2018-19, the program and its Governorappointed council have been focusing on updating the Natural Areas System and prioritizing potential new sites specifically on the eastern plains. $4,537,293 FY 2018-19 SHAWN CONNER CPW THE COLOR ADO NATUR AL AREAS PROGR AM (C NAP) GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SPECIES CONSERVATION 15 �R E S O URC E S T E WA RD SHIP recreation values of Colorado’s public state park and recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and temporary staff, projects, and program operations. F OUR Th e d e ve l o pment o f R eso u rce Ste ward sh i p Pl a n s a n d reso u rce m an ag e ment sta n da rds fo r e ac h s t ate pa r k I nvasive sp ec ies management, reveget at ion and restorat ion T WO F IVE Th e d e vel o pment a n d ma n a gem ent o f G e o gra ph i ca l I n fo r mati o n s Sys te m (GI S) n atu ra l a n d cu l tural re s o u rce data Forest management T H RE E SIX Environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conser vation during capital projects Volunteer c it izen sc ience p rojec t m anagement Sylvan Lake schoolhouse before. Sylvan Lake schoolhouse after. YAMELH/CPW 16 ONE MOLLY FAY T H E R E S OU RC E S T E WA R D SHIP PROGR AM A D D R E S S E S S I X MA IN TO PIC AREAS: 17 CPW Thanks to the continued support of GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor �RES OURS E S TE WARDS H IP PL ANNING L AT H RO P S TAT E PA R K LONE MESA STATE PARK A comprehensive Resource Stewardship Plan was completed for Lathrop State Park. Intensive natural resource survey projects were performed by the Program in order to build a comprehensive foundation of information for the resource plan. The park contains valuable cultural resources, as well as pinon-juniper and wetland habitats that support species of conservation interest such as northern leopard frog, fringed myotis, bald eagle, Virginia’s warbler, pinyon jay, American white pelican, and migrating waterfowl. The park offers fishing for cold and warm water species, and its two reservoirs are major fishing destinations with trophy fisheries for trout and tiger muskie. The 2018-19 fiscal year marked the completion of the data collection phase of a wildlife distribution study at Lone Mesa State Park. Over the last 3 years, 30 camera traps were deployed at the park to capture wildlife species’ use of identified habitats. Additionally, avian point count surveys were performed at each camera location to capture bird distribution across these habitats. Photos were processed using the CPW photo warehouse software and this data, combined with the bird survey information, will be used to assess how future recreation use of the park influences the distribution of wildlife on the property. FORES T MANAGEMENT 18 Elk fawn at Lone Mesa State Park CPW GAME CAMERA VO LUN T E E R CIT IZ E N S CIENC E Citizen science is a critical tool for providing consistent real-time natural resource data and monitoring for use in park management decisions. The Resource Stewardship Program manages projects with participation of over 200 volunteer citizen scientists across the state park system. In the last year, citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles and amphibians, pollinators and other invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds, and nesting raptors. In 2019, the program’s citizen scientists logged nearly 8,000 volunteer hours. Resource Stewardship also continued to promote utilizing iNaturalist for citizen science by organizing the 2019 Boulder/ Denver effort in the “City Nature Challenge,” which is a global bioblitz weekend where cities compete for the most observations and species found. This smartphone app allowed people to collect over 8,000 observations of various species seen in state parks in FY 2018-19. The first step in building a Resource Stewardship Plan for a state park is the collection and creation of data specific to each state park property. During the past fiscal year, inventory projects were performed at Castlewood Canyon, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Eldorado Canyon, Highline, John Martin Reservoir, Lone Mesa, Lory, North Sterling, Pearl Lake, Steamboat Lake, and Vega State Parks. These inventories include breeding bird surveys, geologic mapping, paleontology surveys, raptor surveys, reptile and amphibian surveys, vegetation surveys and vegetation monitoring. This information will be the foundation for new Resource Stewardship Plans at Eldorado Canyon, Steamboat Lake, and Pearl Lake in the upcoming 2019-20 fiscal year. The Program’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. Forest management plans were developed for Lathrop, Steamboat Lake, and Pearl Lake State Parks. A critical forest thinning project was implemented on 100 acres at Golden Gate Canyon State Park and a significant amount of slash pile burning occurred on an adjacent project area over the winter. Smaller projects were completed at Barr Lake, Highline Lake, and James M. Robb – Colorado River. The majority of efforts focused on inventory, planning, and monitoring to inform future forest management efforts. Continuing to invest in these forest management activities helps improve the resilience of state park areas to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects, and diseases and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. S YLVAN L AKE S TATE PA R K The Program facilitated the stabilization of a historic one-room schoolhouse at Sylvan Lake State Park, thanks to a Director’s Innovation Fund grant from GOCO. This schoolhouse held classes for local students from 1916 to 1941. CULTUR AL RE S O U RC ES Resource Stewardship also assisted Roxborough State Park as they navigated the path to becoming an approved artifact curation facility, allowing them to maintain and showcase cultural resources in their possession. The Program also successfully worked to complete a cultural resource report and cultural site reassessments for State Forest State Park, documenting several significant sites including a German prisoner of war camp, which existed there between 1944 and 1945. This park has a rich local history and these reports and site reassessments provide information necessary to inform park management decisions and to help ensure these resources are available for the next generation of Coloradans to enjoy. Bear cub at Lone Mesa State Park CPW GAME CAMERA D UR I N G F Y 2018-19, T HE RESOURC E STE WARDSHIP P RO G R A M U T I L I Z E D G OCO F UNDS TO ACCOM PLISH MA NY S IG N I F I C A N T P RO JEC TS: 19 �Connect CITIZENS, PARTNERS, LANDS 21 CPW 20 - SCHENDEL/CPW Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 41 state parks and more than 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 6,000 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. �$1,350,000 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 STATE PARKS VISITATION GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARK OPERATIONS 23 DOSKOCIL/CPW 14,746,030 NORA LOGUE/CPW state park operations has been invaluable to CPW, and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. DELLIVENERI/CPW 22 GOCO helps protect the places that Coloradans enjoy, and also supports the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at all of Colorado’s 41 state parks. GOCO’s historic support for basic - SCHENDEL/CPW STATE PARK OPERATIONS �VOLUNTEERS “ 24 C H E YE NN E M OU N TA IN STAT E PA R K, D IXON T R A IL TAMAR AC K R ANC H STATE WILD LIF E AREA Volunteers worked diligently to open the long awaited Dixon Trail system that reaches the top of Cheyenne Mountain. The 17+ mile round trip offers access to a 1957 plane crash site and phenomenal views of Colorado Springs and beyond. Almost a decade in the making, the project came to reality when the trail opened in winter 2018. In spring 2019, 30 volunteers, including 3 youth, contributed 387 hours of work at Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area near Crook, in Logan County. These community members planted 1,600 native trees and shrubs to replace invasive Russian Olive trees and to develop four quail habitat zones, each consisting of three 160 square foot plots. This GOCO-funded project was made possible by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. 5,995 159 FY 2018-19 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS FY 2018-19 FTE EQUIVALENT OF VOLUNTEER HOURS 331,272 $9,282,244 FY 2018-19 VOLUNTEER HOURS FY 2018-19 VOLUNTEER VALUE ” -Darcy Mount, Senior Ranger 25 CPW Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s resources while building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides direct supervision, training and oversight of volunteers on state parks and wildlife areas statewide. Some of these volunteers, along with their crew leader Jack Busher, have worked on this since the very beginning. The staff is so proud of this crew, they really made a big job happen! �CPW PARTNERS COMPLE TED S E VEN GOCO FUND ED TR AIL PROJEC TS IN FY 2018-19: TRAILS BUFFALO PASS TRAILS $23,506 Routt County Riders MAGIC MEADOWS TRAIL $90,800 U.S. Forest Ser vice, Norwood Ranger District REGIONAL FOURTEENERS MAINTENANCE GOCO’s partnership with the CPW Recreational Trails Program is an important and valued relationship that continues to help develop and maintain multi-use trails throughout Colorado. In FY 2018-19, the projects funded by GOCO include planning and development, trail maintenance and reroutes, and new construction on state and federal lands. The Colorado the Beautiful Initiative, launched by former Governor John Hickenlooper in 2018, represents a statewide effort to grow, enhance and connect outdoor recreation opportunities to support a vision that within a generation, every Coloradan will live within ten minutes of a park, trail, or vibrant green space. In a new grant cycle created by this initiative and funded by GOCO, CPW awarded 10 grants across the state; all granted projects are currently in active status with anticipated end dates occurring in FY 2020-21. $200,000 GRAND COUNTY MASTER TRAILS PLAN Colorado Fourteener Initiative $20,000 Headwaters Trail Alliance CASCADE CREEK TRAIL $82,864 UNCOMPAGHRE SINGLETRACK PLAN U.S. Forest Ser vice, Salida Ranger District $45,000 Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association TOLL TRAIL PLAN $41,058 26 Buffalo Pass Trails crew working on the Buffalo Pass trails. ROUTT COUNTY RIDERS Boulder County Parks & Open Space 7 28 miles FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 GOCO FUNDED TRAIL PROJECTS COMPLETED NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION $1,718,602 26.6 miles FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RECONTRUCTION 27 �Highlight: BU F FA LO PA S S T R A I L S completed about 9 miles of trail construction on the Spring Creek Trail, Soda Mountain, Buffalo Mountain, GEM and Dry Lake vicinity loops, to include constructing natural barriers, planting vegetation, signing trails and rehabbing closed routes. Over the two years, RCR enlisted the help of 55 additional people who contributed over 350 volunteer hours on the project. The completed work will improve and expand recreation opportunities in the Routt National Forest resulting in a lasting impact for many decades to come. USFS In the spring of 2019, Routt County Riders (RCR) closed a multi-year trail construction and improvement project on Buffalo Pass northeast of Steamboat Springs. Buffalo Pass is an area with relatively easy access for the town of Steamboat with the right topography to lend itself to diverse and highly functional hiking and riding zones. Over the past few years, the volume of use in summer has started to increase dramatically, highlighting the need for better infrastructure and responsible expansion of trail networks. RCR Highlight: MAGIC MEADOWS TR AIL PH AS E I 28 ROUTT COUNTY RIDERS In 2017, the Norwood Ranger District was awarded a non-motorized grant to construct Phase I of the Magic Meadows Trail located south of Telluride, Colorado on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The 3.2 mile multi-use single-track Magic Meadows trail provides connectivity to trails located at the Telluride Ski Resort and U.S. Forest Service system trails that are adjacent to the ski resort. The trail was designed and constructed with an emphasis on providing a high quality mountain bike experience for intermediate riders. A professional trail designer was hired to help with the design and layout of the project. The Norwood Ranger District partnered with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Southwest Conservation Corp, the Telluride Mountain Club, and San Miguel Bike Alliance to build the trail. 29 �Inspire KIDS, FAMILIES, FUTURE STEWARDS 30 31 DELLIVENERI/CPW Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. �OUTREACH, EDUCATION & INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS CPW is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers, and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resources of the state. State Park’s montane forest and wildlife, and Pikes Peak’s alpine tundra. The students also learned about Colorado watersheds, elevation, topography, and the continental divide with hands-on activities featuring maps, compasses, and GPS receivers. T RI N I DA D L A K E S TAT E PARK ANGLER ED UC ATION To encourage kids to get outdoors, Trinidad Lake State Park hosted four youth summer camps. The park offered three Junior Explorer Camps for 7-12 year-olds and a Young Naturalist Camp for teens. The approximately 55 kids who attended the 4-day camps participated in activities including archery, fishing, wildlife safety, hiking, and exploring. These camps serve to educate children about fun outdoor activities and to introduce them to the natural resources and recreational activities available at Trinidad Lake State Park. CPW’s angler education and outreach activities reach people across the state with support from GOCO. In FY 2018-19, CPW hosted many clinics and events across the state where they distributed 8,500 free fishing rods to anglers. CPW partnered with the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Outdoor Afro to host fishing clinics targeting Spanish speaking families and historically underrepresented groups in fishing and outdoor activities. M UE L L E R S TAT E PA R K The Southwest Region hosted four unique, one-day OUT (Outdoor Understanding for Teachers) workshops to equip teachers with the background knowledge, curriculum, resources and support to enhance their appreciation for the natural world and promote place-based learning in their classrooms. The workshops this year included: Winter Interactions & Adaptations, Canyon Country, WILD About Insects, WILD About Bears. In total, there were 63 participants in the 4 workshops representing 31 teachers from 12 schools. 32 The Southeast Region was able to host three professional development courses for teachers during the summer of 2018. The first was held in the Upper Arkansas Valley which ranged from Cotopaxi to Leadville. This class, titled “Look What’s Here” investigated local resources, such as Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and the Leadville Fish Hatchery, for great field trip sites that encourage kids to be outdoors. The second was “What’s Your Problem Pueblo?”. During this class, teachers looked at different local environmental problems and how they are being solved. The highlight of the summer though was a class hosted jointly by the Southeast and Southwest Region Education Coordinators. The class started at the Mt Shavano Hatchery in Salida where teachers counted and sorted both fish eggs and fish fry and also got up close and personal with crawdads. The class then moved on to the San Luis Valley where they not only learned about bats, but also hiked to the Orient Mine to watch thousands and thousands of bats fly out of the mine at dusk. This was an experience that not many teachers will ever forget and many were making plans the next morning to come back with students! TEACH ING EN V I RO NMENTA L S CIENCE NATU R A L LY The Southwest Region held two TEN classes during FY 2018-19. Fremont TEN hosted Conservation Works, a class focused on topics including wildlife management, zoo conservation, water rights, fossils, and Leave No Trace, for a cohort of 30 teachers. The class included an overnight session at Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area, where the teachers learned about bears, fish, and bats. Pikes Peak TEN hosted Our Changing Land, a class dedicated to highlighting changes to land through geology, wildlife and forest management, farming, mining, historical use, and conservation, for a group of 25 teachers. SOUTHWEST REGION Pikes Peak TEN. CPW A dedicated team of naturalists, park interns, volunteers, and CPW staff hosted the “Where in the World Are We?” field trip program at Mueller State Park. This program is designed to provide urban middle school students with better awareness of the world around them. The 850 Colorado Springs students who participated in the program during FY 2018-19 discovered the flora and fauna within various life zones, including Colorado Springs’ grasslands, Mueller S OUTH EAS T REGION 33 �SCHOOLS & OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS The mission of the Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) program is to connect our local schools with CPW and its network of partners to increase youth and family interest in the outdoors. The program supports 4th grade classrooms by providing funding for field trip activities; developing in-class programs, curriculum support, and professional development for teachers and partners; and facilitating opportunities for students and their families to engage with partner programs and opportunities to recreate outdoors. CPW FY 2018-19 CPW 91 FIELD TRIPS CONDUCTED STATEWIDE 52 FY 2018-19 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 49 FY 2018-19 FAMILY NIGHTS >5,000 34 FAMILY NIGHT PARTICIPANTS CPW CPW CPW FY 2018-19 35 �“ We feel so blessed to have participated in SOLE. Our students have “ learned so much and I can’t express how beneficial the overnight camp trip was to those kiddos who have never had LOVED fishing; many of them the opportunity to experience for the first time! camping out!! The kids had a wonderful experience. So fun to hear all of the positive comments they had for our 2 days of amazing experiences. So many great opportunities for students! Our fourth graders ” -FY 2018-19 SOLE Teacher ” “ I just can’t say enough thank yous for coming in and supporting the learning I feel SOLE is providing of my kids! SOLE has provided several opportunities for students incredible opportunities for my kids to who would not have these interact with social studies and science opportunities otherwise. In content and experts in the field! Our addition, it is showing students the benefit and importance of preserving, taking care of and enjoying nature. trips to Bent’s Old Fort and Ft Garland/ Great Sand Dunes overnight were the trips of a lifetime! Family Nature night continues to get better and better ” with more families participating! Outstanding partnership provided by awesome Colorado Parks and Wildlife -FY 2018-19 SOLE Teacher folks! Thanks for choosing us! 36 CPW -FY 2018-19 SOLE Teacher ” 37 CPW “ CPW CPW -FY 2018-19 SOLE Teacher �YOUTH INT ERN S HIP P ROGR A M Highlight: CPW C AREER DAY TR AINING E VENT, JUNE 2019 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 INTERNS HIRED AS PERMANENT STAFF INTERNS 38 Career Day 2017 YIP CPW 82 CPW 7 CPW The purpose of the CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) is to employ and expose youth to natural resource careers and recruit new and diverse talent into the CPW workforce. YIP internships are designed to engage and mentor youth; provide practical experiences, skills, and opportunities; provide networking with CPW professionals; and provide interns with exposure to various CPW career paths. The YIP program places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW; in FY 2018-19, YIP interns assisted CPW program areas including aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, GIS, and planning, as well as assisting in 30 state parks. Twelve high school and college-aged youth from Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) joined 18 of our interns for a day of career development as they interviewed CPW staff from across all sections of our agency. Students practiced introductions, networking, and interviewing skills while interacting with each other and professional staff members. They enjoyed the opportunity to meet and lean about the work of Cash, CPW’s wildlife K-9. 39 �9,600 47.6 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 HOURS OF CYCA LABOR ACRES OF FIRE MITIGATION COMPLETED 4,921 18 FY 2018-19 FY 2018-19 40 MILES OF TRAIL CONSTRUCTED OR MAINTAINED 41 CPW INVASIVE TREES REMOVED CPW Youth Corps crews consist of 8-10 youth ages 16-26 working on various projects over the summer. Youth Corps continues to provide opportunities to engage young people by promoting work and life skills while protecting Colorado’s conservation legacy. CPW Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a network of locally run Youth Corps, recently completed its 19th season of partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Youth Corps crews made substantial contributions to state parks, wildlife areas and fish hatcheries. CPW COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE The Northeast Region portion of the Colorado Birding Trail was finished in November of 2018. The trail is a statewide project also encompassing bird-viewing sites throughout the northeast region of Colorado, from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains and around the Denver Metro Area. The Birding Trail works to connect people 42 CPW updated interpretive signs at Garfield Creek SWA to provide visitors with wildlife viewing tips; seasonal wildlife closure information; property-specific regulations; and elk biology, viewing, and habitat improvement information. Two wildlife viewing pull-outs feature new signage highlighting viewing tips for seasonal elk changes and the area’s commonly seen wild turkey and raptors. CPW also installed new interpretive signage for viewing dusky grouse MOOS E EDUC ATI O N More than 1,200 visitors attended the Grand Mesa Moose Day and the 4th Annual State Forest State Park Moose Festival, collectively. Participants at both events enjoyed the well-attended activities. CPW gave away moose beanie animals to those successfully completing the telemetry hike with wildlife officers at Grand Mesa and the scavenger hunt at State Forest State Park. to Colorado’s outdoors by linking watchable wildlife recreation sites, both public and private, into a network of 180 partner sites and 35 CPW sites through designated driving routes. To help draw attention to the Birding Trail, CPW produced a rack card to supplement the Northeast Region guide. The card is distributed through all 10 Colorado Welcome Centers, various CPW events, and 300 libraries statewide. 43 JUSTIN PARK CO LO R AD O B I R D IN G T R AIL and ruffed grouse, the latter of which was successfully transplanted from Utah in 2016. DOSKOCIL/CPW develop, and help establish wildlife viewing opportunities on public lands, including CPW properties and state parks; develop and establish wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with landowners on private lands; and prepare and distribute informational materials on wildlife viewing techniques and opportunities. DOSKOCIL/CPW With help from a Wildlife Viewing grant from GOCO, the CPW Watchable Wildlife Program establishes new wildlife viewing and education opportunities (such as the increasingly popular wildlife festivals) and works with partners to develop and improve existing viewing resources. This program continues to identify, GARFIELD CREEK S TATE WILDLIFE AREA �Grant Detail FY 2018-19 DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 13212 Barr Lake Nature Center 858,651 7,919 - 15171 Land Acquisitions 350,000 10,925 - 15200 Service Center at Staunton State Park 2,123,672 516,628 1,397,728 15201 Staunton Davis Dams Recreational Improvement 197,060 1,374 - 15202 Staunton State Park Phase 2 Development 3,237,669 915,873 - 15203 Rifle Gap Landscaping and Irrigation Conversion 179,550 - - 15204 Steamboat Bridge Island Shade Shelters 198,450 - - 15205 Yampa River Shade Shelters 296,504 - - 15206 State Forest Vault Toilet Replacements 264,600 - 256,756 15207 Arkansas Headwaters Ruby Mountain Campground 772,800 15,489 - 15208 Yampa River Boat Ramp 212,872 - - 15210 Colorado River SP Shade Shelter Upgrade 422,500 - - 15212 John Martin State Park Fishing Pier Replacement 236,500 77,093 - 15213 Mancos State Park Entrance Facility 295,680 - - 15214 Rifle Gap Water Treatment Plant Upgrade 472,500 37,381 325,636 15215 Steamboat Lake Water Infrastructure Refurbish 261,635 8,934 219,726 15216 Steamboat Lake Water Intake Reconstruction 281,197 18,549 - 15218 Boyd Lake State Park - Road Paving 904,659 810,757 48,050 15223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 290,188 - 16171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 7,850 5,025 16200 John Martin Parking Lot and Road Improvement 725,000 - 725,000 16201 Mueller State Park Road Improvement 360,000 - 349,998 • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. 16202 Barr Lake State Park ADA Fishing Pier 250,000 - 250,000 • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. 16203 Boyd Lake State Park Water Tap Upgrade 483,000 3,487 - 16204 Crawford Clear Fork Campground Renovation 740,630 - - 16205 Elkhead State Park Campground Development 1,500,000 285,758 1,214,242 16206 Arkansas Headwaters Placer Development Phase II 580,254 4,745 358,142 16207 Lake Pueblo Swim Beach Renovations 790,650 80,664 - 16208 Lory State Park Solider Canyon Group Picnic Area 600,000 128,191 471,809 16209 Cherry Creek Main Lift Station Replacement 351,750 9,177 251,810 16210 Steamboat Willow Creek Dam Tower Refurbishment 1,152,801 - - 16223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 180,816 30,078 17171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 - - 17172 Capital Development Program - Management 603,000 603,000 - 17173 Natural Resources Management Program - Operating 1,092,500 1,092,500 - 17174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management 400,000 311,424 - 17175 Cheyenne Mountain State Park RM 171,500 171,500 - 17176 Crawford State Park Recreational Management 36,500 36,500 - 17177 Golden Gate Canyon State Park RM 51,500 51,500 - Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: OUTD O O R RECREATI ON • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. • Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. WIL DLIFE • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. • Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2018-19 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. 44 GOCO LOG �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 17178 John Martin Reservoir State Park Rec Mgmt 32,000 32,000 - 18223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 - - 17179 Lathrop State Park Recreational Management 36,500 36,500 - 18225 Directors Innovation Fund 75,000 - 63,935 17180 Lone Mesa State Park Recreational Management 22,000 22,000 - 18240 Envision Recreation in Balance 99,367 - - 17181 Rifle Gap State Park Recreational Management 14,000 14,000 - 49,156,680 7,270,863 14,581,649 17182 St. Vrain State Park Recreational Management 87,500 87,500 - 17183 State Forest State Park Recreational Management 15,000 15,000 - 17184 Staunton State Park Recreational Management 92,500 92,500 - 17185 Sylvan Lake State Park Recreational Management 135,000 135,000 - 17186 Yampa River State Park Recreational Management 57,500 57,500 - 17195 Steamboat Lake State Park RM 170,000 170,000 - 17200 Sweitzer Swim Beach Redevelopment 353,000 - - 17201 Lake Pueblo South Marina Paving Renovation 1,100,000 - - 17202 Lathrop Day Use Improvements 462,000 - - 17203 Colorado River Shade Shelter - Fruita 134,000 98,236 - 17204 Colorado River Boat Ramp Reconfiguration 198,000 - - 17205 Staunton Phase 3 Devlopment Design 1,000,000 - 65,817 17206 Chatfield Camper Services Building 1,363,700 52,143 759,244 17207 Sylvan Lake Spillway Replacement 4,466,734 499,072 3,959,990 17221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 210,362 138,036 17223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 36,303 10,805 17225 Director's Innovation Fund 50,000 34,525 6,500 18171 Land Acquisition and Leases 700,000 - - 18172 Capital Development Program 603,000 - 603,000 18173 Natural Resource Management Program 1,092,500 - 1,092,500 18174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management Program 400,000 - 336,435 18175 Recreation Management on State Parks 1,350,000 - 1,350,000 18196 Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 160,000 - 87,756 18200 Eldorado Canyon State Park Entrance Station Relo 650,000 - 4,302 18201 Eleven Mile State Park Picnic Table & Bench Repl 154,000 - 153,938 18202 Highline State Park Infrastructure Improvements 870,000 - - 18203 Lake Pueblo State Park Road Paving Phase 4 1,130,000 - - 18204 Ridgway State Park Marina Phase 1 220,000 - 8,783 18205 Rifle Gap State Park Lakeview CG Shade Shelters 343,000 - - 18206 State Forest State Park North Michigan Dam Rehab 3,750,000 - - 18207 Staunton State Park Development Phase 2B 2,094,795 - - 18208 Staunton State Park Historic Structure Stab Ph 3 70,000 - - 18209 Staunton State Park U Elk Falls Dam AltRprt&Dsgn 450,000 - - 18210 Sweitzer State Park Water System Replacement 200,000 - - 18211 State Forest SP North Campground Master Plan 400,000 - 36,609 46 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) AWARD ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 17187 Public Information Program 296,000 296,000 - 17188 Environmental Education Program 290,000 202,472 - 17189 Volunteer Program 306,000 286,472 - 17190 Youth Programs 1,083,500 1,021,545 - 17226 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 12,609 114 17227 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000 3,800 450 18187 Public Information Program 296,000 - 296,000 18188 Environmental Education Program 290,000 - 181,790 18189 Volunteer Program 306,000 - 239,876 18190 Youth Programs 1,083,500 - 1,017,944 Totals this section: 3,971,000 1,822,898 1,736,173 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 14221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 6,375 - 14231 Columbia Trail Phase 1 200,000 93,395 - 14232 WRV 2016 Stewardship 139,877 40,095 - 14233 SLV Stone Quarry 79,476 - - 14237 Rito Seco Park 31,500 - - 14238 Bridgeport Underpass 35,765 - - 14239 Scraggy Trail 96,562 - - 15221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 162,463 - 15231 Regional 14er Maintenance 200,000 105,085 74,946 15232 WRV 2017 Trails Projects 27,300 10,500 15,412 15233 Niwot Trails Improvement Project 110,000 - 110,000 15234 Cascade Creek Trail 82,864 7,800 20,154 15235 Toll Trail Plan Project 41,058 - 41,058 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) AWARD ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 15236 New Castle LoVa Trail 43,778 43,022 - 15194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 360,000 212,423 - 15237 Clear Creek Greenway 45,000 45,000 - 16194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 460,000 - 228,445 16221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 219,776 247,181 17193 Water Program Operations 150,000 139,410 - 16231 Mt. Columbia Trail Phase 2 130,009 4,120 74,493 18193 Water Program 150,000 - 144,557 16232 WRV 2018 Trails Projects 136,811 - 96,787 Totals this section: 1,120,000 351,833 373,002 16233 Magic Meadows Trail 90,800 23,100 40,227 Grand total, State Parks Purpose: 68,033,584 10,585,557 18,409,426 16234 Buffalo Pass Trail 23,506 7,470 16,036 16235 Uncompahgre Single-Track Plan 45,000 45,000 - 16236 Replace Gunsight Bridge 17,850 17,850 - AWARD ($) 16237 Grand County Master Trails Plan 20,000 - 19,909 PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) 16238 Poudre Nature Trails 186,024 - 20,517 17191 State Trails Program - Operating 239,000 211,561 - 17228 Feasibility Study Future Trail Development 400,000 - - 17229 Trail Mapping Application 1,000,000 97,351 414,827 17231 Mt. Elbert Realignment, Phase 2 250,000 - 918 17232 Salida District Trail Maintenance 80,000 - 37,359 17233 Kiowa Park Trail 17,564 - 14,150 17234 LOVA Canyon Creek Plan 45,000 - - 17235 Waldo Canyon Trail 45,000 - 24,650 17236 Alma Riverwalk Design 35,000 - 26,113 17237 Boulder Area Trails Mobile Application 31,500 - 16,500 17238 Shavano Gateway Cultural Resource Clearance 20,326 - 20,326 17239 Georgetown Greenway Trail 45,000 - 17,461 17240 Loop to Gateway Trail 45,000 - 1,930 17241 North Fruita Desert Trails Master Plan 35,610 - 35,610 18191 State Trails Program 274,000 - 274,000 18192 Trails Grant Program 1,000,000 - 11,098 18221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 - 46,938 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 2,687,373 - - 18231 Lunch Loop Connector Trail 400,000 - - 18232 LOVA New Castle-Canyon Creek Trail 500,000 - - 18233 Legacy Loop-Rock Island Trail 500,000 - - 18234 Great Western Trail 250,000 - - 18235 Methodist Mtn Trail 269,951 - - 18236 Fremont Pass Rec Pathway 600,000 - - 18237 Peaks to Plains Trail 500,000 - - 18238 Stage and Rail Trail 205,400 - - 18239 Palisade Plunge Phase 1 527,000 - - 13,785,904 1,139,963 1,718,602 Totals this section: 48 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT 15150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 3,592,500 300,000 - 15153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 700,000 234,287 - 16150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,800,000 - 2,358,007 16153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 2,833,085 593,222 733,015 17150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,800,000 - - 17151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 593,000 591,000 - 17152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 700,000 700,000 - 17153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 1,000,000 70,541 319,095 17154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 473,968 - 17166 Wildlife Habitat Acquisition 256,962 - - 17167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 221,575 113,014 17168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehabilitation Phase 1 500,000 - 51,231 17169 Spring Creek Reservoir Dam Project Phase 1 520,000 427,757 - 18151 Acquire High Priority Habitat Operations 693,000 - 690,427 18152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 1,000,000 - 1,000,000 18153 Wetlands Conservation 1,500,000 - 12,450 18154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 - 475,000 18166 Alberta Park Dam Phase 2 500,000 - - 18167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 - - 18168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehab Phase 2 300,000 - - 18169 Chief Creek Dam Repairs 500,000 - 31,169 18250 Haviland Lake Dam Rehab 500,000 - 50,333 18251 Tarryall SWA Dam Study and Design 400,000 - - 18252 Wildlife Small Capital 2,000,000 - 945,020 18253 Habitat Improvement 800,000 - 146,743 18254 Wildlife Crossings 1,000,000 - - 18255 Mt. Shavano Div Structure Redev Engineering Study 200,000 - 101,187 18256 Hatchery Modernization Plan Phase 1 50,000 - - 31,488,547 3,612,350 7,026,692 Totals this section: 49 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) AWARD ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION 17155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 575,000 - 17156 Native Species Protection 3,390,000 3,390,000 - 17157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 500,000 500,000 - 18155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 - 575,000 18156 Native Species Protection 3,390,000 - 3,374,536 18157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 500,000 - 500,000 18257 Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 160,000 - 87,756 9,090,000 4,465,000 4,537,293 PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 1,021,317 932,027 - Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 17158 Youth Programs 17159 Education and Volunteer Program 350,183 349,622 - 17160 Angler Education 161,000 161,000 - 17163 Director's Innovation Fund 50,000 14,937 19,547 17164 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 8,223 2,377 17165 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000 - 4,250 18158 Youth Programs 1,021,317 - 911,195 18159 Education and Volunteer Programs 400,183 - 400,183 18160 Angler Education 161,000 - 161,000 18163 Directors Innovation Fund 75,000 - 26,453 3,260,000 1,465,809 1,525,004 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2018-19 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 15161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 27,000 - - 16161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 27,000 - - 17162 Wildlife Viewing - Program Operations 200,000 104,694 - 18162 Wildlife Viewing 150,000 - 127,352 Totals this section: 404,000 104,694 127,352 44,242,547 9,647,853 13,216,341 Grand total, Wildlife Purpose: Sunset at Highline Lake State Park. 50 DOSKOCIL/CPW WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING 51 �CPW Mission The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GOCO’s Mission To help preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. 1313 Sherman St. #618 Denver, Co 80203 cpw.state.co.us 52 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/9d4af1b20a778b689de394bb5f0279f4.pdf 1c8a9f2a7e38ff424885b0a8bce2def5 PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado DELLIVENERI/CPW FY 2017-2018 Annual Report �Letter from the Director I’m pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. GOCO is a vital partner to CPW and makes many of the things we do possible. This report contains information about the many CPW programs and projects that benefitted from GOCO’s support in state fiscal year 2017-18. GOCO funding contributes to nearly every aspect of CPW’s mission, from the dayto-day management of state parks and wildlife areas to long-term research that will protect Colorado’s native plant and animal species. GOCO funding helps CPW preserve and maintain Colorado’s beautiful landscapes for recreation, hunting, angling, and species preservation. In this report you’ll see specific examples of the way GOCO benefits Colorado, including: • • • Operating support at Colorado’s 41 state parks, which hosted more than 15.3 million visitor days in FY 2017-18. Support for more than 340,000 hours of volunteer activity at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. Funding for more than 19 miles of non-motorized trail development and maintenance projects. The partnership between CPW and GOCO will only become more important as we begin to address challenges in the near- and long-term future. Colorado is a wonderful place to live, attracting visitors and new residents from across the country. Increased population growth will apply increased pressure on the state’s wildlife and natural resources. Ongoing GOCO support for CPW’s hunter education, resource stewardship, species conservation, and interpretive programs will help educate and train the next generation of natural resource stewards in Colorado. GOCO and CPW may be separate entities, but our shared vision of the future of Colorado’s natural resources unites us like no other. Sincerely, Bob Broscheid Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2 �Working Together for Colorado Colorado is recognized around the country and the world for its beautiful scenery and diverse natural attributes. Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities has been valued through much of the state’s history. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts and supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, park and operating management activities, species conservation efforts, habitat protection throughout Colorado and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails and infrastructure projects throughout Colorado. In 2015, the GOCO Board adopted a new five-year strategic plan to guide funding priorities through 2020. The plan is based around three key principles: Protect more urban and rural land for people and wildlife Connect people to the outdoors Inspire more kids and families to explore and take care of our great outdoors This annual report is structured around these ideas. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO, and a wide variety of programs, projects, and activities managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things that CPW has been able to accomplish in state fiscal year 2017-18 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives almost no general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW and makes many of the things we accomplish possible. At the end of this report you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 201718 organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged this GOCO funding against almost $170.0 million in other funding to help protect our landscapes, connect Coloradans to the outdoors, and inspire kids and families to get outside. $16,608,934 $15,185,500 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 TOTAL AWARD FOR STATE PARKS TOTAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE 3 �Protect LAND, WATER, WILDLIFE Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 4 �SCHENDEL/CPW 5 �DAWN REEDER/CPW CPW 6 �L A ND AND WATER P ROTEC TION CPW is responsible for the acquisition, protection and management of lands, water resources and water rights. These efforts are done in coordination with local, state and federal agencies, nongovernmental partners and private landowners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 11.5 million acres of cropland, which sustains more than 36,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, access to Colorado’s abundant wildlife and world-class recreation opportunities would not exist. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. GOCO-S UPPORTED PROJEC TS IN FY 2017-18 Highlight: LOUISIANA PURCHASE RANCH 2,677 ACRES GOCO funding helped secure a third-party conservation easement and associated public access easement on the Louisiana Purchase Ranch in Moffat County. Located between two large parcels of federal public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the ranch’s conservation facilitates migration of both elk and mule deer, and supports a number of special status species, including Columbian sharp-tail and greater sage-grouse, northern leopard frog, Townsend’s big-eared bat, ferruginous hawk, and the juniper titmouse. This 2,677-acre property also provides habitat for black bear and mountain lion. $318,775 2,677 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LAND ACQUISITION WILDLIFE ACRES PROTECTED 7 �C A PITA L I MP ROVE MENTS Colorado’s system of state parks and wildlife areas is more than 50 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration and upgrading to the standards expected by today’s visitors. The CPW Capital Development Program manages construction and maintenance at more than 1,400 structures and more than 100 dams across the state. GOCO funding supports Capital Development Program operations and is the primary funding sources for many capital projects. L A KE PU E B LO S TAT E PA RK STEAM BOAT L AKE STATE PARK $798,000 Swim Beach Renovation This project replaced an outdated, unappealing restroom and shower building at the swim beach with a new building that is ADA accessible, brighter, and more functional for families. The building was designed to fit in aesthetically with existing park buildings while providing an updated look. The project included a new roof on an adjacent building and an improved configuration to better serve the needs for guest services and maintenance. New rinse-off stations outside the building and updated landscaping improve functionality and appearance. Steamboat is one of the most popular state parks in the Colorado system. The park relies on wells that draw from the lake, but aging infrastructure prevented the wells from functioning properly with low lake levels. Using directional drilling and assisted by divers, CPW engineers reconfigured the water intake system and created new wells that function under low lake conditions. $4,464,658 $10,497,434 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 8 $542,832 Water I ntake Reconstruc tion TOTAL GOCO FUNDING AWARDED, SUPPORTING 11 CAPITAL PROJECTS �CPW 9 �10 CPW CPW / �B OYD L A KE WAT E R TA P $542,832 Water I ntake Reconstruc tion This project upgraded the primary potable water lines at Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland. Aging water infrastructure at the park was based on twoinch pipes. Water demands at the park resulted in low water pressure and water shortages at peak park capacity. This project increased park water taps to three inches to help meet water demands and match city infrastructure. .. . CPW ~ ' ·r <O{,,,. • .,;, ,;. I;: · ~ SPRING C REEK DAM $542,832 Water I ntake Reconstruc tion CPW Spring Creek Dam is a high hazard dam located in Gunnison County, about 20 miles northeast of Almont, at 10,000 feet in elevation. The dam was constructed in 1961 and requires maintenance to extend the life of the structure. CPW completed a Screening Level Risk Analysis for the dam in 2014, and a subsequent outlet investigation revealed several deficiencies with the structure. As part of other maintenance and improvements on the dam structure, in fall 2017 CPW constructed a saddle dam to limit the amount of water in areas where active seepage had been observed. 11 �\ I 12 Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America, including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. Colorado Parks and Wildlife species conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. S P ECIES CONS ERVATIO N A ND NATUR AL AREAS PRO GR A M CPW �LOGUE/CPW Lesser Prairie-Chicken Translocation C A N A DA LYN X M ON ITORING During FY 2017-18, CPW continued implementation of a monitoring program for Canada lynx in southwestern Colorado. Primary methods include use of trail cameras and snow tracking. Partnerships among many branches of CPW as well as U.S. Forest Service staff provide assistance to make this program a success. L E S S E R P R A I R IE CHIC K E N T R A N SLOC AT ION Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism and the United States Forest Service, completed the second year of an ambitious effort to augment the declining lesser prairie-chicken population in the Sand Sagebrush Prairie of southeastern Colorado and southwestern Kansas. Through a multistate partnership effort, CPW trapped prairie chickens in an area where the species is doing well in western Kansas and released the birds on leks on the Comanche National Grasslands in Colorado and Cimarron National grasslands in Kansas. Biologists have documented several new small leks as well as relatively high nest initiation and reasonable nest success rates. BL AC K- F OOTED F ERRE T REINTRODUC TIONS Colorado is one of eight states involved with the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets to their native range. Reintroduction of ferrets into Colorado has occurred at seven sites. Since 2013, over 370 ferrets have been released on 11,000 acres in Colorado. In 2017-18, CPW and partners continued to focus on plague management at all the release sites. 13 �THE COLOR AD O NATUR AL AREAS PROGR AM (C NAP) In cooperation with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and the U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado began piloting the North American Bat Monitoring Program protocols in 2014. This program collects acoustic data on native bat species at randomly identified grid cells across the continent. In Colorado, 50 cells have been monitored with over 150,000 calls recorded and 16 bat species identified. This data will provide the best information to date on the baseline occupancy of most bat species in the state, important information in light of the increasing threats to these species from wind energy development and White-nose Syndrome. The Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) was established through state statute over 40 years ago with a mission to identify, evaluate, and support the protection of Colorado’s most significant natural features. To date, there are 95 designated state natural areas, representing over 178,000 acres, and supporting the conservation of 126 species of greatest conservation need. A group of 70 dedicated volunteer stewards assists CNAP in monitoring designated natural areas across the state. CNAP continues to be the sole program within state government with an emphasis on rare plant conservation. In the 2017-18 fiscal year, the program and its volunteers conducted monitoring on over 30 species, including vital long-term quantitative monitoring for 6 federally listed plant species. 14 Bat Swabbing CPW N O R T H A M E R I C A N BAT M O N I TO R IN G P ROG R A M �$4,465,000 FY 2017-18 CPW GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SPECIES CONSERVATION 15 �R E S O URC E S T E WA RD SHIP Thanks to the continued support of GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific and outdoor recreation values of Colorado’s public state park and recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and temporary staff, projects, and program operations. T H E R E S OU RC E S T E WA R DSHIP PROGR AM A D D R E S S E S S I X MA IN TO PIC AREAS: 16 ONE F OUR Th e d e ve l o pment o f R eso u rce Ste ward s h i p Pl a n s a n d reso u rce m an ag e ment sta n da rds fo r e ac h s t ate pa r k I nvasive sp ec ies management, reveget at ion and restorat ion T WO F IVE Th e d e vel o pment a n d ma n a gem ent o f G e o gra ph i ca l I n fo r mati o n s Sys te m (GI S) n atu ra l a n d cu l tural re s o u rce data Forest management T H RE E SIX Environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conser vation during capital projects Volunteer c it izen sc ience p rojec t m anagement �YAMELH/CPW 17 �CLAUSSEN/CPW CPW 18 CPW �D U R I N G F Y 2017-18, T HE RESOURC E STE WARD SHIP PRO G R A M U T I L I Z E D G OCO F UNDS TO ACCOM PLISH MA NY S IG N I F I C A N T P RO JEC TS: L A KE P U E B LO S TAT E PA R K F OREST MANAGEM ENT In coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Resource Management Planning process, a comprehensive trail impact study and management plan was initiated for Lake Pueblo State Park. Intensive natural resource survey projects performed by the Resource Stewardship Program were utilized to build a comprehensive foundation for a trail management plan. Additionally, a tablet computer tool was designed to measure the physical condition of the trails at the park. Lake Pueblo has many significant geological, paleontological, and cultural resources. The park is also the home to 9 globally rare plants that are found only in the Pueblo and Fremont County area, and the park provides habitat for a significant number of state and federally listed wildlife as well as non-listed rare wildlife species identified through Resource Stewardship species survey projects. 3 S TAT E PA R K S 259 ACRES CPW conducts forest management activities to keep parks open to the public and safe. In FY 2017-18, CPW developed a forest management plan at Jackson Lake State Park and conducted large-scale management projects at Golden Gate Canyon (50 acres), Mueller (45 acres), and Sylvan Lake (164 acres). CPW also completed smaller projects at John Martin State Park and Lone Mesa. LONE MESA At Lone Mesa, a 300-acre prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuels and improve wildlife habitat was performed by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control in October 2017. BOYD L A K E S TAT E PA R K VOLUNTEER C ITIZ EN SC IENCE A comprehensive Resource Stewardship Plan was also completed for Boyd Lake State Park. Intensive natural resource survey projects were performed by the Program in order to build a comprehensive foundation of information for the resource plan. The park contains valuable wetland habitat occupied by species of conservation interest such as northern leopard frogs, migrating waterfowl, and American white pelicans. The park’s reservoir is a major fishing destination and is stocked with walleye, rainbow trout, and large and small mouth bass. Volunteer citizen science is a critical tool for providing consistent real-time natural resource data and monitoring to CPW. Resource Stewardship manages over 200 citizen scientists across the state park system. In the last year, these citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds, and nesting raptors. In 2018, the program’s citizen scientists logged over 7,800 volunteer hours. 19 �Connect CITIZENS, PARTNERS, LANDS Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 41 state parks and more than 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 6,000 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. 20 �- SCHENDEL/CPW CPW Rifle Gap State Park 21 �STATE PARK OPERATIONS 15,321,417 $751,500 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 STATE PARKS VISITATION GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARK OPERATIONS LEWIS/CPW state park operations has been invaluable to CPW, and has contributed to the enjoyment of millions of park visitors since the inception of the GOCO program. KIMMELL/CPW 22 GOCO helps protect the places that Coloradans enjoy, and also supports the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at Colorado’s 41 state parks. GOCO’s historic support for basic �DOSKOCIL/CPW - SCHENDEL/CPW 23 �VOLUNTEERS Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s resources while building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides direct supervision, training and oversight of volunteers on state parks and wildlife areas statewide. UR AD STATE WILD LIF E AREA TR AIL PROJEC TS Located near Empire off of Jones Pass and Berthoud Pass, Urad Lake State Wildlife Area provides opportunity for fly fishing, camping, hiking and access to U.S. Forest Service trails. Due to a spectacular setting that provides local residents and visitors with top-notch recreational pursuits, Urad State Wildlife Area gets a lot of use. The area around the lake had no established hiking trails, which resulted in several unsustainable user-created social trails that degraded the landscape. ELGI/CPW Fifty-seven volunteers from Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado spent a wet weekend on July 21 and 22 at Urad State Wildlife Area to construct a trail around the northern side of the lake to provide sustainable fishing access. These hardy volunteers closed four social trails, constructed 1,000 feet of new trail, installed four rock walls to hold the new trail, and constructed 15 new rock steps. This projects completes a three-year partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado to create this trail. In all, 154 volunteers spent a total of 2,384 hours constructing the trail over three weekend projects during that span. 24 �“ [The volunteers] did an excellent job and got an impressive amount done in just two days! I was at Urad for an angling clinic the weekend after the project and watched everyone using the trail. They had no problems finding it and everyone was complimenting on how nice it was to safely access the lake. I also didn’t see a single person go off trail so that was a plus too! ” ELGI/CPW - Joe Walter, District Wildlife Manager 6,284 342,464 $8,455,436 FY 2017-18 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS FY 2017-18 VOLUNTEER HOURS FY 2017-18 VOLUNTEER VALUE 25 �TRAILS CPW GOCO’s partnership with the CPW Recreational Trails Program has continued to encourage development of a variety of trails throughout Colorado. This collaboration has continued in 2017-18 with projects on some of our famous fourteener peaks to cities and towns across the state and US Forest Service lands. As part of former Governor John Hickenlooper’s vision for more robust and easily accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for Colorado’s residents, 26 the Colorado the Beautiful Initiative was launched in 2018. This initiative represents a statewide effort to grow, enhance, connect, and market statewide outdoor recreation resources as a means to support Colorado’s rapidly growing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities. The inaugural CtB grant cycle awarded 10 grants to cities, counties and nongovernmental agencies across the state for trail building and planning projects. �C PW PA R T N E R S COM P L E TED SE VEN GOCO- F UNDED T R A I L P ROJ E C TS I N FY 2017-18: COLUMBIA TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION $200,000 NEW CASTLE LOVA TRAIL PLAN $43,022 Colorado Forteener Initiative Town of New Castle WRV 2017 TRAIL PROJECTS CLEAR CREEK GREENWAY PLAN $27,300 $45,000 Wildlands Restoration Volunteers City of Idaho Springs NIWOT REC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REPLACE GUNSIGHT BRIDGE PLAN $110,000 $17,850 Boulder County Parks & Open Space Crested Butte Land Trust 7 7.9 miles FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 GOCO-FUNDED TRAIL PROJECTS COMPLETED NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION $1,139,963 11.1 miles FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RECONTRUCTION 27 �Highlight: WRV 2017 T R A IL S P ROJ E C T CPW Before 2017, Fillius Park of the Denver Mountain Parks system had no formal trail system, and as a result, a web of unsustainable social trails was beginning to form and causing resource damage. In 2017, thanks to funding from GOCO via State Trails, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers (WRV) hosted 45 volunteers from the TeamWorks program, who worked a total of 405 hours constructing 500 feet of new trail and maintaining an additional 1,000 feet of existing trail. TeamWorks is a summer program that engages diverse young people, including urban, rural, and refugee youth, in stewardship and leadership. 28 Building on that work, 24 WRV volunteers constructed 1,500 more feet of new trail, maintained 144 feet of trail, and seeded and mulched 2,000 feet of closed road in September 2018. This reduced access to social trails in fragile terrain and connecting in with converted roads created a double loop trail system providing sustainable access to two popular sites in the park. Obliterating and restoring the road to leave only single track trail in the area reduced habitat disturbance and potential for future vehicle trespass. �Highlight: N I WOT R E C R E AT I ON A L I M P ROVE M E N T P ROJ E C T CPW During 2017 and 2018, the Niwot Recreational Improvement Project was constructed using Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS) staff, Boulder County Youth Corps and private contractors. This project consisted of rerouting a section of the Longmont to Boulder Regional Trail (LOBO), constructing a new section of trail near Niwot High School, improving trail/street crossings at Niwot Road and another at Overbrook Drive and improving the Left Hand Valley Grange Trailhead by expanding the parking lot, constructing a kiosk and new restroom, and adding landscaping. 29 �Inspire KIDS, FAMILIES, FUTURE STEWARDS Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn firsthand about Colorado’s natural resources. 30 �DELLIVENERI/CPW 31 �OUTREACH, EDUCATION & INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS Colorado Parks and Wildlife is able to offer a wide variety of programming throughout the year to students, families, park visitors, teachers and volunteers. While the goals of these programs vary, they all work to spread CPW’s passion and mission for the incredible parks and wildlife resouces of the state. YA M PA R IV E R S TAT E PA RK In an effort to branch out and spread CPW’s message beyond the state park, Yampa River State Park hosted two interpretive programs in the neighboring town of Hayden. Attendance was between 50-100 participants. In October, park staff hosted a “Hike or Treat” event that incorporated volunteers and park staff in hosting 350 participants. To date, this is the biggest event ever hosted at the Yampa River State Park. H I G H L I N E L A K E S TAT E PARK Park staff hosted two field trips as part of the SOLE program. These included fishing, guided hikes, outdoor survival education, and a bear game. Highline also hosted two astronomy programs and a large number of Junior Ranger program activities. 32 C HATF IELD STATE PARK Chatfield State Park is one of the busiest parks in the state but continues to reach the public on a more intimate level. Chatfield’s campfire programs are very popular due to the diversity of topics, including stories with Mountain Man Possum, a Native American dancing presentation, science talk on Green Slime, a musical presentation by the Keytones, and a hosted Endangered Species Day. JAMES M ROBB STATE PARK With its location in the Grand Valley crossroads on Colorado’s Western Slope, this park is able to handle large gatherings of people including the Mesa County Safety Fair (2,000 visitors), Outdoor Heritage Days (1,500 people) and Pomona and Tope Elementary SOLE family nights (80 students). Besides these larger events, park staff also hosted local school groups with presentations on habitat restoration, archery, fishing, ice safety/first aid and trail construction/rehabilitation. �CPW’s angler education and outreach activities reach people across the state with support from GOCO. In FY 2017-18, CPW hosted more than 200 fishing clinics, including more than 12,000 participants. CPW distributed 9,100 free fishing rods to anglers at clinics and fishing locations statewide. These programs help foster partnerships local, state, and federal agencies to promote fishing and angling all across Colorado. CPW A N G L E R E D U C AT I ON FA M I LY I C E FIS H I N G DAY O UT D OOR U N D E R S TA N DING F O R T E ACHE R S CPW Ice fishing continues to be a big draw for families in the winter and this event at Lake Avery in the Northwest region is no exception. There were approximately 175-200 people in attendance and included such partners as the ERBM Recreation and Park District in Meeker, which provided equipment; signup table, staff to help families get registered and get raffle tickets for the drawing; and prizes for the drawing at the end of fishing event. The local chapter of the Lions Club had volunteers which provided a lunch for all participants. CPW The Southwest Region hosted four unique, one day OUT (Outdoor Understanding for Teachers) workshops to equip teachers with the background knowledge, curriculum, resources and support to enhance their appreciation for the natural world and promote place-based learning in their classrooms. The workshops this year included: Winter Interactions & Adaptations, Canyon Country, WILD About Insects, WILD About Bears. In total, there were 63 participants in the 4 workshops representing 31 teachers from 12 schools. 33 �PRO F E S S ION A L D E V E LOPM E N T F O R T E ACHE R S 34 CPW CPW CPW jointly by the Southeast and Southwest Region Education Coordinators. The class started at the Mt. Shavano Hatchery in Salida, where teachers counted and sorted fish eggs and fish fry and got up close and personal with crawdads. The class then moved on to the San Luis Valley, where teachers learned about bats and hiked to the Orient Mine to watch thousands and thousands of bats fly out of the mine at dusk. This was an experience that not many teachers will ever forget, and many were making plans the next morning to come back with students! CPW The Southeast Region hosted three professional development courses for teachers during the summer of 2018. The first was held in the Upper Arkansas Valley. This class, titled “Look What’s Here,” investigated local resources, such as Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area and the Leadville Fish Hatchery, for great field trip sites that encourage kids to be outdoors. The second was “What’s Your Problem Pueblo?” During this class, teachers looked at different local environmental problems and how they are being solved. The third was a class hosted �35 CPW CPW CPW �SCHOOLS & OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS The Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) Program is designed to increase youth interest and participation in the outdoors by supporting and enhancing existing environmental education programs in Colorado schools. The program’s overall strategy focuses on connecting youth to Colorado’s state parks 36 and other partner sites, creating programs and incentives that encourage the use of school grounds as outdoor classrooms, and facilitating outdoor recreation involving students and their families. GOCO supports the SOLE program through operational support for activities and field trips and funding for CPW staff. 64 123 48 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 PARTICIPATING PARTNERS CLASSROOM PROGRAMS PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 46 2,872 3 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 FAMILY NATURE NIGHTS FAMILY NATURE NIGHTS PARTICIPANTS FAMILY WORSHOP PROGRAMS 5 122 50 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 SCHOOLS REPRESENTED AT TEACHER RETREAT FIELD TRIPS FAMILY WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS �PRO G R A M E VA LUAT ION Classroom connections • Experiences allow students to apply classroom learning, which reinforces the content standards, particularly in Colorado history • SOLE field trips act as reinforcing experiences of classroom learning for students • Learning is new and exciting • Standards-based content was reinforced through meaningful hands-on learning experiences Outdoor connections • Students are having meaningful experiences in the outdoors • Field trips provide access to new places and people • Field trips provide experiences students and teachers would not otherwise have Personal connections • Students share bonding experiences with peers and teachers outside of classroom • Students enjoy learning • Experiences are life relevant and allow application in real-world context Recommendations from the evaluators included: • A focus on strong communication between teachers, CPW, and Partners • Pre/post trip activities and supports for teachers and students • Explicit connections with outdoor experiences CPW SOLE program goals for FY 2017-2018 included the following: 37 �“ My favorite part was when we were down by the river, because you got to see and smell and feel what it was like there. ” CPW - 4th grade student Our school had a SOLE Outdoor night with archery and my husband and daughter loved it so much they were inspired to take up archery as a regular activity. They purchased bows and arrows, practice together regularly, and greatly enjoyed the Archery event at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Thank you so much! - SOLE Family Night Par ticipant 38 ” CPW “ �“ There’s this... overall getting to learn something that’s pretty much what it’s about. ” CPW - 4th grade student I felt amazed. I felt like maybe I could work there one day, ‘cause it might be really fun to do something like that. - 4th grade student ” 39 CPW “ �YOUTH INT ERN S HIP P ROGR A M The CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) provides training and hands-on experience to youth aged 16-24 interested in pursuing natural resource careers. The YIP program places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW. In FY 2017-18, YIP interns assisted CPW program areas including aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, GIS, planning as well as assisting in 32 state parks. 83 4 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 40 Career Day 2017 YIP INTERNS HIRED AS PERMANENT STAFF CPW INTERNS �Highlight: C PW C AREER C AF E AND BROWN BAG LUNC HES CPW Interns participated in career workshops to improve their resumes. During an online brown bag lunch presentation hosted by a new wildlife officer, interns learned about career pathways to the position of wildlife manager. Highlight: CPW C A R E E R DAY T R A I N IN G E VEN T, JUN E 2018 CPW Twelve high school and college-aged youth from Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) joined Mile High Youth Corp students and 19 of our interns for a day of career development as they interviewed CPW staff from across all sections of our agency. Students practiced introductions, networking and interviewing skills while interacting with each other and professional staff members. 41 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a network of locally run Youth Corps, recently completed its 18th season of partnership with CPW. Youth Corps crews made substantial contributions to state parks, wildlife areas and fish hatcheries. Youth Corps crews consist of 6.7 19,000 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 MILES OF FENCE CONSTRUCTED OR IMPROVED HOURS OF CYCA LABOR 13 22.4 FY 2017-18 FY 2017-18 ACRES OF TAMARISK REMOVED 42 8-10 youth ages 16-26 working on various projects over the summer. Youth Corps continues to provide opportunities to engage young people by promoting work and life skills while protecting Colorado’s conservation legacy. MILES OF TRAIL CONSTRUCTED OR MAINTAINED �CPW 43 CPW CPW CPW �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE opportunities on public lands, including CPW properties and state parks; develop and establish wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with landowners on private lands; and prepare and distribute informational materials on wildlife viewing techniques and opportunities. NEAL/CPW DOSKOCIL/CPW With help from a Wildlife Viewing grant from GOCO, the CPW Watchable Wildlife program establishes new wildlife viewing and education opportunities (such as the increasingly popular wildlife festivals) and works with partners to develop and improve existing viewing resources. This program continues to identify, develop and help establish wildlife viewing CO LO R A D O B IR D IN G T R AIL The Northeast Region portion of the Colorado Birding Trail was finished in November of 2018. The trail is a statewide project also encompassing bird-viewing sites throughout the Northeast Region from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains and around the Denver Metro Area. The Birding Trail works to connect people to Colorado’s outdoors by linking watchable wildlife recreation sites, both public and private, into a network of 180 partner sites and 35 Colorado Parks and Wildlife sites through designated driving routes. The routes are composed of multiple sites and when put together make up a unique trail. Visitors 44 can follow along the whole trail or choose which sites they would like to visit. While the focus of the Colorado Birding Trail is birds, other watchable wildlife highlighted in both the printed guides and website include amphibians, black-footed ferrets, and mountain goats. Currently, the Birding Trail website logs 50,000 visitors per year and 14,000 Northeast Region printed guides have been made available to the public for free through Colorado Parks and Wildlife and partner sites, connecting countless numbers of residents and visitors to Colorado’s natural resources. �NORTHWEST REGION Hundreds of people came out to view a variety of raptors on display at Lake Pueblo State Park’s 22nd annual Pueblo Eagle Days festival in February. This event is sponsored by CPW and many partners, including the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center of Pueblo, the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, Black Hills Energy, CSU Pueblo Pursuits, Mountain Park Environmental Center and the Pueblo Zoo. Over two days, the crowds packed the Lake Pueblo Visitor Center auditorium for programs featuring a range of raptors and a performance by the U.S. Air Force falcons as they flew around the lake shore. The even witnesses the release of a rehabilitated raptor back into the wild. Every year, several local elementary schools in Mesa County Valley School District 51 take students on the Grand Mesa to snowshoe and learn about winter ecology, wildlife habitat, and plant and animal winter adaptations. Several hundred students participate in these field trips each year. CPW checks out the snowshoes to local schools. Snowshoes have been purchased with GOCO funds in past years. Each year, a few pairs are repaired and replaced. One local school has received their own grant to purchase additional snowshoes so every student and all adult parent volunteers have a pair to wear on the trip. This is an annual event for many of these schools, allowing some kids to attend multiple years during their elementary school tenure. DOSKOCIL/CPW L A KE P U E B LO S TAT E PA R K 45 �Grant Detail FY 2017-18 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: OUTD O O R RECREATI ON • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. • Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. WIL DLIFE • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. • Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2017-18 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. 46 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2017-18 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 13212 Barr Lake Nature Center 858,651 822,129 7,919 15171 Land Acquisitions 350,000 197,725 10,925 15200 Service Center at Staunton State Park 2,123,672 209,316 516,628 15201 Staunton Davis Dams Recreational Improvement 197,060 190,777 1,374 15202 Staunton State Park Phase 2 Development 3,237,669 2,318,358 915,873 15203 Rifle Gap Landscaping and Irrigation Conversion 179,550 179,550 0 15204 Steamboat Bridge Island Shade Shelters 198,450 198,181 0 15205 Yampa River Shade Shelters 296,504 133,092 0 15206 State Forest Vault Toilet Replacements 264,600 0 0 15207 Arkansas Headwaters Ruby Mountain Campground 772,800 576,006 15,489 15208 Yampa River Boat Ramp 212,872 212,872 0 15210 Colorado River SP Shade Shelter Upgrade 422,500 198,501 0 15212 John Martin State Park Fishing Pier Replacement 236,500 157,617 77,093 15213 Mancos State Park Entrance Facility 295,680 0 0 15214 Rifle Gap Water Treatment Plant Upgrade 472,500 109,483 37,381 15215 Steamboat Lake Water Infrastructure Refurbish 261,635 25,113 8,934 15216 Steamboat Lake Water Intake Reconstruction 281,197 162,588 18,549 15218 Boyd Lake State Park - Road Paving 904,659 45,852 810,757 15223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 3,241 290,188 16171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 138,171 7,850 16200 John Martin Parking Lot and Road Improvement 725,000 0 0 16201 Mueller State Park Road Improvement 360,000 0 0 16202 Barr Lake State Park ADA Fishing Pier 250,000 0 0 16203 Boyd Lake State Park Water Tap Upgrade 483,000 251,544 3,487 16204 Crawford Clear Fork Campground Renovation 740,630 0 0 16205 Elkhead State Park Campground Development 1,500,000 0 285,758 16206 Arkansas Headwaters Placer Development Phase II 580,254 0 4,745 16207 Lake Pueblo Swim Beach Renovations 790,650 709,986 80,664 16208 Lory State Park Solider Canyon Group Picnic Area 600,000 0 128,191 16209 Cherry Creek Main Lift Station Replacement 351,750 0 9,177 16210 Steamboat Willow Creek Dam Tower Refurbishment 1,152,801 1,152,801 0 16223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 8,019 180,816 17171 Land Acquisitions 700,000 0 0 17172 Capital Development Program - Management 603,000 0 603,000 17173 Natural Resources Management Program - Operating 1,092,500 0 1,092,500 17174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management 400,000 0 311,424 17175 Cheyenne Mountain State Park RM 171,500 0 171,500 17176 Crawford State Park Recreational Management 36,500 0 36,500 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2017-18 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 17177 Golden Gate Canyon State Park RM 51,500 0 51,500 17178 John Martin Reservoir State Park Rec Mgmt 32,000 0 32,000 17179 Lathrop State Park Recreational Management 36,500 0 36,500 17180 Lone Mesa State Park Recreational Management 22,000 0 22,000 17181 Rifle Gap State Park Recreational Management 14,000 0 14,000 17182 St. Vrain State Park Recreational Management 87,500 0 87,500 17183 State Forest State Park Recreational Management 15,000 0 15,000 17184 Staunton State Park Recreational Management 92,500 0 92,500 17185 Sylvan Lake State Park Recreational Management 135,000 0 135,000 17186 Yampa River State Park Recreational Management 57,500 0 57,500 17195 Steamboat Lake State Park RM 170,000 0 170,000 17200 Sweitzer Swim Beach Redevelopment 353,000 0 0 17201 Lake Pueblo South Marina Paving Renovation 1,100,000 0 0 17202 Lathrop Day Use Improvements 462,000 0 0 17203 Colorado River Shade Shelter - Fruita 134,000 0 98,236 17204 Colorado River Boat Ramp Reconfiguration 198,000 0 0 17205 Staunton Phase 3 Development Design 1,000,000 0 0 17206 Chatfield Camper Services Building 1,363,700 0 52,143 17207 Sylvan Lake Spillway Replacement 4,466,734 0 499,072 17221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 0 210,362 17223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000 0 36,303 17225 Director's Innovation Fund 50,000 0 34,525 18196 Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 100,000 0 0 18211 State Forest SP North Campground Master Plan 400,000 0 0 34,545,018 8,000,922 7,270,863 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 17187 Public Information Program 296,000 0 296,000 17188 Environmental Education Program 290,000 0 202,472 17189 Volunteer Program 306,000 0 286,472 17190 Youth Programs 1,083,500 0 1,021,545 17226 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 1,838 12,609 17227 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000 750 3,800 1,995,500 2,588 1,822,898 Totals this section: 48 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 14221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 443,919 6,375 14231 Columbia Trail Phase 1 200,000 106,605 93,395 14232 WRV 2016 Stewardship 139,877 99,782 40,095 14233 SLV Stone Quarry 79,476 78,109 0 14237 Rito Seco Park 31,500 30,385 0 14238 Bridgeport Underpass 35,765 33,979 0 14239 Scraggy Trail 96,562 96,433 0 15221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 246,881 162,463 15231 Regional 14er Maintenance 200,000 19,969 105,085 15232 WRV 2017 Trails Projects 27,300 0 10,500 15233 Niwot Trails Improvement Project 110,000 0 0 15234 Cascade Creek Trail 82,864 23,526 7,800 15235 Toll Trail Plan Project 41,058 0 0 15236 New Castle LoVa Trail 43,778 0 43,022 15237 Clear Creek Greenway 45,000 0 45,000 16221 Trails in State Parks 500,000 33,043 219,776 16231 Mt. Columbia Trail Phase 2 130,009 0 4,120 16232 WRV 2018 Trails Projects 136,811 0 0 16233 Magic Meadows Trail 90,800 0 23,100 16234 Buffalo Pass Trail 23,506 0 7,470 16235 Uncompahgre Single-Track Plan 45,000 0 45,000 16236 Replace Gunsight Bridge 17,850 0 17,850 16237 Grand County Master Trails Plan 20,000 0 0 16238 Poudre Nature Trails 186,024 0 0 17191 State Trails Program - Operating 239,000 0 211,561 17228 Feasibility Study Future Trail Development 400,000 0 0 17229 Trail Mapping Application 1,000,000 0 97,351 17231 Mt. Elbert Realignment, Phase 2 250,000 0 0 17232 Salida District Trail Maintenance 80,000 0 0 17233 Kiowa Park Trail 17,564 0 0 17234 LOVA Canyon Creek Plan 45,000 0 0 17235 Waldo Canyon Trail 45,000 0 0 17236 Alma Riverwalk Design 35,000 0 0 17237 Boulder Area Trails Mobile Application 31,500 0 0 17238 Shavano Gateway Cultural Resource Clearance 20,326 0 0 17239 Georgetown Greenway Trail 45,000 0 0 17240 Loop to Gateway Trail 45,000 0 0 17241 North Fruita Desert Trails Master Plan 35,610 0 0 18230 Colorado The Beautiful Trails Grant Program 6,439,724 0 0 Totals this section: 12,011,904 1,212,631 1,139,963 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) AWARD ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES 15194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 360,000 99,620 212,423 16194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 460,000 0 0 17193 Water Program Operations 150,000 0 139,410 Totals this section: 970,000 99,620 351,833 49,522,422 9,315,761 10,585,557 Grand total, State Parks Purpose: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT 15150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 3,592,500 570,977 300,000 15153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 700,000 465,713 234,287 16150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,800,000 0 0 16153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 2,833,085 271,560 593,222 17150 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Capital 4,800,000 0 0 17151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 593,000 0 591,000 17152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 700,000 0 700,000 17153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 1,000,000 0 70,541 17154 GIS Habitat Information 475,000 0 473,968 17166 Wildlife Habitat Acquisition 256,962 256,962 0 17167 Statewide Dam Maintenance 400,000 0 221,575 17168 Rito Hondo Dam Rehabilitation Phase 1 500,000 0 0 17169 Spring Creek Reservoir Dam Project Phase 1 520,000 0 427,757 18255 Mt. Shavano Div Structure Redev Engineering Study 200,000 0 0 18256 Hatchery Modernization Plan Phase 1 50,000 0 0 21,420,547 1,565,212 3,612,350 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION 17155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 575,000 0 575,000 17156 Native Species Protection 3,390,000 0 3,390,000 17157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 500,000 0 500,000 18257 Study of Influence of Rec Activity on Ungulates 100,000 0 0 4,565,000 0 4,465,000 Totals this section: 50 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) AWARD ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 17158 Youth Programs 1,021,317 0 932,027 17159 Education and Volunteer Program 350,183 0 349,622 17160 Angler Education 161,000 0 161,000 17163 Director's Innovation Fund 50,000 4,861 14,937 17164 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000 0 8,223 17165 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000 750 0 1,602,500 5,611 1,465,809 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR FY 2016-17 REIMBURSE- MENT REIMBURSEMENT ($) REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING 15161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 27,000 0 0 16161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 27,000 0 0 17162 Wildlife Viewing - Program Operations 200,000 0 104,694 Totals this section: 254,000 0 104,694 27,842,047 1,570,823 9,647,853 Grand total, Wildlife Purpose: 51 �52 CPW �CPW CPW CPW EXTRA PHOTOS FY 17-18 53 �CPW Mission The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. GOCO’s Mission To help preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. 1313 Sherman St. #618 Denver, Co 80203 cpw.state.co.us 54 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/4c9b54053a36756a2ebe9eaf73a81760.pdf fd39c513ce19bf17b32460dd650d2231 PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado FY 2016-2017 Annual Report �Letter from the Director Working Together for Colorado I’m pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. GOCO is a vital partner to CPW and makes many of the things we do possible. This report contains information about the CPW programs and projects that benefitted from GOCO’s support in state fiscal year 2016-17. Colorado is recognized around the country and the world for its beautiful scenery and diverse natural attributes. Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of the Colorado lifestyle and quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities has been valued through much of the state’s history. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a major funding partner in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) efforts and supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, park and operating management activities, species conservation efforts, habitat protection throughout Colorado and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails and infrastructure projects throughout Colorado. GOCO’s ongoing investments in Colorado’s wildlife, parks, and wildlife areas through CPW are extensive and diverse. CPW highlights from the last fiscal year that were made possible by GOCO funding include: • The protection of more than 6,500 acres of important wildlife habitat throughout Colorado. • Operating support at Colorado’s 41 state parks, which hosted more than 14.8 million visitor days in FY 2016-17. GOCO funding has been crucial to the development of Staunton State Park, the newest park in our system. • Support for more than 300,000 hours of volunteer activity at Colorado’s wildlife areas and state parks. • More than 26 miles of new trail construction and 37 miles of trail maintenance across the state. The partnership between CPW and GOCO will only become more important as we begin to address challenges in the near- and long-term future. Colorado is a wonderful place to live, attracting visitors and new residents from across the country. Increased population growth will apply increased pressure on the state’s wildlife and natural resources. Ongoing GOCO support for CPW’s hunter education, resource stewardship, species conservation, and interpretive programs will help educate and train the next generation of natural resource stewards in Colorado. GOCO and CPW are separate entities, but a shared vision of the future of Colorado’s natural resources unites our agencies. In 2015 the GOCO Board adopted a new five-year strategic plan to guide funding priorities through 2020. The plan is based around three key principles: Protect more urban and rural land for people and wildlife Connect people to the outdoors Inspire more kids and families to explore and take care of our great outdoors This annual report is structured around these ideas. There is significant overlap between the missions of CPW and GOCO, and a wide variety of programs, projects, and activities managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife are supported with GOCO funding. This annual report highlights the great things that CPW has been able to accomplish in state fiscal year 2016-17 with GOCO’s help. CPW receives almost no general tax support, and GOCO funding is vital to the ongoing mission of CPW and makes many of the things we accomplish possible. At the end of this report you will find financial tables detailing GOCO’s support for CPW in FY 201617 organized by Constitutional purpose and grant. CPW leveraged this GOCO funding against almost $170.0 million in other funding to help protect our landscapes, connect Coloradans to the outdoors, and inspire kids and families to get outside. Sincerely, Bob Broscheid Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2 $15,250,585 $15,250,585 FY 2016-17 FY 2016-17 TOTAL AWARD FOR STATE PARKS TOTAL AWARD FOR WILDLIFE 3 �Protect LAND, WATER, WILDLIFE 4 DELLIVENERI/CPW Protecting Colorado’s most valuable natural resources. Protection of Colorado’s resources is the shared mission of Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 5 �Highlight: L AND A ND WATER P ROTE C TION CPW is responsible for the acquisition, protection and management of lands, water resources and water rights in coordination with local, state and federal agencies, non-governmental partners and private landowners. Colorado’s 66 million acres of land includes 11.5 million acres of cropland, which sustains more than 36,000 ranches and farms. Without private landowner support, access to Colorado’s abundant wildlife and worldclass recreation opportunities would not exist. GOCO funding helps CPW leverage opportunities to protect these resources in perpetuity. WASHBURN PHASE II CONSERVATION EASEMENT SAN MIGUEL COUNT Y This project added 1,680 acres of protected habitat in San Miguel County. Combined with an earlier phase, the result is more than 3,000 acres of protected habitat for sage grouse, deer and elk winter and summer range, and bear and mountain lion habitat. Highlight: POT CREEK RANCH 6 STAUNTON STATE PARK PARSONS-BROWN RANCH 160 ACRES 2,773 ACRES This fee title purchase is part of a long-term vision to expand the boundary of Colorado’s newest state park. This third-party conservation easement protects 2,773 acres of important habitat in Grand County. ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA LAZY V QUARTER CIRCLE RANCH PHASE II 2 ACRES 320 ACRES Purchase of the Texas Creek parcel fills in an important inholding in the park and provides better access to the river for boating and other recreation. This third-party conservation easement in Garfield County protects 320 acres, doubling the size of the first phase of the project. The property is year-round mule deer, elk, bear and moose habitat and contains migration corridors, wetlands and riparian areas. GOCO funding helped secure a conservation easement and associated public access easement on the Pot Creek Ranch property in Moffat County. This 1,742 acre property contains important habitat for sage grouse, year-round range for mule deer and winter range for elk. DAWN REEDER/CPW GOCO-SUPPORTED PROJEC TS IN FY 2016-17 M O F FAT C O U N T Y $4,319,673 6,515 FY 2016-17 FY 2016-17 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR LAND ACQUISITION WILDLIFE ACRES PROTECTED 7 �C A PITA L I MP ROVE MENTS Colorado’s system of state parks and wildlife areas is more than 50 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration and upgrading to the standards expected by today’s visitors. The CPW Capital Development Program manages construction and maintenance at more than 1,400 structures and more than 100 dams across the state. GOCO funding supports Capital Development Program operations and is the primary funding sources for many capital projects. J O HN M A RT IN R ESE RVO I R S TATE PA R K S TAU NTON S TATE PA R K $236,500 Park Fishing Pier $219,000 Davis Dams Recreation Improvements This Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible fishing pier replaces a dilapidated cantilevered deck that only reached to the edge of the reservoir’s water level. The new structure provides a safe and accessible facility for all users and maximizes recreational use by providing shade during the warmer seasons. The project was developed to improve the recreational activities around the Davis Ponds. The improvements included constructing a connector trail around the lakes, a vault toilet, a picnic shelter and handicap fishing pier. A parking lot was constructed that allows bus parking for school groups and special events. J AM E S M. RO B B CO LO R ADO RI VE R S TAT E PA R K $6,219,763 $422,500 A-Loop Shade Shelters at Island Acres FY 2016-17 $17.9 MILLION FY 2016-17 8 TOTAL GOCO FUNDING THAT SUPPORTED 23 CAPITAL PROJECTS Staunton State Park picnic shelter DOSKIL/CPW High temperatures can often approach 100 degrees in the summer at this park. Strong winds also move up the canyon and cause distress with campsites. Prior to this project, only four camp sites in the A Loop contained shade shelters. Now all 34 sites in the loop provide protection for park visitors. GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 9 �SPECIES CONSERVATION AND THE COLORADO NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM Colorado boasts some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife populations in North America including an astonishing 960 wildlife species. CPW species conservation and wildlife reintroduction programs help many of the state’s most cherished and iconic species prosper today despite emerging habitat and climate challenges. GOCO funding supports CPW’s work on native species, threatened and endangered species, and the Colorado Natural Areas Program. Lesser Prairie-Chicken Translocation C ANADA LYNX MONITORING In FY 2016-17 CPW continued implementation of a monitoring program for Canada lynx in southwestern Colorado. Primary methods include use of trail cameras and snow tracking. Partnerships among many branches of CPW as well as US. Forest Service (USFS) staff provide assistance to make this program a success. LE SSE R PR AIRIE -CHICKE N TR ANSLOC ATION CPW, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism and the USFS, has begun an ambitious effort to augment the declining lesser prairie-chicken population in southeastern Colorado. The multi-state partnership effort trapped prairie-chickens in an area where the species is doing well in western Kansas and released the birds on leks on the Comanche 10 CNAP 40th Event at Stauton State Park National Grassland in Colorado. The birds released in Colorado have been monitored using radio telemetry and biologists documented several new small leks. GUNNISON’S PR AI R I E DOG PL AGUE MAN AGEM EN T Concern about Gunnison’s prairie dog populations, both range-wide and in Colorado, stem from apparent declines in distribution and abundance caused by multiple factors, with plague being identified as the dominant threat. With development of an oral plague vaccine, identified Gunnison’s prairie dog colonies are also being vaccinated for the disease. In 2017, 2,120 acres of Gunnison’s prairie dog occupied colonies were dusted and 1,968 acres received the oral plague vaccine. 11 �Flowers at Pagosa Skyrocket Natural Area BL AC K - FO OT ED F E R R ET RE I NTRO D U C T IO N S Colorado is one of eight states involved with the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets to their native range. Reintroduction of ferrets into Colorado has occurred at seven sites. Since 2013, more than 350 ferrets have been released on 11,000 acres in Colorado. NO RTH A MER IC A N BAT M O NI TOR IN G P RO GR A M In cooperation with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and the US Geological Survey, Colorado began piloting the North American Bat Monitoring Program protocols in 2014. This program collects acoustic data on native bat species at randomly identified grid cells across the continent. In Colorado, 50 cells have been monitored with over 100,000 calls recorded and 16 bat species identified. COLOR A DO NATU R A L A R EAS PRO G R A M Through the support of GOCO, the Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) exists to identify and aid in the protection of Colorado’s most significant natural features through a comprehensive statewide natural areas registry. In 2017, CNAP celebrated its 40th anniversary and designated two new state natural areas, bringing the total designated state natural areas to 95. The state’s natural areas are monitored with the help of more than 70 dedicated volunteer stewards. NEW STATE NATURAL AREAS THE PAGOSA SKYROCKET NATURAL AREA The Pagosa Skyrocket Natural Area, located in Archuleta County, is owned and managed by CPW. It is home to the largest population of the federally endangered Pagosa skyrocket, a plant endemic to Colorado. The property was acquired and protected with GOCO support. THE CORRAL BLUFFS NATURAL AREA The Corral Bluffs Natural Area, located in El Paso County, is owned and managed by the City of Colorado Springs. Corral Bluffs represents a globally significant fossil locality including at least 12 extinct mammalian taxa and one of the finest fossil forests in the state. 12 Bat Swabbing 95 FY 2016-17 TOTAL NATURAL AREAS STATEWIDE $4,882,987 FY 2016-17 GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SPECIES CONSERVATION 13 �R E S O URC E S T E WA RD SHIP Thanks to the continued support of GOCO, the CPW Resource Stewardship Program exists to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific and outdoor DURING FY 2016-17, THE RE SOURCE STE WARDSH I P PROGR AM UTILIZE D GOCO FUNDS TO ACCOM PLI SH MANY SIGNIFIC ANT PROJE C TS: recreation values of Colorado’s state park and recreation areas. GOCO funding supports full-time and temporary staff, projects and program operations. THE RESO URC E ST E WA RDS HI P PRO G R A M AD D RE SSE S SIX MA IN TOPI C A R EA S: 14 O NE F OU R Th e d e ve l o pment o f R eso u rce Ste ward s h i p Pl a n s a n d reso u rce m an ag e ment sta n da rds fo r e ac h s t ate pa r k I nvasive sp ec ies management, reveget at ion and restorat ion T WO F I VE Th e d e ve l o pment a n d ma n a ge ment o f G e o gra ph i ca l I n fo r mati o n s Sys te m (GI S) n atu ra l a n d cu l tural re s o u rce data Forest management THRE E SIX Environmental and cultural resource reviews to promote resource conser vation during capital projects Volunteer c it izen sc ience p rojec t m anagement In coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation, a comprehensive Resource Stewardship Plan was completed for Lake Pueblo State Park. Intensive natural resource survey projects were performed by the Resource Stewardship Program in order to build a comprehensive foundation for the resource plan. Lake Pueblo is the home to nine globally rare plants which are found only in the Pueblo and Fremont counties and the park provides habitat for a significant number of state and federally listed wildlife. A comprehensive Resource Stewardship Plan was also completed for Lathrop State Park, the first Colorado state park designated in 1962. Intensive natural resource survey projects were performed by the program in order to build a comprehensive foundation of information for the resource plan. Resource Stewardship staff mapped invasive species at eight state parks and produced weed management plans specific to each park. This effort provides treatment priorities so that field staff can most effectively manage invasive species on their properties and ensures effective use of weed management budgets. The program produced more than 12 seed mix specifications to address ground disturbance areas using species native to Colorado to promote healthy habitats and combat invasive weeds. Resource Stewardship manages more than 100 citizen scientists across the state park system. These citizen scientists provided observation and location data on reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates, rare plants, breeding birds and nesting raptors. In 2017, the program’s citizen scientists monitored 166 raptor nests, 14 species of raptors and verified 171 offspring. CPW’s forest management efforts responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and perform forest management projects in key areas to keep parks open and safe. Forest management plans were developed for Eldorado Canyon, Lory, Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap and Harvey Gap state parks. Forest thinning projects were implemented on 642 acres across four state parks. Parks that received significant forest management activity include Lone Mesa (262 acres), Mancos (114 acres), Staunton (188 acres) and Trinidad Lake (78 acres). Continuing to invest in these forest management activities helps improve the resilience of state park areas to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects and diseases and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. 15 �Rifle Gap State Park Connect PEOPLE, PARTNERS, LANDS 16 - SCHENDEL/CPW Connecting all Coloradans to the outdoors. GOCO funding helps CPW manage and maintain 41 state parks and more than 350 state wildlife areas across the state. More than 6,000 volunteers and hundreds of partner organizations help CPW expand programs and activities. GOCO-supported trail projects provide a physical connection to Colorado’s natural resources. 17 �18 GOCO helps protect the places that Coloradans enjoy, and also supports the people who work there. GOCO funding helps cover staff and operating costs at Colorado’s state parks. GOCO funding also helps CPW develop park stewardship plans, manage the natural resource base at state parks, and conduct GIS and mapping activities. 14,823,153 $663,009 FY 2016-17 FY 2016-17 STATE PARKS VISITATION GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR PARK OPERATIONS - SCHENDEL/CPW DELLIVENERI/CPW STATE PARK OPERATIONS 19 �VOLUNTEERS R AP TO R M O N ITO R IN G The Statewide Raptor Monitoring program is an important part of both the Resource Stewardship and the Volunteer programs. The program is active within 25 different state parks, including every park on the front range, and has also expanded to several areas in the Southeast Region and to several parks on the western slope. The goal of the program is to identify and monitor nesting locations and breeding success, as well as determine sensitive species, and promote stewardship through citizen science. Raptors, or carnivorous birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, are keystone species within the larger ecosystem. 20 By monitoring these birds, biologists are able to garner a better understanding of the health of the ecosystem as a whole, and can therefore provide useful information to land managers that inform decisions about public land management, such as trail and climbing route management and scheduling of construction, forestry projects to ensure nesting raptors are protected and undisturbed to ensure the success of raptor nesting. In 2017, the program’s citizen scientists monitored 166 raptor nests, 14 species of raptors and verified 171 offspring. 304,460 146 FY 2016-17 VOLUNTEER HOURS FY 2016-17 FTE EQUIVALENT OF VOLUNTEER HOURS 6,174 $7,349,664 FY 2016-17 TOTAL VOLUNTEERS FY 2016-17 VOLUNTEER VALUE ” - Jeff Thompson, Natural Resource Stewardship Coordinator “ Volunteers play a key role in CPW’s ability to manage State Parks and public lands, as well as contribute to ongoing research through citizen science. Raptor monitoring is a wonderful way for volunteers to get involved with land stewardship in a hands-on, meaningful way. ” - Jeff Thompson, Natural Resource Stewardship Coordinator SWAINSON/CPW and oversight of volunteers on state parks and wildlife areas statewide. GOCO grants support CPW volunteer management staff and operational support for volunteer events and activities. We could not grow the program to its current level and size without the continued dedication and commitment of our amazing volunteers. RON DRUMMOND/CPW Volunteerism is a cost-effective way to help manage Colorado’s resources while building stronger connections between CPW and local communities. The CPW Volunteer Program provides direct supervision, training “ 21 �CPW PARTNE RS COMPLE TE D SIX TE E N GOCO FUN DED TR AIL PROJE C TS IN FY 2016-17: TRAILS SIGNAL PEAK MASTER TRAIL PLAN GOCO’s partnership with the CPW Recreational Trails Program continues to encourage development of a variety of trails throughout Colorado. In January 2015, Governor John Hickenlooper announced the Colorado the Beautiful Initiative during his annual State of the State address. This initiative represents a statewide effort to grow, enhance, connect, and market statewide outdoor recreation resources as a means to support Colorado’s rapidly growing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities. As part of the initiative, the Governor envisions a comprehensive outdoor recreation map for the state of Colorado that includes trails, open spaces, parks, and protected lands. The Colorado Trail System (CTS) represents the first step in building such a tool, with a focus on one of the most important means of access to the outdoors: trails. $45,000 FOURTEENER REGIONAL MAINTENANCE $236,500 Gunnison County 27 Peaks across the state UTE PASS REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLANNING $30,000 TRAIL INVENTORY & CONNECTIVITY ASSESSMENT El Paso County Lakewood CLEAR CREEK TRAIL RELOCATION $39,975 YOUTH CORPS CREW LEADER TRAINING $29,715 Wheat Ridge Statewide DILLON RANGER DISTRICT TRAIL CREW $45,000 MCPHEE OVERLOOK TRAIL $73,312 White River Nat’l Forest Partial funding – San Juan National Forest STONE QUARRY & PRONGHORN TRAIL SYSTEMS $79,476 HOWELSEN HILL DIRECTIONAL BIKING TRAILS $13,382 San Luis Valley Partial funding – Steamboat Springs UPPER BEAR CREEK BASIN TRAILS $43,170 BRIDGEPORT UNDERPASS PROJECT $35,765 ROCK ISLAND REGIONAL TRAIL EXTENSION $2,376 SCRAGGY TRAIL $96,562 Partial funding – El Paso County Buffalo Creek Recreation Area WILDLANDS RESTORATION VOLUNTEERS STEWARDSHIP $35,953 RITO SECO PARK TO BATENBURG MEADOWS TRAIL $31,500 Mount Evans Wilderness Area 22 Golden Gate State Park Partial funding – statewide $22,313 Mesa County Costilla County 23 �Highlight: MCP HE E OV ER LO O K T R A IL The USFS San Juan National Forest Dolores Ranger District completed the construction of more than 9 miles of new non-motorized trail. This trail connects the town of Dolores with the House Creek Campground and the Boggy Draw trail system, a popular mountain bike, hiking and equestrian trail system. Southwest Conservation crews and a Forest Service Trails Unlimited trail crew focused on brushing, tread development, erosion control and rock retaining walls on terrain where hand crews could operate safely and effectively. 26 miles 37 miles FY 2016-17 FY 2016-17 NEW TRAIL CONSTRUCTION TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION 16 $2,270,152 FY 2016-17 FY 2016-17 GOCO FUNDED TRAIL PROJECTS COMPLETED GOCO REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THE TRAILS PROGRAM Scenic Trail at State Forest Park Highlight: MOU NT BI ER S TA DT Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) devoted substantial staff and volunteer resources in 2015 to delineating the summit trail, lessening erosion and closing damaging trail braids on what is widely acknowledged as one of the most heavily visited 14ers in the state. Their efforts helped to maintain 11,150 feet of trail and played a vital role in restoring 5,766 square feet of trail braids and eroded tundra. A single day of maintenance nicknamed “Logapalooza” engaged 40 volunteers who helped carry 84 large logs up the trail to be used for check steps, as is seen in the photo. In 2016, CFI staff maintained over 6,000 feet of trail and restored more than 1,200 square feet of native vegetation. They installed turnpikes, log checks and nearly 100 feet of retaining wall to slow erosion. 24 25 �Inspire KIDS, FAMILIES, FUTURE STEWARDS Inspiring the next generation of Coloradans. GOCO-supported programs help CPW provide opportunities to youth and students to learn first-hand about Colorado’s natural resources. 26 27 �I INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS In FY 2016-17 CPW provided a variety of educational and interpretive programs, including campfire programs, amphitheater programs, guided hikes, outdoor skills events, junior ranger opportunities, and school group programs for thousands of park visitors. GOCO funding makes this possible through support of CPW staff and operational support for events and programs. BARR L A KE STAT E PA R K Program and park staff hosted a number of educational and engaging opportunities for visitors, including monthly toddler time programs, monthly nature-themed programs at a local library with their partner, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, and a six-station nature education Halloween trail for kids. C AS TL E WO O D C A NYO N S TATE PA R K CPW staff hosted Castlewood’s annual Welcome Back Turkey Vulture Day, an event that celebrates the Park’s role as home to the largest roost of turkey vultures in Colorado. A popular program with visitors, Friend or Foe?, helps teach visitors to identify edible plants in the park that are both helpful and harmful to people. Guests then sampled treats made from the plants, but no lethal options, of course! 28 CHE YE NNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Cheyenne Mountain staff hosted the annual Adventure Day event event where more than 350 visitors experienced several outdoor skill stations scattered throughout the park. Opportunities this year included Archery, Tomahawk throwing, Rifle shooting, Wildlife Watching, fishing and more. Participants were awarded raffle tickets for completing stations that were used to win great prizes. Literary Walks is another popular program where Volunteers lead visitors on a short walk, read selections from nature-related literature and discuss the connection of the story to nature. RIDGWAY STATE PARK Ridgway hosted the Saturday morning kids programs called Nature Detectives that including Archery for kids at the Visitor Center and kids fishing at the ponds at Pa Co Chu Puk Campground. Ridgway also works with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies to provide birdbanding opportunities for local schools. L AKE PUE B LO STATE PARK In conjunction with the first Colorado Public Lands Day, Lake Pueblo hosted the Kick-off to Summer event on May 20. Kids of all ages enjoyed making fish windsocks, running lifejacket relays, fishing games, animal displays and mountain biking demonstrations. The park was grateful that the Southern Colorado Trail Builders was there to help with all the fun! 29 �SCHOOLS AND OUTDOOR L EA R N IN G EN VI RON ME N TS The Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) Program is designed to increase youth interest and participation in the outdoors by supporting and enhancing existing environmental education programs in Colorado schools. The program’s overall strategy focuses on connecting youth to Colorado’s state parks and other partner sites, creating programs and incentives that encourage the use of school grounds as outdoor classrooms, and facilitating outdoor recreation involving students and their families. GOCO supports the SOLE program through operational support for activities and field trips and funding for CPW staff. Recommendations from the evaluators included: 35 • Provide SOLE Teacher Professional Development opportunities, especially for teachers and/or schools new to SOLE Program. FY 2016-17 • Facilitate networking opportunities for all SOLE teachers to encourage collaboration, support, and sharing of ideas. • Facilitate networking opportunities for SOLE Partners to encourage collaboration, support, and sharing of ideas to help create continuity among field trips. • Gather family feedback at Family Nature Night and other SOLE events. • Track SOLE family attendance to Colorado State Parks, especially field trips. P RO G R A M E VA LUAT IO N Once again, Blue Lotus Consulting LLC completed the evaluation for SOLE. This year we surveyed teachers and partners and held focus groups with SOLE students at 10 schools. Key findings from the evaluation were: Classroom connections • Experiences allow students to apply classroom learning, which reinforces the content standards, particularly in Colorado history • SOLE field trips act as reinforcing experiences of classroom learning for students • Learning is new and exciting • Partners are aligned with goals of SOLE and teachers 30 Outdoor connections • Continue to evaluate student experience to insure that field trips are meeting SOLE program goals. PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS 2,300 FY 2016-17 4TH GRADE STUDENTS 86 FY 2016-17 FIELD TRIPS • Students are having meaningful experiences in the outdoors • Field trips provide access to new places and people • Field trips provide experiences students and teachers would not otherwise have Personal connections • Students share bonding experiences with peers and teachers outside of classroom • Students enjoy learning • Experiences are life relevant and often connected to previous experiences 31 �“ It felt amazing, and I felt like I was learning more and more going to the place. I felt like I could do anything when I grew up. To go to Crawford Reservoir, or to Black Canyon and help out. It gives me that feeling that there’s more to the world […] I mean, once you learn more about the world, you can do anything you want. It’s just cool. When we were on the canoe, I felt like we could do anything. “ They were completely engaged and it enriched their understanding of nature and helped create a respect for the outdoors. ” ” - 4th grade SOLE teacher - 2016-2017 SOLE Student “ “ There’s more to the world, than I realized. It’s really amazing to see every one of these places, there’s more places like it and you can just go and it’s an amazing feeling. ” - 2016-2017 SOLE Student When we were practicing for CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success, the annual student assessment), so many of my kids remembered the Native American and westward expansion concepts because of their experiences from the SOLE field trips. They incorporated their experiences or knowledge gained in many of their essays! - 4th grade SOLE teacher 32 ” 33 �“ YOUTH INT ERN S HIP P ROGR A M I had a great experience working in this internship position. My supervisor was great to work for and made the experience fun. It was great to watch kids catch fish for the first time and really fall in love with fishing. I was glad to be a part of that. ” - Hunting and Angling Intern The CPW Youth Internship Program (YIP) provides training and hands-on experience to youth aged 16-24 interested in pursuing natural resource careers. The YIP program places interns in a variety of positions throughout CPW; in FY 2016-17, YIP interns assisted CPW program areas including aquatic biology, wildlife biology, fish hatcheries, engineering, GIS and planning, as well as assisting in 28 state parks. CPW’s Youth Internship Program is support with both Parkspurpose and Wildlife-purpose GOCO grants. 97 “ FY 2016-17 INTERNS 4 FY 2016-17 INTERNS HIRED AS PERMANENT STAFF ” I learned a lot about working and interacting with the public and the field of natural resources. I appreciated that I wasn’t treated as “just an intern,” but as a coworker and a part of the team. - Volunteer Program Intern DELLIVENERI/CPW to work with and be around, always brought a positive, helpful and open attitude to the office no matter what was going on. He is a thinker, looks ahead and around on where to help and progress. I’m sure he’ll make a difference wherever he lands! -YIP Super visor “ 34 Career Day 2017 YIP My intern was a joy “ ” Kelsey became an indispensable member of the team…she is one of our finest employees and we better find a full-time spot for her before someone else snatches her up!. ” - YIP Super visor 35 �COLORADO YOUTH CORPS ASSOCIATION Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), a network of locally run Youth Corps, recently completed its 18th season of partnership with CPW. Youth Corps crews made substantial contributions to state parks, wildlife areas and fish hatcheries. Youth Corps crews consist of 8-10 youths ages 16-26 working on various projects over the summer. Youth Corps continues to provide opportunities to engage young people by promoting work and life skills while protecting Colorado’s conservation legacy. CPW uses GOCO funding to contract with the CYCA and individual work corps for a variety of projects statewide. 14.3 FY 2016-17 MILES OF TRAIL CONSTRUCTED OR REPAIRED 20,000 FY 2016-17 HOURS OF CYCA LABOR 199 FY 2016-17 ACRES OF WEEDS REMOVED 36 37 �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE for visitors to use. The festival is organized by a local committee and staff from the Monte Vista refuge. E STE S PARK ANNUAL E LK FE ST With help from a Wildlife Viewing grant from GOCO, the CPW Watchable Wildlife Program had another great year. The Wildlife Viewing grant supports activities to establish new wildlife viewing and education opportunities (such as the increasingly popular wildlife festivals) and work with partners to develop and improve existing viewing resources. This Estes Park held the 19th annual Elk Fest at Bond Park in downtown. CPW volunteers help make this event possible, providing support at the elk and living with bears educational booths, helping with elk crafts for kids and offering hunting-related information at the Elk Camp area. Volunteers are also stationed around town where elk are visible to help protect both elk and people by encouraging responsible viewing tips. program continues to identify, develop and help establish wildlife viewing opportunities on public lands, including CPW properties and state parks; develop and establish wildlife viewing opportunities in cooperation with landowners on private lands; and prepare and distribute informational materials on wildlife viewing techniques and opportunities. E AGLE DAYS AT L AKE PUE B LO STAT E PAR K The popular Eagle Days event is held the first Saturday in February at Lake Pueblo State Park. Park staff host programs at the visitor center, and guide eagle viewing tours throughout the park and adjacent state wildlife area. Hundreds attend to learn about birds and see them in the wild. Hummer Fest 2011 The 8th annual Grand Mesa Moose Day was filled with fun and learning about moose. CPW staff and volunteers talked to more than 650 visitors about safety around moose, including when and where to best view them on the Mesa. This event is a great partnership with the USFS. M O O S E F EST IVA L AT STATE F O RE S T STAT E The third-annual Moose Festival at State Forest State Park began in mid-August at the Moose Visitor Center, with assistance from the USFS, Jackson County Education Network, and the Yampatika organization of Steamboat Springs. Activities included a moose hay ride, trivia and 38 educational talks about moose viewing and a scavenger hunt. This event has been a great partnership with local agencies as well as a great way to get involved with our community. S A NDHI LL CR A NE F ES TI VAL I N MONTE VI S TA In mid-March the Sandhill Crane Festival in Monte Vista draws visitors from throughout Colorado and the region to witness the migration of more than 25,000 sandhill cranes. The birds stock up on grains at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge before continuing to their summer nesting grounds in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Staff from the Southwest Region of CPW and a long-time group of volunteers from Colorado Springs set up spotting scopes at a prime viewing site J COLEMAN/CPW G R AND MESA MO O SE DAY 39 �Grant Detail FY 2016-17 Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution describes eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: OUTD O O R RECREATI ON • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado’s natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. • Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. W IL DLIFE • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado’s diverse wildlife heritage. • Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas. The following tables contain information about GOCO reimbursements to CPW in FY 2016-17 organized by the structure outlined in the Colorado Constitution. 40 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 13171 Land Acquisitions 350,000.00 183,187.82 163,107.18 13212 HPBL Nature Center 858,651.00 257,750.00 564,379.37 13216 HPGG Canyon Road Rehab 1,489,670.00 1,426,959.33 62,710.67 13218 SEPU Juniper Road Improvements 2,625,000.00 2,625,000.00 0.00 13219 SEMU Road Rehab 1,000,000.00 956,551.48 0.00 13220 HPVR Park Pipeline 324,000.00 318,906.43 0.00 13223 Forest Management 300,000.00 250,616.65 49,383.22 14171 Land Acquisitions 350,000.00 246,943.20 100,116.24 14200 HPST Service Center 180,757.00 180,757.00 0.00 14201 HPST Davis Dams 21,895.00 21,895.00 0.00 14202 RMCR Fruita Trail 409,500.00 364,212.55 9,863.60 14203 RMRF Landscaping and Irrigation Improvements 19,950.00 19,950.00 0.00 14223 Forest Management 300,000.00 0.00 300,000.00 15171 Land Acquisitions 350,000.00 0.00 197,725.00 15200 Service Center at Staunton State Park 2,123,672.00 139,824.20 69,491.20 15201 Staunton - Davis Dams Rec Improvements 197,060.00 157,526.50 33,250.00 15202 Staunton State Park Phase 2 Development 3,237,669.00 566,114.62 1,752,243.71 15203 Rifle Gap State Park - Landscaping and Irrigation Conversion 179,550.00 179,550.00 0.00 15204 Steamboat State Park - Bridge Island Shade Shelters 198,450.00 0.00 198,180.87 15205 Yampa River State Park - Shade Shelters 296,504.00 34,128.95 98,962.62 15207 Arkansas Headwaters - Ruby Mountain Campground 772,800.00 576,006.19 0.00 15208 Yampa State Park - Boat Ramp 212,872.00 212,872.00 0.00 15210 Colorado River State Park - Shade Shelters 422,500.00 147,915.54 50,585.64 15212 John Martin State Park - Fishing Pier Replacement 236,500.00 0.00 157,617.39 15214 Rifle Gap State Park - Water Treatment Plant Upgrade 472,500.00 33,196.87 76,286.00 15215 Steamboat Lake State Park - Water Infrastructure Refurbish 261,635.00 0.00 25,112.97 15216 Steamboat Lake State Park - Water Intake Reconstruction 281,197.00 0.00 162,587.69 15217 Chatfield State Park - Camper Service Building 900,000.00 63,598.22 7,918.81 15218 Boyd Lake State Park - Road Paving 904,659.00 0.00 45,851.26 15219 Chatfield Phase 5B road paving 643,667.54 643,667.54 0.00 15223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000.00 0.00 3,241.31 16171 Land Acquisitions 700,000.00 0.00 138,171.00 16172 Capital Development Program - Management 17,511.00 0.00 17,511.00 16172 Capital Development Program - Management PPS 585,489.00 0.00 585,489.00 16173 Natural Resource Management Program - Operating 197,253.00 0.00 197,253.00 16173 Natural Resource Management - Operating 895,247.00 0.00 895,247.00 16174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management 251,868.00 0.00 251,868.00 16174 Invasive and Noxious Weed Management PPS 148,132.00 0.00 86,793.99 16175 Cheyenne Mountain State Park Recreational Manage 78,362.46 0.00 72,988.9141 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STATE PARKS PURPOSE: ESTABLISH AND IMPROVE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION 16175 Cheyenne Mountain State Park Recreational Mgmt PPS 93,137.54 0.00 93,137.54 16187 Public Information Program 9,130.00 0.00 9,130.00 16176 Crawford State Park Recreational Management 5,000.00 0.00 5,000.00 16187 Public Information Program PPS 99,518.00 0.00 99,518.00 16176 Crawford State Park Recreational Management PPS 31,500.00 0.00 31,500.00 16187 Public Information Program - Marketing 95,590.00 0.00 95,590.00 16177 Golden Gate Canyon State Park Recreational Mgmt PPS 51,500.00 0.00 51,500.00 16187 Public Information Program - Publications 66,762.00 0.00 66,762.00 16178 John Martin Reservoir State Park Recreational Man 5,000.00 0.00 5,000.00 16188 Environmental Education Program 217,500.00 0.00 190,409.95 16178 John Martin Reservoir State Park Rec Mgmt PPS 27,000.00 0.00 27,000.00 16188 Environmental Education Program PPS 72,500.00 0.00 33,788.98 16179 Lathrop State Park Recreational Management 7,300.00 0.00 7,300.00 16189 Volunteer Program 53,135.00 0.00 53,135.00 16179 Lathrop State Park Recreational Management PPS 29,200.00 0.00 29,200.00 16189 Volunteer Program PPS 252,865.00 0.00 252,865.00 16180 Lone Mesa State Park Recreational Management 2,000.00 0.00 2,000.00 16190 Youth Programs 267,845.35 0.00 267,845.35 16180 Lone Mesa State Park Recreational Management PPS 20,000.00 0.00 20,000.00 16190 Youth Programs PPS 58,154.65 0.00 58,154.65 16181 Rifle Gap State Park Recreational Management 7,000.00 0.00 7,000.00 16190 SOLE Youth Program 156,516.73 0.00 156,516.73 16181 Rifle Gap State Park Recreational Management PPS 7,000.00 0.00 7,000.00 16190 SOLE Youth Program PPS 50,983.27 0.00 50,983.27 16182 St. Vrain State Park Recreational Management PPS 87,500.00 0.00 87,500.00 16224 Fresh Air Friday 25,000.00 0.00 25,000.00 16183 State Forest State Park Recreational Management 7,500.00 0.00 7,500.00 17226 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000.00 0.00 1,838.01 16183 State Forest State Park Recreational Mgmt PPS 7,500.00 0.00 7,500.00 17227 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000.00 0.00 750.00 16184 Staunton State Park Recreational Management 27,750.00 0.00 27,750.00 1,445,500.00 0.00 1,362,286.94 16184 Staunton State Park Recreational Management PPS 64,750.00 0.00 61,632.68 16185 Sylvan Lake State Park Recreational Management 34,973.71 0.00 34,973.71 16185 Sylvan Lake State Park Recreational Management PPS 20,026.29 0.00 20,026.29 16186 Yampa River State Park Recreational Management 18,883.01 0.00 18,883.01 16186 Yampa River State Park Recreational Management PPS 38,616.99 0.00 38,616.99 16200 John Martin State Park - Parking Lot and Road 725,000.00 0.00 0.00 16201 Mueller State Park - Road Improvement 360,000.00 0.00 0.00 16202 Barr Lake State Park - ADA Fishing Pier 250,000.00 0.00 0.00 16203 Boyd Lake State Park - Water Tap Upgrade 483,000.00 0.00 251,544.17 16204 Crawford State Park- Clear Fork Campground 740,630.00 0.00 0.00 16205 Elkhead State Park - Campground Development 1,500,000.00 0.00 0.00 16206 Arkansas Headwaters - Placer Development Phase I 580,254.00 0.00 0.00 16207 Lake Pueblo State Park - Swim Beach Renovations 790,650.00 0.00 709,986.21 16208 Lory State Park - Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area 600,000.00 0.00 0.00 16209 Cherry Creek State Park - Main Lift Station 351,750.00 0.00 0.00 16210 Steamboat State Park - Willow Creek Dam Tower 1,152,801.00 0.00 1,152,801.00 16223 Fuels Mitigation Management Program 300,000.00 0.00 8,019.28 17225 Director’s Innovation Fund 218.50 0.00 0.00 17225 DIF Outdoor Wilderness Lab 14,433.50 0.00 0.00 17225 DIF Nature Pass, Castlewood Canyon SP 700.00 0.00 0.00 17225 DIF Effects of Rec and Energy Dev on Wildlife 6,008.00 0.00 0.00 17225 DIF Arkansas Frying Pan Watershed Model 8,640.00 0.00 0.00 31,551,743.54 9,607,130.09 9,086,307.53 42 Totals this section: Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 13221 Trails in State Parks 500,000.00 175,180.77 292,721.59 13230 14er Regional Maintenance 199,226.00 99,628.57 99,597.43 13231 WRV 2015 Partnership/Stewards 69,530.00 60,027.98 9,369.85 13232 Galloping Goose Connection 23,695.00 8,897.35 0.00 13233 Dillon Ranger District Trails 45,000.00 44,600.61 0.00 13234 Bear Creek Basin Trails 43,170.00 43,170.00 0.00 13235 Signal Peak Master Trail Plan 45,000.00 4,000.00 16,166.63 13236 Youth Corps Crew Leader Training 29,715.00 10,770.00 18,945.00 13237 Ute Pass Regional Trail 30,000.00 30,000.00 0.00 13238 Trail Inventory and Conn 22,313.00 0.00 22,313.00 13241 Clear Creek 41st Ave 39,975.00 39,975.00 0.00 13242 Rock Island Regional Trail Extension 2,376.00 2,376.00 0.00 14221 Trails in State Parks 500,000.00 79,780.08 364,138.66 14230 Highway 36 Trail Project 8,000,000.00 160,276.19 0.00 14231 Columbia Trail Phase I 200,000.00 0.00 106,605.15 14232 WRV 2016 Partnership for Stewardship 139,877.00 0.00 99,782.32 14233 Stone Quarry Trail 79,476.00 0.00 78,108.60 14234 McPhee Overlook Trail 73,312.00 0.00 73,312.00 43 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) GOCO LOG STATE PARKS PURPOSE: TRAILS AND RIVER GREENWAYS 14235 Tollgate Creek Trail 30,808.00 0.00 30,808.00 14236 Howelsen Hill Trail 13,382.00 0.00 13,382.00 14237 Rito Seco Park Trail 31,500.00 9,372.00 21,013.00 14238 Bridgeport Underpass Trail 35,765.00 13,434.46 20,544.16 14239 Scraggy Trail 96,562.00 96,432.90 0.00 15221 Trails in State Parks 500,000.00 31,946.80 214,934.10 15231 Regional 14er Maintenance 200,000.00 0.00 19,968.70 15232 WRV 2017 Trails Projects 27,300.00 0.00 0.00 15233 Niwot Trails Improvement Project 110,000.00 0.00 0.00 15234 Cascade Creek Trail 82,864.00 0.00 15235 Toll Trail Plan Project 41,058.00 15236 New Castle LoVa Trail 15237 DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: HABITAT MANAGEMENT 700,000.00 695,417.54 0.00 3,800,000.00 1,500,385.77 2,299,614.23 700,000.00 461,714.76 238,285.24 3,592,500.00 0.00 570,976.97 700,000.00 103,286.02 362,427.33 Acquire High Priority Habitat Cap 4,800,000.00 0.00 0.00 16151 Acquire High Priority Habitat Ops 2,067.50 0.00 2,067.50 16151 Acquire High Priority Habitat Ops PPS 217,511.00 0.00 217,511.00 23,525.58 16151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Land and Water Leases 373,421.50 0.00 373,421.50 0.00 0.00 16152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 145,656.18 0.00 134,696.59 43,778.00 0.00 0.00 16152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water PPS 379,343.82 0.00 379,343.82 Clear Creek Greenway Trail 45,000.00 0.00 0.00 16153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 2,833,085.00 0.00 271,560.29 16190 YIP Youth Program 550,000.00 0.00 472,872.69 16154 GIS Habitat Information 154,854.04 0.00 95,832.67 16191 State Trails Program - Operating 54,654.00 0.00 54,654.00 16154 GIS Habitat Information PPS 320,145.96 0.00 320,145.96 16191 State Trails Program - Operating PPS 184,346.00 0.00 184,346.00 17166 Wildlife Habitat Acquisition 256,962.00 0.00 256,962.00 16221 Trails in State Parks 500,000.00 0.00 33,043.50 16231 Mt. Columbia Trail Phase 2 130,009.00 0.00 0.00 18,975,547.00 2,760,804.09 5,522,845.10 16232 WRV 2018 Trails Projects 136,811.00 0.00 0.00 16233 Magic Meadows Trail 90,800.00 0.00 0.00 16234 Buffalo Pass Trail 23,506.00 0.00 0.00 16235 Uncompahgre Single-Track Plan 45,000.00 0.00 0.00 16236 Replace Gunsight Bridge 17,850.00 0.00 0.00 16155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 192,797.00 0.00 192,797.00 16237 Grand County Master Trails Plan 20,000.00 0.00 0.00 16155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk PPS 382,203.00 0.00 382,203.00 16238 Poudre Nature Trails 186,024.00 0.00 0.00 16156 Native Species Protection 1,527,850.00 0.00 1,377,753.55 Totals this section: 13,239,682.00 909,868.71 2,270,151.96 16156 Native Species Protection PPS 2,562,150.00 0.00 2,405,597.84 16157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 215,038.00 0.00 109,673.16 16157 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery PPS 414,962.00 0.00 414,962.00 5,295,000.00 0.00 4,882,986.55 GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) 13153 Wetlands Conservation 14150 Land Acquisitions 14153 Wetlands Conservation 15150 Acquire High Priority Habitat 15153 Wetlands Conservation 16150 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: SPECIES PROTECTION Totals this section: STATE PARKS PURPOSE: WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES 13194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 360,000.00 56,720.24 101,236.70 14194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 360,000.00 4,628.52 42,920.94 15194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 360,000.00 0.00 99,620.48 16193 Water Program Operations 12,135.68 0.00 12,135.68 16193 Water Program Operations PPS 137,864.32 0.00 137,864.32 16194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 460,000.00 0.00 0.00 1,690,000.00 61,348.76 393,778.12 47,926,925.54 10,578,347.56 13,112,524.55 Totals this section: 44 Grand total, State Parks Purpose: 45 �GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR REIMBURSEMENT ($) FY 2016-17 REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST ($) WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT 16158 Youth Programs 119,370.00 0.00 119,370.00 16158 Youth Programs PPS 84,447.00 0.00 84,447.00 16158 SOLE Youth Programs 206,503.00 0.00 133,880.60 16158 SOLE Youth Programs PPS 60,997.00 0.00 5,140.93 16158 YIP Youth Programs 550,000.00 0.00 515,107.12 16159 Education and Volunteer Program 119,404.00 0.00 119,404.00 16159 Education and Volunteer Program PPS 230,779.00 0.00 230,779.00 16160 Angler Education 69,760.00 0.00 69,760.00 16160 Angler Education PPS 91,240.00 0.00 91,240.00 17163 Director’s Innovation Fund 218.50 0.00 0.00 17163 DIF Outdoor Wilderness Lab 5,566.50 0.00 0.00 17163 DIF Chuck Lewis SWA Stewardship Project 14,000.00 0.00 0.00 17163 DIF Elizabeth Deer Management Plan 9,415.00 0.00 0.00 17163 DIF Sharp Tailed Grouse Infrared Survey 10,000.00 0.00 0.00 17163 DIF Wildlife Canine 2,000.00 0.00 1,944.72 17163 DIF Rifle Falls Hatchery Riparian Zone 8,800.00 0.00 2,916.28 17164 2017 Outdoor Expo 15,000.00 0.00 0.00 17165 Emerging Leaders Program 5,000.00 0.00 750.00 1,602,500.00 0.00 1,374,739.65 Totals this section: GOCO LOG DESCRIPTION AWARD ($) PRIOR YEAR FY 2016-17 REIMBURSE- MENT REIMBURSEMENT ($) REQUEST ($) 14161 Wildlife Viewing 27,000.00 0.00 24,778.00 15161 Wildlife Viewing 27,000.00 0.00 0.00 16161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 27,000.00 0.00 0.00 16162 Wildlife Viewing - Program Operations 87,637.00 0.00 54,767.21 16162 Wildlife Viewing - Program Operations PPS 112,363.00 0.00 75,331.48 Totals this section: 281,000.00 0.00 154,876.69 26,154,047.00 2,760,804.09 11,935,447.99 Grant total, Wildlife Purpose: 46 LOGUE/CPW WILDLIFE PURPOSE: WILDLIFE VIEWING 47 �CPW Mission “The mission of Colorado Parks and Wildlife is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.” GOCO’s Mission To help preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state’s wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. 1313 Sherman St. #618 Denver, Co 80203 cpw.state.co.us 48 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/083db29065ce4c9fc340eb1eb3c97338.pdf 9ffaefc907607c968965feec1eca06ef PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado Annual Report 2013-14 cpw.state.co.us �COLORADO Parks and Wildlife Department of Natura\ Resources Director's Office 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone (303) 866- 3203 March 12, 2015 Lise Aangeenbrug, Executive Director Great Outdoors Colorado Trust 303 E 17 th Ave, Suite 1060 Denver, CO 80203 Dear Lise, I'm pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Annual Report to the Board of This report contains the activiti es and the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust (GOCO). accomplishments achieved during the fiscal year 2013-14 and a financial summary of these programs. These accomplishments reflect the commitment of the GOCO Board and CPW to continue to enhance outdoor recreation, natural resource education, and preserving habitat and wildlife for the citizens of Colorado. This annual report has changed and now reflects a high -leve l view of GOCO investments throughout Colorado Parks and Wildlife, as outlined in Article XXVII of the State Constitut ion including: • • 11 • • • Wildlife watching opportuniti es; Educational programs about wildli fe and wildlife environment; Programming that maintains Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage; Protection of crucial wildlife habitats through land acquisition, leases or easements that restore cri tical areas; Establishing and improving state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado; Timely and appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state; Acquisition , construction and maintenance of trails and river greenways; Acquisition of water rights or agreements to provide water recreation. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud of the accomplishments resulting from this unique relationship . The shared vision and goals of our partnership continues to be of primary importance in our work. Thank you for the opportunity t o present this document to the GOCO board. Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray, Chair • Chris Castilian, Vice-chair Jeanne Home, Secretary • John HONard, Jr.• Bill Kane • Dale Pize\ • James Pribyl • James Vigil • Dean Wingfield • Michelle Zimmerman • Alex Zipp �Colorado Parks &Wildlife Great Outdoors Colorado Annual Report Fiscal Year 2013-14 Table of Contents Overview 1 Capital Development 2 Natural Resource Management 4 Environmental Education 6 Education and Youth Programs 7 Volunteer Program 9 Trails Program 10 Trails in State Parks 12 Habitat Protection 14 Wetlands Program 16 Species Protection 17 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 20 Wildlife Viewing 21 Financial summary T-1 �Overview Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is recognized national leader in natural resource management and outdoor recreation. Funded primarily through user fees, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grants, and federal and state grants, CPW strives to ensure efficient and effective use of financial and human resources. Through extensive planning and incorporating Colorado's Lean Program, CPW evaluates its wildlife and outdoor recreational programs, adjusting and reforming its efforts to maximize customer benefits. In FY 2013-14, CPW invested significant funding to help rebuild habitat and infrastructure in response to unprecedented flooding. CPW also provided local grants for trails, improved wildlife habitat, successfully worked with the public to develop a 5-year Big Game Season Structure and collaborated with partners to provide outdoor experiences for youth and families. This annual report highlights only a portion of CPW’s many wildlife and outdoor recreation programs and their successes in the past year. Wildlife and outdoor recreation represent an important part of Colorado’s economy and quality of life, accounting for an estimated $34.5 billion in total economic impact. Hunting, angling, wildlife viewing and state park visitation contributes roughly $6.1 billion in economic activity statewide. Through ongoing partnerships, strategic planning and wise resource investments, CPW is poised to continue providing quality wildlife management and outdoor recreation opportunities during the coming years. GOCO is a major funding partner in CPW’s efforts and supports a wide variety of volunteer, youth, and education programs, park and operating management activities, species conservation efforts, habitat protection throughout Colorado and enhancement, maintenance and development of trails and infrastructure projects throughout Colorado. CPW utilizes GOCO funding for direct benefit to the citizens of Colorado, and leverages more than $162.6 million in other funding sources to provide tangible improvements to our state park visitors, hunters, anglers and the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. In FY 2013-14, CPW parks welcomed more than 11.9 million visitors and GOCO funding contributed to programs and improvements that continue to promote outdoor recreation throughout the state. During FY 2013-14, more than $13million in GOCO funds were awarded in support of Park Purpose and more than $8.0 million supported Wildlife purpose activities statewide. This funding in concert with other CPW partner funding, ensures that Colorado citizen’s are provided many unique and rewarding opportunities throughout state. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Public information activities include outreach and marketing strategies to inform and engage the public of the various recreational and education opportunities available. Acquisition and management of water for recreational purposes. GOCO funding is used for annual leases to supplement existing water supplies, water purchases, and some program operational costs. State Park operating funds are vital to managing state parks on a day-to-day basis. CPW’s parks are unique in their proximity and ecological diversity from park to park and outdoor recreation continues to be a priority for the citizen’s of Colorado. Ensure that vital habitat is preserved for future generations. Conservation and research efforts are employed for Colorado native species. Youth and families have options to experience wildlife viewing events that promote Colorado’s rich wildlife heritage. Educational programs are deployed to promote new and energetic environmental stewards. 1 �Capital Development Parks Purpose Funding Capital projects include the development of new recreation amenities and the rebuilding, replacement, renovation, or restoration of existing facilities. This category also includes some operational support for CPW’s State Parks’ Capital Development Program that provides oversight and implementation of these construction and renovation projects. Activity: The following projects were completed in FY 2013-14: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Staunton Davis Dams Renovations: Phase 1 was completed and minor work at the Dines property which included deck repair and carport and fence construction. The Davis Dams project included demolition of the three non-compliant dams and replaced with two new ones that meet the States requirements. The new dams now have compliant spillways and can accommodate large runoff events without washing out. The ponds were dredged and re-contoured and the water outlet structure was rebuilt to allow for summer and winter time release of water rights. Chatfield Plum Creek Entrance Station: This project replaced the 40 year old fee collection station at the Plum Creek entrance. The existing facility was too small, not accessible, and needed many repairs to keep open. Included with this project was a new septic system and improved automotive circulation. Cherry Creek Swim Beach Trail: This trail was originally constructed of asphalt and became nonaccessible over the years. The asphalt was removed and replaced with concrete. Cherry Creek Perimeter Road Improvements: This project rebuilt approximately 1 mile of road through a wetland area that experienced frequent flooding. The improved design will minimize damage associated with annual freezing and minimize closures in the spring when water is high. Lake Pueblo Juniper Road Phase 1: This project roto-milled two inches and applied an asphalt overlay for 1.5 miles of Juniper Road and included crack seal and fog coat for 8 parking lots which shall result in extending the lifespan. Highline Dredging: Years of silt had built up in Highline Lake to the point where launching boats on the east ramp was no longer feasible. Large amounts of silt were removed and the boat ramp is fully operational for the upcoming boating season. Highline Maintenance Complex: The new complex includes bays for equipment maintenance, administrative space and locker, a multi-bay line shed, and a fueling station. Cherry Creek East Waterline Replacement: This 50 year old waterline was prone to frequent leaks that caused numerous service interruptions. This project replaced approximately 5,800 linear feet of waterline and is now complete. Eleven Mile Water System Improvements: This project addressed the aging water system. Chlorine levels were hard to control and the park was on notice by the health department. The new system includes a water treatment building which enhanced the management and is now in compliance with current health codes. Trinidad Road Improvement: Several sections of road have become safety hazards. There were numerous complaints and at least one accident attributed to the road condition. A flash flood in 2010 damaged one of the bridges. This project addressed these issues and repaired the bridge. 2 �The following projects have completed the engineering and design phase and currently are under construction or being bid for the construction work to begin: ● ● Golden Gate Road Improvement: This project is going to make repairs and safety improvements to the Mountain Base Road which, due to its age, is undersized for the type of recreational vehicles that currently use this road. Lathrop Swim Beach Redevelopment: The buildings serving the swim beach area do not meet the needs of the public and are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This project will replace the building, sidewalks, and parking lot and add new shade shelters at the picnic area to bring them into ADA compliance. Activity funding: GOCO Parks Investment - Operating: $ 602,167 GOCO Parks Investment – Capital: $7,145,290 Total Investment: $11,798,938 3 �Natural Resource Management Program Parks Purpose Funding During FY 2013-14, the Resource Management program completed inventories on state parks and revealed and documented resources never before found on state park land. These inventories are prioritized based upon collaboration with the State Park management plan team. Natural resource inventory efforts include the production of resource management plans and recommendations. Inventory findings and reports are incorporated into a comprehensive Resource Stewardship Plan for each state park and inventory reports are included in the appendices of each plan. Stewardship plans are then shared with the management planning team for use in the state park management planning process. Colorado Parks and Wildlife responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and get the forest managed in key areas to keep parks open and safe. Highlights of some of the activities performed during the year are listed below. Activity: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Weed Mapping and Weed Management Plan development – Crawford, Highline, Mancos, Mueller, San Luis Lakes, Trinidad, Vega, Yampa River, Castlewood (East Canyon), and Navajo (Campgrounds/VC) State Parks Bird Surveys (Breeding, Raptor, Owl surveys) – Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap, Harvey Gap, Ridgway, Trinidad, Lathrop, Cheyenne Mountain, Castlewood Canyon Small Mammal Surveys – Castlewood Canyon, Lathrop, Trinidad Herptile Surveys – Lathrop, Trinidad, Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap, Staunton Wildlife Viewing Education Cards Paleontology and Geology Surveys – Castlewood Canyon, Golden Gate Canyon Paleontology Interpretative Development – Roxborough Geologic Hazard Reports – North Sterling Cultural Resource/Archaeology Resource Advice – Lake Pueblo, Lone Mesa, Roxborough, Stagecoach, Staunton, Sylvan Lake, Trinidad Lake Cultural Resource – Historic Structure Assessment and Planning – Staunton Revegetation Projects (seed mix/revegetation specifications) – Arkansas Headwaters, Barr Lake, Eldorado Canyon, Eleven Mile, Golden Gate Canyon, Lake Pueblo, Staunton Ecological Restoration – Barr Lake Russian-olive removal demonstration area with habitat restoration Technology – GPS units and software, cameras, binoculars, wildlife sightings and raptor monitoring database management New or updated Stewardship Plans are in the draft/completion stage of the plan writing process at Stagecoach, Sylvan Lake, Lone Mesa, Roxborough, Staunton, and Lake Pueblo. Baseline natural resource inventories for the entire state park system were performed over the last 10 years to provide foundational vegetation and wildlife data. This new round of surveys is focused on monitoring resources already inventoried and addresses resources that have never been documented at parks. Archaeological and paleontological resources are now thoroughly documented at several parks and detailed interpretive displays were created for Roxborough and Lake Pueblo through this project. Detailed breeding bird information is being gathered as part of the stewardship planning process and the volunteer raptor monitoring program is being expanded to more parks to provide inventory and monitoring data. Rare species surveys have been conducted at several parks including rare bats, rare plants, and rare birds. All of this information is helping to protect, manage, and interpret these resources at our parks. A partnership was established with the University of Colorado (Denver) for paleontological fossil surveys and has produced some scientifically significant discoveries that will open the way for state parks to be interpretive sites for dinosaur era resources. Interpretive displays and interactive activities have been developed on state parks as a result of this work. A Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) was set at Lake Pueblo State Park by the International Union of Geological Sciences, this represents the very best place in the world to see the boundary between two particular divisions of geologic history (Cenomanian and Turonian stages of the Cretaceous System). It provides a reference to which all other examples of that boundary can be compared and is 1 of only 7 GSSPs in the United States. 4 �● ● ● ● ● ● A partnership with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers continues to grow assisting parks in restoring native habitats and train parks employees on restoration techniques. Collaboration and information sharing with other agencies included work with Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Colorado Department of Agriculture, State Land Board, and Upper Arkansas Weed District. Research, Analysis and Planning to protect parks - Inventory and planning was conducted at twelve state parks for noxious weeds. Prairie dog inventory and planning was conducted at Cheyenne Mountain. Volunteers have been utilized in several areas to perform stewardship work on state parks. The raptor monitoring program manages almost 100 volunteers who logged nearly 13,000 hours monitoring raptor nesting and habitat use on 18 state parks. Volunteers also performed breeding bird, raptor, and butterfly surveys. A partnership with Colorado Partners for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation (COPARC) has produced volunteer led reptile, and amphibian surveys at Lake Pueblo, Staunton, Golden Gate Canyon, and Castlewood Canyon State Parks. Insect and Disease Response – With spruce beetle surpassing mountain pine beetle in new acres impacted, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has broadened focus on treatments designed to mitigate impacts from all types of forest insects and disease. Partnering with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), several projects designed to protect public safety and improve forest health were completed along trails and roads at Sylvan Lake (10 acres), Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake State Parks (9 acres) and at State Forest State Park (163 acres). Work at Golden Gate Canyon to clean up after a late fall blow-down event occurred on 20 acres along Gap Road. CSFS has also assisted with future project development, forest health inspections and hazard tree evaluations. Reducing Risk of Wildfire – Several projects were conducted to reduce hazardous fuels and improve park’s resiliency to wildfire. GOCO funding was instrumental to gain a grant from the CSFS which covered project cost for fuels mitigation treatments at Lone Mesa (203 acres), Castlewood (45 acres) and Lory (80 acres). Several additional projects were planned for future years at Cheyenne Mountain, Lory, Mancos, Mueller, Ridgway, State Forest Trinidad Lake, and Vega State Parks among others. A partnership with the Division of Fire Prevention and Control has been initiated to expand the use of prescribed pile burning on state parks. Riparian Forests – CPW initiated a planning effort with the CSFS to determine resource trajectory of riparian forests and provide recommendations for improving areas with poor health. Building on a plan written last year for Barr Lake, CSFS provided grant money to kick off a project to completely remove Russian-olive from the park. Activity funding: GOCO Parks Investment: $1,247,735 Total Investment: $ 2,063,282 5 �Environmental Education Parks Purpose Funding Colorado’s State Parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for connecting visitors of all ages to engage in outdoor experiences on their own, along with development of a stronger bond with, understanding of, and sense of stewardship towards the ecosystems in which we all live. With the assistance of GOCO funding, qualified interpreters have been offering educational programs and other services in state parks throughout Colorado since the mid-1990s. Activity: ● Over 95,000 park visitors were reached through programs and demonstrations including educating visitors on unique park features, wildlife, and other environmental issues through direct contact on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers and entrance stations. ● More than 5,000 hours were dedicated to updating programs to meet new education curricula standards, partnership building, completion of various research projects, self-directed interpretation including scavenger hunt preparation, compiling materials for Jr. Ranger Discovery packs, creating self-guided nature trail brochures, coordinating the development of visitor center exhibits and displays, promoting programs through newsletters and digital slide shows, and maintaining native gardens, bird feeders, aquariums and other live animal exhibits. ● Over 2,800 hours were spent working directly with volunteers to manage projects and conduct education programs, and to supervise, schedule, recruit, recognize and train volunteers to help accomplish park goals. ● 790 hours were spent providing indirect support for park volunteer programs by marketing volunteer-led programs, logging volunteer hours into the volunteer database, providing volunteer-related information and photos for the park / statewide newsletters, providing nature center support benefiting volunteers, and supporting Friends Group efforts. ● Over 927,000 of the nearly 12 million park visitors (about 8%) were reached through personal interpretation and/or environmental education programs provided by all staff and volunteers across the state as well as informal contacts made by staff on trails, visitor centers, and so forth. ● A two-day workshop was provided at The Wildlife Experience south of Denver in early June to prepare participants for the upcoming season. Sessions included: - Introduction to Interpretation - Interpretive Skills & Program Development - Marketing & Promoting Programs - Authority of the Resource: communications strategies for public contacts - Correlating Programs to State Education Standards - Volunteer Management - Community Connections Planning - Instructional Methods for Adult Learners & Child Learners of Various Ages - Partner Presentations: Boulder County Teen Program, RMBO, Metro Wastewater/CLRMA - Thinking Outside the Box: Creating Fresh Program Ideas - Creative Ideas for Engaging Friends Groups Creating Effective Interpretive Signs Activity funding: GOCO Parks Purpose Investment: $253,628 Total Investment: $253,628 6 �Education & Youth Programs Wildlife and Parks Purpose Funding For FY 2013-14 CPW received GOCO funding in support of education, outreach, and youth programs throughout the state. CPW properties and resources continually make ideal classrooms. Whether sponsored at a state park or state wildlife areas, visitation to a school facility, or providing training for formal and non-formal educators, CPW continues to connect visitors, youth, and educators to outdoor experiences and promote stewardship towards the ecosystems in which we all live. Activities supported under this grant include formal and informal educator training, Schools in Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE); collaboration with Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) and other statewide youth corps; angler education programs; Activity: ● Piloted the Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) Program. The pilot happened during the 2013-2014 school year with two schools in the Denver Metro area – Mary E. Pennock Elementary in Brighton and Roxborough Intermediate, south of Chatfield State Park. During this pilot, CPW and seven partner organizations provided three field trips for 240 4th grade students, hosted Family Nature Nights at the schools, provided in-class support and programming, and worked with school administration to explore improving/creating outdoor classroom spaces. Pilot partners included: The Wildlife Experience, Butterfly Pavilion, US Forest Service, Audubon Society of Greater Denver, Denver Botanic Gardens, History Colorado, and Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. ● The Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) partnered with the San Luis Valley Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program again during this past year. The YCC assisted NASRF with continued maintenance of a water diversion structure. The crew “mucked” out fish ponds and picked up scrap-metal and debris and NASRF staff provided an in-depth educational tour of the facility. ● The NASRF continues to provide annual field trips, educational tours and experiential learning activities to both secondary and post-secondary educational institutions. In 2014 NASRF Hatchery Superintendent, Ted Smith, presented a guest lecture to fishery biology students at Colorado State University and hosted field trips for students of Adams State University, Western State Colorado University, Trinidad State Junior College and Center School District. ● Hosted 30 educator training workshops and teacher institutes, featuring Project WILD and other curriculum materials, reaching 581 educators in the state through nearly 480 hours of workshop contact time. ● The Angler Education program held 211 fishing clinics reaching over 17,000 participants. The Angler Education program continued to foster and maintain hundreds of partnerships with local, state, and federal governments. Along with these partnerships, the Angler Education program has worked with local and national organizations including but not limited to: Police and Sheriffs’ departments statewide, Eagle Claw/Wright McGill, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Trout Unlimited Chapters. o Engaging with schools, particularly high schools to create fishing clubs; o Educated families on fishing at the International Sportsman Exposition for the 6th consecutive year in Colorado; o Created a registration database and tracking of clinic participants; o Supporting “Outdoor Skills Days” in small towns across the state and several state parks as well as the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration in Denver that reached approximately 7,000 people. ● Managed and maintained lasting partnerships with the 50 active volunteer facilitators that implement Project WILD, Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN), Outdoor Understanding for Teachers (OUT) and other professional development workshops. 7 �● ● ● ● ● Work with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conservation Education Strategy on the planning team to implement a multi-state effort to evaluate the best methods to promote non-traditional wildlife education partnerships across the country. Served as a leading partner for the Get Outdoors Colorado efforts. Contributed to the getoutdoorscolorado.org website to manage, market, and expand services available on the page. Also worked with 100+ Get Outdoors Colorado partners to coordinate exhibitor presence at National Get Outdoors Day Denver – an event that served over 7,000 people (mostly families) in June 2014. Provided check-out wildlife education materials (critter crates) as well as curriculum, posters, and other supplemental resources for hundreds of Colorado teachers to use in classrooms across the state. CPW supported Careers in Natural Resources Initiative led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) and Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) in collaboration with various local, state and federal partners. CPW continues to provide many unique opportunities to expose youth to natural resource careers. During the past year, CYCA performed many projects on many CPW properties: ▪ On state parks, trail maintenance and landscaping enhancements were completed at: Cherry Creek, Golden Gate, Staunton, Arkansas Headwaters, Navajo, Vega, Ridgeway, Castlewood Canyon, Sylvan, Trinidad, Lory, Eleven Mile, Colorado River, and Highline. ▪ On state wildlife areas work included habitat improvements, tree thinning, and maintenance projects at: Bellvue Watson Hatchery, Piceance, Radium, Deweese, Middle Taylor Creek, Pueblo, Beaver Creek, Skaguay Reservoir, Escalante, Rio Grande, and Chipeta Lake, to name a few. Accomplishments for FY 2013-14 State Parks - 43 weeks of work completed - 119 youth participated on various projects - 13,414 hours of labor - 1,460 hours spent on environmental education projects State Wildlife Areas/Fish Hatcheries - 27 weeks of work were performed - 110 youth participated on various projects - 6,592 hours of labor were provided - 712 hours were spent on environmental education projects State wide CPW projects - 70 weeks of work completed - 229 youth participated on various projects - 20,006 hours of labor - 2,172 hours spent on environmental education - 14 miles of trail maintained and/or improved - 0.43 miles of trail constructed - 6.87 miles of trail corridor cleared - 2.63 miles of fence constructed - 5 miles of fence repaired - 12 miles of fence removed - 126 acres of trees removed Activity funding: GOCO Parks Investment: $219,283 GOCO Wildlife Investment: $554,000 Total Investment: $2,494,819 8 �Volunteer Program Parks Purpose Funding Connecting citizens, as volunteers and supporters, continues to be essential to the sustainability of CPW. GOCO continues to be an important long-term funding partner for supporting the CPW Volunteer Program and provides a tangible impact on building a sustainable infrastructure for quality volunteer opportunities throughout Colorado. This past year has been a transformative year and has provided an opportunity for reimagining the structure of CPW’s volunteer program. Both the former Parks and the former Wildlife agencies have been successful at conceptualizing and implementing sustainable volunteer engagement models. CPW staff evaluated successes and challenges and created alignments with a newly merged volunteer program. Keys to the success of both programs have involved leadership support, utilizing volunteers to their fullest potential, and empowering staff to engage volunteers and the community. Through the planning process a new program mission was created and is: In support of the CPW mission, the Volunteer Program will inspire and foster active stewardship for Colorado’s natural resources through the meaningful engagement and integration of diverse volunteers, partners & CPW Staff. Activity: Volunteers are critical to CPW’s efforts including, but not limited to: angler outreach, bear aware conflicts, biological projects, customer service, backcountry rescue, boat safety, campground operations, environmental education, historical research, hunter education, hatchery assistance, fee collection, stewardship, trails, and wildlife transport. ● In FY 13-14, over 6,188 volunteers contributed more than 308,295 volunteer hours—the equivalent of 148 full-time employees with a value of over $6.9 million based on the Independent Sector rate of $22.55 per hour. ● Creation of a new volunteer logo and uniform, an updated volunteer application packet, a combined volunteer section within CPW’s new website, and a new volunteer newsletter Tracks, Trails & Tales. ● Resident and campground hosts annually give more time than any other group of volunteers at CPW. In FY 2013-14, resident hosts collectively contributed more than 91,500 hours which is 30 percent of the overall volunteer hours. ● CPW Bear Aware volunteers contributed over 6,634 hours during the year to help keep both bears and people safe through education and marketing. ● Wildlife Transport volunteers provide transport of injured or sick animals and provided approximately 8,660 volunteer hours throughout the year. ● CPW volunteer naturalists led a variety of programs with visitors of all ages. Programs include Jr. Ranger, skins and skulls, tracks and scat, geo-caching, flower identification, bird viewing and much more. This passionate group of volunteers contributed 21,400 hours in the past year. ● DNR Lend A Hand Appreciation Day -The Department of Natural Resources along with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, State Land Board, Department of Agriculture and State Forest Service partnered with several local organizations to leverage resources and expand the reach of Barr Lake State Park’s Lake Appreciation Day, July 13th, 2013. This was a great example of how a community and many agencies can come together to complete projects that will benefit future generations. ● St Vrain State Park hosted an after the flood clean up event. More than 119 volunteers braved the wind and cold to clean debris, power wash picnic areas, and re-establish campsites. Activity Funding GOCO Parks Investment: $306,000 Total CPW Investment: $425,718 9 �Trails Program Parks Purpose Funding Trails related outdoor recreation activities are the most popular and frequently utilized outdoor recreation venues in Colorado and throughout the nation. As referenced in the 2014 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) approximately 90 percent of Coloradans participated in outdoor recreation activities in the previous year. Sixty six percent of all Colorado residents recreated outdoors at least one day a week, on average. Walking, hiking/backpacking and picnicking made up the three most popular and most frequently pursued outdoor recreation activities, as calculated by total statewide activity days, with 83% of Coloradans participating in trail related outdoor recreation activities. Activity: Regional Fourteeners Construction and Maintenance Project Colorado Fourteeners Initiative trail crews and volunteer groups completed 39 miles of high-priority trail maintenance projects on 23 Fourteeners (peaks above 14,000’). Projects included constructing/repairing rock steps/stairs, water bars, retaining walls, signage, and restoration efforts (vegetation transplants, soil stabilization). All trail work was completed by seasonal staff and volunteers (composed of partner youth groups, summer camps, colleges, corporate partners, and trail users). The work involved hand tools (picks, shovels, Mcleods, rock hammers), and was based in front country (near trailhead) and multi-day backcountry settings. Projects priorities focused on high-priority conservation needs in the sensitive tundra plant community to mitigate damage to vegetation, repair/prevent trail erosion, restore trail usability to prevent off-route hiking/damage, restore/re-vegetate existing off-trail impacts, and provide for an enjoyable and challenging backcountry experience. Trails range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, and from subalpine to alpine. North Fork North Elk Creek Trail Construction project The Southwest Conservation Corps, along with the US Forest Service, established a new 3,500 foot trail segment that serves as the first segment in a connection between Staunton State Park land and trails to National Forest System land and trails. The new trail segment is located just northwest of Staunton State Park, and converted old Forest System Road #102 and an existing non-system user created route into a designated trail for horse and foot traffic connecting to the existing Cub Creek Trail (FDT40) and the Mt. Evans Wilderness Area to the north. The Old Sopris Trail Phase 1 Planning Project This is a large scale project to develop a connector trail between the Corazon de Trinidad Historic District and Trinidad Lake state Park. The entire project will design and complete a trail at the southern point of the existing River Walk Trail in the City of Trinidad and roughly parallel the county-owned Old Sopris Road in a westerly direction toward the Trinidad Lake Dam and the southern entrance to Trinidad Lake State Park. Phase I produced a technical trail implementation plan that will be used in subsequent phases to guide the physical development of the trail. The plan includes (1) examination of potential routes for the trail, (2) route selection recommendations based on a thorough analysis of topographic and other constraints and (3) all the technical information necessary to develop the identified trail segments including maps, engineering and design, construction cost estimates, environmental reviews and other required information. Further this trail segment would be featured in the City of Trinidad’s 2009 Purgatoire River Trail System Plan, and included as an “Envisioned Trail” in Colorado State Parks Colorado Front Range Trail Comprehensive Implementation Plan. White River Fourteeners Trail Reconstruction Project Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) completed high-priority trail projects on North Maroon Peak and Mount of the Holy Cross as follows: 2,550 feet of trail re-route construction on North Maroon; 7,356 feet of trail re-construction on Holy Cross; 10,494 sq. feet of trail restoration on North Maroon; and 19,887 sq. feet of trail restoration on Holy Cross. The project was focused on re-routing the severely degraded access trail to North Maroon, which had eroded to a point that was causing extensive damage to rare and sensitive alpine 10 �vegetation. On Holy Cross, the project brought a high-elevation portion of the existing ridgeline trail back to sustainable standards; provided a better delineated route where hikers had often become disoriented (resulting in frequent Search-and-Rescue operations) and restoration of impacted areas. CFI utilized youth corps and volunteer crews led by CFI staff to implement project plans. Project workers worked out of backcountry base camps, and work consisted of constructing check-dams, rock steps/staircases, retaining walls, as well as implementing restoration and re-vegetation efforts (e.g. vegetation transplants, soil stabilization structures, and seeding). The work involved hand tools (i.e. picks, shovels, Mcleods, rock hammers). Trails range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, and from sub-alpine to alpine. Hoosier Pass Trail Planning Project This project completed the master planning phase for a Recreation Path from Park County to Summit County connecting the communities of Fairplay, Alma, Blue River and Breckenridge. The planning process reviewed multiple options, including a multi-use grade separated path or Highway 9 shoulder improvements. This trail would be approximately 17 miles and would potentially connect to over 55 miles of RecPath throughout Summit and Eagle Counties and commenced a 13 county trail connectivity objective in Colorado. Study components included researching landownership, contacting public resource managers and private landowners and evaluating their concerns, assessing options for easements or acquisition to assure access, contributing to countywide trail planning, developing priorities and providing preliminary cost estimates. Other projects completed in FY 2013-14: ● Dillon Ranger District Travel Plan Implementation ● Training Colorado's Next Generation of Conservation Workers ● 14er Trail Conditions Inventory and Maintenance ● West Magnolia Trail System Plan ● Wildlands Restoration Volunteers 2012-2013 Partnership for Stewardship ● Recreational Development at Pikes Peak - South Slope ● Partnerships to Create Golden Horseshoe Trail Connection ● GWT Severance-Windsor Trail Upgrade ● Cherry Creek Signage Project Phase I ● 2012-13 FDRD Stewardship Projects Activity funding: GOCO Parks Investment: $632,212 Total Investment: $1,866,902 11 �Trails in State Parks Parks Purpose Funding Colorado’s 42 state parks contain more than 700 miles of existing trail which accommodate various types of trail users - hikers, bikers, and equestrians. CPW completed the State Parks Trail Use Map http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Pages/Trails.aspx, (below). This is an interactive tool that allows visitors to “pan over” a state park and discover the trails that are available on the park and the dynamics of those trails. State Park Trail Use Map CPW State Parks Miles of trail: 728 Design ated Trails: 466 High est tra il: 11 531 Ft. Low est trail: 3752 Ft. Av era ge trail s lope: 7% 728 Mi. of Hiking Tra il 513 Mi. of Biking Trail 470 Mi. of Equestra in Tra il • 682 Mi. of Snow sho eing Trail 652 Mi. of XC Sking Trail 636 Mi. of Dog freind ly Trail 75 Mi. of Groo med Trail 101 Mi. of Snow mobling Trail 58 Mi. of OHV Tra il 11 8 Mi. of OPDMD Tra il 155 Mi. of Wheelch air Friend ly ~Japoox~ 1:5pen!:ftreet~aplmprove this map Activities: The following trails in state parks projects were complete in FY 2013-14 ● Barr Lake – The Niedrach Boardwalk Renovation that included re-decking 700 LF of boardwalk, staining the deck, constructing a 250 sq.ft. observation deck, placement of concrete and riprap for erosion control, reinforcing the structure with steel structure for support and replacing hand rail for safety. ● Castlewood Canyon State Park – Bridge was completed by utilizing an Eagle Scout Project. Also, due to the innovative efforts made by the Eagle Scout, the park was able to complete another project, a stair case at no extra cost. The grant award assisted the park with two separate projects instead of one. With the completion of these two projects, the park has addressed and resolved the issues identified. ● Chatfield State Park – There were two projects completed during the past year on this state park. The first project removed and replaced 1,679 sf of broken concrete trail and the second widened up to 8ft 12 �● ● ● ● ● ● and resurfaced an existing asphalt trail, and stabilized the trail on the south side of the dog off leash area and replaced approximately 3,400 linear feet of asphalt trail. Cherry Creek State Park – Replaced 600 linear ft the asphalt trail with concrete and upgraded for ADA accessibility. Eldorado Canyon – Reconstruction, maintenance and rehab on a steep climbing access trail to include 10 structures in 100 ft. for closure and revegetation of a 2.2 mile trail. Project included maintenance and rehabilitation of 75 structures; 1.75 miles of boulder step or removal; 25 climbing turns. Specialty crew required proficient in grip hoist, rock moving techniques, large, rock-shaping skills including work with feathers, wedges and hammer drills, technical backcountry trail building techniques, sawyer skills, scrambling and some basic rock climbing skills, and ability to build rock climbing anchors. Grades 25 80%. Golden Gate – Completed the final phase of the Mule Deer Trail reroute including reroute of 5,825 LF of 2-3 ft. wide, natural surface tread trail, two drainage crossings of 100' and 50', 750 ft. of difficult trail construction with many rocks and boulders, 800 ft. section with up to 20% slopes, rocks and boulders, heavy timber removal and constructions of a 150' section of turnpike and 545 feet of surface lift. Roxborough SP - Develop a trail plan to gain access to the newly acquired Willow Creek Falls area. Funding for a contractor to map the area, layout a proposed trail with a sustainable and easily maintained route. Trail plan near completion, a trail plan and layout walk through was completed in December 2014. Lory SP – The trails throughout this state park were impacted by the High Park and Galena fires. A trail crew as hired to complete work on the Overlook and Arthur's Rock Trails. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Improve trailhead and parking lot at the River Ranch Trailhead and open trail for use. Addition of a CXT toilet, buck and rail fence (completed) around parking lot, signs, bridge (completed), and culvert removal. Project plans include closure and revegetation of 1/2 mile of trail, the addition of one 6-8 ft. bridge, and the addition of 8' culvert. Activity funding: GOCO Parks Investment: $ 419,333 Total Investment: $ 493,015 13 �Habitat Protection Wildlife Purpose Funding During FY 2013-14 five acquisitions protected more than 3,000 acres of wildlife habitat for a variety of species. Activity: Secret Canyon SHA - Fury Parcel Secret Canyon SHA is a 640-acre conservation easement in Dolores County. This property is a mix of a cold-water riparian corridor with associated stands of willow, aspen and mixed conifers with some grassy meadow areas along the stream corridor. It provides critical habitat for Gunnison Sage-grouse (GuSG) core population and also contains winter range for elk and critical winter range for mule deer. In addition to GuSG, elk and deer habitat, the property is mapped as overall black bear and mountain lion range, and winter range for bald eagle. Fury Parcel Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds $108,000 Cash/Habitat Stamp Funds $112,188 Total $220,188 II I I I ~ - Cherokee SWA - Segelke-Carey Ranch Cherokee SWA - Segelke-Carey Ranch is a 614-acre fee title property in Larimer County. The subject property is a mix of a cold-water riparian corridor with associated stands of willow, aspen and mixed conifers with some grassy meadow areas along the stream corridor. The topography is rugged with rocky slopes and mixed stands of spruce, fir, cedar, lodgepole and ponderosa pine and open grassy slopes with bitter brush and mountain mahogany. Segelke–Carey Ranch Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds $1,272,000 Cash/Habitat Stamp Funds $84,632 Federal Grant Funds $400,000 Total $1,756,632 Lazy V Quarter Circle Ranch SWA Lazy V Quarter Circle Ranch SWA is a 320-acre conservation easement in Garfield County. The subject property is composed of wetland meadow complex, forest and woodlands, Gamble oak and mixed mountain shrub lands and montane sagebrush steppe. Big game species present on the property comprise a list of the premier big game in North America: moose, American elk, mule deer, black bear and mountain lion. Lazy V Quarter Circle Ranch Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds $40,000 Cash/Habitat Stamp Funds $442,326 Total $482,326 14 �Tamarack Ranch SWA - Tarrell Parcel Tamarack Ranch SWA - Tarrell Parcel is an 80-acre fee title in-holding in the Tamarack State Wildlife Area, located in Logan County. The land is very typical of the South Platte River bottom habitat found in Northeastern Colorado. This property has an abundance of whitetail deer, mule deer, turkey, bobcat, coyote, and red fox, pheasant, quail, raccoon, opossum, squirrel, rabbit, and numerous species of ducks, Canada geese and snow geese. Tamarack Ranch SWA Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds $172,000 Cash/Habitat Stamp Funds $85,301 Total $257,301 Richard Ranch Richard Ranch SWA is a 1,715-acre conservation easement and public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing located in Jackson County. The property contains rolling sagebrush hills, riparian and lacustrine habitats, shallow wetlands, and hay meadows that benefit breeding waterfowl, greater sage-grouse, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, white-tailed prairie dog, and other wildlife species. Richard Ranch SWA Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds $352,750 Cash/Habitat Stamp Funds $707,250 Total $1,060,000 Activity funding: GOCO Wildlife Investment – Operating: $593,000 GOCO Wildlife Investment – Capital: $1,944,750 Total Investment: $5,310,343 15 �Wetlands Program Wildlife Purpose funding Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Wetlands Program, established in 1997, conserves wetland and riparian habitats and their ecological functions for the benefit of wildlife. These critical habitats represent only about 2% of the land area of Colorado, but are used by the majority of wildlife species in the state. Major goals of the program are to improve the population status of declining or at-risk wildlife species, and to improve the abundance and distribution of ducks and opportunities for waterfowl hunting. In cooperation with conservation organizations, private landowners and other state and federal agencies, the Wetlands Program has protected, restored or enhanced approximately 298,000 acres of wetlands and riparian areas and adjacent habitats. Services provided by the program include funding of strategic planning for habitat conservation, wetland creation, enhancement, or restoration projects, and project-related expertise such as site evaluation, design, construction, and biological assessments. The Wetlands Program also facilitates partnerships through local Focus Area Committees and conducts wetland project monitoring and evaluation. Activity: ● ● ● Awarded new grants totaling $600,000 for 15 projects on private and public lands. Twenty grant applications were received. CPW funding will leverage $1,209,261 from 23 different funding partners including federal, state, county, and municipal governments, nonprofits, private companies, and landowners. When completed, the projects will improve more than 4,742 acres of wetland and riparian habitat. Eight waterfowl species and 20 atrisk wildlife species will benefit from these projects, including amphibians (e.g., Northern Leopard Frog, Boreal Toad), native fishes (e.g., Brassy Minnow, Plains Orangethroat Darter), mammals (e.g., Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse, River Otter), and birds (e.g., Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo). Restored or enhanced 6,650 acres of wetland and riparian wildlife habitat in 23 projects completed during the period. Partnered with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and Environmental Protection Agency on wetland mapping and field assessments in the lower South Platte and lower Arkansas Basins. The projects are adding to the CPW’s GIS database on wetland locations, developing new tools to assess wetland conditions and threats, and documenting wetland use by priority wildlife species. Digital wetlands maps were completed for the remainder of the state during this reporting period, and now 100% of the state has digital wetlands data. Additionally, through the CNHP/EPA partnership, wildlife habitat quality metrics have been completed for 10 species/guilds, and are in development for an additional 6 species. These metrics are in practice and will be used to quantify future project benefits to wildlife. Activity Funding GOCO Wildlife Investment: $512,476 Total Investment: $991,968 16 �Species Protection Wildlife Funding Purpose The Colorado Wildlife Action Plan identifies 210 species as being in “Greatest Conservation Need.” Activities funded under this program allows CPW to monitor a wide range of wildlife populations in the state, assess population trends, determine distribution patterns, identify limiting factors, develop conservation or recovery plans, and work with other state, federal and local agencies, and private landowners on implementing recovery plans. In the past year, highlights for some of the efforts are described below: Activity: Bald Eagle Bald eagle monitoring occurs on an annual basis and is primarily focused on monitoring nest occupancy and success. CPW field personnel and volunteers and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory’s volunteer-based Bald Eagle Watch Program complete the monitoring efforts. Black-footed Ferret On Oct 30, 2013, fifty-five Black-footed Ferrets (BFF) were released on the 60,000 acre Walker Ranch north of Pueblo West Colorado. This was the 21st reintroduction of BFF nationwide and the first release of the ferrets on private property under the newly approved US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Safe Harbor Agreement which was finalized on Oct 23, 2013. They are also the first ferrets released in Colorado under SB 13-169 which was supported by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and signed into law on Jun 5, 2013. The bill allows the participation of CPW and the reintroduction of BFF on private lands in Colorado with landowner consent pursuant to the Safe Harbor Agreement. During the 2014 legislative session, HB 14-1267 added municipal lands to those areas where BFF’s could be released. In April, the NRCS started accepting applications under their EQIP program for enrollment in a special effort that will help recover the federally endangered black-footed ferret. Interest in the program was high and over 40 applications were submitted in SE Colorado. Canada Lynx Canada lynx was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2000. Between 1999 and 2006, CPW reintroduced 218 wild-caught lynx from Canada and Alaska in the core reintroduction area in southwestern Colorado. In September 2010, CPW declared the reintroduction effort successful in developing a viable self-sustaining population of Canada lynx in Colorado CPW researchers worked in collaboration with management to develop a cost-effective, minimally-intrusive monitoring program to estimate the extent, stability and distribution of lynx throughout Colorado which is currently being implemented for the winter of 2014-15. Piping Plover and Least Tern Piping plover and interior least tern were listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2003 and 1990 respectively. Colorado’s piping plover population is considered part of the larger Northern Great Plains population of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and Minnesota. Colorado does not have critical habitat designated for either species or specified recovery goals. Least tern and piping plover occupy similar barren beach areas on a limited number of local irrigation reservoirs in southeastern Colorado. 17 �River Otter River otter are listed as a state threatened species. CPW has developed and is implementing a state recovery plan for the species that outlines monitoring protocols. Monitoring was conducted on the Green River in 2009-2010. Based on information from past survey efforts, including the Green River survey and the Dolores River survey in 2011, as well as the sightings database, river otters appear to be expanding their range in Colorado. Statewide monitoring results may demonstrate that recovery criteria in the Colorado River Otter Recovery Plan have been met, a major step in allowing the river otter to be removed from the state threatened list. All three rivers sampled met recovery criteria as of Spring/Summer 2014. ~;:,- (t-. . •, "<-!I: - .~ ·'t4I,;:'; ~ .,,c •t.~.. ..__ ~ - - • .- ",..;;· .·,. ~ ,· •\ .- ' '1 , ,-'..,£·, .. -~ ,'i~.''\·· -:- ·, ,.,,.~-. •. ~.ti! • •, ~ ' .~ ~ ~~ ,, • ... ;~· - • -·- --"'--.....-.c. @tri rn ,lo, -~ . : ..... ~ ---,,, Bats Thirteen of Colorado's 18 species of bats are known to use abandoned mines as roost sites. Historically, common methods used to close mines did not allow for continued use of the mines by bats. This loss of roosting habitat could have devastating effects on some bat populations. In addition “White-nose syndrome” (WNS) is an emerging fungal disease of North American bat species. To date, WNS has likely killed at least five million hibernating bats in caves and inactive mines in the northeastern USA since 2006, and already has contributed to the imperilment of some bat populations and species. CPW conducted surveys at 5 inactive mine projects, totaling ~60 openings. Additional baseline information was collected on bat species native to Colorado and being impacted by WNS in the eastern US. This information includes pit tagging at a maternity site in Western Colorado to identify movement between sites and participating in pilot surveys under the North American Bat Monitoring Project. Lesser Prairie-Chicken The lesser prairie-chicken (LEPC) is an upland nesting grassland bird present in regions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Once present in large numbers, the lesser prairie-chicken population and its original distribution have declined significantly. The Lesser Prairie-chicken was listed as a Threatened Species under the federal Endangered Species Act on May 12, 2014. Gunnison Sage-Grouse Gunnison sage-grouse occupy a small fraction of their historical range, having been extirpated by habitat conversion from much of their historical distribution in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah, and northern New Mexico. Currently, the estimated GUSG range-wide population of 4,516 birds in Colorado is slightly above the population target of 4,500 birds called for in the 2005 Range-wide Conservation Plan. In November 2014, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued its decision to list the Gunnison sage-grouse as "threatened" under the federal Endangered Species Act. Greater Sage-Grouse CPW and four federal agencies adopted the Colorado Greater SageGrouse Conservation Plan in March 2008 to facilitate the conservation of Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) and their habitats in Colorado. The Conservation Plan is guided by the philosophy that local work groups – made up of private landowners, public agency representatives, and other interested stakeholders -- have a pivotal role in greater sage-grouse conservation efforts, which typically cross jurisdictional and ownership boundaries. On March 5, 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a “warranted but precluded” listing for the greater sage-grouse under the federal Endangered Species Act. The decision adds the species to the list of candidate species under the ESA, but precludes formal protections because of “the need to address other 18 �listings of higher priority.” The USFWS assigned the greater sage-grouse a listing priority number of 8, which is a relatively lower priority compared to most other species on the list. In September 2011, a court order directed the USFWS to make listing decisions on nine federal Candidate Species occurring in Colorado. The court order reflects an agreement between USFWS and environmental groups to make a final listing determination for 251 identified species that are currently listed as “warranted but precluded”. Environmental groups charged that a “warranted but precluded” designation left species in a legal limbo in which the species were identified as federal candidate species but received no federal protections available under the Endangered Species Act. White-tailed Ptarmigan: In 2010 the white-tailed ptarmigan (WTPT) was petitioned to be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Center for Biological Diversity 2010). On June 5, 2012 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined that substantial biological information existed to warrant a 12month status review for 2 of the 5 recognized subspecies of WTPT: the Mt. Rainier WTPT that occurs in Washington State and the southern WTPT that occurs throughout alpine areas in Colorado, northern New Mexico and historically in Wyoming. The petitioners and USFWS cited climate change and its impacts to a species dependent on alpine habitats as the main threat to the viability of the 2 WTPT subspecies. In response to the petition, CPW conducted statewide occupancy surveys in 2011 to develop a baseline distribution of the species. These surveys demonstrated that WTPT are widely distributed across the state and had relatively high detection probabilities. However, these surveys did not provide information on the demographics of individual populations (i.e. increasing or decreasing). Being able to incorporate demographic information into surveys would be useful in estimating and understanding actual population numbers, allowing for a better evaluation of the effects climate and other impacts may be having on populations. It would also allow CPW to develop better management strategies to maintain viable populations and avoid further listing scenarios. This project will continue in the next few years which will allow CPW to increased confidence in estimates and to test trends in both survival and population size. Activity funding: GOCO Wildlife Investment: $3,090,000 Total Investment: $7,138,594 19 �Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk Wildlife Purpose Funding During FY 2013-14, at the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASFR) observed significant gains in the production of Arkansas darter, Plains Minnow, and Suckermouth minnow. However, spawning and fertilization rates in captive boreal toad remained low. Further research efforts are warranted for improvement within the production of this species. Currently there are 12 fish species and one amphibian specie housed at the NASFR. Many are State Threatened, Endangered or Species of Special Concern and one is federally listed. NASRF’s overall mission is to recover Colorado Native Aquatic Species in decline. Activity: 2014 Production & Research Highlights The NASRF produced a grand total of 246,911 fish and Boreal toad in 2014. A total of 222,356 fish, tadpoles and toadlets were stocked in 2014 and another 24,555 fish are being over-wintered at NASRF for increased growth and stocking in 2015. The Three-Species Conservation Efforts ● Bluehead Sucker In accordance with the objectives as stated in the State of Colorado’s Conservation and Management Plan for the Roundtail Chub, Bluehead Sucker and Flannelmouth Sucker, NASRF continues to develop a genetically-based propagated stock of Bluehead sucker. For a third year in a row NASRF has successfully spawned Bluehead sucker in captivity. There are currently 22,000 Bluehead suckers in NASRF’s earthen grow-out ponds. ● Flannelmouth Sucker In accordance with the objectives as stated in the State of Colorado’s Conservation and Management Plan for the Roundtail Chub, Bluehead Sucker and Flannelmouth Sucker, NASRF continues to develop a genetically-based propagated stock of Flannelmouth sucker. NASRF received a total of 21 wild Flannelmouth Suckers from the Yampa River in 2013 and again in 2014. NASRF still awaits this species to exhibit spawning behavior and hopefully produce offspring in the spring of 2015. ● Boreal Toad Research In 2014, San Diego Zoo Researcher Natalie Calatayud, Ph.D., spent 6 months at NASRF investigating the induction of reproductive behaviors, gamete release and fertilization in captive boreal toad utilizing exogenous hormones. Specifically, twenty (20) females and thirty-one (31) males were treated with Amphiplex in May, June and July 2014. Although reproductive behaviors were recorded, spawning and fertilization rates remained low. Additionally, another group of females were treated with an hCG,LHRHa protocol to induce spontaneous ovulation. Eggs were then used in vitro fertilization experiments. Dr. Calatayud will return in spring 2015 to further research exogenous hormones to promote reproductive behaviors and embryo production. During 2014, research observations suggest that Amphiplex was very successful in promoting male reproductive behaviors including amplexus and spermiation. Although the use of this protocol on females also led to some egg production it seems that it was not as successful in promoting egg deposition as in previous injection protocol. In the spring of 2014, Mississippi State University & Memphis Zoo Researcher Cecilia Langhorne spent 3 weeks at NASRF continuing with her Boreal toad sperm research. Research focused on sperm cryopreservation and the collection and cold-storage of spermic urine in situ. Fifteen (15) males have been requested and will be sent to MSU to further Langhorne’s research in fall 2014. Activity funding: GOCO Wildlife Investment: $575,000 Total Investment: $1,100,065 20 �Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Purpose funding Viewing Festivals draw thousands of wildlife enthusiasts, families and passers-by to engage in a variety of activities designed to educate and inspire conservation. These activities are held throughout the state at various state parks, state wildlife areas, in classrooms, nature centers, Audubon locations, and other sites which allow for participants to go for a wildlife viewing hike. Each year CPW supports, hosts, and/or collaborates with local agencies, more than 20 annual wildlife viewing events throughout the state. In 2013-14, more than 6,322 volunteer hours supported wildlife viewing festivals throughout the state. Activity: CPW’s Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to a significant segment of Colorado’s population who are interested in the state’s wildlife resources. Watchable Wildlife programs inform and educate millions of citizens and visitors of the many program and project building blocks that support and preserve the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. These efforts provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs to citizens that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. Each spring, there are Great Horned Owls that consistently nest at Connected Lakes, on James M Robb State Park, or on adjacent Audubon property. Teachers plan field trips for this annual event, so that their students can view the owlets. Armed with spotting scopes and binoculars provided by the Watchable Wildlife program, the kids are able to see the owlets in the nest and hopefully an adult nearby. In mid-September, many towns in the Front Range were ravaged by torrential downpours and resulting flooding, impacting homes, businesses, and, of course, ensuing in the tragic loss of life. One area particularly hit hard was the tourist town of Estes Park, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and host of the annual wildlife festival, “Elk Fest.” As the town worked diligently to recover both physically and emotionally from the devastation, Estes decided to move forward with the 16th Annual Elk Fest, maybe as much for the potential economic benefits as for attempting to just feel “normal” again. Work has been taking place over the past two years the ShriverWright State Wildlife Areas in the San Luis Valley, just north of Monte Vista. About 160 acres, was established as a memorial to two water resource leaders in the San Luis Valley -- Doug Shriver and Ray Wright. The men were killed together in an accident in 2011. This not only memorializes two men but also serves as an outdoor classroom for local schools. It includes interpretive signs that explain wildlife and how agriculture fits in, a viewing blind, a one-mile long walking path, and a memorial circle that includes stone benches and a metal table “map” that shows the relationship of the Rio Grande River to the whole valley. Activity Funding GOCO Wildlife Investment - Operating: $235,681 GOCO Wildlife Investment - Capital: $60,183 Total Investment: $295,864 21 �FY 2013-14 GOCO Financial Summary Log Description Parks Purpose Establish & Improve State Parks and Recreation 10196 St. Vrain State Park Phase 3 Master Plan Development 10217 Highline Dredging 10220 Highline Maintenance Complex 11201 Chatfield Plum Creek Entrance Station 11202 Chatfield Phase III Trail Replacement 11203 Cherry Creek Swim Beach Trail 11204 Chatfield Road Improvements 11206 Cherry Creek Road Improvements 11207 Cherry Creek East Waterline Replacement 11209 Staunton Davis Dams Renovations 13200 Lathrop Swim Beach Redevelopment 13201 Trinidad Road Improvement 13203 Golden Gate Road Improvement 13204 Lake Pueblo Juniper Road Phase I 13206 Cherry Creek Perimeter Road Improvements 13207 Chatfield Road Improvements 13208 Eleven Mile Water System Improvements 13215 Eleven Mile State Park: South Side Rehabilitation 13219 Mueller State Park Road Rehabilitation 13220 St. Vrain State Park Pipeline 13224 Staunton Davis Dams Renovations 11171 Land Acquisitions 13172 Capital Development Program - Operating 13175 Cheyenne Mountain State Park Operations 13176 Crawford State Park Operations 13177 Golden Gate State Park Operations 13178 John Martin State Park Operations 13179 Lathrop State Park Operations 13180 Lone Mesa State Park Operations 13181 Rifle Gap State Park Operations 13182 St. Vrain State Park Operations 13183 State Forest State Park Operations GOCO Grant Award Prior Year Reimbursement FY 2013-14 Reimb Request 2,880,000.00 276,000.00 811,500.00 111,000.00 100,000.00 77,250.00 510,000.00 387,500.00 150,000.00 300,000.00 651,464.00 200,000.00 350,000.00 966,208.00 800,000.00 1,900,000.00 638,900.00 380,000.00 500,000.00 324,000.00 2,200,000.00 350,000.00 603,000.00 343,000.00 73,000.00 103,000.00 64,000.00 73,000.00 44,000.00 28,000.00 175,000.00 30,000.00 T-1 2,509,260.12 133,183.60 107,900.81 0.00 0.00 0.00 153,720.87 148,869.64 680.00 64,371.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,565.00 0.00 21,163.78 73,991.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 318,652.17 142,816.40 703,599.19 94,717.88 88,477.11 74,966.13 356,279.13 238,630.36 149,320.00 235,628.73 613,818.07 121,200.59 25,405.54 961,637.00 800,000.00 141,060.26 97,103.98 240.76 240,712.92 290,388.93 1,450,635.46 48,913.57 602,167.24 339,257.90 73,000.00 103,000.00 64,000.00 73,000.00 44,000.00 28,000.00 175,000.00 30,000.00 �FY 2013-14 GOCO Financial Summary Log Description 13184 Staunton State Park Operations 13185 Sylvan Lake State Park Operations 13186 Yampa River State Park Operations 11223 Natural Resource Management Program 12223 Natural Resource Management Program 13173 Natural Resource Management Program 11174 Invasive & Noxious Weed Management 12174 Invasive & Noxious Weed Management 13174 Invasive & Noxious Weed Management Total for the Grant Public Information & Environmental Education 13187 Public Information Program 13188 Environmental Education Program 13190 Youth Program 13189 Volunteer Program Total for the Grant Trails & River Greenways 10230 White River Fourteeners Trail Reconstruction 10231 Recreational Development at Pikes Peak - South Slope 10234 West Magnolia Trail System Plan 10235 Training Colorado's Next Generation of Conservation Workers 11230 Regional Fourteener Trail Maintenance Project 11231 WRV 2012-2013 Partnership for Stewardship 11232 Partnerships to Create Golden Horseshoe Trail Connection 11233 GWT Severance-Windsor Trail Upgrade 11234 Cherry Creek Signage Project Phase I 11235 Dillon RD Travel Plan Implementation 11236 2012-13 FDRD Stewardship Projects 11237 14er Trail Conditions Inventory and Maintenance 11239 Hoosier Pass Trail Planning Project 11240 The Old Sopris Trail Phase I 12230 Paonia River Park Trails Project 12231 Outdoor Stewardship Institute Training Program GOCO Grant Award 185,000.00 110,000.00 115,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 421,000.00 400,000.00 400,000.00 400,000.00 19,030,822.00 Prior Year Reimbursement 0.00 0.00 0.00 29,191.20 10,572.53 0.00 323,968.00 234,795.99 0.00 3,816,233.81 FY 2013-14 Reimb Request 185,000.00 109,100.00 115,000.00 270,731.99 15,032.84 419,803.03 64,313.98 77,853.11 400,000.00 10,382,464.27 271,000.00 290,000.00 275,000.00 306,000.00 1,142,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 271,000.00 253,627.54 219,283.42 306,000.00 1,049,910.96 199,780.00 18,983.00 36,500.00 43,680.00 112,436.00 66,250.00 64,031.00 24,177.00 50,454.00 44,200.00 31,565.00 45,000.00 45,000.00 24,519.00 45,000.00 20,000.00 112,725.47 0.00 87,054.53 18,983.00 36,497.00 14,560.00 55,193.58 66,250.00 64,031.00 24,177.00 50,454.00 43,669.78 31,565.00 27,067.83 45,000.00 24,519.00 8,349.90 6,432.99 T-1 29,120.00 57,242.42 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 17,932.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 �FY 2013-14 GOCO Financial Summary Log Description 12236 WRV 2013-15 Trail Volunteer Leader Capacity 12239 N Fork N Elk Creek Trail 10221 Trails in State Parks 11221 Trails in State Parks 12221 Trails in State Parks 13191 State Trails Program - Operating Total for the Grant Water for Recreational Purposes 11194 Water Acquisitions and Leases 13193 Water Programs Total for the Grant Financial Management 13195 GOCO Funding Management GRAND TOTAL - Parks Purpose GOCO Grant Award 45,000.00 18,600.00 450,000.00 450,000.00 487,548.00 239,000.00 2,561,723.00 Prior Year Reimbursement 0.00 0.00 334,163.21 241,938.05 0.00 0.00 793,121.32 FY 2013-14 Reimb Request 9,807.03 18,600.00 42,154.73 107,250.04 269,928.54 232,019.80 1,283,564.75 360,000.00 150,000.00 510,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 22,539.50 150,000.00 172,539.50 162,000.00 0.00 162,000.00 23,406,545.00 4,609,355.13 13,050,479.48 T-1 �FY 2013-14 GOCO Financial Summary Log Description Wildlife Purpose Habitat Management 11150 Land Acquisitions* 8729 Wildlife Habitat Protection Program* 13151 Acquire High Priority Habitat - Operations 13152 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 13150 Acquire High Priority Habitat 13170 Land Acquisitions* 11153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 12153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 13153 Wetlands Conservation - Capital 13154 GIS Habitat Information Total for the Grant Species Protection 13157 Threated and Endangered Species Recovery 13156 Native Species Protection 13155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk Total for the Grant Wildlife Education and Environment 13158 Wildlife Education 13160 Angler Education Total for the Grant Wildlife Viewing 10161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 11161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 12161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 13161 Wildlife Viewing - Capital 13162 Wildlife Viewing - Operating Total for the Grant GRAND TOTAL - Wildlife Purpose GOCO Grant Award Prior Year Reimbursement FY 2013-14 Reimb Request 1,814,617.00 27,800,000.00 593,000.00 525,000.00 4,800,000.00 1,500,000.00 700,000.00 700,000.00 700,000.00 475,000.00 39,607,617.00 1,054,227.00 25,387,130.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 355,034.00 434,652.14 192,820.63 0.00 0.00 27,423,863.77 0.00 1,944,750.00 593,000.00 521,114.87 0.00 0.00 225,797.48 191,799.40 94,878.63 371,114.99 3,942,455.37 400,000.00 2,690,000.00 575,000.00 3,665,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 400,000.00 2,690,000.00 575,000.00 3,665,000.00 554,000.00 161,000.00 715,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 554,000.00 161,000.00 715,000.00 67,000.00 27,000.00 27,000.00 27,000.00 300,000.00 448,000.00 36,270.61 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 36,270.61 30,729.00 13,701.55 15,751.96 0.00 235,681.40 295,863.91 44,435,617.00 27,460,134.38 8,618,319.28 T-1 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/5ae348e0a32c40bfdbb880eb88c65841.pdf aeed893de039c7ccde4f829f2d172513 PDF Text Text cpw.state.co.us �COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE 6060 Broadway• Denver, Colorado 80216 Phone(303)297-1192 wildlife.state.co.us• parks.state.co.us November 6. 20 l3 Lise Aangeenbrug, Executive Director Great Outdoors Colorado 1600 Broadwa , Su ite 1650 Denver. CO 80202 Dear Li·e. I'm pleased to submit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife ( PW) Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Co lorado Trust (GOCO). This report contains th e activities and accomplishmi::nts achie cd during the fisca l year _QI :!-13 and a financial summary of these program . These accompl ishments reflect the com mitment of the GOCO l3oard and CPW to continue to enhance outdoor recreation, natural resource educat ion. and preser ing habitat and wild li fe for the citizens of Co lorado. The annual report is organized b purpose and centered around the bas ic objective. for GOCO investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. as outlined in A1ticle XXV II of the state Constitut.ion: • • • • • • • • Develop wildlife watching opportunities: Implement educational programs about 'i ildlife and, ildlife en ironment; Provide appropriate programs fo r maintaining Colorado·s diverse ·wildlife heritage; Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critica.l areas: Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Co lorado: Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks. recreation areas. and other locations throughout the state; Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways; Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights: Colorado Parks and Wildlife look fon ard to working in partnership with you and the GOCO Board in the corning years. incerely. ~~~~ Steven M. Yam shi Acting Director. orado Park and Wildlife STATE OF COLORADO John W. Hickenlooper. Governor• Mike King. Executive Director. Department of Natural Resources Steven M. Yamashlta, Ading Director. Colorado Parlls and WikJlife Parlls and Wildlife Commission: Robel1 W. Bray• Chris Caslilian • Jeanne Horne Bill Kane, Vice-Chair• Gaspar Penicone • James Pnbyl • John Singletary, Chair Mark Sm~h. Secretary• James Vigil • Dean Wingfield • Michelle Zimmennan Ex Olfido Membe~: Mike King and John Salazar �Executive Summary Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to provide this annual report to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). This report contains financial and narrative information about CPW's accomplishments between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 (state fiscal year 2012-13) with GOCO Parks and Wildlife purpose funds. Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution delineates eight basic objectives for GOCO investments in outdoor recreation and wildlife programs: Outdoor Recreation: • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout the State of Colorado. • Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. • Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. • Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. Wildlife: • Develop wildlife watching opportunities. • Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. • Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage. • Provide crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas. This annual report is organized accordingly, with GOCO grants grouped into categories based on these constitutional objectives. Parks Purpose CPW utilizes GOCO Parks Purpose funding to support a wide variety of programs, park management activities, and capital projects throughout the state. CPW makes every effort to use GOCO funding in a way that enhances results in "on the ground" enhancements - tangible impacts that enhance the visitor experience and result in safer, more sustainable parks and facilities. In FY 2012-13, CPW parks welcomed more than 11.5 million visitors and GOCO funding contributed to programs and improvements that enhance and promote outdoor recreation, at every state park. During FY 2012-13, particular Parks purpose highlights include: • Opening of Staunton State Park - Staunton State Park opened to the public May 18, 2013. Staunton provides more than 3,800 acres of diverse Colorado landscape. GOCO funds supported the development of Staunton's infrastructure including roads, parking lots, water, wastewater, trails and facilities. Staunton has been developed to reflect recreation, conservation and educational opportunities for the citizens of Colorado. The opening of the park has drawn great attention and has been featured in various publications include the Colorado Outdoor MagazineMay/June 2013 issue and an article from Colorado Springs Gazette - included in this report. • Volunteer Program - For this reporting period, over 4,900 volunteers contributed more than 205,900 volunteer hours-the equivalent of 99 full-time employees with a value of over $4.4 million. In the process, these volunteers helped State Parks in a variety of key areas including serving as campground hosts, providing interpretive programs, trail construction, weed control, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and even fundraising. This effort was 100% funded through parks purpose GOCO funds. �• Youth Outreach Programs and Connecting Kids to the Outdoors - Using GOCO funds, CPW continued its ongoing partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), and Colorado Youth Corps, which is a statewide coalition of youth conservation corps that employs and trains youth and young adults on land, water, and energy conservation projects. Participants include both in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16-26. Colorado Youth Corps members worked over 12,600 hours completing 32 project weeks at 18 state park locations. The project accomplishments of the 157 corps members included: I0.5 miles of trail corridor cleared, 5.5 miles of trail constructed, 2.7 miles of trail maintained, 30 acres of trees removed, and 33 acres of weeds removed. • Stewardship of Colorado's Parks and Wildlife's Lands - After 10 years of baseline resource information data gathering, biologists are now monitoring changes in State Park resources while also inventorying resources never documented. Significant findings of rare species, palcontological, and archeological resources have occurred. The volunteer raptor monitoring citizen science program expanded from thi1teen to sixteen parks with a 21 % increase in volunteer participation. Partnering with Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado Youth Corps has provided for the removal of pine beetle killed trees posing safety issues. Several priority forest management projects occurred on seven state parks. One new Colorado Natural Area was designated, and 69 areas were monitored, utilizing 150 volunteers and partnerships with US Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, Universities, and other entities. Wildlife Purpose CPW utilizes GOCO W ildl ile Purpose funding to support a wide variety of programs, management activities, and capital projects throughout the state. This partnersh ip of funds continue to provide the citizens of Colorado with tangible impacts that protect wildlife and conserve and enhance habitat, protect native species, provide for wetlands conservation and a variety of educational experiences throughout the year. Highlights of work accomplished in FY 20 12-13, for Wildli fe purpose funds include: • • • • Protection of more than 26,000 acres of wildlife habitat through 6 conservation easements and I fee title acquisition. The wildlife habitat includes shortgrass prairie habitat, habitat for Greater and Gunnison Sage Grouse, big game migration corridors and habitat, angling, and habitat for species of concern. Launched the "Get Outdoors Colorado" website; www.getoutdoorscolorado.org in March 20 I 3. This informational and interactive website offers and promotes outdoor activities. "Get Outdoors Colorado" partners work together to foster and facilitate educational experiences and to encourage participants of all skill levels, abilities, and backgrounds to interact with the outdoors in a way that encourages healthy. active outdoor lifestyles; conservation, awareness and respect; natural resource stewardship and recreation participation. Nearly 750 volunteers worked on 239 CPW projects in FY 2012-1 3, providing 51,000 hours of work, or the workload of approxi mately 24.5 FTE. Volunteers donated time and energy worth more than $1.1 million to the CPW's wildlife programs. Improved wildlife habitat on more than 54,000 acres of private lands in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. �Report Format Each project and program area included in this annual report consists of four sections. A Summary Table, that lists all the GOCO logs associated with grant programs that were active during FY 2012-13, the grant amount, expenditures made during the year, cumulative expenditures to date, the remaining balance of the grant and the expiration date of the grant. The Overall Program Costs will contain the total cost of the program for the reporting year. This will include all funds that were expended in support of the program goals. The Program Description and Objectives section provides a break out of expenditures for the program, example below, and brief summary regarding the overall purpose of a program area. This information may include historical composition and long term plans to provide the reader with perspective of the program. Example: Program Expenditures GOCOLog# Project Name Grant Amount Prior Year Expenses FY 13 Expenses Grant Balance The Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 will list highlights and/or accomplishments achieved within the reporting year. �Great Outdoors Colorado Annual Report Colorado Parks & Wildlife Purpose Funding Fiscal Year 2012-13 Table of Contents Parks Purpose Establish and Improve State Parks Land Acquisitions ................................................................................................................................. I Park Capital Improvements .................................................................................................................. 3 Capital Development Program .............................................................................................................. 6 Resource Management .......................................................................................................................... 7 Vegetation Management ..................................................................................................................... 11 Forest Management. ............................................................................................................................ 14 State Park Operations .......................................................................................................................... 16 Public Information and Environmental Education Public Information Program ............................................................................................................... 22 Environmental Education Program ..................................................................................................... 25 Volunteer Program .............................................................................................................................. 27 Youth Program .................................................................................................................................... 29 Trails and River Greenways State Trails Program ........................................................................................................................... 30 Trail Grants ......................................................................................................................................... 32 Trails in State Parks ............................................................................................................................ 36 Water for Recreational Purposes Water Program .................................................................................................................................... 38 Water Acquisitions and Leases ........................................................................................................... 38 Management of GOCO Investments GOCO Funding Management ............................................................................................................. 40 Wildlife Purpose Habitat Protection Acquire High Priority Habitat. ............................................................................................................ 42 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters ............................................................................................... 45 Wetlands Conservation ....................................................................................................................... 4 7 GIS Habitat Information ..................................................................................................................... 48 Species Protection Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery .................................................................................. 51 Native Species Protection ................................................................................................................... 55 Propagation of Aquatic Species At Risk ............................................................................................. 65 Wildlife Education Youth Education ................................................................................................................................. 71 River Stewardship ............................................................................................................................... 72 Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing ................................................................................................................................ 74 Wildlife Viewing - Capital ................................................................................................................. 79 V �Parks Purpose Establish and Improve State Parks Land Acquisitions GOCO Log Project Name Grant Amount Prior Year Reimb 207,292 IO 171 LAND ACQUISITIONS $ 350,000 $ 11171 LAND AQUISITIONS $ 350,000 $ 12171 LAND AQUISITIONS $ 350,000 $ $ 1,050,000 $ Totals 207,292 FY 2013 Reimb $ 13,946 Grant Balance Expiration $ 128,762 06/30/13 $ $ 350,000 06/30/14 $ $ 350,000 06/30/15 $ 828,762 $ 13,946 Program Description and Objectives GOCO funding has been a cornerstone in the acquisition of CPW's overall land base. GOCO funding awarded under this grant has enabled the purchase of land to create new state parks or to add to existing state parks. In-holdings within and adjoining lands next to state parks need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access and recreational opportunities, protect critical wildlife habitat and migration corridors, address visitor safety or trespass issues, and enhance the management of the park. In some cases, the acquisition of land also helps to resolve boundary disputes and right-of-way problems. These acquisitions are largely opportunistic. CPW may use GOCO funds to acquire fee title or conservation easements on lands that are not directly adjacent to or within a state park, in order to fulfill other aspects of CPW's mission. These acquisitions and/or easements may include parcels that comprise designated or new Natural Areas or trail corridor connections. CPW program objectives align with the GOCO strategic plan, as stated below. Great Outdoors Colorado 2010 Strategic Plan: • Make strategic investments in the protection of priority landscapes via fee title purchase and acquisition of conservation easements. • Make investments through the CPW for the protection of buffers to or in-holdings within existing state parks or to acquire new parks. • Continue to make priority investments in the preservation of rivers and riparian corridors. • Support State Parks in developing a strategic approach to upgrading and renovating aging state park facilities Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 In FY 12-13, CPW renewed two annual leases on State Land Board (SLB) owned properties. The lease at Trinidad Lake State Park in Las Animas County is utilized for hunting and hiking on 100acres of the Reilly Canyon parcel. The lease at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) in Chaffee County, called the Tiger Lily parcel, provides a 400 acre portage trail for boaters to avoid a dangerous white water rapid on the Arkansas River. CPW performed due diligence activities related to two pending real estate transactions involving the acquisition of fee title. The parcels, both of which are located in Chaffee County and lie adjacent to the Arkansas River, will be added to the AHRA: the 3-acre Ruby Mountain Ranch parcel and the 42-acre Arkansas River Placer parcel. The parcels will be managed by CPW to allow improved river access for anglers and boaters. Finally, CPW spent GOCO funds for a survey of a portion of Lake Pueblo State Park in Pueblo County in order to establish the boundaries of a right-of-way easement that CPW �is acquiring from a private landowner. The easement will allow CPW staff to cross one of the larger private in-holdings within the park in order to access more remote areas within Lake Pueblo State Park. U u FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -2- �Park Capital Improvements 10207 HPCC CTTNWD CG 10196 HPVR MASTER PLAN 10200 DAM MAINTENANCE 10204 SEMU ROAD OVERLAY 10210 HPNS MARINABAY I 0211 ASSETINV &CONDASSMT 10212 ROAD INV&EVALUATN 10214 HPST PHASE I DEVELOPMT 10215 ENERGY EFFICNCY RETROFIT 10216 HPSF CG IMPR 10217 RMHI DREDGING 10218 HPJA BOAT RAMP PARKING 10219 ACCS HPCH MARCYGULCHCULV I 0220 RMHI MAINT CMPLX 11200 HPCH CAMPER REGIST BLDG 11201 HPCH PLUM CRK ENTR STATN 11202 HPCH PHASE 3 TRAIL REPLC 11203 HPCC SWIM BEACH TRAIL 11204 HPCH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 11205 HPCC ASPHALT RESURFACE 11206 HPCC ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 11207 HPCC E WATERLINE REPLACE 11208 SEPU S SIDE WTRLINE REPL 11209 HPST DAVIS DAMS RENOVATN 13200 SELA SWIM BEACH REDEVELP 13201 SETR ROAD IMP RV PH I 13202 RMNJ ROAD RENOVATION 13203 HPGG ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 13204 SEPU ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 13205 HPCC ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 13206 HPCC PERIMETER RD IMPROV 13207 HPCH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 13208 SEEM WATER SYS IMPROV 13209 HPCH BUILDING RENOVATION 13210 HPCH ROOF REPLACEMENT Totals $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ s $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 162,500 2,880,000 107,124 250,000 600,000 139,995 5,000,000 1,000,000 90,000 276,000 42,500 37,500 811,500 125,000 111,000 100,000 77,250 510,000 25,000 387,500 150,000 1,200,000 300,000 651,464 200,000 520,380 350,000 966,208 150,000 800,000 1,900,000 638,900 500,000 300,000 $ 21,359,821 $ 103,327 $ 2,383,654 $ 107,124 $ $ $ 127,539 $ $ 1,087,601 $ $ 14,885 $ 56,151 $ 42,499 $ 30,000 $ 9,368 $ $ $ $ $ 86 $ 23,322 $ 154 $ 180 $ 1,200,000 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ s $ $ $ $ s 59,173 119,327 226,209 572,395 12,456 $ $ 3,480,046 $ 1,000,000 $ 75,l 15 $ 77,033 $ $ 98,532 $ $ s $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 5,185,891 $ 6,338,907 s 153,635 1,678 148,716 500 64,371 4,565 150,000 21,164 73,991 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 377,019 23,791 27,605 432,353 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 800,000 1,878,836 564,909 500,000 300,000 $ 9,835,024 142,816 I 7,500 703,599 125,000 111,000 100,000 77,250 356,279 238,630 149,320 235,629 651,464 200,000 520,380 350,000 961,643 Program Description and Objectives CPW's state park infrastructure is vital to promoting and providing a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities for the citizens of Colorado. Many structures are more than 50 years old and require continuous maintenance, restoration, and improvement to provide safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities. Occasionally, new and diverse features are identified as a more cost effective alternative to repairing certain structures. Since the state park system is dependent on revenue from visitors for operational funds, maintaining and improving basic park facilities is an important part of sustaining a solid base of visitation and generating enough cash revenues to cover a majority of the operating costs of the state park system. Long-term master planning maybe required to adequately identify the large scale projects in the park and provide a map of how to accomplish the projects utilizing all resources in the most efficient and effective manner. During Fiscal Year 2012-13 there were three major projects in this program: Continued implementation of the St. Vrain Master Plan, Phase 1 development of Staunton State Park, and ~ FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -3- 09/30/12 06/30/14 09/30/12 06/30/14 06/30/13 09/30/12 09/30/12 06/30/13 06/30/13 06/30/13 06/30/14 06/30/13 06/30/13 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/14 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 06/30/15 �Renovation of the Davis Ponds at Staunton State Park. described below. Work completed on these projects is St Vrain State Park Master Plan Implementation The road, water delivery system, toilets, day use area and reservoir improvements at St. Vrain State Park were completed. The entrance station was delayed to accommodate nesting birds and finalizing negotiations for the easement and the project will be completed in early 2014. Staunton State Park Staunton State Park opened to the public in May 2013. Staunton lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within Park and Jefferson Counties and is surrounded by the Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. These features attract many outdoor and nature enthusiasts. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. 1n approximately one month, this ark has had more than 7 1,000 visitors. Visitors are greeted at a new Park Entrance off of Upper Ranch Road designed to reflect the resources within. During 20 12- 13, GOCO funds were used to complete the development of capital infrastructure on the park which includes: ¼ mile of paved road; 94 parking spaces in three parking areas; ¼ mile of waterlines; an onsite wastewater treatment system; 10 miles of multi use trails and 3 miles of hiking trails; l picnic shelter; 1 water treatment bui lding; 1 temporary entrance station and office; open line shed; 2 double vault toile ts buildings and 1 temporary toilet. Complications in negotiating water rights, and the ability to release water in the w inter, and ongoing wetland mitigation negotiations with the Anny Corps caused delays in th.is project. Additional aspects were discovered during the design of the dams that increased anticipated costs to bring these dams in compliance with the State Engineer's standards. Once definitive costs were identified, CPW requested funds for reauthorization to begin construction on the Davis Dams. The GOCO Board approved the request for $2.2 million dollars for a total project cost of $2.5 million and will be completed in June 2015. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The CPW and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have executed agreements to establish a landmark 50/50 monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Trinidad State Parks. Through this partnership the U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers committed to funding one half of a combined total of up to $38 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado Parks and Wildlife's share of the partnership comes primarily from GOCO and Lottery funding, FY 2012- 13 CPW Wildl(fe Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -4- �with a small amount of Highway User's Trust Fund (HUTF) funding. The Army Corps Cost Share agreement is subject to the federal budget/appropriations process and any corresponding adjustments. For the past five years, these three parks maintain an average of more than three million visitors each year and offer a variety of recreational opportunities. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 Chatfield State Park • Completed the resurfacing of the 1.34 miles of road from the top of the Chatfield dam, down the back face of the dam, and east to the Cottonwood Grove parking and picnic area. • Completed the exterior retrofits to the Plum Creek Entrance Station to allow for taller vehicles to pass through and interior modifications will continue through December 2013 that will allow for ADA accessibility. • A design analysis was completed on the replacement of the Camper Registration Building and construction will begin in the fall of 2013. • The design for the Phase 3 trail replacement is complete and construction will begin in the fall. This project will remove the asphalt that is currently causing tripping hazards and will be completely replaced by spring of 2014. Cherry Creek State Park The swim beach trail is a non-accessible asphalt trail that is being replaced with a concrete trail. The design is complete and construction of the new trail is targeted for completion in early 2014. This trail will provide access from the picnic area to the swim beach. Park Capital Projects During FY 2012-13 the following projects were completed: • Restoration at the North Sterling Marina Bay - This project addressed the shoreline erosion by adding rip-rap to prevent future erosion. • Chatfield Marcy Gulch Bridge - Replaced the bike and pedestrian bridge that had been identified as a safety concern. • Jackson Lake Boat Ramp Parking Lot - This project paved a section of the dirt lot to assist in minimizing dust and erosion. • Energy Retrofits - This project identified water and electrical fixtures that required updating and/or replacing to enhance cost efficiencies at the following State Parks: John Martin, Lake Pueblo, Barr Lake, Golden Gate, Cherry Creek, Ridgeway, and Colorado River State Park. The estimated savings in energy bills is estimated at $100,000 per year. • Lake Pueblo South Side Waterline - This project sleeved a deteriorating concrete water pipe to enable better water quality and eliminate leaks. At the May 2013 GOCO Board meeting, CPW requested extensions on four projects listed below. Funding for these projects now expire in June of 2014 and will be included in the Annual Report for FY 2013-14. • St Vrain State Park Phase 3 Master Plan Development - GOCO Log # 10196 • Highline Lake State Park Dredging - GOCO Log # 10217 • Highline Lake State Park Maintenance Complex - GOCO Log # 10220 • Mueller State Park Road Overlay-GOCO Log #10204 FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -5- �Capital Development Program GOCO Log Project Name 12172 CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGMT Totals Grant Amount FY 2013 Reimb $ 603,000 $ 603,000 $ 603,000 $ $ 603,000 $ Grant Balance Expiration 06/30/13 Program Description and Objectives CPW's capital development program is responsible for managing the design, construction, development and completion of projects throughout the state. These projects range in size and complexity and are vital to enhance recreational opportunities throughout the State and identify new opportunities. Activities include planning, designing, engineering, budget and contract management, evaluating contractor qualifications, inspections of work being performed, and project completion sign-off. The capital development program is further responsible for the design and implementation of the asset inventory system, energy efficiency feasibility analyses, administrative office space planning and management, and numerous other aspects of managing capital facilities. The program objectives are to guide a wide range of decision making and management of all constructed assets. The specific objective of the Asset Inventory is to develop facility and infrastructure evaluation criteria and a methodology to survey and assess the physical condition of the constructed assets within Colorado's state parks. The evaluation criteria will not only establish benchmarks for the assessment of the conditions and needs of park infrastructure but will also serve as the basis for quantifying the costs to maintain the assets and serve as a tool to help predict and recommended capital improvements. Key goals of the development of the criteria are to minimize future maintenance obligations and establish renovation and construction guidelines that will provide uniformity and therefore improve the cost-effectiveness for future construction and maintenance of projects. During FY 2012-13, CPW's capital development team and GOCO staff implemented quarterly capital status meetings. These meetings are a great communication tool where all parties have the opportunity to identify and discuss potential changes and/or issues within a project. This collaborative approach allows for short- and long-term planning and success for this program. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 In FY 20 I 2-13 nine capital project managers were involved in overseeing work on over 180 active capital projects in various stages of completion, with a combined value of over $50 million. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -6- �Resource Management Program GOCO Log Project Name 12173 RESOURCE MGMT PROGRAM Totals Grant Amount FY 201 3 Reimb S 42 1,000 $ 397.44 1 S 23,559 S 421,000 $ 397,441 S 23 ,559 Grant Balance Expiration 06/30/13 Program Description and Objectives The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado ' s public recreation areas. The program provides leadership and assistance to staff on a variety of resource issues in seven major program areas: • • • • • • • Natural resmuce inventories, monitoring, and stewardship planning for each state park Noxious weed mapping and management recommendations GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Natural Areas Program coordination Forest management Re-vegetation and Restoration Comprehensive Resource stewardship plans contain information about vegetation and rare plants, wildlife and rare animals water geology, soils, archeology, paleontology, cultural history, internal and surrounding land uses, and property ownership at state parks. Surveys are conducted to map and document the condition of vegetation, rare plants, noxious weeds, and selected wildlife habitat, as well as paleontological and archeological resources. Survey data is used to provide park staff with up to date infonnation on natural resources, as well as goals and details for the protection of these resources. Program staff also develop resource management prescriptions which focus on noxious weed management, park specific re-vegetation & restoration and specific resource issues (wildlife/trash interactions, rattlesnakes, large predators cottonwood/willow maintenance, etc), as well as monitoring methods. Management prescriptions are based on each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities . Managing volunteers to perform resource monitoring is another important aspect of this program, with a particular focus on the monitoring of breeding birds, birds of prey, rare plants, amphibians, and reptiles. Collaboration with the Natural Areas Program benefits parks through rare plant monitoring and botany expertise for park lands. GIS production and management is an ongoing activity within this program and is utilized to support planning and maintenance. GlS data is collected or compiled from other sources (e.g. engineering drawings) and maintained for each park to create a variety of maps, including trail maps. The data is used for infom1ation requests, planning (avoiding sensitive plants, animal habitat or cultural resources when creating a new trail), and construction activities. Boundary and parcel information is tracked in G1S, including which parcels are purchased with which fonding source, how many acres and location of easements. Utilities and maintenance information is tracked including data on noxious weed locations, water, sewer and electric line locations. All FY 2012-13 CPW Wi!dl(fe Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -7- �park field offices have GIS systems available and have at least one staff member trained in its use. Environmental and Cultural Reviews conducted by the Resource Management Program are a vital step in the capital development process. Program staff review development project descriptions, review GIS infonnation on habitat, species occurrence, and significant cultural resources in the area surrounding the project, visit the site of the project to conduct habitat evaluations, and consult with other biologists, archaeologists and park staff to produce a recommendation on a given project's impact on significant resources and compliance with state and federal regulations. Colorado Natural Areas Program has 117 designated or registered natural areas encompassing 235,523 acres. These Natural Areas were established to protect natural resources of statewide significance and importance. These areas can be owned by federal, state, local or private entities; the program's role is to ensure proper stewardship of these rare and special areas through cooperative agreements. Areas are eligible for designation based on a variety of factors, but in general the aim is to incorporate the best representative examples of rare plants, rare animals, native ecosystems, unique geology and unique paleontology. Protection of these areas requires vigilant monitoring, accomplished with a cadre of over 150 volunteers. Volunteers monitor these areas with regular photo monitoring, fill out detailed technical tracking fonns, or may perform technical plant counts. Staff visits 20-40 designated or registered sites a year, as well as several new sites to be surveyed and evaluated for inclusion into the Program. The program collaborates with partners to implement stewardship projects, research studies or outreach to protect Colorado's most significant natural areas. Forest management is an ongoing Colorado Parks and Wildlife program that actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. The project funding helps maintain continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate forest management plans on all parcels. Investing in forest management activities helps improve the ability of state parks to recover from the effects of wildfires, insects and diseases and helps reduce the risk of wildfire to communities within the vicinity of many state parks. Noxious weed mapping and management planning is an ongoing program that ensures weed populations are mapped and monitored in state parks and that state parks have weed management plans. Based upon species found, weed management priorities are provided and coordination on weed· management obligations occurs with field staff to ensure compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. Work is done in collaboration with parks field staff, as well as the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Re-vegetation and Restoration is an ongoing program that provides state parks and park capital development projects with re-vegetation seed mix specifications. These specifications are developed to match species growing in the area and meet re-vegetation needs of specific locations. This program also responds to restoration needs on parks. These responses have included re-vegetation responses to the High Park Fire and habitat improvements required to mitigate project impacts to listed endangered species. Responses range from providing seed mix recommendations to coordinating with outside organizations to perfonn on the ground restoration projects. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 Resource Stewardship Planning The following are the major resource projects, inventories and surveys performed during FY 2012-13: FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -8- �• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Weed Mapping and Weed Management Plan development - Golden Gate Canyon, Castlewood Canyon, and Staunton State Parks. Bird Surveys (Breeding, Raptor, Owl surveys) - John Martin, Mueller, Yampa Ri ver, Elkhead, Staunton, Cheyenne Mountain, St. Vrain, Castlewood Canyon Small Mammal Surveys - Castlewood Canyon Herptile Surveys - Castlewood Canyon Dog Management Recommendations - Staunton Prairie Dog Management Planning - Lake Pueblo Paleontology and Geology Surveys - North Sterling Paleontology Interpretative Development - Lake Pueblo, Roxborough Geologic Hazard Reports - North Sterling Completed a weed map at Yampa State Park. lnfonnation collected will assist m development of a weed management plan for FY 13-14. Cultural Resource/Archeology Resource Advice - Lone Mesa, Trinidad, Staunton, Lake Pueblo, Sylvan Lake, Stagecoach, Lone Mesa, Trinidad 1 Lake, Roxborough, Lake Pueblo Re-vegetation Projects (seed mix/re-vegetation specifications) - Roxborough, Sylvan Lake, Lake Pueblo, John Martin Reservoir, Lone Mesa, Ridgeway, Cheyenne Mountain, Staunton, Lory Ecological Restoration - Lory State Park High Park Fire Restoration Volunteer Project Technology - GIS software, Binoculars, development of wildlife sightings and raptor monitoring databases Stewardship Planning • New or updated stewardship plans were drafted or completed at Lone Mesa, Roxborough, Staunton, and Lake Pueblo. • A new round of surveys focused on monitoring resources already inventoried and addresses resources that have never been documented at parks. Archeological and paleontological resources were documented at several parks and detailed interpretive displays were created for Roxborough and Lake Pueblo through this project. Detailed breeding bird information gathered as part of the stewardship planning process and the volunteer raptor monit01ing program was expanded to more parks to provide inventory and monitoring data. Rare species surveys were conducted at several parks to include bats, plants, and birds. All of this infonnation provides the information necessary to help protect and manage resources at our parks. • A partnership with the University of Colorado (Denver) for paleontological fossil surveys and has produced some scientifically significant discoveries that will open the way for state parks to be interpretive sites for dinosaur era resources. Interpretive displays and interactive acti vities are available at Lake Pueblo and Roxborough. A continuing partnership with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers assisted parks in restoring native habitats and train parks employees on restoration techniques. Through this collaboration, 70+ volunteers worked at Lory restoring high intensity bum areas from the High Park fire. Collaboration and information sharing with other agencies included work with Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas, Colorado Department of Agriculture, State Land Board, and Upper Arkansas Weed District. • Volunteers were utilized in several areas to perfonn stewardship work on state parks. The raptor monitoring program managed nearly 100 volunteers who logged over 12,800 FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 9- �hours monitoring raptor nesting and habitat use on 16 state parks. Volunteers also performed surveys on breeding birds, raptors, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. Natural Areas • During FY 2012-13, CPW was monitoring approximately 235,523 acres in 117 registered or designated natural areas. Corral Bluffs Natural Area was added to the monitoring profile. Corral Bluffs is owned by the City of Colorado Springs Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department located in El Paso County, four miles east of Colorado Springs. Corral Bluffs contains extensive geologic and paleontological values. It is reportedly the best site in Colorado and one of the top 20 sites in the world, to find mammals from the first one million years of the Age of Mammals. The bluffs expose the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (K-T boundary), and contains fossil mammals, leaves and very large petrified trees. Corral Bluffs also has interesting biological and archaeological features and with this new designation CNAP can protect this unique space for current and future Colorado citizens. • CPW staff and/or volunteers visited 69 of the Designated and Registered Natural Areas to monitor sensitive features and look for threats. During the 2012 field season, identified potential threats on several Natural Areas and brought these to the attention of the land managers. For example, on Copeland Willow Carr, CPW staff and volunteers identified and mapped a new noxious weed invasion, provided the data to City of Longmont and they are now in the process of eliminating that threat from the pristine wetland. • CPW utilized Species Conservation Trust Funding to advance several rare plant conservation and research projects. These efforts include keeping species off federal lists, developing science-based Best Management Practices for oil and gas development, and mapping newly discovered species within the state. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM, Universities, and other partners, CPW's dollars have magnified the effectiveness of rare plant conservation in Colorado. • In partnership with private landowners, USFWS and the BLM, CNAP supported fencing of a highly threatened and essential population of an endangered plant near Montrose. This project both protects the species and provided for monitoring that will inform future grazing management in rare plant habitat. • CPW created and expanded new populations of a rare plant species recently petitioned for federal listing as a threatened species. This effort is intended to reduce the pressure on the two original populations in addition to understanding more about the habitat requirements for this rare plant. If successful, this project may serve to improve the integrity of this very rare species. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 10- �Vegetation Management Program GOCO Log Project Name 10174 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 11174 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 12174 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT Totals Grant Amount Prior Year Reimb $ $ $ $ FY2013 Reimb Grant Balance Expiration 06/30/13 400,000 $ 238,137 $ 85,831 $ 76,032 06/30/14 $ 234,796 $ 165,204 400,000 $ 06/30/15 400,000 $ 1,200,000 305,941 $ 544,078 $ 88,601 $ 409,228 $ 5,458 $ 246,694 Program Description and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado funds contribute to vegetative management efforts at many of the parks statewide. This program sustains native ecosystems by containing noxious weed infestations and provides a proactive approach to better manage the natural habitats at our parks. GOCO funds are used to support identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means; development of integrated weed management plans; selective application of herbicides; bio-controls and weed agents; and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has become especially important in recent years, especially in parks faced with new forest pest invasions including the pine beetle. Funding distribution, large scale projects, re-vegetation, mapping and development of weed plans are coordinated by the Resource Stewardship Program. A large portion ofCPW's vegetation management efforts are cooperative, with local county weed control coordinators, county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service, and adjoining landowners playing an important role. Accomplishments in FY 12-13 CPW integrated weed management approach on over 6,300 acres across all state parks. Revegetation projects of small and large scale occurred at a greater frequency and are making an impact on native vegetation communities. Tamarisk, Russian olive and Siberian elm are aggressively treated at parks where they occur. Hazard trees continue to be a priority as this issue becomes more prevalent following drought years. Northeast Region Chatfield State Park treated 185 acres of weeds utilizing efforts from contractors, staff and volunteers. The park removed 218 Russian olives with the assistance of Mile High Youth Corps. Staff focused efforts in high use areas while contractor's worked along the bike paths removing puncture vine. 108 acres were treated by an application to control thistles, knapweed, mullein and leafy spurge and park staff provided treatment of 31.8 acres to control noxious weeds in high visitor use areas. • Cherry Creek State Park used integrated weed management techniques to reduce noxious weed infestations on 525 acres. Eleven Mile State Park applied herbicide to approximately 95 acres throughout the park to control yellow toadflax, Cana<la thistle, spotted knapweed, and other species. The chemical milestone is providing effective control of Canada thistle which is a widespread issue in the park. • Golden Gate Canyon State Park is focusing control efforts on yellow toadflax, leafy spurge and Canada thistle. • Jackson Lake State Park treated approximately 130 acres of Canada thistle, field bindweed, white top and other noxious weeds. • • FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 11 - �• • • • Lory State Park has seen a large increase in noxious weeds in the High Park Fire area, though some quick seeding and restoration work has reduced negative impacts. The park partnered with multiple organizations to assist in protecting their native vegetation. Northern Colorado Water Conservation District and Wildland Restoration Volunteers helped with re-vegetation efforts. Larimer County Weed District helped to spray herbicide on noxious weeds and Larimer County Sheriff's Office provided inmates to conduct manual removal of noxious weeds. North Sterling State Park staff identified tamarisk on the park for the first time and attacked it heavily with good success so far. The park increased area treated through all methods to 530 acres. St. Vrain State Park re-vegetated 10 acres and used multiple techniques on 420 acres to prevent spread of noxious weeds. Spinney Mountain State Park had approximately 34 acres treated to control Canada thistle, and three live tamarisk plants were discovered and treated below the high water line in willow-lined areas. Annual monitoring will continue to identify any new tamarisk infestations. Areas that were previously dense monocultures of Canada thistle have been successfully reduced to a few spotty infestations. A continuing re-vegetation effort on 4 acres located on the Pallas Property, land CPW manages for the City of Aurora, to reestablish native plants. Northwest Region • James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park has expanded vegetation management work on the park by leveraging GOCO funding as grant match for a large project with the Desert Rivers Collaborative and Tamarisk Coalition. 59 acres of herbicide application is having a positive effect at Connected Lakes. Volunteers from GJHS service learning class helped with an important re-vegetation project and the park is utilizing several irrigation barrels to currently achieve 100% survival for plants purchased for this project. • Elkhead Reservoir State Park projects focused on native vegetation planting and tree planting. Contractors have worked hard to knock back the Dalmatian Toadflax which has come back to the reservoir this year with a vengeance. Local volunteers have planted 17 trees at various locations on the park, primarily in the campground. This mix of Cottonwoods and Aspen were donated to the park as well as the irrigation system to supply water. This project was a cooperative effort between a local civic group, the City of Craig and the park. Staff has also used GOCO funding to plant and maintain native grasses and forbs at the day use areas like the ski-beach and boat ramp beach. • Highline Lake State Park applied herbicide to 30 acres and worked to remove tamarisk, Russian olive and Siberian elm on 8 acres. Hazardous tree pruning and removal was completed. • Pearl Lake State Park focused on eliminating knapweeds and houndstongue with seasonal staff. Rehabilitating and re-vegetating burn piles from forestry treatments were completed. • Stagecoach State Park is continuing to see progress in weed treatments and has developed a partnership with neighboring land owners to ensure cross boundary weeds are treated at the same time. • Steamboat Lake State Park is making great progress reducing noxious weeds throughout the park. Rehabilitating and re-vegetating burn piles from forestry treatments were completed and remain a priority. • Vega State Park used contractors to apply herbicide to 160 acres on two separate occasions. • At Yampa State Park, all parking areas were treated with bare ground control and islands within parking lots were covered with weed barrier and crushed rock to inhibit weed growth. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 12 - u �Southeast Region • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area used Department of Correction crews to help remove hazard trees and re-vegetate disturbed areas. Noxious weed control efforts focused on kochia, Russian thistle, and Canada thistle. • John Martin Reservoir State Park has removed all tamarisk from the east shoreline of Lake Hasty. Staff completed herbicide application on 4 miles of trail and worked on hazard tree pruning and removal of 15 hazardous trees. • Lake Pueblo State Park is having good success from treatment in the Rock Canyon area from an annual herbicide application. The park hired a new PRT with vegetation management expertise and is providing additional training to expand certifications. • Lathrop and San Luis State Parks treated and removed tamarisk, applied noxious weed treatment and completed hazard tree work. • Trinidad Lake State Park treated 207 acres of noxious weeds and has begun to get all weed populations on the park mapped in GIS. Southwest Region • Crawford State Park treated 25 acres for Russian knapweed, Canada thistle and musk thistle. • Lone Mesa State Park completed over 35 acres of control efforts and now monitoring the forest management areas for weeds. • Mancos State Park utilized herbicide and mechanical means to control mullein and Canada thistle around the lake. • Navajo State Park utilized expertise from Archuleta County to treat a variety of noxious weeds. Trees were replaced in the campgrounds. Tamarisk and other noxious weeds in the Sambrito wetland are being targeted as part of a wetland improvement project which will ultimately improve habitat for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse. • Paonia State Park treated approximately 6 acres ofa 2.5 mile section along Hwy 133; this particular area is developing a serious weed problem. • Sweitzer State Park continues to battle tamarisk on the north side of the lake and treated about 7 acres of various noxious weeds. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 13 - �Forest Management GOCO Log Project Name Grant Amount Prior Year FY2013 Reimb Reimb I 0223 FOREST MANAGEMENT $ 300,000 $ 11223 FOREST MANAGEMENT $ 300,000 12223 FOREST MANAGEMENT Totals Grant Balance Expiration $ 201,265 $ 0 06/30/13 $ $ 29,191 $ 270,809 06/30/14 $ 300,000 $ $ 10,573 $ 289,427 06/30/15 $ 900,000 $ $ 241,029 $ 98,735 98,735 560,236 Program Description and Objectives CPW's State Parks' Forest Management Program exists to provide opportunities that improve the resilience of state parks areas to recover from the effects of wildfire and insect/disease epidemics. By investing in the treatment and removal of hazardous forest fuels, CPW can reduce long-term suppression costs, improve visitor safety, reduce impacts on water and air quality, improve wildlife habitat and significantly reduce fire mitigation costs. This ongoing program actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests and advances the State's interest in federal natural resource policy by proactively identifying activities that may impact Colorado. Investing in these forest treatments, such as prescribed burning and mechanical removal of trees, will also reduce the risk of fire to homes and communities adjacent to many of Colorado's state parks. GOCO funding helps CPW maintain continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. Our ability to maintain safe natural areas for visitors is critical. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • • • • Insect and Disease Response - With spruce beetle surpassing mountain pine beetle in new acres impacted, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has broadened focus on treatments designed to mitigate impacts from all types of forest insects and disease. Partnering with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), projects designed to protect public safety and improve forest health were completed at Steamboat and Pearl State Parks and at State Forest State Park at the Crags Campground. Proactive work at Golden Gate Canyon to stay ahead of the mountain pine beetle continued with a 37-acre project along Mule Deer Trail, which is also an important wildfire access road. CSFS has also assisted with future project development, forest health inspections and hazard tree evaluations. Reducing Risk of Wildfire - Several projects were conducted in FY12-13 to reduce hazardous fuels and improve park's resiliency to wildfire. GOCO funding paid for 50% of the project cost for fuels mitigation treatments at Lory (96 acres), Lone Mesa (97 acres) and Roxborough (23 acres). Grant programs from the Colorado State Forest Service matched the other 50% of the costs. Through advanced planning and cooperative partnerships an important 30-acre project was implemented for zero cost along Lower Promontory Ridge in Golden Gate Canyon. Several additional projects were planned for future years at Sylvan Lake, Mueller, Cheyenne Mountain, Trinidad, and State Forest State Parks among others. Riparian Forests - CPW initiated a planning effort with the CSFS to determine resource trajectory of riparian forests and provide recommendations for improving areas identified with poor health. During the year, Barr Lake, John Martin Reservoir and Lake Pueblo State Parks had plans completed. Planning and Administration - CPW utilized local businesses for project planning, clearances, evaluations, signage, hazard tree removal, and preventative insect spraying. Hazardous tree removal remains a priority, especially in parks faced with new forest pest invasions and/or continued drought. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 14- �• Lory State Park received a GOCO funded fuels mitigation project in 2008. This project targeted the area burned by the High Park Fire to introduce a forest thinning treatment. The treatment was applied to prevent fire from moving through the treetops and forcing it to burn along the ground. The impacts to vegetation, soils and erosion are reduced in these areas as compared to areas that did not receive treatment. This project was highlighted multiple times including an article in the Denver Post, the 2012 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests produced by the CSFS and in several field tours of the site. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 15 - �Park Operations GOCO Log Project Name FY 2013 Reimb Grant Amount Grant Balance Expiration 12175 CHEYENNE MTN OPS $ 343,000 $ 343,000 $ 06/30/13 12176 CRAWFORD OPS $ 73,000 $ 73,000 s 06/30/13 12177 GOLDEN GATE OPS $ 103,000 $ 103,000 $ 06/30/13 12178 JOHN MARTIN OPS $ 64,000 $ 64,000 $ 06/30/13 12179 LATHROP OPS $ 73,000 $ 73,000 $ 06/30/13 12180 LONE MESA OPS $ 44,000 $ 44,000 $ 06/30/13 12181 RIFLE GAP OPS $ 28,000 $ 28,000 $ 06/30/13 12182 ST. VRAIN OPS $ 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 06/30/13 12183 STATE FOREST OPS $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 06/30/13 12184 STAUNTON OPS $ 184,207 $ 184,207 $ 06/30/13 12185 SYLVAN OPS $ 110,000 $ 110,000 $ 06/30/13 12186 YAMPA OPS $ 115,000 $ 115,000 $ 06/30/13 Totals $ 1,342,207 s 1,342,207 $ Program Description and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado has provided significant funding to almost every state park in the system to assist in development of facilities and recreation amenities, acquire land, or both. Several state parks that have been improved through GOCO capital investments receive annual operations support from GOCO. This support varies from park to park but system-wide covers basic operating expenses and a limited number of full-time staff. State Parks offer an array of low cost outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year in Colorado. Regardless of location, throughout the state, full time and seasonal staff, create and promote activities that engage all age ranges. Many of the parks offer elaborate trails systems that link people to the outdoors. While hiking, biking, and/or riding individuals experience the intricate detail of our landscape, get the opportunity to view wildlife and/or birds or learn about diverse habitat that supports the wildlife. There are boating and fishing opportunities as well as camping and children's activities. Funding assists in the day-to-day activity in a park, for example: • • • Interpretive services that provide visitors with information regarding local habitat and wildlife, Minor repair and maintenance costs and/or utility costs on facilities, Volunteer opportunities and programs that promote "getting outdoors". In FY 2012-13 GOCO funding supported day-to-day park operations at Cheyenne Mountain, Crawford, Golden Gate, John Martin, Lathrop, Lone Mesa, Rifle Complex, St Vrain, State Forest, Staunton, Sylvan, and Yampa River State Parks. A description of each park and its relevant statistics is provided below. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 16 - �Cheyenne Mountain State Park is situated south of Colorado Springs and offers more than 60 campsites, 41 day-use sites for picnicking, a group picnic area that can accommodate 200 guests, and more than 20 miles of trails. The park's Visitor Center offers park information, hands-on educational displays, and spectacular views. • FTE: 5.0 • • • • • • Land acres: 2,336 Water acres: 0 FY 2012-13-total visitation: 121,287 Camping: 61 campsites Picnic/Day use sites: 41 Trails: 16 trails encompassing more than 20 miles Crawford State Park offers great water-based recreation in Colorado's historic North Fork ranching country. The park's 400-surface acre lake is very popular with boaters, water skiers, and FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 17 - �fishermen, and includes a designated swim beach. Crawford offers two distinct campgrounds: Iron Creek includes full-service RV hookups; Clear Fork offers a more basic camping experience. Crawford also includes numerous trails and great picnic areas. • • • • • • • FTE: 3.0 Land acres: 334 Water acres: 400 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 106,480 Camping: 66 campsites Picnic sites: 40 Trails: 1 primary trail extending almost 2 miles Golden Gate State Park encompasses almost 12,000 acres of mountain meadows, aspen groves, and pine forest. The park has an extensive trail network, extending more than 35 miles and providing access to 275 picnic sites; many trails are designated as multi-use and are popular with hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Golden Gate also offers a variety of camping options, including full-service sites with electrical hookups, tent sites with fire rings and picnic facilities, and primitive back-country sites. Golden Gate also offers eight cabins and yurts, available year-round. The park's visitor center contains environmental education activities, including the ADAaccessible Nellie Larkin Nature Trail. • • • • • • • FTE: 8.0 Land acres: 11,998 Water acres: 7 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 619,440 Camping: 134 campsites, 6 cabins, 2 yurts Picnic sites: 125 Trails: 15 trails encompassing 36 miles are accessible from the park John Martin State Park offers great boating and fishing in southeastern Colorado. The park has more than 200 campsites, including full-service RV hookups, ten sites with fire rings, and primitive sites. Group picnic and camping facilities are also available. The park's trail network includes connections to the northern (Mountain) route of the historic Sante Fe Trail. • • • • • • • FTE: 3.0 Land acres: I, 727 Water acres: 11,449 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 78,769 Camping: 213 campsites Picnic sites: 17 Trails: 1 primary trail extending 4.5 miles Lathrop State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities in a high plains grassland environment, dotted with pinon and juniper and in the shadow of the Spanish Peaks. The park is a great place for fishing, waterfowl hunting, boating, windsurfing, and swimming. Lathrop has a diverse trail network that includes spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks, Sangre de Cristo, and Wet Mountain ranges. The park offers more than 100 campsites, including full-service RV hookups, tent sites, and primitive sites. Lathrop also offers a group camping site and a large number of picnic areas. • FTE: 5.0 FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 18 - u �• • • • • • Land acres: 1, 184 Water acres: 412 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 85,428 Camping: 103 campsites Picnic sites: 40 Trails: 2 primary trails extending more than 5 miles Lone Mesa State Park lies about 20 miles north of the town of Dolores and encompasses 11, 702 acres of incredibly scenic land, ranging in elevation from near 7,000 feet to just over 9,000 feet. The park is closed to general public access while development and management planning is in progress. However, a Special Use Permit program allows limited public hunting during the big game seasons, as the park includes fantastic elk, deer and bear habitat. Along with administration of the public hunting program, management of Lone Mesa includes monitoring of a livestock grazing lease and other Special Use Permits, involvement in volunteer and other service partnerships, and operation of a visitor's center in Dolores. The Dolores office provides OHV, snowmobile and boat registrations and includes a Rocky Mountain Nature Association bookstore. • • • • • • • FTE: 1.0 Land acres: 11,702 Water acres: 0 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 9,335 Camping: NA Picnic sites: NA Trails: NA Rifle Gap State Park lies at the foot of the Grand Hogback, nine miles north of the town of Rifle. The park offers great water-based recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and diving. The park complex is adjacent to BLM lands and connects to an enormous number of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. There are a total of more than 50 campsites at the park, including some RV sites, tent sites, and primitive sites. • • • • • • • FTE: 5.0 Land acres: 1,029 Water acres: 360 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 194, 171 Camping: 89 campsites Picnic sites: 14 Trails: none St. Vrain State Park offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities within an easy drive from several Front Range communities. The park has been extensively rehabilitated in the last four years (supported by GOCO funding); St. Vrain's 80 campsites have been completely updated to support RV camping. St. Vrain also offers picnic and day-use sites, an in-park trail network, and connections to many local and regional trails. • • • • • • FTE: 5.0 Land acres: 452 Water acres: 236 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 140,925 Camping: 87 campsites Picnic sites: 7 FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 19 - �• Trails: 4 trails extending more than 4 miles State Forest State Park is the largest park in the system and encompasses more than 70,000 acres, ranging in elevation from 8500 to 13,000 feet. State Forest contains four campgrounds with more than 150 improved sites, and also includes 76 "dispersed" camping sites in more remote areas of the park. State Forest also has seven yurts available year-round; these facilities are very popular in the winter with snowmobile users and cross-country skiers. The park's extensive trail network provides opportunities to connect to the Routt National Forest, Rawah Wilderness, Roosevelt National Forest, and Rocky Mountain National Park. • • • • • • • u FTE: 5.0 Land acres: 70,838 Water acres: 170 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 446,455 Camping: 158 campsites, 6 cabins, 9 yurts Picnic sites: 9 Miles of trail: 11 trails extending more than 94 miles Staunton State Park opened in May of 2013 and lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within both Park and Jefferson Counties and is bordered by Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. • • • • • • • FTE:1.0 Land acres: 3,646 Water acres: 0 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 71,055 Camping: NA Picnic sites: NA Trails: NA Sylvan Lake State Park is located approximately 10 miles southeast of the town of Eagle in Eagle County. The park is open year-round, with a campground situated near a beautiful 46-acre mountain lake stocked with trout. The park features tent and RV camping, eight rustic cabins, one cabin with running water, and three yurts. Hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and boating are all popular activities at Sylvan Lake. In the winter, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular activities. Sylvan Lake offers environmental interpretive programs for all ages during the summer, and upon request the rest of the year. • • • • • • • FTE: 4.0 Land acres: 1,506 Water acres: 42 FY 2012-13 total visitation: 95,854 Camping: 44 campsites, 8 cabins, 3 yurts Picnic sites: 30 Trails: 2 trails extending more than 1.5 miles y FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -20- �Yampa River State Park offers a unique experience in the State Parks system. The park offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities along more than 130 miles of the Yampa River. Park headquarters are located in the beautiful Yampa valley near Hayden, and include a visitor center, nature trail, 50 campsites, and picnic sites. The proximity to State Highway 40 makes park headquarters the base camp for many outdoor activities in the Steamboat area, including hunting, fishing, and OHV use. A 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River is the heart of Yampa River State Park. The river access sites offer recreationists six camping areas, excellent fishing on miles of flat-water and Class 1-V rafting. The state park component of this river corridor includes 13 access points, stretching from Hayden to the Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border. • • • • • • • FTE: 5.0 Land acres: 135 Water acres: 134 miles of river FY 2012-13 total visitation: 74,434 Camping: 49 campsites, I yurt Picnic sites: 4 7 Trails: I primary trail extending more than 12 miles FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 21 - �Public Information and Environmental Education Public Information Program GOCO Log Project Name 12187 PUBLIC INFO PROGRAM Totals FY 2013 Reimb Grant Amount Grant Balance $ 271,000 $ 226,017 $ 44,983 $ 271,000 $ 226,017 $ 44,983 V Expiration 06/30/13 Program Description and Objectives Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Public Infonnation Program manages external communications, CPW's brand, public outreach, and publications. Activities under this grant may include analysis of CPW's position in the marketplace and implementation of short-, medium-, and long-range efforts. The program analyzes and anticipates travel and recreation trends and their effect on public outreach efforts and visitation. The overriding purpose of all these efforts is to help connect people to the outdoors and aligns with the GOCO strategic plan state below. Great Outdoors Colorado 2010 Strategic Plan • Invest in Interpretation and Environmental Education Programs at State Parks and seek additional partnerships/re-granting opportunities. • Develop opportunities for youth groups (schools, etc.) to visit conserved properties and learn stewardship values. Invest funds in partnerships/projects with schools to develop resources (e.g. Learning Landscapes). • Invest additional Lottery proceeds over the next five years in enhancing or expanding outdoor programs at State Parks and the Division of Wildlife. • Provide incentives for stronger partnerships with outside organizations in delivering these education programs. • Accomplishments for FY 2012-13 • CPW's statewide outreach staff teamed up with the Staunton park manager and the Northeast Region public infonnation officer to plan the Staunton Grand Opening activities and announcements. A series of news releases detailing the steps taken to open the park were crafted and distributed to media outlets. Additionally, a dedication ceremony to recognize the park partners and initiate the media to the park was held on May 17, 2013. A public celebration was held May 18-19 with GOCO, Colorado Lottery, the Friends of Staunton State Park, and a number of other local community partners. A very popular activity was the T-shirt maker where kids got to color their own commemorative Staunton marmot T-shirt. Estimated attendance for opening weekend was approximately 3,500 and attendance continues to be very strong. The park opening was featured in CPW' s May newsletter, several ads were placed in local papers, and earned media coverage appeared in all the major Denver network stations and papers. • Continue to effectively utilize social media channels to reach constituents and the general public. Facebook fans grew by 219%, from 3,665 in FY 2011-12 to 11,688 during FY 201213. Total daily reach increased from 278,708 in FY 2011-12 to more than 2.2 million. • Secured earned media coverage by issuing more than 500 news releases on events in state parks, wildlife related issues, initiatives and successes, including the hundreds of programs presented by the summer Great Outdoors Colorado naturalists. The news releases are sent to more than 600 newspapers, radio and television stations, and specialty websites. • Responded to media inquiries to ensure that CPW's views and activities were accurately represented in media coverage. Fast response and good relationships with the media has enhanced our media inquiries and coverage. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -22- V �• Quarterly meetings and conference calls with CPW and GOCO communication staff, has facilitated more effective and timely coverage on cooperative issues. Work Less, Play More W!:! h.w.- l))Ti'T'Ui cf "",l)filO ue.atr ,;cut L,riotQt!'-tc'.lblt" rn•m~t\M in Coll'Jr a6.:1'( (J"''"" o,itdoor°S. <;I) ...h .... wa:P Tl , ... w1115to QlittOJ st#t\'d m .i ru11 ~~w d CLtdoo r w,Fili:,011 , Vali d Jl '42 R9ttl pcru; iKl'O~ Wor.JdQ • Gooo 10, l~ m ~ from OWJ d l'l.l{h.!-::f=' • Gra.cv~t..e luthi1r~rotin1IIY• 110c.""¥Vehc; ftttfi•'('/,#i/1 l) Duy V-oor FIJ ll ln !J Llcrnse • ~'JkdAonl OU"lrl'slOli l_.J, rtiJ l • t3( ~ - ' rnd,...t ir.enm 1),d,1.::lws $SO r[ll'.J'.wec ha.tat s:t:aiTO) • r,,O:~ (tJlle-a d -.tr~Jn~ ~hp ,r . a ~ • l-i~1QC:pf:Wt1J1lt:!h 1J1J8St.ilaiD,tl•~-- O i='r r.:1 pl X-f'' ro 11.-n wi th th~ t1Af¥ caioradoFtshng Atlas 3 ) Rt:U.N e Your C::imo,slte. Olbln Of' Vi.tttt • Mcretn&'"l ◄ .000 carnp!.!~ • i:'~.,t'l'vl'..' :i•ui<YJ hl'.'.m fi mcr,t l-l'!' ta J dlr!. onor to Ylw.» 11111 • -:~i.-c. rd ,ut- sle(-0 trc,,, .i m :re l:l«'OIE .. Mai,- t-3TI D,;o..ticr. r»,~rx,~oas 1nth..6r.g,thimco.«s.. t\,: st-c¥oOr.i- ;;,,rd liu~., """'" • r;i1:iins, r:ir,(Jtt 11rfl1 bcr~u camt,er t.11hn-c to fuN~ ri.rr,<I~ With t-->lkll!'tJ i,;t:i baU,oom, • • Park brochures were distributed at IO Welcome Centers throughout the state and two Denver metro RE I store locations reaching more than I million visitors annually. Colorado Parks and Wildlife started a new program to get more fami li es outdoor . Through a donation from The North Face, public outreach and volunteer/education managers worked on developing a first-time campers program called "Let's Camp !" Equipment was purchased for ten fami li es to attend one of four camping weekends. This in itiative was developed to teach basic camping skill , and GO CO park naturalists were invol ved by developing "Leave No Trace" and interpretive programs. Park vo lunteers also offered information about campi ng etiquette and features of each park for participants. The "Let's Camp!" programs were held in July-August 2012 at Chatfield State Park and Golden Gate Park. A total of28 families with 47 adults and 47 children attended the four programs; one-third of the adult participants identified themselves as non-Caucasian and 81 percent of pmticipants indicated that they had never camped before. All responded that they plan to camp again "occasionally" or "regularly." FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 23 - �FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl(fe Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 24 - �Environmental Education Program GOCO Log Project Name 12188 ENV!RONMENTALPROGRAM Totals Grant FY 2013 Amount Reimb Grant Bala11ce 290 000 $ 280,416 $ 9,584 S 290,000 $ 280,4 16 S 9,584 $ Expiration 06/30/1 3 Program Description and Objectives Colorado's State Parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors and educating students about nature s wonders. By providing outstanding learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, CPW expects that people will walk away with a desire to engage in outdoor experiences on their own along with a stronger bond with, understanding of, and sense of stewardship towards the ecosystems in which we all live. With the assistance of GOCO funding, qualified interpreters have been offering educational programs and other services in state parks throughout Colorado since the mid- I 990s. GOCO funding for the Environmental Education program suppo11s seasonal, temporary workers at almost every park in the system. Under guidance from the statewide Education Program, and regional and park staff, these workers provide a wide variety of services for park visitors including : • • • • • • • Daily contacts with park visitors to provide assistance, information, educational programs and events Development of self-directed interpretation hikes and experiences, discovery packs, trail brochures and maps, and interpretive signs and exhibits Educational "campfire" programs, and Junior Ranger Program materials and packets Classroom programs conducted for children of all ages Staffing educationa l exh ibits in park visitor centers Coordination and resources for volunteer naturalists providing programs for visitors Writing weekly newspaper columns, park newsletters, plant identification booklets, web page updates, and hunting & fishing infom1ation packets. GOCO Temp Training at State Forest State Park Accomplishments in FY 12-13: • Over 113,000 park visitors were reached through programs and demonstrations including educating visitors on unique park features, wi ld life and other environmental issues through direct contact on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers and entrance stations. • More than 7,200 hours were dedicated to completion of various research projects, selfdirected interpretation including scavenger hunt preparation, compiling materials for Jr. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 25 - �• • • Ranger Discovery packs, creating self-guided nature trail brochures, coordinating the development of visitor center exhibits and displays, promoting programs through newsletters and digital slide shows, and maintaining native gardens, bird feeders, aquariums and other live animal exhibits. Over 8 15,000 o f the 12 million park visitors (about 7%) were reached through personal interpretation and/or environmenta l education programs provided by all staff and volunteers across the state as well as informa l contacts made by staff on trails, visitor centers, and so forth. GOCO funds helped support State Parks ' 27 Visitor Centers wi th educational materials and, in some instances, updated and enhanced interpretive displays or exhibits. ln addition, GOCO funding supported e fforts to update interpretive signage and Watchable Wildlife displays a long trails. Continued in-kind support fo r various local, state and national "kids and families outdoors" initiatives and events. GOCO Temp Training at Sylvan Lake State Park FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlffe Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 26 - �Volunteer Program GOCO Log Project Name 12189 VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Totals Grant Amount FY 2013 $ 306,000 $ 306,000 $ $ 306,000 $ 306,000 $ Grant Balance Reimb Expiration 06/30/13 Project Description and Objectives: The Volunteer Program inspires and fosters active stewardship for Colorado's natural resources through the meaningful engagement and integration of diverse volunteers, partners & CPW staff. The program provides an organized, efficient, well-guided and cost effective approach to managing a wide range of volunteer efforts. Cooperation and partnership between the public and private sector are enhanced and promoted through volunteer engagement. The promotion and cultivation ofvolunteerism plays a major role in helping CPW to fulfill its mission. The Volunteer Program is currently undergoing significant change with the ongoing merge of the Parks and Wildlife Volunteer Programs. Current staffing includes one Statewide Volunteer Program Coordinator and three Regional Volunteer Coordinators that work to meet an overarching goal to create an integrated volunteer program for CPW including a new strategic plan, policies, procedures and other written guidance. Early efficiencies have been identified and savings have been realized through streamlining administrative processes, for example, the purchase of one volunteer liability insurance policy. The Volunteer Program has proven to be a significant success and has demonstrated rapid growth. In calendar year 2012, the Parks Volunteer Program helped manage and coordinate almost 5,000 volunteers working on projects within or connected to state parks. These volunteers contributed more than 222,000 hours - the equivalent 107 full-time employees. Participation is more than double the number of volunteer hours in 2003 when the statewide efforts began. The cost savings is $4.9 million based on an average wage rate of $22.14 per hour. Final 2012 Parks Hours Northeast Region: 116,764 Southeast Region: 33,086 Northwest Region: 27,422 Southwest Region: 35,395 Total Hours in Park Regions: 212 667 Other Park programs/Administrative Office hours: 9,408 Grand Total Volunteer Hours: 222,075 Grant Total Number of Volunteers: 4,927 Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Park volunteers helped CPW in a variety of critical areas including serving as campground hosts, gate & visitor center attendants, providing interpretive programs, trail construction, weed control, fire mitigation, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and fundraising. • Facilitated statewide training and regional opportunities for approximately 250 staff and volunteers. Topic areas included volunteer management best practices, customer service, trail building/trail design/habitat restoration/crew leader development, database tips and troubleshooting, marketing and recruiting tips, and keys for volunteers to provide quality interpretive educational programs. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -27 - �• • • • • • • • • • • Ensured parks successfully recruited and placed camp hosts at I 00% of the 37 state park locations with openings. These 220 campground hosts contributed over 61,500 hours in 2012. Hosted the Campground host Jamboree at Stagecoach where 34 camp hosts, Friends members and staff from around the state were recognized and participated in trainings with a variety of topics: customer service, teambuilding, animals, plants and habitats. GOCO-funded temporary Volunteer Coordinators at 34 state park locations generated nearly 1,664 hours on indirect volunteer involvement to market volunteer programs, recruit and track volunteers, and spent nearly 3,743 hours on direct volunteer contact to train, reward & recognize, schedule and supervise volunteers. Hosted 15 projects at 10 state park locations in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) - AHRA, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Cheyenne Mountain, Golden Gate Canyon, Lory, Rox borough Staunton, Sylvan and Vega. A total of 964 volunteers (585 adults and 379 youth) contributed almost 7,000 hours collectively. Work included the building of 34 erosion control dams; I 000 feet of fence removed; 70 feet of rock wall completed; 72 steps built; 6,300 feet of crusher fine trail completed; 1,500 feet of bike trail built; 5,500 feet of trail maintained; 9 acres of weeds removed and 800 willows planted. Partnered with Youth Corps from across the state to host a variety of pro-bono service learning projects including park clean-ups, bridge building, trail maintenance and more. 136 youth contributed 1350 volunteer hours collectively at 14 different park locations. Served on the Denver DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers In Agencies) Board and helped host the 27th annual We Count On You Awards ceremony emceed by Mitch Jelniker of Channel 7 News. At the "We Count On You" Luncheon, CPW had eight individual outstanding volunteer nominations, three dynamic duos, three volunteer managers, and one board member nominated. CPW also had two winners who received an award at the luncheon. Lonnie Shinault, Northeast Region, was awarded the 2012 DOVIA Outstanding Volunteer award and Del Kelley, Friends of Roxborough State Park, won Outstanding Volunteer Board Member. As part of the Colorado Stewardship Coalition, CPW hosted a well-attended legislative session near the Capitol. The goal was to reach out to and educate/inform legislators about the value of natural resource and outdoor stewardship for land managers and volunteer organizations at all levels -- nonprofit, local, state and federal. Participated with America's State Parks, First Day Hikes initiative. Assisted with recruiting and organizing park host sites and volunteer naturalists to lead hikes on New Year's Day 2013 at 15 different parks for over 300 visitors. Overall, parks continued to cultivate partnerships with America's State Parks, Colorado Backcountry Horseman's Association, Colorado State Forest Service, DOVIA, Good Sams RV Club, Governor's Commission On Community Service, Metro Volunteers, REI, Scouts, Toyota Denver Region Office, United Way, VOC, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Whole Foods, Xcel Energy, Miller/Coors, Backyard Collective, Vail Resorts, and many others. Promoted and/or provided on-the-ground assistance for over 350 local, state and national volunteer and special events across the state for Earth Day, Colorado Cares Day, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, Lake Appreciation Day, Pulling for Colorado, State Forestry Fair, and various local celebrations including Boy/Girl Scout events, AHRA's CleanUp/GreenUp; North Sterling's Putting Down Roots and many, many more. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -28- �Youth Programs GOCO Log Project Name 12190 YOUTH PROGRAM Totals Grant Balance Grant Amount FY 2013 Reimb $ 275,000 $ 257,394 $ 17,606 $ 275,000 $ 257,394 $ 17,606 Expiration 06/30/13 Program Description and Objectives Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a strong proponent of providing outdoor education programs and opportunities for all ages. It is especially critical to capture the attention of Colorado's youth, who are our future land stewards. One key component of CPW's youth program is its partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) and youth corps around the state that employ and train youth and young adults on land, water and energy conservation projects and engage Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work that helps them build a sense of natural resource stewardship. The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16-26. CPW utilizes youth crews at state parks for a variety of resource management and trail projects. In the past, projects have included trail re-routes and new trail development; fuel mitigation and other forest management work; vegetation management activities including Russian olive and tamarisk removal; fence removal, repair and construction; and shoreline cleanup projects. This supports both improving conditions within the state parks and providing funding for CYCA and individual youth corps statewide. This grant also funds other smaller programs aimed at educating youth about the outdoors and connecting youth to the outdoors. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 • Colorado Youth Corps members worked 10,651 hours completing 39 project weeks at 17 state park or recreation area locations. Project accomplishments of the 190 corps members and 17 crew leaders included: 3,577 feet of trail corridor cleared, 3.8 miles of trail constructed, 2.85 miles of trail maintained or repaired, 2,086 feet of fence constructed, 7,300 feet of fence repaired, 634 trees removed, and 1,147 trees cut/bucked. • Youth Corps crews spent an additional 1,036 hours engaged in environmental education. • Colorado Parks and Wildlife contributed $40,000 towards the expansion of the college student outdoor skills program of Wildland Awareness and Educational Institute (WAEI). WAEI reached 75 college students in the Fort Collins and Greeley area from CSU and UNC, and met with numerous colleges and universities around the state in efforts to expand their program. WAEI's outdoor skills program includes modules on survival, natural resource management, hunting and angling, hatchery management and other field skills courses for college students FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -29- �Trails and River Greenways State Trails Program GOCO Log Project Name 12191 STATE TRAILS PROGRAM Totals V Grant Amount Grant Balance FY20l3 Reimb $ 239,000 $ 188,893 $ 50,107 $ 239,000 $ 188,893 $ 50,107 Expiration 06/30/13 Program Description and Objectives The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) State Trails Program's primary goal is to support the development and maintenance of recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use (e.g. hiking, jogging, and walking) continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide, with nine out of ten Coloradoans routinely enjoying these activities. A variety of entities are eligible to receive CPW' s trails grants, including towns, cities, counties, school and special recreation districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal land-management agencies. Entities are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for trail planning, maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail equipment. Workshops and conferences are sponsored to bring trails advocates, community planners, and CPW representatives together to learn new techniques and discuss trails issues. Assistance in planning, publicity, and programs is also provided for regional workshops and statewide conferences. Activities funded through CPW' s trails grants include technical and financial assistance to communities, other agencies, land managers, and organizations devoted to trails, conservation, and open space, as well as assistance with planning, coordination, trail volunteers, organization building, funding, land development regulations, and trail maintenance and management. The CPW's Trails and OHV and Snowmobile websites serves as a clearinghouse for trails information in Colorado for trail planners and users to stay apprised of trail development projects and processes across the country. All of these program activities align with the GOCO strategic plan objectives below. Great Outdoors Colorado 2010 Strategic Plan: • Work to bolster funding for trails and the State Trails Program, including possibly dedicating more Local Government purpose funds. • Fund the creation of a statewide trails plans. • Provide additional funding for planning grants that focus on trail access and connectivity. • Invest in increased funds in trail connections that allow for safer and easier access to recreational activities. Annual objectives of the Trails Program include: • Develop strategies, systems, processes, guidelines, and trail standards for the statewide Trails Program. • Assistant and support for the Colorado State Trails Committee through the interpretation and development of trails statutes, policies, and regulations and guidance with the annual trails grant cycle. This statutorily mandated committee recommends statewide trails policy and trail grant funding priorities to the Parks and Wildlife Commission for approval. • Extend financial assistance through trail grants to governmental agencies, non-profits, clubs and volunteer organizations that support, maintain, and build trails inclusive of FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -30- �• • • • • leadership and trail construction training, organizational capacity building and project management techniques. Administration of approximately 200 grants annually. Administration includes develop, implement, and maintain a thorough inspection process for all completed grants. These grants include all trail programs and their funding source. More than half of these grants consist of Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) grants funded through the OHV Fund, with the remaining comprised of Recreational Trails and Snowmobile and include various sources of funding. Management of State Trails Program budgets, accounts, and contracts, personal services contracts, and grant payments associated with trail projects for both motorized and nonmotorized recreation; manages program budgets to accommodate operations, administration, salaries, and environmental reviews. Continuous review and revisions, as needed, of internal grant accounting policies and procedures to comply with changing federal, GOCO, and Constitutional Lottery requirements. Develop and implement internal control procedures to assure compliance. Identification of staff training needs, such as trail design, maintenance and construction, trail accessibility, purchasing/procurement, and the establishment of training programs to meet those needs. Verify compliance of all trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 In FY 2012-13, GOCO funding supported trails management and grant administration, including operations costs, to help meet the program objectives outlined above. In addition, GOCO funding provides operational support for four Regional Trail Coordinators. • Administration of open grants. Trails Program funding is comprised of various sources, including GOCO Parks and GOCO Local Funding, Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF), and Recreation Trails Program (RTP} from the Federal Highways Administration. GOCO Parks funding for FYI 3 was $550,000; GOCO Local Funding$499,840; LWCF-$477,000; and RTP-$350,000. The federal grant amounts are estimated based on approvals by federal agencies, however, final grant amounts are not disbursed until later in the federal grant cycles. • Oversight and management of the FY 2012-13 trails grant award cycles securing funding for trail planning and development projects statewide. • Gather and pull funding from different state and federal funding sources and publish grant availability on the Trails website. of the functions of reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and Coordination • projects. • Completed updates to the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. • Gather grant applications, once ranked, convene grant review subcommittees to coordinate the grant review process. • Seek public comment regarding applications on Trails website. • Seek comment and funding strategies from the State Trails Committee, and forward information to Parks and Wildlife Commission. Once funding is approved, prepare contracts, which begins project phase of grants • applications. • Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. • Verification of compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. • Continue to update the geographic based maps of the Colorado Front Range Trail and the various alternative routes where the trail has yet to be completed. • Convening grant writing workshops statewide to assist organizations on the Trails Grant Process. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 31 - �Trails Program Prior Year Reimb FY 2013 Reimb GOCO Log Project Name Grant Amount 09202 BIANCA PEAK&ELL $ 36,000 $ 09208 NE LAKEWOOD TR $ 23,712 $ 10230 WHITE RIVERl4ERS $ 199,780 $ 10231 REC DEC PIKES PEAK $ 18,983 $ I 0232 WHITE RIVER PARK CONN $ 30,000 $ 10233 MANCOS COMM TRAILS $ 30,000 $ $ 18,000 22,634 $ 18,000 $ 09/30/12 $ 23,712 $ 09/30/12 $ 90,092 $ 87,055 09/30/13 $ 18,983 06/30/14 $ 25,030 Grant Balance Expiration $ 29,559 $ 4,970 06/30/13 $ 441 06/30/13 $ 36,500 06/30/14 10234 W MAGNOLIA TRAIL $ 36,500 $ $ 10235 TRNG COS NXT GEN 1 $ 29,120 $ $ 29,120 $ 10236 DRY CREEK TRAIL PLAN $ 22,000 $ $ 17,149 $ I 0237 SAND CREEK GREENWAY TR $ 19,057 $ $ 19,057 $ 06/30/14 4,851 06/30/13 06/30/13 $ 14,560 06/30/14 $ 55,194 06/30/14 $ $ 66,250 06/30/14 $ $ 64,031 06/30/14 24,177 06/30/14 10235 TRNG COS NXT GEN! $ 14,560 $ $ 11230 REG 14ER TRAIL $ 112,436 $ $ 11231 WRV 2012-13 PRT FOR STEW $ 66,250 $ 11232 PARTNERSHIP GH TRAIL CON $ 64,031 $ 57,242 I 1233 GWT SEVERANCE-WINDSOR $ 24,177 s $ $ I 1234 CHERRY CREEK TRAIL SIGN $ 50,454 $ $ $ 50,454 06/30/14 06/30/14 11235 DILLON RD TRAVEL PLAN $ 44,200 $ $ $ 44,200 I 1236 2012-13 FDRD STEW $ 31,565 $ $ $ 31,565 06/30/14 11237 14ER TRAIL COND INV $ 45,000 $ $ 17,932 $ 27,068 06/30/14 I 1238 NORWOOD-BURN CANYON REC $ 45,000 $ $ 9,688 $ 35,312 06/30/14 I 1239 HOOSIER PASS TR PLAN $ 45,000 $ $ $ 45,000 06/30/14 I 1240 OLD SOPRIS TR PHASE I $ 24,519 $ $ $ 24,519 06/30/14 12232 FS-MT BIERSTADT RECON $ 174,600 $ $ $ 174,600 06/30/15 1223 8 GEYSER SPRING TRL BRIDGE $ 80,000 $ $ $ 80,000 06/30/15 1,300 $ $ $ 1,300 06/30/15 12240 2013-14 FDRD STEWARDSHIP $ 12234 EMERALD MTN TRAILS SIG $ 30,500 $ $ $ 30,500 06/30/15 12237 WRV 2014 PART FOR STEW $ 45,000 $ $ $ 45,000 06/30/15 12239 N FORK N ELK CRK TRAIL $ 18,600 $ $ $ 18,600 06/30/15 45,000 $ $ $ 45,000 06/30/15 12230 PAONIA RIVER PARK TRAILS $ I 2231 OSI TRAINING PROGRAM $ 20,000 $ $ $ 20,000 06/30/15 12233 MASTER LEAD TO SALIDA $ 45,000 $ $ $ 45,000 06/30/15 I 2235 MASTRTRLGRNWAY-TRINIDAD $ 45,000 $ $ $ 45,000 06/30/15 12236 WRV 2013-15 TR VOLLEAD $ 45,000 $ $ $ 45,000 06/30/15 $ 1,562,344 $ $ 1,185,129 Totals 65,664 $ 3 I 1,551 Program Description and Objectives The Trails Grant's primary goal is to develop recreational trails systems throughout the state. Trail use continues to be the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. GOCO capital funds are awarded each year to grant applicants. This program has one grant cycle annually, with the Recreation Trails Grant applications due November 1st. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado \..,I -32- V �The State Recreational Trails Committee (sections 33-11-105 and 106 of the Colorado Revised Statutes) uses a subcommittee structure to oversee and organize the grant ranking and selection process. Subcommittees for each grant category are appointed for the purposes of reading, discussing, evaluating and scoring grant applications. As adopted by the Committee in September, 2010, the Recreational Grant review process is split between three subcommittees aligned with the three types of non-motorized grants awarded annually. These subcommittees are the planning/support, large construction/maintenance and small construction/maintenance. GOCO staff is actively involved in each of the various committees. All recreational trail grant reviewers are required to read, score and provide staff comments on each grant application submitted in their category. State Trails Program staff, Great Outdoors Colorado staff and State Trails Committee members are required to attend, one reviewer meeting in Denver, to discuss the grant applications. Volunteer reviewers must also commit to the reviewer meeting in Denver attending either in person or by conference call. After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to a set of reviewers including statewide trail users, experts, local, federal, state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee, the Non-Motorized State Trails Coordinator, and staff. In FY 2012-13, the State Trails Program was able to fund 22 grants out of 27 grants applications submitted. Great Outdoors Colorado funding is matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails grants. Three GOCO funded projects received a time extension in June 2013: Recreational Development at Pikes Peak-South Slope, due to early frost; West Magnolia Trail System Plan, due to wildfires; and Training Colorado's Next Generation of Conservation Workers, due to a scheduling conflict. As a result of the recent flashfloods in the Boulder area, it appears that the West Magnolia Trail System Plan will require another extension; however, the other two projects are scheduled to finish on time. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 Of the 22 awarded grants, 15 received GOCO funding. Grants awarded include both trail maintenance and planning grants. Also, several grants went towards construction, maintenance, and signage for trails and approaches to Colorado's 14,000 ft. peaks. Most of the grants contained a youth component, and several will utilize substantial volunteers in assisting with trail maintenance and construction. Many grant recipients do not submit invoices to Colorado Parks and Wildlife until their projects near completion. Grants in the above charts that appear to have no expenditures to date do not necessarily indicate projects for which no work has taken place; indeed, most, if not all, GOCOfunded trail projects are well underway and proceeding according to schedule. Summary of Completed Projects Colorado Parks and Wildlife completed a number of GOCO funded trails projects in FY 2012-13. Included below are narratives for five of the projects and a listing of all other GOCO funded trails projects completed and closed out in the past fiscal year are provided below. Recreational Development at Pikes Peak-South Slope- This project completed construction on a ten mile trail around Mason and Boehmer reservoirs, including two foot bridges and two bridges that extend over the Fens. This much anticipated area had been closed to the public for over 100 years. Home to unique wetland and Fen habitats, big horn sheep, and Greenback FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 33 - �cutthroat trout, this property provides a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Nestled w ithin the s hadows of Pikes Peak the beauty of the backcountry trai ls, coupled with the reservoirs, provides recreational activities that were limited with in the City of Colorado Springs. Three reservoirs wi thin the South S lope are open for fishing opportunities; given the limited amount of fishing opportunities within the City limits, fishermen were anxiously waiting for trail access to the reservoirs. Elements within the traiLhead and day-use areafi111ded with a Fishing is F1111 Grant include: parking- 44 traditional spots, 4 ADA spots, 9 equestrian trailer spots. six trailer spots, vaulted restrooms, shade s helter, picnic tables, a hand-launch boat ramp, and a 1.2 mile trail which wraps around McReynolds Reservoir, providing opportunities for shoreline fishing. Sand Creek Greenway Trail Layout- This project completed trail layout, design, engineering, and fi nal plan documents for a portion of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway (SCRG) trail. This 13.5 mile off-road trail runs from the South Platte River Greenway in Commerce City, through Stapleton in Denver, to the High Line Canal trail in Aurora. The current segment of the SCRG in Denver is an 8 foot crusher fine trail. The SCRG Master Plan, adopted in 1998, calls for paralle l trails, one paved and one crusher fi ne. A final trail design for two trails from the boundary of Commerce City (near 47th and Quebec) to the Smith Road Trailbcad cast of Central Park was also completed. Because the parallel trai ls (one paved and one crusher fine) will be wider than the existing single trai l, Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership needed to complete a new pla n which inc luded the design o f both trails. The use of the trail will increase with a paved portion since this is a major off-road commuting route for the northeast portion of the Denver Metro area, and the only off-road east/west route in this region. By building parallel trails, the Greenway design will avoid conflicts and other unsafe conditions. White River Park Trails Connection Project- This project provided a master plan for a trail system in the Rangely communi ty and is intended to enhance recreational opportunities, move pedestrian traffic away -~~ , '!"7.'~ ~ . . . : . . from the congested highway, seek out logical linkages between existing routes and seek educational opportunities along the trails highlighting I~•• .,.:_. _:... Range ly's unique environmental aspects. The service area in this study ~ -✓ -· --was approx imate ly 16 square mi les. Tra ils studied serve an area from the heart of Town all the way out to the Kenney Reservoir east of Town. The project sn1died routes through BLM lands, existing routes, and new c ity R.O.W.'s; they a lso identified the need for access across private ground. The study also looked at connecting paths to the two schools, the town parks, a planned community garden, campgrounds, the hospital, neighborhoods, and the community college. Now that the initial planning is complete the project will be implemented in phases, completing separate, logical, segments or " loops" throughout the Town of Rangely. •, Dry Creek Trail Planning- This project supported the implementation of the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan. The plan designated 67 miles of non-motorized trails on BLM land west of Montrose. The project provided trail layout, design, and pin flagging, and included cultural and environmenta l studies on approximately 15 miles of non-motorized single-track trails and 4 trailbeads. This area has seen increased use due to population growth in Montrose, increased tourism on the Western Slope, and proximity to towns-this plan helps the BLM to meet the demand. The proposed trails and trailheads have been approved by SLM through the travel management plan, and addi tional funding was needed in to order to ensure trails were designed properly. Mancos Community Trails Plan- The Mancos Community Trails Planning Project encompassed the identification of cultural and natural recreational resources within the Mancos planning region and identifies preferred routes linking these assets 10 one another via safe, FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl{fe Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 34 - �healthy, non-motorized recreational trails. Stakeholder meetings were conducted to identify and collaborate with potentially impacted parties. The project includes planning 15 miles of nonmotorized trail connections between Mancos schools, parks, waterways, historic business district and neighborhoods to each other, to Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos State Park, the Colorado Trail, national forest, and state forest lands. The final plan includes a comprehensive funding strategy and list of potential resources and opportunities. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 35 - �Trails in State Parks GOCO Log Project Name 10221 TRAILS IN STATE PARKS 11221 TRAILS IN STATE PARKS 12221 TRAILS IN STATE PARKS Totals Prior Year Grant Amount Reimb $ 450,000 $ 282,429 $ 450,000 $ 93,402 $ 487,548 $ FY 2013 Reimb $ 51,734 $ 144,170 $ Grant Balance Expiration $ 115,837 06/30/13 $ 212,428 06/30/14 $ 487,548 06/30/15 $ 1,387,548 $ 195,904 $ 815,813 $ 375,831 Program Description and Objectives Trails in State Parks program provides resources to ensure that trail systems within the state parks are sufficiently maintained and constructed. This program seeks many sources of funding and partnerships to accomplish this task. This can include trail design and layout work, trail construction and/or maintenance. Annually state parks submit requests for trail work for review by an internal committee comprised of CPW staff. Each request is reviewed and ranked based on application submission. The State Trails Program prepares a recommendation for approval by the CPW Leadership Team for projects within the Trails in State Parks Program. Accomplishment for FY 2012-13: • Thirteen projects completed and they are outlined below. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 36 - V �Trails in State Parks Barr Lake Project Name PLANNING: Bergman Historic Barn Trail Planning, Design and Interpretation: Site assessment, topographic Chatfield survey, interpretive planning, concept design and preliminary and final design and bid package for a 80-acre site designated as a medium-use zone. Plan will include an ADA trail, 100-yr.old barn restoration. Historic/agricultural interpretation and signage. Completed - Trail Alignment Plan was prepared in project phases; site assessment, topographic survey and interpretive planning. MAINTENANCE: Phase II Chatfield Trail Maintenance: - Complete - 1,785 sf of 8-foot wide concrete trail repairs Chatfield MAINTENANCE: C470 Underpass Asphalt Replacement: Remove 400' existing and degrading 8' asphalt and replace State Park -~ with Mesa Buff cement. Project includes base materials, compaction, final grading, native vegetation reseeding. Complete - 375 sf of 8-foot wide asphalt CONSTRUCTION REROUTE: Cottonwood Picnic Area Trail Reroute: Project has 4 components: removal of700', Chatfield 10' cement trail and revegetation; remove 400', 6' asphalt trail from SE comer of Dog OffLeash Area, topsoil fill and reveg; construct 825', 1O' cement trail reroute around Cottonwood Picnic Area; add 500 sq. ft. cement tum around loop to replace removed asphalt trail. Complete - 2013 Lory MAINTENANCE: Park.wide Trail Maintenance: Drainage, rolling dips, fill material, corridor clearing including· invasive species, switchback repair, social trail rehab, bridge repairs, fencing at tralheads and switchbacks, debirming, beetle-killed tree removal. Complete Rox borough MAINTENANCE: Carpenter Peak Trail: Install 15 stone steps, tread stabilization, drainage, crown tread, fix trail cupping. Complete - Youth Corp worked this project. Roxborough MAINTENANCE: Fountain Valley Trail: 15 rock waterbars installed, repair cupping, fix outslope, crown tread, drainage dips and nicks. Complete - Youth Corp worked this project. Roxborough MAINTENANCE: South Rim Trail: switchback rehab and reconstruction, general trail maintenance. Complete Youth Corp worked this project. Roxborough MAINTENANCE: Willow Creek Trail: resurface 1.5 miles with crusher fines, general trail maintenance. Complete Youth Corp worked this project. Sylvan Lake CONSTRUCTION: West Brush Creek Trail: remaining 3 -3/12 miles of trail to be completed with a mechanized grader (SWECO/Ditchwitch); Sawyer Youth Corps (2 weeks) will remove hazard trees; Road crossing and regulatory signs; interpretive signs at historic structures and along the trail. Complete Ridgway Single Track Trails Planning Project: Trail layout and biological and cultural surveys on about 10 miles of Ridgway proposed single track on east side of Hwy 500 and would connect with current and proposed trails on BLM land. Complete PLANNING: William Heny Jackson Trail Spur: CONSTRUCTION Component. Environmental, cultural, Lathrop archeological assessment for switchback access trail to historic interpretive kiosk. Complete CONSTRUCTION: Parkview Hiking Trail: Self-guided, interpretive ADA hiking trail. Concrete additions to 4 areas: Trinidad short connective section, slope correction section, wheelchair overlook pulloff, concrete apron to existing asphalt area. Complete FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 37 - �Water for Recreational Purposes Water Program & Water Acquisitions ooco Log Project Name Grant Amount Prior Year Reimb Grant FY2013 Reimb Balance Expiration 10194 WATER ACQUISmONS $ 360,000 $ $ 11,105 $ 222,399 06/30/13 12193 WATER PROGRAM $ 150,000 $ $ 148,663 $ 06/30/13 11194 WATER ACQUISITIONS $ 360,000 $ $ $ 360,000 06/30/14 12194 WATER ACQUISITIONS $ 360,000 $ $ $ 06/30/15 Totals $ 1,230,000 126,496 $ 126,496 $ 159,768 1,337 360,000 $ 943,736 Program Description and Objectives The Water Program and Acquisitions GOCO grant provides support for the technical, legal, and water policy expertise necessary to protect and expand CPW's interests in all aspects of water resources management. The program is assisted with significant contract personnel and legal assistance from the Attorney General's Office. Activities include managing state parks' water resources including water rights, reservoir operations, and groundwater assets, monitoring water court actions, assessing water markets for individual parks, and coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies and user groups to maximize CPW's water supplies for recreational benefits. This grant enables CPW to secure water supplies for a number of state parks that experience inadequate water levels for recreational activities. This is accomplished in a number of ways including water purchases and leases, innovative cooperative water management and operating plans with larger water providers, and leasing water storage space in reservoirs. Without this water, water-based activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing are detrimentally impacted resulting in lower public visitation to the park system. Degradation of water quality and surrounding natural resources can also result from insufficient water supplies. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • • • • Retained several consultants to provide technical expertise necessary to protect and expand CPW's interests in various aspects of water resource management, including assisting staff and legal counsel in developing water supply plans for various state parks, providing technical support in water court actions, and developing stream and reservoir operations to protect and improve recreation, fishery and fish habitat. As was done last year, pursuant to an IGA between CPW and the City of Longmont, CPW stored 300 acre-feet of water in Blue Heron Reservoir located in St. Vrain State Park during the summer of 2013. CPW cooperated with other federal, state and local agencies and stored additional water in John Martin Reservoir which helped improve water quality and enhanced fisheries while also boosting boating and other recreational opportunities in the lake. CPW entered into a storage lease with the Bureau of Reclamation for 1,000 acre-feet of storage space in Pueblo Reservoir. This space is used to store acquired water for later releases to augment and enhance the Arkansas River streamflows for boating and fishery within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This park provides some of the best whitewater rafting and fishing opportunities in the country, therefore, adequate water supply is crucial to meeting visitors' expectations. Additionally, CPW provided weekly water operation updates for the benefit of area outfitters for more efficient rafting operations. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -38 - �• • North Sterling State Park used the water acquired pursuant to a water lease agreement with the North Sterling Irrigation District. This plan provides the means to pump water from the wells for the visitor center and campgrounds within the North Sterling State Park. Rifle Gap State Park used water acquired pursuant to a 25-year lease contract with the West Divide Water Conservancy District. This plan enables CPW to provide water for drinking and sanitary purposes for existing campgrounds as well as new campgrounds that are being developed in Rifle Gap State Park. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 39- �Management of GOCO Investments GOCO Funding Management & Interest GOCO Grant Log Amount Project Name 11222 INTEREST 12195 GOCO FUNDING MANAGEMENT Totals $ 100,000 Prior Year Reimb $ $ Grant Balance 44,773 2,120 $ $ 162,000 $ 53,108 44,773 $ 164,120 $ 53,108 $ 162,000 $ $ 262,000 FY2013 Reimb $ Expiration 06/30/12 06/30/13 Program Description and Objectives GOCO funds make up almost 20% of the total funding for the state park system. The GOCO Funding Management and Interest grant supports a variety of finance-related activities associated with the use of these funds, including accounting, grants management, billing, procurement, budgeting, and liaison with GOCO staff and the GOCO board. Grants management activities include preparing the annual investment proposal, preparing annual and other periodic accomplishment reports, managing requests for grant extensions and grant deauthorizations, and resolving day-to-day issues that arise with respect to GOCO grants. Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 • In FY 2012-13 Colorado Parks and Wildlife managed approximately 130 open GOCO Parks Purpose grants totaling over $30 million. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -40- �Wildlife Purpose HABITAT MANAGEMENT Overall Pro2ram Costs for FY 2012-13: CPW GOCO Work GOCO CPWFunds Log Grant Title Package Expenditures Number Numbers Habitat Manaaement 8923, 8729, Acquire High 11150, 0320, Priority 12150, $7,689,000 $7,442,436 0330 12151, Habitat 13169, 13170 0350, Enhance 0360, Habitat on 0370, $1,623,898 12152 $505,358 Lands and 0380, Water 0438 10153, Wetlands 11153, 0436 $948,810 $436,673 Conservation 12153 GIS Habitat 12154 0461 $475,000 $838,193 Information $9,618,168 $10,341,200 Tota/Funds Total Funds $15,131,436 $2,129,256 $1,385,484 $1,313,193 $19,959,368 Program Description and Objectives Activities funded under the four Habitat Management programs allow Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to identify and map important wildlife habitat areas and trends across the state; identify priority habitat protection areas; implement habitat protection and enhancement efforts built on partnerships with landowners, land trusts and conservation organizations; support monitoring and management of new and existing properties and easements; and protect wetland resources across the state. Successful Habitat Management efforts provide extensive and varied benefits. Through the protection of vital habitats which may assist in prevention of listing species under the federal Endangered Species Act through the protection of important habitats. Habitat management maintains crucial migration corridors and winter range for the health of Colorado's big game resources. Migratory birds and waterfowl benefit from protection and enhancement of wetland areas. These efforts further provide high quality public angling access to mountain streams and rivers. Wildlife viewers have expanded opportunities to see and enjoy Colorado's abundant wildlife resources. Additionally, more accurate and detailed habitat and land mapping leads to better informed land use decisions, more effective species recovery plans and easier public access to public lands. Great Outdoors Colorado 2010 Strategic Plan: • Make strategic investments in the protection of priority landscapes via fee title purchase and acquisition of conservation easements. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -41 - �• • Make investments through the CPW to identify, prioritize and protect important wildlife habitat. Continue to make priority investments in the preservation of rivers and riparian corridors. Colorado Parks and Wildlife 2010-2020 Strategic Plan: • Acquire interest in property where Division management can provide exceptional benefits to fish and wildlife and associated recreation. • Develop partnership with landowners, land management agencies and others to restore, enhance and conserve fish and wildlife habitats. • Provide incentives and assistance to landowners to improve habitat on private land. ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection ProRram (CWHPP) Project Name Grant Prior Year FY 13 GOCOLog Amount Expenditures Expenditures Number 101S0 111S0 121S0 121S1 131S0 13169 13170 08729 Totals Acquire High Priority Habitat Acquire High Prioritv Habitat Acquire High Prioritv Habitat Acquire High Prioritv Habitat Acquire High Prioritv Habitat Acquire High Priority Habitat Acquire High Prioritv Habitat Colo Wildlife Habitat Protection Grant Balance Grant Expiration $1,675,183 $1,67S,183 $0 $0 6/30/2013 $1,814,617 $28,687 $1,02S,S40 $760,390 6/30/2014 $3,901,173 $0 $3,324,607 $576,566 6/30/201S $593,000 $0 $593,000 $0 6/30/2013 $4,800,000 $0 $0 $4,800,000 6/30/2016 $2,600,000 $0 $2,600,000 $0 6/30/201S $1,500,000 $0 $0 $1,500,000 6/30/201S $27,800,000 $25,241,277 $145,853 $2,412,870 10/24/2014 $44,683,973 $26,945,147 $7,689,000 $10 049 826 V CPW reaches Habitat Protection goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages. These programs include the acquisition and management of wildlife habitat, administering and protecting water rights, land use comments, digital mapping services, and habitat improvements on public and private lands. Through the CWHPP, CPW and Great Outdoors Colorado work with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat. The goals of CWHPP include preventing the further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species - thereby reducing the necessity of listing species under the federal Endangered Species Act - and protecting important big game winter habitat and migration corridors. Recent CWHPP acquisitions have also increasingly included public access provisions -- a breakthrough benefit considered impossible at the outset of the CWHPP initiative. Funding for the CWHPP comes from a variety of sources, including Wildlife Cash and Habitat Stamp funds, federal State Wildlife Grants and GOCO Wildlife Purpose funds. In 2012-13, CPW protected more than 26,000 acres. Habitat protection is often a top priority in species recovery plans. In 2003, the impact of habitat protection efforts was illustrated in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decision not to list the mountain plover as threatened or endangered; an action based in part on the successes of Colorado's habitat protection efforts. USFWS cited the long-term and perpetual protection afforded through CWHPP-funded easements -- and associated management plans for those lands -- as important steps by Colorado that influenced the decision not to list the mountain plover. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -42- �FY 2012-13 CWHPP Acquisitions ,. Gunsioht Pass SHA Gunsight Pass Ace uisition Financine GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total $770,000 $356,512 $1,126,512 CPW purchased a conservation easement over a 1,120 acre ranch in Grand County to create Gunsight Pass State Habitat Ares (SHA). The property consists of sagebrush rangeland, inigated pasture and hay meadows, and intermittent streams with riparian and wetland areas. The wetland and stream areas are habitat for Colorado River cutthroat trout, northern leopard frogs , greater sage-grouse, pronghorn, elk, and mule deer. It also provides winter range and a migration cmTidor for big game species. The property borders BLM and State Land Board lands and a 1,300 acre tract of private land protected by a conservation easement held by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Wolf Mountain Ranch SHA Phase V Wolf Mountain Ranch Acquisition Financine GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total $5,600,000 $3,185,523 $8,785,523 CPW helped Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation acquire a conservation easement over 8,658 acres of Wolf Mountain Ranch in Routt County. This is the fifth phase of this effort which totals l 6,08 I acres of protected lands. The easement conserves sagebrush, shrub lands, montane grasslands, aspen woodlands, subalpine fir forests, and supports big game migration conidors, winter range, and calving and fawning areas. The northern portion of the Property contains nesting and brood rearing habitat for Greater sage grouse. This property also contains breeding, nesting, brood rearing, and winter habitat for Columbian sharp tailed grouse with several active leks located on, or directly adjacent to, the property. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report lo Great Outdoors Colorado - 43 - �Sundown Farm SW A Sundown Farm Acquisition Financine: GOCO Wildlife Puroose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Conn·ibution * Total .. $ 163,000 $46,552 $ 166,948 $376,500 "Appruised va lue 111i11 11s an1111.vllio11 costs With CWHPP funding, the Montezuma Land Conservancy purchased a conservation casement over Sundown Farm in Dolores County. This 1,180-acre ranch consists of sagebrush and sagegrass mi x. lt supports habitats for leks, brood rearing, nesting cover and movement of Gunnison sage-grou e. Other bird species include burrowing owl northern ha1Tier, and four sparrow species. The presence of springs and perennial water on the property increases the habi tat value for these species. Sundown Fann also provides habitat for deer (regularly) and a smaller number of elk. John R. Schirard SW A John R. Schirard Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Conhibution* Tota l $377,000 $230,400 $978 ,200 $1,585,600 *Appraised mlue mi1111s acq11i ition costs Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation purchased a conservation easement over the 2 520-acre John R. Schirard SW A in La Plata County. The conservation easement protects habitat and mi gratory corridor for mule deer, elk, and habitat for black bear, mountain lion and turkey as well as winter range for mule deer, elk bald eagle and turkey and severe winter range for mule deer. The ranch is located in a CPW High Priority Habitat Acquisition area. Th e habitat consists of Pinyonjuniper shrubland, gamb le oak sagebrush ponderosa, and a riparian zone. Marsh SHA Marsh Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/ Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution* Total $ 186,000 $99,800 $ 151.750 $43 7,550 •Appraised ra/11e mi1111s a cquisition costs FY 2012- 13 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 44 - �CPW provided funding to the Montezuma Land Conservancy to purchase a conservation easement over the Marsh property in Dolores County which consists of four separate parcels totaling 733 acres. The four tracts are combinations of lots in the Secret Canyon Ranch Subdivision north of Dove Creek. The Gunnison Sage Grouse Rangewide Conservation Plan identified these parcels as critical habitat for protection of the species. The property is in the core of sage grouse habitat and there is a lek located on the property. CPW also identified the tracts as critical elk winter range and concentration which includes the Marsh property. The area i.n and around the subdivision bas historically been elk winter range. San Juan National Forest elk herds cross the Dolores River from the east and travel west following canyons through BLM property into this area. Real Estate Administration: Across the state, CPW owns more than 345 State Wildlife Areas and manages more than 800,000 acres for habitat and recreational values. In addition, CPW leases approximately 480,800 acres of State Trust Lands, protecting additional wildlife habitat and providing the public with opportunities to hunt, fish and watch wildlife. CPW's Real Estate Unit has a key role in developing new habitat protections for vital wildlife habitat through the administration of the CWHPP opening new public recreational access, and monitoring existing property interests. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-2013: • Reviewed and ranked 58 proposals in response to the Request for Propo als for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program. • Provided acquisition support for 10 CWHPP projects, including baseline condition reports and management plans. • Closed on 44 real estate transactions, including 11 conservation easements. • Managed more than 400 active leases and term agreements. • Monitored 173 CPW-owned conservation easements . • Completed 79 Payment 1n Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and county impact assistance transactions . ENHANCE HABITAT ON LAND AND WATER Private Lands Program GOCO Log Number 12152 Totals Project Name Enhance Habitat Land & Water FY 13 Grant Balance Grant Amount Expenditures $525,000 $505,358 $ 19,642 $525 ,000 S505 ,358 SI9,642 Grant Expiration 6/30/2013 Colorado Parks and Wildlife 's Private Lands Program develops , coordinates and implements conservation, research and habitat projects for priority game and at-risk species. The program draws on resources from private conservation, sportsman and agricultural organizations along with major support from Farm Bill conservation. Projects and funds are based on the eligibility and funding from federal sources. The Private Lands Wildlife Biologist Program is a partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Since 2008, these outreach and habitat projects were accomplished with over$ IO million in Fann Bill Conservation funds and nearly $14 million in habitat and capacity funding from numerous partners. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 45 - �Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Assigned four biologists to NRCS offices to provide technical assistance to NRCS and • • • • • landowners implementing conservation plans and habitat enhancement projects on private lands. The biologists implemented IO projects enhancing 5,052 acres and provided technical assistance on 86 projects that impact 105,966 acres. The program biologists conducted 1,064 private landowner visits and participated in various outreach events that drew more than 9,600 people. The program secured more than $547,000 in Farm Bill conservation programs and more than $884,000 in non-Fann Bill funds for the enhancement of wildlife habitat in Colorado on private lands. The passage of legislation sponsored by the Colorado Cattleman's Association and supported by CPW, that will allow the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets on private lands in Colorado (ferrets will be released the end of October). The development and production of a private land recognition film, "Stewards of the Land - Landowners and Wildlife", available on the CPW website, that acknowledges the important role private landowners play in the conservation of all wildlife species in Colorado. Worked closely with NRCS to coordinate timelines with the CWHPP RFP for easement acquisition to conform within the timeline for Sage Grouse Special Initiative and Fann and Ranchland Protection Program funds that will potentially be allocated to successful RFP projects within sage grouse habitat. Water Resources Programs: CPW' s Water Resources Unit oversees programs that protect in-stream flows on more than 8,500 miles of streams and in 486 natural lakes in the state, manages and protects CPW-owned water rights for recreational reservoirs, fish hatcheries and State Wildlife Areas (SWAs), and develops the data and expertise needed to protect water quality through Water Quality Control Commission proceedings. Activities include acquiring and analyzing aquatic ecosystem data for use in promulgation of rules, regulations, and standards to protect Colorado's rivers and wildlife species. This program is instrumental in development of software applications to analyze and distribute ecosystem data in a consistent and timely manner. This program also oversees the RiverWatch program which organizes groups, schools and individuals to obtain water samples throughout the state for data analysis and updates the data management system and website. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • • • • • • Added approximately 11,000 new records to RiverWatch water quality database. The RiverWatch Network maintained 123 active groups statewide; sampled 285 stations statewide; and held two training sessions that hosted 54 volunteers facilitating the addition of seven new groups to the program. Provided RiverWatch data to the Water Quality Control Division for Arkansas and Rio Grande Basin Rulemaking Hearings, the upcoming Temporary Modifications Hearing, and one site specific hearing. In January, 2013, work was initiated on a new RiverWatch scope of work and RFP since the prior five year agreement with the Colorado Watershed Assembly was due to expire in June, 2013. For the majority of FY 2012-13, the CPW lnstream Flow Program Coordinator position was vacant. In addition, CPW's partner agency in the ISF area, the CWCB, also experienced some vacancies in key positions relating to the ISF Program. These positions have now been filled. No new instream flow recommendations were presented at the January 2013 lnstream Flow Program Workshop, however, CPW worked on joint proposals with the BLM for FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -46- V �• • • • • • the Dolores River. CPW and BLM personnel collected addi tional supporting data on the Dolores in January, 2013 to bolster previously conducted investigations to support this ISF proposal. Provided technical assistance to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to eva luate two injuries with mitigation proposals and two instream flow water right acquisition proposals. Reviewed and commented on the water rights aspects of22 proposed wetlands projects and more than IO real estate proposals . Successfully resolved more than 18 water court matters and filed six water court applications. Upon receipt of a final decree in the Tamarack Managed Groundwater Plan, staff worked to develop the f-l.111 build out of the project including design input as well as funding acquisition. Developed water rights and operations manuals for more than 30 State Wildlife Areas . Worked to finalize permanent water augmentation plans for the Shavano, Mt. Ouray Monte Vista and Native Aq uatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) fish hatcheries. Secured additiona l water augmentation supplies for the Poudre hatchery. Initiated feasibility assessment of well development at the Bellvue and Watson hatcherie . WETLANDS CONSERVA TTON Wetlands Program GOCO Log Number 10153 11153 12 153 Totals Proj ect Name Wet lands Conservation Wetlands Conservation Wetlands Conservati on Grant Grant Amount Prior Year Expend iture FY 13 Expenditures $700,000 $276,757 $422 ,5 10 S733 6/30/201 3 $700,000 $ 101 , 172 $333,480 $265,348 6/30/201 4 $700,000 $0 $ 192,820 $507, 180 6/30/2015 S2, 100,000 S377 929 $948,810 $773 ,26 1 Balance Grant Expiration Wetlands and riparian areas represent only about 2% of the land area of Colorado, but a majority of wildlife species use these habitats. Colorado has lost 50% of its wetlands, and 95% of riparian areas in the West have been degraded by human acti vity. Therefore, protection, re toration, and enhancement of wetlands and riparian areas are vital to conserve wildlife diversity in the state. The Wetlands Program was established 1997 when Co lorado Parks and Wildlife received a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) legacy grant of more than $4 million to conserve wetland and ri aiian habitats. Since that time, th e program and its partners have protected, restored, or enhanced nearly 300,000 acres of wetland riparian, and associated upl and habitat throughout Colorado. Since 2008, CPW has mapped and assessed wetlands in 4 major river basins whi ch include the Rio Grande, North Platte, South Platte, and Arkansas. Through coordinated landscape-scale conservation actions, CPW and its partners will work to ensure that Colorado's wetland and riparian habitat is sufficient to support self-sustaining populations of desired wildlife species and to provide wildlife-associated recreation for future generations. Goals for this program include improving the distribution and abundance of ducks , opportunities for public waterfowl hunting, and improving the status of declining or "at-risk" species associated with wetlands and riparian areas. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Waterfowl Habitat Conservation. In 2013, 12 wetland habitat improvement proj ects were funded for 8 priority waterfowl species on public and private lands. FY 2012-1 3 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual ReporL to Great Outdoors Colorado - 47 - �• • • • • • Recrnitment and retention. Completed improvements to habitat on existing waterfowl bunting sites and opened newly identified hunting sites on State Wildlife Areas, Stale Parks, State Trust Lands, and Nationa l Wildlife Refuges to pub lic hunting. Conducted other habitat improvement projects on 11 State Wildlife Areas and 2 Stale Park . At-risk Species Conservation. ln 2013 the Program funded projects for restoration and/or enhancement of existing wetlands and creation of new wetlands and riparian areas on private and public lands to benefit 15 at-risk wildlife species, including amphibians (e.g., orthern Leopard Frog), native 15 fishes (e.g., Northem Redbelly Dace and 2012 Brassy Minnow), mammals (e.g., Preble EXPIRES 6/l0i13 and New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mou e) and birds (e.g. Least Tern and Piping Plover). Riparian Conidor Conservation Projects. Restored degraded ripar ian habitat on several maj or river corridors, including the Colorado, Green, South Platte, and ST AMP WATERFOWL Yampa. Identi fying Priority Landscapes for Conservation is an ongoing wetland mapping and a sessment in itiative to identi fy priority wet land complexes and riparian corridor for targeted habitat improvement project . The Wet lands Program supports numerou partner hip. , including 7 active Wetland Focus Area Comm ittee . Non-federal funds ava ilable through th Program fac il itate partnerships and 1.everaging of major federal funding (e.g., North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Farm Bill). Each dollar invested through the Program represents several additional dollars for conservation. GJS HABITAT INFORMATION G.IS Program GOCO Log Project. Na me Number 12154 GJS Habitat Grant FY 13 Amount Expenditures $475.000 $475 .000 Grant Balance Grant Expiration so 6/30/2013 lnfo1mation CPW's Geographic Infonnation System (GIS) unit compiles wi ldlife data into fonnats that are more u eable by wildlife researchers and biologist and are more understandable for the general public. GIS documents and analysis have been particularly important to biological assessments of the impact of energy development across Colorado. Other GIS products have faci litated pub lic access to Stale Wildlife Areas and supported CPW land use comments. FY2012-13 CPW W;/d/(fe Au-pose Annual Report to Gr al Outdoors Colorado - 48 - �Program Accomplishments for FY 2012-13 include: • Developed maps and models for CPW consultations on approximately 50 energy development proposals and more than 100 other land use comments. • Developed and distributed new public access maps for approximately 20 State Wildlife Areas, 30 State Trust Lands, and all Walk-in and Big Game Access properties. • Updated critical GIS datasets for greater sage-grouse, Gunnison sage-grouse, lesser prairie-chicken, and Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse. Gunnison sage-grouse dataset was used in CPW comments to USFWS on EPA proposed listing decision. • Updated GIS datasets for "species of greatest conservation need" identified in the Colorado Wildlife Action Plan for boreal toad, Townsend's big-eared bat, white-tailed ptarmigan, bighorn sheep, native cutthroat trout and swift fox. • Completed a comprehensive, web-accessible Colorado Fishing Atlas that was released in April 2013. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -49- �SPECIES PROTECTION Overall Program Costs: G1·ant Title GOCO Log Number CP\V Work rackage . umber coco Fund CPW Funds Total Funds Species Protectirm Propagation of Aquatic Species At Risk Native Species Protection Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 12155 0570 $575.000 S279,980 $854,980 12156 0560, 0638, 0641-0652. 0656-0660, 0663-0666, 06 0.0686 $2,690,000 S2,447,393 5,137,393 12157 0662, 0670, 0 10, 0820, 0 30, 0841 . 0842, 0850, 0860, 0870, 0880 $400.000 $412,619 $812, 19 $3,665,000 $3,13 9,992 $6,804 ,992 Species Protection Total Program Description and. Objectives Co.lo.rado is home to more than 900 wildlife pecies. The olorado Wildlife A ti. n Plan identified 210 of those specie as being in ''Greate t Conservation Need. '' Activities funded under this program allows CPW to monitor a wide range of wildlife populations in the late, assess populat.ion trends detcnnine distribution patterns, identify limiting factors , develop conservation or recovery plan\ and work with other state, federa l and local agencies and private landowoers on implementing recovery plans. Deliverables Listed in these sections can be driven by deci ·ion determi ned through federal sources and can include multi-year data collection survey of species and/or habitats and/or monitoring to valida1e findings o er a multi-year period. In-depth data and information can be found on CPW' s home page at: http ://www. wild life .state.co.us/. Success in meeting recovery plan goals or in proactive actions on declining species is cmcial to retain wi ldlife management authority at: the state level, a llowing water projects to move fo1ward, and preventing costly and burdensome federal actions. PW 's species conservation efforts strive to maintain or develop healthy populations of the full range of hunted, fished and non-gume wildlife species. For species conservation work supported in part with GOCO funding, a p1imary objective is to develop and implemeni strategies to protect and recover declining species, with the goal of averting federal listing of Colorado specie under the federal Endangered Species Act and the difficult land use, water development and other restrictions often associated with a threatened or endangered determination. Great Outdoors Colorado 2010 Strategic Plan • Make investments through CPW for the protection of threatened and endangered species. Colorado Parks and Wildlife 20 I0-2020 Strategic Plan • Maintain a 1i t of specie of greatest conservation need priority threat and conservation action necessary FY 2012-13 CPW WildNfe Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 50 - �• • • • • Regularly measure and report on conservation successes Inventmy monitor and assess the status of native fish and wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend Restore native species where they have declined or disappeared Provide infomiati.on on the distribution, abundance and conservation of native fish and wildli fe Collaborate with interested and affected parties to develop and implement plans to recover threatened and endangered species and conserve native fish and wildlife The Colorado Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive catalogue of the status of knowledge and understanding of the state's wildlife species, the threats they face, and strategies to lessen those threats. While CPW is the state's principal wildlife conservation agency partnerships with other local, county, state and federa l agencies, landowners, wi ldlife conservation and sportsman organizations - along with the support of individual citizens -- are c1itical to protecting and enhancing Colorado's wildlife resources. Many of the programs supported with GOCO funding help develop and put in place these invaluable partnerships. These efforts are vita1 to ensuring that Colorado species do not completely disappear and assist in validating the data to maintain and/or increase species presence in Colorado. CPW reaches the Species Protection program goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages, including continued species research, surveys reintroduction, tracking, propagation, recovery plan development and other aspects of broad-based conservation and recovery programs . A summary of program expenditures, and individual program activities and achievements for species conservation is outlined below. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY Project Name Grant GOCO Log Grant FY 13 Amount Expenditures Balance Number 12157 Threatened & Endangered $400,000 $400 ,000 Grant Expiration $0 6/30/20 13 Peregrine Falcon Peregrine falcons were delisted under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1999. A postdelisting monitoring plan (http://www.fws .gov/endam!.ered/esalibrarv/pdf/Peregrineplan2003.pdt) was included as pa11 of the USFWS cle listing determination. That plan calls for five monitoring periods, taking place every three years. CPW conducted the federally-mandated monitoring effort in 2012 and the next effo1t is scheduled for 20 15, the last of such undertakings. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Coordinated with volunteers, other agencies, and staff to survey eyries • Included monitoring results in the CPW raptor database for land use comments and for HB 1298 consultabons to strengthen popu lation-level monitoring locally and nationally. Bald Eagle The bald eagle was dclisted under the federa l Endangered Species Act in 2006. Colorado was not included in the post-delisting monitoring plan published in 2007 . Bald eagle monitoring occurs on an annual basis and is primarily focused on monitoring nest occupancy and success. CPW field personnel and vo lunteers and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory's volunteer-based Bald Eagle Watch Program complete the monitoring efforts. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 51 - �• • Continued periodic nest monitoring with the focus on nests that have not been visited in the past five years, with a goal of visiting known occupied nests once every three years. Document new nests as they are located and include them in the statewide rapier database. Mexican Spotted Owl The Mexican Spotted Owl primari ly nests on federal land. C PW biologists are occasionally asked to participate in survey work. In this past year, CPW didn' t actively pa1iicipate in survey work and will only continue to be involved as requested by federal agencies. Canada Lynx Canada lynx was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2000. Between 1999 and 2006, CPW reintroduced 2 18 wild-caught lynx from Canada and lb!.2_,._n_._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ . _ , Alaska in the core reintroduction area in southwestern Colorado. In September 20 I 0, CPW declared the reintroduction effort successful in developing a viable self-sustaining population of Canada lynx in Colorado CPW researchers are working in collaboration with management to develop a cost-effective, minimally-intrusive monitoring program to estimate the extent, stability and distribution of lynx throughout Colorado in the winter of 20 14-15. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Utilized data collected from reintroduced animals to develop a predictive habitat model for lynx on a statewide basis. • Collaborated wi th USFS researchers to better understand the interactions between winter recreation and lynx habitat use. • Participated in the national effort to revise the Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy. • Utilized research results to develop for consideration a statewide monitoring protocol for Canada lynx to be initia ll y implemented during the winter of 2014-2015. • Worked w ith federal agencies to develop a blueprint for managing Canada lynx on federally-owned lands in Colorado Piping Plover and Least Tem Piping plover and interior least tern were listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2003 and 1990 respectively. Colorado's piping plover population is considered part of the larger Northern Great Pla ins population ofNorth Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and Minnesota. Colorado docs not have critical habitat designated for either species or specified recovery goals. Least tern and piping plover occupy similar barren beach areas on a limited number of local irrigation reservoirs in southeastern Colorado. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Continue to work collaboratively with the Army Corps of Engineers staff at the local, district, and regional levels and other local partners to implement continued habitat improvement projects at historic nesting sites; develop long-term island habitats where possible; and pursue a possible land exchange with State Land Board to allow for more effective habitat management at Adobe Creek Reservoir. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl(fe Purpose Annual Report lo Great Outdoors Colorado - 52 - �• • • Conducted annual nest/population monitoring for least tern and piping plover at John Martin, Adobe Creek, Carlton Pit, Mid-West Farms Pit, Verhoeff, and Great Plains Reservoirs. For the field season starting in 2012, CPW staff observed 8 pairs of piping plover and 12 pairs of least terns that produced 15 and 7 fledglings, respectively. For the field season starting in 2013, we observed 8 nesting pairs of piping plover that produced 13 fledglings. For the first time since 1992, we observed terns, but no nesting pairs of least tern in Colorado for 2013. In an attempt to improve and isolate the nesting habitat around Dinosaur Island at John Martin reservoir, CPW staff worked with Anny Corps staff to deepen (30-36") and widen (18-20') a trench around the island. In addition, four earthen dams were created to capture and store water during the winter fill season. The goal is to create and maintain an island during the least tern and piping plover breeding/nesting season for a range of water levels. CPW staff continues to work with the Anny Corps of Engineers on the creation of an island at Lake Hasty at John Martin State Park. The Anny Corps of Engineers is confinning water rights for the project and also awaiting funds and potential partnerships to complete the project. Black-footed Ferret Black-footed ferrets are considered to be the most endangered mammal in North America and were the first species listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1973. Colorado initiated black-footed ferret reintroduction efforts in the Wolf Creek Management Area (WCMA) in 2001. Through the fall of 2009, 252 ferrets were released as part of the recovery program. However, in 2008, sylvatic plague positive fleas were first detected in the WCMA. The plague epizootic continued through 2010. The BLM and CPW have taken measures to reduce the impact to prairie dogs and ferrets by dusting burrows with an insecticide and monitoring areas for further outbreaks. As a result of this disease and its impacts, CPW has declined to request any captive-bred ferrets for release in the WCMA for the foreseeable future. New allocation requests will be dependent on disease surveillance findings, along with ferret and prairie dog population monitoring. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • CPW completed the Tuttle Ranch Conservation Easement in October 2012. This easement will protect about 2,100 acres of White Tailed Prairie Dog (WTPD) colonies which are part of a larger complex of about 3,500 to 4,000 acres. The easement lays the groundwork for eventual black-footed ferret reintroduction on the property and adjacent BLM lands. • Work continues on the field testing of the new sylvatic plague vaccine. The US Geological Survey-National Wildlife Health Center recently developed this vaccine as part of a larger state-federal collaborative effort to develop a practical vaccination program for controlling plague in prairie dog populations for species conservation purposes including black-footed ferret recovery. In 2012, CPW conducted sylvatic plague vaccine field safety trials in both Gunnison's and black-tailed prairie dogs in Colorado. Additional research evaluating sylvatic plague vaccine efficacy will continue at multiple field sites within the range of these 2 species of prairie dogs in Colorado in 2013 and 2014. The success of the vaccine could support black-footed ferret species recovery. Greenback Cutthroat Trout: The greenback cutthroat trout, thought to be Colorado's remaining cutthroat subspecies native to the east slope, was believed to have gone extinct in 193 7 until extensive survey work discovered several populations. Numerous additional populations were established through reclamation and FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 53 - �restocking. The success of these efforts led to the 1978 down listing of greenback cutthroat trout from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. th However, recently-developed genetic evidence from 19 century museum specimens, combined with re-discovered historical stocking records, suggests that many of the discovered populations-and others that were established from their offspring-originated from early stocking of cutthroats from the west slope. Many of these study results were published in the fa ll 20 12 edition of the joumal Molecular Ecology. The USFWS and the Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Team (cha ired by CPW) have embarked on an extensive taxonomic review to determine recovery goals and objectives for the greenback cutthroat trout and to evaluate more broadly the taxonomjc status of cutthroat trout lineages of the Southern Rocky Mountains. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Brood stock development and hatchery propagation of an especially important, generically pure population originating in the South Platte basin. (Photo be low) • Extensive collaboration on a study led by the Larval Fish Laboratory at Colorado State University compared visual characteristics of specimens collected across the southern range of cutthroat trout to specific molecular markers to detem,ine if any physical traits are associated with those same taxonomic groups. • Monitored core populations of greenback cutthroat trout for stability criteria defined by the Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan. • Stocked 550,000 greenback cuttlu·oat trout into approximate ly 170 waters. • Extensively evaluated 2 new sites for potential greenback cutthroat trout reintroduction. • Recovery team partners continue to conduct range-wide surveys of genetic purity of Colorado's cutthroat trout populations to help guide future recovery efforts. • CPW staff chaired the Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Team. Upper Colorado Ri11er Endangered Fish Reco11ery Program: C PW is a fo unding partner in the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program, a unique partnership among federal and state agencies and other stakeholders wi th the goal of recovering four fish species that are federally listed under the ESA, while enabling water development to continue in the Upper Colorado Basin. The Program has responsibility for recovering populations of the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail, and humpback chub. CPW will continue sampling, monitoring and restocking as part of its obligations under the recovery program. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Stocked more than 5,600 bonytail in Debeque Canyon on the Colorado Ri ver and in the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl(fe Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 54 - �• • • • Continued participation in Colorado Pikerninnow Recovery Team, a scientific panel convened by the USFWS lo review and update recovery goals and status assessment for Colorado pikeminnow. Conducted northern pike and smallmouth bass removal operations on nearly JOO miles of the Colorado River and tributaries, nearly 50 miles of the Yampa River, and about 15 miles of the White River, the portion containing the greatest concentration of predatory non-native fish. Removed more than 5,000 non-native fish from the rivers. Conducted approximately $375 000 worth of projects in support of the recovery program. Through this agreement, each partner designates an "amount" of effort that will be utilized to support the recovery goals. CPW is committed to provide approximately $155,000 each year. Continued to document the impact of non-native fish removal efforts in critical habitat areas of the Colorado and Yampa Rivers. This data is analyzed and distributed among program participants and methods are refined based on what techniques were or weren ' t successful to use in the coming years. NATIVE SPECIES PROTECTION GOCO Log Project Name Grant Number Amount 12156 Native Species Recovery S2,690,000 FY 13 Expenditures $2,690,000 Grant Expiration Grant Balance $0 6/30/2013 Colorado River Native Fishes ("Three species"): The Colorado River drainage hosts three native fish species; the bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub , collectively referred to as the "three species", that are the subjects of a Rangewide Conservation Agreement and Strategy. Participants of this agreement include 7 states, several Federal agencies and 2 tribes. The goal is to ensure the persistence of the three species throughout their ranges. Review of historical literature and data records suggest that each of the three species may now occupy 50% or less of their former distribution rangewide. Detem1ining population demographics and life history, identifying habitat requirements characterizing three species populations genetically and morphologically, and identifying and controlling threats posed by non-native species are among the conservation actions listed in the Rangewide Agreement that need to be researched or implemented. Additionally, bluehead and flannelmouth sucker are prone to hybridization with non-native sucker species (e.g., white sucker longnose sucker) that appear to be expanding their range in western Colorado. When this occurs they cannot be counted toward conservation or recovery since genetics have been compromised. CPW continues to evaluate the distribution of these species within Colorado and identify measures to protect high-value conservation populations. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 for Conservation: • Surveyed approximately 35 streams for 3 species populations. • Collected more than 200 fin tissue samples from three species fish for genetic analysis. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 55 - �• • Coll ected 20 mature flann elmouth suckers from the Yampa River for use as No rth west Region brood stock at CPW's ative Aquatic Species Restoration Faci lity. Past collection were focused on bluebead suckers from NW and SW regions. Collaborated with Colorado State University bio l.ogists, in the development of a rangewide sucker identification key. Photo: CPW staff sampling Program Accompli hments in FY 2012-13 for Research: • Continued multi-year ampling effort to define pre ent native ranges of the three specie , visiting 45 stream site within tluee pecie range to determine present occupancy by the tlu·ee species fish. • Collected 280 fish tissue samples from three species fish fo r ongoing genetic analyses to evaluate purity, diversity and hybridization outcomes , ithin the western slope native ucker and th ir hybrids. Some of these tis ue samples may al o be used to study trophic positions of the suck rs by stable isotope analysi , a study which will help illuminate the effect of non-native sucker range expansion. • Continued co llecting numerous pectoral fin ray samples, currently over 1,000 specimens, from three pecies fishes for age and growth analysis for the purpose of characterizing environn1ental conditions conducive to spawning and recruitment success. • Collected additional pure and hybrid sucker specimens for use in sucker identificati.on workshops. These spec imens also will serve to improve biologists' ability to accurately identify pure and hybrid suckers in Western Slope water a they are compared to genetic analysi identifications. • Assisted wi th raft electrofishing efforts on the White River in support of grad uate student tudies on the three species in the White River and its tributaries. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout CPW partners -..vith other state and federal land management and wildlife agencies in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah to fonn the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team. Extensive collaborative work implemented by this team led USFWS to determine in 2007 that the subspecies did not warrant listing in under the Endangered Specie Act - a position that the courts upheld in 2012. As part ofthi multistatc Agreement, CPW biologists arc charged with monitoring managing, and reestablishing populations of native cutthroat trout to Colorado' s Western Slope . Program Accompli hments in FY .2012-13: • Conducted over 50 stream and lake inventorie to evaluate population status and identify new Colorado River cutthroat trout popu lation .. • Completed reclamation and repatriation f Woods Lake near Telluride to develop a new wild brood lake FY 2012-1 3 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors olorado - 56 - �• • Completed reclamation of Hermosa Creek near Durango, and repatriated with Colorado River cutthroat trout. CPW has participated extensively in a USFWS review of taxonomic status of cutthroat trout lineages of the Southern Rocky Mountains, motivated in part by extensive new genetic information published in the fall 2012 edition of the journal Molecular Ecology. CPW previously contributed tissue samples from over 100 cutthroat populations to this study. Rio Grande Native Fish: The Rio Grande basin is home to several fish species unique to the basin and requiring conservation measures due to their limited distribution and/or specialized habitat requirements. Most prominent among these is the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. This subspecies ranges further south than any other cutthroat trout, historically occupying waters as far as southern New Mexico. In Colorado, the species' range is confined to the headwaters of the Rio Grande surrounding the San Luis Valley. As with other subspecies of cutthroat trout, habitat fragmentation, whirling disease, and widespread introductions of non-native salmonids over the last century have served to limit the distribution of Rio Grande cutthroats to isolated headwater streams and lakes. Other fish species that, within Colorado, occur only in this basin are the Rio Grande sucker and Rio Grande chub. As of May 2009, Rio Grande cutthroat trout are considered "warranted but precluded" for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. For Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2014. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • • • • • • Continued extensive work with the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team, comprised of tribal, state and federal agencies, to develop a scientifically rigorous conservation strategy intended to preclude federal listing. Completed 20 monitoring and inventory surveys for Rio Grande cutthroat trout and Rio Grande sucker. Included surveys at Placer Creek and its forks to monitor success of restoration project. Stocked 24,400 Rio Grande sucker and 74,000 Rio Grande chub into 5 waters each . Collected 188,000 Rio Grande cutthroat eggs from Haypress Lake to augment spawn take at Pitkin Hatchery and ensure that stocking objectives were met. Continued non-native trout removal at Alamacito Creek; declining capture rate on successive passes indicates good efficiency, but project is not yet complete. Rio Grande cutthroat trout were not stocked to augment core populations due to identification of some potential genetic issues with the brood stock; however, 101,700 Rio Grande cutthroat were stocked into recreational waters. Boreal Toad The boreal toad inhabits montane habitat between 8,000 - 12,000 feet elevation. Upon emerging from underground hibernation, toads congregate at ponds and wetlands to breed, after which most adults disperse into the forest for the rest of the summer and fall. Because of this cycle, the presence and abundance of toads in an area can be best estimated by monitoring potential breeding sites for evidence of breeding: adults engaging in breeding activity, or the presence of eggs, tadpoles or toadlets. Once common throughout many of Colorado's mountain regions, the boreal toad is now listed as endangered in the State of Colorado. Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) appears to be the major cause ofboreal toad declines within Colorado and elsewhere throughout the species' range. A multi-agency Boreal Toad Recovery Team was formed in 1997 and an interstate recovery plan completed in 2001. Criteria for de-listing the boreal toad in Colorado include establishment of at least two breeding FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 57 - �populations in each of several areas of historic distribution, and a minimum number of breeding populations statewide. In 1995 the USFWS fou nd the Southern Rocky Mountain population of boreal toad (roughly Colorado so uthern Wyoming and no11hern New Mexico historically) to be "warranted but precluded' for federal listing and placed it on the candidate list. In a subsequent re iew in 2005 the Service determined that the Southern Rocky Mountain popu lation was not significantly different from ot her boreaJ toad population and removed it from the candidate li st. In 2011 the USFWS initiated a new evaluation in response to a petition citing two 2009 genetic studies that suggest that an· Easte rn population" -- roughly comparable but not identical to the Southern Rocky Mountain populat io n - may co nstitute a "distinct population segment." The USFWS has initially found that listing of the Eastern population as a di stinct population egm ent may be wananted. Due to a backlog of work on other species, the USFWS indicated it is unlikely to complet a status a sessmcnt and listing decision before 2017. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 : • CPW staff identified I new breeding site in 2013 (two others were identified by Recovery Team partner agencies) . Data is sti ll being compiled, but the number of active breeding site documented appears to be equal to or higher than in most prev ious years, as was the case in 2011 and 20 12. • Monitored 14 breeding sites , with each site requiring 2-4 vis its. • Tested samples fro m 45 breedi ng sites and 7 unknown-status or translocation sites for the presence of chytrid fungus. ln four locations radio-collared toads are being monitored and periodicall y retrieved and swabbed as a more extensive test for chytrid. • Continued a study utilizing dual-frame and occupancy-based survey methods to incrca e reli ability and accuracy of the tatistical ba ·is for detection of new breeding sites. • Stocked over 7,000 toad and tadpoles at three reintroduction sites. Exported approximately 2, 100 tadpoles to ew Mexico to as ist with reintrod uction efforts. • Provided approximately 60 toadlets to univer itics to faci litate ongoing Bd-resi tancc research. Photo: Borea l Toads c Mumma Hatchery Eastern Plains Native Fish Co11servatio11: (In the Investment Pla11 these pecies 1rere covered in lwo separate sections. For clarity, 1/re Colorado and Eastern Plains Nari11e sections were ombined.) atfre Plains Of the 38 species of fis h native to the eastern plains, eight are ex tirpated and another 12 are state endangered, threatened, or species of special concern . Although these fish are highly tolerant of the original harsh physica l and chemical condition s of plains streams - including fluctuating flows high temperatures and low oxygen - the fish are not tolerant of channel drying caused by recent droughts and other habitat degradation. Shou ld climate change result in further d1ying and FY 2012-13 CPW Wild/ffe Pu,pose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 58 - �wam1ing of the region, increased groundwater pumping and water diversion will further reduce habitat for eastern plains fish species. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Continued a flathead chub movement study on Fountain Creek and the Arkansas River. More than 15,000 flathead chub have been tagged with passive integrative transponder (PIT) tags . Mobile reading arrays are used to detect fish movement through the system. • Continued a large scale study in the South Platte River basin to identify the physical, thermal and potential flow regime re lated ba1Tiers to fish movement. • Completed a project that evaluated the effects of irrigation recharge flows on native fish species in the South Platte River on the Tamarack State Wildlife Area. • Identified and sampled permanent pools on the Pawnee National Grass land. Plains topminnow and no1thern redbelly dace were reintroduced in several ponds. Additional ponds may be treated for nonnative fish and have native species reestablished. • Examined potential interactions of mosquito fish and northern redbelly dace through laboratory studies. • Stocked over 110,000 plains minnow into the Arkansas River. • Stocked or trans located three other plains fish species-northern redbelly dace, suckem10uth minnow and plains topminnow-into waters in the South Platte and Arkansas basins. • Evaluated 12 additiona l sites for future stocking of these species. • Completed more than l 00 individual site surveys for native fishes in the plains portions of the South Platte, Arkansas and Republican basins, many in potential high priority native fish conservation areas. • Conducted two aerial surveys on 7 plains streams to document native plains stream fish habitat and barriers. Photo : CPW sampling Carrizo bw and southern redbelly dace to supplement existing brood stock Aquatic Species Restoration Facility. Creek with Campo School students River Otter River otter are listed as a state threatened species. CPW has developed and is implementing a state recovery plan for the species that outlines monitoring protocols (see Recovery Plan at: http ://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCo 11 ect ionDocuments/DO W/W i!di ifeS pee ics/S peci esOfConcem/Rc covetyPlans/CDOW2003Rivcrottcrrecoveryplan.pdf) . Monitoring was conducted on the Green River in 2009-2010. Based on information from past survey efforts, including the Green River survey and the Dolores River survey in 2011, as well as the sightings database, river otters appear to be expanding their range in Colorado. Statewide monitoring results may demonstrate that recovery criteria in the Colorado River Otter Recovery Plan have been met, a major step in allowing the river otter to be removed from the state threatened list. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 59 - �Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13 include: • Implemented monitoring projects on the Colorado, Yampa and San Miguel Rivers, water conditions dependent, with a goal ofdelisting by 20 14. See photos ofCPW performing River Otter Surveys and the River Otter Tracks. This monitoring is directed by the 2003 Recovery Plan. If Yampa meets recovery criteria ( due to be sampled Spring/S ummer 2014), CPW w ill meet recovery criteria and can delist the species from the state list. • Maintain a sighting database where general public as well as wildlife professionals can contribute their sighting reports to the overall data collection database for use in management decisions. Bats In Colorado and across in the West, little is known about the status, population biology and habitat requirements of bats. Roosting habitat, in particular, is poorly understood. Thirteen of Colorado's 18 species of bats arc known to use abandoned mines as roost sites. Historically, common methods used to close mines did not allow for continued use of U1e mines by bats. This loss of roosting habitat could have devastating effects on some bat populations. The Abandoned Mine Lands Closure Program -- administered by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, the BLM and the USFS -- is intended to render inactive mines safe for the public while a llowing continued bat access for roosting. The program evaluates the bat roost potential of mines scheduled for c losure, identifies important bat roosts, and protects these roosts by installation of bat gates, which provide access for bats to such habitat, while providing for public safety. In addition "White-nose syndrome'' (WNS) is an emerging fungal disease of North American bat species. To date, WNS has like ly killed at least five million hibernating bats in caves and inactive mines in the northeastern USA since 2006, and already has contributed to the imperilment of some bat populations and species. ln 20 I0, Colorado Parks and Wildlife developed a White-nose Syndrome Response Plan. The goal of the plan is to protect a ll species of bats in Colorado by preventing or minimizing the human assisted spread of WNS and developing approaches for early detection and control of the disease. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Evaluated data collected through acoustic monitoring and data loggers which provide temperature and humidity information. No unusual w inter activity was detected indicating no potential problem with white-nose syndrome. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl[fe Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 60 - �• • • Conducted surveys at 12 inactive mine projects, totaling 192 openings. Recommendations were made to the Department of Reclamation Mining and Safety to install 45 bat gates as they close these mines to maintain habitat for sensitive species of bats in Colorado. Collected additional baseline information on bat species native to Colorado and being impacted by WNS in the eastern US. This information includes pit tagging at a maternity site in Westem Colorado to identify movement between sites and radio tracking bats to identify winter roost locations. Continued to work with federal land management agencies and other organizations on bat conservation and the White-nose Syndrome Response Plan. Lesser Prairie-Chicken The lesser prairie-chicken (LEPC) is an upland nesting grassland bird present in regions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Once present in large numbers, the lesser prairie-chicken population and its original distribution have declined significantly. The lesser prairie-chicken is listed as threatened in Colorado. On Dec. 11, 2012 lesser prairiechickens were proposed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. USFWS granted a six-month extension to the final decision deadline and currently a final listing decision is due by March 30, 2014. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: In cooperation with the Lesser Prairie-chicken Interstate Working Group, developed a Range-wide Conservation Plan for Lesser Prairie-chicken. The plan addresses all threats identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their listing proposal. The plan includes comprehensive conservation actions as well as a mitigation framework to insure avoidance, minimization, and off-site mitigation when necessary. CPW anticipates that USFWS will endorse the final version of the conservation plan by November 2013. In cooperation with the Lesser Prairie-chicken Interstate Working Group, implemented a range wide aerial survey to estimate population sizes in 4 major ecoregions. The overall population estimate from 2012 was approximately 37,000 birds. The final 2013 estimate has not yet been released; however, due to ongoing severe drought conditions it is anticipated that populations may have declined by as much as 30-50%. Conducted population surveys, identifying a total of 84 birds and IO active leks in Baca, Prowers, and Cheyenne counties. Participated in an ongoing experiment with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to evaluate plant establishment and resulting vegetative composition from seed mixes currently recommended in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings. Continued to protect and enhance lesser prairie-chicken habitat through federal Farm Bill programs (State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE), Lesser Prairie-chicken Conservation Initiative (LPCI)) and CPW's LEPC Habitat Improvement Program. • • • • • Gunnison Sage-Grouse (GuSG) In September 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a "warranted but precluded" listing decision for Gunnison sage-grouse. According to the USFWS, GuSG warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act, but a threatened or endangered listing is precluded by higher priority actions and lack of resources. The USFWS assigned a listing priority number of 2, which places the GuSG at the top of the Service's nationwide listing priorities. On January 11, 2013, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed an 'endangered' listing and also proposed Critical Habitat for the GuSG. The final decision on the listing and Critical Habitat is expected March 31, 2014. Links to the Federal Register notices can be found at FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 61 - �hi tp://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/birds/ gunnisonsagegrouse/7 8FR2486. pdf and for proposed Critical Habitat at http ://www.fw .gov/mountainprairie/species/birds/gunnisonsagegrouse/ Gunni on sage-grouse occupy a small fraction of their historical range having been extirpated by habitat conversion from much of their historical distribution in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah and northern New Mexico. Currently, the estimated G USG range-wide population of 4,516 birds in Colorado is slightly above the population target of 4,500 birds called for in the 2005 Range-wide Conservation Plan. However, only the Gunnison population is meeting the individual population goal ; all other atellite populations are well below their respective targets. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Responded to an unofficial data call associated with the U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing decision for Gunnison Sage-Grouse in September 2012. • Reviewed and prepared comments on the USFWS proposed listing. Final comments submitted April 1, 2013. • Completed tbe Gunnison Sage-grouse Captive Breeding program and prepared final reports. Two publications de cribing hatching and brooding of chicks and rearing and release to the wild are expected to be completed by November 2014. Also a manual for both Greater and Gunnison Sage-Grouse captive rearing is being compiled. • Eva luated the response of sagebrush dependent songb ird and sma ll mammals to recent and historically treated sagebrush/shrub-steppe habitats in the Gunnison Basin Pinion Mesa and San Miguel population areas. A report has been submitted for internal review. • Continued an aggressive trap and transplant effort for priority satellite populations. The Crawford and Pinion Mesa populations received birds. All tran planted birds are trapped from the core Gunnison Basin population and fitted with radio-transmitters. Monitoring will continue as long as radios continue to transmit in order to document habitat use and survival rates. • The final report for the completed predator control project in the San Miguel Basin is being written now that the final mentoring of lek counts and Photo: Tour of chick /yearling survival was completed GuSG habitat in June 30 2013 . • As of February 27, 20 13, CPW has undertaken 33 certificates of inclusion with private landowners to participate in the GuSG Candidate Con ervation Agreement with Assurances . This encompasses 58 ,682 acres of habitat conservation across the seven GuSG populations. CPW is currently working with USFWS to assess the level of interest in ix additional key properties within Gunnison Basin (covering greater than 14 000 additional acres) that would provide further conservation measures and further preserve large tracts of land at the landscape level. • Signed on as a supporting agency on the BLM' s andidate Conservation Agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the Gunnison Basin. The purpose of the CCA is to design conservation measures addressing 4 major issues on BLM lands : grazi ng recreation , development and habitat fragmentation . Additionally Gunnison and Saguache counties will sign as supporting local governments. • Evaluated the ability to model GuSG seasonal habitats (breeding sun1111er/fall and winter) across the range in Colorado. There is insufficient radio-telemetry in the satellite FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl[fe Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 62 - �• • populations to create these types of seasonal habitat models. Much of our telemetry data is from translocated birds which likely would provide biased modeling results. Aerial flights to search for new (unknown) leks were conducted in 5 of the 7 GuSG populations. Possible new lek locations were found in the Pinion Mesa and the Cerro Summit/Cimarron populations. Feather samples were collected for a Landscape Genetic Analysis of GuSG. Samples were collected from leks in 6 of the 7 GuSG populations and provided to USGS researchers. Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) CPW and four federal agencies adopted the Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan in March 2008 to facilitate the conservation of greater sage-grouse (GRSG) and their habitats in Colorado. The Conservation Plan is guided by the philosophy that local work groups - made up of private landowners, public agency representatives, and other interested stakeholders -- have a pivotal role in greater sage-grouse conservation efforts, which typically cross jurisdictional and ownership boundaries. On March 5, 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a "warranted but precluded" listing for the greater sage-grouse under the federal Endangered Species Act. The decision adds the species to the list of candidate species under the ESA, but precludes formal protections because of "the need to address other listings of higher priority." The USFWS assigned the greater sage-grouse a listing priority number of 8, which is a relatively lower priority compared to most other species on the list. In September 2011, a court order directed the USFWS to make listing decisions on nine federal Candidate Species occurring in Colorado. The court order reflects an agreement between USFWS and environmental groups to make a final listing determination for 251 identified species that are currently listed as "warranted but precluded". Environmental groups charged that a "warranted but precluded" designation left species in a legal limbo in which the species were identified as federal candidate species but received no federal protections available under the Endangered Species Act. For greater sage-grouse, the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2015. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Provided supplemental information to the USFWS in response to a February 2012 data call, including findings from projects completed since the previous data call in March 2011. • Conducted spring 2012 lek counts which indicate a slight increase in the overall population of greater sage-grouse within Colorado since 2009. Only one of the six populations had a slight decrease in numbers, the North Eagle/South Routt population. • Conducted research on various aspects of GRSG populations and habitats including seasonal habitat use, potential effects of GPS transmitters on survival and behavior, male lek attendance, bird demographic responses to oil and gas development, and the effectiveness of techniques to rapidly restore sagebrush and other native vegetation following disturbance from well pads and pipelines. The model for seasonal habitats has been completed. • Conducted habitat treatments in the North Eagle/South Routt population with 2 pinion juniper removal projects totaling 535 acres and an agricultural lands restoration project that includes sagebrush seeding on 631 acres. • Participated as a Cooperating Agency with the BLM Sage-Grouse Environmental Impact Statement for Colorado. This state-specific EIS is part of BLM's National Sage-Grouse Planning Strategy. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 63 - �• • • • • Pa11icipated on the USFWS Conservation Objectives Team, charged w ith defining the degree lo which threats to the greater sage-grouse need to be ameliorated so that the species is no longer in danger of extinction or likely to become in danger of extinction. Developed preliminary high priori ty and general habitat maps for greater sage-grouse across their range in Colorado as part of the BLM National Planni.ng Strategy for greater sage-grouse. Monitored vegetative response to fi ve different experiments to restoring habitat conditions impacted by energy development activities. The research project involved approximately 350 plots at 20 sites in a mi x of low, mediu m and high e levations in the Piceance Basin. Throughout the evaluation range of this suite of experiments, treatments were found which improved post-reclamation wildlife habitat. Monitoring of the experiments is continuing. Deployed GPS transmitters on 47 male greater sage-grouse in no11hwestern Colorado. These transmitters are routinely monitored (location data recovered daily) for on-going research projects. Discovered 16 new leks as part of other greater sage-grouse research projects which brings the total number of acti ve leks in Colorado to 285. White-tailed Ptarmigan: In 2010 the white-tailed ptarmigan (WTPT) was petitioned to be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (Center for Biological Diversity 20 I 0). On 5 June 20 12 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) detennined that substantial biological infonnation existed to warrant a 12-month status review for 2 of the 5 recognized subspecies of WTPT: the Mt. Rainjer WTPT that occurs in Washington State and the southern WTPT that occurs throughout alpine areas in Colorado, northern New Mexico and historically in Wyoming. The petitioners and US FWS cited climate change and its impacts to a species dependent on alpine habitats as the main threat to the viability of the 2 WTPT subspecies. In response to the petition, C PW conducted statewide occupancy surveys in 20 I I to develop a baseline distribution of the species. These surveys demonstrated that WTPT are widely distributed across the state and had relatively high detection probabilities. However, these surveys did not provide information on the demographics of individual populations (i.e., increasing or decreasing). Being able to incorporate demographic infonnation into surveys would be useful in estimating and understanding actual population numbers, allowing for a better evaluation of the effects c limate and other impacts may be having on populations. It would also allow C PW to develop better management strategics to maintain viable populations and avoid further listing scenarios. In 20 12, CPW built upon the occupancy models using mark-resight models to assess population numbers. These surveys were conducted at a subsample of plots selected for occupancy sampling. These surveys were continued in 20 13 with the addition of monitoring radio-marked birds. Radiomarking will inform home range size, resource selection and survival. In addition, CPW will evaluate nest success and reproductive output as part of a cooperative effort wi th the Park Service and CSU. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 64 - �Gunnison 's Prairie Dog In Colorado, some areas of Gunnison's prairie dog (GUPD) colonies have been extirpated due to plague or are surviving at very low densities. To help manage and conserve this species, dusting of prairie dog burrows is currently being used as a management tool to protect colonies from plague outbreaks within areas of concern. In 2012, CPW dusted approximately 1010 acres of Gunnison's prairie dog habitat in 26 colonies (536 acres in the Gunnison Basin, 213 acres in South Park, 242 acres in the San Luis Valley, and 19 acres in the southeast). The 2012 dusting effort required 1080 work hours over 12 days (travel not included) to complete. The 26 colonies occurred on land owned or managed by several agencies (12 BLM, 7 State Wildlife Areas, S State Parks and 2 on private lands). CPW dusted these same areas again in 2013. One important facet of CPW's ongoing work involves field testing of the new sylvatic plague vaccine. The US Geological Survey-National Wildlife Health Center recently developed this vaccine as part of a larger state-federal collaborative effort to develop a practical vaccination program for controlling plague in prairie dog populations for species conservation purposes. In 2012, CPW conducted sylvatic plague vaccine field safety trials in both Gunnison's and blacktailed prairie dogs in Colorado. Additional research evaluating sylvatic plague vaccine efficacy will continue at multiple field sites within the range of these 2 species of prairie dogs in Colorado in 2013 and 2014. CPW and CU Boulder conducted a research project to examine if genetically distinct subspecies of Cynomys gunnisoni exists. The results from the effort were: • A total of 838 prairie dogs were sampled from 48 different colonies across the range of the species in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. • There was evidence for two distinct subspecies from all five tests of the predictions of the hypothesis; however the geographic distribution of the two subspecies differs from that suggested by current maps. A publication on the work is being developed and will be submitted in the fall 2013. PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK GOCOLog Number 12155 Project Name Grant Amount FY 13 Expenditures Propagation of Aquatic Species $575,000 $575,000 Grant Balance Grant Expiration $0 6/30/2013 CPW constructed the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in 2000 to facilitate the conservation of rare aquatic native species through captive propagation, genetic conservation, scientific research and public education and awareness. Currently there are 11 fish species and one amphibian specie housed on the unit. Many are State Threatened, Endangered or Species of Special Concern and one is federally listed. NASRF's overall mission is to recover Colorado native aquatic species in decline. By employing new and improved culture techniques, technologies and methodologies, NASRF continues to maximize its production while ensuring a safe and ethical culture environment for its aquatic species. Biologists have observed overall gains in the survival, growth and reproduction within a majority of species by combining improved spawning techniques along with variations in diets and feeding regimes. Technological advancements were made within the hatchery, nursery and grow-out functions at NASRF. NASRF's goal is to maintain the health, growth and reproduction of these species and NASRF fully anticipates increased results in the propagation and production of fish and toads again in 2014. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 65 - �Species at NASRF in 2013 • Amphibian (1 Species) I. Boreal Toad - 25 populations represented • Small-bodied Fish (8 Species) I . Arkansas Darter ( 3 populations represented) 2. Plains Minnow ( 2 populations represented) 3. Suckermouth Minnow (1 population represented) 4. Rio Grande Sucker (3 populations represented) 5. Rio Grande Chub ( 8 populations represented) 6. Roundtail chub (4 populations represented) 7. Northern Redbelly Dace (1 population represented) 8. Southern Redbelly Dace ( I population represented) • Large-bodied Fish (3 Species) I. Bonytail Chub* 2. Blue head Sucker 3. Flannelmouth sucker *Federally listed as Endangered in 1980. 2013 Production Numbers Small-bodied Fish • 249,945 fish produced and stocked or anticipated for stocking in 2013 I. Arkansas Darter - 16,505 fish 2. Plains Minnow-111,425 fish 3. Suckermouth Minnow ~7,000 fish 4. Rio Grande Sucker~ 13,500 fish 5. Rio Grande Chub ~ 61,515 fish 6. Roundtail Chub ~ 40,000 fish 7. Northern Redbelly Dace -0 fish (No requests from Biologists in 2013.) 8. Southern Redbelly Dace- 0 fish (No requests from Biologists in 2013.) Large-bodied Fish • 5,400 fish produced and stocked or anticipated for stocking in 2013 I. Bonytail Chub - 5,400 fish 2. Bluehead Sucker-0 fish (No request from Biologist in 2013.) 3. Flannelmouth Sucker-0 fish (No request from Biologist in 2013.) Boreal Toad • 8,955 tadpoles produced and stocked in Colorado in 2013. • 2315 tadpoles exported to New Mexico to assist with their reintroduction program. • 150 tadpoles and toadlets sent to various Universities and Zoos for research and genetic refugia. • 19 older toads culled from captive brood stock, equipped with radio collars and returned to the wild to serve as sentinels. Specific Colorado Waters Stocked as of August 2013 Small-bodied Fish FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 66- �1. Arkansas Darter-12,188 total fish stocked. a. 4,537 in Deadman Ditch - near Lamar b. 3,113 in Horse Creek - near Lamar c. 4,538 in Willow Creek - near Karval 2. Rio Grande Chub -11,515 total fish stocked. a. 11,515 in Blanca Wildlife Area Ponds (Closed Basin) Large-bodied Fish 1. Bonytail Chub - 2934 total fish stocked. a. 2934 in Colorado River #2 at Debeque Canyon Boreal Toad 1. Boreal Toad-11,289 total tadpoles/toads stocked. a. 6,491 in Mysterious (Gulch) Creek b. 2,464 in Rocky Mountain National Park c. 2,315 in New Mexico for New Mexico Game and Fish d. 19 toads equipped with radio collars and stocked as sentinels throughout the State. Estimates of Species Provided In 2013 Small-bodied Fish • 18,191 Small-bodied fish provided refugia in 2013 as brood stock. a. 2,684 Arkansas Darter b. 4,649 Plains Minnow c. 1,025 Suckermouth Minnow d. 1,200 Rio Grande Sucker e. 750 Rio Grande Chub f. 834 Roundtail Chub g. 6 Southern Redbelly Dace provided genetic refugia. h. ~10,000 Northern Redbelly Dace provided genetic refugia • Estimated number of small-bodied fish provided refugia in 2014-21,148 fish Large-bodied Fish • 120 Bonytail Chub (YC08) provided refugia as brood stock. Historically, the Southwest Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center, previously known as the Dexter National Fish Hatchery, has been NASRF's sole source for Bonytail Chub fry. Due to disease outbreak {Largemouth Bass Virus) at Dexter in 2010, NASRF began building its own Bonytail Chub brood stock to meet future stocking schedules. • 51 Bluehead Sucker provided refugia as brood stock. NASRF received 26 Bluehead Suckers from the Yampa River in 2011. Four died in captivity. NASRF received another 30 Bluehead Suckers from the San Miguel River in 2012. One died in captivity. • 15 Flannelmouth Sucker provided refugia as brood stock. NASRF received 20 Flannelmouth Suckers from the Yampa River in 2012. Five died in captivity. ~ • 20,000 Bluehead Suckers currently in grow-out production. • ~ 29,954 Bonytail Chub currently in grow-out production. • Estimated number of large-bodied fish provided refugia in 2013 - 186 fish (Bloodstock) • Estimated number of large-bodied fish provided refugia in 2013 -49,954 fish (Grow-out) Boreal Toad • ~738 Boreal Toads provided refugia as brood stock and representing 25 populations. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 67 - �• • NASRF held 109 tadpoles for metamorphosis from various sites/lots as future brood stock in 2013. Estimated number of Boreal Toad provided refugia as brood stock in 2014 ~ 847 Toads 2013 Production & Research Accomplishments Great strides forward were made in the captive propagation of native fish to Colorado's Eastern Plains in 2013. Arkansas Darter • The NASRF witnessed a 250% increase in the production of its Arkansas darter leaving NASRF to reassess the reproductive age of the captive brood stock populations. During the 2013 production season NASRF found Age l and Age 2 fish and their gametes to be more viable than the older age fish, as was originally thought. • In 2013 young-of-the-year Arkansas darters (Age 0) were reproducing within the numerous aquaria and tanks located throughout NASRF's Recovery Building I, again leaving NASRF to reassess the reproductive age of its captive brood stock populations. NASRF staff feels that the increase in fish size due to enhanced diets and feeding regimes has led to earlier maturation rates in the fish; the use of flow-through aquaria system technology versus static aquaria provides a better environment in which to spawn; more efficient egg collection techniques; and weekly prophylactic treatments with sodium chloride (salt) to ward off ectoparasites are largely responsible for the breakthrough in Arkansas Darter culture. Plains Minnow • In 2012-13 NASRF produced and stocked 111,425 Plains minnow total. This number can be broken down into the 50,000 fish over-wintered from 2012 plus the current year's production of 61,425 fish. This is a 62% increase from 2011 in Plains Minnow production and is testament to years of hard work and dedication by NASRF staff and devoted CPW biologists and researchers. Currently a like-number of fish is being over-wintered in NASRF's warm-water grow-out ponds to gain in size prior to stocking in spring 2014. The Three-Species Conservation Efforts Bluehead Sucker • In accordance with the objectives as stated in the State of Colorado's Conservation and Management Plan for the Roundtail Chub, Bluehead Sucker and Flannelmouth Sucker, NASRF once again successfully spawned Bluehead sucker in 2013. There are currently ~20,000 Bluehead suckers in NASRF's warm-water grow-out ponds. NASRF anticipates a request for 5,000 fish at 8 inches total length in 2014. Flannelmouth Sucker • In accordance with the objectives as stated in the State of Colorado's Conservation and Management Plan for the Roundtail Chub, Bluehead Sucker and Flannelmouth Sucker, NASRF received 20 Flannelmouth Suckers from the Yampa River in 2013. Five initially died in captivity. The remaining 15 fish have adapted well to captivity and are given genetic refugia as future brood stock possibly to be spawned in 2014. Boreal Toad Research • In 2013, 150 post-hatch tadpoles were transferred from NASRF to Colorado State University in support of CSU research investigating the impact of introduced cutthroat trout on boreal toad breeding success and recruitment. The research is designed to determine if • introduced cutthroat trout have a direct or indirect effect on Boreal Toad recruitment. Boreal FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 68 - V �Toads have declined precipitously in the Rocky Mounta in Region, and within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) approx imately 75% ofthe historical populations are extirpated, leaving only 5 known breeding sites. The research focuses on the direct (predation) or indirect effects of cutthroat trout on earl y li fe history stages o f Boreal Toads; whether Boreal Toad tadpoles exposed daily to cutthroat trout have lower growth rates, delayed time to metamorphosis and/or lower probabilities of survival to metamorphosis. • Tn the spring of 201 3, Mississippi State University & Memphis Zoo Researchers Natalie Calatayud, Ph.D ., and Cecilia Langhorne spent 3 weeks at NASRF continuing wi th their Boreal toad ovulation and sperm research. Specifically they are investigating; Hormonal Induction of ovulation in the boreal toad; Synchronization of gamete deposition and rate of fertilization; Cryotoxicity and cryopreservation ofboreal toad embryos; Spenn Cryopreservation; and Collection and cold-storage of spern1ic urine in situ. In addition to their own research, Dr. Calatayud and Langhorne assisted NASRF in the reproduction of captive brood stock utilizing new and improved honnone injection protocols and In vitro fe11ilization techniques. Dr. Calatayud plans to return to assist NASRF again in 20 14. Education and Outreach Pub lic education and awareness of aquatic species is in decline and the reasons fo r the dec li ne continues to be a maj or objective within the NASRF. • On the afternoon of March 13, 2013, NAS R.F hosted a field trip with Cub Scout Den No. 3, Pack 307 of the Boy Scouts of America along with involved parents. NAS RF encouraged the boys to work on obtaining their Fishing Badges and info nned Den leaders on how Colorado Parks and Wildlife could assist. • On April 11 , 201 3 the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission traveled to A lamosa for its April meeting and toured the NASRF. There they had the opportunity to observe and participate in the manual spawning of Rio Grande sucker, the bi-weekly hydration of Boreal toad in hibernation and the hormonal injections of spawn ing Suckermouth minnow. • The first week of July 20 13 NASRF partnered once again with the San Luis Valley Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program. This is a summer employment program, established by Public Law 93-408, fo r young men and women between the ages of 15 through 18. The program is administered by the Department of Interior (DOI). Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Park Service (NPS). and the U.S. Fish and Wild li fe Service (USFW S). Enrollment periods typically last for eight weeks, depending upon the regional academic calendars, and the enrollees normall y work a 40-hour week. Proj ects may include trail building, improving wildlife habitat, posting boundary signs, invasive plant control, bird banding, simple construction, office work and general maintenance activities as needed. The 6 young men assisted NASRF with the installment of a water di version structure and construction of amphibi an depredation fencing around endangered fish ponds. They also cut and pulled invasive weeds around the work unit. The youth were provided with an in-depth educational tour of the fac ility along w ith an appreciation luncheon. • In addition to the general public, NASRF continues to provide annual field trips, educational tours and experiential learning activities to both secondary and post-secondary educational institutions in the San Luis Valley, inc luding providing fish fo r the popular "Chubs in the Classroom" Program as well as mentoring and providing technical support with Science Fair Proj ects. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 69 - �WILDLIFE EDUCATION Overall Pro2ram Costs: GOCOLog umber CPWWork Package umbers Wildlife Education 12 158 6 130, 61 40, 6150 , 6 160, 6260,6290 6581 $554,000 River Stcw11rdship 12 160 6420 Sl61,000 215 ,624 $376,624 $715,000 $897,718 $.1,612,718 Gra nt Title GOCO unds CPWFunds Totnl Funds 682,094 $1,236,094 Wildlife Et!11cati1111 Wildlife Ed11catio11: Program Description and Objecti.ves olorado Parks and Wildlife education programs combine school-based education on wildlife concept · -- including wildlife management, habitat needs and con ~ervation -- with hands-on and ficld-ba . cd learning opportunities for students. With concern increasing over the loss of connection of our nation 's youth to the outdoors and natural resources, Colorado Parks and Wildlife s education programs strive to instill stewardship skills and ethic · in students across the state. Information contained within this section is intended to capture the accomplishments of the past year and the continued effort to connect and educate people about wildlife throughout the state. Detailed infom,ation regarding the volunteer and education program. offered throughout PW can be found at http://wildlife.state .co.usNolun teer/Page /Volunteer.aspx. Great OuLdoors • • • • olorado 20 IO Strategic Plan - l.nvest in Watchable Wildlife and Wildlife Environmental Education program at CPW and seek additional partnerships/re-granting opportunities, Develop opportunities for youth groups (schools, etc.) to visit conserved properties and learn stewardship values. In est funds in pat1n.er hips/projects with schools lo develop resources (e.g. Learning Lanscapes). In vest additional Lottery proceeds over the next five years in enhancing or expanding outdoor programs at. State Parks and the Division of Wildlife. Provide incentives for stronger paitnerships with outside organizations in delivering these education program . olorado Parks and Wiidlife 20 l 0-2020 Strategic Plan • • • • Provide a variety of "how to' hunting and fishing c lasses as well as other fish and wildlife educational opportunities Provide timely accurate and user-friendly infomrntion on recreationa l and educational opportunities Provide materials and professional. development training for fonnal educators to conduct effecti.ve field inve tigation wi th their st11dents Develop partner hips to provide formal and inform.al outdoor wildlife opport,unities pecific to the needs of beginners, youth people with disabilities and fam i.lies FY 2012-13 CPW Wild f(fe Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 70 - �Youth Education GOCOLog Number 12158 Project Name Grant Amount FY 13 Expenditures Youth Education $554,000 $554,000 Grant Balance Grant Expiration $0 6/30/2013 The Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) is a statewide coalition of ten accredited youth conservation corps that seeks volunteer and summer job opportunities for approximately 1,800 youth. For more than a decade, CYCA crews have worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on angler education clinics, fence removal or repair at State Wildlife Areas, non-native invasive weed control, riparian habitat improvement projects, irrigation enhancement projects, trail repair and construction, and hatchery maintenance projects across Colorado. CYCA work crews learn first-hand about wildlife and habitat stewardship while developing job skills and experience that help them in future employment. With the help of CYCA crews, CPW is able to undertake valuable projects that might otherwise be delayed. Program Accomplishments in FY 12-13 • Colorado Youth Corps Association crews assisted or undertook the following wildlife projects: • Installed pond steps, completed maintenance at two hatchery locations • Removed noxious weeds, Russian olive, Tamarisk, and thinned Pinion Juniper and timber at 7 State Wildlife Areas • Removed/ repaired / installed fencing, and constructed signs at 6 State Wildlife Areas • Conducted irrigation enhancement and ditch repair at two State Wildlife Areas • Restored and improved habitats at two State Wildlife Areas Colorado Parks and Wildlife supported the Pathways to Careers initiative for natural • resources careers led by CYCA at the first career fair held at West High School. This included planning the event, finding sponsors and organizing booths and information for students. Educator Training CPW staff and volunteer facilitators train formal and non-formal educators to teach about Colorado's natural resources using the Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, Flying WILD, Growing Up WILD and other curriculum products created by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Conservation Education Strategy. These materials are also central to the Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) teacher institutes hosted in 13 communities around the state. Once trained, these educators reach thousands of Colorado students in schools and in non-formal education settings every year. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • Hosted 35 educator training workshops and teacher institutes, featuring Project WILD and other curriculum materials, reaching 670 educators in the state through nearly 570 hours of workshop contact time. • Managed and maintained partnerships with the 100+ volunteer facilitators that implement Project WILD, Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) and other professional development workshops. Worked in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education to revise and begin • implementation of the Colorado Environmental Education Plan that was legislated in 2010 as part of the Colorado Kids Outdoors legislation. (HB 10-1131) The Colorado Board of Education adopted the revised plan in December 2012 and implementation began in May 2013. The first step of implementation began with CDE, DNR/CPW and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education recruiting and selecting members for the Colorado Environmental Education Leadership Council (CEELC). The CEELC is an FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 71 - �• • advisory council to the COE and DNR to support the implementation of the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. Worked with the Associat ion offish and Wil dlife Agencies Conservation Education Strategy on the core planning team to implement a new multi-state grant to promote non~ traditional wildlife agency pannerships aero s the country. These partner. hips wil l focus on connecting urban youth gro ups not traditionally connected to wildlife agency services with agency and outdoor recreation partner . Provided check-out wi ldlife ed ucation materials as well as curri culum, posters and other supplemental resources for hundreds of Colorado teachers to use in classrooms across the state. Kids a,id the Ou/d'()ors olorado Parks and Wildlife actively partners with many local, state and federa l g vemment agenc ies. sportsmen organizations and others in support of events that introduc youth to the outdoor . CPW is one of the lead organizers, along with Denver Parks and Recreation and the US Fore t Service, in the development of Get Outdoors Colorado, a state-foc us d outdoor activity program prom Ling variou utdoor acti itie throughout the Stat . Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • • La unc hed Colo rado's "Get Outdo 1-- Colorado ' web ite; w\w,1.getoutdoor co lorado.org in March 2013. Thi is an informational and interactive website that offers and pro motes outdoor activities . • Get Outdoors Colorado" pai1ners work together to foster and facilitate educational experiences and to enco urage parti.cipants of all skill levels abi Ii ties , and backgrounds to interact with the outdoors in a way that encourages healthy active utdoor li fes lyles; conserva tion, awareness and respect· natural resources stewardship and recreation participation. Pa11icipated in the 'National Get Outdoors Day" on Ju11e 8, 2013. This national event offered hands-on opportunities fo r fa mil ies to experience traditional a.nd non-traditional outdoor activities with an emphasis on connecting youth to the outdoors· an event that served over I0,000 people (mostly families) . RIVER STEWARDSHIP GOCO Log Project Name Number 1.2160 River Stewardsh ip Grant FY 13 Grnnt Grant Amount Expenditures Balance Expiration $161,000 Sl61,000 so 6/30/2013 Angler Education: The Angler Education program, with support from Great Outdoors Colorado, has successfully continued to grow in the Denver metro area as well as around the state. At the time of this repott, cunent estimates for FY 2012- 13 show that there have been 322 fishing clinics reaching over 24,500 participants. Additionally CPW gave out more than 20,000 free fishing rods to anglers at various clinics around lhe state. The Angler Educ ation program foster and maintains hundreds of pa1tnerships with local , state, and federal governments. Along with these partnerships, the Angler · ducation program has work d wiLh loca l. and national organizations including but not limited to : Polic and Sheriff:' depMments statewide, Eagle Claw/Wright Mc i.11, U.S. Fish and Wildlife crv.ice and Trout Unlimited Chapters. B low are several photographs fro m various fi hing clinic throughout Colorado. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildl(fe Purpose Annual Report to Gr at Outdoors Colorado - 72- �Efforts from the Angler Education program include promoting "Get Outdoors" programs across the state such as the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration, educating families at the Intemation Sportsman Exposition for the 5th year in a row on fishing in Colorado, working with the state fish hatchery system on standardized educational outTeach messages, and continuing development of the on-line registration database and tracking of clinic participants. This program will continue outreach efforts while focusing on new opportunities for angler recruitment in Colorado. FY 2012-13 CPW Wddlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 73 - �WILDLIFE VIEWING Overall Proe:ram Costs: Grant Title GOCOLog Number CPWWork Package Numbers GOCO Funds 09161, 10161, 12162 5110, 5210, 5260, 5310 CPWFunds Total Funds $347,213 $10,684 $357,897 $347,213 $10,684 $357,897 Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing Funds: Program Description and Objectives Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to introduce children, youth, adults, and families to outdoor recreation opportunities through fishing clinics, train educators in wildlife management concepts that can be utilized in the classroom and in a field instruction environment, and provide opportunities for partners to connect their audiences to wildlife using CPW materials, equipment and expertise. These activities build awareness and understanding of wildlife and wildlife management, help to meet the long-term vision of creating future stewards of the land and wildlife. Great Outdoors Colorado 2010 Strategic Plan • • Invest in Watchable Wildlife and Wildlife Environmental Education Programs at CPW and seek additional partnerships/regranting opportunities. Encourage better coordination of programs and projects by Parks, CPW and partners. Colorado Division of Wildlife 2010-2020 Strategic Plan • • • • Promote and market the Division's wildlife-based recreation programs to new as well as existing customers. Develop partnerships to provide formal and informal outdoor wildlife opportunities specific to the needs of beginners, youth, people with disabilities and families. Develop partnerships to create and enhance existing mentoring programs for wildlifebased recreation. Promote the social and economic benefits of wildlife-based recreation. WILDLIFE VIEWING GOCOLog Number 09161 10161 11161 12161 12162 Totals Grant Expiration Project Name Grant Amount Prior Year Expenditures FY 13 Expenditures Grant Balance Wildlife Viewing -Caoital Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing O&A $46,000 $35,057 $10,943 $0 6/30/2013 $67,000 $27,000 $27,000 $300,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $36,270 $0 $0 $300,000 $30,730 $27,000 $27,000 $0 6/30/2013 6/30/2014 6/30/2015 6/30/2013 $467,000 $35,057 $347,213 $84,730 Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to a significant segment of Colorado's population that does not hunt or fish but who are interested in the state's wildlife resources. Watchable Wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many program and project building blocks that support and preserve the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. These efforts provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs to FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -74- �citizens that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. Tn Colorado, more than 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wildlife annually. The significant state and local economic impact of wildlife watching acti vities - generating an estimated $ 1.2 billion in annual economic activity and supporting nearly 13,000 j obs in Colorado - has laid the groundwork fo r a new and expanded set of partners for CPW wildlife programs. Program Accomplishments in FY 12-13 Wildlife Viewing Festivals and Events: CPW and its partners coord inated more than 35 wildlife view ing events or festivals across Colorado in FY 20 12-13, many of which bring economic benefits to their local communities. Events included : • Fort Morgan Audubon Event • Barr Lake Birding Festival • Elk Fest Estes Park • Monte Vista Crane Festival • Greater Prairie Chicken viewing --Wray • Bald Eagle Days-- Pueblo Reservoir • Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival Day --Colorado Springs • Hummingbird Festival --Colorado Springs • Eckert Crane Festival • Lamar Snow Goose Festival • Gunnison Sage-Grouse Festival • Karval Mountain Plover Festival • Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival • Greater Sage-Grouse lek tours--Walden • Ute Mountain Birding Festival -Cortez FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 75 - �Photo: Elk Fest • Starting in 2003, CPW has facilitated the development of self-guided birding trails in three regions of the state. In FY 2012-2013 the site selection, trail loops with maps and printed guide for the northwest (NW) portion of the Colorado Birding Trail (CBT) were completed. The CBT website is currently being updated with the NW trails and sites. The NW CBT consists of 13 organized trails (i.e.: driving loops) with a total of 155 sites. Of the e sites, l Oare private sites allowing access to the public for wildlife viewing for free or a nominal fee. The BT :includes each state park in Lhe W region as a site. Discu. ion are currently on-going with COOT to place BT signage on major highway· for the trails in the NW region. • In July of 2012, CPW and it partner held the third ann ual Grand Mesa Moose Day at the U Forest Service Visitor Center on Grand Mesa. Approximately 869 visitors ventured to the top of the world s largest flat top mountain to learn about moose. 180 peopl.e attended indoor presentations on the moose introduction to Grand Mesa, moose viewing, and safety while viewing moose and how CPW tracks moose and e timated the population on the Grand Mesa. 100+ children and their families hiked with a wildlife officer to learn about wildlife telemetry, how to search for hidden telemetry collars and learn about moose biology. Some kids made themselves a moose and proudly wore their antlers! Attendees also learned what moose eat by trying their hand at a "moose meal" and were able to touch hides, skulls, antl ers, and horns on the touch table. Local CPW District Wildlife Managers manned the Operation Game Thief trailer, and they answered questions about moose, fishing, hunting, and anything else attendees bad on their minds. Photo: Grand Mesa Moose Day (USFS Photo Credit) CPW moose partners include: US Forest Service who hosts the event in their Visitor Center, An-G Outfitter, Cabela' s, Moose Radio 100.7 and the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. Wildlife Viewing Festivals and Events FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 76 - �Monte Vista Crane Festival - Started in 1983 - 2013 Festival was its 30th Anniversary New Wildlife Viewing Festival- Yampa Valley Crane Festival- Steamboat SpringsSeptember - Partners include: Yampatika, Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition, American Kestrel Press, Audubon Rockies, Book Trails, Bud Werner Memorial Library and others. Southeast Festivals • Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Day - This event provides viewing of Colorado Springs' Rampart Range Bighorn Sheep herd - within the City Limits of Colorado Springs. Held in February, each year, it provides wildlife viewing, awareness and education for nearly 3,000 participants. This is a partnership between CPW and Cheyenne Mountain SP, Colorado Springs City Parks and Recreation, Visit Colorado Springs - Tourism and Convention Bureau, the US Forest Service - Pike National Forest, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, El Paso County Parks and The Bighorn Society. It has been an extremely successful festival held on the west side of Colorado Springs for the past seven years. • Pueblo Eagle Days - February {This was the 17 th year of this festival)-Partners include: The Pueblo Zoo, The Arkansas Valley Audubon Society, The Greenway and Nature Center of Pueblo and the Pueblo Raptor Center, The Pueblo Chamber of Commerce and Black Hills Energy Corp. • High Plains Snow Goose Festival - 11 th year - Lamar, CO - February - Partners include: The Lamar Chamber of Commerce, Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation, Prowers County Economic Development, NPS - Bents Old Fort National Historic Site and Sand Creek Massacre NHS, Bents New Fort NHS, USFS - Comanche National Grasslands, Canyons and Plains of Southeast Colorado, Canyon Journeys Tours, Lamar High School, Lamar Community College, McClave School District, local businesses and landowners. • Lesser Prairie Chicken Viewing Tours: - Holly and Granada, CO-March and AprilPartners include: Arena Dust Tours, local landowners/ranchers. • Karval Mountain Plover Festival: April-Partners include: Karval Community Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, local landowners/ranchers, Karval School, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Other partner projects continued: • Starsmore Hummingbird Festival: May- Partners include: CPW, Colorado Springs Park and Recreation - Starsmore Discovery Center and North Cheyenne Canon Park, Colorado Mounted Rangers. This outstanding and popular festival will be expanded in 2014 to the Pikes Peak Birding Festival which will provide activities and events at a number of Colorado Springs area sites. CPW is participating in the expansion of this festival along with several other partners. • "Bent on Birding" Heritage and Birding Festival: May- Partners include: CPW, John Martin Reservoir SP, Bent County Economic Development, Bent County Heritage, NPS - Bents Old Fort, Boggsville Historic District, Canyons and Plains of Southeast Colorado Southwest Festivals: • Monte Vista Crane Festival: March - Partners include: CPW, Monte Vista Crane Festival Committee, USFWS - Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges, NPS Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, USFS -Rio Grande National Forest, BLM- San Luis Valley Field Office, SLV Ecosystem Council, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, City of Monte Vista, Monte Vista Public Schools, Arkansas Valley Audubon Society • Eckert Crane Days: March - Partners include: CPW, Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce, Black Canyon Audubon Society, Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, local business and others • • FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 77 - �• • • • Gunnison Sage-grouse Festival: April-Partners include: CPW, Western State Colorado University, Gunnison Sage-grouse Working Committee, City of Gunnison, Gunnison County, NRCS - Gunnison Field Office, NPS - Curecanti NRA, BLM - Gunnison Field Office, US Forest Service -Gunnison National Forest, Siskadee, Gunnison Trails, Black Canyon Audubon Society, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival: Cortez, May -Partners Include: CPW, Cortez Cultural Center, Black Canyon Audubon Society, NPS-Mesa Verde National Park, BLM - Cortez Field Office, USFS - San Juan National Forest, Dolores Chamber of Commerce, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Mesa Verde Country, San Juan Mountains Assoc., Cortez Retail Enhancement Assoc., Cortez Journal, local businesses and landowners Orient Mine Bat Viewing: Villa Grove, June - August - Partners include: CPW, Orient Land Trust, Valley View Hot Springs, Bat Conservation International "Cranes For Kids'' Festival: Monte Vista, October - Partners include: CPW, USFWS Alamosa and Monte Vista NWRs, and others. Watchable Wildlife with Partners • Colorado Birding Trail & Heritage Kiosks in Southeast and South central Colorado Partners included: Canyons and Plains of Southeast Colorado, Crossroads of Cultures South Central Colorado, Byways to Birding, Colorado State Byways Program, COOT Enhancement Program, 11 counties and more than 40 communities in southeast and south central Colorado that are participating in this project to erect 42 interpretive kiosks throughout the southeast and south central part of the state. Kiosk design adopted for this project is the kiosk used for state wildlife areas. • Audubon Magazine Insert in May - June Travel issue of Audubon Magazine features 6 pages of information and marketing to attract tourists, especially birdwatchers to our state. Partners include: Audubon Magazine, Colorado Tourism Office, Colorado Dude Ranch Association, Aspen Chamber of Commerce, Visit Colorado Springs, Colorado's Central High Plains, Canyons and Plains of Southeast Colorado, Southwest Colorado. Heritage and Agritourism Committee of the Colorado Tourism Board - CPW has been • involved in advisory capacity since its inception. Other members include: Colorado Ag, Colorado Tourism providers, Colorado Brewer's Guild, Colorado local food groups, Colorado Dude Ranch Association, Colorado Wine Board, Colorado Chefs. • Pedal the Plains: September - Northeast Colorado, CPW- Provided interpretation, information, education and experiential booths, trailer and exhibits at the stops along the bike rally route which featured over 1,000 bikers as well as additional family, friends and support. Many partners participated in this event, including Governor's Office of Economic Development, Colorado Tourism Office, and The Denver Post. Limon Wetlands Interpretive Panel Replacement Project: Project consisted of replacing six· 10-year old large interpretive panels at the Gazebo at the Limon Wetlands just south of the town of Limon. CPW provided new panels and repairs to the frames, partners provided labor to erect the panels. Partners include: the town of Limon. This is a very unique project in that the wetlands are part of the very first Wetlands Mitigation Bank established in Colorado, providing habitat for waterbirds and shorebirds when their habitat may be lost due to CDOT highway projects. • National Watchable Wildlife Conference held in Colorado Springs in May: Partners include: Watchable Wildlife, Inc. Wildlife viewing coordinators and professionals from around the country gathered to discuss enhancing these programs, and identifying successes and sharing information for future growth. "Hunger Games" themed youth workshop in Pueblo in November: This project provided • wildlife viewing and observation skills experiential learning for young adults from the Pueblo Youth Naturally organization. Partners included: Pueblo Youth Naturally and other local partners. • FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 78 - �• • Colorado Governor's Tourism Conference: September, Steamboat Springs, CPW and CTO's Audubon Magazine Insert received recognition as one of the premier Tourism Pa11nership Projects in the entire state. Lamar Communitv College: Partners include: Lamar Community College, additionally local business such as Wal-Mart have provided free bird seed for use in this projects feeders. This unique wildlife viewing area is provided just outside of the Library building with bird feeders and wildlife feeders that attract species near to the library windows. Inside the library, CPW provided viewing guides and binoculars for students and other visitors to use to identify the birds and other wildlife and observe interesting behaviors. This area, known as "Lamar - Willow Creek" provides some of the best bird watching in the entire state of Colorado. It is listed on the Colorado Birding Trail and attracts thousands of birders each year. Watchable Wildlife Volunteers Volunteers assisted with many Watchable Wildlife projects. The viewing trail and interpretive sign project at North Lake SWA was completed with the work of 40 SE Region volunteers. This project is located at the headwaters of the Purgatory River at North Lake State Wildlife Area. Watclzab/e Wildlife Capital • Shavano Hatchery in Salida a new entrance walkway and interpretive sign welcomes hatchery visitors. Hatchery staff and volunteers provided labor for the project which provides an attractive and educational entrance to the Hatchery. CPW provided the interpretive sign panel and frames for the project. • Installed 6 interpretive kiosks at Lake Avery on the Oak Ridge SWA, including maps, regulations and information for visitors. • Supplemented material costs for an Eagle Scout bridge construction project on Leatha Jean Stassen SWA. • Designed and purchased interpretive mountain goat signage (e.g.; "Do not feed or harass the mountain goats"). • Initiated work on an ADA-accessible path and viewing blind on the Shriver-Wright State Wildlife Area. Partners in the project include the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust, the US Bureau of Land Management and the Southwest Conservation Corps. Volunteer Programs: Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Volunteer Program helps provide a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to augment programs and initiatives. Volunteers assist in a full range of activities, from customer service in offices and on State Wildlife Areas to field work helping with species surveys. Nearly 750 volunteers worked on 239 CPW projects in FY 2012- 13, providing 51,000 hours of work, or the workload of approximately 24.5 FTE. Volunteers donated time and energy worth more than $ 1.1 million to the CPW's wildlife programs. Program Accomplishments in FY 2012-13: • More than 1,000 hours assisting fishing c linics. • More than 4,300 hours as hosts for CPW fish hatchery tours and at State Wildlife Areas. • 1,500 hours in bighorn sheep population count projects. • 700 hours conducting in-stream fish population surveys (i.e.; electroshocking). • More than 1,000 hours transporting injured animals to wildlife rehabilitators. FY 2012-13 CPW Wildlife Pwpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 79 - � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/79b62489f048d41ab17a7b8f3577cf3d.pdf 14e49158fa89b0fedb3d9ced27d632a0 PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Great Outdoors Colorado Wildlife Annual Report FISCAL YEAR 2011-12 ANNUAL REPORT cpw.state.co.us �Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fiscal Year 2011-12 Annual Report Investments of Great Outdoors Colorado Wildlife Purpose Funding January 2013 �Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fiscal Year 2011-12 Annual Report Investments of Great Outdoors Colorado Wildlife Purpose Funding Table of Contents Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………….3 Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife………………………….5 Habitat Protection …...……………………………………………………………… 6 Acquire High Priority Habitat ……………………………………………….. Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program ……………………………… Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters ………………………………………. GIS Habitat Information ……………………………………………………… Wetlands Conservation ………………………………………………………. 6 7 11 12 13 Species Protection ……………………………………………………………………. 15 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery ………………………………. Native Species Protection …………………………………………………….. Propagation of Aquatic Species At Risk ……………………………………… 15 19 31 Wildlife Education ……………………………………………………………………. 32 Youth Education ………………………………………………………………. River Stewardship ……………………………………………………………... 32 35 Watchable Wildlife ……………………………………………………………………. 36 Wildlife Viewing ………………………………………………………………. 36 Wildlife Viewing – Capital ……………….……………………………………. 38 Press Releases …………………………………………………………………….……. 40 Website Information for Data Results …………………………………………………..47 Cross-reference Chart (GOCO Log and CPW Work Packages) ……………………. 48 FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -2- �Executive Summary Great Outdoors Colorado has been a dedicated and reliable source of funding for wildlife, park, trail and open space projects across the state since 1992. One-quarter of the Colorado Lottery proceeds received by Great Outdoors Colorado are directed to wildlife management programs, including initiatives to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, conserve wildlife species, provide wildlife education programs to Colorado citizens and visitors and establish wildlife viewing opportunities. Great Outdoors Colorado has provided more than $200 million in wildlife purpose funding to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Consistent with the vision of Great Outdoors Colorado supporters and Colorado voters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has developed innovative and effective wildlife programs and is recognized as a national leader in wildlife management. The partnership has produced significant results, including: • • • • The permanent protection of approximately 310,000 acres of important wildlife habitat; The development and implementation of two dozen recovery plans for more than 50 declining wildlife species; The creation of innovative adult and school-based wildlife education programs; The establishment of hundreds of wildlife viewing sites and dozens of wildlife festivals across the state. Highlights Colorado Parks and Wildlife uses GOCO Wildlife Purpose funding to support a wide variety of programs, management activities, and capital projects throughout the state. CPW makes every effort to use GOCO funding in a way that results in “on the ground” enhancements – tangible impacts that protect and enhance wildlife habitat, protection of native species, wetlands conservation and educational experiences for the citizens of Colorado. During FY 2011-12 Great Outdoors Colorado financial support helped Colorado Parks and Wildlife: • • • • Identify 147 potential viewing sites on 13 driving loops for the Northwest Colorado Birding Trail and published the Northwest Colorado Birding Trail Guide. This guide not only highlights the bird viewing opportunities, but gives some historical and geographic information of the surrounding area. Protect more than 26,000 acres of wildlife habitat through 6 conservation easements and 1 fee title acquisition. This included shortgrass prairie habitat, habitat for Greater and Gunnison Sage Grouse, big game migration corridors and habitat, angling, and habitat for species of concern. Participated with the Colorado Department of Education to rewrite the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. The document was adopted by the Colorado State Board of Education in December 2012, and outlines strategies to support the education of an environmentally literate citizenry. The adoption of this plan sets the stage for coordination and cooperation among schools, districts, and community partners. Provide data and comments to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the agency’s review of listing petitions for Gunnison’s sage-grouse, greater sage-grouse and boreal FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -3- �• • toad. This information is imperative for decisions to be made on species status and in identifying other species that may require protection within Colorado. Improve wildlife habitat on more than 54,000 acres of private lands in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Successfully establish, for the first time ever, reproduction of Arkansas darter and bluehead sucker at the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility. The following report illustrates the wide variety of wildlife-related efforts undertaken by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 with financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Summary of FY 2011-12 Funding Request Great Outdoors Colorado Wildlife Purpose Funds Base Funding Habitat Protection $4,087,966 Species Protection $3,525,000 Wildlife Education $715,000 Wildlife Viewing $367,000 Interest Expense $100,000 Annual Base Funding Total $8,794,966 Legacy Funding Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program $6,200,000 Legacy Grant Funding Total $6,200,000 Grand Total $14,994,966 Base funding request amounts shown in the chart above includes extended and reobligated grants, in addition to “base funds” requested through the annual investment plan. Legacy funding amounts shown in the chart above reflect awards approved during FY 2011-12. The chart above does not reflect actual expenditures during FY 2011-12. Financial information on individual grants in the following report reflects base fund expenditures by Colorado Parks and Wildlife during FY 2011-12 as well as expenditures from multi-year capital grants and Legacy Grants. References to and descriptions of Colorado Parks and Wildlife habitat protection, species conservation, wildlife education and wildlife viewing programs in the following report are limited to those that received wildlife purpose funding. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -4- �Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution – the Great Outdoors Colorado Program approved by Colorado voters in 1992 -- reads in part as follows: (1) The people of the State of Colorado intend that the net proceeds of every state-supervised lottery game operated under the authority of Article XVIII, Section 2 shall be guaranteed and permanently dedicated to the preservation, protection, enhancement and management of the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage, except as specifically provided in this article. Accordingly, there shall be established the Great Outdoors Colorado Program to preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. The Great Outdoors Colorado Program shall include: (a) Wildlife program grants which: (I) Develop wildlife watching opportunities; (II) Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment; (III) Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage; (IV) Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas; … Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a vital funding source for many Colorado Parks and Wildlife initiatives, helping Colorado to become a national leader in a range of wildlife management, education and viewing programs. The comprehensive approach to wildlife management described in Article XXVII reaches millions of Coloradoans by promoting wildlife education outreach and information for citizens all of ages, supporting efforts to stop and reverse the loss of threatened or endangered species or species of concern, achieving long-term protection of important wildlife habitat, and engaging “non-consumptive” wildlife recreationalists, sportsmen, and the general public to be active stewards of Colorado’s wildlife heritage. On June 14, 2011, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s annual funding plan for wildlife programs for FY 2011-12 in the amount of $8,794,966. As described in this report, GOCO funds are applied across the four categories of grants listed in Article XXVII – habitat protection, species protection, wildlife education and watchable wildlife. On October 10, 2011, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved an award of $6,200,000 for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHPP). When all funding sources, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife funds, federal funds, private contributions and other matching funds are taken into account, the projects and programs described in this report represent an investment of more than $25 million in Colorado’s wildlife resources in FY 2011-12. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -5- �HABITAT PROTECTION Colorado Parks and Wildlife reaches Habitat Protection goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages. These programs include the acquisition and management of wildlife habitat, administering and protecting water rights, land use comments, digital mapping services, and habitat improvements on public and private lands. In FY 2011-12, GOCO funding provided important support to these programs. A total of 35.02 full-time equivalents (FTEs) were allocated to habitat protection programs, of which GOCO funding supported 3.8 FTEs, or 10.8%. A summary of program expenditures and individual program activities and achievements for habitat protection is provided below. FY 2011-12 HABITAT PROTECTION SUMMARY GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2011-12 GOCO EXPENDITURES Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (1,2) Land Acquisition Acquire High Priority Habitat – O&A Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water GIS Habitat Information Wetlands Conservation TOTAL FTE $6,135,325.00 $261,752.00 $598,349.00 $525,000.00 $450,000.00 $606,588.51 $8,577,014.51 3.80 (1) Total actual FY 2011-12 CPW expenditures for the CWHPP in COFRS were $6,087,325. This figure includes a prior year credit of $48,000 reflecting an accounting adjustment for a duplicated expenditure in the prior year. The duplicate expenditure was not included in the GOCO billing report in the prior fiscal year and therefore the credit to correct it is excluded from the FY 2011-12 GOCO amounts. (2) Post closing adjustment to GOCO funding for LK Sheridan was made in FY 2011-12 and a credit for $1,765,000, offset by due diligence charges of $53,500 was applied. ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Through the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHPP), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado work with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat. The goals of CWHPP include preventing the further decline of Colorado’s wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species – thereby reducing the necessity of listing species under the federal Endangered Species Act – and protecting important big game winter habitat and migration corridors. Recent CWHPP acquisitions have also increasingly included public access provisions -- a breakthrough benefit considered impossible at the outset of the CWHPP initiative. Funding for the CWHPP comes from a variety of sources, including Wildlife Cash and Habitat Stamp funds, federal State Wildlife Grants and GOCO Wildlife Purpose funds. In 2011-12, more than 26,000 acres were protected and acquired. Habitat protection is often a top priority in species recovery plans. In 2003, the impact of habitat protection efforts was illustrated in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decision not to list the mountain plover as threatened or endangered, an action based in part on the successes of FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -6- �Colorado’s habitat protection efforts. The long-term and perpetual protection afforded through CWHPP easements -- and associated management plans for those lands -- was cited by USFWS as important steps by Colorado that influenced the decision not to list the mountain plover. FY 2011-12 CWHPP Acquisitions Brush Mountain Ranch The 3,097-acre Brush Mountain Ranch provides important habitat, migration corridors and calving and fawning areas for mule deer and elk, and habitat for other species including moose, bear, pronghorn, sandhill crane, bald eagle and Columbian sharptailed grouse. The property is adjacent to the Routt National Forest and 5,000 acres of private land covered by a conservation easement held by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Brush Mountain Ranch Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution* Total *Appraised value minus acquisition costs $1,936,500 $385,349 $1,568,500 $3,890,349 Coyte Ranch Coyte Ranch is located approximately five miles south of Coalmont, Colorado, in Jackson County. The conservation easement held by Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) conserves 2,240 acres of critical winter range and migration corridors for big game species and important habitat for sage-dependent species such as greater sage-grouse. The property is adjacent to the Rabbit Ears State Wildlife Area and within a High Priority Habitat Acquisition Area identified in the Colorado Wildlife Action Plan. From the Jackson County Star – August 23, 2012 “Unique Set of Partners Preserves Local Ranch” “The project represents a landmark agreement between agricultural and wildlife interests. “It’s no secret that wildlife interests and ranchers don’t always see eye to eye on things, but we are finding that conservation efforts like this, which protect both incredible wildlife habitat and productive ranchland, are one way to bridge that gap” said Chris West, CCALT executive director.” … “The Coyte Ranch property provides important migratory corridors and range for wildlife, as do many of the private lands in the area” said Josh Dilley, district wildlife manager for CPW in North Park. “Managing wildlife can’t be accomplished without the cooperation of private landowners.” Coyte Ranch Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution* Total FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado $910,000 $590,000 $571,000 $2,071,000 -7- �Miller Creek Ranch The 3,115-acre Miller Creek Ranch is located 12 miles east of Meeker. The perpetual conservation easement and perpetual hunting access easement on the property protect the largest remaining section of greater sage-grouse occupied range for the Meeker/White River population. The property also provides important habitat and migration corridors and calving and fawning areas for mule deer and elk, and habitat for other species including black bear, mountain lion and dusky (blue) grouse. The property is adjacent to the White River National Forest and to a portion of the LK Ranch LK property which is also protected by a conservation easement and allows limited public access. Miller Creek Ranch Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp - Public Access Easement Total $2,111,277 $399,123 $400,000 $2,910,400 Bedford Ranch The Bedford Ranch is located 35 miles southwest of Grand Junction. The conservation easement protects two abutting parcels (400 acres and 840 acres) for a total of 1,240 acres. The property borders Luster Basin State Habitat Area on the north and BLM land on the south and is in the High Priority Habitat Acquisition Area on Piñon Mesa in Mesa County. The property hosts important elk calving and deer fawning grounds and late spring/early winter habitat for both deer and elk. The rim frontage of this property on the Unaweep Canyon boundary makes the property an active migration travel corridor. Additionally, it is important habitat for Gunnison Sage Grouse, Blue Grouse and other game birds, raptors, small game, and mountain lion. Bedford Ranch Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution* Total FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado $1,235,000 $391,831 $1,140,000 $2,766,831 -8- �Dan Noble State Wildlife Area (SWA) – Hughes Parcel The 80-acre Hughes fee title acquisition, now part of the Dan Noble SWA, is adjacent to the New Beginnings Ranch State Habitat Area (SHA) and Uncompahgre National Forest, and in the immediate vicinity of the 350 acres previously acquired from Elk Creek Land Company. The acquisition protects mule deer and elk winter range and migration corridors, and also protects an important migration corridor between the Naturita Creek drainage on the Uncompahgre National Forest and the Dan Noble SWA. There are documented Gunnison Sage Grouse on the Hughes property, which expands Gunnison Sage Grouse habitat at Dan Noble SWA. Dan Nobel SWA – Hughes Parcel Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Funds Landowner Contribution* Total $240,000 $6,315 $36,500 $282,815 Karney Ranch The Karney Land & Cattle, Inc.'s 13,578 acre ranch is located in Bent County, Colorado, approximately ten miles northeast of Las Animas, Colorado. The property contains several sections of State Land Board land and is located just north of the John Martin Reservoir SWA. The Karney Ranch property provides CPW with a perpetual public access easement for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. The Karneys also conveyed a perpetual conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy on the remaining 10,658 acres not previously subject to a 2007 perpetual conservation easement also held by TNC. The ranch lies within the Indian Lakes Conservation Area identified by The Nature Conservancy’s Central Shortgrass Prairie Ecoregional Plan. Additionally, the property lies within two conservation areas identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program -- the Central Arkansas Playas and the Central Shortgrass. Karney Ranch Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp – Public Access Easement Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp – Closing Costs Landowner Contribution* Total FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado $145,800 $774,200 $2,070.50 $411,200 $1,333,270.50 -9- �Smith Rancho Smith Rancho consists of more than 14,000 acres of high quality wildlife habitat in Routt County. The conservation easement in this acquisition covers 3,582 acres and is held by The Nature Conservancy. Combined with two other conservation easements already held by TNC, the total protected land on the ranch is approximately 8,524 acres. Smith Rancho lies among several large protected ranches, including the Wolf Mountain Ranch (over 16,000 protected acres), Carpenter Ranch (900 protected acres), and Red Hawk Ranch (1,000 acres). The Smith Rancho property is the highest priority protection area in CPW Area 10. The property’s habitat values include providing important migration corridors, winter range, and severe winter range for the largest elk herd in Colorado, as well as for mule deer. In addition, the property contains 17 bird species classified by CPW as Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including Gunnison sage-grouse. Approximately 1,000 acres of the easement are greater sagegrouse habitat. Columbian sharp-tail grouse also are abundant, and sandhill crane have been documented nesting in the riparian habitat on the ranch. Smith Rancho Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution* Total $1,530,000 $272,750 $1,951,000 $3,753,750 Real Estate Administration: Across the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife owns more than 325 State Wildlife Areas and manages more than 635,000 acres for habitat and recreational values. In addition, CPW leases approximately 485,000 acres of State Trust Lands, protecting additional wildlife habitat and providing the public with opportunities to hunt, fish and view wildlife. Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Real Estate Unit has a central role in developing new protections for important wildlife habitat through the CWHPP, opening new public recreational access and monitoring existing property interests. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to real estate administration during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • Reviewed and ranked 58 proposals in response to the CWHPP Request for Proposals. Provided acquisition support for 9 CWHPP projects, including baseline condition reports and management plans. Closed on 32 real estate transactions, including 6 conservation easements. Managed more than 380 active leases and term agreements. Monitored 152 CPW-owned conservation easements. Completed 50 Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and county impact assistance grant (IAG) transactions. GOCO was not billed for PILT, only the administration to ensure all real estate transactions occur. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 10 - �ENHANCE HABITAT ON LAND AND WATER Habitat Management: Colorado Parks and Wildlife conserves and enhances wildlife habitat on lands and waters it owns, leases or holds an easement over. CPW works with private landowners, sportsmen, agricultural and conservation organizations to educate them and assist in evaluating what funds are available through the Farm Bill and Conservation programs. Projects and funds are based on the eligibility and funding from federal sources. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to habitat management during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • Added new biologists to the Private Lands Wildlife Biologists Program (PLWBP), bringing the total in the state to twelve. Assigned one PLWBP biologist to focus exclusively on wetland projects on the South Platte River and in North Park. In partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, implemented 227 habitat projects enhancing more than 54,000 acres. • Hosted 18 workshops on wildlife habitat programs for landowners involving 335 participants. • Supported habitat enhancements on more than 15,000 acres of greater sage-grouse habitat. • Continued focus on enhancement and conservation of lesser prairie chicken through the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LEPC) Special Initiative. Performed Russian olive and tamarisk removal on the Republican River Drainage. Improved habitat conditions on 7,200 acres of State Wildlife Areas. Performed maintenance on or constructed 14,350 feet of access trails. Treated approximately 6,700 acres of weeds. Water Programs: Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Water Resources Unit oversees programs that protect in-stream flows on more than 8,500 miles of streams and in 486 natural lakes in the state, manages and protects CPW-owned water rights for recreational reservoirs, fish hatcheries and State Wildlife Areas (SWAs), and develops the data and expertise needed to protect water quality through Water Quality Control Commission proceedings. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to water programs during FY 201112: • • Added nearly 16,000 records to RiverWatch water quality database. Provided RiverWatch data to the Water Quality Control Division for 303(d) impaired list data calls for the San Juan, Gunnison, and Dolores Rivers, the first time impairment hearings have used macroinvertebrate data. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 11 - �• • • • • • Collected data on 40 stream segments for instream flow protection. Presented recommendations on 15 stream segments to the Instream Flow Program workshop and proposed initial or continuing field data collection on an additional six segments. Provided technical assistance to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to evaluate three in jury with mitigation proposals and two instream flow water right acquisition proposals. Reviewed and commented on the water rights aspects of 18 proposed wetlands projects. Developed water rights and operations manuals for 5 State Wildlife Areas. Worked to finalize permanent water augmentation plans for the Shavano, Mt. Ouray, Monte Vista and Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) fish hatcheries. Secured additional water augmentation supplies for the Poudre hatchery. Initiated feasibility assessment of well development at the Bellvue and Watson hatcheries. See attached Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release – “Students, scientists team up on stream survey” – discussing a RiverWatch survey involving Campo School students, The Nature Conservancy and private landowners. Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund: In 2001 and 2006, the GOCO Board authorized contributions totaling $1,016,326.90 to the Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund (WFGTF). Interest earned on these funds is used for stewardship activities on properties acquired in part with GOCO funds. Interest earned and the funds expended from the WFGTF are outside and separate from DOW’s annual funding request. During FY 2011-12, the GOCO portion of the WFGTF earned $15,536.57 of interest, and $48,580.77 was expended. Expended funds were leveraged with Federal Aid funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on fencing, signage and access projects on six State Wildlife Areas acquired in part with GOCO funding, including the Miller Ranch, Tarryall Creek Ranch and Parshall Divide parcel at the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area. Since 2001, GOCO-funded expenditures from the WFGTF have totaled $209,173.74. Overall expenditures out of the Trust Fund, including those from the Wildlife Cash-funded portion created in July 2000, amount to $1,431,465.80. GIS HABITAT INFORMATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit provides state-of-theart products, services and analysis to customers inside and outside of CPW. The GIS Unit acquires, maintains and distributes digital and other forms of data on wildlife habitat. Habitat protection in the face of expanding pressure from energy development continues to be a mainstay of the GIS unit’s land-use impact and habitat protection work. House Bill 07-1298 mandated the consideration of wildlife concerns in the oil and gas permit application process, which has resulted in significant ongoing demand for GIS habitat analysis, application development and maps. These maps assist energy and residential development to minimize impacts on wildlife, provide monitoring and trending capabilities on at-risk species, provide vital wildlife datasets through interactive mapping, and provide information to the public for accessibility to approved access points. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 12 - �Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to GIS habitat information work during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • Developed maps and models for CPW consultations on approximately 50 energy development proposals and more than 100 other land use comments. Developed and distributed new public access maps for approximately 20 State Wildlife Areas, 30 State Trust Lands, and all Walk-in and Big Game Access properties which are available to the public. Updated critical GIS datasets for greater sage-grouse, Gunnison sage-grouse, lesser prairie-chicken, and Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse. Aggregated data is available to the public. Updated GIS datasets for “species of greatest conservation need” identified in the Colorado Wildlife Action Plan such as boreal toad, Townsend’s big-eared bat, whitetailed ptarmigan and native cutthroat trout. Initiated work on a comprehensive, web-accessible Colorado Fishing Atlas which is currently in the review stages and will be available to the public. Completed the development of a decision support system for energy development planning, habitat protection and mitigation efforts in the Colorado-New Mexico border region with the Western Governors Association Wildlife Council and New Mexico Game and Fish. WETLANDS CONSERVATION The Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) Wetlands Program, established in 1997, conserves wetland and riparian habitats and their ecological functions for the benefit of wildlife. Major goals of the program are to improve the status of declining or at-risk species, and to improve the abundance and distribution of ducks and opportunities for waterfowl hunting. In cooperation with conservation organizations, private landowners and other state and federal agencies, the Wetlands Program has protected, restored or enhanced approximately 285,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitats. Funding for wetland and riparian habitat improvement projects is issued through competitive grants. Each year, notification of funds availability is made to conservation partners, local governments, and CPW staff to solicit projects for wetlands conservation. Applications are reviewed by local partnerships and CPW regional and statewide committees for project approval. Approved projects may include strategic planning for wetland habitat conservation, wetland creation, enhancement and restoration projects, and projectrelated expertise such as site evaluation, design, construction, and biological assessments. The Wetlands Program also facilitates partnerships through local Focus Area Committees and conducts wetland project monitoring and evaluation. Many projects are on public lands, expanding opportunity for public wildlife viewing and education. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to wetlands conservation during FY 2011-12: FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 13 - �• • • Restored or enhanced 1,486 acres of wetlands and riparian areas and 2,751 acres of adjacent uplands in 25 projects. Awarded new grants totaling approximately $1.0 million for 19 projects on private and public lands. When completed, the projects will improve more than 2,870 acres of wetland and riparian habitat, and benefit more than 20 at-risk wildlife species and eight waterfowl species. Partnered with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and Environmental Protection Agency on wetland mapping and field assessments in the North Platte, lower South Platte, and lower Arkansas Basins. The projects will add to CPW’s GIS database on wetland locations, help develop new tools to assess wetland conditions and threats, and document wetland use by priority wildlife species. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 14 - �SPECIES PROTECTION Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s wildlife conservation efforts strive to maintain or develop healthy populations of the full range of hunted, fished and non-game wildlife species. For species conservation work supported in part with Great Outdoors Colorado funding, a primary objective is to develop and implement strategies to protect and recover declining species, with the goal of averting federal listings of Colorado species under the federal Endangered Species Act and the difficult land use, water development and other restrictions often associated with a threatened or endangered determination. The Colorado Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive catalogue of the status of knowledge and understanding of the state’s wildlife species, the threats they face, and strategies to lessen those threats. While Colorado Parks and Wildlife is the state’s principal wildlife conservation agency, partnerships with other local, county, state and federal agencies, landowners, wildlife conservation and sportsman organizations – along with the support of individual citizens -- are critical to protecting and enhancing Colorado’s wildlife resources. Many of the programs supported with GOCO funding help develop and put in place these invaluable partnerships. These efforts are vital to ensuring that Colorado species do not completely disappear and assist in validating the data to maintain and/or increase species presence in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reaches the Species Protection grant goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages, including continued species research, surveys, reintroduction, tracking, propagation, recovery plan development and other aspects of broad-based conservation and recovery programs. In FY 2011-12, a portion of GOCO funding was used to support these programs. A total of 52.04 full-time equivalents (FTE) were expended on species conservation programs, of which GOCO funding supported 4.91 FTE, or 9.4%. A summary of program expenditures, and individual program activities and achievements for species conservation is provided below. FY 2011-12 SPECIES PROTECTION SUMMARY GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2011-12 GOCO EXPENDITURES Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Native Species Protection Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk TOTAL FTE $500,000.00 $2,449,999.98 $575,000.00 $3,524,999.98 4.91 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY Canada Lynx: The Canada lynx occurs throughout the boreal forests of northern North America. Colorado represents the southern-most historical distribution of lynx, where the species occupied the higher elevation, montane forests in the state. Lynx were extirpated or reduced to a few animals in the state by the late 1970s, most likely due to predator control efforts such as poisoning and trapping. Given the separation of Colorado from the nearest northern population, CPW considered FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 15 - �reintroduction as the only viable option to attempt to reestablish the species in the state and resolve Endangered Species Act-related issues. Colorado’s lynx reintroduction effort began in 1997, with the first lynx released in the state in 1999. Overall, 218 wild-caught lynx from Alaska and Canada were released in southwestern Colorado. The goal of the Colorado lynx reintroduction program was to establish a selfsustaining, viable population of lynx in the state. The program has been successful in meeting the seven criteria necessary for achieving a viable population, and efforts are now focused on monitoring. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the lynx recovery program during FY 2011-12: • Evaluated a monitoring strategy across the lynx core area in southwest Colorado that relies on remote cameras at sites in wilderness areas and snow tracking in all other areas. The results of the study will form the basis for a state-wide lynx monitoring program scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013. Black-footed Ferret: Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is making a comeback in Colorado and other western states since a small colony of the species was discovered in the early 1980s. The blackfooted ferret is listed as an endangered species at both the state and federal level. Since 2001, approximately 125 ferrets have been reintroduced at two locations in Colorado – Coyote Basin west of Rangely, and in the BLM’s Wolf Creek Management Area near Dinosaur National Monument. However, since the summer of 2008, black-footed ferrets suffered a setback in Colorado due to an outbreak of sylvatic plague. Very few ferrets are believed to have survived the plague epizootic. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to black-footed ferret recovery work during FY 2011-12: • • • As a result of the continuing impact of the plague epizootic, Colorado did not request an allocation of captive-bred ferrets for release in 2011-12. Continued disease monitoring, through sampling of fleas from prairie dog burrows, at the Wolf Creek and Coyote Basin Management Areas Conducted sylvatic plague vaccine field safety trials at two field sites. Research efforts will continue with sylvatic plague vaccine field efficacy trials scheduled to begin at 9 study areas in Colorado in 2013. Piping Plover and Least Tern: Piping plover and least tern were listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2003 and 1990 respectively. Colorado does not have critical habitat designated for either species or specified recovery goals. Small nesting populations of least tern and piping plover are associated with a limited number of irrigation reservoirs in southeastern Colorado. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 16 - �Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to piping plover and least tern conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • • • • Monitored piping plover and least tern nests at five sites at John Martin and Adobe Creek Reservoirs. Surveyed nests for number of eggs and successful fledging. 15 piping plover fledged from 18 hatched eggs. 7 least tern fledged from 16 hatched eggs. Cleared vegetation from a trench at John Martin Reservoir to create a moat protecting piping plover nest from predation from snakes and coyotes. Constructed a field fence in shallow water at Adobe Creek to protect a piping plover nest from coyote predation. Organized nearly 150 hours of volunteer time during Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays to patrol and enforce nesting closures. Partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers to organize viewing opportunities of piping plover for members of the Denver Audubon Society and for a limited number of Bent on Birding festival participants. See attached Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release – “Beach closures to protect rare birds” – discussing piping plover and least tern nest protection efforts in southeast Colorado. Peregrine Falcon: Peregrine falcons were delisted under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1999. A postdelisting monitoring plan was included as part of the USFWS delisting determination. The plan calls for five monitoring periods, taking place every three years. The next federally-mandated monitoring effort is scheduled for 2015, the last of such undertakings. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the Peregrine falcon recovery program during FY 2011-12: • • • • Conducted federally-required monitoring surveys on 28 eyries to contribute to the national post-delisting monitoring analysis. Compiled survey results and provided them to USFWS for inclusion in national survey results. Included monitoring results in the CPW raptor database for land use comments and for HB 1298 oil and gas impacts. Conducted consultations to strengthen population-level monitoring locally and nationally. Mexican Spotted Owl: The Mexican spotted owl was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Critical habitat was designated by the USFWS for the owl species in 2004. Colorado Parks and Wildlife personnel participate on the Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Team, which submitted a Final Draft Recovery Plan to USFWS in June 2011. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the Mexican spotted owl during FY 2011-12: • Partnered with the US Forest Service and the US Bureau of Land Management to conduct annual Mexican spotted owl surveys. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 17 - �• • Coordinated with federal land management agencies on the establishment of Protected Activity Centers (PAC) for the Mexican spotted owl. A PAC is an approximately 600acre buffer surrounding the nest and/or roost sites. Finalized the Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan which is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register by January 2013. Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Thought to be extinct in 1937, numerous populations of greenback cutthroat trout have since been discovered through extensive survey work. The historic range for greenback cutthroat trout lies almost entirely within Colorado, in the headwaters of the South Platte and Arkansas Rivers. Many of those waters have been reclaimed and restocked with pure greenback cutthroat trout. The success of recovery efforts led to the 1978 downlisting of greenback cutthroat trout from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, the taxonomic status of greenback cutthroat trout is currently being evaluated on several fronts following publication of a study that questioned the genetic integrity of source populations used in greenback cutthroat trout recovery efforts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to greenback cutthroat trout recovery work during FY 2011-12: • • • A collaborative effort headed up by researchers at the University of Colorado combined an exhaustive survey of cutthroat trout stocking records with DNA analysis of 19th century museum specimens to establish a baseline characterization of the native diversity and distribution of cutthroat trout in Colorado. Findings from this study will require the USFWS to reconsider recovery goals and objectives for the greenback cutthroat trout. This study results were published in the fall 2012 edition of the journal Molecular Ecology. A study led by the Larval Fish Laboratory at Colorado State University compared visual characteristics of specimens collected across the southern range of cutthroat trout to specific molecular markers to determine if any physical traits are associated with those same taxonomic groups. Recovery team partners continue to conduct range-wide surveys of genetic purity of Colorado’s cutthroat trout populations to help guide future recovery efforts. Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program: Colorado Parks and Wildlife shares responsibility for recovering populations of the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail and humpback chub with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal and state agencies. The Division will continue sampling, monitoring and restocking as part of its obligations under the recovery program. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program during FY 2011-12: • Stocked more than 5,500 bonytail in Debeque FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 18 - �• • • Canyon on the Colorado River and in the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument. Continued participation with Recovery Program development of recovery plans and status assessments of Colorado pikeminnow and humpback chub. Conducted northern pike and smallmouth bass removal operations on nearly 100 miles of the Colorado River and tributaries, and nearly 50 miles of the Yampa River. Removed more than 3,000 non-native fish from the rivers, including nearly 1,000 northern pike from the Yampa River and more than 750 smallmouth bass from the Colorado River. Documented the impact of non-native fish removal efforts in critical habitat areas of the Colorado and Yampa Rivers. NATIVE SPECIES PROTECTION Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG): The Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan was adopted in March 2008 by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and four federal agencies to facilitate the conservation of greater sage-grouse (GRSG) and their habitats in Colorado. The Conservation Plan is guided by the philosophy that local work groups – made up of private landowners, public agency representatives, and other interested stakeholders -- have a pivotal role in greater sage-grouse conservation efforts, which typically cross jurisdictional and ownership boundaries. On March 5, 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a “warranted but precluded” listing for the greater sage-grouse under the federal Endangered Species Act. The decision adds the species to the list of candidate species under the ESA, but precludes formal protections because of “the need to address other listings of higher priority.” The USFWS assigned the greater sage-grouse a listing priority number of 8, which is a relatively lower priority compared to most other species on the list. In September 2011, the USFWS was directed by a court order to make listing decisions on nine federal Candidate Species occurring in Colorado. The court order reflects an agreement between USFWS and environmental groups to make a final listing determination for 251 identified species that are currently listed as “warranted but precluded”. Environmental groups charged that a “warranted but precluded” designation left species in a legal limbo in which the species were identified as federal candidate species but received no federal protections available under the Endangered Species Act. For greater sage-grouse, the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2015. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to greater sage-grouse conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • Provided supplemental information to the USFWS in response to a February 2012 data call, including findings from projects completed since the previous data call in March 2011. Conducted spring 2012 lek counts which indicate a slight increase in the overall population of greater sage-grouse within Colorado since 2009. Only one of the six populations had a slight decrease in numbers, the North Eagle/South Routt population. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 19 - �• • • • • • • • Conducted research on various aspects of GRSG populations and habitats including seasonal habitat use, potential effects of GPS transmitters on survival and behavior, male lek attendance, bird demographic responses to oil and gas development, and the effectiveness of techniques to rapidly restore sagebrush and other native vegetation following disturbance from well pads and pipelines. The model for seasonal habitats has been completed. Conducted habitat treatments in the North Eagle/South Routt population with 2 piñon juniper removal projects totaling 535 acres and an agricultural lands restoration project that includes sagebrush seeding on 631 acres. Participated as a Cooperating Agency with the BLM Sage-Grouse Environmental Impact Statement for Colorado. This state-specific EIS is part of BLM's National Sage-Grouse Planning Strategy. Participated on the USFWS Conservation Objectives Team, charged with defining the degree to which threats to the greater sage-grouse need to be ameliorated so that the species is no longer in danger of extinction or likely to become in danger of extinction. Developed preliminary high priority and general habitat maps for greater sage-grouse across their range in Colorado as part of the BLM National Planning Strategy for Greater sage-grouse. Monitored vegetative response to five different approaches to restoring habitat conditions impacted by energy development activities. The research project involved approximately 350 plots at 20 sites in a mix of low, medium and high elevations in the Piceance Basin. Deployed GPS transmitters on 47 male greater sage-grouse in northwestern Colorado. Discovered 16 new leks as part of other greater sage-grouse research projects. Gunnison Sage-Grouse (GUSG): In September 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a “warranted but precluded” listing decision for Gunnison sage-grouse. According to the USFWS, Gunnison sage-grouse warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act, but a threatened or endangered listing is precluded by higher priority actions and lack of resources. The USFWS assigned a listing priority number of 2, which places the Gunnison’s Sage Grouse at the top of the Service’s nationwide listing priorities. Gunnison sage-grouse is included in the September 2011 court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 federal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. Currently, this listing is in Public Comment and closes March 13, 2013. As information becomes available, decisions and/or findings will be posted on the CPW Website. Gunnison sage-grouse (GUSG) occupy a small fraction of their historical range, having been extirpated by habitat conversion from much of their historical distribution in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah, and northern New Mexico. Currently, the estimated GUSG range-wide population of 4,032 birds in Colorado is near the population target of 4,500 birds called for in the 2005 Rangewide Conservation Plan. However, only the Gunnison population is meeting the individual population goal; all other satellite populations are well below their respective targets. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to Gunnison sage-grouse work during FY 2011-12: FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 20 - �• • • • • Responded to an unofficial data call associated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service postponement of the proposed listing decision for Gunnison Sage-Grouse until December 30, 2012. Initiated an aggressive trap and transplant effort for three satellite populations. All transplanted birds were trapped from the core Gunnison Basin population and fitted with radio-transmitters. Monitoring will continue to document habitat use and survival rates. Completed the final field season for the two-year predator control project in the San Miguel Basin, focusing on hens and chicks/yearling survival. Completed or put in final stages 16 Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA), covering more than 33,600 acres. An additional 17 CCAAs were pending completion, covering 27,500 acres. Signed on as a supporting agency on the BLM’s Candidate Conservation Agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the Gunnison Basin. The purpose of the CCA is to design conservation measures addressing 4 major issues on BLM lands: grazing, recreation, development and habitat fragmentation. Additionally, Gunnison and Saguache counties will sign as supporting local governments. Lesser Prairie-Chicken: The lesser prairie-chicken is an upland nesting grassland bird present in regions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Once present in large numbers, the lesser prairiechicken population and its original distribution have declined significantly since 1800. Colorado’s population is currently estimated to number fewer than 200 breeding birds, located largely on private ranches south of Holly, east of Eads and south of the Cimarron River in the very southeastern corner of the state. The largest concentration of lesser prairie-chicken in the state, located on the Comanche National Grassland near Campo, has declined in recent years. The lesser prairie-chicken is listed as threatened in Colorado and is currently a candidate species for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The lesser prairie-chicken (LEPC) listing priority was raised to a 2 in December 2008, the highest priority a species can attain before becoming a federally threatened or endangered species. Lesser prairie-chicken was included in the September 2011 court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 federal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. Lesser prairie chickens were proposed as Threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service on December 11th, 2012. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to lesser prairie-chicken conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • • Continued to actively engage with the lesser prairie-chicken Interstate Working Group (LPCIWG). Conducted a rangewide aerial survey, which estimated the total population size at approximately 37,000 individuals. Continued development of a rangewide management plan, scheduled for completion by March 2013. The rangewide management plan will set population goals for lesser-prairie chicken in four major ecoregions. Negotiated with the oil and gas, windpower, and electrical transmission industries to develop mechanisms (e.g., CCAAs, Habitat Conservation Plans) to avoid, minimize and mitigate for development impacts on lesser prairie-chicken habitat. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 21 - �• • • Conducted an experiment, with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, to evaluate plant establishment and resulting vegetative composition from seed mixes currently recommended in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings. Protected and enhanced 58,500 acres of lesser prairie-chicken habitat through the NRCS’ State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program and CPW’s LEPC Habitat Improvement Program. Conducted population surveys, identifying a total of 161 birds and 17 active leks in Baca, Prowers and Cheyenne counties. White-tailed Ptarmigan: In 2010, the white-tailed ptarmigan was petitioned to be listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. The predominant argument in the petition is that climate change is adversely affecting the species’ dependence on alpine habitats. White-tailed ptarmigan were included in the September 2011 court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 federal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. On June 5, 2012 the USFWS made a positive 90 day finding that substantial information exists to warrant a more intensive 12 month status review for white-tailed ptarmigan. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to white-tailed ptarmigan conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • Conducted statewide occupancy surveys to develop a baseline distribution of the whitetailed ptarmigan. The surveys demonstrated that white-tailed ptarmigan are widely dispersed across the state in suitable habitats, with little change from historic distributions. Developed a long-term statewide monitoring program for white-tailed ptarmigan to model changes in occupancy, as well as incorporating demographic parameters to estimate population size, survival and reproductive output. This type of long-term monitoring will allow CPW to track changes in distribution and rate of population change through time. Boreal Toad: The boreal toad is listed as endangered by the State of Colorado. Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) appears to be the major cause of boreal toad declines within Colorado and elsewhere throughout the species’ range. An interstate recovery plan was completed in February 2001. The criteria for de-listing the boreal toad in Colorado includes establishment of at least two breeding populations in each of nine areas of historic distribution, and at least 25 breeding populations statewide. In 1995 the USFWS found the Southern Rocky Mountain population of boreal toad to be “warranted but precluded” for federal listing and placed it on the candidate list. In a subsequent review in 2005 the Service determined that the Southern Rocky Mountain population was not significantly different from other boreal toad populations and removed it from the candidate list. On May 25, 2011, several conservation groups petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service to again consider the boreal toad for federal listing, based on two 2009 genetic studies claiming to show that an “Eastern population” -- roughly comparable but not identical to the Southern Rocky Mountain population -- constituted a distinct population segment. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 22 - �A 90-day finding on the new petition, issued on April 12, 2012, stated that listing the Eastern population as a “distinct population segment” may be warranted, but that substantial information for listing the Southern Rocky Mountain Population was not found. A more extensive review through a 12-month finding was announced. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to boreal toad conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • • Provided petition comments to the USFWS indicating that the boreal toad’s status in Colorado remains stable, as indicated by the number of known active breeding sites, although the chytrid fungus continues to impact populations. Identified 13 new breeding sites, bringing the number of known sites to 101, of which 49 are considered active. Tested samples from 41 breeding sites and 4 unknown-status or translocation sites for the presence of chytrid fungus. Continued a study to increase the reliability and accuracy of the statistical basis for detection of new breeding sites. Exported 2,100 tadpoles to New Mexico to assist with reintroduction efforts. Reared 63 toadlets for universities to facilitate ongoing Bd-resistance research. Received 39 eggs from a environmentally precarious site in Utah, which produced 24 toadlets that will be transferred to Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE. Demonstrated the ability to tag tadpoles with coded wire tags and documented high retention of the tags, leading to the possibility of distinguishing stocked tadpoles from naturally produced tadpoles at translocation sites. Northern Leopard Frog: Northern leopard frogs are historically one of the most widespread frogs in North America. However, in the western U.S., populations of northern leopard frog have declined dramatically in abundance and geographic distribution. On June 30, 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined that enough evidence was presented in response to a listing petition to open a more detailed 12-month status review of the northern leopard frog for possible threatened or endangered listing. The proposed listing would cover northern leopard frog populations in Colorado and 18 other states west of the Mississippi. On October 3, 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that listing the northern leopard frog as threatened or endangered was not warranted based on an evaluation of the status of the species across the 19 western states included in its range. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to northern leopard frog conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • Conducted a small number of follow-up population surveys. A major, multi-year survey was completed prior to 2011 in anticipation of the federal listing review; however, CPW continues to build information on long-term population trends. Collaborated with the City of Boulder to eradicate non-native bullfrogs from a pond complex inhabited by a strong population of leopard frogs. The success of the project will take several years to completely assess. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 23 - �Gunnison’s, Black-tailed and White-tailed Prairie Dogs: Colorado is home to three prairie dog species -- the Gunnison’s prairie dog (GUPD), black-tailed prairie dog (BTPD), and the white-tailed prairie dog (WTPD). Although there are similarities among the species, each is unique in habitat requirements, sociality, and conservation needs. In 2008, the USFWS determined that four populations of the GUPD in the San Luis Valley, South Park, Gunnison Valley and in Southeastern Colorado were “warranted but precluded” from listing. On May 26, 2010, the USFWS completed a similar review of the WTPD, concluding that a listing of the species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act was not warranted. Gunnison’s prairie dog was included in the September 2011 court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 federal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. For the Gunnison’s prairie dog, the USFWS will make a proposed listing decision by September 2014. Highlights of activities in support of GUPD, BTPD and WTPD during FY 2011-12 include: • • • • • Initiated and completed a genetics study in collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Review of this information will determine if two subspecies of the Gunnison’s prairie dog exist. Collected fleas from prairie dogs trapped for the genetics project to evaluate plague potential within colonies. Dusted GUPD colonies with an insecticide deltamethrin - in areas of conservation concern to try to maintain viable populations and protect colonies from plague outbreaks. Completed GUPD and WTPD occupancy monitoring. Occupancy monitoring for Gunnison’s prairie dog has been performed three times and white-tailed prairie dog monitoring two times. Both populations are stable. Collaborated with the US Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center to evaluate the use of an experimental bait for delivery of an oral vaccine for sylvatic plague. Research on the vaccine’s efficacy and duration of immunity began in 2011 at CPW’s Foothills Wildlife Research Facility in Fort Collins. Field safety and efficacy trials are scheduled to begin in Colorado in the summer of 2013. Eastern Plains Native Fish Conservation: Of the 38 species of fish native to the eastern plains, eight are extirpated and another 12 are state endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. Although these fish are highly tolerant of the original harsh physical and chemical conditions of plains streams -- including fluctuating flows, high temperatures and low oxygen -- the fish are not tolerant of channel drying caused by recent droughts and other habitat degradation. Should potential climate change result in further drying and warming of the region, increased groundwater pumping and water diversion will further reduce habitat for eastern plains fish species. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to eastern plains native fish conservation work during FY 2011-12: FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 24 - �• • • • • • • • • • • Continued a flathead chub movement study on Fountain Creek and the Arkansas River. More than 13,000 flathead chub have been tagged with passive integrative transponder tags. Mobile reading arrays are being used to detect fish movement through the system. Conducted a large scale study in the South Platte River basin to identify the physical, thermal and potential flow regime related barriers to fish movement, including aerial surveys. Evaluated the effects of irrigation recharge flows on native fish species in the South Platte River on the Tamarack State Wildlife Area. Identified and sampled permanent pools on the Pawnee National Grassland. Plains topminnow and northern redbelly dace were reintroduced at four of the ponds. Additional ponds may be treated for nonnative fish and have native species reestablished. Examined potential interactions of mosquitofish and northern redbelly dace through laboratory studies. Completed a genetic study of Arkansas darter. Completed a study of reintroduction success of Arkansas darters. Findings from this effort were published in Transactions of the American Fisheries Society in September, 2012. Stocked approximately 38,000 plains minnow into the Arkansas River, the first ever stocking of this species. Stocked more than 1,300 Suckermouth minnow into the Arkansas River, also a first-time event. Stocked fish were individually marked with coded wire tags in an effort to better understand survival and behavior of this species, about which little is known. Stocked or translocated three other plains fish species—Arkansas darter, northern redbelly dace and plains topminnow—into a total of 11 different waters in the South Platte and Arkansas basins. Completed more than 140 individual site surveys for native fishes in the plains portions of the South Platte, Arkansas and Republican basins, many in potential high priority native fish conservation areas. Mountain Whitefish: One of only two salmonids native to Colorado, the mountain whitefish was historically found only in the Yampa and White River drainages in northwestern Colorado. Significant population declines in the Yampa River in the late 1990s spurred interest in this relatively unstudied species. A working group was established in January 2009 to direct future mountain whitefish research efforts to discover why the declines occurred. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to mountain whitefish conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • • • Conducted electrofishing surveys on the Yampa, White, Colorado, and Roaring Fork Rivers to estimate abundance of mountain whitefish. Secured additional flows in the Elk River to protect whitefish population stricken by drought. Evaluated the effects of drought with lab-based thermal tolerance experiments. The study findings were accepted for publication in the journal Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. Evaluated the sensitivity of mountain whitefish embryo, larvae and fry to three metals -cadmium, zinc, and copper. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 25 - �Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Colorado Parks and Wildlife has partnered with other state and federal land management and wildlife agencies in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah to form the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team. Extensive collaborative work implemented by this team led the US Fish and Wildlife Service to determine that the subspecies did not warrant listing in 2007 under the Endangered Species Act – a position that was upheld by the courts in 2012. As part of this multistate Agreement, Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists are charged with monitoring, managing, and reestablishing populations of native cutthroat trout to Colorado’s Western Slope. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to Colorado River cutthroat trout recovery work during FY 2011-12: • • • • • Used new molecular tests to evaluate purity and lineage of 106 cutthroat trout populations across the state. Completed reclamation and repatriation of Woods Lake near Telluride to develop a new wild brood lake for Colorado River cutthroat trout. Completed reclamation of Hermosa Creek near Durango. Stocked progeny of pure Colorado River cutthroat trout from North Elk Creek into three reclaimed lakes in the Flat Tops Wilderness. The lakes will provide refugia if the incursion of non-native fish and parasites into other populated areas cannot be curtailed. Developed broodstock of aboriginal Roan Plateau fish from a wild spawn operation on Roan Creek, using molecular methods to identify pure parents. Colorado River Native Fishes (“Three species”): The Colorado River drainage hosts three native fish species (bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub, collectively referred to as the “three species”) that are the subjects of a Rangewide Conservation Agreement and Strategy, of which Colorado is a signatory. Review of historical literature and data records suggest that each of the three species may now occupy 50% or less of the known maximum extent of historical range. A primary underpinning for many of the conservation actions outlined in the Rangewide Agreement is to determine present species distribution as a basis for measuring future progress in protecting the three species. In addition, the bluehead and flannelmouth sucker species are prone to hybridization with non-native sucker species (e.g.; white sucker, longnose sucker) that appear to be expanding their range in western Colorado. Genetic and morphological characterization of existing populations is an important conservation action so threats of hybridization can be measured. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to three species conservation work during FY 201112: • Initiated multi-year sampling to define present native ranges of the three species. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 26 - �• • • • Collected more than 200 fin tissue samples from three species fish for genetic analysis. Collected more than 500 pectoral fin ray samples for age and growth analysis to identify environmental conditions conducive to spawning and recruitment success. Collected 30 mature bluehead suckers from the San Miguel River for use as Southwest Region broodstock at the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility. Collected 25 pure and hybrid sucker specimens for use in sucker identification workshops. Facilitated the organization of one such workshop for CPW and Colorado State University biologists. Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Rio Grande cutthroat trout range further south than any other cutthroat trout, historically occupying waters as far as southern New Mexico. In Colorado, the species’ range is confined to the headwaters of the Rio Grande surrounding the San Luis Valley. As with other subspecies of cutthroat trout, widespread introductions of non-native salmonids over the last century have served to limit the distribution of Rio Grande cutthroats to isolated headwater streams and lakes. As of May 2009, Rio Grande cutthroat trout are considered “warranted but precluded” for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. For Rio Grande cutthroat trout, the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2014. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to Rio Grande cutthroat trout recovery work during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • Continued extensive work with the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team, comprised of tribal, state and federal agencies, to develop a scientifically rigorous conservation strategy that may suffice to preclude federal listing. Discovered a new Rio Grande cutthroat trout population in El Perdito Creek suspected to be genetically pure; testing is underway to confirm genetic status. Confirmed genetic purity of Rio Grande cutthroat trout population in Bernardino Creek discovered in FY 2010-11. Collected genetic samples from 8 additional populations believed to be pure but not previously tested. Conducted 9 population surveys in 8 streams to evaluate status of important conservation populations. Stocked 35 miles of Casais and Placer Creeks with Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Conducted pre-project feasibility assessments at 3 streams to evaluate potential to remove non-native trout and re-establish Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Bats/Inactive Mines: In Colorado and elsewhere in the West, a dearth of knowledge surrounds the status, population biology, and habitat requirements of bats. For example, 13 of Colorado's 18 species of bats are known to use abandoned mines as roost sites, but roosting habitat needs for bats are poorly understood. The ongoing Abandoned Mine Lands closure programs, administered by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, are intended to eliminate public safety risks at Colorado’s estimated 5,100 inactive hardrock mines. However, methods historically used to close mines did not allow for continued FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 27 - �use of the mines by bats. Loss of roosting habitat could have devastating effects on some bat populations. For more than 20 years, the Bats/Inactive Mines Program has worked to evaluate the bat roost potential of mines scheduled for closure, identify important bat roosts, and protect these roosts by the installation of bat gates, which allow access for bats to roosting habitat in the mines, while providing for public safety. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the Bats/Inactive Mines program during FY 2011-12: • • • • Evaluated 103 mines, including 53 on BLM and USFS lands, and 50 on private lands. Conducted 226 mine surveys, including 10 detector, 65 capture, 84 video, and 67 presurveys. Documented 44 bat roosts, including two new roosts of Townsend’s big-eared bat, a State Species of Special Concern. Recommended 14 bat gate projects to BLM and USFS and the Division of Minerals and Geology. Completed 4 bat gate projects in Boulder, Gilpin, Chaffee and Rio Blanco Counties. Bats – White-nose Syndrome White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging fungal disease of North American bat species. Since 2006, WNS is believed responsible for the deaths of at least 1 million hibernating bats in caves and inactive mines in northeastern states. Although WNS has not yet been detected in Colorado, 18 bat species native to the state are considered susceptible to the disease. At this time, priorities for CPW in response to the threat of WNS are active surveillance of known roosting sites based on factors such as proximity to the closest known WNS-positive site, potential migratory stopovers, proximity to maternity roosts, specific species of bats present and others. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to White-nose syndrome work during FY 2011-12: • Updated the White-nose Syndrome Response Plan as well as the White-nose Syndrome Surveillance Plan and Protocol. • Visited more than 100 sites in the winter of 2011-12 to develop vital baseline information. The initial results indicate about 50% of surveyed bat hibernation sites in Colorado are within the temperature and humidity ranges of the fungus that causes White-nose Syndrome. • Required holders of scientific collection permits to adhere to the most recent guidelines for WNS disinfection requirements, including a complete prohibition on the use of equipment in Colorado that has been used in bats surveys in known WNS areas. See attached Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release—“Researchers monitoring Colorado bat populations” – discussing White-nose Syndrome response efforts in Colorado. American Pika: FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 28 - �In May 2009, the USFWS released a 90-day finding that the American pika may be warranted for listing as Threatened or Endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act, citing climate change as a primary threat. In February 2010, a 12-month finding determined that the American pika was not warranted for listing. CPW conducted extensive statewide surveys for pika in 2008 and found them to be well distributed throughout the state. Researchers documented 303 occupied pika sites in suitable habitat, including 93% of historical sites sampled prior to 1980. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to American pika conservation work during FY 2011-12: • • • Developed a Predicted Range Model that estimated that 12 percent of the state may provide suitable habitat for the species. Implemented a long-term monitoring program for pika to evaluate changes in occupancy and correlate documented changes with precipitation and temperature data to help evaluate climate impacts on pika distribution. Joined with Rocky Mountain Wild, the Denver Zoo and Mountain Studies Institute in the Pika Citizen Science Project to help complete and enhance the long-term monitoring of pika statewide. Volunteers conduct surveys on an annual basis following a defined CPW protocol as part of a long-term study in which sites can be monitored indefinitely, using a core protocol that does not vary. Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center: The Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center was acquired in 2004 with funding support from Great Outdoors Colorado. The facility housed lynx prior to reintroduction release, and currently rehabilitates wildlife that have suffered injuries, including orphaned black bear, mountain lion, lynx and birds of prey. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to wildlife rehabilitation at the Frisco Creek facility during FY 2011-12: • • • • Received 37 orphan black bear cubs, 35 of which were successfully returned to the wild. Received 2 mountain lion kittens, both successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Took in 2 Canada lynx, both successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild. 32 Raptors, two of which were transferred to other facilities for continued rehabilitation, and 13 of which were returned to the wild. Other Native Species Work: Colorado hosts an estimated 960 wildlife species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans. In November 2006, Colorado’s Wildlife Action Plan was finalized, identifying 210 priority wildlife species, and 13 priority habitat types, as well as potential conservation actions to benefit the priority species and habitats. The plan also seeks to coordinate planning, partnership building, project design and implementation among the many state, federal, local and private organizations involved to varying degrees in wildlife conservation in Colorado. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 29 - �As described in this report, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has multi-faceted efforts that focus on specific species, such as Gunnison sage-grouse or Colorado River cutthroat trout. CPW also has less-intensive programs for some species, and other species may be assessed as part of broader, more encompassing efforts, such as the Small Mammals Atlas or Breeding Bird Survey. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to species identified in Colorado’s Wildlife Action Plan not otherwise addressed in this section during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • • Prioritized all Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need listed in the Colorado Wildlife Action Plan. Monitored 190 Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks. Monitored 25 plains sharp-tailed grouse leks. Conducted trapping surveys for New Mexico Jumping Mouse at 5 sites. Maintained or improved 20 acres of least tern habitat. Continued work with the interstate Mexican Wolf Recovery Team to assure Colorado is excluded from the updated recovery plan since the state is not in the subspecies’ historic range. The updated plan is slated for public release in 2013. Neared completion of a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Southwestern willow flycatcher in the San Luis Valley. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 30 - �PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK Colorado Parks and Wildlife opened the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa during the summer of 2000, the first state-owned native fish hatchery in the country. Construction was funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado and on-going operations continue to be supported by GOCO. Ten fish species are currently reared at the facility, along with boreal toads. Most of the fish produced by the NASRF support recovery programs for the Upper Colorado River and for eastern plains waters. Stocking of threatened or endangered fish is often the most effective means for reestablishing viable populations of the species and is an important component of recovery plans. The NASRF provides valuable refugia for several fish species and assures a diversity of populations and genetics of the rare fish at the facility. In addition, NASRF performs groundbreaking research on optimal water temperatures, water pH, feeding regimes and other factors for each species to survive, grow, and spawn in captivity. More than 250 aquaria and eight outdoor ponds are home to the one dozen fish species at NASRF. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the propagation of aquatic species at risk during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • Produced and stocked approximately 12,000 boreal toad tadpoles. Produced more than 185,000 fish, including approximately 50,000 plains minnow, 10,000 northern redbelly dace, 62,500 Rio Grande chub, 80,000 roundtail chub and 5,500 bonytail chub. Stocked fish in 25 river and stream segments, including the first reintroduction of plains minnow to the Arkansas River. Held more than 10,000 bluehead suckers and 16,000 bonytail chub in grow-out production. Established, for the first time, successful reproduction of Arkansas darter and bluehead sucker. The NASRF received the initial bluehead suckers in 2009-10. Provided broodstock refugia for 740 boreal toads, 120 bonytail chub, and 53 bluehead sucker, and genetic refugia for 450 southern redbelly dace and approximately 10,000 northern redbelly dace. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 31 - �WILDLIFE EDUCATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife applies GOCO funding to a number of formal and informal wildlife education programs for youth and adults. A total of 12.03 FTEs were expended on wildlife education programs by Colorado Parks and Wildlife; GOCO funding supported 2.14 FTE, or 17.8%. FY 2011-12 WILDLIFE EDUCATION SUMMARY GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2011-12 GOCO EXPENDITURES Wildlife Education River Stewardship TOTAL FTE $554,000 $161,000 $715,000 2.14 WILDLIFE EDUCATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife education programs combine school-based education on wildlife concepts -- including wildlife management, habitat needs and conservation -- with hands-on and field-based learning opportunities for students. With concern increasing over the loss of connection of our nation’s youth to the outdoors and natural resources, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s education programs strive to instill stewardship skills and ethics in students across the state. Information contained within this section is intended to capture the highlights of the past year and the continued efforts to connect and educate people about wildlife throughout the State. Detailed information regarding the volunteer and education programs offered throughout CPW can be found at http://wildlife.state.co.us/Volunteer/Pages/Volunteer.aspx. Colorado Youth Corps Association: The Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) is a statewide coalition of ten accredited youth conservation corps that seeks volunteer opportunities for approximately 1,800 youth. For more than a decade, CYCA crews have worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on angler education clinics, fence removal or repair at State Wildlife Areas, non-native invasive weed control, riparian habitat improvement projects, irrigation enhancement projects, trail repair and construction, and hatchery maintenance projects across Colorado. CYCA work crews learn first-hand about wildlife and habitat stewardship while developing job skills and experience that help them in future employment. With the help of CYCA crews, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is able to undertake valuable wildlife projects that might otherwise be delayed. Colorado Youth Corps Associate crews assisted or undertook the following wildlife projects during FY 2011-12: • • • • Assisted with 9 angling clinics in the Denver metro area. Worked on a new shooting range in the San Luis Valley. Removed noxious weeds, tamarisk and Russian olives at 8 State Wildlife Areas. Repaired or removed fencing at 5 State Wildlife Areas. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 32 - �• • Completed 3 in-stream habitat improvement projects. Repaired and constructed new trails at 2 State Wildlife Areas. Educator Training and Support: Training educators to teach students, of all ages, about Colorado’s wildlife resources using the Project WILD, Aquatic Project WILD, Flying WILD, Archery in the School, Growing Up WILD and other curriculum products created by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) Conservation Education Strategy. These materials are also incorporated into the Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) teacher institutes hosted in communities around the state. Once trained, the educators reach thousands of Colorado students in schools and in nonformal education settings every year. The following are the Educator Outreach Program highlights for FY 2011-12: • • • • • Hosted 52 Wildlife Educator Workshops, featuring Project WILD and other curriculum materials, reaching more than 900 educators in the state through nearly 650 hours of workshop contact time. Maintained partnerships with more than 120 volunteer facilitators that implement Project WILD, TEN and other professional development workshops. Created and hosted an on-line webinar for 60 participants across the United States to train educators how to use the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Conservation Education materials. Worked in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education to host focus groups and re-write the Colorado Environmental Education Plan that was legislated in 2010 as part of the Colorado Kids Outdoors legislation (HB10-1131). Served as a main partner for Get Outdoors Colorado efforts. Supported creations of kids’ pages for the Get Outdoors Colorado program. Worked with 100+ partners to coordinate exhibitor presence at National Get Outdoors Day Denver – an event that served over 9,000 people (mostly families) in 2012. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 33 - �• • • • • Provided check-out wildlife education materials (e.g.; “critter crates”) for hundreds of Colorado teachers to use in their classrooms across the state. Provided Activity Backpacks at state parks to be checked out. These packs help turn an ordinary hike into a learning adventure in nature! The interactive packs will include: two large bug boxes, magnifiers, various guide books (covering birds, insects, wildflowers and pond or tree life depending on the park), binoculars and a nature journal. Developed and implemented a new workshop model, training high school students from Warren Tech in Boulder County to teach wildlife education to elementary students. The workshop was developed in partnership with Boulder County Open Space. Initiated email distribution of Colorado Connections to approximately 2,500 educators across the state. The newsletter connects teachers to professional development, grant opportunities and other opportunities for educators interested in Conservation Education. Partnered with US Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, and several non-profit organizations and local governments to develop a Get Outdoors Colorado website, to provide a resource for Coloradoans interested in connecting with outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. The site is scheduled to launch in January 2013. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 34 - �RIVER STEWARDSHIP Angler Education: The Angler Education Program has grown significantly over the past 17 years. Started in 1994 as a small urban fishing program designed to teach 600 kids how to fish, the current program has grown to a statewide program with nearly 350 fishing clinics and events, reaching in excess of 35,000 participants annually. A total of 17,000 free fishing rods were distributed at angling events throughout Colorado during FY 2011-12. More than 100 different federal, state, local, regional agencies and non-profits groups have partnered or participated in clinics and events, including: • • • • • • • • • • U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund Environmental Learning for Kids Colorado Walleye Association Colorado Women Flyfishers Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts 4H Sportfishing Extension Program • • • • Police and Sheriff Departments Statewide Ute and Southern Ute Mountain Indian Tribes Orvis Eagle Claw/Wright and McGill Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the angler education program during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • • Participated in numerous “Get Outdoors” activities including: the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration, National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration, advanced fly fishing and ice fishing clinics and family fishing events at State Parks. Conducted or assisted partner groups in holding more than 100 fishing clinics, involving 5,000 participants, at Lake Leehow, a facility in southwest Denver dedicated to teaching youth and their families fishing skills. Employees and volunteers staffed the International Sportsman Expo Youth Fishing Pond for the fourth year in a row. More than 2,400 youth caught fish during the four days of the show. Education staff worked with the state fish hatchery system to standardize educational outreach messages. Partnered with the Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund on fishing clinics in communities from Glenwood Springs to the Grand Junction/Delta area. Employees led an Angler Recruitment and Retention Committee tasked with coordinating efforts to encourage fishing across the state. Created a Fishing Instructor Program in the northeast region to expand CPW’s capacity to hold angling clinics. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 35 - �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE Colorado Parks and Wildlife reaches Watchable Wildlife goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages. These programs involve the development and support of viewing opportunities such as wildlife festivals, viewing sites, and viewing skills workshops -- often partnering with local governments – as well as volunteer programs. In FY 2011-12, a portion of the GOCO funding was used to support these programs. A total of 2.55 FTE were expended on watchable wildlife programs by CPW; GOCO funding supported 2.47 FTE, or 96.9%. FY 2011-12 WATCHABLE WILDLIFE SUMMARY GRANT NAME FY 2011-12 GOCO EXPENDITURES Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing – Capital Total FTE $343,248.75 $44,307.40 $387,556.15 2.47 WILDLIFE VIEWING Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to a significant segment of Colorado’s population that does not hunt or fish but who are interested in the state’s wildlife resources. Watchable Wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many program and project building blocks that support and preserve the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. These efforts provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs to citizens that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. In Colorado, more than 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wildlife annually. The significant state and local economic impact of wildlife watching activities – generating an estimated $1.2 billion in annual economic activity and supporting nearly 13,000 jobs in Colorado – has laid the groundwork for a new and expanded set of partners for CPW wildlife programs. Wildlife Viewing Festivals and Events: An estimated 170,000 people took part in more than 25 wildlife viewing events or festivals across Colorado in FY 2011-12. CPW Watchable Wildlife program staff was involved in planning for or assisting with the following wildlife festivals and events during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • • Monte Vista Crane Festival Greater Prairie Chicken viewing -- Wray Bald Eagle Days -- Pueblo Reservoir Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival Day -- Colorado Springs Hummingbird Festival -- Colorado Springs Eckert Crane Festival Snow Goose Festival -- Lamar FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 36 - �• • • • • Gunnison Sage-Grouse Festival -- Gunnison Mountain Plover Festival -- Karval Bighorn Sheep Festival -- Georgetown Greater Sage-Grouse lek tours -- Walden Ute Mountain Birding Festival – Cortez Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following additional actions related to wildlife festivals during FY 2011-12: • • Partnered with the National Park Service to coordinate the Bent on Birding festival with Bent’s Old Fort’s “Transportation Days”, resulting in a significant increase in overall activities and attendance. Expanded CPW’s presence at two wildlife festivals in the southwest region – The Eckert Crane Festival and the Gunnison Sage-Grouse Festival. See attached Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release – “Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Fest Nov. 12” – discussing the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival. Watchable Wildlife with Partners: Colorado Parks and Wildlife works closely with many outside organizations to incorporate watchable wildlife viewing and educational information into their projects and initiatives. Among such partners are state and local park departments, scenic and historic byway organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, land trusts and others. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to watchable wildlife with partners during FY 2011-12: • • • • • • • • Initiated work to establish the Northwest Region Colorado Birding Trail. First year activities included site descriptions, driving loop designations, and informational meetings for CPW staff. Identified 147 possible sites and 13 driving loops. Hosted the 3rd annual Grand Mesa Moose Day with the US Forest Service at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center. Approximately 450 attendees received information on viewing, safety around moose, and moose viewing activities for kids. Designed and printed “Moose in Area” posters and moose-snowmobile conflict flyers to be distributed by Northwest Region personnel. Co-sponsored greater sage-grouse viewing tours in the Craig area with the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Printed 20,000 Southeast Colorado Birding Trail guides. Installed four birding trail gateway kiosks in Eads, Granada, Springfield and Fowler. Installed interpretive signs at 11 campgrounds and entrance signs at 7 State Wildlife Areas, including Karval, Clear Creek Reservoir, Kinney Lake and Brush Hollow Reservoir. Provided an educational booth as part of “Pedal the Plains”. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 37 - �• Developed a special advertising insert for Audubon magazine in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office, Southwest Colorado, the town of Aspen, and Canyons and Plains. Volunteer Programs: Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Volunteer Program helps provide a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to augment programs and initiatives. Volunteers assist in a full range of activities, from customer service in offices and on State Wildlife Areas to field work helping with species surveys. Nearly 750 volunteers worked on 239 CPW projects in FY 2011-12, providing 51,000 hours of work, or the workload of approximately 24.5 FTE. Volunteers donated time and energy worth more than $1.1 million to the CPW’s wildlife programs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife benefitted from the following volunteer efforts during FY 2011-12: • • • • • More than 1,000 hours assisting fishing clinics. More than 4,300 hours as hosts for CPW fish hatchery tours and at State Wildlife Areas. 1,500 hours in bighorn sheep population count projects. 700 hours conducting in-stream fish population surveys (i.e.; electroshocking). More than 1,000 hours transporting injured animals to wildlife rehabilitators. WATCHABLE WILDLIFE – CAPITAL Watchable Wildlife on State Wildlife Areas: Colorado Parks and Wildlife completed the following watchable wildlife capital projects on state wildlife areas during FY 2011-12: • • • • Installed 6 interpretive kiosks at Lake Avery on the Oak Ridge SWA, including maps, regulations and information for visitors. Supplemented material costs for an Eagle Scout bridge construction project on Leatha Jean Stassen SWA. Designed and purchased interpretive mountain goat signage (e.g.; “Do not feed or harass the mountain goats”). Initiated work on an ADA-accessible path and viewing blind on the Shriver-Wright State Wildlife Area. Partners in the project include the Rio Grande Headwaters Trust, the US Bureau of Land Management and the Southwest Conservation Corps. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 38 - �OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER The proposed Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) is a facility to be located adjacent to a new regional Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Gunnison. The ODC will provide a hands-on outdoor experience for Colorado citizens and visitors in the heart of the Gunnison Valley, a popular destination for a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The ODC, to be located on a nineacre parcel of land along the Tomichi Creek east of Gunnison, will include wildlife and natural resource educational displays, as well as instruction facilities that will give visitors an introduction to Colorado’s varied outdoor recreation opportunities. On October 8, 2010, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved a grant of $400,000 for design and engineering work on the Outdoor Discovery Center. FY 2011-12 OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER SUMMARY GRANT NAME FY 2011-12 GOCO EXPENDITURES Outdoor Discovery Center Total FTE $400,000 $400,000 0 An architecture and design firm was contracted with by CPW to develop plans for the ODC, and preliminary designs were prepared. However, as a result of changing financial conditions, the ODC is on indefinite hold and other capital projects have been put on hold, delayed or cancelled. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 39 - �4/30/2012 Division of Wildlife Students, scientists team up on stream survey SPRINGFIELD, Colo. - A team of 20 Campo School students armed with sharp eyes and nets helped scientists learn more about a rare Eastern Plains fish community last week by participating in an aquatic life survey on the East Fork of Carrizzo Creek as it runs through the Sikes Ranch in southeastern Colorado. Working alongside Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists, the students collected fish stunned by a mild electric shock, netted them and then recorded data such as species, size and location. Fish were also collected using trap nets, dip nets and seines. The information will be used to help develop management goals for the property. "This is a fun science project that gave students an experience that will have a long-lasting impact," said Chris Pague, lead scientist for the Nature Conservancy of Colorado, which partnered with the state agency on the project. "The Sikes Ranch is a unique piece of property with amazing pools and streams. Some of the fish and plants found here are not found anywhere else in the state." The 7,100-acre ranch, located between the small communities of Pritchett and Kim, consists of shortgrass prairie, riparian woodlands, rocky outcrops, shrublands, marshes and an Eastern Plains stream. The headwaters of the East Fork of Carrizo Creek provide a critical and unique riparian corridor for migrating waterfowl and amphibians as well as native prairie fishes. The property also has three crop circles irrigated from well water that provide feeding areas for mule deer and white-tailed deer as well as several species of birds including quail and lesser prairie chicken. Management goals could include protecting portions of the water with fences and managing grazing to ensure water is delivered to livestock while protecting the vegetation and stream banks. "Without the efforts of landowners like the Sikes, Coloradans would not enjoy the remarkable wildlife heritage we have today," said District Wildlife Manager Aaron Bartleson of Springfield. "This research will paint a clear picture of how amphibians and fish are doing in this area. We can use this data to work with the Sikes family and the Conservancy to help protect this important habitat." The stream survey by the Conservancy and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is part of a broader conservation effort to protect the Sikes Ranch and provide recreation for Coloradoans. The Nature Conservancy will place a conservation easement on 7,100 acres of the ranch, which will help support the family's bottom line while precluding future development. Once that’s completed, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will place a public access easement on the land, which means people can hike to observe wildlife and hunt in the area. "We're thrilled we can provide this opportunity to connect people with the landscape," added Bartleson "Some of life's best memories are made outdoors." The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have helped protect 130 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org/Colorado. FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 40 - �4/3/2012 Division of Wildlife Beach closures to protect rare birds LAMAR, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are asking visitors to John Martin, Adobe Creek and Nee Gronda Reservoirs for help in protecting two rare shorebirds that nest in Colorado. As in previous years, parks and wildlife managers will be closing access to some shoreline areas to protect the nests of least terns and piping plovers. The closures, which may be several acres in size, will run from early April through mid-August. "These are little birds that are really good at blending into sandy shorelines," explained Mike Smith, Conservation Biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the Lamar area. "We'll have volunteers and staff biologists marking off the nesting areas, but we also ask visitors to be on the lookout for their hard-to-see nest scrapes and eggs." The least tern is a small, swallow-like bird with black outer wing feathers that is sometimes seen diving head-first into the water after fish. The smallest of the North American terns, it can be identified by its distinctive black crown, white forehead and black-tipped yellow bill. Both Colorado and the federal government have designated the least tern as an endangered species. The piping plover is a tiny shorebird with pale brown plumage and a black bar across the forehead. Piping plovers typically nest on sandy lakeshore beaches or on river sandbars that are free of vegetation, relying on their cryptic coloration as camouflage from predators. The piping plover is listed as a threatened species by the state of Colorado and under the federal Endangered Species Act. Protecting nesting areas along recreational shorelines is the most effective way to support the recovery of least tern and piping plover populations, biologists say. In Colorado, the least tern and piping plover are found only in the southeast part of the state. They can also be found in other states with adequate shore nesting habitat. Smith said that closed areas will be marked off with temporary fencing and orange baling twine. Physically disturbing a closed area, allowing dogs to run off leash or violating road closures can result in citations for offenders. Areas around the reservoirs will be patrolled by rangers and wildlife managers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A pamphlet explaining the closure areas is available at the John Martin Reservoir State Park entrance station and volunteers will be working to educate visitors about the protections that are in place. John Martin Reservoir State Park is located in Bent County, near the town of Las Animas. John Martin Reservoir provides boating, waterskiing and wind watersport activities as well as fishing for walleye, bass, yellow perch, crappie and catfish. A state parks pass is required for entry. Adobe Creek Reservoir, also known as Blue Lake, straddles the Kiowa-Bent county line and is FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 41 - �surrounded by the Adobe Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area. In addition to boating and camping, Adobe Creek Reservoir offers anglers the opportunity to fish for walleye, crappie, tiger muskie, bass and blue gill. Nee Gronda Reservoir is one of several small lakes that make up the Queens State Wildlife Area in Kiowa County. Nee Gronda provides some fishing opportunity, but the other reservoirs in the wildlife area are currently dry or unfishable. Anyone interested in volunteering to protect nesting shorebird sites or to educate summer visitors about the birds is encouraged to contact Jena Sanchez, Volunteer Coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Colorado Springs at 719-227-5204 or at jena.sanchez@state.co.us. Additional information about least terns can be found at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Birds/Pages/LeastTern.aspx. Additional information about piping plover can be found at http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Birds/Pages/PipingPlover.aspx. Information about John Martin Reservoir State Park can be found online at http://www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/JohnMartinReservoir/Pages/John%20Martin%20Reservoir.aspx FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 42 - �1/30/2012 Division of Wildlife Researchers monitoring Colorado bat populations DENVER - Colorado Parks and Wildlife researchers have seen no sign of the deadly white-nose syndrome in Colorado's bat populations but say monitoring and help from the public will still be needed in 2012. "Many bat populations are found in caves and mines on private land," explained Tina Jackson, who heads the bat conservation work of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "As we did last year, we'd like the public to let us know if they find dead bats this winter." Bats typically hibernate during Colorado's cold winter months but bats affected by white-nose syndrome may move toward cave entrances or leave hibernation sites entirely. Bats that die near cave entrances or are found outside of caves during the winter months are also of interest to researchers and wildlife managers. "We're asking anyone who sees unusual bat activity or finds dead bats this winter to contact us so that we can test to determine what's going on," Jackson explained. In addition, wildlife researchers are also conducting winter and spring surveys to assess bat populations and sample for disease. White-nose syndrome is named for the white, powder-like material seen on the nose, ears, and wings of infected bats. Without any natural protections, white-nose syndrome can wipe out 95 percent of a bat colony in a couple of years. It has been predicted that white-nose syndrome could eliminate little brown bats in the northeastern U.S. within 16 years. White-nose syndrome has not been found in Colorado. Since being first documented in 2007 in a cave in New York, white-nose syndrome has spread to 19 states and four Canadian provinces. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that white-nose syndrome has resulted in the death of up to 6.7 million bats in North America. In 2010, a bat found in a cave in northwestern Oklahoma, less than 200 miles from the Colorado border tested positive for the fungus. Scientists are still learning about white-nose syndrome, which strikes bats during hibernation, when bat immune systems effectively shut down, allowing the fungus to become established. Bats in colonies infected with white-nose syndrome arouse from hibernation more frequently than uninfected populations, possibly because of irritation, hunger or thirst. The increased number of arousals from hibernation quickly depletes the bat's fat reserves and results in starvation. The fungus also causes significant damage to the wings, affecting the health of the bat and perhaps compromising their ability to fly and capture insects. Colorado is home to at least 18 species of bats, 13 of which are believed to hibernate in the state. Bats that migrate to warmer climates for the winter are not believed to be affected by white-nose syndrome. All the bat species found in Colorado are insect eaters, in some cases eating thousands FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 43 - �of insects a night. This diet of night-flying insects makes bats important for the control of agricultural and human pests. Bats are also important to the underground environments they roost in, bringing energy into these mostly closed systems in the form of guano. The public is asked to not disturb hibernating bats and to respect cave closures. While the public is asked to avoid going near bat caves and abandoned mines, people are being asked to report if they see any signs of white-nose syndrome. Signs include: • Bats moving to the openings of the hibernation site during the winter • Bats leaving hibernation sites in the winter, especially on cold days • Bats with a white powder-like material on their nose, ears or wings • Dead bats Members of the public who see any active or dead bats this winter are asked to report that information to a special phone line (303-291-7771) or e-mail address (Wildlife.Batline@state.co.us). Because bats also can be affected by other health problems, including rabies, people should use precautions such as disposable gloves or an inverted plastic bag when handling bat carcasses. The public is also advised not handle live bats that appear to be ill. For more information on white-nose syndrome, visit: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Research/WildlifeHealth/WNS/ The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has photos of white-nose syndrome affected bats in the eastern United States available on its website at: http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/photos.html FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 44 - �10/21/2011 Division of Wildlife Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Fest Nov. 12 GEORGETOWN, Colo. -- The clash of ram's horns will reverberate through the canyon as Georgetown celebrates the sixth annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival honoring Colorado's state mammal on Nov. 12. The celebration is scheduled during the peak of bighorn sheep breeding season when displays of dominance are at their peak. Nestled next to I-70 and a corridor claiming the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the state, Georgetown is set to celebrate this treasured animal and help visitors learn about the habits and nature of these home-grown, high-altitude rock climbers. "During the breeding season, November and December, bighorn sheep display some of their most interesting behaviors," said Mary McCormac, Education Coordinator for the northeast region at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "From clashing horns to lip curls, the sheep put on a good show for wildlife watchers and Georgetown provides the ideal location to see the sheep in action!" Trained CPW volunteers will be on hand at the bighorn sheep viewing station to help viewers locate the sheep, as well as offer a cup of hot cider or cocoa and a brief lesson on these majestic mammals. Friends and families can enjoy the FREE educational programs and numerous activities provided throughout the day. Activities: -Climb like a bighorn sheep on the climbing wall provided by the Colorado Army National Guard -Make sheep horns of your own to take home or get your face painted like a sheep - showcase all in the noon parade led by Elbert the Bighorn -Learn about bighorn behavior while dancing the bighorn sheep hokey pokey with Elbert the Bighorn -Sit by the fire, listen to live music, and visit partner organization booths in the park -Try Tommyknocker's own bighorn sheep brew, Butt Head Bock Lager, or snack on festival fare in the park -Shop for wildlife-related art, gifts, crafts, and other merchandise in downtown Georgetown -Enjoy mountain views and learn about Georgetown's history and bighorn sheep on a Georgetown Loop Railroad tour Presentations: -11 a.m.: Catching Poachers: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Protecting Colorado’s Wildlife -1:30 p.m.: Bighorn Sheep of Georgetown FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 45 - �-2:30 p.m.: Winter Bird Feeding Festival Activities Guide: See the final schedule of events at http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/Viewing/PDF/GTownBighornSheepFestival2011.pdf or pick up a schedule on-site at the Gateway Visitor Center or the Georgetown Community Center. All of these events are free. Georgetown is located just less than an hour west of Denver on I-70. Programs and activities take place in several venues throughout town, but most are on 6th Street. WHAT: Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival: A Saturday of free family-friendly and wildlife fun. WHERE: Town of Georgetown: One hour west of Denver on I-70. WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CONTACT: Mary McCormac, NE Region Education Coordinator, 303-291-7328 or mary.mccormac@state.co.us FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 46 - �For more comprehensive information regarding data compiled, results and/or ongoing monitoring, and accomplishments of CPW, please visit the websites listed in the table below. Program Colorado Wildlife Heritage Protection Initiative Wetlands Program Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Sets for CPW Species Private Lands Programs Species Recovery Species Research Conservation Plans Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan Gunnison Sage Grouse Youth and Teacher Education Angler Clinics & Education Volunteer Program Wildlife Viewing Web address http://wildlife.state.co.us/WILDLIFESPECIES/Pages/WildlifeSpecies.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/Pages/LandWater.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/Maps/Pages/Maps.aspx http://www.arcgis.com/home/search.html?q=Colorado%20Parks%20and%20Wil dlife&t=groups http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/Pages/LandWater.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/WILDLIFESPECIES/Pages/WildlifeSpecies.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/WILDLIFESPECIES/Pages/WildlifeSpecies.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/WILDLIFESPECIES/Pages/WildlifeSpecies.aspx http://www.fws.gov/southwest/ES/Documents/R2ES/MSO_Recovery_Plan_First _Revision_Dec2012.pdf http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/Commission/2013/Feb /ITEM21-GUNNISONSAGEGROUSE.pdf http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/Pages/Education.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/Pages/Fishing.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/Volunteer/Pages/Volunteer.aspx http://wildlife.state.co.us/WILDLIFESPECIES/Pages/WildlifeSpecies.aspx FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 47 - �FY 2011-12 CROSS-REFERENCE CHART FOR GOCO LOG NUMBERS AND COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE WORK PACKAGES GRANT NAME GOCO LOG NUMBERS Acquire High Priority Habitat Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water GIS Habitat Information Wetlands Conservation Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 10150, 11150, 11151 0320, 0330 11152 11154 9153, 10153,11153 0350, 0360, 0370, 0380, 0438 0450, 0461 0436 8729 0320 0810, 0815, 0820, 0830, 0835, 0841, 0842, 0850, 0860, 0870, 0880, 0662, 0710 0560, 0638, 0639, 0641-0652,0656-0660, 0663-0666,0670, 0680, 0686 11157 Native Species Protection Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk 11156 Youth Education River Stewardship Wildlife Viewing Outdoor Discovery Center Interest Expense 11158 11160 8161, 9161, 11162 11149 11163 11155 CPW WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS 0570 6130, 6140, 6150, 6160, 6260, 6290, 6581 6420 5110, 5210, 5260, 5310 7210 N/A FY 2011-12 CPW Wildlife Purpose Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 48 - � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/bfdf05a3f7fe62e9b23e90ae062420c4.pdf b0f90678f5c231203ae0b70199deb301 PDF Text Text � � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � >�?@A� >�?@A >�?@A� >�?@A� >�?@A ,-./01�2304�5677875�099:01�43;<4= 012345657308394 �ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ 23435673ÿ8659ÿ67ÿ 474��ÿ � �64ÿ��65ÿ�������ÿ � �64ÿ���35�ÿ �������ÿ3�ÿ�5�6�ÿ��7335ÿ23435673ÿÿ 8659ÿ8�5�3�ÿ�� 7 !ÿ "6�65#ÿ���$ÿ �ÿ ÿ ��!"ÿ#$ÿ%#&'"&'(ÿ ÿ )&'*#+,-'.#&ÿ�&+ÿ/0"*0."1ÿ ÿ )3ÿ4('�!.(5ÿ�&+ÿ)67*#0"ÿ8'�'"ÿ9�*:(ÿ;�&+ÿ<-=,.(.'.#&(ÿ ÿ <*6?ÿ%#*7(ÿ%#('ÿ85�*"ÿ 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One-quarter of the Colorado Lottery proceeds received by Great Outdoors Colorado is directed to wildlife management programs, including initiatives to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, conserve wildlife species, provide wildlife education programs to Colorado citizens and visitors and establish wildlife viewing opportunities. Great Outdoors Colorado has provided more than $190 million to the Division of Wildlife - now Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Consistent with the vision of Great Outdoors Colorado advocates and Colorado voters, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has developed innovative and effective wildlife programs and is recognized as a national leader in wildlife management. This partnership has produced significant results, including: • • • • The permanent protection of approximately 310,000 acres of important wildlife habitat; The development and implementation of two dozen recovery plans for more than 50 declining wildlife species; The creation of innovative adult and school-based wildlife education programs; The establishment of hundreds of wildlife viewing sites and dozens of wildlife festivals across the state. During FY 2010-11 Great Outdoors Colorado financial support helped Colorado Parks and Wildlife: • • • • • • • • Declare Colorado's lynx reintroduction program a success by meeting all seven benchmarks for a self-sustaining population. Initiate development of new Colorado Birding Trail for the Northwest Region. Close on 10 habitat protection acquisitions, covering 29,000 acres of wildlife habitat. Award $1.7 million in funding to 29 projects to protect or improve 7,600 acres of wetlands habitat. Continue research and management programs that contributed to the US Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to not list the mountain plover as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. Complete a state conservation strategy for white-tailed prairie dogs and Gunnison' s prairie dogs, both listed by Colorado as Species of Special Concern. Hold 250 fishing clinics across Colorado that reached more than 35,000 participants. Participate in two dozen wildlife festivals, including the inaugural Grand Mesa Moose Festival. �The following report illustrates the wide variety of wildlife-related efforts undertaken by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife from July l, 20 l Othrough June 30, 2011 with financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Summary of FY 2010-11 Funding Request Great Outdoors Colorado Wildlife Purpose Funds Base Fundine Habitat Protection $3,935,183 Species Protection $3,625,000 Wildlife Education $715,000 Wildlife Viewing $367,000 Interest Expense $100,000 Annual Base Fundine Total $8,742,183 Leeacy Fundine Colorado Wildlife Habitat $9,600,000 Protection Program Outdoor Discovery Center $400,000 Leeacy Grant Fundine Total $10,000,000 Grand Total $18,742,183 Base funding request amounts shown in the chart above includes extended and reobligated grants, in addition to "base funds" requested through the annual investment plan. Legacy funding amounts shown in the chart above reflect awards approved during FY 20 l 0-11. The chart above does not reflect actual expenditures during FY 20 l 0-11. Financial information on individual grants in the following report reflects base fund expenditures by Colorado Parks and Wildlife during FY 20 l 0-11 as well as expenditures from multi-year capital grants and Legacy Grants. References to and descriptions of Colorado Parks and Wildlife habitat protection, species conservation, wildlife education and wildlife viewing programs in the following report are limited to those that received wildlife purpose funding. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -2- �Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fiscal Year 2010-11 Annual Report Investments of Great Outdoors Colorado Wildlife Purpose Funding Table of Contents Executive Summary . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife ... . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 4 Habitat Protection . . ............................................................................ 5 Acquire High Priority Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program ... ......... ............... ... ...... Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters ... ...... ............... ... . . .......... ..... .. GIS Habitat Information .... ..... ...... ....... ...... ........ ...... ........ ...... .... ... Wetlands Conservation ... .. . . . ...... ... . .. ...... ...... ......... ... . . . ........ ......... 5 5 12 14 15 Species Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. Native Species Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Propagation of Aquatic Species At Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 19 29 Wildlife Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 31 Youth Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . River Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 31 33 Watchable Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35 Wildlife Viewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Wildlife Viewing- Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38 Attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. 40 Cross-reference Chart (GOCO Log and CPW Work Packages) ......................... 45 FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -3- �Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution - the Great Outdoors Colorado Program approved by Colorado voters in 1992 -- reads in part as follows: (1) The people of the State of Colorado intend that the net proceeds of every state-supervised lottery game operated under the authority ofArticle XVIII, Section 2 shall be guaranteed and permanently dedicated to the preservation, protection, enhancement and management ofthe state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage, except as specifically provided in this article. Accordingly, there shall be established the Great Outdoors Colorado Program to preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. The Great Outdoors Colorado Program shall include: (a) Wildlife program grants which: (I) Develop wildlife watching opportunities; (JI) Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment; (Ill) Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage; (JV) Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas; ... Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a vital funding source for many Colorado Parks and Wildlife initiatives, allowing Colorado to become a national leader in a range of wildlife management, education and viewing programs. The comprehensive approach to wildlife management described in Article XXVII reaches millions of Coloradoans by promoting wildlife education outreach and information for citizens all of ages, supporting efforts to stop and reverse the loss of threatened or endangered species or species of concern, developing long-term protection of important wildlife habitat, and engaging '"non-consumptive" wildlife recreationalists, sportsmen, and the general public to be active stewards of Colorado's wildlife heritage. On June 17, 2010, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved Colorado Parks and Wildlife's annual funding plan for wildlife programs for FY 2010-11 in the amount of$8,742,183. As described in this report, annual funds are applied across the four categories of grants listed in Article XXVII - habitat protection, species protection, wildlife education and watchable wildlife. When all funding sources, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife funds, federal funds, private contributions and other matching funds are taken into account, the projects and programs described in this report represent an investment of nearly $27 million in Colorado's wildlife resources. In addition, on October 8, 2010, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved $400,000 in Legacy Grant funds for the design and engineering of the Outdoor Discovery Center. On December 8, 2010 the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved $9,600,000 of Legacy Grant funds for the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -4- �HABIT AT PROTECTION Colorado Parks and Wildlife reaches Habitat Protection goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages. These programs include the acquisition and management of wildlife habitat, administering and protecting water rights, land use comments, digital mapping services, and habitat improvements on public and private lands. In FY 2010-11, GOCO funding provided important support to these programs. A total of 35.7 full-time equivalents (FTEs) were allocated to habitat protection programs, of which GOCO funding supported 3.28 FTEs, or 9 .1 %. A summary of program expenditures and individual program activities and achievements for habitat protection is provided below. FY 2010-11 HABITAT PROTECTION SUMMARY GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2010-11 GOCO EXPENDITURES Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Pro~ram Land AcQuisition AcQuire HiJ.zh Prioritv Habitat - O&A Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water GIS Habitat Information Wetlands Conservation TOTAL FTE $12,552,606.00 1 $331,200.002 $560,000.00 $524,998.98 $424,724.93 $1,213,074.61 $15,606,604.52 3.28 1 Actual CPW expenditures in COFRS were $12,600,606, a difference of $48,000, due to an accounting adjustment that had not been processed prior to the close of the fiscal year. The difference was not billed to GOCO for reimbursement. 2 CPW expenditures in COFRS were $2,096,200 (difference of$1,765,000) due to a post-closing refinance adjustment that will be reflected in CPW accounting records in FY 2011-12. The amount above reflects the final contribution bv GOCO. ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Through the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHPP), Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado works with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat. The goals of CWHPP include preventing the further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species - thereby reducing the necessity of the listing of species under the federal Endangered Species Act - and protecting important big game winter habitat and migration corridors. Recent CWHPP acquisitions have also increasingly included public access provisions -- a breakthrough benefit considered impossible at the outset of the CWHPP initiative. Funding for the CWHPP comes from a variety of sources, including Wildlife Cash and Habitat Stamp funds, federal State Wildlife Grants and GOCO Wildlife Purpose funds. Habitat protection is often a top priority in species recovery plans. In 2003, the impact of habitat protection efforts was illustrated in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decision not to list the mountain plover as threatened or endangered, an action based in part on the successes of Colorado's habitat protection efforts. The long-term and perpetual protection afforded through FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -5- �CWHPP easeme nts -- and associated management plans for those lands -- was cited by USFWS as important steps by Colorado that influenced the decision not lo list the mountain plover. Ten habitat protection acquisitions, supported in part by GOCO during FY 20 I 0-11, protected nearly 29,000 acres of wildlife habitat and are described below. A map of the acquisition locations follows. 1) Hot Sulphur Springs SWA - Parschall Divide Unit The Parshall Divide Unit, also known as the Grand View Ranch prope1ty, is adjacent to the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area (SWA) and shooting range in Grand County. It is bordered by Bureau of Land Manage me nt (BLM) lands on three sides and adjoins the Arapaho National Forest. The 940-acre fee title acquisition comp letes an unintem1ptcd, protected corridor across central Grand County from north to south, connecting higher-elevation, timbered United States Forest Service (USFS) lands to lowerelevation BLM and CPW sagebrush habitat lands. The property hosts impo1tant severe winter range and winter concentration areas for mule deer and elk. In addition, the land also provides brood areas and wi nter ra nge fo r greater sage-grouse. See the Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release on the acquisition at Attachment I. Hot Sulphur Springs SWA - Parschall Divide Unit Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds S 1,320,000 C DOW Wildlife Cash $899,547 $2,219,547 Total 2) South Republican SWA -- Shallow River Parcel The 4,929-acre Shallow River Parcel is located adjacent to the South Republican SWA in K it Carson and Y uma counties near the towns of Burlington and Idalia. The prope1ty consists of mid-grass prairie and sandsage grasslands, and lowla nd riparian ri ver bottom ground, composed of wide and narrow leaf cottonwood, peach leaf and coyote willow. The South Fork of the South Republican River runs through the property for approximately 3 ½ miles. The property provides big game winter range for both mule and whi te-tai led deer, and the South Republican Ri ver is an FY 2010-11 CPW Wildl(/e Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -6- �important migration corridor. Other species present on the property include burrowing owl, bald eagle, ferruginous hawk and plai ns leopard frog. - ...., South Republican SWA -- ShalJow River Parcel Acquisition Financing $592,800 GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds $42 1,575 CDOW Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp $1,014,375 Total 3) Willow Creek SWA (Gelvin) The Willow Creek SW A is located eight miles southeast of Wray, in Yuma County. The 920-acre conservation easement, held by The Nature Conservancy, protects an important migration corridor, elk winte r range, as well as a variety of species of concern including orange-throat darte r and plains leopard frog. Willow Creek SWA (Gelvin) Ac GOCO Wildlife Pur osc Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/ Habitat Stam Total S48,000 $183,675 $23 1,675 4) 20 Mile Sheep State Habitat Area (SHA) The 20 Mile Sheep State Habitat Area is located approximately five miles southeast of Hayden, in Routt County. The property hosts elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear and mountain lion. The 4,282 acre conservation easement protects an important b ig game migration corridor, elk winter range and a winter concentration area. With its intact, high-quality sagebrush communities, the property is important for greater sage-grouse, hosting the last known lek for that species in the area. In addition, there is a Columbia n sharp-tailed grouse lek on the property, with another eight lek.s on adjacent lands. Both species of grouse nest and raise broods on the property, which also provides wi nter range. 20 Mile Sheep SHA Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Federal State Wildlife Grant Funds Total - FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado $4,274,476 S 19,353 S645,524 $4,939,353 -7- �5) Wolf Mountain Ranch SHA - Phase 4 A 6,09 l acre conservation easement on the Wolf Mountain Ranch State Habitat Area protects sagebrush and gambel oak uplands, providing winter ra nge, nesting and brood rea ring habitat fo r Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and w inte r range for greater sage-grouse. Leks fo r both grouse species are fo und on adjoining lands. The property is adjacent to more than 7,500 acres of protected la nds, including conservation easeme nts funded in part by CPW, GOCO and Routt County. The casement also protects big game winter range and severe winter range. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation ho lds the easement. Wolf Mountain Ranch SHA - Phase 4 Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total S459, 105 $358,070 $817,175 6) New Beginnings Ranch SHA Located approximately 12 miles south of Norwood, in San Miguel Coun ty, the 459-acrc New Beginnings Ra nch conservation casement protects important Gunnison sage-grouse nesting, brood-rearing and winter range habi tat. T he property is adj acent to U.S. Forest Service lands on the east a nd no11h, to the Dan Noble SW A on the south, and to State Land Board property on the west. The property also has val uable e lk and mule deer migration corridors. New Beginnings Ranch SHA Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution Total $33 1,200.00 $238,202 $446,000 $1,015,402 FY 2010-11 CP W Wildlife Annual Report lo Great Outdoors Colorado - 8- �7) LK Ranch LK Grady SWA ...,;I .,.;I - The LK Ranch LK Grady SW A arc two perpetual conservation easements held by the Yampa Valley Land Trust (YVLT). Colorado Parks and Wildlife acquired management plans on the combined 5,320 acres of protected lands, which are approximately 12 miles southeast of Meeker, in Rio Blanco County. The predominant sagebrush terrain is valuable habitat for the last population of greater sage grouse in the Meeker/White River population area . The properties also host an important migration corridor for big game. The properties arc adjacent to approximately 5,300 acres of quality habitat previously encumbered by conservation casements held by YVLT. LK Ranch LK Grady SWA Acquisition Financin2: GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total $2,587,325 1 $2,636,800 1 $5,224,125 1 Due to a post-closing refinance adjus1mcnl, the aclual GOCO expcndilures in COFRS al ihc e ncl o f1he fi scal year were overstated and the Wildlife Cash/ Habitat Stamp expenditures were understated by S l ,765,000 in FY 2010-11. This adjustment will be reflected in CP\V accountinl! records in FY 2011 - 12. These figures refl ect the final actual financing of this project. 8) Pueblo Reservoir SWA -- Tatsch Parcel -- The 4,069-acre Tatsch Parcel is a fee title acquisition located approximately 8 miles west of Pueblo, adjacent to the Pueblo Reservoir SW A. The property, comprised of pinion-juniper, grassland and riparian habitats, is home to pronghorn, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion. T he acquisition also protects habitat for several grassland species of concern including black-tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl and fem.rginous hawk. Pueblo Reservoir SWA -- Tatsch Parcel Acquisition Financin2: GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total $2,3 19,000 $ 1,555,905 $3,874,905 ...., FY 2010-1 / CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -9- �9) Pueblo Reservoir SW A --Clift Parcel The 279-acre Clift Parcel is a fee title acquisition that is completely surrounded by the Tatsch Parcel described above. Like the Tatsch Parcel, the prope1ty hosts pinion-juniper, grasslands and riparian habitats, and is home to pronghorn, white-tai led deer, mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion. Several drainages on the property serve as wildlife movement corridors to the Arkansas Ri ver. The acquisition protects habitat for se veral grassland species of concern including black-tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl, and fem1ginous hawk. Pueblo Reservoir SW A -- Clift Parcel Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildli fe Purpose Funds CDOW Wi ldlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total $1 58,025 $76, 131 $234,156 10) Tarrvall Creek Ranch SWA Tan-ya II Creek Ranch SWA, located in Park County, includes 2.7 mi les of Tan-ya II Creek, 30 beaver ponds and 250 acres of riparian shrnb. The 1,640-acre conservation easement protects habitat suitable for boreal toad, bald eagle, burrowing owl, greater sandhill crane, fcrrug inous hawk, mountain plover and lynx. The property is a migration co1Tidor for big game, and the dense shrub community along Tarryall Creek is important habitat for elk calving during summer. Tarryall Creek SWA Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildli fe Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Donation Total FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado $793,875 $ 1,365,734 $843,475 $3,003,084 - 10 - �'l'] --.::: I'-..., c:::, ..._ c:::, ..._ I ..._ PHllUPS YUMA HB[RT tl,,COLN El PASO CltlYEtlNl tCIOWA PROW£RS MOmtlUMA BACA 0 D RFP's County Boundary Focal Areas for Land Acquistion FY 2010-2011 GOCO Funded Acquistions "' .. " .. ,oo C,l~Unu �Real Estate Administration: Across the state, Colorado Parks and Wi ldlife owns more than 325 State Wildlife Areas and manages more than 635 ,000 acres for habitat and recreational values. In addition, C PW leases approx imately 485,000 acres of State Trust Lands, protecting additional wildlife habitat and providing the public with opportunities to hunt, fi sh and watch wildlife. Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Real Estate Unit lead has a central role in developing new protections for important wildl ife habitat through the CWHPP, opening new public recreatio nal access and monitoring existing property interests. Colorado Parks and Wildli fe took the fol lowing actions related to real estate administration during FY 2010-11: • • • • • • Reviewed and ranked more than 45 proposals in response to the Request for Proposals for the Colorado Wildli fe Habitat Protection Program. Provided acquisition support for 10 CWHPP projects, inc luding baseline condition reports and manageme nt plans. Closed on 56 real estate transactions, including 6 conservation easements. Managed more than 27 1 active leases and term agreements. Monitored 149 CPW-ownecl conservation easements. Completed 52 Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and county impact assistance transactions. ENHANCE HABITAT ON LAND AND WATER Habitat Management: Colorado Parks and Wi ldlife conserves and enhances w ildlife habitat on lands and waters it owns, leases or holds an easement. CPW also works to enhance habitat on private lands through partnerships with private landowners, sportsme n, agricultural and conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and local governments. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the follow ing actions related to habitat management during FY 20 10-1 1: • • Suppotted four additional Private Lands Wildl ife Biolog ist positions, fo r a total of 11 positions, in partnership wi th the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Pheasants Forever, USFWS Partners for Wildlife Program and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The biologists provide technical support to landowners for Farm Bill programs focused on habitat conservation. Made 3,351 landowner contacts to improve, enhance or conserve wildlife habitat on FY 2010-1 I CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 12 - �- • • • • • 326,000 acres on priv ate la nds. Gained NRCS state office support to expand wildlife habitat funding to a combined 36,000 ac res of lesser prairie chicken, sage-grouse and shortgrass prairie habitat. Developed recommendations to NRCS regarding implementation of mid-contract management practices fo r the benefit of wildlife on existing Conservation Reserve Program acres, identification of Conservation Priority Areas though the Farm Service Administration and technical assistance in the development of the Rio Grande Conservation Reserve E nhancement Program. Provided technical expertise to efforts to improve and enhance seed mixture applications on Conservation Reserve Program lands for lesser prairie c hicken, greater sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-gro use habitat planting requirements. Provided comments on 249 energy-related land-use proposals and 640 othe r land use proposals. Faci litated habitat improvement activities on 13,000 acres, including 3,800 acres of weed management. Water Programs: Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Water Resources Unit oversees programs that protect in-stream flows on more than 8,500 miles of streams and in 486 natural lakes in the state, manages and protects CPW-owncd water rights for recreational reservoirs, fish hatcheries and State Wildlife Areas (SWAs), and develop the data and expc1tise needed to protect water quality th rough Water Quality Control Commission proceedings. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the fo llowing actions related to water programs during FY 201011: • - • • - • .,,,, - • • • • - Participated in Water Quality Control Commission hearings on revisions to water quality standards and classifications for the Colorado Ri ver basin and implementation of statewide temperature and nutrient criteria. Performed laboratory anal ysis of nearly 4,000 metals samples and 1,053 nutrient samples collected through the 551 Ri verwatch program observation stations on approximately 350 waters across the state. Expanded the Riverwatch program through the addition of 26 new schools and groups, bringing the total number of active paiticipating organizations to 133. Collected and verified water use data on more than 300 CPW properties, an impo1tant stewardship activity to preserve the Division of Wildlife's interests in water. Filed nine statements of opposition in water court to protect CPW water rights from injury w hile entering into 17 stipulated settlements. Continued consultation processes related to several major water development projects -the Northern Integrated Supply Project, the Chatfield Reservoi r Reallocation Project, and the Windy Gap and Moffat Supply Firming projects -- on possible fish and wildlife mitigation related to National Environmental Po licy Act requirements. Reviewed potential water issues in 22 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program and 19 Wetlands Program proposals. Supported the work of the Colorado Water Conservation Board in the appropriation of in- FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 13 - �stream flow water rights in two major efforts -- the Colorado River and the San Miguel River -- as well as another 11 CWCB in-stream fl ow appropriations. Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund: In 200 I and 2006, the GOCO Board authorized contributions of a total of $ 1,016,326.90 to the Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund (WFGTF). Interest earned on these funds is used for stewardship activities on properties acquired in part with GOCO funds. Interest earned and the funds expended from the WFGTF are outside and separate from DOW's annual funding request. During FY 20 I 0-11 , tbe GOCO portion of the WFGTF earned $22,286.26 in interest, and S2,390.36 was expended. Expended funds were leveraged witb Federal Aid funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish five public parking lots to facilitate access to the recently acquired Tatsch and Clift Parcels, which are described earlier in this report. Since 200 I, GOCO-funded expenditures from the WFGTF have totaled $ 160,60 l .18. Overall expenditures out of the Trust Fund, including those from the Wildlife Casb-fundcd portion created in July 2000, a mount to S 1,276,054.17. GIS HABITAT lNFORMATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit provides state-of-theart products, services and analysis to customers inside and outside ofCPW. The GIS Unit acquires, maintains and distributes digital and other forms of data on wildlife habitat. Habitat protection in the face of expanding pressure from energy development continues to be a mainstay of the GIS unit's land-use impact and habitat protection work. House Bill 07-1298 mandated the consideration of wildlife concerns in the oil and gas pe1mit application process, which has resulted in significant ongoing demand for GIS habitat analysis, application development and maps. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to GIS habitat information work during FY 2010-11: • • • ti •• Provided 20 maps in support of HB 071298-required consultation with the oil and gas industry on habita t protection and mitigation issues. Increased support for wind and other alternative energy development analysis to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. Updated prope1ty maps for 15 State Land Board leased properties. Completed maps for Gunnison 's sagegrouse and greater sage-grouse conservation planning cffo1is. Updated databases for Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse as well as lesser prairie chicken. Created 61 maps for a major statewide survey of White-tailed Ptannigan in Colorado. Provided mapping support for 12 Data Analysis Unit plans for mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and bear to assist in setting population objectives. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 14 - �- • • - - Supported the Aquatic Section's nati ve cutthroat trout and " three species" fish databases. Supported the plam1ing stages of a decision support system for energy development plaiming, habitat protection and mitigation efforts in the Colorado-New Mexico border region with the Western Governors' Association and fo r lesser prairie-chicken and ene rgy development, habitat protection and mi tigation effo1ts in the species ' fi ve-state range. WETLANDS CONSE RY ATION Colorado Parks and Wildli fe 's Wetlands Program, established in 1997, conserves wetland and riparian habitats and their ecological functions for the benefit of wildli fe. Major goals o f the program are to improve the status of declining or at-risk species, and to improve the ab undance and distri bution of duc ks and opportunities fo r waterfowl hunting. In cooperation with conservation organizations, private landowners and other state and federal agencies, the We tlands Program has protected, restored or enhanced approx imate ly 280,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitats, a nd 25 1 miles of streams. Services provided by the program include funding of strategic plann ing fo r habitat conserva tion, wetland creation, enhancement and restoration proj ects, and proj ect-related expertise suc h as site evaluation, design, construction, and bio logical assessments. The Wetlands Program also facilitates partnerships through local Focus Area Conm1i ttecs and conducts wetland project moni toring and evaluation. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to wetlands conservation duri ng FY 2010-1 I : • • • - Restored or enhanced 7,52 1 acres of wetlands and riparian areas and 2,333 acres of adjacent uplands in 49 proj ects completed during the period. Awarded new grants totaling approximately S, 1.7 million for 29 proj ects on private and public lands. When completed, the projects will improve more than 7,600 acres of wetland and riparian habitat, and benefit more than 19 at-risk wild life species and eight waterfowl species. Partnered with Colorado S tate Uni versity' s Colo rado Natural Heritage Program on wetland mapping and field assess ments in the Rio Grande Basin and the Nort h Platte Basin. T he proj ects will add to CPW's GJS database on wetland locations, help develop new tools to assess wetland conditions and threats, and document wetland use by priority wi ldli fe species. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 15 - �SPECIES PROTECTION Colorado Parks and Wildlife's wildlife conservation efforts strive to maintain or develop healthy populations of the full range of hunted, fished and non-game wildlife species. For species conservation work supported in part with Great Outdoors Colorado funding, a primary strategy is to develop and implement strategies to protect and recover declining species, with the goal of averting federal listings of Colorado species under the federal Endangered Species Act and the difficult land use, water development and other restrictions often associated with a threatened or endangered determination. The Colorado Wildlife Action Plan is a comprehensive catalogue of the status of knowledge and understanding of the state's wildlife species, the threats they face, and strategies to lessen those threats. While Colorado Parks and Wildlife is the state's principal wildlife conservation agency, partnerships with other local, county, state and federal agencies, landowners, wildlife conservation and sportsman organizations - along with the support of individual citizens -- are critical to protecting and enhancing Colorado's wildlife resources. Many of the programs supported with GOCO funding help develop and put in place those invaluable partnerships. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reaches the Species Protection grant goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages, including species research, surveys, reintroduction, tracking, propagation, recovery plan development and other aspects of broad-based conservation and recovery programs. In FY 20 I 0-11, a portion of GOCO funding was used to support these programs. A total of 53.36 full-time equivalents (FTE) were expended on species conservation programs, of which GOCO funding supported 5.54, or 10.3%. A summary of program expenditures, and individual program activities and achievements for species conservation is provided below. FY 2010-11 SPECIES PROTECTION SUMMARY GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2010-11 GOCO EXPENDITURES Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Native Species Protection Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk TOTAL FTE $500,000.00 $2,550,000.00 $457,739.71 $3,507,739.71 5.54 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY Lynx Reintroduction: On September 17th, 2010, Division of Wildlife Director Tom Remington announced that the Colorado's lynx reintroduction project had accomplished its goal of establishing a breeding population in the Southern Rockies. Research and survey work related to the lynx will transition to monitoring the cats' long-term persistence in Colorados high country. The Canada lynx occurs throughout the boreal forests of northern North America. Colorado represents the southern-most historical distribution of lynx, where the species occupied the higher FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 16 - �- - - elevation, montane forests in the state. Lynx were extirpated or reduced to a few animals in the state by the late 1970s, most likely due to predator control efforts such as poisoning and trapping. Given the separation of Colorado from the nearest northern population, CPW considered reintroduction as the only option to attempt to reestablish the species in the state and resolve Endangered Species Act-related issues. Colorado's lynx reintroduction cffo11 began in 1997, with the first lynx released in the state in 1999. Overall, 218 wild-caught lynx from Alaska and Canada were released in southwestern Colorado. The goal of the Colorado lynx reintroduction program was to establish a sci f-sustaining, viable population of ly nx in the state. The program has been successful in meeting the seven criteria necessary for achieving a viable population, and efforts arc now focused on monitoring. In 2009, research was initiated to evaluate efficacy of three different techniques for detecting lynx presence: snow tracking, remote cameras and hair snares. Snow tracking was most effective; remote cameras demonstrated the potential to be effective following modifications to the methodology. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the lynx recovery program during FY 20 I 0-11 : • - Based on the results from the 2009 monitoring research, during the winter of 20 I 0-1 1 biologists evaluated a monitoring strategy across the lynx core area in southwest Colorado that relies on remote cameras in wi lderness sites and snow tracking in all other sites. The results of the study will form the basis for an ongoing lynx monitoring program begi1ming in the winter of 2012- I 3. Blacl,-footed Ferret: Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is making a comeback in Colorado and other western states since a small colony of the species was discovered in the early 1980s. The blackfooted ferret is listed as an endangered species at both the state and federa l level. - Since 200 I, approx imately 125 fetTets have been reintroduced at two locations in Colorado - Coyote Basin west of Rangely, and in the BLM's Wolf Creek Management Area near Dinosaur National Monument. However, since the summer of 2008, black-footed ferrets suffered a setback in Colorado clue to an outbreak ofsylvatic plague. Very few fe1Tets are believed to have survived the plague epizootic. Colorado Parks and Wildli fe took the following actions related to black-footed ferret rccove1y work during FY 2010- 11 : -- - FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 17 - �• • • • Coordinated black-footed ferret spotlight surveys during fall of 20 IO detected only one individual ferret. As a resu lt of the continuing impact of the plague epizootic, Colorado decided not to request an allocation of captive-bred ferrets for release in 2010- 11 . Dusted prairie dog burrows in cooperation with BLM, with insecticide to reduce the impact of the plague on prairie dogs and ferrets. Established an interstate work group in December 20 l O to complete development and delivery of an oral plague vaccine for prairie dogs. Field-tested a bait and marker vaccine delivery mechanism, participated in laboratory trials of the vaccine on all three species of prairie dogs, and planned participation in initial (ield trials of the oral plague vaccine. Greenback Cutthroat Trout: - Thought to be extinct in 1937, numerous populations of greenback cutthroat trout have si nce been discovered through extensive survey work. T he historic range for greenback cutthroat trout lies almost entirely within Colorado, in the headwaters of the South Platte and Arkansas ri vers. Many of those waters have been reclaimed and restocked with pure greenback cutthroat trout. The success of recovery efforts led to the 1978 down listing of greenback cutthroat trout from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. However, the taxonomic status of greenback c utthroat trout is currently being evaluated on several fronts fo llowing publication of a study that questioned the genetic intcg1ity of source populations used in greenback cutthroat trout recovery efforts. To help answer taxonomic questions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife supported or took the following actions re lated to greenback c utthroat trout recovery work during FY 20 I 0-11 : • • • Researchers at tbe University of Colorado examined museum specimens collected in the late 1800s to evaluate distribution of distinct taxonomic groups prior to the bulk of fish stocking arow1d the state. A manuscript reporting the results of the study has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and is in the review process. The Larval F ish Laboratory at Colorado State University compared visual characteristics on specimens collected across the southern range of cutthroat trout to specific molecular markers to detem1inc if any physical traits can be linked to those same taxonomic groups. Recovery team partners conducted range-wide surveys for genetic purity of the state's cutthroat trout populations, which will help guide future recovery efforts. Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Rio Grande cutthroat trout range further south than any other cutthroat trout, historically occupying waters as far as southern New Mexico. In Colorado, lhc species' range is confined to the headwaters of the Rio Grande surrounding the San Luis Valley. As with other subspecies of cutthroat trout, widespread introductions of non-native salmonids over the last century have served to limit the distribution of Rio Grande cutthroats to isolated headwater streams and lakes. As of May 2009, Rio Grande cutthroat trout are considered "warranted but precluded" for listing under the federa l Endangered Species Act. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 18 - - �Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to R io Grande cutthroat trout recovery work during FY 20 I 0-11 : • -- -- • • • • Worked w ith the Rio Grande Cutth roat Trout Conservation Team -- compri sed of tribal, state and federal age ncies -- to develop a conservation strategy to specify criteria for dclisting the species from candidate status. Conducted IO populatio n surveys, evaluated the impact of Medano Creek fire on Medano Creek core conservation population, confinned the presence of Rio Grande cutthroat in Bernardina Creek, and confinned the genetic purity of Rio Grande cutthroats in Adams Fork of the Conejos River. Removed non-nati ve tro ut from Wold and Alamacito C reeks. Stocked 18,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout in Placer Creek and its M iddle and South Forks, as part of ongoing restoration effort following removal of non-native trout in 2009. Produced and stocked an additional 18,92 1 Rio Grande cutthroat trout to augment other core conservation populations . ..... NATIVE SPECIES PROTECTION Greater Sage-Grouse: -- - On March 5, 2010, the US Fish and W ildlife Serv ice announced a " warranted but precluded" listing for the greater sage-grouse under the federal Endangered Species Act. The decision adds the species to the list of candidate species under the ESA, but precludes formal protections because of " the need to address other listings of higher priority." The USFWS assigned the greater sagegrouse a listing priority number o f 8, which is a relatively lower priority compared to most other species on the list. In March 2008, the Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan was adopted by Colorado Parks and W ildlife and fo ur federal agencies to faci litate the conservation of greater sage-grouse (GRSG) and their habitats in Col orado. The Conservation Plan is guided by the philosophy that local work groups - made up of private landowners, public agency representati ves, and other interested stakeho lders -- have a p ivota l role in greater sage-gro use conservation efforts, which typically cross j urisd ictional and ownership boundaries. In September 20 1 I, the USFWS was directed by a court order to make listing decisions on nine .federal Candidate Species occurring in Colorado. The court order reflects an ag reement bet ween USFWS and environmental g roups lo make a final listing determination.for 25 1 identified species that are currently listed as "warranted but precluded ". En vironmental groups charged that a ··warranted but precluded " designation le.ft species in a legal limbo in which the sp ecies were ident{fied as .federal candidale species but received no .federal prolections available - FY 2010-11 CPW Wildl!fe Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 19 - �under the Endangered Species Act. For greater sage-grouse, the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2015. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to greater sage-grouse conservation work during FY 2010-11: • • • • Provided supplemental information to the USFWS in response to a March 2010 data call, including projects completed since the previous data call in June 2009. No significant changes were found in the status of GRSG populations within Colorado since 2009. The number of males counted in the last two years are generally at a 5 - IO year low, a notunexpected finding consistent with normal periodic fluctuations observed in Colorado lek counts in the past. Conducted research on various aspects of GRSG populations and habitats including seasonal habitat use, potential effects of GPS transmitters on survival and behavior, male lek attendance, bird demographic responses to oil and gas development, and the effectiveness of techniques to rapidly restoring sagebrush and other native vegetation following disturbance from well pads and pipelines. Developed priority habitat maps for GRSG across their range in Colorado, including areas that incorporate seasonal habitat use as well as lek density information. Monitored vegetative response to five different approaches to restoring habitat conditions impacted by energy development activities. The research project involved approximately 350 plots at 20 sites in a mix of low, medium and high elevations in the Piceance Basin. G11nnison Sage-Gro11se: In September 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a "warranted but precluded" listing decision for Gunnison sage-grouse. According to the USFWS, Gunnison sage-grouse warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act, but a threatened or endangered listing is precluded by higher priority actions and lack of resources. The USFWS assigned a listing priority number of 2, which places it at the top of the Service's nationwide listing priorities. Gunnison sage-grouse was included in the September 2011 court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 federal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. For Gunnison sage-grouse, the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2012. Gunnison sage-grouse (GUSG) occupy a small fraction of their historical range, having been extirpated by habitat conversion from much of their historical distribution in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah, and northern New Mexico. Currently, the estimated GUSG range-wide population of 4,032 birds in Colorado is near the population target of 4,500 birds called for in the 2005 Rangewide Conservation Plan. However, only the Gunnison population is meeting the individual population goal; all other satellite populations are well below their respective targets. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to Gunnison sage-grouse work during FY 2010-11: • Provided data to the USFWS in April 2011 in response to a data call for Gunnison sagegrouse that formed the basis for a USFWS proposed rule and critical habitat determination. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 20- �• • - • Initiated an aggressive trap and transplant effort for three satellite populations. Initiated a predator control project in the San Miguel Basin, to de termine if shortte rm predator control can help reverse the absence of juvenile recruitment in the population. Radio-collared female sagegrouse to compare nest and brood success to pre-predator control levels. Continued lo implement the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances program, enrolling an additional 3, 110 acres of private lands in support of recovery efforts. More than 11,000 acres have been enrolled in the voluntary habitat protection effort, with another 22 applications expected to bring the total to 24,000 acres. Mountain Plover: - The mountain plover is a migratory shorebird which breeds on short-grass prairie habitat in Colorado's eastern plains, and in Wyoming and Montana. More than halfofthc species' population is believed to breed in Colorado. Long-term population trends suggest a steady decline over the last century, and the mountain plover has been conside red for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The mo untain plover is listed as a species of special concern in Colorado. On May I 0, 20 I I the USFWS withdrew its proposed rule to list 11101111tain plover as threatened partially based on research and management programs implemented by CPW in conjunction with private landowners and other stakeholders in Colorado. - - See the May 25, 20 11 CPW press release at Altachment 2 describing the various initiatives and partnerships, many of which were supported with COCO jimding. that were important factors in the decision not to list the mountain plover as threatened. Lesser Prairie-Chicken: The lesser prairie-chicken is an upland nesting grassland bird present in regions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Once present in large numbers, the lesser prairiechicken population and its original distribution have declined s ignificantly since 1800. Colorado's population is currently estimated to number fewer than 200 breeding birds, located largely on private ranches south o f Ho lly, east of Eads and south of the C imarTon Ri ver in the very southeastern comer of the state. However, the largest concentration of lesser prairie-chicken in the state, on the Comanche National Grassland near Campo, has declined in recent years. The lesser prairie-chicke n is listed as threatened in Colorado and is currently a candidate species for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The lesser prairie-chicken ( LEPC) listing priority was raised to a 2 in December 2008, the highest priority a species can attain before becoming a federally threate ned or endangered species. Lesser prairie-chicken was included in the September 2011 court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 f ederal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. For lesser prairie-chicken, the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2012. FY 2010-11 CPW Wi/dl[fe Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - - 21 - �Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions re lated to lesser prairie-chicke n conservation work during FY 20 l 0-11 : • • • • • • • Provided information to the USFWS in June 2011 in response to a data call for lesser prairie-chicken, part of the USFWS process to prepare a proposed rule and critical habitat determination. Imple me nted an expe riment, with the Natural Resource Conservatio n Service (N RCS), to evaluate plant establishment a nd resulting vegetati ve composition from seed mixes currently recommended in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings. Suppo1ted a Master's thesis proj ect to determine vegetati ve composition of Conserva tion Reserve Program fi elds near active LE PC lcks. Protected and enhanced 58,500 acres o f LEPC habitat in Colorado through the NRCS' State Acres for Wildlife Enhanceme nt (SAFE) program and CPW's LEPC Habitat Improve ment Program. Provided technical assistance to pri vate landowners through CPW and the USFWS P a1tners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and two Private Lands Wildli fe B io logists supported through cooperati ve agreements between C PW, N RCS, Rocky Mountain Bird Obscrvato1y and Pheasants Forever. Continued acti ve participation in the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Interstate Working Group (IWG). The IWG has been engaged in the Western Governors' Association Wildli fe Corridors Initiati ve fo r L EPC, an initiative to develop decision support tools to assist in targeting LEPC conservation programs across the species' range. Conducted population surveys, finding a total of 16 1 birds and 17 acti ve leks, located in Baca, Prowe rs and Cheyenne counties. White-tailed Ptarmigan: In 20 10, the white-tailed ptarmigan was petitioned to be listed as threatened unde r the federal Endangered Species Act. The predominant argument in the petition is that climate change is ad versely affecting the species' dependence on alpine habitats. White-tailed ptarmigan were included in the September 20 I I court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions 0 11 25 1 federal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. For white-tailed ptarmigan. the court order mandates a proposed listing decision by 2012. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following action related to white-tailed ptarmigan conservation work during FY 20 I 0-11: • initiated statewide occupancy surveys for ptarmigan to develop a baseline distribution of the species across their range in Colorado. Prelimina1y results show a high occupancy rate. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 22 - �Boreal Toad: The boreal toad is listed as endangered by the State of Colorado. Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobat idis (Bd) appears to be the major cause of boreal toad declines within Colorado and e lsewhere throughout the species' range. An interstate recovery plan was completed in February 200 1. The criteria for de-listing the borcal toad in Colorado includes establishment ofat least two breeding populations in each of nine areas of historic distribution, and at least 25 breeding populations statewide. - In 1995 the USFWS found the Southern Rocky Mountain population ofboreal toad lo be 'warranted but precluded" for federal listing and placed it on the candidate list. Jn a subsequent review in 2005 the Service determined that the Southern Rocky Mountain population was not significantly different from other boreal toad populations and removed it from the candidate list. On May 25, 201 1, several conservation groups petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service to again consider the boreal toad for federal listing, based on two 2009 genetic studies claiming to show that an " Eastern population" -- roughly comparable but not identical to the Southern Rocky Mountain population -- constituted a distinct population segment. A 12-month finding on the new petition is expected in March, 20 I 2. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to boreal toad conservation work during FY 20 10- LL: • • • • • - - Provided information to the USFWS indicating that the borcal toad's status in Colorado remains stable, as indicated by the number of known active breeding sites, although Bd continues to impact populations. Identi tied a new breeding site, bringing the number of known sites to 90. Continued support for research on genetics, Bd resistance in boreal toads and implications of chytrid fungu s presence in the state. Initiated a successful pilot project utilizing a dual-frame design to provide a more reliable and accurate statistical bas is for detection of new sites. Produced and stocked 8,540 tadpoles to support reintroduction effo1ts. Exported an additional L,8 LO tadpoles to New Mexico to assist with reintroduction efforts, and supplied 72 toads and toadlets to universities and zoos to faci litate ongoing Bd-resistance and captive breeding research. Nortltem leopard Frog: Northern leopard frogs are historically o ne of the most widespread frogs in North America. However, in the western U.S ., populations ofno1thcrn leopard frog have declined dramatically in abundance and geographic distribution. On June 30, 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined that enough evidence was presented in response to a listing petition to open a more detailed 12-month status review of the northern leopard frog for possible threatened or endangered listing. The proposed listing would cover northern leopard frog populations in Colorado and 18 other states west of the Mississippi. FY 2010-1 l CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 23 - �On October 3, 20 I I, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined tl,at listing the nortl,ern leopard.frog as threatened or endangered was not warranted based on an evaluation of the status uf the species across the I 9 western states included in its range. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to northern leopard frog conservation work during FY 20 I 0- I I: • • • Provided results of nOithern leopard frog population surveys to USFWS as part of the status review of the species. Developed analysis of population trends based on multi-year survey efforts by researchers from the University of Colorado, the University of South Dakota, Oregon State University, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The analysis included assessments of more than 800 observations of northern leopard frogs, dating from the early I 990s, in the records of the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department, and museums, as well as more than 400 surveys for northern leopard frogs in more than 25 counties across the state. Conducted a small number of follow-up population surveys to continue to build information on long-term population trends. G1111niso11 'sand White-tailed Prairie Dogs: Colorado is home to three prairie dog species -- the black-tailed prairie dog, Gunnison 's prairie dog (GUPD), and the white-tailed prairie dog (WTPD). A lthoug h there arc simi larities among the species, each is unique in habitat requirements, sociality, and conservation needs. In 2002, a petition was filed to list the WTPD under the Endangered Species Act, and in 2004 a petition was fil ed to list the GUPD. Both petitions were initially denied. However, the decisions not to Iist the two species were later overturned as a result of the discovery of illegal interference in the decision at the Department of the Interior. As a result, the USFWS agreed to conduct 12month reviews of the species. In 2008, the USFWS determined that four populations of the GUPD in the San Luis Valley, South Park, Gunnison Valley and in Southeastern Colorado were "warranted but precluded" from listing. On May 26, 20 I0, the USFWS completed a similar review of the WTPD, concluding that a listing of the species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act was not wari-anted. Gunnison 's prairie dog (pictured left) was included in the September 201 I court order directing USFWS to make listing decisions on 251 f ederal candidate species, including nine occurring in Colorado. The court order did not mandate a spec(flc proposed listing deadline/or Gunnison 's prairie dog, but a listing determination is e>.pected to be issued after 2014. Highlights of activities in support ofGUPD and WTPD during FY 20 10- l l include: o Completed a state conservation strategy for both Gunnison ' s prairie dog and white-tailed prairie dog. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 24 - - �• • • ....., • • .._,; Held public stakeholder workshops in Individual Population Areas to develop populationspecific action plans. The workshops included landowners, conservationists, agency personnel, other involved stakeholders and the public. Sampled GUPD populations range wide to evaluate the existence of two putative subspecies. Collected fleas from prairie dogs trapped for the genetics project to evaluate plague potential within colonies . Dusted GUPD colonies with an insecticide - deltamethrin - in areas of conservation concern to try to maintain viable populations and protect colonies from plague outbreaks. Completed GUPD and WTPD occupancy monitoring. Occupancy monitoring for Gunnison 's prairie dog has been performed three times and white-tailed prairie dog monitoring two times. Both populations are stable. Eastern Plains Native Fish Conservation: Of the 38 species of fish native to the eastern plains, eight are extirpated and another 12 are state endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. Although these fish are highly tolerant of the original harsh physical and chemical conditions of plains streams -- including fluctuating flows, high temperatures and low oxygen -- the fish are not tolerant of channel drying caused by recent droughts and other habitat degradation. Should potential climate change result in further drying and warming of the region, increased groundwater pumping and water diversion will further reduce habitat for eastern plains fish species. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to eastern plains native fish conservation work during FY 20 I 0- I I : • • • ,...,,, • • Completed manuscript reporting findings of a study of flathead chub movement patterns in Fountain Creek. The manuscript will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication in 2012. Completed genetic analysis of 625 Arkansas darter tissue samples, representing 17 sites historically containing Arkansas darter, as part of a study of population dynamics, effective population size, and population trends. Continued a lab study of potential interactions of Gambusia and northern redbelly dace, a state endangered species that currently has a very limited distribution in Colorado. Stocked Arkansas River darters at three locations. Continued data analysis from an extensive 3-year survey to test the efficacy of a species-, community- and watershed-level monitoring plan for plains stream fish species. Mountain Whitefish: One of only two salmonids native to Colorado, the mountain whitefish was historically found only in the Yampa and White River drainages in northwestern Colorado. Significant population declines in the Yampa River in the late 1990s spurred interest in this relatively unstudied species. A working group was established in January 2009 to direct future mountain whitefish research efforts to discover why the declines occurred. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to mountain whitefish conservation work during FY 2010-11: FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 25 - �• • • Conducted annual clectrofisbing surveys on the White, Colorado, and Roaring Fork Rivers to estimate the abundance of mountain whitefish, as well as that of other salmon ids. Completed extensive thennal tolerance and preference studies to assess the impact of drought conditions on mountain whitefish. The study findings will be released in 20 I 2. Evaluated the sensitivity of mountain whitefish embryo, larvae and fry to three metals cadmium, zinc, and copper. Bats/Inactive Mines: In Colorado and elsewhere in the West, a dearth of knowledge surrounds the status, population biology, and habitat requirements of bats. For example, 13 of Colorado's 18 species of bats arc known to use abandoned mines as roost sites, but roosting habitat needs for bats are poorly understood. The ongoing Abandoned Mine Lands closure programs, administered by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, are intended to eliminate public safety risks at Colorado's estimated 5,100 inactive hardrock mines. However, methods historically used to close mines did not allow for continued use of the mines by bats. The loss of roosting habitat could have devastating effects on some bat populations. - For 20 years, the Bats/ Inactive Mines Program has worked to evaluate the bat roost potential of mines scheduled for closure, identify important bat roosts, and protect these roosts by the installation of bat gates, which allow access for bats to roosting habitat in the mines, wbjle providing for public safety. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the Bats/Inactive Mines program during FY 20 I 0-11: • • •• " Evaluated I 03 mines, including 53 on BLM and USFS lands, and 50 on private lands. Conducted 226 mine surveys, including IO detector, 65 capture, 84 video, and 67 presurveys. Documented 44 bat roosts, including two new roosts of Townsend's big-eared bat, a State Species of Special Concern. Recommended 14 bat gate projects to BLM and USFS and the Division of Minerals and Geology. Completed 4 projects in Bou lder, Gilpin, Chaffee and Rio Blanco Counties. Bats - Wlzite-nose Syndrome White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging fungal disease of North American bat species. Since 2006, WNS is believed responsible for the deaths of at least I million hibernating bats in caves and inactive mines in northeastern states. Although WNS has not yet been detected in Colorado, individuals of the 18 bat species native to the state are considered susceptible to the disease. At this time, priorities for CPW in response to the threat of WNS arc active surveillance of known roosting sites based on factors such as proximity to the closest known WNS-positive FY 2010-11 CPW Wi/dl[fe Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 26 - - �- - site, potential migratory stopovers, proximity to maternity roosts, specific species of bats present and others. Colorado Parks and Wildli fe took the fol lowing actions related to White-nose syndrome work during FY 20 10-11 : • • • • Developed a White-nose Syndrome Response Plan as well as a White-nose syndrome Surveillance Plan and Protocol during the winter of 20 I0-20 11 . Visited more than l 00 sites in the winter of 2010-1 l. No suspicious bats or acti vity were detected. Wo rked with USFS, BLM and the caving community to coordinate with sponsors of the 20 1 I National Speleological Society conference he ld in G lenwood Springs, CO, in July, 20 11 to make sure WNS was not carried into Colorado by conference participants visiting caves in Colorado where bats roost. Required holders of scientific collection pennits Lo adhere to the most recent guidelines for WNS disinfection requirements, including a complete prohibition of on the use of equipment in the state that has been used in bats surveys in known WNS areas. American Pika: In May, 2009, the USFWS released a 90-day finding that the American pika may be warranted for listing as Threatened or Endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act, citing climate change as a primary threat. In February 2010, a 12-month ftnding determined that the American pika was not warranted for listing. C PW conducted extensive statewide surveys for pika in 2008 a nd found them to be well distributed throughout the state. Researchers documented 303 occupied pika sites in suitable habi tat, including 93% of historical sites sampled prior to 1980. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the fo llowing actions related to American pika conservation work during FY 20 I 0-11: • • Developed a Predicted Range Model that estimated that 12 percent of the state may provide suitable habitat for the species. Developed and implem ented a long-term rnonitoring program for pika in 20 I 0. This long-term monitoring program will evaluate changes in occupancy and cotTclate documented changes with precipitation and temperature data to help evaluate climate impacts on pika distribution . ..,; Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center: The Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Cente r was acquired in 2004 with funding support from Great Outdoors Colorado. The facility housed lynx prior to reintroduction release, and currently rehabilitates wildlife that have suffered injuries. The fac ility effectively operated only from April - FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 27 - �until the end of June during FY 20 I 0-11 due to a change in the facility's manager. A new manager assumed the position in April and has begun to return operations to normal levels. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the fo llowing actions related to wildlife rehabilitation at the Frisco Creek fac ility during FY 20 I 0-11 : • • • • Accepted nine raptors fo r rehabilitation. Returned fo ur raptors to the w ild; the remainde r were either eutbanized or died as a result of the initial injuries. Rehabilitated and returned to the wild o ne bear. R ehabilitated one mountain lion. The lion was radio-collared and released as part of a Front Range mountain lion movement study. One Canada lynx was reha bil itated at the fac il ity. Other Native Species Work: Colorado hosts an estimated 960 wildlife species, including mammals, birds, fi sh, reptiles, amphibians, mo llusks and crustaceans. Jn November 2006, Colorado's Wildlife Action Plan was finalized, ide ntify ing 2 10 priority wild life species, a nd l 3 priority habitat types, as we!I as potential conservatio n actions to benefit the priority species and habitats. The plan also seeks to coordinate planning, partnershi p building, proj ect design and implementation among the many state, federal, local and private organizations involved to varying degrees in wildlife conservation in Colorado. As described in this report, Colorado Parks and W ildlife has multi-faceted efforts that focus on specific species, such as Gunnison sage-grouse or Colorado Ri ver cutthroat trout. C PW also has less-inte nsive programs for some species, and other species may be assessed as part of broader, mo re encompassing efforts, such as the Small Mamma ls Atlas or Breeding Bird S urvey. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to species identified in Colorado's Wildlife Action Plan during FY 20 I 0-11 : • • • • • 11 • Prioritized all Tier l Species of G reatest Conservation Need listed in the Action Piao. Monitored 190 Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks. Monitored 25 plains sha rp-tail ed grouse leks (pictured above right). Conducted trapping surveys fo r New Mexico Jumping Mouse at 5 sites. Maintained or improved 20 acres of least tern habitat. Worked with the inte rstate Mexican Wolf Recovery Team to exclude Colorado from the updated recovery plan since the state is not in the subspecies' historic range. T he updated plan is slated for public release during 20 11 . Continued participation on the Upper Colorado and San Juan Endangered Fish Recovery Teams, which aim to recover the Colorado pikemin now, razorback sucker, humpback chub and bony tail, while allowing water development to continue. Work of the recovery teams may support the Colorado pikeminnow being downlisted from endangered to threatened in 201 2. FY 2010-1 1 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 28 - �- - • • • - • Completed a draft Conservation Plan for the flannel mouth sucker, bluehead sucker and roundtail chub (pictured right). The plan is expected to be fina lized in 2012. Installed fixed PIT tag antennas to detect movement of tagged nati ve and endangered fish in McElmo Creek and Yellow Jacket Canyon, two tributaries of the San Juan River. Several endangered Colorado pikeminnow already have been detected using the tri butaries. Jo ined with USFWS and Colorado State University in a concentrated effort to remove small mouth bass in a 45-mile stretch of the Colorado Ri ver below Craig. The focus of the project was to remove the non-nati ve fish before they spawned, and is part of the Upper Colorado Ri ver Endangered fish Recovery Program. Completed an updated 10-state, range-wide conservation strategy for swift fox (pictured left). PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK Colorado Parks and Wildl ife opened the Native Aq uatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa during the summer of 2000, the first state-owned native fish hatchery in the count,y. Construction was funded in part by Great O utdoors Colorado and on-going operations continue to be supported by GOCO. Ten fish species are c urrentl y reared at the faci lity, along with boreal toads. Most of the fish produced by the NASRF support rccovc1y programs for the Upper Colorado River and for easte rn plains waters. Stocking of threatened or endangered fish is often the most effective means for reestablishing viable populations of the species and is an important component of recovery plans. The NASRF provides valuable refugia for several fish species and assures a diversity of populations and genetics of the rare fish at the faci lity. In addition, NASRF perfonn s groundbreaking research on optimal water temperatures, water pH, feeding regimes and o ther factors for each species to survive, grow, and spawn in captivity. More than 250 aquaria and eight outdoor ponds are home to the one dozen fish species at NASRF. Colorado Parks and W ildli fe took the following actions related to the propagation of aquatic species at risk during FY 20 I 0-11: • • • - Began building a bonytail broodstock in response to a disease outbreak at the Dexter National Fish Hatche1y, which is c urrently the sole source ofbonytail fry. Initiated spawning and culture acti vities for bluehead sucker. Provided a total of nearly 195,000 individuals of seven fi sh species for stocking in 25 river and stream segments. • Developed a new breeding protocol for boreal toads, allowing pairs to hibernate in an outdoor, natural setting, emerge the fo llowing spring and successfully reproduce. • Provided an additional 10 femal e adult toads to a Mississippi State University advanced research study on captive breeding. • Provided IO boreal toad lets to research projects at the University of Colorado and the Uni versity of Idaho on tbe FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlif e Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 29 - �• effects of chytrid fungus on boreal toads. Jnvestigated new spawning techniques for plains minnow and Rio Grande chub. Implemented a new spawning technique for roundtail and Rio Grande chubs that reduces the spawning time frame from months to two weeks. , . . .• .,, - . n - - ~ ~..• - - n , .1.n l C••tita\1J11'a■ ..... . , , . . . , . , . , oi1 . . 1111• _ . t. . ·•·••.u~ FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 30 - �- ..... .,,,,,,, WILDLIFE EDUCATION Colorado Parks and W ildlife applies GOCO funding to a number of fo rmal and informal wildlife education programs for youth and adults. A total of 12.96 FTEs were expended on wildlife education programs by Colorado Parks and Wildlife; GOCO fonding supported 2.15 FTE, or 16.6% of that FTE workload. FY 2010-11 WILDLTFE EDUCATION SUMMARY FY 2010-11 COCO EXPENDITURES COCO FUNDLNC PLAN CRA.'.'JT Youth Education River Stewardship S554,000.00 $ 16 1,000.00 TOTAL FTE $715,000,00 2.15 YOUTH EDUCATION Colorado Parks and Wildlife education programs combine school-based education on wildlife concepts -- including wildlife management, habitat needs and conservation -- w ith hands-on and field-based learning opportunities for students. With concern increasing over the loss o f connection of our nation 's youth to the outdoors and natural resources, Colorado Parks and Wildlife's education programs stri ve to instill stewardship skills and ethics in students across the state. Project WILD: ..,, Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides unique training to educators to teach students about Colorado's w ildlife resources using the Project WILD, Aquatic Proj ect WILD, Flying WILD, Growing Up WILD a nd other curriculum products created through the Association o f Fish a nd Wildlife Agencies Conservation Education Strategy. T rained educators reach thousands of Colorado students in schools and in 11011-fo1mal education settings every year. Colorado Parks and W ildlife took the following actions related to educator outreach work during FY 20 10-11 : • • • ...., Hosted 42 Wildlife Educator Workshops, featuring Project WILD and othe r c u1Ticulum materials, reaching 778 educators in the state through nearly 500 hours of workshop contact time. Managed 120 volunteer facilitators to help implement Project WILD, Teaching Environmental Science Natu rally (T EN) a nd other professional development workshops. Launched a new workshop model featuring the Assoc iation of Fish and Wildli fe Agencies FY 2010-I I CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 3 L- �Conservation Education Strategy product: Field Investigations: Using Outdoor • • • Environments to Foster Student learning of Scientific Processes. Revised and produced a new edition of the Using Project WILD and Project learning Tree guide for second-language learners. Trained 18 new Facilitators to lead workshops for educators who focus specifically on language lea rners. Partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create the WILD about Black-footed Ferrets cutTiculum guide. Launch coincided with the 30th anniversary of the re-discovery of the black-footed ferret in W yoming. Provided check-out wildlife education materials for hundreds of Colorado teachers to use in their classrooms across the stale. Teaching Enviro11111ental Science Naturally (TEN): Now hosted in school districts arou nd the state, the Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) Program is an expanded and more intensive educator training model than that orig inally started by the Colorado Di vision of Wildlife in 1990. Multiple day trainings, featuring Project WILD and other curricu lum materials, help Colorado teachers learn and apply strategics to get their students outdoors as part of a standards-based c urriculum. The program brings together teachers, non-profits and state and federal natural resource personnel in the development of a local, site-based outdoor envi ronmental science program. Colorado Parks and Wildlife spearheads the partnerships required to implement the two- to fi ve-day training workshops. Colorado Parks and Wild li fe took the following actio ns related to TEN programs during FY 20 10-1 l: • • • Held more than a dozen T EN workshops around the state, including in Lamar, Burlington, La Junta, Lovela nd, Montrose, Grand Junction and Pueblo. Trained nearly 370 teachers, providing instruction to an estimated I 0,000 students in 200 elementa,y, middle and high schools. Developed "site kits" for each T EN program - instructional material and supplies for teachers geared specifically for the particula r field site used as a classroom. Native Fish in the Classroom : In the Southwest Region, Colorado Parks and Wildlife implements the "Nati ve Fish in the C lassroom" program. 1n this program, classroom teache rs and their students raise local strains of chub (Gila ssp) during the school year, a nd join Parks and Wildlife staff for spring fi sh-release fi eld trips. Students learn academic content such as the scienti fie method, data collection, nutrient cycling, ecology and adaptations, and enjoy raising wildlife in their classroom. Approximately 12 teachers and FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 32 - �500 students participate in this program yearly. The Native Aquatic Species Recovery Facility in Alamosa supplies 20 fish per par1icipating teacher, and CPW supplies all related equipment, multiple classroom programs and teacher support. RIVER STEWARDSHIP Angler Education: ii'i,iij - - The Angler Education Program has grown significantly over the past 17 yea rs. Started in 1994 as a small urban fishing program designed to teach 600 kids how to fish , the current program has grown to a statewide program with more than 250 fishing clinics and events, reaching in excess of 35,000 par1icipants an nually. A total of 20,000 free fi shing rods were distributed at angling events throughout Colorado during FY 20 I 0-11 . More than I 00 di ffercnt federa l, state, local, regional agencies and non-profits groups have parinercd or participated in clinics and events, including: • • • • • • • • • U.S. Forest Service U.S. F ish and Wildlife Service Colorado State Parks Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund Environmental Leaming for Kids Colorado Walleye Association Colorado Women Flyfishers Boys and G irls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters • • • • • • Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts 4H Sportfishing Extension Program Police and Shcn-i ff Departments Statewide Ute and Southern Ute Mountain Indian Tribes Orvis Eagle Claw/Wright and McGill Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to the angler education program during FY 2010-11 : • • ..., • • • Participated in numerous "Get Outdoors" acti vities includi ng: the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration, National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration, fami ly fi shing events at Colorado State Parks, and clinics at Colorado Parks and W ildlife Denver Headquarters. Conducted or assisted partner groups in holding more than 100 fishing clinics, involving 5,000 participants, at Lake Leehow, a facility in southwest Denve r dedicated to teaching youth and their families fishing skills . Employees and volunteers staffed the International Sportsman Expo Youth Fish ing Pond for the third year in a row. More than 2,400 youth caught fish during the four days of the show. Partnered with the Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund on fi shing clinics in communities from Glenwood Springs to the Grand Junctio n/ Delta area. Created a Colorado-based "Let's Go Fishing" Program to teach youth and fami lies angling skills. Partne r organizations include local parks and recreation departments, sportsmen groups and non-profit organizations. FY 2010-11 CPW Wilcll(/e Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 33 - �• • Continued partnership with Environmental Leaming for Kids (ELK) through the "Teens Teaching Teens" program, which assisted with or conducted 60 percent of the angling clinics in the Denver metro area. Partnered with Trout Unlimited in Southwest Colorado to offer "Flyfishing in School" as a physical education class in Cortez, CO. �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE - - Colorado Parks and Wildlife reaches Watchable Wildlife goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages . These programs involve the development and support of viewing opportunities such as wildlife festi vals, viewing sites, and viewing skills workshops -- often partnering with local governments - as well as volunteer programs. In FY 20 I 0-11, a portion of the GOCO funding was used to support these programs. A total of2.46 FTE were expended on watchable wildlife programs by CPW; of which GOCO funding supported 2.4 FTEs, or 97%. FY 2010-11 WATCHABLE WILDLIFE SUMMARY FY 2010-11 COCO EXPENDITURES GRANT NAME $300,000.00 S61,804.50 $361,804.50 2.4 Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing-Capital Total FTE WILDLIFE VIEWING -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to a significant segment of Colorado's population that does not hunt or fish but who are interested in the state's wildlife resources. Watchable Wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many program and project building blocks that suppmt and preserve the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. These effo1ts provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs to citizens that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. In Colorado, more than 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wi ldlife annually. The significant state and local economic impact of wildlife watching activities - generating an estimated S 1.2 billion in annual economic activity and supporting nearly 13,000 jobs in Colorado - has la id the groundwork for a new and expanded set of partners fo r CPW wildlife programs. Wildlife Festivals and Events: - An estimated 170,000 people took part in more than 25 wildli fe viewing events or festivals across Colorado in FY 2010-11. Two new wi ld li fe viewing festivals were inaug urated - the Gunnison Sage-Grouse Festival in Gunnison and the Grand Mesa Moose Festival in Delta - with others under development. CPW Watchable Wildlife program staff was involved in planning for or assisting wi th the following wi ld life festi vals and evenls during FY 2010-1 l: • • • • • Monte Vista Crane Festival Greater Prairie Chicken viewing -- Wray Bald Eagle Days -- Pueblo Reservoir Garden of the Gods Bighorn S heep Festival Day -- Colorado Springs Hummingbird Festival -- Colorado Springs 'W' FY 2010-1 I CPW Wildl{fe Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 35 - �• • • • • • • Snow Goose Festival -- Lamar Gunnison sage-grouse Festival -- G unnison Mountain Plover Festival -- Karval Bighorn Sheep Festival -- Georgetown G reater Sage-Grouse lek tours -- Walden Eckert Crane Festival Ute Mounta in Birding Festi val -- Cortez See the Colorado Parks and Wildl(fe press release on the Orient Mine wildlife viewing program at Attachment 3. Nanhem Colorado Birding Fair ~~ -~ ....~~ . ~ , ubF ....,.._...,.. Greater Pralrte-Ollcbn Viewing* Festival* ._...... B ~ tl.lllgSlt . *Clllffllldltalt .... ·Odollw BlgMffl'ShNe ~ Hwnmlngblnl Fenival -&btt Cr- D • * '("•r"'llult•MMII I _f, • Gunni5?" Sag Cliloladils,,111111•~•---·/ r < ~ • A ....... f'flt, htVl~ , ~-~* • leJ)ajl'estlval* ' ~'--r ,._ * llr,ool • Ap,11 I r 'J .. •.II • ~ Karval Mowltaln Plover Festival Bent- Birding* a . -. .... ~ ! 1 ~1 Lauer Prairie-Chicken Vie Cr-.s for IC!ik-fflttval - -~ y __.._, High Plains S . Goose Festival c;,..,.. . -.NAptl :,, r. Colorado Wildlife Festivals .. ., ., ., IX) FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 36 - �_,. - - -.... Watchable Wildlife Ed11catio11 Programs: Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Wildlife Watcb program teaches wildlife viewing skills to youtb and adults. More than 200 Colorado residents participated in Wildlife Watch workshops in FY 20 I0- 11. Another 1,000 hours of volunteer hours were donated to Watchable Wildl ife programs. Wildlife education programs during FY 20 I0-11 that CPW took part in include: • • • • • • • • • U.S. Air Force Academy Raptor Education Program Southern Colorado Bird Identification Program at Pueblo Eagle Day Pagosa Audubon Society Natural History of Bighorn Sheep at Garden of the Gods Sheep Festival Mancos State Park Bird Banding and Bird Watching programs at Ridgway State Park, in partnership with Black Canyon Audubon Society and Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Mammal Mania Class - 4 Comers Health Care Center Raptor identification class and viewing at the Snow Goose Festival Wildlife and Outdoor Sketching Class at Snow Goose Festi val Watchable Wildlife wit!, Partners: Colorado Parks and Wildlife works closely with many outside organizations to incorporate watchable wildlife viewing and educational information into their projects and initiatives. Among such partners arc state and local park departments, scenic and historic byway organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, land trusts and others. Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the following actions related to watchable wildlife with partners during FY 2010-11 : Developed "gateway kiosks" for four towns Fowler, Eads, Springfi eld and Granada - that orient visitors to nearby Colorado Birding Trail sites as well as historic sites (Southeast birding trail map pictured on left). • Maintained access trails at Lamar Woods along Willow Creek. Pa11ners included Lamar Community College and the Arkansas Valley Audubon Society. lnitiated guided wildlife education fi eld tours at Pinello Ranch in fountain . Partners include Colorado Springs Utilities and the Palmer Foundation, which owns and manages the rancb. Worked with the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway, near Pueblo, to develop wildlife viewing opportunities along the byway. Partnered with Western Colorado Botanical Gardens on the installation of a kiosk and interpretive panels on local native plants, animals, and people. Joined with Grand Valley Audubon to provide spring and fall watchable programs for approximately 160 District 5 l school children. Supported the Orient Land Trust in providing nightly public tours of the outflight of an estimated 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bat colony at the Orient Mine. Tours include educational infom1ation on the bat species and w ildlife viewing ethics. • - • • -- • • • FY 20/0-I I CPW Wildl[/e Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 37 - �Volunteer Programs: Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Volunteer Program helps provide a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to augment DOW programs and initiatives. Volunteers assist the CPW in a full range of activities, from customer service in offices and on State Wildlife Areas to field work helping with species surveys. Nearly 850 volunteers worked on 410 CPW projects in FY 20 I0-11, providing 62,000 hours of work, or the workload of approximately 30 FTE. Volunteers donated time and energy wo1th more than $ 1.3 million to the CPW's wildlife programs. Colorado Parks and Wildlife benefitted from the following volunteer efforts during FY 20 I 0-11 : • • • • Ten "Bear Aware" teams provided more than 3,700 hours of community outreach and education to reduce human-bear conflicts in bear country. Eight wildlife transport teams donated nearly 5,500 hours of volunteer time to transport sick and injured wildlife to rehabilitation centers. Volunteers provided 3,700 hours of outreach and assistance to aquatic programs through fishing clinics, spawning operations, clectrofishing surveys and more. Volunteers donated nearly 2,000 hours of time to bighorn sheep surveys and grouse lck counts. WATCHABLE WILDLIFE - CAPITAL Watchable Wildlife on State Wildlife Areas: Colorado Parks and Wildlife completed the following watchable wildlife projects on state wildlife areas during FY 20 I 0-11: • • • • • Installed an entrance sign and interpretive panels at Skaguay State Wildlife Area. As part of the project, worked with the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historical Byway on historical interpretation information as well. Constructed an entrance Sign and interpretive panels at Ramah State Wildlife Area. The signs provide a better image for the w ildlife area and are expected to reduce littering and other problems. Installed 11 orientation kiosk panels at the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area to assist visitors with navigating back-country roads within the wildlife area. Constructed a gravel trail and boardwalk at the Kemp-Breeze Unit of the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area to improve angling and wildlife viewing access. Installed a trail, boardwalks and interpretive signs at Leatha Jean State Wildlife Area. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 38 - - �OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER The proposed Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) is a facility to be located adjacent to a new regional Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Gunnison. The ODC will provide a hands-on outdoor experience for Colorado citizens and visitors in the heart of the Gunnison Valley, a mecca for a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The ODC, to be located on a nine-acre parcel of land along the Tomichi Creek east of Gunnison, will include wildlife and natural resource educational displays, as well as instruction facilities that will give visitors an introduction to Colorado's varied outdoor recreation opportunities. On October 8, 2010, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved a grant of $400,000 for design and engineering work on the Outdoor Discovery Center. FY 2010-11 OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER SUMMARY GRANTNAME FY 2010-11 GOCO EXPENDITURES Outdoor Discovery Center Total FTE $0.00 $0.00 0 An architecture and design firm has been contracted with by CPW to develop plans for the ODC, and preliminary designs have been prepared. However, as a result of changing financial conditions and organizational structure uncertainty stemming from the merger of State Parks with the Division of Wildlife, further work on the ODC and several other major capital projects have been put "on hold". Once the merged agency is able to meet Parks and Wildlife Commission policy on wildlife cash reserves, there is greater clarity on the agency's structure and the location of regional offices has been determined, CPW will reassess moving forward with the ODC. '-' .._ FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 39- �Attachment 1 11/2/2010 Division of Wildlife Grand County Purchase Protects Wildlife HOT SULPH UR SPRINGS, Colo. - A 940-acre land purchase by the Colorado Division of Wildlife will protect wildlife habitat, provide hunting access and assure the future of a public shooting range in Grand County. The purchase of the Grand View Ranch property was approved by the Colorado General Assembly's Capital Development Committee and finalized by the Colorado Wildlife Commission. The property opened for hunters in time for the current big game hunting seasons. "While we always try to first protect land and maximize sportsmen's dollars through the use of conservation easements, buying this parcel outright made sense when we considered the benefits to wildlife, the benefits to hunters and the benefits to the shooting range," said Lyle Sidener, area wildlife manager for the Division of Wildlife. The Grand View Ranch property is an important east-west migratory corridor for deer and elk and its sagebrush steppe also provides significant habitat for greater sage-grouse. The property also provides hunting access to thousands of acres of public land. The Grand View Ranch property had been envisioned as a high-end, residential development in the pristine Colorado high country. With more than a dozen multi-acre lots planned for the subdivision, wildlife officials worried that fragmentation could impair the ability of the land to provide critical winter range for nearby deer and elk herds. Greater sage-grouse, recently designated as warranted but precluded for Endangered Species protection by the federal government, are known to use the Grand View property during breeding activities. With the recent slowdown in high end real estate transactions, the property became available for purchase. "This is absolutely a win-win situation," said Mike Crosby, district wildlife manager. "The development company needed to sell the property and we needed to find a way to protect it into the future." In addition to the wildlife benefits of the property, the purchase eliminates the potential of resid ential encroachment around the Byers Canyon shooting range. The free, public shooting range, operated by the Division of Wildlife, is a popular target shooting destination with sportsmen from Middle Park and as far away as the Denver metro area. While the shooting range has statutory protection from noise complaints when people move into close proximity, the potential for this conflict has been avoided. "From a safety and noise standpoint, this makes the future of the range more secure," Crosby added. The purchase of the property at current appraised value was made possible through the use of funding from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp. The Habitat Stamp is a fee on hunting and fishing license purchases in Colorado. Authorized by the Colorado legislature and supported by wildlife conservation organizations, since its inception in 2006 the Habitat Stamp program has protected more than 90,000 acres of wildlife habitat around the state. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 40 - - �..._ The Division of Wildlife will continue to provide revenue to Grand County and the West Grand 1JT School District through the Division of Wildlife's Impact Assistance Grant Program. Similar to federal agencies that pay PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), the Division of Wildlife makes payments, equivalent to property taxes, available to counties for land owned by the agency. The Grand View Ranch property has become part of the larger Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area. Signs have been placed on the property to explain access for hunters and restrictions on off-road vehicle activities. To protect wintering wildlife off-road travel, including snowmobiles, is prohibited within wildlife area. Users should consult signs and regulations for property rules. FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 41 - �ATTACHMENT 2 - 5/25/2011 Division of Wildlife Partnership pays off for plovers and landowners DENVER - Research conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife played an important role in convincing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the mountain plover does not need protection under the Endangered Species Act. On May 10, Fish and Wildlife Service officials said the agency would not add the mountain plover to the list of federally "threatened" species after reviewing research that showed the plover population was twice as large as previously thought, and concluding the species is not in danger of extinction or likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. Division Director Tom Remington said that researchers would not have been able to provide the information that convinced federal biologists that the mountain plover did not require listing without the active cooperation of Colorado's agricultural landowners. "It was a considerable leap of faith for so many private landowners to let state biologists on their land to look for a species that appeared headed for a federal listing," said Remington, who was the Division's avian research leader during much of the project. "But we asked for their help and they gave it to us." The mountain plover is a small brown bird with a lighter-colored breast that resembles a killdeer. Unlike other plovers, mountain plovers are not found near water and only inhabit areas with short grass and bare ground . The Fish and Wildlife Service first identified the plover as a "candidate" species deserving ESA protection in 1993 and proposed to list the species as "threatened" in 1999. Subsequently, the Service withdrew the listing proposal in September 2003 based on the conclusion that the threats to the mountain plover as identified in the proposed rule were not as significant as previously believed, and that information available at that time did not indicate the threats to the mountain plover and its habitat were likely to endanger the species in the foreseeable future. After an environmental group sued, the Service in 2006 agreed to again consider whether the plover needed federal protection. Historically, mountain plovers were present across western prairies in areas of intensive grazing by bison or prairie dogs. Today, mountain plovers are still observed on areas grazed by prairie dogs, along with areas grazed by domestic cattle and sheep, and on agricultural fields. Colorado may provide breeding habitat for up to half of the continental population of mountain plovers. Smaller, more isolated breeding areas occur throughout the western Great Plains region. Led by avian researcher Victoria Dreitz, the Division's studies showed the plover is an adaptable FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlije Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 42 - - �bird that can breed on agricultural fields and may benefit from cattle grazing. The Division's work has showed that Colorado's eastern prairies, along with grasslands in the high-elevation South Park basin are strongholds for the bird. Russell Davis, whose family runs 1,000 cattle on 12,000 acres near Karval, said he "wasn't real excited" to find a plover researcher on his land early on. But Davis said his friends and neighbors in the community realized the benefits of helping the Division build good data on plover numbers and habitat needs to the development of a scientifically sound listing decision. In the process, he said, many came to see their land in a new way. "I had been real reluctant in working with anything like this at all because I had better things to do, like run a ranch, 11 Davis said. 11 But over the last seven years, we've come to realize there's a lot of good things going on for wildlife here. We don't put up a sign for the plovers. They keep coming back on their own for a reason. 1 ' .,/ In concert with DOW research efforts, the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory led a landowner outreach program to promote and support plover conservation on private lands during the pendency of the listing decision. Working directly with the Division, the RMBO hosted landowner meetings to educate producers about how to avoid plover nests to aid in the species breeding success. The group developed an educational film depicting what plovers and their nests looked like from the cab of a tractor and various outreach materials, including placemats that were distributed to many of the cafes in eastern Colorado. RMBO also set up a call-in number for farmers to schedule field survey so technicians could flag plover nests before tilling and planting. Once flagged, the producer would simply have to drive around the nest, which the birds then reoccupy after the tractor passed. Along with the support of landowners like Davis, agriculture groups like the Colorado Farm Bureau and the Colorado Cattlemens' Association helped the effort by adopting supportive policies and encouraging landowners to participate. In announcing its decision, the Fish and Wildlife Service said that research demonstrated the mountain plover's geographically widespread breeding and wintering distribution, coupled with its ability to use a variety of habitats, including agricultural lands, protect the species against the risk of extinction. 1'We conclude that human land use changes, alone or in combination with climate change, are not likely to result in significant population-level impacts to the mountain plover in the foreseeable future, 11 the agency said. Despite the uncertainty caused by the 12-year listing debate, Davis said that landowners now have a better appreciation for the broader impacts of their agricultural practices. Local participation in the plover project led to the creation of the Karval Community Alliance, which hosts an annual plover festival each spring that draws birders from around the country. 11 We've got community collaboration, research, voluntary incentive-based efforts - at the end of the day, isn't that what we want?" Davis said. "Working on this has pretty much changed our community. 11 Ken Morgan, the Division's private lands specialist, said the plover project offers a model for wildlife conservation on private lands. "This effort emphasizes the role that private, agricultural lands play in long-term conservation of 11 wildlife species, Morgan said. "Landowners and agricultural organizations who stepped up at the beginning of this process deserve full recognition. The relationship we developed continues today. 11 FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 43 - �Attachment 3 11/22/2010 Division of Wildlife New Easements Allow Bat Viewing at Orient Mine VILLA GROVE, Colo. - Colorado's largest colony of bats is gaining fame and protection through two cooperative agreements signed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Orient Land Trust. The first agreement is a conservation easement that will protect 350 acres of wild mountain lands from future development. Included is the former Orient iron ore mine, the summer roosting site for an estimated 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. During the months of July and August the bats make a massive outflight each evening at sunset from the mine site to feed on up to 6,000 pounds of insects. The second agreement allows the public the opportunity to view this amazing sight. Orient Land Trust and the DOW worked in cooperation with the Saguache Field Office of the BLM-US Forest Service to ensure that the public can use BLM back roads to access a marked hiking trail to the bat roosting site. This agreement also gives the public, including hunters, the right to cross two of the Orient Land Trust properties to gain big game access to thousands of acres of adjoining land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service. "To be able to see the bats and other wildlife is a rare experience and these precious wildlife resources are now available for all to see, forever," said Suzanne Ewy, Executive Director of Orient Land Trust. "Orient Land Trust is honored to work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife." Rick Basagoitia, Area Wildlife Manager for the Division agrees. "The bat outflight is one of the most unique wildlife spectacles in Colorado," Basagoitia said. "It's hard to appreciate it fully until you see it." Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to the preservation of natural and biological resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley. Orient Land Trust properties also include an historic hot springs resort, a restored riparian corridor and a working ranch, which are not affected by these agreements. The Orient Mine operated from the mid-1800s until 1932 and was abandoned in 1938. The large bat population has occupied the mine for more than 30 years. The interior of the bat cave has been closed to humans fo r the past two years because of the risk of introducing white-nosed syndrome. White-nose syndrome is an aggressive and poorly understood disease of bats that has decimated hibernating bat colonies in other parts of the country. While the Mexican free-tailed bat colony at the Orient Mine is migratory, as many as six other species of bats hibernate in the cavern. Preventing human activity inside the mine should help reduce the risk of introducing the disease while minimizing disturbance to the animals . Bat researchers are hopeful that the colony can be protected from this and similar diseases. FY 20 10- 11 CPW Wildl{fe Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 44 - �'cl CROSS-REFERENCE CHART FOR GOCO LOG NUMBERS AND COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE WORK PACKAGES wl ...., GRANT NAME GOCOLOG NUMBERS CPW WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS Acquire High Priority Habitat Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water GIS Habitat Information 9150, 10150 0320,0330 10152 10154 7153, 8153, 9153, 10153 0370,0380,0438 0450,0461 8729 8729 0810,0815,0820,0830,0835,0841, 0842,0860,0870,0662,0710 0560,0638,0639,0641-0652,06560660,0663-0666,0680,0686 Wetlands Conservation Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Pro,uam Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery 9157, 10157 'Cl Native Species Protection Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk Youth Education River Stewardship 'cl Wildlife Viewing Outdoor Discovery Center Interest Expense 10156 10155 10158 10160 7161, 8161, 9161, 10161, 10162 11149 10163 0436 0570 6130,6140,6150,6160,6260,6290, 6581 6420 5110,5210,5260,5310 NIA FY 2010-11 CPW Wildlife Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 45 - � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/fe175d1258df3a44017695abaf56e5e5.pdf cfcab94216670cd4e1141d3f4ae53932 PDF Text Text V ._, , I /' ".I , , ....., HJ 11 .C6 G74f 2009-10 -..., """"' ......, \,,,,,,1 ..,,,,,, \,,,Ji w .._, ....., "-ti ...., ...., ..,, ., ~ .._, ...., ..., \,,,;I \wl ..,_, I,./ .._, \,,,I \wii ...., .,.I ..,, 1 1 ~~llllll~ijl~li1~ii1i11i[~i,~[~~111]i11Jiij11 I BDOW028092 �Colorado Division of Wildlife Fiscal Year 2009-10 Annual Report Investments of Great Outdoors Colorado Funding January 2011 Executive Summary Great Outdoors Colorado has provided a dedicated source of funding for wildlife, park, trail and open space projects across the state since 1992. One-quarter of the Colorado Lottery proceeds received by Great Outdoors Colorado is directed to the Division of Wildlife for wildlife management programs, including initiatives to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, conserve wildlife species, provide wildlife education programs to Colorado citizens and visitors, and establish wildlife viewing opportunities. Great Outdoors Colorado has provided more than $175 million to the Division of Wildlife, and consistent with the vision of Great Outdoors Colorado advocates and Colorado voters, the Division of Wildlife has developed innovative and effective wildlife programs, and is recognized as a national leader in wildlife management. To date, this partnership has produced significant results, including: • • • • The permanent protection of more than 280,000 acres of important wildlife habitat, The development and implementation of two dozen recovery plans for more than 50 declining wildlife species, The creation of innovative wildlife education programs, and The establishment of hundreds of wildlife viewing sites and dozens of wildlife festivals across the state. Below are some of the highlights of Division of Wildlife programs and projects that were made possible with Great Outdoors Colorado during FY 2009-10: • • • • • • The successful reintroduction of lynx to Colorado, culminating in the documentation of 14 wild-born lynx kittens in five separate dens, demonstrating that Colorado's lynx population has reached self-sustaining levels, and clearing the final milestone in the lynx reintroduction program. Completion of a Birding Trail for southwestern Colorado, including publication of trail guides and posting of trail information on the Division of Wildlife website. Protection of 17,345 acres ofhabitat through eight conservation easements and fee title acquisitions. Launch of the Growing Up WILD curriculum, which introduces children ages 3 - 7 to wildlife and outdoor recreation. Completion of an interstate Conservation Agreement for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Research and data that contributed to a "warranted but precluded" listing decision for the greater sage-grouse by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Endangered Species Act. �\,_i '..,.I wl ~ The following report illustrates the wide variety of wildlife-related efforts undertaken by the Division of Wildlife from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 with financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado. ~ I._; ._,, Colorado Division of Wildlife FY 2009-10 Summary of Programs and Funds Great Outdoors Colorado Habitat Protection Species Protection Wildlife Education Watchable Wildlife Grand Total W' -' .._., $9,526,985 $3,427.626 $715,000 $405,385 $14,074,996 _,I w' '-' w' I_.; Amounts shown in the chart above include funding from extended grants, Legacy grants, reob/igated grants, and one-time grants, in addition to funds provided through the annual funding plan. ~ ',_I ~ '-" 'w \w l._.i '._I 1w '-..' '_.i _,, ~ 1-,' '-' '-..' w' \._I l_,.I ~ ~ 'w '-' ~ I_.I .._., FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 2 \._I ~ 1-..J �Colorado Division of Wildlife Fiscal Year 2009-10 Annual Report Investments of Great Outdoors Colorado Funding Table of Contents Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Division of Wildlife ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Habitat Protection . . ............................................................................ 5 Acquire High Priority Habitat . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .. . . . . .. ... Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters .............................................. GIS Habitat Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wetlands Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5 10 12 12 Species Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14 Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Native Species Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Propagation of Aquatic Species At Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 17 25 Wildlife Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 26 Youth Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . River Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 26 27 Watchable Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29 Wildlife Viewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Wildlife Viewing - Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Cross-reference Chart (GOCO Log and DOW Work Package) ......................... 32 wl FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 3 �Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Division of Wildlife Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution - the Great Outdoors Colorado Program approved by Colorado voters in 1992 -- reads in part as follows: (1) The people of the State of Colorado intend that the net proceeds ofevery state-supervised lottery game operated under the authority ofArticle XVIII, Section 2 shall be guaranteed and permanently dedicated to the preservation, protection, enhancement and management of the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage, except as specifically provided in this article. Accordingly, there shall be established the Great Outdoors Colorado Program to preserve, protect, enhance and manage the state's wildlife, park, river, trail and open space heritage. The Great Outdoors Colorado Program shall include: (a) Wildlife program grants which: (I) Develop wildlife watching opportunities; (II) Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment,· (Ill) Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage; (IV) Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases or easements and restore critical areas; ... Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a vital funding source for many Division of Wildlife programs, allowing Colorado to become a national leader in a range of wildlife programs. The comprehensive approach to wildlife management described in Article XXVII reaches millions of Coloradoans through widespread wildlife education outreach and information for citizens all of ages~ support for efforts to stop and reverse the loss of threatened or endangered species or species of concern, long-term protection of important wildlife habitat, and the engagement of '·non-consumptive" wildlife recreationalists, sportsmen, and the general public to be active stewards of Colorado's wildlife heritage. On March 20, 2009, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved the Division of Wildlife's annual funding plan for FY 2009-10 in the amount of $8,561,651. As described in this report, annual funds are applied across the four categories of programs listed in Article XXVII - habitat protection, species protection, wildlife education and watchable wildlife. When all fund sources, including GOCO Legacy funds, Division of Wildlife funds, private contributions and other matching funds are taken into account, the projects and programs described in this report represent an investment of nearly $35 million in Colorado's wildlife resources. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 4 �HABITAT PROTECTION The Division reaches Habitat Protection goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages. These programs include the acquisition and management of wildlife habitat, administering and protecting water rights, land use comments, digital mapping services, and habitat improvements on public and private lands. In FY 2009-10, a portion of GOCO funding was used to support these programs, including personnel salary expenses. A total of 91.2 fulltime equivalents (FTEs) were expended on habitat protection programs, of which GOCO funding supported 2.9 FTEs, or 3.1 %. A summary of program expenditures, and individual program activities and achievements for habitat protection, is provided below. 'w/1 FY 2009-10 HABITAT PROTECTION SUMMARY FY 2009-10 GOCO GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT EXPENDITURES Acquire High Priority Habitat Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water GIS Habitat Information Wetlands Conservation TOTAL FTE $890,000 $6,553,346 $629,039 $554,461 $900,139 $9,526,985 2.9 ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Through the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHPP), the Division of Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado worked with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat. Goals of CWHPP include preventing the further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species -- thereby reducing the necessity of further listing of species under the Endangered Species Act -- protecting important big game winter habitat and migration corridors, and providing public access for recreational purposes. Funding for CWHPP comes from a variety of sources, including Wildlife Cash, Federal State Wildlife Grants, and GOCO Wildlife Purpose and Legacy grants. Habitat protection is often a top priority in recovery plans. In 2003, the impact of CWHPP was illustrated in the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decision not to list the mountain plover as threatened or endangered, an action based in part on the successes of habitat protection efforts. The long-term and perpetual protection afforded through CWHPP easements, and associated management plans for those lands, was cited by USFWS as positive steps by Colorado that precluded the need for a federal listing of the mountain plover. Habitat protection acquisitions supported in part by GOCO during FY 2009-10 protected 17,345 acres of wildlife habitat and are described below. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 5 �CWHPP - Andrick Ponds State Wildlife Area: The Andrick Ponds State Wildlife Arca is a fee title acquisition in Morgan County that protects 711 acres within Colorado's "Golden Triangle" of waterfowl defined by the Empire Reservoi r, Riverside Reservoir, and Jackson Reservo ir. Located in the Central Flyway, the three reservoirs provide critical quality fa ll and spring migration stopover habitat for waterfowl and other migratory bird species. The reservoirs also support an abundance of breeding and wintering mallards and geese. The property abuts the east side of Jackson Lake State Park, and is located only one hour northeast of Denver. "This will be a jewel ofa wildl!fe area for wate,fowl hunters," said Steve Yamashita, northeast regional manager of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. "The property has great habitat for small game, turkeys and deer as well, and future [wildltfe recreation} opportunities can be expected as we open other parts of the property." The Denver Post Andrick Ponds SWA Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildl ife Cash/Habitat Stamp Total Sl ,625,000 $ 1,642,247 $3,267,247 CWHPP - Torres Ranch State Habitat Area: The Torres Ranch State Habitat Area is a set of fi ve separate acquisitions that placed perpetual conservation casements on a total of 2,387 acres in Las Animas County. The Torres properties are located 7 miles southwest of Stonewall and are comprised of ponderosa pine and aspen stands inte rspersed with meadows. The easements protect critical habitat for mule deer, elk, black bear, and turkey, and includes calving and fawning areas, winter range, denning sites, and summer and fall concentration areas for bear. Habitat on the prope1ties also serves as a transition zone between alpine communities and will ensure the preservation of a migration corridor. "The Torres Conservation Easements ... are a prime area for wildl!fe. We are pleased to know it won 't be chopped up by buildings and roads," said Marvin 'Glen' Torres o_f Trinidad. "Conservation easements are a great way to keep the land the way it is," he said. "The Torres family should be commended/or the legacy they will leave to fi,ture generations," said Bob Holder of the Division of Wildltfe. ''ft is particularly satisfying to know that JL (Louie), Kelly, Glen, and Robert Torres had the strength, courage, and.foresight to establish these conservation easements. Their efforts are a shining example to other small landowners that conservation easements are a viable option to protect their land and legacy." Division of Wildltfe press release FY 2009- 10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 6 �Torres Ranch SHA Acouisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Wildlife Cash/Habitat Stamp Landowner Contribution Total $943,750 $994,3 14 S 1,882,500 $3,820,564 CWHPP - Berthelson Ranch State Habitat Area: The Berthelson Ranch State Habitat Area is a perpetual conservation easement that protects L,634 acres in Rio Blanco Coun ty. Located approximately eleven miles east of Meeker, the easement conserves critical big game winter range and migration corridors. The property also includes important habitat for sagedepende111 species -- greater sage-grouse in pa11icular -- along with wetlands and riparian corridors on lands adj acent to the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area . ..., Berthelson Ranch SHA Acquisition Financin2 GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Total S920,000 S942,8 14 $1,862,814 CWHPP - Jumping Cow State Wildlife Area: The Jumping Cow State Wildlife Area is a perpetual conservation easement covering 12,6 13 acres in Elbert County. The easement - acquired in partnership with the Nature Conservancy (TNC) -- protects important wildlife habitat including short-grass prairie, mid-grass prairie, sand sage prairie, riparian woodlands, and shrub lands. The property provides habitat for many native plant and wildlife species including nati ve fish, ferruginous hawks, Swainson 's hawks, native leopard frogs, pronghorn antelope, and swift fox. A separate agreement also allows publi c hunting access to the property. " Recently, the Conservancy completed phase two ofan ambitious conservation project by completing a second conservation easement on the Jumping Cow Ranch-bringing the total number o.fprotected acres on the property lo over 19,000. Success was made possible thanks lo a generous donation from the landowner andjimding_ji-om Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Division o.f Wildlife. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 7 �Grasslands are the most threatened and least protected habitat type on earth-with only 2% protected globally and less than 5% protected in the United States. One of the biggest challenges to prairie conservation is that many grassland species and ecological functions require large unfragmented tracts of land. The Jumping Cow Ranch, in Elbert County, hosts unbroken wildlife corridors and e.,panses ofprairie large enough to support wide-ranging species such as pronghorn antelope. located within the Big Sandy Conservation Area, 40 miles east of Castle Rock, the ranch's unique mix ofhabitats benefit greatly from higher than average rainfall and cooler temperatures. The Jumping Cow Ranch, named after a particularly pesky cow that could not seem lo stay on the correct side of the fence, is a thriving, and now protected, ecosystem. " Colorado Nature Conservancy press release Jumping Cow SWA Acquisition Financing GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash/ Habitat Stamp Federal State Wildlife Grant Funds Landowner Contribution Total FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado $487,589 $456,708 $365,155 $968,3 14 $2,277,767 8 �MOFFAT ROUTT WEL Andrick Pond• SWA YUMA WASHINGTON AOAMS GANHtLll Kif CARSON • Jumping Cow fQneh SWA ElHERllL--'-~ ~ = = = = - - 4- - - - - -- - -- r- PARK MESA LINCOLN T[ l l[R CHEYENNE El PASO GUNNISON FREMO~T MON Tl(OSE KIOV✓A @ CROWLEY EBLO SAGUAOI[ RENT PROWERS 011:HO RIO GRANDE MONTEZUMA LAS ANIMAS (.': Torres Ranch SHA RFP's D County Boundary Focal Areas for Land Acquisition FY 2009-2010 GOCO Funded Acquisitions "' "' ., " ., BACA �Real Estate Ad111i11istratio11: Across Colorado, the Division of Wildlife manages more than 300 State Wildlife Areas, totaling more than 550,000 acres. In addition, the DOW leases approximately 550,000 acres of State Trust Lands, not only protecting wildlife habitat but also providing the public with oppo1tunities to hunt, fish and watch wildlife. Accomplishments of the real estate section during FY 2009- 10 included: • • • • • • • • Reviewed more than I 00 proposals in response to the RFP for Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program. Closed projects that required 7 baseline reports and 7 management plans. Closed on 50 real estate transactions, including 7 conservation easements. Managed more than 244 active leases and term agreements. Monitored 140 active conservation easements. Completed 49 Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and county impact assistance transactions. Worked with the Division of Wildlife's Communications Unit on a 9-minute video highlighting properties acqui red with Habitat Stamp program funds, many of which also involved GOCO funds. Developed a new, significantly more detailed conservation easement annual monitoring forn1. ENHANCE HABITAT ON LAND AND WATER Habitat Management: The Division of Wildlife protects wildlife habitat on lands and waters it owns, leases and holds casements on, through pa11ncrships with private landowne rs, sportsman and conservation organizations, state and federa l agencies, and local governments. Among activities related to habitat management in FY 2009-10 were the following • • • " Through the Private Lands Wildlife Biologist (PLWB) Program, DOW developed and implemented a tamarisk removal program in several watersheds. A project to benefit orangcthroat darter and other riparian species through the Farm Bill's Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program was developed. Contracts with landowners provided for improvements to 5,800 acres of sage grouse and sharptail grouse habitat on Colorado ' s western slope, 2,900 acres of lesser prairie chicken habitat, 1,450 acres of plains sharp-tail grouse habitat, and 1,400 acres of sbortgrass prairie habitat on the eastern plains. Improvements to aquatic habitat were made on 6 miles of streams across the state. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 10 - �Water Programs: The Div ision o f Wi ld life's Water Resources Unit oversees programs that protect instrcam fi ows on more than 8,500 mi les o f streams and in 486 natural lakes in the state, manage and protect CDOW-owned water rights for recreational reservoirs, fish hatcheries and State Wild life Areas (SW As), and develop the data and expe1t ise needed to protect water quality thro ugh proceedings of the Water Quality Cont rol Commission. Highli ghts of the acti vities o f the Water Resources Unit during FY 2009-1 0 included: • • • • • • Participation in Water Quali ty Control Commission hearings on revisions to Colorado's basic wale r quality standards and classifications. Served on four workgroups associated with the proposed revisions - Listing Methodo logy, Standards Framework, Aquatic Life Criteria and Nutrient Criteria. T hrough the Ri verWatch program, more than 4,700 metals samples and 1,200 nutrient samples were collected. The Ri verwatch program now bas 450 observation stations on 350 waters across the state and was expanded th rough the addition of 2 1 new schools and groups, bringing the total number of acti ve participating organizations to I 17. Collection and vcri lication of water use data on more than 300 Division of Wildl ife properties was ~~ performed as a critical stewardship acti vity to p reserve the Di vision of Wildlife's interests in water. Filed 14 statements of opposition in water court to protect CDOW water rights from inj ury while entering into 13 stipulated settlements. Filed 4 applications fo r water rights, and obtained decrees in 4 cases filed in prior fiscal years. Consulted with sponsors of three maj or water development proj ects -- the Northern Integrated Supply Proj ect, and the Windy Gap and Moffat Supply F irming projects -- on possible fi sh and wildlife mitigation related to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews. Assisted Southeast region staff with Southern Delivery System NEPA processes. Reviewed 38 potentia l Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program acquisitions and 28 Wetlands Program applications for water right issues. Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund: In 200 1 and 2006, the GOCO Board approved a total of$ 1,0 16,326.90 into the W ild li fe for Future Generations Trust Fund (WFGTF). Inte rest earned on these funds is used fo r stewardshi p acti vities on properties acq uired in part with GOCO funds. Interest earned and the funds expended fro m the WFGTF arc outside and separate from DOW's annual fund ing request. During FY 2009-1 0, the GOCO portion of the WFGTF earned £27,326.70 in interest, and S40,452.23 was expended. Fund ing supported the drilling of a well and ins tallation of a solarpowered pump at the Coalbcd Canyon S tate Wildlife Area in Dolores County, and fencing, weed control and irrigation d itch repair at the M iller State Wildlife Area in G unnison County. - FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 1l �Since 2001 , GOCO-funded expenditures from the WFGTF have totaled S 156,210.82. Overall expenditures out of the Trust Fund, including those from tbe Wildlife Cash-funded portion created in July 2000, amount to $ 1,260,945.61. - GIS HABITAT INFORMATION The Division of Wildlife's Geographic Information System (GlS) Unit provides state-of-the-art products, services and analysis to customers inside and outside of the Division of Wildlife. The GTS Unit acquires, maintains and distributes digital and other fonns of data on wildlife habitat. The unit continues to increase the Division's GIS data infrastructure by collection and maintenance of geospatial habitat data and data pertaining to fish and wildlife populations. Habitat protection in the face of expanding pressure from energy development continues to drive the majority of the GIS unit' s land-use impact and habitat protection work. House Bill 07-1298 mandated the consideration of wildlife concerns in the oil and gas permit application process, which has resulted in s ignificant ongoing demand for GIS habitat analysis, application development and maps. GIS Unit accomplishments during FY 2009-10 included: • • • • • Provided GIS data and support ofHB 07-1298-requircd consultation with the oil and gas industry on habitat protection and mitigation issues. Increased support for wind and other alternative energy development analysis to protect sensitive wildlife habitats. Provided mapping support to the Division 's Real Estate Unit for a variety of purposes including supporting the CWHPP program. Completed maps for Division's White-tail and Gunnison's prairie dog conservation plan, and lesser prairie-chicken conservation plan. Supported the Aquatic Section's Colorado River, Rio Grande and greenback cutthroat trout databases. Supported the initial planning stages of a decision support system for energy development planning, habitat protection and mitigation efforts in the Colorado-New Mexico border region w ith the Western Governors Association (WGA) and for lesser prairie-chicken and energy development, habitat protection and mitigation efforts in the species' 5-state range. WETLANDS CONSERVATION , The Division of Wildlife's Wetlands Program, established in 1997, conserves wetland and riparian habitats and their ecological functions for the benefit of wildlife. Major goals of the program are to improve the status of declining or atrisk species, and to improve the abundance and di stribution of ducks and opportunities for waterfowl hunting. ln cooperation with conservation organizations, private landowners and other state and federal agencies, the Wetlands Program has protected, restored or enhanced approximately 236,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habi tats, and 25 1 miles of streams. Services provided by the program inc lude funding of wetland creation, enhancement and restoration projects, and project-related expertise such as site evaluation, design, construction, FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 12 �and biological assessments. The Wetlands Program also supports local Focus Area Committees, and conducts wetland project monitoring and evaluation. Program accomplishments during FY 2009-10 included: • • • Restored or enhanced 4,457 acres of wetlands, 3,725 acres of adjacent uplands, and 14 miles of streams in 39 projects completed during the period. Awarded new grants totaling approximately $1. 7 million for 29 new projects on private and public lands. When completed, these projects will improve more than 7,600 acres of wetland and riparian habitat, and benefit more than 19 at-risk wildlife species and 8 waterfowl species. Partnered with Colorado State University's Colorado Natural Heritage Program, on wetland mapping and field assessments in the Rio Grande Basin and the North Platte Basin. The projects will add to the Division of Wildlife's GIS database on wetland locations, help develop new tools to assess wetland conditions and threats, and document wetland use by priority wildlife species. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado '.-I 13 �SPECIES PROTECTION The Division of Wildlife reaches Species Protection goals through a wide variety of programs, or work packages. These programs include species research, surveys, re introduction, tracking, propagation, recovery plan development, and other aspects of a broad-based conservation and recovery program. In FY 2009-10, a po1tion of GOCO funding was used to suppo1t these programs, including personnel salary expenses. A total of 44.5 full-time equivalents (FTE) were expended on species conservation programs, of which GOCO funding suppo1ted 7.8 , or 17.5%. A summary of program expenditures, and individual program activities and achievements for species conservation is provided below. FY 2009-10 SPECIES PROTECTION SUMMARY GOCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2009-10 GOCO EXPENDITURES Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Native Species Protection Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk TOTAL FTE S764,489 $2,238,137 S425,000 $3,427,626 7.8 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY Lynx Reintroduction: Division of Wildlife Director Tom Remington announced on September I 7'", 2010 that the Colorado's lynx reintroduction project had accomplished its goal ofestablishing a breeding population in the Southem Rockies. Research and survey work related to the lynx will transition to an emphasis on monitoring the cats' long-term persistence in Colorado's high country. The Canada lynx occurs throughout the boreal forests of northern North America. Colorado represents the southern-most historical distribution of lynx, where the species occupied the higher elevation, montane forests in the state. Lynx were extirpated or reduced to a few anima ls in the state by the late 1970s, most likely due to predator control efforts such as poisoning and trapping. Little is known about the population dynamics or habitat use of this species in their southern distribution. Given the separation of Colorado from the nearest northern population, the CDOW considered reintroduction as the only option to attempt to reestablish the species in the state, and resol ve Endangered Species Act-related issues. A lynx reintroduction effort began in 1997, wi th the first lynx released in Colorado in 1999. To date, 2 18 w ild-caught lynx from Alaska and Canada have been released in southwestern Colorado. The goal of the Colorado lynx reintroduction program was to establish a self-sustaining, viable population of lynx in the state. The p rogram has been successful in meeting the seven criteria necessary for achieving a viable population: FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 14 - �l) Development of release protocols that lead to a high initial post-release survival of reintroduced animals. 2) Long-term survival of lynx in Colorado. 3) Development of site fidelity by the lynx to areas supporting good habitat in densitjes sufficient to breed. 4) Reintroduced lynx must breed. 5) Breeding must lead to reproduction of sw-viving kittens 6) Lynx born in Colorado must reach breeding age and reproduce successfu lly, and 7) Recruitment must equal or be greater than mortality over an extended period of time. Reproduction documentation is cri tical to the success of the program and lynx arc monitored intensively lo document breeding, births, survival and recruitment of lynx born in Colorado. Sitescale habitat descriptions of den sites are also collected and compared to other sites used by lynx. Highlights ofthe CDOW activities during FY 2009-10 related to lynx included: • • • Documentation of the birth of 14 kittens in five separate dens, including two in Summit County, outside the core reintroduction area. Tracked 9 female and 7 male Colorado-born lynx tlu·ough radio collars. Initiated the evaluation of the effi cacy of three detection methods for the presence of lynx in an area - snowtracking, hair snares and remote camera surveillance. Preliminary findings indicate that snow-tracking is the most effecti ve. Black-footed Ferret: Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is making a comeback in Colorado and other western states since a small colony o f the species was discovered in the earl y 1980s. The blackfooted fcITet is listed as an endangered species at both the state and federal level. "-' Since 200 I, approximately 125 fen-els have been reintroduced at two locations in Colorado Coyote Basin west of Rangely, and in the BLM's Wolf Creek Management Area near Dinosaur National Monument. However, since the summer of 2008, black-footed fen-ets suffered a setback in Colorado due to an outbreak of sy lvatic plague. Very few ferrets are bel ieved to have survived the plague ep izootic. In FY 2009-10 the Division's actions were focused on addressing the plague outbreak. • • Because of the active plague epizootic, no additional black-footed ferrets were released in Colorado in 2009. • Coordinated black-footed fen-et spotlight surveys in the spring of 2009 that found only two individuals -- one captive-raised male and one wild-born individual. • The Bureau of Land Management and the Divis ion of Wildlife dusted prairie dog bun-ows with insecticide in an cffo11 to reduce the negati ve impact to prairie dogs and ferrets. Survei llance and research wil I continue in FY 20 I 0-1 1 to track the disease and monitor ferret and prairie dog populations. Colorado declined to submit a request for an allocation of captive-bred ferrets fo r release in 20 10-11. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 15 �Peregrine Falcon: Peregrine falcons were delisted under the Endangered Species Act in 1999. A post-delisting monitoring plan was included as part of the USFWS decision. The plan calls for fi ve monitoring periods, taking place every three years. The nex t federa lly-required, extensive monitoring effort is scheduled for 201 1, and will be the fourth monitoring period. Tbe Division of Wildlife conducts a less-intens ive ann ual monitoring of peregrine falcons. During FY 2009-10, with support from GOCO, the Division conducted the following activities related to monitoring of peregrine falcons: •• 41 ., • Twenty -seven eyrics (nests) in Colorado were included in the post-delisting monitoring sample. Eyrie occ upancy was confirmed at 70%; fi ve eyries were unoccupied . Producti vity was determined at 11 of the 19 occupied sites, with 10 eyries producing at least one young and only one eyrie fa iling. Approximately 50 additional eyries were surveyed in Colorado through various efforts involvi ng the Division of Wildli fe, federa l agencies, county open space departments and other organizations. Greenback Cutthroat Trout: Thought to be extinct in 1937, numerous populations of greenback cutthroat trout have since been discovered through extensive survey work. The historic range for greenback cutthroat trout lies almost entirely within Colorado, in the headwaters of the South Platte and Arkansas rivers. Many of those waters have been reclaimed, and restocked with pure greenback cutthroat trout. The success o f those projects led to the 1978 downlisting of greenback cutthroat trout from endangered to tbreatened under the E ndangered Species Act. However, the taxonomic status of greenback cutth roat trout is being evaluated on several fronts following pubIication of a study that questioned the genetic integrity of source populations used in greenback cutthroat trout recovery e fforts. To help resolve this situation, the following acti vities were undertaken in FY 2009- 10: o ., • Researchers at the University of Colorado examined museum specimens collected in the late 1800s to evaluate distri bution ofdistiDcl taxonomic groups prior to the bulk offish stock ing around the state . The Larval Fish Laboratory at Co lorado State University compared visual characteristics oD specimens collected across the southern range of cutthroat trout to specific molecular marke rs to detennine if any physical traits can be linked to those same taxonomic groups. Recovery team pattners conducted range-wide surveys for genetic purity of the state's c utthroat trout populatioDs, which will help guide future recovery cffmts. Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Rio G rande c utthroat trout range further south than any other cutthroat trout, historically occupying waters down to southern New Mex ico. In Colorado, their range is confined to the FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report lo Great Outdoors Colorado 16 �headwaters of the Rio Grande sun·ounding the San Luis Valley. As with other subspecies of cutthroat trout, widespread introductions of non-native salmon ids over the last centu,y have served to limit the distribution of Rio Grande cutthroats to isolated headwater streams and lakes. As of May 2009, Rio Grande cutthroat trout are considered " waiTanted but precluded" for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Highlights of the Division of Wildlife's activities in support of the recovery of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout in FY 2009-10 included: • • • • Concluded a Conservation Agreement on the Rio Grande cutthroat trout among Colorado, New Mexico, four federal agencies and two Native American tribes in October 2009. The agreement provides a collaborative framework outlining long-term conservation objectives for this subspec ies. Conducted 9 population surveys at 7 sites. Took 60 samples for genetic analysis. Removed non-native trout at sites on Middle Placer, South Placer and P lacer Creeks. Stocked 7,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout in Little Mcdano Creek and the North Fork of Carnero Creek to augment conservation populations at those sites. ~ NATIVE SPECIES PROTECTION - Greater Sage-Grouse: On March 5, 20 I0, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced a " warranted but precluded" listi11g for the greater sage-grouse under the federal Endangered Species Act. The decision means the species is added to the list of candidate species under the ESA, but that fonn al protections arc " precluded by the need to address other listings of higher priority." The USFWS assigned the greater sage-grouse a listing priority number of 8, which is a relati vely lower priority compared to most other species on the list. In March 2008, the Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan was adopted by the Division of Wildlife and four federal agencies to facilitate the conservation of greater sage-grouse (GrSG) and the ir habitats in Colorado. The Conservation Plan is guided by the philosophy that local work groups - made up of private landowners, public agency representatives, and other interested stakeholders -have a pivotal role in greater sage-grouse conservation e ffo11s, which will cross jurisdictional and ownership boundaries. ...,,,, The impetus for the plan is three-fold. First is the widespread decline in greater sage-grouse distribution and abundance, both range-wide and in Colorado. Second, local working groups have formed in Colorado to address and unde11ake the conservation of five greater sage-grouse populations -- Middle Park, North Park, Northern Eagle - Southern Routt Counties, Northwest Colorado, and Parachute- Piceance-Roan. All five working groups have completed loca l conservation plans. Third, the Colorado Division of Wildlife signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) that obligates DOW to complete a statewide greater sage-grouse conservation plan. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report lo Great Outdoors Colorado 17 �T he statewide conservation plan is a long-tenn plan that will terminate when the greater sagegrouse is removed from the DOW Species of Special Concern list. Once the conservation plan is terminated, a management plan will be developed, based upon the statewide conservation plan. Di vision of Wildlife actions in support of greater sage-grouse conservation during FY 2009-1 O included: • • • • • • • Initiated the second phase of a research proj ect in the Piceance Basin to assess techniques and methods to reestablish complete plant communities, including sagebrush, in areas affected by oi l and gas development. Submitted supplemental greater sage-grouse data to USFWS as part of the agency's status review of the species, including summaries of 42 habitat treatme nt and protection proj ects. Conducted 6 pinon-j unipcr removal projects in greate r sage-grouse habitat. Completed a draft Implementation Plan for the 2008 statewide conservation plan. Surveyed 279 individual leks, recording a total of 1,6 12 males. Designed and impleme nted intensified lek surveys in North Park, including a revised approach to improve dete rmination of lck occupancy. Neared completion of a project to map seasona l use of breed ing and wintering habitat by greate r sage-grouse using high-resolution imagery. Gunnison Sage-Grouse: ln September 2010, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a "warranted but precluded" listing decision fo r G unnison sagegrouse. According to the USFWS, Gunnison sagegrouse warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act, but its listing is precluded by highe r priority actions and lack of resources. The USFWS assigned a listing priority number of 2, which places it at the lop o f the Service's nationw ide listing priorities. G unnison sage-grouse c urrently occupy a small fraction of their historical range, having been extirpated by habitat conversion from much of the ir historical d istribution in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah, and northern New Mexico. Distribution is believed to have been historically fragmented, but more recent habitat loss has exacerbated that condition. Currently, the Gunnison sage-grouse range-wide population of3,924 birds in Colorado is near the population target of 4,5 00 birds as called for in the 2005 Rangewidc Conservation Plan. However, only the Gunnison popul ation is meeting the ind ividual population goal; all other satellite populations are well below the ir respective targets. G unnison sage-grouse have relati vely low genetic di versity compared to greater sage-grouse, and genetic information suggests most populations arc isolated from each other. Other threats to G unnison sage-grouse include genetic drift from small population sizes, habitat loss and fragme ntation, predator communities, and the impacts of drought. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 18 - �In 2006, the Division of Wildlife obtained US Fish and Wildlife Service approval of a Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAA) for the Gunnison sage-grouse. The CCAA is a mechanism to promote conservation work on behalf of declining species or in support of recovery plans. Monitoring existing populations and augmenting them to preserve the species are primary dri vers of the Divisions activities in support of Gunnison sage-grouse recovery. During FY 2009-10, highlights included: • • • • • • - • The enrollme nt of 4 landowners in the CCAA program through Certificates of Inclusion, representing 7,900 acres of Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. Another 27 applications are under development, totaling more than 24,000 acres. Capture o f 23 female birds to serve as su,rngatc femal es for captive-reared chick augmentation. Collection of22 eggs for hatching. Overall, 14 chicks have been introduced lo wild brood in 5 separate introductions, wi th a successful adoption rate of 79%. Captured 30 female and 2 male Gunnison sage-grouse in the Gunnison Basin for banding and radiotracking. Tracked a total of 65 females and 5 males, including birds captured the previous year. Radiotrackcd 5 females and 2 males in the San Miguel population. Transplanted 30 Gunnison sage grouse from the Gunnison Basin to Dry Creek Basin (part of San Miguel Basin population), and 13 Gunnison sage grouse from the G unnison Basin to Pinyon Mesa. Conducted approximately 280 lck count days. 75 leks or lck areas were each visited multiple times. Convened an expert committee to rank specific populations to receive transplants. Pinyon Mesa and Dove Creek were idenfitied as the highest priority, followed by the Crawford and Dove Creek populations. Mountain Plover: The mountain plover is a migratory shorebird which breeds on short-grass prairie habitat in Colorado's eastern plains, and in Wyoming and M ontana. More than ha lf of the species' population is believed to breed in Colorado. Long-term population trends suggest a steady decline over the last ccntu1y, and the mountain plover has been considered for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The USFWS decided against listing the species, based on additional data and conservation efforts initiated for mountain plovers. The mountain plover is listed as a species of special concern in Colorado. Acti vities related to mountain plover during FY 2009-10 included: • • Monitored and pe1fo1mcd hab itat e nhancement at three sites spread across Kiowa, Bent, and Prowers Counties. Documented 6 pairs of piping plover, 12 nests and 7 fl edged plovers. F Y 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 19 �Lesser Prairie-Chicken: The lesser prairie-chicken is an upland nesting grassland bird present in regions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. Once present in large numbers, the lesser prairie-chicken population and its original distribution have declined signi ftcantly since I 800. Colorado's population is currently estimated to number fewer than 300 breeding birds, located largely on private ranches south of Holly, east of Eads and south of the C imarron River in the :;,, . extreme southeastern comer of the state. Birds have declined on the Comanche National Grassland near Campo in southeastern Colorado. The lesser prairie-chicken is listed as threatened in Colorado, and is c un-ently a candidate species for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The lesser prairie-chicken ESA listing priority was raised to a 2 in December 2008, the highest priority a species can be before becomjng a federally threatened or endangered species. An interstate working group coordinates recovery efforts for the lesser prairie crucke n. Highlights of the activities in Colorado during FY 2009-10 in support of the species included: • • • Developed the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitat Improvement Program that provides a cost share to landowners interested in developing habitat beneficial to the species on pri vate lands. Enrolled more than 9,000 acres of lesser prairie-chicken nesting and brood-rearing habitat in Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) State Acres fo r Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Program. Strong interest in the initial 2,900 acre offering led to a request to further expand the program to the 9,000 acre level. which was approved by the NRCS. Surveyed 103 historically active lesser prairie-chicken lek sites in southeast Colorado. 148 lesser prairie-chickens were observed at 17 active leks, a near doubling of the previous year's count. Boreal Toad: The boreal toad is listed as endangered by the State of Colorado. An interstate recovery plan was completed in February 200 I. The criteria for de-listing the boreal toad in Colorado includes establishment of at least two breeding populations in each of rune areas of historic distribution, and at least 25 breeding populations statewide. DOW activity highlights for boreal toad recovery in FY 2009-10 included: o o o • Borcal toad habitat surveys identified three possible new breeding sites, bring ing the number of known sites to 89. Continued research on genetics, Bd resistance in boreal toads and implications of chytrid fungus presence in tbc state. Identified two locations in northern Colorado and one location in central Colorado to serve as egg sources fo r translocation objecti ves. Collected and transported boreal toad eggs to the Native Aquatic Species Restorati on Facility (NASRF) for hatching. More than 5,800 tadpoles were later translocated to FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 20 - �suitable habitats in Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County and northern New Mexico. Northern Leopard Frog: On June 30, 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) detcnni ncd that enough evidence was presented in response to a listing petition to open a more detailed 12-montb status review of the northern leopard frog for possible threatened or endangered listing. The proposed listing could cover northern leopard frog populations in Colorado and 18 other states west of the Mississippi. Native Species Protection activi ties for the northern leopard frog in FY 2009 -10 included: • • • • Submission of collected survey data to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as pa1t of the 12month review status of the species. Evaluation and ranking of wetland areas along the northern Front Range for potential as northern leopard frog habitat. Initiation of surveys at high priority sites to determine northern leopard frog occupancy and the presence of cbytrid fungu s. Continued research to determine the impact chytrid fungus and non-native bullfrogs have on northe rn leopard frog populations. Gumiison's and White-tailed Prairie Dogs: Colorado is home to three prairie dog species -- the black-tailed prairie dog, G unnison's prairie dog (GUPD), and the white-tailed prairie dog (WTPD). Although there arc similarities among the species, each is unique in habi tat requirements, sociality, and conservation needs. In 2002, a petition was filed to list the WTPD (pictured at right) under the Endangered Species Act, and in 2004 a petition was fil ed to list the GUPD. Both petitions were initially denied. However, those decisions not to list the two species were later overturned as a result of the d iscovery of illegal interference in the decision at the Departme nt of the Inte rior. As a result, the USFWS agreed to conduct 12-month reviews of the species. In 2008, the USFWS determined that four populations of the GUPD (pictured at left) in the San Luis Valley, South Park, Gunnison Valley and in Southeastern Colorado were "warranted but precluded" from listing. On May 26, 2010, the USFWS completed a similar review o f the WTPD, concluding that a li sting of the species as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act was not warranted. - Highlights of Division of Wildlife acti vities in support of GUPD and WTPD during FY 2009- 10 included: • Completion of a state conservation strategy for both the WTPD and the GUPD. The strategy was formally approved by Division of Wi ldlife Director Torn Remington in early July 20 10. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 21 �• • • • • Developed action plans for 5 "Individual Population Areas'' - Southeast, South Park, Grand Valley and Uncompaghre Valley, North Park, and San Luis Valley -- to identify the highest priority actions for GUPD and WTPD in each area. Plan development invo lved landowners, conservationists, and federa l and state agency personnel. Sampled GUPD populations range-wide to evaluate the existence of 2 recognized subspecies. Samples are currently under anlysis to evaluate subspecies status. Collected fl eas from prairie dogs trapped for the genetics project to evaluate plague potential within colonies. Dusted GUPD colonies with an insecticide - delta dust - in areas of conservation concern to try to maintain viable populations and protect colonies from plague outbreaks. Completed occupancy monitoring for GUPD. Occupancy monitoring for WTPD is pl anned for 20 11. Columbia11 Sharp-tailed Grouse: '-" Tbe Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (CSTG) is one of six subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse in North America. T he species is found in sagebrush, mounta in shrub and riparian shrub habitats, but currently occupies less than LO percent of its historic range. In Colorado, CSTG used to be found in 22 western counties; now it is found only in Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties. The species has twice been petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act, but has been denied both times, most recently in 2006. The Division of Wildlife continues to work through the conservation plan for CSTG as adopted in 200 1, in consultation with landowners, conservation groups, local govern ments and state and federal agencies. Activities during FY 2009- 10 in support ofCSTG conservation included: • • • Located 25 potential new leks, bringing the number of known lek sites in Colorado to 281 . Of these, 204 are in Routt County, 76 are in Moffat County, and 1 is in Rio Blanco County. Found 220 active leks, 38 inactive leks, and 3 1 leks that were previously not surveyed. Reported an increase of nearly 300 males -- to 3,278 - in surveys, largely due to increased acti vity in previously unsurveyed areas and from gaining permission to search several new private parcels. Eastern Plains Native Fish Conservation: Of the 38 species of fish native to the eastern plains, 20 arc extirpated, state endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. Although these fi sh arc highly tolerant of the original harsh physical and chemical conditions of plains streams -- including fluctuating flows, high temperature, and low oxygen -- the fish arc not tolerant of channel drying caused by recent droughts and other habitat degradation. Should ongoing climate change cause further drying and wanning of the region, increased groundwater pumping and water diversion will further reduce habitat for plains fish species. Aquatic Section efforts during FY 2009-10 towards the conservation or recovery of 12 special status fish species in eastern plains waters included: FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 22 �...., • • • - • • • Evaluation of75 sites as part of a three-year project to test the efficacy of a species-, community- and watershed-level monitoring plan for plains stream fish species. Completion of a 6-month study of flathead chub (pictured at right) movement patterns in Fountain Creek, a stronghold for this state species of concern, to evaluate whether existing and potential ba1Tiers to fish movement constitute a threat to the population. Sampling at 17 sites historically containing Arkansas darter, as well as collection of tissue samples from approximately 500 individuals for use in a genetic study of population dynamics, effective population size, and population trends. Completed the analysis of lab and field studies evaluating potential impact of introduced Gambusia (mosquitofish) on native plains topminnow. Continued a lab study of potential interactions of Gambusia and northern redbcll y dace, a state endangered species that cunently has a very limited distribution in Colorado. Stocked Arkansas River daters at 3 locations. Mountain Whitefish: - One of only two salrnonids native to Colorado, the mountain whitefish was historically found only in the Yampa and White River drainages in northwestern Colorado. Alarming population declines in the Yampa River in the late 1990s sprnTed interest in this relatively unstudied species. A working group was established in January 2009 to direct future mountain whitefish research e fforts to discover why the declines occu1Ted. Research efforts during FY 2009-10 included: • • • • • • Focused annual electrofishing surveys on the White, Colorado, and Roaring Fork Rivers on estimating the abundance o f mountain white fish, rather than other salmon ids as was the practice in the past. Deployed temperature sensors in whitefish streams to characterize requirements of the different li fe stages and to detect timing of mountain whitefish spawning runs and fry eme rgence. Completed research on the vulnerability of mountain whitefi sh to whirling disease. Pe rformed thermal tolerance studies to assess the impact o f drought conditions on mountain whitefish. Evaluated the sensitivity of in mountain whitefish emb1yo, larvae and fly to three metals (cadmium, zinc, and copper). Developed protocol s for the collection of wild-spawn eggs, along with guidelines for diet, rearing and other aspect of mountain whitefi sh hatchery culture. Bats/Inactive Mines: In Colorado and elsewhere in the West, a dea1th of know ledge surrounds the status, population biology, and habitat requirements of bats. For example, 13 of Colorado's 18 species of bats are FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 23 �known to use abandoned m ines as roost sites, but roosting habitat needs for bats is poorl y understood. The ongoing Abandoned Mine Lands closure programs, admi nistered by the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, and the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, arc intended to eliminate public safety risks at Colorado's estimated 5,100 inactive hardrock mines. However, methods historically used to close mines did not allow for continued use of the mines by bats. The loss of roosting habitat could have devastating effects on some bat p opulations. For 19 years, the Bats/Inacti ve Mines Program has worked to evaluate the bat roost potential of mines scheduled for closure, identify important bat roosts, and protect these roosts by installation of bat gates, which provide access for bats to such habitat, while providing for public safety. Activities of the program during FY 2009-10 included the following: • • • • Evaluated I 03 mines, includ ing 53 on BLM and USFS lands, and 50 on private lands. Conducted 226 surveys, including IOdetector, 65 capture, 84 video, and 67 pre-surveys. Documented 44 bats, including 2 new roosts of Townsend's big-cared bat, a State Spec ies of Special Concern. Recommended 14 bat gate projects to B LM and USFS and the Division of M inerals and Geology. Completed 4 proj ects in Bo ulder, Gi lpin, Chaffee and Rio Blanco Counties. Frisco Creek Reltabilitation Center: T he Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center was acq uired in 2004 with funding support from Great Outdoors Colorado. The fac ility housed lynx prior to reintroduction release, and cmTcntly rehabilitates lynx and other wildlife that have suffered injuries. ln FY 2009-1 0, the facility handled 5 black bears (3 euthanized or died, and 2 released), 5 mountain lions (all released), I coyote (held for a law enforcement case and eventually cuthanizcd), and 18 raptors (5 released, 2 transferred, and the remainder died or were euthanized). Other Native Species Work: Colorado hosts an estimated 960 wildlife species. ln November 2006, Colorado's Comprehensive W ildlife Conservation Plan was finalized, identifying 2 10 priority wildlife species, and 13 priority habitat types, as well as potential conservation actions to benefit the priority species and habitats. The plan also seeks to coordinate planni ng, partnership building, project design and implementation among the many state, federal, local and private organizations involved to varying degrees in wildli fe conservation in Colorado. As descri bed in this report, the Colorado Division of W ildlife has multi-faceted efforts underway that focus on spec ific species, Gun nison sage-grouse, lynx or Colorado R iver cutthroat trout for example. The Division also has smaller programs for some species, and other species may be assessed as part of broader, more encompassing efforts, such as the Small Mammals Atlas or Breeding Bird Survey. Highlights of the Division's work in relation to the Comprehensive Wildli fe Conservation Plan during FY 2009-1 0 included: FY 2009- /0 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 24 �• • - • • • • • Hosted a workshop of wolverine experts to explore the feasibility of a reintroduction program in the Southern Rockies. In July 2010, the Wildlife Commission approved moving fo1ward with the development of a reintroduction plan. Evaluated IO sites for appropriate habitat for Arkansas River darter and Southern redbelly dace. Monitored 190 Colwnbian sharp-tailed grouse \cks. Radio-tracked 25 plains sharp-tailed grouse. Surveyed and evaluated 75 pika sites. Conducted trapping surveys for New Mexico Jumping Mouse at 5 sites. Maintained or improved 20 acres of least tern habitat. PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPEClES AT RISK The Division of Wildlife opened the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa during the summer of 2000, the first state-owned facility of its kind. Construction was fw1ded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado, and on-going operations continue to be supported by GOCO. Twelve fish species are reared at the facility, along with boreal toads. Most of the fish produced by the NASRF support recovery programs for the Upper Colorado River and for eastern plains waters. Stocking of threatened or endangered fish is often the most effective means to reestablish viable populations of the species, and is an important component of recovery plans. The NASRF also provides valuable refugia for several fish species, along wilh assuring a diversity of populations and genetics of the rare fish at the facility. In addition, NASRF performs groundbreaking research on optimal water temperatures, water pH, feeding regimes and other factors for each species to survive, grow, and spawn in captivity. More than 250 aquaria and 8 outdoor ponds are home to the one dozen fish species at NASRF. Highlights oftbc activities and accomplishme nt of the NASRF in FY 2009-10 included: - • • • • • • • Produced and stocked more than 185,000 "small bodied fish"' such as the Arkansas darter, northern redbelly dace and plains minnow. Retained nearly 9,000 small bodied fish for broodstock. Produced and stocked 3,800 bonytail in conjunction with the Upper Colorado River Recovery Program. Received 28 blue head suckers, a new species for the NASRF . Researched culture techniques to raise and spawn humpback chubs in captivity . Provided refugia for 730 boreal toads representing 20 populations. Stocked approximately 2,300 boreal toads in Zimmcnnan Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park, and 1,450 in New Mexico. Completed a new water line that provides warmer waler for boreal toad incubation tanks, resulting in higher survival rates and reduced defonnjtics in the tadpoles. Obtained successful results in an experiment using hormone injections to stimulate plains mmnow spawning. FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 25 �WILDLIFE EDUCATION The Division of Wildlife applies GOCO funding lo a number of programs involving formal and informal wildlife education programs for youth and adults. A po1t ion of the GOCO funding was used to support these programs, includ ing personnel salary expenses. A total of 26.2 FTEs were expended on wildlife education programs by the Division of Wildlife; GOCO funding supported 3.0 (1 1.4 %) of that FTE workload. FY 2009-10 WILDLIFE EDUCATION SUMMARY COCO FUNDING PLAN GRANT FY 2009-10 COCO EXPENDITURES Youth Education River Stewardship TOTAL FTE S554,000 Sl 6 1,000 $715,000 3.0 YOUTH EDUCATION Project WILD: T raining educators to teach their students about Colorado' s wildlife resources using the Project WJLD (Wi ldlife in Learning Design) curriculum continues to reach thousands of Colorado students every year. The following arc the Project WILD highlights for FY 2009- 10: ,, • . • .. • Hosted 50 Wildlife Educator Workshops, featuring Project WILD and other curriculum materials, reaching 829 educators in the state through nearly 900 hours of workshop contact time. Published three, 16-page editions of Colorado Connections, a conservation education newsletter that reaches approximately 20,000 educators in the state. Managed 160 volunteer facilitators to help implement Project WILD and other professional development workshops. Launched the Growing Up WILD curriculum, connecting children aged 3 to 7 to wildlife and outdoor recreation through activities and guided outdoor recreation. Trained more than 200 Colorado teachers in the first year of the program. Created and produced a bilingual Spanish-Eng lish language coloring book on Colorado's wildlife. Division of Wildlife personnel spent 8,700 hours conducting l ,400 wildlife education programs in a variety of settings, reaching an estimated I 04,000 students. Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN): Now in its 20th year, the TEN program instructs Colorado teachers how to get their students outdoors to more effectively learn about wild li fe and environmenta l education. The program FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 26 �- - brings together teachers and state and federal natural resource personnel in the development of a local, site-based outdoor environmental science program. The Division of Wildlife organizes two- to five-day training workshops around the state to instruct approximately 250 teachers annually in the TEN curriculum, which meets Colorado's Model Content Standards. Among TEN activities in FY 2009-10 were: • • • Held more than a dozen TEN workshops around the state, including ones based arou nd Lamar, Colorado Springs, Buena Vista, Loveland, Grand Junction and Steamboat Springs. Trained approximately 360 teachers, providing instruction to more than an estimated I 0,000 students in nearly 200 elementa1y, middle and high schools. Developed "site kits" - instructional material and supplies for teachers geared specifically for the particular field site used as a classroom. Adult Education Programs -The Div ision of WildLife develops programs to address current and impending issues, including those related to " Living With Wildlife", wildlife viewing, wildlife recreation, and web-based infonnation. Among the activities of adult education programs in FY 2009-10 were: Organized IO " Bear Aware" program teams, which provided more than 3000 hours of community outreach to reduce human-bear conflicts in bear country. • Created and produced a new fi sh species identification brochure, covering a ll Colorado sport fi sh species. • Participated in numerous "Get Outdoors" activities, including the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration, National Hunting and Fishing Day, Estes Park Elk Fest, the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival and many other wild life festivals. Produced 3 "a.m. Colorado" videos on Colorado River cutthroat trout, elk and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The series captures the early-morning sights and sounds of some of Colorado's unique landscapes and wildlife species. • • RIVER STEW ARDS HIP Angler Education: The Ang ler Education Program has grown significantly over the past 16 years. Started in 1994 as a small urban fi shing program designed to teach 600 kids how to fish, the curre nt program has grown to a statewide program with more than 250 fi shing clinics and events, reacbj_ng in excess o f 35,000 pat1icipants annually. A total of 17,000 free fi shing rods were d istributed at these events throughout Colorado. Over 100 different federal , state, local, regional agencies and nonprofits groups have partnered or participated in clinics and events, including: • • U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • • Colorado State Parks Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 27 �• • • • • Environmental Leaming for Kids Trout Unlimited Colorado Walleye Association Colorado Women Flyfishers Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver • • • 4H Sportfishing Extension Program Police and SherriffDepartments Statewide Ute and Southern Ute Mountain Indian Tribes Other activities of the Angler Education Program in FY 2009-10 included: ., • ., • Participated in numerous "Get Outdoor" activities including: the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration, National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration, the Estes Park Elk Fest, the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festi val, and numerous family fishing events at the Division of Wildlife's Denver headquarters, Overland Park Pond in Denver, and Lake Leehow, located southwest of Denver. Trained Park and Recreation Districts staff, sportsmen groups, and non-profit organizations in the "Passport to Fishing Program" to assist them in conducting fishing programs on their own. Partnered with the Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund (CSWF) on fishing clinics in communities from Glenwood Springs to the Grand Junction/Delta area. Created a Colorado-based "Let's Go Fishing" Program to teach youth and families ang ling skills. Partner organizatio ns -- such as Park and Rec departments, sportsmen groups and non-profit organizations -- are provided with laminated posters, teaching scripts, fi shing equipment, and fish stocking in local waters to help them hold successful fishing programs. • Continued partnership with Environmental Leaming for Kids (ELK) through the "Teens Teaching Teens" program, which assisted with or conducted 60 percent of the angling clinics in the Denver Metro area. • Collected participant data to evaluate the extent to which the clinics led to increased angling license sales. F Y 2009- 10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 28 �- WA TC HABLE WILDLIFE The Division of Wildlife reaches Watchable Wildlife goals through a wide va riety of programs, or work packages. These programs involve the development and support of viewing opportunities suc h as w ildlife fest ivals, viewing sites, and viewing skill s workshops -- often pattnering wi th local governments - as well as volunteer programs. In FY 2009- 10, a portion of the GOCO funding was used to support these programs, including personnel salary expenses. A total of 3.9 FTEs were expended on watchable wildlife programs by the Division of Wildlife; of which GOCO funding supported 1.5 FTEs (38.5%) FY 2009-10 WATCHABLE WlLDLIFE SUMMARY GRANT NAME FY 2009-10 COCO EXPENDITURES Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing - Capital Total FTE $345,000 $60,385 $405,385 1.5 WILDLIFE VIEWING The Division of W ildli fe's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to a significant segment of Colorado' s population that does not hunt or fish but who are interested in programs that perpetuate the state's wildli fe resources. The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildli fe programs also inform milli ons of citizens and visitors of the many programmatic building blocks tha t support and preserve the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. These programs provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs to citizens that might not otherwise have the opportuni ty to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. In Colorado, more tha n 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wildlife annually. The sizeable state and local economic impact of wi ldlife watc hing acti vities - generating a n estimated $ 1.3 billion in arurnal economic activ ity and more than 13,000 jobs in Colorado - has laid the groundwork for a new and expanded set of partners for the Division of Wi ldlife. Wildlife Festivals anti Events: - An estimated 170,000 people took part in wildlife viewing events or festi vals in FY 2009-10. Watchable Wi ldlife programs were involved in planning for or assisting with the foll owing wildlife festivals a nd events: • • • • • • • Lesser prairie-chicken viewing (Granada and Campo) Monte Vista Crane Festival Greater Prairie Chicken v iewing (Wray) Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival Day (Colorado Springs) Mountain Plover Festi val (Karval) Bighorn S heep Festi val (Georgetown) O rient Mine Bat Wa tching (Villa Grove) FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 29 �• • Greater Sage-Grouse lek tours (Walden) Eckert Crane Festival Watchable Wildlife Ed11catio11 Programs: The Division of Wildlife's Wildlife Watch program teaches wildlife viewing skills to youth and adults. More than 200 Colorado residents participated in Wildlife Watch workshops in FY 200910. Another 1,000 hours of volunteer hours were donated to Watchable Wi ldlife programs. Examples of wildlife festivals hosted by the Division of Wildlife that included wi ldlife viewing educational programs during FY 2009- l O include: • • • • Orient M ine Bat Outflight - Villa Grove USAFA Raptor Education Program Southern Colorado Bird Identification Program at Pueblo Eagle Day Pagosa Audubon Society • • • • Natural History of Bighorn Sheep at Garden of the Gods Sheep Festival Mancos State Park Flying Wild Training- Teachers Cortez area Mammal Mania Class - 4 Corners Health Care Center Watchable Wildlife with Partners: The D ivision of Wildlife works closely with many outside organizations to incorporate watchable wildlife viewing and educational infonnation into their projects and initiatives. Among such partne rs are state and local park departments, scenic and historic byway organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, land trusts a nd others. Watchable wildlife projects with partners during FY2009- l O include: • • • • • • Completion of the Southwestern Colorado Birding Trail , including 13 bird ing routes and 207 viewing sites. In combination wi th the previously-completed Southeastern Colorado Birding Trail, the statewide effort now includes 27 trails wi th 449 viewing sites. Maintained the Colorado Birding Trail website, which includes maps of all the birding routes. Printed 30,000 birding trail guides. Pa1tncrcd with the Colorado Department of Transpo1t ation to produce the 2010- 11 state highway map with nearly 200 wildlife viewing binocular icons indicating wi ldlife viewing s ites. Partnered with the Colorado Tourism Office to include wildlife viewing articles and featured sites on the web site and in their c-ncwsletters. Opened a wildlife viewing exhibit at the Brush Area Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibit highlights common habitat types and wildlife in the Brush a rea, includes a " how-to" wi ldlife viewing brochure, and maps to nea rby public lands. Pa1tncrcd with Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District and Rio Blanco County Commissioners on the construction of a viewing platfonn and inte rpretive panels at Kenney R eservoir, cast o f Ranglcy. m Volunteer Programs: The Division of Wildlife's Volunteer Program helps provide a ski lled and knowledgeable workforce to augment DOW programs and initiatives. Volunteers assist the Division of Wildlife PY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 30 �- in a full range of activi ties, from c ustomer service in offices and on State W ildlife Areas to field work helping with species surveys. - More than 1,000 volunteers worked on 222 Di vision of Wildlife projects in FY 2009-1 0, providing 50,000 hours o f work, or the workload of approximately 25 FTE. Vol unteers donated time and energy worth more than S I million to the Division of Wildlife's programs. Examples of the type of work volunteers undertook include: _ • • • . . .. ........... .. 7 .._:.~ - •. :.:•~~• Ten Bear Aware teams provided more than 3,000 hours of community outreach and education in bear country. Eight w ildlife transport teams donated nearly 4,000 hours to transporting sick and injured wildlife to rehabilitation centers. Individuals across the state assisted the Division of Wildlife's education program with 1,200 ho urs of volunteer time at wildlife viewing festi vals. Volunteers helped field staff with 2,200 hours of field time in 11 bighorn sheep surveys and grouse lck counts. _ WATCHABLE WILDLIFE - CAPITAL Watchable Wildlife on State Wildlife Areas: Watchable Wi ldlife capital projects completed in FY 2009-10 include: • • • • • Construction o f a watchable wildlife trail and interpretive signs at North Lake State Wildlife Area (SWA). lllstallation of watchable wi ldl ife interpretive signs at Buena V ista SWA. Completion of watchable wildli fe informational kiosks at the Clear Creek, Bosque de! Oso, Blue River and the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Areas. Installation of a c ul vert at the Delaney Buttes SWA to improve access to a grouse lek viewing site. Completion o f a conservation and access casement covering 350 acres from the O rient Land T rust. The easement will provide improved public access lo viewing the evening exodus o f the largest Mexican free-tailed bat population in Colorado - 250,000 bats from their roosts in the Orient Mine (see p icture below). FY 2009- I0DOW Annua/Report lo Great Outdoors Colorado 31 �CROSS-REFERENCE CHART FOR GOCO LOG NUMBERS AND DIVISION OF WILDLIFE WORK PACKAGES GRANTNAME GOCOLOG NUMBERS CDOW WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS Acquire High Priority Habitat 7169, 8150, 9150, 9151 0320,0330 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water GIS Habitat Information Wetlands Conservation Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Native Species Protection 7152,9152 8154,9154 6153, 7153, 8153, 9153 0370,0380,0438 0450,0461 8729 8729 0810,0815,0820,0830,0835,0841, 0842,0860,0870,0662,0710 0560, 0638, 0639, 0641-0652,06560660, 0663-0666,0680, 0686 9157 9156 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk Youth Education River Stewardship Wildlife Viewing 9155 9158 9160 6161, 7161, 7166, 8161,9162 0436 0570 6130,6140,6150,6160,6260,6290, 6581 6420 5110,5210,5260,5310 FY 2009-10 DOW Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 32 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/fe25804c509adf7134aed8e8eb3bcdf6.pdf b3c0212130803cce8861737022aad723 PDF Text Text ��1313 Sherman Street, f~ooin 618 •Denver.Colorado 80203 • Phone ('.103) 866-3437 • FAX (:103) 8615-32013 • www.coiorado.nov/pa1 ks January 31, 2011 Ms. Peggy Montano, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Ms. Montano, I'm pleased to submit Colorado State Parks' Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. This report contains financial information and narrative about the great work State Parks accomplished with GOCO funding in fiscal year 2009-2010. Our annual report is organized around the four basic objectives for GOCO investments through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, as outlined in Article XXVII of the state Constitution: • • • • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights. Despite the many financial challenges of the last year, State Parks was able to accomplish a lot in FY 09-10, as the attached report shows. Now more than ever GOCO funding is vital to our ability to continue to meet the state's growing demand for quality outdoor recreation opportunities. Colorado State Parks looks forward to working in partnership with you and the GOCO Board in the coming years. Sincerely, Dean Winstanley Director, Colorado State Parks STATE OF COl-<.lRI\DG • COLOR,\DO STATE PARl<S Joi 111 VV Hicktrnlooper. Gove: noi- • Mi~.e King. E::(eGutive Direr.tor, Departme:i:11 of N~~luml Re5ources DE;~f-.HI vv,nstanley Director. Colorado State Par,~s Colo1til1l1 Board of Pa1ks and Outdco1 Rt~crealion • Gary Butterworth, Chairman• Lenna \/Vat.son, V;ce~Chc:)ir Bill l(ane, Mmnr.1e1 • .Jarnes Pribyl M&:~!llbHr • l.1•writ::: r•-ii;~thf1ws, Mt•~mtir~, ��Table of Contents Intro and Overview ............................................................ ...... .............................................................. 1 I. Establish and Improve State Parks Land Acquisitions ..................................................................................................................................7 Army Corps Cost Share ........................................................................................................................9 Lone Mesa State Park Master Plan .................................................................................................. 11 Revenue Enhancements ..................................................................................................................... 13 St. Vrain State Park Legacy Water Acquisition ............................................................................... 15 Staunton State Park Master Plan ..................................................................................................... 16 New Park Development .............................. ... ......... ........................................................................... 18 Park Infrastructure Improvements ................................................................................................... 21 Capital Project Management .............................................................................................................. 24 Resource Management Program ....................................................................................................... 27 Vegetation Management ............ ......................................... ....... ... ..................................................... 31 Park Operations ....................................................................................................................................33 II. Public Information and Environmental Education Public Information Program ................................................................................................................ 37 Environmental Education Program .................................................................................................... 39 Volunteer Program .................................................................. ............................................................. 41 Youth Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 44 Ill. Trails and River Greenways State Trails Program .............................................................................................................................49 Trail Grants ............................................................................................................................................ 52 Colorado Front Range Trail ................................................................................................................. 54 IV. Water for Recreational Purposes Water Program .....................................................................................................................................57 V. Management of GOCO Investments GOCO Funding Management. .............................................................................................................61 Appendix - GOCO Funded Parks Statistics .......................................................................................63 ��Introduction Colorado State Parks is pleased to provide this annual report to Great Outdoors Colorado. This report contains financial and narrative information about the work our agency achieved between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 (state fiscal year 09-10) with GOCO Parks-purpose funding. Section I of Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution delineates four basic objectives for GOCO investments through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation: • • • • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout the State of Colorado. Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. Provide water for recreational purposes through the acq.uisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. This annual report is organized accordingly, with GOCO grants grouped into categories based on these four constitutional objectives. Highlights Colorado State Parks uses GOCO funding to support a wide variety of programs, park management activities, and capital projects throughout the state. Our agency makes every effort to use GOCO funding in a way that results in "on the ground" enhancements - tangible impacts that enhance the visitor experience and result in safer, more sustainable parks and facilities. In FY 09-10, GOCO funding contributed to programs and improvements at every park in the system - all 42 parks that are open to the public and 2 parks not yet open. State Parks welcomed more than 12 million visitors in FY 09-10, and GOCO funding contributed in some way to the visitor experience for the vast majority of these outdoor enthusiasts. Our agency is proud of everything we've accomplished with GOCO funding . Some particular highlights from FY 09-10 include: St Vrain Legacy Water Purchase -After years of effort and negotiations, in May, 2010 State Parks entered into an agreement with the City of Longmont whereby the City will provide State Parks with 191 acre-feet of water annually for the ponds at St Vrain State Park. The $1.5 million cost of this water was funded through a $2.0 million GOCO Legacy grant approved in December, 2007. The acquisition of water is critical to maintaining water levels in the ponds and to fulfilling the recreational potential of this park. Additional water will be acquired in FY 10-11 using the remaining Legacy funds. 1 �Staunton Master Plan - In January, 2010, the Parks Board approved the Staunton State Park Master Plan, the development of which was funded through a $700,000 GOCO Grant. The core property for Staunton State Park had been bequeathed to State Parks in 1986. Over the years additional surrounding and inholding acreage was acquired, funded primarily through GOCO, to yield an assemblage of sufficient size for what is expected to be one of the signature parks in the State Park system. Previous attempts to develop a master plan had been stymied by the numerous challenges involved. With this funding from GOCO State Parks was able to assemble the right expertise and conduct a comprehensive planning effort which involved considerable public input and outreach. This planning process took almost three years. The result was the highly acclaimed master plan, which lays out a number of stand-alone phases to guide the future development of the park. State Parks is now in the process of implementing Phase I of the master plan. In October 2010, Colorado State Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects selected the Staunton Master Plan to receive the prestigious Merit Award based on the high level of professionalism, the planning approach, the decision-making process, and the implementation of the Staunton Master Plan. Volunteer Program - In the wake of continued budget challenges volunteer contributions to Colorado State Parks remain as important as ever. Volunteers play a critical role in supporting parks by performing important administrative tasks, educating visitors, conserving natural resources, serving as leaders of volunteers, and even helping to leverage donation support through Friends groups. The promotion, cultivation, and management of volunteerism made possible with GOCO funds helps Colorado State Parks address critical needs now and in the future, as well as providing for the next generation of park visitors. In FY 09-10, nearly 5,000 volunteers contributed more than 198,000 volunteer hours-the equivalent of 95 full-time employees with a value of over $4 million. In the process, these volunteers helped State Parks in a variety of important areas including serving as campground hosts, providing interpretive programs, trail construction, weed control, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and even fund raising. Buffer Acquisition at Lory State Park - McClure Property- In December, 2009 State Parks acquired the 99-acre McClure property adjacent to Lory State Park for $395,000. This property was one of the top 5 buffer/ inholding acquisition priorities for Colorado State Parks statewide. Acquisition of this property was critical to maintain access to the Lory State Park backcountry for forestry/fuels management work, emergency access and public access. A gravel road crosses the property and continues into the park backcountry. The former owners had given verbal approval for use of this access road (for Parks' administrative/emergency purposes only) for a number of years but without a legal easement. The property was put on the market in 2008, and this access was in danger of being lost. Using GOCO funding, State Parks was able to acquire the property and preserve this critical access to the park. The property also provides an important open space buffer between the park and the Soldier Canyon Estates subdivision to the north. The property varies between 6,000 - 7,000 feet in elevation, and consists of rolling 2 �to steep foothills with heavy ponderosa pine forest interspersed with more open areas and rock outcroppings. Youth Outreach Programs and Connecting Kids to the Outdoors - Colorado's state parks are uniquely positioned to introduce Colorado's youth to the outdoors, encourage more physical activity, and educate them about wildlife and outdoor issues to foster environmental stewardship. Many parks already collaborate with various school districts in their surrounding region to meet these objectives. Roxborough and Ridgway are examples of two parks that provide school programs, made possible with GOCO funds, geared toward the current state education curriculum requirements. These are experiential environmental education programs that utilize the parks' wonderful outdoor venues. In addition, many parks work closely with Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups to help them meet badge requirements. Colorado State Parks also partners regularly with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), which honored Colorado State Parks with their 2009 Partner of the Year award, and Colorado Youth Corps, which is a statewide coalition of youth conservation corps that employs and trains youth and young adults on land, water, and energy conservation projects. Last year, Colorado Youth Corps members, comprised of 16- to 24- year-olds, completed 51 project weeks at 27 state park locations. The project accomplishments of the 27 crew leaders and 134 crew members included: 9.63 miles of trail corridor cleared, 43 acres and 6 miles of weeds removed, 12.73 miles of trail constructed/ maintained, 28 rock walls installed, 56 water diversion structures installed/ improved, and 49 trees removed. Funding for these youth crews was provided by GOCO. Maintaining the State Park System - Over the past 15 years, GOCO funds have been used to acquire, expand, develop and enhance the state park system, which now stands at 44 parks. Of these, 42 are open to the public, one is under development, and one will be developed in the future. Demand for recreational opportunities at the state parks continues to grow, and in FY 09-10 State Parks set a new record high for visitation, with over 12 million park visits. Running the parks on a day-to-day basis is a very labor and capital-intensive undertaking. GOCO funds are critical to operating and maintaining these parks after they have been acquired and developed. Without these GOCO funds, it would not be possible provide these tremendous opportunities -for outdoor recreation, learning, and simply enjoying nature - to the public. 3 �Report Format Each project and program area included in this annual report consists of three sections. A Summary Table lists all the GOCO logs associated with a project or program area that were available at some point during FY 09-10. (Each log also has an associated Grant Budget Line (GBL) code, included to make this document useful to Parks staff as well as GOCO.) For each log, information is included about the grant amount, expenditures made during FY 09-10, cumulative expenditures to date, and the unexpended balance of the log. Example: Land Acquisitions Summary Tobie GOCO Log Number GBL 07174 09171 8CLA 10L3 Adjusted Grant Am~unt Project Land Resource Acquisitions Land Acquisitions TOTALS 340,000.00 340,000.00 680,000.00 FY10 Expenditures 315,258.96 154,045.93 469,304.89 Total Expenditures Thro1Jgh FY10 337,717.00 154,045.93 491,762.93 Unexpended Balance 2,283.00 185,954.07 188,237.07 The Background and Objectives section lists the goals of a specific project or program area. In the case of projects, this section contains specific outcomes, such as the construction of a building or development of a trail. In the case of programs (and specific positions within those programs), these goals may contain some specific outcomes but may also be more general in nature. The Accomplishments in FY 09-10 section highlights specific work that was done and accomplishments made in FY 09-10. 4 �I. Establish and Improve State Pa.rks 5 �8 �Establish and Improve State Parks Land Acquisitions GOCO Log Number GBL 07174 BCLA 09171 10L3 Adjusted Grant Amount Project Land Resource Acquisitions Land Acquisitions TOTALS 340,000.00 340,000.00 680,000.00 FY10 Expenditures 315,258.96 154,045.93 469,304.89 Total Expenditures Th rough FY10 337,717.00 154,045.93 491,762.93 Unexpended Balance 2, 283.00 185,954.07 188,237.07 Background and Objectives The Colorado State Parks Real Estate Program is staffed with 1.0 FTE, assisted with periodic seasonal worker (SWP) support. This position's primary responsibility is negotiation with property owners or their agents for the acquisition, exchange, lease, or limited use of lands and interests in real property for public recreation purposes. The position is responsible for obtaining and reviewing appraisals, title commitments, surveying, inspections, and other items/services involved in purchasing and acquiring recreation lands. This requires extensive travel, given the remote location of many of State Parks' existing lands and acquisitions. Beyond acquisition, the Real Estate Program manages State Parks' existing portfolio of lands, including administration of the annual PILT program, annual inventory of properties held in title, and ongoing management of the State Parks Land Trust Portfolio (held in trust by the State Land Board). Prior to FY 09-10, the Real Estate Program staff and associated operating costs were partially funded through GOCO grants. Beginning in FY 09-10, GOCO grant funds are limited to actual acquisition costs, as well as direct costs associated with those acquisitions. GOCO funding has been vital to the acquisition of State Parks' overall land base. Annual investment funding generally enables the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In -holdings and adjoining lands at state parks, like Golden Gate Canyon, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes and right-of-way problems. Colorado State Parks also uses GOCO funds to acquire (or purchase conservation easements on) lands that are not directly adjacent to or within a state park, in order to fulfill other aspects of 7 �State Parks' mission. These acquisitions and/or easements could include parcels that comprise designated or new Natural Areas or trail corridor connections. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 In December, 2009 State Parks acquired the 99-acre McClure property adjacent to Lory State Park for $395,000. This property was one of the top 5 buffer/ inholding acquisition priorities for Colorado State Parks statewide. Acquisition of this property was critical to maintain access to the Lory State Park backcountry for forestry/fuels management work, emergency access and public access. A gravel road crosses the property and continues into the park backcountry. The former owners had given verbal approval for use of this access road (for Parks' administrative/emergency purposes only) for a number of years but without a legal easement. The property was put on the market in 2008, and this access was in danger of being lost. The property also provides an important open space buffer between the park and the Soldier Canyon Estates subdivision to the north. The property varies between 6,000 - 7,000 feet in elevation, and consists of rolling to steep foothills with heavy ponderosa pine forest interspersed with more open areas and rock outcroppings. In March, 2010, State Parks acquired the so-called Kelly Property at the Arkansas Headwaters State Park for about $35,000. This 1.2 acre property is located along the Arkansas River south of the town of Buena Vista. It provides access to a key stretch of river that was closed to the public prior to State Parks' purchase. In particular, State Parks could not access the river for rescue purposes and boaters could not portage around a low head dam on that section of river. The property was purchased to improve boating safety. 8 �Establish and fmp rove State Parks Army Corps Cost Share GOCO Log Number GBL 06188 06188 07182 07182 10202 10205 10206 10207 10208 7CAD 7CAK 8CAD 8CAK 10RI 10AA 10CG 10CS 10RD Adjusted Grant Amount Project 325,000.00 316,413.00 500,000.00 500,000.00 72,500.00 200,000.00 725,000.00 385,000.00 636,000.00 3,659,913.00 Army Corp Chatfield 606 Army Corp Cherry Creek G06 Army Corp Cost Share-Chatfield Army Corp Cost Share-Cherry Creek HPCH ACCS Phase 4 Road Imp HPCH ACCS Phase 2 Trail Pro) HPCC ACCS Camper Svs Big HPCC ACCS Cottonwood CG Imp SETR ACCS Rec Imp & Dev TOTALS FY10 Expenditures 0.00 0.00 148,355.16 500,000.00 53,928.64 479.39 10,718.15 0.00 2,623.56 716,104.90 Total Expenditures Through FY10 325,000.00 316,412.27 408,940.57 500,000.00 53,928.64 479.39 10,718.15 0.00 2,623.56 1,618,102.58 Unexpended Balance 0.00 0.73 91,059.43 0.00 18,571.36 199,520.61 714,281.85 385,000.00 633 ,376 .44 2,041 ,810.42 Footnote (a) - The funding for Log number 06188 has been deauthomed and the grant does not have an open balance. Background and Objectives In early 2003 Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements in establishing a landmark 50/50 monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Trinidad State Parks . This partnership allows for a combined total of up to $38 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will come primarily from GOCO and Lottery funding, with a small amount of HUTF funding. Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Trinidad combined host over three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contained many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors presently seen . While State Parks had invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities were 25 to 30 years old and were unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks. The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to implement a vision for the future. 9 �Accomplishments in FY 09-10 Chatfield • • • • Completed the relocation of the downstream transformer. Completed design work on the Deer Creek entrance station renovation. Completed asphalt replacement at the boat ramp. Completed the swim beach sewer lift station Cherry Creek • Completed the Cottonwood Trail improvements near the Belleview/Peoria road realignment. The project included removal of 900 linear feet of abandoned asphalt road, construction of 30,240 square feet of trails, vault restroom facility, 334 square yard trail head parking lot, self service informational sign and 990 linear feet of fence. The main components were: • • • • • • Provide a connection to the newly enhanced Cottonwood Creek corridor, realignment of the creek channel including wetland construction to help improve the water quality within Cherry Creek Basin; Clearly define major trail corridors and remove non-supported social trails; Remove abandoned section of road; Construct a new Trailhead along the parks perimeter road to provide easy access to the Cottonwood Creek Trail network; and Provide visitor amenities including parking, restroom (vault toilet), and way finding at the trailhead. Substantially completed the development of the Cottonwood Loop campsite addition . The main components included: • Cottonwood Grove Campground Utility Improvements • Employee Campground Spur Construction • Coyote Loop Campsite Construction Work slated for completion in FY 10-11 includes: • Cottonwood Grove Campground Wash House Demolition • Cottonwood Grove Campground Loop Road Improvements • Tree Plantings in multiple campground loops 10 �Establish and Improve State Parks Lone Mesa State Park Master Plan GOCO Log Number GBL 07173 8CLM Adjusted Grant Amount Project Lone Mesa Planning 250,000.00 250,000.00 TOTALS FY10 Expenditu res 59,202.89 59,202.89 Total Expenditures Through FY10 162,060.75 162,060.75 Unexpended Balance 87,939.25 87,939.25 Background and Objectives Lone Mesa State Park lies about 20 miles north of the town of Dolores and encompasses 11,702 acres of incredibly scenic land, ranging in elev;:ition from nec1r 7,000 feet to just over 9,000 feet. Lone Mesa State Park's purchase in 1999 was the result of the Division's "Crown Jewel" initiative, and the 11,700-acre property demonstrates the high natural resource values pursued as part of that search . The GOCO-funded purchase of the three private ranches comprising the park resulted in State Land Board and DPOR fee title ownership of the largest Parks-owned state park in the system. The park is closed to general public access while development and management planning is in progress. However, a Special Use Permit program allows limited public hunting during the big game seasons, as the park includes fantastic elk, deer and bear habitat. Along with administration of the public hunting program, management of Lone Mesa includes monitoring of a livestock grazing lease and other Special Use Permits, involvement in volunteer and other service partnerships, and operation of a visitor center in Dolores. Fire fuels mitigation planning, wetlands monitoring, and other resource work has been completed on the site. Before the park can be developed for broader public use, a master plan must be developed. Before a master plan can be developed, a "stewardship plan" is prepared. This work includes a thorough site inventory, including GIS and assessment of soils, hydrology, and other factors influencing ultimate development of recreation facilities on the property. This GOCO funding is earmarked for stewardship planning. Based on the stewardship plan, at some future time the master plan and master development plan will be completed, with the ultimate goal being the development and opening of the park for public use. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 The stewardship planning effort for Lone Mesa began in FY 08-09 and will continue through FY 10-11. This grant was originally slated to expire on June 30, 2010 but was extended through 11 �June 30, 2011 by the GOCO Board at State Parks' request. In FY 09-10, to following work was undertaken: • • • Reconnaissance of archeological resources on the park, and archeological resource mapping; Raptor survey Vegetative community mapping and condition assessment, noxious weed mapping and grazing monitoring and rare plant mapping was completed. Because this park has four exceedingly rare plant species, this work is incredibly important for the future planning of park development. 12 �Establish and Improve State Parks Revenue Enhancements Total GOCO Log Number GBL 07183 07183 8CGG 8CNJ Adjusted Grant Amount Project 250,000.00 430,000.00 680,000.00 Rev Enhancement-Golden Gate Rev Enhancement-Navajo TOTALS FY10 Expenditures 24,707.00 0.00 24,707.00 Expenditures Through FY1 0 196,120.98 24,326.00 220,446.98 Unexpended Balance 53,879.02 405,674.00 459,553.02 Background and Objectives Golden Gate Cabins: This funding and matching Lottery funds were allocated for remodeling of the Harmsen Ranch houses and barns and the Green Ranch. These facilities are available for full-service rental to State Park visitors. The original Harmsen Ranch house was built at the turn of the 20th century and has had several building additions over the life of the structure. Among the appurtenant structures is a historic barn. Navajo Marina: Since Navajo became a state park in the 1960s State Parks has operated a marina at the park through a private concessionaire. When the last concession contract ended in 2001, the concessionaire was the only bidder for a new contract, but that contractor and the State could not come to terms. Utilizing GOCO funding, in addition to other funding sources, State Parks undertook the development of new marina facilities. The first phase of development has been named the Two Rivers Marina and was opened to the public in 2005. State Parks had expressed interest in developing additional amenities at the marina to further enhance the visitor experience. Proposed development includes a maintenance shop for the park's rental boats, dry storage facilities, additional boating slips and mooring balls, and construction of a marina store offering gas and other amenities. However, due to uncertainties over the economics of further investments, this project is undergoing further evaluation . Accomplishments in FY 09-10 Golden Gate Cabins: At the Harmsen Ranch, remodeling of the house was completed in 2008. Infrastructure work included a new well, new water treatment facilities, improvements to the septic system, new water service to the house, new electrical service to the house and barn, and drainage improvements. The ranch house's kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms were completely remodeled, including the installation of new gas heating stoves, conversion of a tool 13 �shed into a bedroom, remodel of the sun room, structural improvements, and new flooring. Up.graded electrical wiring was installed in the house and barn. The entrance road to the house was paved. In FY 09-10 the remodeling and re.storation work on this barn was completed. Navajo: Implementation of the next phase of this project is o.n hold pending further evaluation of the potential return from further capital investments. 14 �Establish and Improve State Parks St. Vrain State Park Legacy Water Acquisition GOCO Log Number GBL 08735 C028 St. Vrain Legacy Water Acq 2,000,000.00 1,500,000.00 Tota l Expenditures Through FY10 1,500,000.00 TOTALS 2,000,000.00 1,500,000.00 1,500,000.00 Adjusted Grant Amount Project FY10 Expenditures Unexpended Balance 500,000.00 500,000.00 Background and Objectives Located about five miles due east of Longmont right along the 1-25 corridor, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Over the next few years State Parks plans to make major capital investments at St. Vrain to provide recreation experiences in an area undergoing rapid population growth. In 2004 Colorado State Parks commissioned a local design firm to prepare a master plan outlining development of the infrastructure and amenities necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. The St. Vrain State Park Master Plan contains detailed recommendations on improving every aspect of the park, including recreation opportunities, habitat protection, access, circulation, and sustainability. Critical to the future of the park and the implementation of the master plan is the acquisition of water to ensure that the ponds, which form one of the primary natura I resources on the park, can be kept full. The quantity of water needed and the cost to acquire the water are both significant. In December, 2007 the GOCO Board awarded a Legacy grant to State Parks for the purpose of acquiring water for St Vrain State Park. Since that time State Parks has invested considerable time and effort pursuing a number of different options for obtaining this water. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 After years of effort and negotiations, in May, 2010 State Parks entered into an agreement with the City of Longmont whereby the City will provide State Parks with 191 acre-feet of water annually for the ponds at St Vrain State Park. This will provide most of the water needed for the park. The cost of the 191 acre-feet was $1.5 million. In FY 09-10 State Parks also continued negotiations with varies parties to secure additional water for the park, using the remaining $500,000 in the Legacy grant. These water purchases will be completed in FY 10-11. 15 �Establish and Improve State Parks Staunton State Park Master Plan I GOCO Log Number GBL 07172 BCST Adjusted Grant Amount Project FY10 Expenditures '· Staunton Planning TOTALS 690,827.00 690,827.00 83,486.58 83,486.58 Total Expenditures Through FY10 627,112.50 627, 112.50 Unexpended Balance 63,714.50 63,714.50 Background and Objectives Staunton State Park lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within botli Park and Jefferson Counties and is surrounded by the Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton is not yet open to the public and represents a rare opportunity for our agency to develop an entirely new state park from the ground up. In 1986, Frances Hornbrook Staunton donated 1,680 acres (including her parents' original homestead) to Colorado State Parks, establishing the original land base for the park. Additional purchases in 1998 added the Elk Falls Section (1,042 acres) and the Davis Ranch Section (860 acres) . The acquisition of the 80-acre Chase parcel in 2006 opened up a key transportation corridor through the park and will greatly enhance the development potential. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. In February 2007 Colorado State Parks embarked on a comprehensive master planning effort for Staunton State Park. State Parks selected Landworks Design, Inc as the park' s lead master planning firm, which was supported by a team of consultants with diversified expertise in master planning, design development, financial planning, construction documentation, and construction observation services. In partnership with Colorado State Parks Development Staff, Landworks Design, Inc helped lead the Staunton State Park Planning Team (Planning Team), which comprised Colorado State Park field, planning, and natural resource staff and various subconsultants. The Planning Team met regularly throughout the master planning effort and provided frequent updates to the Parks Board at important junctures in the planning process to ensure that a thorough, well-conceived plan would be developed. The Planning Team also held nine public open house meetings throughout the process in Conifer, Bailey and Golden to solicit 16 �public feedback on the master plan. In addition, a master plan advisory group (MPAC), comprised of 15 local, regional and statewide stakeholders supplemented the information provided by the public and helped explore and develop master plan alternatives. Based on public input and other information obtained during the planning process, the Staunton State Park Planning Team proposed a plan that balanced physical site characteristics and overall site carrying capacity with the Colorado State Parks mission and careful financial planning. The proposed Master Plan is broken into distinct phases over time that coincide with key steps and funding needed to develop the park over time incorporating partnerships, buildout goals and other considerations. The plan features a variety of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails, about 100 campsites, and potentially 10 to 20 'sleeper cabins' and yurts depending on partner funding and/or other philanthropic contributions at full buildout. The park's unique geography provides for a variety of other outdoor opportunities including rock climbing, wildlife watching, camping, and scenic viewing. At maximum buildout, the development "footprint" at the park would amount to seven-tenths of one percent, or about 29.5 acres. This figure includes all roads, trails, buildings, parking, visitors services buildings, and campsites. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 In January, 2010, the Parks Board approved the Staunton State Park Master Plan, the development of which was funded through this GOCO Grant. With this funding State Parks was able to assemble the right expertise and conduct a comprehensive planning effort which involved tremendous public input and outreach. This planning process took almost three years. The result was the highly acclaimed master plan, which involves a number of stand-alone phases to guide the future development of the park. State Parks is now in the process of implementing Phase I of the master plan. In October 2010, Colorado State Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects selected the Staunton Master Plan to receive the prestigious Merit Award based on the high level of professionalism, the planning approach, the decision-making process, and the implementation of the Staunton Master Plan. 17 �Establish and Improve State Parks New Park Development GOCO Log Number 10196 10197 10198 0196 0197 0198 Adjusted Grant Amount Project GBL HPVR Master Plan Implementation 2,880,000.00 1,350,000.00 500,000.00 4,730,000.00 HPST Davis Dams Renovations HPST Elk Falls Renovation TOTALS FY10 Expenditures 96,997.80 0.00 24,602.50 121,600.30 Total Expenditures Through FY10 96,997.80 0.00 24,602.50 121,600.30 Unexpended Balance 2,783,002.20 1,350,000.00 475,397.50 4,608,399.70 Background and Objectives There were three capital projects making up this program in FY 09-10: Implementation of the St Vrain Master Plan, renovation of the Davis Ponds at Staunton State Park, and renovation of the Elk Falls dam at Staunton State Park. Located about five miles due east of Longmont right along the 1-25 corridor, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Over the next few years State Parks plans to make major capital investments at St. Vrain to provide recreation experiences in an area undergoing rapid population growth. In 2004 Colorado State Parks commissioned a local design firm to prepare a master plan outlining development of the infrastructure and amenities necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. The St. Vrain State Park Master Plan contains detailed recommendations on improving every aspect of the park, including recreation opportunities, habitat protection, access, circulation, and sustainability. The Master Plan, which will be implemented with these GOCO funds, includes: St Vrain Master Plan Project Component Cost Estimate Pave Entrance Road $ Pave South CG Road $ South CG Flush Toilet $ Blue Heron Day Use $ BH Res. Improvements 1,000,000 20,000 206,000 223,000 928,411 Entrance Station $ $ Total $ 2,880,000 502,589 18 �During FY 09-10, detailed design work commenced on these projects. This design work will continue into FY 10-11, when construction on the first components will begin. Staunton State Park lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within both Park and Jefferson Counties and is surrounded by Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton is not yet open to the public and represents a rare opportunity for our agency to develop an entirely new state park from the ground up. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. The three Davis dams, located on Black Mountain Creek, were constructed in 1935 and are not in good condition. The earthen dams (referred to as Davis #1, Davis #2, and Davis #3) were inspected by the Office of the State Engineer in 2005 and determined to be Conditionally Satisfactory, with several improvements required in order to achieve a fully Satisfactory approval rating. The dams lack adequate upstream slope erosion protection, the outlet works are in disrepair and are leaking, the spillways are not adequately sized or protected against erosion, and the dams have seepage issues. The current Hazard Status of the dams is Low Hazard/Minor, but the Office of the State Engineer is in the process of reevaluating this status. Subsequent to 2005, State Parks commissioned an engineering study of the dams, resulting in several possible alternatives for bringing the dams to Satisfactory condition. The alternative initially selected by State Parks project engineers included the following components: • • • • • Rehabilitate the three dams, installing a clay cutoff trench at the upstream toe of each dam and a 24-inch clay blanket on the upstream face of each dam. Create a 125-foot wide emergency spillway at the upper reservoir (Davis #1) that discharges into an off-line channel around the Davis #2 and Davis #3 dams and rejoins Black Mountain Creek below the dams. Reconstruct the outlet works for each dam with new control gates and service spillways to control the water level in the individual reservoirs. Remove an existing diversion embankment upstream of the Davis #1 dam. Construct a sediment pond to capture sediment washed down the stream. Subsequent engineering analysis conducted in FY 09-10 has led to the conclusion that a more cost-effective approach will be to replace the three ponds with two slightly larger ponds. This analysis determined that the soils in the area were not adequate for the proposed spillway. It was proposed in the conceptual design that a 125 foot wide spillway would be constructed on the upper portion of the spillway channel and would neck down to 20 foot wide in the lower portion of the spillway channel. However, after the soils testing was completed it was determined the spillway would need to be constructed 125 feet wide for the entire length of 19 �the spillway channel and it would have to be riprap for the entire width and length of the spillway. This was a significant cost increase that was not anticipated in the Alternative Study. After further investigations it was determined it would be more economical to combine two of the three ponds and construct concrete spillways over the dams. Engineering, design and feasibility studies will continue into FY 10-11. The Elk Creek dam spillway and outlet works at Staunton State Park are in need of repair. A preliminary examination by the State Engineers Office indicates several problems with the dam infrastructure. The current outlet structure is not fully functional and will need to be replaced. The spillway is undersized for the drainage basin and needs to be repaired. There are voids in the concrete below the spillway that need to be filled to prevent further erosion from occurring. Repairs need to be made to the vertical concrete wall on the side of the spillway. The crest of the dam needs to leveled and low spots filled in. The bank of the dam itself contains two metal culverts that must be removed and backfilled. The State Engineers Office must approve the renovation plans before any work on the dam or outlet structures is undertaken. In FY 09-10 State Parks contracted with water engineering professionals to develop a final renovation scenario for the Elk Creek dam. Specific tasks include a comprehensive topographic survey of the dam and its immediate vicinity, geotechnical investigation of the dam itself, a hydrological study of the creek and retaining pond, alternative analysis of specific repairs that must take place, a technical/engineering design of the repairs, and finally construction of the improvement. Based on this work, State Parks is considering four alternatives to renovating the Elk Falls dam: (1) constructing a roller-compacted concrete dam and spillway; (2) constructing a labyrinth weir spillway; (2) constructing a smaller, non-jurisdictional dam; and (4) breaching the dam and restoring the creek to approximate its original condition. Evaluation of these alternatives will continue into FY 10-11, when a decision will be made and plans will be submitted to the State Engineer. 20 �Establish and Improve State Parks Park Infrastructure Improvements GOCO Log Number 10199 10200 10201 10203 10204 10209 10210 10211 10212 10213 GBL 0199 0200 0201 0203 0204 0209 0210 0211 0212 0213 Adjusted Grant Amount Project 10199 Energy Retrofits Dam Maintenance Hecla Junction Site Repair HPNS Spillway Road Replacement 1,000,000.00 168,000.00 477,500.00 400,000.00 250,000.00 2,480,000.00 600,000.00 300,000.00 225,000. 00 SEMU Road Overlay HPCH New HQ Office & Shop HPNS Marina Bay Restoration Asset Inv & Cond Assessment Road Inv & Evaluation Project Signing TOTALS 1s,ooo.00I 5,915,500.00 FY10 Expe-n diture.s 0.00 22.20 2,999.88 69,353.79 0.00 54,408.25 0.00 2,970.00 0.00 0.00 129,754.12 Total Expenditures Through FY10 0.00 22.20 2,999.88 69,353.79 0.00 54,408.25 0.00 2,970.00 0.00 0.00 129,754.12 Unex pended Balance 1,000,000.00 167,977.80 474,500.12 330,646.21 250,000.00 2,425,591.75 600,000.00 297,030.00 225,000~ 15,000.00 5,785,745.88 Background and Objectives The parks system is nearly 50 years old and requires continuous maintenance, restoration, and improvement of facilities and infrastructure. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is statutorily charged with promoting outdoor recreation in Colorado. To meet this charge, recreational facilities must be well maintained. Further, in order to provide recreational opportunities to a growing number of visitors, new and diverse features need to be added to our state park system. Furthermore, State Parks is dependent on revenue from visitors for operational funds. Maintaining and improving basic park facilities is an important part of sustaining a solid base of visitation and generating enough cash revenues to cover a majority of the operating costs of the state park system·. In FY 09-10, GOCO funded 10 new capital projects. During FY 09-10, State Parks began design, feasibility, and engineering analyses on all these projects. Construction on these is anticipated to begin in FY 10-11. Highlights include: In April 2007 Governor Ritter signed the Greening of State Government Executive Orders (DOU 07 and D012 07). These orders charge state departments, agencies and offices to take a position of leadership in the new energy economy. State government will reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy sources, increase the energy efficiency and decrease the environmental impact of the state vehicle fleet, implement environmental purchasing standards and reduce waste and increase recycling. 21 �The Greening Government goals Colorado state government seeks to achieve by June 30, 2012 are : 20% reduction in energy use 20% reduction in paper use 10% reduction in water consumption 25% volumetric reduction in state vehicle petroleum consumption Each state department and campus is charged with creating a sustainability management system to track and report their greening government performance. Colorado State Parks has approximately 1000 facilities located in 44 parks, plus a few administration facilities that are located outside of the parks. While many of these facilities are very primitive in nature (e.g. vault toilets), State Parks has an enormous opportunity to realize significant energy savings in the long term. State Parks contracted with a professional energy efficiency engineering firm to conduct a Technical Energy Audit (TEA) that identified the potential to save 10-15% on energy costs through a variety of retrofits. This audit was performed by EMC Engineers and included a detailed evaluation of park buildings in 32 of 42 Parks - including but not limited to: utility meters, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, Domestic Hot Water (DHW) systems, control systems, water and sewer systems, building envelopes, water treatment lagoons, irrigation systems, boat-washing and inspection stations, camping hookups, etc. In addition, the TEA involved the collection and data entry of utility bills for electrical, natural gas, or propane services in the Parks for all months back to July 2005. This audit was the first step in the development of an Energy Services Performance Contract {ESPC), under the guidelines of the Colorado Governor's Energy Office (GEO), which EMC Engineers proposed to Colorado State Parks and will eventually lead to the installation of the projects recommended in their report. The goal of the TEA was to evaluate energy usage, utility bill costs, and water savings measures to reduce energy consumption and energy costs for the state parks system. The TEA evaluates 30 possible energy-saving measures. In FY 2010, Colorado State Parks set aside a future budget of about $1,000,000 per year for the next two years to help address energy efficiency projects, particularly projects that result in the greatest reduction of utility bills. In December, 2009 the consultants delivered their final report. State Parks plans to deploy the $1,000,000 GOCO grant beginning in FY 10-11 to implement the recommendations that appear to be the most costeffective. The recommended retrofits would have a 10-year payback or less on the infrastructure improvement. A contract is underway to implement these strategies in FY 2011. EMC Engineers recommended lighting retrofits and water conservation projects as the highest priority projects for maximum savings in the 28 parks that have the highest utility bills. These parks account for 95.3% of all the utility costs in the park system, including water/sewer costs. The main focus of the TEA is to reduce utility bills and free up additional dollars for other park 22 �operating needs. An important distinction in this report is that the Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) recommended do not impact the energy used by RV pads (hookups), which account for as much as 50% of the electrical energy cost of some parks (but are also in high demand by park visitors throughout the months of April to October). If all of the highest priority lighting retrofits and water conservation projects are implemented at the 28 parks having the greatest utility cost saving potential, proposed project payback is 9.8 years with a Return on Investment (ROI) of 10%, amounting to an estimated $185,121 in utility bill savings per year. This is approximately a 14% utility cost savings and a 14.2% reduction in energy usage for 28 Parks and approximately a 13.3% utility savings for the entire park system. While further energy savings measures could be implemented, the payback time for these exceeded 10 years and were deleted from the scope of work. Colorado State Parks is currently negotiating the contract to implement the top priority projects, with completion of retrofits at the 28 priority parks estimated in the spring of 2012. Once the projects are implemented, the annual electricity savings will be 517,167 kWh. The projects will also save 26,067 therms of natural gas. Not only will these reductions in energy use save money, they will also result in annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. Reducing the parks' energy use will keep 1,144,925 pounds of greenhouse gases (CO2 equivalents) from entering the atmosphere and affecting global climate change. In FY 09-10, State Parks embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of every building, road and infrastructure asset within the agency. The Asset Inventory for Colorado State Parks is the first component of an overall Capital Asset Management Program. The objective of overall program is to guide a wide range of decision making and management of all constructed assets. The specific objective of the Asset Inventory is to develop facility and infrastructure evaluation criteria and a methodology to survey and asses the physical condition of the constructed assets within Colorado State Parks. The evaluation criteria will not only establish benchmarks for the assessment of the conditions and needs of park infrastructure but will also serve as the basis for quantifying the costs to maintain the assets and serve as a tool to help predict and recommended capital improvements. Key goals of the development of the criteria are to minimize future maintenance obligations and establish renovation and construction guidelines that will provide uniformity and therefore improve the cost-effectiveness for future construction and maintenance of projects within State Parks. Survey teams have been deployed to collect data on park facilities and infrastructure that is eventually entered into a database that can be displayed on a map so specific assets can be located easily (see inset). Other reports and links to external data will be included within this web-enabled interface and will be available to Park staff or management wherever a connection to the internet is available. The Asset Inventory will become a valuable tool to understand and better maintain State Park infrastructure. The current design should allow it to be easy to use, be compatible with Risk Management data, and grow with State Parks needs. 23 �Establish and Improve State Parks Capital Project Management GOCO Log GBL Adjusted Grant Amount Project Number 09172 10AD Capital Project Management 603 ,000.00 603,000.00 TOTALS FY10 Expenditures 603,000.00 603,000.00 Total Expenditures Through Unexpended Balance FY10 603,000.00 0.00 603 ,000.00 0.00 Background and Objectives Colorado State Parks' Capital Development Program is responsible for construction and development projects around the state, ranging in size from small landscaping projects to the planning and development of new state parks. The program works closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. Program staff plan, design, engineer, budget, contract, supervise, and inspect the design and construction of facilities and all other park infrastructure. Program staff must also manage the complicated procurement process, including advertising and soliciting bids, evaluating contractor qualifications, and managing bid awards. Additionally, program staff oversee the design and implementation of the asset inventory system, energy efficiency feasibility analyses, administrative office space planning and management, and numerous other aspects of managing State Parks' capital facilities. GOCO has historically funded a number of full-time positions at State Parks which directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding, including Capital Project Engineers. Project Engineers manage construction and other development projects around the state. This GOCO funding covers costs for approximately half of State Parks' capital development program staff and operations, which includes ten engineer, landscape architect, administrative support and management positions. The capital program has recently been centralized, and all capital development staff and capital projects are overseen by a single Capital Program Manager. Over the past half century, Parks has grown significantly, now managing over 220,000 acres of parklands and a significant capital infrastructure, estimated at about 1,000 facilities and structures throughout 44 parks. In addition to the growth in Parks' capital infrastructure, the capital budget has grown over the years as well, to over $20 million in FY 09-10. A centrally managed Capital Development Program will significantly enhance the quality of information available to the agency, the Parks Board, GOCO and other decision makers. It will help ensure 24 �that Colorado State Parks manages public dollars that are entrusted to us in a transparent, responsible and cost-effective way. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 In FY 09-10 capital project managers were involved in overseeing work on over 180 active capital projects in various stages of completion, with a value of over $40 million. In 2010, State Parks embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of every building, road and infrastructure asset within the agency. The Asset Inventory for Colorado State Parks is the first component of an overall Capital Asset Management Program. The objective of overall program is to guide a wide range of decision making and management of all constructed assets. The specific objective of the Asset Inventory is to develop facility and infrastructure evaluation criteria and a methodology to survey and asses the physical condition of the constructed assets within Colorado State Parks. The evaluation criteria will not only establish benchmarks for the assessment of the conditions and needs of park infrastructure but will also serve as the basis for quantifying the costs to maintain the assets and serve as a tool to help predict and recommended capital improvements. Key goals of the development of the criteria are to minimize future maintenance obligations and establish renovation and construction guidelines that will provide uniformity and therefore improve the cost-effectiveness for future construction and maintenance of projects within State Parks. In FY 09-10, the Asset Inventory process was designed, and survey teams initiated the data collection, on a trial basis, on park facilities and infrastructure. In FY 10-11 this will be expanded and the information entered into a database that can be displayed on a map so specific assets can be located easily. Other reports and links to external data will be included within this web-enabled interface and will be available to Park staff or management wherever a connection to the internet is available. The Asset Inventory will become a valuable tool to understand and better maintain State Park infrastructure. The current design should allow it to be easy to use, be compatible with Risk Management data, and grow with State Parks needs. In FY 09-10, State Parks completed a comprehensive Technical Energy Audit (TEA) that identified the potential to save 10-15% on energy costs through a variety of retrofits. This audit was performed by EMC Engineers and included a detailed evaluation of park buildings in 32 of 42 Parks - including but not limited to: utility meters, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, Domestic Hot Water (DHW) systems, control systems, water and sewer systems, building envelopes, water treatment lagoons, irrigation systems, boat-washing and inspection stations, camping hookups, etc. 25 �In addition, the TEA involved the collection and data entry of utility bills for electrical, natural gas, or propane services In the Parks for all months back to July 2005. This audit is the first step in the development of an Energy Services Performance Contract (ESPC), under the guidelines of the Colorado Governor's Energy Office {GEO), which EMC Engineers is proposing to Colorado State Parks and will eventually lead to the installation of the projects recommended in their report. The goal of the TEA was to evaluate energy usage, utility bill costs, and water savings measures to reduce energy consumption and energy costs for the state parks system. The TEA evaluates 30 possible energy-saving measures. In FY 09-10, the GOCO Board approved capital grants for State Parks to implement the most cost-effective of these energy saving investments. 26 �Establish and Improve State Parks Resource Management Program GOCO Log Number 07178 07178 07178 07180 07181 09173 09173 09324 09325 Project GBL 8NRH 8NRR BNRS BNRP 8CFM 10NR 10F3 9324 9325 Adjusted Grant Amount Natural Resource Projects-HP Natural Resource Projects-RM Natural Resource Projects-SE Natural Resource Projects Fuel Mitigation Resource Management Program Forest Management Resource Management Projects Wildfire Prevention TOTALS 90,000.00 90,000.00 90,000.00 222,995.00 300,000.00 421,000.00 300,000.00 200,000.00 260,000.00 1,973,995.00 FY10 Expenditures 7,000.00 2,967.01 0.00 3,709.68 239,038.62 332,349.65 5,631.94 21,463.52 40,192.40 652,352.82 Total Expenditures Through FV10 89,902.64 Unexpended Balance 97.36 71,337.67 18,662.33 88,162.06 1,837.94 222,995.00 299,600.28 0.00 399.72 332,349.65 88,650.35 5,631 .94 102,816.37 294,368.06 40,192.40 97,183.63 219,807.60 1,252,988.01 721,006.99 Background and Objectives The Colorado State Parks Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado's public recreation areas. The program provides leadership and assistance to agency staff on a variety of resource issues, and is responsible for five major program areas: • • • • • Resource stewardship plans for each state park GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Natural Areas Program coordination Forest management Resource stewardship plans developed by this program contain information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. On-the-ground surveys are conducted to map and document the condition of the vegetation, rare plants, weeds, aquatic nuisance species and selected wildlife habitat, then comprehensive Stewardship Plans are produced to guide park staff on goals and details of protection of significant resources. Program staff have also developed management prescriptions which focus on weed management, park-specific re-vegetation, guidance on dealing with specific resource issues (wildlife/trash interactions, rattlesnakes, large predators, cottonwood/willow maintenance, etc.), as well as monitoring methods, based on each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities. Volunteer monitoring is also an important aspect of this program with a particular focus on raptor monitoring. 27 �GIS production and management for planning and maintenance is an ongoing activity of this program. GIS data is collected with GPS or compiled from other sources (engineering drawings, for example) and maintained for every park to create a variety of maps, including trail maps. The data is used for information requests, planning (avoiding sensitive plants, animal habitat or cultural resources when creating a new trail), and construction activities. Also boundary and parcel information is tracked in GIS, including data on which parcels are purchased with which funding source, how many acres and where we have easements. Utilities and maintenance information is tracked and includes data such as noxious weed locations and water, sewer and electric line locations. All park field offices have GIS data installed and have at least one staff member trained in its use. Threatened and endangered species reviews conducted by the Resource Management Program are a vital step in State Parks' capital development process. Program staff review development project descriptions, review GIS information on habitat and species occurrence in the region of the project, visit the site of the project to conduct habitat evaluations, and consult with regional biologists and park staff in order to produce a recommendation regarding a given project's compliance with state and federal regulations. The Natural Areas Program has 114 designated or registered natural areas encompassing 265,000 acres which protect elements of statewide significance and importance. These areas can be owned by federal, state, or private entities; the program's role is to ensure proper stewardship of these rare and special areas through cooperative agreements. Areas are eligible for designation based on a variety of factors, but in general the aim is to incorporate the best representative examples of rare plants, rare animals, native ecosystems, unique geology and unique paleontology. Protection of these areas requires vigilant monitoring, accomplished with a cadre of over 100 volunteers. Volunteers monitor these areas with regular photo monitoring and fill out detailed technical tracking forms, and perform regular technical plant counts. Staff visits 15-30 designated or registered sites a year, as well as several new sites to be surveyed and evaluated for inclusion into the Program. Forest management is an ongoing State Parks' program that actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments helps reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many state parks. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 Resource Stewardship Planning In FY 09-10 park inventory efforts revealed and documented resources never before found on our park lands. These findings were then coordinated with state parks planning. • Archeological, Paleontological and Bird and other Wildlife surveys - Since all state parks were inventoried over the last 10 years, this new round of surveys is focused on 28 �• resources that have never been documented at parks. Archeological resources were thoroughly surveyed at Lone Mesa and Roxborough. A partnership was established with the University of Colorado (Denver) for paleontological fossil surveys, and much more detailed breeding bird information is being gathered at each park and the volunteer raptor monitoring program is being expanded to more parks. Rare species surveys have been conducted at several parks including Preble's mice, rare pocket gopher, swift fox, and the unusual all female whiptail lizard. All of this information is helping to protect and interpret these resources at our parks. Research, Analysis and Planning to protect parks - photo documentation and ground surveys were conducted at Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks to help support the dog area planning effort, a large amount of research papers were collected and analyzed to help guide future decisions on trail uses and dog policies, inventory and planning was conducted at Eldorado, Stagecoach and Steamboat for noxious weeds and at Pueblo for prairie dog management. Natural Areas • • • • • As of the end of FY 09-10, State Parks was cooperatively monitoring approximately 265,000 acres in 114 registered or designated natural areas. At Geneva Basin Iron Fen, a broad partnership of land management agencies and conservation organizations restored about 1 mile of roads where illegal OHV use was impacting a rare wetland. Working with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Clear Creek County and the Pike National Forest, State Parks coordinated the largest road closure restoration project in our history. In partnership with the Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), State Park's Rare Plant Monitoring Stewards covered the state with an army of citizen scientists to keep track of our rarest species. DBG administers this program so State Parks is able to tap muchneeded rare plant expertise while minimizing our costs. In Fiscal Year 09-10, State Parks utilized Species Conservation Trust Funding to bring in over $200,000 of match funding for rare plant conservation and research projects. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM and other partners, State Park's dollars have magnified the effectiveness of rare plant conservation in Colorado. Working with the BLM, State Parks staff and volunteers involved in monitoring and protecting rare plants in the Piceance Basin of northwest Colorado received a Landscape Stewardship Award from the Public Lands Foundation. State Parks and our volunteers were one of only six recipients of this recognition in the nation! Forest Management State Parks responded to changing conditions in the state and successfully coordinated with partners to obtain funding and get the forest managed in key areas to keep parks open and safe. • CSFS partnership for Pine Beetle response - State Parks worked very closely with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) and was able to address rapidly changing 29 �• • conditions at Steamboat, Pearl, and State Forest State Parks by removing a considerable number of dead and diseased trees while minimizing the time campgrounds were closed. Also there has been proactive work at Golden Gate to stay ahead of the pine beetle there. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant - Last year over $2 million dollars in FEMA match funding was obtained to proactively protect key Front Range watersheds through 20 major forestry projects that treated over 2,400 acres on 7 parks. Youth Corps Partnership - State Parks partnered with the Colorado Youth Corps who applied for American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) money to treat forests on and around the four state parks heavily affected by mountain pine beetle. The Youth Corps cumulatively performed over 25 weeks of work and made major progress particularly at State Forest and Golden Gate State Parks. 30 �Establish and Improve State Parks Vegetation Management GOCO Log Number GBL Project Adjusted Grant Amount 09174 09452 10V3 9452 Vegetation Management Vegetation Management TOTALS 400,000.00 513,000.00 913,000.00 FY1 0 Expenditures 227,771 .B7 112,520.27 340,292.14 Total Expenditures· Through FY10 227,771.87 351,754.84 579,526.71 Unexpended Balance 172,228.13 161 ,245.16 333,473.29 Background and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado investments for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts are the most important funding for on-the-ground resource protection at the state parks. This funding helps State Parks maintain the momentum we have built to sustain native ecosystems by containing noxious weed infestations at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative, effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to initiate proactive efforts to better manage the natural habitats at our parks. GOCO funding is allocated to regions and parks to complete a wide variety of urgent vegetation management tasks. Primary efforts include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means; development of integrated weed management plans; selective application of herbicides; bio-controls and weed agents; and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has become especially important in recent years, especially in parks faced with new forest pest invasions including the pine beetle. A large portion of State Parks' vegetation management efforts are cooperative, with local county weed control coordinators, county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service, and adjoin ing landowners playing an important role. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 High Plains Region • • Barr Lake State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are Canada thistle, musk thistle and white top. The contractor also compiled a weed report which will help to plan for targeted weed sprays. Boyd Lake State Park contracted with Larimer County for noxious weed spraying throughout the park and conducted in-house weed control. 31 �• • • • • • Castlewood Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are knapweed, thistles, toadflax, mullein and leafy spurge. Chatfield State Park hired contractors for weed spraying for diffuse knapweed and thistles. Park staff also contracted spraying for beetle/borer infestation in pine trees in campground. Park staff also purchased herbicides and fertilizers for staff application. Cherry Creek State Park hired contractors and used park staff to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are knapweed, tamarisk, toadflax, and spurge. Golden Gate Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. North Sterling State Park purchased herbicides for noxious weed control throughout the park including park trails and high use pads in campgrounds and picnic areas. Roxborough State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Rocky Mountain Region • Noxious weed spraying and turf management projects were conducted at James M. Robb-Colorado River, Crawford, Harvey Gap, Mancos, Navajo, Paonia, Pearl Lake, Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap, Sylvan, Sweitzer, Vega, and Yampa River State Parks. Southeast Region • Noxious weed spraying and turf management projects were conducted at Arkansar River, Bonny, Cheyenne Mountain, Eleven Mile, John Martin, Mueller, Spinney and Trinidad State Parks. 32 �Establish and Improve State Parks Park Operations GOCO Log Number 09175 09176 09177 09178 09179 09180 09181 09182 09183 09184 09185 09186 09311 09313 09315 Total GBL 10CM 10CF 10GG 10JM 10LA 10LM 10RL 10VR 10SF 10ST 10SV 10YA 9311 9313 9315 Adjusted Grant Amount Project Cheyenne Mtn Operations Crawford Operations Golden Gate Operations John Martin Operations Lathrop Operations Lone Mesa Operations Rifle Complex Operations 343,000.00 73,000.00 103,000.00 64,000.00 73,000.00 44,000.00 28,000.00 175,000.00 30,000.00 60,000.00, 110,000.00 115,000.00 43,725.00 42,002.00 114,628.00 1,418,355.00 St. Vraln Operations State Forest Operations ~ aunton Operations Sylvan Operations Yampa Operations Lone Mesa Operations Staunton Operations Yampa Operations TOTALS FY10 Expendliures 343,000.00 73,000.00 103,000.00 64,000.00 73,000.00 44,000.00 28,000.00 175,000.00 30,000.00 46,175.43 110,000.00 115,000.00 4,832.57 10,551.99 8,189.33 1,227,749.32 Expenditures Through FY10 343,000.00 73,000.00 Unexpended Balance 103,000.00 64,000.00 73,000.00 44,000.00 28,000.00 175,000.00 30,000.00 46,175.43 110,000.00 115,000.00 43,724.89 42,001.35 114,627.60 1,404,529.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13,824.57 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.65 0.40 13,825.73 Footnote (a)-The funding for Log numbers 09311, 09313, and 09315 have been deauthorlzed and the grant does not have an open balance. Background and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado has provided significant funding to almost every state park in the system to help develop facilities and recreation amenities, acquire land, or both. Several state parks that have been improved through GOCO capital investments receive annual operations support from GOCO. This support varies from park to park but system-wide covers basic operating expenses and a limited number of full-time staff. Typical park operating expenses supported with GOCO funding include: • • • • Seasonal and/or contract worker support Minor repair and maintenance costs Utilities costs Other administrative and operating costs directly related to normal agency and park business practices Accomplishments in FY 09-10 In FY 09-10 GOCO funding supported day-to-day park operations at Cheyenne Mountain, Crawford, Golden Gate, John Martin, Lathrop, Lone Mesa, Rifle Complex, St Vrain, State Forest, Staunton, Sylvan, and Yampa River State Parks. 33 �II. Public Information and Environmental Education 34 �Public Information and Environmental Education Public Information Program GOCO Log Number GBL 09187 09431 10MK 9431 Adjusted Grant Amount Project FY10 Expendltu~ea Total Expenditures Through Unexpended Balance FY10 210,000.00 86,449.00 296, 449.00 Public Info Program Public Info Prog Operations TOTALS 210,000.00 13,905.61 223,905.61 210,000.00 86,448.05 296,448 .05 Footnote (a) - The funding for Log number 09431 has been deauthorlzed and the grant does not have an open balance. Background and Objectives Article XXVII of the Constitution states that Parks-purpose GOCO funding will be used to "Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state." Colorado State Parks' Public Information Program manages the Division's external communications, agency brand, outreach, publications, and marketing. The program analyzes State Parks' position in the marketplace and implements short-, medium-, and long-range efforts to improve the Division's position. The program analyzes and anticipates tourism trends and their effect on State Parks' marketing efforts and visitation. Specific objectives that the Public Information Program strives to achieve in a given fiscal year include: • • • • • Implement marketing efforts for the agency, including recommending strategies and programs to leadership. Develop marketing campaigns utilizing a variety of media, including print ads, radio, and web content. Draft, develop, and produce individual advertisements for use in local, statewide, and national print media. Produce Division communications including presentations, reports, brochures, promotional materials and campaign/event specific information. Assist with disseminating information to media representatives via news releases and maintaining current media outlet information and contacts. Establish one-on-one professional contacts with tourism-related representatives and other marketing partners. Coordinate marketing partnerships with media outlets, tourism offices, and trade shows. Represent the agency at special events and trade shows statewide. Manage the agency website, including coordination with contractors specializing in website development. Prepare, review, update, and revise all information appearing on the website. 35 0.00 0.95 0.95 �Accomplishments in FY 09-10 • • • One of central goals in the 2010 Strategic Plan is to strengthen outreach and partnerships. One of the primary means of accomplishing this is through the Colorado State Parks website. This past year, Colorado State Parks reached a significant milestone with the addition of a dedicated, permanent web programmer/analyst. Previously the State Parks website had been managed by a series of contractors, interns and temporary staff. Security access issues, turnover, website field trainings, website consistency and quality have all greatly improved during this year. A major project in the section was transitioning from a website content platform that was no longer supported by Microsoft to a new one that is supported by the state's Office of Information Technology and Microsoft. The website infrastructure is comprised of several different software programs, some of which are more outdated than others. Considerable resources were spent testing and assimilating all the components into one operating framework. Upon successful migration of systems, approximately 100 employees were trained on the use of the new web platform and associated training materials were created. The popularity of Parks e-newsletter grew substantially in 2010, with the number of optin subscribers more than doubling to just under 20,000. Not only is this an extremely cost effective way to communicate with visitors and potential customers, but the database will allow us to use customer data to serve them better. Reminders about when their annual passes expire, e-newsletters that are relevant to their indicated interests and geographically targeted communications can be devised. 36 �Public Information and Environmental Education Environmental Education Program GOCO Log Number GBL Adjusted Grant Amount Project FY10 Expenditures Total Expenditures Through FY10 264,809.18 299,996.16 564,805.34 Unexpended Balance Environmental Edu Program 290,000.00 264,809.18 Environmental Education 299,997.00 51,671.39 589,997.00 316,480.57 TOTALS Footnote (a) - The funding for Log number 09433 has been deauthonzed and the grant does not have an open balance. 09188 09433 10EE 9433 25,190.82 0.84 25, 191.66 Background and Objectives State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors to and educating school groups about nature's wonders. By providing outstanding learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, it is hoped that people will walk away with a desire to engage in outdoor experiences on their own along with a stronger bond with, understanding of, and sense of stewardship towards the ecosystems in which we all live. With the assistance of GOCO funding, Colorado State Parks has provided qualified interpreters offering educational programs and other services in our parks throughout Colorado since the mid-1990s. GOCO funding for the Environmental Education program supports temporary workers (on a seasonal basis) at almost every park in the system. These staffers, under guidance from the statewide Volunteer Program and regional and park staff, manage and host a wide variety of services for park visitors. These include: • • • • • • Daily contacts with park visitors to provide assistance, information and educational programs Development of self-directed interpretation hikes and experiences Campfire educational programs held at night Classroom programs conducted for kids of all ages Staffing information stations in park visitor centers Coordination and resources for volunteer naturalists providing programs for visitors Temporary environmental education staffers also perform many other duties including preparing discovery packs and trail brochures; developing non-personal interpretive signs and exhibits; assembling Jr. Ranger materials and packets; and writing weekly newspaper columns, park newsletters, plant identification booklets, web page updates, and hunter information packets and maps. 37 �Accomplishments in FY 09-10 • • • Colorado State Parks' Interpretation and Environmental Education (l&EE) coordinators reached nearly 90,000 park visitors through programs and demonstrations in 2009. These staff members also educate visitors on unique park features, wildlife, and other environmental issues while making direct contact on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers and entrance stations. l&EE coordinators also spent over 4,100 hours working on self-directed interpretation including scavenger hunt preparation, compiling materials for Jr. Ranger Discovery packs, creating self-guided nature trail brochures, coordinating the development of visitor center exhibits and displays, and maintaining bird feeders, aquariums and other live animal exhibits. The Colorado State Parks' reporting database indicates that nearly 765,000 of State Parks' 12 million visitors (about 6%) were reached through personal interpretation and/or environmental education programs provided by all staff and volunteers across the state (as well as informal contacts made by staff on trails, visitor centers, etc). 38 �Public Information and Environmental Education Volunteer Program GOCO Log I~ GBL Adjusted Grant Amount Project Number FY10 Expenditures Total Expenditures Through Unexpended FY10 273,682.63 306,000.00 273,682.63 Volunteer Program 49,731.00 7,738.04 49,730.28 Volunteer Program Operating TOTALS 355,731.00 281,420.67 323,412.91 Footnote (a) -The funding for Log number 09306 has been deauthorlzed and the grant does not have an open balance. 09189 10VP 09306 9306 Balance 32,317.37 0.72 32,318.09 Background and Objectives The statewide Volunteer Program's mission is to support the achievement of quality outdoor recreation experiences and resource stewardship for present and future generations. The program provides an organized, efficient, well-guided and cost-effective approach to managing a wide range of volunteer efforts in Colorado State Parks. Cooperation and partnership between the public and private sector are enhanced and promoted through volunteer engagement. The promotion and cultivation of volunteerism plays a major role in helping State Parks meet its financial needs now and in the future, as well as providing for the next generation of park visitors. The Volunteer Program is currently staffed by a Program Manager and one regional Volunteer Resource Provider. Both FTE positions make major contributions to the overall management and operation of the program; in general, the Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program; the Volunteer Resource Provider provides training, coordination, and assistance to parks staff (including temporary interpreters/volunteer coordinators) in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Program has proved to be a significant success and has demonstrated rapid growth. Specific objectives of the Volunteer Program include: • Actively participate in and advise region staff about all aspects of volunteer recruiting, orientating, training, supervising, evaluating, and rewarding/recognizing the performance of volunteers, for the purposes of gaining and retaining a diversity of volunteers to meet the needs of Colorado State Parks. Represent the Volunteer Program to the community, and promote the program and its benefits to the general public, service groups, clubs, and other agencies. 39 �• • • Actively participate in identifying, creating, and modifying processes to quantify and tabulate volunteer contributions to the agency, and apply these processes for reporting purposes. Plan, design, implement, and evaluate trainings for agency staff in areas of Volunteer Program planning and implementation, volunteer management and interpretation/environmental education. Coordinate and promote youth outreach and interpretive/environmental education activities statewide. Includes partnering with various local, state and federal agencies and non-profits to further these efforts. Specific program areas supported by this funding include: • • • • Volunteer Database: This valuable tracking tool allows Volunteer Program and other agency staff to maintain accurate and comprehensive records about volunteer activity in and around state parks. It also serves as a recruiting and advertising tool by allowing volunteers to sign up for volunteer events via the Internet. The database also assists with liability issues by tracking insurance coverage needs. Training: Ongoing training for staff and volunteers is vital to maintaining and improving our agency's ability to attract and retain volunteers. Statewide Incentives: Studies have shown that incentives are perhaps the single best way to attract and retain volunteers and ensure that they return to state parks for multiple volunteer projects. VOC and WRV Projects: Colorado State Parks is proud to partner with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and Wildland Restoration Volunteers to complete trail development and redevelopment, wetlands rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and other projects in state parks. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 In the wake of continued budget challenges volunteer contributions to Colorado State Parks remain as important as ever. Volunteers play a critical role in supporting parks by performing important administrative tasks, educating visitors, conserving natural resources, serving as leaders of volunteers, and even helping to leverage donation support through Friends groups. The promotion and cultivation of volunteerism helps Colorado State Parks address critical needs now and in the future, as well as providing for the next generation of park visitors. • Last year, nearly 5,000 volunteers contributed more than 198,000 volunteer hours-the equivalent of 95 full-time employees and a cost savings to the agency of over $4 million based on the Independent Sector Rate. In the process, these volunteers helped the Division in a variety of important areas including serving as campground hosts, providing interpretive programs, trail construction, weed control, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and even fundraising. 40 �• • • • • • Partnerships between the public and private sector are critical for a successful volunteer program and play a large role in park operations and functions including: Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) projects were completed at Cherry Creek (3) and Stagecoach (1) state parks and totaled nearly 2,000 volunteer hours. Nearly 160 adults and 59 youth participated. GOCO-funded temporary Volunteer Coordinators at 32 state park locations contributed nearly 1,700 hours on indirect volunteer involvement to market volunteer programs, recruit and track volunteers and spent over 3,400 hours on direct volunteer contact to train, reward & recognize, schedule and supervise volunteers. Local, State and National events were celebrated through volunteer partners across the state - Colorado Cares Day, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, Lakes Appreciation Day and several local partners. The Friends of Colorado State Parks organization was formed to serve as sustainable support and service provider for existing park Friends groups. Statewide programs engaged volunteers in expanded roles including aquatic nuisance species control, beetle/fuel mitigation, raptor & rare plant monitors, and public safety (boat safety and education). 41 �Public Information and Environmental Education Youth Programs GOCO Log Number GBL 09190 10YP Adjusted Grant Amount Project FY10 Expenditures ·1 Youth Programs TOTALS 215,000.00 215,000.00 10,530.00 10,530.00 Total Expendltu~s Through FY10 10,530.00 10,530.00 Unexpended Balance 204,470.00 204,470.00 Background and Objectives Colorado State Parks is a strong proponent of providing outdoor education programs and opportunities for all ages. It is especially critical to capture the attention of Colorado's youth, who are our future land stewards. For several years Colorado State Parks has allocated GOCO funding to youth corps around the state under the guidance of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA). These corps engage Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and help them build a sense of natural resource stewardship. The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. The agency utilizes youth corps crews at state parks for a variety of resource management and trail projects. In the past, projects have included trail re-routes and new trail development; fuel mitigation and other forest management work; vegetation management activities including tamarisk removal; fence removal, repair and construction; and shoreline cleanup projects. This program support thus serves a dual role of improving conditions within the state parks while providing funding for CYCA and individual youth corps statewide. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 • Our state parks are uniquely positioned to address the need to introduce Colorado's youth to the outdoors, encourage more physical activity, and educate them about wildlife and outdoor issues to foster environmental stewardship. Many parks already collaborate with various school districts in their surrounding region to meet these objectives. Roxborough and Ridgway are examples of two parks that provide school programs geared toward the current state education curriculum requirements. These are experiential environmental education programs that utilize the parks' wonderful outdoor venues. In addition, many parks work closely with Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups to help them meet badge requirements. 42 �• • • • • Colorado State Parks also partners regularly with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), which honored Colorado State Parks with their 2009 Partner of the Year award, and Colorado Youth Corps, which is a statewide coalition of youth conservation corps that employs and trains youth and young adults on land, water, and energy conservation projects. Last year, Colorado Youth Corps members, comprised of 16- to 24- year-olds, completed 51 project weeks at 27 state park locations. The project accomplishments of the 27 crew leaders and 134 crew members included : 9.63 miles of trail corridor cleared, 43 acres and 6 miles of weeds removed, 12.73 miles of trail constructed/ maintained, 28 rock walls installed, 56 water diversion structures installed / improved, and 49 trees removed . Cheyenne Mountain and Mueller State Parks continued partnerships to hold annual No Child Left Inside events to rally community support around the effort to reconnect kids to the outdoors. James M. Robb-Colorado River and Cheyenne Mountain State Parks hosted two of several Lt. Governor Healthy Kids Outdoors Forums resulting in a report aimed at getting Colorado youth to spend more time outdoors. Volunteer Program staff provide ongoing direction and support for the Colorado Kids Outdoors Coalition, a collaboration involving various nonprofit and local, state and federal organizations to help drive the effort to engage kids in outdoor activities. The statewide Marketing and Volunteer Programs partnered to create family activity backpacks filled with tools and activities for exploring and investigating the great outdoors. The backpacks were distributed to 25 state park locations. 43 �Ill. Trails and River Greenways 44 �Trails and River Green ways State Trails Program GOCO Log Number 07199 07214 GBL Adjusted Grant Amount. Project FY1D Expenditures ' 8CTS 09191 8TRQ 10TP 09434 9434 Trails- Mapping Project Trails-Training Future Leaders 67,000.00 State Trails Program 19,700.00 239,000.00 State Trails Prog Gt Admin 124,185.00 0.00 19,689.95 10,096.58 Total Expenditures Through FY10 17,000.00 19,689.95 10,096.58 3,988.04 124,184.30 TOTALS 449,885.00 33,774.57 170,970.83 Footnote (al -The funding for Log number 09434 has been deauthor1zed and the grant does not have an open balance. Unexpended Balance 50,000.00 10.05 228,903.42 0.70 278 ,914.17 Background and Objectives The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal landmanagement agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for trail planning, maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail equipment. The State Trails Program provides technical assistance to communities, other agencies, land managers, and organizations devoted to trails, conservation, and open space. It includes help with planning, coordination with other agencies, trail volunteers, organization building, funding and other resources, land development regulations, and trail maintenance and management. The program acts as a clearinghouse for trails information in Colorado and as such must stay apprised of trail development projects and processes across the country. The program also sponsors workshops and conferences to bring trails advocates, community planners, and agency representatives together to learn new techniques and discuss trails issues. Assistance in planning, publicity, and programs is also provided for regional workshops and statewide conferences. Specific annual objectives of the Trails Program include: 45 �• • • • • • Develop strategies, systems, processes, guidelines, and trail standards for the statewide Trails Program. Provide professional input and interpret statutes, policies, and regulations for the Colorado State Trails Committee. This statutorily mandated committee recommends statewide trails policy and trail grant funding priorities to the State Parks Board for approval. Administer approximately 260 open grants annually; develop, implement, and maintain an inspection process for all completed grants. Develop and manage the State Trails Program budgets, accounts, and contracts. Develop program budgets to accommodate operations, administration, FTE, salaries, environmental reviews, personal services contracts, and grant payments associated with the Trails, OHV, Snowmobile, and Youth Corps programs. Revise internal grant accounting policies and procedures to comply with changing federal, GOCO, and Lottery grant guidelines. Develop and implement internal control procedures to assure compliance. Identify State Trails staff training needs, such as trail design, maintenance and construction, trail accessibility, and purchasing/procurement, and establish training programs to meet those needs. Verify compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 In FY 09-10, GOCO funding supported the Trails Program's Manager Position and a portion of the program's grant administrator, including operations costs, to help meet the program objectives outlined above. In addition to these FTE costs, GOCO funding provides operational support for the Trails Program's four Regional Trail Coordinators. (Regional Trail Coordinator salaries are supported with federal grants and are not funded by GOCO.) Due to vacancies in the Trails Program, only two Regional Trail Coordinators received operational support for the program. In FY 09-10, in addition to personal services support, specific accomplishments include: • • • • • • • • Administration of approximately 230 open grants. Oversight and management of the 2009 capital grant award cycle, providing funding for trail planning and development projects statewide. Coordination of the functions of reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. Completed updates to the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. Work with grant review subcommittees to coordinate the grant review process. Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. Verification of compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Attendance of the Trails Program Manager and two State Trails Committee Members to the National Trails Symposium held in Arkansas. The salaries for four Trail Coordinator positions are federally funded. Some operating costs are provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. In FY 09-10 GOCO funds helped support: 46 �• • Fixed and variable vehicle costs to travel over 50,000 miles to assist with project work, training, meetings, and trail patrol. Travel costs to perform many user contacts, patrol 2,000 miles of trail, conduct multiple training sessions on a variety of trail-related topics, work on 70 trail development projects, assist with 10 special events, inspect 130 grant projects and work with Youth Corp groups statewide. This GOCO funding also supported an ongoing special project managed by the State Trails Program. The Statewide Mapping Project is a continuous project to try and map all nonmotorized trails in Colorado. These trails would then be available to the general public to use on a system similar to MapQuest. Colorado State University was brought in to help map and develop a interface to view trails in Colorado. Two phases of this project have been completed. Phase I identified the need and basic concepts, provided general performance criteria, determined applicability and benefits, and compared platforms and systems, nationwide. During this phase, a Project Advisory Review Group was formed to gather input and inform the process. This focus group consisted of lay persons, trail user group representatives, members of the State Trails Committee and of CORPP, federal, State and local agency trail managers, mapping and trails information vendors and experts, computer and internet experts, trail user equipment vendors, and recreation and tourism business representatives. Colorado State University developed a prototype during Phase II. Larimer County was the pilot area based on diverse types of trail use, varied surfaces, and public land owned and managed by many jurisdictions. Additionally, many local volunteer organizations were available to collect data. Phase II also streamlined the data collection, identified priorities for trail attributes, finalized a volunteer, data collection process, researched basic web inventory delivery concepts, and identified potential costs to build the system. 47 �Trails and River Greenways Trail Grants GOCO Log GBL Adjusted Grant Amount Project Number FY10 Expendltur.es Total Expenditures Through FY10 0.00 16,745.00 15,000.00 5,000.00 19,890.00 0.00 20,000.00 65,000.00 4,473.10 11,535.22 150,000.00 Unexpended BalI1nce 20,000.00 Trails-Grand View Valley VCP 0.00 20,000.00 18,100.00 Trails-Col Birding 16,745.00 1,355.00 Trails-Boulder Comprehensv Map 15,000.00 15,000.00 o.oc 10,000.00 Tralls-Conservatin Mgmt Train 5,000.00 5,000.00 Trails-Democ rat Bross Planning 19,890.00 19,890.00 0.00 Trails-Fruita Urban Interface 20,000.00 20,000.00 BTRH 0.00 20,000.00 BTRP Tralls-Poudre/Platte River Plan 20,000.00 0.00 Trails-Gunnison $no-Trackers 65,000.00 65,000.00 BTRG 0.00 Trails-Volunteer Pro's 4,500.00 4,473.10 BTRV 26.90 - -- - Trails-RFOV 2007 Projects 15,000.00 11,535.22 3,464.78 BTRC 150,000.00 BTRM Tra.l ls-Maln Massive Preservatn 47,459.93 0.00 Trails-Windom Peak Phase II 104,700.00 0.00 0.00 104,700.00 BTRF Trails-Hell / Lyons Project 7,000.00 7,000.00 7,000.00 BTRW 0.00 Reg 14er Trail Mtce 68,046.00 10TA 0.00 0.00 68,046.00 41,064.00 Halyaha Loop Trail 0.00 0.00 41,064.00 10TB 43,600.00 0.00 Animas River Tr Ext 0.00 43,600.00 10TC 37,285.00 Steam Springs Urb Trail 0.00 0.00 37,285.00 10TD 37,750.00 0.00 WRV 2010 Pt for Stew 0.00 37,750.00 10TE Hanging Lk Reconstr 36,600.00 0.00 10TF 0.00 36,600.00 36,000.00 Blanca Peak & Ell Pt 0.00 0.00 10TG 36,000.00 35,000.00 Moose Dr/Agate Crk Tri 0.00 0.00 35,000.00 10TH 20,060.00 0.00 10TJ Mid Flume Tr Realign 0.00 20,060.00 25,000.00 10TK 2010 Stewardship Prog 0.00 0.00 25,000.00 6,304.00 10TM Vols & YC on the Cdnst 0.00 0.00 6,304.00 Study for Lead-Salida 40,000.00 0.00 0.00 40,000.00 10TN 28,291.00 RFOV Cap Bldg Project 0.00 10TQ 0.00 28,291.00 45,000.00 10TR NE Lakewood Tr Cons Pro 0.00 0.00 45,000.00 South Canyon Trail Phase II 63,550.00 9454 0.00 0.00 63,550.00 9455 Valleclto Reservoir 76,000.00 21,598.50 21,598.50 54,401.50 54,180.00 Fraser to Granby Trail 0.00 0.00 54,180.00 9456 63,321.00 9457 Reynolds Park to South Platte 0.00 0.00 63,321.00 Turk's Trall 23,636.00 9458 0.00 0.00 23,636.00 22,035.00 9459 Mountain Parks Sign Initiative 0.00 0.00 22,035.00 Catamount Ranch 17,550.00 9460 6,151.88 6,151.88 11,398.12 9461 Ouray Perimeter Trail 42,485.00 0.00 0.00 42,485.00 22,000.00 Public Access Group of Ouray 9462 0.00 0.00 22,000.00 37,395.00 Trnlng Co's Nxt Gen Cons Wrkrs 2,228.74 2,228.74 9463 35,166.26 Silt• Davis Point Planning 24,500.00 9464 0.00 0.00 24,500.00 Grand County Comp Trail Plan 45,000.00 0.00 9465 0.00 - -- · 45,000.00 8,347.00 Ridgeway Trail System Planning 0.00 0.00 9466 8,347.00 TOTALS 1,469,189.00 242,082.37 344,622.44 1,124,566.56 Footnote (b) - GOCO log number 09455 FY10 Expenditures includes $17,220 of expenses incurred by State Parks but not paid by GOCO in FY10 pending additional Information required by GOCO. 07215 07217 07218 07219 07220 07221 07223 07224 07225 07227 07228 07230 07232 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09192 09454 09455 09456 09457 09458 09459 09460 09461 09462 09463 09464 09465 09466 8TRU 8TRE 8TRB 8TRK BTRD 48 �Background and Objectives The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. GOCO capital funds are awarded by the Trails Program each year to individual grants selected by the State Trails Committee. This program has one grant cycle annually, with the recreation trails grant applications due November 1st. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal landmanagement agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail planning. After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to a set of reviewers including statewide trail users, experts, local, federal, state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee, the Non-Motorized State Trails Coordinator, and staff. In FY 09-10, the State Trails Program was able to fund 18 out of 38 grants, or about one-half of the applications submitted. Great Outdoors Colorado funding is matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails projects. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 Fourteen grant awards received GOCO funding. Grants awarded include a number of trail maintenance grants and planning grants. Also, several grants went towards construction, maintenance, and signage for trails and approaches to Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks. Most of the grants contained a youth component, and several will utilize substantial volunteers in assisting with trail maintenance and construction. Many grant recipients do not submit invoices to State Parks until their projects near completion. Grants in the above charts that appear to have no expenditures to date do not necessarily indicate projects for which no work has taken place; indeed, most if not all GOCOfunded trail projects are well underway and proceeding according to schedule. 49 �Trails and River Greenways Colorado Front Range Trail GOCO Log Number 08720 08721 08722 9FTB 9FTC 9FTD Adjus~d Grant Amount Project GBL CFRT E-470 To Brighton CFRT Power Trail CFRT East Plum Creek Phase 3 TOTALS 425,000.00 350,000.00 230,627.00 1,005,627.00 FY10 Expenditures 0.00 0.00 230,627.00 230,627.00 Total Expendituree Through FY10 Unexpended Balance 0.00 0.00 230,627.00 230,627.00 425,000.00 350,000.00 0.00 775,000.00 Background and Objectives The goal of the Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT) project is to create an 876-mile trail along the Front Range, from the Wyoming border to the New Mexico Border, connecting communities, points of interest, local and state parks and diverse landscapes along the way. Colorado's Front Range constitutes approximately 80% of the State's population and is consistently one of the fastest growing areas of the nation. Colorado State Parks convened stakeholders in December of 2005 and formed the Colorado Front Range Development Council to assist with the implementation phase of this project. Colorado State Parks collaborated with over 500 partners- including the 13 counties and 35 managing agencies through which the trail passes-representing local communities, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, recreation retailers, and the tourism community to gather input for the CFRT Plan. In December 2007, State Parks was awarded $1.0 million in Legacy funding, which the agency then granted to three projects in June 2008. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 East Plum Creek Phase 3: The Town of Castle Rock completed the construction of 2 miles of East Plum Creek Trail. 50 �IV. Water for Recreational Purposes 51 �52 �Water for Recreational Purposes Water Program Operations and Acquisitions GOCO Log Number Adjusted Grant Amount Project GBL FY10 Expenditures 09193 10WR 148,207.90 8CWA Water Program Operations Water Resource Acquisitions 150,000.00 07176 100,000.00 15,000.00 09194 10W3 Water Acquisitions 300,000.00 TOTALS 550,000.00 Total Expenditures Th rough FY10 148,207.90 Unexpended Balance 1,792.10 27,000.00 36,743.00 27,000.00 63,257.00 273,000.00 190,207.90 211,950.90 338,049.10 Background and Objectives The State Parks Water Program provides technical, legal, and water policy expertise necessary to protect and expand the Division's interests in all aspects of water resource management. The program consists of 1.0 FTE assisted with significant contract personnel and legal assistance from the Attorney General's office. The program is responsible for managing the Division's various water resources including water rights, reservoir operations, and groundwater assets. Management of the program includes establishing budget priorities, supervising the Division's water court actions, management of groundwater and well permitting, assessing water markets for individual parks in the system, and coordinating with federal, state, and local user groups to maximize the state's water supplies for recreational benefits. GOCO funds enable the Division to secure water supplies for a variety of parks that experience inadequate water levels for recreational activities. This is accomplished in a number of ways including water purchases and leases, innovative cooperative water management plans with larger water providers, and leasing water storage space in reservoirs. Without these funds, water-based activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing are detrimentally impacted resulting in lower public visitation to the park system. Degradation of water quality and surrounding natural resources are also negative outcomes resulting from insufficient water supplies. Please note that water acquisition projects often involve an extended timeframe and are subject to any number of unpredictable delays. State Parks makes every effort to expend these funds in a timely fashion, but due to some factors beyond the control of the agency we are not always able to fully expend grants prior to expiration. 53 �Accomplishments in FY 09-10 • • • State Parks negotiated the purchase of 191 acre-feet of water to replace evaporation loss in ponds at St Vrain State Park. This water is critical to the recreation at the park. State Parks leased over 1500 acre-feet of water to maintain the permanent recreational pool at John Martin Reservoir. This provides boating and other recreation opportunities and helps sustain and enhance the fishery at the lake. State Parks maintained 990 acre-fe.et of storage space in Twin Lakes Reservoir to store water leased from various entities such as Pueblo Board of Water Works and the City of Salida for later use at the Arkan.sas Headwaters Recreation Area. This park includes some of the best whitewater rafting opportunities in the country, and adequate water supply is crucial to meeting visitor demand. 54 �V. Management of GOCO Investments 55 �56 �Management of GOCO Investments GOCO Funding Management Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Total Expenditures Through 162,000.00 81,369.91 FY10 81,369.91 76,452.00 17,491.10 76,451.47 0.53 238,452 .00 98 ,861 .01 157,821 .38 Footnote (a) - The funding for Log number 09322 has been deauthorlzed and the grant does not have an open balance. 80,630.62 GOCO Log Number GBL 09195 10FI 09322 9322 Project GOCO Funding Management Accounting TOTALS FY10 Unexpended Balance 80,630.09 Background and Objectives GOCO has historically funded full-time positions at State Parks which directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding. GOCO funds make up almost 20% of the total sources of funding for State Parks. This grant supports a variety of finance-related activities associated with the use of these funds, including accounting, grants management, billing, procurement, budgeting, and liaison with GOCO staff and the GOCO board . Grants management activities include preparing the annual investment proposal, preparing annual and other periodic accomplishment reports, managing requests for grant extensions and grant deauthorizations, and resolving day-to-day issues that arise with respect to GOCO grants. Accomplishments in FY 09-10 • • • In FY 09-10 State Parks managed approximately 150 open GOCO grants totaling over $30 million. A new MOU was executed between GOCO and State Parks in the spring of 2010. State Parks turnaround time to submit monthly billing statements declined from several months in FY 08-09 to approximately 60 days. 57 �� https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/d3121ce1cedc4d2682a791461352e6ec.pdf fa62408e951f46a0050a81f8868786bb PDF Text Text 2008-2809 Annual Report �Colorado Division of Wildlife Annual Report Great Outdoors Colorado-Funded Projects Fiscal Year 2008-2009 December 2009 l On November 5, 2007, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) submitted its funding proposal for the 2008-09 fiscal year to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board. The proposal requested $8,616,065 in lottery funds, of which $3.9 million was for habitat protection and management, $3.6 million was for species conservation efforts, $715,000 was for public and school-based wildlife education programs, and $367,000 was for wildlife viewing initiatives. When CDOW funds are accounted for, the projects and programs included in the request represented an investment of nearly $28.6 million in Colorado wildlife resources. I. Among the highlights of Division of Wildlife programs and projects that were supported with Great Outdoors Colorado funds during the 2008-09 fiscal year are: • • • • • • • Permanently protected more than 32,600 acres of habitat and nearly 21 miles of stream access and riparian habitat through acquisition or conservation easements Released a draft range-wide conservation plan for Gunnison's and white-tailed prairie dogs, and initiated development of local plans for individual populations. Documented ten new wild-born lynx kittens in 2009, the first such documentation of lynx births in Colorado in three years. Removed the bald eagle from the list of state threatened species. Developed a new Southwest Colorado Birding Trail, including 13 routes and more than 200 viewing sites. Reached agreement with New Mexico, four federal agencies and two Native American tribes on a range-wide conservation plan for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Initiated conversion of historical wildlife scientific data into a digital database. The following report illustrates the wide variety of habitat restoration and protection, species conservation, wildlife education and wildlife viewing efforts undertaken by the Division of Wildlife from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 with financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado. �HABITAT PROTECTION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Habitat Protection Acquire High Priority Habitat -7150, 7163, 8150,815-1, 8729, 9150 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 0320, 0330 $9,542,453 0370, 0380, 0438 0450, 0461 $525,101 $395,539 0436 $330,019 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water - 7152 , 8152 GIS Habitat Information - 7154, 8154 Wetlands Conservation - 5152, 6153, 7153, 8153 The Division of Wildlife applies GOCO funding to a wide variety of habitat protection work packages involving acquisition and management of wildlife habitat, administering and protecting water rights, land use comments, digital mapping services, and habitat improvements on public and private lands. A portion of the GOCO funding for Habitat Protection work packages was directed toward full time equivalent (FTE) salary expenses. A total of 40 FTEs worked on habitat protection programs at the Division of Wildlife, and GOCO funding supported 2.3 of those FTE positions. ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program Through the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program (CWHPP), and its predecessor the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) program, the Division of Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado have worked with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat on private lands. Goals of the CWHPP include preventing the further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species (thereby reducing the necessity of further listing of species under the Endangered Species Act), protecting important big game winter habitat and migration corridors, and providing public access for recreational purposes. Funding for the CWHPP comes from a variety of sources, including wildlife cash, Habitat Stamp funds, and GOCO Wildlife Purpose and Legacy funds. An important impact of CWHPP and CSCP is illustrated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decision not to list the mountain plover as threatened or endangered, based in part on the successes of the habitat protection program. The long-term and perpetual protection afforded through easements acquired through CWHPP, and associated management plans for those lands, were cited by USFWS as positive steps by Colorado that precluded the need for a federal listing of the species. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 2 �Gilmore Ranch - Rio Grande Initiative: A perpetual conservation easement, held by The Nature Conservancy, protects 1,025 acres that contain approximately 4 river miles and several sloughs and oxbow wetlands along the Rio Grande River. The property provides habitat for Southwest Willow Flycatcher, Western Yellow-billed cuckoo and bald eagle - at the center of a Habitat Conservation Plan developed under the auspices of the Rio Grande Conservation District. The river property also provides habitat for waterfowl, sandhill crane and other water birds, as well as winter range and migration routes for elk and deer. GOCO Legacy Funds Partner Fundinq (TNC & CWCB) Landowner Contribution Total $1,507,500 $ 742,500 $ 833,800 $3,083,800 River Valley Ranch - Rio Grande Initiative: A perpetual conservation easement, held by Ducks Unlimited, protects 582 acres that contain approximately 1.5 miles of the Rio Grande River. The property is adjacent to the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area (SWA). This property has the same habitat values as described for the Gilmore Ranch, and was part of a Legacy application to GOCO involving the collaboration of Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited and the San Luis Valley Wetlands Focus Area Committee. CDOW partnered with this collaborative effort to complete the two projects. GOCO Leqacv Funds Partner Funding (DU) Landowner Contribution Total $ 877,385 $ 470,250 $ 518,815 $1,866,450 South Republican SWA -- Kleweno South: A perpetual conservation easement protecting 1, 182 acres in Kit Carson County, as well as a public access easement for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. The project protects lowland riparian areas with mule deer, white-tailed deer, turkey, upland game and waterfowl, as well as non-game birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, native fish and other wildlife species. The property is located on the southern boundary of 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 3 �' Landsman Creek, which is an important riparian corridor leading into the South Republican River in the area of Bonny Reservoir. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Total $117,500 $117,500 $235,000 South Republican SWA - Kleweno North: A perpetual conservation easement protecting 645 acres in Yuma County, as well as a public access easement for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. The list of species benefiting from this habitat is similar to that for Kleweno South, but the Kleweno North property includes approximately two miles of the South Fork of the South Republican River and a 15-acre pond, as well as seeps and springs that provide a constant water supply. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Total $190,000 $190,000 $380,000 South Republican State Wildlife Area - Andrews property: A perpetual conservation easement acquired on the Andrews property protects 326 acres, including approximately ½ mile of the South Fork of the South Republican River in Yuma County. It protects a lowland riparian area for both game and non-game wildlife. The project also provides access for hunting and fishing on property that has been separately added to the South Republican State Wildlife Area , allowing for the harvest of deer to help meet management objectives. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Habitat Stamp Funds Total $75,000 $75,000 $150,000 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 4 �Leroux Ranch: A perpetual conservation easement on 1,115 acres in Grand County. The property is bordered on two sides by the Radium SWA, on the north by Routt National Forest, and on one corner by State Land Board property. The easement protects winter range for mule deer and elk, as well as habitat for sagebrush-obligate species. The property is historic range for greater sage-grouse. Protection provides a movement corridor for grouse between Grand and Eagle or Routt Counties, and prevents loss of connectivity to adjacent public lands that are important to deer and elk. The property contains riparian and wetland habitat, used by waterfowl, big game and small game on the property. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Partner Fund ing (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation) Landowner Contribution Total $ 490,000 $ 490,000 $ 20,000 $ 340,000 $1,340,000 Moyer Ranch (Phases 1-3): A perpetual conservation easement on 3,276 acres, including water rights, on a working ranch in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Protecting the property will prevent the loss of deer and elk winter range and migration corridors, and preserves connectivity to adjacent public lands. The property also provides habitat for pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and numerous sagebrushrelated species, including nesting and migrating birds. The property hosts large wetlands, 1 mile of Arkansas River, plus more than 9 miles of tributary streams and riparian habitat in four drainages. The transaction also included a perpetual easement for public access for wildliferelated recreation. GOCO LeQacy Funds GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Landowner Contribution Total $1,878,858 $ 526,142 $2,405,000 $3,140,000 $7,950,000 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 5 �Patterson, Power & Tipping - Luster Basin: A perpetual conservation easement on 1,620 acres in Mesa County, southwest of Glade Park. The easement protects potential habitat for Gunnison sage- grouse leks, and nesting, broodrearing and winter habitat. It is an integral part of the habitat for the grouse on Pinon Mesa by connecting areas they are known to occupy. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash and Federal Funds Landowner Contribution Total $ 780,217 $1,184,783 $ 655,000 $2,620,000 Red Top Ranch: A perpetual conservation easement on 13,078 acres in Pueblo, Herfano and Las Animas Counties. The easement protects shortgrass prairie for wildlife species including burrowing owl, Cassin's sparrow, ferruginous hawk, lark bunting, loggerhead shrike, long-billed curlew, mountain plover, black-tailed prairie dog, massasauga rattlesnake, Texas horned lizard and western box turtle. The project expanded protected areas on the ranch, adding to a conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash Landowner Contribution Total $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,140,000 $3,140,000 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 6 �Cochetopa SWA -- Snyder Ranch: A permanent conservation easement on 6,995 acres in Saguache County. The property contains critical habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse, Gunnison's prairie dog, pronghorn, elk and deer, and a potential lek site. The project also secured additional angling opportunities on Cochetopa and Pauline Creeks, consolidating previously-existing access easements to produce a total of 4.8 miles of fishing. GOCO Leqacy Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash CDOW Habitat Stamp Funds Total $2,253,543 $36,300 $2,279,842 $4,569,685 Weimer Ranch: A permanent conservation easement on 1, 156 acres in Grand County. The easement protects habitat for greater sage-grouse, deer and elk, and contains large tracts of sagebrush for obligate species while maintaining connectivity to BLM property. It is classified as elk severe winter range, mule deer winter range and sage grouse occupied range. It is also a deer and elk migration corridor and sage-grouse nesting and brood-rearing habitat. The property is within two miles of an active lek. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds CDOW Wildlife Cash and Federal Funds Landowner Contribution Total $730,625 $730,625 $208,750 $1,670,000 Wolf Mountain - Phase 3: A permanent conservation easement held by The Nature Conservancy on 1,613 acres in Routt County. This easement is adjacent to other conservation easements held by TNC , bringing the total protected area on the ranch to approximately 8000 contiguous acres. The property provides transitional habitat from upland sagebrush to upland shrub 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 7 �communities, a migration corridor for big game, habitat for columbian sharptail grouse, and habitat for greater sage grouse and dusky grouse. GOCO Wildlife Purpose Funds Partner Funding (Routt County) Landowner Contribution Total $ 940,569 $ 308,431 $1,210,000 $2,459,000 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 8 �J MOFFAT '. 'M>lf Mountain Ranch - Phase 3 SEDGWICK LOGAN LARIMER PHILLIPS WELD ·,RO,UTT t...,.. I MORGAN j ; -I Leroux SHA j LO ---..J~ . £? ARAPAHOE ~ ,SU "'" W ~ •. ·ll /< = d South RepubHcan SWA/Kleweno North Easement ' r ~~ EL PASO -· 1~~ Snyder SWA KIT CARSON 1J 1 LINCOLN CHEYENNE KIOWA I CROWLEY .___ r PUEBLO Red Top Ranch SHA 1 I, r :" , ' 4 ·:; . _J y-....... ,., . , .,. ,., , ,., . - I RlO GRANOE •• ' ' , ALAMOSA {-;\ , ./ RFP's M Focal Areas for Land Acquisition ',-. <'.ONE-10S ; BENT PROWERS OTERO HUERFANO TI G I - Raoohs>U\I ___ _ COSTILLA! ARCHUlETA l \ SAGUACHE ....... I -----!----.---_J 'FREMONT I • 1' TELLER GUNNISO!" , ELBERT DOUGLAS . . Ij • - t:t&:.., ISouth Republican SWA/Kleweno South Easement 11 PARK } YUMA •1 Ir~South _ _R_e_p-ub_lca_n_S_W_'A/...,,A_n_dre_ws_P_a_roe-,.,1 1 Moyer (All Phases) WASHINGTON l ADAMS - ..,,::::.S-.. ~~ EAGU: : _ LAS ANIMAS BACA / \ 2008-2009 GOCO Funded Acquisitions 20 40 31 1IO 1IO WildlifeGIS M~es F\5012.010 :rtoe\Uitottwt~!'Uub.t ,c,,.i.'Mff!J.lll~lll:tmt~~~t.i.ltlM0!1010tnid �Real Estate Administration - Accomplishments of the real estate section during FY 2008-09 included -• • • • • • Conducted 15 field biological assessments related to acquisitions. Closed on 40 real estate transactions, including 15 conservation easements. Reviewed more than 100 RFP applications for funding. Managed more than 250 active term agreements (e.g. leases, term agreements). Monitored 150 active conservation easements. Completed 50 PILT and county impact assistance transactions. Stewardship Trust Fund -- In 2001 and 2006, the GOCO Board approved the transfer a total of $1,016,326.90 into the Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund (WFGTF). Interest earned on GOCO funds deposited into the trust fund is to be used for stewardship activities on properties acquired in part with GOCO funds. Interest earned and funds expended from the GOCO portion of the WFGTF are accounted for outside of the normal annual funding from GOCO to the Division of Wildlife. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, the GOCO portion of the WFGTF earned $33,689.26 in interest. No funds were expended from the GOCO portion of the WFGTF in FY 200809. Operation and maintenance work was performed on properties -- such as the Miller Ranch SWA in Gunnison County and the Dan Nobel SWA in San Miguel County -- that were acquired with GOCO funds, but the work was charged to other accounts. The Division of Wildlife anticipates expenditures will be charged to the account in FY 200910. The year-end balance of interest available for stewardship projects in the trust fund was $125,141.49. ENHANCE HABITAT ON LAND AND WATER Habitat Management - The Division of Wildlife protects wildlife habitat on lands and waters it owns, leases and holds easements on, as well as in partnership with private landowners, sportsman and conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and local governments. Among activities related to habitat management in FY 2008-09 were the following • • • • • Improved nearly 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat on public lands. Improved 6 stream miles of aquatic habitat on public lands. Completed 13 habitat projects covering nearly 29,000 acres of private lands. Provided more than 1,000 formal land use comments. Attended 675 public land-use meetings. Water Programs - The Division of Wildlife's Water Section includes a range of programs that have protected instream flows on more than 8,500 miles of streams and in 486 natural lakes in the state; managed and protected CDOW-owned water rights for recreational reservoirs, fish 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 9 �hatcheries and State Wildlife Areas (SWAs); and developed data and expertise needed to protect water quality through proceedings of the Water Quality Control Commission. Among the activities of the Water Section during FY 2008-09 were the following : Collected and verified water use data on all CDOW properties. • Participated in a Water Advisory Committee assembled by the State Engineer to draft rules and regulations for groundwater use in the San Luis Valley. • Participated in the stakeholder processes involving McPhee Reservoir and the Dolores River (the Dolores River Dialogue) and relating to USFS/BLM plan revisions (the San Juan Public Lands Water Roundtable). Consulted with sponsors on possible wildlife mitigation on three major NEPA actions involving water development projects in the South Platte -- the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), and two supply firming projects - Windy Gap Firming and Moffat Firming. Took part in over 75 active water court cases as either an applicant or an objector. Entered into 10 stipulated settlements and resolved 9 other cases . Obtained decrees in 5 cases filed in prior fiscal years. Reviewed over 40 Request for Proposal properties in the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program, evaluated water issues on 20 of those properties, and provided further analysis related to actual acquisitions on 10 properties. Added 25 new schools and groups to the RiverWatch Program, bringing the total number of active participating organizations to 117. Collected more than 8,200 metals samples, 1,900 nutrient samples and 380 hatchery discharge samples through the RiverWatch Program. • • • • • • GIS HABITAT INFORMATION GIS program The Division of Wildlife's Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit provides state-ofthe-art products, services and analysis to customers inside and outside of the Division of Wildlife . The GIS Unit, based in Ft. Collins, acquires, maintains and distributes digital and other forms of data on wildlife habitat. Habitat protection in the face of expanding pressure from energy development continues to drive the majority of the GIS unit's landuse impact and habitat protection work. House Bill 1298 mandates the consideration of wildlife concerns in the oil and gas permit application process, which has resulted in significant ongoing demand for GIS habitat analysis, application development and maps. Activities of the GIS Unit during FY 2008-09 included the following : 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 10 �• • • • • • • Continued HB 1298 support, including development of custom web-delivered data query tool, and BLM and USFS Lease Sale impact evaluations. Modeled Greater sage-grouse habitat, allowing the interpretation and analysis of habitat use patterns, monitoring and assessment of lek and breeding data. Completed mapping for first draft of Whitetailed Prairie Dog and Gunnison Prairie Dog Conservation Plans. Provided internal review of USFS proposed roadless areas and provided road density analysis as part of the CDOW official comment process. Performed bighorn sheep telemetry data analysis to validate and modify habitat models and relocation recommendations. Continued update and maintenance for the Aquatic Section's Colorado River, Rio Grande, and greenback cutthroat trout databases. • Created State Wildlife Areas maps for distribution at customer service counters and for posting on the CDOW website. • Developed maps for aquatic invasive species management efforts. • Acquired, cleaned and posted species and other data from a variety of sources to the central database, including data on northwest raptors, bald eagles, grouse leks, bat species, bobcats, and NHD waterbodies hydrography. Initiated conversion of many years of scientific collection data into digital database format, to make them more usable to CDOW personnel and general public. WETLANDS CONSERVATION Wetlands Program The purpose of the Division of Wildlife's Wetlands Program, established in 1997, is to conserve wetland and riparian habitats and their ecological functions for the benefit of wildlife. Major goals of the program are to improve the status of declining or at-risk species, and to improve the abundance and distribution of ducks and opportunities for waterfowl hunting. In cooperation with conservation organizations, private landowners and other agencies, the Wetlands Program has protected, restored or enhanced approximately 228,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitats, and 237 miles of streams. Services provided by the program include funding of wetland creation, enhancement and restoration projects, and project-related expertise (e.g., site evaluation, design, 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 11 �construction, ecology and species biology, water rights). The Wetlands Program also supports local Focus Area Committees, and conducts project monitoring and evaluation. Wetlands Program accomplishments during FY 2008-09 included: • • • • • Restored or enhanced 2,740 acres of wetlands and adjacent uplands, and 15 miles of streams in 19 projects. Awarded new grants totaling approximately $1.4 million for 35 projects, including 12 on State Wildlife Areas. Finalized the "Strategic Plan for the Wetland Wildlife Conservation Program", setting goals and describing strategies for the Wetlands Program. Facilitated the reactivation of the North Park Wetlands Focus Area Committee. Hosted the Southeast Colorado Wetlands Workshop in Pueblo, attended by approximately 60 participants representing 14 agencies and organizations. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 12 �SPECIES CONSERVATION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Species Conservation Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery - 6157, 7157, 8157 Native Species Protection 8156 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk- 8155 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS 0810,0815,0820,0830,0835, 0841,0842,0860,0870,0662, 0710 0560,0638, 0639, 06410652,0656-0660, 06630666,0680, 0686 0570 ACTUAL EXPENDITURES $1,007,945 $2,238,137 $425,000 The Division of Wildlife applies GOCO funding to a wide variety of work packages involving species research, surveys, reintroduction, tracking, propagation, recovery plan development, and other aspects of a broad-based conservation and recovery program. A portion of the GOCO funding for Species Conservation work packages was directed toward full time equivalent (FTE) salary expenses. A total of 56 FTEs worked on species conservation program sat the Division of Wildlife, and GOCO funding supported six of those FTE positions. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY LynxThe Canada lynx occurs throughout the boreal forests of northern North America. Colorado represents the southern-most historical distribution of lynx, where the species occupied the higher elevation, montane forests in the state. Lynx were extirpated or reduced to a few animals in the state by the late 1970s,most likely due to predator control efforts such as poisoning and trapping. Little is known about the population dynamics or habitat use of this species in their southern ~-~ distribution. Given the separation of . Colorado from the nearest northern population, the CDOW considered reintroduction as the only option to attempt to reestablish the species in the state, and resolve Endangered Species Act-related questions. A reintroduction effort began in 1997, with the first lynx released in Colorado in 1999. To date, 218 wild-caught lynx from Alaska and Canada have been released in southwestern Colorado. The goal of the Colorado lynx reintroduction program is to establish a self- 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 13 �sustaining, viable population of lynx in the state. Evaluation of incremental achievements necessary for establishing viable populations is an interim method of assessing if the reintroduction effort is progressing towards success. There are 7 critical criteria for achieving a viable population -1) development of release protocols that lead to a high initial post-release survival of reintroduced animals, 2) long-term survival of lynx in Colorado, 3) development of site fidelity by the lynx to areas supporting good habitat in densities sufficient to breed, 4) reintroduced lynx must breed, 5) breeding must lead to reproduction of surviving kittens 6) lynx born in Colorado must reach breeding age and reproduce successfully, and 7) recruitment must equal or be greater than mortality over an extended period of time. Documenting reproduction is critical to the success of the program and lynx are monitored intensively to document breeding, births, survival and recruitment of lynx born in Colorado. Site-scale habitat descriptions of den sites are also collected and compared to other sites used by lynx. Among the CDOW activities during FY 2008-09 related to lynx were the following -• • • • • Tracked 42 reintroduced lynx with radio collars. Another 61 are possibly still alive, but unable to be tracked because of dead or malfunctioning collars. An additional 7 Colorado-born lynx are being tracked. Tracked 22 females through radio collars. Documented first wild-born kittens (10) since 2006. Identified 56 lynx-kills of prey through snow-tracking efforts. Completed 3-year study of the relative habitat values of 3 types forest habitat mature spruce/fir, sapling lodgepole and pole-sized lodgepole - for snowshoe hare, an important winter prey of lynx. Began development of statewide monitoring program, including the evaluation of the efficacy of 3 detection methods - snow-tracking, hair snares and camera surveillance. Black-footed Ferret Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is making a comeback in Colorado and other western states since a small colony of the species was discovered in the early 1980s. Since 2001, approximately 125 ferrets have been reintroduced at two locations in Colorado - Coyote Basin west of Rangely, and in the BLM's Wolf Creek Management Area near Dinosaur National Monument. The black-footed ferret is listed as an endangered species at the federal level and in the State of Colorado. • Coordinated spotlight surveys resulted in detection of only one individual, a 2year-old male. This is a dramatic reduction from the previous year's minimum population of 13 individuals. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 14 �• • A plague outbreak in the prairie dog population in Wolf Creek discovered during the summer of 2008 continued through the summer of 2009. BLM and CDOW personnel dusted prairie dog burrows with insecticide to reduce the plague impact on prairie dogs and ferrets. Colorado decided against accepting any captive-bred ferrets for release in 2009. Surveillance will continue in 2010 to track the disease, and monitor ferret and prairie dog populations. Roundtai/ Chub, Bluehead Sucker and Flannelmouth Sucker -Native fisheries research and conservation efforts in the rivers and streams of northwestern Colorado have traditionally focused on the four federally protected big river fish in the Yampa, White and Colorado River main stems. Recent data suggests that roundtail chub, bluehead sucker and flannelmouth sucker (collectively referred to as "the Three Species Fish") are also in decline. This decline is believed to be due to changes in habitat availability and quality similar to those affecting the federally protected Colorado River fish as well as extensive hybridization with non-native species (e.g. white sucker). • • • • A multi-state range-wide species conservation plan was completed for the Three Species in 2006 and a statewide conservation plan for Colorado is under development. CDOW staff worked on developing a two-year research effort to document distribution of the Three Species and collect and analyze genetic samples. Initial priority will be placed on bluehead sucker. Additional planning work focused on a west-slope sampling program for Three Species distribution and genetics, with work to begin in the spring of 2010. Conducted 30 stream inventories to determine range and abundance of Colorado River native fish species. Peregrine Falcons Peregrine falcons were delisted under the Endangered Species Act in 1999. A postdelisting monitoring plan was included as part of the USFWS decision. The plan calls for five monitoring periods, taking place every three years. • • • Peregrine falcons were surveyed for eyrie occupancy and reproductive success in 2009 as part of the federal post-delisting monitoring program. Twenty-seven eyries in Colorado were included in the post-delisting monitoring sample. Eyrie occupancy was confirmed at 70%. Productivity was determined at 11 sites, with 10 eyries producing at least one young and only one eyrie failing. Approximately 50 additional eyries were surveyed in Colorado through various efforts (CDOW, federal agencies, county open space programs, etc.). 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 15 �NATIVE SPECIES PROTECTION Mountain Plover -The mountain plover is a migratory shorebird which breeds on short-grass prairie habitat in Colorado's eastern plains, and in Wyoming and Montana. More than half of the species' population is believed to breed in Colorado. Long-term population trends suggest a steady decline over the last century, and the mountain plover has been considered for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The USFWS decided against listing the species, based on additional data and conservation efforts initiated for mountain plovers. The mountain plover is listed as a species of special concern in Colorado. Activities related to mountain plover during FY 200809 included • • • • Conducted research into nest survival rates in differing habitat types and the breeding ecology of the species. Assessed the potential impact of four different transmitter attachment techniques - sutures, tissue glue, silicone glue and leg harness-on various bird species, narrowing the range of techniques prior to testing them on mountain plover. Successful use of transmitters allows researchers to track the movements of individual chicks in differing shortgrass habitat types. Completed data analysis and report preparation of a 3-year study of mountain plover chick survival rates and brood movement among habitat types. Field research for the study involved collection of more than 115,000 mountain plover chick prey items and monitoring 153 mountain plover broods on privately owned lands in Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Lincoln and Kiowa counties. Conducted research into the causes of mountain plover chick mortality. Research involved placing small radiotransmitters on 31 newly hatched chicks from 10-12 broods, and large radiotransmitters on 6 two-week old chicks from 5 broods. Most chicks were monitored daily, depending on weather conditions, for approximately 3 weeks. Greater Sage-Grouse In March, 2008, the Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan was adopted by the Division of Wildlife and four federal agencies to facilitate the conservation of greater sage-grouse (GrSG) and their habitats in Colorado. The Conservation Plan is guided by the philosophy that local work groups - made up of private landowners, public agency representatives, and other interested stakeholders -- have a pivotal role in greater sagegrouse conservation efforts, which will cross jurisdictional and ownership boundaries. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 16 �The impetus for the plan is three-fold. First is the widespread decline in greater sagegrouse distribution and abundance, both range-wide and in Colorado. Greater sagegrouse are listed on the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Species of Concern list. In addition, four petitions have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the years to list the species, or a subspecies, as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Second, local working groups have formed in Colorado to address and undertake the conservation of five greater sage-grouse populations -- Middle Park, North Park, Northern Eagle - Southern Routt Counties, Northwest Colorado, and Parachute-Piceance-Roan. All five working groups have completed local conservation plans. However, while working group efforts may be sufficient to protect a single local population of greater sage-grouse, collectively they may be insufficient to conserve the species statewide. Third, the Colorado Division of Wildlife signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies that obligates CDOW to complete a statewide greater sage-grouse conservation plan. In addition, CDOW committed to completion of such a plan under a multi-state State Wildlife Grant awarded in 2001. The statewide conservation plan is a long-term plan that will terminate when the greater sage-grouse is removed from the CDOW Species of Special Concern list. Once the conservation plan is terminated, a management plan would be developed, based upon the statewide plan. Other CDOW actions in support of greater sagegrouse conservation included -• • • • • Investigated natal dispersal using genetic and demographic techniques, chick survival, and brood augmentation using captivereared chicks. Throughout the research project, 256 females were captured and radio-marked. Documented the fate of 376 nests which resulted in radio-marking 469 day-old chicks from 84 broods. Collected eggs from wild females and hatched them in captivity resulting in 166 chicks. Developed supplemental greater sage-grouse information for the USFWS, including summaries of 43 habitat treatments and protection projects completed since the previous update in 2008. The information is a factor in the USFWS' decision on whether to list the greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act. Completed 16 greater sage grouse habitat enhancement projects, totaling 9,627 acres. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 17 �Gunnison Sage-Grouse Gunnison sage-grouse occupy a small fraction of their historical range, having been extirpated by habitat conversion from much of their historical distribution in southwest Colorado, southeast Utah, and northern New Mexico. Distribution is believed to have been historically fragmented, but more recent habitat loss has exacerbated that condition. Recent estimates place the total population in Colorado at approximately 4,200 birds in 7 separate populations, of which 3,800 occur in the Gunnison Basin. Gunnison sage-grouse have relatively low genetic diversity compared to greater sage-grouse, and genetic information suggests most populations are isolated from each other. Potential threats to Gunnison sage-grouse are varied but numerous. Low genetic diversity, genetic drift from small population sizes, habitat loss or fragmentation, predator communities, and the impacts of drought are the most significant threats facing Gunnison sage-grouse. In November 2009, the USFWS initiated a status review of the Gunnison sage-grouse to determine whether the species warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Service intends to complete the 12-month review by the end of June 2010. In 2006, the Division of Wildlife obtained US Fish and Wildlife Service approval of a Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCM) for the Gunnison sagegrouse. The CCM is a mechanism to promote conservation work on behalf of declining species or in support of recovery plans. • • • • • • • • Received inquiries about CCMs from more than 100 landowners representing 104,000 acres of potential Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. Approved the first CCM agreement with a landowner in April, 2009. The CCM covered 2700 acres of a 4400 acre ranch in the Ohio Creek Valley. Conducted on-site inspections of more than 30 properties to assess habitat values that would further Gunnison sage-grouse conservation efforts. Improved Gunnison sage-grouse habitat on approximately 1000 acres in the Pinyon Mesa population area. Radiomarked 179 Gunnison sage-grouse in the Gunnison Basin and 24 in the San Miguel population as part of continuing research into the demography and movements of Gunnison sage-grouse in those areas. Tracked adult and chick survival in both the Gunnison and San Miguel populations. Conducted research into captive rearing techniques for Gunnison sage-grouse. Radio-marked 20 females in the Gunnison Basin. Collected 40 eggs from nests and incubated them at the Foothills Research Facility in Ft. Collins. Chicks were later moved to the National Wildlife Research Center. Eleven of the 36 hatched chicks survived into adulthood. Initiated a study of the effects of sagebrush treatments undertaken for Gunnison sage-grouse on the species and on sagebrush-dependent songbirds. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 18 �Borea/ Toad-The boreal toad is listed as endangered by the State of Colorado. An interstate recovery plan was completed in February 2001. The criteria for de-listing the boreal toad in Colorado includes establishment of at least two breeding populations in each of nine areas of historic distribution, and at least 25 breeding populations statewide. The following describes boreal toad-related efforts in FY2008-09 and how they helped move the Division of Wildlife closer to reaching its de-listing goal -• • • • • • • Released 3,400 boreal toad tadpoles hatched at the NASRF in Rocky Mountain National Park and 3,450 in New Mexico in continued efforts to establish new populations. Tested approximately 1,000 boreal toad tissue samples to determine distribution of chytrid fungus. Monitored boreal toad populations at approximately 250 sites. Began using a software program to discriminate belly pattern images from two research field sites. The program provides a way to compare photographs of toads from field visits against a database of photos from toads previously captured. This allows a non-intrusive method for ascertaining how many unique individuals have been captured. Continued research, in cooperation with the University of Colorado at Boulder, on the basic biology of Bd infection and the possibility that boreal toads are developing a genetic resistance to the deadly fungal infection Located an additional 6 boreal toad breeding sites bringing the total of known sites to 86. Monitored breeding and disease status at 75 of the known boreal toad breeding sites. Northern Leopard Frog • • • Conducted a third year of surveys, with a total of 303 sites surveyed for the continued presence of northern leopard frogs since 2007. Samples were collected to determine the impact chytrid fungus is having on this species. Areas with appropriate habitat but no previous reports were also surveyed, leading to the discovery of new populations of northern leopard frogs. Collected additional sightings through the Colorado Herptofaunal Atlas database. Gunnison's and White-tailed Prairie Dogs -Colorado is home to three prairie dog species -- the black-tailed prairie dog, Gunnison's prairie dog (GUPD), and the white-tailed prairie dog (WTPD). Although there are similarities among the species, each is unique in its habitat requirements, sociality, and conservation needs. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 19 �In 2002, a petition was filed to list the WTPD under the Endangered Species Act, and in 2004 a petition was filed to list the GUPD. Both petitions were denied. However, those decisions not to list the two species were later overturned as a result of the discovery of illegal interference in the decision by higher levels of the Department of the Interior. As a result, the USFWS agreed to conduct 12-month reviews of the species. In the GUPD review, the USFWS determined that four populations of the GUPD in the San Luis Valley, South Park, Gunnison Valley and in Southeastern Colorado were "warranted but precluded" from listing. The similar review of WTPD is underway. States within GUPD and WTPD range determined that conservation and management plans were needed. Division of Wildlife activities related to the GUPD and WTPD during FY 2008-09 included the following -• • • Released a draft conservation strategy for GUPD and WTPD, which is intended to be a guide for local plans to maintain the two species on native range on both public and private lands in the state. Hosted an Implementation Planning Workshop for GUPD Gunnison Individual Population Area in Gunnison. Thirty participants attended, including representatives from Gunnison and Saguache counties, Gunnison County Stockgrowers Association, federal land management agencies and private citizens. Hosted an Implementation Planning Workshop for the Northwest Individual Population Area in Craig. Twenty-five participants attended including representatives from Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, federal land management agencies, energy industry companies and private landowners. Eastern Plains Native Fish Conservation -Aquatic Section efforts towards the conservation or recovery of 12 special status fish species in Eastern Plains waters included the following during FY 2008-09 -• • • • Developed a spatially balanced, randomized sample of plains stream sites, to evaluate the efficacy of random sampling (in contrast to sampling preselected sites), for accurately representing fish status at the stream- and watershed-levels in a longterm monitoring program. Evaluated more than 80 of the randomly selected sites. Conducted lab and field studies evaluating potential impact of introduced western mosquitofish on native plains topminnow. Preliminary results appear to implicate mosquitofish in the disappearance of topminnows from the sites where both species were found. Initiated studies on potential interactions of western mosquitofish and northern redbelly dace. The northern redbelly dace is a state endangered species that currently has a very limited distribution in Colorado. Completed research on Arkansas darter temperature and feeding regimes, to more precisely define optimal growth conditions. Results were provided to the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility, and contributed to a 29% increase in size of juvenile darters at time of stocking. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 20 �• • • • • Built and tested two new types of sampling gear: prepositioned electrofishing grids and a Missouri trawl. Both were specifically compared to sampling equipment currently in regular use, to assess whether they should be adopted for standard sampling. Updated 6 population maps for suckermouth minnow, plains minnow, and brassy minnow. Surveyed 9 existing or reintroduced populations of eastern plains fish species for persistence or reproduction status. Surveyed habitat conditions at 40 potential eastern plains fish species reintroduction sites. Established or restored 15 eastern plains fish populations. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT) are one of three subspecies of native trout found in Colorado. They historically occupied portions of the Colorado River drainage in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Widespread introductions of nonnative salmonids over the last century have served to limit current distributions primarily to isolated headwater streams and lakes. The Colorado River cutthroat trout is designated as a species of special concern in Colorado, and significant resources have been dedicated to conservation of the subspecies. In 1994, member states of the Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council (a consortium of State Fish and Wildlife Agency directors) recognized the need for state wildlife agencies to coordinate conservation actions for Colorado River cutthroat trout. The 2006 Conservation Agreement for Colorado River Cutthroat is a collaborative effort among state and federal resource agencies designed to provide a framework for the long-term conservation of Colorado River cutthroat trout, and to reduce or eliminate the threats that warrant its status as a species of special concern. Among the activities carried out by the Division of Wildlife in relation to the CRCT in FY 2008-09 were the following -• • • • Removed non-native brook trout from a nearly one-mile stretch of Deep Creek in southwest Colorado. Colorado River cutthroat trout were stocked in the creek in the spring of 2009 as part of the Division of Wildlife's program to reestablish cutthroat in its native waters. Surveyed approximately 3 miles of Porphry Gulch Creek to determine suitability for CRCT stocking. Worked with the Forest Service to remove an old irrigation diversion and replace with a new structure that serves as a migration barrier. Reconstructed failed barrier on Hermosa Creek. Completed construction of new 4-acre CRCT broodstock pond at CatsPaw Ranch. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 21 �Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Rio Grande cutthroat trout range further south than any other cutthroat trout, historically occupying waters down to southern New Mexico. In Colorado, their range is confined to the headwaters of the Rio Grande surrounding the San Luis Valley. As with other subspecies of cutthroat trout, widespread introductions of non-native salmonids over the last century have served to limit their current distribution to isolated headwater streams and lakes. As of May 2009, Rio Grande cutthroat trout are considered "warranted but precluded" for listing under the Endangered Species Act. A Conservation Agreement on the Rio Grande cutthroat trout among Colorado, New Mexico, four federal agencies and two Native American tribes was released in October 2009. The agreement provides a collaborative framework outlining long-term conservation objectives for this subspecies. Among the Division of Wildlife's activities in support of the recovery of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout in FY 2008-09 are the following -• • • • • • • • ~ Monitored Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations at 15 sites. Surveyed 6 sites for presence/absence of Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Assessed 100 collected specimens for genetic purity. Assessed 35 specimens collected from 5 sites for the presence of whirling disease. Located potential barrier sites in Ivy Creek for proposed reintroduction project. Stocked 9,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout to augment existing populations. Stocked 104,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout in streams and lakes for angler recreation . Participated in annual rangewide coordination meeting Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center -The Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center was acquired in 2004 with funding support from Great Outdoors Colorado. The facility has housed lynx prior to reintroduction release, and currently rehabilitates lynx and other wildlife that have suffered injuries. Examples of work done at the facility in FY 2008-09 include -• • • • • Performed rehabilitation work on 45 raptors, 3 bears, 4 mountain lions, 3 bobcats Successfully rehabilitated 85% of raptors and nearly all the mammals Placed one non-releasable bobcat with the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and one non-releasable peregrine falcon with Raptor Rehab Nebraska. Both animals will be used for educational purposes in their respective facilities. Two of the 4 mountain lions released were radio collared and are now part of the mountain lion study on the Front Range which is looking at urban interactions of mountain lions. Continue assisting other Southwest region rehabilitation facilities that lack flight cages. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 22 �Other Native Species Work Colorado hosts an estimated 960 wildlife species. In November 2006, Colorado's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan was finalized, identifying 210 priority wildlife species, and 13 priority habitat types, as well as potential conservation actions to benefit the priority species and habitats. The plan also seeks to coordinate planning, partnership building, project design and implementation among the many state, federal, local and private organizations involved to varying degrees in wildlife conservation in Colorado. As described elsewhere in this report, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has multi-faceted efforts underway that focus on specific species, Gunnison sage-grouse, lynx or Colorado River cutthroat trout for example. The CDOW also has smaller programs for some species, population monitoring for olive-backed pocket mouse for example. Still other species may be assessed as part of broader, more encompassing efforts, the Small Mammals Atlas or breeding Bird Survey for example. The following describes some of the population monitoring, surveying and other research efforts that were conducted in relation to species identified in the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan through more limited or broad-based programs in FY 2008-09 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Updated mountain whitefish, mottled sculpin and mountain sucker range distribution and abundance information through 60 stream inventories. Evaluated 15 Arkansas River darter and southern redbelly dace population sites. Stocked 6000 Rio Grande suckers, 15,000 Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and 55,000 Rio Grande chub. Collected 80 vegetation samples at Columbian sharp-tailed grouse seasonal habitat sites. Monitored 190 columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks. Radio-tracked 25 plains sharp-tailed grouse. Conducted a fall pre-migration greater sandhill crane survey. Surveyed and evaluated 85 pika sites. Installed 10 bat gates on inactive mines for Townsend's big-eared bats. Helped to obtain US Department of the Interior protection, for a minimum of 20 years, of 22 acres of maternity roosts of Townsend's big-eared bats on Department of the Interior land. Stocked 400,000 greenback cutthroat trout in high-elevation lakes. Evaluated 3 new sites for potential greenback cutthroat trout reintroduction. A radio-tracked male wolverine was confirmed in north-central Colorado, the first confirmed presence of the species in Colorado since 1919. The collared animal was part of the Greater Yellowstone Wolverine program. Developed and posted a wolverine sighting reporting form on the CDOW web site. Concluded a five-year research project on the response of swift fox to plague outbreaks in black-tailed prairie dog colonies. The study followed 8-12 radiocollared swift fox in the Central Plains Experiment Range in northcentral Colorado. In March, 2009, the Colorado Wildlife Commission removed the bald eagle from the list of state threatened species. The delisting was based on the delisting of the species under the federal endangered Species Act, and on an analysis of Colorado's bald eagle population status. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 23 �PROPAGATION Of AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK The Division of Wildlife opened the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa during the summer of 2000. Construction of the facility was funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado, and on-going operations of the facility continue to be supported with GOCO funds. Eleven species of fish are reared at the facility, along with boreal toads. Among activities made possible through work at the NASRF in FY 2008-09 are the following: • • • • • • • Raised 6,800 federally endangered bonytail for release into the Colorado River, Green River and Butch Craig pond. Provided refugia for populations of humpback chubs, roundtail chub, Arkansas darter, northern and southern redbelly dace and Rio Grande chub. Released 45,000 roundtail chub, 19,500 Rio Grande suckers and 113,000 Rio Grande chub reared at the facility into suitable habitat. Successfully spawned all species of fish and amphibians currently reared at NASRF. Completed construction on 20 new rearing ponds at NASRF which has enabled the staff to expand breeding programs and make room for Yampa roundtail chubs, flannelmouth suckers and bluehead suckers -- three new species at the NASRF facility. Completed the third year of an ongoing belly photo study that assesses the use of belly photos to identify individual toads in the wild and at the NASRF. Addresses a complication of monitoring amphibian populations due to the inability of boreal toads to retain individual tags or marks. Provided boreal toad toadlets to the University of Colorado and Idaho State University for chytrid fungus research. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 24 �WILDLIFE EDUCATION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Wildlife Education Youth Education - 8158 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 6130, 6140, 6150, 6160 , 6260,6290, 6581 $554,000 Colorado Outdoor Ed. And Rec. Complex - 5718, 5860, 6159, 7159 6330 $80,357 River Stewardship - 8160 6420 $161,000 The Division of Wildlife applies GOCO funding to a wide variety of work packages involving formal and informal wildlife education programs for youth and adults. A portion of the GOCO funding for wildlife education work packages was directed toward full time equivalent (FTE) salary expenses. A total of 10.5 FTEs worked on wildlife education at the Division of Wildlife, and GOCO funding supported 0.9 of those FTEs. YOUTH EDUCATION High School Modules - The Division of Wildlife is developing a series of instruction modules designed specifically for high school instructors and students. Each module addresses a different wildlife management issue, and seeks to allow students to explore scientific topics through connections to real-life situations. In FY 2008-09, the Division of Wildlife produced a new math- and science-based interactive online module focusing on hatchery management. The module allows students to run a virtual hatchery, from egg fertilization to stocking of catchable-sized fish. The Division of Wildlife's education section completed downloadable Colorado wildlife coloring pages for three age groups. The pages are also shared with the Colorado Tourism Board website. All the pages are available in both English and Spanish versions. Hard copies of the coloring pages are also provided at urban events. r - ~ .I ,' ' I,·· • • • tr • -..L ,,:_ Wildlife Discovery Pages - The Division of Wildlife website is expanding information geared toward younger audiences on Colorado's most interesting and unusual wildlife species. Approximately every three weeks , new Wildlife Discovery Pages are placed on the CDOW website. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 25 �Wildlife Discovery Pages are designed for three age groups: Preschool through first grade, 2nd through 5th grade, and middle school. Each page provides age appropriate reading activities, and links to other pages on the CDOW web site. There are currently nearly 120 pages that highlight 40 Colorado species. For example, middle school pages include the following species: • • • • • American Dipper Moose Collared Lizard Humpback Chub River Otters • • • • Lynx Leopard Frog Western Hognose Snake Weasels • • • Bats Pikas and Marmots Great Horned Owl Project WILD Training educators to teach their students about Colorado's wildlife resources using the Project WILD (Wildlife in Learning Design) curriculum continues to reach thousands of Colorado students every year. The following are the Project WILD highlights for FY 2008-09: • • • • Embarked upon a strategic planning process that has lead to new Outreach Goals for Project WILD and all other outreach programs. These goals focus on providing a continuum of opportunities for Colorado citizens that engage them at every age and at every level in wildlife appreciation, wildlife recreation and wildlife conservation. Hosted 47 Wildlife Educator Workshops, featuring Project WILD and other curriculum materials, reaching 824 educators in the state. Published three 16-page editions of Colorado Connections, a conservation education newsletter that reaches approximately 18,500 educators in the state. Participated in partner projects and outreach events to reach Colorado educators and the public with wildlife education resources. Hosts of the events included: Colorado Association of Science Teachers, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, Bluff Lake Nature Center, STEMapalooza, International Sportsmen Expo, Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, The Wildlife Experience Museum and the Colorado Council for the Social Studies. Wonders in Nature - Wonders in Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) Program The WIN-WIN program is a partnership with the Denver Zoo that provides wildlife and natural resource education through 40-70 hours of classroom instruction and at least one field trip for hands-on experience. The program provides instructors for 20 schools in the Denver metro area with low-income students, and also works with open space programs and natural resource centers to arrange the field trip portion of the program. The WIN-WIN program has been eliminated as of the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year due to funding issues and an inability to expand the program as the Division of Wildlife desired. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 26 �Adult Education Programs -Accomplishments of adult education programs in FY 2008-09 included • • • • • Produced a boat inspection manual for volunteers at boat check inspection sites statewide developed in response to the discovery of zebra and quagga mussels in Colorado. Translated fishing regulations into Spanish and placed them on the CDOW website as part of an effort to reach new urban audiences. Developed brochures for 2010 wildlife viewing events statewide, including a 6page tri-fold brochure entitled "Get Outdoors Colorado" describing a range of wildlife viewing activities in the state. Distributed and posted on the CDOW web site a brochure on white-nose syndrome in bats. The brochure was produced in partnership with the Western Bat Working Group. Conducted more than a dozen T.E.N. (Teaching Environmental Sciences Naturally) workshops. T.E.N. participants visit outdoor classroom sites and learn about the sites' natural history and resource management. Workshop sites included Lamar, Trinidad, Pueblo, Denver, Buena Vista, Durango, and Grand Junction. RIVER STEWARDSHIP Angler Education The Angler Education Program has grown significantly over the past 15 years. Started in 1994 as a small urban fishing program designed to teach 600 kids how to fish, the FY 2008-09 program held 250 fishing clinics and events statewide, reaching more than 35,000 participants. A total of 16,000 starter fishing rods were distributed at these events statewide. More than 100 different groups and organizations took part in clinics, including: • • • • • • • Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund Environmental Learning for Kids Trout Unlimited Colorado Walleye Association Muskies Inc. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America The Greenway Foundation • • • • School Districts Statewide Southern Ute Mountain Indian Tribe Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe Colorado Sky Sox Baseball Team Other activities of the Angler Education Program included : • Shifted the focus Angler Education clinics to encourage entire families, not just youth, to participate in angling as a positive outdoor family activity. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 27 �• • • Participated in numerous "Get Outdoor" activities including: the National Get Outdoors Day Celebration, National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration, the Estes Park Elk Fest, the Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, and numerous family fishing events at Overland Park Pond in Denver. Trained Park and Recreation Districts staff, sportsmen groups, and non-profit organizations in the "Passport to Fishing Program" to assist them in conducting fishing programs on their own. Partnered with the Colorado Sportsmen Wildlife Fund (CSWF) on fishing clinics in communities from Glenwood Springs to the Grand Junction/Delta area. COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATION COMPLEX Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Education Complex (COREC) In 2004, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved initial funding for site selection and facility design for a large outdoor recreation and education complex in the Denver metro area. The concept behind the complex was modeled in part on the popular Ben Avery Shooting Range facility outside Phoenix, Arizona, and was intended to address a shortage of shooting range facilities for sportsmen in the metro area in particular. After several years of searching for a suitable site, the Division of Wildlife entered into discussions with the State Land Board focusing on acquiring a potential 2,900 acre site near the town of Roggen. A possible associated scenario also involved a land exchange with the US Forest Service. However, as national and state economic conditions worsened, combined with increasing uncertainty over Division of Wildlife revenues over the short- and mediumterm, the Division of Wildlife and Wildlife Commission decided to stop further work on site location and acquisition efforts. The Great Outdoors Colorado Board was notified of the suspension of COREC-related work at its October 2009 Board meeting. GOCO funding slated for the complex was returned to the Wildlife Purpose Quadrant for reallocation in future years. The analyses and information obtained through the planning grant have been, and will continue to be, useful in the design of smaller shooting range sites around the state. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 28 �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Watchable Wildlife Wildlife Viewing - 5160, 6161 , 7161, 7166, 8161 , 8162 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 5110, 5210, 5260, 5310 $417,695 The Division of Wildlife applies GOCO funding to a wide variety of work packages involving the development and supporl of viewing opporlunities such as wildlife festivals, viewing sites, and viewing skills workshops -- often partnering with local governments - and volunteer programs. A portion of the GOCO funding for watchable wildlife was directed toward full time equivalent (FTE) salary expenses. A total of 4 FTEs work on watchable wildlife programs at the Division of Wildlife, and GOCO funding supported 1. B of those FTEs. WILDLIFE VIEWING The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to a significant segment of Colorado's population that does not hunt or fish but are interested in programs that perpetuate the state's wildlife resources. The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many programmatic building blocks that helped bring about the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. With financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Division of Wildlife is able to provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs that reach a significant portion of Colorado's population that would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. In Colorado, more than 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wildlife annually. The sizeable state and local economic impact of wildlife watching activities - generating an estimated $1.3 billion in annual economic activity and more than 13,000 jobs in Colorado - has laid the groundwork for a new and expanded set of partners for the Division of Wildlife. Wildlife Festivals and Events An estimated 170,000 people took part in wildlife viewing events or festivals in FY 200809. Watchable Wildlife program staff were involved in planning for or assisting with the following wildlife festivals and events: • • Pueblo Eagle Day at Pueblo Reservoir High Plains Snow Goose Festival (Lamar) 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 29 �• • • • • • • • • • • • Lesser Prairie Chicken viewing (Granada and Campo) Monte Vista Crane Festival Greater Prairie Chicken viewing (Wray) Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival Day (Colorado Springs) Bent on Birding Festival (Bent County) Mountain Plover Festival (Karval) Bighorn Sheep Festival (Georgetown) Orient Mine Bat Watching (Villa Grove) Hummingbird Festival (Colorado Springs) Greater Sage-Grouse lek tours (Walden) Eckert Crane Festival Ute Mountain Birding Festival Watchable Wildlife Education Programs - The Division of Wildlife's Wildlife Watch program teaches wildlife viewing skills to youth and adults. More than 200 Colorado residents participated in Wildlife Watch workshops in FY 2008-09. Another 1000 hours of volunteer hours were donated to Watchable Wildlife programs. The Division of Wildlife hosted wildlife viewing educational programs at the following events and locations: • • • • Orient Mine Bat Outflight - Villa Grove USAFA Raptor Education Program Southern Colorado Bird Identification Program at Pueblo Eagle Day Pagosa Audubon Society • • • • Natural History of Bighorn Sheep at Garden of the Gods Sheep Festival Mancos State Park Flying Wild Training - Teachers - Cortez area Mammal Mania Class - 4 Corners Health Care Center Watchable Wildlife with Partners - • • • • • • Maintained 218 Birding Trail sites in Southeast Colorado. Developed 13 birding routes, including more than 200 viewing sites, as part of the new Southwest Colorado Birding Trail. Information on each site is scheduled to be available on the Division of Wildlife website early in 2010. A printed booklet on the viewing sites is expected to be available by late spring. Distributed more than 23,000 copies of Colorado Birding Trail - Southeast Region. Partnered with the Colorado Department of Transportation to produce a new state map with nearly 200 wildlife viewing binocular icons indicating wildlife viewing sites. Partnered with the Colorado Tourism Office to include wildlife viewing articles and featured sites on the web site and in their e-newsletters. Sponsored Colorado Birding Trail Field Days at privately owned ranches included in the Colorado Birding Trail. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 30 �• • • • • Partnered with state and federal agencies and private organizations on an outdoor urban event for "National Get Outdoors Day." More than 5000 people participated in the event. Provided assistance for interpretive signs on the Grand Mesa Historic and Scenic Byway and the Unaweep Tabaguache Scenic Byway. Joined with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies to conduct winter wildlife viewing trips for area students. Completed a new exhibit at the Brush Museum on wildlife of the prairies Completed "floating wetland" mini-habitats for waterfowl and bird viewing with the City of Denver at Washington Park. Watchable Wildlife on State Wildlife Areas • • • • • Constructed watchable wildlife kiosk and birding trail at Ramah SWA. Completed watchable wildlife trail at Buena Vista SWA. Replaced watchable wildlife interpretive sign at Mount Ouray SWA. Installed interpretive panels at Walter Walker, Leatha Jean Strassen and Oak Ridge SWAs. Built wildlife viewing boardwalk at Blue River SWA. Volunteer Programs The Division of Wildlife's Volunteer Program helps provide a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to augment DOW programs and initiatives. Volunteers assist the Division of Wildlife in a full range of activities, from customer service in offices and on State Wildlife Areas to field work helping with species surveys. More than 2200 volunteers worked on 312 Division of Wildlife projects in FY 2008-09, providing more than 72,000 hours of help, or the workload of approximately 36 FTE. Volunteers donated time and energy worth more than $1, 175,000 to the Division of Wildlife's programs. Examples of the type of work volunteers undertook include: • • • • • • • • • Counting bats during dusk outflights. Night searches for black footed ferrets in northwestern Colorado. Transporting sick and injured wildlife to rehabilitators. Removing miles of barbed wire fencing and improving habitat at State Wildlife Areas. Clean-up at public shooting ranges and shooting areas. Mentoring youth and beginning hunters and anglers. Spawning millions of fish eggs for hatcheries, and eventual stocking. Staffing information booths at wildlife festivals, fairs and trade conventions. Outreach to local communities and homeowner association on "Bear Aware" information. 2008-2009 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado 31 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/66adb7a1ba8da8fcc072d75d8f525088.pdf de799070ff09bbbfe087fc7d7fa7a90f PDF Text Text r Colorado State Parks r\ l annual report Fiscal Year 2008-2009 �1313 Sherman Street. Room 618 • Denver, Colorado 80203 • Phone (303) 866-3437 • FAX (303) 866-3206 • www.colorado.gov/parks January 18, 2010 The Hon. Norma Anderson, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Senator Anderson, I'm pleased to submit Colorado State Parks' Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. This report contains financial information and narrative about the great work State Parks accomplished with GOCO funding in fiscal year 2008-2009. This year, our annual report format has been changed and simplified. We have organized the report around the four basic objectives for GOCO investments through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, as outlined in Article XXVII of the state Constitution: • • • • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout Colorado. Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights. We believe that this new format provides a more simple, transparent way to describe our use of GOCO funds for the benefit of Coloradans all around the state. Colorado State Parks looks forward to working in partnership with you and the GOCO Board in the coming years. Sincerely, Dean Winstanley Director, Colorado State Parks STA TE OF COLORADO • COLORADO STATE PARKS Bill Ritter, Jr. Governor• James B. Martin, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources Dean Winstanley, Director, Colorado State Parks Colorado Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation: • Bill Kane, Chairman • Lenna Watson, Secretary Gary Butterworth, Member• James Pribyl, Member• Laurie Mathews, Member �Table of Contents Intro and Overview ..............................................................................................................................................................................1 I. Establish and Improve State Parks Land Acquisitions ......................................................................................... ............ ..................... ......... ..... 7 Army Corps Cost Share ........................................ .................. .................................................. ................10 Elkhead Reservoir .................................................... ...... ........................................................................... 12 Lone Mesa State Park ................................. ..................... .............................. ......... ... .... .......................... 14 Revenue Enhancements ............... .............................. ...................................................... ....................... 16 St. Vrain State Park .................................................................................................................. ................ 19 Staunton State Park ....................................... ..................... ....................................................... ........ ...... 21 Capital Project Management ........................ ........................ ....................................... ...... ...... .......... ..... 23 Resource Management Program ............... ......... .................................... ... ...... ...... ......... ...... ................. 25 Vegetation Management ........................................................................................................................ 30 Park Operations ................................................................................................................. ... ...... .............. 34 II. Public Information and Environmental Education Public Information Program ........................... ... ... ...... ......... ..................................................... ............... 39 Environmental Education Program ..................... ............... ......... ........................................................... 42 Volunteer Program .................................................... ............................................................................... 45 Youth Programs ..................................................................................................................... ............... .... 51 �Table of Contents, Continued Ill. Trails and River Greenways State Trails Program ... ..................................................................... ............... ...... ......... ........................ ... 55 Trail Grants ............................................ ................ ...... .......................................... ....................................58 Colorado Front Range Trail ..................... _. .............................................................................................. .62 IV. Water for Recreational Purposes Water Program ........................... ;....................................................................... ..................... ............ ..... 67 V. Management of GOCO Investments GOCO Funding Management ............................................................... ...................................................71 �Introduction Colorado State Parks is pleased to provide this annual report to Great Outdoors Colorado. This report contains financial and narrative information about the work our agency achieved between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 (state fiscal year 08-09) with GOCO Parks-purpose funding. Section I of Article XXVII of the state Constitution delineates four basic objectives for GOCO investments through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation: • • • • Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout the State of Colorado. Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state. Acquire, construct and maintain trails and river greenways. Provide water for recreational purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. Historically, State Parks has used several different Investment Plan and Annual Report organizational structures, and varying nomenclature for specific programs and projects funded by GOCO. Beginning with the fiscal year (FY) 09-10 Investment Plan and this FY 08-09 Annual Report, State Parks will base its GOCO funding directly on language from Article XXVII. By making this change, we hope that we can more clearly demonstrate our intent for specific investments in meeting the Constitutional requirements for GOCO funding, in a way that is transparent and easily understandable by GOCO and the public. As part of this reorganization, State Parks has also standardized and simplified the naming convention for investments. These changes will not result in any reduction in the level of detail of information provided to the Board, or in transparency as to the use of GOCO funds. Highlights Colorado State Parks uses GOCO funding to support a wide variety of programs, park management activities, and capital projects throughout the state. Our agency makes every effort to use GOCO funding in a way that results in "on the ground" enhancements - tangible impacts that enhance the visitor experience and result in safer, more sustainable parks and facilities. In FY 08-09, GOCO funding contributed to programs and improvements at every park in the system - all 42 parks that are open to the public and 2 parks not yet open. State Parks 1 �welcomed more than 11 million visitors in FY 08-09, and GOCO funding contributed in some way to the visitor experience for the vast majority of these outdoor enthusiasts. Our agency is proud of everything we've accomplished with GOCO funding. Some particular highlights from FY 08-09 include: Cheyenne Mountain land acquisition: In January 2009, Colorado State Parks used funding from a 2007 Legacy grant to finalize property acquisition on top of Cheyenne Mountain in El Paso County. This acquisition culminates years of work to secure this stunning property, protect it in perpetuity, and develop it for backcountry recreational uses - a capstone to the development of one of the newest parks in our system. For more information, see page 7. Elkhead Reservoir: Located in Routt and Moffat Counties, Elkhead is the only warm water reservoir in either county that is suitable for summer recreation activities like swimming, boating, water sports and fishing. In FY 08-09 State Parks completed the development of recreation amenities at Elkhead, including campgrounds, day use areas, and improved boating access. This new park will serve rapidly growing recreation demand in this part of the state. For more information, see page 12. Staunton master plan: This stunning 3,700 acre property is situated in Park and Jefferson Counties and is bordered by the Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton is not yet open to the public and represents a rare opportunity for our agency to develop an entirely new state park from the ground up. In FY 08-09 GOCO funding supported the master development planning process for Staunton. This process is nearly complete, and State Parks will proceed with development in the very near future. For more information, see page 21. Volunteer Program: In calendar year 2008 the Volunteer Program helped manage and coordinate more than 5,800 volunteers working on projects within or connected to state parks. These volunteers contributed nearly 199,000 hours - the equivalent of more than 95 full-time employees. This represents nearly double the number of volunteer hours in 2003 when the statewide efforts began. The cost savings to the agency is $4 million, based on the Independent Sector Rate which assesses volunteer value on a national level. For more information on the Volunteer Program, see page 45. Environmental Education Program: With the assistance of GOCO funding, Colorado State Parks has provided qualified interpreters offering educational programs and other services in our parks throughout Colorado since the mid-1990s. In FY 08-09, State Parks staff (including seasonal staff) conducted interpretive and environmental education activities that reached nearly 106,000 visitors through programs, demonstrations and while making direct contact with visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers and entrance stations. For more information, see page 42. 2 �Report Format Each project and program area included in this annual report consists of three sections. A Summary Table lists all the GOCO logs associated with a project or program area that were available at some point during FY 08-09. (Each log also has an associated Grant Budget Line (GBL) code, included to make this document useful to Parks staff as well as GOCO.) For each log, information is included about the grant amount, expenditures made previous to FY 08-09, expenditures made during FY 08-09, and the unexpended balance of the log. Example: Land Acquisitions Summary Table Log Number GBL Adjusted Awa rd Amount 09450 9450 Real Estate Program Operations $13,000.00 $0.00 $1,893.07 $11,106.93 08739 8739 Cheyenne Mountain Legacy 2007 $843,612.00 $0.00 $825,143.00 $18,469.00 07174 8CLA Land Resource Acquisitions $340,000.00 $0.00 $22,458.04 $317,541.96 06180 7CLA Land Resource Acquisitions $340,000.00 $303,753 .50 $36,246.50 $0.00 $1,536,612.00 $303,753.50 $885,740.61 $347,117.89 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expend i tures Unexpended Balance The Background and Objectives section lists the goals of a specific project or program area. In the case of projects, this section contains specific outcomes, such as the construction of a building or development of a trail. In the case of programs (and specific positions within those programs), these goals may contain some specific outcomes but may also be more general in nature. The Accomplishments in FY 08-09 section lists work that was done and accomplishments made directly due to Great Outdoors Colorado funding. Again, these may be specific accomplishments or may be more general; in the case of many GOCO-funded FTE positions, for example, GOCO funding supports a State Parks staffer fulfilling the general duties of the staffer's position class (resource technician or tourist assistant, for example). 3 �1. Esta:bllsh and f,mprove Sta,te Parks 1 �Establish and lmpr0v.e State Parks Land Acquisitions Log Number GBL Adjusted Award Amount 09450 9450 Real Estate Program Operations $13,000.00 $0.00 $1,893.07 $11,106.93 08739 8739 Cheyenne Mountain Legacy 2007 $843,612.00 $0.00 $825,143.00 $18,469.00 07174 8CLA Land Resource Acquisitions $340,000.00 $0.00 $22,458 .04 $317,541.96 06180 7CLA Land Resource Acquisitions $340,000.00 $303,753.50 $36,246.50 $0.00 $1,536,612.00 $303,753.50 $885,740.61 $347,117.89 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Subsequent to the end of FY 08-09, grant log number 08739 was closed and the remaining balance of $18,469 was deauthorized. Background and Objectives The Colorado State Parks Real Estate Program is staffed with 1.0 FTE, assisted with periodic seasonal worker (SWP) support. This position's primary responsibility is negotiation with property owners or their agents for the acquisition, exchange, lease, or limited use of lands and interests in real property for public recreation purposes. The position is responsible for obtaining and reviewing appraisals, title commitments, surveying, inspections, and other items/services involved in purchasing and acquiring recreation lands. This requires extensive travel, given the remote location of many of State Parks' existing lands and acquisitions. Beyond acquisition, the Real Estate Program manages State Parks' existing portfolio of lands, including administration of the annual PILT program, annual inventory of properties held in title, and ongoing management of the State Parks Land Trust Portfolio (held in trust by the State Land Board). GOCO funding has been vital to the acquisition of State Parks' overall land base. Annual investment funding generally enables the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In-holdings and adjoining lands at state parks, like Golden Gate Canyon, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes and right-of-way problems. 7 �Colorado State Parks also uses GOCO funds to acquire (or purchase conservation easements on) lands that are not directly adjacent to or within a state park, in order to fulfill other aspects of State Parks' mission. These acquisitions and/or easements could include parcels that comprise designated or new Natural Areas or trail corridor connections. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 In January 2009, Colorado State Parks used funding from a 2007 Legacy grant to finalize property acquisition on top of Cheyenne Mountain in El Paso County. This acquisition culminates years of work to secure this stunning property, protect it in perpetuity, and develop it for recreational uses - a capstone to the development of one of the newest parks in our system. Cheyenne Mountain is located southwest of Colorado Springs, on the site of the former JL Ranch. This property is in remarkably pristine condition and is host to wide variety of wildlife including deer, black bear, elk, wild turkey, and cougar. Colorado State Parks and the City of Colorado Springs originally purchased 1,680 acres in June 2000, forming the primary land base for the park. Since that time, Colorado State Parks has completed significant infrastructure and recreation amenity development at Cheyenne Mountain. A 2004 GOCO Large-Scale grant and GOCO annual investment funding have been crucial to this effort. To date, State Parks has constructed the following: • • • • • • More than 20 miles of trail 61 campsites (51 RV, 10 walk-in) and a camper services building 41 family picnic sites The park's Visitor Center, the heart of park operations and the starting point for most visitors' park experience Six restrooms located throughout the park's campgrounds and day-use areas The park's maintenance shop and vehicle yard Cheyenne Mountain is currently open to the public on a daily basis and has enjoyed strong dayuse visitation to date. At the time of the original JL Ranch acquisition, partners and stakeholders recognized that protecting the property on top of Cheyenne Mountain itself would be beneficial in several ways. This property provides stunning views, and directly links the existing park land base to the Pike National Forest to the west. I n December 2007, State Parks was awarded a Legacy grant by the GOCO Board for the acquisition of the top of Cheyenne Mountain. After lengthy negotiations, State Parks used this GOCO Legacy grant and other funding to purchase 10 parcels from three different owners, 8 �protecting the top of the mountain from development in perpetuity. The sellers placed conservation easements over the property prior to sale to the City and State. These conservation easements are held by Colorado Open Lands and allow the development of passive recreational activities and low-impact facilities; for example, the site lends itself to trail development and a small number of primitive backcountry camping sites, perhaps as part of a larger trail network connecting to trails in the Pike National Forest. Funding for the acquisition came from three sources: the City of Colorado Springs open space program, State Parks' Park Trust portfolio (managed by the State Land Board) and the GOCO Legacy grant. In FY 08-09, GOCO Land Acquisition funds also supported two land exchanges involving two properties previously acquired with GOCO funds. These exchanges improved access and/or management conditions at two parks while retaining the spirit and intent of the original property acquisitions. • • Colorado State Parks and the City of Fruita exchanged properties with equivalent values of $680,000. State Parks acquired 2 additional riverfront properties (Smith and Fuoco II) which will serve as buffer property and trail ROW corridor for the Colorado Riverfront Trail. In an exchange with an adjoining private landowner (Bayless Ranches) at Lone Mesa State Park, the parties exchanged 2,034 acres each in a repositioning of properties. State Parks gained a valuable access corridor to a county road and land more suitable for campground development and visitor recreation . Funds spent from the two buffer acquisitions accounts above for FY 08-09 also included various program costs covering appraisals, boundary surveys, Phase I environmental audits, consultants, lease payments and recording fees. State Parks is currently pursuing several potential transactions. Actual property acquisitions are made by the program when targeted opportunities become economically attractive. Property valuation, zoning changes, conservation easements and availability of funding matches are some of the factors that determine the feasibility and timing of specific property purchases. GOCO funding also provides operational support to help the Real Estate Program achieve the objectives outlined above. In FY 08-09, specific expenditures included: • • • Professional consultant expenses related to real estate transactions, including appraisals, surveying, Phase I environmental evaluations, county recording fees, property inspections and closing costs. In-state travel costs Office supplies 9 �Establish and Improve State Parks Army Corps Cost Share Log Number GBL 07182 SCAD Army Corp Cost Share: Chatfield $500,000.00 $207,870 .12 $52,715 .29 $239,414.59 07182 BCAK Army Corp Cost Share: Cherry Creek $500,000 .00 $0.00 $0 .00 $500,000.00 06188 7CAK Army Corp Cost Share: Cherry Creek $950,000 .00 $599,724.09 $41,688.18 $308,587.73 $1,950,000 .00 $807,594.21 $94,403.47 $1,048,002.32 Adjusted Award Amount Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives After five years of negotiation, Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements in early 2003 to participate in a landmark 50/50 monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Trinidad State Parks. This partnership allows for a combined total of up to $38 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will come primarily from GOCO and Lottery funding, with a small amount of HUTF funding. Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Trinidad combined host nearly three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contain many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors presently seen. While State Parks has invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities are 25 to 30 years old and are unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks. The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to implement a vision for the future. The U.S. Army Corps, as landowner, and Colorado State Parks, as land manager, share a responsibility for the successful stewardship of these three parks. As part of the agreement, Colorado State Parks renewed 25-year management leases on all three properties. 10 �Accomplishments in FY 08-09 Chatfield • • • • • • • Completed the preliminary design of the Plum Creek Trail extension to the top of the reservoir's dam. Completed major pavement improvements to the west entrance road. The work includes 17,738 square yards of chip seal and 900 square yards of asphalt. The construction was completed in June 2008 (invoicing for the project was finalized until August 2008). Completed construction of improvements to the main road utilizing the design and construction administration services ofthe Colorado Department of Transportation. The work included 3,760 feet of road widening to add two six-foot wide bike lanes and overlaid with two inches of asphalt. The construction was completed in May 2008 (invoicing for the project was not received until August 2008). Completed construction of improvements to restore approximately 360 linear feet of the South Platte River bank. This project stabilized the bank between the South Platte River and Cigar Lake, which prevented a bank failure and possible spread of invasive weed species from the lake. The construction was completed in June 2008 (invoicing for the project was finalized until July 2008). In addition, mitigation work (fencing and environmental services) was completed as required for the US Army Corps of Engineers permit for wetlands and Preble's mouse habitat disturbance. Completed construction of three playground structures in the campgrounds. Completed the abandonment of the old sewage lagoons and restored the site to preconstruction site conditions. Completed asphalt repairs and two-inch asphalt overlay to the 3,900 square yard parking lot downstream of the dam. Cherry Creek • • • • • • • Completed the construction of the small group picnic shelter with a restroom. Completed the design of a 2,500-square foot camper services building. Completed the design of at the Cottonwood Trail at the Belleview/Peoria road realignment and the Cottonwood Creek relocation areas. Started the construction of the Cottonwood Trail Improvements near the Belleview/Peoria road realignment. The project include removal of 900 linear feet of abandoned asphalt road, construction of 30,240 square feet of trails, vault restroom facility, 334 square yard trailhead parking lot, self service informational sign and 990 linear feet of fence. Completed the replacement of 660 linear feet of water line for the East Comfort Station. Completed the design of the Swim Beach Trail between the Swim Beach Parking Lot to the Smokey Hill Group Picnic Area. Completed relocation of a gas main for the future Camper Service Building. 11 �Establish and Improve State Parks Elkhead Reservoir Log Number GBL 05214 6ELK Award Title Adjusted Award Amount Elkhead MYP $1,000,000.00 Previous Expenditures $81,009.81 FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $910,407.15 $8,583.04 Background and Objectives Elkhead Reservoir, located in Routt and Moffat Counties, is the only warm water reservoir in either county that is suitable for summer recreation such as swimming, boating, water sports and fishing. Prior to 2003, the reservoir was a popular regional recreation destination, with facilities including a concrete boat ramp, campsites, several day use picnic areas, two swim beaches, several vault toilets, an amphitheatre and approximately 10 miles of trails. Beginning in 2003, however, the city of Craig (owners of the reservoir), in partnership with the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, began a major expansion of the reservoir's existing dam. Each of these partners had different priorities for the project, with the result that work was delayed significantly while these issues were addressed. Once work was completed, the State Engineer required that the reservoir level be held artificially low for safety and testing reasons. Until this testing was complete, no final water elevation levels were available, adding further delays to construction. Now complete, the dam expansion has nearly doubled the surface-acreage of the reservoir, submerging the existing recreation facilities. The entire reservoir has taken on a new look, with major changes to its surrounding topography. In previous years, GOCO funds were utilized to provide various construction materials and equipment associated with the development of the main boat ramp and ski beach facility located on the west side of the reservoir. These facilities were constructed by the City of Craig and the Ames Construction (the prime contractor associated with the re-construction of the Elkhead Dam itself). Colorado State Parks provided final designs for both of these facilities. Construction of these facilities allowed this portion of the park to be opened to the public in the spring of 2007. 12 �Accomplishments in FY 08-09 The majority of this grant was expended in FY 08-09, resulting in a park that is ready to serve the water recreation needs of Routt and Moffat Counties. Specific projects include: Campground and day use improvements construction: The bulk of the construction work in FY 08-09 consisted of the development of primary recreation facilities on the East side of the reservoir. The 16-unit Bears Ears campground was constructed adjacent to the spillway on the East abutment of the newly constructed Elkhead dam. This site offer outstanding view of the reservoir and surrounding landscape, including the Bears Ears formation to the Northeast. Development of the Bears Ears campground included provisions for two hardened ADA campsites with accessible routes connecting to adjacent vaulted restrooms. All sites were constructed to provide level trailer pads with connected uses pads. Site amenities include shade shelters, fire rings and picnic tables at all campsites. Additional improvements include a self-service fee station, drainage improvements and provisions for one of the sites to be utilized as a campground host site. The East Beach day use area is a popular summer destination for the local public. This site was constructed with a 20-car parking lot with additional space for overflow trailer parking. Features of this location include a large sandy beach area, double vaulted restroom and seven developed day use sites with shade shelters, tables and fire rings. Provisions for ADA were also addressed including parking space with a hardened route which provides access to the restroom and a hardened picnic site with shade. The Northeast Access day use area was developed with provisions for hand launch vessels, a vaulted restroom and several formal picnic sites. This site provides access for fishing and bird watching activities. Additional work was completed on the west side of Elkhead related to the main boat ramp and the ski beach day use area. These improvements included the construction of a self-service fee station, expanded boat ramp parking lot and day use sites with shade shelters, tables and fire rings. Provisions for ADA were addressed including accessible parking with a hardened access routes which connect to the vaulted restroom and a hardened picnic site with shade. Other work completed with this funding includes signage throughout the park, installation of storage for maintenance equipment, and the installation of solar lighting packages on three CXT restrooms throughout the park. Boat ramp improvements: Access to the Park's primary boat ramp was significantly improved by grading, compacting, and resurfacing the main gravel access roads. Dust retardant (magnesium chloride) was applied, which should also increase the lifespan of the existing road surface. Drainage improvements and other erosion controls were installed. A 48x6 foot modular courtesy dock was installed to serve the main boat ramp at the reservoir. 13 �Establish Qnd Improve State Parks Lone Mesa State Park Master Plan Log Number GBL 07173 8CLM Award Title Adjusted Award Amount Lone Mesa Planning $250,000.00 Previ ous Expenditures $0 .00 FY09 Expenditures $102,857 .86 Unexpended Balance $147,142.14 Background and Objectives Lone Mesa State Park lies about 20 miles north of the town of Dolores and encompasses 11,702 acres of incredibly scenic land, ranging in elevation from near 7,000 feet to just over 9,000 feet. Lone Mesa State Park's purchase in 1999 was the result of the Division's "Crown Jewel" initiative, and the 11, 700-acre property demonstrates the high natural resource values pursued as part of that search. The GOCO-funded purchase of the three private ranches comprising the park resulted in State Land Board and DPOR fee title ownership of the largest Parks-owned state park in the system. The park is closed to general public access while development and management planning is in progress. However, a Special Use Permit program allows limited public hunting during the big game seasons, as the park includes fantastic elk, deer and bear habitat. Along with administration of the public hunting program, management of Lone Mesa includes monitoring of a livestock grazing lease and other Special Use Permits, involvement in volunteer and other service partnerships, and operation of a visitor center in Dolores. Fire fuels mitigation planning, wetlands monitoring, and other resource work has been completed on the site. The land base at Lone Mesa needs a thorough site inventory, including GIS and assessment of soils, hydrology, and other factors influencing ultimate development of recreation facilities on the property. This GOCO funding is earmarked for that first phase of development planning, with the ultimate goal being the creation of a document to guide park build-out. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 The stewardship planning effort for Lone Mesa is currently underway. State Parks' Stewardship Section, along with park management, conducted several important base surveys, assessment and mapping efforts: 14 �• • • Aerial photography that represents state-of-the-art imagery was completed for this 11,700 acre park. The imagery is half foot pixel resolution with digital elevation model and contour information. This will provide a very solid base of information for planning at this park as well as the potential for amazing 3-D visualization. Wildlife surveys were completed at the park, including owl calling, cavity nesting bird surveys focused on rare purple martins, bat surveys, breeding bird surveys and raptor nest mapping. Vegetative community mapping and condition assessment, noxious weed mapping and grazing monitoring and rare plant mapping was conducted throughout the park. Because this park has four exceedingly rare plant species, this work is incredibly important for the future planning of park development. In FY09-10, work is underway for complete biological and archeological surveys, geological and hydrological mapping and GIS model development for planning. 15 �Establish and Improve State P€1rks Revenue Enhancements Log Number GBL Adjusted Awa rd Amount 07183 8CGG Rev Enhancement-Golden Gate $250,000 .00 $167,698.71 $3,715.27 $78,586 .02 07183 8CNJ Rev Enhancement-Navajo $430,000.00 $24,326 .00 $0.00 $405,674 .00 06189 7CGG R/EGolden Gate Cabin Upgrade $250,000 .00 $246,559.14 $1,721.90 $1,718 .96 06190 7CRD RM Road Improvements $120,000 .00 $47,445.00 $72,548.28 $6 .72 $1,050,000.00 $486,028.85 $77,985.45 $485,985 .70 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expendi tures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives Golden Gate Cabins: This funding and matching Lottery funds are allocated for remodeling of the Harmsen Ranch houses and barns and the Green Ranch. These facilities will be available for full-service rental to State Park visitors. The original Harmsen Ranch house was built at the turn of the 20th century and has had several building additions over the life of the structure. The remodeling plans include a new well, water treatment facilities, new water and electrical service to the house, drainage improvements, remodeling of the kitchen and bathrooms, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, structural improvements, new flooring, upgraded electrical wiring in the house and barn, insulation, new windows and replacement of deteriorating exterior siding. The barn remodeling includes structural repairs, a new roof, removal of old interior framing, and installation of new horse stalls. The Green Ranch house was built in the 1960s and is a frame-type construction with a brick veneer. An architectu ral firm will be hired to evaluate the house and provide recommendations for improving the structure for rental of the house to the public. One of the main considerations for the improvements is to provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access. An additional goal for the project is to change the 1960s frame house architecture to mountain recreation/ranch architecture. 16 �Navajo Marina: Since Navajo became a state park in the 1960s our agency has operated a marina at the park through a private concessionaire. When the last concession contract ended in 2001, the concessionaire was the only bidder for a new contract, but that contractor and the State could not come to terms. Utilizing GOCO funding, in addition to other funding sources, State Parks undertook the development of new marina facilities. The first phase of development has been named the Two Rivers Marina and was opened to the public in 2005. State Parks had expressed interest in developing additional amenities at the marina to further enhance the visitor experience. Proposed development includes a maintenance shop for the park's rental boats, dry storage facilities, additional boating slips and mooring balls, and construction of a marina store offering gas and other amenities. This project is undergoing further evaluation. Road Improvements: The need for road improvements throughout the State Parks system is immense. A large portion of the roads that State Parks is charged with maintaining consist of asphalt. Maintenance of asphalt roads is extremely expensive, and fluctuating oil prices can have had a dramatic effect on the agency's ability to maintain and improve roads with limited funding. State Parks is in the process of conducting a comprehensive road analysis to determine future needs, as well as future impacts to our visitation should road maintenance work not be completed. In previous fiscal years this funding was used for road repairs at Steamboat Lake State Park, including asphalt patching and crack fill in the Sunrise Vista Campground and road shoulder work for widening and drainage on the Dutch Hill Road. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 Golden Gate Cabins: At the Harmsen Ranch, remodeling of the house was completed in 2008. Infrastructure work included a new well, new water treatment facilities, improvements to the septic system, new water service to the house, new electrical service to the house and barn, and drainage improvements. The ranch house's kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms were completely remodeled, including the installation of new gas heating stoves, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, remodel of the sunroom, structural improvements, and new flooring. Upgraded electrical wiring was installed in the house and barn. The entrance road to the house was paved. At the Green Ranch site, design alternatives have been created and reviewed, but the exact work that will be completed at the site is still undetermined due to overall budget concerns. State Parks leadership and Capital Development staff are in the process of determining how to proceed with this project. Navajo: Implementation of the next phase of this project is on hold pending further evaluation . 17 �Road Improvements: James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park (Connect Lakes Section): This project involved the re-construction of large gravel parking lot and main entrance road. Work included the construction of various drainage improvements, grading, compaction and the placement of additional gravel surfacing. In addition the completed road surface was treated with magnesium chloride to stabilizing the gravel surface and aid in reducing dust. Highline Lake State Park: These funds were utilized to provide additional gravel for existing gravel roads and parking areas located on the West side of Highline Lake, near the main boat ramp. Yampa River State Park (Elkhead Reservoir): These funds were utilized for the re-construct of the main entrance road that provides access to two popular day use areas located on the West side of the reservoir. Work included the construction of various drainage improvements, grading, compaction and the placement of additional gravel surfacing. In addition the road was treated with magnesium chloride to stabilize the gravel surface and aid in reducing dust. Sylvan Lake State Park: These funds were utilized to widen the existing gravel road that provides access to the upper cabin loop. Work included the construction of various drainage improvements, grading, compaction and the placement of additional gravel surfacing. Ridgway State Park: These funds were utilized to provide maintenance to the existing asphalt roads located within the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Recreation area. Work included minor surface patching and crack sealing of the asphalt roads. 18 �Establish and Improve State Parks St . Vrain State Park Development Log Number GBL 05865 6SV Award Title Adjusted Award Amount St. Vrain Legacy $3,980,720.00 Previous Expenditures $3,999,093.86 FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance ($18,373.97) Background and Objectives Located about five miles due east of Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Between now and approximately 2010, State Parks plans to make major capital investments at St. Vrain to provide recreation experiences in an area undergoing rapid population growth. In 2004 Colorado State Parks commissioned a local design firm to prepare a master plan outlining development of the infrastructure and amenities necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. The St. Vrain State Park Master Plan contains detailed recommendations on improving every aspect of the park, including recreation opportunities, habitat protection, access, circulation, and sustainability. An update to the Master Plan was completed in September 2007, reflecting new property acquisition and other changes since 2004. Work scheduled to run through 2010 will continue to transform the site into a recreation hub for Colorado's northern Front Range. Improvements planned at St. Vrain include renovation of the old campgrounds, construction of new campgrounds, a camper shower building, remodeling the existing entry station, individual and group picnic sites and renovating existing day use areas. Buffer landscaping along the park's borders will provide privacy for park visitors, increase the aesthetic appeal of the park, and ensure sustainable site preservation over the long term. Installation of utilities (water, sewer, electric) and the construction of improved roads will further enhance the campgrounds, and lay a foundation for further development. Lottery funding is also being used for this project. Local support for the development of St. Vrain is strong. In 2005, a proposed expansion of Weld County Road 7 would have directed a high volume of traffic through the middle of St. Vrain, potentially causing significant disruption to the park experience and impacting the park's wildlife and open space preservation values. Every major municipality in the park's immediate vicinity (Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Ft. Lupton, Frederick, Longmont, and Mead) opposed this plan, 19 $0.11 �and repeatedly demonstrated its support for St. Vrain at public meetings. Recognizing the importance of keeping the park intact, the Town of Firestone proposed annexing St. Vrain so that the park would lie within the town's legal boundaries. This annexation was completed in October 2006, effectively eliminating the possibility of the expansion of County Road 7 into a major transportation corridor. Design and construction work was completed in the second development phase of the park. This area is the southern portion of the park between old County Road 24 ½ and Highway 119 and just west of Interstate 25. This major overhaul to existing infrastructure and development of new amenities has resulted in a dramatically improved park experience. Specific projects completed include: • • • • • • • • • • 46 new camp sites with individual water, sewer and electrical hookups. Construction of 6,700 linear feet of new gravel roads. Construction of 2,800 linear feet of trails. The extension of 8,200 linear feet of 4- and 6-inch water pipe. Installation of 7,800 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe. Installation of 8,300 linear feet of 3, 4 and 6-inch irrigation water pipe. Installation of 4,600 linear feet of primary underground electrical infrastructure. Major landscaping and revegetation of areas impacted by construction. Two 400-square foot shelters. Construction of a day use area. In December 2007, the GOCO Board awarded State Parks $2.0 million in funding to secure a permanent water supply for St. Vrain's ponds. State Parks Water Program staff are in the process of evaluating the market and identifying potential sellers to enhance St. Vrain's water supply. In FY 09-10, High Plains region engineering staff will being developing the necessary infrastructure to draw water off the St. Vrain River and distribute it throughout the park. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 The vast majority of the construction funded by this grant was completed prior to FY 08-09. In FY 08-09, construction documents were prepared for the pavement of entrance road into the park (old Weld County Road 25 ½) and submitted to the Town of Firestone for review and approval. In addition, United Power refunded Parks $19,126 for the Phase 2 Primary Underground Electrical Improvements. The actual costs were less than estimated for the construction of the improvements. 20 �EstobUsh and lmf)rove State Porks Staunton State Park Master Plan Log Number GBL 07172 8CST Award Title Adjusted Award Amount Staunton Planning $690,827.00 Previous Expenditures $186,865.38 FY09 Ex pen di tu res $356,760.54 Unexpended Balance $147,201.08 Background and Objectives Staunton State Park lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within both Park and Jefferson Counties and is surrounded by the Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton is not yet open to the public and represents a rare opportunity for our agency to develop an entirely new state park from the ground up. In 1986, Frances Hornbrook Staunton donated 1,680 acres (including her parents' original homestead) to Colorado State Parks, establishing the original land base for the park. Additional purchases in 1998 added the Elk Falls Section (1,042 acres) and the Davis Ranch Section (860 acres). The acquisition of the 80-acre Chase parcel in 2006 opened up a key transportation corridor through the park and will greatly enhance the development potential. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. In February 2007 Colorado State Parks embarked on a comprehensive master planning effort for Staunton State Park. State Parks selected Landworks Design, Inc as the park's lead master planning firm, which was supported by a team of consultants with diversified expertise in master planning, design development, financial planning, construction documentation, and construction observation services. In partnership with Colorado State Parks Development Staff, Landworks Design, Inc helped lead the Staunton State Park Planning Team (Planning Team), which comprised Colorado State Park field, planning, and natural resource staff and various subconsultants. The Planning Team met regularly throughout the master planning effort and provided frequent updates to the Parks Board at important junctures in the planning process to ensure that a thorough, well-conceived plan would be developed. The Planning Team also held nine public open house meetings throughout the process in Conifer, Bailey and Golden to solicit 21 �public feedback on the master plan. In addition, a master plan advisory group (MPAC), comprised of 15 local, regional and statewide stakeholders supplemented the information provided by the public and helped explore and develop master plan alternatives. Based on public input and other information obtained during the planning process, the Staunton State Park Planning Team proposed a plan that balanced physical site characteristics and overall site carrying capacity with the Colorado State Parks mission and careful financial planning. The proposed Master Plan is broken into four distinct phases over a 10-year period that coincide with key steps and funding needed to develop the park over time incorporating partnerships, build-out goals and other considerations. The plan features a variety of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails, about 100 campsites, and potentially 10 to 20 'sleeper cabins' and yurts depending on partner funding and/or other philanthropic contributions at full buildout. The park's unique geography provides for a variety of other outdoor opportunities including rock climbing, wildlife watching, camping, and scenic viewing. At final buildout, the development "footprint" at the park would amount to seven-tenths of one percent, or about 29.5 acres. This figure includes all roads, trails, buildings, parking, visitors services buildings, and campsites. Implementation of Phase I will begin soon after pending Parks Board approval. This phase will essentially open the park to day use visitors while overnight and other visitor service facilities in the lower portions of the park are being constructed (such as a visitors' center, picnic area, parking areas and an interpretive trial that connects the center to the picnic area and the Davis ponds). Eighteen miles of hiking- only trails are proposed, as well as 13 miles of multi-use trails that will allow horse, bicycle and foot traffic. Rock climbing, hiking, horseback-riding, and mountain biking are likely to be popular activities following completion of this phase. An existing three-mile-long single-lane road through the park may be improved as a multi-use trail during Phase I. Hiking trails to major destinations such as the "Rocks Camp" Lion's Head rock outcrop and Elk Falls will also be constructed in this phase as well. Interpretive signage throughout the park will educate visitors on the natural resources, culture and historic significance of the park. The visitor's center will be built in three phases. First, 2,760 square feet will include park offices, registration area, restrooms, and a covered outdoor area. In the second phase, a meeting room, conference room, and office support areas will be added. The final phase plans an environmental education center and observation tower. The center will use various solar energy technologies to provide electricity and hot water, plus a woody biomass boiler system for heat. A central goal of the park is to produce energy from renewable sources and have zero net energy consumption. 22 �Establish and Improve Sta.te Parks Capital Project Management Log Number GBL Adjusted Award Amount 09320 9320 Capital Prj Manager $77,000.00 $0.00 $28,744.02 $48,255.98 09319 9319 Ca pita I Prj Engineer - SE $153,000.00 $0.00 $152,897 .53 $102.47 09318 9318 Capital Prj Engineer - RM $133,000.00 $0.00 $133,000.00 $0.00 09317 9317 Capital Prj Engineer - HP2 $142,000.00 $0.00 $142,000.00 $0.00 09316 9316 Capital Prj Engineer - HP $112,000.00 $0.00 $112,000.00 $0 .00 $617,000.00 $0 .00 $568,641.55 $48,358.45 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives Colorado State Parks' Capital Development Program is responsible for construction and development projects around the state, ranging in size from small landscaping projects to the planning and development of new state parks. The program works closely with park managers, regi onal staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. Program staff plan, design, engineer, budget, contract, supervise, and inspect the design and construction of facilities and all other park infrastructure. Program staff must also manage the complicated procurement process, including advertising and soliciting bids, evaluat1ng contractor qualifications, and managing bid awards. GOCO has historically funded a number of full-time positions at State Parks which directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding, including Capital Project Engineers. Project Engineers manage construction and other development projects around the state. This GOCO funding supports personal services costs for approximately half of the agency's Project Management staff, including four project engineers and a new Capital Development Program Manager position. The Program Manager position has been created by senior leadership to centralize management of the program and provide more consistent planning, budgeting, and construction practices across the agency's three regions. Over the past half century, Parks has grown significantly, now managing over 220,000 acres of parklands and a 23 �significant capital infrastructure, estimated at about 1,000 facilities and structures throughout 44 parks. In addition to the growth in Parks' capital infrastructure, the capital budget has grown over the years as well, to over $20 million in FY 08-09. A centrally managed Capital Development Program will significantly enhance the quality of information available to the agency, the Parks Board, GOCO and other decision makers. It will help ensure that Colorado State Parks manages public dollars that are entrusted to us in a transparent, responsible and cost-effective way. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 GOCO-funded project engineers work on a wide variety of projects supported by multiple funding sources. Specific GOCO-funded projects that these positions worked on in FY 08-09 include: • • • • • Major renovations and improvements at Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks, as part of the $40.0 million Army Corps Cost Share project. Revenue enhancement and road improvement projects at Golden Gate, Colorado River, Highline Lake, Yampa River, Sylvan Lake, and Ridgway State Park. Ongoing construction of new facilities at Elkhead Reservoir. Initial planning work at Lone Mesa State Park. Master planning work at Staunton State Park. For more information on these projects, please see the respective section of this annual report. 24 �Establish and Improve State Perks Resource Management Program Log Number GBL Adjusted Award Amount 09325 9325 Res Management: Fuel Mitigation $260,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $260,000.00 09324 9324 Resource Management Projects $200,000.00 $0.00 $81,352.85 $118,647.15 09323 9323 Resource Management Program $178,000.00 $0 .00 $140,126.87 $37,873.13 07181 8CFM Res Management: Fuel Mitigation $300,000 .00 $51,550.76 $9,010.90 $239,438.34 07180 8NRP Resource Management Projects $222,995.00 $178,165.15 $41,120.17 $3,709.68 06187 7CFM Res Management: Fuel Mitigation $200,000.00 $43,474 .30 $156,525 .62 $0.08 06186 7NRP Resource Management Projects $212,000.00 $211,999 .76 $0.00 $0.24 $1,572,995.00 $485,189.97 $428,136.41 $659,668.62 Award Title Total: Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives The Colorado State Parks Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado's public recreation areas. The program provides leadership and assistance to agency staff on a variety of resource issues, and is responsible for five major program areas: • • • • • Resource stewardship plans for each state park GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Natural Areas Program coordination Forest management In FY 08-09 GOCO funding supported 2.0 FTE in the Resource Management Program - the Program Manager and a staff biologist/steward. Resource stewardship plans developed by this program contain information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. 25 �On-the-ground surveys are conducted to map and document the condition of the vegetation, rare plants, weeds, aquatic nuisance species and selected wildlife habitat, then comprehensive Stewardship Plans are produced to guide park staff on goals and details of protection of significant resources. Program staff have also developed management prescriptions which focus on weed management, park-specific re-vegetation, guidance on dealing with specific resource issues (wildlife/trash interactions, rattlesnakes, large predators, cottonwood/willow maintenance, etc.), as well as monitoring methods, based on each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities. Volunteer monitoring is also an important aspect of this program with a particular focus on raptor monitoring. GIS production and management for planning and maintenance is an ongoing activity of this program. GIS data is collected with GPS or compiled from other sources (engineering drawings, for example) and maintained for every park to create a variety of maps, including trail maps. The data is used for information requests, planning (avoiding sensitive plants, animal habitat or cultural resources when creating a new trail), and construction activities. Also boundary and parcel information is tracked in GIS, including data on which parcels are purchased with which funding source, how many acres and where we have easements. Utilities and maintenance information is tracked and includes data such as noxious weed locations and water, sewer and electric line locations. All park field offices have GIS data installed and have at least one staff member trained in its use. Threatened and endangered species reviews conducted by the Resource Management Program are a vital step in State Parks' capital development process. Program staff review development project descriptions, review GIS information on habitat and species occurrence in the region of the project, visit the site of the project to conduct habitat evaluations, and consult with regional biologists and park staff in order to produce a recommendation regarding a given project's compliance with state and federal regulations. The Natural Areas Program has 80 designated and 25 registered natural areas which protect elements of statewide significance and importance. These areas can be owned by federal, state, or private entities; the program's role is to ensure proper stewardship of these rare and special areas through cooperative agreements. Areas are eligible for designation based on a variety of factors, but in general program staff look for the best representative examples of rare plants, rare animals, native ecosystems, unique geology and unique paleontology. Protection of these areas requires vigilant monitoring, accomplished with a cadre of over 100 volunteers. Volunteers monitor these areas with regular photo monitoring and fill out detailed technical tracking forms, and perform regular technical plant counts. Staff visits 15-30 designated or registered sites a year, as well as several new sites to be surveyed and evaluated for inclusion into Lhe Program. Forest management is an ongoing State Parks' program that actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments helps reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many state parks. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Details of this project are in the funding 26 �specific to forest management, but one of the permanent staff (Rob Billerbeck) and some of the temporary staff paid out of this fund assist with parts of this project (planning, coordination, tracking, etc). Accomplishments in FY 08-09 Specific accomplishments in FY 08-09 include: Resource Stewardship • • • • • • • • • • • A second draft of the Arkansas Headwaters stewardship plan was produced. This is a very large and complex park, so this was a significant achievement. In-house and contractors performed parts of the project. This park will require at least one more complete draft expected in FY 09-10. Resource inventories, including vegetation and wildlife surveys, and GPS of park infrastructure (trails, roads, facilities and utilities) were performed at several parks by staff including North Sterling, Arkansas Headwaters, Lone Mesa. North Sterling had many additional detailed surveys as part of the stewardship plan including raptor nests, breeding bird surveys, eagle roosting surveys, paleontological surveys that were performed by contractors and staff. Noxious weed surveys and mapping at Jackson and North Sterling state parks by staff and a weed project at Yampa State Park under contract. Rare plant and raptor surveys were completed at Lone Mesa State Park under contract by CNHP. Frog surveys were conducted at Roxborough State Park. Stewardship meetings were conducted at two parks to obtain information from staff, partner agencies and volunteers. Detailed surveys and advice on re-vegetation and restoration projects were provided to 2 parks. Response to the new invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil at a pond at Chatfield was addressed under contract. Volunteer raptor monitoring and nest mapping was conducted at 10 state parks. Extensive staff time was spent on developing and implementing an ANS and zebra mussel response via education, boat inspections and decontamination. This required extensive coordination with other agencies but State Parks led the way in developing procedures and implementing them in mass to prevent the spread of these costly and problematic species. GIS • • Accurate GIS boundaries were created for 4 state parks, and a database to better track the information was modified and updated under contract. Updated GIS software and improved data sets were installed at one state park office 27 �• • • GIS evaluations of threatened and endangered species habitat were conducted for 6 park development projects. Support was provided to Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks for utilities mapping and GIS database development projects. Public quality maps were created for 8 parks for publication on the web site. Natural Areas • • • • • • • • • • Coordinated with an oil company for monitoring and protection of a federal candidate species on Mt. Callahan and the oil company, Occidental, matched the $300 we spent with $6000. The oil company agreed to stricter best management practices on their lands and expanded their natural area size by about double. The company won two awards for their cooperation with the Natural Areas Program (one from the COGCC and one from the Rare Plant Conservation Initiative). Staff designated 4 new natural areas on BLM in the Piceance basin area, 1 on Boulder Open Space that includes the Flat Irons, 1 private lands (Two Buttes). Staff monitored and made site visits to 45 Natural Areas. Staff coordinated monitoring and site visits by 119 volunteers at 65 designated and registered Natural Areas. Staff conducted four Natural Areas Council Meetings and one Volunteer Steward Meetings. CNAP staff also initiated and coordinated 40 Rare Plant Monitoring Stewards in a training program with the Denver Botanic Gardens. Surveys of rare plants were conducted at 25 Natural Areas, in conjunction with volunteers and staff from several other agencies, including the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, CNHP, and USFWS. Complete plant lists were collected at one designated Natural Areas (Pyramid Rock), utilizing Native Plant Society volunteers. Intensive monitoring projects were completed at 12 Natural Areas. The program was awarded USFWS section 6 grants totaling $30,000 for more surveys and modeling through the CNAP. Forest Management State Parks' Resource Stewardship Program continued to coordinate with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) on the $2.5 million FEMA grant awarded in FY 06-07 for fuels mitigation work at seven state parks to protect watersheds on the Front Range. Several projects were completed using GOCO funds as match for this grant and future projects were planned and mapped. Projects completed in FY 08-09 include: • • Completion of a 78-acre fuels reduction project at Eldorado Canyon State Park. Completion of a 205-acre fuels reduction project at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. 28 �• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Completion of an 86-acre fuels reduction project at Mueller State Park. Completion of a 5-acre forest management project at Pearl Lake State Park. Completion of a 5-acre fuels reduction project at Roxborough State Park. Completion of an 18-acre forest management project at State Forest State Park. Completion of a 126-acre fuels reduction project at Staunton State Park. Completion of a 58-acre forest management project at Steamboat Lake State Park. Multiple prescribed fires at Staunton State Park, totaling more than 175 acres. Completion of a mountain pine beetle and fuels reduction project on 35 acres at State Forest State Park. Development continued on a 10-year plan for Forest Management on State Parks - the plan which is expected to be finalized by January 2010 will evaluate forest resources on each park and make specific recommendations for future treatment and monitoring. lnteragency Agreements were approved and funds were encumbered, setting the table for multi-agency work at Golden Gate, Mueller, Roxborough, State Forest, Staunton, and Steamboat Lake State Parks. Letters were sent to neighbors of the parks to provide information on upcoming prescribed fires for Golden Gate and Staunton. Coordination meetings were held at 12 parks, walk-around tours were held at 3 parks. Interpretive signs and materials: Signs were developed and produced for Eldorado Canyon and Steamboat Lake State Parks. Public handout materials were developed and produced for 4 parks. Project Planning: Project planning and clearance was completed for 4 additional projects at parks. Project Layout and Mapping: The layout phase involves taking the gross planning information and clearances and actually flagging out a project area and writing contract specifications for a mitigation operator. In the past year project layout was completed at four parks: State Forest, Steamboat Lake, Pearl Lake, and Golden Gate. GPS mapping of these new project areas was completed, along with GPS mapping of completed project areas. Project Monitoring: Before/after photos for completed projects at 7 parks were compiled for use in interpretive material and program presentations. Completed project areas are also visually monitored for invasive species and erosion. 29 �Estab./ish and Improve State P(!Jrks Vegetation Management Log Number GBL Award Title Adjusted Award Amount 09452 9452 Vegetation Management $513,000.00 $0 .00 $239,234.57 $273,765.43 07178 8NRH Vegetation Management HP $90,000.00 $81,026.55 $1,876.09 $7,097.36 07178 8NRR Vegetation Management RM $90,000.00 $46,929.48 $21,441.18 $21,629.34 07178 8NRS Vegetation Management SE $90,000.00 $81,952 .65 $6,209.41 $1,837.94 $783,000.00 $209,908.68 $268,761.25 $304,330 .07 Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado investments for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts are the most important funding for on-the-ground resource protection at the state parks. This funding helps State Parks maintain the momentum we have built to sustain native ecosystems by containing noxious weed infestations at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative, effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to initiate proactive efforts to better manage the natural habitats at our parks. GOCO funding is allocated to regions and parks to complete a wide variety of urgent vegetation management tasks. Primary efforts include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means; development of integrated weed management plans; selective application of herbicides; bio-controls and weed agents; and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has become especially important in recent years, especially in parks faced with new forest pest invasions including the pine beetle. A large portion of State Parks' vegetation management efforts are cooperative, with local county weed control coordinators, county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service, and adjoining landowners playing an important role. 30 �Accomplishments in FY 08-09 High Plains Region • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Barr Lake State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are Canada thistle, musk thistle and white top. The contractor also compiled a weed report which will help to plan for targeted weed sprays. Boyd Lake State Park contracted with Larimer County for noxious weed spraying throughout the park and conducted in-house weed control. Castlewood Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are knapweed, thistles, toadflax, mullein and leafy spurge. Chatfield State Park hired contractors for weed spraying for diffuse knapweed and thistles. Park staff also contracted spraying for beetle/borer infestation in pine trees in campground. Park staff also purchased herbicides and fertilizers for staff application. Cherry Creek State Park hired contractors and used park staff to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are knapweed, tamarisk, toadflax, and spurge. Eldorado Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Ill Golden Gate Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Jackson Lake State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Lory State Park contracted with Larimer County for noxious weed control efforts. Park staff also applied biological control agents for Dalmatian Toadflax and purchased herbicides for staff application. North Sterling State Park purchased herbicides for noxious weed control throughout the park including park trails and high use pads in campgrounds and picnic areas. They also hired contractors to spray pre-emergent species in the spring. Roxborough State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. A contractor also created a noxious weed spray plan for the spring and fall applications which helps target specific weed species for better control St. Vrain State Park purchased herbicides for staff application to control noxious weeds. Staff also purchased supplies for ta ma risk control. State Forest State Park hired contractors for noxious weed control. Staunton State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are toadflax, thistle and leafy spurge. 31 �Rocky Mountain Region • • • • • • Noxious weed spraying activities were conducted at James M. Robb-Colorado River, including 150 acres around ponds, 120 acres along trails, and 60 acres in day-use turf grass. Other parks that conducted noxious weed spraying include Crawford, Elkhead, Harvey Gap, and Highline. The annual Moffat County weed management program was implemented for Yampa State Park. This provides a cooperative aerial weed-spraying program between the park and Moffat County. A total of 295 acres were treated on three separate dates, along the Yampa River. A major tree removal project was completed in and around the campgrounds at Steamboat Lake. Trees infected with pine beetles were taken down, and uninfected trees were manually sprayed to help prevent future impacts. An important wetland mitigation study/wetland credit was finalized for streams at Steamboat. Turf management activities were performed at Highline State Park and Sweitzer Lake. (grub control and sod replacement.) Southeast Region • • • • • • • Arkansas Headwaters hired temporary staff to conduct a variety of vegetation management activities at recreation sites and heavy traffic areas along the park's 150 miles of river corridor. Chemical and mechanical treatments were used to eradicate tamarisk, Canada thistle, oxeye daisy, yellow toadflax and scentless chamomile. Arkansas Headwaters also partnered with Chaffee and Fremont Counties to conduct other spraying activities. Bonny Lake staff continued to make progress in treatment and control of ta ma risk and other noxious weeds. As the reservoir is being lowered to meet Colorado's obligations under the Republican River Compact, it has exposed an additional acreage traditionally covered by water to weed infestations. This year staff at Bonny sprayed 200 acres of thistle. Cheyenne Mountain staff purchased herbicide and treated 100 acres of trails, campsites and picnic areas for cocklebur, Canada thistle, and yellow toadflax. Park staff also conducted noxious weed control in the park interior and along roadways. Cheyenne Mountain also hired temporary staff to perform treatments of Canada thistle. Staff at Eleven Mile hired professional contractors to conduct spraying for treatment of 2 acres of spotted knapweed, 40 acres of Canada thistle, 20 acres of yellow toadflax, and 20 acres of seasonal weeds. Staff also conducted ta ma risk removal activities. John Martin State Park staff hired a private contractor to treat 15 acres of tamarisk. Lathrop staff hired a private contractor to spray 10 acres near Horseshoe Dam road and overflow parking areas. Lathrop also utilized seasonal staff to trim and cut pinion and juniper trees and remove Russian-Olive trees. Seasonal staff also treated 20 acres of tamarisk, Canada thistle, sagebrush and white-top throughout the park. 32 �• • • • Mueller staff hired a private contractor to control and eradicate Canada thistle and yellow toadflax on 28 acres of park land. Pueblo State Park hired a temporary employee to chemically and mechanically treat 30 acres of Canada thistle, ta ma risk and other State listed noxious weeds. Staff at Spinney Mountain hired a local contractor to spray 6 acres of tamarisk and 20 acres of Canada thistle. Trinidad State Park hired a local contractor to spray 78 acres of Canada thistle and yellow toadflax. Park staff also replanted disturbed areas at the new shop site and south shore campground. 33 �Establish and Improve State Parks Park Operations Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Log Number GBL 09451 9451 Rifle Complex Tourist Assistant $9,000.00 $0.00 $8,431.97 $568.03 09439 9439 St. Vrain Resource Tech $57,000.00 $0.00 $56,999.03 $0.97 09438 9438 St. Vrai n Ranger $75,000.00 $0.00 $74,416.49 $583.51 09437 9437 Lathrop Tourist Assistant $73,000.00 $0.00 $71,922.76 $1,077.24 09436 9436 Golden Gate Resource Tech $39,000.00 $0.00 $39,000.00 $0.00 09315 9315 Yampa Operations $115,000.00 $0.00 $106,438.27 $8,561.73 09314 9314 Sylvan Lake Tourist Asst $71,000.00 $0.00 $70,922.75 $77.25 09313 9313 Staunton Operations $60,000.00 $0.00 $31,449.36 $28,550.64 09312 9312 State Forest Tourist Asst $28,000 .00 $0.00 $27,352.95 $647.05 09311 9311 Lone Mesa Operations $44,000.00 $0.00 $38,892.32 $5,107.68 09310 9310 John Martin Operations $64,000.00 $0.00 $64,000.00 $0.00 09309 9309 Golden Gate Operations $64,000.00 $0.00 $64,000.00 $0 .00 09308 9308 Crawford Resource Technician $78,000.00 $0.00 $77,761.26 $238.74 09307 9307 Cheyenne Mtn Park Manager $127,000.00 $0.00 $126,854.33 $145.67 $904,000.00 $0.00 $858,441.49 $45,558.51 Award Title Total : Background and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado has provided significant funding to almost every state park in the system to help develop facilities and recreation amenities, acquire land, or both. Several state parks that have been improved through GOCO capital investments receive annual operations 34 �support from GOCO. This support varies from park to park but systemwide covers basic operating expenses and a limited number of full-time staff. Typical park operating expenses supported with GOCO funding include: • • • • Seasonal and/or contract worker support Minor repair and maintenance costs Utilities costs Other administrative and operating costs directly related to normal agency and park business practices In FY 08-09, GOCO Park Operations funding supported 7.5 full-time positions in the parks. In general, State Parks uses GOCO funding to support two types of full-time positions: Resource Technicians and Tourist Assistants. GOCO funding also supports a limited number of park rangers. Resource Technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. The primary duties of State Parks' Resource Technicians include: • • • • Assure that park maintenance needs are met by planning and implementing all maintenance activities; resolving mechanical related problems; budgeting, ordering, and purchasing materials and supplies; and completing repair reports. Inspecting facilities and grounds, vehicles, equipment, and all repair and construction projects to assure quality performance, public and employee safety, and facility and resource protection. Direct and schedule the park's maintenance program, including preventative maintenance, for all park facilities, equipment, vehicles, grounds, and natural resources. Perform routine, preventative, and controlled maintenance tasks in the construction, maintenance, fabrication, and repair of buildings and facilities. Perform skilled electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, concrete, painting, staining, and welding work. Maintain and operate the park's water and electrical distribution systems, and sewage treatment systems. Prepare and maintain all records concerning the administration of the park's maintenance work program. Prepare and submit monthly maintenance section status reports. Oversee the park's fleet management program. Operate and maintain equipment including tractors, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, mowers, boats, snowplows, and various hand tools. Ensure that all vehicles and equipment are in working order. Tourist Assistants are often the first State Parks employee with whom our visitors interact, and are vitally important in setting the tone for visitor experience at the parks. The primary duties of State Parks' Tourist Assistants include: • Work directly with park visitors to answer questions about the park, assist with pass sales, answer phones, and provide other visitor center assistance as needed. 35 �• • • • • • Manage the visitor center sales program, including setting up displays, maintaining inventory, accounting, and training other employees to assist with the program. Manage the park's automated public information systems, including the phone answering system and website. Coordinate the park's public use programs at the visitor center, including providing meeting space to civic groups, working with visitor center volunteers, working with park Friends Groups, and supervising seasonal employees. Assist the park manager with accounting functions, including processing receiving reports, entering expenditures, and processing seasonal work program paperwork. Assist the park manager with special projects including processing short-term concession permits, organizing management plans, and providing information to other agencies. Coordinate the park's environmental education efforts with local school districts and other groups. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 In FY 08-09 GOCO funding supported day-to-day park operations at Cheyenne Mountain, Golden Gate, John Martin, Lone Mesa, Staunton, and Yampa River State Parks. GOCO funding supported all or some of the personal services costs for Resource Technicians at Crawford, Golden Gate, and St. Vrain State Parks. GOCO funding supported all or some of the personal services costs for Tourist Assistants at Lathrop, the Rifle complex, State Forest State Park, and Sylvan Lake. GOCO funding also supported personal services costs for the park manager at Cheyenne Mountain and a ranger at St. Vrain State Park. 36 �II. Public Information and Environmental Education 37 �Public Information and Environment al EdtJcation Public Information Program Adjusted Award Amount GBL 09431 9431 Public Info Prog Operation s $87,000 .00 $0.00 $72,542.44 $14,457 .56 09303 9303 Public Info Program Specialist $61,000.00 $0.00 $60,341.2 9 $658 .71 $148,000 .00 $0.00 $132,883.73 $15,116.27 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Log Number Expenditures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives Article XXVII of the Constitution states that Parks-purpose GOCO funding will be used to "Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state." Colorado State Parks' Public Information Program manages the Division's external communications, agency brand, outreach, publications, and marketing. The program analyzes State Parks' position in the marketplace and implements short-, medium-, and long-range efforts to improve the Division' s position. The program analyzes and anticipates tourism trends and their effect on State Parks' marketing efforts and visitation. Specific objectives that the Public Information Program strives to achieve in a given fiscal year include: • • • • Implement marketing efforts for the agency, including recommending strategies and programs to leadership. Develop marketing campaigns utilizing a variety of media, including print ads, radio, and web content. Draft, develop, and produce individual advertisements for use in local, statewide, and national print media. Produce Division communications including presentations, reports, brochures, promotional materials and campaign/event specific information. Assist with disseminating information to media representatives via news releases and maintaining current media outlet information and contacts. Establish one-on-one professional contacts with tourism-related representatives and other marketing partners. Coordinate marketing partnerships with media outlets, tourism offices, and trade shows. Represent the agency at special events and trade shows statewide. 39 �• Manage the agency website, including coordination with contractors specializing in website development. Prepare, review, update, and revise all information appearing on the website. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 • In FY 08-09, www.parks.state.co.us received approximately 2.07 million sessions and reached 955,685 unique visitors. Our website continues to be an immensely valuable communication tool for our agency and will continue to grow in importance in future years. The public information staff also facilitated park web trainings with 24 staff trained in two training sessions to maintain updated information on parks and programs. • The public information section developed and maintained 52 Adventures of the Week on our website home page and scheduled 50 guests for the weekly KKFN Radio show that airs every Saturday morning on FM 104.3 - The Fan Outdoors with host Terry Wickstrom. • Additional venues where the public information staff has been instrumental in outreach to educate people about our parks and programs is special events, such as National Get Outdoors Day, Parks 50th anniversary celebrations, trade shows, State Fair and Sprouts Farmers Market Earth Day events. • To leverage the Colorado Tourism Office's $19 million marketing budget, Colorado State Parks participated in several tourism advertising opportunities. These included the Official State Vacation Guide, Colorado.com listings, Hot Deals, and Welcome Offer. Participation in the Welcome Offer yielded ~1200 leads per month. • Public information staff coordinated a breakout session and exhibit booth at the 2008 Governor's Tourism Conference. The session was titled "SO Exciting Ways to Connect Kids to Colorado's Outdoors" and was attended by ~75 tourism professionals. • Public information staff fostered partnerships with Government Solutions Group to produce Park Welcome Kits, which were informational packets distributed at parks and State Welcome Centers. The partnership also garnered $5,738 for trees to be planted in various state parks. • Colorado State Parks 50th Anniversary Passport to Parks program was launched by public information staff, with components of the program that will continue through 2010. • Thanks to the efforts of Colorado State Parks public information section, two Park Rangers received ReserveAmerica's Ranger of the Year award. The annual award is given 40 �to the nation's top park rangers who are dedicated to serving park visitors and protecting public lands. • In an ongoing effort to keep the public abreast of Colorado State Parks events and news, public information staff developed and distributed seven issues of Parks Enews packed with seasonal information and reaching between 3,500-5,500 people each issue. 41 �Public Information and Environmental Education Environmental Education Program Log Number GBL Award Title Adjusted Award Amount 09433 9433 Environmental Education $300,000 .00 Previ ous Expenditures $0.00 FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $248,324.77 $51,675.23 Background and Objectives State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors to and educating school groups about nature's wonders. By providing outstanding learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, it is hoped that people will walk away with a desire to engage in outdoor experiences on their own along with a stronger bond with, understanding of, and sense of stewardship towards the ecosystems in which we all live. With the assistance of GOCO funding, Colorado State Parks has provided qualified interpreters offering educational programs and other services in our parks throughout Colorado since the mid-1990s. GOCO funding for the Environmental Education program supports temporary workers (on a seasonal basis) at almost every park in the system. These staffers, under guidance from the statewide Volunteer Program and regional and park staff, manage and host a wide variety of services for park visitors. These include: • • • • • • Daily contacts with park visitors to provide assistance, information and educational programs Development of self-directed interpretation hikes and experiences Campfire educational programs held at night Classroom programs conducted for kids of all ages Staffing information stations in park visitor centers Coordination and resources for volunteer naturalists providing programs for visitors Temporary environmental education staffers also perform many other duties including preparing discovery packs and trail brochures; developing non-personal interpretive signs and exhibits; assembling Jr. Ranger materials and packets; and writing weekly newspaper columns, park newsletters, plant identification booklets, web page updates, and hunter information packets and maps. 42 �Accomplishments in FY 08-09 Statewide • • • • • Paid temporary employee salaries to support park volunteer and/or interpretive programs at 33 state parks and complexes. Temporary employees statewide continued their efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers and park-specific Friends Groups to achieve the goals of State Parks' education and volunteer programs. Temporary employees coordinating Interpretive and environmental education (l&EE) efforts reached nearly 106,000 visitors through programs, demonstrations and while making direct contact with visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers and entrance stations. Temporaries coordinating l&EE efforts also spent over 2,600 hours working on selfdirected interpretation including the creation of self-guided trails brochures, development of exhibits and displays, and maintenance of bird feeders/ aquariums and other live animal exhibits. Temporaries coordinating volunteers contributed 3,000 hours on indirect volunteer involvement to market volunteer programs, recruit and track volunteers and spent over 3,800 hours on direct volunteer contact to train, reward and recognize, schedule and supervise volunteers. Rocky Mountain Region • • • • • Conducted 643 educational programs for 15,655 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 15,293 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 734 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 10 state parks and complexes. These include developing visitor center exhibits and interpretive signage; slide shows and other program development; writing and designing calendars, posters and other educational materials; research; written articles, news releases, advertisements, displays, flyers/ brochures, reports and teachers' guides; and marketing and coordination of events, community service projects, Eagle Scout projects and Junior Ranger programs. Devoted 2,292 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Southeast Region • Conducted 770 educational programs for 20,604 participants. 43 �• • • • Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 13,643 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade /travel shows. Devoted 1,121 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 10 state parks and complexes. These include Junior Ranger programs, school programs, gee-caching, and educational/interpretive materials, and discovery pack development; interpretive signage; program slide shows and other program development; writing and designing newsletters, advertisements, flyers and brochures, booklets, and displays; research; event marketing and coordination; and development of interpretive master plan. Devoted 2,092 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. High Plains Region • • • • • Conducted 564 educational programs for 14,517 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 26,200 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 799 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 11 state parks. These include maintaining and enhancing live exhibits; developing slide shows, handbooks and other program development; writing and designing calendars, newsletters, website updates, postcards, flyers, brochures, bulletin boards, posters, news releases and advertisements; research; development of interpretive displays, kiosks, signage, Junior Ranger booklets and other educational materials; and event marketing and coordination. Devoted 2,478 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. 44 �Public Information and Environmental Education Volunteer Program Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures FY09 Unexpended Balance log Number GBL 09435 9435 Volunteer Management, Training $84,000.00 $0 .00 $68,013.13 $15,986 .87 09306 9306 Volunteer Program Operating $56,000.00 $0 .00 $41,992 .24 $14,007.76 09305 9305 Volunteer Resource Provider $77,000.00 $0.00 $76,320.79 $679 .21 09304 9304 Volunteer Program Coordinator $100,000 .00 $0 .00 $100,000.00 $0 .00 $317,000.00 $0 .00 $286,326.16 $30,673.84 Award Title Total : Expenditures Background and Objectives The statewide Volunteer Program's mission is to support the achievement of quality outdoor recreation experiences and resource stewardship for present and future generations. The program provides an organized, efficient, well-guided and cost-effective approach to managing a wide range of volunteer efforts in Colorado State Parks. Cooperation and partnership between the public and private sector are enhanced and promoted through volunteer engagement. The promotion and cultivation of volunteerism plays a major role in helping State Parks meet its financial needs now and in the future, as well as providing for the next generation of park visitors. The Volunteer Program is currently staffed by a Program Manager and one regional Volunteer Resource Provider. Both FTE positions make major contributions to the overall management and operation of the program; in general, the Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program; the Volunteer Resource Provider provides training, coordination, and assistance to parks staff (including temporary interpreters/volunteer coordinators) in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Program has proved to be a significant success and has demonstrated rapid growth. In calendar year 2008 the Volunteer Program helped manage and coordinate more than 5,800 volunteers working on projects within or connected to state parks. These volunteers contributed nearly 199,000 hours - the equivalent of 95.5 full-time employees. This represents 45 �nearly double the number of volunteer hours in 2003 when the statewide efforts began. The cost savings to the agency is $4 million based on the Independent Sector Rate which assesses volunteer value on a national level. Specific objectives of the Volunteer Program include: • • • • Actively participate in and advise region staff about all aspects of volunteer recruiting, orientating, training, supervising, evaluating, and rewarding/recognizing the performance of volunteers, for the purposes of gaining and retaining a diversity of volunteers to meet the needs of Colorado State Parks. Represent the Volunteer Program to the community, and promote the program and its benefits to the general public, service groups, clubs, and other agencies. Actively participate in identifying, creating, and modifying processes to quantify and tabulate volunteer contributions to the agency, and apply these processes for reporting purposes. Plan, design, implement, and evaluate trainings for agency staff in areas of Volunteer Program planning and implementation, volunteer management and interpretation/environmental education. Coordinate and promote youth outreach and interpretive/environmental education activities statewide. Includes partnering with various local, state and federal agencies and non-profits to further these efforts. Specific program areas supported by this funding include: • • • • Volunteer Database: This valuable tracking tool allows Volunteer Program and other agency staff to maintain accurate and comprehensive records about volunteer activity in and around state parks. It also serves as a recruiting and advertising tool by allowing volunteers to sign up for volunteer events via the Internet. The database also assists with liability issues by tracking insurance coverage needs. Training: Ongoing training for staff and volunteers is vital to maintaining and improving our agency's ability to attract and retain volunteers. Statewide Incentives: Studies have shown that incentives are perhaps the single best way to attract and retain volunteers and ensure that they return to state parks for multiple volunteer projects. voe and WRV Projects: Colorado State Parks is proud to partner with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and Wildland Restoration Volunteers to complete trail development and redevelopment, wetlands rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and other projects in state parks. 46 �Accomplishments in FY 08-09 This funding supports personal services costs for the Volunteer Program Manager, Regional Volunteer Resource Provider, and periodic temporary staff. In general, the full-time positions serve the following roles: • • The Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program including budgeting and reporting, volunteer management, Interpretation/Environmental Education, and youth programs and outreach. The Volunteer Resource Provider provides direct support to the parks and programs in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Resource Provider provides a variety of training and coordination of other statewide tasks including database oversight, national volunteer days, camphost program recruitment and organization, and newsletter creation and distribution. This funding also covers supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program. Specific program accomplishments in FY 08-09 include: • • • • • • On-going implementation of the Statewide Volunteer Program Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2006-2010. On-going needs assessments of park and section volunteer programs including tailored support of both staff and volunteers via e-mail, phone and in person. Ensured parks successfully recruited and placed camphosts at 35 of 37 state park locations marketing openings. Since 2003, with the start-up of the statewide program, 12 more parks have added camp host positions. Conducted one-on-one meetings with staff at most parks and programs to officially role out the new statewide Volunteer Management Handbook which includes tips and helpful information on the full spectrum of volunteer management including liability, risk management and safety. Disseminated information for statewide training opportunities offered through various partners. Hosted trainings for new rangers, camp hosts, and GOCO-funded temporary employees and their supervisors including volunteer management best practices, trail building/trail design/habitat restoration/crew leader development, database tips and troubleshooting, marketing and recruiting tips, customer service, and keys to quality interpretive programs. 222 staff and volunteers participated in the trainings. Promoted a variety of local, state and national volunteer and educational events across the state including Colorado Cares Day, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, Lakes Appreciation Day, and various local celebrations including those commemorating State Parks' 50th Anniversary. Provided on-the-ground assistance with several of these events including hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention delegates for a Cherry Creek volunteer project. 47 �• • • • o o o o o o o o o o o o Tracking and reporting of volunteer program elements. The Volunteer Program database recorded 5,844 volunteers providing 198,883 volunteer hours at parks and programs statewide. Cultivated partnerships with Colorado Backcountry Horseman's Association, DOVIA, DOW, Good Sams RV Club, Governor's Commission On Community Service, Metro Volunteers, REI, Scouts, Toyota Denver Region Office, United Way, voe, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Whole Foods, and many others. Honored a Chatfield volunteer who won the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2008 We Count On You! luncheon hosted by DOVIA and Mitch Jelniker from Denver's Channel 7 news station. Involvement in various local, state and federal initiatives to re-engage youth in the outdoors. Includes participation in the following efforts: Colorado Kids Outdoors Coalition, a collaboration involving various non-profit and local, state and federal organizations to help drive the effort to engage kids in outdoor activities (on-going participation and commitment). 2008 Colorado SCORP Plan - served on planning committee addressing issue #3, "Connection Between Public Health and Recreation" (ongoing throughout funding period). Governor's Tourism Conference - State Parks hosted session on "50 Ways to Connect Kids to Colorado's Outdoors" (October 2, 2008); served on planning committee. Richard Louv Kickoff event in Colorado Springs (October 3, 2008); served on planning committee and co-sponsored the event with NPS and other partners; kicked off local area "kids in the outdoors" events throughout the weekend including at Mueller, Eleven Mile and Cheyenne Mountain State Parks. Colorado Conservation Summit hosted by DOW and CWHF (October 6-8, 2008); served on Youth Outreach planning sub-committee. Richard Louv Event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to rally community support around the effort to reconnect kids to the outdoors (November 13, 2008); partnered with NPS and others to sponsor the event. Young Stewards Network Kickoff hosted by CAEE (December 16, 2008). Adams County Work Force Center partnership to leverage ARRA funding for projects at State Parks (March 2009); Barr Lake received a $16,013 grant for an 8-person crew working 8 weeks beginning in June 2009 on various projects. CORRP - served on panel discussing "Getting Colorado Kids Outdoors" (April 10, 2009). Lieutenant Governor's Colorado Kids Outdoors Forum media event at James M. RobbColorado River State Park; included input into Colorado Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights (May 1, 2009). Revisited October 2008 Colorado Conservation Summit discussions regarding Youth Recruitment and Outreach (June 18, 2009). National Get Outdoors Day (June 13, 2009); served on Junior Ranger Camp planning committee. 48 �Volunteer Database • • • • Continued service with the VolunteerOutdoors database (via Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and CiviCore, a volunteer database provider) with purchase of software license and maintenance agreement. This database continued to allow for optimum volunteer tracking and management capabilities at 42 state park locations and various statewide programs. Continued to pay temporary employee to handle database troubleshooting tasks with field staff and volunteers. Data for calendar year 2008 reflect that volunteers provided nearly 199,000 hours of service to Colorado State Parks, the equivalent of 95.5 full-time employees. Training • • • • • • Provided four Outdoor Stewardship Institute (OSI) trainings for 40 State Parks' staff and volunteers at four different park locations: Golden Gate, State Forest, Chatfield and Lory. The scope of these trainings included trail design, trail construction and crew leader training for both trails and ecological restoration projects. Provided two GOCO temporary employee trainings at Ridgway and State Forest State Parks for 45 temporary and full-time staff and volunteers. Agenda items included: Interpretation 101, Volunteer Management Best Practices, Volunteer Trail Crews, Building Productive Partnerships and much more. Provided resources for 62 staff and volunteers to attend six trainings offered through external partners: 1.) National Association for Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide training; 2.) Bureau of Reclamation's Interpretive Master Planning; 3.) Colorado Conference on Volunteerism - volunteer management training; 4.) Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education's Teaching Outside the Box conference; 5.) Colorado Open Space Alliance's Annual conference; and 6.) Jefferson County Cooperative Extension's Native Plant Master's Program. Provided specialized training for 8 new State Park employees. Topics included volunteer management basics and interpretive techniques. Hosted annual Camphost Jamboree for 37 participants at Cherry Creek State Park. Workshop topics included customer service tips, interpretation best practices, flora and fauna, and safety and CPR recertification. Provided tailored trainings for individual parks and programs including database training, recruitment, "how to's" of special events, handbook review, and other requested topics throughout the year for approximately 30 staff. Statewide Incentives • Covered statewide expenses for recruiting efforts (brochures, magazine and newspaper ads, banners, trade shows, career fairs), volunteer uniform items, volunteer insurance coverage, rewards/recognition items and events, resource books, educational program and training materials, and registration fees. 49 �• • • Provided support for projects tied to local, state and national volunteer events at state parks - Boy/Girl Scout events, AHRA's CleanUp/GreenUp event, Bonny's FFA Tree Planting event, Camphost Jamboree, Colorado Cares Day, Lakes Appreciation Day, Earth Day, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, and various local celebrations commemorating State Parks' 50th Anniversary. Provided support for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) and Wild land Restoration Volunteers (WRV) projects taking place at state parks. Provided support for Raptor Monitoring and Colorado Natural Areas Volunteer Stewards programs. Regional/Park Incentives • • Support was provided for 34 state parks and complexes to manage volunteer programs, projects and events across the state. Funding covered recruitment ads and banners, uniform items, training and resource materials, interpretive and educational materials and displays, supplies and equipment required to support park projects (fence building, wetland and habitat restoration, tree planting, noxious weed control, and trail construction), food and gifts/awards for volunteer recognition events, and volunteer camphost amenities. voe Projects • • Successfully partnered with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) in hosting six volunteer projects around the state building trails, cleaning up tamarisk, river shoreline clean-up and more, keeping nearly 500 volunteers busy contributing over 5000 volunteer hours collectively. State Park project locations included: Cherry Creek, James M. Robb-Colorado River, Navajo (Piedra River), Roxborough, State Forest (Lake Agnes), and Sylvan Lake. 50 �Public Information and Environmental Education Youth Programs Log Number GBL 09432 9432 Award Title Adjusted Award Amount Youth Programs $238,000.00 Previous Expenditures $0 .00 FY09 Expenditures $236,615.00 Unexpended Balance $1,385 .00 Background and Objectives Colorado State Parks is a strong proponent of providing outdoor education programs and opportunities for all ages. It is especially critical to capture the attention of Colorado's youth, who are our future land stewards. For several years Colorado State Parks has allocated GOCO funding to youth corps around the state under the guidance of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA). These corps engage Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and help them build a sense of natural resource stewardship. The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. The agency utilizes youth corps crews at state parks for a variety of resource management and trail projects. In the past, projects have included trail re-routes and new trail development; fuel mitigation and other forest management work; vegetation management activities including tamarisk removal; fence removal, repair and construction; and shoreline cleanup projects. This program support thus serves a dual role of improving conditions within the state parks while providing funding for CYCA and individual youth corps statewide. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 Project sponsor evaluations from this funding cycle reflect that 100% of the State Park staff who completed evaluations said they would request a youth corps crew in the future. Additionally, 100% of the sponsors indicated they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the crews' performance. Furthermore, the evaluations stated that 91% of the projects will last 5 or more years and, of those projects, 76% have benefits that will last for 10 or more years. Specifically, this funding helped complete the following youth corps work: • Completed 51 crew weeks of project work at 27 state park locations. 51 �• • • • • • • • Nine parks were provided with trained youth corps sawyer crews for thinning and fire fuel reduction work as well as noxious tree removal of Tama risk and Russian Olive . A total of 210 crew members and 30 crew leaders worked on projects, providing 17,496 hours of project labor. Project accomplishment highlights include: 6.83 miles of trail corridor cleared, 123 acres of weeds removed, 5.3 miles of trail constructed or maintained, 4.7 miles of fencing constructed/ maintained, 60 water diversion structures installed / improved, and 1,969 trees removed. Funding helped sponsor critical crew leader training ensuring a high quality level of standards were met when completing the on-the-ground projects. The training took place at Mancos State Park, providing "free" project work to the park in the process. CYCA provided project management and oversight as part of their contract with State Parks. This included pre-project site visits and planning, project reporting, technical training, evaluation and data tracking, and accounting and support services. CYCA continued to incorporate environmental education (EE) elements into the youth corps experience to assure that crew members gained valuable resource stewardship knowledge. The EE content used was designed to help corps members achieve the four youth corps EE learning goals: 1. Strengthen questioning and analysis skills; 2. Improve understanding of environmental issues; 3. Increase knowledge of environmental processes and systems; and, 4. Heighten awareness of personal and civic responsibility regarding environmental issues. Of the 210 corps members who participated in State Park projects, approximately 65 earned an AmeriCorps Education Award through CYCA. These awards total $73,087 in post-secondary education awards. Of the 210 corps members who participated in State Park projects, 29 earned college credits for their service. 52 �Ill. Trails and River Greenways 53 �Trqils and River Gr~enwQys State Trails Program Log Number GBL Adjusted Awa rd Amount 09434 9434 State Trai Is Program Management $163,000.00 $0.00 $120,196.26 $42,803.74 07199 8CTS Trail Mapping Project $50,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $213,000.00 $0.00 $120,196.26 $92,803.74 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal landmanagement agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for trail planning, maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail equipment. The State Trails Program provides technical assistance to communities, other agencies, land managers, and organizations devoted to trails, conservation, and open space. It includes help with planning, coordination with other agencies, trail volunteers, organization building, funding and other resources, land development regulations, and trail maintenance and management. The program acts as a clearinghouse for trails information in Colorado and as such must stay apprised of trail development projects and processes across the country. The program also sponsors workshops and conferences to bring trails advocates, community planners, and agency representatives together to learn new techniques and discuss trails issues. Assistance in planning, publicity, and programs is also provided for regional workshops and statewide conferences. Specific annual objectives of the Trails Program include: 55 �• • • • • • Develop strategies, systems, processes, guidelines, and trail standards for the statewide Trails Program. Provide professional input and interpret statutes, policies, and regulations for the Colorado State Trails Committee. This statutorily mandated committee recommends statewide trails policy and trail grant funding priorities to the State Parks Board for approval. Administer approximately 260 open grants annually; develop, implement, and maintain an inspection process for ali completed grants. Develop and manage the State Trails Program budgets, accounts, and contracts. Develop program budgets to accommodate operations, administration, FTE, salaries, environmental reviews, personal services contracts, and grant payments associated with the Trails, OHV, Snowmobile, and Youth Corps programs. Revise internal grant accounting policies and procedures to comply with changing federal, GOCO, and Lottery grant guidelines. Develop and implement internal control procedures to assure compliance. Identify State Trails staff training needs, such as trail design, maintenance and construction, trail accessibility, and purchasing/procurement, and establish training programs to meet those needs. Verify compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 In FY 08-09, GOCO funding supported the Trails Program's Manager Position and a portion of the program's grant administrator, including operations costs, to help meet the program objectives outlined above. In addition to these FTE costs, GOCO funding provides operational support for the Trails Program's four Regional Trail Coordinators. (Regional Trail Coordinator salaries are supported with federal grants and are not funded by GOCO.) Due to vacancies in the Trails Program, only two Regional Trail Coordinators received operational support for the program. In FY 08-09, in addition to personal services support, specific accomplishments include: • • • • • • • • Administration of approximately 230 open grants. Oversight and management of the 2009 capital grant award cycle, providing funding for trail planning and development projects statewide. Coordination of the functions of reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. Completed updates to the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. Work with grant review subcommittees to coordinate the grant review process. Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. Verification of compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Attendance of the Trails Program Manager and two State Trails Committee Members to the National Trails Symposium held in Arkansas. 56 �The salaries for four Trail Coordinator positions are federally funded. Some operating costs are provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. In FY 08-09 GOCO funds helped support: • • Fixed and variable vehicle costs to travel over 50,000 miles to assist with project work, training, meetings, and trail patrol. Travel costs to perform many user contacts, patrol 2,000 miles of trail, conduct multiple training sessions on a variety of trail-related topics, work on 70 trail development projects, assist with 10 special events, inspect 130 grant projects and work with Youth Corp groups statewide. This GOCO funding also supported an ongoing special project managed by the State Trails Program. The Statewide Mapping Project is a continuous project to try and map all nonmotorized trails in Colorado. These trails would then be available to the general public to use on a system similar to MapQuest. Colorado State University was brought in to help map and develop a interface to view trails in Colorado. Two phases of this project have been completed. Phase I identified the need and basic concepts, provided general performance criteria, determined applicability and benefits, and compared platforms and systems, nationwide. During this phase, a Project Advisory Review Group was formed to gather input and inform the process. This focus group consisted of lay persons, trail user group representatives, members of the State Trails Committee and of CORPP, federal, State and local agency trail managers, mapping and trails information vendors and experts, computer and internet experts, trail user equipment vendors, and recreation and tourism business representatives. Colorado State University developed a prototype during Phase II. Larimer County was the pilot area based on diverse types of trail use, varied surfaces, and public land owned and managed by many jurisdictions. Additionally, many local volunteer organizations were available to collect data. Phase II also streamlined the data collection, identified priorities for trail attributes, finalized a volunteer, data collection process, researched basic web inventory delivery concepts, and identified potential costs to build the system. 57 �Trails and River Greenw.oys Trail Grants Log Number GBL Adjusted Award Amount 09466 9466 Ridgway Trail System Planning $8,347.00 $0.00 $0.00 $8,347 .00 09465 9465 Grand County Comp Trail Plan $45,000 .00 $0.00 $0.00 $45,000 .00 09464 9464 Silt- Davis Point Planning $24,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $24,500.00 09463 9463 Trni ng Co's Nxt Gen Cons Wrkrs $37,395.00 $0.00 $0.00 $37,395.00 09462 9462 Public Access Group of Ouray $22,000 .00 $0.00 $0.00 $22,000 .00 09461 9461 Ouray Perimeter Trail $42,485.00 $0.00 $0.00 $42,485 .00 09460 9460 Cata mount Ranch $17,550.00 $0.00 $0.00 $17,550.00 09459 9459 Mountain Parks Sign Initiative $22,035 .00 $0 .00 $0.00 $22,035 .00 09458 9458 Turk's Tra i I $23,636.00 $0.00 $0.00 $23,636.00 09457 9457 Reyno Ids Park to South Platte $63,321.00 $0.00 $0.00 $63,321.00 09456 9456 Fraser to Granby Trail $54,180.00 $0.00 $0.00 $54,180 .00 09455 9455 Va 11 ecito Reservoir $76,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $76,000.00 09454 9454 South Canyon Trail Phase II $63,550.00 $0.00 $0.00 $63,550.00 09453 9453 Capital Trail Construction $1.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1.00 $500,000 .00 $0.00 $0.00 $500,000.00 Award Title Total: 58 Previous Expenditures FY09 Expend itures Unexpended Balance �Log Number GBL 07232 8TRW Trails-Heil/ Lyons Project $7,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7,000.00 07230 8TRF Trails-Windom Peak Phase II $104,700.00 $0.00 $0.00 $104,700.00 07229 8TRJ Trails-Fourteener Region Ma int $18,166.00 $1,189.85 $16,976.02 $0.13 07228 8TRM Trails-Main Massive Preservatn $150,000.00 $0.00 $102,540.07 $47,459.93 07227 8TRC Trails-RFOV 2007 Projects $15,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 07225 8TRV Trails-Volunteer Pro's $4,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,500.00 07224 8TRG Trails-Gunnison Sno-Trackers $65,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $65,000.00 07223 8TRP Trails-Poudre/Platte River Plan $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 07221 8TRH Trails-Fruita Urban Interface $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 07220 8TRD Trails-Democrat Bross Planning $19,890.00 $0.00 $0.00 $19,890.00 07219 8TRK Trails-Conservatin Mgmt Train $10,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 07218 8TRB Trails-Boulder Comprehensv Map $15,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 07217 8TRE Trails-Col Birding $18,100.00 $0 .00 $0 .00 $18,100.00 07216 8TRS Trails-Boulder Forest Stewards $18,700.00 $0.00 $18,700.00 $0.00 07215 8TRU Tra i Is-Grand View Va 11 ey VCP $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 07214 8TRQ Trails-Training Future Leaders $19,700.00 $0.00 $0.00 $19,700.00 07213 8TRT Trails-Training Future Leaders $13,269.00 $0.00 $13,269.00 $0.00 $539,025 .00 $1,189.85 $151,485.09 $386,350.06 Award Title Adjusted Awa rd Amount 59 Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance �Log Number GBL Award Title Adjusted Award Amount 06240 7CTY MRHI Northern Area Plan $20,000.00 $0.00 $19,912.72 $87 .28 06235 7CTQ South Park Winter Signs $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000 .00 06234 7CTP Kiosks on Fourteeners $20,000.00 $0 .00 s20,ooo .oo $0 .00 06233 7CTN Shavano & Yale Planning $18,000.00 $0 .00 $18,000.00 $0.00 06232 7CTM Two Rivers Planning $20,000.00 $0.00 $18,045.00 $1,955 .00 06231 7CTL Guanella Pass II $19,003 .00 $0.00 $0.00 $19,003 .00 06230 7CTK Rocky Mtn Fourteener CYCA $23,437 .00 $12,000.00 $11,436.84 $0.16 06229 7CTH Mt Evans $3,000.00 $0.00 $3,000.00 $0 .00 06229 7CTI Mt. Evans CYCA $60,000 .00 $56,308 .50 $0.00 $3,691.50 06227 7CTF Windom Peak $79,700.00 $26,995.06 $52,704.94 $0 .00 06224 7CTC RFOV Projects $15,000 .00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0 .00 06223 7CTB Rock Canyon $14,450.00 $14,184.00 $0.00 $266 .00 $312,590.00 $109,487.56 $158,099.50 $45,002 .94 Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expend i tures Unexpended Balance Subsequent to the end of FY 08-09, a decision was made to pay for the expenditures shown above under grant logs 06240, 06227, and 06224 from non-GOCO sources offunds. The expenditure figures shown above for these logs are as of June 30, 2009. Subsequent to June 30, 2009, the FY 08-09 expenditure balances shown above were reversed (credited to GOCO}, the grant logs were closed, and the resulting balances were deauthorized. Background and Objectives The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. GOCO capital funds are awarded by the Trails Program each year to individual grants selected by the State Trails Committee. This program has one grant cycle annually, with the recreation trails grant applications due November 1st. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal landmanagement agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure 60 �compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail planning. After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to a set of reviewers including statewide trail users, experts, local, federal, state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee, the Non-Motorized State Trails Coordinator, and staff. In FY 08-09, the State Trails Program was able to fund 24 out of 49 grants, or 49% of the applications submitted. Great Outdoors Colorado funding is matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails projects. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 Thirteen grant awards received GOCO funding. Grants awarded include a number of trail maintenance grants and planning grants. Also, several grants went towards construction, maintenance, and signage for trails and approaches to Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks. Most of the grants contained a youth component, and several will utilize substantial volunteers in assisting with trail maintenance and construction. Many grant recipients do not submit invoices to State Parks until their projects near completion. Grants in the above charts that appear to have no expenditures to date do not necessarily indicate projects for which no work has taken place; indeed, most if not all GOCOfunded trail projects are well underway and proceeding according to schedule. 61 �Trails and River Greenw0ys Colorado Front Range Trail Adjusted Award Amount Log Number GBL 08722 9FTD CFRT East Plum Creek Phase 3 $230,627.00 $0 .00 $0.00 $230,627 .00 08721 9FTC CFRT Power Trail $350,000.00 $0 .00 $0.00 $350,000 .00 08720 9FTB CFRT E-4 70 to Brighton $425,000.00 $0 .00 $0.00 $425,000.00 $1,005,627 .00 $0 .00 $0.00 $1,005,627 .00 Award Title Total : Previous Expenditures FY09 Expendi tures Unexpended Balance Background and Objectives The goal of the Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT) project is to create an 876-mile trail along the Front Range, from the Wyoming border to the New Mexico Border, connecting communities, points of interest, local and state parks and diverse landscapes along the way. Colorado's Front Range constitutes approximately 80% of the State's population and is consistently one of the fastest growing areas of the nation. Colorado State Parks convened stakeholders in December of 2005 and formed the Colorado Front Range Development Council to assist with the implementation phase of this project. Colorado State Parks collaborated with over 500 partners- including the 13 counties and 35 managing agencies through which the trail passes-representing local communities, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, recreation retailers, and the tourism community to gather input for the CFRT Plan. In December 2007, State Parks was awarded $1.0 million in Legacy funding, which the agency then granted to three projects in June 2008. East Plum Creek Phase 3: The Town of Castle Rock has started the construction of 2 miles of East Plum Creek Trail. Current negotiations with an adjacent private property owner have gone well and the Town wishes to expand the scope of Phase 3 construction to include the 1-mile trail section across the proposed private property acquisition. The Town, in its early negotiations, had requested a trail easement. With the acquisition of the 106-acre subject property, the Town will secure the core of nearly 500 acres of Town owned and future public 62 �land dedicated open space of the East Plum Creek riparian corridor and the "Crossroads" of the CFRT. Power Trail South of Harmony Road: The City of Fort Collins will extend the Power Trail south of Harmony Road. The scope of the project involves the construction of 1.33 miles of 10' wide concrete trail and adjacent 5' wide crusher fine path from south of Harmony Road to Trilby Road. Also, the City will do a crusher fine path from Trilby Road to County Road #32 in 2009 to complete the Power Trail and the north/south section of the Front Range Trail in Fort Collins. CFRT from E-470 to Brighton: This project will result in 2.05 miles of concrete trail on City of Brighton owned land and on easements. This south to north oriented trail corridor will connect Adams County fairgrounds and the trail into Denver on the south end of the project to the CFRT trail in the Ken Mitchell Lakes Open Space and Park (400-acres) in Brighton on the north end of the project. This CFRT project includes: concrete trail, fencing for easement and mining areas, wayfaring signage, soil stabilization through hydro-mulch, re-vegetation through 750 shrubs and 225 trees, and the use of the Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) and City staff to install the fence, set signs and plant vegetation. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 All projects are underway and proceeding according to schedule. Please note that many trail grant recipients do not submit invoices to State Parks until their projects near completion. These grants appear to have no expenditures to date, but that does not necessarily indicate that no work has taken place. 63 �IV. Water for Recreational Purposes 65 �Water for R_ ecreatlonal Pt1qJ0ses Water Program Operations and Acquisitions Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Log Number GBL 09302 9302 Water Program Operations $35,000.00 $0.00 $8,199.20 $26,800.80 09301 9301 Water Program Manager $75,000.00 $0.00 $74,998.34 $1.66 07176 8CWA Water Resource Acquisitions $100,000.00 $0.00 $21,743.00 $78,257.00 06182 7CWA Water Resources Acquisitions $384,164.00 $80,378.41 $86,724.12 $217,061.47 05182 6WR Water Resources Acquisitions $1,525,218.00 $1,239,229.00 $0.00 $285,989.00 $2,119,382.00 $1,319,607.41 $191,664.66 $608,109.93 Award Title Total : Background and Objectives The State Parks Water Program provides technical, legal, and water policy expertise necessary to protect and expand the Division's interests in all aspects of water resource management. The program consists of 1.0 FTE assisted with significant contract personnel and legal assistance from the Attorney General's office. The program is responsible for managing the Division's various water resources including water rights, reservoir operations, and groundwater assets. Management of the program includes establishing budget priorities, supervising the Division's water court actions, management of groundwater and well permitting, assessing water markets for individual parks in the system, and coordinating with federal, state, and local user groups to maximize the state's water supplies for recreational benefits. GOCO funds enable the Division to secure water supplies for a variety of parks that experience inadequate water levels for recreational activities. This is accomplished in a number of ways including water purchases and leases, innovative cooperative water management plans with larger water providers, and leasing water storage space in reservoirs. Without these funds, water-based activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing are detrimentally impacted resulting in lower public visitation to the park system. Degradation of water quality and surrounding natural resources are also negative outcomes resulting from insufficient water supplies. 67 �Please note that water acquisition projects often involve an extended timeframe and are subject to any number of unpredictable delays. State Parks makes every effort to expend these funds in a timely fashion, but due to some factors beyond the control of the agency we are not always able to fully expend grants prior to expiration. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 • • • • • GOCO funding helped secure water leases from multiple sources to maintain adequate water levels for recreational activities at Cherry Creek State Park. This is one of the most popular parks in the State Parks system, with annual visitation of more than 1 million guests. An adequate water supply at Cherry Creek is vital to this visitation. State Parks leased 1500 acre-feet of water to maintain the permanent recreational pool at John Martin Reservoir. This provides boating and other recreation opportunities and helps sustain and enhance the fishery at the lake. State Parks secured 1000 acre-feet of storage space in Twin Lakes Reservoir to store water leased from various entities such as Pueblo Board of Water Works and the City of Salida for later use at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This park includes some of the best whitewater rafting opportunities in the country, and adequate water supply is crucial to meeting visitor demand. State Parks entered into a lease agreement with Kenosha Trout Club for up to 50 acrefeet of storage in Lininger Lake to store the water associated with the water rights (North Fork South Platte River) previously purchased using GOCO funds. GOCO funds were used to lease critically important augmentation water for North Sterling State Park, enabling the park's water wells to be pumped and supply water to campgrounds, the visitor center, and the swim beach. This GOCO funding also supported FTE and operating costs for the program, including: • • • • • In-state travel expenses Contractor and seasonal work program (SWP) support Office supplies Communications costs Registration fees at various water conferences and meetings 68 �V. Management of GOCO Investments 69 �Management of GOCO Investments GOCO Funding Management Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures FY09 Expenditures Unexpended Balance Log Number GBL 09322 9322 Accounting $78,000.00 $0.00 $58,960.37 $19,039.63 09321 9321 Pl anni ng & Development $85,000.00 $0.00 $85,000.00 $0.00 $163,000.00 $0.00 $143,960.37 $19,039.63 Award Ti tle Total : Background and Objectives GOCO has historically funded full-time positions at State Parks which directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding. • • The GOCO-funded Planning and Development position serves as the agency's liaison with GOCO and is the primary point of contact between GOCO and State Parks. The position serves as a resource for both GOCO and State Parks staff and provides information, analysis, and recommendations regarding State Parks issues. The GOCO-funded Accounting position performs grant administration and oversight; assists with GOCO billings, grant extensions, transfers, and deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and coordinates with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Accomplishments in FY 08-09 State Parks currently has more than 150 open GOCO logs, which collectively support an enormous variety of agency projects, programs, and positions. Managing this large number of logs and the high volume of associated transactions requires significant staff time. This funding supports personal services costs for two staff in State Parks' Financial Services section: State Parks' liaison with GOCO and an accountant that focuses primarily on the agency's GOCOrelated transactions. There is no operational support (office suppl ies etc) included in this funding. 71 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/63045f1ef22250d833de22184f82e0fe.pdf b839c536b7892a97d965500e12de60ce PDF Text Text - Colorado State Parks State of Colorado Bill Ritter, Jr. Governor Colorado Department of Natural Resources Harris D. Sherman Executive Director Colorado State Parks Dean Winstanley Director �1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 • Denver, Colorado 80203 • Phone (303) 866-3437 • FAX (303) 866-3206 • www.parks.state.co.us June 22, 2009 The Hon. Norma Anderson, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust 1600 Broadway Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Senator Anderson, I'm pleased to submit Colorado State Parks' Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust. This report contains information about all the great work State Parks accomplished in state fiscal year 2007-2008 using GOCO funding. Consistent with State Parks' annual GOCO investment plans, this report is organized in seven categories: • Land and Water Acquisitions and Leases: This funding helps secure critical buffer lands and recreation water for the State Parks system. • Enhancements: These investments enable State Parks to improve recreation amenities within existing parks. In many instances these funds are leveraged with other funding sources. Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: These large-scale projects represent major GOCO investments in the future of outdoor recreation in Colorado. Land and Water Protection: These investments enable effective planning and management of park natural resources. Planning and Development: Planning and development staff manage GOCO funding day-to-day and oversee State Parks' many GOCO-funded capital projects. Statewide Programs: These investments fund State Parks programs that have an impact throughout the state, including the Volunteer Program, our Environmental Education program, the State Trails Program, and State Parks' public information activities. Park Operations: This funding ensures that adequate resources are in place to effectively manage and maintain previous GOCO investments in state parks. • • • • • GOCO funding continues to make an invaluable contribution to the development of Colorado's state parks system. The work documented in this report is consistent with the desires expressed by Colorado citizens when they voted to create the GOCO trust fund in 1992. I look forward to continuing to work with you and the GOCO Board as we position State Parks to serve Colorado's citizens into the future. Sincerely, JL ~1iitd Dean Winstanley Director, Colorado State Parks STATE OF COLORADO• COLORADO STATE PARKS Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor• Harris D. Sherman, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources Dean Winstanley, Director, Colorado State Parks Colorado Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation : • Bill Kane, Chairman • Lenna Watson, Secretary Gary Butterworth, Member• James Pribyl , Member• Laurie Mathews, Member �Table of Contents Introduction and Overview ......................................................... ... ................................. ............ ! Capital Development: Land and Water Acquisition ............................................................... 5 Land Acquisitions ... ...................................................................................................................... 7 Water Acquisitions and Leases ..................................................................................................9 Capital Development: Enhancements .............................. ...................... ................................ 11 Army Corps Cost Share .................................... ......................................................................... 13 Revenue Enhancements.................................................................................. ... ........................ 16 State Trails Program Grants .................................................. .... .......... ....................................... 20 State Trails Program Special Projects ........................... ....................... ......... ...... ...................... 24 Wildfire Prevention ......................................................................... .................. ......................... 27 Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Vear Projects ................................................... .... 29 Cheyenne Mountain State Park .................................................................... ............................ 31 Colorado Front Range Trail.. ...................... ................................................................................ 34 Elkhead Reservoir State Park ............................................................... ....... ......... .....................36 Lone Mesa State Park .................................... ............................................................................. 38 St. Vrain State Park .................................................................... .................................................40 Staunton State Park ... ........................ .................. ............ ......... ................. ...... ..................... ...... 42 Program Funding: Land and Water Protection .....................................................................45 Resource Management Program ............................................................................. ................ 47 Vegetation Management ..................... .................. .............................................. ...................... 51 Program Funding: Planning and Development ...... ............................................................... 55 Program Funding: Statewide Programs ...... ....................................................... ........... .....59 Real Estate Program ...................................................................................................................61 Water Program ................................................... ........................... ..............................................62 Public Information Program ...................................................................................................... 64 Youth Programs ....................................................................................................................... ... 66 Environmental Education ...... ............... ............... ......... ...... ........... ..................... ........................68 State Trails Program ....................................... ... ....................................................................... ..71 Volunteer Program Operations ...................... ... ........................................................................ 74 Volunteer Program Management, Training, and lncentives ................................................ 77 Program Funding: Park Operations ...................................................... .................................. 81 �Introduction and Overview Colorado State Parks is pleased to provide this annual report to Great Outdoors Colorado. This report contains financial and narrative information about the work our agency achieved during state fiscal year (FY) 2007-2008 with GOCO Parks-purpose funding. At the most basic level, State Parks' use of GOCO funding falls into two broad categories: • Capital development funding, which is used for property acquisition, water acquisitions and leases, construction and development at new and existing parks, trail grants, and other capital projects. This funding has a three-year lifespan. • Program funding, which provides vital ongoing support for a variety of statewide programs, parks, and FTE positions. This funding has a one-year lifespan. This report is organized based on these two main categories, with sub-categories providing a further breakdown as follows: Capital Development Funding: Land and Water Acquisitions This funding is allocated for the purchase of land additions to existing parks, although in some cases GOCO base funding has been used to acquire property for new state parks (GOCO base funding has been used to acquire property at Staunton, for example). State Parks acquires in-holdings and adjoining lands to preserve the integrity of parks, improve public access, mitigate trespass issues, enhance management activities, and protect the land as a natural resource. These GOCO funds often provide matching funds for larger land projects. These GOCO funds also help secure water for parks that experience inadequate recreational water levels. The wide array of water needs within the Division requires State Parks to acquire water through a number of mechanisms, including water purchases, less conventional water options and leases, innovative cooperative agreements with water users, and lease or purchase of storage space in reservoirs. Capital Development Funding: Enhancements State Parks allocates this funding to capital development projects that will result in new amenities at State Parks or significant improvements to existing amenities. In many instances this funding is leveraged with other state and federal dollars. Funding for trails projects (allocated through the State Trails Program) comes from this section of the GOCO investment plan. This funding is also allocated for wildfire prevention projects that enhance a park's natural resource base . �Capital Development Funding: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects These large-scale projects represent major GOCO investments in the future of outdoor recreation in Colorado. Previously funded large-scale projects include major development at Cheyenne Mountain and St. Vrain State Parks, and funding for the Colorado Front Range Trail. Program Funding: Land and Water Protection The Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado's public recreation areas. Resource Management is responsible for five major program areas: • • • • ■ Resource stewardship plans for each state park GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Wildfire prevention and forest fuel mitigation Natural Areas Program coordination Land and Water Protection funding is also used to complete vegetation management activities at parks throughout our system. Program Funding: Planning and Development These positions directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding. • • • • Project Engineers manage construction and other development projects around the state. These positions work closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. The Capital Projects Manager manages State Parks' CAPTRS system, a capital project tracking, auditing, and reporting application. This software allows State Parks to track and audit construction project progress and expenditures. The Planning and Development position serves as the agency's liaison with GOCO and is the primary point of contact between GOCO and State Parks. The position serves as a resource for both GOCO and State Parks staff and provides information, analysis, and recommendations regarding State Parks issues. The Accounting position performs grant administration and oversight; assists with GOCO billings, grant extensions, transfers, and deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and coordinates with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Program Funding: Statewide Programs These programs provide services that benefit parks and park visitors systemwide. These include State Parks' Real Estate and Water Programs, which acquire and manage land and water resources; the Public Information Program, which communicates information 2 �about the great things happening at State Parks; the Volunteer Program, which manages volunteer projects across the state; and the State Trails Program. Program Funding: Park Operations This funding is allocated to state parks that have benefited from significant investments of GOCO capital. This support falls into three general types: • • • Tourist Assistants are often the first State Parks employee with whom our visitors interact, and are vitally important in setting the tone for visitor experience at the parks. Resource Technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. Some state parks that have benefited from GOCO funding also receive annual operations support from GOCO. This funding helps cover a wide variety of dayto-day costs incurred during park operations, including seasonal and/or contract worker support, minor repair and maintenance costs, and utilities costs Annual Report Format Each project, position, or program area included in this annual report consists of three sections. A Summary Table lists all the GOCO logs associated with a project or program area that were available at some point during FY 07-08. (Each log also has an associated Grant Budget Line (GBL) code, included to make this document useful to Parks staff as well as GOCO.} For each log, information is included about the grant amount, expenditures made previous to FY 07-08, expenditures made during FY 07-08, and the unexpended balance of the log. Example: Wildfire Prevention Summary Table Adjusted Award Amount FYON18 Expenditures Previous Expenditures Unexpended Balance Log Number GBL 07181 8CFM Fuel Mitigation $300,000.00 $0.00 $51,550.76 $248,449 .24 06187 7CFM Fuel Mitigation $200,000.00 $0.00 $43,474.30 $156,525 .70 05186 6FI Parks Fire Plan $250,000.00 $221,317 .43 $27,688.21 $994.36 $122,713 .27 $405,969 ,30 Project or Program Area I $750,000.00 Total : 3 $221,317 ,43 i �The Background and Objectives section lists the goals of a specific project, program, or position. In the case of projects, this section contains specific outcomes, such as the construction of a building or development of a trail. In the case of programs and positions, these goals may contain some specific outcomes but may also be more general in nature. The Accomplishments in FY 07-08 section lists work that was done and accomplishments made directly due to Great Outdoors Colorado funding. Again, these may be specific accomplishments or may be more general; in the case of many GOCOfunded FTE positions, for example, GOCO funding supports a State Parks staffer fulfilling the general duties of the staffer's position class (resource technician or tourist assistant, for example). 4 �Capital Development: Land and Water Acquisitions 5 �Capital Development: Land and Water Acquisition uisitions Log Number GBL 07174 8CLA Land Resource Acquisitions $340,000.00 $0.00 06180 7CLA Land Resources Acquisitions $340,000.00 $6,693.09 Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Previous Expenditures Unexpended Balance $0.00 $340,000.00 $297,060.41 $36,246.50 ............ ·-· 05180 FY 07•08 Expenditures GLD Land Purchase Buffer Acq Total : $265,639.00 $157,878.70 $107,760.30 $0.00 $945,639.00 $164,571.79 $404,820.71 $376,246.50 Background and Objectives GOCO funding has been vital to the acquisition of State Parks' overall land base. Annual investment funding generally enables the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In-holdings and adjoining lands at state parks, like Golden Gate Canyon, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes and right-of-way problems. Colorado State Parks also uses GOCO funds to acquire (or purchase conservation easements on) lands that are not directly adjacent to or within a state park, in order to fulfil I other aspects of State Parks' mission. These acquisitions and/or easements could include parcels that comprise designated or new Natural Areas or trail corridor connections. State Parks must be opportunistic in purchasing land, leases and easements when the need or availability arises. These GOCO funds provide matching funds for larger land projects with partners such as counties, non-profit conservation organizations, individuals and others. Land acquisition funds are also used to obtain boundary surveys, appraisals, consulting and other real estate services. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Land purchases using these funds during this fiscal year included: 7 �• Two lots at Roxborough State Park totaling approximately 1 acre. Acquisition of these lots will preserve the park's viewshed and prevent further residential development from encroaching on the park boundary. The total purchase price for these lots was $186,000. This purchase utilized $99,000 in GOCO funding; the balance of $87,000 was contributed by the Friends of Roxborough group, a non-profit organization. • The Fisherman's Bridge property at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, totaling more than 3 acres. This property is an important strategic acquisition at the park and this transaction has been planned since 2006. The property provides an additional 100 yards of river frontage, including angling opportunities, adjacent to one of AHRA's most popular recreation sites. The property also provides the potential to install a potable well, the most requested recreational amenity noted on a recent AHRA survey. The property will provide a valuable portage location around Fisherman's Bridge during high water periods. Purchase price for the acquisition was $244,000. The purchase was 100% GOCO-funded. Funds spent from the two buffer acquisitions accounts above for FY 07-08 also included various program costs covering appraisals, boundary surveys, Phase I environmental audits, lease payments and recording fees. State Parks is currently pursuing several potential transactions. Actual property acquisitions are made by the program when targeted opportunities become economically attractive. Property valuation, zoning changes, conservation easements and availability of funding matches are some of the factors that determine the feasibility and timing of specific property purchases. Potential targets for acquisition in the near future could include the following: • • • • • • Canon City Royal Gorge river take-out site at Arkansas Headwaters Hayden Ranch river parcels at Arkansas Headwaters Preshaw property at Roxborough Various parcels at Colorado River State Park Douglas property at Highline Lake Purchase/exchange of adjoining property at Lone Mesa Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding used by State Parks' Real Estate Program for property acquisitions. For information about the Real Estate Program's operations funding, please see page 61. 8 �Capital Development: Land and Water Acquisition Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures Log Number GBL 07176 8CWA Water Resource Acquisitions $100,000.00 $0.00 06182 7CWA Water Resources Acquisitions $384,164.00 $39,315.83 Project or Program Area Unexpended Balance FY07-08 Expenditures $0 .00 $100,000.00 I ! $41,062 .58 ! I 05182 6WR $1,525,218.00 Water Resource and Acq Cap Total: $2,009,382 .00 I $1,184,229.00 i $1,223,544.83 ! $55,000.00 I ! i l $96,062.58 1 I $303,785.59 ! ! I $285,989.00 $689,774.59 ! Background and Objectives The State Parks Water Program provides technical, legal, and water policy expertise necessary to protect and expand the Division's interests in all aspects of water resource management. The program consists of 1.0 FTE assisted with significant contract personnel and legal assistance from the Attorney General's office. The program is responsible for managing the Division's various water resources including water rights, reservoir operations, and groundwater assets. Management of the program includes establishing budget priorities, supervising the Division's water court actions, management of groundwater and well permitting, assessing water markets for individual parks in the system, and coordinating with federal, state, and local user groups to maximize the state's water supplies for recreational benefits. GOCO funds enable the Division to secure water supplies for a variety of parks that experience inadequate water levels for recreational activities. This is accomplished in a number of ways including water purchases and leases, innovative cooperative water management plans with larger water providers, and leasing water storage space in reservoirs. Without these funds, water-based activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing are detrimentally impacted resulting in lower public visitation to the park system. Degradation of water quality and surrounding natural resources are also negative outcomes resulting from insufficient water supplies. 9 �Accomplishments in FY 07-08 • • • • GOCO funding helped secure water leases from multiple sources to maintain adequate water levels for recreational activities at Cherry Creek State Park. This is one of the most popular parks in the State Parks system, with annual visitation of more than 1 million guests. An adequate water supply at Cherry Creek is vital to this visitation. State Parks leased approximately 1500 acre-feet of water to maintain the permanent recreational pool at John Martin Reservoir. This provides boating and other recreation opportunities and helps sustain and enhance the fishery at the lake. State Parks secured 400 acre-feet of water storage in Twin Lakes Reservoir to store water for later use at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. This park includes some of the best whitewater rafting opportunities in the country, and adequate water supply is crucial to meeting visitor demand. GOCO funds were used to lease critically important augmentation water for North Sterling State Park, enabling the park's water wells to be pumped and supply water to campgrounds, the visitor center, and the swim beach. Future Acquisition and Leases: State Parks will begin the process of purchasing 250-300 acre-feet of water to enhance water levels at Blue Heron Reservoir located at St. Vrain State Park. It is also anticipated that GOCO funds will be used to continue the extensive leasing program for Cherry Creek Reservoir and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Also, GOCO funds will be needed to meet the everexpanding Division's water storage needs throughout the South Platte River basin. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding used by State Parks' Water Program for water acquisitions and leases. For information about the Water Program's operating funding, please see page 62. 10 �Capital Development: Enhancements 11 �Capital Development: Enhan Previous Expenditures FY07-08 Expenditures Log Number GBL Project or Program Area Adjusted Award Amount 07182 SCAD Army Corp Cost Share-Chatfield $500,000.00 $0.00 $207,870.12 j 07182 SCAK Army Corp Cost Sha re-Cherry Creek $500,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 ••••••••••••••••••• .. ................... 06188 7CAD Army Corp Chatfield G06 $325,000.00 $283,863 .17 $41,136 .83 06188 7CAK Army Corp Cherry Creek G06 $625,000.00 $0.00 $274,724.09 i .................. ...... ··········· .............. 05187 6ACC , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , • • u . . . , , . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . ........ . 0000'4000 1 HIOOOOO.-o . ..o,o o o o o -o o o o o M oo o O O o O OH00HH l l00-000 ... 0 0 000 . . o-OOOOoo o o oooOoOH0 Army Corps CS Cherry Creek 6ACT $292,129.88 ' $500,000.00 ..................................... ... . . ............................... •••• •••• ••·•••••• •H••'"'••u• •••• ••• ............................. ....... $0 .00 i .................................. ......................... . ............ ........................... '••-+·· .. $1,024,000.00 $637,214.31 $350,275.91 · · • • "• •o , o , 0 , , 0 , , . . . . . . . . . . . . i $386,785 .69 ) $0.00 i · --•-•-- · - 05187 Unexpended Balance ! Army Corps CS Trinidad $50,000.00 $4,481.63 $45,518.31 !' $0 .06 i Total : $3,024,000.00 $925,559.11 $956,035.04 $1,142,405.85 Background and Objectives After five years of negotiation, Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements in early 2003 to participate in a landmark 50/50 monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad State Parks. This partnership allows for a combined total of up to $38 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will come primarily from GOCO and lottery funding, with a small amount of HUTF funding. Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad combined host nearly three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contain many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors presently seen. While State Parks has invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities are 25 to 30 years old and are unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks. The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to implement a vision for the future. 13 �The U.S. Army Corps, as landowner, and Colorado State Parks, as land manager, share a responsibility for the successful stewardship of these three parks. As part of the agreement, Colorado State Parks renewed 25-year management leases on all three properties. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Cherry Creek • • • • • • • • • Completed the construction of the South Side water line improvements. This project extends a 4-inch water line from near the park office to the south side of the park, requiring approximately 5,300 feet of pipe. The project was started in the winter of 2006/2007 and completed in the fall 2007. Construction of two group picnic shelters with restrooms, one large (2,400 square feet) and one smaller (1,300 square feet). The larger unit was completed in May 2008 and the smaller unit was about 90% complete by June 2008. Completed the design of a 2,500-square foot camper services building. Completed the construction of the camper registration building {2,325 square feet). The construction was started in spring 2007 and completed October 2007. Completed the construction of the campground hub road. This project includes 2,300 linear feet of new roads and abandonment of 1,600 feet of old roads. The construction was started in spring 2007 and completed in October 2007. Completed the construction of the trail at the face of the dam. The trail is approximately 1,400 feet long. The construction was started in fall 2006 and completed in September 2007. Completed the construction of the west entrance gate and signage project. This project includes electronic gates, entrance sign, multimedia sign and a self-service pay station. The construction was started in fall 2006 and completed in November 2007. Continued the design of at the Cottonwood Trail at the Belleview/Peoria road realignment and the Cottonwood Creek relocation areas. This project requires the coordination with two other governmental agencies with their construction projects in this area of the park. At the end of June 2008 the project was approximately 60% completed. Completed the construction of fencing and trail connections for the realigned Belleview and Peoria roads. Chatfield • • • Started the preliminary design of the Plum Creek Trail extension to the top of the dam. At the end of June 2008, the project was 10% complete. Completed major pavement improvements to the west entrance road. The work includes 17,738 square yards of chip seal and 900 square yards of asphalt. Completed the construction of improvements to the main road utilizing the design and construction administration services of the Colorado Department of Transportation. The work included 3,760 feet of road widening to add two 6' -wide bike lanes and overlaid 14 �• • with 2" inches of asphalt. The construction was completed in May 2008 (invoicing for the project was not received until August 2008). Completed the design and construction of improvements to restore approximately 360 linear feet of the South Platte River bank. This project stabilized the bank between the South Platte River and Cigar Lake, which prevented a bank failure and possible spread of invasive weed species from the lake. Completed the design and started the construction of three playground structures in the campgrounds. The construction was 52% complete at the end of June 2008. Trinidad Lake This GOCO funding was used in conjunction with Lottery and federal funds to complete several significant tasks in the overall rehabilitation project. Specific accomplishments in FY 07-08 include: • • • Construction of the park's new wastewater treatment system (holding tanks, two lined lagoons and an aeration system in the first lagoon). Construction is currently at 99% completion, and is expected to be wrapped up by the end of May 2009. Major improvements at the Carpios Ridge campground site. This project includes improving site layouts and overall accessibility and safety, as well as upgrading the electrical service throughout the campground to 50 amps. Four of the campground's existing sites will be upgraded to include full sewer, water and electrical hookups. Construction is at about 85% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of May 2009. Started one 2,450-square foot camper services building (restrooms, showers and laundry facilities). Construction is at about 20 % and is expected to be complete at the end of May 2009. In an important step for the ongoing redevelopment at the park, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepared and is processing the environmental clearances required for the second phase of redevelopment as defined by the Park Master Plan. One area that was defined in the Master Plan was improving the Piedmont Group Area. However, significant findings in the Army Corps' archeological assessments in this area have forced State Parks to avoid this location for now due to the potential costs of the mitigation process. 15 �Capital Development: Enhancements Revenue Enhancements i.og Number GBL Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Previous Expenditures FY 07·08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance 07183 8CGG Rev Enhancement-Golden Gate $250,000.00 $0.00 $167,698.71 $82,301.29 07183 8CNJ Rev Enhancement-Navajo $430,000.00 $0.00 $24,326.00 $405,674.00 06190 7CRD RM Road Improvements $120,000.00 $47,445.00 $0.00 $72,555.00 06189 7CTR R/E Trinidad Campground Upgrade $51,000.00 $0.00 $51,000.00 $0.CJO 06189 7CGG R/E Golden Gate Cabin Upgrade $250,000.00 $167,783.91 $78,775.23 $3,440.86 05279 6CWT Homestead Bridge & Trail $44,472.00 $32,190.67 $7,316.00 $4,965.33 04210 CNSC Cherry Crk Concessions & lmpvr $366,000.00 $215,286.71 $150,713.27 $0.02 $1,511,472.00 $462,706.29 $479,829.21 $568,936.50 Total: Background and Objectives Golden Gate Cabins: This funding and matching Lottery funds are allocated for remodeling of the Harmsen Ranch houses and barns and the Green Ranch. These facilities will be available for full-service rental to State Park visitors. The original Harmsen Ranch house was built at the turn of the 20th century and has had several building additions over the life of the structure. The remodeling plans include a new well, water treatment facilities, new water and electrical service to the house, new, drainage improvements, remodeling of the kitchen and bathrooms, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, structural improvements, new flooring, upgraded electrical wiring in the house and barn, insulation, new windows and replacement of deteriorating exterior siding. The barn remodeling includes structural repairs, a new roof, removal of old interior framing, and installation of new horse stalls. The Green Ranch house was built in the 1960s and is a frame-type construction with a brick veneer. An architectural firm will be hired to evaluate the house and provide recommendations for improving the structure for rental of the house to the public. One of the main 16 �considerations for the improvements is to provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access. An additional goal for the project is to change the 1960s frame house architecture to mountain recreation/ranch architecture. Navajo Marina: Since Navajo became a state park in the 1960s our agency has operated a marina at the park through a private concessionaire. When the last concession contract ended in 2001, the concessionaire was the only bidder for a new contract, but that contractor and the State could not come to terms. Utilizing GOCO funding, in addition to other funding sources, State Parks undertook the development of new marina facilities. The first phase of development has been named the Two Rivers Marina and was opened to the public in 2005. State Parks will continue developing amenities at the marina to further enhance the visitor experience. Road Improvements: The need for road improvements throughout the State Parks system is immense. A large portion of the roads that State Parks is charged with maintaining consist of asphalt. Maintenance of asphalt roads is extremely expensive, and fluctuating oil prices can have had a dramatic effect on the agency's ability to maintain and improve roads with limited funding. State Parks is in the process of conducting a comprehensive road analysis to determine future needs, as well as future impacts to our visitation should road maintenance work not be completed. In previous fiscal years this funding was used for road repairs at Steamboat Lake State Park, including asphalt patching and crack fill in the Sunrise Vista Campground and road shoulder work for widening and drainage on the Dutch Hill Road. Trinidad Campground: This project was planned to better utilize a great location on the south shore of Trinidad Lake. This site, previously the location of seven picnic sites, offers easy access to the lake and has excellent views in all directions. Park management recognized that the picnic sites were somewhat underutilized and in consultation with region staff developed plans to convert the existing picnic sites into campsites, and also install three new campsites, for a total of 10 at a new "South Campground." Castlewood Canyon Bridge and Trail: This funding was allocated for the reconstruction of the Homestead Bridge and associated trail projects at Castlewood Canyon State Park. The original Homestead Bridge was destroyed by flooding in 2002. The Homestead Bridge site is ecologically sensitive, and before construction of a new bridge could begin, Parks was required to complete extensive biological and wetlands assessments in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Parks was also required to apply for a federal permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Cherry Creek Concessions: This funding was allocated for improvements to the shooting range facility at Cherry Creek State Park. A newly selected private vendor is currently operating this range. 17 �Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Golden Gate Cabins: For the Green Ranch site, a local architect was selected to develop alternatives for improvements to the ranch house. Work began in June 2006. Several alternatives were prepared and presented. It was decided it would be better to remove the existing building and build a new one with a mountain recreation/ranch architectural style. The architect's contract was modified to provide a concept design of the new structure. The concept design of this new structure was completed in September 2007. For the Harmsen Ranch, the remodeling of the house was completed in June 2008. The work included a new well, new water treatment facilities, improvements to the septic system, new water service to the house, new electrical service to the house and barn, drainage improvements, remodeling of the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms, new gas heating stoves, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, remodel of the sun room, structural improvements, new flooring, upgraded electrical wiring in the house and barn, insulation, new windows, replacement of deteriorating exterior siding, new concrete sidewalk to the house, new concrete stairs into the house and paving of the entrance road. Navajo Marina: This funding will be matched with Lottery funding to complete addition renovations and improvements at Navajo's marina. Proposed additional work includes a maintenance shop for the park's rental boats, dry storage facilities, additional boating slips and mooring balls, and construction of a marina store offering gas and other amenities. This project is on hold pending development of State Parks' FY 09-10 capital development plan. Road Improvements: None of this funding was expended in FY 07-08 due to a large number of other high-priority engineering and construction projects in the region. Region engineers have developed road maintenance plans for FY 08-09 and are on track to fully expend this funding prior to expiration. Planned projects include improvements and maintenance on 1,200 feet of gravel road at the Connected Section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and the installation of gravel roads at newly opened Elkhead Reservoir. Trinidad Campground: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (as the landowner at Trinidad) approved South Campground construction documents at the beginning of 2007. However, it wasn't until the end of September 2007 that State Parks received environmental clearance from the Corps to begin construction. Construction improvements commenced immediately following the clearance and were completed in early June of 2008. These sites are isolated from Trinidad's larger primary campground and provide a quieter camping experience. The South Campground's non-electric sites are within an easy walk of the lake and have panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The new sites have already proven to be extremely popular. Castlewood Canyon Bridge and Trail: This GOCO funding was used to leverage a donation from the Castlewood Friends Group and Lottery to complete the East Canyon Trail (13,556 linear feet). This trail allowed the park to open the East Canyon Natural Area of Castlewood to the • public for the first time since its acquisition. The trail was completed in May of 2007 in time for 18 �the spring/summer hiking season; however, invoicing and billing procedures were not completed until after July 12007, which is why this expenditure appears in FY 07-08. Cherry Creek Concessions: Previous GOCO-funded improvements at the shooting range included project design, development of construction documents, and major improvements to the facility's sewer infrastructure. Funds expended during FY 07-08 were for the construction of the water supply line to the shooting center facility. This project was somewhat costly but is a vital infrastructure improvement that will dramatically increase the facility's functionality and public service. The cleanup of expended lead and other materials at the facility's trap range (as required and documented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) has been delayed. State Parks hopes to complete this clean-up in the near future. 19 �Capital Development: Enhancements Log al.--L-- GBL 07232 8TRW Adjusted Grant Amuu11t Project 1,iu111uic1 Trails-Heil/ Lyons Project $7,000.00 -~..---.. .. --- . ··07231 8TRF $6,288.00 i i $0.00 i $6,288.001 Trails-Windom Peak Phase II $104,700.00 i i $0.00 ! I $0.00 ! $104,700.00 l $16,976.02 ! ! 8TRJ $0.00 ! i 07229 $7,000.00 : ·--·- ---·· ·•--•·-·•-·····-··"··- ···· 07230 Unexpended GalailCC $0.00 $0.00 1 . Tra i I s-CYCA Oversight 8TRN FY 07-08 Expcr.,:Hti.iii:i Previous Eiipenditi.iiEi Trai Is-Fourteener Region Mai nt $18,165.87 • ••• • • •• ·•--•• ~•••• • H •• ••••• • • .. • ..• • • •••• • •• .. ••••• .. •• • •• .. •• H •••• ••••• • • .. ••• .. • • .. ,H .. •••••• •• •-• .. •• ••• • • .. • u non , ..,, OHonn •• •·H•d ••••• •-- • • ••• • • •• • $0.00 $1,189.85 •••n•• ... .... . .... • • •• ••••••• .. •Ht • • •• .. ••• .. ••••• •• •• -• • ••• •• •-- • -t -•• •• - • •• •••••• ••• ••• • • ••n• • • •• i i 07228 8TRM Trails-Main Massive Preservatn $150,000.00 $0.00 1 07227 8TRC Trails-RFOV 2007 Projects $15,000.00 $0.00 ! $0.00 1 $150,000.00 :, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07225 8TRV 07224 8TRG ....... ... ...... ... . . . . . ..... ... . . .. ...... .. $0.00 j $15,000.00 -j-................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . : ! Trails-Volunteer Pro's $4,500.00 $0.00 i $0.00 ! Trails-Gunnison Sno-Trackers $65,000.00 $0.00 ( • i so.oo j ; . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + $4,500.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000.00 t' ................................. . 07223 8TRP Trails-Poudre/Platte River Plan $20,000.00 $0.00 j $0.00 1 $20,000.00 07221 8TRH Trails-Fruita Urban Interface $20,000.00 $0.00 1 $0.00 1 i ( • 07220 8TRD Trails-Democrat Bross Planning $19,890.00 $0.00 ! $0.00 1 $19,890.00 iI 1 ! $0.00 ! $0.00 i i • I 07219 8TRK Trails-Conservatin Mgmt Train $10,000.00 I $20,000.00 $10,000.00 •• •••••·•·• •••••·•••••••• •••·•·•·••••·' ""·•••••••••• •• ••••• ••• •••••••·••••·•••••••••••• •·•·•••••••·•••·• •••·•·•••·••·•·•••••••·••·••·•••·• •••·•••·•••••••••• ·•• •••••·... ••••••--• •• •••·••••·u.o.,o•• ••+• •·••• .. ••• ...•...••••••• •••--•--• .••••• ••••...,••..• •••••·••••••• oou.u! •• •• ..• ••••••• •• .. •••••••" ••• •oo• i 07218 8TRB Trails-Boulder Comprehensv Map $15,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 \ 07217 8TRE Trails-Col Birding $18,100.00 $0.00 $0.oo i 07216 8TRS $18,700.00 $0.00 $0.00 \ $15,000.00 ' j ! $18,100.00 i ~-••• .. ••n•..• - .--... ,~~ ... Trails-Boulder Forest Stewards +,- - - -- .. $18,700.00 l .. --:;:-:: --::~--:-:--:-::~::~;:=:::,::::-- --- -;:~:::: ------:-:-:-:+-1----::::l- -:::::::: ! 07213 8TRT Trails-Training Future Leaders Total: 20 $13,269.00 $0.00 $0.00 $13,269.00 $545,312.87 $0.00 $7,477.85 $537,835.02 �Log Number GBL 06240 7CTY Adjusted Grant Amount Project Previous Expenditures MRHI Northern Area Plan $20,000.00 $0.00 Youth Corp Oversight $22,800.00 FY 07-08 Expenditures ' Unexpended Balance $0.00 $20,000.00 $20,112.00 , $2,688.00 $0.00 ! ··-····-··--..... ---06238 7CTV · -· ..· - •• i-~- ' I 06235 7CTQ $20,000.00 South Park Winter Signs $0.00 j $0.00 $20,000.00 l ! 06234 7CTP Kiosks on Fourteeners $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 06233 7CTN Shavano & Yale Planning $18,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $18,000.00 06232 7CTM Two Rivers Planning $20,000.00 $0.00 ! $0.00 $20,000.00 ! I I ••• ••••• • ••• •u oou, o ,,, ,,, , ... , , .. ,u,,o, o, , , , .. , .. ••• •••••·• u.u,,u,u u u u••••••• •••••• •• • •• .., ,. ,,.,,,, , u .uo oo.o u o.oo,, ,,.,u , o,, • · .. ••·• •~•-•• • ••• ••• · \ ••u•• • ••• • . .. ... . .... . ... .. • ••• •••••••••• .. • ••·l ••• ..·••• ....•• •.. •• ..• • •••• .. ••.. ••I•n••«• •• •• •••• .. •• •·•• ••·• .. ••• • u• • 06231 7CTL Guanella Pass II $19,002.65 $0.00 $0.00 ! 06230 7CTK Rocky Mtn Fourteener CYCA $23,436.84 $12,000.00 , $0.00 j $19,002.65 ! " - - · -- - - - - r! · ! -- r 06229 7CTH Mt Evans $3,000.00 $0.oo ! $0.00 i 06229 7CTI Mt. Evans CYCA $60,000.00 $44,308.50 $12,000.00 l $11,436.84 -- -- - - - - $3,000.00 $3,691.50 I I 06227 7CTF Windom Peak $79,700.00 $26,995.06 06226 7CTE Crestone Peak $26,250.00 $0.00 06224 7CTC RFOV Projects $15,000.00 $0.00 1 ! $52,704.94 i $26,250.00 ! ! i i $0.00 ! $0.00 1 $0.00 $15,000.00 l i 06223 7CTB Rock Canyon Total: $14,450.00 $14,184.00 j $0.00 $523,249.29 $207,092.16 l' $104,341.96 ! Log Number GBL Project Adjusted Grant Amount 05234 6TRN Colorado on the Move $24,634.80 05230 6TRJ 2005 Peak Preservation Previous Expenditures .. $118,333.00 05205 - •n• - • 6TR ! $76,589.50 $211,815.17 FY07-08 Expenditures $0.00 1 $266.00 : I ·•···•·········••·••··· ···•·-•················· ···················••·•- ·············· ··-~•·· •·····.. •················•.... ··~·--·--··· .. I $21,660.46 Unexpended Balance i $2,974.34 $41,743 .50 $0.00 ·· .................................... .......................... ........ ...................................... .................................. ,4 -, Tra l l Grants Capital $18,642.00 $12,903 .10 $0.00 $5,738.90 $161,609.80 $89,492.60 $63,403.96 $8,713.24 ·-· Total: 21 �Log Number GBL 04248 GS0C Adjusted Grant Amount Project CDNST Master Plan FY07-08 Expenditures Previous Expenditures $13,042.74 $0.00 Unexpended Balance $13,042.74 1 $0.00 j i 04240 ..................... 04240 GSFB FRT Si gna ge/En ha ncements $7,500.00 ,.,.,.,,,.,,,u,,,,~.•• . ..... . ...... ... , . .. ... ..... .... u,, ... • •• ••• ,., •, •., ••• • ,n,, •• v• •" • ,, •• •• ••• ••·••• • •• ••• o.•~ •, • • • • •·•·• • •~ • •• ,. , •, • •.u~ • • •• o., • • .,,,u..,.,,,.._,,,_ GSFE Windsor Lake Trail Total: $0.00 ! ........., $7,SOO.oo ! : i $59,100.00 $0.00 $59,100.00 $0.00 $79,642.74 $0.00 $79,642.74 . j $0.00 Background and Objectives The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. GOCO capital funds are awarded by the Trails Program each year to individual grants selected by the State Trails Committee. This program has one grant cycle annually, with the recreation trails grant applications due November 1st. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal landmanagement agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for trail planning, maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail equipment. After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to a set of reviewers including statewide trail users, experts, local, federal, state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee and the State Regional Trail Coordinators. In FY 07-08, the State Trails Program could only fund 47% of the applications submitted. Great Outdoors Colorado funding is matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails projects. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Eighteen grants were awarded in the FY 07-08 grant cycle with the assistance of GOCO funding. Many positive projects achieved funding for this year and commenced implementation this last summer. Grants awarded include a number of trail maintenance grants and planning grants. Also, several grants went towards construction, maintenance, and signage for trails and approaches to Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks. Most of the grants contained a youth component, and several will utilize substantial volunteers in assisting with trail maintenance and construction. From this grant cycle, the State of Colorado can expect better signage for trails 22 $0.00 l ••.. , . 1·•·"•'"''"'"'"'" .............. !. .... .... .. .. ... ......... , ... .. ..... .. �and trailheads, plans for future trail construction and trailhead facilities, and over 70 miles of new or reconstructed trail, with benefits to hundreds of miles of connecting trails. Many grant recipients do not submit invoices to State Parks until their projects near completion. Grants in the above charts that appear to have no expenditures to date do not necessarily indicate projects for which no work has taken place; indeed, most if not all GOCOfunded trail projects are well underway and proceeding according to schedule. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about grants awarded and administered by the State Trails Program. For information about funding for Trails Program operations, please see page 71. 23 �Capital Development: Enhancements iog Number GBL Project or Program Area Adjusted Award Amount 07199 acne Trails- Environmental Reviews $17,000 .00 Previous Expenditures FY 07·08 Expenditures $0.00 Unexpended Balance $17,000 .00 ! $0.00 _! 07199 8CTS Trails- Mappi ng Project $50,000 .00 I $0.00 $0.00 ) $50,000.00 ..................... ········~············ ·•••n••·•••••••• >.U •• •••••·•• ••••••·••"• n •• •••••••·• •••••••••••••••••••••••• • •• ••• •••••• ••• ················~----·•··••-*•········. . ....................................................................) ................................... 06210 05235 7CTS GTRO Trails/Greenways Special Proj $38,780 .90 Mapping Project (Trails) !' $28,713 .24 ; $35,343 .00 $9,000.00 1 $7,400 .00 i $141,123.90 $17,977.90 ! ! Total : 'i $8,977.90 ; : • $1,089.76 ! ' $18,943.00 ! ' $53,113 .24 1 $70,032.76 i Background and Objectives Each year the State Trails Committee and the State Parks Board identify priorities for special trail projects that will enhance trail use in Colorado. These projects are selected based on their benefit to trail users across the state. Special trail projects that were underway in FY 07-08 include: Trail Mapping Project: Colorado is blessed with tremendous natural resources and has a very large constituency of outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Perhaps the simplest and most convenient way that Colorado's citizens enjoy our great outdoors is by taking advantage of the estimated 30,000 miles of trail in the state. In survey after survey about recreation demands in Colorado, trails consistently score as the highest priority. The 2008 SCORP survey identified trail needs of some kind as seven of the ten highest priorities statewide. A "community trail system" was the greatest need for half of the survey regions. Based on this high level of public demand, the State Trails Committee began to research options for developing a state trails mapping project. It was envisioned that this system would provide useful and easily accessible trail maps for the public while also serving as a management tool for the many agencies that develop, maintain, and manage trails around the state. Advances in computer mapping techniques combined with widespread availability of broadband internet connections make a comprehensive trail mapping project a very attainable goal. 24 �As envisioned, a state trails mapping project could provide detailed mapping information for managers to access and review trail systems statewide. This tool could be used show how and where trails could be connected to other jurisdiction's trail systems; to accept feedback from the users who can provide "safety" concerns, to identify maintenance needs; and to identify new trail corridor options. Also, the system can be used to provide important information to the State Trails Committee on "missing" links or priorities for future trail grant funding. Environmental Reviews: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) completes annual reviews of applications submitted to the Colorado State Parks for Colorado Department of Natural Resources trail grants. Each grant cycle there are grant projects that do not already have an environmental review done. These projects are reviewed for potential adverse impacts to threatened and endangered species in order to ensure proposed activities do not jeopardize listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. USFWS's final report to the State Trails Committee describes the adverse impacts that could potentially occur as a result of any of the activities described in the submitted grant applications. When adverse impacts to federally listed species or critical habitat are a potential result of a proposed activity, the report offers conservation measures in accordance with NEPA to alleviate these impacts. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Trail Mapping Project: Two "Phases" of the mapping project have been completed to date. Phase I identifies the need and basic concept of the overall project; provides general performance criteria; determines applicability and benefits; and compares the platforms and systems nationwide. During this research, a Project Advisory Review Group was formed. This group served as an informal focus group that gathered input from various sources including: lay persons, trail user group representatives, members of the State Trails Committee, members of CORRP, federal, state, and local agency trail managers, mapping and trails information vendors and experts, computer and internet experts, trail user equipment vendors and recreation and tourism business representatives. Phase II was the development of a prototype by Colorado State University, using Larimer County as a pilot area. Larimer County provides a good representative example of diverse trail use, different types of trail surfaces, and public lands managed by many jurisdictions. Also, Larimer County has numerous local volunteer organizations that helped with collecting data. The completion of Phase II streamlined the data collection, identified priorities for trails attributes, finalized a volunteer data collection process and researched basic web concepts to deliver the inventory. CSU also identified a range of cost estimates for the overall statewide mapping project. This pilot was a success in determining that a State Trails Mapping System was attainable. There are a number of future steps and alternatives that must be considered to build the system. Collaboration and working with partners will be absolutely essential for continuation and future success of this project. GOCO funding was instrumental to this project in FY 07-08 and helped support contract project management, meeting costs, some in-state travel, and material production costs. 25 �Environmental Review$: U.S. Fish and Wildlife completed a review of all grants applications in the 2007 cycle (FY 07-08) that could pose a potential impact to threatened or endangered species. State Parks will be contracting with a representative of U.S. Fish and Wildlife to provide this service again for the 2008 grant cycle. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about special projects managed by the State Trails Program. For information about the Trails Program's operating funding, please see page 71. 26 �Capital Development: Enhancements Wildfire P.revention Log Number GBL 07181 8CFM Fuel Mitigation 06187 7CFM Fuel Mitigation -•'"•••-•••••u•._.,.,, o . . -..... 05186 6FI Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Previous Expenditures $300,000.00 $200,000.00 - .. • -- Parks Fire Plan FY 07-08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $0.00 $51,550 .76 1 $248,449.24 $0.00 $43,474.30 l $156,525.70 ' ........,_,_____,f---•-· H ' $250,000.00 $221,317 .43 $27,688.21 1 $750,000.00 $221,317.43 $122,713.27 1 $994.36 i Total : $405,969.30 Background and Objectives State Parks established a multi-year funding effort for fire plans and treatment beginning with our 2003 GOCO Annual Investment Plan. This was driven by the need for improved forest management (fire) planning and treatment at State Parks following the severe drought of 2002. Continued funding from GOCO and Colorado State Forest Service forest management programs enables State Parks to conduct planning and treatment at parks statewide which lie within the high risk "red zone" . This ongoing program actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments will also reduce the risk of fire to homes and communities within the vicinity of many state parks and maintain our continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 State Parks' Resource Management Program continued to coordinate with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) on the $2.5 million FEMA grant awarded in FY 06-07 for fuels mitigation work at seven state parks to protect watersheds on the Front Range. Several projects were completed using GOCO funds as match for this grant and many future projects were planned and mapped. 27 �Projects completed in FY 07-08 include: • • • • • • • Completion of a 68-acre fuels reduction project at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Completion of a 102-acre fuels reduction project at Eldorado Canyon State Park. Completion of a 140-acre fuels reduction project at Lory State Park. Completion of a 214-acre fuels reduction project at Roxborough State Park Completion of a 15-acre fuels reduction project at Pearl Lake State Park Multiple prescribed fires at Staunton State Park, totaling more than 264 total acres. Prescribed fires were also conducted on 35 acres at Eldorado State Park and on 63 acres at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The Resource Management Program also completed many other projects in FY 07-08. GOCO funding was not used to cover direct costs for these projects; however, GOCO funding supported personal services costs for the State Parks staff responsible for planning and executing these projects. Specific accomplishments include: • • • • • • Completion of a mountain pine beetle and fuels reduction project on 35 acres at State Forest State Park. Development began on a 10-year plan for Forest Management on State Parks - the plan which is expected to be finalized by June 2009 will evaluate forest resources on each park and make specific recommendations for future treatment and monitoring. lnteragency Agreements were approved, setting the table for multi-agency work at Cheyenne Mountain, Eldorado, Golden Gate, Lory, and Staunton State Parks. Letters were sent to neighbors of the parks to provide information on upcoming prescribed fires for Eldorado, Golden Gate and Staunton. Coordination meetings were held at 11 parks, walk-around tours were held at 7 parks. Interpretive signs and materials: Signs were developed for the seven FEMA parks and public handout materials were developed and produced for 5 parks. Project Planning: Project planning and clearance was completed for 5 additional projects at parks. Project Layout and Mapping: The layout phase involves taking the gross planning information and clearances and actually flagging out a project area and writing contract specifications for a mitigation operator. In the past year project layout was completed at 5 parks: Eldorado, Golden Gate, Lory, Cheyenne Mountain, Staunton, and Pearl Lake. GPS mapping of these new project areas was completed, along with GPS mapping of completed project areas. Note: State Parks' wildfire mitigation projects are managed by the Resource Management Program. For information on other projects completed by the Resource Management Program, please see page 47. 28 �Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects 29 �Ital Development: Legacy and Mu/ti-Ye Adjusted Award Amount Log Number GBL 07211 8BCM Cheyenne Mtn Development-MVP 8CCM Cheyenne Mountain Development Project or Program Area FY 07-08 Expenditures Previous Expenditures Unexpended Balance ! 07171 •••••n•••• • 06241 06222 7SCM 7CCM ,.,,, • . . . $2,000,000 .00 . . . .. SECM Restrooms-Primary Cmpgrd Cheyenne Mountain MVP so.oo j $1,255,000 .00 j i '' i $1,255,000 .00 . . $30,500 .00 $1,255,000.00 $1,798,672.60 ! - I ' $201,327.40 ! . $0.00 $0 .00 ~ ! $0.00 j $30,500 .00 ! i i ! : $1,119,276.40 ! $135,723 .601 $0.00 $0.00 ...................... ..................... ....................................................................................... .................................. .................. .. .......- ~.................................. .................. . ...... . 05866 6CM Cheyenne Mountain Legacy $2,500,000.00 $1,981,500.94 $518,499.06 $0.00 05280 6CCM Cheyenne Mountain MVP $1,850,000 .00 $1,601,622.94 $230,274.54 ! i I $18,102.52 ! 04238 CM5M Cheyenne Mountain 05 - MVP $3,657,000.00 $3,276,863.46 $380,136.54 1 ! ! Total : $12,547,500.00 I $9,777,936.34 1 $2,751,461.14 ! ! Descriptions and Objectives As the newest addition to Colorado's state park system and the first state park in El Paso County, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is the result of strong partnerships and planning. Acquired in June 2000 through a partnership between Colorado State Parks, Great Outdoors Colorado, the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Lottery, El Paso County and private organizations, the park represents the protection of one of the last significant open spaces along the southern section of the Colorado Front Range. Situated just south of Colorado Springs, the 1680-acre park lies beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain, and borders the plains of Colorado in a stunning transition from plains to peaks. The property is in remarkable natural condition and wildlife viewing opportunities abound due to the land's relatively undisturbed and un-fragmented nature. Cheyenne Mountain offers incredible recreational opportunities. Foremost among the park's offerings is the trail system, consisting of 20 miles of natural surface trails that allow visitors ample opportunities to discover the park's natural beauty. 31 $0.00 $18,102 .52 �GOCO has previously demonstrated a strong commitment to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, helping to fund the acquisition of the property, as well as the development of park infrastructure, facilities, and recreational amenities. Currently, the Visitor Center, picnic sites, trailhead, and trails are open daily and visitation has been excellent. Park staff anticipates opening the remaining developed amenities sometime in FY 08-09. These amenities include six additional comfort stations, 51 full-service campsites, 10 tent campsites, a Camper Services building with laundry, showers and park store, as well as the Group Picnic Area. The park remains fully staffed, including the park manager, senior ranger, park ranger, tourist assistant, and two park resource technicians. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Significant progress was made during FY 07-08 at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. While all of the main park buildings (visitor center, seven comfort stations, camper services building, and maintenance shop) had been completed prior to FY 07-08, a great deal of site work still needed to be completed. This work is detailed as follows: Road paving: In order to get the park open to the public, in FY 06-07 the decision was made to pave only the approximately .75 miles of roadway in the "lower" portions of the park. This work included paving the main park roadway (JL Ranch Heights) from the eastern boundary to the intersection of Limekiln Way, and then Limekiln Way to the trailhead parking lot. Both the visitor center and trail head parking lots were paved at this time as well. This left the majority (approximately 2 miles) of our roads in the "upper" portion of the park unpaved. During FY 0708, paving was completed throughout the remainder of the current park build-out, including all campgrounds, the Meadow loop, the camper services parking lot, and the maintenance shop compound and emergency exit out to NORAD Road. Curb and gutter work: A substantial amount of curb and gutter was installed during FY 07-08. This work included pouring sidewalks around the camper services building and six comfort stations, as well as addressing all ADA accessibility concerns for these buildings. Additionally, a number of areas around the park needed curb and gutter work done to help direct run-off into the park's extensive stormwater system. Landscaping: Drip irrigation systems were placed in a number of locations adjacent to comfort stations where trees were planted. Additionally, the areas immediately surrounding all buildings were graded, native grass seed and mulch applied, boulders placed, and trees planted. Fencing and park signage: The park master plan calls for fencing to be placed in many areas throughout the park and nearly all of this work was accomplished during FY 07-08. Additionally, as a public safety precaution, post-and-pole fencing was placed around a number of campsites, all of which have sharp drop-offs in proximity to these sites. Likewise, the master plan calls for large, stone veneer ranch themed sign structures at each intersection. Attached to these structures are metal signs directing visitors to all of the park's main facilities. 32 �Drainage control structures: Due to steep terrain, drainage and the control of storm water runoff are essential to maintaining the sustainability of all park facilities. During FY 07-08, a great deal of work was done to place rip-rap in critical areas around the park, including along roadways, on the back side of steep campsites, around drainage pans emptying into the Colorado Springs Utilities storm water system, and a number of other sites. Punch-list items: Also during FY 07-08, the general contractor worked through a substantial "punch-list" of issues identified by State Parks' project engineer and park staff; these issues needed to be resolved before State Parks would accept facilities as complete. Examples of punch-list items include repairing heating and cooling systems at comfort stations; repairing/patching asphalt around manholes and valves; resolving venting issues at comfort stations; repairing clogged/collapsed wastewater lines in the Meadows campground; and repouring a concrete sidewalk that had settled substantially at the Swift Puma Comfort Station. 33 �Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Colorado Front Range Trail Log Number Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area GBL Fi 07-08 Previous Expenditures Unexpended Balance Expenditures 08722 9FTD CFRT East Plum Creek Phase 3 $230,627.00 $0.00 $0.00 $230,627 .00 08721 9FTC CFRT Power Tra i I $350,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $350,000.00 -·-· --•--•-u 08720 9FTB ·- -- O~H-•·••·-••-•--• i $425,000 .00 CFRT E-470 to Brighton $0.00 so.oo ! $425,000.00 i i 05248 6FRJ •••••-••u o,,,,,_,..,._,,_, o•• •·•·••-• ••• u •.o•-•• .. u 05247 6FRI YC Projects (CFRT) $44,000.00 $41,000 .00 I ! $0.00 $3,000.00 1 ...···········.. ···-···•···•··-····• ·-••··-·-··•----- ·•··-···-····· • Hoono, •o••••• •••• •• •••••• •• •••• ................ .................-r········"·········... -.........'t'................................. i ••·••· · · .... Tabeguache Peak Pres (CFRT) $1,234.49 $631.65 $0.00 [ $602 .84 i ! 05241 o• •• • •O"•••• • OHoO ,o 05239 $169,822.45 6FRC PoudreTrail-Bison Arroyo (CFRT) ..................... o,,,,., , ,.,o , , .,,o,,.,o , ooo•o• oo • o• oo,. ,, , , .. , .. ,,,,, , , ,H oo,, , , . 0 0 00 00• • •• • • •• •• •••,oo ♦ H 6FRA OOo •o HOOOOHI000004 0 0tOIOO o H Pedro's Point Trai I (CFRT) O oo f + $14,500.00 $0 .00 ................................... ··································i ·-······················ ..•••••• $13,000.00 -··-·03887 $1,406.62 1 ! G3FB Front Range History Program $41,323 .00 $31,785 .13 ·Total : $1,276,506.94 $52,919 .57 $116,902.88 1 !! $93.38 I l so.oo ! $9,537.87 s121,3o9.5o j $1,068,780.66 I i $86,416 .78 1 : Background and Objectives The goal of the Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT) project is to create an 876-mile trail along the Front Range, from the Wyoming border to the New Mexico Border, connecting communities, points of interest, local and state parks and diverse landscapes along the way. Colorado's Front Range constitutes approximately 80% of the State's population and is consistently one of the fastest growing areas of the Nation. Colorado State Parks convened stakeholders in December of 2005 and formed the Colorado Front Range Development Council to assist with the implementation phase of this project. Colorado State Parks collaborated with over 500 partners- including the 13 counties and 35 managing agencies through which the trail passes-representing local communities, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, recreation retailers, and the tourism community to gather input for the CFRT Plan . 34 �GOCO awarded the State Trails Program an initial round of funding for the Front Range Trail in 2005. State Parks applied for and was awarded a second round of funding as part of the 2007 Legacy cycle. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 The YC Projects and Pedro's Point CFRT projects were nearly complete prior to FY 07-08. Expenditures indicated in the chart above consist mainly of administrative costs necessary to wrap up these projects. Poudre Trail-Bison Arroyo: This grant provided funding for the first constructed segment identified by the Poudre River Trail Master Plan. The project consisted of 5,320 ft of 10'-wide concrete trail along the Poudre River in Larimer County, crossing structures for several drainages, river bank stabilization work, and fencing to protect neighboring residential properties. Expenditures in FY 07-08 completed all work outlined in the grant scope, and this segment of the trail is now open to the public. The project was completed for significantly less than originally budgeted; the unexpended balance for this grant was unencumbered in June 2008. East Plum Creek Phase 3: The Town of Castle Rock has started the construction of 2 miles of East Plum Creek Trail. Current negotiations with an adjacent private property owner have gone well and the Town wishes to expand the scope of Phase 3 construction to include the 1-mile trail section across the proposed private property acquisition. The Town, in its early negotiations, had requested a trail easement. With the acquisition of the 106-acre subject property, the Town will secure the core of nearly 500 acres of Town owned and future public land dedicated open space of the East Plum Creek riparian corridor and the "Crossroads" of the CFRT. Funds were awarded in June 2008, but no expenditures were incurred in FY 07-08. Power Trail South of Harmony Road: The City of Fort Collins will extend the Power Trail south of Harmony Road. The scope of the project involves the construction of 1.33 miles of 10' wide concrete trail and adjacent 5' wide crusher fine path from south of Harmony Road to Trilby Road. Also, the City will do a crusher fine path from Trilby Road to County Road #32 in 2009 to complete the Power Trail and the north/south section of the Front Range Trail in Fort Collins. Funds were awarded in June 2008, but no expenditures were incurred in FY 07-08. CFRT from E-470 to Brighton: This project will result in 2.05 miles of concrete trail on City of Brighton owned land and on easements. This south to north oriented trail corridor will connect Adams County fairgrounds and the trail into Denver on the south end of the project to the CFRT trail in the Ken Mitchell Lakes Open Space and Park {400-acres) in Brighton on the north end of the project. This CFRT project includes: concrete trail, fencing for easement and mining areas, wayfaring signage, soil stabilization through hydro-mulch, re-vegetation through 750 shrubs and 225 trees, and the use of the Mile High Youth Corps {MHYC) and City staff to install the fence, set signs and plant vegetation. Funds were awarded in June 2008, but no expenditures were incurred in FY 07-08. 35 �Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Elkhead Reservoir Log Number GBL 05214 6ELK Project or Program Area Elkhead MVP AUju:sieU Award Amount $1,000,000.00 Freviou5 Expenditures $10,816.39 Ff U/-Oii Expenditures Unexpended Balance $70,193.42 $918,990.19 Background and Objectives Elkhe.ad Reservoir, located in Routt and Moffat Counties, is the only warm water reservoir in either county that is suitable for summer recreation such as swimming, boating, water sports and fishing. Prior to 2003, the reservoir was a popular regional recreation destination, with facilities including a concrete boat ramp, campsites, several day use picnic areas, two swim beaches, several vault toilets, an amphitheatre and approximately 10 miles of trails. Beginning in 2003, however, the city of Craig (owners of the reservoir), in partnership with the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, began a major expansion of the reservoir's existing dam. Each of these partners had different priorities for the project, with the result that work was delayed significantly while these issues were addressed. Once work was completed, the State Engineer required that the reservoir level be held artificially low for safety and testing reasons. Until this testing was complete, no final water elevation levels were available, adding further delays to construction. Now complete, the dam expansion has nearly doubled the surface-acreage of the reservoir, submerging the existing recreation facilities. The entire reservoir has taken on a new look, with major changes to its surrounding topography. This GOCO funding was awarded to State Parks to develop new recreation amenities situated to take advantage of the new reservoir level. State Parks is currently working with a design consultant to lay out new development based on the new level of the reservoir. Amenities funded with this GOCO grant will likely include: • • • A 15- to 20-site campground on the eastern side of the reservoir A small office compound, including a bay for patrol boats A second boat ramp to help distribute visitor load throughout the park and alleviate traffic issues at the park's main boat ramp area. 36 �• • • The park's primary swim beach and day-use facilities will be reconstructed to handle large local crowds that will gather here daily during the summer. Development of day use amenities, including picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills A campground on the western side of the reservoir Accomplishments in FY 07-08 In FY 07-08 GOCO funds were utilized to provide various construction materials and equipment associated with the development of the main boat ramp and ski beach facility located on the west side of the reservoir. These facilities were constructed by the City of Craig and the Ames Construction (the prime contractor associated with the re-construction of the Elkhead Dam itself). Colorado State Parks provided final designs for both of these facilities. Construction of these facilities allowed this portion of the park to be opened to the public in the spring of 2007. Additional work associated with the development of day use facilities will be included in the construction contract that addresses the construction of recreation facilities on the East side of the reservoir. In addition to the construction on the west side of the reservoir, in FY 07-08 Drexel Barrell & Co. was hired to provide engineering designs and construction document for the recreation facilities proposed for the east side of the reservoir. Construction of these facilities is expected to begin during the summer of 2008. Proposed facilities will include construction of a 16 unit campground and expanded day use facilities at two other locations. Planning and construction of amenities at Elkhead continue in FY 08-09. Rocky Mountain Region engineering staff anticipate fully expending these GOCO funds prior to their expiration in June 2009. 37 �Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Lone.·Mesa State Park Lug Number GBL 07173 8CLM Project or Program Area AUju5ieU Awani Amount Lone Mesa Planning $250,000.00 Frevious Expenditures $0.00 FY 07-08 Expenditures $0.00 Unexpencieci Balance $250,000 .00 Background and Objectives Lone Mesa Sta.te Park lies about 20 miles north of the town of Dolores and encompasses 11,702 acres of incredibly scenic land, ranging in elevation from near 7,000 feet to just over 9,000 feet. Lone Mesa State Park's purchase in 1999 was the result of the Division's "Crown Jewel" initiative, and the 11, 700-acre property demonstrates the high natural resource values pursued as part of that search. The GOCO-funded purchase of the three private ranches comprising the park resulted in State Land Board and DPOR fee title ownership of the largest Parks-owned state park in the system. The park is closed to general public access while development and management planning is in progress. However, a Special Use Permit program allows limited public hunting during the big game seasons, as the park includes fantastic elk, deer and bear habitat. Along with administration of the public hunting program, management of Lone Mesa includes monitoring of a livestock grazing lease and other Special Use Permits, involvement in volunteer and other service partnerships, and operation of a visitor center in Dolores. Fire fuels mitigation planning, wetlands monitoring, and other resource work has been completed on the site. The land base at Lone Mesa needs a thorough site inventory, including GIS and assessment of soils, hydrology, and other factors influencing ultimate development of recreation facilities on the property. This GOCO funding is earmarked for that first phase of development planning, with the ultimate goal being the creation of a document to guide park build-out. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 The stewardship planning effort for Lone Mesa is currently underway. State Parks' Stewardship Section, along with park management, hosted gatherings of involved partners including representatives from the Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others. The recommendations resulting from that process were included in a scoping document, and a contractor was selected to put that plan together over the late 2008 field season. Parks staff met with Region administration, development staff and Division planners to 38 �discuss coordination of the development plan's site inventory with this current stewardship work. Because of that timeline, this planning work is expected to begin with public "open house" scoping, followed by contracted planning work, organized between Region development staff and Stewardship Section staff. During FY 07-08, a scope of work was developed for several biological surveys that will be conducted in FY 08-09, including vegetation mapping and wildlife surveys. Aerial photography and digital elevation model creation will be conducted in FY08-09. 39 �.Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects I • '1 St. Vrain State Parl< Leg Number GBL 07212 8CVR 05865 ...... --··~ ......... 6SV • ..., u ....... • .• ~ •.- - - u A,AjnrlaA Au.,::arrl ~!"e\;'iO!.!S Amount Expenditures Project or Program Area St. Vrain Development- MVP $0.00 $133,000.00 St. Vrain Legacy .... . . ................._. $4,000,000.00 - f-.-·•~---··-···.... ·------··· - Total : $4,133,000.00 FY 07-0!! Eicpenditures $3,199,162.97 - ... .........._.....~... . . .. -...._.. ll-,Av~Pnti'31rl Balance $133,000.00 $0.00 $799,930.89 $906.14 ......._,. ___ ! $3,199,162.97 1 $932,930.89 Background and Objectives Located about five miles due east of Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Between now and approximately 2010, State Parks plans to make major capital investments at St. Vrain to provide recreation experiences in an area undergoing rapid population growth. In 2004 Colorado State Parks commissioned a local design firm to prepare a master plan outlining development of the infrastructure and amenities necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. The St. Vrain State Park Master Plan contains detailed recommendations on improving every aspect of the park, including recreation opportunities, habitat protection, access, circulation, and sustainability. An update to the Master Plan was completed in September 2007, reflecting new property acquisition and other changes since 2004. Work scheduled to run through 2010 will continue to transform the site into a recreation hub for Colorado's northern Front Range. Improvements planned at St. Vrain include renovation of the old campgrounds, construction of new campgrounds, a camper shower building, remodeling the existing entry station, individual and group picnic sites and renovating existing day use areas. Buffer landscaping along the park's borders will provide privacy for park visitors, increase the aesthetic appeal of the park, and ensure sustainable site preservation over the long term. Installation of utilities (water, sewer, electric) and the construction of improved roads will further enhance the campgrounds, and lay a foundation for further development. lottery funding is also being used for this project. 40 - $906.14 �Local support for the development of St. Vrain is strong. In 2005, a proposed expansion of Weld County Road 7 would have directed a high volume of traffic through the middle of St. Vrain, potentially causing significant disruption to the park experience and impacting the park's wildlife and open space preservation values. Every major municipality in the park's immediate vicinity (Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Ft. Lupton, Frederick, Longmont, and Mead) opposed this plan, and repeatedly demonstrated its support for St. Vrain at public meetings. Recognizing the importance of keeping the park intact, the Town of Firestone proposed annexing St. Vrain so that the park would lie within the town's legal boundaries. This annexation was completed in October 2006, effectively eliminating the possibility of the expansion of County Road 7 into a major transportation corridor. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Design and construction work was completed in the second development phase of the park. This area is the southern portion of the park between old County Road 24 ½ and Highway 119 and just west of Interstate 25. This major overhaul to existing infrastructure and development of new amenities has resulted in a dramatically improved park experience. Specific projects completed include: • • • • • • • • • • 46 new camp sites with individual water, sewer and electrical hookups. Construction of 6,700 linear feet of new gravel roads. Construction of 2,800 linear feet of trails. The extension of 8,200 linear feet of 4- and 6-inch water pipe. Installation of 7,800 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe. Installation of 8,300 linear feet of 3, 4 and 6-inch irrigation water pipe. Installation of 4,600 linear feet of primary underground electrical infrastructure. Major landscaping and revegetation of areas impacted by construction. Two 400-square foot shelters. Construction of a day use area. Primary construction for these project elements began in April 2006 and was completed September 2007. Also in FY 07-08, region leadership and construction staff worked closely with a professional design firm to update St. Vrain's Master Development Plan, reflecting new property acquisitions and other changes since 2004. Construction documents were prepared for the pavement of entrance road into the park (old Weld County Road 25 ½) and submitted to the Town of Fredrick for review and approval. In December 2007, the GOCO Board awarded State Parks $2.0 million in funding to secure a permanent water supply for St. Vrain's ponds. State Parks Water Program staff are in the process of evaluating the market and identifying potential sellers to enhance St. Vrain's water supply. In FY 09-10, High Plains region engineering staff will being developing the necessary infrastructure to draw water off the St. Vrain River and distribute it throughout the park. 41 �Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Ye Staunton State Park Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures tog Number GBL 07172 SCST Staunton Planning $690,827 .00 $0.00 04206 SNSC Staunton Capital $9,174 .00 $9,142.11 1 Project or Program Area FY 07-08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $186,865 .38 $503,961.62 $31.20 $0.69 $186,896.58 . ~ $503,962.31 I I ... ...·~ " ' - - ...... ~ i- ... -..··--= ••-•••-n ! $700,001.00 Total : $9,142 .ll j l Background and Objectives Staunton State Park lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within both Park and Jefferson Counties and is surrounded by the Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton is not yet open to the public and represents a rare opportunity for our agency to develop an entirely new state park from the ground up. In 1986, Frances Hornbrook Staunton donated 1,680 acres (including her parents' original homestead) to Colorado State Parks, establishing the original land base for the park. Additional purchases in 1998 added the Elk Falls Section (1,042 acres) and the Davis Ranch Section (860 acres). The acquisition of the 80-acre Chase parcel in 2006 opened up a key transportation corridor through the park and will greatly enhance the development potential. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. In October 2006, Colorado State Parks embarked on a comprehensive master planning effort for the development of Staunton State Park. The Staunton Planning Team (planning team) was assembled and included High Plains Region staff and representatives from the agency's Planning, Natural Resources, and Capital Development sections. The goal of the planning team is to help guide the planning process, improve internal communication, and establish a template for future master planning efforts. As part of this effort, the planning team held preliminary public outreach meetings in Conifer and Bailey to seek public input about 42 �development at Staunton and help State Parks identify areas of expertise that would need to be included as part of a consulting team. In February 2007 the planning team released a Request for Qualifications, seeking professional Land Use Planning/Landscape Architect consultants to provide master planning, design development, construction documentation, and construction observation services for the development of the park. After an extensive proposal review and interview process, the Staunton planning team selected Landworks Design, Inc as the park's master planning firm. Key tasks of the master plan include: • • • • • • • Identify different zones of resource sensitivity levels for within/adjacent to the park boundary to help set rules and limits of impact based on existing levels of sensitivity. Identify a sustainable park development program to help increase the efficiency of the park. Develop and implement a public outreach program for the project to help keep the public in touch and informed on the progress of the project. Research recreational opportunities and trends to help identify appropriate park recreational uses for Staunton State Park. Development of a park financial plan and the incorporation of financial planning in all phases of decision making to ensure a long and healthy future for the development and operations of the park. Preparation of a final park master plan to help guide the development and phasing of the growth of park facilities and recreational opportunities. Evaluation of the existing dams and preparation of construction documentation for recommended safety improvements. To date, the planning team has conducted seven public open house meetings as well as separate meetings with a master plan advisory council (MPAC) that was formed early in the master planning process to further facilitate the exchange of ideas, facilitate sound communication, and generate support for the park. The MPAC includes a diverse range of local, regional, and statewide stakeholders. Meetings are still being held with the MPAC, the Conifer Area Council, and other interested landowners as needed, Additional meetings have been held with the Colorado Department of Transportation to better understand their timelines for redevelopment of the US 285/Elk Creek Road intersection that provides access to Staunton and determine how this project will affect the timing for park development in the future. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Key tasks accomplished during fiscal year 08-09 included: • Held ongoing Master Plan Advisory Council (MPAC) meetings. 43 �• • • • • • • Based on natural resource, engineering, recreation potential, and social overlays, State parks established management zones to guide the siting and scale of appropriate types and levels of development within the park. Developed three master plan alternatives that were presented these to the Parks Board, MPAC, and the public for review and comment. Narrowed down alternatives and developed a "Preferred Plan" that was presented to the State Parks Board, MPAC, and the general public for review and comment. Made appropriate adjustments to the plan based on public input and guidance of the Parks Board, MPAC, and Senior Staff. Worked with the Forest Service to secure a trail connection to Pike National Forest, located just north of the park. Worked with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to explore options to facilitate mass transit connectivity to and from the park. Continued exploring sustainability/energy efficiency options associated with potential park infrastructure. Continued communication with the Colorado Department of Transportation (COOT) to stay abreast of the redevelopment of the US 285/Elk Creek Road intersection project planned for construction in fall 2009, with a planned completion in fall 2010. As part of the Final Master Plan, the Staunton planning team is currently exploring development phasing options, which will be evaluated by State Parks Senior Staff and the Parks Board and revised based on their input and guidance before being presented to the public. Each phase is also being concurrently evaluated as part of the financial planning effort associated with the park. The final financial plan will further breakdown estimated capital needs, operating costs, and potential revenues associated with each phase of the Master Plan. The Final Master Plan is expected to be completed by fall 2009. 44 �Program Funding: Land and Water Protection 45 �Program Funding: Land and Water Protection Resource Management Program Adjusted Award Amount Previous Expenditures FY 07-08 Expenditures Log Number GBL 07180 8NRP Natural Resource Projects $222,995 .00 $0.00 ! 07179 8NRM Natural Resource Mgmt $169,000.00 Project or Program Area 'i Unexpended Balance $178,165 .15 $44,829 .85 $0.00 j $168,399 .99 . $600.01 l ....................... ..................... f1 0 H H.0.00 0000 0 0 0 o o , o H o • o00 0 . . 040 0 0f l 00000000 0 o o 0 0 00 0 0 00 H M H - 0 0 0 0000 .o.L0 .000 0 .0 .0000•·• • ••• •••••• ••• ••·•••.o•••••••••->o•.,.•• ................ ., ............!I .................................. ,;,i .. ,............................... 06186 7NRP Nat Resource Projects $212,000.00 $189,076.15 1 $22,923.61 $0.24 05184 6GIS GIS Plan/Stewardshi p Ops $395,193 .00 $39s,026 .oo I $167.00 $0 .00 I $369,655.7S j i Total : $999,188.00 $584,102 .1s ! $45,430.10 ! Background and Objectives The Colorado State Parks Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado's public recreation areas. The program provides leadership and assistance to agency staff on a variety of resource issues, and is responsible for five major program areas: • • • • • Resource stewardship plans for each state park GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Natural Areas Program coordination Forestry/fuel mitigation Resource stewardship plans developed by this program contain information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. On-the-ground surveys are conducted to map and document the condition of the vegetation, rare plants, weeds, aquatic nuisance species and selected wildlife habitat, then comprehensive Stewardship Plans are produced to guide park staff on goals and details of protection of significant resources. Program staff have also developed management prescriptions which focus on weed management, park-specific re-vegetation, guidance on dealing with specific resource issues (wildlife/trash interactions, rattlesnakes, large predators, cottonwood/willow maintenance, etc.), as well as monitoring methods, based on each park's regional context and 47 �special resources such as rare species or natural communities. Volunteer monitoring is also an important aspect of this program with a particular focus on raptor monitoring. GIS production and management for planning and maintenance is an ongoing activity of this program. GIS data is collected with GPS or compiled from other sources (engineering drawings, for example) and maintained for every park to create a variety of maps, including trail maps. The data is used for information requests, planning (avoiding sensitive plants, animal habitat or cultural resources when creating a new trail), and construction activities. Also boundary and parcel information is tracked in GIS, including data on which parcels are purchased with which funding source, how many acres and where we have easements. Utilities and maintenance information is tracked and includes data such as noxious weed locations and water, sewer and electric line locations. All park field offices have GIS data installed and have at least one staff member trained in its use. Threatened and endangered species reviews conducted by the Resource Management Program are a vital step in State Parks' capital development process. Program staff review development project descriptions, review GIS information on habitat and species occurrence in the region of the project, visit the site of the project to conduct habitat evaluations, and consult with regional biologists and park staff in order to produce a recommendation regarding a given project's compliance with state and federal regulations. The Natural Areas Program has 80 designated and 25 registered natural areas which protect elements of statewide significance and importance. These areas can be owned by federal, state, or private entities; the program's role is to ensure proper stewardship of these rare and special areas through cooperative agreements. Areas are eligible for designation based on a variety of factors, but in general program staff look for the best representative examples of rare plants, rare animals, native ecosystems, unique geology and unique paleontology. Protection of these areas requires vigilant monitoring, accomplished with a cadre of over 100 volunteers. Volunteers monitor these areas with regular photo monitoring and fill out detailed technical tracking forms, and perform regular technical plant counts. Staff visits 15-30 designated or registered sites a year, as well as several new sites to be surveyed and evaluated for inclusion in the Program. Forest management/fuel mitigation is an ongoing State Parks' program that actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments helps reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many state parks. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Details of this project are in the funding specific to forest management, but the temporary staff paid out of this fund assist with parts of this project (GIS tracking, etc). 48 �Accomplishments in FY 07-08 GOCO funding supports 2.0 of the program's 5.0 FTE plus significant seasonal support and helps the Resource Management Program achieve the objectives outlined above. Specific accomplishments in FY 07-08 include: Resource Stewardship • • • • • • • • • • • • • Final draft produced for a stewardship plan at John Martin State Park, and a stewardship addendum was produced and finalized for the Bacon property at St. Vrain State Park. Resource inventories, including vegetation and wildlife surveys, were performed at North Sterling, Arkansas Headwaters, Lone Mesa and State Forest. Rare plant and raptor surveys were completed at Staunton State Park. Stewardship meetings were conducted at two parks to obtain information from staff, partner agencies and volunteers. Weed inventories and draft plans were completed for Boyd Lake and North Sterling, and a draft comprehensive vegetation management plan was completed for Arkansas Headwaters. Draft stewardship plans were produced for John Martin and Arkansas Headwaters State Parks. Rare plant surveys were conducted at Staunton and Pueblo State Parks. Detailed surveys and advice on re-vegetation and restoration projects were provided to three parks. • Detailed bird surveys were conducted at Staunton, and volunteer raptor monitoring was conducted at nine state parks. Prebles Mouse habitat was mapped in detail at two parks. Frog and toad surveys were conducted at North Sterling State Park. Detailed resource management trainings were held for approximately 30 staff and volunteers at various Rocky Mountain Region parks. Coordination with eight other partners was conducted to assist in the writing of a zebra mussel response plan. GIS • • • • • Updated GIS software and improved data sets were installed at two state park offices. All park field offices now have access to GIS mapping data. Accurate GIS boundaries were created for six state parks, and a database to better track the information was created. GIS evaluations of threatened and endangered species habitat were conducted for four park development projects. Support was provided to Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks for a maintenance utilities mapping and GIS database development project. Public quality maps were created for 10 parks for publication on the web site. 49 �Natural Areas • • • • • • • • • Staff monitored and made site visits to 43 Natural Areas (30 designated, 8 registered, and 5 identified). Staff coordinated monitoring and site visits by 92 volunteers at 65 designated and registered Natural Areas. Staff conducted four Natural Areas Council Meetings and two Volunteer Steward Meetings. CNAP funded in-depth training on plant identification and bird calls for five volunteers; CNAP staff also initiated and coordinated 20 Rare Plant Monitoring Stewards in a training program with the Denver Botanic Gardens. Surveys of rare plants were conducted at 14 Natural Areas, in conjunction with volunteers and staff from several other agencies, including the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, CNHP, and USFWS. Complete plant lists were collected at three designated Natural Areas (Gateway Palisade, Chalk Bluffs and Escalante Canyon), utilizing roving volunteer stewards from the Denver Botanic Gardens. Intensive monitoring projects were completed at 12 Natural Areas (Duck Creek, Dudley Bluffs, Ryan Gulch, Raven Ridge, Garden Park, South Beaver Creek, Mount Callahan, Park Creek Hogback, North Dudley Bluffs, High Mesa, Escalante Canyon, Pyramid Rock). The program was awarded USFWS section 6 grants totaling $25,000 for more surveys and modeling through the CNAP, as well as $4000 for surveying and reporting of a rare lpomopsis plant. The program coordinated with The Nature Conservancy on a management plan for the Wacker ranch, a 43-acre ranch near Montrose with the state's best population of the Clay-Loving Wild Buckwheat, an endangered plant endemic to only Montrose and Delta counties. Note: The Resource Management section also manages State Parks' Fuel Mitigation and Wildfire Prevention projects. For information on these activities, please see page 27. 50 �. Program Fundlng:,l and and Water Protection Vegetation Management Log Number GBL 07178 8NRS Natural Resource Projects-SE 07178 8NRH Natural Resource Projects-HP Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area ..................... ........................... ......... ............. n·•······••u ••····· .. $90,000.00 $90,000.00 · ·· ••.•· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · · · •·HOOIOH·O•• ·•·••··· ............ ,....................... Previous Expenditures FY 07-08 Expenditures $20,118.05 $61,834 .60 $13,519.79 / l 8NRR Natural Resource Projects-RM $90,000 .00 so.oo l ! ' 06184 7NRH Resource Regional Projects HP $8,047.35 $67,506.76 $8,973.45 i oH o o oooo . . ooooHUOO•o o o.. . , , . . ,, , ,; • • • •oooo o o oo o OO o OO OU h - ♦ O o oooou• o;u • i 07178 Unexpended Balance o ouo ooo ,o o no•oo , . . oo no••••• ; $46,929.48 i $43,070.52 ! ~ $90,000.00 $77,137 .48 1 $12,862 .52 1 $360,000.00 $110,775 .32 $189,133.36 1 $0.00 I Total : ! $60,091 .32 Background and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado investments for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts are the most important funding for on-the-ground resource protection at the state parks. This funding helps State Parks maintain the momentum we have built to sustain native ecosystems by containing noxious weed infestations at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative, effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to initiate proactive efforts to better manage the natural habitats at our parks. GOCO funding is allocated to regions and parks to complete a wide variety of urgent vegetation management tasks. Primary efforts include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means; development of integrated weed management plans; selective application of herbicides; bio-controls and weed agents; and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has become especially important in recent years, especially in parks faced with new forest pest invasions including the pine beetle. A large portion of State Parks' vegetation management efforts are cooperative, with local county weed control coordinators, county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service, and adjoining landowners playing an important role. 51 �Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Southeast Region • • • • • • • • • Arkansas Headwaters hired temporary staff to complete vegetation management goals as outlined in the AHRA 2007 Weed Plan. This included chemical and mechanical treatments for Canada thistle, oxeye daisy, Russian thistle, kochia, pepperweed, and ta ma risk. This treatment included recreation sites along a 150-mile river corridor from Leadville to Lake Pueblo. Bonny Lake partnered with Yuma County Pest Control district to chemically and mechanically treat about 100 acres of tamarisk and chemically treat 200 acres of Canada thistle. Eleven Mile hired contractors to chemically treat 2 acres of spotted knapweed, 20 acres of yellow toadflax, 40 acres of Canada thistle, and 20 acres of annual weeds along the south side of the reservoir. Park staff followed up with mechanical treatments and reseeding of treated areas. John Martin partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to chemically and mechanically treat 25 acres of ta ma risk on the north shore of the reservoir. Lathrop hired temporary staff to complete a variety of management activities throughout the park. Staff trimmed and removed pi non and juniper trees in order to mitigate fuels build up, removed Russian olive trees, and chemically and mechanically treated areas of Canada thistle, white top, tamarisk, salt brush and sage brush. Mueller hired a contractor to chemically treat 28 acres of yellow toad flax and Canada thistle in the park's back country areas. Lake Pueblo employed temporary staff to mechanically treat park areas for tamarisk and Canada thistle and to thin and prune pinyon and juniper trees in the campgrounds. Spinney Mountain hired contractors to chemically treat 6 acres of ta ma risk and 20 acres of Canada thistle. Park staff followed up with mechanical treatments and reseeding of treated areas. Trinidad employed contractors for pre-emergent spraying and follow up, plus mechanical and chemical treatment of 2 acres of Canada thistle. Park staff conducted chemical and mechanical control of tamarisk on 5 acres of parkland, revegetated and fertilized construction areas around the park's new shop building, transplanted 10 juniper and pinion trees to new locations in the park, and thinned and pruned many pinyon and juniper trees in park's campgrounds. High Plains Region • Barr Lake State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are Canada thistle, musk thistle and white top. Park staff also used this funding to purchase herbicide for staff application at isolated outbreaks throughout the park. 52 �• • • • • • • • • • • • • Boyd Lake State Park contracted with Larimer County for noxious weed spraying throughout the park. Castlewood Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are knapweed, thistles and leafy spurge. Chatfield State Park hired contractors for weed spraying for diffuse knapweed and thistles. Park staff also contracted spraying for beetle/borer infestation in pine trees in campground loop D. Park staff also purchased herbicides and fertilizers for staff application, and native grass seed and mulch for revegetation activities. Cherry Creek State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are knapweed, tamarisk, toadflax, and spurge. Park staff also purchased supplies for the Hobie Hill revegetation and tree planting project. Eldorado Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. rn Golden Gate Canyon State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Jackson Lake State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Lory State Park contracted with Larimer County for noxious weed control efforts. Park staff also applied biological control agents for Dalmation Toadflax and purchased herbicides for staff application. North Sterling State Park purchased herbicides for noxious weed control throughout the park including park trails and high use pads in campgrounds and picnic areas. Roxborough State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control. Staff also undertook a complete rewrite of Roxborough's noxious weed management plan. St. Vrain State Park purchased herbicides for staff application to control noxious weeds. Staff also purchased plants and supplies for revegetation projects in park wetlands and other disturbed areas. State Forest State Park purchased herbicides and equipment for staff application. Staunton State Park hired contractors to spray for noxious weed control; at this park the primary species of concern are toadflax, thistle and leafy spurge. Staff also purchased native grass seed for re-vegetation throughout the park. Rocky Mountain Region • • • • • • Weed spraying activities were conducted at James M. Robb-Colorado River (included GPS weed mapping), Crawford, Harvey Gap, Highline, Paonia, Navajo, Pearl lake, Ridgway, Rifle Gap, Rifle Falls, Stagecoach, Steamboat Lake, Sweitzer, Sylvan, Vega and Yampa State Parks. The annual Moffat County weed management program was implemented for Yampa State Park. This provides a cooperative aerial weed-spraying program between the park and Moffat County. Erosion control and reseeding took place at Stagecoach State park. Tree thinning and beetle-kill tree removal activities were accomplished at Pearl Lake and Steamboat Lake State Park. This included dead tree removal, tree spraying and campground tree thinning. An important wetland mitigation study was conducted for streams at Steamboat. Turf management activities were performed at Highline State Park and Sweitzer Lake. 53 �Program Funding: Planning and Development 65 �' Planning anq Development Log Number GBL 07184 BDAC Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Previous Expenditures FY 07-08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance ! BDCP 07210 ..................... · • • •• • • • • ••••oo o oo oMO P&D Accounting $75,000 .00 Capital Projects Mgr P&D $77,000.00 ••OO H .... 0-00.o oo o o o .o o o oo o oo o, o ooooooooo,oo'_..H , ,H ,O o o • Ooo O oo , o O.UU •O•••••••• • • • • • • •·ooo+oOO ·· ••·••·"········ .....·············••· $4,028.59 $0.00 $70,664.88 $306.53 $70,721 .77 $6,278 .23 ....................................... ..................................... ••••••·•••••••••••••••••••••••••••·•·• l I 07209 BDSE $142,000.00 SE Engineers P&D $2,121.30 ! $139,878 .24 $0.46 i l I 07208 , 8DHP ...................... ........ .............. 07207 BDRM HP Engineers P&D · · · · · · · · · · · · • •·•• . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,H, oo M ♦ ll +.IOOOO• •···· · $257,800.00 $18,584 .89 j $236,341.lS j $2,873.93 ! I .. ......... .......... ...............,.. ···············-···•·"··········t·····················-····· .... -t.,····-························" - RM Engineers P&D $148,000.00 $0.00 $85,100 .00 $6,370.25 $77,153 .70 $784,900.00 $31,105 .03 $728,463.21 1 ' $133,703 .4·}'- · $14,296.56 O O HO 07185 8DLA P&D GOCO Liaison $1,576.05 i Total: ! $25,331 .76 Background and Objectives GOCO has historically funded a number of full-time positions at State Parks which directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding. • • • • Project Engineers manage construction and other development projects around the state. In FY 07-08 GOCO funding supported 4.0 full-time project engineering staff. These positions work closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. The Capital Projects Manager manages State Parks' CAPTRS system, a capital project tracking, auditing, and reporting application. This software allows State Parks to track and audit construction project progress and expenditures, and provide regular reports. The GOCO-funded Planning and Development position serves as the agency's liaison with GOCO and is the primary point of contact between GOCO and State Parks. The position serves as a resource for both GOCO and State Parks staff and provides information, analysis, and recommendations regarding State Parks issues. The GOCO-funded Accounting position performs grant administration and oversight; assists with GOCO billings, grant extensions, transfers, and 57 �deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and coordinates with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Accomplishments In FY 07-08 GOCO-funded project engineers work on a wide variety of projects supported by multiple funding sources. Specific GOCO-funded projects that these positions worked on in FY 07-08 include: • • • • • Major renovations and improvements at Cherry Creek, Chatfield, and Trinidad State Parks, as part of the $40.0 million Army Corps Cost Share project. Revenue enhancement projects at Golden Gate, Trinidad, Castlewood Canyon, and Cherry Creek State Parks. Major development at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Ongoing construction of new facilities at Elkhead Reservoir. Major development at St. Vrain State Park. The Capital Projects Manager position continued to oversee development of the CAPTRS program. During this fiscal year the CAPTRS development team completed Phase I of the CAPTRS development. The primary focus of this phase is to achieve consistent and reliable base financial data input and output for the capital development program as a whole. Specific functionality developed during Phase I includes: • • • • • • • • • • Provide a real-time, readily accessible, web-based capital budget and capital project record-keeping and work area Allow entering of both proposed and approved capital development projects Support capital budget planning from the five-year Horizons Plan down to the field project level Track budget changes from the Horizons level down to the project level Allow entering of approved grant monies to match up to planned capital budgets Allow easy tracking of project expenditures (purchases and payments) against the multiple funding sources that many projects have Act as a centralized repository for required project documents, purchase documents, and payment documents Force user role activities, approvals, and views within the system Provide a centralized location for Project Managers to input project updates on a regular basis Provide a clear and transparent audit trail for capital expenditures Once Phase 1 was completed, Capital Development staff began entering all the information about their projects into the CAPTRS database. State Parks estimates that about 80% of the data entry for active capital projects is complete. The Planning and Development and Accounting positions helped facilitate the procurement, management, tracking, and reporting for GOCO funding at nearly every park in the system. 58 �Program Funding: Statewide Programs 59 �Program Funding: Statewide Programs al Est Log Number GBL 07175 8SLM Project or Program Area Adjusted Award Amount FY 07-08 Expenditures Previous Expenditures Unexpended Balance I $10,000.00 Land Reso urce Management $0.00 j $9,992 .33 i Background and Objectives The Colorado State Parks Real Estate Program is staffed with 1.0 FTE, assisted with periodic seasonal worker (SWP) support. This position's primary responsibility is negotiation with property owners or their agents for the acquisition, exchange, lease, or limited use of lands and interests in real property for public recreation purposes. The position is responsible for obtaining and reviewing appraisals, title commitments, surveying, inspections, and other items/services involved in purchasing and acquiring recreation lands. This requires extensive travel, given the remote location of many of State Parks' existing lands and acquisitions. Beyond acquisition, the Real Estate Program manages State Parks' existing portfolio of lands, including administration of the annual PILT program, annual inventory of properties held in title, and ongoing management of the State Parks Land Trust Portfolio (held in trust by the State Land Board). Accomplishments in FY 07-08 GOCO funding provides operational support to help the Real Estate Program achieve the objectives outlined above. In FY 07-08, specific expenditures included: • • • Professional consultant expenses related to real estate transactions, including appraisals, surveying, Phase I environmental evaluations, county recording fees, property inspections and closing costs. In-state travel costs. Office supplies. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Real Estate Program. For information about the Real Estate Program's capital funding, please see page 7. 61 $7.67 �Prog~am Funding: Statewide Programs Water Program. Operations Log Number GBL 07177 8SWM Project or Program Area Adjusted Award Amount Water Resource Management $94,000.00 Previous Expenditures $0.00 FY07-08 Expenditures $81,501.03 Unexpended Balance $12,498.97 Background and Objectives The State Parks Water Program provides expertise, leadership, and protects the Division's interests in all water resource issues. The program is staffed with 1.0 FTE assisted with seasonal staff (SWP) and contractor support. The program coordinates and oversees all aspects of water resource planning for the Division, including establishing water budget priorities, supervising all of the Division's water court actions, accounting for all permitting in accordance with state and federal law, analyzing statewide recreational water needs, and coordinating with user groups and agencies to maximize the state's water resources for recreational purposes. The Water Resources Program is also charged with developing interagency partnerships and in some instances state-federal partnerships to structure and fund joint water acquisitions. The program is frequently called on_to represent the State of Colorado at the regional and national level on recreational water issues that affect the state . Specific objectives for the Water Program include: • • • • Manage and oversee all aspects of the Division's Water Program. This includes advising and coordinating with the Director and other leadership, including Region Managers, on water acquisition, legal actions, contracting, budgeting, and policy development. Negotiate water leases and contracts, perform engineering and financial analyses, review water court applications and proceedings, develop new reservoir accounting models, analyze and prepare engineering reports, and prepare water supply plans, well water permits, augmentation plans, and in-stream flow recommendations. Represent the state at a regional and national level with regard to water requirements for recreational benefits. This includes attendance at and participation in regional and national conferences and meetings to coordinate with other water resource professionals. Lead the Division's efforts to create recreational opportunities through interagency coordination . Frequent partners include the Bureau of Land Management, the Army 62 �• Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Engineer's Office, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Coordinate with local water districts, irrigation companies, and municipalities statewide to maximize the Division's water resources. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 GOCO support for the State Parks Water Program funds half of the program's 1.0 FTE plus operational expenses. In FY 07-08 GOCO funding was used to accomplish the program objectives outlined above. Beyond personal services and related costs, specific expenses included • • • • In-state travel expenses. Contractor and seasonal work program (SWP) support. Office supplies. Communications costs. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Water Program. For information about the Water Program's capital funding, please see page 9. 63 �Program Funding: Statewide Programs Public Information Program LUi Number 07206 GBL SSPM Project or Program Area Adjusted Award Amount $259,000.00 Public Information i"revious Expenditures $0.00 Fl' 0 7-08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $243,412.97 $15,587.03 Background and Objectives Article XXVII of th·e Constitution states that Parks-purpose GOCO funding will be used to "Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state." Colorado State Parks' Public Information Program manages the Division's internal and external communications, agency image, media relations, publications, and marketing. The program analyzes State Parks' position in the marketplace and implements short-, medium-, and longrange efforts to improve the Division's position. The program analyzes and anticipates tourism trends and their effect on State Parks' marketing efforts and visitation. Specific objectives that the Public Information Program strives to achieve in a given fiscal year include: • • • Serve as a media liaison and information center for the Division. Communicate current news and information about the agency through print, televised, radio, web-based, and other media. Establish one-on-one professional contacts with statewide media and tourism-related representatives. Produce Division communications including presentations, reports, news releases, and fact sheets. Develop and produce public service announcements. Implement marketing efforts for the agency, including recommending strategies and programs to leadership. Develop marketing campaigns utilizing a variety of media, including print ads, radio, and web content. Draft, develop, and produce individual advertisements for use in local, statewide, and national print media. Coordinate marketing partnerships with media outlets, tourism offices, and trade shows. Serve as a facilitator in marketing focus groups across the state. Represent the agency at special events and trade shows statewide. Produce park-specific and agency-specific brochures, fact sheets, news releases, and web pages for public dissemination. 64 �• Manage the agency website, including coordination with contractors specializing in website development. Prepare, review, update, and revise all information appearing on the website. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 GOCO support provides funding for 1.0 FTE in the Public Information Program plus seasonal support and specific projects completed by the program. In FY 07-08, GOCO funding was used to accomplish the program objectives outlined above. In addition to FTE and seasonal support, specific accomplishments with this funding include: • • • • • • • Advertisements: Ads were placed in publications to reach travelers, campers, and sports and recreation enthusiasts. Some of these publications include the Colorado Official State Visitor Guide, The Colorado Directory, Camp Colorado, Audubon Magazine, Woodall's Campground Directory, Rocky Mountain Sports, AAA Encompass Magazine, RV Journal, Colorado Parent, and others. In FY 07-08, www.parks.state.co.us received approximately 1.4 million sessions with more than 900,000 unique visitors. This web presence is an immensely valuable communication tool for our agency and will likely grow in importance in future years. A prominent feature of the Parks' website is the Adventure of the Week. The Public Information section developed 52 Adventures for FY 07-08 to keep the site fresh and interesting, inviting visitors and potential visitors to experience a variety of park activities and locations. Brochures: 40 individual state park area brochures (with a total print run of 430,100 copies) were produced and distributed to parks, welcome centers, and convention and visitor bureaus across the state. The Great Outdoors Colorado logo appears on all of these brochures. News Releases: In FY 07-08 State Parks distributed 148 news releases to media outlets, yielding an estimated reach of more than 316 million impressions. The Public Information section is instrumental in obtaining weekly radio coverage for Colorado State Parks on the FM104.3 Sports Radio show, The Fan on Saturday mornings. In FY 07-08, we scheduled 50 weekly guests/topics for the show with Terry Wickstrom as the show's host. Additional Outreach: Parks e-newsletter reached more than 7,000 opt-in subscribers with seasonal news delivered bimonthly. Additional outreach efforts throughout the state engaged in a variety of activities including Fall Colors - Rush to the Gold, and Holiday Campaign - Wrap Up the Outdoors. 65 �Program Funding: Statewide Youth Programs i.og Number GBL 07205 8SYP 05253 6VYN Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Youth Programs Colo Youth Naturally Project ... ¾ --~ - . , - .... . . . Previous Expenditures $232,000.00 $191.19 $14,420.00 $9,420.00 FY 07-08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $230,308.00 $1,500.81 $4,865.00 $135.00 .... _........ · - · - ■•• --·· Total : $246,420.00 $9,611 .19 -· $235,173 .00 1 : Background and Objectives Colorado State Parks is a strong proponent of providing outdoor education programs and opportunities for all ages. It is especially critical to capture the attention of Colorado's youth, who are our future land stewards. For several years Colorado State Parks has allocated GOCO funding to youth corps around the state under the direction of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA). These corps engage Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and help them build a sense of natural resource stewardship. The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. The agency utilizes youth corps crews at state parks for a variety of resource management and trail projects. In the past, projects have included trail re-routes and new trail development; fuel mitigation and other forest management work; vegetation management activities including tamarisk removal; and shoreline cleanup projects. This program support thus serves a dual role of improving conditions within the state parks while providing funding for CYCA and individual youth corps statewide. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 This funding helped complete the following youth corps work: • • Completed 53 crew weeks of project work at 25 state park locations. Eight parks were provided with trained youth corps sawyer crews for thinning and fire fuel reduction work as well as noxious tree removal of Tama risk and Russian Olive. 66 $1,635.81 �• • • • • A total of 208 corps members and 28 crew leaders worked on projects, providing 17,204 hours of project labor. Funding helped provide crew leader training. CYCA provided project management and reporting, technical training, evaluation and data tracking, and accounting and support services as part of their contract with State Parks. CYCA continued to incorporate environmental education elements into the youth corps experience. Accomplishment highlights include: 15.9 miles of trail corridor cleared, 129 acres of weeds removed, 8. 7 miles of new trail constructed, 6.1 miles of fencing constructed/ maintained, 138 water diversion structures installed / improved, and 703 trees removed. Colorado Youth Naturally Project was used to complete the design and printing of the new and very popular Welcome Kids to Adventures at Colorado State Parks activity brochure. The 30,000 brochures have been distributed to welcome centers and state parks across the state as well as at various trade shows and fairs. 67 �I Educati tog Number GBL 07202 BSVS Project or Program Area Adjusteci Award Amount $297,000.00 Vol lnterp Park SWP Previous Expenditures $69,825.04 FY 01-08 Expenditures unexpended Balance $224,370.47 $2,804.49 Background and Objectives State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors to and educating school groups about nature's wonders. With the assistance of GOCO funding, Colorado State Parks has provided qualified interpreters in our parks throughout Colorado since the mid-1990s. GOCO funding for the Environmental Education program supports seasonal workers (SWP) at almost every park in the system. These seasonal workers, under guidance from the statewide Volunteer Program and regional and park staff, manage and host a wide variety of educational and interpretation programs for park visitors. These include: • • • • • Daily contacts with park visitors to provide assistance and information Development of self-directed interpretation hikes Campfire educational programs held at night Classroom programs conducted for groups of all ages Staffing information stations in park visitor centers Seasonal environmental education staffers also perform many other duties, including preparing discovery packs and trail brochures; developing non-personal interpretive signs and exhibits; assembling Jr. Ranger materials and packets; and writing weekly newspaper columns, park newsletters, plant identification booklets, web page updates, and hunter information packets and maps. 68 �Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Statewide • • Paid seasonal employee salaries to support park volunteer and/or interpretive programs at 33 state parks and complexes. Seasonal employees statewide continued their efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers and park-specific Friends Groups to achieve the goals of State Parks' education and volunteer programs. Rocky Mountain Region • • • • • Conducted 553 educational programs for 13,978 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 10,483 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 1,739 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Devoted 810 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 10 state parks and complexes. These include visitor center exhibits and interpretive signage; program slide shows, PowerPoint and other program development; design of calendars, posters and other educational materials; written articles, news releases, advertisements, displays, flyers/brochures and teachers' guides; and coordination of events, community Service projects, Eagle Scout projects and Jr. Ranger programs. Southeast Region • • • • • Conducted 654 educational programs for 12,168 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 10,644 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade /travel shows. Devoted 758 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Devoted 473 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at nine state parks. These include Jr. Ranger programs, school programs, educational/interpretive materials, and discovery pack development; written newsletters, advertisements, flyers and brochures; event coordination; and development of a volunteer interpretive training manual/booklet. High Plains Region • • Conducted 563 educational programs for 13,505 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 22,377 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. 69 �• • • Devoted 3,635 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Devoted 1,415 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 11 state parks. These include maintaining and enhancing live exhibits; calendars, newsletters, website updates, postcards, pamphlets, brochures, bulletin boards, news releases; development of interpretive displays and kiosks, signage, Jr. Ranger booklets and other educational materials; event coordination; and trail planning and development. 70 �Program Funding~Stater,,lde Rrograms State Trails Pregram Operations log Number GBL 07200 8STW Trails- Regional Ops-West 8STC Trails- Regional Ops-Central Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Previous Expenditures FY 07-08 Expenditures Unexpended Balance ! 07200 ..................... ...................... , 07200 8STS $17,000.00 $0.00 $5,591.70 ! i $17,000 .00 ••·••••-••••••••••• • " • "••• ••••••••••• •''" '"'•••H•••o, ... .,,....,,,.,..,,.,,, ,, , , ,,, , ,,.,, $11,408.30 ! $71 .00 ! l , $8,562.22 i $0.oo i $8,416 .57 I I $8,366.78 ....................................... _..................................I................................... ...................................... Trails - Regional Ops-South $17,000 .00 $8,583.43 i ! 07200 < O OOHHoO,OOoOO. O< OOO .O 06211 07200 8STN Trails- Regional Ops-North $17,000.00 $786.69 1 ...................... . . ... .. . . ..... . ..................... .. ,.,u ..., ............. ........ ...... . ............. .......... ••-"'••····················· ... ········· ................ ..................... , $3,809 .04 7STC Trails, Regional Ops - Central $12,577 .00 $12,076.86 $500.00 , 8STM Trails & River Greenways Mgmt $177,000.00 $1,039.56 $135,086.50 ! i ! I 7STM Trails & River Greenways Mgmt $118,200.00 ··- $118,684.72 ! $375,777.00 $132,658.83 \ ! $40,873 .94 I ($484.90) ! $0.18 ! i Total : $0.14 l ! 06211 $12,404.27 ..................................... OOOO o o Oo o ooooooooOOoooOooo Oooo HO • $167,297.73 l $75,820.44 Background and Objectives The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal landmanagement agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for trail planning, maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail equipment. The State Trails Program provides technical assistance to communities, other agencies, land managers, and organizations devoted to trails, conservation, and open space. It includes help with planning, coordination with other agencies, trail volunteers, organization building, funding and other resources, land development regulations, and trail maintenance and management. 71 �The program acts as a clearinghouse for trails information in Colorado and as such must stay apprised of trail development projects and processes across the country. The program also sponsors workshops and conferences to bring trails advocates, community planners, and agency representatives together to learn new techniques and discuss trails issues. Assistance in planning, publicity, and programs is also provided for regional workshops and statewide conferences. Specific annual objectives of the Trails Program include: • • • • • • Develop strategies, systems, processes, guidelines, and trail standards for the statewide Trails Program. Provide professional input and interpret statutes, policies, and regulations for the Colorado State Trails Committee. This statutorily mandated committee recommends statewide trails policy and trail grant funding priorities to the State Parks Board for approval. Administer approximately 260 open grants annually; develop, implement, and maintain an inspection process for all completed grants. Develop and manage the State Trails Program budgets, accounts, and contracts. Develop program budgets to accommodate operations, administration, FTE, salaries, environmental reviews, personal services contracts, and grant payments associated with the Trails, OHV, Snowmobile, and Youth Corps programs. Revise internal grant accounting policies and procedures to comply with changing federal, GOCO, and Lottery grant guidelines. Develop and implement internal control procedures to assure compliance. Identify State Trails staff training needs, such as trail design, maintenance and construction, trail accessibility, and purchasing/procurement, and establish training programs to meet those needs. Verify compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 In FY 07-08, GOCO funding supported 1.5 FTE of the Trails Program's total staff of 6.0 FTE, including operations costs, to help meet the program objectives outlined above. In addition to these FTE costs, GOCO funding provides operational support for the Trails Program's four Regional Trail Coordinators. (Regional Trail Coordinator salaries are supported with federal grants and are not funded by GOCO.) In FY 07-08, in addition to personal services support, specific accomplishments include : • • • Administration of approximately 230 open grants. Oversight and management of the 2008 capital grant award cycle, providing funding for trail planning and development projects statewide. Coordination of the functions of reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. 72 �• • • • Completed updates to the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. Work with grant review subcommittees to coordinate the grant review process. Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. Verification of compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. The salaries for four Trail Coordinator positions are federally funded. Some operating costs are provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. In FY 07-08 GOCO funds helped support: • • Fixed and variable vehicle costs to travel over 50,000 miles to assist with project work, training, meetings, and trail patrol. Travel costs to perform many user contacts, patrol 2,000 miles of trail, conduct multiple training sessions on a variety of trail-related topics, work on 70 trail development projects, assist with 10 special events, inspect 130 grant projects and work with Youth Corp groups statewide. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the State Trails Program. For information about trail grants awarded and administered by the State Trails Program, please see page 20. For information about special trail-related projects managed by the Trails Program, please see pages 24. 73 �Program Funding: Statewide Programs Volunteer Brogram Operations Log Number 07204 8SVQ Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area GBL Vol Resource Providers Ops $38,464.00 FY 07-08 Expenditures Previous Expenditures $632.01 1 Unexpended Balance $38,319 .38 ($487.39) ! ! 07204 8SVR ···••·•·••·••·" ········ ..................... 07201 8SVM Vol Resource Providers PS •••• • • • • • o ..,. , > ... O U $166,536.00 OOOOJ . . Ooo Oo oo.oo,O ,OOO . . OO OHO •O-O,"o • • • • • · • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • ·• · • • • •·• • • • • • • ••oo0000-0 . . . H U . . . OOOH ~ OOO OHOOO ooo Volunteer Mgmt PS $121,580.00 $25,879.01 ! i i Volunteer Mgmt Ops $55,420 .00 i $92,536.56 ! $297.09 $3,990.66 1 $43,348.82 1 $8,080.52 ! ! $59,248.03 1 $311,477.32 ! i ' $28,746 .35 i ! 8SVL $3,384.43 ' • ~ • • • o n o oOo oO O . . . . otlO·OH,OOOO,OO:O,OO O OOO oo o o oooo o oo ooo o . . OOOot l . . 00!000000 . . 0HOO OO O OHoo,oooo oo ooo o oO o ! 07201 $137,272.56 ! i i Total : $382,000 .00 $11,274 .65 I Background and Objectives Volunteers are vital to the future success of Colorado State Parks. Volunteers allow State Parks to access a wide range of skills and backgrounds, they have credibility with visitors and others in the local communities, and they serve as a positive voice in support of State Parks. The Volunteer Program is currently staffed by a Program Manager and two regional Volunteer Resource Providers. All three FTE positions make major contributions to the overall management and operation of the program; in general, the Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program; the Volunteer Resource Providers provide training, coordination, and assistance to parks staff (including seasonal interpreters/volunteer coordinators) in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Program has proved to be a significant success and has demonstrated rapid growth . In calendar year 2007 the Volunteer Program helped manage and coordinate more than 6,000 volunteers working on projects within or connected to state parks. These volunteers contributed more than 200,000 hours - the equivalent of about 96 full-time employees. Specific objectives of the Volunteer Program include: • Actively participate in and advise region staff about all aspects of volunteer recruiting, orientating, training, supervising, evaluating, and rewarding/recognizing the 74 �• • • performance of volunteers, for the purposes of gaining and retaining a diversity of volunteers to meet the needs of Colorado State Parks. Represent the Volunteer Program to the community, and promote the program and its benefits to the general public, service groups, clubs, and other agencies. Actively participate in identifying, creating, and modifying processes to quantify and tabulate volunteer contributions to the agency, and apply these processes for reporting purposes. Plan, design, implement, and evaluate trainings for agency staff in areas of Volunteer Program planning and implementation, volunteer management and interpretation/environmental education. Coordinate and promote youth outreach and interpretive/environmental education activities statewide. Includes partnering with various local, state and federal agencies and non-profits to further these efforts. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 This funding pays the salary of the Volunteer Program Manager, two Regional Volunteer Resource Providers, and seasonal employees serving as program assistants. In general, the fulltime positions serve the following roles: • • The Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program including budgeting, volunteer management, Interpretation/Environmental Education, and youth outreach. The Volunteer Resource Providers provide direct support to the parks and programs in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Resource Providers provide training and coordination of other statewide tasks including database oversight, camphost program organization and newsletter distribution. This funding also covers supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program. Specific program accomplishments in FY 07-08 include: • • • • • On-going implementation of the Statewide Volunteer Program Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2006-2010. On-going needs assessments of volunteer programs at 42 state parks. Completion and distribution of the new statewide Volunteer Management Handbook which includes tips and helpful information on the full spectrum of volunteer management including liability, risk management and safety. Direct coordination and facilitation of 18 state park-specific trainings for 191 participants in trail building/trail design/crew leader development, volunteer management, volunteer database use, interpretive techniques and marketing/recruiting tips. Coordination and support for various local, state and national volunteer and educational events at state parks and with statewide programs. 75 �• • Tracking and reporting of volunteer program elements. Data shows a growth of more than 16,500 volunteer hours from calendar year 2006 to calendar year 2007. Volunteer hours statewide in 2007 were 200,527. Involvement in various local, state and federal initiatives to re-engage youth in the outdoors. Includes participation in the following efforts: o NPS - Young Conservation Stewards Forum (Jan. '08) o Association of Partners for Public Lands Conference/ USGS - Partnering to Leave No Child Inside (Feb. '08) o Water Education Task Force/ CWCB -- Five-Year Plan development {Feb-April '08) o EPA/ NWF - Connecting Kids to Nature Earth Day Summit (April '08) o CORRP - Kids & the Outdoors focus (May '08) o Model Content Standards Revisions Meeting/ CAEE (June 6, 2008) o NASPD / NPS Best Practices Survey on Environmental Education - Submitted June 10, 2008 o National Get Outdoors Day (June 14, 2008). 76 �Program Funding: Statewide Programs Log Number GBL 07203 8SVD Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area Volunteer Database Previous Expenditures $14,000.00 FY 07-08 Expenditures $5,003.oo l Unexpended Balance $0.00 $8,997.00 $12,490.54 $9 .46 I ! 07203 8SVF Volunteer voe $12,500.00 $0.00 ! ...................... ..................... ..................... ............................ ....................... ,................. ••••••••••·••••••••••••••••••••••••• .................................. } ·································,•....-............................ 07203 8SVC Vol Incentives - Central $43,000 .00 $8,164.55 07203 8SVB Vol Incentives - Regional $41,500.00 $8,400.87 . ! $34,713.65 j $121.80 ' $941.06 $32,158.D7 j ! ·---- i 07203 8SVE Volunteer Training $25,000.00 $786 .23 $23,247 .93 $136,000.00 $22,354.65 $102,610 .19 $965.84 --~---··- -· Total: i $11,035.16 Background and Objectives This funding supports volunteerism in state parks through the statewide Volunteer Program. Incentives dollars provide funding for park-specific projects that are completed primarily with volunteer support and labor, and/or provide direct benefit to state park volunteer programs and volunteers themselves. Specific projects and objectives supported by this funding include: • • • • Volunteer Database: This valuable tracking tool allows Volunteer Program and other agency staff to maintain accurate and comprehensive records about volunteer activity in and around state parks. It also serves as a recruiting and advertising tool by allowing volunteers to sign up for volunteer events via the Internet. The database also assists with liability issues by tracking insurance coverage needs. Training: Ongoing training for staff and volunteers is vital to maintaining and improving our agency's ability to attract and retain volunteers. Statewide Incentives: Studies have shown that incentives are perhaps the single best way to attract and retain volunteers and ensure that they return to state parks for multiple volunteer projects. voe and WRV Projects: Colorado State Parks is proud to partner with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and Wildland Restoration Volunteers to complete trail development 77 �and redevelopment, wetlands rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and other projects in state parks. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 Volunteer Database • • • • Continued service with the VOutdoors database (via Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and CiviCore, a volunteer database provider) through March 2008 with purchase of software license and maintenance agreement. This database continued to allow for optimum volunteer tracking and management capabilities at 42 state park locations. Continued to pay seasonal employee to handle database troubleshooting tasks with field staff and volunteers. Data for calendar year 2007 reflect that volunteers provided over 200,000 hours of service to Colorado State Parks. Training • • • • • Provided six Outdoor Stewardship Institute (OSI) trainings for 60 State Parks staff and volunteers at six different park locations. The scope of these trainings included trail design, trail construction, and crew leader training for both trails and ecological restoration projects. Provided three GOCO Seasonal Employee trainings for 59 participants. Agendas included stewardship planning (including management of zebra mussels), providing successful interpretive programs, volunteer management, how to utilize technology and customer service techniques. Provided resources for 68 staff and volunteers to attend five trainings offered through external partners: 1. National Association for Interpretation - Certified Interpretive Guide training; 2. Bureau of Reclamation - Interpretive Master Planning; 3. Colorado Conference on Volunteerism - volunteer management training; 4. Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education -Teaching Outside the Box workshop; and 5. Colorado Open Space Alliance -Annual Conference. Provided volunteer database training at eight locations for 48 staff and volunteers statewide. Provided specialized training for 24 new State Park employees. Topics included volunteer management basics and interpretive techniques. Statewide Incentives • Covered statewide expenses for recruiting efforts (brochures, magazine and newspaper ads, banners, trade shows, career fairs), volunteer uniform items, volunteer insurance coverage, rewards/recognition items and events, resource books, training materials, and registration fees. 78 �• • • Provided support for projects tied to local, state and national volunteer events at state parks - Boy/Girl Scout events, AHRA's CleanUp/GreenUp event, Bonny's FFA Tree Planting event, Camphost Jamboree, Colorado Cares Day, Earth Day, National Public lands Day, and National Trails Day. Provided support for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) and Wild land Restoration Volunteers (WRV) projects taking place at state parks. Provided support for Raptor Monitoring and Colorado Natural Areas Volunteer Stewards programs. Regional/Park Incentives • • Support was provided for 34 state park volunteer programs, projects and events across the state. Funding covered recruitment ads and banners, uniform items, training and resource materials, interpretive and educational materials and displays, supplies and equipment required to support park projects (fence buildi~g, wetland restoration, tree planting, noxious weed control, and trail construction), food and gifts/awards for volunteer recognition events, and volunteer camphost amenities. voe Projects • Completed five projects in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado at the following state park locations. o Cherry Creek State Park: 81 volunteers rehabilitated stream habitat, planted trees and removed Russian olive trees. o Lory State Park: 71 volunteers helped build switchbacks, rock walls, drainage crossings and 1.5 miles of new trail. o Golden Gate Canyon/North Mule Deer Trail: 177 volunteers constructed 1.5 miles of new trail, reworked rock walls, built switchbacks and removed stumps. o Vega State Park: 80 volunteers constructed 1.5 miles of new trail on the north side of the reservoir. o Chatfield State Park: 60 volunteers, in partnership with the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, kept Chatfield beautiful by tending some of its many native gardens. 79 �Program Funding: Park Operations 81 �ndingt Park Operation Log Number GBL 07192 8PRF Adjusted Award Amount Project or Program Area FV07-08 Expenditures Previous Expenditures Unexpended Balance ! Rifle Gap Operations $29,804.00 $0.00 $29,802.15 l $1.25 •u•• 8PRL Rifle Falls Operations $44,196.00 $0.00 $43,217.41 $978.59 07190 8PLM Lone Mesa Operations $44,000.00 $0.00 $43,643 .31 $356.69 07189 8PCM Cheyenne Mtn Operations $256,000.00 $0.00 $228,132 .251 $27,867.75 .......................... ·················•··•·'"... .......................................................................................... ....................................... o••oo.o oo o o·u ,o.,oo.o•••••••• •• • H ••• • 07192 - •·•-·••···-· 07188 John Martin Operations 8PJM $64,000.00 .................................... ·······-···--..... .................. , $0.00 $62,373.23 $1,626.77 ! 07187 8PST .. ....................... ··•·• •············· ···.-,, ~ 07186 8PYA Staunton Operations o oOOO -OO O . . U ,OO O.O OOO.ooooo o ooo ooo oo o o o . . OHOIIHO oo ♦ o oo oooo o oo . . 0,0000000000 40.ooooo o -o o o oOO $60,000 .00 $0.00 of+oo t o o• • •• oooooo, , , , , ,.,o, ooooH o, 0 .0 ., . . 0 00 , 00 0 0 . . , •o>•o . . , , , , , o , ooH O $115,000.00 $0.00 Vampa Operations I $58,576 .12 j $1,423 .88 , ,,.,.,,, ,.,,,.,,,.,., •.• ,...,,.,,...,,.!,,, ...,,,,,.,,.,.,.,., , 00.000 0,,, ,o, , ,.., l $114,235 .10 ! $764.90 i 07195 8PVR St. Vraln Operations $124,000.00 $0.00 Golden Gate Operations $99,000.00 $0.00 j .. $111,398.40 1 -· I I I 07194 8PGG $98,987.64 i I 07193 8PCF ... 07197 8PIA $74,000.00 Crawford Operations ·--- ... ., _ , ~ Lathrop Operations -. $0.00 $62,000.00 $0.00 $12,601.60 I $12.36 I ! $73,356.95 j $643.05 I .... i $61,252 .22 j $747.78 ' 07196 8PSF 07191 $27,000.00 State Forest Operations ----·~· $0.00 $26,690.01 I 8PSV $309.99 ,,..,u-••- •.•-•M>•- · $50,000 .00 Sylvan Lake/ Brush Creek Ops $0.00 i $46,983.85 ! $3,016.15 $998,649.24 j $50,350.76 i ......................... ,,..,., ,.,,...,,,,no•• ...............................................................................................~ , ••• ••••·•••• •oo •• ••••••• .,••·•" ••u .... ................................... ·············"····-·············t··············----·-············ Total : $1,049,000.00 $0.00 I Background and Objectives Great Outdoors Colorado has provided significant funding to almost every state park in the system to help develop facilities and recreation amenities, acquire land, or both. Several state parks that have been improved through GOCO capital investments receive annual operations support from GOCO. This support varies from park to park but systemwide covers basic 83 �operating expenses and a limited number of full-time staff. Typical park operating expenses supported with GOCO funding include: • • • • Seasonal and/or contract worker support Minor repair and maintenance costs Utilities costs Other administrative and operating costs directly related to normal agency and park business practices In FY 07-08, GOCO Park Operations funding supported 7.5 full-time positions in the parks. In general, State Parks uses GOCO funding to support two types of full-time positions: Resource Technicians and Tourist Assistants. GOCO funding also supports a limited number of park rangers. Resource Technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. The primary duties of State Parks' Resource Technicians include: • • • • Assure that park maintenance needs are met by planning and implementing all maintenance activities; resolving mechanical related problems; budgeting, ordering, and purchasing materials and supplies; and completing repair reports. Inspecting facilities and grounds, vehicles, equipment, and all repair and construction projects to assure quality performance, public and employee safety, and facility and resource protection. Direct and schedule the park's maintenance program, including preventative maintenance, for all park facilities, equipment, vehicles, grounds, and natural resources. Perform routine, preventative, and controlled maintenance tasks in the construction, maintenance, fabrication, and repair of buildings and facilities. Perform skilled electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, concrete, painting, staining, and welding work. Maintain and operate the park's water and electrical distribution systems, and sewage treatment systems. Prepare and maintain all records concerning the administration of the park's maintenance work program. Prepare and submit monthly maintenance section status reports. Oversee the park's fleet management program. Operate and maintain equipment including tractors, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, mowers, boats, snowplows, and various hand tools. Ensure that all vehicles and equipment are in working order. Tourist Assistants are often the first State Parks employee with whom our visitors interact, and are vitally important in setting the tone for visitor experience at the parks. The primary duties of State Parks' Tourist Assistants include: • • Work directly with park visitors to answer questions about the park, assist with pass sales, answer phones, and provide other visitor center assistance as needed. Manage the visitor center sales program, including setting up displays, maintaining inventory, accounting, and training other employees to assist with the program. 84 �• • • • • Manage the park's automated public information systems, including the phone answering system and website. Coordinate the park's public use programs at the visitor center, including providing meeting space to civic groups, working with visitor center volunteers, working with park Friends Groups, and supervising seasonal employees. Assist the park manager with accounting functions, including processing receiving reports, entering expenditures, and processing seasonal work program paperwork. Assist the park manager with special projects including processing short-term concession permits, organizing management plans, and providing information to other agencies. Coordinate the park's environmental education efforts with local school districts and other groups. Accomplishments in FY 07-08 In FY 07-08 GOCO funding supported day-to-day park operations at Cheyenne Mountain, Golden Gate, John Martin, Lone Mesa, Staunton, and Yampa River State Parks. GOCO funding supported all or some of the personal services costs for Resource Technicians at Crawford, Golden Gate, and St. Vrain State Parks. GOCO funding supported all or some of the personal services costs for Tourist Assistants at Lathrop, the Rifle complex, State Forest State Park, and Sylvan Lake. GOCO funding also supported personal services costs for the park manager at Cheyenne Mountain and a ranger at St. Vrain State Park. 85 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/fa314d880fc73ba7696d065e58af355d.pdf bf05559407d3893a657dee1a3e439385 PDF Text Text INVESTMENTS OF GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO FUNDING BY THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE 2006-2007 ANNUAL REPORT �Colorado Division of Wildlife Annual Report Great Outdoors Colorado-Funded Projects Fiscal Year 2006-2007 October 2007 On January 23, 2006, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) submitted its funding proposal for the 2006-07 fiscal year to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board. The proposal requested $8.4 million in lottery funds, of which $2.33 million was for Land and Improvements to Land, $5.64 million was for Program Investments, and $430,000 was for Operations and Administration. When CDOW funds are accounted for, the projects and programs included in the request represent an investment of nearly $27.5 million in Colorado wildlife resources. Among the highlights of Division of Wildlife programs and projects that were supported with Great Outdoors Colorado funds during the 2006-07 fiscal year are: • • • • • • • Opening of Colorado Birding Trails on the eastern plains and in the central Rocky Mountain portions of the state. US Fish and Wildlife Service approval of the Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAA) plan for the Gunnison sage-grouse. Acquisition of four conservation easements through the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership. A finding by the US Fish and Wildlife Service that a listing of the Colorado River cutthroat trout as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act is not warranted. Release of the second teaching module designed specifically for high school instructors and students -- The Species Question: Applying Taxonomy to Wildlife Research and Management. Delisting of the Bald eagle under the federal Endangered Species Act. Inaugural bighorn sheep festival in Georgetown, adding to the growing list of wildlife festivals across the state. The following report describes the wide variety of habitat restoration and protection, species conservation, wildlife education and wildlife viewing efforts undertaken by the Division of Wildlife from July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, made possible with continuing financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado. �HABITAT PROTECTION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Habitat Protection Acquire High Priority Habitat - 2501, 4301, 5162, 3844, 5859, 6150, 6151 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 6152 GIS Habitat Information - 5153, 6154 Wetlands Conservation - 4306, 5152, 6152 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 0320,0330 $1 ,980,276.12 0350-0380, 0438 0450, 0461 $525,000 $627,155.34 0436 $399,981.16 ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Colorado Species Conservation Partnership Through the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) program, the Division of Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado have worked with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat on private lands. Goals of the CSCP include preventing the further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species, and reducing the necessity of further listing of species under the Endangered Species Act. The impact of CSCP may best be captured by the US Fish and Wildlife Service's decisions not to list two species - the Mountain plover and the Gunnison sage-grouse based in part on the successes of the CSCP program. The long-term and perpetual protection afforded through easements acquired through CSCP, and associated management plans for those lands, were cited by USFWS as positive steps by Colorado that precluded the need for a federal listing of those species. Van Loan: The 1841 acres in the perpetual conservation easement acquired by the Division of Wildlife protects important Gunnison sage-grouse habitat on Pinon Mesa, and includes leks, nesting and brood rearing areas and winter range. The Van Loan Ranch is centered approximately 18 miles southwest of Glade Park in Mesa County. The easement covers property that is adjacent to other public and protected lands, and will result in nearly the entire western end of Pinon Mesa habitat being protected. GOCO funds -- $582,134 (Local Government Legacy funds -- 3844) Federal funds -- $582,184 Landowner Donation -- $187,097 Total -- $1,351,366 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -2- �Five Pine Mesa Ranch: The Division of Wildlife acquired a permanent conservation easement on 2,050 acres of the Five Pine Mesa Ranch, just west of Toponas. The ranch hosts important Greater sage-grouse habitat, including two of the six active leks for the Northern Eagle/Southern Routt County population . A habitat management plan has been developed for the property, which includes maintenance of the ranch in agricultural production. GOCO funding -- $1,076,250 (Wildlife purpose - 2501, and Open Space - 3844) Federal funding -- $1,076,250 Landowner Donation -- $307,500 Total project cost (including appraisals) -- $2,467,400 Grizzly Gulch II: A perpetual conservation easement covering 305 acres on the Grizzly Gulch Ranch in Montrose County will protect Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. This acquisition is adjacent to an earlier conservation easement on the same ranch that also was acquired with GOCO funding. GOCO funds -- $200,300.62 (Acquire High Priority Habitat - 2501) Federal funds -- $200,300.62 Landowner Donation -- $57,228.75 Total project, including appraisal cost -- $464,722.50 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -3- �Frentress II The 561 acre perpetual conservation easement covers an in-holding within an 1812 acre easement acquired by the Division of Wildlife in 2004. The easement will protect critical breeding habitat, including an active lek, for Columbian sharp-tail grouse. The affected property is also habitat for Greater sage-grouse. The acquisition, in combination with the earlier easement, will protect important wildlife habitat in a rapidly developing portion of Routt County. GOCO funds - $251,573.50 (Acquire High Priority Habitat- 2501) Federal Funds - $251,573.50 Landowner Donation - $71,878 Total project cost (including appraisals and other costs) -- $583,032.86 Wetlands Program -Haugen Ranch: Acquired a conservation easement on the Haugen Ranch in the San Luis Valley. The Haugen Ranch has 340 acres of hay meadows and uplands in the Rock Creek drainage adjacent to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. The easement protects habitat for waterfowl, water birds and nesting raptors, as well as assuring additional buffer for the refuge. GOCO funding- $81,500 (Wetlands Conservation -- 5152) Total project value -- $81,500 Stewardship Trust Fund -1n September, 2006, the GOCO Board approved the transfer of $394,317.90 into the Wildlife for Future Generations Trust fund (WFGTF). Interest earned on GOCO funds deposited into the trust fund is to be used for stewardship activities on properties acquired in part with GOCO funds. Interest earned and funds expended from the GOCO 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -4- �portion of the WFGTF are accounted for outside of the normal annual funding from GOCO to the Division of Wildlife. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the WFGTF earned $43,003.24 in interest. The Division of Wildlife expended $24,959.75 to drill two wells on the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area. The goal of the project was to develop a new water resource for wildlife on the approximately 30,000 acre property. The year-end balance of the trust fund was $45,200.37. ENHANCE HABITAT ON LAND AND WATER Water Programs The Division of Wildlife's Water Section includes a range of programs that have protected in-stream flows on more than 8500 miles of streams and in 486 natural lakes in the state; managed and protected DOW-owned water rights for recreational reservoirs, fish hatcheries and State Wildlife Areas; and developed data and expertise needed to protect water quality through proceedings of the Water Quality Control Commission. • • • • • • • • • • Worked closely with the EPA, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's (CDPHE) Water Quality Control Division (WQCD), and the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to identify streams within Colorado which should be sampled to determine status of water quality, as well as ensuring that duplicate sampling does not occur. Develop a prioritized listing of geographic areas/waters, as well as species of concern in Colorado which sampling efforts should be focused. This list is the basis for subsequent contract negotiations for the sampling work to be conducted . Colorado Watershed Network/RiverWatch program supported and maintained 85 volunteer groups collecting water quality, physical habitat, and aquatic life information at 250 stations. The CDOW - CWN analytical laboratory processed 5350 metals samples and 1192 nutrient samples. CWN personnel initiated work on GIS products for the State of Colorado's Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI) and lnterbasin Compact Commission (IBCC) processes. Completed GIS work on aquatic species occurrence maps, transmitted products to CDOW GIS specialists for completion and tests for accuracy. Completed temperature hearing before the WQCC. Protective temperature standards were adopted for cold water, cool water, and warm water species of concern to the CDOW. Successful roll-out of the Access Data products for the websites (CDOW and RiverWatch), which will allow volunteer organizations to input and access their data. Filed for, amended or defended 30 water right claims on Division of Wildlife properties. Checked 10 wells for flows or performance to comply with water right requirements. Completed annual water use records for 5 State Wildlife Areas and hatchery units. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -5- �• Reviewed 80 filings to maintain or protect DOW owned water rights. Habitat ManagementThe Division of Wildlife protects wildlife habitat on lands and waters it owns, leases and has easements on, as well as in partnership with private landowners, sportsman and conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and local governments. • • • • • • • • • • • • Maintained habitat conditions and recreational opportunities on more than 381,000 acres owned in fee title. Monitored more than 120,000 acres under easement. Contacted 525 landowners regarding federal Farm Bill conservation programs. Improved habitat conditions on 95,000 acres through Farm Bill programs. Completed 13 CHIP contracts, providing long-term habitat protection for nearly 5,000 acres of farmland. Provided comments on more than 800 land use permits. Commented on 275 energy development project permitting actions. Monitored 150 oil and gas projects. Conducted 16 oil and gas impact studies. Managed 41 agricultural leases on State Wildlife Area. Worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve habitat for at-risk species on more than 12,000 of private lands. Entered into 39 contracts with private landowners through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) to improve habitat on private lands. In cooperation with federal agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners, enhanced nearly 7,400 acres of wildlife habitat on private lands through the Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP) GIS HABITAT INFORMATION GIS program The Division of Wildlife's GIS Unit provides state-of-the-art products, services and analysis to customers inside and outside of the Division of Wildlife. The GIS Unit, based in Ft. Collins, acquires, maintains and distributes digital and other forms of data relating to wildlife habitat. This data is the foundation of virtually all the products provided by the unit. The Unit continues to see rising demand for its services, in large part because of continuing challenges to species conservation and recovery efforts in the face of rapidly increasing energy exploration and extraction. Activities of the GIS Unit in the 2006-07 fiscal year included the following: • • • Updated wildlife species activity maps for the southwest region, part of a regular four-year rotation of updates among the four Division of Wildlife regions. Produced an estimated 500 ad hoc or project-related products. Provided extensive support of the Northwest Region's conservation work in response to energy exploration. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -6- �• • • • • • • • • • Provided support for the Greater Sage Grouse Conservation Plan, the White-tail Prairie Dog Conservation Plan, the Gunnison Sage Grouse Conservation Plan, and the Ptarmigan Conservation Plan. Provided support for the Division's Roadless Areas Project. Provided mapping support for the Division's Real Estate transactions Provided mapping support for the Division's Species Conservation RFP Project (Colorado Wildlife Habitat Protection Program). Provided a variety of aquatic GIS products to Division personnel upon request. Initiated support for the Aquatic Section's Colorado River, Rio Grande, and Greenback Cutthroat Trout databases. Worked to crosswalk DOW aquatic water codes to the national hydrological geodatabase created by USGS, allowing other aquatic data used by the Division and other agencies to be based on a unified water code system. Initiated a project to create high quality maps of the Division's State Wildlife Areas for distribution at customer service counters as well as posting on the internet. Project activities have been focused on the acquisition of the location of "recreation features" on the properties. Began the transition of the Natural Diversity Information System (NDIS) web site (including the Herptofaunal Atlas) to new servers and updated software. The transition was completed early in FY07-08. The NDIS site allows public access to the Division's GIS data without the need for expensive GIS software, provides the opportunity to download the same data for those with software, and generates site-specific maps to clients of the Division's Web Site through its Maplt! Function. The Herptofaunal Atlas allows scientists and the general public to document observation of amphibians and reptiles in the state, and to add that information to a statewide database. Provide habitat analysis in support of CDOW commitments under HB1298 (Oil and Gas Commission reform). WETLANDS CONSERVATION Wetlands Program The Division of Wildlife's Wetlands Program, established in 1997, is a voluntary, incentive-based program to protect wetlands and wetland-dependent wildlife on public and private lands. In cooperation with conservation organizations, private landowners and federal agencies, the Wetlands Program has protected, restored or enhanced nearly 220,000 acres of wetlands and more than 200 miles of streams. The Wetlands Program provides assistance for all phases of wetland and riparian restoration and enhancement, including funding for conservation easements, wildlife and aquatic resource inventories, and project monitoring. • • Drafted a new statewide wetlands program plan, with input from major funding partners, previous project applicants and Wetland Focus Area Committees from across the state. The draft plan ties the wetlands program more closely to the Colorado Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. Successfully competed, in partnership with Colorado State University, for a wetland program development grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The $300,000 grant, the largest wetland program grant awarded in the 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 7- �• • • • region, will fund work to compile and add to the GIS database on wetland locations in the state, and to develop new tools to assess wetland conditions. Additional work funded through the grant will assess specific wetlands' connectivity to priority wildlife species and to threats that may impair wetland conditions. Awarded $876,500 to 15 wetland projects statewide, based on DOW staff review and ranking of applications. All projects involve protecting, enhancing or restoring a wetland or riparian system. Twelve of the projects are anticipated to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year. Completed a riparian restoration project on 166 acres involving two segments of river near Cortez in Southwest Colorado. Completed improvements to water delivery systems on Hawk Spring and Rio Grande State Wildlife Areas. With the assistance of funding from the Wetlands Program to Partners for Fish and Wildlife (a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program that leverages State funds 4: 1), 320 wetland acres were restored or enhanced, 1035 upland acres were restored or enhanced, 1.5 miles of riparian area were restored. These projects are on private land in Colorado. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -8- �SPECIES CONSERVATION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Species Conservation T&E Species Recovery 6157, 7168 Native Species Protection 6156 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk - 6155 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS 0810, 0815, 0820-0880, 0662, 0710 0560, 0638, 0639, 0641-0649, 0661 , 0663-0666, 0710 0570 ACTUAL EXPENDITURES $1,169,223.06 $1,868,000 $425,000 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY Lynx- Return of the lynx -Ten years have passed since the idea of reintroducing lynx to Colorado was first given serious consideration. The effort received both public acclamation and criticism over the years, brought together unexpected allies, and has passed milestones thought improbable at the beginning. Throughout the unprecedented effort, Great Outdoors Colorado funding has had a critical role in supporting reintroduction of the species, tracking surviving animals, searching for dens and newborn kittens, and conducting research to better understand the habitat and diet needs of lynx in Colorado. Several factors came together in the spring of 1997 to give the reintroduction idea the push it needed to turn it into reality. A January 2006 National Geographic article described the genesis of the program: "Timing would be important for one biological and one political reason. Lynx exhibit one of the most predictable prey-predator relationships in nature, especially in northern Canada, where they're still abundant. Every ten years the snowshoe hares that lynx 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado -9- �depend on for most of their food go through a dramatic population rise and crash. As they starve, so do the lynx. The Canadian bunnies were now heading toward their tenyear crash in the cycle, so lynx reintroduction would need to start soon or wait nearly a decade. The political consideration was just as pressing. Rumors were flying that that US Fish and Wildlife Service was about to list the lynx as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. If the Feds listed the lynx, there would likely be all sorts of land-use restrictions that Colorado didn't want. But if the DOW had a lynx reintroduction program underway, maybe management would remain in the state's hands. Why not try it?" Many hurdles remained to be overcome during the next two years. The Division of Wildlife worked hard to "convince an array of skeptics that reintroducing the lynx was a good idea: ranchers who congenitally hated carnivores, loggers and ski operators worried about development restrictions, animal rights activists, and biologists who argued that Colorado offered marginal lynx habitat." As Division of Wildlife personnel and other supporters of reintroduction were able to explain the reasoning behind the plan, the risks of inaction and the benefits of success, many groups expected to oppose the plan instead came to support it. On February 3, 1999, the first of what would turn out to be 218 lynx from Canada and Alaska was released in the San Juan Mountains. It turned out to be an inauspicious start. Within three weeks, of the first four animals released, one male had died of starvation. Another two females followed, and the fourth was recaptured near death. Despite advice from a national panel of experts, the original protocols in place for the releases were not working. The Division of Wildlife stopped additional releases and reworked release guidelines. Among the most important changes were keeping the animals in captivity longer once they arrived in Colorado in order to get them in better condition, and to release them later in the spring. The reintroduction effort resumed, and a total of 41 lynx were released in that first year. Death from starvation dropped, but 17 of the imported lynx died of a variety of causes, including being shot, hit by cars or from disease. The mortality rate led some to call for an end to the program, but with the new protocols in place, the Division of Wildlife made plans for a second year of releases . In 2000, another 55 lynx were released, and with lower mortalities the program regained public confidence. Additional releases occurred from 2003 through 2006. The first Colorado-born kittens were found in 2003, with more newborns found each of the next three years. Of the 218 lynx released by the Division of Wildlife, 71 continue to be tracked with radio collars. Another 49 may also be alive, but their radio collars no longer function or they have ranged far outside the state. The ultimate goal of the lynx program is to establish a self-sustaining, viable population of the species in the state. With a possible reduction underway of the main prey base for lynx in the state, the next two years could be more difficult and show slower progress than the first years of the program. But the successes to date, and the strength of public support, have shown that the ten year effort to return the lynx to Colorado is paying dividends. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 10 - �A copy of an article from Colorado Outdoors describing lynx radio-tracking and den location is attached. • • • • Tracked 71 of the 120 lynx possibly still alive in the state. 3 female lynx were tracked, but no dens and no new kittens were found. A total of 116 lynx kittens have been found by searchers since 2003. Have collected a total of 900 scat samples since the initial lynx release in 1999. Did not release any new lynx in the spring of 2007, and no new releases are planned for 2008, due to biologists concerns over the availability of prey and the potential impact on existing social structures of the animals in the core population area. Black-footed Ferret Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret is making a comeback in Colorado and other western states since a small colony of the species was discovered in the early 1980s. Since 2001, approximately 125 ferrets have been reintroduced at two location in Colorado - Coyote Basin west of Rangely, and in the BLM's Wolf Creek Management Area near Dinosaur National Monument. The black-footed ferret is listed as an endangered species at the federal level and in the State of Colorado. • • • Released 15 black-footed ferrets in the Wolf Creek Management Area. Identified 2 wild-born black-footed ferret kits in Northwest Colorado. Performed 12 nights of surveys to assess black-footed ferret populations. Boreal Toad -The boreal toad is listed as endangered by the State of Colorado. An interstate recovery plan was completed in February 2001, with financial support provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. The criteria for de-listing the boreal toad in Colorado includes establishment of at least two breeding populations in each of nine area of historic distribution, and at least 25 breeding populations statewide. The following describes boreal toad-related efforts in 2006-07 and how they help move the Division of Wildlife closer to reaching its de-listing goal: 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 11 - �• • • • • • Coordination and planning for a release of captive-bred animals into historically occupied areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Release was delayed because of breeding difficulties at the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF). Monitoring amphibian populations is complicated by the inability of boreal toads to retain individual marks to aid in identification. A study that explores the use of individual spotting patterns for identification was initiated at the NASRF near Alamosa and at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Survey work confirmed five additional breeding sites, one of which is a new population. These finds bring the number of known breeding sites to 78 and the number of populations to 42. Chytrid fungus is believed to have caused the decline of boreal toad populations in Colorado. Research underway into this disease includes detection of positive animals and sites, management options in positive sites, and possible genetic resistance developing in exposed animals. Performed 360 tissue samples to determine distribution of chytrid fungus. Tested 13 additional populations for chytrid fungus. Continued protection and monitoring of known boreal toad breeding sites. Secured genetic broodstock from 7 additional populations. Prairie Grouse Conservation -- The Lesser Prairie Chicken is a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act and is a State Threatened Species in Colorado. The Lesser Prairie Chicken Interstate Working Group has been working on final edits of the Lesser Prairie Chicken Conservation Initiative, a rangewide conservation assessment of the species. Concurrently, the Resident Game Bird Working Group (a subcommittee of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) is coordinating the North American Prairie Grouse Plan and Partnership. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 12 - �A conservation plan is close to completion (as of September 2007) that will address conservation needs of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as well as those of the Greater Prairie Chicken and the Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout On June 13, 2007, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that the Colorado River cutthroat trout would not be listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. The USFWS stated that in making this finding, it "relied heavily on a rangewide status report provided by the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team," which includes aquatic biologists from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. "The rangewide status report found that at least 285 Colorado River cutthroat trout conservation populations collectively occupy about 1,796 miles of stream habitat in 42 watersheds in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming." • • • • • • Surveyed 155 sites on 118 streams and lakes for Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT). Assessed reclamation potential of 6 streams and lakes. Established 6 new potential conservation populations through CRCT reintroductions. Planning and design completed for 5 fish barriers to protect CRCT populations. Completed construction of 1 barrier. Stocked CRCT in 269 stream and lake locations. Bald Eagles On June 29, 2007, US Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced the delisting of the bald eagle under the federal Endangered Species Act. Bald eagles, and golden eagles, would continue to receive certain protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. As part of the delisting proposal, states will continue to monitor bald eagle populations for at least five years. The details of the monitoring plan are under development. In 2006-07, the Division of Wildlife monitored 17 known nests; 15 were successful and 2 known nests failed. Activity at an additional 16 known nests was not monitored. Future Division of Wildlife Bald eagle monitoring work will be adjusted, as necessary, to meet federal monitoring requirements. Peregrine Falcons Peregrine falcons were delisted under the Endangered Species Act in 1999. A postdelisting monitoring plan was included as part of the USFWS decision. The plan calls for five monitoring periods, taking place every three years. The next federally-required, more extensive, monitoring effort is scheduled for 2009, the third such undertaking. The Division of Wildlife does a less-extensive, annual monitoring of peregrine falcons . In 2006-07, 27 known breeding sites were visited, with 89 percent (24) of the sites being occupied. Breeding success was observed to be 71 percent at the occupied sites, with an estimated 2.3 young per breeding pair. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 13 - �NATIVE SPECIES PROTECTION Bats in Inactive Mines -2006 is the 16th field season of this program. The objectives of the project are to evaluate the bat roost potential of mines scheduled for closure, identify important bat roosts, and protect these roosts by installation of bat gates. In 2006-07 -• • • • • • • 232 mines were evaluated, including 132 BLM, 53 USFS, 32 private, and 15 local government ownership sites. A total of 354 surveys were conducted. 55 sites had verification of roosting by bats to species (approximately 8% of the mines in the project). Bat gates were recommended for 43 features this season, approximately 18% of the total evaluated. We documented 214 bats, including 54 Townsend's big-eared bat, a State Species of Special Concern, during the surveys of abandoned mines in the state. 31 new Townsend's big-eared bat roosts were identified in 2006, and 55 new bat roosts in total. The 2006 - 2007 surveys resulted in 43 bat gate recommendations to the land management agencies and Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety. 44 volunteers participated in surveys, with others assisting with non-field related work on the project. Volunteers conducted and assisted with detector and capture surveys, post gate surveys, and gate confirmation checks at 46 sites. Gunnison sage-grouse Obtained US Fish and Wildlife Service approval of the Division of Wildlife's Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCM) for the Gunnison sage-grouse. The CCM is a legal mechanism to promote conservation work on behalf of declining species or in support of recovery plans. More than 100 landowners representing 104,000 acres of potential Gunnison sage-grouse habitat expressed interest in the tool once after its approval and announcement. • • • Developed a guide for public and private land managers on vegetation management techniques for the benefit of Gunnison sage-grouse. Developed a DNA test to better survey Gunnison sage-grouse populations. Worked with Audubon Colorado to establish a local group to monitor and improve habitat conditions for Gunnison sage-grouse on public and private lands in the species' core population area. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 14 - �Mountain Plover -- The mountain plover is a migratory shorebird which breeds on short-grass prairie habitat in Colorado's eastern plains, and in Wyoming and Montana. More than half of the species' population is believed to breed in Colorado. Long term population trends suggest a steady decline over the last century, and the species was considered for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The USFWS decided against listing the species, based on additional data and conservation efforts initiated for mountain plovers. The mountain plover is listed as a species of special concern in Colorado. A major initiative of the Division of Wildlife is the Mountain Plover Nest Clearing Project, which works with private landowners to survey agricultural fields about to be plowed to identify nest sites. Nest uncovered in the surveys are marked and agricultural practices are modified to avoid them. • • • • • • • • • Outreach efforts prior to and during the 2007 field season resulted in a total of 74 landowners from 12 counties enrolling cultivated fields in the 2007 Nest Conservation Project. Of these 74 landowners, 19 were new to the project. Biologists surveyed farmland for 59 of the 74 landowners representing 1O counties in eastern Colorado. The total acreage of farmland enrolled in the project increased from 108,081 acres in 2006 to 123,209 acres in 2007. In 2007 biologists surveyed 44,769 acres of suitable Mountain Plover habitat, compared to 34,882 acres surveyed from April 20 through June 2, 2006. Eighty-four mountain plover nests were marked by RMBO biologists in 2007. Five of the nests were located by landowners, one in Prowers County and four in Weld County. The total number of nests located in 2006 was 134, 56 nests were located in 2005, eight nests were located in 2004, and one nest was located in 2003. Preliminary results for 2007 show nine nests were successful at producing at least one viable chick, 58 nests were still being incubated as of June 2, 16 nests were depredated, and the outcome of one nest was unknown. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 15 - �• • Conducted research on mountain plover chick survival rates in three types of habitat - grasslands grazed by cattle, grasslands grazed by prairie dogs and agricultural fields. Tracked more than 200 mountain plover with radio collars to help monitor brood survival. Black-tailed Prairie Dog - In 1998, the black-tailed prairie dog was petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. In 2000, the USFWS issued a "warranted but precluded" finding. In 2004, based on additional information on occupied habitat and the development of conservation plans, the USFWS dropped the black-tailed prairie dog from consideration for listing. Black-tailed prairie dogs are listed as a species of concern in Colorado, and accurate estimates of occupied area are required to assess their status. • • • • • • • • Aerial line-intercept surveys were conducted in 2006-07 to estimate colony areas in eastern Colorado. Approximately 219 hours of flight time were logged covering 28,699 km of transects flown. A total of 1,749 colonies were detected from the aerial transects. Ground truthing demonstrated that aerial surveys estimated only 96% of the true lengths of colony intercepts, but overestimated the proportion of colonies that were active. Based on aerial results corrected by groundtruthing, the surveys estimate nearly 790,000 acres of active colonies and 105,000 acres of inactive colonies. The survey showed an estimated 29% increase in black-tailed prairie dog acreage colonized compared to results from a 2002 survey. A petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was filed August 1, 2007 to list the black-tailed prairie dog under the Endangered Species Act. Information from this survey is expected to be an important factor in the USFWS listing determination. Secured the protection of an additional 22,000 acres of prairie dog habitat. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 16 - �Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse -- The plains sharp-tailed grouse is listed as endangered in Colorado. The bird formerly nested over much of the northern two-thirds of the eastern prairie, but the present population consists of only a few hundred birds in Douglas County. The decline is the result of overgrazing and the conversion of grassland to cropland and, more recently, to housing developments. What remains of Colorado's population is now severely threatened by proposed land developments in the area between Denver and Colorado Springs. • • • • • • • • • Conducted Plains sharp-tailed grouse surveys between March and May 2007. 18 routes were run by 12 observers in three counties in northeastern Colorado, an increase from the ten routes surveyed in 2006. More than 13 landowners were contacted and gave permission for lek observations on their properties. Four radio collared birds were tracked. Ten leks were located and observed, an increase from six leks in 2006 34 observations were made of 91 birds. One new lek was located within ¼ mile of a concrete batch plant for wind turbine bases with a second new lek located within ¼ mile of wind farm construction. One historic route was abandoned due to wind farm construction traffic. Leks on an additional three routes occur in wind farm construction areas. At their request, a biologist from TRC, an environmental consulting firm for Florida Power and Light, accompanied a DOW observer on a lek observation. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 17 - �Swift Fox Conservation -- Swift Fox are numerous and the populations are stable in Colorado, and in the Swift Fox Conservation AssessmenUConservation Strategy, Colorado has been identified as a source of foxes for translocation efforts throughout its historic range. Staff from Ted Turner's Bad River Ranches traveled to southeastern Colorado to trap 35 swift fox for translocation to South Dakota. The effort of establishing reproductive populations of swift fox throughout their historic range is identified as a goal in the species' Conservation Strategy. Animals captured in Colorado are immunized against numerous diseases, and are tested for plague prior to translocation. This type of work has led to the USFWS removing the swift fox from the Federal candidate species list. A rigorous quarantine period is undertaken to make assurances that only healthy foxes are used for this recovery effort. • • • • Conducted research on swift fox acoustic and chemical signaling behavior. Results of the research will help evaluate current and newly developed census techniques, and the use of space by swift fox. Division of Wildlife biologists worked on management activities on recently purchased conservation easements for the benefit of grassland species, including swift fox. Working with the Colorado Watershed Network, assisted private landowners in eastern Colorado with conservation plans and habitat improvements to benefit swift fox and other grassland species. Worked with Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory to develop a coalition of landowners and natural resource professional in support of grassland conservation. Activities included workshops, presentations, landowner visits, species inventories and distribution of educational materials. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 18 - �S. Platte Native Fish Conservation -- During the FY06-07 field season more than 50 sites were sampled in the South Platte basin. Fish population structure data, stream flow data, conductivity, temperature, and other information have been collected. Specific research sites and findings include: • • • • South Platte River (over 20 sites, 6 private) -- Suckermouth minnow (state endangered) were collected at two sites in the main stem and brassy minnows (state threatened) were collected at many sites. Chief Creek (7 sites, 6 private) -- Orange-throat darters (state species of concern) remain in strong numbers. North Fork Republican (6 sites, 1 private) -- Two populations of stonecats (state species of concern) were found, brassy minnows were collected at two sites, and orange-throat darters were collected at four sites. Lefthand Creek - A new population of stonecats were found. Other work on South Platte fish conservation included : • • • • • Identification of five locations for native fish reintroduction. An ongoing research project designed to allow aquatic biologists to sample plains fishes more efficiently. Contacts with dozens of private landowners to gain access for fish sampling on their properties. Initiated work on a "Conservation Assessment and Recovery Recommendations for Federal and State Listed Fishes of the South Platte Basin, Colorado." Initiated report to document justification to de-list the lake chub (state endangered). Olive-backed Pocket Mouse -- Little is known about the olive-backed pocket mouse, including habitat characteristics, food habits, behavior, reproduction, distribution, and abundance. The Division of Wildlife and partners have started to collect information to better understand the status and 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 19 - �population trends of this species. In FY06-07, the Division of Wildlife undertook the following: • • • • Searched Museum data bases (Denver Museum of Nature & Science, University of Kansas, University of Boulder, and University of New Mexico) for records of the Olive-backed pocket mouse in Colorado, with emphasis along the Front Range. Identified 36 records of the historical presence of the species along the Front Range and in other locations from 1954 through 1981 . Developed GIS maps with historical locations and soil attribute (e.g. sandy, sandy loam soils) data layers overlain on public lands along the Front Range. Developed plans for trapping efforts starting in FY0?-08. Marmot and Pika -- There is a growing body of evidence that suggests climate change is affecting the seasonal timing (phenology) of animal and plant activity, as well as distribution and range sizes. There is also evidence of an increase in deposition of man-made pollution (i.e., nitrogen) and summer precipitation in alpine areas, which may be changing the uptake of trace element by plants. Trace element deficiencies can have negative impacts mammals such as marmots and pikas. As a result of these questions and issues, the Center for Biological Diversity recently petitioned the USFWS to list five subspecies of pika in California under the Endangered Species Act. In FY06-07, the Division of Wildlife initiated work to develop data to address issues related to marmot and pike in Colorado. A pilot project was designed to determine if probability-based sampling could be used effectively to determine occupancy, abundance, and distribution of marmots and pikas in the subalpine and alpine areas of the Mt. Evans wilderness. This project involved the following: • • • • Development of research protocols such as stratification of 33 random quadrants by elevation . Initiation of trapping for mark-resight estimates. Fifteen volunteers assisted with data collection. Initial results showed marmot observation in 39% of research quadrants, and pika observation in 45% of research quadrants. Further research and assessment will be conducted in 2007-08 to refine the significance of 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 20 - �observations (i.e. whether an individual animal is passing through a quadrant or inhabiting it) Western Spotted Skunk-Spotted skunks are the smallest of the skunk species found in Colorado and their biology is poorly known. Population status, trends, and distribution are unknown, precluding effective management of this species. Findings from Texas, where western spotted skunks seem to be declining for unknown reasons, led the Division of Wildlife to initiate research in the species: • • • • • • • A primary objective of the project is to determine presence or absence of spotted skunks in the Denver metro, foothills and South Park areas to better understand the biology and distribution of the species. Animal control agencies in Park, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Denver, Adams, Douglas, and Arapahoe Counties were contacted for information on spotted skunks. Jefferson County Open Space, which annually conducts more than 2,000 trapnights with remotely triggered cameras, was contacted about the presence of spotted skunk. District Wildlife Managers in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Denver, Adams, and Arapahoe Counties were surveyed about evidence of spotted skunks. One spotted skunk was caught on a remotely triggered camera in Jefferson County's White Ranch Open Space feeding on a deer carcass. However, the placement of three remotely triggered cameras for 30 trapnights failed to make additional observations. The Division of Wildlife initiated a study using four cameras with four different lures and baits to determine most attractive to spotted skunks. Fourteen volunteers assisted in the project. Other Species Conservation efforts The Division of Wildlife's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy identifies 201 species holding the status of "greatest conservation need". Developing and implementing an intensive research and recovery effort on all those species is far beyond the capacity of the Division of Wildlife, and in some cases, is not necessary. But Division of Wildlife personnel do have several smaller or less well-known wildlife projects underway, often serving as an early warning signal if a species or group of species is suddenly or unexpectedly declining in abundance or range. Projects can also focus on recovering or reestablishing species into native or suitable habitat. The following describes a broad diversity of Division of Wildlife species conservation efforts that do not receive widespread public attention: • • • • Surveyed 30 locations for Northern Leopard Frog presence. Assessed movements and habitat usage of eastern short-horned lizards. Conducted 5 surveys of existing or reintroduced suckermouth minnow populations for persistence and reproduction rates. Conducted 10 habitat surveys for new populations of suckermouth minnow and plains minnow. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 21 - �• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Performed 24 stream surveys to determine effectiveness of research models and methods. Evaluated 11 release sites for Arkansas darter and Southern Redbelly dace. Collected 60 genetic samples of Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Conducted 15 population surveys of Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Restored and enhance 500 acres of Columbian sharp-tail grouse habitat. Radio-tracked 12 translocated Plains sharp-tail grouse. Reintroduced 44 female and 39 male Columbian sharp-tail grouse to historic or suitable habitat in Middle Park. Cleared 40,000 acres of agricultural lands through the mountain plover nest clearing program. Conducted one fall pre-migration survey of Greater Sandhill Cranes. Monitored 7 populations of Greenback cutthroat trout. Conducted 24 stream surveys to determine range and abundance of bluehead sucker, roundtail chub and flannelmouth sucker. Tracked fragmented habitat usage of Ord's kangaroo rat on the eastern plains. Studied the impact of wildfire salvage logging on migratory bird habitat in southwestern Colorado. Conducted bat survey in Jackson County. Drafted conservation plan for Greater sage-grouse. Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center -The Frisco Creek Rehabilitation Center was acquired in 2004 with funding support from Great Outdoors Colorado. The facility houses lynx being prepared for reintroduction, and rehabilitates lynx and other animals that have suffered injuries. Examples of work done at the facility include: • • • • Relocated and rebuilt bear and mountain lion pens and made improvements to other holding facilities. Took in 38 new animals, including 9 bears, 2 bobcats, 4 lynx, 22 raptors, and 1 sandhill crane. 85% success rate of returning orphan, injured and sick animals to the wild. Initiated an investigation of new, safer, more efficient drug combinations for handling bears both in a rehabilitation situation and free-ranging environment. PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility -The Division of Wildlife opened the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa during the summer of 2000. Construction of the facility was funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado, and on-going operations of the facility continue to be supported with GOCO funds. During the 2006-07 fiscal year, ten species of fish were spawned at the facility. As described below, fish raised at the facility can be stocked as part of recovery program, retained for brood stock development, or simply raised until they are of a size large enough to be stocked in Colorado rivers and streams. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 22 - �• • • • • • • • Approximately 1500 Arkansas Darters were spawned at the NASRF in 2006-07, and 850 were stocked in Arkansas River drainages. 500 Northern Red-belly Dace were stocked in two locations. Nearly 65,000 Rio Grande Chub were stocked in four waters. 4,000 Rio Grande Sucker were stocked in the Conejos River and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. 40,000 Round-tail Chub were stocked in four separate locations. 2,700 Bony-tail Chub were stocked in the Green River. Another 2900 of the species were stocked in the Colorado River. Plains Minnow and Sucker-mouth Minnow were retained for brood stock development. Colorado Pikeminnow and Southern Red-belly Dace were raised at the facility but were not part of a stocking program during the fiscal year. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 23 - ��•~ Septembe.r/October 2005 7 �Fortunately, I was the only amateur on this crew. Besides Shenk, two others worked the search: Doug Clark, a biologist from the San Luis Valley; and Kei Yasuda, a retired math instructor from Eugene, Ore. The men, members of Shenk's temporary 2005 summer staff, are experts in radio telemetry and navigation. Working as a team, the two men form the next-tothe-last link in the complicated process of finding - amid millions of acres of forested mountains - newborn lynx. The search for these kittens actually had started nearly a year earlier. While we were looking for little cats, the key to finding them rested with BC04F03, the code name for their mother whose radio signal we tracked. The code is designed to reveal, at a glance, that she had been captured in British Columbia, released in Colorado in 2004, and was the third female trapped in 2003. All the lynx - a total of 204 released since 1999 - are delivered from Canada and Alaska to the DOW's wildlife rehabilitation center in the San Luis Valley, usually by mid-February. There they are held in pens to allow them to acclimate to Colorado and to fatten up on rabbits and a zoo-diet mix made for carnivores. They're released after April 1 as the weather begins to warm and as prey emerge from their winter hiding places. Just before being sent back into the wild, the lynx are fitted with high-tech radio collars that are capable of communication with orbiting satellites, Shenk's laptop computer and radio signal receivers. Using an electronic device called a Platform Transmitter Terminal (PTT), the collars send occasional signals to satellites. In turn, the orbiters send back a daily record of locations that are downloaded into a data base. The points provide Shenk with general locations that might encompass 20 square miles or more. Capturing that data is the first crucial step in tracking the wandering cats. The PTT information is forwarded to Bob Dickman, a DOW wildlife technician who specializes in aerial searches. With the DOW pilots, he sets out to find Three lynx kittens, found moments before, cuddle together on the forest floor. 8 the cats by tracking the radio signals sent from the collars - each of which is set to a unique frequency. They fly up to 15,000 feet over remote mountain areas; special antennas mounted on the wing struts pick up the signals which Dickman monitors with a receiver. As each signal is found, he marks approximate locations on a topographical map and enters the coordinates into a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. In early May, the aerial searches focus on females because the potential moms restrict their movements as they prepare dens. After they give birth and begin to tend their young, the mothers remain in one place long enough to allow the flight crews to narrow the locations. That information goes to Shenk, who dispatches her 10-member ground crew - working in teams of two - to find the den sites. This year, the teams traveled throughout the southern mountains - from Telluride to the Collegiate Peaks, from Creede to the Conejos River Valley - to look for newborns. It's not uncommon for searchers to walk for two days to get to remote dens. At our search site near the town of South Fork, Clark and Yasuda had arrived on a Friday afternoon with their maps, compasses, GPS units, hand-held radio receivers and camping gear. They spent the next day monitoring the radio signal from the mother's collar and attempting to draw an X on the map where the den was located. But finding that mark, even with the radio-signal receivers, isn't easy, Clark explained. On the ground the radio signal bounces off rocky hillsides and often provides false Doug Clark, a radio telemetry and navigational expert, checks coordinates on his map where a lynx den Is located. ;. ~ g ~ ~ Q Q Tanya Shenk, lynx field researcher for the Division, holds a lynx kitten in her lap while collecting basic Information about the newborn. locations. But what makes marking the spot most difficult is the mother lynx propensity to wander. After lynx are born, a mother must move away from the den to hunt and eat. If she enters a deep ravine or travels to a far-off ridge, the signal will go weak or even disappear. The mother usually doesn't move more than a mile from the den, but if her signal is well away from the approximate den location identified from the airplane, solving the puzzle on the ground can get complicated. Lynx are wary and will take evasive action if they sense a predator, Shenk explained. A mother can move kittens to a new location, or she will move away from the den to divert attention - a common defense strategy for wildlife. The ground crews hope the mother will return consistently to one site which allows them to refine the den location. Clark and Yasuda moved separately on Saturday, each monitoring signals. When the cat appeared to be hanging around one spot, the searchers noted GPS coordinates, the compass bearings to the strongest signals, marked their maps and, later, compared notes. Shenk and I joined them at the remote camp site on Saturday evening. By 7:30 Sunday morning, the three of them examined their maps that were spread out on the hood of a pick•up truck. As I looked over their shoulders, they identified an area about a quarter-mile square whose primary topographic markings were a ridgeline and a creek. "It's not too far off the road; this should be an easy one," Shenk said with a slight mischievous giggle. I got the sense from her comment that she says that at the start of a lot of lynx searches. We drove to a spot a couple of miles Colorado Outdoors �from where we suspected the litter to be and walked straight up a 40-degree slope. I scrambled to keep up with these surelegged researchers who had spent the last month walking numerous steep hillsides. When we reached the ridge, Clark and Yasuda raised the handheld antennas and checked their receivers. The signal was much weaker than it had been just an hour earlier. Shenk speculated that the mother heard us and moved away. Still confident that the kittens were close, we slowly moved down the hillside, painstakingly looking under everything that might provide shelter for the baby cats. About an hour later we reached the creek - a location that Clark and Yasuda believed to be too low on the hillside. The three experts huddled to check the signal and determined the mother was well above us on another hillside. We didn't chase the signal though; instead we turned and walked back up the hill, checking logs that we may or may not have looked under already. A little more than an hour later, just past noon, we arrived back at the ridgeline. Our only reward was a weak and distant signal. Shenk revealed a look of concern. "It's possible that she moved the kittens," she said. They all pulled out their GPS units, compared coordinates and looked at the map again. Clarke and Yasuda remained convinced that the mother hadn't moved the den. They decided to stop for lunch, remain quiet and wait for the mother to return. While they continued to fiddle with their navigational aids, I stretched out for a nap on the warm ground. About 30 minutes later I awakened to whispers. The transmitters indicated the mother was back in the area, probably not more than 100 yards away. Shenk said that this time we would stay closer together and move even more slowly. At about 1:30 p.m., we started creeping down the hill, and by 2:30 p.m. we arrived at the creek again. But this time Shenk showed no concern. The signal continued strong, she said we had probably just walked past the den. We started up again. An hour later, about three-quarters of the way back up the hill, Shenk's highpitched gravelly voice broke the quiet. "Got'em!" I reached her in less than a minute and looked down onto a mound of brown fur slightly larger than a softball. "There are three of them," Shenk said, excitement clear in her voice. They were not hidden deep under a log. Rather they lay cuddled together in an open space about 2-feet square among some fallen logs. Looking down on them, noting how their colors blended with their surroundings, I knew that I might have as easily stepped on them as spotted them. I studied the area and realized I had passed within 10 feet of the den on my first trek up the hill that morning. "OK, let's get going, we've got to move fast," Shenk said. From her pack, she pulled Q-tips, rubber gloves, a hand-held scale, a notebook, small mesh bags, a syringe and other essential field-biology gear. In less than 30 minutes, as per research protocol, Shenk would perform a quick physical examination of the kittens, weigh them, collect blood and saliva samples, determine their sex and assign them their code names. The three females would now be known as CO05F16, CO05F17 and CO05Fl8. They were the 16th, 17th and 18th female kittens found born in Colorado in 2005. The kittens - each fit easily in the palm of my hand - made a surprising amount of noise as they were handled. They became especially irritated when a small chip known as a "PIT" tag (Passive Integrated Transponder) was injected just beneath their skin at the back of their necks. If these cats are caught again by researchers, a hand-held scanning device will read the tag and provide identifying data crucial for monitoring overall progress of the reintroduction. I was busily snapping pictures when I suddenly heard the voice of another irritated cat. I looked up and saw the kittens' ,,. mother - the elusive BC04F03 ~ - prowling cautiously and ~ nervously about 20 yards § S Researchers use a cotton ~ swab to obtain a saliva sam- opie from a lynx kitten. The saliva allows Division of Wildlife researchers to collect genetic information. away. She held her eyes wide and head forward as she observed the situation. She kept her distance, realizing, I suppose, that she was too small and too outnumbered to take on these invaders. But she communicated her displeasure at the situation with a low and continuous growl that sounded both threatening and mournful. The elegant, long-legged cat, her fur shining in tones of copper and silver in the bright afternoon light, could only strut and keep an eye on the commotion surrounding her new family. Twenty minutes after Shenk discovered the kittens, Shenk placed the little ones back just as she'd found them. Even though she's located more than 30 dens during the past three years, she appeared enchanted and enthralled as she looked at the kittens one last time. "I still get such a thrill when we find them," Shenk said. "They're such a hopeful sign the reintroduction will be a success." We walked away quickly, allowing the mother to return to her kittens. Monitoring after kittens are found shows that mothers always return. Back at the campsite 45 minutes later, Shenk pulled out her satellite phone and started making contact with her other crews, leaving messages, hoping for updates on other lynx dens. Three weeks later she had all the kittencount updates she was likely to collect for 2005: mother lynx had set up a total of 16 dens and had given birth to 46 kittens. And more kittens were probably born to mothers whose dens couldn't be located. That's the most kittens born so far during the reintroduction project and DOW biologists are confident that lynx are adapting well to life in the Colorado Rockies. Shenk estimates that more than 200 lynx - including some of the more than 100 born here are living throughout mountain areas. As I drove out of the area after the eight-hour search, exhilarated and exhausted, I realized that I might never again see a large cat in the wild. From now on though, whenever I look into a heavily wooded hillside, I'll always be able to imagine these magnificent felines prowling and playing and growling in the dark timber. 0 JOE LEWANDOWSKI, a longtime Colorado journalist, is the public information specialist for the DOW in the Southwest Region. 9 �WILDLIFE EDUCATION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Wildlife Education Youth Education - 6158, 7164 Colorado Outdoor Ed. And Rec. Complex - 6159, 5860 River Stewardship - 5158, 6160, 7165 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 6130, 6140, 6150, 6160, 6260, 6290, 6581 $570,298.50 6330 $3,649.47 6420 $203,464.15 YOUTH EDUCATION Wonders in Nature - Wonders in Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) Program The WIN-WIN program is a partnership with the Denver Zoo that provides wildlife and natural resource education through 40-70 hours of classroom instruction and at least one field trip for hands-on experience. The program provides instructors for schools in the Denver metro area with low-income students, and also works with open space programs and natural resource centers to arrange the field trip portion of the program. • • • Provided more than 6,500 students with 1,700 hours of classroom instruction in 210 classrooms in 20 Denver area schools. Each WIN-WIN class participated in a field site visit to one of 30 partner sites. Held six WIN-WIN Family Days at the Denver Zoo , with nearly 3,000 families with WIN-WIN students participating . Attendees received free entry into the Denver Zoo, a twenty-minute bilingual (English and Spanish) wildlife show in the Conoco Wildlife Theater, interaction with live animals and animal artifacts, free information on partner sites and wildlife conservation activities to do at home. High School Modules The Division of Wildlife is developing a series of instruction modules designed specifically for high school instructors and students. Each module addresses a different wildlife management issue, and seeks to allow students to explore scientific topics through connections to real-life situations. • • In September 2006, released the second module -- The Species Question: Applying Taxonomy to Wildlife Research and Management presents a scientific topic related to taxonomy and systematics in an approach geared toward nonexpert audiences. Each activity focuses on a current endangered species issue and demonstrates that the field of taxonomy is evolving and changing the way scientists think about and protect species. The first high school module, Return of the Snow Cat: The Reintroduction of Lynx to Colorado, an overview of DOW's lynx reintroduction efforts, continued to be in demand. By the end of the 2006-2007 school year, more than 600 high school biology and environmental science educators had requested the module. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 24 - �• During the 2006-07 fiscal year, the Division of Wildlife's education section prepared a third module - Prying into Prions - discussing it in the context of chronic wasting disease. The module was released in September, 2007. Wildlife Discovery Pages The Division of Wildlife website is expanding information geared toward younger audiences on Colorado's most interesting and unusual wildlife species. Approximately every three weeks, new Wildlife Discovery Pages are placed on the site: http:/!wildlife.state.co.us/Education/StudentActivities/WildlifeDiscovery/ Wildlife Discovery Pages are designed for three age groups: Preschool through first grade, 2nd through 5th grade, and middle school. Each page provides age appropriate reading, activities, and links to other pages on the DOW web site. Project WILD Training educators to teach their students about Colorado's wildlife resources using the Project WILD (Wildlife in Learning Design) curriculum continues to reach thousands of Colorado students every year. The following are the Project WILD highlights for 20062007: • • • • • • 68 Project WILD workshops reached 1125 educators in the state in over 800 hours of workshop contact time. Colorado trained 27 new Volunteer Facilitators in February 2007. The current Volunteer Facilitator roster stands at 160 active Facilitators. Active Volunteer Facilitators and Partners were invited to the 2007 Facilitator Leadership Conference in La Junta. The 113 Volunteer Facilitators spent 2 ½ days attending update sessions and field trips, gathered new resources and research and spent time networking. Published four 16-page, editions of Colorado Connections. This conservation education newsletter reaches approximately 17,400 educators in the state. Maintained and updated Project WILD-specific pages on Colorado Division of Wildlife Web site for teachers, potential Volunteer Facilitators and current Facilitators. http://wildlife.state.co .us/education/TeacherResources/ Participated in partner projects and outreach events to reach Colorado educators and the public with wildlife education resources. The hosts of these outreach events included: Colorado Association of Science Teachers, Colorado Easter Seals, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Colorado Council International Reading Association, The Wildlife Experience Museum, Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival, Butterfly Hope Day Camp, Wild Outdoor World (WOW) Camp, Colorado Council for the Social Studies, and the Colorado Conference on Volunteerism and Service Learning. COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATION COMPLEX Outdoor Recreation and Education Complex (OREC) In 2004, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board approved initial funding for site selection and facility design for a large outdoor recreation and education complex in the Denver 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 25 - �metro area. The complex is modeled in part on the popular Ben Avery facility outside Phoenix, Arizona, and will address a shortage of shooting range facilities for sportsmen in the metro area in particular. In 2006- 2007, in furtherance of acquiring a suitable site for the facility, the Division of Wildlife: • • • • Continued efforts to identify and secure a site for a large shooting range and outdoor education facility in the Denver metro area. Contracted with C. Vargas and Associates, a nationally-recognized shooting range designer, for a preliminary set of site designs. Have evaluated seven potential project sites in total. Joined with State Parks, three federal agencies and more than a dozen sportsmen organizations in a Memorandum of Understanding in Support of developing new shooting ranges along the Front Range. RIVER STEWARDSHIP Angler Education - • • • • • Hosted more than 200 fishing clinics statewide, reaching more than 20,000 participants. Among the communities that hosted the clinics were Commerce City, Westminster, Northglenn, Elizabeth, Rangley, Durango, Pueblo, Denver, Lamar, Montrose and Grand Junction. Additional clinics sponsors include Boy Scout and Girls Scout organizations, the Southern Ute Mountain tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Indian tribe, Easter Seals of Colorado and Children's Hospital. Distributed 15,000 beginning fishing rods and reels at the clinics. Additional outreach efforts included events at the State Fair, Adams County Fair, Boulder County Fair, Arapahoe County Fair, the International Sportsmen's Expo, and a Colorado Springs Sky Sox baseball game. These efforts reached an estimated 22,000 individuals. Cosponsored "Take a Family Fishing" clinics with State Parks, the BLM, US Corps of engineers, US Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Water and Wright-McGill (Eagle Claw). Worked with the Westminster and Thornton police departments on the "Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs" program . 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 26 - �• • Provided instruction on basic fishing skills, tackle crafting, fly-fishing and fly-tying to 4-H extension programs. Hosted fishing clinics through the "Women Afield" and "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing" programs. 110,000 and growing-The Colorado Division of Wildlife's Angler Education Program has received important financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado for more than a decade. During that time, the Angler Education Program has grown from an effort focused on the Denver metro area to one that provides instruction to beginning anglers across the state. The Angler Education Program teaches participants - mostly kids, but also adults about angling ethics and safety, fish identification, and aquatic ecology and fish habitat, as well as fly fishing, knot tying and casting skills. Scott Gilmore, who has run the program from its beginning, noted that "once a kid learns angling basics, those can be the springboard to even more learning about wildlife and nature around them. For example, a lot of kids will figure out where the better places to fish are, and then start to understand why, such as better habitat. They also learn about other wildlife in their surroundings, such as blue herons." The Division of Wildlife's program now holds more than 200 clinics per year, running from March through November. "As long as the ice is off the water, we can do a clinic" said Gilmore. Most commonly, an organized group -- a boy scout troop, a school or a 4H Club for example -- will call Gilmore about holding a clinic. In the Denver area, most are held at Lake Leehow, south of Chatfield Reservoir, or at the Salvage Ponds on the north side of Denver. But if transportation is an issue, Gilmore or another instructor will travel to a lake or pond closer to the participants. Oftentimes, arrangements can be made for the pond or lake to be stocked with catchable-sized trout prior to the clinic. The program does no advertising, and sees little need to. "Word-of-mouth references are how most of the clinics are set up" said Gilmore. "A kid or parent who was involved with a clinic will tell a friend about the program. That will lead to another request for a clinic. And in a lot of cases, a group will book the next year's clinic at the end of the day of this year's clinic. My 2008 calendar is already filling up." While Gilmore is the only year-round employee for the program, about 10 teenagers are hired each summer to help with clinics. Many of these clinic instructors are recruited through the Denver Youth Naturally (DYN) program, or have been involved with Environmental Learning Kids (ELK) program for many years. "Especially with the ELK participants, we usually have worked with the kids for several years before they move to an instructor position" said Gilmore. "We have seen that some of the kids even go on to careers with the Division of Wildlife or in wildlife management." One of the many attractions of the program are the free fishing rods and reels handed out to kids at clinics. Law Brothers Tackle of Denver has provided the equipment, at a significant discount, since the start of the program. Each year the poles are a different color; the 2007 model is yellow. "I see kids still using poles from previous years all the 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 27 - �time" said Gilmore. "It's great to know they went through a clinic and still enjoy the sport." Gilmore sees that as one of the most important benefits of the Angler Education Program - that a new generation of anglers is developing. "This is a long-term program in which kids will make angling part of their life, and when they have kids, will pass that skill along to them. I don't think we'll really see the ultimate results of our efforts for many years. But my hope is that it will show up as a stronger angling tradition." Jana Smith, Principal of the Knight Academy magnet school in Denver, takes about 100 students to the Lake Leehow facility every year. "Kids love the clinics because they are an outdoor experience. The majority of students at the school are from the inner city, and only about 10 percent have any outdoor experience. They get to hold a rod and reel, and even take one home. That leaves a lasting impression when they can take something tangible home; that they can use again." Kevin Sailor with the Westminster Police Department has been involved with many fishing clinics through the Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs program. Those clinics use police officers as instructors, showing kids a more human side. "Kids have told me years later how much they enjoyed the program. They are hugely popular, and the kids are happy even if the fish or the weather isn't cooperating." The Angler Education Program also coordinates activities with several other national fishing programs and organizations. Among those are the "Passport to Fishing", "Take a Family Fishing", "Junior Fisheries Biologist" and "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing" Programs. Colorado's Angler Education Program has been recognized as one of the best of its kind in the nation. In 2004, the program was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in honor of its work with inner city youth and families. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 28 - �What clinic participants had to say about the Angler Education Program I just can't thank you enough for the experience you provided for our clients today. They talked about how great you were all the way back to Easter Seals. It was a fantastic experience! They have such struggles with everyday life, so just having the opportunity to get out and do something they used to Jove is incredible for them. THANK YOU SO MUCH! You made such a difference in their lives today! We will definitely be back! Donna Schroeder, COTA Director Stroke Day Program Easter Seals Colorado Thanks for teaching us how to fish. Thanks for the fishing poles also. We really enjoyed it. The bait is cool too. Owen and Orion Pack 43 Thank you for making our July 4 kids' fishing clinic at Evergreen Lake a huge success .... For us, it was a special opportunity to explain a little about fish habitat and the important basic things such as fishing etiquette and environmental protection ... it would not have been possible without the support we get from the DOW John Haile Evergreen Trout Unlimited We all really enjoyed our fun-filled day our in the Colorado "wilderness" ... It was a wonderful opportunity for our kids to have the whole stocked fishing pond to themselves as well as the undivided attention from your crew was a real treat. Also, it was good for our older kids to be around [clinic instructors of] teens their age Niki Coatney The Medical Day Treatment Program The Children's Hospital 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 29 - �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Watchable Wildlife Wildlife Viewing -4314, 5160, 6161, 6162, 7166, 7167 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 5110, 5210, 5260, 5310 $487,841.94 WILDLIFE VIEWING The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to the significant segment of Colorado's population that does not hunt or fish but are interested in programs that perpetuate the state's wildlife resources. The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many programmatic building blocks that helped bring about the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. With financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Division of Wildlife is able to provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs that reach a significant portion of Colorado's population that would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. In Colorado, more than 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wildlife annually. The sizeable state and local economic impact of wildlife watching activities - responsible for an estimated $1.3 billion per year in economic activity and more than 13,000 jobs in Colorado - has laid the groundwork for a new and expanded set of partners for the Division of Wildlife. Colorado Birding Trail For the past three years, the Division of Wildlife has been a leading organization in the effort to establish Colorado Birding Trails in the state. Major partners in this effort include Colorado Audubon, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Colorado Field Ornithologists, Colorado State Parks, and Playa Lakes Joint Venture, and local Chambers of Commerce. The first Colorado Birding Trail was established in the eastern plains. A second Birding Trail has been established along the central Rocky Mountain area. Development of a third trail for western Colorado is underway. Great Outdoors Colorado funding has provided important support for the development of the trails. For the eastern plains trail, for example, Colorado Audubon prepared a strategic plan for the trail's development. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory provided outreach to private landowners in a series of meetings in early winter and spring 2006. And Colorado Field Ornithologists integrated into this project the work of its volunteer authors on the Colorado County Birding Website. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 30 - �The Division of Wildlife began installing trail markers in June 2007. A printed version of the Colorado Birding Trail Guide was also under development in the 2006-07 fiscal year. Once finalized, the guide will provide directions, maps and descriptions of more than 200 public viewing sites throughout the state. A copy of an article from the November 2006 edition of Colorado Outdoors describing the development and impact of the Colorado Birding Trail is attached. Wildlife Festivals and Events Watchable Wildlife program staff were involved in planning for or assisting with the following wildlife festivals and events: • • • • • • • • • • • Pueblo Bird 'N Nature Fest Pueblo Eagle Day at Pueblo Reservoir Christmas Bird Counts (statewide) High Plains Snow Goose Festival (Lamar), Lesser Prairie Chicken viewing (Granada and Campo) Greater Prairie Chicken viewing (Flagler) Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival (Colorado Springs) Bent County Birding Tour Orient Mine Bat Watching (Villa Grove) Hummingbird Festival (Colorado Springs), Elk Fest (Estes Park) Greater Sage-Grouse lek tours (Walden) Wray Prairie Chicken Viewing Tours The Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival celebrated its inaugural year with a turnout of media, sheep and more than 400 visitors. Watchable Wildlife Education Programs • • • • Produced an 8 page article and 1 full page ad insert for the Audubon Society magazine, sent to more than 1 million Audubon members, highlighting Colorado wildlife viewing opportunities. Produced 50,000 copies of the new brochure "Watching Deer and Elk" - the 2nd in the species series Hosted 52 Wildlife Watch workshops, instructing more than 500 participants in wildlife viewing techniques. Partners in the workshops include Bluff Lake Nature Center, Wild Birds Unlimited, the Plains Conservation Center, and Brunton Optics. Produced the 1st in the series of 8 wildlife watching checklists per ecosystem. This first is "Watching Wildlife on the Shortgrass Prairie". 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 31 - �Watchable Wildlife with Partners - • • • • • • • • • • • In cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Division of Wildlife has identified wildlife viewing sites mentioned in the Colorado Wildlife Viewing Guide that are along highways and county roads. Twenty more sites were posted with brown and white binocular signs. Re-fabricated and updated Watchable Wildlife viewing panels at the Georgetown bighorn sheep viewing station. Designed and installed a wildlife viewing interpretation panel - "mini kiosk" at Glenwood Canyon. Purchased and installed a spotting scope at the tourist rest stop near the town of No Name, to facilitate safer viewing of the bighorn sheep. An underwater camera showing mountain whitefish making their way upstream to spawn was installed near the Grizzly Creek rest stop, off of 1-70, in the Glenwood Canyon. The website link to a video of the fishing migrating is at: http:/!wildlife.state.co.usNiewinqNideos/WhiteFish. htm The revised 2nd edition of the Colorado Wildlife Viewing guide highlights 201 of the state's premier wildlife viewing locations. The guide includes wildlife watching tips, detailed descriptions of each site, color maps, access information and color photos. Printed 8000 copies of the new guide. Compiled a guide book on wildlife viewing and photography blinds, including costs, designs, materials and cases studies of successful projects. The guide books have been distributed in-state and nationally, saving potential viewing project sponsors tome, money and effort. Installed a spotting scope at the tourist rest stop at No Name, facilitating enhanced and safer viewing of bighorn sheep in Glenwood Canyon. Fabricated an installed wildlife viewing interpretive signs in Lamar, Colorado Springs, Emma, and other locations across the state. Completed Watchable Wildlife projects on 13 State Wildlife Areas. Completed assessments of Watchable Wildlife opportunities on 9 State Wildlife Areas. Volunteer Programs - The Division of Wildlife's Volunteer Program helps provide a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to augment DOW programs and initiatives. Volunteers assist the Division of Wildlife in a full range of activities, from customer service in offices and on State Wildlife Areas to field work helping with species surveys. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 32 - �More than 1200 volunteers worked on 315 Division of Wildlife projects in FY06-07, providing nearly 71,000 hours of help, or the workload of approximately 34 FTE, including: • • • • • 2300 hours of support for customer service and front desk activities. 1800 hours of assistance with goose banding work. 9400 hours of "hosting" at State Wildlife Areas and leased State Trust Lands. 2100 hours of habitat and wildlife conservation work. 3000 hours of aquatic habitat and survey work. 2006-2007 Annual Report to Great Outdoors Colorado - 33 - �... - -r 1' . ' I< • .l Colorado Bir --------=-- • �The flnt quadrant of the blrdJng trail, ailled the Prairie to Peaks Region, will open at the Lamar Htgh Plains Snow Goose Festival in February. Bll'd watchers at Nee Grond.a Resenolr. �Audubon Society in Colorado Springs. According to Audubon Colorado, a chapter of the national conservation organization, Colorado has one of the largest bird lists in the interior United States because of the state's diverse habitats. For seasoned birders, the allure of observing wildlife in their natural Rocky Mountain and Great Plains habitats can be powerfully appealing, and many become citizen scientists who volunteer for annual bird counts and other initiatives, said Ken Strom, the group's director of bird conservation. "Bird watching is such a visual experience," Strom said. "For folks who really latch onto it, they discover they can travel and it takes them to unusual areas. It becomes a real adventure kind of hobby for people. It's a mix of solving a mystery, putting a puzzle together and collecting a list of things." In fact, wildlife watching is becoming big business in the United States, and nature and heritage tourism are expected to flourish as retiring baby boomers armed with high-tech gear and disposable incomes explore the nation's backcountry. According to a landmark 2001 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report, an estimated 46 million Americans - many of them in the Rocky Mountain West - consider themselves bird watchers. State wildlife numbers indicate that wildlife watching, including birding, generated an estimated $1.3 billion in revenues for the Colorado economy in 2001. The first quadrant of the Colorado Birding Trail- dubbed the Prairie to Peaks Region - will cover some 20 southeast Colorado counties and more than 200 wildlife-watching sites. The project is being funded by federal grants, matching DOW dollars and contributions from nongovernmental organizations. Additional support could come from the Colorado Department of Transportation, Koshak said. Strategic partners include the DOW, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Colorado Field Ornithologists, Audubon Colorado and Playa Lakes Joint Venture. County governments, other land-management agencies, regional economic development coordinators and landowners also are supporting the project, too. Stakeholders say collaboration has been crucial to the development of the birding trail. Audubon Colorado is reaching out to its 8,000-plus members to generate interest. Meanwhile, the nonprofit Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory is helping ranchers and farmers enhance fragile bird habitats through its Prairie Partners program. The group has struck partnerships with landowners to protect mountain plovers, a species of special concern that nests on northeastern Colorado farmland. Some landowners are considering opening their property to more discriminating birders. "If you can roll out of bed and be out on the shortgrass prairie, in a riparian area or maybe near a prairie-chicken lek, that's going to be appealing to a lot of bird watchers," said Seth Gallagher, assistant director of the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory's outreach division in Fort Collins. Meanwhile, Colorado Field 0 mi tho 1o gists (CF 0) is sharing its Colorado County Birding Web site, a resource considered so important it has become the backbone of the new Colorado Birding Trail Web site. By participating in the trail's development, CFO hopes to increase conservation incentives on public and private lands, and show the public that landowners are good land stewards. "Landowners are taking a chance on this project by opening their properties to recreational visitors," said CFO spokesman Nathan Pipelow. "It brings people from an urban lifestyle together with agricultural producers, helping to bridge an important cultural gap in this state." With the new trail, landowners will have the option of opening private lands to visitors willing to pay for rare glimpses of greater prairie-chickens and other species dancing flamboyantly across rangeland. Once in the region, these tourists are likely to seek food, gas, lodg- ing, entertainment and souvenirs - provisions that could help shore up flagging local economies and family farms hit by hard times. "As ranchers, we've received such a bad rap about not being conservationists. I wanted to prove that -yes -we are. We are out there to provide for habitats and species we have in this area. And without proper management, nothing is going to be out there," said Jim Rogers, a Kiowa County rancher who raises registered Angus cows and quarter horses on acreage near Wiley. "This is just a good opportunity for people to see that wildlife and ranching can both exist together." Rogers plans to open 480 acres of private land to bird watchers, charging a $5 fee per person to view horned owls, thrashers, long-billed curlew, piping plover, interior least tern and shorebirds that inhabit the Nee Granda Reservoir. He is working with wildlife biologists to ensure that any threatened or endangered species will be viewed by bird watchers from the safety of blinds. The region is home to a dazzling array of wildlife, including bobcats, mountain lions, deer, red fox, bats and rabbits. Bird varieties include Canada geese, western kingbirds, roadrunners, mockingbirds and more. Anecdotal evidence indicates that birders from as far away as England and Japan are visiting Colorado to spy on the state's unique species, especially Gunnison sage grouse and many other species. For years, local birders have been fueling the state's regional economies by visiting annual birding events, including the High Plains Snow Goose, Fall Birding at Barr Lake, Monte Vista Crane and the Ute Mountain Mesa Verde festivals. Farther north, birders stop at Estes Park on their way to Rocky Mountain National Park to track peregrine falcons and other birds of prey. Neither distance nor the elements seem to hamper devoted birders. Each March, the Monte Vista Crane Festival draws hordes of people eager to watch thousands of migrating sandhill cranes land and take off from frozen fields. Once there, they also see bald eagles, elk and pronghorn �that inhabit the fertile San Luis Valley. "Most of the time people would never think of going to the San Luis Valley that time of year," said the DOW's Koshak. "It's really a wildhfe-viewing extravaganza." Bent County, which boasts nearly 400 bird species, is recognized as one of Audubon's Important Bird Areas (IBA) . The county's riparian forests, shortgrass prairies, playa lakes, grasslands, natural lakes and canyons make for ideal habitats for resident and migratory birds. New opportunities created by the birding trail would add to the county's wealth of tourism and agricultural attractions, local leaders say. Besides John Martin, Bent County is home to the Kit Carson Museum, the Koshare Kiva and Indian Museum and Bent's Fort, a former fur trading post and prairie oasis for trappers and other frontier travelers. There are also state wildlife areas, roadside stands stacked with awardwinning produce, and markers that remind motorists they are traveling along the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Like their pioneer ancestors before them, area residents are blazing trails by creating new opportunities for themselves. Projects being explored include biofuel production and community college classes focused on sustainable development programs. In 2003, southeastern Colorado's six counties came together to position the area as a tourism destination, one that could offer travelers "an authentic and unique experience," said Kathryn S. Finau, project manager for the Southeast Colorado Regional Tourism Group. "Experiencing this drought has just made us more creative - to look at ways we can revitalize our communities with the resources we have," said Finau, who was born in Lincoln, Neb., grew up in Denver, and has lived in Las Animas for almost five years. "Rural communities are special places where you see that all things are interconnected and that each person and element is important to the success of the whole." For their part, state wildlife biologists at John Martin are in the process of striking water deals that would enable them to keep or increase current stores to sustain the reservoir's popular fishery. Trout, bluegill, bass, saugeye, wiper and crappie have beckoned anglers from around the country to Lake Hasty and the reservoir for years. "When lake levels get this low, John Martin becomes a large, very shallow lake," said Jim Ramsay, a DOW aquatic biologist. "We are in a wait-and-see mode right now." There are glimmers of hope. After years of nest and chick losses caused by human disturbance, more nesting pairs of piping plovers and interior least terns are returning to John Martin each spring, said Duane Nelson, an endangered species biologist for the DOW and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This year, eight pairs of threatened piping plover and 15 pairs of endangered interior least tern returned to John Martin, Adobe Creek, Nee Granda and other area reservoirs, thanks to recovery efforts. Before winter, the birds will fly south, where they will roost off Venezuela's lush Caribbean coastline. That the birds continue to return to Colorado each year is an act of faith that inspires Nelson. "They're holding on. It could have been better this year. The drought hasn't helped them very much," Nelson said. "The future is pretty bleak out here without water, and it's going to get worse and worse every year. We're trying to hold onto the habitat we have." For more information about the Colorado Birding Trail and the Great Pikes Peak Birding Trail, visit www.coloradobirdingtrail.org and www.greatpikespeakbirdingtrail.org/. 0 Deborah Mendez-Wilson, a Pueblo, Colo., native whose family has lived in Colorado for generations, is a freelance writer, news media specialist, wife and mother who lives in Highlands Ranch. She enjoys the Rocky Mountain West with her husband, children and two dogs. Birding Ethics THE AMERICAN BIRDING AsSOCIATION, A Colorado Springs-based, nonprofit organization that dedicates itself to providing leadership and public education to recreational birders, lists the following birding principles - among others - as important: Avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger; Exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording or filming; Limit the use of recordings and other bird-calling methods, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas, or for attracting species that are threatened, endangered or of special concern; Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas and important feeding sites; if there is a need for extended observation, photography, filming or recording, try to use a blind or natural cover; When shooting photos or filming, use artificial light sparingly; Sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities; Stay on roads, trails and paths where available, and keep habitat disturbances to a minimum; Never enter private property without the owner's explicit permission; Follow all laws, rules and regulations governing the use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad; Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people, and respect the rights and skills of fellow birders and other people enjoying outdoor activities; Support the protection of important bird habitats. For more information about the American Birding Association, visit www.americanbirding.org. � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/2bf8daa7df27e09f6de45a6894eefab7.pdf 345fa9e74ccffd7d7d3f68ec713d8b44 PDF Text Text Colorado State Parks Great Outdoors Colorado Annual Report Fiscal Year 2006-2007 .I State of Colorado Bill Ritter,Jr. Governor Colorado Department of Natural Resources Harris D. Sherman Executive Director Colorado State Parks Dean Winstanley Director �Colorado State Parks 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 • Denver, Colorado 80203 • Phone (303) 866-3437 • FAX (303) 866-3206 • www.parks.state.co.us February 15, 2008 The Hon. Norma Anderson, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Senator Anderson, I am pleased to present to you Colorado State Parks' Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund. This report contains information about investments made with GOCO Parks Purpose funding during state fiscal year 2006-2007. In keeping with State Parks' annual GOCO investment plans, this report is organized into seven categories: ■ ■ • • • ■ • Statewide Programs: These investments fund State Parks programs that have an impact throughout the state, including the Volunteer Program, the State Trails Program, and State Parks' public information activities. Park Operations: This funding ensures that adequate resources are in place to effectively manage and maintain previous GOCO investments in state parks. Planning and Development: This helps State Parks manage its GOCO investments and ensures that GOCO funding ends up as "on the ground" projects in a timely and efficient manner. Land and Water Protection: These investments enable effective planning and management of park natural resources. Land and Water Acquisitions and Leases: This funding helps secure critical buffer lands and recreation water for the State Parks system. Enhancements: These investments enable State Parks to improve recreation amenities within existing parks. In many instances these funds are leveraged with other funding sources. Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: These large-scale projects represent major GOCO investments in the future of outdoor recreation in Colorado. GOCO funding continues to make an invaluable contribution to the development of Colorado's state parks system. The work documented in this report is consistent with the desires expressed by Colorado citizens when they voted to create the GOCO trust fund in 1992. With guidance from you and the rest of the GOCO Board, I am confident that in the years to come we can continue to build on the great work we have already accomplished. Sincerely, ~~~~~~~ti STATE OF COLORADO• COLORADO STATE PARKS Bill Ritter, Jr , Governor• Harris D. Sherman, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources Dean Winstanley, Director Colorado Board of Par1<s and Outdoor Recreation: •Dr.Tom Ready, Chair, Natural Areas Representative Tom Glass, Member, GOCO Representative• Bill Kane, Member• Allegra "Happy" Haynes, Member• Lenna Watson, Member �Table of Contents Introduction and Overview ................................. .. ...... ...... . .... ........................ .. 1 Program Funding: Statewide Programs ............ .. ... ...... ... ... ..................... .............5 Real Estate Program ....................... .. ................ ... .. .. ....... .. ............... .. ... .. ..... .. ... 7 Water Program .............. ... ...... .......... ......... ..... ............ ........ .. ..... .... ... ...... ... ..... .8 Public Information Program ........... ...... ................ ... ......... .. ... ............................ 1O Youth Programs ..................... .. .......................................... .. .. ...................... .. 12 Environmental Education ......... ........ ... .............. ... .. .......... ........ .. .... .......... .... .... 14 State Trails Program .. ........................................................ .. .. .. .... ...... ........ ... .. 16 Volunteer Program Operations ...... ..... .. .... ..... .... ...... .. .. ....... ... ............. .. .. ... ... ..... 19 Volunteer Program Management, Training, and Incentives .... .... ..... ................. .. ...... 21 Program Funding: Park Operations ... ......... ........ ... ... ................................... .. .25 Park Operations .......... ..... .......... .. .......... ..... ..................... ...... ... ..... ...... ...... .... 27 Tourist Assistants ...... ... ......... ... .... ......... .......... .... ........ ... .. .............. .. .. ...... .... .28 Resource Technicians ..................................... ................ .... ........................... 29 Program Funding: Planning and Development ... .. ........ ..... .. .. .. ............ ............ 31 Project Engineers ....................... ...... ...... ...... ..... ...... .. ....... ........... .. ................ 33 Capital Projects Manager ..... .. .. .......... ............ .... ..... ....... ........ ....... ... ..... .......... 35 Planning and Development .... .. .... ...... ...... ...... .. ...... .............. ... ........ ............... .37 Accounting .............. ... ............... ...... ............ .. .... .. ..... ..... ... ........... ....... .. ........ 39 Program Funding: Land and Water Protection ... ....... ....... . .. ... . ...... ... .... .... ... ... .41 Resource Management Program ... ...................... .. .... .... ................ ..... ........ ..... .43 Vegetation Management. ........ ............................ ....... ............... ...... .. ........... ... .47 Capital Development: Land and Water Acquisition ... ... .... ... ... ..... ....... ... .... ... .... .51 Land Acquisitions ..... ............................................. ..... .... ..... .. ........ ... ....... ..... 53 Water Acquisitions and Leases ..... ............................ ..... ... .................... ........... 55 Capital Development: Enhancements .... .............. .......... .......... .... ...... ............ .. 57 Army Corps Cost Share .. .... ....... .... ... ................. .............................................. 59 Reservoir Improvements .......... .... .......... .. . ... ........... ... .... .. ......... ... .......... ... ..... .62 Revenue Enhancements ............... .... ... ... ...... .. .... ..... .. ... ....... .... .. .... ..... ....... .... .63 Road Projects ................................. ...... ... ........ ... ............. ... ..... ... .. ........... ...... 67 State Trails Program Grants.... ... .. .... ...... ....... ....... .. ... .... .... .. ... ....... .............. ... .. 68 State Trails Program Special Projects .. ............ ..... ... ................ ...... ...... ..... ... .... .. 71 Wildfire Prevention .... ...... ..... ...... ..... ......... .. ...... ... ............ ............ .. ..... ... ........ 74 Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects ..... ................. ... ....... ...... .77 Cheyenne Mountain State Park .. .. .... .... ... ... ... ... ........ .................. ....................... 79 Colorado Front Range Trail .......... .. .......... ........... .... ....... ... .... ........ .. .... ........ ... .. 81 Colorado River State Park ............. ..... ..... ........................ ...... ...... ................. .. .83 Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. ... ................. ........ ...................... ... ........ 84 Elkhead Reservoir State Park .. ................. .... ......... ...... .................. ... ... ............. 86 Lone Mesa State Park .......... ... ......... ... ........... ......... ... ..... ... .. .... ........... .. ........ .88 St. Vrain State Park .... ..... ............ .. .......... .... ................... .... .... ............... ........ .90 Staunton State Park ..... ...... ..... ..... ................... ..... ..... ............... ........ ... .... .. .... . 92 Yampa River State Park ......... ....... .............. ... ... ........ ... ..... .. ...... ................. ..... 94 �Introduction and Overview Colorado State Parks is pleased to provide this annual report to Great Outdoors Colorado. This report contains financial and narrative information about the work our agency achieved during state fiscal year (FY) 2006-2007 with GOCO Parkspurpose funding. At the most basic level, State Parks' use of GOCO funding falls into two broad categories: • Program funding, which provides vital ongoing support for a variety of statewide programs, parks, and FTE positions. This funding has a oneyear lifespan. • Capital development funding, which is used for construction and development at new and existing parks, property acquisition, water acquisitions and leases, trail grants, and other capital projects. This funding has a three-year lifespan. This report is based on these two main categories, with sub-categories providing a further breakdown as follows: Program Funding: Statewide Programs These programs provide services that benefit parks and park visitors systemwide. These include State Parks' Real Estate and Water Programs, which acquire and manage land and water resources; the Public Information Program, • which communicates information about the great things happening at State Parks; the Volunteer Program, which manages volunteer projects across the state; and the State Trails Program. Program Funding: Park Operations This funding is allocated to state parks that have benefited from significant investments of GOCO capital. This support falls into three general categories: • • • Tourist Assistants are often the first State Parks employee with whom our visitors interact, and are vitally important in setting the tone for visitor experience at the parks. Resource Technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. Some state parks that have benefited from GOCO funding also receive annual operations support from GOCO. This funding helps cover a wide variety of day-to-day costs incurred during park operations, including seasonal and/or contract worker support, minor repair and maintenance costs, and utilities costs �Program Funding: Planning and Development These positions directly expend and/or manage GOCO funding. • • • • Project Engineers manage construction and other development projects around the state. These positions work closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, costeffective, and safe manner. The Capital Projects Manager manages State Parks' CAPTRS system, a capital project tracking, auditing, and reporting application. This software allows State Parks to track and audit construction project progress and expenditures. The Planning and Development position serves as the agency's liaison with GOCO and is the primary point of contact between GOCO and State Parks. The position serves as a resource for both GOCO and State Parks staff and provides information, analysis, and recommendations regarding State Parks issues. The Accounting position performs grant administration and oversight; assists with GOCO billings, grant extensions, transfers, and deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and coordinates with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Program Funding: Land and Water Protection The Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado's public recreation areas. Resource Management is responsible for five major program areas: • • • • • Resource stewardship plans for each state park GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Wildfire prevention and forest fuel mitigation Natural Areas Program coordination Land and Water Protection funding is also used to complete vegetation management activities at parks throughout our system. Capital Development Funding: Land and Water Acquisitions This funding is allocated for the purchase of land additions to existing parks, although in some cases GOCO base funding has been used to acquire property for new state parks (GOCO base funding has been used to acquire property at Staunton, for example). State Parks acquires in-holdings and adjoining lands to preserve the integrity of parks, improve public access, mitigate trespass issues, enhance management activities, and protect the land as a natural resource. These GOCO funds often provide matching funds for larger land projects. 2 �These GOCO funds also help secure water for parks that experience inadequate recreational water levels. The wide array of water needs within the Division requires State Parks to acquire water through a number of mechanisms, including water purchases, less conventional water options and leases, innovative cooperative agreements with water users, and lease or purchase of storage space in reservoirs. Capital Development Funding: Enhancements State Parks allocates this funding to capital development projects that will result in new amenities at State Parks or significant improvements to existing amenities. In many instances this funding is leveraged with other state and federal dollars. Funding for trails projects (allocated through the State Trails Program) comes from this section of the GOCO investment plan. This funding is also allocated for wildfire prevention projects that enhance a park's natural resource base. Capital Development Funding: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects These large-scale projects represent major GOCO investments in the future of outdoor recreation in Colorado. Previously funded large-scale projects include major development at Cheyenne Mountain and St. Vrain State Parks, funding for the Colorado Front Range Trail, and funding for development of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Annual Report Format Each project, position, or program area included in this annual report consists of three sections. A Summary Table lists all the GOCO logs associated with a project or program area that were available at some point during FY 06-07. (Each log also has an associated Grant Budget Line (GBL) code, included to make this document useful to Parks staff as well as GOCO.) For each log, information is included about the grant amount, expenditures made previous to FY 06-07, expenditures made during FY 06-07, and the unexpended balance of the log. Example: Wildfire Prevention Summary Table Ye■ r 2007 2001 2005 2004 GOCO Log Number 07181 06187 05186 0◄205 GBL Adju1tld Grant Amount Projtet Prwloua Expandlturn Through FY ot-47 Expendlluru i:v ft ■ .JUI 8CFM 7CFM &Fl FP5C Fuel MltlgaUon Fuel MltlgaUon Parlll Fire Plan Fire Plan Caplt.11 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $1,000,000.00 Total 3 so.oo $0.00 $160,868.00 $177,771.38 $338,837.38 Toi.II Expandlturn Through Unexp•ndtd Belance l'VM.117 so.oo so.oo $60,4S1 .43 $72,228.62 $132,880.05 SO.DO SO.DO $221 ,317.◄ 3 $250,000.00 $471,317.◄3 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $28,682.57 $0.0~ S528,6BU7 �The Background and Objectives section lists the goals of a specific project, program, or position. In the case of projects, this section will contain a specific outcome, such as the construction of a building or development of a trail. In the case of programs and positions, these goals may contain some specific outcomes but may also be more general in nature. The Accomplishments in FY 06-07 section lists work that was done and accomplishments made directly due to Great Outdoors Colorado funding. Again, these may be specific accomplishments or may be more general; in the case of many GOCO-funded FTE positions, for example, GOCO funding supports a State Parks staffer fulfilling the general duties of the staffer's position class (resource technician or tourist assistant, for example). Listing specific accomplishments in these instances would be difficult. 4 �Program Funding: Statewide Programs 5 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Real Estate Program Operations v.., GOCO Log AdJu1ted Grant Project Amount 07175 06181 Expendlturw 8SLM Land Resource Management $10,000.00 Through FY n~.IUI $0.00 7SLM Land AcqulslUon Mgmt $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 Number 2007 2006 Total Previous " GBL Total FY ot-07 Expenditures $0.00 $8,553.21 $8,553.21 Expenditures Through FY nA.A'I' Unexpended Balance $0.00 $8 ,553.21 $8,553.21 $10,000.00 $1,446.79 $11,446.79 Description and Objectives: The Colorado State Parks Real Estate Program is staffed with 1.0 FTE, assisted with periodic seasonal worker (SWP) support. This position's primary responsibility is negotiation with property owners or their agents for the acquisition, exchange, lease, or limited use of lands and interests in real property for public recreation purposes. The position is responsible for obtaining and reviewing appraisals, title commitments, surveying, inspections, and other items/services involved in purchasing and acquiring recreation lands. This typically requires extensive travel, given the remote location of many of State Parks' existing lands and targeted acquisitions. Beyond acquisition, the Real Estate Program manages State Parks' existing portfolio of lands, including administration of the annual PILT program, annual inventory of properties held in title, and ongoing management of the State Parks Land Trust Portfolio (held in trust by the State Land Board). Accomplishments in FY 06-07: GOCO funding provides operational support to help the Real Estate Program achieve the objectives outlined above. In FY 06-07, specific expenditures included: ■ ■ Professional consultant expenses related to real estate transactions, including appraisals, surveying, Phase I environmental evaluations, county recording fees, and closing costs. In-state travel costs. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Real Estate Program. For information about the Real Estate Program's capital funding, please see pages 53-54. 7 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Water Program Operations v.., 2007 2008 ooco Log Number OBL 07177 8SWM 7SWM 08183 ProJtct AdJuated Grant Prevloua ExpendlturN FY Ge-07 Total Amount Through ExpendlturH ll!xpendltUIH Through Unexpended Balance ,::vna11T FVn•-"" Water Resource Management $94,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $94,000.0~ Water Resource Mgmt $94,000.00 $188,000.00 $83,537.34 $83,537.34 $9,400.80 $9,400.80 $92,938.14 $92,938.14 s1,oa1.ae $95,081 .88 Total Description and Objectives: The State Parks Water Program provides expertise, leadership, and protects the Division's interests in all water resource issues. The program is staffed with 1.0 FTE assisted with significant seasonal worker (SWP) and contractor support. The program coordinates and oversees all aspects of water resource planning for the Division, including establishing water budget priorities, supervising all of the Division's water court actions, accounting for all permitting in accordance with state and federal law, analyzing statewide recreational water needs, and coordinating with user groups and agencies to maximize the state's water resources for recreational purposes. The Water Resources Program is also charged with developing interagency partnerships and in some instances state-federal partnerships to structure and fund joint water acquisitions. The program is frequently called on to represent the State of Colorado at the regional and national level on recreational water issues that affect the state. Specific objectives for the Water Program include: • • • • • Manage and oversee all aspects of the Division's Water Program. This includes advising and coordinating with the Director and other leadership, including Region Managers, on water acquisition, legal actions, contracting, budgeting, and policy development. Negotiate water leases and contracts, perform engineering and financial analyses, review water court applications and proceedings, develop new reservoir accounting models, analyze and prepare engineering reports, and prepare water supply plans, well water permits, augmentation plans, and instream flow recommendations. Hire, contract, and manage water consultants to accomplish Division goals and work plans regarding water resources. Represent the state at a regional and national level with regard to water requirements for recreational benefits. This includes attendance at and participation in regional and national conferences and meetings to coordinate with other water resource professionals. Lead the Division's efforts to create recreational opportunities through interagency coordination. Frequent partners include the Bureau of Land Management, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Engineer's Office, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. 8 �• • Coordinate with local water districts, irrigation companies, and municipalities statewide to maximize the Division's water resources. Develop and guide policies, priorities, and implementation actions for the state regarding water administration for recreational needs. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: GOCO support for the State Parks Water Program funds half of the program's 1.0 FTE plus operational expenses. In FY 06-07 GOCO funding was used to accomplish the program objectives outlined above. Beyond personal services and related costs, specific expenses included • • • • In-state travel expenses. Contractor and seasonal work program (SWP) support. Office supplies. Communications costs. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Water Program. For information about the Water Program's capital funding, please see pages 55-56. 9 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Public Information Program Year 00<:0 Log OBL Adjusted Grant Amount Project Number 2007 2008 07208 08217 p,.vlou1 ExpendllllrN Through FY 08-07 l!xpendlturn J:YII..,,., 8SPM 7SPM Public lnfonnaUon Public lnfonnatlon Tota! $259,000.00 $359,000.00 $618,000.00 $0.00 $48,081.98 $48,061 .98 $0.00 $308,259.34 $301,259.34 Total Expendlturn Through FY,,.._,,., Unexpended Balance $0.00 $356,321.32 $358,321.32 Description and Objectives: Colorado State Parks' Public Information Program manages the Division's internal and external communications, agency image, media relations , publications, and marketing. The program analyzes State Parks' position in the marketplace and implements short-, medium-, and long-range efforts to improve the Division's position. The program analyzes and anticipates tourism trends and their effect on State Parks' marketing efforts and visitation. Specific objectives that the Public Information Program strives to achieve in a given fiscal year include: • • • • Serve as a media liaison and information center for the Division. Communicate current news and information about the agency through print, televised, radio, web-based, and other media. Establish one-on-one professional contacts with statewide media and tourism-related representatives. Produce Division communications including presentations, reports, news releases, and fact sheets. Develop and produce public service announcements. Implement marketing efforts for the agency, including recommending strategies and programs to leadership. Develop marketing campaigns utilizing a variety of media, including print ads, radio , and web content. Draft, develop, and produce individual advertisements for use in local, statewide, and national print media. Coordinate marketing partnerships with media outlets, tourism offices, and trade shows. Serve as a facilitator in marketing focus groups across the state. Represent the agency at special events and trade shows statewide. Produce park-specific and agency-specific brochures, fact sheets, news releases, and web pages for public dissemination. Manage the agency website, including coordination with contractors specializing in website development. Prepare, review, update, and revise all information appearing on the website. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: GOCO support provides funding for 1.0 FTE in the Public Information Program plus seasonal support and specific projects completed by the program. In FY 06-07, GOCO 10 $259,000.00 $2,$78.88 $281,8711.68 �funding was used to accomplish the program objectives outlined above. In addition to FTE and seasonal support, specific accomplishments with this funding include: • Advertisements: Ads were placed in publications to reach travelers, campers, and sports and recreation enthusiasts. Some of these publications include the Colorado Official State Visitor Guide, The Colorado Directory, Camp Colorado, Audubon Magazine, Woodalls Campground Directory, Rocky Mountain Sports, AAA Encompass Magazine, RV Journal, Colorado Parent, Frontier Airlines' InFlight program, the Colorado Explorer TV series, and others. These ads were designed to drive viewers to State Parks' website. In FY 06-07, www.parks.state.co.us received 1,692,145 visits, an increase of 22% over FY 0506. • Brochures: 40 individual state park area brochures (with a total print run of 360,000 copies) were produced and distributed to parks, welcome centers, convention and visitor bureaus across the state. The Great Outdoors Colorado logo appears on all of these brochures. • News Releases: In FY 06-07 State Parks distributed 145 news releases to media outlets, yielding an estimated 220,852,816 impressions. • Additional Outreach: Parks e-newsletter reached more than 6,000 opt-in subscribers with seasonal news delivered bimonthly. Additional outreach efforts throughout the state engaged in a variety of activities including birding brochures, ads in area maps, local newcomer guides and area tourism publications. Three promotional campaigns were deployed in FY06-07, which included Wildflowers Tour de Fleur, Fall Colors - Rush to the Gold, and Holiday Campaign -Wrap Up the Outdoors. 11 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Youth Programs Log Adju1ted Grant Amount Project GBL Number 2007 2008 200il 07206 08218 06253 FYGe-07 Expendlturu rota1 Expendlturu Through $191.19 $173,508.00 $0.00 $173,897.19 $191.19 $232,000.00 $9,420.00 $241,811.19 Previous GOCO YHr ExpendlturM Through l'V"•-"• SSYP 7SYP &VYN $232,000.00 $232,000.00 $14,420.00 $478 ,420.00 Youth Programs Youth Program• Colo Youth Naturally Projoct Total $0.00 $58,494.00 $9,420.00 $87,914.00 ...,,.._,,., Unexpanded Balance Description and Objectives: Colorado State Parks is a strong proponent of providing outdoor education programs and opportunities for all ages. It is especially critical to capture the attention of Colorado's youth, who are our future land stewards. For several years Colorado State Parks has allocated GOCO funding to youth corps around the state under the direction of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA). These corps engage Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and help them build a sense of natural resource stewardship. The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth , ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. The agency utilizes youth corps crews at state parks for a variety _o f resource management and trail projects. In the past, projects have included trail re-routes and new trail development; fuel mitigation and other forest management work; vegetation management activities including tamarisk removal; and shoreline cleanup projects. This program support thus serves a dual role of improving conditions within the state parks while providing funding for CYCA and individual youth corps statewide. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In FY 06-07, this funding helped complete the following: • • • • ■ • • Completed 52 crew weeks of project work at 28 state park locations. Three parks (Colorado River, Crawford and Staunton) were provided with trained youth corps sawyer crews for thinning and fire fuel reduction work. A total of 168 corps members and 21 crew leaders worked on projects, providing 16,848 hours of project labor. Funding helped provide crew leader training. CYCA provided project management and reporting, technical training, evaluation and data tracking, and accounting and support services as part of their contract with State Parks. Continued to incorporate environmental education elements into the youth corps experience. Accomplishment highlights include: 3 miles of trail corridor cleared, 6.8 miles of ADA trail constructed and maintained, 4.2 miles of new hiking trail constructed, 12 $231,808.81 $0.00 $5,000.00 $236,808.81 �2.6 miles of hiking trail maintained/restored, 14 water diversion structures installed/improved, 5 miles of fencing removed, 2.4 miles of fencing constructed/maintained. Note that the unexpended $231,808.81 is for FY07-08 youth corps projects that will be reported on next year. Colorado Youth Naturally Project: The remaining $5,000 will be used to design, print and distribute an educational activity page and/or booklet for kids that will be distributed statewide. 13 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Environmental Education v.., 2007 2008 GOCO Log Number 07202 06213 GBL asvs 7SVS AdJu1ted Gntnt Amount Project Vol lnterp Park SWP Vol lnterp Park SWP $297,000.00 $297,000.00 $594,000.00 Total Prwvlou• ExpendlturH Through FYQS..IUI $0.00 $31,335.01 $31,335.01 FY 08-07 Expendlturw• $89,825.04 $268,387.18 $335,212.20 Total ExpendlturH Through FY 08-07 $89,825.04 $298,722.17 $388,547.21 Unexpended Balance Description and Objectives: State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors to and educating school groups about nature's wonders. With the assistance of GOCO funding, Colorado State Parks has provided qualified interpreters in our parks throughout Colorado since the mid-1990s. GOCO funding for the Environmental Education program supports seasonal workers (SWP) at almost every park in the system. These seasonal workers, under guidance from the statewide Volunteer Program and regional and park staff, manage and host a wide variety of educational and interpretation programs for park visitors. These include: • • • • • Daily contacts with park visitors to provide assistance and information Development of self-directed interpretation hikes Campfire educational programs held at night Classroom programs conducted for groups of all ages Staffing information stations in park visitor centers Seasonal environmental education staffers also perform many other duties, including preparing discovery packs and trail brochures; developing non-personal interpretive signs and exhibits; assembling Jr. Ranger materials and packets; and writing weekly newspaper columns, park newsletters, plant identification booklets, web page updates, and hunter information packets and maps. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Statewide • • Paid seasonal employee salaries to support park volunteer and/or interpretive programs at 31 state parks and complexes. Seasonal employees statewide continued their efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers and park-specific Friends Groups to achieve the goals of State Parks' education and volunteer programs. Rocky Mountain Region • Conducted 545 educational programs for 12,515 participants. 14 $227,174.98 $277.81 $227,452.7! �■ ■ ■ ■ Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 18,810 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 515 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Devoted 2,107 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at eight state parks and complexes. These include Junior Ranger programs; creation of program slide shows; development of brochures, educational materials and teachers' guides; program advertising; event planning, set-up and implementation; writing articles for newsletters; self-guided nature walk development; website postings; creation of photo boards, bulletin boards and rotating displays; and trade show booth set-up and presentations. Southeast Region ■ • ■ • ■ Conducted 413 educational programs for 9,801 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 15,871 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade /travel shows. Devoted 1,088 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Devoted 1,595 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at eight state parks. These include Junior Ranger programs; discovery packs; developing brochures, displays, slide shows/Power Point presentations and educational materials; organizing field trip materials; herbarium development; Master interpretive programs; w~bsite updates; bird checklists and plant brochures; installation of interpretive trail benches; designing of self-guided trails; clean up and repair of bird boxes; program advertising; camp host site description development; and newsletters. High Plains Region ■ ■ • ■ • Conducted 763 educational programs for 19,576 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 32,571 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade /travel shows. Devoted 1,510 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Devoted 3,274 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 12 state parks. These include interpretive exhibit and sign development; self-guided brochures; preparing and developing interpretive and educational programs and materials; updating bulletin boards and displays; newsletters; Junior Ranger program; discovery packs and family fun packs; program and event advertising; and photo board development. Note that the unexpended $227,174.96 is for FY07-08 Seasonal Interpretive and Environmental Education efforts that will be reported on next year. 15 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: State Trails Program Operations GOCO Year 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2008 Log Number GBL 07200 07200 BSTC SSTN AdJuated Grant Amount Project 07200 8STS Trail•• Reglon ■I Ops-Central Tran,. Regional Ops-North Tran,. Regional Ope-South 07200 08211 BSTW 7STC Trail•• R8111onal Ops-West Trails, Regional Op•• Central $17,000.00 06211 08211 06211 7STN 7STS 7STW Trana, Regional Op■ • North Tran,. Regional Ops• South Trails, R,eglonal Ops• Weet $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $136,000.00 07200 08211 BSTM 7STM Trans & River Greenways Mgml Tran, & River Greenway• Mgmt $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $17,000.00 Total s1n.ooo.oo $177,000.00 Total $575,000.00 Prevlou• l!xpendltuNII Through FVOS-"" $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $502.07 $825.40 $1,535.09 $1,907.42 $4,769.98 $0.00 $30.00 $9,589.98 FYOS-07 l!llptndltUNII Total EllpendltUNII Through Unexpended $71.00 $71.00 $788 .89 $0.00 $0.00 $11,574.79 $18,188.47 $13,829.99 $13,888.11 $58,139.05 $1,039.58 $118,854.72 $231,114.69 $788.&9 $0.00 $0.00 $12,078.88 $17,013.87 $15,185.08 $15,795.53 $80,909.03 $1,039.58 $118,884.72 $240,684.85 Description and Objectives: The Colorado State Trails Program was established through the authority of the Recreational Trails System Act of 1971. The program's primary goal is to continue to provide funds for recreational trails throughout the state. Trail use continues to be by far the most popular outdoor recreation activity statewide. A variety of project sponsors are eligible to receive Trails Program capital funding, including towns, cities, counties, school districts, non-profit groups, and state and federal land-management agencies. Project sponsors are matched to appropriate funding sources to ensure compliance with federal, state, and GOCO eligibility requirements. Grants are awarded for trail planning, maintenance, construction, special projects, and trail equipment. The State Trails Program provides technical assistance to communities, other agencies, land managers, and organizations devoted to trails, conservation, and open space. It includes help with planning, coordination with other agencies, trail volunteers, organization building, funding and other resources, land development regulations, and trail maintenance and management. The program acts as a clearinghouse for trails information in Colorado and as such must stay apprised of trail development projects and processes across the country. The program also sponsors workshops and conferences to bring trails advocates, community planners, and agency representatives together to learn new techniques and discuss trails issues. Assistance in planning, publicity, and programs is also provided for regional workshops and statewide conferences. Specific annual objectives of the Trails Program include: ■ Develop strategies, systems, processes, guidelines, and trail standards for the statewide Trails Program. Provide professional input and interpret statutes, 16 B■ l ■ nc, FV0•-"7 $18,929.00 $16,213.31 $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $4,923.14 ($13.87) $1,834.92 $1,204.47 $75,090.97 $175,980.44 $58,315.28 $334,315.35 �• • • • • • policies, and regulations for the Colorado State Trails Committee. This statutorily mandated committee recommends statewide trails policy and trail grant funding priorities to the State Parks Board for approval. Administer approximately 260 open grants annually; develop, implement, and maintain an inspection process for all completed grants. Develop and manage the State Trails Program budgets, accounts, and contracts. Develop program budgets to accommodate operations, administration, FTE, salaries, environmental reviews, personal services contracts, and grant payments associated with the Trails, OHV, Snowmobile, and Youth Corps programs. Revise internal grant accounting policies and procedures to comply with changing federal, GOCO, and Lottery grant guidelines. Develop and implement internal control procedures to assure compliance. Identify State Trails staff training needs, such as trail design, maintenance and construction, trail accessibility, and purchasing/procurement, and establish training programs to meet those needs. Coordinate with the National Park Service, Federal Highways, Lottery and GOCO on reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. Verify compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: GOCO funding supports 1.5 FTE of the Trails Program's total staff of 6.0 FTE, including operations costs, to help meet the program objectives outlined above. In addition to these FTE costs, GOCO funding provides operational support for the Trails Program's four Regional Trail Coordinators. (Regional Trail Coordinator salaries are supported with federal grants and are not funded by GOCO.) In FY 06-07, in addition to personal services support, specific accomplishments include: • • • • • • Administration of approximately 260 open grants. Coordination of the functions of reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. Completed updates to the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. Work with grant review subcommittees to coordinate the grant review process. Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. Verification of compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. The salaries for four Trail Coordinator positions are federally funded. Some operating costs are provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. In FY 06-07 GOCO funds helped support: • Fixed and variable vehicle costs to travel over 50,000 miles to assist with project work, training, meetings, and trail patrol. 17 �• Travel costs to perform over 3,000 user contacts, patrol 2,000 miles of trail, conduct 60 training sessions, work on 70 projects, assist with 10 special events, inspect 130 grant projects and work with 20 Youth Corp groups. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the State Trails Program. For information about the State Trails Program's capital funding, please see pages 68-73 18 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Volunteer Program Operations Year GOCO Log P1'9VIOU ■ Project GBL Number 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 Total AdJu■ted Gr■nt Exp■ ndlturw FY08.07 Exp■ndllul'9■ Un■xp■ ndlld Amount Through Exp111dllur■■ Through Balance r:Y nll.lNI 07201 07201 07204 07204 08212 06212 06215 8SVL 8SVM 8SVQ 8SVR 7SVL 7SVM 7SVQ 08215 7SVR Volunteer Mgmt Opa Voluntoer Mgmt PS Vol Reaource Provider■ Ope Vol Reaource Providers PS Volunteer Mgmt Opa Volunteer Mgmt PS Vol Resource Provider Op• Vol Resource Provider PS Total FYnll.117 $41 ,000.00 $91 ,000.00 $30,000.00 $133,000.00 $40,581.00 $91 ,419.00 $30,000.00 $1 33,000.00 $590,000.00 $23,019.88 $57,383.18 $109,904.09 $295,824.81 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,990.88 $28,748.35 $832.01 $25,879.01 $4,072.80 $38,438.50 $29,749.28 $521.42 $81 ,668.79 $28,365.40 $3,990.68 $28,748.35 $832.01 $25,879.01 $40,511 .10 $91,418.05 $37,009.34 $82,253.8~ $29,387.99 $107,1 20.99 $28,886.82 $132,923.97 $352,987.97 $1,113.18 $78.03 $237,012.03 Description and Objectives: Volunteers are vital to the future success of Colorado State Parks. Volunteers allow State Parks to access a wide range of skills and backgrounds, they have credibility with visitors and others in the local communities, and they serve as a positive voice in support of State Parks. The Volunteer Program is currently staffed by a Program Manager and two regional Volunteer Resource Providers. All three FTE positions make major contributions to the overall management and operation of the program; in general, the Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program; the Volunteer Resource Providers provide training, coordination, and assistance to parks staff (including seasonal interpreters/volunteer coordinators) in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Program has proved to be a significant success and has demonstrated rapid growth. In calendar year 2006 the Volunteer Program helped manage and coordinate more than 7,000 volunteers working on projects within or connected to state parks. These volunteers contributed more than 173,000 hours - the equivalent of about 83 full-time employees. Specific objectives of the Volunteer Program include: • • Actively participate in and advise region staff about all aspects of volunteer recruiting, orientating, training, supervising, evaluating, and rewarding/recognizing the performance of volunteers, for the purposes of gaining and retaining a diversity of volunteers to meet the needs of Colorado State Parks. Represent the Volunteer Program to the community, and promote the program and its benefits to the general public, service groups, clubs, and other agencies. Actively participate in identifying, creating, and modifying processes to quantify and tabulate volunteer contributions to the agency, and apply these processes for reporting purposes. 19 $89.90 so,ge �• Plan, design, implement, and evaluate trainings for agency staff in areas of Volunteer Program planning and implementation and volunteer management. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: This funding pays the salary of the Volunteer Program Manager, two Regional Volunteer Resource Providers, and seasonal employees serving as program assistants. In general, the full-time positions serve the following roles: ■ • The Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program including volunteer management, Interpretation/Environmental Education, and youth outreach. The Volunteer Resource Providers provide direct support to the parks and programs in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. The Volunteer Resource Providers provide training and coordination of other statewide tasks including database oversight and newsletter distribution. This funding also covers supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program. Specific program accomplishments in FY 06-07 include: • ■ ■ ■ • On-going implementation of the Statewide Volunteer Program Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2006-2010. On-going needs assessments of volunteer programs at 41 state parks. Direct coordination and facilitation of 11 state park-specific trainings for 150 participants in volunteer management, volunteer database use, interpretive techniques and marketing/recruiting tips. Coordination and support for various local, state and national volunteer and educational events at state parks and with statewide programs. Tracking and reporting of volunteer program elements. Data shows a growth of more than 23,000 volunteer hours from calendar year 2005 to calendar year 2006. Volunteer hours statewide in 2006 were 184,402. Note that the unexpended "8SV" GBL balances are primarily for FY07-08 efforts and will be reported on next year. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Volunteer Program. The Volunteer Program also manages Volunteer Management, Training, and Incentives funding; for more information on this funding, please see pages 21-23. 20 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Volunteer Program Management, Training, Incentives YHr 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 Pntvloul GOCO Log Number GBL 07203 07203 07203 07203 07203 06214 08214 06214 08214 08214 8SVB asve 8SVD 8SVE 8SVF 7SVB 7SVe 7SVD 7SVE 7SVF AdJueted Grant Amount Pn>Ject Expendlturw FY 08.07 Thn,ugh Ellpendlb1191 FVRIUUI Vol lncentlvH • R911lonal Vol lncentlvn - Central Volunteer Databaae Voluntl9r Training Volunteer voe Voluntl9r Incentive• Reglonal Volunteer lncentlvff Central Voluntear Database Volunteer Training Voluntear voe $41,500.00 $43,000.00 $14,000.00 $25,000.00 $12,500.00 $41,500.00 $38,000.00 $14,000.00 $30,000.00 $12,500.00 $272,000.00 Total $0.00 so.oo so.oo $0.00 SO.DO $3,455.47 $809.09 $0,00 $0,00 $9,389.98 $13 834.54 Total Expendltu191 Through Unexpended Balance FVR•-"7 $8,400.87 $8,184.55 $5,003.00 $788.23 $0.00 $37,540.42 $37,190.91 $13,991.10 $21,900.00 $3,130.02 $144,115.10 $8,400.87 $8,164.55 $5,003.00 $788.23 so.oo $40,995.89 S38,000.00 $13,999.10 $29,900.00 $12,500.00 $157,149.84 Description and Objectives: This funding supports volunteerism in state parks through the statewide Volunteer Program. Incentives dollars provide funding for park-specific projects that are completed primarily with volunteer support and labor, and/or provide direct benefit to state park volunteer programs and volunteers themselves. Specific projects and objectives supported by this funding include: ■ ■ ■ ■ Volunteer Database: This valuable tracking tool allows Volunteer Program and other agency staff to maintain accurate and comprehensive records about volunteer activity in and around state parks. It also serves as a recruiting and advertising tool by allowing volunteers to sign up for volunteer events via the Internet. The database also assists with liability issues by tracking insurance coverage needs. Training: Ongoing training for staff and volunteers is vital to maintaining and improving our agency's ability to attract and retain volunteers. Statewide Incentives: Studies have shown that incentives are perhaps the single best way to attract and retain volunteers and ensure that they return to state parks for multiple volunteer projects. voe and WRV Projects: Colorado State Parks is proud to partner with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and Wildland Restoration Volunteers to complete trail development and redevelopment, wetlands rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and other projects in state parks. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Volunteer Database ■ Continued service with Samaritan (volunteer database provider) through March 2007 with purchase of software license and maintenance agreement. 21 $33,099.13 $34,835.4! $8,997.00 $24,213.71 $12,500.00 $504.11 $0.00 $0.10 $100.00 $0,00 $114 250.38 �• • • Transitioned to new volunteer database provider (managed by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado) effective April 1, 2007 with purchase of CiviCore software license and maintenance agreement. This new database allows optimum volunteer tracking and management capabilities at 41 state park locations for a lower annual cost AND allows us to partner with a natural resource agency. Continued to pay seasonal employee to handle database troubleshooting tasks with field staff and volunteers. Data for calendar year 2006 reflect that volunteers provided over 184,000 hours of service to Colorado State Parks. Training • • • ■ • Provided resources for 15 staff and volunteers to attend National Association for Interpretation (NAI) certified trainings which provide tips and/or teach skills on how to deliver more effective interpretive programs at parks. Provided volunteer management training to 43 participants at State Parks' Employee Development Seminar. Provided volunteer database training at seven locations for 62 staff and volunteers statewide; revised database training manual. Provided training for 33 GOCO Seasonal employees and 12 new State Park employees. Topics included volunteer management basics, interpretive techniques, and marketing tips. Sent 35 participants to the Colorado Conference on Volunteerism and 15 participants to the Teaching Outside the Box Conference (sponsored by Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education). Topics included natural and cultural history, stewardship and volunteer management. Statewide Incentives • • • • Covered statewide expenses for recruiting efforts (brochures, magazine and newspaper ads, banners, trade shows, career fairs), volunteer uniform items, volunteer insurance coverage, rewards/recognition items and events, and resource books and training materials. Provided support for projects tied to local, state and national volunteer events at state parks - Boy/Girl Scout events, Colorado Cares Day, Earth Day, National Public Lands Day, and National Trails Day. Provided support for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) and Wildland Restoration Volunteers (WRV) projects taking place at state parks. Provided support for Raptor Monitoring and Colorado Natural Areas Volunteer Stewards programs. Regional/Park Incentives • • Support was provided for 34 state park/complex volunteer programs, projects and events across the state. Funding covered recruitment ads and banners, uniform items, training and resource materials, interpretive and educational materials and displays, supplies 22 �and equipment required to support park projects (fence building, wetland restoration, tree planting, noxious weed control, and trail construction), and volunteer amenities and improvements. VOC Projects Completed two projects in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado at the following state park locations. • ■ Lory (June/July 2006): finishing touches on "youth overnight" trails project that attracted 44 kids and 20 adults. Chatfield (October 2006): GOCO dollars were used in conjunction with a $10,000 REI National Community Parks Grant to fund a VOC tree planting project with students from Colorado Academy. Over 50 much-needed shade trees were planted at one of Chatfield's campgrounds. Note that the unexpended "8SV" GBL balances are primarily for FY07-08 efforts and will be reported on next year. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about project funding for the Volunteer Program. For information about the Volunteer Program's operations funding, please see pages 19-20. 23 �Program Funding: Park Operations 25 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Park Operations Year GOCO Log Number GBL Project 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 07189 07188 07190 07192 07192 07188 07187 06196 06193 06197 06199 08195 06205 8PCM 8PYA 8PLM 8PRL 8PRF 8PJM 8PST 7PCM 7PYA 7PLM 7PRL 7PJM 7PMU 2008 06194 7PST Cheyenne Min Op.,11llons Yampa Operations Lone Mesa Operallona RIii• Falls Operations Riffe Gap Operations John Martin Operations Staunton Operation• Cheyenne Min . Operations Yampa Operations Lone Mesa Operation■ Rine Complex Operations John Martin Operations Mueller Operations Staunton Operallona $258,000.00 $1111,000.00 $44,000.00 $44,437.00 $29,583.00 $84,000.00 $60,000.00 $119,000.00 $115,000.00 Prnlou• ExpendllUrN Through FY'"'-"• $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $44,000.00 $74,000.00 $84,000.00 $24,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $112,473.44 $108,804.32 $42,883.82 $70,8S5.24 $52,393.04 $23,471.36 $60,000.00 $1,113 000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $49,100.80 $A57,581 .62 AdJu ■ted Grant Amount Total FY 08.07 Expendlturn Total Expendllllru Through FY ftA-'17 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 so.oo so.oo $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $112,473.44 $108,604.32 $42,883.82 $70,655.24 $52 ,393,0◄ $23,471.38 $49,100.60 $"67,581 .82 Description and Objectives: Over its history, Great Outdoors Colorado has provided significant funding to almost every state park in the system to help develop facilities, acquire land, or both. Several state parks that have benefited from GOCO funding also receive annual operations support from GOCO. This funding helps cover a wide variety of day-to-day costs incurred during park operations, including: • • • • Seasonal and/or contract worker support Minor repair and maintenance costs Utilities costs Other administrative costs directly related to normal agency and park business practices Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In FY 06-06, GOCO funding supported day-to-day park operations at Cheyenne Mountain, John Martin, Lone Mesa, Staunton, and Yampa River State Parks. Please note that the GOCO funding at Cheyenne Mountain indicated in the chart above also supported FTE costs for the park manager. 27 Unexpended Balin~ $258,000.00 $115,000.00 $44,000.00 $44,437.00 $29,1183.00 $84,000.00 $60,000.00 $8,528.58 $8,395.68 $1,136.38 $3,344.76 $11,606.98 $528.64 $10,899.40 $655,438.38 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Park Operations - Tourist Assistants YHr GOCO Log 'I" AdJu ■ted Grant ProJact OBL Amount Number 2007 2007 2007 2008 20011 2006 2008 07197 07191 07198 08200 08208 06198 06207 Prevlou, Expendlluret Through FY08--07 l!xpRdlture■ Nn•n• 8PLA 8PSV 8PSF 7PS9 7PLA 7PSV 7PSF Lathrop Operation ■ Sylvan Lake/ Brush Creek OP■ State Forest Operations $82,000.00 $50,000,00 $27,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Steamboat Operations Lathrop Operation ■ Sylvan Operation• State Forest Operations $51 ,000.00 $47,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $160 000.00 $27,000.00 $414000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,808.08 $44,8&3.03 $148 682.29 $28,282.00 $270 623.38 Total Expenditure, Through Un•xpended FYftll.117 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,806.08 $44,853.03 $148,882.29 $26,282.00 S270 823.38 Description and Objectives: Tourist Assistants are often the first State Parks employee with whom our visitors interact, and are vitally important in setting the tone for visitor experience at the parks . The primary duties of State Parks' Tourist Assistants include: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ • ■ Work directly with park visitors to answer questions about the park, assist with pass sales, answer phones, and provide other visitor center assistance as needed. Manage the visitor center sales program, including setting up displays, maintaining inventory, accounting, and training other employees to assist with the program. Manage the park's automated public information systems, including the phone answering system and website. Coordinate the park's public use programs at the visitor center, including providing meeting space to civic groups, working with visitor center volunteers, working with park Friends Groups, and supervising seasonal employees. Assist the park manager with accounting functions, including processing receiving reports, entering expenditures, and processing seasonal work program paperwork. Assist the park manager with special projects including processing short-term concession permits, organizing management plans, and providing information to other agencies. Coordinate the park's environmental education efforts with local school districts and other groups. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In FY 06-07, GOCO funding supported Tourist Assistants at Lathrop, State Forest, and Sylvan Lake State Parks, plus the Rifle park complex. 28 Balan~ $82,000.00 $50,000.0( $27,000.0( $193.94 $2,146.97 $1,317.71 $718.00 $143 376.62 �Program Funding Statewide Programs: Park Operations - Resource Technicians Year GOCO Log Number 2007 2007 2007 07195 07194 07193 2006 2006 06206 06204 06202 2006 2006 2006 08203 08201 8PVR 8PGG 8PCF 7PVR 7PNJ 7PCR 7PGG 7PCF AdJuatad Gr11nt Amount Project GBL St. Vraln OoeraUons Golden Gate Operations Crawford Operations St. Vraln Operations Navajo Operations Colorado River Operations Golden Gate Operations Crawford Operations Total Prevlou• Expendl1Ul'll9 Through FY Rll.rul FY 06-47 Expendltul'll9 Total Expendltur11, Through Unexpended Balance FY nA.n7 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $124000.00 $99,000.00 $74,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $71 ,000.00 $48,000.00 $50,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $28,161.28 $47,990.78 $49,209.16 $49,000.00 $74,000.00 $589,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $49,000.00 $73,629.02 $28,161.28 $47,990.78 $49,209.18 $49,000.00 $73,629.02 $247,990.22 $247,990.22 Description and Objectives: Resource Technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. The primary duties of State Parks' Resource Technicians include: • • • • Assure that park maintenance needs are met by planning and implementing all maintenance activities; resolving mechanical related problems; budgeting, ordering, and purchasing materials and supplies; and completing repair reports. Inspecting facilities and grounds, vehicles, equipment, and all repair and construction projects to assure quality performance, public and employee safety, and facility and resource protection. Direct and schedule the park's maintenance program, including preventative maintenance, for all park facilities, equipment, vehicles, grounds, and natural resources. Perform routine, preventative, and controlled maintenance tasks in the construction, maintenance, fabrication, and repair of buildings and facilities. Perform skilled electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, concrete, painting, staining, and welding work. Maintain and operate the park's water and electrical distribution systems, and sewage treatment systems. Prepare and maintain all records concerning the administration of the park's maintenance work program. Prepare and submit monthly maintenance section status reports. Oversee the park's fleet management program. Operate and maintain equipment including tractors, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, mowers, boats, snowplows, and various hand tools. Ensure that all vehicles and equipment are in working order. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In FY 06-07 GOCO funding supported Resource Technicians at Crawford, Golden Gate, and St. Vrain State Parks. Please note that the GOCO funding at St. Vrain indicated in the chart above also supported a Park Manager II (Park Ranger) position. 29 S124 000.01 $99,000.0C $74,000.00 $42,838.7~ $9.2l $790.6~ $0.0~ $370.911 $341 ,009.78 �Program Funding: Planning and Development 31 �Program Funding Planning and Development: Project Engineers v••, GOCO Log Number . ProjKt OBL Exp.ndllurH Total ExSMndllufM Through $139,878.70 $219,415.11 $141,000.00 Pnwloua AdJuac.d Grant Amount ExfMndlturM Through r:v ........ FYOl-47 2007 2007 07209 07201 8DSE 80HP SE Engineers P&D HP Englnaars P&D $142 ,000.00 $238,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,121 .30 $2,121 .30 $11,584.89 $11,584.89 2007 2006 07207 06219 BDRM RM Engineers P&D $141,000.00 $0.00 so.oo so.oo 2008 2008 06211 06220 7DHP 7DRM P&D HP Engineer P&D RM Engineer P&O SE Engineer $238,000.00 $141,000.00 $142,000.00 $1,058,000.00 $11,028.91 $0.00 $641.78 $11,668.74 $228,973.04 $131,499.09 $141,215.9~ $520,394.24 $131 ,499.09 $141,857.70 $532,082.98 7DSE Total Unexp•ndN r:v ... _.... Bal■nc• $238,000.00 Description and Objectives: GOCO-funded project engineers manage construction and development projects around the state ranging in size from small landscaping projects to the development of new state parks. These positions work closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. Specific objectives for capital project engineers include: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ • Plan, design, engineer, budget, contract, supervise, and inspect the design and construction of facilities and all other park infrastructure. Research and originate design alternatives with cost estimates. Provide the best design solution to reconcile a problem or situation. Determine project timelines. Implement design objectives from the inception of a project through completion of its construction . Develop procedures and methods for design of water and wastewater treatment systems. Develop Division standards on design and monitoring of water and wastewater systems. Advertise and solicit bids, evaluate contractor qualifications, and award bids to lowest qualified bidder. Compose contract plans using AutoCAD format and specifications. Select materials and methods to satisfy design objectives. Perform multidisciplinary engineering calculations for structural, electrical, HVAC, water and wastewater systems, traffic patterns, dams, lighting, and other park facilities . Supervise construction contracts for park facilities, enforce contract deadlines, verify field tests, negotiate with contractors for changes in contract documents, reconciles contract discrepancies, and approve or reject workmanship and/or materials. Calculate quantities of work and materials for payment. Compose pay sheets and daily logs, accounts for construction funds, and determine amount of intermediate and final contract payments. Originate and draft regulatory permitting applications including site applications for wastewater facilities, Army Corps of Engineer 404 permits, permits specific to 33 $0.00 $18,500.91 $142.30 $523,937.02 �• • the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, and local permit requirements. Direct, supervise, and approve the work of professional consultants including engineers, architects, and land surveyors. In consultation with the Division Water Program Manager, monitor the physical condition of dams within the Division and collaborate with the State Engineer's Office, County Emergency Preparedness officers, and state park managers to complete emergency plans. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In FY 06-07 GOCO funding supported four Project Engineers to achieve the position objectives outlined above. This position facilitated the use of GOCO funding at parks and program areas sysyemwide. These engineers work on a wide variety of projects supported by multiple funding sources. Specific GOCO-funded projects that these positions worked on in FY 06-07 include: • • • • ■ ■ ■ Army Corps Cost Share projects at Chatfield, Cherry Creek, and Trinidad State Parks. A reservoir improvement project at State Forest State Park Revenue enhancement projects at Golden Gate, Trinidad, Ridgway, Navajo, Castlewood Canyon, Pueblo, Sylvan Lake, Cherry Creek, and Mueller State Parks Road improvement projects at Steamboat Lake State Park Major development at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Major development at St. Vrain State Park Campground development and other improvement projects at Yampa River State Park 34 �Program Funding Planning and 9evelopment: Capital Projects Manager YHr 2007 2008 2005 Total PIWYIOUa GOCO Log Number- GBL 07210 06221 80CP 70CP Capital Proleets Mgr P&D P&D Capihll Projects Mgmt 05222 60MC Capital Projeets Manager AdJuated Grant Project Amount ExpendlturN Through FY0S-47 l!llpendlturas Total $0.00 so.oo $39,471.01 $39,478.01 Through r:v ... _,... r:Yll ■ .11& $77,000.00 $79,321 .71 $57,889.29 $214,208.00 Expenditures $0.00 S5',631 .31 $18,408.28 $77,039.6' Unexpended lhllance $0.00 $61,831 .38 $57,888.29 $118,517.87 Description and Objectives: This position manages and administers the State Parks' CAPTRS system. This software allows State Parks to track construction project progress and expenditures and provide regular reports. Throughout our agency's 41 state parks, at any given time a large number of capital projects are in some stage of the development process - planning and budgeting, contracting and procurement, actual construction, or post-construction billing activities. Additionally, funding for these projects often comes from numerous state and federal government sources. In light of this complexity, Colorado State Parks has developed an automated capital project tracking and reporting system (CAPTRS), centrally administrated and managed but implemented on an agency-wide level. This program allows staff from State Parks' Capital Development, Financial Services, and Planning programs to closely track the status of each capital project and its multiple funding sources, and enhances our agency's reporting capabilities. CAPTRS provides the ability to quickly and easily capture and move information from a project manager in the field (or a manager in a region office) to the Denver Administrative office, where project progress and funding can be reviewed and tracked. CAPTRS also provides auditing capabilities, allowing Financial Services and other staff to easily track funding reallocations and transfers. Specific objectives for the Capital Projects Manager position include: • • • Manage the data integrity of the system by actively directing the coordination of the data selection process. Coordinate with Financial Services to validate what data is needed from capital development projects to provide thorough tracking, auditing and reporting capabilities. Provide system administration for each region, park, project, and program staff member to ensure proper user access credentials are provided in accordance with policies, rules, and procedures. Track capital development functions, documents production changes or enhancements, and report those changes to appropriate staff members. Develop and manage capital development document filing and archival system procedures to facilitate document storage and retrieval. 35 $77,000.00 $20,690.33 $0.00 $97,690.33 �• Manage the CAPTRS system orientation and training materials and conduct orientation and training sessions to familiarize Parks staff and stakeholders with system functions, attributes, capabilities, and utility in managing capital project development and financial reporting functions. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: • • ■ • ■ ■ ■ Defined agency business requirements by conducting organizational analysis and evaluation of capital development policies and procedures including statutes, planning, budgeting, funding, procurement, project management, and reporting Created standardized forms, processes, and documents for tracking and use of capital development funds Created State Parks Concept of Operations for the Capital Project Tracking and Reporting System, outlining a draft project scope Created process outline and testing script documents for user acceptance testing for staff to follow through testing of the CAPTRS, while providing oversight, tracking and monitoring of all staff levels Developed training documents for staff on how to fully utilize the system, while integrating draft standard operating procedures for staff where applicable Conducted multiple Region and Denver Office staff trainings on use of the system Managed day-to-day CAPTRS system operations 36 �Program Funding . Planning and Development: Planning and Development Ye■ r GOCO Log Ptwlou. GBL AdJuated Grant Project Amount Number 2007 2006 07184 08191 8DAC 7DAC P&D Accounting $75,000.00 $85,000.00 $180,000.00 P&D Accounting Total l!xpendlturN Through FY nll.llA $0.00 $8 ,451.05 $8,451.05 Total FY08-47 Expendlturu Ellpendltu'" Through Un.xpendecl Balance FYM.A7 $4,021.59 $72,781 .43 $78,797.02 $4,021.59 $81,219.48 $70,971 .41 $3,780.52 $85 248.07 $74 751.93 Description and Objectives: This position serves as the agency's liaison with GOCO and is the primary point of contact between GOCO and State Parks. The position serves as a resource for both GOCO and State Parks staff and provides information, analysis, and recommendations regarding State Parks issues. Specific objectives for the Planning and Development position include: ■ • • ■ • • Serve as the Division's liaison with GOCO staff and the GOCO Board. Coordinate agency relations with GOCO. Attend all GOCO Board and Board Subcommittee meetings throughout the calendar year; make presentations and provide informational reports as needed. Provide recommendations and analysis to agency leadership regarding the expenditure of GOCO funds. Consult with program and project managers to determine appropriate allocation of GOCO funds . Based on this analysis, recommend program and project funding levels to leadership for the agency's annual GOCO Spending Plan. Responsible for the preparation of the Division's annual GOCO Spending Plan. Produce the Division's Annual Report to GOCO. Respond to information requests by GOCO staff and the GOCO Board and produce specific reports as needed. Report regularly to GOCO staff and the GOCO Board about the expenditure of GOCO funds and the status of GOCO-funded programs and projects within the agency. Serve as State Parks' primary planner regarding the GOCO program and GOCO funding. Analyze existing and future fiscal, policy, and program situations for the agency and recommend how best to use GOCO funds. Assist with the implementation of the Division's Strategic Plan, annual budget request to the General Assembly, and other projects by recommending the allocation of GOCO resources on a statewide basis. Work closely with staff for GOCO-funded programs including the State Trails Program, the Volunteer Program, the Public Information Program, the Resources Management Program, the Real Estate Program, and the Water Program. Complete special projects including grant proposals for the Open Space and Large-Scale grant cycles. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: 37 �In FY 06-07 GOCO funding supported 1.0 Planning FTE to achieve the position objectives outlined above. This position facilitated the use of GOCO funding at parks and program areas sysyemwide. 38 �Program Funding Planning and Development: Accounting Year 2007 2006 GOCO Log Numb.r 07184 06191 Pnivlou■ GBl 80AC 7DAC Project AdJu■ted Grant Amount P&D Accounting P&O Accounting $75,000.00 $85,000.00 Expendltun11 Through FY nil.AA $0.00 $8 451 .05 Total FY 08-07 Expendltuni■ Un•xpended ExpendlturM Through S.l■nce FVM-117 $4,028.59 $4,028.59 $70,971.41 $72,768.43 $81,219.48 $3,780.52 Description and Objectives: This full-time position performs work directly related to ongoing administration of State Parks' GOCO program, including grant administration and oversight; generation of monthly billings to GOCO; grant extensions, transfers, and deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and communication and coordination with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Specific objectives for the Accounting position include: ■ • • • • Manage the Division grants program in accordance with Division goals for financial accounting objectives and regulations, within limits set by state fiscal rules, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and the Colorado Revised Statutes. Determine the accounting processes and coding structure for the Division's Grant Module in the Colorado Official Financial Reporting System (COFRS). Review all federal, state, quasi-state, and local grant agreements to comply with DNR and Division regulations. Analyze complicated accounting and fiscal data to plan, design, and implement internal sub-systems as needed for Division-wide project accounting objectives. Determine accounting code process, operational, and design improvements to the Grant and Project modules as needed to meet Division grant accounting reporting goals. Advise GOCO funded parks, programs, projects, and positions of GOCO budget allocation breakdowns by operating, utilities, personal services, and SWP budgets. Advise park managers and staff, program managers, and Financial Services staff of proper GOCO codes and use of budget. Manage, determine, and maintain grant accounting codes for funds, appropriations, grants, and grant budget lines for all federal, state, GOCO, Lottery, local, and non-profit funding. Determine grant fund conflicts and accounting issues and recommend solutions. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In FY 06-07 GOCO funding supported 1.0 Accounting FTE to achieve the position objectives outlined above. This position facilitated the use of GOCO funding at parks and program areas sysyemwide. 39 �Program Funding: Land and Water Protection 41 �Program Funding Land and Water Protection: Resource Management Program v.., 2007 2007 2008 2008 2005 2005 QOCO Log Number QBL 07179 07180 08185 08188 05184 05184 8NRM 8NRP 7NRM 7NRP &GIO &GIS AdJuated Grant Amount Pro)ect Natural RHource Mgmt Natural Resource ProJecta Nat Resource Mgmt Nat Resource ProJecta GIS PlanJStowardshlp Ops GIS Plan/Stewardship Ops Total $189,000.00 $222,995.00 $189,000.00 $212,000.00 $15,000.00 $395,192.00 $1 ,183,187.00 Prwk>ua E,cpendlturN Through FY"•-"" $0.00 $0.00 $558.58 $0.00 $14,989.88 $338,879.94 $354,408.40 FY~7 ExpendltuNa Total Exp•ndltul'ff Through Unexpendld $0.00 $0,00 $183,371 .51 $189,078.15 $0.00 $56,148.08 $408,593.71 $0.00 $0.00 $163,928.14 $189,078.15 $14,989.88 $395,028.00 $763,000.17 Description and Objectives: The Colorado State Parks Resource Management Program exists to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation values of Colorado's public recreation areas. The program provides leadership and assistance to agency staff on a variety of resource issues, and is responsible for five major program areas: • • • • • Resource stewardship plans for each state park GIS production and management Threatened and endangered species reviews Forest fuel mitigation Natural Areas Program coordination Resource stewardship plans developed by this program contain information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. On-the-ground surveys are conducted to map and document the condition of the vegetation, rare plants, weeds, aquatic nuisance species and selected wildlife habitat, then comprehensive Stewardship Plans are produced to guide park staff on goals and details of protection of significant resources. Program staff have also developed management prescriptions which focus on weed management, park-specific re-vegetation, guidance on dealing with specific resource issues (wildlife/trash interactions, rattlesnakes, large predators, cottonwood/willow maintenance, etc.), as well as monitoring methods, based on each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities. Volunteer monitoring is also an important aspect of this program. GIS production and management for planning and maintenance is an ongoing activity of this program. GIS data is collected with GPS or compiled from other sources (engineering drawings, etc.) and maintained for every park to create a variety of maps, including trail maps. The data is also used to answer questions, such as how many miles of trail are present, or for planning (avoiding sensitive plants, animal habitat or cultural resources when creating a new trail). Also boundary and parcel information is tracked in GIS, including data on which parcels are purchased with which funding source, how many acres and where we have easements. Utilities and maintenance 43 Balance FYna_,., $169,000.00 $222,995.00 sa.011 .8e $22,923.8~ $30.12 $1&8.00 $420 186.83 �information is tracked and includes data such as noxious weed locations and water, sewer and electric line locations. All park field offices have GIS data installed and have at least one staff member trained in its use. State Parks has more detailed GIS information for planning and maintenance than most agencies in Colorado. Threatened and endangered species reviews conducted by the Resource Management Program are a vital step in State Parks' capital development process. Program staff review development project descriptions, review GIS information on habitat and species occurrence in the region of the project, visit the site of the project to conduct habitat evaluations, and consult with regional biologists and park staff in order to produce a recommendation regarding a given project's compliance with state and federal regulations. The Natural Areas Program has 78 designated and 25 registered natural areas which protect elements of statewide significance and importance. These areas can be owned by federal, state, or private entities and the program's role is to ensure proper stewardship of these rare and special areas through cooperative agreements. Areas are designated if they have the best representative and intact areas for rare plants, rare animals, native ecosystems, unique geology and unique paleontology. Protection of these areas requires vigilant monitoring accomplished with a cadre of over 100 volunteers. Volunteers monitor these areas with consistent photo monitoring and technical forms, as well as technical plant counts. Staff visits 15-30 designated or registered sites a year, as well as several new sites to be surveyed and evaluated for inclusion in the system. The program has a small budget for stewardship protection projects, such fence building or weed work, for which matching funds are provided by the landowners. Forest management/fuel mitigation is an ongoing State Parks' program that actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments will also reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many Colorado State Parks and maintain our continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: GOCO funding supports 2.0 of the program's 3.0 FTE plus significant seasonal support and helps the Resource Management Program achieve the objectives outlined above. Specific accomplishments in FY 06-07 include: Resource Stewardship • Final drafts produced for 3 stewardship plans (all subsequently approved and adopted by Region Managers). 44 �• • • • • • • • • • • • • Resource inventories, including vegetation and wildlife surveys, were competed at Arkansas Headwaters, John Martin, and were started at Lone Mesa and State Forest. Stewardship meetings were conducted at 4 parks to obtain information from staff, partner agencies and volunteers. Weed Inventories were completed at Boyd Lake and various parcels of Arkansas Headwaters. Aquatic weed inventory was conducted at Chatfield Lake, Lathrop and San Luis Lakes. Draft Stewardship Plans were produced for John Martin and Arkansas Headwaters State Parks. Resource inventories and plans were started at Lone Mesa and Arkansas Headwaters. When these are complete, the agency will have complete resource inventories and resource management plans for all state parks except State Forest and Lone Mesa. Rare plant surveys were conducted at Staunton, Pueblo State Park and parts of Arkansas Headwaters. Detailed surveys and advice on re-vegetation and restoration projects were provided to 6 parks. Hawk, eagle and owl surveys were conducted at Staunton, Golden Gate and Eldorado parks. Boreal toad surveys were conducted at Golden Gate State Park. Volunteers continued to monitor raptor nesting sites at 10 state parks. Two volunteer raptor meetings were held. Detailed resource management trainings were held for groups of approximately 30 staff and volunteers at 2 park regions (SE and RM). Coordination with 10 other partners was conducted to assist in the writing of a statewide Aquatic Nuisance Species plan. GIS • • • • GIS software and data sets were installed at 4 state park offices. All park field offices now have access to GIS mapping data. GIS evaluations of threatened and endangered species habitat were conducted for assorted park projects; this project included one major consultation with USFWS staff. Two field cameras were purchased to support field work. Support was provided to Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek for a maintenance utilities mapping and GIS database development project. Natural Areas • • Staff monitored and made site visits to 51 Natural Areas (34 designated, 6 registered, and 11 identified). Staff coordinated monitoring and site visits by 85 volunteers at 69 designated and registered Natural Areas. 45 �• • • • • • • ■ ■ Staff conducted four Natural Areas Council Meetings and two Volunteer Steward Meetings. CNAP funded in depth training on plant identification and bird calls for three volunteers; CNAP staff initiated and coordinated a Rare Plant Monitoring Steward training program with the Denver Botanic Gardens. Surveys of rare plants were conducted at 20 Natural Areas, in conjunction with volunteers and staff from several other agencies, including the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, CNHP, and USFWS. Complete plant lists were collected at two designated Natural Areas (Gateway Palisade and Shell Rock), utilizing roving volunteer stewards from the Denver Botanic Gardens. Intensive monitoring projects were completed at five Natural Areas (High Mesa, Dudley Bluffs, Park Creek, Duck Creek and Bonny Prairie). Staff oversaw management coordination and protection projects at 7 Natural Areas, some funded with GOCO, some funded or matched with Lottery funds. Projects include stabilization of deteriorating dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge (funded with Lottery - $6000), stipulations in a wind energy lease for protection of rare plants and raptors at Chalk Bluffs, a protective fence at Pyramid Rock, and noxious weed work at Brush Creek Fen, Jimmy Creek, Park Creek and Blue Mountain. The program was awarded USFWS section 6 grants totaling $25,000 for more surveys and modeling through the CNAP, as well as $4000 for surveying and • reporting of a rare lpomopsis plant. Staff implemented the 2006 Outreach Plan, including presentations to the Colorado Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, Garden Clubs, NatureServe, the Parks Board, GOCO parks committee, the Colorado.Legislature and Boulder City Club; the CNAP website was updated; CNAP received national press coverage in the High Country News, as well as statewide press coverage in several newspapers, including the Denver Post, Grand Junction Sentinel, Montrose Daily Press and Glenwood Springs Post Independent; CNAP had a radio spot on Colorado Public Radio and television appearances on Colorado Getaways. The program purchased a 43 acre ranch near Montrose with the best population of an endangered plant endemic to only Montrose and Delta counties, the ClayLoving Wild Buckwheat. Match funding came from the Lottery ($13,000), USFWS ($159,000), The Nature Conservancy ($40,000). The property will be managed by the Nature Conservancy in a zero cost agreement. No GOCO funds were used for this purchase, but GOCO provided staff time made this accomplishment possible. Note: The Resource Management Program also manages State Parks' Wildfire Prevention program. For more information on Wildfire Prevention activities in FY 06-07, please see pages 74-75. 46 �Program Funding Land and Water Protection: Vegetation Management Prevloll• GOCO Year Log Number GBL Ac1Ju•t9d Gl'llnt Amount Project ExpendllurN Through FY 09-07 Expendlturn ~V ftlUMII Total Expendllurn Through Un.xpend~ Balance FYllll.117 2007 07171 8NRS Natural RHource Pro]ectll-SE $90,000.00 $0.00 $20,111.05 $20,118.05 $69,811 .95 2007 2007 07178 07178 8NRH Natural Reaource Pro]ectll-HP Natul'III Re1ource Projecu-RM $90,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $13,519.79 $13,519.79 $0.00 $0.00 $78,410.21 $90,000.00 2008 2008 2008 08184 08184 08184 05184 $23,443.43 $11,019.03 $90,000.00 $77,137.41 $0.00 $12,882.52 $11,723.35 $121,578.10 $104,841.00 $1,278.85 $328.90 $198.0C $515,917.77 $251 ,028.23 2005 2005 05184 BNRR 7NRH Resource Regional Pro]ecta SE Resource Reglonal Projects HP 7NRR 8GSS Reaource R&Qlonal ProJectll RM Veg Mgmt Op SE 6GSR Vea Mgmt Op SE 7NRS $90,000.00 $90,000.00 Total $90,000.00 $90,000.00 $121,905.00 so.oo $88,558.57 $88,111.45 $88,723.35 $121 ,578.10 so.oo $105,039.00 $788,944.00 $99,978.21 $258,018.8~ $4,862.72 $259,891.93 Description and Objectives: Grants through Great Outdoors Colorado for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts continue the momentum we have built to contain noxious weed infestation at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative, effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to initiate proactive efforts to better manage the natural habitats at our parks. Primary efforts include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means; development of integrated weed management plans; selective application of herbicides; bio-controls and weed agents; and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has played an important role in these efforts as well. A large portion of our efforts are cooperative, with local county weed control coordinators, county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service, and adjoining landowners playing an important role. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: High Plains Region • • ■ • Barr Lake State Park - Contract weed spraying for noxious weed control (primary species are Canada thistle, musk thistle and white top (B List species); purchase herbicide for staff application. Boyd Lake State Park - Purchased herbicides for staff application. Castlewood Canyon State Park - Contract weed spraying for noxious weed control (primary species are knapweed (A list), thistles and leafy spurge (B list); purchase herbicide for staff application; staff training for herbicide applicator licensing. Chatfield State Park - Contract weed spraying of 125 acres for diffuse knapweed (A list) and thistles (B list); contract spraying for beetle/borer infestation in pine trees in campground loop D; Eurasian Water Milfoil control; herbicides and fertilizers for staff application; native grass seed and mulch. 47 �• • • • • • • • • • Cherry Creek State Park - Contract weed spraying for knapweed and tamarisk (A list), toadflax, thistles and spurge (B list); herbicides and pesticides for staff application; native seed and mulch. Eldorado Canyon State Park - Contract weed spraying for noxious weeds; native grass seed for the North Picnic Area restoration project. • Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Contract weed spraying for noxious weeds. Jackson Lake State Park - Contract weed spraying for noxious weed control; native grass seed and mulch for the South Lakeside Campground restoration; trees for the Northview Campground windbreak. Lory State Park - Contract weed spraying with Larimer County for noxious weeds; biological control agents for Dalmation Toadflax (B list); herbicides for staff application. North Sterling State Park - Herbicides for noxious weed control throughout the park including park trails and high use pads in campgrounds and picnic areas to control spread of seeds. Roxborough State Park - Contract weed spraying for noxious weeds; update of weed management plan. St. Vrain State Park - Herbicides for staff application to control noxious weeds; vector control. State Forest State Park - Herbicides for staff application to control noxious weeds. (Funding for pine beetle control comes out of different funding). Staunton State Park - Contract weed spraying for toadflax, thistle and leafy spurge (B list); native grass seed for re-vegetation. Southeast Region • • • • • • • Ongoing noxious weed control (chemical, biological, chemical) at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Bonny, Eleven Mile, John Martin, Mueller, Lake Pueblo, Spinney and Trinidad. Hired seasonal employees to accomplish vegetative management program goals at AHRA, Lathrop and Lake Pueblo. Removed dead trees and selectively thinned at AHRA, Bonny and Trinidad. Continued tamarisk control efforts at Bonny, Eleven Mile, Spinney, John Martin, Lake Pueblo and Trinidad, partnering with federal and local agencies, the CSU Cooperative Extension, and adjacent landowners. Treated 5 miles of Cheyenne Mountain trails with bare ground pre-emergent herbicide. Re-seeded/re-vegetated renovated campground at Lathrop. Re-vegetated and fertilized selected areas in Carpios Ridge at Trinidad. Rocky Mountain Region • • Trees were planted at Ridgway, Sylvan, and Vega State Parks. Vegetative management (weed spraying) activities were conducted at James M. Robb-Colorado River (included GPS weed mapping), Crawford, Highline, Lone Mesa, Mancos, Paonia, Navajo, Ridgway, Rifle Gap, Stagecoach, Steamboat Lake, Sweitzer, Sylvan, Vega and Yampa State Parks. 48 �• • • • • Annual Moffat County weed management program was implemented for Yampa State Park. This provides a cooperative aerial weed-spraying program between the park and Moffat County. An ongoing forest management program was performed at Ridgway State Park. This included assessment and entemology of the Elk Ridge campground. Certain trees were identified for removal in order to improve forest health and resistance to beetle infestation. Critical, healthy trees were sprayed for protection. Tree thinning and beetle-kill tree removal activities were accomplished at Steamboat Lake State Park. This included dead tree removal, tree spraying and campground tree thinning. Hazardous and dead tree trimming and tree and ground litter removal (fire fuels mitigation) was completed at Lone Mesa, Mancos, Navajo, and Ridgway State Parks. Turf health management activities were performed at Ridgway State Park. 49 �Capital Development: Land and Water Acquisition 51 �Capital Development Land and Water Acquisition: Land;_ Year GOCO Log Prevloua GBL Project Number AdJualld Grant Expendllurae FY0l-07 Amount Through Expend Ilure, FVnlU\A 2007 2008 07174 08180 8CLA 7CLA 2005 05180 8LD Land Reaource Acquisition• Land Resource• Acquisitions Land Purchase Bulfer Acq $340,000.00 $340,000.00 $285,839.00 $945,839.00 Total $0.00 $2,100.00 $143,128.70 $146,228.70 Total l!lcpendllul'M Through Unexpended Balance FVn•-"T $0.00 $4,593.09 $14,760.00 $19,343.09 $0.00 $8,893.09 $340,000.00 $333,308.91 $157,878.70 $184,571.79 $107,780.30 $781,087.21 Description and Objectives: This funding enables the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In-holdings and adjoining lands at state parks, like Golden Gate Canyon, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area , Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes and right-ofway problems. Colorado State Parks might also use GOCO funds to acquire (or purchase conservation easements on) lands that are not directly adjacent to or within a state park, in order to fulfill other aspects of State Parks' mission. These acquisitions and/or easements could include parcels that comprise designated or new Natural Areas or trail corridor connections. State Parks must be opportunistic in purchasing land, leases and easements when the need or availability arises. These GOCO funds provide matching funds for larger land projects with partners such as counties, non-profit conservation organizations, individuals and others. Land acquisition funds are also used to obtain boundary surveys, appraisals, consulting and other real estate services. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Funds spent from the two buffer acquisitions accounts above for FY06-07 included various program costs covering appraisals, boundary surveys, Phase I environmental audits, lease payments and recording fees. No land purchases using these funds occurred during this fiscal year. State Parks is currently pursuing several potential transactions. Actual property acquisitions are made by the program when targeted opportunities become economically attractive. Property valuation, zoning changes, conservation easements and availability of funding matches are some of the factors that determine the feasibility and timing of specific property purchases. 53 �With this background, potential targets for acquisition in the near future could include the following : • • • • • • • Canon City Royal Gorge river take-out site at Arkansas Headwaters Hayden Ranch river parcels at Arkansas Headwaters Preshaw property at Roxborough Various parcels at Colorado River State Park Douglas property at Highline Lake Purchase/exchange of adjoining property at Lone Mesa Purchase/exchange of adjoining property at Staunton Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for the Real Estate Program. For information about the Real Estate Program's operations funding, please see page 7. 54 �Capital Development Land and Water Acquisition: Water YNr GOCO Log AdJulted Grant Amount Project Get. Number 2007 2006 2005 200<4 07176 06182 05182 04202 Prwk>U& ExpendlturN Through r:vn•.n• FYot~7 Expenditure, Unexpended Balance 'f'V M.117 8CWA Water Reaoun:e Ac:qulsltlons $100,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 7CWA &WR Water Reioun:11 Acqul1ltlon1 Water Resoun:e and Acq Cap $384,184.00 $1,525,218.00 $0.00 $1 ,085,229.00 $39,315.83 $99,000.00 WP5C Water Prlorftle1 Capli.J $300,000.00 $2,309,382.00 $0.00 $1,085,229.00 $300,000.00 Total Total ExpendlturH Through $438 315.83 $0.00 $39,315.83 $100,000.0t'l $1,184,229.00 $340,989.00 $0.00 $300,000.00 $1,523,544.83 Description and Objectives: The State Parks Water Program provides expertise, leadership, and protects the Division's interests in all water resource issues. The program currently consists of 1.0 FTE assisted with significant seasonal worker (SWP) and contract employee support. The program coordinates and oversees all aspects of water resource planning for the Division, including establishing water budget priorities, supervising all of the Division's water court actions, accounting for all permitting in accordance with state and federal law, analyzing statewide recreational water needs, and coordinating with user groups and agencies to maximize the state's water resources for recreational purposes. These GOCO funds enable an ongoing effort by State Parks to secure water for certain parks that experience inadequate recreational water levels. The wide array of water needs within the Division requires State Parks to acquire water through a number of mechanisms, including water purchases, less conventional water options and leases, innovative cooperative agreements with water users, and lease or purchase of storage space in reservoirs. If these water needs are not addressed, water levels in State Parks-managed reservoirs and streams drop significantly, water quality can be degraded, and the surrounding natural resources may be impacted. These in turn negatively impact park visitation and revenue. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: • • • • • FY 06-07 GOCO funds secured the lease of 700 acre-feet of water from Coors Brewing Company for use at Cherry Creek State Park. State Parks also leased 1333 acre-feet of water from the City of Aurora to be used to enhance recreational water levels at Cherry Creek Reservoir. GOCO funding was used for the ongoing operation and maintenance costs at Bonny Dam and Highline Dam. FY 06-07 funds provided for the lease of 600 acre-feet of temporary water storage in the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project for use at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. State Parks purchased 3082 acre feet of water from Pueblo Board of Water Works to maintain stream-flows in Arkansas River through Pueblo and for 55 $344,848.17 $785 837.17 �• storage at John Martin State Park using GOCO funds (cost-share with Division of Wildlife). FY 06-07 GOCO funding was also used to lease 15 shares from the Farmer's Irrigation Company, which translates into approximately 22.5 acre feet of water for construction use at Rifle Gap State Park. Future Acquisitions/Leases: The large unexpended balance for this GOCO-funded program reflects a large impending water purchase at John Martin State Park. Funds from FY 06-07and earlier GOCO logs will be encumbered in order to acquire the Keesee Ditch II water rights that will enhance recreational water levels at John Martin State Park. This purchase has been tied up in water court for an extended period of time, but is nearing resolution. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for the Water Program. For information about the Water Program's operations funding, please see pages 8-9. 56 �Capital Development: Enhancements 57 �Capital Development Enhancements: Army Corps Cost Share ~ r Prevlou• GOCO Log Number GBL 2007 2007 071 82 07182 8CAK IICAD Army Con, Cost Share-Cherry Creek Army Corp Cost Share-Chatfleld 2008 2008 2005 2005 08188 06188 05187 05187 7CAK 7CAD &ACC &ACT Army Con, Cherry Creek GOS Army Corp Chatfleld GOB Yffr AdJu•ted Grant Amount ProJect $500,000.00 $500,000.00 $625,000.00 Army Co~ CS Cherry Creek Anny Corp s CS Trinidad Total $325,000.00 $1 ,024,000.00 $50,000.00 $3,024,000.00 l!xpendltulN Through FY05-M $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $120,705.11 $220,911 .68 $570.55 $342,187.32 FYOe-47 ExpendlturM $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $183,151.08 $418,302.85 $3,911 .011 $683,371.79 Total ExpendlturM Through Unexpend4td Balance FY n&Jl7 $0.00 $0.00 $500,000.00 $500,000.00 $0.00 $283,863.17 $837,214.31 $4,481.83 $925,559.11 $825,000.00 $41,136.83 $388,785.&S $48,618.37 $2,098,440.89 Description and Objectives: After five years of negotiation, Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements in early 2003 to participate in a landmark 50/50 monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad State Parks. This partnership allows for a combined total of up to $38 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will come primarily from GOCO and Lottery funding, with a small amount of HUTF funding. Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad combined host nearly three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contain many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors presently seen . While State Parks has invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities are 25 to 30 years old and are unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks. The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to implement a vision for the future. The U.S. Army Corps, as landowner, and Colorado State Parks, as land manager, share a responsibility for the successful stewardship of these three parks. As part of the agreement, Colorado State Parks renewed 25-year management leases on all three properties. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Chatfield State Park • Completed the construction of a 2,006 square foot camper services building (restrooms, showers and laundry). The building was 90% complete at the end of June 2006. 59 �• • • • Completed the concept design of the Plum Creek Trail extension to the top of the dam. Completed the construction of improvements to the main road. The work included 3,264 feet of road widening to add two 6' -wide bike lanes and overlaid with 2" inches of asphalt. Started the design of improvements to restore approximately 250 linear feet of the South Platte River bank. The project was approximately 25% complete at the end of June 2006. Replaced the Deer Creek Primary Electrical Transformer. Cherry Creek State Park ■ • ■ • • ■ ■ ■ ■ • • • • • Completed two 1, 750-square foot camper shower buildings (restrooms and showers). One building was 70% complete and the other was 45% complete at the end of June 2006. Completed the design of a 2,066 square foot Camper Service Building (restrooms, showers and laundry). Completed the design of the South Side Water Line Improvements. This project will extend a 4 inch water line from near the park office to the Shooting Center, approximately 5,300 feet of pipe. Started the construction of the South Side Water Line Improvements, approximately 30% complete by June 30, 2007. Completed the design of three group picnic shelters. Two shelters are 1,300 square feet in size and contain one toilet and the other is 2,400 square feet and contains two toilets. Started construction of two Group Picnic Shelters, one large and one smaller. At the end of June 2007 the work was 25% complete. Completed the design of a 2,325 square foot Camper Registration Building. Started the construction of the Camper Registration building. Building construction was 80% complete at the end of June 2007. Completed the design of the Campground Hub Road. This project includes construction of 2,300 linear feet of new roads and abandonment of 1,600 feet of old roads. Started construction of the Campground Hub Road. Road was 40% complete at the end June 2007. Completed the renovation of the three sewage lift stations in the park. Started the construction of the trail at the face of the dam. The trail will be approximately 1,400 feet long when completed. The trail was about 70 % completed at the end of June 2007. Completed the design of the West Entrance Gate and Signs project. This project includes electronic gates, entrance sign, multimedia sign and a self service pay station. Started the construction of the West Entrance Gate and Signs project. At the end of June 2007 the project was about 80% complete. 60 ,. �Trinidad Lake State Park In an important step for the on-g·oing redevelopment at the park, the U.S. Army Corps of Engjneers prepared and processed the environmental clearances required for the first phase of redevelopment as defined by the Park Master Plan. First phase accomplishments include: • • • • Aerial mapping and survey has been completed for the entire park. The new Waste Water Treatment Facility Plan was submitted to the Health Dept for approval. It is expected that Construction will take place in early 2008. Electrical and Site design Construction Documents for the updates to Carpios Ridge Campground were completed and approved and are ready for construction in Sept 2008. As additional funds become available in 2008, design and construction of improvements identified in the Master Plan will commence. 61 �Capital Development Enhancements: Reservoir Improvements GOCO YHr log GBL AdJuatad Grant Amount Project Number 2005 05217 PrevloUI Expendltll'" Through Total FY0l-47 Exp1111dltu'" Ranger l•k•• $450,000.00 $450,000.00 Total $289,915.82 $289,915.82 Unexp.nded e.11nce r:Y MJl7 FYllll.M RLP Expendltu'" Through S180,0114.07 $180,084.07 $449,999.89 $449,999.89 Description and Objectives: The Ranger Lakes reservoir enhancement project helped rehabilitate dams at State Forest's Ranger Lakes area, an important visitor draw at the park. The Ranger Lakes section of the park includes the Ranger Lakes Campground and is a very popular fishing destination during the high-use season. This area of the park includes prime hunting habitat for the many bald eagles that inhabit the park and is a moose watering hole, making the lakes especially attractive for wildlife watching. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: The middle dam of Upper Ranger Lakes failed in spring 2004 and drained most of the water out of the lake. During summer 2004 the lake and dams were surveyed, geotechnical explorations were completed and construction documents were prepared for the replacement of the middle dam. The project was bid and the replacement of the middle dam was completed in December 2004. In July 2005 the design of the east and west dams was completed, including a new spillway and outlet works. The project was bid in August/September and construction began in October. Cold weather conditions shut the project down for the winter at the end of November. Work on the project resumed in June 2006 after the winter snows melted and the soils dried out. The work was completed in September 2006. In addition, the lower lake dam was removed and reconstructed including a new spillway pipe. The lakes were returned to service in September 2006. 62 $0.11 $0.11 �Capital Development Enhancements: Revenue Enhancements Prevlou1 GOCO YHr Log GBL AdjUltlCI Grant Amount ProJKI Number 2007 2007 2006 2006 2008 2006 2008 2005 2004 2004 2003 07183 07183 08189 08189 06189 06189 05252 05279 04210 04209 03088 Total ExpendlturM FY ot-07, Expenditure, Through Ellp1ndlllll'H Through FV ftA-"" BCGG 8CNJ 7CGG 7CTR 7CNJ 7CRG 8SPU &CWT CN5C RV5B CAB Rev Enhanc1ment-Golden Gate Rev Enhancement-Navajo R/E Golden O.te Cabin Upgrade R/E Trinidad Campground Upgrade R/E Navalo Marina Upgrade R/E Ridgway Marina Pueblo Honor Farm Homestead Bridge & Trail - Castlewood Cherry Crk Concessions & lmpvr Rev Enhance Sylvan Cabin Cabin• Total f/.Vfta_AT $250,000.00 $430,000.00 $250,000.00 $51 ,000.00 $271,100.00 $157,900.00 $17,481 .00 $«,472.00 $36e,000.00 $275,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $268,397.00 $1211,781 .0Q $2,439.70 $4,670.87 $120,343.98 $245,513.34 $0.00 $0.00 $187,783.91 $0.00 $4,703.00 $29,139.00 $15,021.30 $27,520.00 $94,942.73 $29,4'8.86 $90,000.00 $2,202,933 .00 $87,278.18 $838,403.85 $18,811 .53 $385,208.13 $0.00 $0.00 $187,783.91 $0.00 $271,100.00 $157,900.00 $17,481.00 $32,190.67 $21&,28S.71 $250,000.00 $430,000.00 $82,218.09 $51 ,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $12,281 .33 $150,713.29 $275,000.00 $83,889.89 $1,220,811.98 $0.00 $8,110.31 $982,321.02 Description and Objectives: Golden Gate Cabins: This funding and matching Lottery funds are allocated for remodeling of the Harmsen Ranch houses and barns and the Green Ranch. These facilities will be available for full-service rental to State Park visitors. The original Harmsen Ranch house was built at the turn of the 20th century and has had several building additions over the life of the structure. The remodeling plans include a new well, water treatment facilities, new water and electrical service to the house, new, drainage improvements, remodeling of the kitchen and bathrooms, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, structural improvements, new flooring , upgraded electrical wiring in the house and barn, insulation, new windows and replacement of deteriorating exterior siding. The barn remodeling includes structural repairs, a new roof, removal of old interior framing, and installation of new horse stalls. The Green Ranch house was built in the 1960s and is a frame-type construction with a brick veneer. An architectural firm will be hired to evaluate the house and provide recommendations for improving the structure for rental of the house to the public. One of the main considerations for the improvements is to provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access. An additional goal for the project is to change the 1960s frame house architecture to mountain recreation/ranch architecture. Trinidad Campground: There are currently seven picnic sites on the south shore of Trinidad Lake. These sites are located above the high-water line, offer easy access to the lake and have excellent views in all directions. State Parks plans to convert the existing picnic sites into campsites and install three new campsites, for a total of ten campsites. The existing picnic sites are underutilized and would better serve the public as campsites. Ridgway Marina: This funding was allocated for the construction of new marina facilities to support boating activities on Ridgway reservoir. This effort became 63 UnexpendlCI Balance �necessary after the longtime concessionaire ended its contract with the state and removed the reservoir's existing marina facility. State Parks has identified a need for the replacement of these amenities and is committed to providing the public with state-ofthe-art marina facilities. Navajo Marina: Since Navajo became a state park in the 1960s our agency has operated a marina at the park through a private concessionaire. When the last concession contract ended in 2001, the concessionaire was the only bidder for a new contract, but that contractor and the State could not come to terms. Utilizing GOCO funding, in addition to other funding sources, State Parks undertook the development of new marina facilities. The first phase of development has been named the Two Rivers Marina and was opened to the public in 2005. State Parks will continue developing amenities at the marina to further enhance the visitor experience. Castlewood Canyon Bridge and Trail: This funding was allocated for the reconstruction of the Homestead Bridge and associated trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park. The original Homestead Bridge was destroyed by flooding in 2002. The Homestead Bridge site is ecologically sensitive, and before construction of a new bridge could begin, Parks was required to complete extensive biological and wetlands assessments in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Parks was also required to apply for a federal permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Pueblo Honor Farm: The Pueblo Honor farm was acquired in a trade with the Colorado Department of Corrections. It was previously used as a farm to provide a work program for inmates. The Farm consists of approximately 4,000 acres, 2,000 of which is leased to the City of Pueblo. At the time of the land exchange with CDC, an agreement was made to install four miles of four-strand barbless wire on the boundary between the City of Pueblo and Colorado State Parks. Cost of the fence will be split between Parks and the City. GQ~O funding will be matched with $50,000 from the City of Pueblo to complete Parks' share of this project. The cost includes survey, staking, fence installation and signage. Sylvan Lake Cabin: This funding was allocated to rebuild Cabin #1 and associated support infrastructure at Sylvan Lake State Park. This historic cabin was lost to a fire in 2003 and major reconstruction occurred in 2005. Cherry Creek Concessions: This funding was allocated for improvements to the shooting range facility at Cherry Creek State Park. A newly selected private vendor is currently operating this range. Cabin Improvements: This GOCO funding was originally allocated for the development of cabins on state parks, including the construction of three full service cabins at Mueller State Park, among other projects. These three cabins were the first of their type within the State Parks system. The cabins have proved to be very popular and are at capacity throughout the high use season. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: 64 .. . �Golden Gate Cabins: For the Green Ranch site, a local architect was selected to develop alternatives for improvements to the ranch house. Work began in June 2006. Several alternatives were considered. It was decided it would be better to remove the existing structure and build a new structure in the mountain recreation/ranch architectural style. The architect's contract was modified to provide a concept design of the new structure. At the end of June 2007 the concept design was 50 percent complete. For Harmsen Ranch, the remodeling of the house completed in this fiscal year includes a new well, 50% completion of new water treatment facilities, improvements to the septic system, new water service to the house, new electrical service to the house and barn, drainage improvements, remodeling of the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms, new gas heating stoves, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, structural improvements, new flooring, upgraded electrical wiring in the house and barn, insulation, new windows, replacement of deteriorating exterior siding, new concrete sidewalk to the house and new concrete stairs into the house. Trinidad Campground: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as landowner, approved construction documents at the beginning of 2007. However, it wasn't until the end of September 2007 that State Parks received environmental clearance from the Corps to begin construction. Construction improvements are currently underway and as long as the weather cooperates will be completed by the end of 2007. Ridgway Marina: GOCO funding was utilized to construct the second phase of new marina facilities at Ridgway State Park. These improvements included installation of a new gangway bridge and a 45 ft. curiosity dock to support the mooring grid that was installed during the FY 05-06 construction season. This facility also allows the Parks patrol boat to remain on the lake at all times during the boating season. Navajo Marina: GOCO funding was utilized to provide additional amenities for the Parks marina, including additional dock storage boxes and safety equipment for the 24 new rental slips that were constructed in 2006. Castlewood Canyon Bridge and Trail: In February 2006 a resource assessment was performed and a permit application was submitted to the Army Corps. In March 2006 the Corps approved Parks' plan and issued the necessary permit for bridge construction. The bridge was delivered and installed in July of 2006. Two weeks later a SO-year flood washed the bridge free of its abutments. However, the new bridge was designed to break away during flooding, and was leashed to keep it from floating downstream. Amazingly, the bridge shows no physical signs of damage resulting from the flood. In August of 2006, the bridge was reset and is functioning as planned. Please note that while much of the work associated with this project occurred in FY 05-06, the majority of this project's billing occurred in July 2006, which falls within FY 06-07. Pueblo Honor Farm: In cooperation with the City of Pueblo, the property boundary surveying, staking, fence and sign installation were all completed in FY 06-07. 65 �Sylvan Lake Cabin: GOCO funding was used to provide upgrades to several key cabin-related amenities over the past year. These improvements included upgrading the cabin's potable water system and updating the photovoltaic solar electric equipment that powers the camper services building used by cabin visitors. Cherry Creek Concessions: Funds expended during FY 06-07 were for the design and construction documents for the lift station and sewer system for the Family Shooting Center, the design and construction documents for the south side sewer line, and the start of construction of the forced main sewer line. The design of the forced main sewer line for the shooting center was completed. With this design complete, State Parks advertised to seek competitive bids, selected a contractor, and began construction. The design of the lift station and sewer system for the shooting center was completed, the project bid, and a contract awarded. The cleanup of the facility's trap range, as required and documented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has been suspended pending the completion of the sewer system at the facility. Cabin Improvements: In FY 06-07 GOCO funds were used to enhance the usability of the cabins at Mueller. The Spruce three-bedroom cabin was upgraded with a propane fired wall heater for the lower level, which previously was not adequately heated during winter weather. This construction included adding a new gas line to supply the wall heater. The Spruce cabin also had two new windows installed to improve natural lighting, cross ventilation during warm weather and views of Pikes Peak. 66 �Capital Development Enhancements: Road Improvements GOCO Year Log Number GBL Project 2006 06190 7CRD RM Road Improvements AdJuated Grant Amount PntVloua ExpendlturN Through FY 08-47 Expendlturea Total Expenditure• Through fYRJUIA $120,000.00 $120,000.00 Total $0.00 $0.00 Unexpended B1lanca FYRA.ll'P $-47,445.00 $-47,445.00 $47,445.00 $47,445.00 Description and Objectives: The need for road improvements throughout the State Parks system is immense. A large portion of the roads that State Parks is charged with maintaining consist of asphalt. Maintenance of asphalt roads is extremely expensive to begin with, and recent increases in oil prices have had a dramatic effect on the agency's ability to maintain and improve roads with limited funding. State Parks is in the process of conducting a comprehensive road analysis to determine future needs, as well as future impacts to our visitation should road maintenance work not be completed. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Road repairs were completed at Steamboat Lake State Park: • • Asphalt patching and crack fill in the Sunrise Vista Campground. Road shoulder work for widening and drainage on the Dutch Hill Road. 67 $72,555.00 $72,555.00 �Capital Development Enhancements: State Trails Program Grants GOCO YMr Log GBL Adjusted Grant Amount ProJact Number 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 07198 07213 07214 07215 07216 07217 07218 07219 07220 07221 07222 07223 07224 07225 07226 07227 07228 07229 07230 07231 07232 Prwlou, ExpendllllrN Through FYOl-07 ExpendltUl'II Trails- Grant Funding Award Trails-Training Future Leaders Trails-Training Future Leaders Tralla-Grand View Valley VCP Trails-Boulder Forest Stewards Trails-Col Birding Trails-Boulder Comprahensv Map Tralls-Conservalln Mgmt Train Trails-Democrat Bross Planning Trails-Fruita Urban Interface Tralls •Cltv Loop Master Plan Tralls-Poudre/Platte River Plan Trails-Gunnison Sno-Trackers T,alls-Voluntoer Pro's Tralls-Mahan Lake Rehabllltatn Trails-RFOV 2007 Projects Trails-Main Massive Preservatn Trails-Fourteener Region Malnl Tralls-Wlndom Peak Phase II Tralls-CYCA Oversight 'rralls-Hell / Lyons Project Total Year GOCO Log Number GBL 2008 2008 2008 2006 2008 2008 2008 2006 2008 2008 2008 2008 2006 2006 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 06223 08224 08225 06228 08227 06228 06229 06229 08230 06230 08231 06232 06233 08234 06235 06236 06237 06238 06239 08240 7CTB 7CTC 7CTD 7CTE 7CTF 7CTG 7CTH 7CTI 7CTJ 7CTK 7CTL 7CTM 7CTN 7CTP 7CTQ 7CTT 7CTU 7CTV 7CTW 7CTY $0.70 $15,000.00 $19,700.00 $20,000.00 $18,700.00 $18,100.00 $18,000.00 $10,000.00 $19,890.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $65,000.00 $4,500.00 $12,000.00 $15,000.00 $150,000.00 $68,260.00 $104,700.00 $10,800.00 $7,000 .00 $1 ,131,850.70 AdJuated Grant Amount ProJact $0.00 $0.00 so.oo $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 so.oo $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0,00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Pravlous Expenditures Through $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 FY 08-07 ExpandltUl'ff $14,450.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $62,500.00 $79,700.00 $14,550.00 $3,000.00 $60,000.00 $78,000.00 $24,000.00 $45,000.00 $20,000.00 $18,000.00 $20,000 .00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $22,800.00 $70,000 .00 $20,000.00 $620,000.00 Total 68 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,098.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1 ,098.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 SO.OD $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total Expendlturu Through $0.70 $15,000.00 $19,700.00 $20,000.00 $18,700.00 $18,100.00 $15,000.00 $10,000.00 $19,890.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $68,000.00 $4,500.00 $12,000.00 $15,000.00 $150,000.00 $68,280.00 $104,700.00 $10,800.00 $7 ,000.00 $1 ,131,650.70 UnHpended Balance FYRA.l\7 fYOIUlll Rock Canyon RFOV Projects WRV Partnership Crestone Peak Windom Peak Dllllon Trail Malnt Mt Evans Ml Evans CYCA Rocky Min Fourtesner Malnt Rocky Min Fourteener CYCA Guanella Pass II Two Rivers Planning Shavano & Yale Planning Kiosks on Fourteeners South Park Winter Signs Craw Leader Workshops V Outdoors Capacity Youth Corp Oversight Durango Pedeetraln Bridge MRHI Northam Area Plan Unexpended Balance FYRA.l\7 FYRIUIA BTRA 8TRT 8TRQ 8TRU BTRS BTRE 8TRB 8TRK BTRD 8TRH 8TRL 8TRP BTRG 8TRV 8TRR 8TRC 8TRM 8TRJ 8TRF BTRN BTRW Total Expenditures Through $14,184.00 $0.00 $15.000.00 $0.00 $26,995.08 $0.00 $0.00 $44,308.50 $0.00 $12,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $19,014.00 $70,000.00 $0.00 $231,501.58 $14,184.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $28,995.06 $0.00 $0.00 $44,308.50 $0.00 $12,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,112.00 $70,000.00 $0.00 $232,599.58 $288.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $82,500.00 $52,704.94 $14,550.00 $3,000.00 $15,591 .50 $71,000.00 $12,000.00 $45,000.00 $20,000.00 $18,000.00 $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,688.00 $0.0ei $20,000.00 $387,400.44 �YHr GOCO Log Number GBL 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 05205 05223 05225 0522& 05227 05228 05229 05230 05231 05234 05236 &TR 8TRA 8TRD 6TRE 6TRF 6TRG 8TRH 6TRJ 6TRK BTRN 8TRP ' Project AdJu ■ted Grant J Amount . YHr GOCO Log Number GBL 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 04240 04240 04240 04240 04247 04248 04249 04250 04251 04254 04258 G5FB G5FC GSFD G5FE GSOB G50C G50D GSOE G50F G50J G50M Project GBL FY IIA.A7 $2,140.00 $0,00 $0.00 $19,300.00 $0.00 $14,900.00 $18,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $57,340.00 $12,903.10 $18,583.15 $0.00 $19,300.00 $0.00 $14,900.00 $18,000.00 $78,589.50 $0.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $183,275.75 $8,738.90 $1 ,418.85 $18,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $120,633.50 $4,000.00 $25,000.00 $0.00 $192,789.25 Adjusted Grant Amount. Prevloua l!xpandlturn Through FY08-07 l!xpenclltUl'N Total l!xpendllurn Through Unexpended Balance FRT S lgnage/Enhancemenll CFRT Wayflndlng Slgnage Sand Creek Trail Windsor Lake Trail CO Mtn Bike Trail CONST Master Plan Abyss/Rosane Trall CFIVol Prog Kannah Creek ProJ DIiion RD Trail Boulder Dist Trans ProJ $7,500.00 $15,000.00 $160,000.00 $59,100.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $14,795.00 $15,000.00 $28,150.00 $22,600.00 $46,000.00 S398,145.00 03098 03097 03099 03101 03102 03103 03105 03107 03108 03110 03111 03113 G30B G30C G30E G30G G:S0H G:S0I G:S0K G:S0M G30N G30P G30Q G30S Adjueled Grant Amount Project Unexpanded Bal1nc1 $10,783.10 $18,583.15 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0,00 $78,589.50 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $105,935.75 FY IIA.A7 FYllll.AA GOCO Log Number Total l!xpencllturn Through $18,642.00 $20,000.00 $18,000.00 $19,300.00 $20,000.00 $14,900.00 $18,000.00 $197,223.00 $4,000.00 $25,000.00 $8,000.00 $3511,065.00 Total 2003 2003 2003 2003 200:S 2003 2003 2003 2003 200:S 2003 2003 FY08-07 Expendltum FYIIIUWI Trail Grants Capita l Masslve/Eolus (Tralls) Ute PaH (Tralls) WRV Vol Cap Bldg (Trails) Peak Steward ■ (Trails) CDT Adopt-A-Trail (Trails) EYR Training (Trails) 2005 Peak Preservation (Trails) Wetterhom Peak Preservation (Trails) Colorado on the Move (Trails) Chalfleld Wetlands (Trails) Total Year Prevtoua l!xpendltum Through $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7,500.00 $0.00 SO.OD $0.00 $11,500.00 P1'9Yloua l!xpendlturH Through $0.00 $0.00 S0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $7,500.00 $0.00 SO.DO $0.00 $7,500.00 FY 08-07 l!xpendlturn $9,720.00 $10,000.00 $14,000.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $16,400.00 $40,000.00 $120,600.00 $38,944.00 $15,000.00 S10,180.00 $11,800.00 S314,624.00 Total $0.00 $4,000.00 $10,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $60,300.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,844.92 S77,844.92 Total l!xpendltutff Through $7,500.00 $15,000.00 $160,000.00 $59,100.00 $11,000.00 $15,000.00 $14,795.00 $0.00 $28,150.00 S22,600.00 $46,000.0~ $377,145.00 Unexpanded Balance """"-"" FY llll.AA Wolf Creek Pass Castlewood Canyon CO Horse park Stage Road Belvedere Hut Granby to Grand Lake CDT Sign Design COTI Needleton Bridge LIiy Bear CONST Devil's Head Buffalo Creek $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $19,000.00 $5,520.82 $8,000.00 $3,500.00 $3,817.00 $15,000.00 $8,000.00 $40,000.00 $60,300.00 $38,944.00 $15,000.00 $10,180.00 $8,894.29 S213 138.11 $5,520.82 $10,000.00 $14,000.00 $3,817.00 $15,000.00 $8,000.00 $40,000.00 $120,600.00 $38,944.00 $15,000.00 S10,180.00 $11,739.21 $290,781.03 Description and Objectives: The State Trails Program manages an annual trails grant program for recreational trails. The program also coordinates field inspections, trail design, trail work projects, patrols, and trails training with the four Trail Coordinators. State Trails capital funds are set up each year for individual grants selected through the State Trails Grant Program. This program has one grant cycle annually, with the recreation trails grant applications due November 1st. 69 $4,199.18 $0.00 $0.00 $11,183.00 SO.DO $8,400.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 SO.OD $60.79 $23,842.97 �After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to 8-10 reviewers including statewide trail users, experts, local, federal, state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee and the State Regional Trail Coordinators. In FY 06-07, the State Trails Program could only fund 32% of the applications submitted. Great Outdoors Colorado funding is matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails projects. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: During FY 06-07 and the first part of FY 08, State Parks was able to close out a number of grants from the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and even 2006 grant cycles. Many of the trails projects are conducted during the summer months, so the fall season brings a wave of reimbursement request and grant close-out opportunities. Thus, at the time of this reporting, more of the grants have a zero remaining balance, and have completed their projects, than are reflected on the list. All grantees are in contact regarding their projects; and those with grants that expire at the end of 2007 are working on completing the grant requirements within the specified time. Twenty grants were awarded in the FY 06-07 grant cycle with the assistance of GOCO funding. Many positive projects achieved funding for this year and commenced implementation this last summer. Grants awarded during FY 06-07 include a number of trail maintenance grants and planning grants. Also, several grants went towards construction, maintenance, and signage for trails and approaches to Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks. Most of the grants contained a youth component, and several will utilize substantial volunteers in assisting with trail maintenance and construction. From this grant cycle, the State of Colorado can expect better signage for trails and trailheads, plans for future trail construction and trailhead facilities, and over 70 miles of new or reconstructed trail, with benefits to hundreds of miles of connecting trails. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for the State Trails Program. For information about the State Trails Program's operations funding, please see pages 16-18 70 �Capital Development Enhancements: State Trails Program Special Trail Pr~jects Year 2007 2007 2008 20011 2005 2005 2004 GOCO Log Number 07199 07199 011210 08210 06232 05235 04257 Previous AdJu1led Grant Amount Pro)Kt GBL Expendlturee Through FY 09.07 Expenditures FY 11 •-"'" 8CTS 8CTX 7CTX 7CTS 8TRL 8TRO G60N $50,000.00 $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $50,000.00 $17,000.00 $50,000.00 $42 027..00 $243 027.00 Tnll•• Mapping Project Trall1- Envlronmental Reviews Environmental Reviews Tralls/Greenways Soeclal Pro) Environmental Ravl1w. (Trails) Mapping Project (Trails) Statewide Mapping ProJ Total S0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $42 025.90 $57 025.90 Total Expendllurea Through Unexpended $0.00 $0.00 $18,998.00 se,en.so $2,000.00 $9,000.00 $0.00 $311975.90 $0.00 $0.00 $111,998.00 $8,977.90 $17,000.00 $9,000.00 $42 025.90 $94001 .80 Description and Objectives: Each year the State Trails Committee and the State Parks Board identify priorities for special trail projects that will enhance trail use in Colorado. These projects are selected based on their benefit to trail users across the state. Special trail projects that were underway in FY 06-07 include: Trail Mapping Project: This project will create a GIS-based database containing an inventory of trail routes in Colorado, including trails covered by local, county, state, and federal jurisdictions. This system is envisioned to be accessible to the general public via the internet, and simple and convenient for non-technical users. Environmental Reviews: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) completes annual reviews of applications submitted to the Colorado State Parks for Colorado Department of Natural Resources trail grants. Between 100 and 140 trail grants are reviewed for potential adverse impacts to threatened and endangered species in order to ensure proposed activities do not jeopardize listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. USFWS's final report to the State Trails Committee describes the adverse impacts that could potentially occur as a result of any of the activities described in the submitted grant applications. When adverse impacts to federally listed species or critical habitat are a potential result of a proposed activity, the report offers conservation measures in accordance with NEPA to alleviate these impacts. Colorado on the Move: In 2005, Colorado began efforts with White House Fellow Dr. Michael Suk to raise awareness of outdoor recreation activities that promote healthy lifestyles. As part of the Colorado on the Move program, State Parks produced the first in a planned series of "Steppin' Out" guidebooks, containing information about several easy hikes located in the Denver metro area. The guidebook was featured in the Denver Post in January 2005. The scope of the Colorado State Parks Trail Guidebook series is to develop trail guidebooks with maps and descriptions for specific trails throughout Colorado and to promote dissemination of the guidebooks to the general public through guidebook 71 Balance ~011.n, $50,000.00 $17,000.00 $2.00 $41 ,022.10 $0.00 $41,000.00 $1 .10 $149 026.20 �marketing and web site publicity. In cooperation with the Colorado on the Move program and Steps to a Healthier U.S. program, the series of guidebooks will offer a helpful source of information for people looking for places and ways to increase their level of physical activity. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Trail Mapping Project: In FY 06-07 State Parks worked with Dave Theobald from CSU's Natural Resource Ecology Lab to complete a prototype trail mapping model. CSU's specific tasks for this pilot project are to: ■ • • • Design a spatial database to contain Colorado trails inventory that is compatible with other natural resource data including open space. Develop the trails inventory database for a pilot study area (Larimer County). Investigate and recommend alternative web-based presentation products such as maps and databases (PDFs, online through NDIS, and Google Earth/Google Map). Provide recommendations for Phase 11 statewide data collection by estimating rough costs for different data collection methods. Specific accomplishments during FY 06-07 include: • • • ■ • • • Completion of Phase I of the project- Concept and Feasibility Investigation. This includes identifying the optimal mapping/information system, layout, art and template concepts, sustainable content and information reporting issues, implementation recommendations and conclusions and a GIS consultant's report. Selection of Larimer County as the pilot study area. Development of key design objectives to guide Phase 11, derived from the 2006 "white paper." Selection of Project Team and Technical Team rosters. These include GIS professionals, land managers, tourism staff and funding partners Hosted an overall team meeting that was attended by various stakeholders, including State Parks, CSU, GIS professionals, Parks & Open Space personnel from Larimer County, State Tourism Board, Lottery, CYCA, and Larimer County Tourism. After the spatial database plan was presented, a lot of positive feedback was received including a number of ideas that have been or will be implemented in future phases of the project Hosted several meetings to finalize the content of the spatial database. The final amounts are 54 attributes (i.e. trail surface, natural features, land manager, etc.) and 189 lists of values (i.e. gravel, overlook, county, etc.) Identification of potential problems, including sustainability, accuracy, development and maintenance costs, and free access issues. Environmental Reviews: U.S. Fish and Wildlife completed a review of all grants applications in the 2007 cycle (FY 06-07) that could pose a potential impact to threatened or endangered species. State Parks will be contracting with a representative of U.S. Fish and Wildlife to provide this service again for the 2008 grant cycle. 72 �Colorado on the Move: State Trails Program staff are surveying trails for the next edition of the Steppin' Out guide. This version of the guide will focus on Colorado's Western Slope communities. State Parks is currently in the process of hiring a graphic artisV cartographer to illustrate topographic trail maps for the edition. The new version is expected to be published in the spring of 2008. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about Special Trails Projects funding for the State Trails Program. For information about the State Trails Program's operations funding, please see pages 16-18. 73 �Capital Development Enhancements: Wildfire Prevention v.., GOCO Log Number 2007 2008 07181 2005 06187 05188 2004 04205 AdJueted Grant Expendlturn FY 08-07 Total Expend Hurn Amount Through Expend Hum Through Prwloua Project GBL FYftll.111 8CFM 7CFM &Fl FP5C Fuel MIUgaUon Fuel Mltl11aUon Park, Fire Plan Fire Plan Capital Total Unexpended B1l1nc:e FYftl.117 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 S0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $1 ,000,000.00 $160,866.00 $177,771 .38 $338,637.38 $60,451.43 $72,228.82 $132.880.05 $221,317.43 $250,000.00 $471 317.43 Description and Objectives: State Parks established a multi-year funding effort for fire plans and treatment beginning with our 2003 GOCO Annual Investment Plan. This was driven by the need for improved forest management (fire) planning and treatment at State Parks following the severe drought of 2002. Funding from GOCO and US Forest Service fuel mitigation programs enables State Parks to conduct planning and treatment at parks along Colorado's Front Range which lie within the high risk "red zone." This ongoing program actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments will also reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many Colorado State Parks and maintain our continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Due to careful planning work, our successful coordination with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), and previous on-the-ground performance, the CSFS was awarded a $2.5 million FEMA grant for fuel mitigation work at seven State Parks to protect watersheds on the Front Range. This is the first-ever proactive disaster management grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Several major fuel mitigation projects were completed in FY 06-07, including: • • • • • A fuel reduction project was completed at Cheyenne Mountain State Park around 35 campfire and grill rings to ensure visitor fire safety. A 102 acre fuel reduction project was completed at Eldorado Canyon State Park. A 140 acre fuel reduction project was completed at Lory State Park. A 100 acre fuel reduction projected was completed at Staunton State Park Prescribed burning was conducted on over 80 acres at Staunton State Park, 4 7 acres at Eldorado State Park and 44 acres at Golden Gate State Park 74 $300,000.00 $200,000.00 $28,882.57 SO.DO $528,882.57 �With match money from Colorado lottery, the following tasks were completed: • • • • • Partial funding of implementation at Staunton Partial funding of implementation at Eldorado Road improvement and Gate installation at Golden Gate, providing access to the southern Green Ranch fuel project 8 signs made for visitor warning/safety related to forest thinning and prescribed burn activities Gate installed at Eldorado as part of the fuel reduction project at Crescent Meadows Other wildfire prevention activities conducted in FY 06-07 include: • • • • • lnteragency Agreements were approved. These agreements encumber funds for additional projects at Eldorado, Mueller, Golden Gate, Lory, Staunton, Roxborough. Public notification and coordination meetings: Public meetings were held at Golden Gate, Roxborough and Lory to inform the public, Mailings were completed at Golden Gate and Eldorado, coordination meetings were held at 10 parks, walk-around tours were held at 1O parks. Photo documentation: Before/after photo documentation and GPS/GIS project tracking was completed on 5 projects. Interpretive materials: Public handout materials were produced for 5 parks. Project Planning: Project planning and clearance was completed for 2 additional projects at parks. Project Layout: The layout phase involves taking the gross planning information and clearances and actually flagging out a project area and writing contract specifications for a mitigation operator. In the past year project layout was completed at 5 parks: Eldorado, Golden Gate, Lory, Cheyenne Mountain, Staunton, and Pearl Lake. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for Wildfire Prevention projects, which are managed by the Resource Management Program. For information about the Resource Management Program's operations funding, please see pages 43-46. 75 �Capital Development: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects 77 �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: Cheyenne Mountain OOCO Year 2007 2007 2008 2008 2005 2005 2004 Log Number QBL 07171 07211 06222 08241 05280 05868 04238 8CCM 88CM 7CCM 7SCM 8CCM 8CM CM5M AdJutttd Grant Amount Projtct Prevlout ExpendlturN Through FYOl-07 Expenditure, FVII•-"• Chevenne Mountain Development Chevenn• Min Development-MVP Chevenne Mountain MVP SECM Restrooms-Pr1marv Cmpgrd Chevenne Mountain MVP Chevenne Mountain Legacv Cheyenne Mountain 05 - MVP Total $2,000,000.00 $1 ,255,000.00 $1,2515,000.00 $30,500.42 $1 ,8110,000.00 $2,500,000.00 S3,857_ ,ooo.oo S12 547 500.42 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,480.00 $996,618.47 $3,267,893.48 u 288 991.93 $1,718,672.80 $0.00 $1,119,278.,40 $0.00 $1 ,599,142.94 $984,882.47 $8,970.00 S5 510 944.41 Total Expendltum Through r:vn•-"" $1,798,872.80 $0.00 $1,119,278.40 $0.00 Unexpended $1,801 ,822.9◄ $1,981 ,500.94 $3,276,863.48 S9 777 938.3• Bal111c. $201 ,327.,40 $1 ,255,000.00 $135,723.80 $30,500.42 $248,377.08 $518,499.08 $380,138.5. S2 789 584.08 Description and Objectives: As the newest addition to Colorado's state park system and the first state park in El Paso County, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is the result of strong partnerships and planning. Acquired in June 2000 through a partnership between Colorado State Parks, Great Outdoors Colorado, the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Lottery, El Paso County and private organizations, the park represents the protection of one of the last significant open spaces along the southern section of the Colorado Front Range. Situated just south of Colorado Springs, the 1680-acre park lies beneath the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain, and borders the plains of Colorado in a stunning transition from plains to peaks. The property is in remarkable natural condition and wildlife viewing opportunities abound due to the land's relatively undisturbed and un-fragmented nature. Cheyenne Mountain offers incredible recreational opportunities. Foremost among the park's offerings is the trail system, consisting of 20 miles of natural surface trails that allow visitors ample opportunities to discover the park's natural beauty. GOCO has previously demonstrated a strong commitment to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, helping to fund the acquisition of the property, as well as the development of park infrastructure, facilities, and recreational amenities. Cheyenne Mountain is currently open on weekends and has been very well received . The park has received steady trail use traffic, which is increasing as we move into summer. The park is fully staffed, including the park manager, senior ranger, park ranger, tourist assistant, and resource technician. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Significant construction progress was made during FY 06-07 at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Almost all of the park's core facilities were either completed or very nearly complete. 79 �Visitor center: The vast majority of work on the park's visitor center was completed during FY 06-07. This 6, 700-square foot building serves as the "front door'' for the park, and is the hub of operations and customer service. The building contains office space for the park's manager and full-time employees, plus seasonal and volunteer staff. Planned educational and interpretive displays will make the Visitor Center an ideal starting point for exploring the park's trails. The Visitor Center's multi-purpose room, with capacity for up to 50 guests, should prove to be popular with local non-profits and other groups to hold medium-sized meetings. Entrance station: The entrance station building was completed and used to admit visitors to the park during FY 06-07. Comfort stations: In FY 06-07 construction began on six comfort stations (two in the picnic area, one in the group picnic area, and three in campground areas). By fiscal year's end, these buildings were approximately 75% complete. Camper services building: Construction of the park's camper services building also began during FY 06-07. At year's end, this structure was approximately 90% complete, with only exterior site-work and a few finishing touches inside remaining. Maintenance compound: The park's Maintenance Shop and associated line shed are substantially completed. At roughly 90% state of completion at year's end, staff anticipates this structure to be completed in the first quarter of FY 07-08 as well. Road work: All roads were brought to final grade with appropriate road-base and soil cement applied. Significant curb and gutter work was completed throughout the park. Sidewalks were also installed at the Visitor Center and trailhead. Approximately 0.75 miles of roadway (running from the park entry, past the Visitor Center and Entrance Station, and into the Trailhead parking area) received the first lift of asphalt, providing a more suitable service for park visitors to drive and park on. Paving throughout the park should be completed by the second quarter of FY 07-08. 80 �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: Colorado Front Range Trail PrlVIOU., ooco Year Log Number GBL 2005 2005 20011 20011 052111 05239 05240 05241 9FRT 8FRA 2005 2005 05242 05244 2005 2005 20011 2005 2005 2003 2003 2003 2003 05245 05248 05247 05248 05249 03818 03887 03891 03892 8FRB 8FRC 8FRD 8FRF 8FRG 8FRH 8FRI 8FRJ 8FRK G3FA G3FB G3FE G3FD AdJu1r.d Grant Amount ProjKt CO Front Rana• Tran Legacy Pedro's Point Tran (F.R. TRAIL) Poudre River Tran (F.R.TRAIL) Poudra Tran-Blaon Arroyo (F.R.TRAIL) $750.00 $18,000.00 $3,000.00 $173,750.00 CDT/SKY Pond Tran (F.R.TRAIL) 100th Annlv USFS Tran Pro) (F.R.TRAIL) CDT Construction (F.R.TRAIL) Garden of God• Tran, (F .R. TRAIL) Tabeguache Peak Pres (F.R.TRAIL) $11,900.00 $35,000.00 $54,000.00 $37,000.00 $3,500.00 $49,100.00 $10,000.00 $70,000.00 YC ProJICts (F.R.TRAIL) Chalfleld Welland• (F.R.TRAIL) Master Plan South PueblO $41 ,323.00 $15,000.00 $202,877.00 $723,200.00 Front Rang, History Proor1m Pueblo Sign Project Houts & Equalizer Res Trana Total Expendllllrft Througll r:v ,.._,.. $0.00 $0,00 $0,00 $0.00 $11,895.00 $32,184.10 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $41 ,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $31,785.13 $0.00 $128,832.12 $243,&98.3e Total FYOl-07 ExpendlturN Exp1ndllllrft Througll UnHpended Balance JlVft■ _AT $0.00 $13,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $13,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $750.00 $3,000.00 $3,000.00 $173,750.00 $0.00 $2,714.31 $11,895.00 $34,898.41 $11.00 $101 .59 $114,000.00 $37,000.00 $831.85 $0.00 $10,000.00 $70,000.00 $54,000.00 $37,000.00 $831.85 $41,000.00 $10,000.00 $70,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,888.39 $8,100.0( $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $31 ,785.13 $0.00 $128,832.12 $431,042.31 $9 ,537.87 $15,000.00 $78,044.88 $292,157.81 $187,345.96 Descriptions and Objectives The goal of the Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT) project is to create an 876-mile trail along the Front Range, from the Wyoming border to the New Mexico Border, connecting communities, points of interest, local and state parks and diverse landscapes along the way. Colorado's Front Range constitutes approximately 80% of the State's population and is consistently one of the fastest growing areas of the Nation. Colorado State Parks convened stakeholders in December of 2005 and formed the Colorado Front Range Development Council to assist with the implementation phase of this project. Colorado State Parks collaborated with over 500 partners- including the 13 counties and 35 managing agencies through which the trail passes-representing local communities, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, recreation retailers, and the tourism community to gather input for the CFRT Plan. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Many of the grants awarded in FY 06-07 were planning grants for the purpose of designing and developing the CFRT through various segments. Trail construction and signage projects were completed during FY 06-07 on the Poudre Trail-Bison Arroyo, Tabeguache Peak, Chatfield Wetlands, Pedro's Point, Garden of Gods, CDT, Front Range History, and Houts & Equalizer Reservoir segments of the CFRT. In addition to the planning and implementation work underway on the grants listed above, this past year has included a substantial amount of planning and coordinating, including: 81 �Completing the CFRT Implementation Plan: In February 2007, Colorado State Parks finalized the CFRT Implementation Plan, including the changes and revisions that had been identified by the State Parks Board. This inclusive document is what the project will be planned and operated around. As a recommendation from the CFRT Development Council, it will also be updated every two years. CFRT Implementation Plan Presentation, Colorado Trails Committee: The completed Implementation Plan was presented to the Colorado Trails Committee on June 14, 2007 for approval. The Committee decided to review any changes made to the document before approval was given. CFRT Implementation Plan Presentation, Colorado State Parks Board: The completed Implementation Plan was presented to the Colorado State Parks Board for approval on June 15, 2007. Approval was given, and the Plan was complimented. CFRT Development Council Meeting: In July 2007, State Parks updated approximately 50 stakeholders on the status of the CFRT project. At the meeting, State Parks presented the completed Implementation Plan, provided an overview of segments and changes from the last version, and provided marketing materials including maps, fliers, and executive summaries. Five managing agencies provided the group with an update on their segments of the project. Trail Coordinators provided an update on information gathered from the detailed assessment of priority segments being completed. State Parks announced the opportunity for five $20,000 planning grants for the CFRT in the 2008 Grant cycle. During the meeting, many questions were answered and feedback was taken, resulting in text and content changes to the Implementation Plan and several marketing pieces. The Stakeholders also expressed several requests, including the Governor's support amongst others. All of these ideas have been taken into consideration and most are being pursued at this time. 82 �Capital Development Legacy and Mul~i-Year Projects: Colorado River Prevlou, GOCO Ynr Log GBL Project Numbar 2005 05251 Adju1t.cl Grant ExpendlturM Amount Through FY~7 Expendlhlrn i:vn•-"" &SCR $83,230.00 $83,230.00 Colorado River Speclal Projects Total $0.00 S0.00 Totel ~pendltu,., Unexpend.cl Through Bll ■nce FV"•-"7 $0.00 $0.00 $0,00 $0.00 Description and Objectives: The original Colorado River Legacy project partnership between Colorado State Parks and local governments was awarded funding by GOCO in May 1996, May 1998, and May 1999. This Legacy was awarded to fund the acquisition of land along a 35-mile stretch of the Colorado River through Mesa County, with the goal of expanding the existing land base of Colorado River State Park. In the fall of 2006 an outstanding balance of $63,230 was reauthorized by the GOCO Board. This funding was to be used to acquire property from three landowners for a trail in the 29 Road to 27.5 Road corridor. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Negotiations for acquiring the property from three different land owners was ongoing during fiscal year 06-07. Significant progress was made with one landowner, who agreed to sell State Parks four parcels encompassing a total of nine acres. With the landowner's consent, State Parks Real Estate Program staff initiated a title search, appraisal, and Phase I environmental assessment on the parcels. In April of 2007, however, the landowner decided to removal the parcels from the market. Park, region, and Real Estate Program staff continue to actively pursue property acquisitions along this corridor. 83 $83,230,0C $63,230.0C �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Year GOCO L09 Prnlou1 GBL AdJuated Grant Amount Project Numbar 2005 2005 06734 06735 ExpendllUl'N FY Ge-47 Through ExpendllurH FYn•-"" 6MDM &MOB CDT Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert CDT Berthoud Pass Trall and TH $250,000.00 $160,048.00 $410,045.0G Total $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Total Expendllulff Through Unexpended Balance FVft"-"'7 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Description and Objectives: A partnership consisting of Colorado State Parks, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (COTA), the United States Forest Service, and Great Outdoors Colorado will construct four segments of Colorado's portion of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The vision for the CDT is to create a primitive and challenging backcountry trail on or near the Continental Divide from the Canadian to the Mexican borders. Colorado's portion of the trail is approximately 800 miles long; it is estimated that 487 miles of that is complete, leaving 258 miles of planning and new construction and 55 miles of reconstruction. This Legacy grant will provide funding for the construction/reconstruction of approximately 60 miles of trail, in four segments: 1. Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert 2. Berthoud Pass Trailhead 3. Troublesome Pass to Rocky Mountain National Park 4. Cataract Lake to Stony Pass Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Please note that while the majority of the work listed below occurred in FY 06-07, State Parks has not completed billing activities for this work. This accounts for the apparent lack of FY 06-07 expenditures in the above table. Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert • • • • • • • • • • New construction of approx. 6.5 miles of trail Reconstruction of approx. 0.23 miles pf trail Construction of an approx. 0.08 mile rock wall Construction of an approx. 0.03 mile turnpike Construction of four bridges Approx. 0.18 miles of corridor cleaning Reclamation of approx. 0.32 miles of trail Construction of 16 check dams/water bars Approx. 0.33 miles of trail maintenance Installation of one kiosk and one sign 84 $250,000.00 $180,048.00 $410,048.00 �Berthoud Pass Trailhead • • • • • • • Approx. 0. 79 miles of new construction Approx. 0.1 miles of trail reconstruction Construction of 10 rock wall structures Approx. 0.18 miles of corridor cleaning Construction of 5 check dams/water bars, Installation of signage along approx. 0.1 miles of trail Maintenance of approx 0.19 miles of trail Troublesome Pass to RMNP • • • • • • Approx. 1.53 miles of new construction Approx. 1.01 miles of reconstruction Construction of a rock wall approximately 0.09 miles in length Approx. 0.75 miles of corridor cleaning Construction of approximately 115 drainage structures Approx. 13.02 miles of trail maintenance Cataract Lake to Stony Pass • • • • • ■ Approx. 9.05 miles of new construction Approx. 0.21 miles of reconstruction Construction of a rock wall along approx. 0.08 miles of trail Installation of approx. 75 drainage structures Maintenance of approx. 8. 72 miles of trail Installation of 11 signs and 5 cairns 85 �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: Elkhead Reservoir GOCO Year Log GBL AdJuattd Grant Amount Project Number 2005 05214 Previous Expenditures Through FY 08-07 Expenditure• Elkhead MVP Total $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 Unexpended Balance r,.yna.l\Y FVn•-"" &ELK Tolal Expenditure• Through $10,818.39 $10 818.39 $10,818.39 $10,818.39 Description and Objectives: Elkhead Reservoir, located in Routt and Moffat Counties, is the only warm water reservoir in either county that is suitable for summer recreation such as swimming, boating, water sports and fishing. Prior to 2003, the reservoir was a popular regional recreation destination, with facilities including a concrete boat ramp, campsites, several day use picnic areas, two swim beaches, several vault toilets, an amphitheatre and approximately 10 miles of trails. Beginning in 2003, however, the city of Craig (owners of the reservoir), in partnership with the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, began a major expansion of the existing dam. Each of these partners had different priorities for the project, with the result that work was delayed significantly while these issues were addressed. Once work was completed, the State Engineer required that the reservoir level be held artificially low for safety and testing reasons. Until this testing was complete, no final water elevation levels were available, adding further delays to construction. Now complete, the planned expansion has nearly doubled the surface-acreage of the reservoir, submerging the existing recreation facilities. The entire reservoir has taken on a new look, with major changes to its surrounding topography. This GOCO funding was awarded to State Parks to develop new recreation amenities situated to take advantage of the new reservoir level. State Parks is currently working with a design consultant to lay out new development based on the new level of the reservoir. Amenities funded with this GOCO grant will likely include • • • • • • A 20-site campground on the eastern side of the reservoir A small office compound, including a bay for patrol boats A second boat ramp to help distribute visitor load throughout the park and alleviate traffic issues at the park's main boat ramp area. The park's primary swim beach and day-use facilities will be reconstructed to handle large local crowds that will gather here daily during the summer. Development of day use amenities, including picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills A 30- to 40-site campground on the western side of the reservoir 86 $989,183.81 $989,183.61 �State Parks anticipates beginning work on these amenities in spring 2008. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: Significant development of new recreation amenities at Elkhead has taken place using the matching funds for this GOCO grant. This development includes: • • • • • • The construction of a new boat ramp, designed to accommodate significant fluctuations in the level of the reservoir Three new CXT restrooms throughout the park, including ADA accessible ramps and sidewalks and associated parking A "ski beach" for water-ski and swimming use Parking areas associated with the boat ramp and ski beach Two swim beaches Fencing projects to help with resource management. 87 �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: Lone Mesa Year GOCO Log Number G8L 2007 07173 8CLM Adjueted Gnnt Amount Project Prevloue Expendltu1'81 Through FYGe-07 Expendlture1 Total Unexpended B1l1nc1 FY nll.A7 FYnll.JIII Lone Mo11 Planning Total Expendltu1'81 Through $250,000.00 So.oo $0.00 $0.00 $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $250.000.00 Description and Objectives: Lone Mesa State Park lies about 20 miles north of the town of Dolores and encompasses 11,702 acres of incredibly scenic land, ranging in elevation from near 7,000 feet to just over 9,000 feet. Lone Mesa State Park's purchase in 1999 was the result of the Division's "Crown Jewel" initiative, and the 11, 700+ acre property demonstrates the high natural resource values pursued as part of that search. The GOCO-funded purchase of the three private ranches comprising the park resulted in State Land Board and DPOR fee title ownership of the largest Parks-owned state park in the system. The park is closed to general public access while development and management planning is in progress. However, a Special Use Permit program allows limited public hunting during the big game seasons, as the park includes fantastic elk, deer and bear habitat. Along with administration of the public hunting program, management of Lone Mesa includes monitoring of a livestock grazing lease and other Special Use Permits, involvement in volunteer and other service partnerships, and operation of a visitors center in Dolores. Fire fuels mitigation planning, wetlands monitoring, and other resource work has been completed on the site. The land base at Lone Mesa needs a thorough site inventory, including GIS and assessment of soils, hydrology, and other factors influencing ultimate development of recreation facilities on the property. This GOCO funding is earmarked for that first phase of development planning, with the ultimate goal being the creation of a document to guide park build-out. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: The stewardship planning effort for Lone Mesa is currently underway. State Parks' Stewardship Section, along with park management, hosted gatherings of involved partners including representatives from the Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others. The recommendations resulting from that process were included in the scope for the contractor, and a contractor was selected to put that plan together over the 2008 field season. Parks staff met with Region administration, development staff and Division planners to discuss coordination of the development plan's site inventory with this current stewardship work. Because of that timeline, this planning work is expected to begin with public "open house" scoping late in 88 �2007, then contracted planning work, organized between Region development staff and Stewardship Section staff. 89 �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: St. Vrain Prevlou■ Year GOCO Log Number GBl. 2007 2006 2004 07212 05865 04239 &CVR 8SV SV5M AdJu ■tld Grant Project Amount ExpendllUl'N Through FY ot-07 ExpendHurN Total $133,000.00 $4,000,000.00 $1 ,430,000.00 S5 583 000.00 $0.00 $193,5215.41 $1 ,409,753.88 $1 803.282.09 Unexpendld Bllanc• i:v n•-117 f:VH.rul SL Vraln Development - MVP SL Vraln Legacy SI Vraln 05 - MVP Total ExpendltUIN Through $0.00 $3,005,834.58 $20,248.32 $3 025 880.88 $0.00 $3,199,162.97 $1 ,430,000.00 $4.629 162.97 Description and Objectives: Located about five miles due east of Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Between now and approximately 2010, State Parks plans to make major capital investments at St. Vrain to provide recreation experiences in an area undergoing rapid population growth. In 2004 Colorado State Parks commissioned a local design firm to prepare a master plan outlining development of the infrastructure and amenities necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. The St. Vrain State Park Master Plan contains detailed recommendations on improving every aspect of the park, including recreation opportunities, habitat protection, access, circulation, and sustainability. An update to the Master Plan was completed in September 2007, reflecting new property acquisition and other changes since 2004. Work scheduled to run through 2010 will continue to transform the site into a recreation hub for Colorado's northern Front Range. Improvements currently planned for St. Vrain include renovation of the old campgrounds, construction of new campgrounds, a camper shower building, remodeling the existing entry station, individual and group picnic sites and renovating existing day use areas. Buffer landscaping along the park's borders will provide privacy for park visitors, increase the aesthetic appeal of the park, and ensure sustainable site preservation over the long term. Installation of utilities (water, sewer, electric) and the construction of improved roads will further enhance the campgrounds, and lay a foundation for further development. Lottery funding is also being used for this project. Local support for the development of St. Vrain is strong. In 2005, a proposed expansion of Weld County Road 7 would have directed a high volume of traffic through the middle of St. Vrain, potentially causing significant disruption to the park experience and impacting the park's wildlife and open space preservation values. Every major municipality in the park's immediate vicinity (Dacono, Erie, Firestone, Ft. Lupton, Frederick, Longmont, and Mead) opposed this plan, and repeatedly demonstrated its support for St. Vrain at public meetings. Recognizing the importance of keeping the park intact, the Town of Firestone proposed annexing St. Vrain so that the park would lie 90 $133,000.00 $800,837.03 $0.00 $933 837.03 �within the town's legal boundaries. This annexation was completed in October 2006, effectively eliminating the possibility of the expansion of County Road 7 into a major transportation corridor. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In this fiscal year design and construction work was completed to finish the work in the first phase of St. Vrain State Park (northern portion of the park). The work included paving of approximately 8,700 linear feet of roads, construction of over 1,000 feet of trails, installation of a new pedestrian bridge over Idaho Creek and replacing the existing deteriorated 6' diameter culvert in the Last Chance Ditch with a 7' diameter culvert. Design and construction work was also completed in the second development phase of the park. This area is the southern portion of the park between old County Road 24 ½ and Highway 119 and just west of Interstate 25. The work included the extension of 8,200 linear feet of 4 and 6-inch water pipe, 7,800 feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe, 46 new camp sites with individual water, sewer and electrical hookups, 8,300 linear feet of 3, 4 and 6-inch irrigation water pipe, 6,700 linear feet of new gravel roads, 2,800 linear feet of trails, 4,600 linear feet of primary underground electric, landscaping, two 400 sf shelters, and one day use area. The construction of this project was started in April 2006 and was 90% complete at the end of June 2007. 91 �Capital Development Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: Staunton v••, ooco Log Number GBL 2007 07172 2004 04208 8CST SN5C Adjueted Grant Amount Project Prevlou• Expendlturee Through FY 09-07 Expenditure• FYftll.AA Staunton Planning Staunton Capital Total Total Expendltulff Through $500,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $500,000.0( $200,000.00 $700,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $9,142.11 $9,142.11 $9,142.11 $9,142.11 $190,857.19 $890,867.89 Description and Objectives: Staunton State Park lies approximately 40 miles southwest of downtown Denver. Encompassing about 3,700 acres, the park is situated within both Park and Jefferson Counties and is surrounded by the -Pike National Forest to the north and northwest. Staunton is not yet open to the public and represents a rare opportunity for our agency to develop an entirely new state park from the ground up. In 1986, Frances Hornbrook Staunton donated 1,680 acres (including her parents' original homestead) to Colorado State Parks, establishing the original land base for the park. Additional purchases in 1998 added the Elk Falls Section (1,042 acres) and the Davis Ranch Section (860 acres). The acquisition of the 80-acre Chase parcel in 2006 opened up a key transportation corridor through the park and will greatly enhance the development potential. Staunton State Park contains many spectacular natural features, including rugged rock outcroppings, lush grassy meadows, rolling hillsides forested with conifers and aspens and a dramatic waterfall. Numerous streams (including Elk Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Jones Creek and Mason Creek) wind through the park and have significant riparian areas, adding to the natural beauty of Staunton. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: In October 2006 Colorado State Parks embarked on a comprehensive master planning effort for the development of Staunton State Park. The Staunton Planning Team (planning team) was assembled and included High Plains Region staff and representatives from the agency's Planning, Natural Resources, Business Development, and Capital Development sections. The goal of the planning team is to help guide the planning process, improve internal communication, and establish a template for future master planning efforts. As part of this effort, the planning team held outreach meetings in Conifer and Bailey to seek public input about development at Staunton. In February 2007 the planning team released a Request for Qualifications, seeking professional Land Use Planning/Landscape Architect consultants to provide master planning, design development, construction documentation, and construction observation services for the development of the park. After an extensive proposal 92 Unexpended Balan~ FYM.il1' �review and interview process, in May the Staunton planning team selected Landworks Design, Inc as the park's master planning firm. Key tasks of the master plan include: • • • • • • • Identify different zones of resource sensitivity levels for within/adjacent to the park boundary to help set rules and limits of impact based on existing levels of sensitivity. Identify a sustainable park development program to help increase the efficiency of the park. Develop and implement a public outreach program for the project to help keep the public in touch and informed on the progress of the project. Research Recreational opportunities and trends to help identify appropriate park recreational uses for Staunton State Park. Development of a park business plan and the incorporation of business planning in all phases of decision making of the master plan to ensure a long and healthy future for the development and operations of the park. Preparation of a final park master plan to help guide the development and phasing of the growth of park facilities and recreational opportunities. Evaluation of the existing Dams and preparation of construction documentation for recommended safety improvements. Meetings are still being held with the Elk Falls Ranch Property Owners Association as well as with other interested landowners to discuss on-going fuel mitigation projects at the park, as well as to continue the communication relating to timelines for future master planning efforts. Meetings have been held with the Colorado Department of Transportation to better understand their timelines for redevelopment of the US 285/Elk Creek Road intersection that provides access to Staunton and determine how this project will affect the timing for park development in the future. The master planning of Staunton began in mid-November of 2007. 93 �Capital Development - Legacy and Multi ..Year Projects: Yampa River Y••r 2005 2004 GOCO Log Number 05250 04241 ., ,~ Prwiou, ' AdJu•tacl Grant Amount Pro)act Git Expandltu,_ Through FY ot-07 Expenditure, 4241 Yampa River Special ProJecta Vamp• River Accesa - Base $75,000.00 $119,291.25 $194,291.25 Total $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 UnexpandH Belen~ NN1.A7 Nn•-"" &SYA Total ExpandlturH Through $74,904.24 $119,298 .00 $194,202.24 $74,904.24 $95.78 $119,291.00 $194,202.2~ $0.25 $98.01 Description and Objectives: The Yampa River Legacy Project, located in Routt and Moffat counties, serves as a statewide model of partnerships between recreation and agriculture. Approximately $6 million (from all funding sources) has been invested for property acquisition (fee title and lease) and development of the park area. At Yampa River, State Parks manages recreation services including boating, rafting, fishing, camping, picnicking, public safety and education and interpretation for almost 100,000 annual park visitors. State Parks is also charged with stewardship of sections along a 134-mile section of the Yampa River. Parks facilities along the Yampa include a visitor center with seasonal housing, pump station, campsites, restrooms, water and wastewater treatment plant, camper services building, and maintenance shop. These facilities require extensive maintenance and upkeep. Management issues include facility development, resource management, management of the public river access sites leasing program and the commercial river outfitters permit program on the Yampa River. These two GOCO logs are allocated for additional site leases and development along the Yampa. Accomplishments in FY 06-07: At Yampa River's park headquarters and primary campground, shade shelters were installed, effectively doubling the number of campsites offering this amenity. Staff also planted 20 trees of various types to help limit loss due to disease and add more shade to the site. At the park's South Beach river access site, staff installed a new culvert and re-worked the access road to try to avoid washout due to high spring runoff. This work will greatly improve the sustainability of the site for future users. Additionally, a CXT restroom was relocated, making it more accessible to users of the site's boat ramp. Development of the park's "Public Service" site was completed, including the installation of a new CXT restroom. The parking area was graded and paved. New entrance signs and a new fee station were installed. The completion of this site gives the park an established upstream boundary that will help ensure safety and oversight of river outfitter operations. 94 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/b3712696f3458925c608fdf15f4b96da.pdf cd78e3ffc06a6b29cfa33e3b24b78e27 PDF Text Text Colorado Division of Wildlife Annual Report Great Outdoors Colorado-Funded Projects Fiscal Year 2005-2006 October 2006 On November 1, 2004, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) submitted its funding proposal for the 2005-06 fiscal year to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board. The proposal requested $16 million in lottery funds, of which $6.89 million was for Land and Improvements to Land, $7.88 million was for Program Investments, and $1.23 million was for Operations and Administration. Of the total funding requested, $8. 75 million was from new base funding, $250,000 was from previously deauthorized funds, and $7 million was from Large Scale Project funding awarded separately in December 2004. When CDOW funds are accounted for, the projects and programs included in the request represent an investment of nearly $35 million in Colorado wildlife resources. Among the highlights of Division of Wildlife programs and projects that were supported with Great Outdoors Colorado funds during the 2005-06 fiscal year are: • • • • • • • • Acquisition of five conservation easements through the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership Program. Documentation of first lynx kitten born to a Colorado-born lynx. A determination by the US Fish and Wildlife Service that the Gunnison sagegrouse is not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Discovery of a possible new population of Greenback cutthroat trout near Buena Vista. A determination by the US Fish and Wildlife Service that proposed Southwest Willow Flycatcher habitat in the San Luis Valley would be excluded from designation under the federal Endangered Species Act. Documentation of first wild-born black footed-ferret in Colorado. Release of the first wildlife education module developed specifically for high school students. Inaugural bighorn sheep festival in Colorado Springs, adding to the growing list of wildlife festivals across the state. The following report describes the wide variety of habitat and wildlife restoration and protection, education and wildlife viewing efforts undertaken by the Division of Wildlife with GOCO funds from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. �HABITAT PROTECTION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Habitat Protection Acquire High Priority Habitat - 2501, 4301, 5150, 3850,3844,5859 Enhance Habitat on Lands and Water 5151 Wetlands Conservation -2003, 2504, 3845, 4306, 5152 GIS Habitat Information - 5153 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 0320, 0330 $1,590,907 0350-0380, 0438 $625,000 0436 0450, 0461 $586,416 $626,095 Colorado Species Conservation Partnership Through the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) program, the Division of Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado have worked with land trusts and landowners to protect important wildlife habitat on private lands. Goals of the CSCP include preventing the further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meeting species conservation goals to help recover declining species, and reducing the necessity of further listing of species under the Endangered Species Act. The impact of CSCP may best be captured by the US Fish and Wildlife Service's decisions not to list two species - the Mountain plover and the Gunnison sage-grouse based in part on the successes of the CSCP program. The long-term and perpetual protection afforded through easements acquired through CSCP, and associated management plans for those lands, were cited by USFWS as positive steps by Colorado that precluded the need for a federal listing. Horse Creek Farms: A 30 year conservation easement acquired by the Division of Wildlife will protect 6,000 acres of shortgrass prairie and riparian habitat. The property is located 1O miles northeast of Springfield. Species that will benefit from the habitat protection provided through the easement include the Black-tailed prairie dog, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, and Mountain Plover. GOCO funds -- $188,125 (Wildlife Purpose Base funds -- 2501) Federal funds -- $188,125 Landowner Match -- $53,750 Total -- $430,000 -2- �Peterson/Stonewall: An easement on 335 acres of the Stonewall Creek Ranch, located approximately three miles north of Livermore, will protect habitat for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse in perpetuity. Legacy Land Trust will hold the easement. The easement connects protected lands to the north and south of the property. Other species that will benefit from the habitat protection include deer, elk, small mammals and bird species. GOCO funds -- $135, 142 (Local Government Legacy funds -- 3844) Federal funds -- $135,132 Landowner Match -- $100,000 Total -- $370,784 Ballantyne: The 560 acres covered by the easement will provide perpetual protection for important Gunnison sage-grouse habitat, including nesting, brood rearing and severe winter range areas. The ranch is located approximately 6 miles southeast of the town of Gunnison and is completely surrounded by Bureau of Land Management lands. GOCO funds -- $176,094 (Wildlife Purpose Base funds -- 2501) Federal funds -- $176,094 Landowner Match -- $50,313 Total -- $402,500 Lypps: Located just west of the Ballantyne easement, the Lypps easement will provide perpetual protection of 1584 acres of Gunnison sage-grouse nesting, brood rearing and severe winter range areas. GOCO funds -- $431,025 (Wildlife Purpose Base funds -- 2501) Federal funds -- $431,025 Landowner Match-- $123,150 Total -- $985,200 -3- �Van Loan: The 1841 acres in the perpetual conservation easement acquired by the Division of Wildlife protects important Gunnison sage-grouse habitat on Pinon Mesa, and includes leks, nesting and brood rearing areas and winter range. The Van Loan Ranch is centered approximately 18 miles southwest of Glade Park in Mesa County. The easement covers property that is adjacent to other public and protected lands, and will result in nearly the entire western end of Pinon Mesa habitat being protected. GOCO funds -- $582, 134 (Local Government Legacy funds -- 3844) Federal funds -- $582, 184 Landowner Match -- $187,097 Total -- $1,351,366 Preserving Colorado Landscapes -Lowe Ranch: The Lowe Ranch, located three miles southeast of Holly, is host to a variety of native grassland habitats that benefit several species of conservation interest. The Division of Wildlife acquired a perpetual conservation easement on 1280 acres of shortgrass, midgrass and sand-sage habitat that will benefit Lesser prairie chickens, a Federal candidate species, and for Mountain Plover, Burrowing Owl, Black-tailed prairie dog and Ferruginous Hawk. The conservation easement also protects six active lesser prairie chicken leks. GOCO funds -- $93,815 (includes $15,541 for stewardship endowment-- 3850) DOW funds -- $53,300 Total -- $127,115 Endowment of Stewardship Trust Fund: The Division of Wildlife developed details of a plan to place a total of $394,317.90 in PCL funding in the Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund for stewardship activities on GOCO funded acquisitions, including PCL acquisitions. The interest earned on the principal will be tracked separately and, along with an earlier contribution of $622,009 to the stewardship fund, an annual report will be prepared for GOCO on the financial status of the GOCO funds and stewardship activities they financed. The funding was approved at the September 2006 GOCO Board meeting. Wildlife Purpose Funds Perkins: The Perkins Ranch, a property of 1254 acres located six miles west of Dove Creek, was acquired in fee title through a public foreclosure proceeding by the Mancos Valley Bank. Sagebrush steppe rangeland on the property provides winter range, nesting and brood rearing habitat to Gunnison sage grouse. In addition, the acquisition protects severe winter range for deer and elk and will allow for public hunting. -4- �GOCO funds -- $376,236 (Wildlife Purpose Base funds -- 4301) DOW funds -- $250,824 (Wildlife Cash) Total -- $627,060 Support for Land Use Decisions The Division of Wildlife's GIS Unit provides state-of-the-art products, services and analysis to customers inside and outside of the Division of Wildlife. The GIS Unit, based in Ft. Collins, acquires, maintains and distributes digital and other forms of data relating to wildlife habitat. This data is the foundation of virtually all the products provided by the unit. Activities of the GIS Unit in the 2005-06 fiscal year included the following : • • • • • • • • • Completed more than 220 GIS mapping projects for various clients. Provided mapping for the Colorado and Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout project. Conducted species activity mapping in the Northwest Region. Interpreted more than 113 quads of photos for the Riparian Mapping Project. Added new features to the Natural Diversity Information System (NDIS) website to allow more accurate identification of vegetation type, elevation and location. The Colorado Herptofaunal Atlas website was upgraded. The website allows scientists and the general public to document observation of amphibians and reptiles in the state, and to add that information to a statewide database. An airborne imagery system was acquired that will allow real color and infrared digital photography of areas of significant interest for species of concern. Provided maps for all Division of Wildlife real estate transactions. Provided habitat maps to Wildlife Conservation Section for Gunnison sagegrouse and Greater sage-grouse recovery projects. River Watch • • • • • • Monitored water quality in 150 rivers and streams at more than 500 monitoring stations throughout the state through the River Watch program. Eighty-five organizations are partners in the effort. Work with 12 watershed groups in support of river restoration and preservation projects. Implemented a volunteer lake monitoring program in collaboration with Colorado Lakes and Reservoirs Management Association. Collected nearly 5000 water samples for metal content analysis. Collected 980 water samples for nutrient level analysis. Coordinated 50 events to collect data on macroinvertebrate and physical habitat conditions. Coordinated Water Quality Projects • • Developed nutrient level criteria for high elevation lakes with Water Quality Control Division. Participated in Water Quality Control Commission hearings that set standards for zinc in Sculpin in southwest Colorado, a high quality water designation for -5- �• • • Hermosa Creek native cutthroat trout, developed a list of "impaired streams" to be restored, and establishment of a functional temperature standard. Developed a study to determine lethal threshold for zinc in mayflies. Produced a DVD on macroinvertebrate collection techniques. Worked with Animas Stakeholders Nutrient Group to determine nutrient level criteria to protect aquatic life in streams. Water Quality Research • • • • • • Supported CSU graduate student research on the impact of endocrine disruption on the Red shiner, an eastern plains fish. Funded research on the effects of wastewater effluent on the endocrine system of Arkansas darters by a post-doctorate associate at the University of Colorado. Conducted toxicity experiments on the effects of zinc and cadmium on the native Mottled sculpin. Designed a field study to assess differences in water quality at sites for high and low plains fish community diversity in the South Platte and Arkansas River drainages. Investigated the impact of New Zealand mudsnail in Boulder Creek on native invertebrate fauna and native plains fishes. Prepared 4 watershed evaluations. Prairie grasslands conservation The Conservation Plan for Grassland Species in Colorado, which was approved in November 2003, outlines twelve objectives and 64 actions for ensuring the conservation of Black-tailed prairie dog, Mountain Plover, Burrowing Owl, Swift Fox and Ferruginous Hawk in Colorado while addressing the interests and rights of the private landowners who are the stewards of their habitat. Conservation activities include "developing and implementing monitoring protocols," "working with private landowners through voluntary, incentive-based, non-regulatory partnerships," "public outreach and education," and "identifying, prioritizing, and seeking funding for research". Major partners in the Grassland Conservation Plan include the Rocky Mountain Bird Observation, Colorado Farm Bureau, the Nature Conservancy and federal land management agencies. �On September 9, 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced its decision not to list the Mountain Plover as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. In making this determination that USFWS noted that "Federal, State and county agencies and governments have taken significant proactive steps, in the absence of listing, and have shown progress in the conservation of Mountain Plovers and their habitat.. .. We believe formalized conservation efforts by the CDOW will improve the status the Mountain Plover in Colorado." Specifically cited by the USFWS as part of these efforts were the Division of Wildlife's nest clearing project and Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) program. Continued support for these conservation initiatives will help avert or defend against future listing petitions for the mountain plover. • • • • • • • • Surveyed farm land for 50 landowners in 16 counties in eastern Colorado participating in the Mountain Plover nest clearing project. A total of 124,863 acres of farmland were enrolled in the nest clearing project for the 2006 field season, triple the program acreage in 2005. Marked a total of 106 nests. Six of the nests were located by landowners from Weld County. The 2006 figure is more than double the number of nests located in 2005, and nearly 100 more than in 2004. Conducted 5 workshops focusing on grassland habitat enhancements, wildlife based economic diversification, Colorado Birding Trail, and urban education 47 Landowner visits focusing on grassland habitat enhancements, Colorado Birding Trail, and wildlife based economic diversification. 8,600 acres of habitat enhancement projects. 21 presentations given to various audiences. Worked with 30+ individual producers in Lincoln and Kiowa Counties, totaling approximately 300,000 acres. Survey work located and monitored nesting and brood-rearing activity of chicks from hatch to 6-weeks. Habitat Management -• • • • • • • Enhanced 8 miles of stream aquatic habitat. A typical project was one-half mile of improvements on Cottonwood Creek near Buena Vista involving 40 in-stream structures. Partners included the Town of Buena Vista, Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Colorado Department of Corrections, and local businesses. Improved 4,075 acres of wildlife habitat through 23 Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP) projects. Conducted 15 aquatic in-stream or riparian improvement projects through the CHIP program, improving habitat for Southwestern willow flycatcher, Yellowbilled cuckoo and Preble's meadow jumping mouse. An example of a CHIP project - Restore 960 acres of playa and shortgrass prairie habitat. Fencing protects the playa from livestock impacts, restored playa's historic bottom contour, developed alternate water source, and installed fencing to improve better rest/rotation system. Partners for Wildlife, RMBO and the landowner all contributed to the project. Field verified 80 water filings to maintain or protect water rights. Conducted 3 watershed evaluations. Identified and evaluated 5000 acres of prairie grassland habitat. - 7- �SPECIES CONSERVATION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Soecies Protection Native Species Protection 5154, 4309 T&E Species Recovery -5155 Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk - 5156 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS 0560, 0638, 0639, 0641-0649, 0661, 0663-0666,0710 0810, 0815,0820-0880,0662, 0710 0570 ACTUAL EXPENDITURES $2,618,000 $1 ,332,000 $425,000 Lynx reintroduction • • • • • • • Documented first recruitment of a Colorado-born lynx into the Colorado breeding population. Located four dens and 11 kittens. Capture efforts conducted to radio-collar Colorado-born lynx. Seven kittens collared in the spring of 2006. Initiated a study to evaluate snowshoe hare density, demography and seasonal movement patters among small and medium-sized lodgepole pines and mature spruce and fir stands. Snowshoe hare are a major food source for lynx. An additional 14 lynx were released in April 2006. The Division of Wildlife tracked 93 lynx in 2006, out of a possible 126 that could be alive. The 33 missing lynx could be due to dead collar batteries or because they have moved outside the research area. Radio collar tracking showed that most of the lynx remained in the core area, centered in southwest Colorado. Native Fish Propagation -The Division of Wildlife opened the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa during the summer of 2000. Construction of the facility was funded in part by Great Outdoors Colorado, and on-going operations of the facility continue to be supported with GOCO funds. Eleven species of fish are reared at the facility, along with boreal toads. Among activities made possible through work at the NASRF are the following: • • • • • 5,100 bonytail were released into the Colorado and Green Rivers. 4,000 Colorado pikeminnow were released into the San Juan River. Refugia were established for populations of Roundtail chub, Arkansas darter, northern redbelly dace and Rio Grande chub threatened by drought conditions. More than 7,250 boreal toad tadpoles and toadlets were released as part of the reintroduction of that species to the Grand Mesa. A replacement well has been drilled, which will allow construction of 20 small ponds at the facility to expand production and provide additional refugia. -8- �• • • Nearly 20,000 Roundtail chub and 60,000 Rio Grande chub reared at the facility were released into suitable habitat. Provided Arkansas darter and common shiner to Colorado State University for graduate student research. Nine of the eleven fish species at the facility have successfully spawned. Borea/ Toad -• • • • • • • • • Released 1000 3-week old toad lets and 2,300 boreal toad tadpoles on the Grand Mesa, CO near Kannah Creek. This study is the first to establish recruitment of hatchery-raised tadpoles to subsequent years. Released 2,500 Boreal toad tadpoles near Zimmerman Lake to establish a new population and assess presence or absence of the pathogenic chytrid fungus (B. dendrobatidis or Bd) at this site Monitoring amphibian populations is complicated by the inability of boreal toads in particular to retain individual marks. This is the second year of an ongoing tagging study that explores the retention of four novel and diverse marking schemes at the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa. Completed a study of various diets for tadpoles raised from broodstock at the NASRF, with the goal improving development of tadpoles from the facility. Evaluated existing molecular assays for determining the number of Bd spores present in a sample, to less expensive methods provide reliable estimates of Bd infection intensity. Conducted a study to evaluate the use of sentinel organisms and raw keratin as aids in the determination of Bd status, so reintroduction efforts are focused on locations where Bd is not present. Conducted two studies that examine the seasonality of chytrid fungus infection in the wild as well as which sampling approaches are most likely to lead to detection of chytrid fungus if it is present. Developed statewide database as a repository for test results acquired from sampled wild amphibian populations Developed CDOW web page covering boreal toad conservation efforts and current research. -9- �SPECIES CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE - BATS The Colorado Bats/Inactive Mines Project (BIMP) focuses on identifying abandoned mines that provide suitable habitat for bats, and then installing gates in the mine openings that prevent human entry but allow bats to enter and leave. The Bats/Inactive Mines Project provides one example of how on-the-ground species conservation work is organized, prioritized and performed, and who is involved with, in this case, protecting important bat habitat in sites across the state. Kirk Navo has been the Division of Wildlife's point person on the BIMP since 1991. He has seen the project grow in size and evolve in approach over those 15 years, but many of the basic elements remain the same. The first step is identification of abandoned mines slated for closure. The Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG), the United States Forest Service and the United States Bureau of Land Management do the initial investigation of a potential mine closure site, including background information on the previous owner. The state and federal agencies provide a list of potential mine closures, normally in the neighborhood of 50 per project, to the Division of Wildlife. Navo does an initial review of the mines, looking at the mine location, elevation and other factors that could indicate likely bat habitat. More detailed surveys to determine bat usage of the mine follow, normally done by crews of seasonal workers hired by the Division of Wildlife. After their screening is complete, volunteers begin to be involved with the project. But before they can take part in any surveys, volunteers are required to attend a three-hour classroom training course that covers mine safety, survey techniques and the natural history of bats. At no time are volunteers allowed to enter a mine. - 10 - �Depending on accessibility or safety concerns, volunteers monitor mine entrances with detectors that can pick up the ultrasonic vocalizations of the bats. For sites that exhibit bat activity, volunteers and Division of Wildlife biologists perform capture surveys to determine the species using the mine. The capture surveys also identify for sex, age and reproductive conditions, indicating the importance of the mine to local bat populations. Surveys are conducted in the summer (roosting and rearing habitat), fall (transition habitat) and winter (hibernating habitat) to provide a complete picture of the mine's habitat value. Survey results are compiled by Navo and a list of sites recommended for bat gates is sent to DMG, the Forest Service and BLM. Experience has shown that while about onethird of the mines are used at least sporadically by bats, most are species that have healthy populations and do not need help. But for those mines that do provide important habitat for bats -- in particular the Townsend's big-eared bat, a state Species of Special Concern - gates can allow the habitat value to remain while removing a risk to human safety. At this point, the state and federal agencies take over the final work on installing the bat gates. A final determination is based on Division of Wildlife recommendations as well as installation feasibility, cost of installation, future maintenance demands, and other factors. Most of the cost of bat gate fabrication and installation comes from a federal - 11 - �mining reclamation trust fund, paid for by the mining industry, with additional funds from state and federal agencies and mine owners. Other BIMP facts: + Eleven species of bats have been documented roosting in mines in Colorado. Four species account for 85 percent of the bats captured at mines. + Bats have been documented using mines as high as 12,160 feet in elevation. The average elevation of mines used as roosts is 7,400 feet. + More than 1000 volunteers have completed the BIMP training session. + Since its inception, volunteers have contributed an estimated 50,000 hours to the project, valued at approximately $480,000. + Approximately 4250 mines have been evaluated, and 745 gates installed during the 15 field seasons of the BIMP. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout • • • • • • • • • • Modified Trappers Lake management plan detailing process for recovery of Colorado River cutthroat trout in the Flattops Wilderness around Trappers Lake. Ran standardized gill net surveys to monitor brook and cutthroat trout populations. Fin clip and stock 44,000 pure Colorado River cutthroat trout into Trappers Lake in an effort to improve the genetic structure of the population. Surveyed headwater lakes and streams to evaluate feasibility of reclamation effort. Ran spring and fall trout fry production surveys. Electrofishing surveys on 2 streams - six consecutive reaches each to examine variability in population size along a stream; developed protocols that address these shortcomings while monitoring cutthroat trout populations Collaborate with USFWS to develop side-looking SONAR techniques to evaluate fish populations Developed new genetic techniques to distinguish three native subspecies of cutthroat trout in Colorado (Greenback cutthroat trout, Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Colorado River cutthroat trout), as well as discern levels of introgression with Rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Surveyed six additional cutthroat waters, acquiring tissue samples for subsequent genetic work Developed CDOW web page covering conservation efforts and current research revolving around the three native subspecies of cutthroat trout in Colorado. Water Quantity • • • Evaluated 5 stream flow projects for in-stream flow quantification use. Checked 30 wells for compliance with water rights. Renewed or applied for 84 water rights. - 12 - �Gunnison sage-grouse • • • • • • • Initiated study on the demography and dispersal of Gunnison sage-grouse (GUSG). Developed field protocols for the collection and management of data from GUSG field studies that minimized disturbance to GUSG. Tracked via radiotelemetry 41 female grouse for habitat selection and nesting study in western portion of Gunnison Basin. Radiotracked 16 male GUSG for movement patterns. Marked 27 juveniles from 14 broods with transmitters to determine survival rates and movements. Monitored 40 conservation easements protecting Gunnison sage-grouse habitat. Landowners have been contacted and their properties mapped to prepare for issuance of Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurance (CCM) permits. On April 11, 2006 the United State Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the Gunnison sage-grouse was not warranted for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The Federal Register notice announcing the decision cited several efforts by the Division of Wildlife that were factors in the decision, and the USFWS urged those efforts to continue to move forward. Among those efforts were the acquisition -with financial support from GOCO -- of conservation easements to protect Gunnison sagegrouse habitat, Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurance (CCM), and research studies on Gunnison sage-grouse movements, population trends and dynamics. Black-footed ferret • • • • • • Confirmed first reproduction by a wild-born black-footed ferret in Colorado. Completed prairie dog transects along the Little Snake River to determine habitat suitability for release of captive-raised ferrets. Performed a comprehensive disease surveillance at the Wolf Creek release site and the potential Little Snake release site to assess the extent of plague activity in those areas. Monitored 11 black-footed ferrets released in 2004 through radio telemetry. Conducted an intensive 10 night spotlighting effort to determine survival of released black-footed ferrets. Pre-conditioned 30 ferrets for release in the fall of 2006. - 13 - �SPECIES CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT In June 2006, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming released the Conservation Strategy for Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. The first objective listed in the strategy is "Identify and characterize all CRCT core and conservation populations". The objective includes work to 1) "monitor CRCT populations to detect changes," 2) "survey waters with potential CRCT populations" and 3) "complete genetic analysis on known or potential populations of CRCT." Kevin Rogers is an aquatic biologist working on the recovery of the Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT) along with a dedicated group of biologists who make sure Colorado is taking the steps needed to meet the conservation strategy objectives. Monitoring CRCT populations, surveying potential habitat and performing genetic analysis involves extensive, labor intensive field work. Rogers identifies stream segments in which Division of Wildlife employees, temporary seasonal employees and federal agency biologists need to survey for CRCT populations numbers and overall quality. Many of the streams that need to be surveyed are small, remote waters that are difficult to access. Long hikes and overnight camping is the norm on these types of surveys, sometimes for up to a week. Electroshocking equipment, netting, data collection items must all be packed in, on top of the normal camping, food and other equipment. Once the stretch of stream to be surveyed is reached, a 300 foot section of stream is marked off and crew members walk through the stream with the electrofishing equipment, temporarily stunning resident fish, which are then netted. Crew members identify the species, weigh the fish, and determine size class and year-to-year recruitment. Fin clips are taken for genetic analysis. - 14 - �Three passes through the same stretch of stream are completed. A statistical analysis of the number of fish found on each successive pass using a depletion formula indicates the likely actual population of CRCT in the representative stretch of stream. Rogers notes that field work like the CRCT surveys brings benefits to the Division of Wildlife beyond the survey results and progress toward meeting the conservation strategy goals. The temporary seasonal workers who are part of the surveys are often university students in biology, natural resource or similar majors. The seasonal work provides them with hands-on training in the nuts-and-bolts of wildlife management. The Division of Wildlife is able to build a foundation of expertise among potential long-term employees. - 15 - �On March 27, 2003 the US Fish and Wildlife Service received a formal petition to list the Douglas County pocket gopher as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. Petitioners claimed that only five pocket gopher colonies existed in Douglas, Arapahoe and Elbert Counties. On February 14, 2006 the USFWS determined that the pocket gopher did not warrant federal protection. The decision was based in large part on survey work done by the Division of Wildlife, Douglas County, The Nature Conservancy and other biologists. The surveys found an additional 41 sites occupied by Douglas County pocket gophers, several of which were located on protected open space lands. Other Species Conservation efforts • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Evaluated 301 mines for bat presence or use. Recommended installation of bat gates at 57 sites. Set an estimated 3000 night traps for small mammals to help determine distribution and abundance. Responded to 100 reported sightings of Rocky Mountain Capshell. Conducted 10 surveys of new Roundtail chub populations. Conducted 8 surveys of existing populations of Arkansas darter, and two surveys of potential habitat for new populations. Assessed the effects of groundwater withdrawal on eastern plains fish habitat, populations and assemblages. Conducted surveys of known, existing populations of lake chub, northern redbelly dace, Rio Grande sucker, and Common shiner. Collected and preserved 60 genetic samples of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, conducted three genetic purity assessments of populations. Completed Colorado Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. Sampled an additional 5 boreal toad populations for presence of chytrid fungus. Stocked Arkansas darter, Plains minnow, Suckermouth minnow and Southern red belly dace in 10 sites. Completed abundance and distribution reports on White-tailed prairie dog and Gunnison prairie dog. Translocated 20 Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and 40 Plains sharp-tailed grouse. Coordinated with BLM on 2 inventories of Western snowy plover to determine status of breeding population. Sampled 4 populations of Greenback cutthroat trout for genetic purity. Monitored 3 populations of Greenback cutthroat trout for stability. Stocked 3000 Greenback Cutthroat Trout fingerlings for restoration purposes. Conducted 6 public meetings on wolf management issues in Colorado. Sampled 18 washes for Colorado pikeminnow. A project to restore habitat for Greenback cutthroat trout was completed on the south prong of Hayden Creek. Development of Arkansas greenback broodstock continued at the Pitkin State Fish Hatchery. Nearly 900 progeny from the 2003 spawning year are at the hatchery and will begin to provide egg and fish production in 2006. - 16 - �• • • • Preliminary analysis of cutthroats taken from Maxwell Creek near Buena Vista indicated there are a new population of genetically-pure greenback cutthroats. If confirmed, this would increase the number of populations in the Arkansas River Basin to seven. Surveys by crews under contract to the Division of Wildlife found the Suckermouth minnow in several new sites on the mainstem of the Arkansas River and in the lower Purgatorie River. Systematic sampling of the South Republican River documented the abundance and distribution of more than 15 fish species. A management plan for Gunnison's prairie dog has been initiated, with a planned completion by the end of 2007. This plan is part of a rangewide effort by Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, working through the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. On October 19, 2005, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule on the "Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher." The rule included the following information: "The Upper Rio Grande in Costilla, Conejos, Alamosa, and Rio Grande Counties, CO and a segment of the Conejos River in Conejos County, CO were identified as having features essential to the southwestern willow flycatcher ... an estimated 73 flycatcher territories known. The five counties surrounding these streams in south-central Colorado along with the Rio Grande Water Conservation District has developed a partnership with the Service and other Federal agencies for conservation of riparian areas on private lands ... including and extending beyond the river segments identified in our proposed designation ... As a result, the Rio Grande and Conejos River segments identified as proposed critical habitat in the San Luis Valley Management Unit are being excluded from this designation. "(emphasis added) The Final rule as printed in the Federal Register went on to state: "The Valley has other strong conservation efforts that are locally driven: such as the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, Alamosa River Restoration Project, Colorado Wetlands Initiative - San Luis Valley Focus Area Group, Rio Grande Natural Area and Saguache Creek Corridor Project. All of these efforts ... demonstrate the history of conservation efforts in the San Luis Valley, are within the HCP planning area and will provide conservation benefits to the Southwestern willow flycatcher, Bald eagle, and Ye/low-billed cuckoo, as well as other wildlife within riparian and wetland communities." The financial support Great Outdoors Colorado provided to the Division of Wildlife's Southwestern willow flycatcher recovery efforts, and many other programs and projects GOCO has made possible over the years, the San Luis Valley remains in the "driver's seat" on efforts to protect and recover this species. Those efforts need to continue, but when an important determination on critical habitat was made, the investments made by the Division of Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado, local partners and others proved to be wise decisions. - 17 - �Bald Eagles Bald eagle monitoring occurs on a limited basis, and is primarily focused on monitoring occupancy and success. Most known nests are within the Northeast Region, the upper Yampa River, and Montezuma County. Monitoring is done by Division of Wildlife field personnel and volunteers and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory's, volunteer-based Bald Eagle Watch Program. Among the activities and findings of the Division of Wildlife during the 2005-06 fiscal year were: • • • • • • Banded 30 eaglets at 15 nest sites. Monitored 85 identified sites statewide at which bald eagles have attempted breeding at least once in the past five years. An average of approximately 65 sites are occupied in any given year. Received reports of 7 new nest sites and verified 6 of them. A total of 48 young were reported fledged from 24 sites. An additional 2 sites were successful but the number of young fledged was not determined. Estimated the productivity of Colorado bald eagles at 1.6 young fledged per occupied site, and fledged brood size is estimated at 2.0 young fledged per successful site. These estimates are higher than that observed in recent years, and are indicative of a very good year for breeding bald eagles. Identified 5 nests successfully producing 3 young, the maximum number for bald eagles. Normally, only one nest in the state produces 3 young per year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is under court direction to make a determination on whether to de-list the bald eagle from the federal Endangered Species Act list in 2007, or request an extension for making this determination. Bald eagles are currently listed as state threatened. Peregrine Falcons We have not regularly monitored peregrine falcons in Colorado as part of an established monitoring program since 2003. However, peregrine falcons in Colorado were monitored in 2006 as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's post-delisting monitoring program, required following delisting from the Endangered Species Act in 1999. • • • • Twenty-seven sites were monitored as part of the federal program this year, and Division of Wildlife biologists obtained information on 27 additional sites. Estimated the 2006 breeding season occupancy rate of to be 80%. Success rate (e.g., fledged at least 1 young) estimated to be 65% 157 sites within Colorado are known to have been used by peregrine falcons at least once. Peregrine falcons are not currently listed as threatened or endangered on either the federal or state list. - 18 - �WILDLIFE EDUCATION PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Wildlife Education Youth Education - 5157 Colorado Outdoor Ed. And Rec. Complex - 5860 River Stewardship - 5158 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 6130,6140,6150,6160, 6260,6290, 6581 $1 ,139,000 6330 6420 $0 $161 ,000 WIN-WIN -• • • The Wonders in Nature - Wonders in Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) Program served 9,522 students in 423 classrooms in 27 Denver area schools. Each WIN-WIN class participated in a field site visit to one of 30 partner sites. Eight WIN-WIN Family Days were held at the Denver Zoo and 3,167 families with WIN-WIN students participated. Broadening its educational efforts to reach landowners and the general public, DOW published the Pocket Guide to Native Fish of Colorado's Eastern Plains. The publication familiarizes landowners and others with identification of these species, their habitat needs and management recommendations and provides them with information about habitat incentive programs that can enhance fish habitat on their lands. DOW released its first education module developed specifically for high school students in October 2005. Return of the Snow Cat: The Reintroduction of Lynx to Colorado - 19 - �presents concepts presented in biology and ecology courses using real research data for the DOW's lynx reintroduction efforts. Approximately 300 high school biology and environmental science educators have requested the module. PROJECT WILD • • • • • 53 Project WILD workshops reached 967 educators in over 700 hours of workshop contact time. Colorado added 19 new Volunteer Facilitators during the 2005-2006 year. The current Volunteer Facilitator roster stands at over 150 Facilitators. 90 Active Volunteer Facilitators spent 2 ½ days attending the 2006 Facilitator Leadership Conference in Glenwood Springs. The conference included update sessions, learning about the most current resources and research and time spent networking with resource professionals and each other. Published 4, 16-page, editions of Colorado Connections. This Conservation Education newsletter reaches approximately 16,500 educators in the state. Created Project WILD-specific pages on Colorado Division of Wildlife Web site for teachers, potential Volunteer Facilitators and current Facilitators. http://wildlife.state.co. us/education/TeacherResources/ WILDLIFE EDUCATION IN PRACTICE - PROJECT WILD Project WILD is now in its 21 st year. Nationally the program reached a milestone this year in reaching the one million mark in the number of teachers participating in a WILD workshop. In Colorado, 40,000 educators have been trained since the program began. The program estimates that roughly one out of every three teachers in Colorado classrooms have been through the Project WILD program. More than 150 volunteer facilitators conduct Project WILD training workshops throughout Colorado. Prior to conducting a workshop, each volunteer has been through their own three-day training program. Once certified, Project WILD volunteers do all the work in putting together a quality workshop for teachers in their area. They begin with marketing their workshop to educators through various teacher networks. They secure an appropriate venue and make all the arrangements. The volunteers then develop an agenda tailored to the specific needs of the participants. On the day of the workshop, facilitators arrive early to make final preparations, ranging from brewing coffee to distributing handouts for participants. Throu~hout the day, facilitators instruct and guide activities that kindergarten through 1i grade teachers can use in their classrooms to improve student learning through activity-based instruction. - 20 - �In most cases the participants earn continuing education credits that can be applied toward their recertification as Colorado teachers. But more importantly, the participants come to the workshops because the materials are useful and relevant to their educational goals for their classrooms. The activities have been carefully correlated to the Colorado Model Content Standards and demonstrate the best in teaching methodology and technique. More than 40 studies have documented the effectiveness of Project WILD's approach and curriculum. In Colorado, 1,100 to 1,300 educators have been trained through approximately 65 Project WILD workshops each year. And there are no signs that the program is slowing down. As long as the materials are updated and current, and teachers find the program useful, Project WILD will continue to remain a popular program among Colorado teachers and in the state's classrooms. Education Partners The Education Partners program, involving the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Audubon Society of Greater Denver, Colorado Wildlife Federation and Bluff Lake Nature Center, reached more than 10,000 Coloradans with wildlife education experiences: • • • • Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory hosted 4 migratory bird-banding stations that allow students to get up close with the biologists mist-netting and banding migratory birds. The stations -- in Grand Junction, Lamar, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins - provided kids a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see birds in the hand. 3,012 students and banded 1,579 migratory songbirds during the year. Audubon Society of Greater Denver reached more than 2,500 students in the Denver metro area with wildlife experiences in the classroom for classes that are not able to take field trips. The Colorado Wildlife Federation helped 3,000 students explore the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge in Arvada to discover urban wildlife habitats. Bluff Lake Nature Center transported 2000 urban students to explore the wildlife habitat found at the nature center's lake. Students learned about waterfowl, urban mammals including deer, and saw first-hand how important a small lake can be to local wildlife during naturalist-guided walks. - 21 - �Angler Education The Angler Education Program and the clinics it runs is now in its 12th year. In 20052006, more than 200 fishing clinics and events were held statewide, reaching 14,500 participants. 13,000 beginning fishing rods and reels were distributed at those events. Groups and organizations that took part in clinics included: • • • • • • • Boys and Girls Club of Denver Commerce City Parks and Recreation Southern Ute Mountain Reservation Bethlehem Lutheran Day Care Colorado Uplift Redhawk Ridge Elementary Easter Seals Colorado Summer Camp The Angler Education program also participates with several national programs and other organizations, including: • • • The Passport to Fishing Program and "National Fishing and Boating Week," supported by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. A large multi-agency clinic called "Take a Family Fishing." The clinic is sponsored by CDOW, State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Corp of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Water, and Wright and McGill (Eagle Claw). The Future Fisherman Foundation (FFF) flagship program "Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs," working with local police drug prevention programs in Westminster and Thornton to provide youth high quality fishing experiences as an alternative to using drugs. - 22 - �• • • • 4-H extension programs teaching kids a wide variety of fishing topics including basic fishing skills, tackle crafting, making fishing rods, fly-fishing, fly-tying, and fishing for specific species. The American Fisheries Society (AFS) Hutton Junior Fisheries Biologist Program. Over the last three years 5 minority female students have earned a $3,000 scholarship to learn about fisheries and natural resource management. Students have worked at hatcheries, the fish health lab, and at Denver Headquarters teaching kids how to fish. The national "Ladies, Let's Go Fishing" (LLGF) program which is called the "NOYelling School of Fishing." LLGF teaches women in a non-stressful setting how to improve their fishing skills. Numerous fishing events for women through the "Women Afield" Program. - 23 - �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER Watchable Wildlife Wildlife Viewing - 3010, 4314, 5160, 5159,2511 WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 5110, 5210,5260, 5310 $521 ,422 The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs reach out to the significant segment of Colorado's population that does not hunt or fish but are interested in programs that perpetuate the state's wildlife resources. The Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many programmatic building blocks that helped bring about the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. With financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Division of Wildlife is able to provide a range of Watchable Wildlife programs that reach a significant portion of Colorado's population that would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. Wildlife Festivals and Events Watchable Wildlife program staff were involved in planning for or assisting with the following wildlife festivals and events: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pueblo Bird 'N Nature Fest Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival Pueblo Eagle Day at Pueblo Reservoir Christmas Bird Counts (statewide) High Plains Snow Goose Festival (Lamar) 1st Annual Colorado Birding Trail Day (Southeast Colorado) Lesser Prairie Chicken viewing (Granada and Campo) Greater Prairie Chicken viewing (Flagler) Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival (Colorado Springs) Bent County Birding Tour Orient Mine Bat Watching (Villa Grove) Hummingbird Festival (Colorado Springs) Elk Fest (Estes Park) Greater Sage-Grouse lek tours (Walden) Wray Prairie Chicken Viewing Tours Watchable Wildlife on State Wildlife Areas • • Developed waterfowl artwork that will be used on interpretive signs in State Wildlife Areas along the South Platte River. Completed a new visitor orientation kiosk at Lowell Ponds State Wildlife Area, in the northwest Denver metro area. - 24- �• Initiated work on a new visitor orientation kiosk at Banner Lanes State Wildlife Area. Watchable Wildlife with Partners • • • • • • • • • • • • • Developed additional interpretive signage for the Pawnee Grasslands with the US Forest Service and the Pawnee Pioneer Scenic and Historic Byway. The signs will also be integrated into the Pawnee Grasslands portion of the Colorado Birding Trail. With the City of Wheat Ridge, planned and designed a new boardwalk and viewing platform through a wetland area on the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt. Planned and designed a wildlife viewing and interpretation exhibit at a trailhead at Waterton Canyon. Denver Water will install the exhibit this year. In cooperation with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Division of Wildlife has identified wildlife viewing sites mentioned in the Colorado Wildlife Viewing Guide that are along highways and county roads. Eight sites were posted with brown and white binocular signs. Supervised 5 weeks of Colorado Youth Corps Association youth crew projects for improved wildlife viewing opportunities and habitat at Brush Hollow, Dome Rock, Rocky Ford, and Skaguay State Wildlife Areas, and at the Comanche Grasslands. Installed scenic overlook interpretive panels at the Alpine Loop Byway. Reprinted wildlife viewing guide for the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. Re-fabricated and updated Watchable Wildlife viewing panels for the Gold Belt Tour Byway on the Phantom Canyon Loop. Installed Bighorn Sheep viewing panels for Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway at the Watchable Wildlife Viewing Site in Granite. Installed Watchable Wildlife Viewing panels for the Frontier Pathway Scenic Byway at Lake Isabel. Developed 2 Watchable Wildlife interpretive panels for the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. Hosted 96 Wildlife Watch workshops statewide, drawing more than 1200 participants. Wildlife Watch is a half-day wildlife viewing skills program. Partners include Wild Birds Unlimited, Plains Conservation Center, Brunton Optics, Friends of Bluff Lake, Smokey Hill Library and others. Helped develop an insert for the Audubon Society magazine, sent to more than 1 million Audubon members, highlighting Colorado wildlife viewing opportunities. A copy of the insert is attached. - 25 - �WATCHABLE WILDLIFE IN PRACTICE - VIEWING FESTIVALS The Monte Vista Crane Festival is the largest, first and best known of all the wildlife festivals in Colorado. Initiated in 1983, the Monte Vista festival was the only one of its kind in the state for many years. But starting in the 1990s other wildlife-focused festivals began to develop, to the point that there are now wildlife festivals throughout Colorado. Division of Wildlife personnel have been involved with every wildlife festival in the state in varying ways. The Monte Vista festival was started by local volunteers, but a few years later CDOW staff joined as expert guides for bus tours through the State Wildlife Areas and the federal wildlife refuges in the San Luis Valley. Since then, CDOW staff and volunteers have continued to support the festival through their wildlife expertise and their time and effort on the logistics of the festival. In 2002 the CDOW personnel approached the Lamar Chamber of Commerce with a proposal to help the community develop a festival centered on the thousands of Snow geese, Blue geese and Ross' geese that winter in southeast Colorado. Avid birdwatchers knew of this viewing opportunity, but CDOW personnel believed the opportunity existed to expand interest in this natural phenomenon to more of the general public. With help from the Division of Wildlife, the first High Plains Snow Goose Festival was held in 2003, attracting more than 1000 participants. The festival includes educational programs, an arts and crafts fair, bus tours to see Snow geese flocks, and other field trips. Information is also provided on the role of hunting in managing geese population levels, since high populations devastate fragile habitat in their arctic breeding areas. The success of the festival has led the community to actively embrace wildlife viewing as an important attraction in marketing the town. I U'eJc orne to LA.MAil WM CHABLE WILDLIFE Santa Fe Trail - 26 - �In 2005, the Division of Wildlife proposed a bighorn sheep festival to the Colorado Spring Convention and Visitors Bureau, Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Department, the Flying W Ranch, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Society and others. In February 2006, the initial Garden of the Gods Bighorn Sheep Festival was held. Participants were able to view more than 20 sheep from the Garden of the Gods visitor center, or take a small tour bus to the top of a viewing mesa above the visitor's center. Additional programs discussed the unique biology of Colorado's bighorns and other viewing areas where bighorns can commonly be spotted. A children's area gave kids the chance to feel bighorn pelts and horns and receive a sheep coloring poster to take home. The Division of Wildlife and the US Forest Service provided booths with interpretive information for visitors. Volunteer-led hikes allowed up-close visits to the habitat - in Colorado second largest metro area -- that is home to the sheep. GOCO GRANTS MANAGEMENT PROJECT NAME AND LOG NUMBER GOCO Grants Manaoement Grants Management -5161 • • • • WORK PACKAGE NUMBERS ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 8135 $30,000 Division of Wildlife representation at Great Outdoors Colorado board and committee meetings. Preparation of annual report. Coordination of CDOW responses to GOCO inquiries. Provide CDOW assessment of GOCO policy options and acquisition proposals. - 27 - � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/2e5061fb8057f2545b50aae16e6f3838.pdf d88aab7a3c60228ffa865895a6319d98 PDF Text Text Colorado State Parks Great Outdoors Colorado Investments Annual Report Fiscal Year 2005-2006 State of Colorado Bill Owens Governor Colorado Department of Natural Resource& • I Colorado State Parks Russell George Executive Director Colorado State Parks Lyle Laverty Director �,,. Colorado State Parks 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 • Denver, Colorado 80203 • Phone (303) 866-3437 • FAX (303) 866-3206 • www.parks.state.co.us October 12, 2006 Ruben Valdez, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Mr. Valdez, I am pleased to present to you Colorado State Parks' Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund. This report contains information about investments made with GOCO Parks Purpose funding during state fiscal year 2005-2006. In keeping with State Parks' annual GOCO investment plans, this report is organized into seven categories: • • • • • • • Statewide Programs: These investments fund State Parks programs that have an impact throughout the state, including the Volunteer Program, the State Trails Program, and State Parks' public information activities. Park Operations: This funding ensures that adequate resources are in place to effectively manage and maintain previous GOCO investments in state parks. Planning and Development: This helps State Parks manage its GOCO investments and ensures that GOCO funding ends up as "on the ground" projects in a timely and efficient manner. Land and Water Protection: These investments enable effective planning and management of park natural resources. Land and Water Acquisitions and Leases: This funding helps secure critical buffer lands and recreation water for the State Parks system. Enhancements: These investments enable State Parks to improve recreation amenities within existing parks. In many instances these funds are leveraged with other funding sources. Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: These large-scale projects represent major GOCO investments in the future of outdoor recreation in Colorado. GOCO funding continues to make an invaluable contribution to the development of Colorado's state parks system . The work documented in this report is consistent with the desires expressed by Colorado citizens when they voted to create the GOCO trust fund in 1992. With guidance from you and the rest of the GOCO Board, I am confident that in the years to come we can continue to build on the great work we have already accomplished. Sincerely, ~ av~ ~ ~ to, Colorado State Parks STATE OF COLORADO• COLORADO STATE PARKS Bill Owens, Governor• Russell George, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources • Lyle Laverty, Director, Colorado State Parks Colorado Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation: • Dr. Tom Ready, Chair, Natural Areas Representative Wade Haerle, GOCO Representative• Antonette Delaura, Secretary• Tom Glass, Member• Kevin Holst, Member �Table of Contents Funding Totals All Categories ............. ................................................................................... 1 Statewide Programs ................................ ..................................................................... .........3 Public Information .................................... ....... ............................. .. .................................... ..... 5 Real Estate Program Operations .................. .... .......... .............................. ........... ................... .. .6 State Trails Program Operations .................. ........................... ................ ............................... .. .. 7 Volunteer Program: Operations ................... ................................. ............................................ .9 Volunteer Program: Incentives .................... .... .. ........................ ............................................. .10 Volunteer Program: lnterpretation ................ ........................................................................... .. 12 Water Program Operations ........................... .................................................... ........ .... .... ...... 14 Youth Programs ...................................................................................................... ........ ...... 15 Park Operations .......... .................................. .................................................................... .. 17 Park Operations .. ................................. ............................................................................. .... 19 Specialists .......... ....................................................................... ................................... ..... .. 20 Tourist Assistants .......................................................................................................... .... ...21 Planning and Development. ...... ............................................................................................ 23 Accounting .............................. ............................................................................................25 Capital Projects Manager ........... ............................................................................................. 26 Engineers and Project Managers .. ............................................................................................ 27 Planning and Development. ........ ........... ...... ............... .. .. .... ....... ...... ..... .......... .. .................... .. 28 Land and Water Protection .. ...... .. ....... .... .. ...... .............................. ............. .... ..................... .. 29 Staunton State Park ............ ........ .... ... ... ....... .. ... ........... ........ ........ ...... ... ... ............................ .31 Stewardship and GIS .............. ... ....................... ..... .. ... ......... ... ........... .... .. ........ ... ... ...... .... ....... 32 Vegetation Management. ..... .......................... ...... .. ... ............................................. ..... ....... .. .. .34 Land and Water: Acquisitions and Leases .......................................................... .. ......... ....... .37 Buffer Acquisitions ................................... ..................................................... ........................39 Water Acquisitions and Leases ................... ....................................... ................................... .. 40 Enhancements ............................. ............................................. .. ................................... .....43 Army Corps Cost Share ................... ................................................................................... .... 45 Reservoir Enhancements ................ .......................................................................................47 Revenue Enhancements ................. ........................... .......................................................... ..49 Road Improvements ....................... ............................. ....... .... .......................................... ..... 53 State Trails Program Grants ............. ............................................................... .. ................... ... 54 State Trails Program Special Projects ....................................................................................... 57 Wildfire Prevention ......................... ....................................................................................... 59 Legacy and Multi-Year Projects ........................................................ .. ...................................61 CDNST .................................. ......................................................................... ................... 63 Cheyenne Mountain ................... ..... .. ................................................................................... .65 Colorado Front Range Trail. .......... ............................ .. ........................................... ................. 67 Elkhead Reservoir ..................... ........................................... .. .. ...... .................................... .. 69 St. Vrain .................................. ..... .... ...... ... ............ .... ....................................................... ... 70 Yampa River ............................. ............... ... ........... ... ....... ....................... ......................... .... 71 �Fiscal Year 05-06 Totals Adjusted Grant Amount (All Years) Category Statewide Programs Public Information Real Estate Program Operations State Trails Program Operations Volunteer Program: Operations Volunteer Programs: Incentives Volunteer Program: Interpretation Water Program Operations Youth Programs Expenditures in FY 05-06 Unexpended Balance Subtotal: 854,523 20,000 478,698 564,367 330,254 756,355 183,275 521,420 $3,708,892 428,801 4,742 222,247 287,707 178,754 406,902 166,152 298,414 $1,993,719 311,293 15,258 240,200 242,028 122,653 279,626 10,463 179,256 $1,400,777 Subtotal: 1,266,000 508,203 374,190 $2,148,393 634,666 216,203 225,190 $1,076,059 631,334 292,000 149,000 $1 ,072,334 Subtotal : 183,496 148,203 1,103,779 72,000 $1,507,478 90,607 39,478 542,357 0 $672,442 76,549 108,725 516,493 72,000 $773,767 200,000 791,192 610,911 $1,602,103 0 347,730 348,903 $696,633 200,000 436,786 240,925 $877,711 605,639 2,225,218 $2,830,857 145,229 1,074,854 $1,220,083 460,410 1,124,153 $1 ,584,563 Park Operations Park Operations Specialists Tourist Assistants Planning and Development Accounting Capital Project Manager Engineers and Project Managers Planning and Development Land and Water Protection Staunton State Park Stewardship and GIS Vegetation Management Subtotal : Land and Water: Acquisitions/Leases Buffer Acquisitions Water Acquisitions and Leases Subtotal : Enhancements Army Corps Cost Share Reservoir Enhancements Revenue Enhancements Road Improvements State Trails Program Grants State Trails Program Special Projects Wildfire Prevention Subtotal : Legacy and Multi-Year Projects CONST Cheyenne Mountain Colorado Front Range Trail Colorado River Elkhead Reservoir St. Vrain Yampa River Subtotal : 4,248,000 700,000 2,152,933 520,000 1,910,081 236,027 950,000 $10,717,041 1,124,938 241,939 1,020,932 400,000 283,609 52,997 387,533 $3,511 ,948 1,681,814 180,084 687,529 120,000 1,469,312 164,995 361,363 $4,665,097 410,048 9,762,000 729,200 63,230 1,000,000 15,118,000 194,298 $27,276,776 0 4,751,589 93,739 0 0 1,539,040 0 $6,384,368 410,048 4,995,008 479,504 63,230 1,000,000 3,826,718 194,298 $10,968,806 Total (all categories): $49,791,540 $15,555,252 $21,343,055 �Statewide Programs 3 �Statewide Programs Public Information Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Expenditures Amount Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL 2006 06217 7SPM Public Information $359,000.00 $48,061.98 $310,938.02 2005 05213 6MK Marketing and Visitor Outreach $495,523.00 $380,738.69 $354.96 $854,523.00 $428,800.67 $311,292.98 Project Name Total: Background and Obiectives GOCO Public Information funding has contributed significantly to Parks outreach and awareness efforts. In accordance with Colorado State Parks' 2005 Strategic Plan, our public information efforts have focused on maintaining relationships with those interested in outdoor recreation as well as targeting new audiences such as families. Parks has also made progress in securing additional funding sources for future outreach activities, including Lottery funds and the Foundation for Colorado State Parks. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 GOCO funding contributed substantially to State Parks' public outreach efforts in the following categories: Advertisements: Ads were placed in publications to reach travelers, campers, and sports and recreation enthusiasts. Some of these publications include the Colorado Official State Visitor Guide, Camp Colorado, Rocky Mountain Sports, AAA Encompass Magazine, RV Journal, Colorado Parent, Frontier Airlines' In-Flight magazine, the Colorado Explorer TV series, and others. With many of these ads we tried to drive viewers to State Parks' website. In FY 05-06, www.parks.state.co.us received 1,327,484 visits, an increase of 33% over FY 04-05. Brochures: 39 individual state park area brochures (with a total print run of 865,500 copies) were produced and distributed to parks, welcome centers, convention and visitor bureaus across the state. The Great Outdoors Colorado logo appears on all of these brochures. News Releases: In FY 05-06 State Parks distributed 192 news releases to media outlets, yielding an estimated 81,685,000 impressions. Additional Outreach: Parks were provided funds for local outreach efforts throughout the state and engaged in a variety of activities. Examples include camping brochures, special events at parks, group facility brochures, event ads, winter recreation guide and others. Three promotional campaigns were deployed in FY05-06, which included Wildlflowers - Tour de Fleur bookmarks, Fall Colors - Rush to the Gold brochures, and Holiday Campaign - Wrap Up the Outdoors. 5 �Statewide Programs I Real Estate Program Operations Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL 2006 06181 7SLM Land Acquisition Mgmt $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 2005 05181 6RE Real Estate Program OP $10,000.00 $4,741.88 $5,258.12 $20,000.00 $4,741.88 $15,258.12 Total: Background and Objectives These funds are used for internal support of State Parks' Real Estate section, including travel, supplies, printing, and mailing costs. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Real Estate Program. For information about the Real Estate Program's capital funding, please see page 39. 6 �Statewide Programs State Trails Program Operations ' Year Log ID GBL 2006 06211 7STM Trails & River Greenways Mgmt 2005 05206 6TST Trail Staff and Operating Adjusted Grant Project Name Subtotal: 2006 06211 7STC Trails, Regional Ops - Central FY 05-08 Expenditures Unexpended Amount $177,000.00 $30.00 $176,970.00 $159,212.69 $152,950.73 $0.00 $336,212.69 $152,980.73 $176,970.00 $17,000.00 $502.07 $16,497.93 Amount 2006 06211 7STN Trails, Regional Ops - North $17,000.00 $825.40 $16,174.60 2006 06211 7STS Trails, Regional Ops - South $17,000.00 $1,535.09 $15,464.91 2006 06211 7STW Trails, Regional Ops - West $17,000.00 $1,907.42 $15,092.58 2005 05206 6TRC Reg Trail Coordinator $74,485.00 $64,496.27 $0.00 Subtotal: $142,485.00 $69,266.25 $63,230.02 Total: $478,697.69 $222,246.98 $240,200.02 Background and Objectives This funding supports the administration of the State Trails Program. The program manages six funding sources for trail work in Colorado. GOCO State Trails Program operations funding provides for one-half salary of the State Trails Program Manager and salary for a full-time administrative assistant, plus general operating funds for the program. GOCO Regional Trail Coordinator funding supports operating costs for the program's four Regional Trail Coordinators, but does not cover salary for these positions. Each Regional Trail Coordinator is budgeted $17,000 annually for operation costs, for a total of $68,000. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 State Trails Program operating: • • • • • • • • Administer approximately 260 open grants annually. Coordinate with the National Park Service, Federal Highways, Lottery and GOCO on reporting, funding, audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. Manage trail program budgets. Update the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. Provide regular updates to the State Trails Committee and State Parks Board regarding all work projects. Work with grant review subcommittees and coordinate the grant review process. Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. Verify compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental Policy Act. 7 �Regional Trail Coordinator operating: The salaries for these four positions are federally funded and operating costs are provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. In FY 05-06 GOCO funds helped cover: ■ ■ ■ Fixed and variable vehicle costs to travel over 50,000 miles to assist with project work, training, meetings, and trail patrol. Travel costs to perform over 3,000 user contacts, write 100 citations, patrol 2,000 miles trail, conduct 60 training sessions, work on 70 projects, assist with 10 special events, inspect 130 grant projects and work with 20 Youth Corp groups. General operation funds include the purchase of tools, uniforms, tents, clinometer, camera, GPS units, avalanche beacons, office supplies, and snowmobile/AlV maintenance. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the State Trails Program. For information about the State Trails Program's capital funding, please see pages 54-56. 8 �Statewide Programs Volunteer Program: Operations Year Log ID FY 05-08 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name GBL Unexpended Amount 2006 06212 7SVL Volunteer Mgmt Ops $41,000.00 $4,072.60 2006 06212 7SVM Volunteer Mgmt PS $91,000.00 $29,749.26 $61,250.74 2006 06215 7SVQ Vol Resource Provider Ops $30,000.00 $521.42 $29,478.58 2006 06215 7SVR Vol Resource Provider PS $133,000.00 $23,019.88 $109,980.12 2005 05207 6VPC Vol Program Manager $81,358.00 $56,804.00 $0.13 2005 05207 6VPO Vol Program Manager OP and SWP $45,247.00 $36,713.88 $4,312.20 2005 05210 6VOH HP OP Vol Resource Provider $16,816.00 $16,817.00 -$1.00 $58.32 $36,927.40 2005 05210 6VOR RM OP Vol Resource Provider $16,000.00 $15,941.68 2005 05210 6VRH HP PS Vol Resource Provider $57,652.00 $52,786.23 $8.78 2005 05210 6VRR RM PS Vol Resource Provider $52,294.00 $52,281.22 $12.78 $564,367.00 $288,707.17 $242,028.05 Total : Background and Objectives Colorado State Parks' statewide Volunteer Program was created to provide quality visitor services and encourage stewardship of our natural resources by supporting and promoting volunteerism; by providing a skilled and knowledgeable volunteer work force to augment Colorado State Parks staff and programs; by providing for effective volunteer management; and by providing broad public exposure to the agency and park management concepts. This GOCO funding is intended to help achieve the above objectives by providing oversight and management of the statewide Volunteer Program (including the youth outreach component), as well as providing support for coordination of volunteer efforts at regional and park levels. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 This funding pays the salary of the Volunteer Program Manager and two Regional Volunteer Resource Providers. In general, the Volunteer Program Manager provides oversight, supervision and guidance for all elements of the statewide Volunteer Program; the Volunteer Resource Providers provide training, coordination, and assistance to parks staff (including seasonal interpreters/volunteer coordinators) in administering their volunteer, interpretive and educational programs. This funding also covers seasonal employee staffing, supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program. Specific major accomplishments in FY 05-06 include: • • • • Completion of Statewide Volunteer Program Five-Year Strategic Plan, 2006-2010. For a copy of this document, please contact State Parks. Completion of Volunteer Program needs assessments at 40 state parks Coordination and support for various local, state and national volunteer and interpretation events at 28 state park locations, resulting in the participation of 1,944 volunteers Participated with over 28 organizations in community and recruitment activities 9 �Statewide Programs Volunteer Program: Volunteer Incentives Year Log ID GBL Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount 2006 06214 7SVB Volunteer Incentives Regional $41,500.00 $3,455.47 $38,044.53 2006 06214 7SVC Volunteer Incentives Central $38,000.00 $809.09 $37,190.91 2006 06214 7SVD Volunteer Database $14,000.00 $0.00 $14,000.00 2006 06214 7SVE Volunteer Training $30,000.00 $0.00 $30,000.00 2006 06214 7SVF Volunteer VOC $12,500.00 $9,369.98 $3,130.02 2005 05209 6VIS SE Vol Training, lncent $19,166.00 $11,223.75 $0.00 2005 05209 6VIC Central Vol Training, lncent $59,164.00 $46,603.96 $0.00 2005 05209 6VID Vol Database $15,090.00 $15,090.00 $0.00 2005 05209 6VIP VOC Projects $12,500.00 $7,885.96 $0.00 2005 05209 6VIT Vol Training $50,000.00 $49,956.66 $43.34 2005 05209 6VIH HP Vol Train, lncent $19,167.00 $16,324.31 $0.00 2005 05209 6VIR RM Vol Train, lncent $19,167.00 $18,034.78 $244.45 $330,254.00 $178,753.96 $122,653.25 Total: Background and Objectives The objective of this funding is to support volunteerism in state parks. Incentives dollars provide support for park-specific projects that are completed primarily with volunteer support and labor, and/or provide direct benefit to state park volunteer programs and volunteers themselves. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Volunteer Database: Continued service with existing volunteer database provider by purchasing annual software license and maintenance agreement. Continued database administration at 41 state park locations. Provided database training at 12 locations for approximately 40 staff and volunteers. Continued to pay intern to provide training and to handle database troubleshooting tasks with field staff and volunteers. Completed first full year of volunteer tracking via the volunteer database; in calendar year 2005, volunteers provided a total of 161,020 hours of service to Colorado State Parks. Training: Provided eight volunteer management and/or interpretive training opportunities for 141 employees and volunteers; expenses included workshop registration fees, instructor fees, training supplies, and resource books and materials; also included instructor travel expenses to provide ongoing volunteer database training for staff and volunteers statewide (see "Volunteer Database," above). This funding also covered educational and training materials and displays for use at park events, career fairs and volunteer booths. Statewide Incentives: Covered statewide expenses for recruiting efforts {brochures, magazine and newspaper ads, banners, trade shows, career fairs), volunteer uniform items, volunteer insurance coverage, rewards/recognition items and events, and resource books and training materials. Provided support for projects tied to local, state and national volunteer events (Eagle Scout events, Colorado Cares 10 �Day, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, etc.). Also covered upgrades to camp host sites at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Regional/Park Incentives: Support was provided for volunteer programs, projects and events across the state. Specifically, funding covered recruitment ads and banners, uniform items, training and resource materials, supplies and equipment required to support park projects (fence building, wetland restoration, tree planting, noxious weed control, and trail construction), rewards and recognition, and volunteer amenities and improvements. voe Projects: Completed four projects in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado at three state park locations. ■ ■ ■ ■ Chatfield / Audubon (September 2005): 175 volunteers completed a wetlands trail and habitat restoration project. St. Vrain (April 2006): Over 650 volunteers completed a massive planting project to provide habitat buffer in the park. Lory (May 2006): Nearly 200 volunteers completed the Lory Mountain Loop Trail project. Lory (June 2006): 44 kids and 20 adults completed the "youth overnight'' trails project. 11 �Statewide Programs Volunteer Program: Interpretation Year Log ID Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Expenditures Amount Project Name GBL Unexpended Amount 2006 06213 7SVS Vol lntsrp Park SWP $297,000.00 $31,335.01 $255,654.99 2005 05208 6WH HP Volunteerism, lnterp $146,970.00 $129,219.84 $1,985.19 2005 05208 6WR RM Volunteerism, lnterp $145,000.00 $102,843.03 $735.25 2005 05208 6WS SE Volunteerism, lnterp $145,000.00 $128,174.37 $7,629.20 2005 05212 6VWS SE Self Directed lnterp $6,667.00 $3,754.08 $19.04 2005 05212 6VWH HP Self Directed lnterp $8,440.00 $7,266.48 $623.19 2005 05212 6VWR RM Self Directed lnterp $7,278.00 $4,309.05 $2,968.95 $756,355.00 $406,901 .86 $279,625.81 Total: Background and Objectives State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors to and educating school groups about nature's wonders. With the assistance of GOCO funding, since the mid-1990s Colorado State Parks has provided qualified interpreters in our parks throughout Colorado. However, a change in philosophy within our agency beginning in FY 03-04 has shifted emphasis on accomplishing interpretive programs and contacts through volunteers rather than through seasonally hired employees. With this shift, seasonal employees hired with GOCO dollars are now combining interpretive efforts with volunteer program coordination. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Statewide: • • Paid seasonal employee salaries to support park volunteer and/or interpretive programs at 31 state parks. Seasonal employees statewide continued their efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers and parkspecific Friends Groups to achieve the goals of State Parks' education and volunteer programs. Rocky Mountain Region: • • • • • Conducted 736 educational programs for 16,775 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 21,784 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 1,193 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Devoted 2,240 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 10 state parks. These include discovery packs, trail brochures, non-personal interpretive signs and exhibits, Jr. Ranger materials and packets, teacher guides, weekly newspaper columns, web page updates, self-guided trail signs, park newsletters, plant identification booklets, and hunter information packets and maps. 12 �Southeast Region: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Conducted 726 educational programs for 15,085 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 25,998 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 800 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Devoted 2,022 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at seven state parks. These include interpretive displays, Jr. Ranger materials, teacher guides, discovery packs, historical PowerPoint presentation, bird and bat houses, self-guided interpretive nature trails, digital photo file, story telling and kids activities, amphitheater slide program, and photo hikes. High Plains Region: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Conducted 703 educational programs for 21,700 participants. Delivered educational messages through informal contacts with 49,478 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. Devoted 1,880 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. Devoted 3,868 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 12 state parks. These include park and volunteer newsletters, interpretive displays and exhibits, digital photo file (PowerPoint), Family Fun Packs, Jr. Ranger materials, guide to common birds, bioblitz kids activity book, design and layout dayuse area, history and nature trail brochures, bulletin boards, public program guide, herbarium, wildflower list, and children's learning center. 13 �Statewide Programs Water Program Operations Year Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Log ID GBL -'UUU ... nna- 05183 7SWM ',,•J.;te; Resou;ce Mgmt $94,000.00 $83,537.34 $10,462.66 2005 05183 6WS Water Programs Admin - OP $89,275.00 $82,614.58 $0.00 $183,275.00 $166,151.92 $10,462.66 Total: Background and Objectives GOCO funding helps cover operating and administration costs for State Parks' Water Resource Program . GOCO funding contributions pay half (0.5 FTE) of the staff hydrologist's yearly salary, water program administrative charges, and other overhead charges. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about operations funding for the Water Program. For information about the Water Program's capital funding, please see pages 40-41. 14 �Statewide Programs Youth Programs Year Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Expenditures Amount Project Name Unexpended Amount Log ID GBL 2006 06216 7SYP Colorado Youth Corps $232,000.00 $58,494.00 $173,506.00 2005 05211 6VY Youth Corps Projects $275,000.00 $230,500.00 $750.00 2005 05253 6VYN Colo Youth Naturally Project $14,420.00 $9,420.00 $5,000.00 $521,420.00 $298,414.00 $179,256.00 Total: Background and Obiectives The Colorado Youth Corps Program, under the direction of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), provides a platform to strengthen the life skills of its participants. It engages Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and helps them build a sense of natural stewardship. The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. The Colorado Youth Naturally project produces publications that accurately depict Colorado wildlife, targeted at young children. The objective is to help families and other park users have enjoyable and educational experiences in the outdoors. In addition, these publications educate State Parks' visitors about appropriate wildlife watching techniques and safe outdoor recreation techniques and practices, and encourage a sense of responsible stewardship of Colorado's public lands. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Colorado Youth Corps Program: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Completed 53 crew weeks of project work at 28 state park locations. Three parks (Colorado River, Crawford and Staunton) were provided with trained youth corps sawyer crews for thinning and fire fuel reduction work. A total of 161 corps members age 16-23 and 27 crew leaders worked on projects, providing 17, 172 hours of project labor. Funding helped provide crew leader training. CYCA provided project management and reporting, technical training, evaluation and data tracking, accounting and support services as part of their contract with State Parks Continued to incorporate environmental education elements into the youth corps experience. Public presentations were completed at three state park project sites. A total of 4 7 visitors were given the opportunity to learn more about volunteer programs and the partnership between youth corps and Colorado State Parks. Colorado Youth Naturally Project: ■ ■ Designed, created, printed and distributed (statewide to all parks and regional offices) 140,000 Adventures as a Young Naturalist coloring books targeted for kids ages 3-6. Purchased and distributed crayons statewide. 15 �Park Operations 17 �Park Operations Park Operations Year Log ID GBL I Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Expenditures Amount Project Name Unexpended Amount 2006 06193 7PYA Yampa Operations $115,000.00 $0.00 $115,000.00 2006 06194 7PST Staunton Operations $60,000.00 $0.00 $60,000.00 2006 06195 7PJM John Martin Operations $64,000.00 $0.00 $64,000.00 2006 06196 7PCM Cheyenne Mtn. Operations $119,000.00 $0.00 $119,000.00 2006 06197 7PLM Lone Mesa Operations $44,000.00 $0.00 $44,000.00 2006 06198 7PSY Sylvan Operations $150,000.00 $0.00 $150,000.00 2006 06199 7PRL Rifle Complex Operations $74,000.00 $0.00 $74,000.00 2005 05189 6EYP Yampa Operations $122,000.00 $122,000.00 $0.00 2005 05190 6NST Staunton OP $67,000.00 $65,710.80 $1,289.20 2005 05191 6NJM John Martin OP $66,000.00 $66,000.00 $0.00 2005 05192 6NCM Cheyenne Mtn OP $119,000.00 $119,000.00 $0.00 2005 05193 6NLM Lone Mesa OP $44,000.00 $42,637.82 $1,362.18 2005 05194 6NSV Sylvan Lake OP $150,000.00 $147,317.40 $2,682.60 2005 05195 SERF Rifle Falls OP $72,000.00 $72,000.00 $0.00 $1,266,000.00 $634,666.02 $631,333.98 Total: Background and Objectives These GOCO operations funds are allocated to parks that have benefited from GOCO investments in the past. This funding helps cover basic park costs associated with building upkeep and maintenance, weed control, fire mitigation, fencing, snow removal, and many other activities. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above . 19 �Park Operations Specialists Year Log ID FY05-06 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name GBL Unexpended Amount 2006 06201 7PCF Crawford Operations $74,000.00 $0.00 $74,000.00 2006 06202 7PCR Colorado River Operations $50,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 2006 06203 7PGG Golden Gate Operations $49,000.00 $0.00 $49,000.00 2006 06204 7PNJ Navajo Operations $48,000.00 $0.00 $48,000.00 2006 06206 7PVR St. Vrain Operations $71,000.00 $0.00 $71,000.00 2005 05197 6ECF Crawford OP and RT $74,000.00 $74,000.00 $0.00 2005 05198 6ECR Colorado River OP and RT $47,000.00 $47,000.00 $0.00 2005 05199 6EGG Golden Gate OP and RT $47,203.00 $47,203.00 $0.00 2005 05200 6ENJ Navajo OP and RT $48,000.00 $48,000.00 $0.00 $508,203.00 $216,203.00 $292,000.00 Total: Background and Objectives Resource technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. These GOCO-funded positions perform numerous maintenance and upkeep operations at parks that have received significant GOCO funding in the past. Activities performed by resource technicians include building repair and maintenance, mowing, fencing, trash removal, weed control, water systems maintenance and repair, campsite upkeep and repairs, snow removal, and dozens of other tasks. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 20 �Park Operations Tourist Assistants Year Log ID GBL 2006 06200 7PSB 2006 06205 2006 06207 2006 06208 Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Steamboat Operations $51,000.00 $0.00 $51,000.00 7PMU Mueller Operations $24,000.00 $0.00 $24,000.00 7PSF State Forest Operations $27,000.00 $0.00 $27,000.00 7PLA Lathrop Operations $47,000.00 $0.00 $47,000.00 $122,000.00 $0.00 2005 05196 6ESB Steamboat OP $122,000.00 2005 05201 6EMU Mueller OP and TA $24,000.00 $24,000.00 $0.00 2005 05202 6ENS North Sterling OP $25,879.00 $25,879.00 $0.00 2005 05203 6ESF State Forest OP and TA $28,311.00 $28,311.00 $0.00 2005 05204 6EBN Bonny OP and TA $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $0.00 $374,190.00 $225,190.00 $149,000.00 Total : Background and Objectives These GOCO-funded Tourist Assistants provide vital customer service support at park visitor centers that have received GOCO funding. Tourist Assistants are often the first State Parks employee with whom our visitors interact, and are vitally important in setting the tone for visitor experience at the parks. Tourist Assistants perform a variety of tasks, including entry pass sales, public information, camping reservations assistance, and other customer service. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 21 �Planning and Development Accounting Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount Year Log ID 2006 06191 7DAC P&D Accounting $85,000.00 $8,451.05 $76,548.95 2005 05188 6OAC Accounting and Contract $98,496.00 $82,155.65 $0.00 $183,496.00 $90,606.70 $76,548.95 GBL Project Name Total: Background and Objectives In FY 05-06 GOCO funded 1.5 FTE in State Parks' Financial Services and Accounting section. This fulltime position and associated part-time position performed work directly related to ongoing administration of State Parks' GOCO program, including grant administration and oversight; generation of monthly billings to GOCO; grant extensions, transfers, and deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and communication and coordination with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 25 �Planning and Development Capital Project Manager Adjusted Grant FY0S-06 Expenditures Amount Unexpended Amount Year Log ID 2006 06221 7DCP P&D Capital Projects Mgmt $72,000.00 $0.00 $72,000.00 2005 05222 6OMC Capital Projects Mgr $76,203.00 $39,478.01 $36,724.99 $148,203.00 $39,478.01 $108,724.99 GBL Project Name Total: Background and Objectives This position oversees and manages State Parks' CAPTRS system, a capital project tracking application that is currently under development. This software will allow State Parks to track construction project progress and expenditures, and provide regular reports. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 26 �Planning and Development Engineers and Project Managers Year Log ID GBL Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Expenditures Amount Project Name Unexpended Amount 2006 06218 7DRM P&D RM Engineer $148,000.00 $0.00 $148,000.00 2006 06219 7DHP P&D HP Engineer $238,000.00 $11,026.96 $226,973.04 2006 06220 7DSE P&D SE Engineer $142,000.00 $641.78 $141,358.22 2005 05218 6ERM RM Region Project Engineer $138,000.00 $137,969.54 $30.46 2005 05219 6EHP HP Region Project Eng $173,418.00 $173,418.00 $0.00 2005 05220 6OMH HP Project Eng $132,361.00 $87,432.16 $0.00 $132,000.00 $131,868.36 $131.64 $1,103,779.00 $542,356.80 $516,493.36 2005 05221 6OMS SE Project Eng Total: Background and Objectives GOCO-funded project engineers and project managers provide invaluable support for construction and development projects around the state. These positions work closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 27 �Land and Water Protection Staunton Year Log ID GBL 2004 04206 SN5C Project Name Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures $200,000.00 Staunton Capital Unexpended Amount $0.00 Background and Objectives Staunton State Park was originally acquired as a donation to Colorado State Parks in 1986. Additional acquisitions were made in 1998, 2003, and 2006. Environmental studies and resource inventories and analysis have been completed for the park, but completion of a park master plan must take place prior to any development of recreation amenities. This GOCO funding is earmarked for development of Staunton's master development plan. This document will guide every aspect of the park's build-out, including camping, visitor amenities, and trails. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 State Parks contracted with the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) to perform preliminary assessments on possible multiple use trail corridors. The assessment has been completed and will be utilized as part of the overall park master planning efforts. Meetings have been held with the Elk Falls Ranch Property Owners Association as well as with other interested landowners to discuss on-going fuel mitigation projects at the park, as well as to continue the communication relating to timelines for future master planning efforts. Meetings have been held with the Colorado Department of Transportation to better understand their timelines for redevelopment of the US 285/Elk Creek Road intersection that provides access to Staunton and determine how this project will affect the timing for park development in the future. The master planning of Staunton is now expected to begin in the fall of 2006. 31 $200,000.00 �Land and Water Protection GIS and Stewardship FY 05-06 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL 2006 06185 7NRM Nat Resource Mgmt $169,000.00 $556.58 $168,443.42 2006 06186 7NRP Nat Resource Projects $212,000.00 $0.00 $212,000.00 2005 05184 6GIO GIS Plan/Stewardship OP $15,000.00 $14,969.88 $30.12 2005 05184 6GIS GIS Plan/Stewardship OP CAP $395,192.00 $332,203.48 $56,312.06 $791,192.00 $347,729.94 $436,785.60 Project Name Total: Background and Objectives Since 1998, State Parks has been developing Resource Stewardship Plans for our state parks. GOCO funding , matched with State Parks and other funds, is used to complete resource inventories, compile Geographic Information Systems (GIS) information, and develop resource stewardship plans for parks throughout the system. The resource inventories focus on obtaining and developing information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. On-the-ground surveys are conducted to map and document the condition of the vegetation, rare plants, weeds, and selected wildlife habitat. Staff has also developed management prescriptions which focus on weed management, parkspecific revegetation, guidance on dealing with specific resource issues (wildlife/trash interactions, rattlesnakes, large predators, cottonwood/willow maintenance, etc.), as well as monitoring methods, based on each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities. This funding is also used to develop threatened and endangered species analyses for potential development projects, to help prepare weed plans and GIS maps, provide GPS equipment for mapping of resource and infrastructure at the parks, and to provide seasonal staff to assist the Colorado Natural Areas Program (CNAP) manager and coordinator. The Natural Areas work is matched by US Fish and Wildlife Service section 6 grants. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Over 36,000 acres at four parks were comprehensively inventoried for vegetation and wildlife habitat during fiscal year 05-06. Staff also developed targeted inventories for several other parks encompassing approximately 10,000 to 20,000 additional acres. Specific accomplishments include: Resource Stewardship: • • Final drafts produced for six stewardship plans (all subsequently approved and adopted by Region Managers). Resource inventories, including vegetation and wildlife surveys, were competed at Sweitzer, Sylvan Lake and Harvey Gap State Parks. 32 �• • • • ■ ■ • Weed Inventories were completed at Sweitzer, Sylvan Lake, Harvey Gap and St. Vrain State Parks. Additional inventories are underway at Boyd Lake and various parcels of Arkansas Headwaters. Aquatic weed inventory was conducted at St. Vrain. Draft Stewardship Plans were produced for Sweitzer, Sylvan Lake and Harvey Gap State Parks. Resource inventories and plans were started at John Martin and Arkansas Headwaters. When these are complete, the agency will have complete resource inventories and resource management plans for state parks except State Forest and Lone Mesa. Rare plant surveys were conducted at Castlewood Canyon, Sylvan Lake and Arkansas Headwaters. Detailed surveys and advice on revegetation and restoration projects were provided to three parks. Staff initiated a volunteer raptor monitoring program. Volunteers now monitor raptor nesting sites at eight state parks. Two volunteer raptor meetings were held. GIS: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ GIS software and data sets were installed at 15 state park offices. All park field offices now have access to GIS mapping data. GIS evaluations of threatened and endangered species habitat were conducted for assorted park projects; this project included three major consultations with USFWS staff. Two GPS units were upgraded to the newest models. Support was provided to Chatfield State Park for a maintenance utilities mapping and GIS database development project. The latest Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) rare plant and animal data was purchased for use by the Stewardship and CNAP program. Natural Areas: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Staff monitored and made site visits to 27 Natural Areas (18 designated, 4 registered, and 5 identified). Staff coordinated monitoring and site visits by 74 volunteers at 60 designated Natural Areas. Staff conducted four Natural Areas Council Meetings and two Volunteer Steward Meetings. Surveys of rare plants were conducted at 14 Natural Areas, in conjunction with volunteers and staff from several other agencies, including the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Division of Wildlife, CNHP, and USFWS. Evaluations of wetlands were conducted at two designated Natural Areas (Antero and Fourmile), utilizing roving volunteer stewards. Staff oversaw management coordination at eight Natural Areas resulting in a protective fence at Pyramid Rock, retention of SIA status at Comanche Lesser Prairie Chicken, building of grazing enclosures for monitoring at High Mesa Grassland, building of new OHV barriers at Slumgullion NA, repair of fences at Mishak Lakes, and noxious weed work at Aiken Canyon, Jimmy Creek and Blue Mountain. Staff wrote and distributed a draft outreach plan for the Natural Areas Program, and oversaw a major revision to the program website and development of marketing information for Natural Areas. Staff wrote a draft MOU outlining coordination between USFS and Natural Areas. Staff coordinated with The Nature Conservancy to co-author a grant proposal to purchase a property with an endangered plant. This grant for $159,450 in federal funds was awarded in September. The program was awarded USFWS section 6 grants totaling $25,000 for more surveys and modeling through the CNHP, as well as $4000 for surveying and reporting of a rare lpomopsis plant. 33 �Land and Water Protection Vegetation Management Program GBL FY 05-06 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Year Log ID 2006 06184 7NRS Resource Regional Projects SE $90,000.00 $23,443.43 $66,556.57 2006 06184 7NRH Resource Regional Projects HP $90,000.00 $11,019.03 $78,980.97 2006 06184 7NRR Resource Regional Projects RM $90,000.00 $0.00 $90,000.00 $326.90 2005 05184 &GSS Veg Mgmt OP SE $121,905.00 $115,957.40 2005 05184 6GSH Veg Mgmt OP HP $113,967.00 $98,504.60 $0.00 2005 05184 6GSR Veg Mgmt OP RM $105,039.00 $99,978.28 $5,060.72 $610,911.00 $348,902.74 $240,925.16 Total: Background and Objectives Grants through Great Outdoors Colorado for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts continue the momentum we have built to contain noxious weed infestation at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative, effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to initiate proactive efforts to better manage the natural habitats at our parks. Primary efforts include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means; development of integrated weed management plans; selective application of herbicides; bio-controls and weed agents; and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has played an important role in these efforts as well. A large portion of our efforts are cooperative, with local county weed control coordinators, county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service, and adjoining landowners playing an important role. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Southeast Region: • • • • • • Ongoing noxious weed control (chemical, biological, mechanical) at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, John Martin, Mueller, Lathrop, and Trinidad Lake State Parks. Purchase and use of tree terminator at Bonny Lake State Park. Entered a partnership with CSU to apply innovative methods of tamarisk control at Bonny Lake State Park. Removal of dead trees and selected thinning at Trinidad Lake State Park. Conducted irrigation system winterization at John Martin State Park. Conducted hydroseeding and revegetation activities at the Point Campground at John Martin State Park. 34 �High Plains Region: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Contracted for weed spraying (Canada thistle, musk thistle, white top) and purchase herbicide for staff application at Barr Lake State Park. Purchased herbicides for staff application throughout Boyd Lake State Park. Contracted weed spraying (knapweed, thistle and leafy spurge) throughout Castlewood Canyon State Park. At Chatfield State Park, contracted for weed spraying of 125 acres and beetle/borer infestation control in evergreens at the primary campground. Contracted for Eurasian Watermilfoil management on 2.0 acres. Purchased herbicide and fertilizer purchase for staff application. Purchased native grass seed and mulch for staff application on 11.5 acres. Contracted for weed spraying (knapweed, toadflax, tamarisk, leafy spurge and thistle) at Cherry Creek State Park. Purchased native seed and mulch, herbicides and pesticides for staff application. Conducted vegetation restoration at Eldorado's North Picnic Area. Contracted for weed spraying. Contracted for weed spraying at Jackson Lake State Park. Purchased native grass seed and mulch for the Lakeside Campground and the windbreak at Northview Campground. Contracted with Larimer County for weed spraying at Lory State Park. Purchased herbicides for staff application. Applied biological weed control for dalmation toadflax. Conducted Canada thistle control at North Sterling State Park. Conducted sterilization of the park's primary campground and picnic area high use pads and trails. Contracted for weed spraying at Roxborough State Park. Worked with a contractor to develop a formal Weed Management Plan for the park. Purchased herbicides for staff application at St. Vrain State Park. Purchased herbicides for staff application at State Forest State Park. Performed maintenance on the region's wood chipper (maintained by State Forest personnel). Contracted for weed spraying at Staunton State Park (toadflax, thistle, leafy spurge). Rocky Mountain Region: • • • • • • • Trees were planted at Highline and Vega State Parks. Vegetative management (weed spraying) was provided at James M. Robb - Colorado River, Vega, Navajo, Mancos, Highline, Sweitzer, Steamboat, Stagecoach, Yampa River, Ridgway and Crawford State Parks. Tamarisk removal and treatment activities were conducted at Navajo, James M. Robb - Colorado River, and Highline Lake State Parks. Highline State Park is virtually tamarisk-free at this point, although continued removal of new sprouts will be required. Shoreline erosion control and weed prevention activities were conducted at Crawford and Vega State Parks. An extensive forest management program was implemented at Ridgway State Park. This included the mapping, marking and harvest of selected trees to improve the forest health and resistance to beetle infestation. Spraying of critical, healthy trees in the campgrounds occurred. Tree thinning and beetle kill tree removal activities were conducted at Steamboat Lake State Park. Hazardous and dead tree removal was completed at James M. Robb - Colorado River, Highline, and Navajo State Parks. 35 �Land and Water: Acquisitions and Leases Park Improvements and Buffer Acquisitions Adjusted Grant FY05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL I 2006 06180 7CLA Land Resources Acquisitions $340,000.00 $2,100.00 $337,900.00 2005 05180 6LD Land Purchase Buffer Acq $265,639.00 $143,128.70 $122,510.30 $605,639.00 $145,228.70 $460,410.30 Total: Background and Objectives Buffer acquisitions funding enables the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In-holdings and adjoining lands at state parks, like Golden Gate Canyon, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes, right-of-way problems and easements. State Parks must be opportunistic in purchasing land, leases and easements when the need or availability arises. These GOCO funds provide matching funds for larger land projects with partners such as counties, non-profit conservation organizations, individuals and others. Buffer acquisition funds are also used to obtain boundary surveys, appraisals, consulting and other real estate services. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Leveraging this GOCO funding with other Lottery funding, Colorado State Parks acquired the 9-acre Transit Mix batch plant site at Lake Pueblo State Park. This property eliminates a private in-holding within the Chain of Lakes area (below Lake Pueblo Dam) and will enhance the recreational potential for this area. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for the Real Estate Program. For information about the Real Estate Program's operations funding, please see page 6. 39 �Land and Water: Acquisitions and Leases Water Acquisitions and Leases Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2006 06i82 7CWA Water Resources Acquisitions FY05-06 Adjusted Grant Expenditures Amount $100,000.00 Unexpended Amount $0.00 $100,000.00 $1,525,218.00 $1,074,854.00 $439,989.00 2005 05182 6WR Water Resource and Acq • CAP 2004 04202 WP5C Water Priorities Capital $300,000.00 $0.00 $300,000.00 2003 03051 WP3C Water Priorities Capital $300,000.00 $0.00 $284,164.09 $2,225,218.00 $1,074,854.00 $1,124,153.09 Total: Background and Obiectives These GOCO funds enable an ongoing effort by State Parks to secure water for certain parks that experience inadequate recreational water levels. The wide array of water needs within the Division requires State Parks to acquire water through a number of mechanisms, including water purchases, less conventional water options and leases, innovative cooperative agreements with water users, and lease or purchase of storage space in reservoirs. Continuation of existing agreements and the pursuit of new water supplies cannot be achieved without readily accessible funds. If these water needs are not addressed, water levels in State Parks-managed reservoirs and streams drop significantly, water quality can be degraded, and the surrounding natural resources may be impacted. These in turn negatively impact park visitation and revenue. Therefore, the Division has developed a long-term plan prioritizing water needs and acquisitions. Other water-related capital improvements such as dam repairs and gauging devices help to maximize the use of water obtained by the Division. Dam repairs are also needed to protect downstream residents and property owners from the failure of state-owned dams. Dam restoration will bring the structures into compliance with minimum required conditions, preventing the failure or restriction of Park dams. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 GOCO funding contributed to the $1 .2 million purchase of 700 acre-feet of water for recreational use at Trinidad State Park. State Parks' Water Resources program leased 2000 acre-feet of water in Twin Lakes Reservoir for use at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area for the 2005 Flow Program. State Parks also contracted for 590 acre-feet of temporary water storage in the Frying Pan-Arkansas Project for use at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. FY 05-06 GOCO funding was also used to lease 15 shares from the Farmer's Irrigation Company, which translates into approximately 22.5 acre feet of water for use at Rifle Gap State Park. 40 �Future Acquisitions/Leases The large unexpended balance for this GOCO-funded program reflects impending water purchases at Cherry Creek State Park and John Martin State Park. Funds from FY 05-06 and earlier GOCO logs have been encumbered in order to acquire 700 acre-feet of water from Coors Brewing Company for use at Cherry Creek State Park. The remaining unexpended balance from GOCO logs will be encumbered for an impending large water acquisition at John Martin State Park. This purchase has been tied up in water court for an extended period of time, but is nearing resolution. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for the Water Program. For information about the Water Program's operations funding, please see page 14. 41 �Enhancements U.S. Army Corps Recreation Cost Share Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2006 06188 7CAK Army Corps Cherry Creek G06 2006 06188 7CAD Army Corps Chatfield G06 2005 05187 6ACC Army Corps CS Cherry Creek 2005 05187 6ACH Army Corps CS Chatfield 2005 05187 6ACT Army Corps CS Trinidad 2003 03058 CS3C Corps Cost Share 2001 02085.. 01701 CHXC Chatfield Cost Share Renovation FY 05-06 Adjusted Grant Expenditures Amount $625,000.00 Total : Unexpended Amount $0.00 $625,000.00 $325,000.00 $120,705.11 $204,294.89 $1,024,000.00 $220,911.66 $803,088.34 $624,000.00 $624,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $570.55 $49,429.45 $1,100,000.00 $153,575.77 $0.00 $500,000.00 $5,175.00 $1.00 $4,248,000.00 $1,124,938.09 $1,681,813.68 Background and Objectives After five years of negotiation, Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements early in 2003 to participate in a landmark 50/50 monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad State Parks. This partnership allows for a combined total of up to $38 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will come primarily from GOCO and Lottery funding, with a small amount of HUTF funding. Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad combined host nearly three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contain many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors seen presently. While State Parks has invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities are 25 to 30 years old and are unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks. The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to implement a vision for the future. The U.S. Army Corps, as landowner, and Colorado State Parks, as land manager, share a responsibility for the successful stewardship of these three parks. As part of the agreement, Colorado State Parks renewed 25-year management leases on all three properties. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Chatfield State Park: Chatfield's two main cost share projects in FY 05-06 included the construction of a camper services building and renovations of 153 campsites and 10 group campsites in the park's older campgrounds. The 2066-square foot camper services building is a restroom facility that includes showers and a laundry room. The project was started August 2005 and was 90% complete by June 2006. The campground improvement project included removal of old worn out existing campsite furnishings and constructing new high use pads, concrete parking pads and utility service pads, installing new campsite furnishings, improving the width and length to driveways and paving most all of the driveways. This project was started in August 2005 and completed in April 2006. Additional tasks completed with GOCO funding included renovation of the Recreational Vehicle Sanitary 45 �Disposal station, sewer lift station #4 renovation, water line improvements and concept design of the Plum Creek Trail extension to the top of the dam. Cherry Creek State Park: The primary Cost Share projects at Cherry Creek in FY 05-06 were the construction of two camper shower buildings and the West Entrance road realignment project. The two 1750-square foot camper shower buildings include restroom facilities. The project was started August 2005; by June 2006, one building was 70% complete and the other was 45% complete. The West Entrance road realignment project included 800 linear feet of road reconstruction. This project was started in August 2005 and was completed in April 2006. Other work items completed with GOCO funding and associated matching funds included camper shower building design, South Side water improvements conceptual design, group picnic shelter design and partial construction, and Camper Registration building design. Trinidad Lake State Park: Existing hard-copy drawings of the park were scanned to create digital files to aid in the production of a Master Plan for Trinidad Lake State Park. In an important step for the upcoming redevelopment at the park, the Master Plan was approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As additional funds become available in FY 06-07, design and construction of improvements identified in the Master Plan will commence. 46 �Enhancements Reservoir Enhancements Adjusted Grant FY 05-08 Expenditures Amount Project Name Unexpended Amount Year Log ID 2005 05217 RLP Ranger Lakes $450,000.00 $169,303.93 $180,084.18 2003 03089 RE3C Reservoir Enhance - Eleven Mile $250,000.00 $72,635.48 $0.00 $700,000.00 $241,939.41 $180,084.18 GBL Total: Background and Objectives Ranger Lakes at State Forest State Park: The Ranger Lakes reservoir enhancement project will help rehabilitate dams at State Forest's Ranger Lakes area, an important visitor draw at the park. The Ranger Lakes section of the park includes the Ranger Lakes Campground and is a very popular fishing destination during the high-use season. This area of the park includes prime hunting habitat for the many bald eagles that inhabit the park and is a moose watering hole, making the lakes especially attractive for wildlife watching. Eleven Mile: The Eleven Mile Reservoir enhancement project was created to provide funding for the following projects: • • • • • • Extension of the North Shore Boat Ramp approximately 300 linear feet to allow boating access when reservoir levels drop late in the season (the park's recreational water table fluctuates up to 20 vertical feet during the year). Purchase two floating courtesy docks to enable dock access during periods of low water. Demolition of one old "football" style vault toilet and replacement with one CXT handicapaccessible restroom near the park office. Construction of one new CXT handicap-accessible restroom in Rocky Ridge B-Loop campground. Native vegetation seed to control erosion following boat ramp and vault toilet construction, and camp host site renovation. Provide earthwork, geotechnical engineering, concrete flatwork and hand railing for handicap access to the two restrooms and the amphitheater. These tasks will be completed with GOCO and matching Lottery funds. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Ranger Lakes: The middle dam of Upper Ranger Lakes failed in spring 2004 and drained most of the water out of the lake. During summer 2004 the lake and dams were surveyed, geo-technical explorations were completed and construction documents were prepared for the replacement of the middle dam. The project was bid and the replacement of the middle dam was completed in December 2004. In July 2005 the design of the east and west dams was completed, including a new spillway and outlet works. The project was bid in AugusUSeptember and construction began in October. Cold weather 47 �conditions shut the project down for the winter at the end of November. Work on the project resumed in June 2006 after the winter snows melted and the soils dried out. By the end of June 2006, the dams were approximately 70% complete. Eleven Mile: The boat ramp construction project was completed in 2003. Due to terrain constraints, the new section of ramp was at a 4.4% slope. Our existing "fixed" courtesy boat docks were designed for the old section of boat ramp which had a 12% slope. In order to minimize the size of the docks needed to serve our guests during periods of low water, two floating docks were purchased in FY 05-06. Two concrete vault toilets were purchased to provide handicap-accessible toilets near the park office and in Rocky Ridge campground. Earthwork, geotechnical engineering, concrete flatwork and hand railing were funded with the GOCO reservoir enhancement funding to provide handicap access to these new facilities. Areas disturbed by construction were re-seeded to control the erosion and noxious weeds. 48 �Enhancements Revenue Enhancements Year Log ID GBL Adjusted Grant FY05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount 2006 06189 7CGG R/E Golden Gate Cabin Upgrade $250,000.00 $0.00 $250,000.00 2006 06189 7CTR R/E Trinidad Campground Upgrade $51,000.00 $0.00 $51,000.00 2006 06189 7CRG R/E Ridgway Marina $157,900.00 $128,761.00 $29,139.00 2006 06189 7CNJ R/E Navajo Marina Upgrade $271,100.00 $266,397.00 $4,703.00 2005 05279 6CWT Homestead Bridge & Trail - Castlewood $44,472.00 $4,670.67 $39,801.33 $17,461.00 $2,439.70 $15,021.30 2005 05252 6SPU Pueblo Honor Farm 2004 04209 RV5D Rev Enhance Lathrop Electric r$315,ooo.oo l $306,920.22 $0.00 2004 04209 RV5B Rev Enhance Sylvan Cabin \ $275.000.00 ) $173,097.54 $29,486.66 2004 04210 CN5C Cherry Crk Concessions & lmpvr $366,000.00 $22,092.42 $245,656.02 2003 00329 CBZB Cabins/Yurts - Barr Group Picnic $90,000.00 $23,726.57 $0.00 2003 03086 IR3C Iron Rangers $200,000.00 $56,937.53 $0.00 2003 03088 CAB Cabins $90,000.00 $18,052.17 $22,721.84 2003 03090 FD3C Facility Design $25,000.00 $17,837.31 $0.00 $2,152,933.00 $1,020,932.13 $687,529.15 Total: Background and Objectives Golden Gate Cabins: This funding and matching Lottery funds are allocated for remodeling of the Harmsen Ranch houses and barns and the Green Ranch . These facilities will be available for full-service rental to State Park visitors. th The original Harmsen Ranch house was built at the turn of the 20 century and has had several building additions over the life of the structure. The remodeling plans include a new well, water treatment facilities, a new water service to the house, new electrical service to the house, drainage improvements, remodeling of the kitchen and bathrooms, conversion of a tool shed into a bedroom, structural improvements, new flooring, upgrade electrical wiring in the house and barn, insulation, new windows and replacement of deteriorating exterior siding. The barn remodeling includes structure repairs, new roof, removal of old interior framing and installation of new horse stalls. The Green Ranch house was built in the 1960s and is a frame-type construction with a brick veneer. An architectural firm will be hired to evaluate the house and provide recommendations for improving the structure for rental of the house to the public. One of the main considerations for the improvements is to provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act} access. An additional goal for the project is to change the 1960s frame house architecture to a mountain recreation/ranch architecture . Trinidad Campground: There are currently seven picnic sites on the south shore of Trinidad Lake. These sites are located above the high-water line, offer easy access to the lake and have excellent views in all directions. State Parks plans to convert the existing picnic sites into campsites and install three new campsites, for a total of ten campsites. The existing picnic sites are underutilized and would better serve the public as campsites. 49 �Ridgway Marina: This funding was allocated for the construction of new marina facilities to support boating activities on Ridgway reservoir. This effort became necessary after the longtime concessionaire ended its contract with the state and removed the reservoir's existing marina facility. State Parks has identified a need for the replacement of these amenities and is committed to providing the public with state-of-the-art marina facilities. Navajo Marina: Since Navajo became a state park in the 1960s our agency has operated a marina at the park through a private concessionaire. When the last concession contract ended in 2001, the concessionaire was the only bidder for a new contract, but that contractor and the State could not come to terms. Utilizing GOCO funding, in addition to other funding sources, State Parks undertook the development of new marina facilities. The first phase of development has been named the Two Rivers Marina and was opened to the public in 2005. State Parks will continue developing amenities at the marina to further enhance the visitor experience. Castlewood Canyon Bridge and Trail: This funding was allocated for the reconstruction of the Homestead Bridge and associated trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park. The original Homestead Bridge was destroyed by flooding in 2002. The Homestead Bridge site is ecologically sensitive, and before construction of a new bridge could begin, Parks was required to complete extensive biological and wetlands assessments in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Parks was also required to apply for a federal permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Pueblo Honor Farm: The Pueblo Honor farm was acquired in a trade with the Colorado Department of Corrections. It was previously used as a farm to provide a work program for inmates. The Farm consists of approximately 4,000 acres, 2,000 of which is leased to the City of Pueblo. At the time of the land exchange with CDC, an agreement was made to install four miles of four-strand barbless wire on the boundary between the City of Pueblo and Colorado State Parks. Cost of the fence will be split between Parks and the City. GOCO funding will be matched with $50,000 from the City of Pueblo to complete Parks' share of this project. The cost includes survey, staking, fence installation and signage. Lathrop Electricity Upgrades: Lathrop's electricity-equipped campsites were originally installed in the 1960s and utilized 30 amp connections. However, due to the higher electricity usage of modern camping units (RVs etc), the park's campgrounds experienced frequent power outages during peak demand periods. This GOCO funding and matching Lottery funds were allocated to upgrade Lathrop's campgrounds from 38 sites running at 30 amps to 84 sites running at 50 amps. Sylvan Lake Cabin: This funding was allocated to rebuild Cabin #1 and associated support infrastructure at Sylvan Lake State Park. This historic cabin was lost to a fire in 2003 and major reconstruction occurred in 2005. Cherry Creek Concessions: This funding was allocated for improvements to the shooting range facility at Cherry Creek State Park. A newly selected private vendor is currently operating this range. Barr Lake Picnic Area: Barr Lake State Park is a day-use only natural area park offering visitors the opportunity to experience wildlife associated with a water-based plains environment. Barr's main attraction is the bird viewing opportunities around the reservoir. The park includes an educational Nature Center Facility offering classes, tours and special events for visitors and special guests to the park. This funding was allocated for the construction of an outdoor group picnic shelter offering protection from the sun and weather. Iron Rangers: This funding was allocated for the installation of vehicle entrance automated fee machines (iron rangers) and trail automated fee machines. Gaining controlled entry at our most visited state parks is an essential component of our self-sufficiency efforts. Cabin Improvements: This GOCO funding was originally allocated for the development of cabins on state parks, including the construction of three full service cabins at Mueller State Park, among other 50 �projects. These three cabins were the first of their type within the State Parks system. The cabins have proved to be very popular and at capacity through out the high use season. Facility Design: This funding was allocated for facility and amenity design and development at various state parks. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Golden Gate Cabins: During FY 05-06 State Parks solicited bids from architectural firms for work on the Green Ranch house. A local architect was selected for the project and began working in June 2006. In FY 06-07 State Parks hopes to complete the improvements to the Harmsen Ranch and develop construction drawings for the improvements to the Green Ranch house. Trinidad Campground: Construction documents were prepared for planned improvements and new development at the picnic site. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as landowner, is reviewing these documents. Once the Corps has approved the plans (likely to occur in FY 06-07) construction and renovation will commence. Ridgway Marina: GOCO funding has been utilized to construct the first phase of new marina facilities at Ridgway State Park. These improvements include the construction of a new 18-ball mooring grid system and temporary courtesy dock. Installation of a new gangway bridge and permanent courtesy dock are currently underway and are projected to be in place for the start of the summer 2007 recreation season. Navajo Marina: GOCO funding was used to lengthen the marina dock by 300 feet. This created the necessary infrastructure for the construction of 24 new boat slips. These new slips have been very popular with Park users, and were all leased within two days of their completion. Additionally, a new 18ball mooring grid system was constructed on the lake. Castlewood Bridge Project: In February 2006 a resource assessment was performed and a permit application was submitted to the Army Corps. In March 2006 the Corps approved Parks' plan and issued the necessary permit for bridge construction. The bridge was delivered and installed in July of 2006. Two weeks later a 50-year flood washed the bridge free of its abutments. However, the new bridge was designed to break away during flooding, and was leashed to keep it from floating downstream. Amazingly, the bridge shows no physical signs of damage resulting from the flood. In August of 2006, the bridge was reset and is functioning as planned. Please note that while much of the work associated with this project occurred in FY 05-06, the majority of this project's billing occurred in July 2006, which falls within FY 0607; this accounts for the large unexpended balance appearing on the table above. Pueblo Honor Farm: Surveying of the site and other preliminary construction work was completed . Construction staking and installation of four miles of fence will take place in FY 06-07. Lathrop Electricity Upgrades: The campground renovation broke ground in March 2005 with a planned construction period of 90 days. Due to extremely wet weather and several product-related complications, the project was not complete until September. Construction-related closures throughout the summer caused a drop in park wide revenue of about 10% for the 2005 summer season. The renovation and expansion project was completed in September 2005. Since this time the park has set new records for revenue nearly every month due to the overwhelming popularity of the improved and expanded camping opportunities at the park. Revenue for both June and July of 2006 was nearly 30% higher than any previous monthly revenue figure recorded at the park. Sylvan Lake Cabin: GOCO funding was use to upgrade the cabin's potable water system. Major improvements were made to the park's main Camper Services Building (which provides services to cabin guests), including updates to the building's photovoltaic electric system. Water-saving pay showers were also installed. 51 �Cherry Creek Concessions: Parks staff and contractors completed the cleanup of expended lead at the shooting center's Pistol and Rifle Range. Funds expended during FY 05-06 were for the final payment to the contractor for this cleanup. Other areas of the shooting center require additional work. Parks staff has selected a consultant to design and develop the bid documents for the sewer system for the shooting center; this design is in progress. Also being investigated is the cleanup of the facility's trap range, as required and documented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Barr Lake Picnic Area: The Group Picnic Shelter was completed in 2005 and provides covered outdoor space with seating for over 100 guests. The shelter's amenities include counter space with electrical outlets, lighting, barbecue grills, trash receptacles, water and 12 picnic tables to offer a wide range of uses. Prior to the construction of the group picnic shelter, park visitors only had access to individual picnic tables located throughout the park. Iron Rangers: This funding was used to purchase and install two iron rangers at Highline State Park. Highline has limited staffing resources, and these iron rangers will allow for consistent collection of park entrance revenue while freeing up staff for other duties within the park. Cabin Improvements: The cabins at Mueller were completed and opened to the public in April 2005. GOCO funding in FY 05-06 was used to complete the furnishing and outfitting of the cabins for use by park visitors. Major expenditures include gas stoves at the cabins. This funding was also used for furnishing and outfitting the newly renovated Cabin #1 at Sylvan Lake State Park (see above). Facility Design: This funding was used to supplement the design and development of the Barr Lake group picnic area (above), and for planning and development of a new pedestrian bridge at Stagecoach State Park. This funding was matched with Lottery funding. 52 �Enhancements Road Improvements Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL 2006 06190 7CRD RM Road Improvements $120,000.00 $0.00 $120,000.00 2005 05216 RIP Road Improvements $400,000.00 $400,000.00 $0.00 $520,000.00 $400,000.00 $120,000.00 Total: Background and Objectives The need for road improvements throughout the State Parks system is immense. A large portion of the roads that State Parks is charged with maintaining consist of asphalt. Maintenance of asphalt roads is extremely expensive to begin with, and recent increases in oil prices have had a dramatic effect on the agency's ability to maintain and improve roads with limited funding. State Parks is in the process of conducting a comprehensive road analysis to determine future needs, as well as future impacts to our visitation should road maintenance work not be completed. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Repaired and paved, with asphalt overlay, the marina parking lot at Steamboat Lake State Park. Asphalt overlay road repairs to the Dutch Hill Campground road at Steamboat Lake State Park. Road subgrade repairs and paving to damaged roads throughout Steamboat Lake State Park. Resurfaced and applied gravel to approximately 2.0 miles of existing road at John Martin State Park. Performed extensive resurfacing and re-paving of existing roads at Lathrop State Park. The Visitor Center parking lot at Lathrop was also renovated and repaved. 53 �Enhancements State Trails Grant Program Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL 2006 06223 7CTB Rock Canyon $14,450.00 $0.00 $14,450.00 2006 06224 7CTC RFOV Projects $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2006 06225 7CTC WRV Partnership $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2006 06226 7CTE Crestone Peak $52,500.00 $0.00 $52,500.00 Project Name 2006 06227 7CTF Windom Peak $79,700.00 $0.00 $79,700.00 2006 06228 7CTG Dillion Trail Maint $14,550.00 $0.00 $14,550.00 2006 06229 7CTH Mt Evans $3,000.00 $0.00 $3,000.00 2006 06229 7CTI Mt. Evans CYCA $60,000.00 $0.00 $60,000.00 2006 06230 7CTJ Rocky Mtn Fourteener Maint $76,000.00 $0.00 $76,000.00 2006 06230 7CTK Rocky Mtn Fourteener CYCA $24,000.00 $0.00 $24,000.00 2006 06231 7CTL Guanella Pass II $45,000.00 $0.00 $45,000.00 2006 06232 7CTM Two Rivers Planning $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 2006 06233 7CTN Shavano & Yale Planning $18,000.00 $0.00 $18,000.00 2006 06234 7CTP Kiosks on Fourteeners $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 2006 06235 7CTQ South Park Winter Signs $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 2006 06236 7CTT Crew Leader Workshops $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 2006 06237 7CTU V Outdoors Capacity $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 2006 06238 7CTV Youth Corp Oversight (TAP) $22,800.00 $1,098.00 $21,702.00 2006 06239 7CTW Durango Pedestrain Bridge $70,000.00 $0.00 $70,000.00 $600,000.00 $1,098.00 $598,902.00 $1,416.85 Subtotal: 2005 05223 6TRA Massive/Eolus (Trails) $20,000.00 $18,583.15 2005 05224 6TRB COTA Explorers (Trails) $14,655.00 $14,655.00 $0.00 2005 05225 6TRD Ute Pass (Trails) $16,000.00 $0.00 $16,000.00 2005 05226 6TRE WRV Vol Cap Bldg (Trails) $19,300.00 $0.00 $19,300.00 2005 05227 6TRF Peak Stewards (Trails) $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 2005 05228 6TRG CDT Adopt-A-Trail (Trails) $14,900.00 $0.00 $14,900.00 2005 05229 6TRH EYR Training (Trails) $16,000.00 $0.00 $16,000.00 2005 05230 6TRJ 2005 Peak Preservation (Trails) $197,223.00 $76,589.50 $120,633.50 2005 05231 6TRK Wetterhorn Peak Preservation (Trails) $4,000.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 2005 05236 6TRP Chatfield Wetlands (Trails) $5,000.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 2005 05237 6TRQ Youth Corp Projects (Trails) $11,000.00 $10,175.00 $825.00 2005 05238 6TRR CO YC Oversight (TAP) (Trails) $33,192.00 $33,192.00 $0.00 2005 05205 &TR Trail Grants - Capital $18,642.00 $10,763.10 $7,878.90 $389,912.00 $163,957.75 $225,954.25 Subtotal: 54 �Enhancements State Trails Grant Program cont. Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2004 04240 G5FB FRT Signage/Enhancements $7,500.00 $0.00 $7,500.00 2004 04240 G5FC CFRT Wayfinding Signage $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2004 04240 G5FD Sand Creek Trail $160,000.00 $0.00 $160,000.00 2004 04240 G5FE Windsor Lake Trail $59,100.00 $0.00 $59,100.00 2004 04247 G50B CO Mtn Bike Trail $15,000.00 $4,000.00 $11,000.00 2004 04248 G50C CONST Master Plan $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2004 04249 G50D Abyss/Rosalie Trail $14,795.00 $0.00 $14,795.00 2004 04250 G50E CFI Vol Prog $15,000.00 $7,500.00 $7,500.00 2004 04251 G50F Kannah Creek Proj $26,150.00 $0.00 $26,150.00 2004 04254 G50J Dillon RD Trail $22,600.00 $0.00 $22,600.00 2004 04256 G50M Boulder Dist Trails Proj $46,000.00 $0.00 $46,000.00 2004 04230 ST5C State Trails Capital $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $0.00 2004 04246 G50A Stewardship Info Resource $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 2004 04252 G50G CYCA Statewide Training $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $443,145.00 $58,500.00 $384,645.00 Subtotal: 2003 03096 G30B Wolf Creek Pass $9,720.00 $0.00 $9,720.00 2003 03097 G30C Castlewood Canyon $10,000.00 $0.00 $6,000.00 2003 03099 G30E Colorado Horse Park $14,000.00 $0.00 $3,500.00 2003 03101 G30G Stage Road $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2003 03102 G30H Belvedere Hut $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2003 03103 G30I Granby to Grand Lake $16,400.00 $0.00 $16,400.00 2003 03105 G30K CDT Sign Design $40,000.00 $0.00 $40,000.00 2003 03106 G30L Adopt A Peak $47,600.00 $5,416.95 $0.00 2003 03107 G30M COTI $120,600.00 $0.00 $60,300.00 2003 03108 G30N Needleton Bridge $36,944.00 $0.00 $36,944.00 2003 03110 G30P Lily Bear CONST $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2003 03111 G30Q Devil's Head $10,160.00 $0.00 $10,160.00 2003 03113 G30S Buffalo Creek $11,800.00 $0.00 $8,955.08 $362,224.00 $5,416.95 $236,979.08 Subtotal: 2001 02118 .. 01805 GX04 Vallecito Trail Maintenance $26,000.00 $13,000.00 $0.00 2001 02126 .. 01813 GX12 SMART 160 Planning $25,000.00 $9,000.00 $0.00 2001 02127 .. 01814 GX13 Second Creek Trail Plan $25,000.00 $25,000.00 $0.00 2001 02131 .. 01818 GX17 Multi Use of Ditch Corridors $20,000.00 $836.46 $10,831.41 2001 02145.. 01832 GX31 Ruby Mtn. Trailhead Sign $6,800.00 $6,800.00 $0.00 2001 02645 G20E Galloping Goose & San Juan Sky $12,000.00 $0.00 $12,000.00 Subtotal: $114,800.00 $54,636.46 $22,831.41 Total: $1,910,081.00 $283,609.16 $1,469,311.70 55 �Enhancements State Trails Grant Program cont. Background and Obiectives The State Trails Program: ■ Manages an annual trails grant program for recreation, OHV and snowmobile trails. ■ Manages statewide strategic goals identified by the State Trails Committee, State Parks Board and GOCO Board . ■ Administers the Stateside Land and Water Conservation Program. ■ Coordinates field inspections, trail design, trail work projects, OHV and snow patrol and trails training with the four Regional Trail Coordinators. State Trails capital funds are set up each year for individual grants selected through the State Trails Grant Program . This program has one grant cycle annually, with the recreation trails grant applications due November 1st. For the 2006 grant cycle the recreation grant application contained nine separate project categories: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Equipment Planning Special Projects Construction Small, Mid-Size, Large Maintenance Small, Mid-Size, Large After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to 8-10 reviewers including statewide trail users, experts, specialist, local, federal, state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee and the State Regional Trail Coordinators. In 2006, the State Trails Program could only fund 48% of the applications submitted . Great Outdoors Colorado funding is matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails projects. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 The project list above includes the hiring of one trails planning consultant, development of three trailhead plans, seventeen trail master plans, five volunteer development trail programs, seven trail signing projects, three trails training grants and 70 miles of native surface trail construction, 88.5 miles of trail maintenance, and 39 miles of trail reconstruction. Please note that state fiscal year 05-06 ended in the middle of the summer, which is the busiest season for trail work. Many trail groups submit reimbursement requests to the State Trails Program only at the end of the summer season or upon completion of their particular project. As such, at the close of FY 0506 the Trails Program had not received payment requests from most grant recipients. This accounts for the large number of grants that appear to have zero expenditures in FY 05-06 (see previous two pages). The Trails Program is confident that the projects funded by these grants are proceeding on schedule. Note: This section of the Annual Report provides information about capital funding for the State Trails Program . For information about the State Trails Program's operations funding, please see pages 7-8. 56 �Enhancements Special Trail Projects FY 05-06 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount Log ID GBL Project Name 2006 06210 7CTS Trails/Greenways Special Proj $67,000.00 $0.00 $67,000.00 2005 05232 6TRL Environmental Reviews (Trails) $17,000.00 $15,000.00 $2,000.00 2005 05233 6TRM Trail Symposium (Trails) $35,000.00 $14,005.71 $20,994.29 2005 05234 6TRN Colorado on the Move (Trails) $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 2005 05235 6TRO Mapping Project (Trails) $50,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 2004 04257 G50N Statewide Mapping Proj $42,027.00 $23,990.90 $1.10 $236,027.00 $52,996.61 $164,995.39 Year I Total: Background and Objectives Each year the State Trails Committee and the State Parks Board identify priorities for special trail projects that will enhance trail use in Colorado. These projects are selected based on their benefit to trail users across the state. Special trail projects that were underway in FY 05-06 include: Trail Mapping Project: This project will create a GIS-based database containing an inventory of trail routes in Colorado, including trails covered by local, county, state, and federal jurisdictions. This system is envisioned to be accessible to the general public via the internet, and simple and convenient for nontechnical users. Colorado on the Move: In 2005, Colorado began efforts with White House Fellow Dr. Michael Suk to raise awareness of outdoor recreation activities that promote healthy lifestyles. As part of the Colorado on the Move program, State Parks produced the first in a planned series of "Steppin' Out" guidebooks, containing information about several easy hikes located in the Denver metro area. The guidebook was featured in the Denver Post in January 2005. The scope of the Colorado State Parks Trail Guidebook series is to develop trail guidebooks with maps and descriptions for specific trails throughout Colorado and to promote dissemination of the guidebooks to the general public through guidebook marketing and web site publicity. In cooperation with the Colorado on the Move program and Steps to a Healthier U.S. program, the series of guidebooks will offer a helpful source of information for people looking for places and ways to increase their level of physical activity. Environmental Reviews: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) completes annual reviews of applications submitted to the Colorado State Parks for Colorado Department of Natural Resources trail grants. Trail grants are reviewed for potential adverse impacts to threatened and endangered species to ensure proposed activities do not jeopardize listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. USFWS's final report to the State Trails Committee describes the adverse impacts that could potentially occur as a result of any of the activities described in the submitted grant applications. When adverse impacts to Federally listed species or critical habitat are a potential result of a proposed activity, the report offers conservation measures to alleviate these impacts. 57 �Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Trail Mapping Project: In FY 05-06 State Parks worked with a contractor to complete initial scoping and development work, including desired outcomes. State Parks solicited input from trail jurisdictions statewide. Trails Program staff negotiated a contract with Dave Theobald from CSU's Natural Resource Ecology Lab to complete a prototype trail mapping model in FY 06-07. CSU's specific tasks for this pilot project are to: ■ ■ = ■ Design a spatial database to contain Colorado trails inventory that is compatible with other natural resource data including open space. Develop the trails inventory database for a pilot study area. Investigate and recommend alternative web-based presentation products such as maps and databases (PDFs, online through NDIS, and Google Earth/Google Map). Provide recommendations for Phase II statewide data collection by estimating rough costs for different data collection methods. The area selected for the pilot project is Larimer County. Colorado on the Move: State Trails Program staff are surveying trails for the next edition of the Steppin' Out guide. This version of the guide will focus on Colorado's Western Slope communities. Environmental Reviews: U.S. Fish and Wildlife completed the review of all grants applications in the 2006 cycle with a potential impact to threatened or endangered species. State Trails Symposium: The 2005 symposium was hosted on September 21-24 in Broomfield. There were 210 attendees, 35 sponsors, and 40 local and national speakers. Evaluations from the Symposium indicate that the event was extremely successful, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. 58 �Enhancements Wildfire Prevention FYOS-06 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL 2006 06187 7CFM Fuel Mitigation $200,000.00 2005 05186 6FI Parks Fire Plan $250,000.00 $160,866.00 $89,134.00 2004 04205 FP5C Fire Plan Capital $250,000.00 $142,766.33 $72,228.62 2003 03059 FP3C Fire Plan Capital $250,000.00 $83,900.76 $0.00 $950,000.00 $387,533.09 $361,362.62 Total: $0.00 $200,000.00 Background and Objectives: State Parks established a multi-year funding effort for fire plans and treatment beginning with our 2003 GOCO Annual Investment Plan. This was driven by the need for improved forest management (fire) planning and treatment at State Parks following the severe drought of 2002. Funding from GOCO and US Forest Service fuel mitigation programs enables State Parks to conduct planning and treatment at parks along Colorado's Front Range which lie within the high risk "red zone." This ongoing program actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments will also reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many Colorado State Parks and maintain our continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. This program allows Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Accomplishments in FY 05-06: State Parks is very proud to be a co-recipient of the first-ever proactive disaster management grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Due to careful planning work, our successful coordination with the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), and previous on-the-ground performance, State Parks and the CSFS were awarded a $3 million FEMA grant for fuel mitigation work at seven parks to protect watersheds on the Front Range. State Parks will match FEMA's grant with $1 million dollars over the next 3 years. Several major fuel mitigation projects were completed in FY 05-06, including: • • • • • • A 10-acre fuel reduction project was completed at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. A 40-acre fuel reduction project was completed at Eldorado Canyon State Park. 155 acres in three project areas were treated for fuel reduction, fuel breaks, and evacuation route improvement at Golden Gate State Park. 65 acres at Lory State Park were treated for fuel reduction and fuel breaks. Implementation began on a 73.5-acre fuel treatment project at Mancos State Park (the project was completed in September). Colorado Youth Corps crews completed fuel mitigation treatment on 4 acres at Mueller State Park. 59 �Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Year Adjusted Grant FY 05-08 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Amount Log ID GBL 2005 05734 6MDM CDT Monarch Pass to Mt Elbert - Legacy $250,000.00 $0.00 $250,000.00 2005 05735 6MDB CDT Berthoud Pass Trail and TH - Legacy $160,048.00 $0.00 $160,048.00 $410,048.00 $0.00 $410,048.00 Total: Background and Obiectives A partnership consisting of Colorado State Parks, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (COTA}, the United States Forest Service, and Great Outdoors Colorado will construct four segments of Colorado's portion of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT}. The vision for the CDT is to create a primitive and challenging backcountry trail on or near the Continental Divide from the Canadian to the Mexican borders. Colorado's portion of the trail is approximately 800 miles long; it is estimated that 487 miles of that is complete, leaving 258 miles of planning and new construction and 55 miles of reconstruction. This Legacy grant will provide funding for the construction of 56 miles of new trail and reconstruction of 17 miles of existing trail, in four segments: 1. Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert 2. Berthoud Pass Trailhead 3. Troublesome Pass to Rocky Mountain National Park 4. Cataract Lake to Stony Pass Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Please note that while the majority of the work listed below occurred in FY 05-06, State Parks has not completed billing activities for this work. This accounts for the apparent lack of FY 05-06 expenditures in the above table. Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert: The layout and design work for the Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert trail segment has been completed. Specific sections of the trail have been reviewed and approved by a USFS Biological and Cultural specialist. A Forest Service crew will finish 2.0 miles of new trail construction before snowfall. For nine weeks the Rocky Mountain Youth Corp worked and completed one mile of trail. COTA hosted 20 weeklong and weekend volunteer projects on this segment, resulting in more than 4.0 miles of completed trail construction, including the installation of a 6' x 19' bridge. The USFS finalized two contracts covering more than 17,000 feet of trail construction. This work will be completed next summer. Berthoud Pass Trailhead: The finalized design and engineering contract has been awarded. Next summer construction will begin which, includes: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Highway improvements with acceleration and deceleration lanes Parking lot Restroom and warming hut Information and education signage CDT plaza and kiosk for the trailhead 63 �extremely popular with local non-profits and other groups to hold medium-sized meetings. A retail sales area will offer clothing, collectibles, and educational materials. By the end of June 2006 the Visitor Center was approximately 50% complete, and excellent construction weather for the remainder of the summer has the building scheduled to be completed in FY 06-07. Other major structural work included the near-completion of the park's Entrance Station and restroom facilities at the primary trailhead area. Other major construction at Cheyenne Mountain in FY 05-06 included the final installation of all campsites amenities, including picnic tables, grills, utility connections, and hydrants. State Parks also completed significant infrastructure work at Cheyenne Mountain. Final excavation and grading for the park's road system was completed, including the installation of two inches of road base. Because of its hillside location and soil composition characteristics, water and erosion control are serious long-term issues at the park. Contractors installed Cheyenne Mountain's primary water runoff systems, including retention ponds and check dams, plus erosion control ditches. 66 �Legacy and Multi-Year Projects I Colorado Front Range Trail . Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2005 05215 &FRT Co Front Range Trail - Legacy Adjusted Grant FY 05-08 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount $750.00 $0.00 $750.00 $16,000.00 2005 05239 &FRA Pedro's Point Trail (F.R.TRAIL) $16,000.00 $0.00 2005 05240 &FRB Poudre River Trail $3,000.00 $0.00 $3,000.00 2005 05241 &FRC Poudre Trail-Bison Arroyo (F.R.TRAIL) $173,750.00 $0.00 $173,750.00 2005 05242 &FRD CDT/SKY Pond Trail (F.R.TRAIL) $11,900.00 $11,895.00 $5.00 2005 05243 6FRE Emerald Lake Trail $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $0.00 2005 05244 6FRF 100th Anniv USFS Trail Projs $35,000.00 $32,184.10 $2,815.90 2005 05245 &FRG CDT Construction $54,000.00 $0.00 $54,000.00 (F.R.TRAIL) (F.R.TRAIL) (F.R.TRAIL) (F.R.TRAIL} 2005 05246 &FRH Garden of Gods Trails $37,000.00 $0.00 $37,000.00 2005 05247 &FRI Tabeguache Peak Preservation (F.R.TRAIL $3,500.00 $0.00 $3,500.00 2005 05248 &FRJ YC Projects (F.R.TRAIL) $49,100.00 $41,000.00 $8,100.00 2005 05249 &FRK Chatfield Wetlands $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 2003 03886 G3FA Master Plan South Pueblo $70,000.00 $0.00 $70,000.00 2003 03887 G3FB Front Range History Program $41,323.00 $2,659.94 $9,537.87 2003 03891 G3FE Pueblo Sign Project $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2003 03892 G3FD Houts & Equalizer Res Trails $202,877.00 $0.00 $76,044.88 $729,200.00 $93,739.04 $479,503.65 (F.R.TRAIL) (F.R.TRAIL) Total: Background and Objectives The goal of the Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT) project is to create an 864-mile trail along the Front Range of Colorado that links communities, points of interest, local and state parks and diverse landscapes, from the New Mexico border to the Wyoming Border. The trail system will generally consist of a main trail and areas of connecting trail. In some areas the trail will diverge into two corridors to diversify recreation opportunities in the Front Range communities while ensuring that users have a fun, safe and varied experience. Colorado State Parks convened stakeholders in December of 2005 and formed the Colorado Front Range Development Council to assist with the implementation phase of this project. Colorado State Parks collaborated with over 500 partners representing local communities, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, recreation retailers, and the tourism community to gather input for the CFRT Plan. This plan will help Colorado State Parks to identify trail construction and development and to implement marketing and funding strategies that promote trail development and use. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Project work is underway on the majority of the grants listed above, although expenditures have not been submitted at this time. The projects include one planning and two trail signing grants, 26 miles of new native surface trail construction, 0.35 miles of concrete trail construction, 38. 75 miles of trail maintenance, and 10 miles of trail reconstruction. 67 �The following grants have either been completed or are nearing completion: Pedro's Point Trail Plan: The Pedro's Point Trail Planning project represents the initial effort to complete a comprehensive assessment of existing and potential multi-use natural surface trails within the southern boundary of lake Pueblo State Park. Located at the northwestern edge of Pueblo County and easily accessed by Interstate 25 and Highway 50, the Pedro's Point Trail Plan will be recognized as a premier trail destination along Colorado's southern Front Range. Funding will be used to hire a consultant to professionally inventory and map a network of trails, which are currently in use. Poudre River Trail: The Poudre Trail Volunteer Bike Crew and the Volunteer Trail Patrol programs will provide a safer and more enjoyable environment for trail users by addressing the need for more frequent maintenance along the trail and providing routine reporting of safety issues and information to trail users. This year's successful pilot Volunteer Trail Patrol program in Greeley will be expanded into the Windsor area. Poudre Trail - Bison Arroyo: Construction of 5380 feet of 1O' wide concrete trail, identified as Segment 1 in Poudre River Trial Master Plan. This is the western-most section of Poudre River Trail Corporation trail development and links to nearly 15 miles of completed trail to the east. CDT/SKY Pond Trial: 1.5 miles of trail will be fully reconstructed. This is the second year of a 3-year project on the Sky Pond trail and the CDT project is part of a multi-year effort to reconstruct the 34 miles of CDT through RMNP. Emerald Lake Trail: This project has completed the reconstruction of the final 0.4 miles of trail, which has never been formally constructed. With the completion of the project the eroded mess of mud, loose rocks, and social trails no longer exists. The project will have a significant impact on protecting the resources of the Tyndall Gorge and provide for a safer experience for the millions of visitors expected to use this trail in the 21st century. 100th Anniversary USFS Trail Project: This project will have more than 700 Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado volunteers manually construct and maintain 9.9 miles of forest system trails using hand tools. The work includes building water bars, rock walls, cairns, drainage structures, and boardwalks in varying terrain including high alpine tundra wetlands, and spruce/fir and aspen forests. CDT Construction: This grant will incorporate volunteers and youth corps crews to complete 10 projects throughout Colorado. It is anticipated that approximately 15 miles of new construction and 5.2 miles of reconstruction will be completed. Garden of the Gods Trails: The Garden of the Gods Trail 2005 - 2007 is a reconstruction and restoration project. The proposed trail reconstruction and restoration is an ongoing effort to fulfill the objectives of the Garden of the Gods Restoration Report through the development of a community- based stewardship program for the Park. Chatfield Wetland Trail: The Chatfield Wetlands Trail will create a one-quarter mile handicappedaccessible trail and wildlife viewing blind at the Audubon Center at Chatfield State Park. The trail will be located near the trailheads for four major regional trails. 68 �Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Elkhead Reservoir Year Log ID GBL 2005 05214 &ELK Project Name Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures $1,000,000.00 Elkhead MVP Unexpended Amount $0.00 $1,000,000.00 Background and Objectives Prior to 2003, State Parks had planned to improve and expand the existing facilities at Elkhead Reservoir (part of Yampa River State Park). In winter 2003, however, the City of Craig (the owners of Elkhead) informed Parks of their plans to expand the reservoir to help meet increased regional water demand in the near future. This increase in size will inundate existing facilities at the reservoir. The City, working in conjunction with the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD), will complete dam work and reservoir expansion by spring 2007. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 Due to the enormous impact of the dam expansion project, State Parks has been unable to initiate construction of new facilities at Elkhead Reservoir. State Parks has taken advantage of this time to work with the City of Craig and the CRWCD on facility mitigation issues, master planning for the new amenities at the reservoir, and other issues. Within the last month, State Parks and the CRWCD completed plans for the reservoir's new boat ramp, ski beach area, and campground. Once the dam project is complete, State Parks can begin construction of these facilities and complete planning activities for other amenities around the reservoir. At the current time, State Parks foresees opening the new boat ramp and day-use facilities at the reservoir and initiating campground development early in the spring of 2007 . State Parks anticipates fully expending this grant prior to its June 2008 expire date. 69 �Legacy and Multi-Year Projects St. Vrain State Park Year Log ID GBL 05865 &SV Adjusted Grant FY05-06 Expenditures Amount Project Name Unexpended Amount I 2005 St. Vrain Legacy 05865 $4,000,000.00 $193,528.41 $3,806,471.59 $20,246.32 2004 04239 SV5M St Vrain 05 - MVP $1,430,000.00 $1,095,075.55 2003 03853 SV3M St Vrain Legacy Project $9,688,000.00 Total: $250,435.86 $0.00 $15,118,000.00 $1,539,039.82 $3,826,717.91 Background and Objectives Located about five miles due east of Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Between now and 2010, State Parks plans to make major capital investments at St. Vrain to provide recreation experiences in an area undergoing rapid population growth. In spring 2004 Colorado State Parks contracted Shapins and Associates to prepare a master plan outlining the development of the infrastructure, visitor amenities, and campgrounds necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. Work scheduled to run through 2010 will transform the site into a recreation hub for Colorado's northern Front Range. Improvements currently planned for St. Vrain include renovation of the old campgrounds, construction of new campgrounds, a camper shower building, remodeling the existing entry station, individual and group picnic sites and renovating existing day use areas. Buffer landscaping along the park's borders will provide privacy for park visitors, increase the aesthetic appeal of the park, and ensure sustainable site preservation over the long term. Installation of utilities (water, sewer, electric) and the construction of improved roads will further enhance the campgrounds, and lay a foundation for further development. Lottery funding is also being used for this project. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 In FY 04-05 engineering consultants prepared construction documents for the first phase of St. Vrain State Park. This phase consisted of rebuilding the north campgrounds (previously called Barbour Ponds). The work included the extension of 9,500 linear feet of 4 and 8-inch water pipe, 1,900 feet of 8 and 10inch gravity sewer pipe, 3,000 feet of 4-inch forced sewer pipe, a sewage lift station, 41 new camp sites with individual electrical hookups, 8,700 linear feet of new gravel roads, and a new camper shower building. The construction of this project was started in April 2005 and was completed in June 2006. In addition, the engineering consultant team completed the design of the entire southern campgrounds and construction documents for the second phase of improvements. The second phase of construction will complete 46 additional full service (electric water and sewer) campsites. The work includes 9,100 linear feet of roads, 8,200 linear feet of 4 and 6-inch water pipe, 7,800 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe and 46 new full service campsites. Work on the South Campgrounds began in late spring 2006. 70 �Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Yampa River State Park Adjusted Grant FY 05-06 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Amount Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2005 05250 6SYP Yampa River Special Projects $75,000.00 $0.00 $75,000.00 2004 04241 4241 Yampa River Access - Base $119,298.25 $0.00 $119,298.25 $194,298.25 $0.00 $194,298.25 Background and Obiectives The Yampa River Legacy Project, located in Routt and Moffat counties, serves as a statewide model of partnerships between recreation and agriculture. Approximately $6 million (all funding sources) has been invested for property acquisition (fee title and lease) and development of this park area. At Yampa River, State Parks manages recreation services including boating, rafting, fishing, camping, picnicking, public safety and education and interpretation for almost 100,000 annual park visitors. State Parks is also charged with stewardship of sections along a 134-mile section of the Yampa River. Parks facilities along the Yampa include a visitor center with seasonal housing, pump station, campsites, restrooms, water and wastewater treatment plant, camper services building, maintenance shop; these require extensive maintenance and upkeep. Management issues include facility development, resource management, management of the public river access sites leasing program and the commercial river outfitters permit program on the Yampa River. These two GOCO logs are allocated for additional site leases and development along the Yampa. Accomplishments in FY 05-06 State Parks' ongoing effort to lease additional sites for public river access benefits both private landowners (through lease payments) and river users (with additional public access). Previous Legacy funding has purchased several long-term leases for river access and constructed facilities throughout the Yampa River sites. Several high-use areas are in need of facilities. In September 2005, the GOCO Board re-authorized expired (1996) Yampa River Legacy funding to allow further work on this project. The $75,000 in re-authorized funding will be allocated to the following projects: 1. Public Service Site (Upstream of Hayden): This is a popular boat-launching site. Work includes installing a culvert near the entrance, grading and placing gravel in the parking area, and self serve fee station and possible toilet facility. State Parks has developed a site plan for this area, and is currently working with the Routt County Planning Dept. to complete construction through their PUD process. 2. Yampa State Park Campground and Visitor Center: Additional facility improvements and additions such as shade shelters, tree planting, vehicle storage shed , etc. We have shade shelters being designed and constructed, vehicle storage shed being designed and will be planting trees as soon as this fall. 71 �3. Maybell Boat Ramp: Replace washed out existing gravel boat ramp with a concrete ramp and install riprap protection to prevent it from being washed out again. Parks is currently working to acquire the appropriate approval for work on this ramp as well as the Duffy ramps, which washed out last spring during high runoff. 4. South Beach: In cooperation with Xcel Energy the gravel pond area will be developed. These funds will be used to start the development at the site. Work includes road improvements, moving the existing CXT vault toilet and construction of 10 campsites. Parks continues to work on site development plans for this area. Extremely high run off last spring has caused a need for further evaluation and some rehabilitation of the current facilities. Parks will work diligently to complete the site construction at South Beach this fiscal year. 72 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/957e4355b41b4117dae923a84c555452.pdf 5f85d5294927d59e988ec7010e4a9755 PDF Text Text Colorado Division of Wildlife Fiscal Year 2004 - 2005 Annual Report Great Outdoors Colorado-Funded Projects October 2005 On November 3, 2003, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) submitted its funding proposals for the 2004-05 fiscal year to the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Board. The proposal requested $15 million in lottery funds, of which $8.06 million was for operational expenses, and $6.94 million was for capital expenses. Wildlife quadrant funds accounted for $13 million of the request. The remaining $2 million was divided evenly between Open Space and Local Government quadrant funds. When CDOW funds are accounted for, the projects and programs included in the request represent an investment of more than $28 million in Colorado wildlife resources. The following report describes many of the highlights of habitat and wildlife restoration and protection, education and viewing efforts undertaken by the Division of Wildlife with GOCO funds from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. Habitat Management Background - Habitat is often simply defined as the home a species needs to live in. Habitat protection or management are efforts to assure that a species has the conditions its needs to survive and thrive. Without appropriate habitat conditions, the ongoing survival of a species will be in doubt. No amount of disease research, population surveys, propagation, translocation, or other management actions will be successful over the long-term if the natural habitat a species needs to survive is not available. The Division of Wildlife, with important financial ass.istance from Great Outdoors Colorado, makes major investments in habitat protection and management efforts, using a variety of tools. Those tools include conservation easements, management agreements, landowner cost-share partnerships, habitat restoration projects, technical assistance, fee title acquisitions, and partnerships with land trusts, among others. Many of the habitat protection and management actions undertaken by the Division of Wildlife are in furtherance of species recovery plans. While recovery plans will not normally cite specific parcels of land for protection, they will establish a target type and amount of habitat that is believed to be necessary for a species' recovery. The Gunnison sage-grouse Rangewide Recovery Plan, for example, states that: "Protection of occupied habitats from permanent loss is clearly the highest priority conservation strategy. If permanent habitat loss from development (primarily) or conversion is not addressed, successful implementation of all the other conservation strategies is not likely to be successful in conserving Gunnison Sage-grouse." �In fact, of the top five priority strategies in the recovery plan, three focus on habitat protection and management. The Gunnison sage-grouse recovery plan also includes local habitat protection strategies. For the Gunnison Basin, host to the largest population of Gunnison sagegrouse, the Recommended Conservation Strategies include "maintaining 90% of seasonally important habitats (combined public and private, as mapped} by protecting the necessary proportion of those private lands that are at risk of development. .. • and "improve 15,000 acres of existing seasonal habitats to meet habitat quality guidelines." Similarly, the Conservation Plan for Grassland Species in Colorado cites the importance of securing "150,000 acres of high quality shortgrass prairie habitat for the conservation of black-tailed prairie dogs and associated species through permanent (preferred) or long-term easements or conservation agreements by 2011." Specific lands are not identified, but guidance is provided on habitat that would help the Division of Wildlife reach the conservation plan goals. While the placement of a conservation easement on a parcel of land is viewed by some as equal to habitat protection, wildlife managers recognize that this is not always the case. In the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership program, for example, longterm protection is provided through easement acqu1sitions, but the program also requires that a management agreement be reached with the landowner to protect the quality of the targeted habitat. An easement that provides the highest benefits to wildlife will include both elements - the quantity and the quality of the habitat. During FY04-05, the Division of Wildlife led or participated in many habitat protection and management efforts, including the following: Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) -- Weininger-Davis Ranch - A perpetual conservation easement was acquired on 11,240 acres of native shortgrass prairie in Lincoln and Crowley counties in southeastern Colorado. A management agreement covering habitat conditions for targeted species on lands covered by the easement was signed at the time of closing of the easement. Among the species covered under the management agreement are the Black-tailed prairie dog, Mountain plover, Swift fox, Burrowing owl, and Ferruginous hawk, all of which are species identified in the Grasslands Conservation Plan. Horse Creek Farms - Just days after the end of the fiscal year, the Division of Wildlife acquired a 30-year conservation easement on 6000 acres of native shortgrass prairie and riparian habitat in Baca County in southeastern Colorado. A management agreement covering habitat conditions for targeted species was signed with the landowner at the time of closing on the easement. The five main species identified in the Grasslands Conservation Plan are present on the conservation easement lands. Preserving Colorado Landscapes - Frentress Ranch - A perpetual conservation easement was acquired on 1812 acres of land near Hayden using Preserving Colorado Landscape (PCL) funds. The easement protects habitat for Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse and Greater Sage Grouse. While �Sharp-tailed Grouse numbers have been increasing in recent years, the majority of habitat is on private lands with no long-term protection. In addition, Greater Sagegrouse have commonly been sighted on the prc:>perty, indicating its importance as habitat to the species which is otherwise declinlng in numbers in the Hayden area. Payne Mesa - A perpetual conservation easement was acquired on approximately 4,443 acres southwest of Grand Junction using PCL funds. The easement will protect critical sage habitat for Gunnison sage grouse, sage sparrow and Colorado River c.utthroat trout. The parcel contains three of the six known Gunnison sage grouse leks on Payne Mesa. Wildlife Quadrant acquisitions -- LaFarge - A ten-year community effort finally paid off with the acquisition of the LaFarge West property three miles south of Steamboat Springs. In this project, the Division of Wildlife acquired a perpetual conservation easement on 102.8 acres of property, which includes a 35 acre la\<.e, 17 acres of wetlands, 3 small ponds, and one-half mile of Yampa River access. The property provides fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities, and has been made part of the Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area. Partners in the acquisition include the Town of Steamboat Springs, Routt County and LaFarge Corporation, through the donation of a portion of the sale price. Kasunich-The Division of Wildlife acquired 160 acres of in-holding property in the Dry Creek Basin State Wildlife Area, located 18 miles south of Naturita. The property includes brood rearing and winter habitat for the Gunnison Sage-grouse, and will provide public big game hunting access. • Blinbery Gulch - The Division of Wildlife purchased 200 acres of critical Gunnison Sage-grouse habitat two miles west of Gunnison. The property includes leks and wintering habitat for the Gunnison Sage-grouse, and public big game hunting opportunities. Chance Gulch - The Division of Wildlife acquired 640 acres of Gunnison Sage-grouse lek, nesting, brood rearing and winter habitat on a property 5 miles southeast of Gunnison. The property also provides deer and elk winter range and public hunting access. �Hughes/Doubletree Ranch - Approximately 1485 acres of property was acquired approximately 18 miles south of Naturita. The property provides significant habitat to the sage-grouse in Dry Creek Basin and includes a riparian corridor that is critical brood rearing habitat for the Dry Creek Basin population. The property also provides big game winter range and public access to quality hunting opportunities. Wetlands Program - • Phase 2 on the Getz conservation easement was completed, permanently protecting 640 acres south of Monte Vista, Colorado (including w~t~r rights). This further protects· the Monte Vista National Wildl~.e Refug~ with additional buffer acreage and . including valuable feeding and resting areas. • A total of 255 acres of wetlands were ·created or restored through cooperative activities with Ducks Unlimited and Partners for Fish and Wildlife~ Species Conservation Background - Great Outdoors Colorado's funding support for many of the Division of Wildlife's species conservation programs is crucial to their success. GOCO's support not only helps protect and recover the targeted species, it also has a central role in efforts to avert species listings under the federal Endangered Species Act. While habitat protection is often the most important or visible step taken to protect a species, there are many other actions undertaken by the Division of Wildlife to help recover species. A brief overview of the framework behind many species recovery efforts, and some specific examples, shows the wide variety of actions that are often part of an overall program . The US Fish and Wildlife Service describes species recovery as "the process by which the decline of an endangered or threatened species is arrested or reversed, and threats removed or reduced so the species' survival in the wild can be ensured.n Within recovery plans, the USFWS states that "a variety of methods and procedures are used -4- �to recover listed species, such as protective measures, habitat acquisition and restoration and other on-the-ground activities for managing and monitoring endangered and threatened species." Recovery plans can also include specific targets that serve as a measure of whether a species has been recovered to the point that it can be removed from listing under the Endangered Species Act. These targets can involve the number of viable breeding populations of a species, number of areas of historic distribution of the species that are occupied, and successful recruitment of young into the population. This basic description of recovery plans would gives little indication of all the steps and on-going actions that can be part of a species recovery or averting a threatened or endangered species listing. The phrase "other on-the-ground activities for managing and monitoring" species covers thousands of hours of work by Division of Wildlife field personnel, terrestrial and aquatic biologists, species experts, researchers, volunteers and others. This work can involve determining the distribution of a species, population levels and trends, habitat needs and usage, threats to the species, captive rearing and translocation, and monitoring populations. The Boreal Toad Conservation Plan, for example, include seven major categories of management actions and research, and nearly thirty specific tasks ranging from "identify potentially suitable habitat" and "conduct experimental reintroduction" to "investigate pathogens that impact boreal toad health and survival" and "determine phylogentic diversity within and between populations". The Black-footed Ferret Recovery Plan includes six major goals, which are further broken down into nearly 200 specific tasks. The narrative of the major goals and the specific tasks runs for 40 pages. The Greenback Cutthroat Trout recovery plan is in a final iteration. Earlier progress on recovering the fish has reduced the number of major goals remaining to two ·- establish two new populations in the Arkansas River drainage, and prepar~ a long-term management plan and cooperative agreement for the species. However, even that pair of seemingly simple actions results in a plan with 7 major objectives and 40 more specific actions . The following describes the wide array of actions undertaken by Division of Wildlife personnel and others to help protect and recover our state's wildlife resources, particularly those species that are in various stages of decline or otherwise threatened. ln several of the cases, goals or objectives from the relevant recovery plan that are related to the work performed by the Division of Wildlife is cited. �Boreal Toad The boreal toad is listed as endangered by Colorado. The US Fish and Wildlife Service considers the boreal toad to be "warranted by precluded" for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. An interstate recovery plan was completed in February, 2001, with the financial assistance of Great Outdoors Colorado. The criteria for de-listing the boreal toad in Colorado includes at least two breeding populations in each of nine areas of historic distribution, and at least 25 breeding populations statewide. The following describes boreal toad-related efforts and how they help move the Division of Wildlife forward toward reaching its delisting goal: • Released 12,000 boreal toad tadpoles and 1000 3-week old toad lets on the Grand Mesa, CO near Kannah Creek as part of a three-year study on establishing new populations of the toad in historic habitats. This study is the first to establish recruitment of hatchery-raised tadpoles to subsequent years. Recovery Plan: 5. 2 Rear and propagate toads, 5.3 Conduct experimental reintroductions. • Monitoring amphibian populations is complicated by the inability of boreal toads in particular to retain individual marks. A tagging study that explores the retention of four novel and diverse marking schemes at the Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa is underway. Recovery Plan: 5.5 Develop marking techniques for larvae and small toads. • Survey work confirmed four additional breeding sites, three of which are new populations. These finds brings the number of known breeding sites to 69 and the number of populations to 37. Recovery Plan: Survey for boreal toads in suitable habitat. • Work continued on development of an umbrella Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) and an individual CCAA with the Climax Molybdenum mine. Recovery Plan: 3. 1 Develop conservation agreements/partnerships with stakeholders. • Diet is critical in the development of broodstocks at NARSF, but little quantitative information exists on the various feeds used to raise boreal toad tadpoles . A study was initiated to assess various diets to these animals. Recovery Plan: 5. 1 Determine rearing and propagation techniques. �• A study was initiated to evaluate the use of sentinel organisms to aid in the determination of chytrid fungus (B. dendrobatidis) status in potential reintroduction sites. Recovery Plan: 4.6 Investigate pathogens that impact boreal toad health and survival. • The success of reintroduction efforts is also driven by the presence of other amphibians at a site, as tiger salamanders prey heavily on boreal toad tadpoles. This study explores the relationship between color saturation in satellite imagery of a body of water and the resident species community. Recovery Plan: 4. 7 Determine if/how predation is limiting the survival of boreaf toads. • Developed statewide database as repository for test results acquired from sampled wild amphibian populations. Recovery Plan: 1. 8 Monitor disease and health status of populations. Greenback Cutthroat Trout • The first greenback cutthroat trout fingerlings raised in Division of Wildlife hatcheries were stocked into eight streams and lakes in 2004 and 2005. Continued future progress on establishing populations in the Arkansas and South Platte basins will allow the Division of Wildlife to begin the delisting petition process with the US Fish • and Wildlife Service. • Performed reclamation work at Zimmerman Lake for its use as a brood lake for the species. • Determined that upper Clear Creek and several tributaries (Ory Gulch, Herman Gulch) contain populations of greenback cutthroat trout. • Identified natural fish barrier in upper Clear Creek that will prevent immigration of non-native fish species (i.e. brook trout). • Identified several other tributaries (Grizzly Gulch, Quayle Creek, Watrous Gulch, Stevens Gulch) that may serve as potential waters for habitat enhancement and reintroduction. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout • Wrote Trappers Lake management plan detailing process for recovery of Colorado River cutthroat trout in the Flattops Wilderness around Trappers Lake. • Stocked 44,000 pure Colorado River cutthroat trout into Trappers Lake in an effort to improve the genetic structure of the population • Surveyed headwater lakes and streams to evaluate feasibility of reclamation effort • Constructed 100 foot outlet spawning channel to allow for natural reproduction of pure Colorado River cutthroat trout introduced into Vaughn Lake • Conducted six consecutive reach electrofishing surveys on each of two streams to examine variability in population size along a stream. • Initiated developed new genetic techniques to distinguish three native subspecies of cutthroat trout in Colorado (Greenback cutthroat trout, Rio Grande cutthroat trout, ,, �Colorado River cutthroat trout), as well as discern levels of introgression with rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Surveyed eight additional cutthroat waters, acquiring tissue samples for genetic work, and otoliths for evaluating age structure and stocking history. Drafted new 5-year conservation agreement and strategy for Colorado River cutthroat trout outlining steps necessary to achieve recovery of the subspecies. • • Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility • • • • • Propagated more than 105,000 specimens of 11 fish species and of boreal toads. Continued joint program with Trinidad State Junior College to raise bonytail in three ponds at the college's aquaculture farm. Drilling of a replacement well began. Once completed, the well will allow an expansion of the facility, including the construction of up to 20 small ponds to assist with increasing production requests and to provide refugia for more species. Had successful plains minnow reproduction for the first time in FY04-05. Provided roundtail chubs to the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes for the reintroduction of the species to the Mancos and La Plata Rivers. River Otter . The river otter is a state threatened species. A recovery plan was developed in 2003 that outlines objectives species recovery including monitoring populations, monitoring habitats, maintaining databases, and conducting reintroductions and relocations. The recovery plan includes four "recovery criteria". The Division of Wildlife's goal is to reach the state de-listing criteria by 2010. The following describes river otter-related efforts and how they help move the Division of Wildlife forward toward reaching its delisting goal: • A statewide database has been modernized and updated to better monitor sightings of river otters. Recovery plan: 2. Develop a statewide river otter observation recording system and database. • An on-line reporting fonn has been developed on the CDOW web site and has been enthusiastically accepted by the public. A press release in the spring of 2005 reminded the public that sightings of otters are of interest to the CDOW and �directions were provided to access the web reporting form. For the year, 115 sightings of otters were recorded and rated in the database. Recovery plan: 2. Develop a statewide river otter observation recording system and database. • Efforts began to develop a method to estimate numbers of river otters in Colorado based on DNA analysis from hair and fecal samples. This project will utilize cutting edge DNA technology to provide a better method for estimating river otter populations . Recovery Plan: 1. Monitor population presence and distribution at least 5, 10 and 15 years post-release • Habitat measurements were taken at all locations having otter presence on 4 major rivers in western Colorado. Samples of hair, fecal material, and habitat characteristics were collected on the Yampa , Colorado, Gunnison, and Dolores rivers. Recovery Plan: 3. Develop a system for evaluating potential river otter reintroduction sites. • Volunteers and staff from Rocky Mountain National Park and the University of Wyoming completed a bi-annual survey of river otters in the Park. Recovery Plan: 1. Monitor population presence and distribution at least 5, 1O and 15 years post-release Black-footed ferret • Conducted prairie dog monitoring in the existing Wolf Creek Management Area (WCMA) in May-June, 2005. 290 transects were surveyed within the WCMA during 2004. Of the 19,188 acres surveyed, 5515 acres, or 29% were classified as good prairie dog habitat. Prairie dog density, within the good habitat, increased slightly from 2003. • Carnivore sampling in WCMA was conducted for 4 days in late July, 2004; 20 coyotes were tested during the sampling effort. Exposure to plague and tularemia agents was relatively rare among the samples. • A total of 1,257 white-tailed prairie dogs (WTPD) were trapped in the Grand Valley in the summer of 2004. 1,077 WTPD's were sent to the Brown's Park quarantine facility for black-footed ferret pre-conditioning and breeding needs. • Paired-plot monitoring and treatment of prairie dog towns with deltamethrin (Delta Dust) in concert with release of plague-vaccine and control ferrets was implemented in the WCMA. Deltamethrin was applied to 840 acres of WTPD towns in which 21 plague-vaccine/control ferrets were released. Results from this study will yield valuable lnformation in determining the efficacy of plague vaccine and insecticide treatments in controlling sylvatic plague outbreaks. • 43 Black-footed ferret kits were released into Wolf Creek in the fall of 2004. Monitoring of these ferrets consisted of traditional spotlighting and snowtracking. 475 hours of spotlighting, outside of the intensive 10-day effort, occurred in the fall, winter, and early spring. • Working Dogs for Conservation from Montana were utilized to detect presence of ferrets in Wolf Creek. The dogs were first trained to detect ferrets by scent tracking. The dogs then scent tracked for a total of 45 hours in WCMA and 36 positive 'hits' were made by the dogs. - 0 - �Southwestern Willow Flycatcher On October 19, 2005, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule on the "Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher". The rule included the following information: "The Upper Rio Grande in Costilla, Conejos, Alamosa, and Rio Grande Counties, CO and a segment of the Conejos River in Conejos County, CO were identified as having features essential to the southwestern willow flycatcher ... an estimated 73 flycatcher territories known. The five counties surrounding these streams in south-central Colorado along with the Rio Grande Water Conservation district has developed a partnership with the Service and other Federal agencies for conservation of riparian areas on private lands ... including and extending beyond the river segments identified in our proposed designation .. .As a result, the Rio Grande and Conejos River segments identified as proposed critical habitat In the San Luis Valley Management Unit are being excluded from this designation. "(emphasis added) The Final rule as printed in the Federal Register went on to state: 7he Valley has other strong conservation efforts that are locally drive: such as the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, Alamosa River Restoration Project, Colorado Wetlands Initiative - San Luis Valley Focus Area Group, Rio Grande Natural Area and Saguache Creek Corridor Project. All of these efforts ... demonstrate the history of conservation efforts in the San Luis Valley, are within the HCP planning area and will provide conservation benefits to the southwestern willow flycatcher, bald eagle, and ye/low-billed cuckoo, as well as other wildlife within riparian and wetland communities." The financial support Great Outdoors Colorado provided to the Division of Wildlife's southwestern willow flycatcher recovery efforts, and many other programs and projects GOCO has made possible over the years, the San Luis Valley remains in the driver's seat on efforts to protect and recover this species. Those efforts need to continue, but when an important determination on critical habitat was made, the investments made by the Division of Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado, local partners and others proved to be wise ones. - 10 - �Gunnison Sage-grouse Gunnison sage-grouse occupy only a small fraction of their historic range. While biologists believe distribution of the species has always been fragmented, this condition has been greatly exacerbated by habitat loss. The current population of Gunnison sagegrouse is estimated to be only 3200 breeding birds, with nearly two-thirds of those in the Gunnison Basin. Six other populations in western Colorado and eastern Utah account for the remaining birds. A major step was taken in the 2004-05 fiscal year with the release of the Gunnison Sage-grouse Rangewide Conservation Plan, developed by the Colorado Division of Wild Iif e and the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources with assistance from major federal land management agencies and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Rangewide Plan will serve as a blueprint for conservation actions in the two states and be a catalyst for increased attention and resources towards the recovery of the species. The Division of Wildlife also completed a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for the entire range of Gunnison sage-grouse in Colorado. By enrolling in a CCAA, landowners are encouraged to implement conservation measures on behalf of the Gunnison sage-grouse with the knowledge that if the species were listed in the future, they would receive protections from land use restrictions that would otherwise apply. Canada Lynx Perhaps the Division of Wildlife's highest profile recovery program, the lynx recovery effort continued to make important strides in FY04-05. The program has met five of the seven criteria used to determine whether a viable population has been established. With the financial support of Greta Outdoors Colorado, the lynx program undertook the following actions: • Monitored 118 lynx with radio collars. • Released 38 additional lynx trapped and transported from Canada. • - Found 16 litters spread throughout the central and southern mountain areas of the state, accounting for 46 kittens. • Recollared 12 adult lynx, collared 7 Colorado-born kittens . 1 1 �Examples of conservation actions for other species • Evaluated 130 mines for bat occupancy and habitat, a preliminary step for installation of bat gates. • Performed 500 "trap nights" for small mammal surveys. • Trapped 30 Swift fox for translocation. • Restored two populations of Roundtail chub. • Stocked 650 northern redbelly dace and common shiners in three refugia ponds/wetlands in the Denver Metro area. • Surveyed sites on Plum Creek, East Plum Creek, West Plum Creek, and Spring Creek for northern redbelly dace and common shiner. • Sampled all known Lake Chub populations for the second year, information that will ultimately be used in a recovery plan for that species. • Stocked 300 Rio Grande sucker in the Rio Grande River basin. • Conducted 80 surveys for eastern plains native fish. • Conducted 3400 virus, bacterial and parasite inspections, involving 70 populations of threatened, endangered or special concern fish from across the state. • Surveyed 208 Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse leks. • Reintroduced 40 Plains Sharp-tailed grouse in northeastern Colorado. • Removed 2500 non-native fish from Colorado Pikeminnow habitat in Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. • Stocked more than 14,000 bonytail in Colorado and Green river basins. Education Background It is safe to say that most Colorado citizens, indeed most US citizens, know little about the many actions taken on behalf of wildlife - how wildlife is managed, how rare species are protected or recovered, the importance of habitat to wildlife, population counts and monitoring . All of these issues and more are either not thought of or poorly understood. As noted in the opening paragraph of Wildlife and the American Mind: "While fish and wildlife management programs across the nation have brought back once depleted populations of pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer, bald eagle, wild turkey, beaver, wood ducks, and giant Canada geese, the American public remains remarkably uninformed on almost all aspect of fish and wildlife, including its conservation and management in the United States." The numerous surveys cited in the book show that Americans care deeply about fish and wildlife resources. Coloradoans are no exception. The authors also note that "successful and effective fish and wildlife programs can be developed only when they are based on a thorough understanding of wildlife populations, habitat and people." And a major part of the "peoplen part of the equation is providing information to the public, in - 1,.., - �a variety of forums, so they better understand how wildlife management works and the benefits it provides. Great Outdoors Colorado provides important support to the Division of Wildlife's programs that help Colorado's citizens and visitors understand our state's wildlife resources and support stewardship efforts. An informed and knowledgeable public is an important foundation for effective wildlife management in the state. But raising the level of public understanding is complicated by a citizenry that is increasingly urban, mobile and disconnected from wildlife. With the support of GOCO funding, the Division of Wildlife education program seeks to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities inside and outside the classroom - to build up an understanding of wildlife in Colorado. Prior to the 1970's, wildlife education efforts consisted primarily of distributing factoriented material - life histories, species lists, species distribution, research and management information and the like. These materials remain an important part of the Division of Wildlife's education efforts. In addition, starting in the 1970's, education materials have been developed that use natural resource concepts to teach major academic disciplines such as language arts, math and social studies in the classroom. Project WILD, Project Wet, and Project Food, Land and People are all examples of this approach. More recently, assessment training, standards and evaluation have taken on greater emphasis in school classrooms. The Division of Wildlife has worked to shape its education materials and programs to fit within these new constraints and requirements, so we can continue to educate our state's youngest citizens on the wildlife resources around them. But a focus on classroom education would miss the millions of people who are out of school or newly moved to Colorado . The Division of Wildlife's education programs have sought to find additional means to reach the general public, to spark an interest in wildlife or to reach those who already have an interest and want to learn more. This is an evolving field, but one that has many opportunities. With the financial support of Great Outdoor~ Colorado, the Division of Wildlife is recognized as a national leader in developing wildlife education programs and building on opportunities to inform Colorado's citizens and its visitors of our state's wildlife resources. The following describes major wildlife education programs in Colorado supported with Great Outdoors Colorado funds: Project WILD Project WILD continues to be the Division of Wildlife's primary wildlife education program statewide. Project WILD was orig inally produced by the western state wildlife agencies working closely with the state departments of education. Today Project WILD is in all 50 states and in more than a dozen foreign countries. During FY04-05: • 1,240 educators received wildlife education training in Project WILD workshops. Over the 20 year history of this program in Colorado, more than 25,000 educators have received Project WILD training. With the emphasis on standardized testing and other changes over the past 20 years, Project WILD has evolved to meet those reforms and maintain a presence in the classroom. 1 "! �• More than 16,000 educators are currently on the mailing list for Colorado Connections, a 16 page newsletter for educators about conservation education. Major improvements were made to the Division of Wildlife's State Education Standards Correlations Web page. The page allows educators to use an interactive program to find activities that fit their needs in the classroom. The address of Colorado Correlations is: www.coloradocorrelations.org. Demand for the Early Childhood Supplement continues with an additional 500 copies printed . Ten thousand copies of an eight poster series called WILD Colorado: Crossroads of Biodiversity were produced. The posters depict the eight different habitat types found in Colorado and the wildlife that are common in each. A 70 page educator's guide accompanies each set. The guide gives an overview of each habitat and describes each animal and plant that is found on the poster. • • • WIN/WIN: Wonders in Nature -Wonders in Neighborhoods Program In partnership with the Denver Zoo, the Division of Wildlife's WIN/WIN program provides classroom and field wildlife experiences to students in kindergarten through sixth grade at 27 schools in the Denver metropolitan area. The program is targeted to low-income, ethnically diverse schools. In the WIN/VVIN program, wildlife experts visit each participating classroom six times during the school year. In addition, each class makes a field trip to one of thirty outdoor education sites. For FY04-05: Eight WIN/WIN teachers completed more than 2200 hours of in-class instruction. Nearly 9500 students were reached with wildlife management information. • Eight W.1.N.-W.1.N. Family Days were hosted by the Denver Zoo. Participants received free entry into the Denver Zoo, a thirty-minute bilingual (English and Spanish) program in the Conoco Wildlife Theater, interaction with live animals, animal artifacts, and wildlife/life-science raffle prizes. 2300 students and their parents took part in the Family Day programs. • More than 450 kindergarten through sixth grade classes visited thirty partner outdoor education sites on approximately 300 separate trips. • Teacher surveys show that WIN/VVIN is highly successful in improving student awareness, knowledge and attitude toward wildlife and their habitat. Participating teachers also gave the program very high marks in contributing to student achievement in core academic subject areas. • - 14 - �Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) Teaching Environmental Science Naturally is an outdoor environmental science program for teachers. Activities and training focus on local natural resource to provide teachers with hands-on experiences for their students in their own backyards. The first TEN workshop was offered in Pueblo in 1991 and is currently offered in 14 Colorado communities. Workshops can last from two to five days in duration. The Division of Wildlife website has information on how the TEN program correlates with the Colorado Department of Education Model Content Standards. More than 1000 teachers participate in TEN programs and bring 23,000 students to outdoor environmental education classrooms annually. River Stewardship/Angler Education The popular angler education program distributed over 11,000 fishing rods and reels to Colorado kids through angler education programs throughout the state. From early spring to late fall fishing clinics are offered almost daily, with most clinics occurring in urban Denver neighborhoods. Clinic attendance averaged 40 students, ranging from as few as 20 kids at a Cherry Creek event to more than 500 attending a fishing clinic at Barnum Park Pond in Denver. Partner and participating organizations included Boys and Girls Clubs of Denver, scout groups, 4-H, Denver Parks and Recreation, Colorado Uplift, Advocate for Youth, and various community groups and schools. Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Education Complex The Division of Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado have undertaken a major initiative to establish a shooting range and education complex in the Denver metropolitan area. �As envisioned, the complex would host a public shooting range and provide Coloradoans an opportunity to learn about outdoor recreation activities. In FY04-05, the Division of Wildlife Investigated several potential sites for the complex, but a final selection has not yet been made. Discussions were held with representatives of Adams County, Douglas County, the State Land Board, Denver Water, Denver International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration. Efforts will continue during FY05-06 to locate a site for the complex and receive required approvals for construction to begin. Wildlife Viewing Background - With the evolving demographics of Colorado's citizenry; wildlife viewing has become a major part of Colorado's wildlife experience, reaching levels that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. This interest in wildlife presents an interesting paradox for wildlife agencies - in contrast to ~onsumptive users of wildlife, wildlife viewers for the most part do not pay user fee·s or need a license to engage in their favored activities. But they are interested in wildlife and present an opportunity for wildlife managers to provide information on the wildlife issues of the day. A strictly wildlife viewer may not support the Division of Wildlife's efforts through the traditional means of hunting and fishing license fees. But wildlife agencies have recognized that a citizenry that is informed on the many aspects of wildlife issues is an important foundation for the broader and more important goal of effective stewardship of the state's wildlife resources. The Division of Wildlife's watchable wildlife programs reach out to the significant segment of Colorado's population that does not hunt or fish but are interested in programs that perpetuate the state's wildlife resources. The Division of Wildlife's watchable wildlife programs also inform millions of citizens and visitors of the many programmatic building blocks that helped bring about the wildlife viewing opportunities that they are able to enjoy. With financial support from Great Outdoors Colorado, the Division of Wildlife is able to provide a range of watchable wildlife programs that reach a significant portion of Colorado's population that would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn about wildlife management and issues in the state. In Colorado, more than 1.2 million individuals, residents and nonresidents alike, take more than 4 million trips to view wildlife annually. The sizeable state and local economic impact of wildlife watchlng activities - responsible for an estimated $1.3 billion per year in economic activity and more than 13,000 jobs in Colorado - has laid the groundwork for a new and expanded set of partners for the Division of Wildlife. Wildlife viewing is important to Coloradoans; nearly 40% of Colorado residents, including many hunters and anglers, participate in the activity. More than 70% of birdwatchers in - lfi - �Colorado reported that they could identify up to 20 bird species by sight or sound. There is a latent demand for wildlife viewing recreation . Surveys reveal that interest in viewing is much higher than actual participation. Statewide, Coloradoans reported that more than 80% are interested in taking recreational trips for the primary purpose of viewing wildlife. One of the constraints to participation reported by residents is lack of knowledge about what opportunities are available; when and where to go or what to look for. Providing this information is a focus of Division of Wildlife efforts. The Division of Wildlife has developed and continues to support many wildlife viewing programs. As mentioned earlier, several of the initiatives have been built on new relationships with local governments, small and large businesses, the Colorado Department of Transportation and more. The following provides information on several wildlife viewing opportunities and programs 'that the Division of Wildlife, with the financial support of Great Outdoors Colorado, was involved during the 04-05 fiscal year: Wildlife Watch -- Wildlife Watch is a half-day wildlife viewing skills program that includes hands-on activities plus wildlife presentations, concluded by a nature walk in which participants have the opportunity to test their new found skills and knowledge. Wildlife Watch provides enhanced opportunities for people to view wildlife and helps meet the larger goat of connecting people to nature. A benefit for the Division of Wildlife is that Wildlife Watch offers an important tool to help people who don't hunt or fish, to learn, appreciate and care about wildlife and their habitats. Volunteer instructors have presented Wildlife Watch to thousands of Coloradoans at sites such as Chatfield Nature Preserve in Littleton, the REI store in Denver, the Hunter Education building in Grand Junction and at numerous sites provided by local environmental and conservation groups around the state. In total, Wildlife Watch hosted 1.., �82 workshops around the state, providing viewing information and training to more than 1100 participants. RV, Sport, Boat and Adventure Travel show pavilion In FY04-05 the Division of Wildlife created a new pavilion for the state's largest RV, Boat and travel show at the National Western Complex. The pavilion showcased wildlife viewing opportunities around the state and promoted the Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife program. The pavilion was a "virtual" highway, representing 1-70, from one end of the state to the other - from Burlington to Grand Junction. Yellow duct tape on the floor simulated the highway. At each "exit" people stopped off the "highway" (as they might do their RV on the real highway) to visit nature centers such as The Plains Conservation Center, Bluff Lake Nature Center, Vega and Ridgway State Park, and the USFWS at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Refuge . The display also included a large forest of artificial pine trees and real aspen trees, and transported in dozens and dozens of taxidermied animals to fill the forest with Colorado wildlife. From across the way, by the "highway", binoculars were hung on ropes from the ceiling, so as people walked by they stop and see the wildlife. Volunteers were located every few feet, helping people identify the wildlife with field guides, ID markers and check lists. A prairie grasslands area was also created , complete with full size, running pronghorn, burrowing owls, snakes, and other species. At one end of the gigantic arena, presentations were provided on bats, wildlife photography, and even demonstrations with live eagles and hawks from a wildlife rehabilitation organization, the Birds of Prey Foundation. An estimated 55,000 individuals attended the show. The Division of Wildlife's booth was attended by more than 100 volunteers from 25 partner organizations. Audubon magazine insert- An insert highlighting Colorado wildlife viewing opportunities was included in a national distribution of the Audubon Society magazine. The insert was sent to 430,000 Audubon members nationwide and was supported by several lodging and restaurant businesses in the state, particularly ones in Estes Park and the San Luis Valley. - 1R - �Wildlife festivals - The Division of Wildlife has worked closely with local governments and chambers of commerce in the development of seasonal wildlife festivals. The pioneer of this type of festival is the Monte Vista Crane Festival, now entering its 23rd year. Since 1982 when this festival began, the impact to the local economy has been immense. Held each March, when tourism in the San Luis Valley is practically absent, the attendees at this festival provide about $400,000 of additional income to the local San Luis Valley economy. In recent years, attendance has been so great, that it is impossible to get lodging during the weekend of the festival without a reservation made weeks in advance. Additional wildlife festivals are now held in the following towns: • • • • Pueblo - Pueblo Eagle Days (February) Wray - Prairie Chicken Viewing Tours (April) Walden - Greater Sage Grouse lek tours (April) Lamar - Snow Goose Festival (February) The Colorado Birding Trail development which will provide viewers with connected viewing sites and information and interpretation to improve their viewing experience and create increased economic impact for communities and business, throughout Colorado. During FY04-05, the Division of Wildlife continued to expand the number of informational kiosks on wildlife viewing opportunities around the state. Among the projects undertaken with the support of Great Outdoors Colorado funding are: Scenic Byways -- In cooperation with the US Forest Service, Denver Botanic Gardens and others, interpretive exhibits for the Mt. Goliath Nature Center on the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway were planned and completed. The first stage of new interpretive signage for the Pawnee Pioneer Scenic and Historic Byway was also completed . , ('I �Colorado Historical Society- In cooperation with the City of Brighton, the Front Range Trail Program and the Colorado Historical Society, an interpretive kiosk was designed and installed at the South Platte River Trail trailhead in Brighton. The watchable wildlife panel included in the kiosk was the first Spanish-language sign the Division's Northeast Region's program has been involved with. In the Southeast Region, the Division of Wildlife partnered with the Colorado Historical Society on two interpretive kiosks. One was installed at the Hardscrabble Wayside site and included information on wildlife viewing trails . The second was installed at the Rocky Ford Wayside and included information on the importance of the Arkansas River riparian corridor to wildlife. State Wildlife Areas - New, multi-panel interpretive signs were installed at the Basalt State Wildlife Area and the Gypsum State Wildlife Area. The Basalt kiosk provides information on bighorn sheep, fish, other wildlife and riparian habitat in the area. The Gypsum panels covered wetland habitat, waterfowl, beaver and fishing. Beaver Creek SWA received a new wooden kiosk with interpretive signs, and new rustic steel entrance sign. Dome Rock SWA was the site of the construction and installation of the new .6 mile "Twisted Pine Nature Trail" and nine new interpretive signs. Interpretive panels were designed and installed to provide information about the riparian and prairie ecosystems found along the South Republican River between Bonny Reservoir and the Kansas state line. Additionally, orientation maps were designed and printed for free distribution at the SWA and Bonny State Park to assist wildlife area visitors in finding their way around the complicated mix of private and public lands and leased lands that comprise the area in and around the SW A. Colorado Birding Trail -- Colorado Birding Trail efforts in FY04-05 concentrated on providing information about the birding trail and the economic and tourism benefits of the establishment of the trail in a variety of venues. Wildlife festivals featured handouts and information about the birding trail. A workshop on "attracting birdwatchers to your business" was held at John Martin State Park near Las Animas with more than 40 local business owners in attendance. Since the workshop was completed, several Southeastern Colorado businesses have begun to market specifically to attract birdwatchers and wildlife watchers. The continued success and attendance growth of the High Plains Snow Goose Festival in Lamar has heightened interest in wildlife tourism among many SE Colorado businesses. All of the southeast Colorado counties have chosen to concentrate on wildlife viewing and birding as a means to attracting more visitors. �COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE FY 04-05 GOCO ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT GOCO Funds Project Name GOCO ID# Grant Award (Legacy grants italic /zed) Expended Prior to FY 04-05 Expended FY 04-05 Total GOCO Expended Balance CDOW Funds Total Funds FY 04-05 Expenditures FY 04-05 Expenditures ACQUIRE HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT Acquire High Priority Habitats (capital)' 2501 $5.197 ,397.75 $1 ,856,450.00 $1,072,615.33 $2,929,065.33 $2,268,332.43 $482,770 $1 ,555,384.95 Acquire High Priority Habitats (capital) 4301 $4.425.633.70 $0.00 $1 ,734,726.00 $1,734,726.00 $2.69D,9D7. 70 $1.254,990 $2,989,716.00 Acquire High Priority Habitats (operating) 4302 $530,000.00 $0.00 $530 .000.00 $530,000.00 $0.00 $338,987 $868,987.16 LaFarge Acquisition 4317 $477.016.00 $0.00 $477 ,D16.00 $477,016.00 $0.00 $151 ,335 $10,630,047.45 $1 ,856,450.00 $3,814,357.33 $5,670,807.33 $4,959,240.13 $2,228,082 $5,414,088.11 COLORADO SPECIES C.QNSERVATION PARTNERS.HIP Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCPJ 3844 $4,625,000.00 S2,000, ooo.oo $0.00 $2,000,000.00 $2,625.000.00 $0 $0.00 PRESERVING COLORADO LANDSCAPES Preserving Colorado Landscapes (TNC)2 3850 $2,344,525.00 $203,704.50 $1,672,563.00 $1 ,876,267.50 $468,257.50 $1 ,221 ,295 $2,893,858.00 Colorado Wetlands Initiative 2003 $750 ,000.00 $694,215.13 $0.D0 $694 ,215.13 $55.784.87 $0 $0.00 Colorado Wetlands Initiative 2504 $500 ,000.00 $173,478.33 $321,921 .55 $495.399.88 $4,600.12 $664,756 $986,677.53 Colorado Wetlands Legacy Project Colorado Wetlands Initiative Colorado Wetlands Operating Subtotal 3845 4306 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $24,273.00 $0.00 $320, 727.00 $250,000.00 $345,000.00 $250,000.00 $405,000.00 $500,000.00 $2,750 ,000.00 $891 ,966.46 $892,648.55 $1,784,615.01 $965,384.99 $20,000 $17185 $169,110 $871,050 $340,727.00 $267,184.96 $169,109.50 $1,763,698.99 4304 $625,000.00 $0.00 $625,000.00 $625 ,000.00 $0.00 $2,131,631 $2,756,631.31 4305 $800,000.00 $0.00 $800,000.00 $800,000.00 $0.00 $725,985 $1,525,985,45 Subtotal COLORAQO 'HETLANDS IN/TIA T/VE ENHA NCE HABITAT ON LANDS & WATERS Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters G/S HABITAT INFORMA T/ON GIS Habitat Information Test2Q:\PBEFIL.ES\PBE\GRANTS\FY2005\GOCO\Annual Report\Test2 ��COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE FY 04-05 GOCO ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT GOCO Funds Project Name Total GOCO Expended CDOW Funds Total Funds FY04-05 Expenditures FY 04-05 Expenditures GOCO ID# Grant Award 4307 $425,000.00 $0.00 $425,000.00 $425,000.00 $0.00 $580,772 $1,005.772.16 4309 $2.618.001 .DD $0.00 $2.540.200.55 $2,540,200.55 $77,800.45 $1,932,606 $4,472,806.52 4311 $1 ,331,999.00 $0.00 $1 ,331,999.00 $1.331 ,999.00 $0.00 $482,692 $1,B 14,690.61 4312 $1,139,000.00 $0.00 $1,139,000.00 $1,139,000.00 $0.00 $1 ,055,743 $2,194,743 4313 $161,000.00 $0.00 $161 .ODO.OD $161,000.00 $0.00 $75,956 $236,955.88 Wildlife Viewing {capital) Wildlife Viewing (capital) 2511 3010 $250,000.00 $250 ,ODO.OD $138 ,434.50 $16,814.00 $106,172.80 $107,776.82 $244,607.30 $124,590.82. $5,392.70 $125,409.18 NA NA $106.172.80 $107,776.82 Wildlife Viewing (capital) 4314 $190,000.00 $0.00 $6,600.00 $6,600.00 $183,400.00 NA $6.600.00 Wildlife Viewing (operating) 4315 $400 ,ODD.OD $0.00 $400,000.00 $400,000.00 $0.00 $157 686 $557,685.58 $1,090,000.00 $155,248.50 $620,549.62 $775,798.12 $314,201.88 $157,686 $778,235.20 $30,000.00 $0.00 $30,000.00 $30.000.00 $0.00 $115,605 $145,604.61 $28.569,572.45 $5, 107.369.46 $14,052.318.04 $19.159,687.50 $9,409,884.95 $11,579,103 $25,003,070.14 (Legacy grants italicized) Expended Prior to FY 04-05 Expended FY 04-05 Balance PROPAGATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES AT RISK Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk NA TNE SPECIES PROTECTION Native Species Protection THREATENED & ENDANGERED ·SPE_CIES RECOVERY Threatened & Endangered Species Recovery YOUTH EDUCATION Youth Education RIVER STEARDSHIP River Stewardship WILDLIFE VIEWING Subtotal GRANTS MANAGEMENT Grants Management TOTAL 4316 1 FY 04-05 expenditures include $506 for closing costs for Peterson-Stonewall expensed in COFRS in FY 04-05 and billed to GOCO in FY 05-06. 2 FY 04-05 expenditures include $2921 for appraisal costs for Lowe Ranch expensed in COFRS in FY 04-05 and billed to GOCO in FY 05-06. Test2Q:\PBEFILES\PBE\GRANTS\FY2005\GOCO\Annual Report\Tesl2 2 �� https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/ad6e84a4d276c7261ca0a49a276f45b0.pdf 043fd7e0c759d20f49dcc210bac452a5 PDF Text Text Colorado State Parks Great Outdoors Colorado Investments Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Colorado State Parks �,,, Colorado State Parks 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 • Denver.Colorado 80203 • Phone (303) 866-3437 • FAX (303) 866-3206 • www.parks.state.co.us October 19, 2005 Ruben Valdez, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund 1600 Broadway Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Mr. Valdez, I am pleased to present to you Colorado State Parks' Annual Report to the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund. This report details the work accomplished and investments made with GOCO Parks Purpose funding during state fiscal year 2004-2005. In keeping with State Parks' ann1.1al funding requests to the GOCO Board, this report is organized in five categories: ■ • ■ • • Land and Water Protection: These investments include funding to secure critical buffer lands and recreation water at existing park areas and to enable effective planning and management of park natural resources. Enhancements: These investments enable State Parks to improve recreation amenities within parks. In many instances these funds are leveraged with significant federal funding. Project Operations: This funding ensures that adequate resources are in place to effectively manage and maintain previous GOCO investments in the State Parks system. Statewide Programs: These investments include funding for important State Parks programs like the State Trails and Volunteerism programs, State Parks' visitor outreach efforts, and youth programs. Legacy and Multi-Year Projects: GOCO funding drives the development of these new, large-scale projects. Work at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, St. Vrain State Park, and along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail represents major GOCO investments in the future of outdoor recreation 1n Colorado. At the request of the GOCO Board, this report contains both financial information and narrative explanations about the work accomplished with GOCO funding. l hope that this format will prove useful to GOCO Board members and staff. The partnership of GOCO and State Parks accomplishes tremendous things for the citizens of Colorado. We here at Parks are proud of this partnership, and look forward to working with GOCO in the years to come. Sincerely, ~ ve~ or Colorado State Parks STATE OF COLORADO • COLORADO STATE PARKS Bill Owens, Governor • Russell George, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources • Lyle Laverty, Director. Colorado State Parks Colorado Board of Parks anu Outdoor Recreation: • Dr. Tom Ready, Chair. Natural Areas Representative • Doug Cole, Member Wade Haerle, GOCO Representative• Tom Glass, Member· Antonette Delaura, Member �Table of Contents Funding Totals All Categories . ............... .. .................... ............... ........................ ...................1 Land and Water Protection ....................................................................................................3 GIS/Stewardship. Natural Areas...... ................................................................... ...... ......... ......................5 Resource Inventories............................................... , ....................................................6 Veg Management. ......................... .................. ............................................................8 Land Purchases ............ ................... .............................. ................. ...... .... ...........................10 Land Purchases Operations ............... ........................................................................... ........ ..11 Staunton .................. .... ............................. ..........................................................................12 Water Resources .......... .. ................... .... ................................... .. .......... ................................ 13 Water Resources Operations......... ............................ .............................................................14 Enhancements ............................. ............... ................ ....... ................................................. 15 Cherry Creek ......... ....... ..... ............................................. ................ ... ....... ..... .................. .....17 Corps Cost Share........... ................................. ...... ............................................. ..................18 Fire Plan ........................ .... ................................................................ ............ .. ...................19 Mid-Range Trails ....... ..... .. .. ................................... .......... ..................... ..... ........................... 20 Reservoir Enhancements . ......................................... ............................ ...... .................... ........22 Revenue Enhancements ...... ................................................. ............. ................ ....................23 Trails in State Parks ....... ..... ...... ....................................................... ........ ........... ........... .. ..... 26 State Trails Program Trail Grants ............ ........... ............. ............................................... ...........................27 Special Trail Projects ......................................... .........................................................30 Project Operations ...... .... ......................................... .. ........... ..............................................33 Accounting ... ....... ... ..... ...... ......................................................................... ... ......................35 Engineers and Project Managers .... ........... ..............................................................................36 Park Operations .. .. ...... ........... ....... .................... ...... ................................ ..... ...... ..................37 Specialists ... .... .. ........................................... ....... .................. .. ........ ........................ ............38 Tourist Assistants ... ... ......... .. ... ............. ................... ...................................... .......................39 Statewide Programs .. ................................................................................ ...... ,. .... ..............41 IT Project Management............................ ........ ........... ...........................................................43 State Trails Program Operating Regional Trails Coordinators ..................... .. ............. .....................................................44 Trails Program Operating ............................. ............ ..................... ........... ........ ............44 Visitor Outreach ........................................................... .......... ...............................................46 Volunteer Programs Interpretation .............. .... ................. .................................. ..................... ..... ..............49 Volunteer Operations ........................................................ ................... ............. .......... 51 Watchable Wildlife .... ... ................................ ... ............................................................52 Volunteer Incentives................ .................... ...... ............... ........................ ..................54 Volunteer Partnership Grants ....................................... ................................................ 56 Youth Programs Colorado Youth Corps ......... ......... ...................... ... .. ....................................... ............ 57 Youth Naturally... ..... ..................... ...................... ......................................... ............. 58 Legacy and Multi-Year Projects ........................ ....... ........................ ...... ................................ 59 Brush Creek. ................ .......... .............. ...............................................................................61 Continental Divide Trail. ...... ... ......... ..................................................................... .... ........ ...... 62 Cheyenne Mountain ... ...... .... ..... ..... .................................................... ...................................64 Colorado Front Range Trail. ................ ............................... ........................ .............................66 Colorado River........................... ......... ........... .............................. .. ......................................68 Elkhead Reservoir................ ... ...... ..... ........................................... .. ............. ........................69 St. Vrain ...... ..................................... ............ .................. ............. ............................... .........70 Yampa ................... ................... ..... ........ ........................................................................... .71 �FY 04-05 Totals Category -~ Land and Water Protection GIS/Stewardship: Natural Areas GIS/Stewardship: Resource Inventories GIS/Stewardship: Veg Management Larid Purchases Land Purchase Operations Water Resources Water Resources Operations Staunton Subtotal: Enhancements Cherrv Creek Corps Cost Share Fire Plan Mid-Range Trails Reservoir Enhancements Revenue Enhancement Projects State Trails Program: Grants State Trails Program: Special Projects State Trails Program: State Parks Subtotal: Project Operations Accounting Engineers and Proj Managers Park Operations Specialists Tourist Assistants Subtotal: Statewide Programs IT Project Manaoement State Trails Program: Operating State Trails Program: Reg Coordinators Visitor Outreach Volunteer Programs: Interpretation Volunteer Programs: Operations Volunteer Programs: Watchable Wildlife Volunteer Programs: Incentives Volunteer Programs: Partnership Grants Youth Programs: CYCA Youth Programs: Youth Naturally Subtotal: Legacy and Multi-Year Projects Brush Creek CONST Cheyenne Mountain Colorado River Elkhead Front Range Trail Sl Vrain Ya..!:!:Jpa River Subtotal: Total (all categories): AdJu.sfed Grant Expenditures in Amount (All Years) FY 04-05 Unexpended Balance -- $69,745 $1,287,721 $1,343 ,679 $430,000 $32.271 $2,251 ,707 $259,000 $200,000 $5,874,123 $0 $316,424 $338,565 $188,625 $4 ,912 $10 ,527 $72,376 $0 $931 ,429 $11,652 $391,864 $320,327 $140,000 $15,245 $2,099,007 $82,681 $200,000 $3 ,260,776 $366,000 $4,098,000 $750,000 $498,356 $700,000 $1,982,000 $1,512,650 $173,778 $53,472 $10,134,256 $93,552 $1,226,807 $120,875 $236,242 $100,612 $904,524 $332,377 $39,786 $1 ,797 $3,056,572 $267,748 $1,856,752 $548,896 $15,095 $422,024 $648,915 $962,681 $133,992 $47,635 $4,903,738 $179,000 $1,434,228 $1,358,101 $515,100 $311,894 $3,798,323 $53,183 $470,434 $503,548 $202,843 $118,900 $1,348,908 $82,1 56 $631,342 $655,337 $312,257 $181,380 $1,862,472 $83,788 $520,753 $261,397 $1,283,000 $908,439 $516,000 $202,125 $380,000 $16,447 $470,000 $49,000 $4,690,949 $17,613 $42,710 $63,515 $335,814 $290,131 $243,475 $93,764 $179,934 $8,085 $231,250 $580 $1,506,871 $1,083 $151,167 $66,316 $381,094 $385,485 $235,735 $25,035 $163,577 $2,604 $231,750 $17,420 $1 ,661 ,266 $126,000 $410,048 $8,411,000 $226 ,220 $1 ,000,000 $1,095,320 $5,796,624 $194,298 $1 7,259,510 $56,785 $0 $1 ,819,234 $162,990 $0 $335,157 $336,958 $0 $2,711 ,124 $0 $410,048 $6,141,597 $63,230 $1,000,000 $814,093 $5,365,758 $194,298 $13,989,024 $9.554,904 $25,677,276 $41 757,~61 - �Land and Water Protection 3 �Land and Water Pr0tection G/S and Stewardship: Natural Areas Year Log ID GBL Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name 2001 2001 02036 .. 01716 NRXO Natural Areas Strat Plan 02037.. 01717 NEXO Natural Areas Evaluation 2001 02038 .. 01718 NPXO Natural Areas Protection Total: Unexpended Balance $52,000.00 $12,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,745.04 $0.00 $5,629.38 $69,745.04 $0.00 $11,651.88 Background and Objectives The goals of this GOCO-funded program include: • Evaluation and protection of potential and existing designated state Natural Areas : This includes surveying the Natural Area management needs expressed by owner/managers, evaluating these needs and responding to the Natural Area with on-the-ground assistance and funding for projects beyond the expertise of staff. We consider requests for restoration; weed control, protective fencing, and management plan development and educational displays to encourage the care needed to keep these sites intact. Also, site owners and land managers are assisted in the determination of how special their properties are in a statewide context. Further, we assess the sites already on our list of possible natural areas for possible addition to our registry. Research on Natural Area resources: Natural Areas with a history of scientific research are of great value as a baseline for comparison and, potentially, a source of long-term information that would otherwise be unavailable. High-quality research on Natural Areas is performed by professors and graduate students at higher education institutions. Strategic planning & implementation: Implement the major goals of CNAP 2000 - the Natural Areas Program Strategic Plan - including gap analysis . Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Ron West resigned as the program manager for CNAP in July 2004 and Rob Billerbeck assumed program manager responsibilities. A staff person to replace Ron West was hired in June 2005. Despite no expenditures of GOCO funding in FY 04-05, this program accomplished significant work in the fiscal year. Two natural areas were newly designated, and volunteers were organized to continue monitoring existing natural areas. The program received monitoring information on lands covering approximately 170,000 acres through this process. A triennial report of accomplishments was distributed In December 2004. Staff also visited 10 sites (accompanied by the Natural Areas Council on 4 of these site visits) and conducted rare plant monitoring. 5 $988.00 $5,034.50 �I Land and Water Protection :GIS and Stewa/idship: Resource lnvent0r:iesfSteware/ship Year Log ID GBL 2005 05184 6GIO GIS Plan/Stewardship OP Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Expenditures Amount Project Name $15,000.00 Unexpended Balance $0.00 $15,000.00 2005 05184 6GIS GIS Plan/Stewardship Cap $352,000.00 $6,676.46 $345,323.54 2004 04204 RISO Resource Inventories $320,000.00 $287,684.76 $2,739.38 2003 03052 RI3O Resource Inventories $191,566.00 $22,062.89 $6,481.46 2002 02603 Rl2X Resource Inventories $245,146.00 $0.00 $18,552.61 2001 02030 ..01710 RIXX Resource Inventories Total : $164,009.03 $0.00 $3,766.78 $1,287,721.03 $316,424.11 $391,863.77 Background and Objectives Since 1998, State Parks has been developing resource protection and stewardship plans for our state parks. GOCO funding, matched with State Parks funds, has been and will continue to be used to complete resource Inventories, compile Geographic Information Systems (GIS) information, and develop resource stewardship plans for most parks throughout the system. The resource inventories focus on obtaining and developing information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, water, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. Staff has developed management prescriptions which focus on integrated weed management plans, park-specific revegetation plans, land protection plans, and other management and monitoring recommendations, based on each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 The main objective of this funding is base inventorles of parktands, and over 36,000 acres at four parks were comprehensively inventoried for vegetation and wildlife habitat during this fiscal year. Staff also developed targeted inventories for several other parks encompassing approximately 10-20,000 additional acres. Specific accomplishments included; • • • • • The Rl3O and RISO funding provided for a forest and vegetation inventory as well as lynx habitat mapping at Lone Mesa to provide a basis for stewardship, development, and fuel mitigation planning. Lynx habitat mapping was also performed at Golden Gate for stewardship, fuels and development planning. Weed inventories and plans were completed at Navajo, John Martin, Arkansas Headwaters, and Lory. Second drafts of stewardship plans were produced for Golden Gate, Staunton, St. Vrain, Lory, and Stagecoach State Parks. Final stewardship plans were edited/produced for five other parks. Preble's mouse habitat evaluations were conducted at St. Vrain and Barr Lake for stewardship and development planning. A contractor provided detailed advice and specifications for weed and restoration projects at St. Vrain . Fire behavior modeling was completed in GlS for Eldorado for fuel and stewardship planning . 6 �• • • • • A biological assessment was conducted for the East Canyon of Castlewood for future stewardship and trail planning. An aquatic noxious weed survey was completed at Chatfield and Cheny Creek. A portion of this funding was used for a cooperative GIS position with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to produce GIS stewardship images and condu~t special projects for parks such analysis of wildlife data at Cheyenne Mountain, review and edit biological assessments, and write a prairie conservation plan for Cherry Creek. A portion of the funding provided for seasonal employees who worked on GIS and field work. The 6GIO GBL was not charged In this fiscal year. The 6GIS funding pays for seasonal time and travel expenses to produce GIS and stewardship products for the stewardship program. i �band and Water -Pr.o ectian G/S and Stewardship: Vegetative Management Year Log ID GBL Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name $100,000.00 $100,000.00 Unexpended Balance 2005 05184 2005 05184 SGSR Vegetation Mgmt - Rocky Mountain SGSS Vegetation Mgmt - Southeast $0.00 $5,620.70 2005 05184 04204 6GSH Vegetation Mgmt - High Plains $100,000.00 $15,462.40 $84,537.60 2004 VMSA Vegetation Mgmt - High Pl ains $150,000.00 $107,514.29 $13,966.85 2004 04204 VM5B Vegetative Mgmt - Rocky Mountain $150,000.00 $116,485.43 $26,943.73 2003 03053 VN3O Vegetation Mgmt - North $75,000.00 $8,152.77 $0.00 2003 03053 VS3O Vegetation Mgmt - South $75,000.00 $15,646.33 $277.23 2003 03053 VW3O Vegetation Mgmt - West $75,000.00 $16,304.66 $222.31 2003 2002 03053 02602 VM3O Vegetation Mgmt - Metro $75,000.00 $19,862.21 VN2O Vegetation Mgmt - North $67,430.38 $3,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 2002 02602 VW2X Vegetation Mgmt - West VS2O Vegetation Mgmt - South $59,125.00 $100,000.00 $94,379.30 $100,000.00 $3,572.00 $21,544.56 $87,670.80 $1,014.61 $0.00 $0 .00 2001 02033 .. 01713 vsxo Vegetation Mgmt - South 02031 .. 01711 MVXO Vegetation Mgmt - Metro $30,577.00 $1 ,385.06 $0.00 2001 02032 ..01712 $98,876.00 $2,500.33 $0.00 $1,343,679.18 $338,565.35 $320,327.05 2002 2001 0.2602 NVXO Vegetation Mgmt - North Total: $0.03 Background and Obiectives Grants through Great Outdoors Colorado for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts continue the momentum we have built to gain a handle on noxious weed infestation at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative. effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to initiate proactive efforts to gain control over the natural habitats at our parks. Primary efforts will include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means, development of integrated weed management plans, selective application of herbicides, bio-controls and weed agents, and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has played an important role in these efforts as well. Much of these park efforts will be approached cooperatively with local county weed control coordinators and county land use officials, lhe Colorado State Forest Service and adjoining landowners. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Rocky Mountain Region: • • • Completed a park weed mapping/cost share project at Navajo, in cooperation with State Parks GIS staff. Riparian management was provided at Sylvan Lake State Park. Trees were planted at Ridgway State Park; Vegetative management (weed spraying) was provided at Vega, Navajo, Mancos, Highline, Sweitzer, and Crawford State Parks. 8 �11 11 • • • • Tamarisk removal and treatment activities were conducted at Highline Lake State Park. This park is virtually tamarisk-free at this point, although continued removal of new sprouts will be required. Shoreline erosion control and weed prevention at Crawford State Park. Weed spraying at Colorado River, Lone Mesa, Navajo, Ridgway, Sweitzer, Vega and Crawford State Parks. Pest control at Ridgway State Park. Trees were planted at Colorado River State Park. Hazardous and dead tree removal secvices at Colorado River State Park. Southeast Region: • • • • • • • • Ongoing noxious weed management at Eleven Mile and Spinney. Contract weed spraying at Eleven Mile, Spinney and San Luis. Mower deck repair for mowing operations at Pueblo. Ongoing noxious weed management at Lathrop, Pueblo, and Spinney. Tree and shrub planting at Pueblo. Dead tree removal/tree thinning at Trinidad. Ongoing noxious weed management at Arkansas Headwaters, Lathrop, Mueller, Pueblo, Trinidad, John Martin. Shrub planting at Arkansas Headwaters. High Plains Region: • • • Work is continuing on urban interface fire zones at High Plains parks. Considerable work is being done at Staunton, Golden Gate, State Forest, Lory and Eldorado Canyon State Parks. The most visible of these projects is Golden Gate, where timber thinning and clear cuts are recreating wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities while reducing wild fire hazards and improving forest health. Noxious weed work is also continuing at all High Plains parks with a greater focus on those areas where a significant impact can be made in eliminating unwanted species. Staff continues to attend training through and with the State Forest Service, CSU Extension, Division of Wildlife, US Forest Service and local counties. 9 �Land and Water Pr:otectiom I Land Purchases: Acquisitions Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2005 05180 6LD Buffer Acquisitions Capital Adjusted Grant FY 04•05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance $140,000.00 $0.00 $140,000.00 $0.00 2004 04200 BU5C Buffer Acquisitions Capital $140,000.00 $140,000.00 2002 03050 BU3C Buffer Acquisitions Capital $150,000.00 $48,625.32 $0.00 $430,000.00 $188,625.32 $140,000.00 Total: Background and Obiectives Buffer Acquisitions funding enables the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In-holdings and adjoining lands at state parks , like Golden Gate Canyon, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes, right-of-way problems and easements. State Parks must be opportunistic in purchasing land, leases and easements when the need or availability arises. These GOCO funds provide matching funds for larger land projects with partners such as counties, non-profit conservation organizations, individuals and others. Buffer Acquisition funds are also used to obtain boundary surveys, appraisals, consulting and other real estate services. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Leveraging this GOCO funding with other Lottery funding, Colorado State Parks acquired the 32-acre John Works Sr. estate property at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. This property will be used for additional rental cabin site(s) adjoining Reverends Ridge Campground, and eliminates a private inl'lolding with in the park. -¼61uJ-r-- 1&--0 OJ.A.VJ v,....__ p0i10";;,~ 10 �Lana and Water P-r.oteetion Land Purchases: Operations Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05181 6RE Buffer Acquisitions Operations $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 2004 04201 BU50 Buffer Acquisitions Operations $10,000.00 $4,911.56 $4,351.89 2002 02600 BU2X Buffer Acquisitions Operations Total: $12,271 .00 $0.00 $893.15 $32,271.00 $4,911 .56 $15,245.04 Background and Obiectives Project descriptions stated that these funds were to be used for internal support of State Parks' Real Estate section, including travel, supplies, printing, mail and office equipment. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 11 �Land and Water Protection I Staunton ·- Year Log ID GBL 2004 04206 SN5C Staunton Capital Project Name Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures $200,000.00 Unexpended Balance $0.00 $200,000.00 Background and Objectives Staunton State Park was originally acquired as a donation to Colorado State Parks in 1986. Add itional acquisitions were made in 1998. Environmental studies and resource inventories and analysis have been completed for the park, but completion of a park master plan must take place prior to development. This GOCO funding is earmarked for development of Staunton's master development ptan. This document will guide every aspect of the park's build-out, including camping, visitor amenities, and trails. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 State Parks contracted with the International Mountain Bike Association (!MBA) to perform preliminary assessments on possible multiple use trail corridors . The assessment has been completed and will be utilized as part of the overall park master planning efforts. Request for Proposal for selection of a master planning consultant is scheduled to occur in late 2005, dependent upon outcome of the November election. 12 �Land and Water Protect10n Water Resources: Capital Adjusted Grant FY 04--05 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05182 6WR Water Priorities Capital 2004 04202 WPSC Water Priorities Capital $300,000.00 $0.00 $300,000.00 2003 03051 WP3C Water Priorities Capital $300,000.00 $0.00 $284, 164.09 02601 WP2O Water Priorities Capital $150,000.00 $0.00 $72,989.24 02028 .. 01708 WPXC Water Priorities Capital $150,000.00 $152.34 $149,847.66 2002 2001 2000 00271 $300,000.00 WPZC Water Priorities Capital Total: $10;375.00 $289,625.00 $1,051,707 .OD $0.00 $1,002,381.24 $2,251,707 .oo $10,527.34 $2,099,007.23 Background and Objectives These GOCO funds enable an ongoing e.ffort by State Parks to secure water for certain parks that experience inadequate recreational water levels. The wide array of water needs within the Division requires State Parks to acquire water through a number of mechanisms, including water purchases, less conventional water options and leases, innovative cooperative agreements with water users, and lease or purchase of storage space in reservoirs. Continuation of existing agreements and the pursuit of new water supplies cannot be achieved without readily accessible funds. If these water needs are not addressed, water levels in State Parks-managed reservoirs and streams drop significantly, water quality can be degraded, and the surrounding natural resources may be impacted. These in turn negatively impact park visitation and revenue. Therefore, the Division has developed a long-term plan prioritizing water needs and acquisitions. Other water-related capital improvements such as dam repairs and gauging devices help to maximize the use of water obtained by the Division. Dam repairs are also needed to protect downstream residents and property owners from the faflure of state-owned dams. Dam restoration will bring the structures into compliance with minimum required conditions. preventing the failure or restriction of Park dams. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 In FY 04-05 GOCO funding contributed to the purchase of water for the Chatfield Wetlands Project on the south end of Chatfield Reservoir. This cooperative project, involving Denver Water, Martin Marietta, and Colorado State Parks, will create and preserve 12 acres of wetlands at Chatfield . This wetlands amenity will promote diversity of habitat and wildlife at the park and provide educational opportunties for park visitors . The large unexpended balance for this GOCO-funded program reflects an impending water purchase at Trinidad State Park. This purchase has been tied up in water court for an extended period of time, but is nearing resolution . State Parks anticipates spending more than $1 .2 million of this program's unexpended funding balance by the end of the current fiscal year. 13 �Land and Water Protection Water Resources.· Operations Year Log ID GBL 2005 05183 2004 04203 6WS Water Priorities Operations WPSO Water Priorities Operations 2003 03068 WP3O Water Priorities Operations Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name Total: Unexpended Balance $89,000.00 $6,660.42 $82,339.58 $85,000.00 $59,164.89 $66.78 $85,000.00 $6,550.35 $274.64 $259,000.00 $72,375.66 $82,681.00 Background and Objectives All of the above accounts help cover operating and administration costs for State Parks' Water Resource Program. GOCO funding contributions pay half (0.5 FTE) of the staff hydrologist's yearly salary, water program administrative charges, and other overhead charges. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Expenditures in FY 2002-2003 were consistent with stated objectives described above . 14 �Enhancements 15 �... Enhancements Cherry Creek I Year Log ID GBL 2004 04210 CN5C Project Name Cherry Crk Concessions & lmpvr Adjusted FY 04-05 Grant Amount Expenditures $366,000.00 $93,551.56 Background and Objectives This funding is allocated for improvements to the shooting range facility at Cherry Creek State Park. This range was operated by a private vendor for several years. That vendor contract has expired and State Parks Is in the process of searching for a new vendor to operate the facility. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Parks staff and contractors completed the clean-up of expended lead at the shooting center's Pistol and Rifle Range. Other areas of the shooting center will require additional work. Parks staff are continuing to Investigate the water and sewer supplies for the Shooting Center. Previous funding paid for a feasibility study into water source and septic options at the shooting center, Including a recommended course of action. However, recent changes to water regulations concerning the Cherry Creek Basin will require some additional research before this project can proceed. 17 Unexpended Balance $267,748.44 �1 rEnhancements US Army Corps Recreation Cost Share I Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance Year log ID GBL 2005 05187 6ACC Army Corps CS Cherry Creek 2005 05187 6ACH Army Corps CS Chatfield $624,000.00 $0.00 $624,000.00 2005 05187 6ACT Army Corps CS Trinidad $50,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $800,000.00 $280,382.95 $0.00 $1,100,000.00 $946,424.23 $153,575.77 $0.00 $5,176.00 Project Name 2004 04208 CC5C Army Corp CS Cherry Creek 2003 03058 CS3C Army Corp Cost Share 2001 02085.. 01701 CHXC Army Corps CS Chatfield $1,024,000.00 $500,000.00 Total: $4,098,000.00 $0.00 $1,024,000.00 $1,226,807.1 8 $1,856,751.77 Background and Objectives After five years of negotiation, Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements early in 2003 to participate in a landmark 50%/50% monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Army Corps property: Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad State Parks. This partnership allows for a combined total of up to $40 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will come primarily from GOCO and Lottery fund ing, with a small amount of HUTF funding. Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad combined host more than three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contain many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors seen presently. While State Parks has invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities are 25 to 30 years old and are unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks . The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to Implement a vision for the future . The U.S. Army Corps, as landowner, and Colorado State Parks, as land manager, share a responsibility for the successful stewardship of these three parks. As part of the agreement, Colorado State Parks renewed 25-year management leases on all three properties. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Chatfield : Improvements include the construction of a new 44-site campground with individual electric, sewer and water hookups, high use pads with tables and grills, and paved roads. Other improvements include the construction of 12,700 feet of 8-inch water main, the construction of 3,000 reel of 8-foot wide concrete trail, and the reconstruction and overlay of 0.83 miles of the main park road. Cherry Creek: Improvements include the construction of 22 individual campsites and a large group site. including individual electric, sewer and water hookups, high use pads with tables and grills, and paved roads. Add itional improvements include the construction of the new West Entrance Building, repair of an existing flush toilet building and construction of 8,500 feet of 10-foot wide concrete trail. 18 �-Enhancements Fire Plan Year Log ID GBL 2005 05186 6FI Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Fire Plan Capital $250,000.00 $0.00 $250,000.00 2004 04205 FP5C Fire Plan Capital $250,000.00 $35,005.05 $214,994.95 2003 03059 FP3C Fire Plan Capital $250,000.00 $85,869.78 $83,900.76 $750,000.00 $120,874.83 $548,895.71 Total: Background and Objectives State Parks established a multi-year funding effort for fire plans and treatment beginning with our 2003 Annual Funding Request to GOCO. This was driven by the need for improved forest management (fire) planning and treatment at State Parks following the severe drought of 2002. Funding from GOCO and US Forest Service fuel mitigation programs will enable State Parks to conduct planning and treatment at parks along Colorado's Front Range which lie within the high risk "red zone." This ongoing program actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments will also reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many Colorado State Parks and maintain our continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. This program will allow Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable parklands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Fuel reduction planning was either completed or in progress at 10 parks during FY 04-05 . Actual implementation of fuel mitigation was in progress at four parks. Implementation was completed on 84 acres during this fiscal year. Specific accomplishments include: • • • • • • • • • A lynx habitat mapping survey was completed at Staunton to obtain USFWS approval for fuel projects. Before and after photos of fuel projects were completed at 2 parks. Forest/fuel inventories and plans were produced for Golden Gate and Lory State Parks. A boreal toad survey was competed at Golden Gate for clearance for a pending fuel project. A portion of this funding was used for a cooperative GIS position with CSFS to GPS project perimeters, produce maps for 3 public meetings to communicate fuel mitigation plans to the public, and produce GIS data and maps including planning and fire history coverages. The 2004 funding (GBL FP5C) was spent on Lone Mesa Vegetation mapping (G IS portion only). Biological assessments for fuel projects were completed at Eldorado, Roxborough, Mueller, Golden Gate, and Lory State Parks. Fuel inventory and planning was completed at Roxborough and Eldorado. Funding from this account is also encumbered in agreements with CSFS to begin implementation work at Mancos and Lory, but work was not complete in 04•05. The 2003 Funding (GBL FP3C) is almost spent out except for funds encumbered in agreements with CSFS for implementation projects at Eldorado. Cheyenne. State Forest. Work is underway at these parks but was not complete in 04-05. 19 �Enhancements Mid-Range Trail Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2000 2000 00486 00486 MX41 Eleven Mile Mid Trails M224 Steamboat Mid Trails $17,620.00 $65,000.00 $0.00 $353.00 $15,095.27 $0.00 2000 00486 00486 MZ38 Sylvan Mid Trails MZ42 Trinidad Mid Trails $27,952.82 $25,300.00 $1,847.82 $2,636.36 $0.00 2000 2000 00486 M212 Castlewood Mid Trails $7,590.33 $3,465.33 $0.00 2000 00486 MZ12 Castlewood Mid Trails $26,892.59 $24,165.50 $0.00 2000 00486 MX11 Chatfield Mid Trails $187,500.00 $63,274.00 $0.00 2000 00486 M211 Cherry Creek $140,500.00 $140,500.00 $0.00 $498,355.74 $236,242.01 $15,095.27 Total: Background and Ob jectives In May 2000 the Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust awarded Colorado State Parks a MidRange grant (i.e . a grant with an award amount somewhere between base funding and that typically associated with a Legacy grant) to fund the Trails in Colorado Slate Parks project. This was originally conceived to encompass the planning, development, and construction/reconstruction of trail projects in 29 state parks . The adjusted budget total for the Trails in Colorado State Parks project has had a major impact on trail planning and construction within Colorado's state parks . In all, 78 projects in 26 state parks have been completed, with additional projects still underway. Overall , 1he GOCO Mid-Range funding has allowed the completion of more than 68 miles of new trail construction and major improvements (rerouting or reconditioning) to existing trails within state parks . These trails are an important part of the visitor experience in these parks, and in many instances include interpretive signage and other educational exhibits . Just as important are the trail planning projects completed for several parks , which allow for efficient and comprehensive trail development In the near future. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Trinidad: Constructed 0.25 miles of natural surface trail from the south shore parking lot to the lake shore for fishing access. Renovated 0.25 miles of natural surface trail in the Reilly Canyon area of the park, providing improved access for anglers, hunters and hikers. Chatfield : This money was used in conjunction with HUTF funding and Corps of Engineers Cost Share money to add a bike lane from the Deer Creek entrance to the top of the dam. This was an extremely congested and narrow area, making it hazardous for road bikes to use. This is the same stretch of road that vehicles towing boats use and the bike lane now segregates the two uses. 20 $0.00 �Cherry Creek: GOCO funding was matched with Corps Cost Share money to re-route the trail near the west entrance of Cherry Creek, segregating bike and pedestrian traffic from vehicle traffic. This project was done in conjunction with an entrance re-alignment with Greenwood Village. Sylvan lake: GOCO funding was used to purchase gravel and other supplies for new trail construction and repair of existing trails. Castlewood: The original Homestead Bridge at Castlewood Canyon was destroyed by flooding In 2002. In FY 04-05 GOCO Mid-Range Trail funding paid for necessary biological assessments, construction administFation, and construction of a new pedestrian bridge at the park. 21 �Reservoir Enhancements Year Log ID GBL 2005 05217 RLP 2003 03089 RE3C Reservoir Enhance - Eleven Mile Total: Project Name Reservoir Enhance - Ranger Lakes FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance $450,000.00 $100,611.89 $349,388.11 $250,000.00 $700,000.00 $0.00 $72,635.48 $100,611.89 $422,023.59 Background and Objectives The Ranger Lakes reservoir enhancement project will help rehabilitate dams at the Ranger Lakes section of State Forest State Park, an important visitor draw at the park. The Ranger Lakes section of the park is located near the Ranger Lakes Campground, and is a very popular fishing destination during the high use season . This area of the park includes key hunting grounds for bald eagles and is a prime moose watering hole, making the lakes especially attractive for wildlife watching. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 The middle dam of Upper Ranger Lakes failed in the spring of 2004 and drained most of the water out of the lake. During the summer of 2004 the lake and darns were surveyed, geo-technical explorations were completed and construction documents were prepared for the replacement of the middle dam. The project was bid and the replacement of the middle dam was completed in December 2004. With the balance of this GOCO funding, the lower dam will be repaired and the culverts, ditches and headgates will be upgraded during the winter of 2005/06. 22 �r, Enhancements Revenue Enhancements Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2004 04209 RVSD Rev Enhance Lathrop Electric $315,000.00 $8,079.78 $306,920.22 2004 04209 RVSB Rev Enhance Sylvan Cabin $275,000.00 $72,415.80 $202,584-.20 2004 04209 RVSA Rev Enhance Navajo Marina $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $0.00 2003 03090 FD3C Facility Design $25,000.00 $0.00 $17,837.31 Project Name 2003 03088 MC3C Mueller Cabins $300,000.00 $276.00 $0.00 2003 03086 IR3C Iron Rangers $200,000.00 $21,387.95 $56,937.53 2003 03088 CAB Mueller Cabins $90,000.00 $49,225.99 $40,774.01 2003 03060 YG3C Yurts, Cabins, Group Picnic $437,000.00 $436,865.30 $134.70 2000 00329 CBZB CabinsfYurts • Barr Group Picnic Total: $90,000.00 $66,273.43 $23,726.57 $1,982,000.00 $904,524.25 $648,914.54 Background and Objectives Lathrop Electricity Project: This funding is allocated to upgrade almost 50 campsites in the Pinon Campground at Lathrop State Park. Initially, only 38 sites at the campground had any electrical outlets at all, and these were 30 amp outlets. This project will result in a campground with 84 sites running at 50 amps. This will greatly increase the desirability of these campsites and result in increased revenue flow at the park. Sylvan Lake Cabins: This funding was allocated to rebuild Cabin #1 at Sylvan lake, which was damaged by fire in 2003, plus work on support structures for all five Sylvan Cabins. Navajo Marina: Since Navajo became a State Park in the 1960s, State Parks operated a marina at the park through a private concessionaire. When the last concession contract ended in 2001 , the previous concessionaire was the only bidder for a new contract, but that contractor and the State could not come to terms . With this $250 ,000 of GOCO rundihg , in addition to other funding , State Parks hopes to develop a state-of-the-art marina that will serve the public well. Mueller Cabins/ Cabins, Yurts, and Group Picnic Shelters: This GOCO funding was originally allocated for the construction of three new cabins at Mueller State Park. These full-service rental cabins are the first to be built and offered to State Parks visitors; they will fill a defined niche, providing an unfulfilled service to our park visitors . Iron Rangers: This will be matched with $245,000 in Lottery funds to finance the installation of vehicle entrance automated fee machines (iron rangers) and trail automated fee machines. Gaining controlled entry at our most visited state parks is an essential component of our self-sufficiency efforts. Exact locations for installation are yet to be determined but, at present, we plan to deploy several units at one or two parks in the near future . The number of units will depend entirely on which parks are selected for the first deployment. Net revenue generated from these automated fee machines is estimated to exceed $500,000 annually. 23 �Barr Group Picnic Area: Barr Lake State Park is known as an exceptional wildlife habitat where bird watchers can spot over 300 species of birds at the park. The existing Nature Center provides indoor educational displays and a small gathering area for meetings and school groups. The construction of the Group Picnic Shelter offers a protected outdoor space that can be reserved in advance to serve as a marshall\ng/meeting space for school groups, alleviating pressure on the park's Nature Center. The facility includes picnic tables, grills, water, and counter space with receptacles, and will serve groups up to 100 people, making it perfect for family and community get-togethers. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Lathrop Electricity Project: This project has been completed, with 84 campsites fully upgraded to 50 amp hookups. The majority of this GBL's funding was expended in early FY 05-06. Actual expenses incurred in FY 04-05 funded initial site work and consultation with the electrical engineering firm that completed the project. Sylvan Lake Cabins: Three major construction projects were completed in FY 04-05. Cabin #1 was rebuilt and landscaped. Included in this project was the Installation of a new photovoltaic system, which provides solar-generated lighting for three of the five cabins at Sylvan (the campground has no other source of electricity). Additionally, the water system for the cabins was upgraded to allow for increased visitation, and three pre-fabricated concrete buildings (two vault toilets and one storage building) were installed. Navajo Marinas: GOCO-funded work at Navajo's Two Rivers Marina in FY 04-05 includes the construction of a 600-foot long dock with a concrete surface and the partial installation of electricity at 26 rental slips. Both the dock and the slips are extremely popular with visitors: all slips were leased out before they were opened, and there is a waiting list of 50 boaters in case someone vacates a slip or more are constructed. The total cost of this project, including all funding sources, was $1,800,000. Other improvements at Two Rivers include the cohstruction of: • • • • • A 54 ball boat mooring system A modem retail gasoline dispensing system on the dock 26 long-term rental slips with water and electricity to each A retail store and flush restroom on the dock Two 500' breakwaters to protect the boat ramp and dock Mueller Cabins: GOCO funding for the Mueller cabins in FY 04-05 was used to complete construction of three cabins, plus vital landscaping and paving work at the cabin site. GOCO funding was vital to the completion of the three Mueller cabins and was involved in nearly every aspect of their construction, including site preparation and surveying, electric and utility hookups, design, contractor work, and furnishing the completed structures. GOCO funding was leveraged with Lottery dollars to make this project possible. The cabins, ranging from two to four bedrooms, are equipped with showers, kitchens, walk-out decks and other features. These cabins opened to the public in April 2005 and have proven to be extremely popular. Buffer and aesthetic landscaping is in process and should be completed by May 2006 (wecither permitting). Ongoing landscaping tasks begun in FY 04-05 include removal of remaining slash piles from construction of cabins, seeding and re-vegetation, thinning of trees and removal of fuels to establish a 200' defensible space around the cabins, and screening of propane tanks. Paving for the cabin parking lot was completed in FY 04-05. Future paving tasks include the installation of delineation fencing at the primary parking lot and also at the cabins' pump/water treatment building. 24 �Iron Rangers: • The feasibility study originally planned for February 2005 was delayed due to work load issues related to other projects and limited staff time available to commit to the feasibility study. The feasibility study is now scheduled to begin in October 2005, with an expected end date of December 2005. The Feasibility Study is required by the Governor's Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) for a project of this size and scope. Team Excel is currently under contract to complete the Feasibility Study. • Parks continued testin_g for Point of Sale (PoS) and other elements related to this effort throughout FY 04-05. Point of Sale units were deployed at several locations • Other related steps are underway to enable the effective deployment of AFMs and related components. For example, critical to Parks ability to accomplish this effort was to shift pass accountability from a "consigned" status to a quantity/revenue based inventory. This was accomplished prior to the start of the FY 05-06 Annual Pass sales year (starts mid-November). Barr Group Picnic: Thanks to Starck Brothers Construction's hard work and attention to details, our local contractors finished the construction of the Group Picnic Shelter as scheduled in July 2005. The gluelaminate, post-and-beam Group Picnic Shelter blends into the native landscape and complements the adjacent architecture of the Nature Center. Reservation for the shelter began months before completion , and the shelter is expected to gain in popularity as its availability is communicated to the adjacent communities. 25 �Enhancements State Trails Program. Trails in State Parks J Adjusted Grant FY 04--05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05279 6CWT Homestead Bridge $44,472.00 2003 03067 V3T1 Arkansas voe Trail $2,500.00 $0.00 $400.00 2003 03067 V3T6 Eldorado Trail $2,500.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 2003 03067 V3T7 Jackson Trail $2,000.00 $60.38 $0.00 2003 03067 V3T5 Castlewood Trail $2,000.00 $1,736.90 $263.10 $53,472.00 $1,797.28 $47,635.10 Project Name Total: $0.00 Background and Objectives These grants are designed to fund trail projects within state parks, independent of the State Trails program. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 For the Castlewood Canyon Trail project, Parks staff held meetings with the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the wetland permitting need for the replacement of the washed our Homestead Bridge. An environmental consultant is in the process of completing a biological assessment (BA) for a required Nationwide Permit. 26 $44,472.00 �i ,E-nhancements I I State Trails Program: Trail Grants Year Log ID GBL 2005 05223 6TRA Adjusted Grant Amount FY 04-05 Expenditures Massive/Eolus (Trails) $20,000.00 $0.00 Project Name Unexpended Balance $20,000.00 2005 05224 6TRB COTA Explorers (Trails) $14,655.00 $0.00 $14,655.00 2005 2005 05225 05226 6TRD Ute Pass (Traits) $0.00 $16,000.00 6TRE WRV Vol Cap Bldg (Trails) $16,000.00 $19,300.00 $0.00 $19,300.00 2005 05227 6TRF Peak Stewards (Trails) $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 2005 05228 6TRG CDT Adopt-A-Trail (Trails) $14,900.00 $0.00 $14,900.00 2005 2005 05229 6TRH 6TRJ EYR Training (Trails) $16,000.00 2005 Peak Preservation (Trails) $16,000.00 $197,223.00 $0.00 05230 $0.00 $197,223.00 2005 05231 6TRK Wetterhorn Peak Preservation (Trails) $4,000.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 2005 05232 6TRL Environmental Reviews (Trails) $17,000.00 $0.00 $17,000.00 2005 05236 6TRP Chatfield Wetlands (Trails) $5,000.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 2005 05237 6TRQ Youth Corp Projects (Trails) $11,000.00 $0.00 $11 ,000.00 2005 05238 6TRR CO YC Oversight (TAP) (Tra11s) Subtotal: $33,192.00 $0.00 $33,192.00 $388,270.00 $0.00 $388,270.00 2004 04245 G50Y CYCA $22,728.00 $22,728.00 $0.00 2004 04246 G50A GIS Stewardship Info Resource $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2004 2004 04247 G50B CO Mtn Bike Trail $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 04248 $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 04249 G50C G50D CONST Master Plan 2004 Abyss/Rosalie Trail $14,795.00 $0.00 $14,795.00 2004 04250 G50E CFI Vol Prog $15,000.00 2004 G50F Kannah Creek Proj $26,150.00 $0.00 $0.00 $26,150.00 2004 04251 04252 G50G CYCA Statewide Training $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2004 04253 GS0H voe EYR Prog $13,630.00 $13,630.00 $0.00 - $15,000.00 2004 04254 G50J Dillon RD Trail $22,600.00 $0.00 $22,600.00 2004 GS0K G50M Loch Trail Rehab $15,000.00 $15,000.00 2004 04255 04256 Boulder Dist Trails Proj $46,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $46,000.00 2004 04258 GS0P VOC 2004 Trail Project $7,389.00 $7,389.00 $0.00 2004 04259 G265 Elk Valley Trail $1,300.00 $1,300.00 $0.00 $244,592.00 $60,047.00 $184,545.00 Subtotal: 27 �Enhancernents State Trails Program · Trail Grants Unexpended Balance Adjusted Grant Amount FY 04-05 Expenditures CDT Vol Support $7,000.00 $7,000.00 $0.00 Wolf Creek Pass $9,720.00 $0.00 $9,720.00 G30C Castlewood Canyon $10,000.00 $4,000.00 $6,000.00 G30E G30G CO Horse park $14,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,500.00 Year Log JD GBL Project Name 2003 03095 03096 G30A 2003 G30B 2003 03097 2003 2003 03099 03101 2003 03102 G30H Belvedere Hut $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2003 G301 G30K Granby to Grand Lake $16,400.00 CDT Sign Design $40,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $16,400.00 2003 03103 03105 $40,000.00 2003 03106 G30L Adopt A Peak $47,600.00 $18,683.05 $5,416.95 2003 03107 $120,600.00 03108 G30M G30N COTI 2003 Needleton Bridge $36,944.00 $60,300.00 $0.00 $36,944.00 - - $15,000.00 Stage Road $15,000.00 $60,300.00 2003 03110 G30P Lily Bear CONST $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 2003 03111 G30Q Devil's Head $10,160.00 $0.00 $10,160.00 2003 03113 G30S Buffalo Creek $11,800.00 $0.00 $8,955.08 2003 03115 G30U SCA Rocky Mtn NP Subtotal: $5,000.00 $141.00 $0.01 $374,224.00 $90,124.05 $242,396.03 2002 02643 G20C CYCA Crew Leader Training $7,600.00 $7,600.00 $0.00 2002 02644 G20D Hyland Hills $10,500.00 $10,500.00 $0.00 2002 02645 G20E Galloping Goose & San Juan Sky $12,000.00 $0.00 $12,000.00 2002 02647 G20G Brighton Master Trail Plan $14,000.00 $14,000.00 $0.00 2002 02651 G20K Roaring Fork Vol Proj $15,000.00 $2,792.29 $0.00 2002 02653 G20M Windsor Master Trail Plan $25, 000.00 $25,000.00 $0.00 2002 02658 G20R CFI Peak Restoration Subtotal: $122,500.00 $12,250.00 $0.00 $206,600.00 $72,142.29 $12,000.00 $13,000.00 2001 02118 .. 01805 GX04 Vallecito Trail Maintenance $26,000.00 $0.00 2001 02119 .. 01806 GX05 San Juan Mtn Assoc Vol $5,831.00 $606.00 $0.00 2001 02126 .. 01813 GX12 SMART 160 Planning $25,000.00 $16,000.00 $9,000.00 2001 02127 .. 01814 GX13 Second Creek Trail Plan $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 2001 02131..01818 GX17 Multi Use of Ditch Corridors $20,000.00 $0.00 $11,667.87 2001 02136 .. 01823 GX22 Western Whit River Trails $10,000.00 $2,500.00 $0.00 2001 02145 .. 01832 GX31 Ruby Mtn . Trailhead Sign $6,800.00 $0.00 $6,800.00 $118,631.00 $19,106.00 $65,467.87 2000 00287 STZC State Trails $4,832.76 $4,208.00 $2.26 2000 00343 GZ05 Vallecito Trail Maintenance $37,500.00 $18,750.00 $0.00 2000 00357 GZ19 Dutch Creek Trail $20,000.00 $0.00 1999 99476 G255 Animas River Greenway Trail $20,000.00 $70,000.00 $0.00 1998 98365 G246 Harvard Gulch Connection $48,000.00 $48,000.00 $70,000.00 $0.0(. Subtotal: 28 Subtotal: $180,332.76 $90,958.00 $70,002.26 1 Total: $1,512,649.76 $332,371.34 $962,681.16 �"' - 1, Enhancements State Trails ProgPam: Trail Grants Background and Obiectives State Trails Capital funds are set up each year for individual grants selected through the State Trails Grant Program. This program has one grant cycle annually wi h the recreation trails grant applications due November 1st. This grant application has nine separate categories to which an applicant can apply. After grant applications are received, each grant is assigned to 8-10 reviewers Including statewide trail users, experts, specialist. local, federal. state and non-profit trail volunteers, the State Trails Committee and the State Regional Trail Coordinators. Eligible grants are for construction, reconstruction , maintenance or enhancements to an existing or new trail or trailhead, for trail planning, feasibility studies, trail inventory, trail use studies, trails design, trail volunteer organization development, mapping, adopt-atrail programs, and trail equipment. Since 1994, Great Outdoors Colorado has annually contributed funding to the State Trails Program . Current studies show that 98% of Colorado's population utilize trails of some kind. The State Trails Program : • Manages an annual trails grant program for recreation , OHV and snowmobile trails. • Manages statewide strategic goals identified by the State Trails Committee, State Parks Board and GOCO Board . • Administers the Stateside Land and Water Conservation Program. • Coordinates field inspections, trail design, trail work projects, OHV and snow pat rol and trails training with the four Regional T rail Coordinators. In 2005, the program could only fund 46% of the applications submitted. These Great Outdoors Colorado dollars are matched with local, state, federal and donation dollars for recreation trails projects. Accomplishments in FY 04~05 The project list above includes one trailhead plan, fourteen trail master plans , three volunteer development trail programs, five trail signing , two trails training grants and 50 miles of native surface trail construction. 63 miles of trail maintenance, and 22.5 miles of trail reconstruction . 29 �Emhancements State Trails Program: S~eoial Tr.ail Projects Year Log ID Adjusted Grant Amount Project Name GBL FY 04-05 Expenditures Unexpended Balance 2005 05234 6TRN Colorado on the Move (Trails) $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 2005 05233 6TRM Trail Symposium (Trails) $35,000.00 $0.00 $35,000.00 2005 05235 6TRO Mapping Project (Trails) $50,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 2004 04257 GS0N Statewide Mapping Proj $42,027.00 $18,035.00 $23,992.00 2001 02147.. 01834 GX33 Colorado on the Move $13,000.00 $13,000.00 $0.00 1999 99583 G264 Statewide Mapping Proj&c1 Total: $8,750.89 $8,750.89 $0.00 $173,777.89 $39,785.89 $133,992.00 Background and Objectives Each year the State Trails Committee and the State Parks Board identify annual priorities for trail projects that will enhance trail use statewide. These projects are selected based on their benefit to trail users across the state. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 State Trails Mapping project The goal of this project is to create a digital statewide recreational trail, mapping and information system . The-system will be sustainable, accessible to the public (through the Internet and other sources) and will offer multiple layers from the statewide level to the local community and individual trail-specific level. The system will also offer a management layer accessible to state and local trail agencies. Performance Criteria Accomplishments in FY 04-05 were as follows: • • • • • Task 1: Identify Optimal Mapping/Information System - 99% Complete with Report of Findings Task 2: Design, Layout, Art and Templates - 90% Complete with Sketch Concepts and Platforms Task 3: Develop Sustainable Information Reporting System - 75% Complete Working with GIS and Software Experts Task 4: Identify Pilot Projects and Partners - 80% Complete, with Strategies and Talent Identified Task 5: Implementation Recommendations - 80% Complete with Steps Identified The mapping project has now been combined with GOCO's Open Space Mapping Project, and meetings are in progress with Dave Theobald from Colorado Stale University, Colorado on the Move: In 2005, Colorado began efforts with White House Fellow Dr. Michael Suk to raise awareness of outdoor recreation activities that promote healthy lifestyles. As part of the Colorado on the Move progr.:im, State Parks produced the first in a plc:1nned series of "Steppin' Out" guidebooks, containing information about several easy hikes located in the Denver metro area . The guidebook was featured in the Denver Post in January 2005. The next version or the guidebook will feature hikes in the western region of the state. 30 �State Trails Symposium: This year's symposium was hosted on September 21-24 in Bro.omfield. There were·210 attendees, 35 sponsors, and 40 local and national speakers. Evaluations from the Symposium indicate that the event was extremely successful, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. (Note: expendltL1res for the Symposium were made in early FY 05-06 and thus are not reflected lh lhe GOCO log above). 31 �Project Operations 33 �11 1 ~lioject Operations ,Accounting II I Year Log ID GBL FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance 2005 05188 6OAC Accounting $95,000.00 $16,340.35 $78,659:65 2004 04211 AC5O Accounting $34,000.00 $18,353.53 $1,460.90 2004 04211 AC5R Accounting Partial DIRECT PAY $50,000.00 $18,489.12 $2,035.46 $179,000.00 $53,183.00 $82,156.01 Total: Background and Objectives In FY 04-05 GOCO funded 0.5 FTE in State Parks' Financial Services and Accounting section . This position performed work directly related to ongoing administration of State Parks' GOCO program, including grant administration and oversight; generation of monthly billings to GOCO; grant extensions, transfers, and deauthorizations/reauthorizations; and communication and coord ination with State Parks program managers who utilize GOCO funding. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 35 �1 ,Aroject Operations - I I Enginee,s and Project Managers L I Project Name Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance $138,000.00 $0.00 $138,000.00 $138,000.00 $0.00 $138,000.00 $132,000.00 $0.00 $132,000.00 Log ID GBL 2005 05218 GERM Project Engineer RM Region 2005 05219 6EHP Project Engineer HP Region 2005 05221 60MS Project Engineer SE Region 2005 05222 60MC Capital Project Manager $56,000.00 $0.00 $56,000.00 2005 05220 60MH Project Engineer HP Region $132,000.00 $44J928.84 $87,071 .16 Year 2004 04212 CPM Capital Project Manager $19,120.27 $0.00 $19,120.27 2004 04224 NJ50 Project Manager Navajo $46,000.00 $45,664.82 $335.18 2004 04212 PH5G Project Manager HP Coostruction $126,000.00 $76,607 .14 $360.76 2004 04212 PRSG Project Manager RM Construction $130,000.00 $88,078.36 $0.00 2004 04212 PHSE Project Manager HP Region $130,000.00 $94,581.84 $35,418.16 2004 04212 PRSE Project Engineer RM Region $126,000.00 $100,964.02 $25,035.98 2003 03054 EN30 Engineer North Region $124,718.42 $2,051.50 $0.00 03054 ES30 Engineer South Region $136,389.09 $17,557.53 $0.00 $1 ,434,227.78 $470,434.05 $631,341.51 2003 Total: Background and Objectives GOCO-funded project engineers and project managers provide invaluable support for construction and , development projects around the state . These positions work closely with park managers, regional staff, and contractors to ensure that State Parks' many construction and development projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective , and safe manner. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 36 �Project ©pera'tions IR~rk Operations Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Expenditures Unexpended Balance $0.00 $0,00 $122,000.00 $67,000.00 6NJM John Martin Operations $66,000.00 $0.00 $66,000.00 6NCM Cheyenne Mtn Operations $119,000.00 $0.00 $119,000.00 Year Log ID GBL 2005 05189 6EYP Yampa Operations $122,000.00 2005 05190 6NST Staunton Operations 2005 05191 2005 05192 2005 05193 6NLM Lone Mesa Operations $44,000.00 $0.00 $44,000.00 2005 05194 6NSV Sylvan Operations $150,000.00 $0.00 $150,000.00 Project Name Amount $67,000.00 2005 05195 6ERF Rifle Gap Operations $72,000.00 $0.00 $72,000.00 2004 04219 RF5O Rifle Gap Operations $19,000.00 $6,790.20 $12,209.80 2004 04217 LMSO Lone Mesa Operations $42,000.00 $41,272.85 $727.15 2004 04216 CM5O Cheyenne Mtn Operations $63,000.00 $62,262.63 $737.37 2004 04215 JM5O John Martin Operations $63,000.00 $62,837.09 $162.91 2004 04214 SNSO Staunton Operations $64,000.00 $63,995.82 $4.18 2004 04213 YRSO Yampa River Operations $116,000.00 $115,802.05 $197.95 2004 04218 BCSO Brush Creek Operations $143,000.00 $142,498.31 $501.69 2003 03073 LM3O Lone Mesa Operations $42,000.00 $0.00 $795.51 2003 03070 SN3O Staunton Operations $64,220.00 $84.22 $0.00 2003 03074 BC3O Brush Creek Operations $101,880.91 $8,004.85 $0.00 $1,358,100.91 $503,548.02 $655,336.56 Total : Background and Objectives These GOCO operations funds are allocated to parks that have benefited from GOCO investments in the past. This funding helps cover basic park costs associated with building upkeep and maintenance, weed control, fire mitigation, fencing, snow removal, and many other activities. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 37 �fProject Operations - - I Specialists Year Log ID GBL. FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance 2005 05196 6ESB Steamboat Resource Spec $71,000.00 $0.00 $71,000.00 2005 05197 6ECF Crawford Resource Spec $74,000.00 $0.00 $74,000.00 2005 05198 6ECR Colorado River Resource Spec $47,000.00 $0.00 $47,000.00 2005 05199 6EGG Golden Gate Resource Spec $47,000.00 $0.00 $47,000.00 2005 05200 6ENJ Navajo Resource Spc $48,000.00 $0.00 $48,000.00 2004 04222 CR5O Colorado River Resource Spec $45,000.00 $29,864.41 $15,135.59 2004 04223 GG5O Golden Gate Resource Spec $45,000.00 $44,796.97 $203.03 2004 04220 SBSA Steamboat Resource Spec $68,100.00 $59,487.56 $8,612.44 2004 04221 CF5O Crawford Resource Spec $70,000.00 $68,693.64 $1,306.36 $515,100.00 $202,842.58 $312, 257.42 Total: Background and Obiectives Resource technicians are a crucial component of maintenance operations at Colorado's state parks. These GOCO-funded positions perform numerous maintenance and upkeep operations at parks that have received significant GOCO funding in the past. Activities performed by resource technicians include buildi ng repair and maintenance, mowing, fencing, trash removal, weed control , water systems maintenance and repair, campsite upkeep and repairs, snow removal, and dozens of other tasks. Accomplishments in FY 04~05 Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. 38 �Prajeet Operations Tourist Assistants II FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05196 6ESB Steamboat Tourist Assistant $51,000.00 $0.00 $51 ,000.00 2005 05201 6EMU Mueller Tourist Asst $24,000.00 $0.00 $24,000.00 2005 05202 SENS North Sterling Tourist Asst $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 2005 05203 6ESF State Forest Tourist Asst $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 2005 05204 6EBN Bonny Tourist Asst $25,000.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 2004 $20,689.24 $3,310.76 Project Name 04227 SF5O State Forest Tourist Asst $24,000.00 2004 04225 MU5O Mueller Tourist Asst $23,000.00 $22,994.95 $5.05 2004 04226 NSSO North Sterling Tourist Asst $24,000.00 $23,120.76 $879.24 2004 04228 BN5O Bonny Tourist Asst $24,000.00 $23,120.76 $879.24 2004 04220 SB5B Steamboat Visitor Ctr Spec $48,900.00 $23,180.13 $25,719.87 2003 03079 NS3O North Sterling Tourist Asst $23,990.00 $0.00 $586.10 2003 03076 SV3O Steamboat Visitor Ctr Spec $45,003.69 $5,794.10 $0.00 $311,893.69 $118,899.94 $181,380.26 Total: Background and Obiectives These GOCO-funded tourist assistants provide vital customer service support at park visitor centers that have received GOCO funding. Tourist assistants perform a variety of tasks, including entry pass sales, public information, camping reservations assistance, and other customer service. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Expenditures were consistent with objectives described above. 39 �Statewide Programs 41 �-- - -Statewide Pr.ogr,ams IT Projer;t Management Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 03091 IT3O IT Project Management Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures $83,788.00 Unexpended Balance $17,613.00 Background and Objectives Identified as a significant Division priority and recipient of reprogrammed GOCO funding in January 2003, this project management effort will help to better manage capital construction and other GOCO-funded projects. State Parks intends to adopt a proven set of procedures and practices used to effectively and efficiently manage projects so that costs stay within budget and projects are completed in a timely manner. The purpose of this funding is to review these techniques and determine how State Parks might benefit from establishment of these procedures, particularly for construction and GOCO-funded projects. It will include tra ining, computer software and hardware for implementation. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ A consultant was hired in October 2004 to identify the functional requirements for a project tracking software application. The process involved field and administrative staff, at various levels, so that the effort captured as wide a range of requirements as possible. The requirements document was completed and provided to Parks Leadership in May 2005. At that lime the consultant also idenlified available software applications that met or exceeded State Parks requirements for project tracking . A system In use at Utah State Parks was identified as the system that most cost effectively meet Colorado's requirements for project tracking. The tracking system was purchased and reviewed internally by Parks staff. The conclusion was that the system, with some modifications, would meet the primary project tracking requirements for the division. The system will be modified and put into beta testing after Parks hires a Project Management Coordinator, which is expected to happen before the end of calendar year 2005. 43 $1,083.12 �Statewide ~1;<:>grams State Trails Program: Trails Program Operating Year Log ID GBL 2005 05206 6TST Adjusted FY 04-05 Grant Amount Expenditure.s Project Name Direct Pay:- Trail Staff $50,000.00 Unexpended Balance $0.00 $23,200.69 2005 05206 6TST State Trails Operations $132,000.00 $6,261 .96 $125,738.04 2004 04229 ST5O S1ate Trails Operations $73,000.00 $36,013.24 $24.69 2003 03055 ST3O State Trails Operations $72,983.58 $9.24 $0.00 2002 02623 ST2X State Trails Operations $64,070.00 $375.20 $1,218.11 1999 99484 ST9X State Trails Operations Subtotal: $128,699.86 $50.22 $985.69 $520,753.44 $42,709.86 $151,167.22 2005 05206 6TRC Trail Coordinators $68,000.00 $9,988.73 $58,011.27 2004 04229 TC5O Trail Coordinators $68,000.00 $48,342.46 $6,534.87 2003 03055 CW3O West Trail Coordinator $16,565.81 $385.14 $0.00 2003 03055 CS3O South Trail Coordinator $16,705.03 $2,024. 39 $0.00 2003 03055 CN3O North Trail Coordinator $16,940.56 $15.97 $0.00 2002 02623 CW2O West Trail Coordinator $17,000.00 $0.00 $29.88 2002 02623 CS2O South Trail Coordinator $17,000.00 $0.00 $11.47 1998 98006 TWBO Trails Task-WL/Trails Wkgrp $41,186.00 $2,757.88 $1,728.1; Subtotal: $261,397.40 $63,514.57 $66,315.61 Total: $782,150.84 $106,224.43 $217,482.83 Background and Obiectives This funding supports the administration of the Statewide Trails program. The program manages six funding sources for the Trails Program, including Great Outdoors Colorado funding . GOCO State Trails Program Operations funding provides for one-half salary of the State Trails Program Manager and salary for a full-time financial administrative assistant. plus general operating funds for the progra m. GOCO Regional Trail Coordinator funding supports operating costs for the program's four Regional Trail Coordinators, but does not cover salary for these positions. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 State Trails Program Operating • • • • • Administer 175 open grants annually. Coordinate with the National Park Service, Federal Highways, Lottery and GOCO on reporting, runding , audits, inspections, meetings, and projects. Manage trail program budgets. Update the Colorado State Trails Program application manual. Provide regular updates to the State Trails Committee and State Parks Board regarding all work projects. 44 �• • • • Work with grant review subcommittees and coordinate the grant review process. Provide public information regarding the State Trails Program and trails in general. Host the annual Colorado State Trails Symposium. Verify compliance of trail projects with the National Environmental policy act. Regional Trail Coordinator Operating The salaries for these four positions are federally funded and operation costs are provided by Great Outdoors Colorado. Each Regional Trail Coordinator is budgeted $17,000 annually for operation costs for a total of $68,000. Operations accomplishments during FY 04-05 include: • Fixed and variable vehicle costs to travel over 50,000 miles to assist with project work, training, meetings, and trail patrol. • Travel costs to perform over 3000 user contacts, write 100 citations, patrol 2000 miles trail, conduct 60 training sessions, work on 70 projects, assist with 10 special events, inspect 100 grant projects and work with 20 Youth Corp groups. • General operation funds include the purchase of tools, uniforms, tents, clinometer, camera, GPS units, avalanche beacons, office supplies, registration, and snowmobile/ATV maintenance. 45 �Statewide Arograms Visitor Outreach GBL FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID 2005 05213 6MK Visitor Outreach $494,000.00 $114,429.35 $379,570.65 2004 04237 VO5O Visitor Outreach $463,000.00 $218,474.25 $1,485.00 2003 03064 VO3O Visitor Outreach $163,000.00 $1,800.77 -$0.00 2001 02078 ..01758 VOXX Visitor Outreach $163,000.00 $1,110.08 $38.30 $1,283,000.00 $335,814.45 $381 ,093.95 Total: Background and Objectives GOCO Visitor Outreach funding has enabled State Parks to significantly increase efforts to improve awareness of State Parks and provide up-to-date and easily accessible information to the public. Whenever possible, GOCO funds are also used to leverage marketing dollars from other sources as well as through sponsorships and partnerships. Targeted campaigns by season and audience were planned.....,.__ throughout the year. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Total visitation to the Colorado State Parks system increased 0.5% from FY 03-04 (11 .1 4 million) to FY 04-05 (11 .20 million). Park revenues increased $1.06 million or 6.5% from FY 03-04 , with $35,000 attributed to new investments and the balance, $1 .02 million attributed to marketing efforts . Total calls to the State Parks reservation system increased 12%, from 64,197 in FY 03-04 to 72,602 in FY 04-05 . Specific accomplishments in FY 04-05 include: 1) Advertising • Ads were placed in publications to reach travelers, campers and sports/recreation enthusiasts . These include Colorado Official State Visitor Guide, Woodalls Camping Directory, Camp Colorado, Colorado Summer Vacation Planner, AAA Magazines, Mountain Gazette, Rocky Mountain Sports, Inside Outside, Mile High Sports , Rocky Mountain News Summer Escapes, and Colorado Directory. (Samples and CPM for each ad available) Online listings for State Parks are included at www.colorado.com, www.woodalls.com and www .colorad odirectory .com . Colorado Calls spring campaign focused on reaching out-of-state visitors to increase visits and camping reservations to State Parks in spring/ early summer as well as mid-week. Ads ran in community papers in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas. 2) Website Website visits increased 19% from FY 03-04 (836,882) to FY 04-05 (998, 375) even though State Parks' web site has not had major improvements or upgrades since 2001. 46 �3) Printing More than 30 state park promotional publications were produced and distributed to parks, welcome centers, convention and visitor bureaus across the state. These include 18 individual park area brochures, wildflower bookmarks, fall colors brochure, Cheyenne Mountain groundbreaking invitations. holiday annual pass cards and others. 4) Trade and Travel Shows Eight trade and travel shows were attended to ensure visibility of State Parks and showcase the many outdoor recreation opportunities available. Total attendance for all shows was more than 170,000 and resulted in $51,352 in pass sales. State Parks had representation at: Denver Boat Show; Fly Fishing Show; Gears, Games & Gadgets; Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show; lnternatfonal Sportsmen's Expo; Colorado Springs RV, Sports, Boat and Travel Show; Colorado RV, Sports, Boat and Travel Show; and Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. 5) 2004 Governor's Tourism Conference The conference featured a breakout session educating tourism industry professionals on the health benefits of parks. By recognizing the value parks bring to the community as well as to visitors, tourism professionals can promote visits to state parks as a means of exercise as well as recreation. An exhibit at the conference provided information about Colorado State Parks. 6) Parks Local Marketing These funds enabled each park to develop relationships within their communities to promote the unique features of their park. Outreach ranged from partnerships with concessions to chamber of commerce memberships. • • • • • • • • • • • • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area partnered with Arkansas River Outfitters Association, the Fremont County Tourism Committee and Chaffee County to advertise the AHRA regionally and nationally. Barr Lake State Park/City of Brighton Recreation Center/Shea Homes Community/Brickman ConstructorsffHF Realtors: These partners contributed to the Fall Birding Festival, for an in-kind total of $1000. Crawford State Park/Delta County Tourism Office: Delta County Tourism matched $1000 for the placement of an ad. Highline Lake State Park/Lakeview Rentals/City of Fruita/Fruita Chamber of Commerce/Rimrock Adventures: These partners contributed to the marketing of Highline Lake by contributing a total of $950 towards advertising. John Martfn State Park/Bent County and the Division of Wildlife: Partners contributed towards printing of a birding brochure to promote the park for a total of $3050. Lake Pueblo State Park/Rocky Mountain Nature Association: Contributed $200 to promote the store in the park. Lone Mesa and Mancos State Parks/San Juan Mountains Associations: Contributed $500 to the cost of brochure printing. Lory State Park/Double Diamond Stable: Contributed an additional $1000 to the cost of a movie screen advertising project. St. Vrain State Park/Affordable Storage: Contributed $500 for brochure printing. Steamboat/Pearl Lake/National Weather Service: Partnered in a webcam project to promote the park. resulting in an in-kind donation of at least$2000. Sylvan Lake State Park/Eagle County/Eagle Valley Chamber of Commerce: Partnered to produce a map of the area. Yampa State Park/Craig Chamber of Commerce/Sportsman Information Center: Provided matching dollars in the amount of $1000 for listings in publications. 47 �7) Promotions • • • • • • 2004 Fall Colors campaign promoted visitation to the parks during the peak of the fall colors. Advertising, a promotional brochure, fall color conditions on our website, news releases and media kits were created to increase interest in parks at a time of year when visitation typically drops. 2004 Give the Gift Annual Pass Sales campaign focused on outreach to Colorado companies to buy Annual Passes for employee holiday gifts. This included advertising and targeted mailings with a promotional gift to selected, top Colorado CEOs. Tour de Fleur Wildflower (spring 2005) campaign was an effort to highlight the wildflower viewing opportunities in State Parks throughout the spring and summer months. Seventeen parks participated in the promotion, which featured eight wildflower bookmarks of species that can be found in each park. Wildflower conditions for all parks were featured on the website, as well as a Tour de Fleur state parks wildflower map. Advertisements, media kits and news releases were developed to support the campaign. Electronic newsletter for Colorado State Parks was rolled out in June 05 and was sent to approximately 3,500 subscribers. The a-newsletter will be sent five times a year and will regularly feature seasonal promotions, pass sales, calendar of activities and a featured park. News releases were ongoing throughout the year to promote parks activities and events statewide. In FY 04-05, 170 news releases were distributed resulting in 358.43 million impressions. Promotional items such as lip balm, magnets, pedometers, hats, luggage tags, bookmarks, canvas sacks, and banners were distributed at trade shows, state fair, Governor's Tourism Conference, etc. and included CSP logo and website. 8) Marketing Co-Ops and Other Events • • • • • • • • • • • • • "Heat is On!" campaign was supported by State Parks during the 4th of July weekend in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol. Colorado State Fair - State Parks, along with other Colorado Department of Natural Resources agencies, participated in 2004 State Fair to provide information to the public on park resources 9News Health Fair - State Parks participated in the Sun Corp. health fair, attended by 150 employees. Legislative Reception - State Parks, in partnership with other Colorado Division of Natural Resources, held a reception in March 05 as an opportunity to provide information to state legislators. Cheyenne Mountain Groundbreaking Ceremony - State Parks collaborated with local city and county representatives, GOCO, Colorado Lottery and the Mountain Post Historical Center to publicized the development of the new visitor center. Broadcast coverage - Park staff participates in weekly interviews on KKFN radio featuring one park each week and seasonal activities. The Today Show featured Chatfield State Park In their May 13 show, reaching millions of viewers across the nation. ReserveAmerica regularly promotes Colorado State Parks on their website (reaching one million visitors) and in their print publications. (Samples available) Subaru dealers purchased 250 Colorado State Parks day passes to give to customers who test drove a vehicle and provided advertising valued at $1,500. Audubon Magazine (circ. 1.7 million) provided a $1,900 discount on a joint ad and editorial with Colorado Division of Wildlife. Colorado Tourism Office. Official State Visitor Guide, gave a $7,100 discount for an ad with forward placement on masthead page Colorado Activity Centers provided editorial space in Camp Colorado and Colorado Summer Vacation Planner, a $5200 value. Big As All Outdoors (organizer of RV/Travel trade shows) provided exhibit booth space for four shows including advertising (print program and TV) and editorial, a $5,000 value. Clear Channel Communications: - KBCO Radio featured a Select-A-Set prize of a Colorado State Parks camping weekend with radio mentions and logo on KBCO website. Air time was valued at $44,450. -Colorado Springs Clear Channel ran a traffic promotion on four stations (KVUU, KKLI. KIBT, KCCY) with parks trivia, CSP logo placement and website link on all four stations. a $2,050 value. 48 �Statewide ~r.ograms Valunfeer Programs: Interpretation GBL FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID 2005 05212 6VWR Self Directed lnterp RM $6,667.00 $0.00 $6,667 .00 2005 05212 6VWH Self Directed lnterp HP $6,666.00 $550.33 $6,115.67 2005 05212 6VWS Self Directed lnterp SE $6,667.00 $2,893.88 $3,773.12 2005 05208 6WS Volunteerlsm and lnterp SE $145,000.00 $9,196.43 $135,803.57 2005 05208 6WH Volunteerism and lnterp HP $145,000.00 $15,764.97 $129,235.03 2005 05208 6WR Volunteerism and lnterp RM $145,000.00 $41,421 .72 $103,578.28 2004 04232 PV5A Volunteerism and lnterp HP $118,500.00 $100,114.65 $92.23 2004 04232 PV5B Volunteerism and lnterp RM $118,500.00 $105,803.50 $220.56 2003 03066 Al3O Interpretive Coordination $25,976.84 $337.23 $0.00 2003 03066 Nl3O North Interpretive $63,251.81 $1,348.79 $0.00 2003 03066 S13O South Interpretive $55,222.92 $4,842.05 $0.00 2003 03066 Ml3O Metro Interpretive $65,972.78 $6,742.87 $0.00 2002 02636 SP2O Steamboat lnterp Partners $6,015.00 $1,115.00 $0.00 $908,439.35 $290,131.42 $385,485.46 Total : Background and Objectives State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors and educating school groups through nature's wonders. Due almost entirely to GOCO funding since the mid 1990's, State Parks has been able to provide qualified Interpreters in our parks throughout Colorado. However. a change in philosophy within our agency beginning in FY 03-04 has shifted emphasis on accomplishing interpretive programs and contacts through volunteers rather than through seasonally hired employees. With this shift, seasonal employees hired with GOCO dollars are now combining interpretive efforts with volunteer program coordination, where feasible. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Statewide : • • Hired 29 seasonal employees to conduct environmental education/interpretation programs and/or provide volunteer coordination . Their specific accomplishments include : - Conducted 1,916 educational programs for 45.052 participants. - Delivered educational messages through casual contacts with 80,722 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds. at visitor centers, and at trade and travel shows. - Devoted 2,786 hours toward self-directed interpretative projects/activities. - Devoted 3,615 hours toward volunteer program efforts and/or working directly with volunteers. - Continued their efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers and Friends groups to achieve the goals of State Parks' education/volunteer program. Completed self-directed interpretive projects at 19 state parks. Included replacement of worn interpretive displays, design and installation of new interpretive signs at facilities and/or along nature 49 �• trails, self-guiding brochures, Jr. Ranger program materials, discovery packs, and benches for nature trails and kiosks. Continued Steamboat Interpretive Partners project with community partners to provide outdoor interpretive programs for the general public and school groups. Rocky Mountain Region: • • Continuing the philosophical shift into FY 04-05, seasonal Interpreter/Volunteer Coordinators continued their efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers and Friends groups to achieve the goals of State Parks' education/volunteer program. Additionally, beginning the FY06, a Volunteer Coordinator was hired for the Rocky Mountain Region ·to provide coordination and assistance to the parks and to the seasonal interpreter/volunteer staff in administering their interpretive and educational programs. Southeast Region: • • • • • • Hired and trained 3 seasonal ihterpreters to conduct environmental education/interpretation programs during summer of 2004. Hired and trained 1 seasonal interpreter during spring of 2005 to administer volunteer program at Arkansas Headwaters. Replaced worn visitor center displays at Arkansas Headwaters office. Designed and installed new interpretive signs at Pueblo. Developed Longs Canyon self guided nature trail and brochure at Trinidad. Hired and trained seasonal Interpreters at Arkansas Headwaters, Bonny, Cheyenne Mountain, Eleven Mile, John Martin, Lathrop, Mueller, Pueblo and Trinidad to conduct environmental education/interpretive programs during the summer and fall of 2005. High Plains Region: • • • Seasonal interpreters contacted over 53,000 visitors to High Plains region parks, providing assistance and educational information. 113 new volunteers were trained. These and other volunteers contributed almost 42,000 volunteer hours to High Plains parks, providing invaluable work on trail maintenance projects and assisting with large events like Christmas tree cutting days, Arbor Day tree planting activities, Earth Day celebrations, construction of new rnterpretive trail segments, and many other activities. More than 500 kids attended Junior Ranger training programs, receiving an introduction to basic stewardship principles. These programs are a great way for kids to start .learning about the outdoors. 50 �Statewide Prog Volunteer Programs Ve/unteer Operations Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05210 6VOH Volunteer Resource OP HP $16,000.00 $0.00 $16,000.00 2005 05210 6VOR Volunteer Resource OP RM $16,000.00 $0.00 $16,000.00 2005 05210 6VRR Volunteer Resource OP RM $55,500.00 $0.00 $55,500.00 2005 05207 6VPO Volunteer Program Manager $45,000.00 $4,220.92 $40,779.08 2005 05210 6VRH Volunteer Resource OP HP $55,500.00 $4,856.99 $50,643.01 2005 05207 6VPC Volunteer Program Manager $76,000.00 $24,553.87 $51,446.13 Project Name 2004 04234 VCSA Volunteer Resource Oper $15,000.00 $14,183.16 $816.84 2004 04234 VC5B Volunteer Resource Oper $15,000.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 2004 04231 YC5O Youth Outreach/ Vol Coord $116,000.00 $79,022.71 $246.83 2004 04234 VC5O Volunteer Resource Providers $106,000.00 $101,637.82 $4,303.18 $516,000.00 $243,475.47 $235,735.07 Total: Background and Obiectives Colorado State Parks' statewide Volunteer Program was created to provide quality visitor services and encourage stewardship of our natural resources by supporting and promoting volunteerism; by providing a skilled and knowledgeable volunteer work force to augment Colorado State Parks staff and programs; by providing for effective volunteer management; and by providing broad public exposure to the agency and park management concepts . This GOCO funding is intended to help achieve the above objective by providing oversig/'lt and management of the statewide Volunteer Program (including the youth outreach component), as well as providing support for coordination of volunteer efforts at regional and park levels. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 • • • • • • Paid salary of 3.0 FTE - 1.0 Volunteer Program Manager and 2.0 Regional Volunteer Resource Providers. The Volunteer Resource Providers were hired to provide training, coordination, and assistance to parks staff, including seasonal interpreters/volunteer coordinators, in administering their interpretive and educational programs. Paid salary of seasonal employee to assist witn statewide program operations. Paid for supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program . Completed volunteer needs assessment studies at 24 state parks_ Provided funding support for volunteer programs at 11 state parks. Paid seasonal employee salaries to support park volunteer and/or interpretive programs at 18 state parks . 51 �Statewide Priograms Valunteer Programs: Watchable Wildlife FY04~05 Adjusted Grant Expenditures Amount Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2004 04236 WWSA Watchable Wildlife HP $10,000.00 $6,473.41 $1 ,773.91 2004 04236 WW5B Watchable Wildlife RM $10,000.00 $9,155.36 $611 .16 2002 02622 RO2C Rox.borough Audio Exhibits $4,000.00 $0.00 $905.00 2002 02622 02622 BA2C Barr Lk lnterp Panel $2,125.00 $3,500.00 $877.68 $2,435.00 $1,065.00 02622 02622 CF2C Chatfield Heronry Pav Conversion EL2C Eldorado Canyon VC Exhibits $5,000.00 $9,750.00 $4,425.00 $9,259.46 $0.00 2002 2002 02622 CR2C CO Riv Kiosk & Signs $17,375.00 $17,375.00 $0.00 2002 02622 02160, .01771 JM2C John Martin VC Exhibits $305.66 CCXC Cherry Creek Shop Creek Kiosk $24,875.00 $2,500.00 $19,893.71 2001 $0.00 $455.00 2001 02161 .. 01772 CFXC Chatfield Herony Panels $4,500.00 $4,500.00 $0.00 2001 02155 LTXC Lathrop Visitor Center Exhibits $52,500.00 $7,059.00 $0.00 2000 00336 EDZC Eldorado Visitor Ctr Exhibits $25,000.00 $12,310.00 $0.00 1998 98410 YW8C Yampa Watchable Wildlife $31,000.00 $0.00 $19,919.20 $202,125.00 $93 ,763.62 $25,034.93 2002 2002 RX2C Roxborough Viewing Guide Total ; Background and Objectives The Watchable Wildlife in Parks Program has been a successful joint venture between State Parks and the Division of Wildlife. It has produced a wide array of wildl ife viewing projects such as observation decks, viewing blinds, interpretive kiosks or signs , and visitor center exhibits. Some components have won national awards and continue to be tremendously popular with our park visitors . .Accomplishments in FY 04-05 • • • • Fabrication and delivery of three Endangered Fish signs for use along the Colorado River. Developed concept sketches for five new interpretive signs, to be created at a later dale for placement within Colorado River State Park. Updated and improved digital equipment to use in interpretive outreach programming by our Volunteer Naturalists and staff. The outreach is designed lo prepare people for their visit to Roxborough State Park. Subjects that are presented are animals and animal behavior, plants and ecosystems, wildlife viewing techniques, hiking ethics , and the rules, regulations, and trails available to park visitors. A three-dimensional mural was installed in John Martin State Park visitor center at the beginning of July 2005 by Discovery Exhibits of Santa Fe, NM. The primary theme of the mural and display is to make apparent the fragile existence of the Least Tern and the Piping Plover. It projects five feet from the wall in the main lobby of the visitor center and usually becomes the primary object of attention as someone enters the visitor center. This exhibit has proved to be tremendously popular with visitors. 52 $0.00 $0.00 �• • • • • Completed the design, fabrication and installation of Lathrop Visitor Center exhibits. These innovative exhibits have the potential reach a diverse audience of local visitors and travelers from other parts of the state; over 154,000 visitors explored Lathrop State Park last year. Signage for the "living displays" at Barr Lake Nature Center. These are indoor areas that allow viewing of birds and other wildlife in the natural (outdoor) environment. Completed the design, fabrication and installation of granite floor piece - a wildlife mapscape - at the Chatfield Heronry Pavilion. Completed the layout, fabrication and installation of roadside signs at 18 wildlife viewing sites throughout Chatfield. All 18 sites are referenced on signage located at the Pavilion. Design and installation of an interpretive collage at the Eldorado State Park Visitor Center. This photographic display highlights the history of Eldorado Springs and Eldorado Canyon, including the town's beginnings as a resort destination in the early 1900s and continuing through the park's emergence as a world-class rock climbing destination in the 1960s. The display includes signage and historical photos, and an original painting of the canyon provides an impressive back.ground to the display. 53 �Statewifle Prriograms Volunteer Programs: Volunteer lncenti~ s FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05209 6VID Volunteer Database $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 2005 05209 6VIT Volunteer Training $50,000.00 2005 05209 6VIR Volunteer Training and lncent $19,167.00 $887.77 $18,279.23 2005 05209 6VIH Volunteer Training and lncent $19~167.00 $2,842.69 $16,324.31 voe Projects 2005 05209 6VIP $12,500.00 $4,614.04 $7,885.96 2005 05209 6VIS Volunteer Training and lncent $19,166.00 $7,942.25 $11,223.75 2005 05209 6VIC Volunteer Training and lncent $55,000.00 $12,560.04 $42,439.96 2004 04233 Vl5C Volunteer Incentives VOC $12,500.00 $7,584.90 $0.00 2004 04233 VISD Volunteer Incentives Tracking $15,000.00 $8,980.20 $89.80 2004 04233 $28,750.00 $20,806.12 $1,698.03 2004 04233 $28,750.00 $20,960.80 $0.07 2004 04233 VJ5B Volunteer Incentives RM VISA Volunteer Incentives HP VIST Volunteer Incentives Training $50,000.00 $42,647.96 $0.00 2004 04233 Vl5O Volunteer Incentives $55,000.00 $50,107.02 $635.99 $380,000.00 $179,933.79 $163,577.10 Total: Background and Objectives The objective of this fund ing is to support volunteerism in state parks . Incentives dollars provide support for projects that are completed primarily with volunteer support and labor and/or provide direct benefit to state park volunteer programs and volunteers themselves Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Volunteer Database: Identified business requirements, selected volunteer database software provider, purchased software license and maintenance agreement, and implemented database at 41 state park locations. Provided initial database training for 35 staff serving, as database liaisons. Hired intern to serve as database administrator during implementation phases. Training: Provided 12 volunteer management and/or interpretive training opportunities for 217 employees and volunteers; expenses included workshop registration fees, instructor fees, training supplies, resource books and materials, and food; also included instructor travel expenses to provide ongoing volunteer database training for staff and volunteers statewide . Statewide Incentives: Covered statewide expenses for marketing and recruiting (brochures, banners, ads, trade shows, career fairs) , volunteer uniform items, secondary volunteer insurance coverage , rewards/recognition items and events , and resource books/training materials; also provided support for projects tied to state and national volunteer events (Colorado Cares Day, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day). 64 �Regional/Park Incentives: Provided support to 34 s1ate parks for volunteer programs, projects and events. Dollars covered recognition events; recognition and reward items (plaques, certificates, hats, t-shirts, mugs and other appropria.t e gifts); newsletters; training materials; uniform items; marketing and recruiting (brochures, ads); camp host site cons1ructlon; housing; and supplies and equipment required to support park projects (trails construction, wetland restoration, noxious weed control). VOC Projects: Completed projects in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado at three state park locations. • St Vraln (October 2004): 240 volunteers completed habitat restoration activities including Tamarisk and Russian Olive removal and installation of native plantings • Cheyenne Mountain (June 2005): trails project • Lory (May/June 2005): crew leader training/trails project and youth project 55 �7 ·-statewide Programs Velunteer Programs: \Yolunteer Parlnership Gramts Year Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 2003 03118 03116 G3VS Volunteer Support - Sylvan G3VK Volunteer Support - Mueller 2003 03116 G3VC Volunteer Support - Castlewood 2003 03116 2003 Volunteer Support - Yampa Yampa River Vol Support 2003 03055 03067 G3VU V3SV 2003 03067 FY 04~05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance $14.53 $12.02 $0.00 $76.65 $500.00 $0.00 $40.68 $500.00 $253.47 $96.53 $253.47 $0.00 $0.00 $500.00 $500.00 V3A2 Bonny Amenity $1,000.00 $0.00 $20.00 Ridgway Amenity $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 Volunteer Support - Bonny $500.00 $0.00 $10.25 2003 03067 V3A5 VJA6 2003 03116 G3VB Sylvan Amenity $1,000.00 2003 03116 G3VN Volunteer Support - Ridgway $500.00 $0.00 $262.57 2003 G3VD G3VE Volunteer Support - Chatfield Volunteer Support - Cherry Creek $500.00 $500.00 $143.31 $0.00 2003 03116 03116 $189.70 $0.00 2003 03055 V3SC Chatfield Vol Support $483.65 $235.64 $0.00 2003 GZ22 VPG Arkansas Amenity $1,000.00 2003 03116 03116 GJVI Volunteer Support - Highline $500.00 $305.00 $440.85 $7.98 $59.15 2003 03116 G3VL Volunteer Support - Navajo $500.00 $447.22 $0.00 2003 2003 03116 03116 G3VJ GZ23 Volunteer Support - Lone Mesa VPG Volunteer Insurance $500.00 $750.00 $451.75 $750.00 $48.25 $0.00 2003 03116 G3VW VPG - Castlewood Amenity $1,460.00 $822.84 $0.00 2003 03067 Barr Amenity 03067 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $933.67 2003 2003 V3A1 V3V1 $1,500.00 $66.33 $0.00 03116 G3VX $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $0.00 $16,447.12 $8,084.51 $2,603.88 Volunteer Insurance VPG - Lone Mes·a Amenity Total: Background and Obiectives The Volunteer Partnership Grants program involved an internal competitive grants process and included the following types of projects: State Park VOC projects, natural surface trail projects, volunteer program support projects, park amenity projects, and trail consulting fees. In order to be a successful recipient of a VPG , volunteerism was required as a key ingredient, partnerships were emphasized and volunteer management and organizational skills needed to be demonstrated. Effective FY 04-05, the Volunteer Partnership Grants program was eliminated , and various components were folded into the Volunteer Incentives oversight process provided by the current statewide Volunteer Program. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Funds were expended at 11 parks for a variety of volunteer projects consistent with the original program goals outlined above. 56 �Statewide PT rograms Youth Programs: Colorado Yo11th Corps Year log ID GBL Project Name 2005 05211 6VY Colorado Youth Corps 2004 04235 ICSO Colorado Youth Corps Total: Adjusted Grant Amount FY 04-05 Expenditures $231,250.00 $0.00 Unexpended Balance $231,250.00 $231,250.00 $0.00 $462,500.00 $231,250.00 $231,250.00 Background and Objectives The Colorado Youth Corps Program provided by the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) provides a platform to strengthen the life skills of its participants. It engages Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and helps them build a sense of natural stewardship . The program targets both in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 • • • • • • • Completed 82 crew weeks of project work statewide. Project work was completed at 24 state parks, on six trail projects, and on three Off Highway Vehicle motorized trails. A total of 230 corps members between the ages of 16 and 23 worked on projects, providing approximately 26,570 hours of project labor. Funding helped provide crew leader training attended by 100 crew leaders and youth corps program staff. CYCA provided project management and reporting , technical training , evaluation and data tracking, accounting and support services as part of their contract with State Parks Continued to incorporate environmental education elements into the youth corps experience. Public presentations (a new component this year) were completed at six state park projects. They were intended to help build greater public awareness about youth corps and their important conservation and stewardship work within parks and other public lands throughout the state, and to help promote the publ ic's involvement in keeping our public parks safe and fun places to be. The results of the presentations were mixed. 57 $231,250.00 �S(atew de Programs Yo th P ograms: Youth Naturally Year Log ID GBL 2002 02625 YD2O CO Youth Naturally- Denver 2000 00402 CNXO Northern Colorado Youth Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Project Name Total: Unexpended Balance $34,000.00 $0.00 $3,000.00 $15,000.00 $579.98 $14,420.02 $49,000.00 $579.98 $17,420.02 Background and Objectives Due to a shift in agency priorities, the Colorado Youth Naturally (CYN) program has been eliminated. The intent of the program was to provide outdoor experiences, environmental education, and exposure to natural resource careers to middle school students. State Parks partnered with three Colorado Youth Naturally programs located in Denver, Fort Collins and Loveland/Berthoud . The new intent of the dollars is to provide educational booklets that accurately depict wildlife and expose youth to appropriate ways for wildl ife watching, playing safely in the outdoors, and becoming future stewards of the resource. These booklets will serve as educational tools in conjunction with the Jr. Ranger programs at parks statewide and will promote future park users by helping clientele to have an enjoyable and educational experience in the outdoors . While the funding has been red irected, the focus is still on youth and is in line with a new agency emphasis on self-directed interpretation elements. Phase I of this project will focus on ages 3-6, and Phase II will focus on youth 6-11 . Accomplishments in FY 04-05 The dollars that have been spent to date have produced conceptual artwork and draft text for the Adventures of a Young Naturalist booklet targeted for kids ages 3-6 . The booklet will be finalized and distributed by December 2005. In the meantime, preliminary work is being done on the Adventures of a Naturalist booklet targeted at kids ages 6-11. This second booklet will be completed by June 2006. 58 �Legacy and MultiYear Projects S9 �,Legacy and Multf~Year Prajects I I Brush Creek I ' Year Log ID GBL 2002 02637 BC2M Brush Creek 02 • MVP Project Name Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures $126,000.00 Unexpended Balance $56,785.00 Background and Objectives In 1999, years of debate about the future of the Brush Creek watershed culminated in the purchase of 1,762 acres of invaluable wetlands and riparian areas along East and West Brush Creeks, south of Eagle. GOCO played a major role in the partnership that included DNR, State Parks, DOW, Eagle County, Vail Associates, and The Conservation Fund. The proximity of the streams to the existing Sylvan Lake State Park and its facilities has enabled State Parks to make relatively modest addrtional investments in facilities at Brush Creek. Due to the sensitive nature of the wetlands and riparian areas, a minimal scope of development was planned initially, including a visitor center, a small number of yurts or cabins, picnic areas and trail improvements. In cooperation with DOW, most of the West Fork will be managed solely for fishery improvements and access. Accomplishments in FY 04~05 For FY 04-05 this funding was used to supplement cabin reconstruction at the Sylvan Lake/Brush Creek area. Cabin #1 was rebuilt and landscaped. Included in this project was the installation of a new photovoltaic system, which provides solar-generated lighting for three of the five cabins at Sylvan (the campground has no other source of electricity). Additionally, the water system for the cabins was upgraded to allow for increased visitation . 61 $0.01 �Legacy-and'T Multi-Year Pir:ojects Continental Divide Natior:,a/ Scenic Trail FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures Project Name Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05734 6MDM CDT Monarch to Elbert $184,522.00 $0.00 $184,522.00 2005 05735 6MDB CDT Berthoud Pass $139,416.00 $0.00 $139,416.00 2005 05736 6MDW CDT RMNP to Willow Creek $53,306.00 $0.00 $53,306.00 2005 05737 6MDS CDT Stony to Cataract Total: $32,804.00 $0.00 $32,804.00 $410,048.00 $0.00 $410,048.00 Background and Objectives A partnership consisting of Colorado State Parks, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (COTA), the United States Forest Service, and Great Outdoors Colorado seeks to construct four segments of Colorado's portion of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The vision for the CDT is to create a primitive and challenging backcountry trail on or near the Continental Divide from the Canadian to the Mexican borders. Colorado's portion of the trail is approximately 800 mlles long; it is estimated that 487 miles of that is complete, leaving 258 miles of planning and new construction and 55 miles of reconstruction. This Legacy grant will provide funding for the construction of 56 miles of new trail and reconstruction of 17 miles of existing trail, in four segments: 1. Monarch Pass to Mt. Elbert - Construct 30.9 miles of trail, removing the existing route from jeep trail to a dedicated CDT trail route., and 10.1 miles of reconstruction . This section lies in Lake, Gunnison , and Chaffee counties . 2. Berthoud Pass Trailhead - Construct 2 miles of interpretive trail on Berthoud Pass in Clear Creek and Grand Counties. Includes construction of trailhead plaza, information signage, restroom facilities and supporting infrastructure. 3. Willow Creek pass to Rocky Mtn National Park - Design and construct 18 miles of new trail relocating the trail off of a currently used motorized route and construct a trailhead at Willow Creek Pass. This section is in Jackson and grand counties. 4. Stony Pass to Cataract Lake - Construct 5 miles of new trail and reconstruction of 7 miles of existing trial. This section is in Hinsdale and San Juan counties . Accomplishments in FY 04-05 The partnership organizations met several times in FY 04-05 to begin initial work for this complex, groundbreaking project. Significant progress has been made, including: The establishment of a project organization structure, including the agency leadership team (representatives from GOCO, Parks, COTA, and the USFS ), the project management team, and segment-specific working groups. The clarification of partner roles and responsibilities. 62 �11 The completion of project-specific workplans. These clartfy exactly what work will be accomplished by which agency on a segment-by-segment basis, and also outline the specific funding source that will be used for this work. These workplans are a crucial component of the overall project and will help generate the various contracts that the project requires (GOCO-Parks, GOCO-local governments, Parks-CDTA., Parks-USFS, etc). The next step for this project will be the generation of necessary contracts. These are expected to be completed by spring 2006, which wlll allow two full summers of working time for the agencies performing the actual construction on the trail (CDTA and the USFS). 63 �Legaey, al'il€i Multi-Vear-.Prejects Cheyenne Mountain State Park ' - Project Name FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures - Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 05866 6CM Cheyenne Mountain 06 - MVP $2,500,000.00 $15,403.24 $2,484,596.76 2004 04238 CMSM Cheyenne Mountain 05 - MVP $3,657,000.00 $0.00 $3,657,000.00 2003 03842 CMJM Cheyenne Mountain 03 - MVP $1,500,000.00 2002 02638 CM2M Cheyenne Mountain 02 - MVP $754,000.00 $8,411,000.00 $1,500,000.00 $0.00 $303,830.67 $0.00 $1,819,233.91 $6,141,596.76 Background and Objectives GOCO previously awarded $8.6 million to State Parks to help acquire the JL Ranch ,, which has been renamed Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Cheyenne Mountain will be the first state park in the El Paso County area. Development will provide recreation, trails, and educational opportunities for residents of Colorado Springs and other park visitors - an estimated 300 ,000 annual guests. State Parks will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the park, and will station permanent staff there to ensure that the natural resources are preserved for the benefit of future generations, while also serving a range of outdoor recreation needs. Located at the southwestern edge of the city, Cheyenne Mountain is currently in a relatively undisturbed natural condition and is highly valued by th~ community for its open space qualities. Wildlrfe abounds on the property due to its unfragmented, und isturbed nature. Breeding populations of turkey are evident, as well as significant numbers of deer, black bear, elk, and cougar. Along the Front Range of Colorado, undeveloped tracts of land such as this are uncommon. Financial partners include Denman Investments. which will develop the roads and utilities infrastructure to the park entrance, and the City of Colorado Springs. The project also has support from others in the local community, the adjacent NORAD and the U.S. Army at Fort Carson . Accomplishments in FY 04-05 There have been significant accomplishments at Cheyenne Mountain State Par!< during fiscal year 04-05, beginning with completion of architectural desi;gn of all park buildings. This design effort was a successful collaboration between State Parks and two architectural firms: Denver based 42/40, and DCA of Colorado Springs. Both the Visitor Center and Event Center designed by 42/40 will be signature build ings for the park, and serve significant numbers of visitors for years to come. Likewise, the wet buildings designed by DCA (comfort stations, camper-services, and maintenance shop) match the park's landscape while offerfng convenient, functional amenities that will allow visitors to enjoy the park in a safe environment. During FY 04-05, staff also worked with Denman Investments to revise our Joint Development Agreement (JOA), which was origfnally crafted at the time of purchase of the acreage that would become Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Signed in 2000, the JOA stipulates that State Parks pay for 10% of the costs for highway improvements along Highway 115 and capped State expenditures at $190,000, Five years later, 64 �the completed park master plan now included an Event Center and 20 cabins, therefore Increasing our demand for utilities. The revised JDA addressed these additional utility needs, as well as reflecting current pricing for materials, oil, gas, asphalt, etc. The new agreement also amends Denman's contribution to the project from $1.9 million to $3.5 million, while now capping State expenditures at $300,000. Construction for Phase One of Cheyenne Mountain State Park began in November 2004. The first phase of the project consists of construction of roadways, utility installation, site development for the campground and picnic areas, trailhead parking, etc., and a tremendous amount of work has been accomplished to date. Work progressed well through the winter, spring, and summer of 2005, and Phase One is scheduled to wrap up at the end of November. State Parks and our planning team (Thomas & Thomas) are now engaged in putting together a Phase Two package which will detail site finish particulars, signing package, fencing, as well as other details to move this part of the project to completion. Additionally, State Parks has bid construction of all buildings and hopes to break ground on the Visitor Center, Fee Station, and Trailhead Comfort Station sometime in December 2005, dependent on funding availability. Lastly, State Park has selected an architect to begin the process to design the park's cabins, and it is anticipated that this wor.f< will also begin In December. 2005. Funds for Log ID 04238 (CMSM) are currently enc1..1mbered in a contract for Phase One construction. State Parks anticipates that this funding will be expended by the end of November 2005. Although there has been a small amount expended out of Log ID 05866 (6CM), the balance of these funds will be utilized for construction of our base building bid (Visitor Center, Fee Station) plus first alternate Item (Trailhead Comfort Station). 65 �Legacy and Multi-Year ProJec1:s Colorado Pron Range Frail Year Log ID Project Name 2005 05239 6FRA Pedro's Point Trail 2005 05240 6FRB Poudre River Trail 2005 05241 6FRC 2005 05242 2005 05243 2005 2005 GBL Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Unexpended Amount Expenditures Balance $161000.00 $0.00 $16,000.00 $3,000.00 $0.00 $3,000.00 Poudre Trail-Bison Arroyo $173,750.00 $0.00 $173,750.00 GFRD CDT/SKY Pond Trail $111900.00 Emerald Lake Trail $6,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $11,900.00 6FRE 05244 6FRF $0.00 $35,000.00 6FRG $70.00 $0.00 $54,000.00 2005 05246 6FRH $37,000.00 $0.00 $37,000.00 2005 05247 GFRI 100th Ann iv USFS Trail Projs CDT Construction Garden of Gods Trails Tabeguache Peak Preservation $35,000.00 05245 $3,500.00 $0.00 $3,500.00 2005 05248 6FRJ YC Projects $49,100.00 $0.00 $49,100.00 2005 05249 GFRK Chatfield Wetlands $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 2004 04240 G5FB FRT Signage/Enhancements CFRT Wayfinding Signage Sand Creek Trail Windsor lake Trail YC Front Range Trail Signs Master Plan South Pueblo Pueblo Sign Project Front Range History Program Houts & Equalizer Res Trails Poudre Trail Windsor River 2004 04240 G5FC 2004 04240 G5FD 2004 04240 G5FE 2004 04240 G5FA 2003 03886 G3FA 2003 03891 GJFE 2003 03887 G3FB 2003 03892 G3FD 2003 03888 G3FC Total: $6,000.00 $7,500.00 $0.00 $7,500.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $160,000.00 $0.00 $160,000.00 $59,100.00 $0.00 $59,100.00 $8,400.00 $8,400.00 $0.00 $70,000.00 $0.00 $70,000.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $41,323.00 $29,125.19 $12,197.81 $202,877.00 $126,832.12 $76,044.88 $170,800.00 $170,800.00 $0.00 $1,095,320.00 $335,157.31 $814,092.69 Background and Objectives The goal of the Colorado Front Range Trail (CFRT) project is to form a spine trail corridor along the Front Range of Colorado that links communities, points of interest, local and state parks and diverse landscapes, from the New Mexico border to the Wyoming Border. The trail system will generally consist of a main trail and areas of connecting trail. In some areas the trail will diverge into two corridors to diversify recreation opportunities in the Front Range communities while ensuring that users have a fun. safe and varied experience . To date approximately 287 miles of trail exist. with an additional 255 miles planned and a further 310 miles envisioned for future construction . Funding sources for the CFRT include Lottery, Great Outdoors Colorado, and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. In 2002, a GOCO legacy grant of $1 million was awarded to CFRT grants. These funds to date have been matched with over $3.4 million. 66 �Accomplishments in FY 04-05 Project work is underway on the majority of the grants listed above, although expenditures have not been submitted at this time. The projects include one planning and two trail signing grants, 26 miles of new native surface trail construction, 0.35 miles of concrete trail construction, 38.75 miles of trail maintenance, and 10 miles of trail reconstruction. The following projects have been completed: Front Range History Program The Colorado Historical Society developed a Roadside Interpretation Program by researching all historically significant sites along the Colorado Front Range Trail. A series of meetings were held to obtain information needed to develop, design, and install interpretive signage along the entire CFRT Corridor. Houts and Equalizer Reservoir Trails The High Plains Environmental Center constructed 3.5 miles of multi-purpose concrete trail with a parallel gravel path around Houts and Equalizer Reservoirs. The construction included four overlooks and two interpretive kiosks, revegation and shoreline restoration program, and interpretive signage. Poudre River Windsor River The Poudre River Trail Corridor, Inc. constructed 1.4 miles of concrete trail east of WCR 13 in the Town of Windsor. Associated improvements incll.lded fencing, parking lot and signage. 67 �Legacy and Multi-Year ProJects II Colorado River Legacy Year Log ID GBL Project Name 1996 96828 6828 CR Trail Construction II FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures $226,220.11 Unexpended Balance $162,989.63 Background and Objectives This Legacy project partnership between Colorado State Parks and local governments was originally awarded funded by GOCO in May 1996, May 1998, and May 1999. The primary purposes for this longterm project were for investments into the expansion of Colorado River State Park and associated recreation projects in five distinct park areas along a 35-mile stretch of the Colorado River through Mesa County. The rapidly growing Grand Valley depends on State Parks for oversight of this Legacy project. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 State Parks completed the construction of 1.2 miles of new multi-use trail within Colorado River State Park. This fantastic trail is already extremely popular with park visitors and provides important linkages to other trails within the park. Specific tasks completed with GOCO funding include: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Colorado River staff contracted with a professional engineering firm to design 1.2 miles of multi-use trail between 29 Road and 30 Road in Mesa County. Contracted with a professional appraiser to survey 20 miles of donated lands adjacent to the trail corridor. Purchased 0.75 acres of buffer parcels for new trail corridors . Contracted with an archaeological firm to survey the trail route for findings of historical significance. Removal of hazardous trees along new trail route. Construction of 1.2 miles of concrete, multi-use trail. Additionally, in September 2005 the GOCO Board reauthorized $63,231 in expired Colorado Riverfront Legacy funding. This reauthorization will allow State Parks to continue investments in keeping with the intent of the original Legacy grant, specifically for acquisition and development. 68 $63,230.48 �Legacy and Multi-Year ProJe-cts Blkhead Reservc:.,ir Year Log ID GBL 2005 05214 SELK ELKHEAD • MVP Project Name FY 04-05 Adjusted Grant Amount Expenditures $1,000,000.00 Une.xpended Balance $0.00 $1,000,000.00 Background and Obiectives Prior to 2003, State Parks had planned to improve and expand the existing facilities at Elkhead Reservoir (part of Yampa River State Park}. In winter 2003, however, the City of Craig (the owners of Elkhead) informed Parks of their plans to expand the reservoir to help meet increased regional water demand in the near future . This increase in size will inundate existing facilities at the reservoir. The City, working in conjunction with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, will complete dam work and reservoir expansion by spring 2007. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 During FY 04-05 State Parks staff worked closely with officials from the City of Craig and the Colorado River Water Conservation District to negotiate reimbursement costs for the existing facilities that will be inundated by the reservoir expansion. Parks staff have also been closely involved in the master planning efforts for the reservoir and negotiating management plans. State Parks has developed plans to work around the City's construction schedule, and as such should be able to begin construction of our own during summer 2006. Parks' planned development at Elkhead includes two campgrounds comprising 60 campsites, including 30 with full electric hookups, and campground comfort stations. Parks will repair the current boat ramp facility and increase its size to accommodate the new lal<e levels. A new day use and hand launch boat ramp will be constructed to allow easier access to the north end of the reservoir. State Parks will also construct three swim beaches, which promise to be extremely popular. Playgrounds, trails, and other visitor amenities will also be constructed . 69 �legacy and Multi-Year, Projects St. Vrain State Park Project Name Adjusted Grant FY 04-05 Amount Expenditures Unexpended Balance Year Log ID GBL 2005 6SV St. Vrain Legacy $4,000,000.00 $0.00 $4,000,000.00 2004 05865 04239" SVSM St Vrain 05 • MYP $1,430,000.00 $314,678.13 $1,115,321.87 2003 03853 SV3M St Vrain Legacy Project $366,624.40 $5,796,624.40 $22,279.44 $250,435.86 $336,957.57 $5,365,757.73 Background and Objectives Located about five miles due east of Longmont, St. Vrain State Park is an ideal natural site for a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Between now and 2010, State Parks plans to make significant capital investments at St. Vrain to capitalize on its location in an area undergoing rapid population growth. St. Vrain State Park's current visitor amenities do not measure up to the recreation potential the setting has to offer. A variety of pull-through and back-in campsites are available in the park's three campground loops, but a lack of basic utilities (water, sewer, electric) at these sites requires visitors to be almost completely self-sufficient for the duration of their stay. In spring 2004 Colorado State Parks commissioned Shapins and Associates to prepare a master plan outlining the development of the infrastructure, visitor amenities, and campgrounds necessary to make St. Vrain State Park a true outdoor recreation destination. Work scheduled to run through 201 0 will transform lhe site into a recreation hub for Colorado's northern Front Range. Improvements currently planned for St. Vrain include new campgrounds, a camper services building, comfort stations, an entry station , a Welcome Center, individual and group picnic sites, and a swim beach. Buffer landscaping along the park's borders will provide privacy for park visitors, increase the aesthetic appeal of the park, and ensure sustainable site preservation over the long term. Installation of utilities (water, sewer, electric) and the construction of improved roads will further enhance the campgrounds, and lay a foundation for further development. Accomplishments in FY 04-05 In FY 04~05 consultants prepared construction documents for the first phase of St. Vrain State Park. The first phase consists of rebuilding the north campgrounds (old Barbour Ponds). The work includes extension of 9,300 feet of 4 and 8-inch water pipe, 1,900 feet of 8 and 10-inch gravity sewer pipe, 3,000 feet of 4-inch forced sewer pipe, a sewage lift station, 41 new camp sites with individual electrical hookups, 23,000 feet of new gravel roads, and a new camper shower building. The construction of this project was started in April and was 30 percent complete by June 2005. This project was supplemented by Lottery funds . 70 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/579505e88e956b80c0c1d6ac60b922b0.pdf 6d9040f9f70ae71b0050375b91962eed PDF Text Text COLORADO STATE PARKS Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Annual Report GO Colorado-Funded Project Accomplishments I I Colotado State Park~ ., R GREAT Ou rooORS COLORADO Bill OwenB, Governor, State of Colorado • Russell George, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources • Lyle Laverty, D!rector, Colorado State Pazks ��Colorado State Parks 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 • Denver, Colorado 80203 • Phone (303) 866-3437 • FAX (303) 866-3206 • www.parks.state.co.us October 19, 2004 Jeff Crawford, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, CO 80202 Dear Mr. Crawford: Enclosed please find a revised annual report on the Colorado State Parks project accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2003-04 that were made possible through GOCO' s armual Parks "purpose" funding. The accomplishments noted in this report are intended as supplemental information for the GOCO Board on how Colorado State Parks has been investing GOCO dollars. Based on an agreement with GOCO staff, the content of this report has been significantly reduced from what State Parks provided to the Board last year. This report is intended to complement the peci fie financial summary of Park Fi cal Year 2003-04 expenditure , which has been prepared by the GOCO staff. It is my understanding that GO O staff will share this related financial infonnation with your Board shortly, if they have not already done so. I realize the importance your Board places on ensuring that GOCO funds are wisely invested. Toward that end I hope both the GOCO Board and staff find the information in this report useful, particularly in helping t Cram State Parks' 2005 funding request that will be submitted to your office on November l as well as your pending decisions on the large-scale project proposals. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, lf~ Lyle Laverty, Director Colorado State Parks STATE OF COLORADO• COLORADO STATE PARKS Bill Owens, Governor • Russell George, ExecutJve Director, Department of Natural Resources • Lyle Laverty, Director, Colorado State Parks Colorado Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation: • Dr. Tom Ready, Chair, Natural Areas Representative• Doug Cole, GOCO Representat!ve Wade Haer1e, Member• Tom Glass, Member• Antonette OeLauro, Member ��Table of Contents Page Land and Water Protection Fire Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Stewardship • Park Resources Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 • Vegetative Management. . . . . . . 1 Land Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Staunton State Park . .3 Water Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Enhancements Bureau of Reclamation Reconstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cherry Creek Shooting Range Concession . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 4 Mid-Range Trail Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Reservoir Enhancements . . . . . . .5 Revenue Enhancements • Campsites With Electricity . . .5 • Facility Design . . . . .• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • Iron Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • Mueller State Park Cabins . . , . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 US Army Corps Recreation Cost Share . 6 Visitor Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . 6 Statewide Programs Information Technology Project Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Interpretation . . . . . . . . 7 State Trails Program Grants . .7 Visitor Outreach . . 8 Volunteerism . . . . . . . a Watchable Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Youth Programs (Colorado Youth Corps) .. . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . s Legacy Projects St. Vrain State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1o Cheyenne Mountain State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Colorado River State Park. . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Front Range Trail . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Yampa River State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Multi-Year Projects Brush Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ��I. Land and Water Protection Fire Plan: The Fire Plan grant funded significant work in fighting mountain pine beetle at Steamboat Lake, 25 acres of forest treatment at Staunton State Park, the thinning of 28 acres at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and a prescribed burn plan for Staunton State Park. State Parks GIS staff completed fire plans at Cheyenne Mountain and Mueller State Parks, prepared a report on firefighter equipment for initial attack on all parks, held five public meetings to communicate fuel mitigation plans to the public, and produced GIS data ahd maps including planning and fire history coverages at five parks. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Stewardship Park Resource Inventories: State Parks upgraded software and installed GIS data and software for six managers in the Denver office and two parks. Draft stewardship plans were completed for five parks (Golden Gate, Lory, St. Vrain, Stagecoach, and Staunton). Wildlife inventories were. conducted at Staunton, Lone Mesa, and Golden Gate State Parks, and slightly smaller inventories were completed at two other parks. Wetland inventories were completed at 20 parks, with 25% of the funding coming from GOCO and 75% from an EPA wetland grant. Vegetative Management: State Parks' High Plains region staff completed a large number of vegetative management projects with GOCO funding, including preventative spraying, xeriscaping, revegetation, tree planting, and wetlands mitigation. • • • • • • • In partnership with federal, state and local agencies, State Parks conducted weed spraying coverage and timber manag.ement at State Forest; Steamboat, Yampa and Eldorado State Parks. Contractors sprayed and mowed approximately 1,150 acres throughout the region for noxious weeds. Spraying was done at Steamboat Lake to protect pine trees from pine beetle infestation. More than 300 trees were sprayed in the Sunrise Vista Campground, and 550 infected trees were removed from the campground area. Vector control spraying occurred at St. Vrain State Park as a preventative measure against West Nile Virus. Staff undertook tamarisk control activities at Bonny and Cherry Creek on a large scale, and at other parks on an as needed basis. Xeriscaping and re-vegetation of the visitor center and Hasty Campground at John Martin Reservoir was completed, including the installation of a drip irrigation system. Vegetative management training was provided at Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Roxborough and Steamboat State Parks. l �• • • • • Trees were planted at Boyd Lake, John Martin, Jackson Lake, St, Vrain, Stagecoach and Yampa. Wildfire control equipment was purchased for State Forest Biological weed control bugs were released at Golden Gate Canyon. Wetlands mitigation work was successfully completed at Yampa River. Tree removal from the dam break at Ranger Lakes was completed at State Forest. Staff throughout the Rocky Mountain region used GOCO funding for a variety of crucial vegetative management tasks, including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tamarisk removal at Pueblo, Colorado River, Rifle and Highline dramatically decreased the prevalence of this plant. Contracted weed spraying was conducted at most parks in the region. Approved chemicals were purchased and applied by park staff. Tree and shrub planting took place at Navajo, Vega, Colorado River, Pueblo and the Lathrop Visitor Center. Tree removal for safety purposes was conducted at Colorado River, Trinidad, and Navajo. Turf installation, seeding, maintenance and planting took place at Lake Pueblo and the Navajo Visitor center. Vegetative management plans were developed for Navajo, Lone Mesa and Trinidad. Tree spraying for pine beetle was completed at Rifle Gap, Ridgway and Pueblo. Erosion control work at Colorado River was funded . Staff planted native shrubs and grasses, along with barrier installation to control erosion and social trails, at Ridgway's walk-in campsites. Shoreline erosion control at Highline involved tree plantings and rockwork. Several parks used GOCO vegetative funding to hire summer work employees to perform weed spraying, tamarisk cutting and treatment and erosion control projects. lrr.igation repairs were conducted at Pueblo and Navajo. Landscaping and vegetative management equipment was purchased and repaired at several parks in the region. Land Purchases: State Parks acquired the 257-acre Chain of Lakes property at Lake Pueblo State Park. Various real estate program expenses were also covered by these funds in Fiscal Year 2003-04. Natural Areas: State Parks evaluated more than 15 potential natural areas for suitability and conducted wetland inventories on four additional potential natural area sites. Three sites were formally registered or designated as Natural Areas. Staff evaluated approximately 200,000 acres of State Land Board (SLB) lands and advised the SLB on natural resource priorities. Staff conducted rare plant monitoring on several designated Natural Areas around the state. Funds also covered the ongoing monitoring 2 �of eight designated or registered natural areas with volunteer stewards. A triennial report of accomplishments was prepared for distribution. Staunton State Park: The initial phase of development planning for Staunton lnduded a series of meetings with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to discuss the Shaffers Crossing intersection and review proposed design solutions and construction timing. State Parks participated in a public meeting with COOT on State Highway 285 corridor design alternatives. In addition, a trail master plan for the park was awarded and is currently in the design phase. Water Resources: Colorado State Parks leased 640 acre-feet from the Denver Water Board to augment evaporative losses at the Chatfield wetlands and for recreation storage at Cherry Creek State Park. The Division addressed ongoing water needs at the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area by leasing 2,000 acre.feet to augment flows along the Arkansas River and by purchasing 2,000 acre-feet of water and storage rights at Twin Lakes Reservoir. Legal highlights included progress toward obtaining approval for the sale of water from the Arkansas River Compact Administration to secure 700 acre-feet of water for Trinidad Reservoir. Water court filings were submitted for water rights decrees at Rifle Gap Reservoir and Sylvan Lake. A five-year water quality study was completed for Highline Reservoir and studies for dam repairs were completed for Pearl Lake, Steamboat Lake, Sweitzer Lake and Sylvan Lake. Other research accomplishments included a feasibility study report for a water management plan at Staunton State Park and a water rights market analysis at St. Vrain State Park. 3. �II. Enhancements Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Reconstruction: As part of the second phase of development at Rifle Gap State Park, a 3,300 square foot visitor center was constructed, which includes a park visitor reception area, interpretive displays, a public classroom, and staff administrative offices. The park maintenance complex was completed with facilities that fnclude a three-bay maintenance shop, a storage yard, and a covered storage building. Cottonwood Campground was reconstructed to provide eight full-service campsites, one of which is a fully accessibl.e, ADA-compliant site. A small four-unit "family style'' restroom/shower building was constructed in the campground. A number of day-use sites have been constructed to facilitate picnicking and group picnic facilities were added to accommodate special functions. Cherry Creek .Shooting Range Concession and Infrastructure: A feasibility study 1nto water source and septic options has been completed and recommendations made. State Parks has entered into negotiations for water rights and a service agreement with Arapahoe County. We have also secured preliminary approval of a septic design from Tri-County Health. A Request for Proposal for lead mitigation has been advertised and an award will be made by October 2004. Mid ..Range Trail Projects: The past year saw parks continuing work on trails through the Mid-Range Trails grants. This fund1ng has been essential to the continued success of Colorado State Parks trails system. Accomplishments for Fiscal Year 200304 included: Castlewood Canyon: Flooding through the canyon had displaced or destroyed the old bridges that crossed the Creek Bottom Trail and the Homestead/Rim rock Trails. A new elevated bridge has been completed on the Creek Bottom Trai.l and design work is currently being done on the new Homestead/Rimrock creek crossing, with construction work scheduled for spring 2005. The new Creek Bottom Trail easily withstood a recent "gully washer" that was greater than the water volume that washed out the original bridge. Sweitzer Lake: The Lake Loop Trail was completed, one of the first hiking trails to be constructed at Sweitzer. Sylvan Lake: The final draft of the Trails Master Plan is being reviewed by the U. S .. Forest Service. 4 �Mueller. A much-anticipated nature trail for children was completed. The Dragon Fly Trail ·leaves the trail head parking off Wapiti Road and circles a small pond, inviting children to investigate the natural world around them. Trinidad: The Trails Master Plan has been completed. Chatfield: Hiking and bicycling trails have been added, extending to the face of the dam, and existing trials trails that have eroded over time have been resurfaced. Mancos: The pedestrian bridge over the inlet on the Mountain Lion was rebuilt and 0.75 miles of trail was widened for better pedestrian usage. A 0.2 mile trail was completed, connecting to the Vista Trail. Ridgway: State Parks repaired and re-routed the Oak Leaf Trail at the Pa-Co-Chu-Puk site below the dam, along the Uncompahgre River. Work was also completed to repair erosion problems and to close social trails along the river. Steamboat: The Poverty Bar trail has been completed, providing much needed summer pedestrian, biking and horseback access to the Routt National Forest. This soft-surface trail winds through historical mining tailings created by Chinese laborers, thick stands of willow and up the hill through tall groves of aspen, where it connects to the National Forest. Reservoir Enhancements: During Fiscal Year 2003-04 GOCO funding was used to keep the boat ramp at Navajo State Park open to the public. The lake level was lowered to a point that exposed the ramp covered in mud from over 30 years of runoff. State Parks engaged a contractor to remove the mud every two weeks during the high use season. These efforts kept the ramp open to the public through the busy boating season. Revenue Enhancements Campsites With Electricity: Electrical upgrades were made to 73 campsites at Boyd Lake State Park and 32 campsites in the Ranger Lakes Campground at State Forest State Park. These enhancements have made the campsites much more desirable, resulting in higher use and increased camping revenue. Facility Design: Funds were used for preliminary planning, professional services, and site evaluation work for a planned Event Center at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Iron Rangers: Preliminary research into business requirements, a review of additional automated fee machines (AFM) deployment, and software development to allow camping reservations through the AFMs were all completed. Pilot point-of-sale units were purchased and preliminary testing begun. Due to concerns by the Department of s �Natural Resources CIO,. State Parks is presently developing a Request for Proposal to outsource a contract for this work. The expected release of the RFP is tentatively set for February 2005. Mueller State Park Cabins: Three full ..service cabins at Mueller State Park were nearly completed. The final utility hookups and landscaping (excluding paving) will be completed and inspected by mid-December 2004, with the cabins hopefully open to the public by January 2005. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Co·st Share Cherry Creek State Park: Improvements included reconstruction of 80 individual campsites, including redesigned spur and pull-through sites, high use pads with tables and grills, water, sewer, and 50 amp electrical connections at each site, and landscape amenities. The project was constructed and opened in time for the beginning of the spring 2004 camping season. Chatfield State Park: Improvements include individual site water, sewer, and 50 amp electrical connections at the majority of the park's 150 campsites, providing electrical connections at the group loop, upgrading transformers, and installing new tables and grills throughout the campground. The project was constructed and opened in time for the beginning of the spring 2004 camping season. Visitor Centers: The project resulted in the construction of an 8' x 16' addition to the Nature Center at Barr Lake State. Park. A starter bald eagle nest was constructed by volunteers, staff, and a DOW raptor biologist. Raptor mounts are placed throughout the exhibit. including a bald eagle mount on long-term loan from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. 6 �Ill. Statewide Programs Information Technology (IT) Project Management: Work continued to develop construction project management software for our Division: During Fiscal Year 2003-04 we began the process of investigating software options that will incorporate "best practices" as used by other agencies. We hope to have the software identified, purchased and implemented by early 2005. Interpretation: A change in philosophy within our agency has shifted emphasis on accomplishing interpretive programs and contacts through volunteers rather than through seasonally hired employees. Following this new approach in FISCAL YEAR 2003-04, State Parks hired 31 Seasonal lnterpretersNolunteer Coordinators. Statewide we taught 1,632 educational programs to 44,900 participants and delivered educational messages through casual contacts with over 73,900 park visitors on trails, in campgrounds, at trade and travel shows and at the Colorado State Fair. With GOCO funding, State Parks was also able to provided interpretive training to 20 of the seasonal employees and eight full-time employees at a weeklong summer course. An additional 20 full-time employees benefited from a 24-hour course in interpretation, environmental education and customer service techniques. State Trails Program Grants: Great Outdoors Colorado enabled 14 additional trail grants to be funded through the State Trails process: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado: Stewardship Information Resource Bicycle Colorado: Colorado Mountain Bike Trail Crew Continental Divide Trail Alliance: Continental Divide Master Plan U.S. Forest Service, South Platte Ranger District: Abyss/Rosalie Trail Construction Colorado Fourteener's Initiative: CFI Volunteer Crew Leader Program Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests: Kannah Creek Basin Trails Project Colorado Youth Corp Association: CYCA Statewide Crewleader Training Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado: VOC's 2004 Extending Your Reach Training Program (EYR) U.S. Forest Service, Dillon Ranger District: Dillon Ranger District Trail Maintenance Rocky Mountain National Park: Loch Trail Rehabilitation U.S. Forest Service, Boulder Ranger District: Boulder Ranger District Trails Improvement Project South Suburban Park Foundation, Inc.: Statewide Mapping Project Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado: VOC Trails Construction Projects 7 �• Colorado Youth Corp Association: Colorado Youth Corp Oversight and Training Program Visitor Outreach: State Parks utilized this funding for strategic advertising, including ads placed in Woodall's, the Colorado's Official Tourism Guide, AAA, Camp Colorado Camping Directory, and business and sports journals. The "Play Hard, Rest Easy'' and 11 Fall Colors" promotional campaigns included banners, magnets, print and radio advertising, and media giveaways. As part of State Parks' ongoing Strategic Plan project, the "Have a Say in How You'll Play" campaign advertised town meetings in local papers and posters. These funds also covered design and printing of the new statewide State Parks Guide (qty. 500,000), updating and publication of individual park brochures, and a holiday gift promotion to sell annual passes. Volunteerism Program: During Fiscal Year 03-04, funds.facilitated volunteer events, including a wetlands planting project at Chatfield State Park in April for approximately 500 volunteers and a 200-person volunteer event at Cheyenne Mountain State Park to construct an interpretive trail at Cheyenne Mountain State Park on National Trails Day. The volunteer program was also able to provide volunteer management and interpretatron training by both in-house and qualified outside experts to over 110 Parks staff and volunteers. We completed business requirements and selected a vendor to provide a sophisticated web-based volunteer program database, including system support and maintenance; the system will be fully implemented at our 40 state parks by December 2004. State Parks also funded agency-wide volunteer insurance, uniforms, training materials and materials for marketing volunteers. Volunteer incentives were provided at 11 state parks, including event supplies, awards, newsletters, and brochures. Watchable Wildlife (WWIP): State Parks continued its partnership with the Division of Wildlife to produce a wide array of wildlife viewing projects through our WWIP program. This past year we completed all or portions of projects including visitor center interpretive exhibits at John Martin, Bonny, Eldorado Canyon and Lake Pueblo State Parks and at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Additional work was accomplished on kiosks and interpretive panels at Chatfield and Colorado River State Parks and audio exhibits were installed at Roxborough. Youth Programs - Colorado Youth Corps: Colorado State Parks continued its highly successful partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) by engaging youth work crews in 113 "project weeks" around Colorado, In total, 143 highschool and colleg.e-aged kids were employed and taught at various state parks and another 96 worked on off-highway-vehicle (OHV) projects. The GOCO funding helped 8 �these work crews complete trail projects at 22 parks and at six OHV sites. Additionally, funds provided a highly-successful week-long crew leader training course in late spring and helped fund a Youth Corps progl'.am evaluation. 9 �IV. Legacy Projects St. Vrain State Park: The objective for Fiscal Year 2003-04 was to develop a Master Plan to provide guidance for park programming and future devefopment. After the master plan has been completed and accepted the first phase of park development will be started. During Fiscal Year 2003-04, a patk base map was prepared using aerial photography methods. A planning consultant was selected and completed the Master Plan in April 2004. Engineer and architectural consultants were selected to complete the first phase of park development. Funding for this work was supplemented with lottery funds. Additional GOCO funds will be used for design services and construction of the first phase of the park devel.opment. State Parks also acquired the Bacon fam ily parcel adjacent to the park, totaling 110 acres. Cheyenne Mountain State Park (Legacy and Multi-Year Funding): Much was accomplished during fiscal year 2003-04 to move forward on the development of the park, primarily to position State Parks to expend the full grant amount in the coming year or two. Specifically, the park master plan was completed, which included an extensive public review process and input from the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, NORAD and Fort Carson. We also successfully navigated through the Colorado Springs Utilities Department process and gained approval for utility plans and were issued needed easements. State Parks also worked with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) on a "Section Seven" consultation, required under the Endangered Species Act, for critical foraging habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl. A nest has been documented just southwest of the park and after consultation, the USFWS ruled that development of the park would not adversely affect the owl. Currently, State Parks is in the process of awarding a contract for construction work, which we estimate will commence by the end of October 2004. Colorado River State Park: During the past year the acquisition of 39 acres near the Fruita complex was completed. Using the available balance of funds, three additional properties, totaling about 35 acres,. were added to Colorado River State Park, between Road 29 and Road 30. Six Environmental Assessments and one appraisal were completed on potential acquisition properties. Additional survey and platting was also accomplished on these six properties. Professional engineers were hired to assist in a trail survey, planning and design work. Drainage culverts were installed to allow a trail to be built. 10 �Front Range Trail: As identified in the original Legacy application submitted to GOCO in 2002, phase one of this project was to be completed within five years and include trail services and facilities, distinctive signage for the trail, a trail map, and a guidebook indicaUng the trail locations. Local jurisdictions determine acquisition priorities, design, uses. regulations, and maintenance procedures. During the past year, GOCO funding through the State Trails program grant process went to the High Plains Environmental Center to the construct a trail system around Houts and Equalizer Reservoirs in eastern Loveland. This site is the centerpiece of the Centerra development and is intended for the use and enjoyment of local residents1 as well as for the protection of wildlife. The project includes 3.5 miles of multi-purpose concrete trail with a parallel gravel path, the construction of four overlooks and two interpretive kiosks, a re-vegetation and shoreline restoration program, and interpretive signage. The project has been designed to provide exciting opportunities for recreation and wildlife watching, while protecting and enhancing the wildlife habitat present at the site. Yampa River State Park: The primary objectives remaining at Yampa are to acquire new river access leases and develop additional access sites along the Yampa River. State Parks also 'intends to fuhd recreational improvements at Elkhead Reservoir, which will be described in the State Parks 2005 Funding Request. During FISCAL YEAR 2003-04, State Parks completed the lease of the Barker River access site, south of Craig and continued to negotiate with Excel Energy for the Public Service Pumping Station river access site, near Hayden. The remaining access site development ($119,298.25) was re-authorized in February 2004 and programmed for four river site projects: Public Service, Barker, South Beach and Maybell sites. 11 �V. Multi-Year Proiects Brush Creek: Remaining funds were used to help construct three yurts located in the East Brush Creek Drainage. The yurt complex ineludes the three yurts, .a vaulted restroom, a six-car parking lot and approximately 400 feet of gravel entrance road. A solar voltaic system provides lighting for the yurts and the restroom. Cheyenne Mountain State Park - see Legacy Projects section 12 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/f685e3db89bfa0a41be58bb8fe8bb30e.pdf e4403fa432a560c351f428aafb945ae7 PDF Text Text Division of Wildlife Colorado Department of Natural Resources State of Colorado Fiscal Year 2002 - 2003 Accomplishments of Great Outdoors Colorado-Funded Projects COL()R.ADO ..i D 'PAR: . MENT OF NAT URAL RE OURCES Presented to Governor Bill Owens Colorado General Assembly Colorado Wildlife Commission Colorado Lottery Commission State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund October 2003 Bill Owens Greg E. Walcher Russell George Governor Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources Director, Colorado Division of Wildlife �Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Grn.ot Name: Acquire High Priority Habitat CDOW Work Package Numbers: (0320, 0330) Total Expenditures: $913,607 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $644,036 Description: The first goal of this project is to protect wildlife habitat and to secure public access to wildlife by acquiring interests in real estate property. These interests can be short-term, long-term or perpetual, and can consist of fee title, easements, leases, or management agreements. The budget includes, but is not limited to, incentive payments to private landowners to manage their lands in ways that will protect or enhance populations of threatened, endangered, or declining species. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) acquires interest in land or use of land for wildlife purposes either through separate legislation or through the statutorily authorized methods (C.R.S. 33-1-105 and subsequent sections). Under a Wildlife C01mnission policy, easements are preferred over fee title when the CDOW acquires land. The Wildlife Commission's real estate plan, which identifies major priorities for acquisitions, provides criteria for evaluating potential acquisitions and endorses the principle that the CDOW should acquire the minimum interest necessary to accomplish the objectives of each particular acquisition. Also, easements, leases and management agreements continue to be emphasized over fee title acquisitions. A major element of this project involves a landowner incentive program that focused on the conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog in short-grass prairie habitat as a means of eliminating the need for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Through this program, paiiicipating landowners agree to take or to refrain from taking certain actions relative to prairie dogs on their land. Work with landowners and land groups to develop habitat protection projects for sage grouse were included in this work period. These efforts led to completion of one project during this period and initiated projects that will be completed in future segments. These same projects also provide benefits to other species of interest through the protection of important sagebrush steppe habitats. In FY02-03 , the CDOW initiated the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) program. The aim of this program, a partnership involving Great Outdoors Colorado, local organizations and land trusts, the U.S. Department of Interior, and private landowners, is to preserve, protect, enhance and manage Colorado's at-risk and declining wildlife species by using a combination of easements, leases and management agreements that protect key habitats on private lands. During a three-year period, this program could protect 15,000 to 20,000 acres through easements, and up to 50,000 acres through management agreements. The second goal of this project is to manage the CDOW's interests in real estate prope1iy. The CDOW owns and manages interests in approximately 600,000 acres of land in the state for wildlife habitat as well as for recreation. Page 3 �Some of the activities within this project include: • maintaining legal interests (fee, easements, leases) in real property (lands); • maintaining records of all CDOW transactions involving real property in systematic, legally defensible and readily retrievable fashion (in a real estate database); • monitoring compliance with terms of easements and leases; • administering annual payments on leases and management agreements; • evaluating and reporting on developing real estate projects; • perfonning management actions needed as real property owner; • conducting appraisals on existing properties as needed; • administering Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PIL T); and • administering agricultural and other leases on CDOW property. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP0320 • 4,600 acres acquired by conservation easement During this rep011ing period, the CDOW acquired conservation easements on 4,203 acres. • 153,500 acres under use lease The CDOW acted to pay the lease cost and perform the necessary actions to maintain the level of leased acres for recreational and wildlife management purposes. • Five real estate appraisals conducted Appraisals of four properties were conducted. • 10,000 new acres protected by short-term leases and management agreements through landowner incentive programs Federal program funds for the Colorado Species Conservation Pai1nership (CSCP) were not available during this time period. Program is in application process in FY02-03. Management agreements originally contemplated for CSCP not were completed in this fiscal year. The Prairie Dog Incentive program was offered in selected areas of state. One agreement was initiated and approved in Pueblo County for approximately 1, 100 acres. Paiticipation in other counties was restricted by local county regulation. Additionally, 1,640 acres were protected through a perpetual conservation easement held by Mesa County Land Trust on private property for the benefit of sage grouse. WP0330 • 90 PILT and right ofway transactions completed Payment-in-lieu of taxes payments were made to all requesting counties, 18 leases were finalized, and 12 right of way transactions were completed. Page 4 �• 353,390 acres owned in fee title The CDOW managed a total of 377,640 acres in fee title for public use, administration and wildlife habitat. • 101,000 acres under easement The CDOW managed a total of 109,000 acres m perpetual conservation easements for public use and wildlife habitat. • 165,000 acres under lease (excluding State Trust Land Access leases) The CDOW continued to manage its leased property for public and wildlife purposes. • Eight property disposal actions No properties were offered for disposal in this reporting period. • 16 real estate action assessments The CDOW approved several projects that resulted in real estate transactions and rejected 17 others. Page 5 �Grant Name: Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters CDOW Work Package Numbers: (0350, 0360, 0370, 0380, 0438) Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: $3,602,267 $605,246 Description: One purpose of this project is to acquire, dispose, manage for maximum utilization, and maintain legal interests in water rights in order to support wildlife populations and wildlife recreation throughout the state. This project did not include activities related to lands, costs of purchasing other specific projects (wetlands conservation, angling opportunities, etc.) Similar to the Acquire High Priority Habitat item above, this item includes many activities that the CDOW accomplished to achieve the broad goals involving the best utilization of water resources, as well as water conservation. The activities include: • • • • • • • maintaining records of all transactions involves water and water rights held by CDOW in a systematic, legally defensible and readily retrievable fashion; administering appraisals of water rights; researching, defending, maintaining, filing for, changing or acquiring water rights; attending water court hearings, responding to other users' actions, and drafting water court applications; maintaining records of water use on State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) and hatcheries; monitoring minimum or conservation pools in reservoirs where the state has an interest; carrying out all activities associated with the development, administration and implementation of the in-stream flow program; and developing water storage and water recharge structures and mechanisms on the South Platte River as part of the Tri-State Agreement, which affects Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Additionally, this project was aimed at monitoring water quality of selected critical aquatic habitats with regard to their abilities to sustain aquatic wildlife. To accomplish this, the CDOW: • • • • • developed and recommended water quality standards; monitored water quality discharges from hatcheries and other sources; collected and analyzed water quality samples;, analyzed and incorporated water quality data into aquatic ecosystem modeling; and provided interagency requests for water quality information. This project influenced and contributed to wildlife habitat improvement, including species conservation efforts, on public, non-CDOW lands and waters, and on private lands and waters through cooperative and/or voluntary programs. Activities included: contacting and working with landowners, assisting them in analyzing feasibility of projects on their property; advising them of cooperative programs, and implementing habitat improvement projects. This project includes the CDOW's Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP), and various federal cost-share programs. Page 6 �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP0350 • 1,300 water rights maintained by CDOW Water resources staff provided day-to-day protection of the 1,300 different CDOW water rights, which are used to protect fish populations, deer and elk winter range, wetlands, and loss of habitat for at-risk species as well as species of special concern and loss of public recreation oppo1tunities. Phase 2 of the Capital Asset Management System (CAMS) database for CDOW properties is continuing with the verification of data, including water rights information. CAMS scanned documents, including water right decrees and well permits, are also continuing to be verified, corrections are made as necessary and additional documents are added to the properties scanned document file. Phase 2 also continues to include the addition of prope1ty maps showing boundaries and water rights locations. A significant effort in FY02-03 was made to systematize the CDOW's water use reporting and data collection efforts for the Western Slope. This entailed not only requesting diversion records from property technicians, but also customizing water use reporting spreadsheets for each SWA. Due to the complexity of the water portfolios at many SWAs, smmnary spreadsheets were created that detailed the decreed locations, priority dates, amounts, and comments regarding "issues" that warrant further investigation or additional water rights research. In addition, individual summary spreadsheets were created for each ditch. This effort involved meetings with property technicians to exchange necessary information and to train technicians on using the water use reporting spreadsheets. A master template reporting sheet and templates for water years, FY0l-02 and FY02-03, were created for each SWA. A summaryreporting sheet for water on each SWA, by water district, is in development for both internal use and for dissemination to the Division of Water Resources (DWR). • 25 stream reaches or natural lakes protected with instream flow protection The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) made 21 in-stream appropriations in January 2003 that were a direct result of fieldwork by CDOW. Protecting lake levels and stream flows in periods of low water benefits at-risk fish species as well as those sought by anglers. Page 7 �CWCB and the CDOW were able to implement a settlement agreement between the state and agencies of the U.S. Department of the Interior regarding federal water claims for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The settlement was signed on April 2, 2003, and called for state in-stream flow rights to substitute for the federal claims. CDOW and CWCB staff worked with federal counterpaits to implement the settlement agreement. This work should be completed within the next rep01ting period. • 12 water rights transactions and significant documentation completed At least 12 transactions and significant documentation have been completed, including the Harrington Ditch right-of-way litigation, Cripple Creek water users group agreement, Tamarack Ranch Recharge Project Modeling Project, Lower Arkansas River projects, and drought-related projects. This past year the CDOW staff: • Successfully litigated the Harrington Ditch right-of-way case to ensure protection of water rights at the Mount Shavano Hatchery and adjacent SWA near Salida, Colo. • Fonnulated a Memorandum of Agreement after discussions and negotiations with the water users group in Cripple Creek, Victor, and Pemose and the Beaver Park Irrigation Company. This protected the native flows in Beaver Creek SWA and set a minimum fish conservation pool at Skagua Reservoir SWA, while providing a local emergency domestic water supply. • Continued work on a numerical groundwater flow model for the Tamarack Ranch SWA recharge project. This year the model was expanded to cover the entire Tamarack recharge project, including the neighboring recharge operations. The time frame was extended to include all operations from 1997 through October 2002. Draft model documentation was distributed for peer review. This documentation consisted of 11 technical memoranda describing the setup and operation of the model. • Conducted negotiations regarding the Lambert Reservoir that resulted in a signed stipulation with the Valley Development near the Woodhouse SWA. • Coordinated activities with Lower Arkansas Water Management Association (LA WMA) to reduce continuing impacts from the drought. The drought condition of 2002-03 affected many of the larger reservoirs in the Lower Arkansas River Basin, such as the Fort Lyon Canal Reservoirs and Amity's Great Plains Reservoir system. As a result, the CDOW emphasized management on smaller nearby reservoirs where water continued to be present. CDOW used a portion of the Center Farm water (partially funded by GOCO) to meet water augmentation requirements associated with developing moist soil impoundment's at the XY Ranch SWA. Also, some of the water was used to improve forage on the Higbee SWA. The CDOW, with help from LA WMA, began investigating the feasibility of replacing evaporative depletions from a pond located on Adobe Creek in Bent County. Plans are being finalized to allow use of the Page 8 �pond for public fishing access and to ensme a small stable aquatic environment near the Great Plains Reservoirs to protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially in times of drought. • Initiated an effort through LAWMA to seek approval from the Arkansas River Compact Administration to use a portion of the Center Farm water for maintaining the pennanent pool in John Martin Reservoir. • Increased responses to questions that relate to river morphology and hydrology on western region prope1iies. Many stream and arroyo "habitat" projects have occurred over the last 25 years· without any clear indication of success or failure, and without indications of what technologies and techniques seemed to work best on region-wide. Accordingly, additional time has been spent documenting the occurrence of existing stream habitat improvement projects. Survey data (both GPS and river geomorphic data) were collected at the Indian Run SWA, the Eagle River at Gypsum Ponds SWA, Yellow Creek (Piceance Creek SWA), the White River near Rio Blanco Reservoir, Centennial SWA, Miramonte SWA, and on the Dolores River below McPhee Dam. A draft stream habitat improvement project and hydrologic analysis were completed for the Dolores River reach on the Lone Dome SWA, and project implementation is scheduled for fall 2003. • Addressed significant western region water related issues including: conducting a water supply feasibility assessment f or new employee housing proposed near Basalt, Colo.; providing input on Clean Water Act section 404 permits or State SB40 applications (region-wide); providing an analysis of a suite of water rights at Durango Mountain Resort that were included in a water plan for the resort and the likely effects of development on existing in-stream flows on a reach of Hermosa Creek containing native cutthroat trout; well permitting at the Yampa Ponds near Hayden, Colo.; flow management issues below McPhee Reservoir on the Dolores River. Water rights infonnation in mapped (GIS presentation) or tabular form (via Division of Water Resource database manipulations) was also provided as needed for a variety of SWAs. • Chaired the Wildlife Impact Task Force (WITF), which is tasked with assessing the impacts of drought on wildlife, coordinating public information and recommending mitigation strategies. Water resources staff coordinates WITF meetings, attends state drought task force meetings, and prepares monthly updates summarizing drought conditions and mitigation strategies. • Drafted a Drought Management Directive for review and comment. That task was completed and the CDOW director signed the Drought Management Administrative Directive A-9, on April 14, 2003. • Initiated drought response activities, which included assisting the area managers and other CDOW personnel, to protect water releases for aquatic purposes from the CDOW's Lake Avery on a tributary of the White River. Investigated opportunities for exchange on Three-Mile Creek (near Page 9 �Glenwood Springs, Colo.), conducted ongoing analysis and investigation of potential for senior water and CDOW water for release to Cochetopa Creek and analysis of potential for senior in-stream appropriation for Bear Creek, a tributary to the Dolores River. Other drought-related activities included: established (OR maintained?) an infonnation clearinghouse on real-time drought issues to areas (e.g., timing and location of calling structures within a river basin); and SWA water use assessments relative to in-stream needs, including cost/benefit evaluations of diversions. • Continued efforts and cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and local water users and officials to implement the Colorado River Endangered Fishes Recovery Plan. The CDOW continues to provide technical support and peer review on USFWS flow recommendations for the Colorado River, Gunnison River, Green River, and Yampa River; USFWS personnel has been assisting CDOW researchers (supported by a separate Federal Aid grant) during this reporting period with the collection of additional data to support/refme the new in-stream flow recommendations on the rivers listed above. • Provided hydrologic and water resource technical analyses and assistance in support of the CDOW involvement with the development and/or review of National Enviromnental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance documentation and other permitting applications when necessary. Specifically, CDOW staff provided timely comments to the U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers on wetland issues. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing was completed on Gross Reservoir (implementation activities for the new license are ongoing and will require some agency involvement) but will soon be initiated on several other projects in Colorado. Relicensing efforts for Williams Fork Reservoir were initiated during this reporting period. The CDOW will participate with other state and federal agencies on these FERC actions. CDOW personnel continue to be involved with the development of plans and procedures being developed to meet several license conditions. Additional follow-up coordination between agencies will be required before these activities are completed. • Provided ongoing input on the development and fmalization of the federal Enviromnental Assessment as part of the implementation of the Tamarack Ranch SWA recharge project. Water resource staff assisted with the review of U.S. Forest Service planning documents and water rights actions. • Evaluated the current water resources, legal limitations, practical limitations on water use or development as it relates to the potential development of two catchable-trout rearing facilities at the Russell Lakes SWA. • Conducted well testing for the proposed purchase of the Vigil Well and prepared summary memorandum with recommendations. Attended project meeting, coordinated input from water unit members (both water quality and quantity) and prepared draft report for the aquatic manager. Page 10 �• Assisted the CDOW's Engineering Section with the proposed new wells for the Pitkin and Poudre hatcheries. Evaluated statements of qualifications for hiring a consultant to perform geophysical surveys and well design. Reviewed Division of Water Resources' files for existing well use in the area and prepared summary repott to engineering section. • Continued updating groundwater-monitoring data for the Buena Vista Hatchery well network. CDOW biologists maintained recreation water levels, protected against wildlife habitat loss, in-igated big game habitat, and maintained fish production. Habitat for threatened and endangered (T&E) species was protected and enhanced. • 80 wells on State Wildlife Areas with flow measuring devices installed Pursuant to rules and regulations in the Arkansas River and pending rule changes in the South Platte basin, the CDOW has ce1tified all wells and installed flow meters. This project will extend over the next several years. To date, three wells have been certified and flow meters installed in the Arkansas basin. Work is ongoing, and to date, 74 wells have been inspected to determine the status and need for flow meters. • 23 water rights applications filed for or on CDOW prioritized projects The filing of 23 water court applications a year was originally intended to include water rights that were to be developed as part of the Colorado Wetland Initiative; however, the needs and implementation of that program has not required the filing of applications. Since no need existed to file applications on behalf of the Wetland Initiative, an average of three applications for water rights on CDOW prope1ties are now filed per year. CDOW water resources staff assisted the Office of the Attorney General in the preparation and filing of two applications for conditional water rights, four applications for water rights, including applications for well augmentation at the Tamarack SWA, and the filing of six statements of opposition. The water court application and engineering report were filed for the Wray Hatchery augmentation plan. Effo1ts continue on negotiating a final water court decree. A groundwater/property boundary investigation has been completed and a continued negotiation on finalizing the non-tributary water righl application for the Bosque Del Oso SWA is ongoing. The applications to secure water rights for the Pueblo Hatchery facility and the Pueblo Reservoir SWA were filed in water court. The application was filed on behalf of the Bureau of Reclamation as owner of the hatchery facility, with technical assistance from the CDOW as operator of the hatchery facility. Fort Lyon Springs Water Court case 01CW128 was decreed, thereby protecting the wetland areas and spring flows in the western portion of John Martin Reservoir SWA. Litigation is ongoing in the Rocky Ford Ditch Transfer Case (99CW169, 99CW170, and 01CW245). Monthly reviews of substitute supply plans continued to protect CDOW water rights from injury by "temporary" water transfers. Page 11 �Active negotiations are ongoing for settlement of seven cases in which the CDOW had previously filed a Statement of Opposition. Negotiations were conducted and a stipulation was signed concerning the Valley Development near the Woodhouse SWA involving the Lambert Reservoir. Ongoing open water court cases that may affect CDOW water rights continue to exist at the Garfield Creek SWA and Piceance SWA. • 44 streams or lakes evaluated Due to the drought that gripped the entire state of Colorado in 2002, data collection efforts were handicapped severely. Data was collected to support only 15 in-stream flow or natural lake level appropriations. This is the first step in filing for in-stream water rights. In anticipation of a critical review of Colorado's primmy in-stream flow methodology, the CDOW initiated expanded field data collection activities to include the ability to calibrate stream measurements to modeling results. These activities will continue for the foreseeable future as CDOW continues to evaluate the cunent methods in light of outside criticism. Other in-stream flow projects included continuation of the work on the South Platte River Urban Corridor Project, development of in-stream projects on the South Platte River through the urban drainage and flood control district and the Corps of Engineers. Work continues on the re-operation strategies for the San Juan-Chama Project in southwestern Colorado. Pre- and post-construction monitoring studies were completed to restore the Rio Blanco River. All of these activities continued during this reporting period. • 40 in-stream flow quantifications completed Data were analyzed to support 37 flow quantifications for lakes and streams. Actions will be taken on these waters in the future . This is the second step involved in filing for in-stream water rights. • IO high-capacity wells developed on Tamarack SWA to support re-charge of South Platte River All wells were installed. This action helps maintain water levels for at-risk species including the suckennouth minnow in Colorado and for whooping cranes, terns and plovers in Nebraska. • 206 filings reviewed to maintain or protect water rights The CDOW accomplished this objective. The CDOW reviewed 96 water comt resumes (containing hundreds of water rights filings). Statements of opposition were filed in two water right cases, and ongoing negotiations are in progress in eight cases where the CDOW filed a Statement of Opposition. These actions are taken to protect and maintain CDOW owned and managed water rights for wildlife habitat, fisheries, and species at-risk. • Provided water resource technical support toward the implementation of GOCOfunded legacy projects CDOW water resources staff provided assistance regarding restoration of wetlands on the following projects: Lake Creek, Walden Reservoir, Tamarack Ranch SWA, XY Ranch SWA, Centennial Valley SWA and water right research pertaining to future property acquisitions along the South Platte, Arkansas and Rio Grande corridor for riparian and wetland protection and enhancement. Polymer experimentation on two additional XY-Ranch moist soil impoundments was delayed due to reduced availability of augmentation Page 12 �water supplies. Three historical wells are being replaced in order to provide a secure water source for all impoundment structures. Water resources staff also assisted with the Colorado Wetland Initiative. • Provided training toCDOW personnel on the mechanics of water right management The CDOW water resource staff annually conducts fonnal water resource training for the new district wildlife managers and other employees. This training includes both legal and technical (engineering and hydrology) aspects of water right development, use and protection. In addition to the formal training, the water resource staff also attends various meetings around the state to conduct informal training with CDOW staff and to keep in touch with water resource issues needing to be addressed. The water resource staff also conducts one-on-one training with wildlife technicians and hatchery personnel on how to correctly read gauges on flumes and measuring devices as well as proper record keeping. The water resource staff also assists with the Depmtment of Natural Resources water educational exhibits at the Colorado State Fair. The Northwest/Southwest regional water specialist (R WS) embarked on a triannual review of water rights "lessons learned'', water law updates, including legislative changes enacted during the 2003 legislative session. This annual training is conducted to provide DOW regional and area personnel an explicit oppo11unity to ask questions regarding water rights management directly to the RWS. This training consisted of requesting time on area meeting agendas for every area at some point during FY02-03. The RW als0 keeps each regional manager informed as to wat r management i sues affecting the regions and requested a meeting in January with the new southwest regional manager specifically to review region-wide issues of concern. In addition, the RW conducted a water eminar at the Aspen Center for Envi ronmental tudies on water history in Colorado, "Water Law IO 1" and drought and wildlife management; and coordinated work with students at Mesa State College on a water quality study at the Piceance SWA. • Provided technical assistance regarding acquisitions or disposal of properties where water rights or an interest in water is involved A nearby property with historical fish production was evaluated (Vigil Well) for acquisition into the Russell Lakes hatchery program. Evaluation of an adjacent property to the XY Ranch SWA was completed with th<;: focus on a "precompact" well being offered for sale or trade for LA WMA shares. The CDOW pursued the acquisition of long-tenn leases on several reservoirs to protect fish and wildlife resources. These included the Prewitt Reservoir lease in the No11heast Region and proposed lease agreement with the owners of Rio Grande Reservoir in the San Luis Valley. The CDOW water resource staff also provided assistance in securing temporary flow improvement on the Conejos River below Platoro Reservoir to provide fish and wildlife benefits. The Piceance SWA has nearly 70 decreed water rights for use on the property. Much of the land at the SWA historically required that these rights were to be put to beneficial use, however, these rights were exchanged in the early to mid1980s for other properties, without addressing the fate of the water tied to these parcels. Therefore, in 2002 the Wildlife Commission declared that "surplus water rights'' existed at the Piceance SWA, and authorized fonnal "disposal" of Page 13 �these rights. In 2002-2003 the solicitation for bids were drafted related to this process. Assistance was provided to the Area in the determination of both the extent and nature of these disposal rights relative to existing CDOW assets at the Piceance SWA. Also, the disposal/exchange process for these water rights was coordinated. WP0360 • 2,445 River Watch water samples collected and analyzed A total of 4,614 samples were collected and analyzed. The increase in sample collection and analysis was due to volunteers sampling at more than one station at least once every month for a 12-month period. The data is used by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission to review and make decisions regarding stream standards in Colorado and by CDOW to determine the quality of aquatic habitat for aquatic species, both game and non-game. • 70 River Watch students and teachers trained During this period, a total of 70 volunteers (including eight new groups) were trained to participate in the River Watch program. These individuals not only collect samples but also paiiicipate at a grass roots level to reduce significant loss of habitat for water dependent species and loss of public recreational opportunities. • 140 volunteer groups for FY 0203 schools participating in River Watch During this period, a total of 110 volunteer groups actively monitored their water sampling sites. This number represents a shift to include groups other than schools. For exainple, the Roaring Fork Conservancy samples 30 sites. Many of the volunteers involved in River Watch also participate in organized watershed improvement groups and provide infonnation directly to the Water Quality Control Commission • Three stream standards and/or water classification hearings in which CDOW provided information and/or testimony The CDOW provided information to the Water Quality Control Commission for five stream standard/water classification hearings; the South Platte, Lower Colorado, Upper Colorado, Arkansas and Rio Grande rivers. • Provide information, technical assistance and monitoring on two CERCLA (Comprehensive Enviromnental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) projects The CDOW provided infonnation, technical assistance and long-term monitoring for the Eagle River and Clear Creek. These actions continue to improve fish habitat and result in increased trout populations. Page 14 �• 14 sampling sites monitored for EPA Region 8 EMAP program Sixteen sites were sampled for fish, habitat and water quality. Data collected are used to assess status of streams in Colorado when compared to adjoining states by the EPA, Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviromnent and CDOW. The goal of this program is to develop and demonstrate the survey design and ecological indicators that will produce unbiased estimates of the condition of selected ecological resources and comparative ranking of anthropogenic stressors to resources. Data collection covers chemical, biological, and physical parameters. WP0370 • 20,000 acres terrestrial habitat enhanced A total of more than 120,000 acres of terrestrial habitat was enhanced in this program for FY02-03 . Examples include work with the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests and assisting the State Land Board. One project was a 100,000-acre project with multiple federal agencies to limit the impact of offroad vehicles on wildlife habitat. Another was a 20,000-acre fire management plan and an integrated species management project on another 20,000-acre parcel. Depending on the project, the actual number of acres fluctuates widely around the target value from year-to-year. • 3 5 acres aquatic habitat enhanced A total of 3 5 acres of aquatic habitat was enhanced. WP0380 • More than 190 cooperators and partners enrolled in CHIP A total of 23 new cooperators were emolled in CHIP (Colorado Habitat Improvement Program) during FY02-03. More than 188 cooperators have been enrolled since the project's inception. Numerous cooperators have been enrolled in habitat improvement actions other than CHIP. • 45,000 acres of terrestrial habitat enhanced on private land A minimum of 45,000 acres of terrestrial habitat were enhanced on private land in FY02-03, for a total of more than 336,400 acres since the project was initiated. Even with funding constraints limiting participation, more acres were enrolled than targeted. Private land projects included perennial grass and legume planting, food plots, tree and shrub planting, juniper removal, riparian enhancement, and other hahitat practices through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fannland Protection Program, Conservation Reserve Program acre enhancements, Grassland Reserve Program as well as CDOW programs. Accomplishments are a result of leveraging USDA and U.S. Depa11ment of the Interior funding with CDOW efforts. Many of the projects and practices were leveraged with little or no CDOW funding requirements. • 290 acres aquatic habitat enhanced on private land This project was completed; however the number of actual acres of improved aquatic habitat was not determined separately from the total acreage presented in the previous objective. Ten of the FY02-03 projects enhanced or improved streams or riparian habitat on a total of 4,458 total acres. Several projects enhanced wetlands. Practices included fencing riparian areas, alternative water sources development for livestock and in-stream fish habitat improvement. Page 15 �• Implement Preserving Colorado Landscapes Program The Preserving Colorado Landscapes (PCL) legacy was established to protect biologically significant species and their habitats by addressing the urgent issue of the loss of biological diversity. Wildlife quadrant funds were matched with partner funds to accomplish specific objectives in targeted geographic regions of Colorado. Applications were accepted and ranked by CDOW and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) based on specific criteria to ensure high quality projects were selected. Partnership dollars were identified and projects were selected and presented. Four projects were approved and are in various stages of progress. Three projects were selected from the Western Slope to address biologically significant sagebrush steppe, and one was selected from the Arickaree River priority area to address some key riparian and sandsage habitats. • Develop and implement CSCP protocol, structure The Colorado Species Conservation Partnership Program (CSCP) was initiated at the beginning of the FY02-03 fiscal year. The goals of the partnership are to: Prevent further decline of Colorado's wildlife species, meet species conservation goals that secure the recovery of declining species in the state, reduce the necessity of further listing of species under the ESA, and down-list and de-list species currently listed as threatened and endangered under the ESA. The program was developed and implemented by 1) developing protocol for the program, 2) developing the structure for implementation, and 3) advertising and receiving applications from private landowners representing three landscapes (Gunnison sage-grouse, short-grass habitat, Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse). • Advertise, rank and select CSCP projects Subsequent to statewide advertising a total of 34 applications were received and ranked using ranking matrices that represented management objectives for all three landscapes. Currently, the CDOW is in process of negotiating 7 contracts for final approval. Of these applications, three are for Gunnison sage-grouse, two for Preble's meadow jumping mouse and two for short-grass prairie. Page 16 �Grant Name: GIS Habitat Information CDOW Work Package Numbers: (0450, 0461) Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1 707,762 $635 042 Description: The purpose of this project is twofold: 1) to protect and preserve wildlife habitat by providing comments, advice, infonnation and recommendations on habitat issues to county land use planners and county land management agencies, developers and citizens; and 2) to assemble data on wildlife habitats, populations, and features that affect wildlife's use of land or habitats, and data that provides insight into management of wildlife habitats such as land ownership patterns or other management or geographic data. The data are used to answer management questions, analyze management options and decisions and display graphically and geographically in meaningful ways through the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and the technology available through GIS systems. The data help CDOW employees and managers perfonn their duties, and support other Colorado agencies work and decisions. The data are also used by the public, federal land management agencies, county and city governments, private land conservation and land use planning groups or businesses. This project provided information and training to county land use planners and other land use decisionmakers; helped local governments and developers to understand impacts of proposed developments on wildlife; and provided information to the public for reviewing and commenting on land use impacts on wildlife habitat. County Land Use Planning: The purpose of this pmiion of the project is to protect and preserve wildlife habitat by providing comments, advice, information and recommendations on habitat issues to county land use planners and county land management agencies, developers and citizens. However, it is not limited specifically to work with counties on local land use planning issues. Activities include providing information to county land use planners and other land use decision makers; working with local governments and developers to understand impacts of proposed developments on wildlife; and providing information to the public and reviewing and commenting on land use impacts on wildlife habitat. GIS habitat information data are also commonly provided to the CDOW's field staff, supporting their work dealing with land use issues. GIS Habitat Information: This portion of the project supports the CDOW's Geographical Information System and includes the maintenance of hardware and software that suppo11 the technology, the collection and maintenance of wildlife and habitat data, the analysis of that data, and the provision of products such as maps, models and data summaries. GIS is an important tool in wildlife management, providing capabilities for which no other technology is available, specifically analysis of data based on spatial considerations. In the FY02-03, the CDOW has provided support to the CDOW's chronic wasting disease (CWD) program and expects to increase that support in the future. Support also will continue to increase for the CDOW's species conservation effort, which includes work on the black-tailed prairie dog, the white-tailed prairie dog, Page 17 �the Gunnison's prairie dog, the Preble's meadow jumping mouse project, Gunnison sage grouse, and others. GIS products are provided to CDOW field staff to support their county land use planning efforts. These products are based on the same data used to provide GIS products for other clients. This project also supp01ts The Natural Diversity lnfonnation (NDIS) Internet site. NDIS is one of the data delivery mechanisms for GIS data. Version I of the NDIS Web Site was developed to support CDOW's County Land Use Planning work. During FY02-03 CDOW conducted a user satisfaction study that resulted in the design and development of Version II of the Web site (released July 2003). It represents a two-part change. First is to incorporate GJS and NDIS technology into the CDOW Web site to provide users context - based maps on the main site. Secondly, the NDIS site provides context-free data delivery including FTP, data browsing and downloading via an interactive mapping application. It continues to provide access to most of Version I functionality. Version II has three primary components, all of which were designed to complement each other, but each can also function independently: • • • "Standard" HTML Web pages provide the most comprehensive wildlife information resource for Coiorado wildlife on the Internet, including 748 species on-line, with life histories, photos and maps; county profiles including ownership statistics, vegetation coverage, population trends and species occurrence lists; links to other CDOW resources, county land-use plans and maps, CDOW partners, and on-line tools for hunters and anglers. It also includes pages on CDOW's riparian mapping effort, the Colorado GAP and the Colorado Vegetation Classification Project. The Map It! Interactive mapping application offers base data and tools to allow users to find and zoom in to a specific area of interest. It provides the ability to combine data in multiple meaningful ways. Datasets include: GMU boundaries, SWA boundaries, CDOW field contact information, rivers, roads, township/ranges, USGS 1: 100k and 1:24k shaded relief maps, land ownership, and vegetation data. Data download or FTP site provides access to the CDOW's GIS data. Data are provided as statewide datasets or clipped to a county. GIS software is required to view. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP0450 • 2,900 land use inquiries Responded to approximately 3,000 land use inquires. A new land use manager directive (W-19) was developed and implemented by the CDOW. The directive is intended to clarify roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication and to reduce the amow1t of time spent on individuals' land use comments while maintaining the quality and effectiveness of those comments. WP0461 • Create NDIS Web Final design and programming were completed in FY02-03. The "Map It" Site, Version Two functionality is available from any of the ''map-enabled" pages (more than 400) of the CDOW's Web Site (http://www.wildlife.state.co.us) or NDIS itself, (http://ndis.mel.colostate.edu). Page 18 �• Record NDIS Web Site FTP Downloads In FY02-03, 1,578 individual users logged in to the FTP site of NDIS. CDOW estimates a total of 6,500 data downloads. Based on a voluntary responses regarding users' affiliation, CDOW reports the following: Private Business, 338; Education, 297; State Agency, 196; Federal Agency, 127; Non-Profit, 98; Private Citizens, 86; Local Government, 70; No available identity, 366. • Creation of a new wildlife species activity mapping process The Wildlife GIS group developed a new technique for wildlife species activity mapping. The technique utilizes "SMART board" technology that enables a local wildlife manager, with the assistance of a GIS technician to capture in real time, species' activity areas and to record the data to a computer file. The technique has demonstrated a variety of benefits including cost avoidance, better quality data, and data "ownership" by local wildlife managers. • Conduct Species Activity Mapping in eight CDOW Areas Species Activity Mapping (fonnerly WRIS mapping) was conducted in a total of eight CDOW Areas completing the mapping of the western half of the state using the new technique. A decision was made to re-map the areas for a minimum of one region per year (more if time/resources allow), thereby updating species datasets for the entire state in a four-year cycle. • Conduct 36 GIS training demonstration sessions The Wildlife GIS group conducted more than 42 training sessions in the use of the newly developed procedures mentioned above. The technique has also been published: Cowardin, M and Flenner, M. 2003. Maximize Mapping Resources. Geoworld, March 2003. • Riparian Photo Interpretation, Quads: -55 A total of 74 Topo Quads were completed and the data made available through one of the data availability sites associated with NDIS: http://ndis1.nrel.colostate.edu/ndis/riparian/riparian.htm • Complete vegetation classification in all 94 basins statewide There are 94 basins in Colorado. By June 30, 2003, 71 of those basins were completed and posted on the NDIS Web site. Additionally, all remaining basins were processed through the 1st draft phase by the end of FY02-03. The project is expected to be complete by December 2003. • Prepare regional landscape level products within the SW ReGAP Project CDOW also participated in the Southwest Regional GAP Project, a collaborative effort with Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. The project's objective is to prepare regional landscape level products using extended protocols created by the original GAP Project. Major activities include preparation of a landscape level land cover/vegetation community theme, improvement of predictive vertebrate habitat/distribution maps, and the identification of "gaps" in needed protected land status for achieving biodiversity management. This work is also supported by a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) grant. • Provide fire mapping support Fire mapping support was provided for responding to requests from various supervisors within the CDOW during the fire season of 2002. Maps were utilized for damage assessments working with the USFS Burned Area Evaluation Rehabilitation Team, for evaluating habitat loss and recovery planning, and evaluating threats to species of concern. Page 19 �• Maintain hydrography coverages Work was continued on the Colorado hydrography datasets (scales of 1:100,000 and 1:24,000); they are attributed with CDOW water codes. These data are used for hydrographic modeling, water quality studies, analyses of fish habitat and distribution, in-stream flow studies, and graphical representations of CDOW water codes and regulations. They are being used to support management of other aquatic databases and decision support systems. Statewide coverage was complete at the end of FY 02-03. This coverage is extremely important and useful relative to aquatic species of concern and to threatened and endangered species. • 50 GIS special project requests A total of 271 GIS products were delivered in FY02-03 (213 for CDOW clients, 58 for external clients). • Provide CWD support as needed Maps detailing chronic wasting disease (CWD) were supplied in supp01t of the CDOW's response to the Governor's Workgroup on CWD, and to facilitate the sampling of harvested deer and elk. Work continued on a revision of these maps to assist with data analysis and collection in the future. Page 20 �Grant Name: Wetlands Conservation CDOW Work Package Number: (0436) Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1339,886 $272 892 Description: The Wetlands Program (WP) goal is to protect biologically significant wetlands in Colorado by means of voluntary, incentive-based, non-regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, the objective is to conserve 100,000 acres of wetlands by 2005. The project goal will be accomplished by means of a strategy involving 10 projects. Those are: 1) The Wetlands Initiative Legacy Project; 2) Wetlands Partnerships; 3) CDOW's Wetlands Team; 4) The North American Waterfowl Management Plan - Playa Lakes Joint Venture and lntennountain West Joint Venture; 5) The USDA Fa1m Bill (Wetlands Reserve Program in Colorado); 6) Colorado Duck Stamp Program; 7) Wetlands Funding Process; 8) Wetlands Projects Monitoring and Evaluation; and 9) Colorado Community Strategies. Wetland focus area committees (working groups) throughout the state evaluated and recommended specific efforts such as wetland restoration sites, securing water, acquisition of interest in wetlands, and construction of water management devices to sustain wetland ecosystems and wetland-dependent wildlife species. To date, the Wetlands Program has protected and/or restored approximately 13,900 wetland acres, and 85,300 wetland-associated-uplands for a total of more than 99,200 project acres. Furthermore, 81 wetlands species benefited from protection and 36 wetlands partnerships were formed. Page21 �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP0436 • 10 wetlands focus area committees administered One of the keys to success in wetlands conservation is grass-roots community involvement. The 10 wetlands focus area committees (WFAC) provide a forum for people in a community (e.g., private landowners, federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, non-government organizations, c01mnissioners, planners, hunters, etc.) to volunteer their energy and ideas, and to generate wetland project proposals; and to discuss wetlands, their importance, and their protection. The 10 wetland focus areas and committees in the state include the San Luis Valley WFAC, Southwest WFAC, South Platte WFAC, North Park WFAC, Southeast WFAC, Gunnison WFAC; South Park WFAC, Middle Park WFAC, Lower Colorado River WFAC, and Yampa WF AC. • 625 cooperators and partners enrolled One of the Wetlands Program goals is to promote and facilitate partnering among wetlands enthusiasts and others that may impact wetlands in positive or adverse ways. Besides the numerous partners involved in the WF AC, the program has partners in the Wetlands Initiative, the Intermountain West Joint Venture, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, the Waterfowl Stamp Program, and among private landowners (mostly ranchers and farmers). • 25,000 acres of wetlands, associated lands conserved The Wetlands Program exists to protect biologically significant wetlands in Colorado for the benefit of wetland-dependent species and society. One method to measure the incremental progress that has been made is to tabulate the nwnber of acres on the landscape that have been impacted by the program. This project facilitated the protection (restoration, enhancement, purchase-ofconservation-easement or fee-title) of more than 150,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands to date. Furthermore, some 48 species of wetland-dependent species have benefited from these efforts throughout the state. Wetland protection projects often span several fiscal years. FY02-03 funds protected approximately 6,000 acres of wetlands and/or associated-uplands. This effort concluded several wetland projects that have been in the making for many years. Page 22 �Grant Name: Native Species Protection Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 CDOW Work Package Numbers: (0560, Total Expenditures: $2,864,219 0641. 0642, 0643, 0644, 0645, 0646, 0647, 0648, 0649,0661,0663) Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1,542,035 Description: Tue purpose of this project is to preserve, protect, enhance and manage Colorado's native wildlife species, specifically the focus is on inventory, monitoring, research, stocking and habitat management of native terrestrial species. Activities undertaken typically involve groups of species, or single species for which the intensity of CDOW efforts has not risen to the level where a separate project is warranted. Generally, it encompasses species that currently have no special status i.e., those species that are not designated as state species of concern, or state or federally listed as threatened or endangered. Because of special needs of individual species, many species are incorporated into the statewide recove1y plan. The purpose of this plan is to document benefits of individual species' recovery actions to other threatened, endangered, and special concern species and to identify areas that represent conservation hot spots. Specific objectives are to: • • • • document the progress and status of recove1y actions; document the potential multi-species benefits of recovery actions; determine potential deficiencies and potential antagonistic effects of recovery actions on other threatened and endangered species; and identify geographic hot spots or areas where conservation measures have the potential to positively affect a number of threatened and endangered species. The results of the plan are used to develop reco1mnendations for future multi-species recovery plans, including a statewide plan. Development and implementation of a statewide multi-species recove1y plan is a cost-effective means for considering key habitats and ecosystems in Colorado as well as aiding in the recovery and conservation of these rare species. The wildlife involved in this project includes those that serve as indicators of trends of important ecosystems, habitats, or species associations. • Conduct various activities include establishing inventory protocols, conducting field inventories, and developing conservation strategies and plans. These activities focused upon inventories of neotropical bird species with Partners in Flight and Colorado Birds 2000. • Preserve, protect and enhance populations of 18 native amphibians and reptiles that are considered to be of special concern. In FYOI-02, the CDOW and its partners conducted extensive baseline surveys to detennine occurrence, distribution, relative abundance and status of species; and facilitated design and implementation of a long-term monitoring system and evaluation of population trends. Development of conservation strategies and conservation plans were also completed. Page 23 �• Preserve, protect and enhance populations of native mollusks and crustaceans that are currently of unknown status. Recent studies of native freshwater mussels indicate that several species may already be extirpated from Colorado. CDOW biologists conducted extensive baseline surveys to determine the occU1Tence, distribution, and relative abundance of freshwater mollusks and certain crustaceans. Conservation strategies and conservation plans were also developed. Data collected in surveys will be used to: I) determine species' status; 2) provide more constructive input to land use and habitat management plans; 3) recommend appropriate mitigation for land use activities that may harm these species and their habitats; 4) help determine the extent and severity of problems with invasive aquatic species; and 5) facilitate development of a long-tenn population monitoring strategy. Measures of success included the number of species for which status is determined, and the integration of these data in a statewide conservation strategy and plan. One mollusk, the Rocky Mountain capshell snail, is a small, freshwater limpet. In the early 1990s, this species was thought to occur in only two locations in the United States -- Peterson Lake in Boulder County, Colorado, Lost Lake in Montana, and nine sites in Canada. In 1993, the USFWS was petitioned to list the capshell snail as a threatened or endangered species. As a result of the agency's finding that the snail may be warranted for listing, intensive surveys were conducted through CDOW via a contract with Pioneer Environmental Services. These surveys found capshell snail populations in additional Colorado Lakes (Teal Lake and Upper Big Creek Lake in Jackson County, Lost Lake in Boulder County, three more populations in Rocky Mountain National and an unnamed lake in the Middle St. Vrain Creek drainage on the Roosevelt National Forest). As a result of the new information, the Rocky Mountain capshell snail was found not to be warranted for federal listing as an endangered species. • Maintain viable populations ofboreal toad in Colorado. After years of lottery funding, the CDOW has been able to implement a conservation plan for management and recovery of the southern Rocky Mountain population of the boreal toad. The plan emphasizes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. surveys of historic and potential suitable habitats for new toad populations; annual monitoring of breeding populations; identifying and evaluating limiting factors to toad survival; research to better define good boreal toad habitat and biology/ecology; development and testing of techniques and protocols for captive breeding and rearing of boreal toads; experimental reintroduction of toads to vacant historic habitat; protection of boreal toads and their habitats via coordination with land management agencies, in pa11icular with the USFS; working with local land use planners and developers to avoid or minimize potential impacts of private land development on boreal toads and their habitat; and increasing public awareness of this species and its status. Page 24 �The boreal toad is presently state listed as endangered (since November 1993, by an act of the Colorado Wildlife Commission), and federally classified as a candidate species that is "warranted but precluded" meaning there are adequate data to warrant federal listing as threatened or endangered, but listing has been postponed because of other species in greater need of listing. As of the early 1990s, when GOCO wildlife quadrant funds were first used to protect the toad, there were only 10 known boreal toad breeding sites in Colorado. Since that time, intensive survey work has been conducted, resulting in nearly 50 known sites. "Robust" populations have been located in Chaffee, Clear Creek, and Summit counties, and in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado's security benchmark is 25 viable, self-sustaining populations. • Protect, preserve and enhance populations of native Colorado River cutthroat trout. The Colorado River cutthroat trout's historical decline led to a pro-active course of action to prevent the need for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This need for greater protection is specified in the Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, an agreement among of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and the USFWS (March 1999). Colorado's focus is upon restoring and monitoring populations, establishing broodfish lakes, and reclaiming streams for this fish. • Protect, preserve and enhance populations of native aquatic species in the following watersheds: Colorado, Arkansas, Rio Grande, and Republican rivers. Conservation activities for theses components include development and implementation of basin management plans (conservation plans and agreements) through inventory, monitoring, genetic evaluation, limiting factors research, habitat assessments/restoration, propagation and augmentation of depleted stocks, and population establishment in tmoccupied habitats. These actions target the community of native aquatic species of the: 1) Colorado River drainage that are not federally listed, which include roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker, speckled dace, bluehead sucker, mountain whitefish, mottled sculpin, and mountain sucker; 2) Arkansas River drainage that are not federally listed, which include the Arkansas darter (a federal candidate and state listed species), flathead chub (a former federal candidate), and three state-listed species: the southern redbelly dace, suckermouth minnow, plains minnow. 3) South Platte River drainage that are not federally listed, including the plains minnow, suckermouth minnow, brassy minnow, northern redbelly dace, common shiner, lake chub (all state-listed species), stonecat, plains topminnow, and Iowa da1ter (all special concern species). 4) Rio Grande River drainage that are not federally listed, which include Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Rio Grande chub (both special concern species), and the Rio Grande sucker (state listed). The USFWS issued a decision that a petition to list the Rio Grande cutthroat trout was not warranted; this is currently in litigation. 5) Republican River drainage that are not federally listed, such as the plains minnow, suckennouth minnow, brassy minnow (all state listed species), and plains orange throat darter, and stonecat (special concern species). • Maintain stable and viable populations of grouse species. Six species or subspecies of grouse face habitat-related threats to sustaining viable populations and distributions throughout Colorado; including the Gunnison and greater sage-grouse, Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse, and lesser and greater prairie-chickens. The Gunnison sage-grouse has been listed as a candidate for federal threatened or endangered listing, while the lesser prairie-chicken has Page 25 �been listed as warranted but precluded as a threatened species. The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse was petitioned for listing, but the USFWS ruled the listing was not warranted. Conversely, greater prairiechickens are recovering from historically low population levels. Plains sharp-tails, although increasing in some paits of the state, have declined substantially throughout most of their range and are still listed as endangered within Colorado. Gunnison sage-grouse, a newly described species in southwestern Colorado, historically occupied all suitable sagebrush rangelands in Colorado south of the Eagle and Colorado rivers west to Utah and south to New Mexico west of the Mosquito Range and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Crurent breeding population size in Colorado is estimated at 3,100 individuals, occurring in eight scattered and fragmented populations (Gunnison Basin with about 2,500 birds, the remainder in Cimarron/Cerro Summit, Crawford, Dove Creek, Dry Creek Basin/Miramonte Reservoir, Glade Park/Pinon Mesa, Poncha Pass, and Sims Mesa). Two of these populations (Cimarron, Sims Mesa) are on the verge of extirpation (two to 30 birds). C01mnunity supported conservation plans have been completed for the Gunnison Basin, Pinyon Mesa, Crawford, Dry Creek Basin/Miramonte Reservoir, and Dove Creek populations. A range-wide conservation plan is currently being developed and will act as an runbrella document to the local plans. The range-wide plan will look at the species' needs throughout its range. The CDOW, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal and private groups or individuals are beginning active implementation of conservation action items identified in completed local plans. These action items have included purchase of critical habitat, preparation of infonnative brochures and videos, leases to defer grazing and limit development, fencing of brood habitat in riparian areas, transplanting Gunnison sage-grouse to Poncha Pass to augment the population and transplanting Gum1ison sagegrouse to Dove Creek to enhance genetic diversity. Several types of treatments to improve the quality of sagebrush rangelands are planned, including burning, brush-beating, fertilization, inter-seeding, chemical treatment, and grazing management. Sage-grouse in northwestern Colorado are now officially referred to a greater sage-grouse. This species has declined considerably due to lai1d conversion, fragmentation, and deterioration of sagebrush rangelands. Only five areas now have greater sage-grouse populations of more than 500 breeding birds: Moffat, Jackson, Routt, Rio Blanco, and Grand counties. Total breeding population size in Colorado is about 8,000 to 10,000, although inventory has been sporadic in some areas. Areas of greatest loss in population include Moffat County and Middle Park, areas where little is known about seasonal habitat use. Three years worth of research has occurred in Middle Park and Moffat county to ascertain seasonal habitat use, movements, and survival as well as to understand the relationship with Columbian sharptailed grouse. In addition, a research project utilizing human-imprinted chicks to determine growth and survival related to habitat quality has been under way for two years both in Middle Park and Moffat County. Information from these studies will be incorporated into conservation plans and strategies within these areas. Community supported conservation plans are being developed for populations in Moffat County, and Eagle/southern Routt County. A conservation plan has been completed for the Middle Park and North Park populations. Historical records suggest Columbian sharp-tailed grouse once inhabited 22 counties in western Colorado. Currently, Columbian sharp-tails are restricted to Moffat, Routt, and Rio Blanco counties, with a possible remnant population in Mesa County. Moffat and Rout counties support more than 95 percent of the remaining birds in Colorado. The state's total breeding population is estimated at about 7,000 birds. Management options for this subspecies are limited because more than 90 percent of population occurs on private land. Surveys have indicated significant use of mine reclamation and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in northwest Colorado. Research is under way to better understand how sharp-tails are using these non-native habitats on a year-round basis. A conservation plan has been developed for the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in northwest Colorado. Conservation Page 26 �actions identified in this plan are currently being implemented. Plains sharp-tailed grouse historically occurred throughout much of northeastern Colorado, but were most abundant along the foothills from Larimer County south to El Paso County. Today fewer than 200 birds remain along the foothills, exclusively in Douglas County. Populations east of the foothills also have disappeared or declined dramatically due to the loss, degradation, or conversion of native habitats. For that reason, the CDOW placed the plains sharp-tail on the state's list of endangered wildlife in 1976. A recovery plan was prepared in 1992. Efforts to reintroduce this subspecies in south central Colorado have been unsuccessful. However, plains sharp-tails from Wyoming and Nebraska have successfully reestablished viable populations in northeastern Colorado. Annual surveys suggest these birds are continuing to increase and expand into areas where a conservation reserve program is a major component of the landscape. Greater prairie-chickens declined to a point in 1973 when an estimated 600 birds remained in Colorado. The species was listed as endangered within the state in the same year. In 1990, a state recovery plan was prepared that outlined the criteria for down-listing and de-listing. Populations within the core range subsequently recovered due to changes in agricultural practices, and three successful transplants were made into formerly occupied habitats. The current spring population is estimated to be 4,500 to 6,300 birds. This combination of factors resulted in down-listing in 1993 and the eventual de-listing to species of special concern in 1998. The recovery of this species has been successful to the point that the Colorado Wildlife Commission has reopened the hunting season for the species. The lesser prairie-chicken, once a common breeding bird in at least six counties in southeastern Colorado is now resident in only three, with a population estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 birds. The largest population occurs on and adjacent to the Comanche National Grasslands on native sandsage/grass rangelands. This species also occurs in Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, but populations there are fragmented and have declined by more than 95 percent since pre-settlement times. In 1996, the lesser prairie-chicken was petitioned for listing under the ESA. The ruling was warranted, but precluded. The Lesser Prairie-Chicken Interstate Working Group was fo1med in 1996 to develop a range-wide plan for conservation of this species. • Protect, preserve and enhance populations of native terrestrial species regarded as species of concern or species at risk. Projects undertaken under this project typically involve groups of species, or single species that do not warrant a separate project. The species involved include those in the early stages of investigation and plan development such as the flannehnouth sucker, plains leopard frog, ferruginous hawk, black-tailed prairie dog and species recently secured and down-listed for which substantial efforts are not considered warranted, such as the greater sandhill crane. Page 27 �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP0560 • Three nongame databases created and maintained The CDOW uses databases to maintain information about the distribution, population status, and management needs of many wildlife species. Databases are maintained for wolverine, lynx, river otter, and bats. The CDOW has an ongoing long-tenn project to monitor Colorado birds that provides important information on population trends for nongame birds throughout the state. Additionally, CDOW has created and maintained a short-grass prairie bird database to meet information needs for these species. Databases are usually created from field data collected by CDOW biologists or through contracts. Maintenance of these databases includes adding new information as it is gathered or checking existing data for accuracy and completeness. Having solid data on these species enables CDOW to identify the most imp01tant management needs and to address petitions to the USFWS to list species under the ESA. • Seven prescribed inventories completed Inventories were conducted for the following species: long-billed curlew, mountain plover, burrowing owl, grasshopper span-ow, McCown's longspur, lark bunting, ferruginous hawk, and other bird species. These inventories will enable the CDOW to manage these species through a better understanding of their distribution and population trends. Inventory data collected on mountain plover as well as research, landowner cooperation, interagency coordination, and public outreach programs conducted in Colorado, the primary breeding range, resulted in the USFWS's decision in September 2003 to not list the plover as threatened. • Two osprey nests monitored Nests were monitored at Terry Lake, Hourglass Reservoir, Chambers Lake, Grand Lake, Pueblo Reservoir, Electra Lake, Vallecito Reservoir and Sterling Sand and Gravel. While osprey are not considered imperiled in Colorado, they are relatively uncommon and the public has a high interest in this species. CDOW monitoring allows us to have the most up-to-date information on the condition of osprey populations. • 3,149 mines evaluated for bat occupancy, habitat Under a federal program, many mines throughout Colorado are scheduled for permanent closure, completely sealing the entrances in most cases. These mines provide habitat for a number of bat species, some of which are declining in the state. To determine which caves provide important habitat, the mines must be visited and inventoried for bats. To date, 3,471 mines have been evaluated (460 in FY02-03). • 10 bat gates installed at mines To maintain mines as habitat for bats, "bat gates" have been installed. These metal structures allow bats to move freely in and out of the mines, while addressing the safety concerns about open mine tunnels. CDOW installed 26 gates in FY02-03. Page 28 �• Seven counties inventoried for small mammals The sampling unit was changed from counties to latitude/longitude blocks. Three blocks, or 11 percent of the total of 28, were surveyed in FY02-03. This study provided CDOW with much more comprehensive infonnation on the small mammals of Colorado. The CDOW anticipates that there may be efforts to list some species under the ESA, and CDOW needs to have solid infonnation to respond to those efforts. Protocols for conducting the inventories have been designed and implementation began in the su111111er of 2002. This project required use of various trapping techniques for different groups of small mammals, including shrews, mice, other rodents, and bats. • One burrowing owl; one ferruginous hawk; one mountain plover conservation strategy developed Conservation strategies and species accounts were developed for burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, and mountain plover. This information was considered by the Grassland Species Conservation Working Group and was incorporated into the Grassland Species Conservation Plan that is currently in "draft" form and expected to be finalized by November 30, 2003. This conservation plan also outlines conservation strategies for the black-tailed prairie dog and swift fox. • One swift fox inventory completed The inventory project is anticipated to begin in November 2003 and should be complete by March 2005. Money originally budgeted for swift fox inventory in FY02-03 was redirected to fund higher priority research and public outreach projects relating to the conservation of mountain plover in Colorado. • One black-tailed prairie dog survey updated In November 2002, CDOW completed an aerial survey of black-tailed prairie dogs throughout their historic range in Colorado. The survey found that, with 95 percent confidence, there are approximately 631,000 active acres of black-tailed prairie dogs in the state. Colorado currently exceeds all acreage and distribution target objectives defined in a multi-state conservation plan for the black-tailed prairie dog. Colorado's Grassland Species Conservation Plan uses a tiered approach to defining actions for black-tailed prairie dog conservation based on active occupied acreage. No regulatory actions are reco1mnended for black-tailed prairie dogs until populations drop below 250,000 active occupied acres. In December 2003, Colorado and most states within the range of the black-tailed prairie dog will be recommending the USFWS remove the species from the federal candidate list. WP0641 • 10 percent of statewide baseline surveys completed Reptile and amphibian populations in Colorado are not well understood, either in terms of distribution or population status. CDOW is contracting for inventories to be done that will facilitate better management of these species. In FY02-03, CDOW contracted with the University of Northern Colorado to conduct surveys to gain better infonnation in northeastern Colorado. • 50 percent statewide baseline surveys completed Surveys in northeastern, southeastern, and northwestern Colorado have been conducted. This information will be compiled into a database allowing easy access. Page 29 �• One herptile atlas developed and published In FY02-03 work began on the creation of the Colorado Herpetofaunal Atlas Website, to be completed by June 2004. WP0642 • 10 percent statewide baseline surveys completed Of the total surveys conducted in eastem Colorado, approximately 15 percent were completed in FY02-03. • 30 percent statewide baseline surveys completed Approximately 30 percent of the state (Eastem Plains) has been surveyed for mollusks and crustaceans. WP0643 • 50 known breeding sites protected and monitored Sixty sites were monitored for boreal toad breeding through a collaborative project with a number of state and federal agencies. CDOW contracted with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to complete many of the sites, but the USFS, Bureau of Land Management, and others helped to ensure a good picture of the current breeding success of the boreal toad. • 10 secured genetic broodstock populations CDOW now has 20 different horeal tm1d populations in the captive breeding facility at the John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa. This is the first time boreal toads have been successfully bred in captivity. • One recovery / conservation plan integrated into statewide conservation strategy and plan The conservation goals of the boreal toad have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. WP0644 71 populations of native Colorado River cutthroat trout established in streams There are presently 144 populations established in streams, of which approximately 69 percent are pure and the remainder only slightly hybridized. Inventories for potentially new populations were conducted on 14 waters; 3 7 waters were monitored, with emphasis on detecting 2002 drought impacts; and 17 assessments were performed to develop new reintroduction sites. • There are 406 stream miles established supporting conservation populations. Nonnative fish (brook trout mostly) were removed from eight waters; genetic samples were collected and purity tests performed for 24 waters. Three stream populations were salvaged and brought into captivity due to drought. Stocking of pure cutthroat occurred in 21 waters. Two waters received habitat improvement and two ban-iers were constructed to protect upstream habitat and populations. 487 stream miles with populations established Page 30 �• 140 lake acres with population established There are 27 lake populations, 18 of which are pure and nine slightly hybridized; occupying 367 acres. • 30 populations assessed for whirling disease A CDOW research project was initiated in FY02-03 to conduct this assessment, which is ongoing this field season. WP0645 • One research project completed assessing limiting factors of Colorado River cutthroat trout Research in the area of limiting factors continues with a third Colorado State University (CSU) graduate student project to refine the predictability of native cutthroat reintroduction and survival success in the presence of limitations presented by habitat and presence of brook trout. • One recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide conservation strategy and plan The conservation goals of the Colorado River cutthroat trout-and the 2001 TriState conservation agreement have been incorporated into the Colorado statewide recovery plan. Furthermore, the CDOW staff developed and finalized two MOUs with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department resulting in the Three Forks Ranch obtaining pure Colorado River cutthroat trout. • Conduct assessment of Yampa River sucker genetics This contracted CSU report was finalized in 2003. Incorporation of results into future conservation management actions or additional research remains to be completed when aquatic field biologists complete the ongoing FY02-03 field season. • One assessment of native species status, trends and genetics completed A final report on native Colorado River species genetics was received from Brigham Young University in 2003. A final report on status and trends of Colorado River species was received from CSU in 2003. Incorporation of results into future conservation management actions or additional research remains to be completed when aquatic field biologists complete the ongoing 2003 field season. WP0646 • One research project on suckermouth minnow limiting factors completed Two final reports on suckermouth minnow limiting factors and genetics were received from CSU in 2003. Incorporation of results into future conservation management actions or additional research remain to be completed when aquatic field biologists complete the ongoing FY02-03 field season. Page 31 �• One research project completed assessing limiting factors of plains minnow No specific research on limiting factors for plains minnow will be initiated until adequate numbers of this state endangered species are discovered in the wild or restocked through a reintroduction project. The research project on limiting factors for suckermouth minnow in the Arkansas and South Platte rivers resulted in the capture of over 1500 plains minnow from 12 sampling sites in the South Platte during drought conditions in 2002. • One research project completed assessing limiting factors of southem redbelly dace No specific research on limiting factors for southern redbelly dace will be initiated until adequate numbers of this state endangered species are discovered in the wild or stocked through a reintroduction project. • The conservation plan for three state-listed native fishes in Arkansas River Basin One recovery (sucker.mouth minnow, plains minnow, and southern redbelly dace) cannot be and conservation incorporated into the Colorado statewide recovery plan until 2003 because the plan incorporated into plan needs to be completed before the goals and objectives can be incorporated. statewide strategy and plan WP0647 • One research project completed assessing limiting factors of brassy minnow population Completed. The 2002 drought prevented further action other than monitoring loss of previously occupied habitat. Within the context of the suckennouth minnow limiting factors research, brassy minnows continued to occur in small numbers in 12 of 23 sampling sites in the South Platte. • One research project completed assessing limiting factors of plains minnow No specific research on limiting factors for plains minnow will be initiated until adequate munbers of this state endangered species are dis(;overcd in the wild or stocked through a reintroduction project. The research project on limiting factors for suckennouth minnow in the Arkansas and South Platte rivers resulted in the capture of more than 1,500 plains minnow from 12 sampling sites in the South Platte during drought conditions in 2002. Page 32 �• One research project completed assessing limiting factors of northern redbelly dace, common shiner and stonecat populations No specific research project was initiated for these species due to the 2002 drought. • One recovery and conservation plan integrated into statewide strategy and plan The Conservation Plan for five state-listed native fishes in South Platte River Basin (suckennouth minnow, plains minnow, northern redbelly dace, brassy minnow, and common shiner) cannot be incorporated until 2003 because the plan needs to be completed before the goals and objectives can be incorporated. WP0648 • 76 native Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations established CDOW continues to manage 76 conservation populations in 388 stream miles and 67 lake acres. Eighty-three additional populations are managed as genetic reserve populations that are maintained by stocking in 173 stream miles and 2,621 lake acres. These latter populations also provide fishing recreation. During the 2002 drought, several populations were continuously monitored for possible salvage purposes, and eventually trout from these populations were transferred to Haypress Lake. A range-wide conservation agreement continued to be developed among principal governmental agencies with management responsibilities for populations and habitat. A Colorado conservation management plan was drafted. Both of these guidance documents will be finalized in 2003. Nine Rio Grande sucker populations established Existing populations were monitored through the 2002 drought, and white sucker were removed from Hot Creek in a continuing control program to reduce hybridization. WP0649 • Establish objectives for the number of secure and stable populations required to avoid listing of plains minnow No specific research on limiting factors for plains minnow will be initiated until adequate numbers of this state endangered species are discovered in the wild or restocked through a reintroduction project. Research on limiting factors for suckermouth minnow in the Arkansas and South Platte rivers resulted in the capture of more than 1,500 plains minnow from 12 sampling sites in the South Platte during drought conditions in 2002. Page 33 �WP0661 • 70 cooperators and participants Currently, there are 50 greater sage-grouse cooperators/paiticipants and 80 . Gunnison sage-grouse cooperators/paiticipants. This component of the project focused upon greater sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and greater and lesser prairie-chickens. • 10,000 acres of habitat improved or secured for all species Habitat improved: NOTE: Due to the extreme drought, many planned habitat improvement projects were put on hold this fiscal year. 1) 7,100 pounds of seed was purchased for Gunnison sage-grouse habitat improvement projects; 2) 250 acres in the Dry Creek Basin were treated for Gunnison sage-grouse habitat improvement; 3) 2,600 acres were treated for Gunnison sage-grouse on Pinyon Mesa; 4) 555 acres treated for Gunnison sage-grouse in Gunnison Basin 5) 150 acres were treated for Gunnison sage-grouse in Dove Creek; 6) 800 acres were enhanced for greater sage-grouse; 7) 9,170 acres were enhanced by resting from grazing (purchased hay to compensate landowner). This was the second year of this grass bank program. 8) 440 acres were enhanced for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Habitat secured: 1) Pinyon Mesa for Gunnison sage-grouse: A conservation easement on 1,640 acres was secured. 2) Dove Creek for Gunnison sage-grouse: conservation easements on three different parcels were secured for a total of 796 acres. 3) Gunnison Basin for Gunnison sage-grouse: A conservation easement on 560 acres was secured. Work began in FY02-03 on easements through two different programs co-hosted by GOCO: Preserving Colorado Landscapes (PCL) and Colorado Species Conservation Paitnership (CSCP). Under PCL, 12,200 acres in four different parcels are in the works as easements for Gunnison and greater sage-grouse. In the CSCP program, three separate parcels totaling 4,400 acres are currently going through the easement process and will protect important habitats for Gunnison sage-grouse. • 450 lek counts completed for all species Greater sage-grouse counts completed: 737; Gunnison sage-grouse counts completed: 772; Columbian sharp-tailed grouse counts completed: 150; greater prairie-chicken counts completed: 115; lesser prairie-chicken counts completed: 112. • Three transplants initiated and completed A total of 51 birds have been transplanted from the Gunnison Basin into Poncha Pass since the spring of 2000. Twenty-four (17 males and seven females) were transplanted in 2000, 20 (nine males and 11 females) in 2001, and seven (three males and four females) in 2002. As soon as the fear of West Nile subsides for the year, an additional 13 birds are planned to be transplanted from Gunnison Basin to both Poncha Pass (seven birds) and Dove Creek (six birds) in the fall of 2003. Page 34 �• Six recovery and conservation plan integrated into statewide strategy and plan The draft statewide Gunnison sage-grouse conservation assessment was completed, incorporating information from six local work plans. The draft will be utilized in FY02-03 in the range-wide Gmmison sage-grouse conservation plan that began in July 2002. WP0663 Native terrestrial activities include: • Public outreach efforts continue by working with Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Colorado Fann Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, other state and federal agencies and private landowners to implement voluntary incentive-based conservation strategies for grassland species in eastern Colorado. Specific projects completed in FY02-03 include: • • • • Production of a mountain plover infonnational video for landowners; Developing and implementing workshops for landowners and the urban public; Production and distribution of a pocket guide to prairie birds; and Making follow-up visits to landowners for ranch-scale bird inventories and discussions of bird and habitat conservation. • A mountain plover nest clearing project was implemented in eastern Colorado with the objective of raising the awareness of private landowners about this species which nests in agricultural fields that was being considered for federal listing as threatened. The project provided toll-free number landowners could call to have their fields surveyed and mountain plover nests marked. Landowners then agreed to avoid nests with fann equipment that significantly contributed to nesting success. In all, nearly 23,000 acres of cropland was surveyed and cleared in Colorado in FY02-03, the pilot year for the project. • The final year's field data was collected for the "Understanding the Dynamics of Mountain Plovers in Agricultural Lands in Eastern Colorado". Preliminary results indicate that agricultural practices do not appear to be an additive detriment to nesting success of mountain plovers. Nest success in cropland and rangeland is equivalent with the cause of nest mortality differing between the two habitats. By implementing public outreach programs like the nest clearing project described above, croplands represent an opportunity to increase annual recruitment of plovers in eastern Colorado. The final repmi for this project is due in January 2005. • Radio telemetry data was collected in FY02-03 on the "Breeding Success of Mountain Plovers on Prairie Dog Towns" project. Preliminary results indicate that nesting success for mountain plovers is higher when associated with prairie dog colonies. One additional field season is planned in fiscal years 03-04 and 04-05 and the final report is due in 2006. Page 35 �• Stable isotopes samples were collected in FY02-03 on the "Using Stable Isotopes to Understand Habitat Use in Mountain Plover" project. Data collected during this project will increase CDOW's understanding of where birds that nest in Colorado spend the winter, the composition of the wintering flocks, etc., which may impact conservation strategies in Colorado. One additional field season in plam1ed in fiscal years 03-04 and 04/05 and the final report is due in 2006. Page 36 �Grant Name: Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 CDOW Work Package Numbers: (0810 Total Expenditures: $2,200,019 0820, 0830, 0840, 0850, 0860 0870 0880 0662, 0670) Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1,051,333 Description: The purpose of this project is to establish and maintain viable populations of a variety of threatened and endangered species that are native to Colorado. As with the Native Species Protection project, many of the federally listed species need to be incorporated into the statewide recovery plan. The purpose of this plan is to document the benefits that recovery actions to benefit certain individual species can have on other threatened, endangered, and special concern species and to identify conservation hot spots. Specific objectives of this plan are to: • • • • document the progress and status of recove1y actions; document the potential multi-species benefits of recovery actions; determine potential deficiencies and potential antagonistic effects of recovery actions on other threatened and endangered species; and identify geographic hot spots where conservation measures have the potential to positively affect a number of threatened and endangered species. The results of the plan are used to develop recommendations on the development of future multi-species recovery plans, including a multi-species recovery plan for Colorado. Development and implementation of a statewide multi-species recove1y plan is a cost-effective means for considering key habitats and ecosystems in Colorado as well as aiding in the recovery and conservation of these rare species. • Re-establish and secure greenback cutthroat trout populations. Activities under this project component include reclamation of streams, rearing and stocking of fish, and establishment and monitoring the health of native populations. The Colorado recovery benchmark is 20 viable, self-sustaining populations (15 in the South Platte drainage and five in the Arkansas drainage). These benchmark objectives, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plans will be incorporated into a statewi~e conservation plan for threatened, endangered and "at-risk" species. The greenback cutthroat trout is one of three trout subspecies native to Colorado. It inhabits cold-water streams and lakes in the South Platte and Arkansas River basins east of the Continental Divide. The greenback was federally listed as endangered in 1973 with enactment of the ESA. At that time, only two populations of these fish were known to exist with about 2,000 fish in fewer than 3 miles of stream. Recovery of this trout species actually began in 1967. Nine historic populations of pure greenback cutthrnat have since been discovered. Molecular genetics studies on historic populations have indicated that only five to 10 populations can be regarded as pure. Four have varying levels of genetic traces of Yellowstone cutthroat trout and one has light traces of rainbow trout. Work in FY02-03 helped to determine the results on existing restored populations' genetic status, broodstock development, stocking Page 37 �plans and recovery goals. In the interim, CDOW objectives remain unchanged because federal policy on hybrids confers recovery value on slightly hybridized populations if they resemble the target species. Down-listing to threatened status occmTed in 1978. Following considerable restoration efforts, greenbacks are now present in 62 sites, including more than 440 acres of lakes and ponds, and 102 miles of streams. Many sites occur in Rocky Mountain National Park. • As a member of a multi-agency partnership, establish and maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail, and humpback chub. This component of the project focused upon the construction of fish passage structures, co-operative agreements with private landowners regarding prevention of nonnative fish introductions, research and monitoring of populations and stream flows, and stocking of endangered fish into suitable habitats. Basinwide, upper basin, and Colorado recovery benchmarks are under development. These benchmark objectives, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plans will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. This project is supported by traditional federal, state, and GOCO funding, and, as of FY99-00, by the Species Conservation Trust Fund established through legislation (HB 1006) passed in 1998. The propagation and stocking of the Colorado River endangered fishes is one of five primary approaches to attaining recovery goals for the four federally listed species. Colorado pikeminnow (formerly squawfish), razorback sucker and bonytail have been identified in Colorado's stocking plan for restoration or augmentation stocking in several of the state's rivers. Stocking programs for razorback sucker and bonytail are ongoing in Colorado waters. Stocking of humpback chub is not cmTently anticipated, as existing Colorado populations at Black Rocks in the Colorado River and Yampa Canyon are considered stable. Other recovery program tools such as nonnative fish control and flow management appear to be more feasible and effective approaches to enhancing humpback populations. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of southwest willow flycatcher This portion of the project is currently inactive. The species is being addressed only in the work outlined in the native species protection project. Depending upon the outcome of that work, activities under this project could include species-specific population monitoring, assessment of habitat requirements, development and implementation of conservation strategy and agreements. A draft federal recovery plan was released in August 2001 and will serve as the basis for Colorado' s involvement in conservation actions. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of least tern and piping plover. • Habitat development and enhancement/improvement; and monitoring nesting areas, population levels, and productivity to detect potential problems are key to maintaining these species. Colorado management objectives, implementation strategies, and recovery benchmarks are identified in the Colorado Piping Plover and Interior Least Tem Recovery Plan (September 1994). These benchmark objectives, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plan will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. This aspect of the threatened and endangered species recovery emphasizes nest relocation and monitoring effo1ts at John Maiiin Reservoir in southeastern Colorado. Page 38 �• Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of peregrine falcons, a species recently removed from the federal threatened and endangered species list. Activities under this project include monitoring population levels and productivity to ensure early detection of potential problems. The Colorado recovery benchmark is 62 viable, self-sustaining (1.4 young per breeding pair per year.) breeding pairs of falcons. These benchmark objectives and other management considerations will be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of bald eagles. Activities under this component include monitoring both winter and breeding population levels and productivity to ensure early detection of potential problems. Currently listed as federally threatened. The Colorado recovery benchmark is 10 viable, self-sustaining (1.0 young per breeding pair per year) breeding pairs of bald eagles. These benchmark objectives and other management considerations will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of Mexican spotted owls. The CDOW was not engaged in activities specifically directed to this species during this reporting period. • Establish viable, self-sustaining populations of black-footed ferrets, a species federally listed as endangered. In order to down-list the black-footed ferret, the CDOW is transplanting of ferrets to re-establish the first viable population in Colorado while monitoring population levels and productivity to detect potential problems. The minimum range-wide recovery .benchmark is 10 viable, self-sustaining populations; Colorado's patt of that is undetermined at this time. Colorado's recovery benchmarks will be established and, with other management considerations and detailed implementation plans, be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. The transplant of ferrets is a cooperative effort occurring on the Colorado-Utah border. • Maintain viable populations of Preble's meadow jumping mouse. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state have listed the Preble's meadow jumping mouse as a threatened species. Recove1y efforts are principally directed to securing acreage that meets the species' stringent habitat requirements and developing an information base through research to potentially broaden the range of management options to secure viable populations. Colorado recovery benchmarks are under development by the USFWS ' s Preble's meadow jumping mouse recove1y team. These recovery benchmarks, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plans will be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. The second activity is the development of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). HCPs can be developed on a project-by-project basis or to cover any future projects in a larger geographical area. The approach being taken is to develop a small number of county-based plans, which will allow for economic development while ensuring that adequate habitat is protected to ensure the recovery of the mouse. The third major activity is the development of a recovery plan for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. The USFWS fonnally appointed the recovery team in July 2000. Page 39 �The Preble's meadow jumping mouse is a rare species whose distribution is limited to willow-dominated riparian areas from southern Wyoming to Colorado Springs. The mouse hibernates for the majority of the year, usually from October to May. Exact distribution is still being investigated, but the Preble's meadow jumping mouse may occur as far east as Fort Morgan. Due to its restricted habitat affinities, the mouse species has been negatively affected by impacts to riparian systems, including direct habitat loss by development, alterations in hydrology, and overgrazing. Predation by domestic cats is also considered to be a significant impact to Preble's meadow jumping mouse. In May of 1998, the USFWS listed the Preble's meadow jumping mouse as a threatened species under the ESA. The Colorado Wildlife Commission placed the mouse on the Colorado list as threatened in November 1998. • Restore and maintain viable populations of lynx. This project component includes habitat assessments, monitoring snowshoe hares, satellite/radiotelemetry monitoring of released animals, and developing a state recovery plan. The goal is to learn about the life history and ecology of lynx in Colorado, recover this federally listed threatened species and to make recommendation on land management practices, all to ensure the maintenance of viable populations of the species. Additionally, this aspect of the project includes coordination of plans and efforts with other agencies, partners, and other affected interests. The Colorado conservation strategy is currently in draft form, as data from the first year's effmis are being evaluated. The Colorado security benchmark is under development as part of that strategy development. These recovery benchmarks, other management considerations, and a detailed implementation plan will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at-risk species. Lynx are native to Colorado, which is at the southern periphery of the species natural range. Official records report only 22 positive records of lynx, but there were certainly many more unreported lynx from the early history of the state. Through a combination of trapping pressure and habitat alteration, such as fire suppression, use of poisons, and human development, lynx have become extremely rare in the southern Rockies. The last confim1ed lynx was trapped and killed near Vail in February 1973. Hunting seasons were closed in 1971, and the species was added to Colorado's endangered list in 1976. In the summer of 1997, the CDOW began working cooperatively with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), USFWS and National Park Service to fonnulate a conservation plan for lynx. In January 1998 an interagency team released a draft of an official conservation strategy (phase I) laying the groundwork to reintroduce lynx to Colorado. The authors of the plan stated that the most practical way to re-establish lynx in the state would be by reintroduction. The plan called for extensive habitat evaluation throughout the state, and a survey of the population of snowshoe hares, the main staple of the lynx's diet. Results indicated there appeared to be enough quality habitat to support viable lynx populations. Following a series of public meetings, the Colorado Wildlife Commission made the final decision to reintroduce lynx on November. 12, 1998, in southwest Colorado in the Rio Grande and San Juan National forests. Fortyone lynx were released in the winter and early spring of 1999. The Wildlife Commission approved another release for the following year, and by April 2000 another 55 lynx were released into southwestern Colorado. In April 2000, the USFWS listed the lynx as a threatened species in all of the lower 48 states. In January 2000, the federal land management agencies published the Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy. It suggests that fire exclusion, grazing, compacted snow, predator control, predation and vehicular collisions could be factors affecting lynx conservation and survival in the southern Rocky Mountains. Page 40 �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP0810 • One population greenback cutthroat trout secured Due to hybridization concerns and drought impacts, the number of populations counting toward greenback cutthroat trout recovery continues to be re-evaluated. Drought impacts compelled salvage operations be conducted for four populations. More than 300 trout from one historic stream population in the South Platte basin were transferred to a nearby high lake. An additional 350 trout from three historic stream populations in the Arkansas River basin were transferred to CDOW hatcheries. In one case, the trout in the hatchery may now represent the entire South Apache Creek population. • 26 populations secured and stable Due to 2002 drought impacts, field efforts were primarily focused on monitoring and salvage of affected populations. • 20 populations secured/stable on South Platte Further monitoring continues in order to detennine if these populations meet other recovery population abundance and reproductive criteria after experiencing drought conditions. Recent genetic results indicate at least one new pure population exists in the Boulder watershed. • Six populations secured and stable on Arkansas The CDOW completed genetic analyses on six greenback cutthroat trout historic populations, which were all determined to be pure, and secured four populations. Captive broodstocks were initiated through transfer of adult fish from S.Apaches, Graneros, and North Taylor populations, and spawning of Bear Creek population. Biologists developed and protected new broodstocks at a new cutthroat isolation/quarantine hatchery and protected the South Apache population from drought impacts via salvage of adults. Additionally, staff completed the removal of nonnative trout from the South Slope of the Pikes Peak watershed for future reintroduction. Further monitoring continues to detennine if these populations meet other recovery population abundance and reproductive criteria after experiencing drought conditions. • One research study on whirling disease impact to greenback cutthroat trout This study was modified and continues due to results indicating the Zimme1man Lake population was in fact whirling disease negative. The primary purpose of management at this water is to maintain a wild broodstock, but the discovery of active reproduction and lack of survival of progeny have changed research direction to resolving survival recruitment obstacles. Page 41 �• 15 populations of greenback cutthroat trout assessed for whirling disease status A CDOW research project was initiated in FY02-03 to conduct this assessment and is ongoing this field season. • One recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the greenback cutthrnat trout have been incorporated into the Colorado statewide recovery plan WP0820 • 20 floodplain ponds treated via cooperative (landowner) agreements A final report on the efficacy of floodplain pond treatments to control nonnative fish has been drafted. Monitoring of treated ponds demonstrated reinvasion by nonnative fish species within one year. This project has been redirected to investigate major contributing sources of bass and sunfish to riverine populations. • More than 30 Colorado River backwaters treated for nonnative fish Treatment of backwaters to remove nonnative fish populations was evaluated and demonstrated no significant effect. An effo11 to control nonnative minnow species by this approach has been discontinued. • Evaluate mechanical removal of northern pike, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish from the Yampa and Colorado rivers. Four separate projects have been initiated to detennine if the target nonnative species can be significantly reduced from treatment river reaches in comparison to control reaches. • 25,000 bonytail chub transplanted Bonytail continue to be produced and stocked into the Yampa and Colorado rivers. • 2,400 Colorado pikeminnow transplanted This objective was not accomplished at this time. A total of 3,000 pikeminnows have been held at John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility for rearing and eventual stocking. • 90,000 razorback sucker transplanted Razorback sucker continue to be produced and stocked into the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. Page 42 �• Four recovery and conservation plans incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail and the humpback chub have been incorporated into the Colorado statewide recovery plan. WP0830 • 40 bald eagle breeding pairs con:finned, with 1.0 young per breeding pair Final reports are not yet available, but number of pairs for FY02-03 is approximately the same as for FY0l-02 (45 pairs) and production is probably slightly higher than the figure for FY0l-02 (0.87 young/pair). WP0880 • 40 ferrets transplanted (Colorado-Utah combined) A total of 43 black-footed ferrets (federally endangered) were reintroduced into Colorado in November 2001 into two separate management areas: Coyote Basin and Wolf Creek. Also, 28 black-footed ferrets were released in the fall of 2002, all into Wolf Creek. Coyote Basin is in both Utah and Colorado; Wolf Creek is entirely in Colorado. This multi-agency effort includes the USFWS, Bureau of Land Management, CDOW, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, Utah State University, and federal wildlife services. • 40 estimated black-footed ferret populations The current federal recovery plan goal is to secure 10 populations range-wide, however this plan is currently being rewritten. New recovery goals are not known at this time. The current estimation is that there are five populations throughout the range. • One population secured in Colorado by 2005 Black-footed ferret breeding in Colorado was documented in 2001 with one litter on the Colorado side of Coyote Basin. CDOW is currently working on the goal of one secure population by 2005. An additional release is scheduled for fall 2003 and will include up to 10 wild-born kits from Conata Basin, South Dakota as well as kits from the Brown's Park breeding facility and the species survival program. • One recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the black-footed ferret have been incorporated into the statewide recovery plan. • 40 coyote necropsies, seriologies Serologies were completed on 22 coyotes to help monitor disease prevalence in the black-footed ferret reintroduction areas. The numbers of coyote taken were lower than expected due to extreme heat/drought during summer sampling period. Results were negative for plague. Page 43 �Grant Name: Propagation of Aquatic Species at Risk CDOW Work Package Number: (0570) Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: $1,026,965 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $424,533 Description: The purpose of this project is to contribute to the recovery of listed aquatic species and to prevent the listing of new species by rearing aquatic wildlife for stocking in the wild in order to re-establish populations in suitable habitats. Activities within this project include obtaining genetically appropriate broodstocks, captive rearing to obtain viable numbers for population re-establishment, and stocking species into suitable habitats to reestablish viable, sustainable wild populations. The activities included construction, operation and maintenance of the native species rearing facility in the San Luis Valley, the cost of which was pmtially underwritten by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. This project also covers work at other state fish hatcheries involved in the rearing oflisted and sensitive native aquatic species. The John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility began operating in the summer of 2000. Fish, toads and/or eggs from a variety of species have been taken from the wild to begin the process of researching each species' life cycle requirements. Broodstocks have been developed for several species and progeny are being reared for release. Species that have been successfully reared at the facility include razorback suckers, Colorado pikeminnow, bonytail, roundtail chub, Rio Grande suckers, Rio Grande chub, Arkansas dmter, common shiner, northern and southern redbelly dace, plains minnow, suckermouth minnow, and boreal toads. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 500,000 inches Colorado River cutthroat trout produced More than 852,472 inches Colorado River cutthroat trout were produced. • 300,000 inches of greenback cutthroat trout produced More than 884,612 inches of greenback cutthroat trout were produced. Page 44 �• 150,000 inches Rio Grande cutthroat trout produced More than 242,433 inches Rio Grande cutthroat trout were produced. • 2,000 boreal toads hatched and reared More than 14,356 boreal toads were transferred to zoos as refugia or as research animals. • 1,100 broodstock toads maintained A total of 566 broodstock toads were maintained. • • 20,000 hatchery reared largebodied threatened and endangered fish Approximately 50,000 bonytails (federally endangered) were produced and 14,311 distributed. Also, 694 razorback suckers (federally endangered) were reared and 574 stocked. 10,000 Colorado pikeminnow were reared, none distributed • 10,000 smallbodied species atrisk fish produced and reintroduced 1) 3,525 Arkansas darters were produced, 3,525 were reintroduced into suitable habitat. 2) 1,371 common shiners were produced, 1,371 were stocked into Lefthand Creek. 3) 214 northern redbelly dace were produced, 214 were reintroduced into suitable habitat. 4) 1, 719 southern redbelly dace were produced, 1, 719 were reintroduced into suitable habitat. 5) 23,023 Rio Grande chub were produced, 23,023 were stocked into suitable habitat. • 1,100 boreal toads provided refugia A total of 566 broodstock individuals were maintained in refugia. • Fifteen species small-bodied fish provided rufugia Nine species, comprising ahnost 1,799 adult and young fish, were provided refugia. • Three species large-bodied fish provided refugia Three federally endangered Colorado River fish species (Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bonytail) and one special concern species (roundtail chub), totaling more than 10,000 fish were and continue to be maintained for future stocking. Page 45 �Grant Name: Youth Education CDOW Work Package Number: (6130, Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: 3,060,915 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1,242,397 6140,6150,616~6290,6580,6581) Description: The primary goal of this project is to provide educational opportunities about Colorado's wildlife and their environment. The various components emphasize active involvement and experiential activities involving Colorado's natural resources. • Ensure that the CDOW's wildlife education programs are focusing resources in an effective manner and are meeting public needs and expectations. Activities under this project component include standardization of reporting, collection of data on workload and effectiveness from various programs, and conduct analyses of those data. • Train public and private schoolteachers throughout the state to conduct wildlife-related educational activities with their students. Actions dealing with this project element include conducting training sessions and workshops for people who in turn can train teachers (typically volunteer facilitators), and providing materials and information for use by both trainers and educators. Activities also include identifying school districts where facilitators are needed; recruiting and maintaining workshop facilitators at colleges and universities; administering a school site habitat grant program; making workshops available to all pre-service teachers at colleges and universities; conducting follow-up workshops focusing on knowledge of wildlife and wildlife management; providing additional educational resources to teachers who receive project WILD; and providing liaison with sponsoring agencies for other natural resource education programs (e.g., Project Leaming Tree, Project WET). With multiple programs available, several school districts have "bundled" curricula into a custom package called "Teaching Environmental Science Naturally," or TEN. This package allows the districts and educators to tailor their teachings to specific needs and opp01tunities, and to promote local fieldoriented education. TEN facilitates multi-agency paitnerships with school districts and provides materials and training to help teachers and students reach their district standards. • Provide presentations, information, and educational materials about wildlife and wildlife issues directly to elementary and secondary school students. Activities include making classroom and field trip presentations to students; maintaining and providing library materials and resource education kits to teachers; responding to requests for specific wildlife education information; creating and maintaining an Internet home page about wildlife education; developing cooperative agreements with schools and other entities; and developing formal educational materials and activities for use at CDOW wildlife viewing sites. Page 46 �This component provides CDOW with opportunities to increase knowledge of wildlife and wildliferelated issues through the elementary and secondary school systems in Colorado. General wildlife education can be grouped into three categories: 1) making presentations to school children; 2) providing materials, equipment, and information to teachers; and 3) cooperating with other entities to provide presentations or materials. This paiinership with the educational community gives the CDOW access to the most cmTent efforts of science education; workshops and professional development at the forefront of implementation effo1is for standards-based education in Colorado; and networking oppo1tunities that enhance all CDOW wildlife education efforts in schools. • Build awareness of wildlife and natural resources into the daily lives of urban youth and their families to foster an appreciation for wildlife and their habitats, and to promote the conservation of natural resources through a variety of wildlife-related learning experiences. The Wonders In Nature-Wonders In Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) program, developed in partnership with the Denver Zoo and numerous other agencies and organizations, is used to meet the objectives of this project component. WIN-\VIN is a standards-based, sequential, multicultural science program that includes 40 to 70 hours of classroom instruction per grade level per year (depending on the students' age), as well as two field trips to a natural resource site for each student. At present, the program is offered in 28 schools, in pre-school through fifth grade. • Provide wildlife education experiences to young people outside the public school system. This educational component focuses on young people outside of the school system and emphasizes the Colorado Youth Naturally program arid other programs such as Explorers and 4-H. Colorado Youth Naturally encompasses six distinct programs, differing in location, funding, partners, student recruitment, and number of student experiences. These middle school prograins all share common goals to: 1) provide educational outdoor natural resource experiences to students; 2) promote life-long responsible use and care of Colorado's natural resources; 3) motivate students to excel in school; and 4) develop self-respect and skills necessary to reduce at-risk behaviors. These programs use the natural environment as a focal point to encourage responsible behavior and to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. The Wildlife Explorer program gives young women and men (ages 14 to 20) the chance to explore natural resources fields, including wildlife management, as a potential career path. Also, CDOW contributed to the Habitat Evaluation and Shooting Sports activities of the 4-H programs. • Provide environmental education, career exploration, field trips and summer employment opportunities to a group of diverse students interested in pursuing careers in natural resources and to students with limited outdoor experiences. In the previous fiscal year (FY0l-02) the Youth in Natural Resources program (YNR) was merged with the Colorado Youth Corps to streamline overhead and administrative costs. The Colorado Youth Corps (CYC) program is structured to encourage participants to continue their education and to pursue careers in natural resources. The program also increases participants' awareness of opportunities to enjoy the state's natural resources, including wildlife recreation activities. Page 47 �• Design, develop and manage efforts to increase the number of youth engaged in conservation projects. CDOW activities are centered on improving the wildlife education curriculum for the youth corps and other youth programs. The mission of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) is to develop and maintain a network of locally operating youth conservation corps programs that work to preserve and enhance the environment. Additional organizations (e.g., Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado and the Colorado Outward Bound School) participate in CDOW conservation projects. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP6130 • Three education programs evaluated The CDOW education staff collected program evaluations from 1,180 workshop participants involved in various natural resources education curricula (i.e., Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, and Project Food, Land and People). Program adjustments continue to be made according to these evaluations. The correlation to the Colorado Model Content Standards is complete and functioning well as an interactive Web page for educators. The address of this page is www.coloradocorrelations.org. This activity enabled the school systems to use the various curricula to meet statewide education goals. The Web page enables educators to access the correlation database and search for specific topics, standards and activities. In addition, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory completed an evaluation of the banding stations at their six sites this year. • Three evaluationbased reco1mnendations made The three reco1mnendations based on evaluations include: 1) Minor adjustments will continually be made regarding the presentation of Project WILD based on a survey completed in FY02-03. 2) Major adjustments to the correlation page to the Colorado Model Content Standards to make it more useful for educators. 3) Outreach of the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory program will be increased statewide. WP0640 • 200 facilitators trained and maintained in all programs During this fiscal year, the number of facilitators grew to 219. • 2,000 educators trained in all programs 2,200 teachers were trained in the implementation of Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, and Project Food, Land and People during this fiscal year. Page 48 �• 17,000 teachers reached with follow-up resources and/or ongoing support Approximately 16,500 teachers were reached with follow-up resources and ongoing support from the CDOW Denver headqua11ers. In addition, 1,000 teachers were provided resources and responses to requests for infonnation or materials. In part, this included checking out the "critter crates" and other educational material from the CDOW's Northeast Region. • One Project WILD facilitator conference A total of 140 facilitators attended the three-day facilitator leadership conference in April 2003. • 12,000 students participating in TEN Fully 44,120 students participated in Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) in the CDOW's West Region; 20,000 students participated in TEN in the Southeast Region; and 2,060 students participated in the No11heast Region • 400 teachers patiicipating in TEN The CDOW trained 34 teachers to use the TEN materials through workshops in the NE Region; and 240 teachers were trained in the SE Region. • 12,000 students reached with aquatic wildlife education A total of 48,000 students were exposed to Project WET aquatic wildlife education activities from July 2002 through June 2003, and 110,000 students were exposed to Aquatic WILD and 2,200 students participated in other aquatic educational activities. WP6150 • 1,290 schools reached The CDOW reached 1,300 Front Range schools with wildlife educational material presented by staff from Bluff Lake, the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, and the Colorado Wildlife Federation. In addition to Front Range schools, 500 schools in the Northeast Region of the state and 89 schools in the West Region were reached through follow-up material and classroom programs. • 80 partnership agencies All education activities within the CDOW rely heavily upon effective partnerships involving more than 200 schools, private organizations, cities, counties and state and federal governmental organizations. • 13,000 issues published (Colorado Connections) Annually, CDOW publishes 60,000 copies of Colorado Connections (15,000 copies four times per year). This number grows annually based on the number of new patiicipants in Project WILD, Project WET, and Project Leaming Tree workshops. • 12,000 students in RMBO, Bluff Lake and CWF Student participation totaled 12,800 in wildlife education programs presented by Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO), Bluff Lake and the Colorado Wildlife Federation (CWF). Page 49 �• 5,000 students participating in classroom presentations by Denver Audubon and CSU Rocky Mountain Raptor Program About 4,000 students pa1ticipated in programs by the Audubon Society of greater Denver, and 2,440 students participated in wildlife education programs provided by the CSU Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. WP6160 • 30 schools using WIN-WIN The CDOW, partnering with the Denver Zoo and others, has 26 schools in the Denver metro area that are active participants in the Wonder In NatureWonders In Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) program. • 16,000 students served As a result of the involvement of 26 Metro Denver schools, 12,000 students participated in the WIN-WIN program. • Two field trips per student Each student (12,000 total) participated in one field trip, traveling to a variety of wildlife education sites throughout the region. These existing sites, provided by numerous partners, coordinate educational experiences relevant to the unique location of the field trip. • 60 participating partners/field sites Currently there are more than 40 partners and field sites participating in the WIN-WIN program. • 500 youths participating in CYN A total of 2, 179 youths participated in the CDOW-sponsored program, Colorado Youth Naturally (CYN). This middle school program focused on: 1) Providing educational outdoor natural resource experiences to students; 2) Promoting life-long responsible use and care of Colorado's natural resources; 3) Motivating students to excel in school; and 4) Developing self-respect and the skills necessary to reduce at-risk behaviors. WP6290 • 4,000 pa1ticipant days in CYN A total of 3,919 participant days in CYN were recorded for the year. • 1,770youths participating in other programs (Explorers, etc.) About 450 youth participated, and with assistance from CDOW, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, FF A, Explorers, and 4-H, the program also reached Colorado kids outside of the classroom. These presentations provided by CDOW staff, mostly district wildlife managers, offer Colorado communities and community groups throughout the state with sound wildlife management and conservation messages. Page 50 �WP6581 • 6,150 pa1ticipant days in all programs In FY0l-02, the Depa11ment of Natural Resources transitioned from the YNR Prograin to Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) to streamline overhead and reduce administrative costs. CYCA crews are not assigned to CDOW properties, therefore number of crew members and crew leaders are no longer appropriate performance measures. • FourCDOW hatcheries with CYCA crews Accomplishments: CYC crews perfonned critical aquatic projects and improved hatchery facilities. Aquatic-related and facility improvement task accomplishments included: 1) installing 500 feet of protective wire on raceways; 2) cleaning one fish pond and (95) raceways; 3) relocating fish and removing dead fish from raceways; 4) feeding 400,00 fish; 5) installiilg and repairi.'1gl,440 square feet of hatchery netting over raceways; 6) constructing five concrete slabs making the Roaring Judy Hatchery fishing ponds accessible to individuals with disabilities; • 25 completed habitat projects The Colorado Youth Corps (CYC) crews completed a minimum of 45 wildlife habitat projects as well as maintained and enhanced CDOW facilities. Wildlife-related accomplishments include: 1) constructing 4+ miles of trails; 2) maintaining and improving 10 bridges; 3) building two new bridges; 4) constructing five wooden stairways; 5) building 15 feet of elevated turnpike; 6) constructing 77 water diversion/erosion controls 7) maintaining and repairing 17.6 miles of fences; 8) installing 2.9 miles of fencing; 9) constructing and posting 18 signs; 10) planting 6,590 trees and 515 seeds, flower or shrubs; 11) conducting 80 angler education clinics and teaching angler education to 2,200 children in the metro Denver area; 12) removing 30 acres of noxious weeds and collecting 1,152 30-gallon bags of weeds; 14) building a 1.75-mile fn-e break; 16) painting and improving seven toilet facilities. • 195 youths paiticipated in Colorado Youth Corps During FY0l-02, CYC crews devoted 54 weeks at the following CDOW properties: Cherokee State Wildlife Area (SWA), Bellvue Watson Hatchery, Walter Walker SWA, Radium SWA, Tilhnan Bishop SWA., Brown's Park SWA, Indian Run SWA, Billy Creek SWA, Roaring Judy Hatchery, Russel Lakes SWA, Hedkdorf SWA, Shavano SWA and Monte Vista Nation Wildlife Refuge. CYC crews also provided 24 weeks of service (two crews for12 weeks each) to the CDOW's angler education prograin. • 17,495 hours of work provided by CYCA CYCA crews spent 17,495 hours contributing to critical habitat projects and a variety of wildlife-related and property management projects. CYCA members completed 540 hours of environmental education activities. Page 51 �Grant Name: Angler Education CDOW Work Package Number: (6420) Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: $281 810 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1601.31 Description: The purpose of this project is to recruit new anglers and promote fishery resource conservation, resource stewardship, ethics, and angling skills among Colorado's current and new anglers. Activities include: assessing demand for clinics; recruiting and training instructors, both paid and volunteer; developing and maintaining partnerships with government, business, and community groups; evaluating and obtaining appropriate instructional materials; developing and printing new angler education materials; working with manufacturers to obtain fishing equipment for distribution to clinic participants; and conducting clinics for both youth and adults. The angler education program is an aquatic education program intended to acquaint Colorado's population, primarily youth, with the ecology, biology, and history relating to fishing through a comprehensive angling program. Topics covered during fishing clinics include angler ethics, fish identification, fish anatomy, angling skills, and aquatic ecology. At the end of the clinic, participants actively fish for one to two hours, and then perform clean up around the fishing area used. Students are allowed to keep equipment and tackle used during the clinic. Clinics are conducted throughout Colorado. Clinics are offered on a regular basis from March through September each year and are directed by the angler education coordinator in the CDOW Denver headquarters. Extensive partnering takes places with tackle and equipment manufacturers, youth organizations, and angling organizations. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP6420 • 15,000 people participating in CDOW angler education clinics 18,000 people participated in CDOW-sponsored angler education clinics during FY02-03. In order to achieve this level of participation, CDOW staff: 1) assessed demand for clinics; 2) recruited and trained instructors, both paid and volunteer; 3) maintained partnerships with government, business and community groups; 4) evaluated and obtained appropriate instructional materials; 5) developed and printed new angler education materials; 6) obtained fishing equipment for distribution to clinic participants; and conducted clinics for both youth and adults. Page 52 �• 450 clinics conducted statewide by CDOWor partners CDOW provided 480 clinics provided throughout the state. Also, 14,000 rods and reels were distributed to kids throughout the state. • 3 0 classrooms participating in the "Classroom Aquarium Project" A total of 30 school classrooms participated in learning about trout ecology and anatomy through the Classroom Aquarium Project (CAP). • 3,000 students participating in the "Classroom Aquarium Project" On average about 100 students are involved with each aquarium project, • 300 students participating in the week-long Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program Student participation totaled 450 in the Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program conducted by DARE in the cities of Westminister and Northglem1 and in Adams and Morgan Counties. • 500 attendees to Colorado State Parks "Fish of Colorado" Campfire programs Approximately 500 participants attended campfire programs at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado State Forest, Mueller State Park, Ridgeway State Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, San Luis State Park, Bear Creek Lake Park, and Las Animas State Park. impacting a total of 3,000 students. Page 53 �G1·ant Name: Wildlife Viewing CDOW Work Package Number: (5110, 5210, 5260, 5310) Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: 1 018,520 706 787 Description: The purpose of this project is to provide a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. To successfully complete this task, the CDOW and its partners implement the following strategies throughout the state. • Develop wildlife viewing sites and facilities in partnership with others on non-CDOW lands. The CDOW provides for cooperative funding, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of wildlife viewing opportunities on lands not managed by the CDOW, focusing on developing sites to help people to enjoy, learn about and appreciate Colorado's diverse wildlife. These efforts include cooperative ventures with State Parks to identify and develop wildlife viewing opportunities on State Parks, Colorado Historical Society and with the Colorado Department of Transportation to develop wildlife interpretation opportunities along Colorado's highways. Activities under this project include reviewing and updating the database of statewide wildlife viewing opportunities; prioritizing these opportunities for future development; and developing cooperative projects with local, state and federal agencies. Examples include the Watchable Wildlife in Parks program to address common mandates of the two agencies and provide a variety of recreational opportunities by constructing kiosks, viewing sites and interpretive displays at state parks. • Provide planning, design, construction, and maintenance of wildlife viewing opportunities on lands owned and managed by the CDOW. There are more than 250 state wildlife areas managed by the CDOW. Many of these areas can provide significant wildlife viewing opportunities without jeopardizing the wildlife on those properties, or adversely affecting other recreational opportunities. Activities within this project component include identifying opportunities to develop wildlife viewing sites; designing and constructing wildlife viewing sites; publicizing wildlife viewing oppmtunities on CDOW prope11ies; and planning future projects. • Provide informational, educational and interpretive materials that direct people to wildlife viewing opportunities and the associated learning experiences. "Wildlife Watch" instructor certification workshops; coordinating "Wildlife Watch" workshops for families; printing wildlife viewing brochures to meet demands; and designing and publishing new brochures are critical to achieving this goal. A major component of this project is "Wildlife Watch," a family-oriented program that provides training in wildlife viewing in a workshop setting, taught by volunteers who are trained by the CDOW, Page 54 �• Learn about public preferences, participation, satisfaction and learning with respect to wildlife viewing and appreciation. Activities under this goal emphasizes research: 1) to gain better understanding of viewer recreation typologies; 2) to gain an understanding of the impacts of wildlife feeding activities on both wildlife and people, and the success of various approaches to influencing behavior; 3) regarding viewer impacts on resources including evaluation of resources before and after the development of recreation facilities; 4) training by CDOW personnel at professional organization meetings; 5) to detennine how well specific projects or products meet CDOW goals. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments To Date: WP5110 • Four completed Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with Colorado Historical Society The CDOW contributed time and expe1tise toward the development of several Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects along with the Colorado Historical Society: Southeast Colorado Hardscrabble site completed. Initiated planning with CHS and three byways for kiosks at the new Pueblo Historical Museum (at the site of the El Pueblo Museum) in the A1thur Carhart Pavillion. Byways included are Frontier Pathways, Gold Belt Tour and Scenic Hwy of Legends Western Colorado Placerville - panels are complete but installation delayed until status of installation site is resolved. Kremmling - panels are complete but installation is delayed until town park upgrade is completed. Northeastern Colorado Bergen Park - kiosk completed. Kenosha Pass - kiosk installed. • Three Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with CDOT Directional signage has been installed to mark 44 sites identified in the Wildlife Viewing Guide (2nd Edition). The remaining 150+ sites will be marked in FY03-04. A needs assessment was initiated to identify which viewing sites need signage, and detennine what kinds of signs are needed. Previous Fountain Creek signing project funds were used to provide interpretive signing for a selfguided nature trail at the Cottonwood Marsh area of Fountain Creek Regional Park. The project was completed in cooperation with COOT, El Paso County Parks staff and CDOW. Page 55 �Eight Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with Colorado Scenic Byways The CDOW assisted with the development of several Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with Colorado Scenic Byways: • Nine Watchable Wildlife projects on State Parks 1) Completed new bird wildlife viewing area and associated interpretation at Barr Lake State Park. 2) Completed wildlife viewing area and restoration at Chatfield State Park. 3) Planned for visitor center watchable wildlife interpretation at Bonny State Park and John Martin State Park for completion by July 2004. 4) Planned for watchable wildlife interpretation at Cheyenne Mountain State Park and additional wildlife interpretation at Arkansas Headwaters State Recreation Area. 5) Planned and designed work for watchable wildlife interpretive projects at Ridgeway State Park and Colorado River State Park (Fruita unit). • Eight Watchable Wildlife projects with partners 1) Completed interpretive wayside exhibits in Fairplay, Como, Bailey, and Hartsel, along with Park County and others. 2) Completed a heritage program handbook for use by those interested in learning about heritage tourism and its connection to local conservation with Park County. 3) Completed the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center in pai1nership with USFS and others. 4) Involved Denver youth in the creation of viewing area, art, and interpretation at Berkeley Park through partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation and Arts Street. 5) Completed waterfowl viewing area - including three pull-offs, a viewing platform, benches and interpretation for South Platte River trail in • 1) Initiated planning for Guanella Pass Byway ptannigan and winter recreation report - to be completed in spring 2004. 2) Initiated planning for a South Platte River trail interpretive project, and Mt. Evans project. 3) Additional interpretive panels were installed on the Los Caminos Antiguos in cooperation with CDOW. 4) Completed Watchable Wildlife Viewing trails project at Hayden Meadows with Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. 5) Planning continuing on Scenic Highway of Legends, Santa Fe Trail, and others. 6) Initiated planning with CHS and three byways for a kiosk at the new Pueblo Historical Museum (at the site of the El Pueblo Museum) in the Arthur Carhart Pavilion. Byways included are Frontier Pathways, Gold Belt Tour, and Scenic Highway of Legends. 7) Completed Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic byways panels to be installed at the visitors center at Cobbit Lake. 8) Design interpretive panels for Unaweep-Tabeguache byway. 9) Forged co-op agreement with Colorado State Forest Service, Jackson County and Walden for interpretive signage for Cache la Poudre-North Park byway. 10) Design interpretive panels for San Juan byway at Chatanooga. 11) Design interpretive panels for Alpine Loop on Engineer Pass. 12) Completed kids' interactive skull display at Naturita Visitors' Center (Unaweep-Tabeguache byway). Page 56 �Thornton along with Adams County. 6) Completed design on confluence project (Colorado and Gunnison Rivers). Pa1tners included USFWS, Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Grand Junction. 7) Completed installation of sign bases and interpretive panels at park in Hayden 8) Renovated displays and pond viewing platform at Parachute. 9) Replaced interpretive panels at Grand Lake, along with USFS. 10) Completed watchable wildlife interpretive gazebo at Limon Wetlands wildlife viewing area, with the City of Limon. 11) Completed Historic Arkansas River Walk watchable wildlife interpretive trail with the City of Pueblo. Includes low profile interpretive and historical signs, outdoor tile exhibit and Pike's journey exhibit. 12) Completed wildlife viewing poster with Great Sand Dunes National Monument. The second phase of this project will feature interpretive signage developed from this artwork. 13) Using a CYCA crew, completed trail construction at Lamar Woods, adjacent to Willow Creek in cooperation with Lainar Community College. • Five wildlife viewing site plans with paitners 1) Completed planning for the first two interpretive signs along the multi- jurisdictional Cherry Creek corridor trail. Project is to be completed and installed in FY03-04. 2) Completed the first phase of a watchable wildlife plan with Colorado State Parks and BLM for Blue Heron property along Arkansas River near Florence. This project will be part of the Arkansas River Recreation Area. 3) Basin-wide planning process and draft report, "Three Rivers Plan for Wildlife Education/Recreation" was initiated in Pitkin, Eagle, and Gai·field counties. WP5210 • 50 Watchable Wildlife projects on SWAs The following projects were completed at state wildlife areas (SWA) throughout the state. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Planning for orientation kiosks at Lowell Ponds and Tamarack SWA; Nature trail improvements and habitat enhancement at Lon Hagler SWA; Trail project with interpretive signage by CYCA crews on Russell Lakes SWA; Watchable wildlife viewing blind installation at Queens SWA; Watchable wildlife kiosk at Lake Dorothy SWA; Upgrade of viewing deck and refmbish of interpretive panels on kiosk at Parachute Ponds SWA; Installation of interpretive panels at Billy Creek SWA; Installation of interpretive displays at Piceance Creek SWA; Installation of interpretive panels at Garfield Creek SWA; Kiosk completed at Cimarron SWA; Completion of kiosk on Hamilton Tract - Escalante SWA; Final design of interpretive panels at Escalante SWA overlook; Kiosk interpretive panels designed for Tillman Bishop SWA; Gunnison Sage Grouse viewing site completed at Waunita SWA; Page 57 �• • • • • • • • 30 completed SWAs viewing recreation plans Fencing project at Billy Creek SWA; Fencing project on Hamilton tract - Escalante SWA; Road upgrades and stream crossing on Billy Creek SWA; Wildlife viewing site at wetlands overlook on Kemp Breeze SWA; Design work completed for interpretive panels and orientation/regulations panels for Kemp Breeze SWA; Entrance displays at Durango Hatchery; and Conceptual design work through second review for Crystal River Hatchery kiosk and self-guided raceway tour. N01iheast Region: Finalized design and construction plans for the Red Lion SWA boardwalk; construction will be completed in winter/spring of FY03-04. Viewing recreation plan completed for Cimarron SWA WP5260 • 45 volunteer instructors trained in Wildlife Watch The CDOW trained 30 new instructors. (The projected number of instructors trained was too high for the demand. Some instructors did not show up for the trainings.) • 2,500 students graduated from Wildlife Watch 1,200 participants graduated from Wildlife Watch. • A total of 123 Wildlife Watch workshops were scheduled, 71 were completed by the CDOW; • The agency conducted intensive Wildlife Watch program training for the Alaska Fish and Game Depa11ment and for the Illinois Nature Conservancy. These two organizations are interested in adapting the Wildlife Watch program for their states; • Edited and revised two Wildlife Watch modules (Wildlife Management and Wildlife Identification); • Started development of a 10-minute wildlife viewing instructional video. Script is 90 percent written, though the actual production costs were higher than was projected, and funds were not available for the completion of this project; and • Reprinted 60 workshop instructor manuals and 500 participant manuals. • One new brochure produced CDOW learned that the "Remember to Look" brochure was awarded first place in a national competition with the Conservation Information Association. The first draft of new sheep and goat viewing brochure was completed. The final copy of the brochure will be completed in FY03-04. Also, the first draft of a "wildlife viewing checklist' for the short-grass prairie and the first education packet in a proposed series intended to complement the biodiversity poster and curriculum series were completed. Page 58 �• 1,250 Watchable Wildlife volunteer hours 1,200 volunteer hours were contributed in the NE region. • 13,500 Watchable Wildlife Festival participants Numerous festivals centered on watching wildlife throughout the state. 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) More than 100 people participated in the greater sage-grouse tours in North Park from the last week in April through the fast week in May. An estimated 460 people visited the Waunita Gunnison sage-grouse site between early March a11d late May. More than 120 people participated in the intensive Wray prairie-chicken viewing tours. Watchable wildlife staff trained and coordinated volunteer "naturalists", who hosted wildlife viewing and interpretation at four sites. These sites hosted the following: - Approximately 100 people pa1t icipated in 'guided waterfowl viewing on the South Platte i11 Tb rnton at the new viewing area.Approximately 200 people talked with watchable wildlife volunteers at Waterton Canyon. - Almost 3,000 visitors viewed and learned about mountain wildlife on Mt. Evans. - More than 700 visitors viewed and learned about Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep at Georgetown. More than 8,000 participants were involved in the Elk Fest in Estes Park. The High Plains Snow Goose Festival began its first year in April. Planning continues for the second annual (2004) festival, which will take place in February. WP5310 • Four wildlife viewing-related research papers or projects In partnership with the National Park Service, CDOW completed a comprehensive literature review regarding recommended information/persuasion approaches for influencing visitor behavior regarding interactions with wildlife. These recommendations focused primarily on feeding wildlife. Also, in partnership with CSU, CDOW published findings about wildlife viewing in the Human Dimensions Journal. • Two wildlife resource impact related studies 1) lajtiated a prutnership effort to inventory winter ptarmigan population and winter recreation use on Guanella Pass for future discussions regarding: potential recreation management. 2) Prepared research proposal to determine the effects of wildlife viewing on "lekking" birds, specifically, the Gunnison sage-grouse. • Three workshops and training presentations CDOW presented infonnation and hosted an infonnation booth regarding watchable wildlife. Also, support materials were provided to volunteers and staff at Colorado's Welcome Centers. Page 59 �• Two Watchable Wildlife plans (includes statewide and regional, annual internal, five-year' internal, and with partners) Regional work plans were updated. • Five evaluation studies (includes project specific or programmatic, efficacy, efficiency, satisfaction, etc.) The studies were not completed. All Education and Watchable Wildlife program evaluations were on hold until the completion of the Department of Natural Resources Education Review Commission Report was completed in April 2002 Page 60 �Fiscal Year: 2002-2003 Grant Name: Grants Management CDOW Work Package Number: (8135) Total Expenditures: $120,974 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $113,294 Description: The purpose of this project is to manage the Great Outdoors Colorado program (GOCO) and the associated grants and to maintain effective communications between the GOCO Board, the Colorado Wildlife Commission and staff and the CDOW. Activities include implementation of policies and procedures approved by the Wildlife Commission and the GOCO Board; administration of grant requests; and tracking, monitoring and reporting grant expenditures. The project also includes preparing, reviewing and approving all required grant documentation, including grant modifications, maintaining regular liaison activities with GOCO Board and staff and participating in GOCO activities to follow the direction of the Department of Natural Resources and the Wildlife Commission. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: WP8135 • $10,400,000 grant dollars awarded For FY02-03, $10,094,765 of GOCO funds were awarded for a variety of wildlife-related projects. These funds from Colorado Lottery dollars are directed to wildlife-related programs under the GOCO Amendment of the Colorado Constitution. The Amendment requires these GOCO dollars to be invested in the wildlife resources of Colorado through the CDOW. This includes the protection and restoration of crucial wildlife habitats, appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage, wildlife watching, and educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. • Complete reconciliation of outstanding balances On June 27, 2003 the CDOW and GOCO completed the reconciliation of the outstanding balances of three ongoing projects: the Wetlands Initiative, the. Preserving Colorado Landscapes, and Acquire High Priority Habitats. 1) During the past several years the Wetlands Initiative (log #8001) was awarded $7,461,500. Of that amount $6,608,260 was been expended on protection and restoration projects with a variety of partners. The remaining balance of $853,240 was encumbered and per CDOW's Page 61 �grant extension request of February 11, 2003, was completed by December 31, 2003. 2) Since May of 1999 Preserving Colorado Landscapes (log #9330) received $12,620,000 of which $6,120,000 was from the wildlife quadrant (WQ). The CDOW requested that the remaining balance of $29,525 (WQ) be added to the $2,315,000 of wildlife quadrant funds granted to Preserving Colorado Landscapes (log #3850) on December 4, 2002. The new three-year Preserving Colorado Landscapes II project will then have $2,344,525 (WQ) and $1,500,000 (OS) for a total of $3,844,525. All GOCO funds have been expended with the exception of $597 ,51 7 from the open space quadrant. The open space funds are currently earmarked for specific: conservation easements: 1) $170,000 for Gunnison Ranchland, Vader-Cloverleaf (closing in December 2003); 2) $180,000 for the San Miguel County; 3) $150,000 for the CCALT Middle Creek Ranch. The balance of $94,517 is being considered for other parcels at this time. 3) The CDOW also reviewed a number of Acquire High Priority Habitat grants (log #s 8850, 9325, 1020, 2000, 2500, 2501, and 3001) awarded since 1998. For a variety of technical and logistical reasons the CDOW requested transfer of $2,760,884.28 per the specific transfer amounts and projects indicated in the Wildlife Quadrant Grant Status report, dated May 20, 2003. The funds were transferred to .FY02/03 Acquire High Priority Habitat (log #2501). The operating funds will be used as capital funds to acquire easements on up to 9 parcels of sage grouse habitat, swift fox habitat, lesser prairie chicken habitat, and riparian habitat along the Roaring Fork River. • Close CDOW's involvement in nine legacy granls The CDOW's involvement in the following legacy grants was completed in FY02-03: 1) Cache La Poudre 2) Clear Creek 3) Colorado Landscapes (with State Parks) 4) Colorado Wetlands Initiative I and II 5) Preserving Colorado Landscapes I 6) Roaring Fork 7) South Platte River 8) St. Vrain State Park 9) St. Vrain (Boulder County Open Space Department) The CDOW continues to be involved with the following multi-year legacy grants. 1) Yampa River 2) Pikes Pike Page 62 �In December 2002, CDOW received funding for three other legacy grants: 1) Preserving Colorado Landscapes II (with TNC) 2) Colorado Species Conservation Partnership 3) Wetlands Initiative • One annual report meeting deadline met This document, Fiscal Year 2002 - 2003, Accomplishments of Colorado Lottery-Funded Projects, will serve as the FY02-03 annual report as specified per the directive cited in the GOCO - DNR - CDOW Memorandum of Agreement. • 12 monthly billings deadlines met The Financial Services Section of the CDOW submitted monthly billing statements to Great Outdoors Colorado within 30 days of the end of each month for the months July 2002 through June 2003. Page 63 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/bd05328d4752ab947749a02a7b0cc651.pdf 059485b3f321b0dbc7b473c28d059c80 PDF Text Text COLORADO STATE PARKS Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Annual Report GO Colorado-Funded Project Accomplishments a ~~ Colorado State Parks C:OU)Ri\lX) ~i Bill Owens, Governor, State of Colorado • Greg E. Walcher, Exffutive Director, CC'!orado Department of Natural Resources • Lyle Laverty, Director, Colorado State Parks �Colorado State Parks October 8, 2003 T. Wright Dickinson, Chair Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Fund 1600 Broadway, Suite 1650 Denver, Colorado 80202 Dear Mr. Dickinson: This letter accompanies the first revised Colorado State Annual Report on GO Coloradofunded projects. Over a year in the making, this report provides clear information about what was accomplished in Fiscal Year 2002-2003 with all GO Colorado Parks "purpose" funds provided to Colorado State Parks. Colorado State Parks recognizes the GO Colorado Board's fiduciary responsibility to understand where funding from each of the four constitutional "purposes" is actually used. With this in mind, State Parks and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources agreed with GO Colorado to revise and streamline our Annual Report, providing a much more useable format than in the past. The format and content of this report are also reflected in a Memorandum of Agreement between State Parks, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and GO Colorado that will be signed in the near future. Sections of this Annual Report organize the parks "purpose" funding in the following manner: 1. Land & Water Protection 2. Park Enhancements 3. Statewide Programs 4. Project Operations 5. Legacy Projects 6. Multi-Year Projects TOTAL $ 7,334,503 $ 5,749,678 $ 6,475,312 $ 3,177,091 $12,576,992 $ 4,025,425 $39,339,000 We hope this new Annual Report on GO Colorado-funded projects will prove useful to the GO Colorado Board members and staff. I look forward to working with you in the years to come. Sincerely, lf~ Lyle Laverty, Director Colorado State Parks �Table of Contents Page Funding Totals . . .. . .. .. . . . . . . . ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Land & Water Protection Land Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Stewardship • Park Resource Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 • Vegetative Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Fire Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14-15 Enhancements Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Reconstruction . U.S. Army Corps Recreation Cost Share. Visitor Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reservoir Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . Revenue Enhancements Trails in State Parks . . . Mid-Range Trail Projects. 17-18 . 19-20 .. 21 . 22 . 23-24 . .. 25 26-28 Statewide Programs Youth Programs • Colorado Youth Corps & YN R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Youth Corps Program Assistant .. .. . .. . . . . . • Youth Naturally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • Mid-Range Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . • Interpretation . . . . . • Watchable Wildlife Visitor Outreach . . . . . . . . . State Trails Program Grants. . . Information Technology (IT) Project Management .. . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 .. 32 . . 33 34-35 .. 36 37-39 40-42 .. 43 44-47 .. 48 Proiect Operation 50-51 Legacy Proiects Yampa River. . Colorado River. . . . 53 54 �Page St. Vrain . . . . . . . . . Front Range Trail . . . . Cheyenne Mountain . .. . . . . 55-56 57-59 . . .. 60-61 Multi-Year Proiects Brush Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-64 John Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-66 Cheyenne Mountain (see write-up in Legacy section) ii �Colorado State Parks GO Colorado Funded Projects -- FY 2002-2003 CATEGORY Land & Water Protection Buffer Acquisitions Staunton Acquisition Land Purchases - Operating Water Resources - Capital Water Resources - Operating Park Resource Inventories Vegetative Management Fire Plan Natural Areas Projects SUB TOTAL Enhancements SOR Reconstruction Corps Recreation Cost Share Visitor Centers Reservoir Enhancements Revenue Enhancements Trails in State Parks Mid-Range Trails SUB TOTAL Statewide Programs Youth - Youth Corps & YN R Youth Corps Program Asst. Youth Naturally Youth - Special Projects Mid-Range Youth Interpretation lnterp. - Eval./State Fair Watchable Wildlife in Parks Watch . Wildlife - Operating Visitor Outreach State Trails Program - Capital State Trails Program - Operating IT Project Management SUB TOTAL Project Operations Legacy Projects Yampa River Colorado River St. Vrain Front Range Trail Cheyenne Mountain SUB TOTAL Multi- Year Projects Brush Creek John Martin SUB TOTAL TOTAL ADJUSTED GRANT AMOUNT FY 2002-2003 EXPENDITURES UNSPENT AMOUNT $2,228,000 $250,000 $49,163 $1,678,761 $150,481 $1,125,181 $1,156,918 $250,000 $445,999 $7,334,503 $494,970 $250,000 $13,507 $50,580 $82,612 $230,011 $530,314 $795 $37,064 $1,689,853 $254,004 $0 $6,689 $1.602,274 $48,795 $323,759 $383,379 $249,205 $118,865 $2,986,970 $900,000 $1,600,000 $495,000 $346,000 $1,207,000 $80,237 $1.121,441 $5,749,678 $300,000 $459,068 $63,016 $212,813 $120,886 $8,879 $353,339 $1,518,001 $300,000 $1,105,176 $42,500 $133,187 $1,086,113 $31 $430,700 $3,097,707 $608,250 $214,977 $98,500 $41,755 $66,791 $1,148.741 $38,500 $173,800 $134,234 $638,563 $2,638,860 $588,552 $83 ,788 $6,475,312 $3,177,091 $243,110 $62,591 $49.378 $19,655 $16,842 $374,056 $24,999 $55,867 $23,270 $170,147 $710,317 $152,051 $9,651 $1,911,935 $867,626 $184,612 $77,184 $35,122 $11,724 $0 $272,648 $0 $96,592 $2,139 $269,571 $1.042,372 $125,586 $74,137 $2,191,687 $1,441,298 $386,038 $4,383,578 $4,821,376 $500,000 $2,486,000 $12,576,992 $11,217 $9,200 $31,500 $0 $17,732 $69,648 $194,977 $1,177,250 $398,124 $500,000 $2,236,267 $4,506,618 $626,000 $3,399,425 $4,025,425 $114,766 $671,968 $786,734 $87,920 $12 $87,932 $39,339,000 $6,843,798 $14,312,213 iii �Land & Wa.ter Protectio·n 1 Colorado State Parks Arin 1al Report-··· Fiscal Year ?002-200 �Land & Water Protection Land Purchases Yr. Log ID 2003 2002 2001 1999 3050 2600 2026 9453 GBL BU3C BU2C BUXC BU9C ~ Acquisitions Project Name Buffer Acauisitions Buffer Acquisitions Buffer Aca uisitions Buffer Acquisitions Total: Adjusted Grant Amount Money Spent FY Unspent Amount Project End Date 2002-2003 $150,000.00 $339,000.00 $339,000.00 $1.400.000.00 $0.00 $236,457.16 $252,513.80 $6.000.00 $150,000.00 $102,542.84 $1,461.36 $0.00 $2,228,000.00 $494,969.96 $254,004.20 6/30/05 06/30/04 12/31/03 06/30/03 Background: Buffer Acquisitions provides funding for the purchase of land additions to existing parks. These purchases typically include adjacent and adjoining lands as well as buildings. In-holdings and adjoining lands at state parks, like Roxborough, Barr Lake, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area , Trinidad Lake, Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake and others, need to be purchased to preserve the integrity of the park, improve public access, address visitor safety or trespass issues and enhance the management of the land base for these areas. Other issues that need to be addressed include boundary disputes, right-of-way problems and easements. State Parks must be opportunistic in purchasing land, leases and easements when the need or availability arises. These GO Colorado funds provide matching funds for larger land projects with partners such as counties, non-profit conservation organizations, individuals and others. Buffer Acquisition funds are also used to obtain boundary surveys, appraisals, consulting and other real estate services. With the need greatly outweighing the funds available, we cannot obtain significant acreage but the allocation does allow for completion of smaller projects and matching funds for one or two larger projects. State Parks Objectives: Project descriptions stated that these funds were to be used for acquisition of important buffer and in holding lands adjoining State Parks areas. In addition to actual cost of the land/real estate, associated real estate acquisition costs (i.e., survey, appraisal, hazardous materials analysis, consulting and other professional services) are paid with these funds. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • State Parks, in partnership with Trust for Public Lands and a number of local governments, acquired a former greenhouse property (Bowtie) on the southeast boundary of Cherry Creek State Park. State Parks acquired title to nearly 11 acres of riparian land at the confluence of Piney and Cherry Creek for trails, buffer, flood control and wildlife habitat preservation. Acquired the 397-acre Metzler properly that will help preserve the critical northern gateway to Castlewood Canyon State Park in Douglas County. This critical buffer acquisition, located on • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 2 �• • • both sides of Castlewood Canyon Road, will help maintain open space adjacent to the park. This was all made possible with funds from GO Colorado, State Parks, Friends of Castlewood Canyon, Douglas County, and a donation by the seller. Through fee title acquisition , obtained 92 acres owned by JCK Gravel, Inc. (Oliver Property) adjacent to St. Vrain State Park (formerly Barbour Ponds). This property, containing three unlined ponds, which are remnants of a former Lafarge Company gravel mining operation, will provide open space land for the major expansion and development of St. Vrain State Park. At this time, plans are for this parcel to provide park open space, urban fishing and a trail linkage. Strategically located between St. Vrain State Park and the City of Longmont's open space and trails, this acquisition will also help preserve the St. Vrain River corridor, values of which were identified in the Legacy partnership grant approved in December 2002 by GO Colorado. This property is located in Weld County, just west of the Del Camino (Hwy. 119) interchange at Interstate 25. GO Colorado funding, which included Parks annual funding and a $400,000 GO Colorado Open Space grant was leveraged over 100% with three other funding sources to complete this deal. Purchased a 1.3-acre vacant lot (Piper Property) adjacent to the planned entrance to Staunton State Park. This property, funded through GO Colorado and the Colorado State Parks Foundation, will help improve access to the park. Acquired the Brice life estate property, a 40-acre in-holding within Roxborough State Park. The property, long identified for buffer acquisition by State Parks, includes an old house in fair condition and a number of outbuildings. This acquisition ensures that the natural character of the surrounding park land and to visitor experiences will not be disrupted by traffic or other developments. The property was purchased primarily with Parks funds and some GO Colorado funding. 3 �Land & Water Protection Land Purchases -► Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 3056 SN3C Acquisitions Staunton Acquisition Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $250.000.00 $250.000.00 $0.00 Complete $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $0.00 State Parks Objectives: With the acquisition of 1,885 additional acres at Staunton State Park 1998, the State is anxious to open this beautiful resource to the public. In addition to resource, development and other planning needs at the park, it has been an agency priority to acquire additional acreage to improve access to Staunton through the adjacent subdivision. Funding through the 2003 grant was intended for just such a use. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • Acquired a 6-acre residential lot (Boyd Property), including a 3,200 square foot residence, attached garage and outbuildings adjoining the entrance to Staunton State Park. This lot will significantly improve park access and potentially provide space for a park office, headquarters and seasonal employee housing. Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions, or deauthorizations. 4 t"':.-'-i tf~ ;.v ~- -;.. ,_, '\..I �Land & Water Protection Land Purchases Log ID GBL 2600 2027 0305 BU2X BUXX BUZX Yr. 2002 2001 2000 ~ Operating Project Name Buffer Acquisitions - Operatine: Buffer Acauisitions - Operatine; Buffer Acquisitions - Operatin2: Total: Adjusted Grant Amount . Money Spent FY 2002"2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $12,271.00 $11,000.00 $25.892.31 $5,921.28 $4,942.92 $2.643.69 $6,139.72 $0.00 $549.63 12/31/04 Complete 12/31//03 $49,163.31 $13,506.89 $6,689.35 State Parks Objectives: Project descriptions stated that these funds were to be used for internal support of State Parks' Real Estate section, including travel, supplies, printing, mail and office equipment. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Expenditures were consistent with purposes listed above. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 5 �" Land & Water Protection Water Resources Yr. 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 Log ID 3051 2601 2028 0271 9492 GBL WP3C WP2C WPXC WPZC WP9C ~ Capital Project Name Water Priorities - Capital Water Priorities - Capital Water Priorities - Capital Water Priorities - Capital Water Priorities - Capital Total: ' Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $300,000.00 $150,000.00 150,000.00 $1,051,707.00 $27 054.00 $460.00 $5,121.12 $0.00 $45,000.00 $0.00 $299,540.00 $144,878.88 150,000.00 $1,006,707.00 $1.147.86 $1,678,761.00 $50,580.12 $1,602,273.74 12/31/05 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 Background: This funds an ongoing effort by State Parks to secure water for certain parks that experience inadequate recreational water levels. The wide array of water needs within the Division requires State Parks to acquire water through a number of mechanisms, including water purchases, less conventional water options and leases, innovative cooperative agreements with water users, and lease or purchase of storage space in reservoirs. Continuation of existing agreements and the pursuit of new water supplies cannot be achieved without readily accessible funds. If these water needs are not addressed, water levels in State Parks-managed reservoirs and streams drop significantly, water quality is often degraded, and the surrounding natural resources may be impacted. These in turn negatively impact park visitation and revenue. Therefore, the Division has developed a long-term plan prioritizing water needs and acquisitions. Examples of such planning include: • • • • • Groundwater development at Cherry Creek Multiple cooperative agreements for Chatfield State Park Supplemental water leases for Boyd Lake Leases for stream flow augmentation at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Purchase of a permanent water supply for Lake Trinidad Water-related capital improvements such as dam repairs and gauging devices help to maximize the use of water obtained by the Division. Dam repairs are also needed to protect downstream residents and property owners from the failure of state-owned dams. Dam restoration will bring the structures into compliance with minimum required conditions, preventing the failure or restriction of Park dams. Dam repairs avoid potential water level restrictions, which could negatively affect water levels at the reservoir State Parks Objectives: • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 6 �State Parks Water Resources Program objectives included the following projects. A number of these objectives, such as the Trinidad acquisition, are multi-year efforts, requiring that Parks hold on to available funding for a number of years. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Cherry Creek State Park - water leases from Denver Water Department Chatfield State Park - water lease for the Chatfield wetlands from Denver Water Department Trinidad Lake State Park - $1.2 million for 700 acre-foot water acquisition Boyd Lake State Park - water lease from EXCEL Energy Cherry Creek State Park - annual membership in the Upper Cherry Creek Water Association Yampa River State Park - consulting and legal fees for 30 acre-foot water court decree Brush Creek State Park - 110 acre-feet water court decree Sylvan Lake State Park - 425 acre-foot water exchange Pearl and Steamboat Lake - dam study and repair Rifle Gap State Park - legal and engineering fees for 29 acre-foot water court decree Rifle Gap State Park - 3.53 acre-foot storage purchase Highline Reservoir State Park - water quality study Island Acres State Park - water court decree Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - various water leases Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - installation and maintenance of stream gauging equipment North Sterling Reservoir - augmentation plan Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area - water management plan engineering consulting fees Staunton State Park - water management plan engineering consulting fees Chatfield State Park - re-allocation plan engineering consulting fees Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Leased 600 acre-feet from Denver Water for Cherry Creek Reservoir Upper Cherry Creek Water User's Association water management plan approved by the Division of Water Resources Leased 40 acre-feet for Chatfield wetland "Reconverted" Chatfield wetlands - wetlands converted from duck ponds to wetland habitat Through a water lease with Excel Energy, stored 2,000 acre-feet of water in Boyd Lake. Received initial water court approval for purchase of 700 acre-feet of water for Trinidad Lake Received water court approval for water rights at Yampa River State Park Repaired dams at Pearl and Steamboat Lake State Parks Water court applications filed for Brush Creek and Rifle Gap Stream gauge installed on the Arkansas River Leased 3,500 acre-feet of water for the flow program at Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area Completed the 4 th year of a 5-year water quality study at Highline Lake Completed the Chatfield State Park water management plan 7 �L and & Watet Protection Water Resources ~ Yr. Project Name 2003 2002 2001 Log ID 3068 2601 2029 GBL WP3O WP2X WPXX Operations Water Priorities - Ooeratin2 Water Priorities - Operating Water Priorities - Ooeratin2 Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* 2002-2003 $85,000.00 $45,114.00 $20,367.00 $150,481.00 Unspent Amount Project End Date $36,206.14 $45,114.00 $1,291.73 $48,793.86 $0.00 $1.48 12/31/04 Complete Complete $82,611.87 $48,795.34 Money Spent FY State Parks Objectives: All of the above accounts help cover operating and administration costs for State Parks' Water Resource Program. GO Colorado funding contributions pay half (0.5 FTE) of the staff hydrologist's yearly salary, water program administrative charges, hydrologist travel expenses and other overhead charges. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Expenditures in FY 2002-2003 were consistent with stated objectives described above. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 8 �Land & Water Protection G/S & Stewardship ~ Park Resource Inventories Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 3052 2603 2030 0272 9467 RI3O RI2X RIXX RIZX RI9O Park Resource Inventories Park Resource Inventories Park Resource Inventories Park Resource Inventories Park Resource Inventories Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $250,000.00 $245,146.00 $210,000.00 $210,035.10 $210.000.00 $13,860.73 $189,632.60 $19,453.43 $5,314.00 $1.751.00 $236,139.27 $29,422.36 $58,197.35 $0.10 $0.00 12/31/06 12/31/0S 12/31/04 Complete Complete $1,125,181.10 $230,010.76 $323,759.08 Adjusted Grant Amount * Background: Since 1998, State Parks has been developing resource protection and stewardship plans for our state parks. GO Colorado funding, matched with State Parks funds, has been and will continue to be used to complete resource inventories, compile Geographic Information Systems (GIS) information, and develop resource stewardship plans for most parks throughout the system. The resource inventories focus on obtaining and developing information about water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, water, internal and surrounding land use and property ownership. Management prescriptions were developed, that focused on integrated weed management plans, park-specific revegetation plans, land protection plans, and other management and monitoring recommendations based upon each park's regional context and special resources such as rare species or natural communities. State Parks Objectives: The resource inventory project provides these products for each park: • A natural resource inventory including information on wildlife, vegetation, soils geology, water, and surrounding land use. • A computer-based GIS planning and management information system. • A stewardship plan which guides resource management decision for the next five years. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • GIS installations were completed for Yampa River, Staunton, Mueller, St. Vrain State Parks and for the North Region trails Stewardship plans were completed for Chatfield, Mueller, Yampa, Vega, Paonia, Spinney, Lathrop, San Luis Lake, Mancos, Navajo, Bonny, Boyd and Eleven Mile State Parks • Additional advice products called "Management Prescriptions," as well as detailed monitoring protocols, were produced for native revegetation, cottonwood/willows, beaver management, wildlife scat & tracks, shoreline erosion , and wetlands assessment • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 9 �Land & Water Protection GIS & Stewardship Yr. ~ Vegetative Manag,ement Log ID GBL 2003 3053 2002 2602 2001 2032 Subtotal: 2003 3053 2001 2031 2000 0298 Subtotal: 2003 3053 2002 2602 2001 2034 2000 0328 1999 9494 Subtotal: 2003 3053 2002 2602 2001 2033 2000 0327 Subtotal: VN3O VN2O NVXO North Ve2etation M2mt North Vegetation Mgmt North Ve2etation M2mt VM3O MVXO MVZO Metro Ve2etation Mgmt Metro Vegetation Mgmt Metro Vegetation Mgmt VW3O VW2X West Vegetative Mgmt West VfPetative Mgmt West Vegetative Mgmt West Vee:etative Mgmt West Vegetative Mgmt wvxo wvzo WV9O VS3O VS2O vsxo vszo Project Name South Vee:etative Mgmt South Vee:etative Mgmt South Vee;etative Mgmt South Vegetative Mgmt Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $75,000.00 $67,430.38 $98 875.67 $241,306.05 $75,000.00 $30,577.00 $86,550.67 $192,127.67 $75,000.00 $59,125.00 $29,978.06 $97,445.67 $93102.46 $354,651.19 $75,000.00 $100,000.00 $100,000.00 $93 832.59 $368,832.59 $13,391.82 $41,243.01 $2,270.00 $56,903.83 $10,926.53 $29,028.93 $12,710.23 $52,665.69 $13,035.54 $40,712.73 $11,085.22 $2,949.75 $ (432.00) $354,651.19 $2,597.96 $40,970.01 $16,123.36 $6.402.42 $66,093.75 $61 ,608.18 $3,500.00 $2,500.00 $67,608.18 $64,073.47 $1,548.07 $0.00 $65,621.54 $61,964.46 $9,912.27 $964.63 $0.00 $0.00 $72,841.36 $72,402.04 $56,814.99 $38,273.26 $9.817.25 $177.307 .54 08/01/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 $1,156,917.50 $530,314.46 $383,378.62 Adjusted Grant Amount . 08/01/04 12/31/03 Complete 06/30/05 06/30/05 06/30/04 Complete Complete 06/30/05 06/30/05 06/30/04 06/30/04 Background: Grants through GO Colorado for mechanical and other vegetative management efforts continue the momentum we have built to gain a handle on noxious weed infestation at many of our parks statewide. By continuing to seek out the most innovative, effective and comprehensive means available, we have been able to employ proactive efforts to gain control over the natural habitats at our parks. Primary efforts will include identification of non-native plant areas through mapping and other means, development of integrated weed management plans, selective application of herbicides, bio-controls and weed agents, and restoration with native grasses, shrubs and trees best suited for habitat improvements. Hazardous tree removal has played an important role in these efforts as well. Much of these park efforts will be approached cooperatively with local county weed control coordinators and county land use officials, the Colorado State Forest Service and adjoining landowners. State Parks Objectives: Projects originally identified for completion in FY 2002-2003 included: • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 10 �• • High Plains Region (formerly North & Metro): (North) Contract weed spraying and herbicide application, re-vegetation, vegetative management planning, bio weed control, tree removal, tree planting, tree spraying, landscaping. (Metro) Contract spraying and herbicide application, re-vegetation, weed mowing, vegetative management training, bio weed control, purchase of vegetative management equipment, inventory/mapping, ARC software purchase, forest management activities, vegetative management planning. Rocky Mountain Region (formerly West & South): (West) Noxious weed plan and control at Lone Mesa State Park and Brush Creek, shoreline re-vegetation and tree planting at Highline, tree planting and pruning at Vega and Navajo, and irrigation work at Island Acres. (South) Herbicide application, re-vegetation, weed mowing, re-vegetation/re-seeding, purchase of vegetative management equipment, forest management activities including tree planting, trimming and removal, and landscaping. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: High Plains Region:_ • Weed control was accomplished at High Plains Region State Parks when park staff purchased 185 gallons of chemicals to control weeds in open areas, along roadsides and trails, in and around campgrounds and along shorelines. Chemical application provided by both park staff and approximately 750 hours of contract labor for a total treatment to 1,475 acres. Weeds controlled through these efforts included Canada thistle, leafy spurge, puncture vine, Russian thistle, tamarisk, toadflax, filed bindweed, hoary cress and yellow goats beard. • Re-vegetation project was completed at Steamboat Lake -- nine bags of grass seed were purchased and hand planted by staff. • Steamboat Lake also treated 80 trees to control a Rocky Mountain Pine beetle infestation;100 coniferous trees were removed that had been infested with the Pine beetle. • Weed management plans started at Chatfield , Golden Gate, Cherry Creek, Castlewood, Roxborough, Barr and Eldorado State Parks. • 200 acres were treated with bio controls (insects) at two parks. 63 acres were treated using state park staff and equipment for mowing and weed pulling. • 25 trees were planted at two parks while three acres were replanted with native species in areas damaged by overuse. • 700 feet of shoreline was protected from erosion using rip rap and hay bales. Rocky Mountain Region: • Tamarisk removal at Highline and Colorado River State Parks • Weed spraying by contracted services at most regional state parks • On-going noxious weed management at several state parks • Tree and shrub planting and seeding at Navajo • Drip irrigation systems installed at Navajo • Developed weed management plans for Eleven Mile, Mueller, and Trinidad State Parks • Completed weed inventory and plan at Cheyenne Mountain State Park 11 �'Land & Water Protection Fite Plan Yr. Log ID 2003 3059 Project Name GBL FP3C Adjusted Grant Amount Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount $250,000.00 $795.48 $249,204.52 $250,000.00 $795.48 $249,204.52 . Fire Plan Total: Project End Date 12/31/05 Background: With the severe drought in 2002, the need for improved forest management (fire) planning and treatment at selected State Parks and the availability of federal matching dollars, State Parks established a multi-year funding effort for fire plans & treatment as reflected in the 2003 Annual Funding Request. Dollars from GO Colorado and US Forest Service fuel mitigation funding will enable State Parks to begin planning and treatment at parks along Colorado's Front Range which lie within the high risk "red zone." This project actively responds to the trends and conditions of Colorado's forests. Investing in these fuel treatments will also reduce the risk of fire to homeowners living within the vicinity of many Colorado State Parks and maintain our continued oversight and stewardship of state land assets by developing and implementing appropriate management plans on all parcels. This program will allow Colorado State Parks to continue an effort to protect our invaluable park lands from the kind of catastrophic fires experienced across the state in 2002. Our ability to maintain safe natural areas for visitors is critical. State Parks Objectives: State Parks' fire planning and treatment efforts will provide the opportunities to improve the resilience of park areas to recover from the effects of wildfire. By investing in the treatment of 1,200 to 1,500 acres of hazardous forest fuels, State Parks can reduce suppression costs, improve visitor and firefighter safety, reduce impacts on water and air quality, improve wildlife habitat and significantly reduce fire mitigation costs. Parks identified for work include Staunton, Golden Gate Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain, Mueller and the Colorado State Forest. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • State Parks set up a joint cooperative project with the Colorado State Forest Service, an agency that has successfully acquired federal funds to match GO Colorado dollars. At Staunton State Park we have treated 250 acres with a combination of GO Colorado and federal funds. Activities included thinning by the Colorado Youth Corps on the west side of the park and the start of a fuel inventory on 84.5 acres. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions, or deauthorizations. 12 �• • At Golden Gate Canyon State Park, we contracted for treatment of 28 acres within the next few months including thinning in the campgrounds. Contracted fuel inventories and fuel treatment planning at Cheyenne Mountain and MueJler State Parks. 13 Colorado State Parle.: Ann al Report - Fiscal Year 2002-2003 �Land & Water Protection Natural Areas Yr. Log ID 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2000 2000 2000 1999 1999 1999 1998 1997 1997 2037 2036 2037 2035 2038 2038 0300 0273 0299 9460 9461 9464 8407 7281 7283 GBL NEXO NRXO NEXR NGXX NPXO NPXR NEZX NGZO NRZX NE9O NG9O NR90 NP80 NG7O NP7X ~ Projects Project Name Natural Areas Evaluation Natural Areas Stratee:ic Plan Natural Areas Eval - restrict** Natural Areas NHSG Proe:ram Natural Areas Protection Natural Areas Protec. -restrict** Natural Areas Evaluation Natural Areas Smal1 Grants Natura] Areas Strategic Plan Natural Areas Evaluation Natural Areas Small Grants Natural Areas Weed Guide Natural Areas Protection Natural Areas Smal1 Grants Natural Areas Protection Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $12,000.00 $52,000.00 $20,000.00 $32,000.00 $5,745.04 $30,000.00 $46,000.00 $32,000.00 $37,294.01 $46,081.93 $34,425.00 $32,074.00 $19,530.00 $30,037.00 $16,812.00 $4,964.76 ·$22,014.03 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,820.76 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,265.10 $0.00 $0.00 $5,034.50 $1,473.97 $20,000.00 $9,656.88 $5,629.38 $30,000.00 $15,835.59 $3,737.50 $2,486.14 $3,127.78 $4,213.50 $7,602.52 $8,559.11 $32.75 $1.475.58 $445,998.98 $37,063.65 $118,865.20 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 ** - Restricted grants listed above (NEXR, NPXR) were to be paid directly from GO Colorado to The Nature Conservancy. State Parks Objectives: • • • • Evaluation and protection of potential and existing designated state Natural Areas: This includes surveying the Natural Area management needs expressed by owner/managers, evaluating these needs and responding to the Natural Area with on-the-ground assistance and funding for projects beyond the expertise of staff. We consider requests for restoration; weed control, protective fencing, and management plan development and educational displays to encourage the care needed to keep these sites intact. Also, site owners and land managers are assisted in the determination of how special their properties are in a statewide context. Further, we assess the sites already on our list of possible natural areas for possible addition to our registry. Research on Natural Area resources: Natural Areas with a history of scientific research are of great value as a baseline for comparison and, potentially, a source of long-term information that would otherwise be unavailable. High-quality research on Natural Areas is performed by professors and graduate students at higher education institutions. Completion of a comprehensive weed manual: Write, print and disseminate 1,000 copies of the 340-page "Creating an Integrated Weed Management Plan - A Handbook for Owners and Managers of Lands with Natural Values." Strategic planning & implementation: Implement the major goals of CNAP 2000 -the Natural Areas Program Strategic Plan - including gap analysis. Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions. or deauthorizations. 14 (J - : } .. -...., ,< .. : �Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • • Funded two seasonal employees who evaluated potential natural areas. Registered or designated three Natural Areas. Completed stewardship plan for Bonny State Park, which includes Bonny Prairie Natural Area; completed stewardship plans for five other state parks. 15 .olorado Stat-e Parks Annual Report - Fiscal ·. :ear "002 -2003 �Enh·ancements 16 Colo ado State Parks .t\.nnu'tl Report-··-·- Fiscel Year 20 2-2003 �Enhancements Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Reconstruction Yr. Log GBL Project Name ID 2003 3057 2002 2604 BR3C BR2C BOR Partnership BOR Partnership Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $300,000.00 $600.000.00 $0.00 $300.000.00 $300,000.00 $0.00 06/30/04 Complete $900,000.00 $300,000.00 $300,000.00 Adjusted Grant Amount* Background: This request continues our renovation of facilities at five West Slope BOR parks, operated by Colorado State Parks. GO Colorado is a key reason we are making great strides in our unique partnership with BOR to totally cost-share the reconstruction of these outdated parks. The overall five-park reconstruction project, made possible by legislation passed in Congress with the help of Colorado's congressional delegation in the early 1990s, is authorized for a total cost of $30 million. BOR's commitment to match 1-for-1 every dollar we bring to the table means we have completed major renovations at Crawford, Vega and Navajo State Parks, and are currently beginning major improvements at Rifle Gap State Park in Garfield County. Once finished at Rifle Gap, Paonia Reservoir will follow. In addition to splitting capital costs, Parks worked out an agreement for the BOR to share up to 50% of the operational budget shortfalls of these parks (except Vega) after each is reconstructed. Park visitor expectations are high and facilities at these five parks fall far short of meeting these expectations. Not just worn out, our parks simply have not been able to handle the large numbers of people who want to visit. Current annual visitation is about 500,000 at each of the parks eligible under this agreement. State Parks Objectives: The 10-year program is in its seventh year. Phase One was the renovation of Crawford State Park in which nearly $6 million was spent on construction of 13 new park buildings and extensive underground utility systems. Nearly $7.5 million in renovations were then completed at Vega State Park. A $7 million renovation at Navajo State Park, which began in FY 2000-2001, has just wrapped up and work is now beginning at Rifle Gap State Park. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Navajo State Park: Three visitor cabins were constructed in the Tiffany Campground. The cabins, each measuring approximately 800 square feet, will provide park visitors with a unique lodging opportunity within the park. The two bedroom cabins provide complete indoor facilities including fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms and showers. One cabin has been designed to provide accessibility features • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthoiizations. 17 �in compliance with current ADA requirements. Development costs include the expense associated with the exterior sitework and the construction of attached outdoor living spaces. Rifle Gap State Park: The west end swim beach received a major face lift including the reconstruction of the swim beach, an ADA-accessible trail to the beach, three day-use picnic sites, and an overhaul of the existing irrigation system. The upper portion of the boat ramp was widened to include three additional lanes, providing boaters with greater access to the water. A pedestrian trail was constructed between the future visitors center site and the Bass Day Use Area. The trail includes a bridge and boardwalk structure that spans a wetland area on the east end of the reservoir. A wildlife-viewing platform was built as a feature of the boardwalk. The existing Bass Day Use site was renovated to include 13 new individual picnic areas and the main public access road was rebuilt into the site. 18 �Enhancements U.S. Arm Cori s Cori s Recreation Cost Share Log ID Yr. 2003 2001 3058 2040 GBL CS3C CHXC Project Name Corps Cost Share Renovation Corps Cost Share Renovation Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $1,100,000.00 $ 500,000.00 $ 0.00 $ 459.068.00 $1,100,000.00 $ 5.176.00 $1,600,000.00 $459,068.00 $1,105,176.00 06/30/04 05/01/04 Background: After five years of negotiation, Colorado State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed agreements early in 2003 to participate in a landmark 50%/50% monetary partnership for recreation improvements and developments at three state parks located on Corps property -Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad. The partnership allows for a combined total of up to $40 million dollars in proposed improvements at all three parks. Colorado State Parks' share of the partnership will be generated by GO Colorado, Lottery and a small amount of HUTF funds. Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Trinidad host more than three million state park visitors each year. The cost share partnership ensures that each park will continue to provide a high level of quality recreation management and safety, as well as resource protection, to the public. The three parks contain many aging and under-designed recreation facilities that were not intended to accommodate the tremendous number of visitors seen presently. While State Parks has invested millions in meeting its commitment to maintain these properties, many of the facilities are 25 to 30 years old and are unable to adequately support the growing number of visitors to the parks. The cost share partnership is a proactive approach designed to implement a vision for the future. The U.S. Army Corps, as landowner, and Colorado State Parks, as land manager, share a responsibility for the successful stewardship of these three parks. As part of the agreement, Colorado State Parks renewed 25-year management leases on all three properties. State Parks Objectives: Overall objectives of the long term project are to repair roads and utility lines, upgrade campgrounds, maintain trails, build new picnic shelters, provide resource protection, improve parking, renovate restrooms and vault toilets, build adequate visitor centers and maintenance facilities where needed. Funds identified in the table above were to replace, repair, and improve existing utilities and recreation infrastructure at Chatfield State Park. Additional future project components for all three parks are included in the 10-Year Conceptual Plan (available upon request from State Parks). Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions. or deauthorizations. 19 C" .,..,.,- �• Constructed a wastewater pipeline on the southwest side of Chatfield State Park. The pipeline replaced an aging and failing aerated lagoon and an on,..site, maintenance-intensive treatment facility. The project brought Chatfield into compliance with Health Department requirements. The newly constructed 5, 150:..foot pipeline and lift statlon conhected the park sewer lines directly into Centennial Wastewater Treatment Plant. 20 C'olorado 1,,_,tate Par{, fu1nual Report - Fiscal Year 20 2-2003 �I Enhancements Visitor Centers Yr. Log ID GBL 2001 2000 1999 2041 0335 9457 LAXC BAZC HI9C Project Name Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $400,000.00 $25,000.00 $70.000.00 $10,515.86 $0.00 $52.500.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 $17,500.00 Complete 12/31/04 Canceled $495,000.00 $63,015.86 $42,500.00 Adjusted Grant Amount* Lathrop Visitor Center Barr Lake Vis. Center Exhibits Highline State Park Vis. Center Total: State Parks Objectives: Lathrop Visitors Center: This project was originally planned for a new 4,750 square foot visitor center near the entrance of Lathrop State Park. Highline Lake Visitor Center: With Highline State Park's growing popularity, services are in need of many upgrades - not the least of which is an attractive, comfortable visitor center. Consistent with Highline State Park's management plan, the Visitor Center is envisioned to serve as a greeting area for boaters, campers, picnickers and other visitors to the park. It will provide a valuable asset to surrounding school districts as one of the only outdoor educational facilities in the area. Visitor Center plans included a large display room with educational/informational displays pertinent to the area, especially waterfowl viewing opportunities at Highline. The center will also house staff and provide much-needed meeting facilities for the local community. Barr Lake Visitor Center Exhibits: This project will design and construct an outdoor wildlife exhibit that can be viewed from an interior glass observation area inside the Park's Nature Center building. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Highline Lake: In FY 2002-2003, remaining project funds were re-prioritized and the project canceled. Design drawings for the interpretive exhibits are near completion and may be used in the future when State Parks identifies funding and resumes construction of the visitor center. Lathrop Visitors Center: This project completed the building, which has been in operation since June 2002. * Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 21 1 �I Enhancements ~ eservoir Enhancements Project Name Yr. Log ID GBL 2003 2003 2003 3089 3089 3089 RE3A RE3B RE3D Reservoir Enhancement - Bonny Reservoir Enhancement - Bovd Reservoir Enhancement - Nava_jo 2003 3089 RE3C Reservoir Enhancement - Eleven Mile Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $28,000.00 $40,000.00 $28,000.00 $2501000.00 $28,000.00 $40,000.00 $16,260.00 $0.00 $0.00 $11 ,740.00 $1211447.01 01/06/03 01/05/03 I 07/01/04 I $128,552.99 $346,000.00 $212,812.99 10/31/03 $133,187.01 State Parks Objectives: To address limited resources, State Parks proactively evaluated potential opportunities for increasing self-sufficiency while concurrently developing alternatives to reduce effects of the recent drought conditions. This new priority will help to fund work on boat ramps at Eleven Mile, Navajo, Boyd and Bonny State Parks. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • • • I Extended one lane of the Bonny Lake north concrete boat ramp by 2,253 square feet. Constructed a 2,510 square foot concrete boat ramp at Boyd Lake for low water access. Began boat ramp extension at Eleven Mile State Park. Rehabilitated and remove mud and debris from the Navajo boat ramp to improve boat launching activities. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions, or deauthorizations. 22 I �Enhancements Revenue Enhancements Yr. Log ID GBL 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2000 3086 3090 3060 3087 3088 0329 IR3C FD3C YG3C EC3CA-D MC3C CBZB -► Project Name Iron Ran2:ers Facility Desie;n Yurts/ Cabins/ Shelters Campsites with Electricity Mueller S.P. Cabins Cabins/ Yurts/ Shelters Total: Cabins/Yurls/Sheltersllron Rangers Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date 12/31/05 12/31/05 12/31/05 12/31/05 07/25/04 05/01/04 $200,000.00 $25,000.00 $437,000.00 $155,000.00 $300,000.00 $90,000.00 $91 ,377.07 $0.00 $0.00 $29,268.10 $242.00 $0.00 $108,622.93 $25,000.00 $437,000.00 $125,731.90 $299,758.00 $90.000.00 $1,207,000.00 $120,886.17 $1 ,086,112.83 State Parks Objectives: Cabins, Yurts, and Group Picnic Shelters: State Parks will construct a Group Picnic Shelter at Barr Lake State Park, adjacent to the Nature Center. The project will serve groups of up to 100 people. The facility may be reserved in advance and will also serve as a marshalling/meeting space for school groups, alleviating pressure on the Nature Center. The facility will include picnic tables, grills, water, and counters with power receptacles. Other funding will be used strategically at other parks in the system. Iron Rangers: This will be matched with $245,000 in Lottery funds to finance the installation of vehicle entrance automated fee machines (iron rangers) and trail automated fee machines. Gaining controlled entry at our most visited state parks is an essential component of our selfsufficiency efforts. Exact locations for installation are yet to be determined but, at present, we plan to deploy several units at one or two parks during 2004. The number of units will depend entirely on which parks are selected for the first deployment. Net revenue generated from these automated fee machines is estimated to exceed $500,000 annually. Campsites with Electricity: This will be matched with $225,000 in Lottery funds to finance electric upgrades to 313 campsites sites at Jackson, Boyd Lake, State Forest, Steamboat and Bonny. Net revenue generated from the upgrades of these sites is expected to be at least $40,000 annually. Mueller State Park Cabins: This will fund the construction of three new full service cabins at Mueller State Park. These full service rental cabins are the first to be built and offered to State Parks visitors; they will fill a defined niche, providing an unfulfilled service to our park visitors. The cabins, ranging from two to four bedrooms, will be equipped with showers, kitchens, walk out decks and other features. Net revenue generated from this project is expected to exceed $40,000 annually. This project should be completed by December 31, 2004. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 23 �Special Event I Reception Facility Design: This will help fund a reception facility design to be used as a template at selected parks. The reception facility is a new concept that will provide a venue for weddings and other special events. It is part of State Parks' initiative to be more selfsufficient. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • • Requests for proposals to build Mueller cabins were sent out. Initial planning for campsite upgrades completed. Extensive site survey work and other related analysis was completed for the deployment of a number of automated fee machines, particularly at Cherry Creek State Park. 24 �I Enhancements Trails In State Parks Yr. Log ID GBL 1998 1997 8390 7266 CC8C HI7C Project Name Cherry Creek Trail Highline Trail Total: Adjusted Grant Amount * Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $30,236.95 $50,000.00 $850.00 $8,029.35 $0.00 $31.02 Complete Complete $80,236.95 $8,879.35 $31.02 State Parks Objectives: Cherry Creek Trail This trail was to continue connecting multi-use paved trails within the Park. This section of trail was envisioned to complete 1,000 lineal feet linking the trail head at the wildlife interpretive kiosk on the southeast end of the Park, south to the Nature Area. Highline Lake Funding for this project was identified for a 3.5-mile loop trail encircling Highline Lake. It was to serve as an excellent link to miles of undesignated BLM trails as well as a planned regional trail to cross north over Douglas Pass, connecting with Rangely, Colorado. Parks and BLM had pledged to each contribute $25,000 as matching funds. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • • Funds were used to improve a critical portion of the Highline Lake Trail at the spillway crossing bridge. Approximately 1,000 square feet of trail was added , widened and filled for better gradient and alignment. Approximately 400 square feet of retaining wall was constructed. Improvements included drainage piping and gravel surfacing. Funds spent on a geotechnical study to determine sub-grade conditions and base recommendations at the proposed location, adjacent to the reservoir. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions. or deauthorizations. 25 Colo_ado State Per,.~ Ar1-. 'L.al Report-Fi al Year 1002-2003 �I Enhancements Mid-Rang_e Trails Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY Unspent Amount Project End Date 2002-2003 Phase I Trail Projects 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Subtotal: MZ24 MZ26 MZ12 MZ14 MZ15 MZ31 MZ32 MZ37 MZ38 MZ39 MZ41 MZ42 State Forest Ya moa/Elkhead Castlewood Golden Gate Roxboro ugh Colorado River Crawford Sweitzer Sylvan Vega Mueller Trinidad $3,750.00 $15,451.44 $40,250.00 $24,765.00 $5,868.21 $24,469.62 $18,424.24 $1,750.00 $28,055.00 $29,786.00 $100,000.00 $25.300.00 $317,869.51 $248.36 $4,604.59 $0.00 $300.00 $1,862.27 $95.39 $22.00 $1,575.00 $0.00 $11,475.33 $34,800.36 $21,420.07 $76,403.37 $0.00 $0.00 $39,250.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $175.00 $1,950.00 $0.25 $62,041.90 $3,055.36 $106,472.51 Complete Complete 05/01/04 C omplete Complete Complete Complete 5/1/04 6/30/04 Complete 12/31/04 6/30/04 $187,500.00 $34,879.91 $13,784.56 $90,818.48 $22,690.00 $17,088.96 $837.48 $29,600.00 $30,485.70 $24,780.00 $9,000.00 $6,500 $17,620.00 $485 585.09 $96,579.00 $6,879.91 $452.50 $1 ,037.85 $22,690.00 $1,530.00 $558.54 $18,250.00 $18,312.00 $13,500.00 $9,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $188 789.80 $90,921.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $900.00 $0.00 $830.00 $0.00 $0.00 $16,270.00 $108 921.00 09/01/04 Complete Complete Comolete Complete Comolete Complete 6/30/04 Complete 6/30/04 Complete Complete 12/31/04 $140,500.00 $34,000.00 $12,997.56 $9,946.08 $1,469.35 $37,587.56 $65,000.00 $465.35 $11,540.20 $4,200.00 $280.00 $317.986.10 $0.00 $4,125.00 $6,498.78 $6,428.52 $1,469.35 $37,032.50 $24,268.28 $465.35 $7,577.80 $0.00 $280.00 $88.145.58 $140,500.00 $29,875.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $40,731.72 $0.00 $0.00 $4,200.00 $0.00 $215.306.72 12/31/04 12/31/04 Com plete Complete Complete Complete 06/01/04 Complete Com olete 12/31/04 Complete $1,121,440.70 $353,338.75 $430,700.23 Phase II Trail Projects 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 Subtotal: MXll MX21 MX22 MX23 MX31 MX32 MX33 MX34 MX35 MX36 MX37 MX38 MX41 Chatfield Lory - Valley N. Ster line: State Forest Colorado River Crawford Hi2.hline Mancos Nava jo Ridl!wav Rifle Falls Vel!a Eleven Mile 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 Subtotal: M211 M212 M213 M221 M222 M223 M224 M231 M233 M234 M238 C herry Creek Castlewood Eldorado Lorv S. Vallev Jackson Shoreline State Forest Bockman Steamboat Button Colorado River Nava_jo - Piedra, WW, Lakeview Mancos Nature Rifle Falls Phase Ill Trail Projects Total: • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 26 �Background: In 2002 State Parks received the third and final appropriation from GO Colorado ($600,000 of a total $1.8 million) for trail projects throughout our parks system. For years, trails in State Parks have taken a back seat to pressing renovation and development project needs. But trails are a positive amenity for state park visitors and they often connect state parks to regional trail systems. This project provides funding for a continuing program to build connecting and internal trails in state parks. State Parks Objectives: Funding objectives for projects listed above covered trails-related work at approximately 16 parks around the state. Projects to be funded include trail planning, construction, maintenance, and bridge work. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: State Forest: • Constructed 3 miles of 4-foot wide gravel trail between the visitor center and Ranger Lakes. • • Improved 4 miles of 4-wheel drive roads (Bockman and Bull Mountain) Installed 700 linear feet of culverts, 105 cubic yards of ripwrap and installed 13 road closure gates. Lory- West Valley Trail: Completed construction of 1.1 miles of gravel trail and 5 trail bridges. North Sterling -- Balanced Rock Trail: Completed 535 linear feet of 4-foot wide gravel trail and viewing area. Yampa River: Completed 1.25 miles of 4-foot wide gravel trail. Steamboat Lake -- Button Trail:_ • Constructed approximately 6,000 feet of high country drop fence. • Mapped wetlands within the trail corridor. Lory - South Valley Trail: Completed construction of 1.25 miles of gravel trail and 4 trail bridges. Jackson Lake: Constructed 100 feet of gravel trail along the shoreline. Castlewood Canyon: Project to construct new pedestrian bridges across Cherry Creek will be completed by May 2004. Golden Gate Canyon: Long Range Trail Master Plan and trail planning/construction seminar was completed. Roxborough: Trail layout completed . Chatfield: Paved trail and pedestrian bridge over Plum Creek through the south end of the park. Remainder of project to be completed by September 2004. Cherry Creek: Project to continue paved connecting trails throughout the park will be completed by September 2004. Eldorado Canyon: Installed ½ mile of crusher fines trail and stone retaining walls with trails crew along the Fowler Trail. Colorado River: Lined portions of a 2-mile concrete trail edge with gravel; designated, built and maintained 0.4 mile trail. Crawford: Constructed portions of graveled trail; built portions of 1.1 mile trail. Sweitzer: Completed trail plan 27 �Vega: Planned trail, maintained 2 miles of trail, build 0.3 miles Navaio: Purchased and installed bench, gravel and fabric on parts of a 3-mile trail Rifle Falls: Gaveled and maintained portions of 1. 78 miles of trail; heavy maintenance and graveling of 1. 78 miles trail. Highline: Rebuilt Mack Bridge (25' span); applied CaCI to .25 mile trail; purchased tools Mancos: Planned and maintained 5.6 miles of trail. Navaio: Built 1.2 miles of trail; maintained approximately 0. 75 miles. Ridgway: Rebuilt .75 mile trail and maintained an additional 3 miles. 28 Col r· do State Parks A."1.Irual R port ··- Fiscal Ye,ar 2002-2003 0 �Statewide Programs 29 Colorado State Parks AnnLlal Report-·- ~jsca.l Year 2002-2003 �Statewide Programs Youth Programs ~ Yr. Log ID 2003 3062 2002 2627 Subtotal: 2003 3062 2002 2626 Subtotal: 2001 0403 2000 0403 Subtotal: GBL Colorado Youth Corps & YNR Project Name IC3O IC2O Colorado Youth Corps Colorado Youth Corps YN3O YN2O YNR (through CYCA) YNR (throueh CYCA) YYXR YYZO YNR (mid-ranee) YNR (mid-range) Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY Unspent Amount Project End Date 12/31/04 Complete 2002-2003 $186,000.00 $186,000.00 $372,000.00 $45,000.00 $70 000.00 $115,000.00 $20,000.00 $101.250.00 $121.250.00 $23,000.00 $73 675.00 $96,675.00 $43,388.00 $62,900.00 $106,288.00 $0.00 $40147.00 $40.147.00 $163,000.00 $0.00 $163,000.00 $1,612.00 $0.00 $1,612.00 $20,000.00 $0.38 $20.000.38 $608,250.00 $243,110.00 $184,612.38 12/31/03 Complete 12/31/04 Complete Background: Youth Corps provided by the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), provides a platform with which to strengthen the life skills of its participants. It engages Colorado's youth in meaningful outdoor work and helps them build a sense of natural stewardship. The program targets both inschool and out-of-school youth, ages 16-25. Part of the program's overall success can be attributed to State Parks' partnership with the CYCA, who provides overall program coordination and project management. Established in the early 1990s, the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) program has provided summer employment opportunities for high school students. The program focuses on introducing the kids to a variety of natural resource careers and demonstrating the link between education and future job success. Starting in 2000, funding for YNR projects has been deployed through the Colorado Youth Corps Association. State Parks Objectives: Provide funding for 459 Youth Corps crew days in FY 02-03 and 302 Youth Corps crew days in state parks and other locations. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Youth Corps: Under the coordination and management of the CYCA, statewide work crews completed the following: • 140 project weeks • Trails projects at 22 parks and 7 Off-Highway Vehicle sites • Employed & taught 301 youth participants at various state parks • Employed and taught 104 youth participants on OHV projects • Week-long crew leader training • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 30 �• Outdoor education programs • Youth Corps program evaluation YNR: • Recruited participants • Over a 9-week period, employed 20 YNR crew members to complete on-the-ground projects in 11 different state parks • Provided week-long crew leader training • Delivered environmental and natural resource career education to all participants • Funded transportation to job sites • Provided equipment and supplies 31 C l r do State· ark.:) i\nrrual Report. Fiscal !ear 2002 -2003 �Statewide Programs Youth Programs -+ Youth Corps Program Assistant Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 2002 2001 2000 3066 2635 2071 0295 YC3O YC2X YCXX YCZX Youth Corps Proe:ram Assistant Youth Corps Program Assistant Youth Corps Proe:ram Assistant Youth Corps Program Assistant Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $88,732.00 $54,000.00 $36,823.38 $35 421.99 $18,987.10 $37,078.07 $3,500.00 $3 026.00 $69,744.90 $7,438.75 $0.00 $0.00 06/30/05 06/30/04 Complete Complete $214,977.37 $62,591.17 $77,183.65 State Parks Objectives: These dollars were intended to adequately oversee Parks contacts with the CYCA in the following ways: • Pay salary of 0.5 FTE to manage the program • Pay salary of seasonal employee to assist with program operations • Pay for supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program • Pay for evaluation of the program • Support other youth outreach programs, such as Beckwourth Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • These dollars were used to support Parks oversight of the Youth Corps projects consistent with objectives listed above. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions. or deauthorizations. 32 SCi:1.l �Statewide Programs Youth Programs Yr. Log GBL ~ Youth Naturally Project Name ID 2002 2002 2002 2002 2001 2625 2625 2625 2625 0402 DY2O NC2O BT2O YD2O DYXO Denver Youth Naturally No Colorado Youth Naturally Big Thompson Youth Naturally CO Youth Naturally - Denver Denver Youth Naturally Total: Adjusted Grant Amount * Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $18,000.00 $15,000.00 $13,500.00 $34,000.00 $18.000.00 $18,000.00 $11,878.13 $13,500.00 $2,000.00 $4 000.00 $0.00 $3,121.87 $0.00 $32 ,000.00 $0.00 Complete 12/31/03 Complete 12/31/04 Complete $98,500.00 $49,378.13 $35,121.87 State Parks Objectives: The Colorado Youth Naturally program provides outdoor experiences, environmental education, and exposure to natural resource careers to middle school students. State Parks partnered with three Colorado Youth Naturally programs located in Denver, Fort Collins, and Loveland/Berthoud . The program activities promote life-long responsible use and care of Colorado's natural resources, while developing self-respect and skills necessary to reduce risk-taking behaviors. Activity days combine fishing, hiking, camping, and community service with experiential outdoor education and career exploration. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: A combined 325 participants took part in activities in Colorado's great outdoors, resulting in a total of 5,638 participant days. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 33 'Ll �Statewide Programs Youth Programs Log ID GBL 2002 2628 2002 2629 2002 2629 2001 2069 Subtotal: 2002 2630 2001 2068 Subtotal: 2002 2636 Subtotal: 2003 3063 Subtotal: US2X UM2O UP2O Yr. usxx UW2O -+ Special Projects Project Name Urban Schools - WIN/WIN Urban Schools-TEN-Mueller Urban Schools-TEN-Pueblo Urban Schools - WIN/WIN uwxo West TransportationNolunteers West TransportationNolunteers SP2O Steamboat Interp. Partners BE3O Beckwourth Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Adjusted Grant Amount* Total: Unspent Amount Project End Date Complete Complete 12/31/03 Complete $10,000.00 $2,000.00 $600.00 $8,856.96 $20,856.96 $110.25 $3 287.91 $3,398.16 $10,000 $10.000 $7 500.00 $7,500.00 $9,127.85 $1,524.19 $0.00 $3.985.31 $14,637.35 $110.25 $1,157.49 $1,267.74 $0.00 $0.00 $3 750.00 $3,750.00 $872.15 $27.52 $600.00 $1374.32 $2,873.99 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,100.00 $5.100.00 $3 750.00 $3,750.00 $41 ,755.12 $19,655.09 $11 ,723.99 Complete Complete 12/31/04 12/31/03 State Parks Objectives: Urban Schools -Win I Win & TEN: The Wonders in Nature/Wonders in Neighborhoods (WIN/WIN) funding through State Parks has been intended to help facilitate four metro-region parks to serve as outdoor learning sites for the innovative WIN/WIN program. The program will include staff at parks to present specific educational programs for over 30 WIN/WIN field trips reaching over 1,300 students. Teaching Environmental-Science Naturally (TEN) funding has been targeted to provide qualified instructors at Lake Pueblo and Mueller State Parks to conduct teacher-training workshops and provide educational kits and supplies to complement curricula. Additionally, TEN rangers present educational programs at the parks to visiting TEN teachers and their students. Transportation: GO Colorado funding has provided transportation grants to get students in western Colorado out of the classroom and into state parks for outdoor educational experiences. This funding has been intended to make Colorado River, Lory, Navajo, Rifle, and Ridgway state parks more accessible to local teachers and students for experiential learning opportunities which complement classroom curricula by eliminating the largest obstacle -- transportation to the parks. Steamboat Interpretive Partners: Steamboat Interpretive Partners, a Routt County-based program , helps bring interpretive services to the entire SteamboatNampa area for both out-ofdoors programs for the general public and programs for school groups. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions. or deauthorizations. 34 • y • • .... ;, ••: r: JY c.rrt --..- l-/ 1. 0; (: ;01.I ea.r 2 �Beckwourth: State Parks has partnered with the Denver-based Beckwourth Mountain Club to annually bring Denver metro-area urban youth ages 8-18 to several state parks for environmental education programs with park rangers and naturalists. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Urban Schools - WIN/WIN & TEN: WIN/WIN accomplishments in FY 2002-2003 included: • Presentations by staff for specific educational programs • 30 WIN / WIN field trips to parks • Presentations to approximately 1,300 students Funding for the TEN program at Mueller State Park helped purchase supplies to teach school groups, train teachers to use kits and park staff program assistance. Transportation: Funding covered school group busing costs to six western Colorado parks. Steamboat Interpretive Partners: Provided outdoor interpretive programs for the general public and school groups. Beckwourth: Funding was used to support transportation and related costs to visit parks. 35 �Statewide Programs Youth Programs ~ Yr. Project Name Mid-Range Youth Log ID GBL 2000 0401 2000 0401 2000 0401 2000 0401 Subtotal: 2001 0401 2000 0401 2000 0401 Subtotal: PDZM PDZX PDZN PDZW Program Development Program Development Program Development Program Development CGXO CGZW CGZN Competitive Grants Competitive Grants Competitive Grants Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $3,055.27 $36,036.95 $5,240.51 $4 466.86 $48,799.59 $14,850.00 $2,788.38 $353.43 $17.991.81 $0.00 $232.29 $782.93 $1,399.94 $2,414.16 $12 ,350.00 $1,724.00 $353.43 $14.427.43 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Complete Complete Complete Complete $66,791.40 $16,841.59 $0.00 Adjusted Grant Amount* Complete Complete Complete State Parks Objectives: Program Development & Competitive Grants: This funding was intended to aid in access grants to State Parks by: • Providing seasonal staff to develop materials and conduct educational programs in parks • Providing training for staff, to enable them and enhance their capacity, to work with groups • Developing and making available program materials • Awarding funds to groups that serve multi-age groups with a learning experience in State Parks • Providing transportation money for educational visits and school field trips to State Parks • Developing and making available program materials • Providing all necessary staff training Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Funding was used to meet the objectives listed above. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 36 �I Statewide :Programs Interpretation Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 3066 2002 2631 2001 2072 Subtotal: 2003 3066 2002 2636 2001 2074 Subtotal: 2003 3066 2002 2636 2001 2073 Subtotal: 2003 3066 2002 2636 2001 2076 2000 0323 Subtotal: 2003 3066 2002 2636 2001 2075 2000 0322 Subtotal: AJ3O AI2X AIXX Interpretive Operating Interpretive Operating Interpretive Coordinator Nl3O NI2X NIXX North Region Interpreters North Region In terpreters North Region Interpreters MI3O MI2X MIXX Metro Region ln ter1>reters Metro Region Interpreters Metro Re2ion lnterpreters WI3O WI2X WIXX WIZX West Region Inter1>reters West Region Interpreters West Reeion Interpreters West Region Interpreters SI3O SI2X SIXX SIZX South Region Interpreters South Region lnterpreters South Region Interpreters South Region I nterpreters Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date 06/30/05 06/30/04 12/31/03 $40,000.00 $54,700.00 $67,682.75 $162,382.75 $65,000.00 $82,325.00 $88.600.00 $235,925.00 $65,000.00 $69,825.00 $80.593.36 $215,418.36 $65,000.00 $82,325.00 $67,325.00 $69.215.36 $283,865.36 $65,000.00 $74,825.00 $67,325.00 $44 000.00 $251.150.00 $14,319.10 $26,356.20 $5 389.05 $46,063.35 $19,769.13 $58,183.42 $15 815.26 $93,767.81 $15,857.31 $58,444.53 $12 876.83 $87,178.67 $24,233.77 $55,244.94 $ (1,579.37) $21.64 $77,920.98 $12,101.62 $48,443.28 $4,789.71 $3 790.63 $69.125.24 $25,680.90 $10,193.80 $29.00 $35,903.70 $45,230.87 $9,197.00 $1,673.70 $56,101.57 $49,142.69 $11,380.47 $1.615.41 $62,138.57 $40,766.23 $9,295.78 $3,117.22 $1.36 $53,180.59 $52,898.38 $12,425.68 $0.00 $0.00 $65.324.06 $1,148,741.47 $374,056.05 $272,648.49 12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 Complete 12/31/04 12/31/03 Complete Complete State Parks Objectives: Due almost entirely to GO Colorado funding since the mid 1990s, State Parks has been able to provide qualified interpreters in our parks throughout Colorado. State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms for reconnecting visitors and educating school groups through nature's wonders. This funding has helped extend the presence of GO Colorado seasonal interpreters during the school months before and after the busy summer park season. Annual objectives included: • Hiring 27 to 32 seasonal interpreters • Number of participants at education program provided by GO Colorado seasonal interpreters targeted at 58,000 to 70,895 • Number of participants each seasonal interpreter was to directly teach through education programs was 2,000 to 2,215 • Number of visitors that seasonal interpreters were to contact on trails, and in campgrounds, visitor centers and booths was 55,000 to 69,953 Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amom1ts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions. or deauthorizations. 37 �Program Oversight/Coordination: • Hired 30 GO Colorado Seasonal Interpreters • Trained 18 GO Colorado Seasonal Interpreters and one FTE Park Ranger at a high-quality, weeklong, annual, interpretive training course • Hosted one statewide interpretive meeting for GO Colorado Seasonal Interpreters • Educated four new FTE Park Rangers, eleven new Tourist Assistants, two seasoned FTE Park Rangers, one Park Resource Technician, and two seasonal rangers, about interpretive and environmental education techniques in a 24-hour introductory training • Completed and printed three park Interpretive Master Plans North Region Interpreters: • Taught 627 educational programs • Taught educational programs to over 20,000 participants • Engaged an average of 33 participants at each educational program • Reached well over 26,000 visitors through casual contacts on trails, in campgrounds, in visitor centers, and at booths representing Colorado State Parks Metro Region Interpreters: • Taught 660 educational programs • Taught educational programs to over 18,000 participants • Engaged an average of 28 participants at each educational program • Reached well over 35,000 visitors through casual contacts on trails, in campgrounds, in visitor centers, and at booths representing Colorado State Parks West Region Interpreters: • Taught 627 educational programs • Taught educational programs to over 20,000 participants • Engaged an average of 33 participants at each educational program • Reached well over 26,000 visitors through casual contacts on trails, in campgrounds, in visitor centers, and at booths representing Colorado State Parks South Region Interpreters: • Taught 649 educational programs • Taught educational programs to over 17,000 participants • Engaged an average of 26 participants at each educational program • Reached well over 10,000 visitors through casual contacts on trails, in campgrounds, in visitor centers, and at booths representing Colorado State Parks 38 �Statewide Programs Interpretation Yr. Log ID GBL 2002 2632 EV20 ~ Evaluation/State Fair Project Name Evaluation /State Fair Total: Adjusted Grant Amount• Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project ; I End Date $38.500.00 $24.999 .17 $0.01 Com plete l $38,500.00 $24,999.17 $0.01 I State Parks Objectives: $30,000 was intended to be used for the construction of State Fair displays explaining the life cycles of water in Colorado and $8,500 was intended to be used to evaluate Interpretation/Outdoor EducationNouth Outreach Programs. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: The full amount of $38,500 was spent on the State Fair water displays. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 39 I �Statewide Pro,grams ~ Watchable Wildlife Projects Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2001 2001 2002 2002 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2001 2001 2001 2000 . 1998 2163 2169 2622 2622 2162 2168 2160 2166 2161 2157 2167 2622 2622 2622 2622 2622 2158 2159 2156 0337 8408 NOXC WEXC CF2C CR2C GGXC FRXC CCXC SFXC CFXC ELXC No Region Endangered Fish Panels W Region Endangered Fish Panels Chatfield Herony Pav Conversion CO River Kiosk & Signs Golden Gate Panel lmpv. Fruita Overlook Interp Panels Cherrv Creek Shop Creek Kiosk State Forest Displays & View Deck Chatfield Herony Panels Eleven Mile Interp Panels Stagecoach Boardwalk Barr Lk lnterp Panel John Martin VC Exhibits Bonny Lake VC Exhibits Eldorado Canyon VC Exhibits Roxborou2:h Audio Exhibits Trinidad Visitor Center Mounts Arkansas Visitor Center Exhibits Pueblo Visitor Cot. Pond Exhibits Jackson Lk Visitor Ctr Exhibits Kiosks V-Cap scxc BA2C JM2C BN2C EL2C RO2C TRXC ARXC LPXC JAZC WW8C Adjusted Grant Amount . Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date Complete Complete 06/30/05 6/30/05 06/30/04 Complete 06/30/04 Complete 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/03 06/30/05 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/05 Complete 06/30/04 12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 $7,500.00 $4,500.00 $5,000.00 $17,375.00 $5,000.00 $8,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $4,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $2,125.00 $24,875.00 $24,875.00 $9,750.00 $4,000.00 $3,500.00 $1 ,000.00 $3,000.00 $25,000.00 $16,300.00 $7,500.00 $4,500.00 $150.00 $0.00 $1,725.00 $8,500.00 $1,060.00 $362.41 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,190.37 $3,425.63 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,455.00 $0.00 $0.00 $25,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,850.00 $17,375.00 $895.00 $0.00 $455.00 $0.00 $4,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $934.63 $21,449.37 $24,875.00 $9,750.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $0.00 $7.55 $173,800.00 $55,867.41 $96,591.55 State Parks Objectives: The Watchable Wildlife in Parks Program has been a successful joint venture between State Parks and the Division of Wildlife. It has produced a wide array of wildlife viewing projects such as observation decks, viewing blinds, interpretive kiosks or signs, and visitor center exhibits. Some components have won national awards and continue to be tremendously popular with our park visitors. In addition to funding components of our five-year plan listed above, GO Colorado funding was to also help provide Endangered Fish Panels. This was a project to inform visitors of endangered fish recovery efforts in the Colorado River Basin. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • GO Colorado funding helped design, manufacture and install 27 endangered fish signs at nine state parks. Three interpretive signs were designed to function together and placed at Steamboat, Stagecoach, Yampa, Rifle Gap, Crawford, Colorado River, Navajo, Vega and Highline State Parks. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 40 �• • • • • • • Upgraded and improved the Barr Lake Bird Feeding / Viewing Area by adding new and improved windows; remaining funds will be used to fabricate and install interpretive panels. Updated and Improved the Cherry Creek Shop Creek kiosk structure and replaced interpretive panels, where needed. Updated interpretive panels at the Chatfield Heronry Pavilion. Completed improved to the existing interpretive displays and viewing deck at the Colorado State Forest. Planned, designed, fabricated and installed interpretive panels at the Fruita overlook at Colorado River State Park and at Jackson Lake for the visitor center exhibits. Updated and improved interpretive panels located at Golden Gate Canyon's Trout Pond and Panorama Point. Prepared and installed animal mounts in Trinidad Lake State Park visitor center. 41 �Statewide Programs ~ Watchable Wildlife Operating Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2002 2001 1999 2634 2080 9496 WW2X Watchable Wildlife - Operatin2 Watchable Wildlife - Operatin2 Watchable Wildlife - Operatin2 wwxx WW9X Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $35,000.00 $17,999.47 $81.234.78 $22.970.91 $299.00 $0.00 $2,136.07 $0.00 $2.77 06/30/04 Complete Complete $134,234.25 $23,269.91 $2,138.84 State Parks Objectives: GO Colorado dollars support the operations of the Watchable Wildlife in Parks (VWVIP) program in the following ways: • Pay salary of 0.5 FTE to manage the program • Pay salary of seasonal employee to assist with program operations • Pay for supplies, travel expenses and other general operating costs associated with managing the program • Pay for evaluation of the program and future planning Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Use of funds was consistent with objectives listed above. * Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 42 �I Statewide Programs Visitor Outreach Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name Adjusted Grant Amount * Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date 2003 2002 2002 2001 2000 3064 2633 2622 2078 0290 VO3O VO2X RX2C Visitor Outreach Visitor Outreach Roxboroueh Viewing Guide Visitor Outreach Visitor Outreach $163,000.00 $163,000.00 $3,500.00 $163,000.00 $146 062.78 $899.33 $114,448.90 $0.00 $54,208.81 $589.78 $162,100.67 $48,323.18 $3,500.00 $55,647.05 $0.22 06/30/06 12/31/05 12/31/05 12/31/04 Complete $638,562.78 $170,146.82 $269,571.12 voxx vozo Total: State Parks Objectives: GO Colorado Visitor Outreach funding has enabled State Parks to significantly increase efforts to provide up-to-date information to the public, educate and share the message of good stewardship to children, and make information readily available to the public. Additionally the funding provides: • Parks advertising • Continued funding for 1.0 FTE in public information • Parks promotions • Web site updating • Parks publications for distribution directly to the public at parks, REI ORIC Center, State Welcome Centers, and other statewide locations These GO Colorado funds are also to be used to leverage our marketing dollars through sponsorships and partnerships. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Project funding during the last fiscal year included: • Colorado's Year of Trails, a statewide promotion that included media, print and promotional materials • Do Everything or Nothing at All!, a promotion for Colorado State Parks that included banners, stickers, advertising, media giveaways • Partial funding for the updating and publication of area brochures for 40 state parks • Related training for over 15 staff • Printing the Kids Activity Book (Qty. 35,000) • Strategic advertising, including in the Colorado Tourism magazine • Partial funding for the Colorado State Parks Guide (Qty. 175,000) • Billboards and bus advertising • Holiday promotion to sell annual passes • Promotional card for distribution at trade shows, Welcome Centers, libraries and other locations (Qty. 315,000) * Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 43 , ' .1t;c::c1.1. �Statewide Programs - Project Funding State Trails Program Grants Yr. 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 Log ID 3117 2624 2059 0287 9471 8360 GBL Project Name ~ Capital Adjusted Grant Amount . ST3C ST2C STXC STZC ST9C ST8C Trail Grants - Capital Trail Grants - Capital Trail Grants - Capital Trail Grants - Capital Trail Grants - Capital Trail Grants - Capital Total: Money Spent FY Unspent Amount Project End Date 2002-2003 $485,860.00 $281,000.00 $424,500.00 $469,500.00 $510,000.00 $468.000.00 $7,062.61 $123,489.71 $109,511.63 $177,560.51 $199,438.14 $93.255.77 $478,797.39 $139,510.29 $202,806.37 $58,173.20 $115,084.86 $48.000.00 $2,638,860.00 $710,317.37 $1,042,372.11 6/30/06 6/30/05 6/30/04 6/30/04 6/30/04 12/31/03 Background: Since 1994, GO Colorado has annually contributed badly needed funding to the State Trails Program grant process through State Parks' Annual Funding Plan. These GO Colorado dollars are matched with local, state and federal funds for non-motorized recreation trails projects. GO Colorado funding through the State Trails grant process may go to three different types of grants: Small trail grants: These projects may include trail construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or enhancements to an existing or new trail or trailhead, and land acquisitions. Projects in this category must be $15,000 or less and require a 25% match. Recreational trails grants: These projects must be $15 ,000 or more and provide use of recreational use of trails open to the public. Projects may include trail construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or enhancements·to an existing or new trail or trailhead, and land acquisitions. Eligible projects must provide a 100% match. Planning projects: Funding is available for trails planning, research, or capacity building for trails on lands open to the public. Additionally, funds have been used for Volunteer Partnership Grants that are annually distributed to promote volunteer involvement at our state parks and through our programs. State Parks Objectives: Variously, these GO Colorado funds have enabled the State Trails Program to provide grants to a wider spectrum of trails, facilities and other projects. Recipients have been local governments, federal agencies, enthusiasts and outdoor volunteers. Volunteer Partnership grant expenditures are intended to cover communication, recognition, training , and program support items that assist on-site teaching. Categories providing funding through our various volunteer channels, including: • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 44 �• • • • Natural surface trail projects Volunteer program support projects Park amenity projects Trail consulting Fees GO Colorado funding made available for Volunteer projects in the 2002 Annual Funding Plan was $20,750. Another $35,000 was to be allocated to worthy projects from the 2003 funding. Grants ranged from $40 up to $1,500. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: All State Trails Program GO Colorado funding has been expended or encumbered for worthy projects. They break down as follows: Trails Grants: GO Colorado enabled 16 additional trails grants to be funded through the State Trails process: nine to projects sponsored by non-profit groups, six on federal land and one local government project. Projects included trail reconstruction, bridge work, trail signs, trail plans and volunteer efforts. Additionally, trails staff updated all open trails grant files back to 1996 to close out old grants and reprogram the funding through the 2003 allocation. Volunteer Partnership Grants: • Seven grants at six state parks were allocated for Volunteer Amenity projects in 2002 and seven additional parks received allocations from the 2003 funding. • Twenty parks benefited from Volunteer Support grants in 2002 and another 20 grants at $500 each were just awarded in 2003 • 2003 funding helped fund Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado trail projects in three parks and another four parks received grants to assist with natural surface trails projects 45 '"{ea.r 2002--2003 �Statewide Programs State Trails Program Grants Operating Costs Yr. Adjusted Grant Amount* Log ID 2003 3055 2002 2623 2001 2060 2000 0314 1999 9484 Subtotal: 2003 3055 2003 3055 2003 3055 2003 3055 2002 2623 2002 2623 2002 2623 2002 2623 2001 2061 2001 2063 2001 2064 Subtotal: GBL Project Name ST3O ST2X STXX STZX ST9X State Trails - Operatine:* Trail Grants- Operating* Trail Grants- Operatine:* Trail Grants- Operating* Trail Grants- Operatine:* CM30 CN30 CS30 CW30 CM2O CN2O CS2O CW2O MCXO Regional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Reeional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Reeional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Regional Trails Coordinator Re2ional Trails Coordinator scxo wcxo Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount $73,000.00 $63,000.00 $49,000.00 $91,000.00 $129,999.86 $405,999.86 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $14,264.14 $16,765.70 $15,521.96 $182 551.80 $27,373.28 $52,805.96 $8,745.58 $308.87 $0.00 $89,232.69 $5,076.59 $5,006.59 $2,102.55 $2,496.24 $11,395.13 $8,824.91 $13,684.96 $13,471.88 $3.59 $7.83 $748.32 $62 818.59 $45,626.72 $2,190.00 $9,672.44 $8,963.09 $2.335.91 $68,788.16 $11,923.41 $11,993.41 $14,897.45 $14,503.76 $1,298.12 $16.01 $11.47 $2,154.51 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $56,798.14 $588,551.66 $152,051.28 $125,586.30 Project End Date 12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 12/31/03 Complete 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/03 12/31/03 12/31/03 12/31/03 Complete Complete Complete State Parks Objectives: This program manages the funds from five funding sources (including GO Colorado) and awards grants throughout the state for trail projects. GO Colorado provides funding for the Recreational Trails Program Manager to administer this program, operating funds for the Program Manager and funding for the environmental review of all grants through contracting agency. Additionally, the funding provides operating budgets for the four Regional Trails Coordinators, managed by State Parks. The Trails Program Manager performs a wide variety of duties including managing the Trails Program budgets, to working with partners and other constituents, and developing grant recommendations for the State Trails Committee. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) will assist State Parks with review of trail grant proposals by coordinating the review for impacts to natural resources. The contracting agency and DOW review trail grant proposals for potential adverse impacts to sensitive species, habitats, and protected areas. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 46 �In 2001, four Regional Trail Coordinator positions were established within the State Parks Trail Program. These valuable employees provide a leadership role in the planning and development of an integrated statewide system of trails. To achieve this, they work in cooperation with State Park managers, federal agencies, local agencies, constituency groups and trail enthusiasts. Salaries for these positions are funded through federal and Off-Highway Vehicle Registration funding. GO Colorado provides the operating funds for vehicle, travel and general operating costs. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Program staff:_ • Re-wrote the grant application manual and advertised the Small, Recreation, and Planning Grants to over 5,000 people • Reviewed 140 applications and coordinated with 30 to 40 outside reviewers on scoring applications • Coordinated six State Trail Committee and Sub-Committee meetings • Developed three budget and grant award recommendations • Wrote four to six State Park Board action items for approval for grant awards • Compiled three agency reports - GOCO, Federal Highways and LWCF funds • Managed ten original capital grants and set up 90-100 individual accounts • Finalized 40 new contracts and verify account set up • Managed 75 open grants from years prior along with current grant cycle, totally 115 grants • Worked with three funding administrators - GOCO, Federal Highways and LWCF • Inspected 20 projects and sent out 30 expiration letters • Supervised three part-time employees • Wrote 15 amendments to expiring grant contracts and closed out 20 grants Trail Grant Reviews Tasks and Deliverables:_ • Conducted preliminary review of 100-140 applications and distribute applications to appropriate agencies for review • Created GIS data layers with appropriate attributes for each of the proposed projects where data is available • Created a spatial database for projects with potential impacts to rare elements and natural communities for reference purposes • Solicited comments from other agencies as appropriate and provide reviewers with data if necessary to facilitate a congruous review process • Reviewed proposed projects for potential impacts to protected areas and also coordinated with agency biologists for NEPA documentation or other pertinent information as deemed necessary • Coordinated with DOW staff biologists for comments regarding potential wildlife impacts • Quality control and final preparation of review documentation Regional Trails Coordinator Operations: This funding was used for fixed and variable vehicle costs for 50,000 miles of statewide travel and travel costs to perform 3,000 trail user contacts, travel 2,000 miles of trail, conduct 60 trainings, work on 70 projects , assist with 10 special events , inspect 15 grant projects and work with 20 Youth Corp groups. Funding also covered trail tools, uniforms, tents, clinometer, camera, general office supplies, training registration, snowmobile and ATV maintenance and repairs, avalanche beacon, and other trail-related supplies. 47 �Statewide Programs IT Project Manage,m ent Yr. Log ID GBL 2003 3091 IT30 -* Projects Project Name Adjusted Grant Amount . IT Project Mana2:ement Total: Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date 06/30/04 $83 788.00 $9 651.12 $74,136.88 $83,788.00 $9,651.12 $74,136.88 State Parks Objectives: Identified as a significant Division priority and recipient of reprogrammed GO Colorado funding in January 2003, this project management effort will help to better manage capital construction and other GO Colorado-funded projects. State Parks intends to adopt a proven set of procedures and practices used to effectively and efficiently manage projects so that costs stay within budget and projects are completed in a timely manner. The purpose of this funding is to review these techniques and determine how State Parks might benefit from establishment of these procedures, particularly for construction and GO Coloradofunded projects. It will include training, computer software and hardware for implementation. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Funding provided preliminary research into project management techniques, assessment of how these would work within State Parks, and coordination with Department of Natural Resources project management staff. * Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 48 �Project Operations 49 Colorado State Pa.rlrs Ann a.l Renert--·- Fiscal Vear 2002-2003 �I Project Operations Yr. Log GBL Project Name 2003 3081 2003 3079 2003 3080 2003 3081 2003 3078 2003 3079 2003 3080 2002 2618 2002 2619 2002 2620 Subtotal: BN3O NS3O SF3O BN3O MU3O NS3O SF3O BN2X NS2O SF2O Bonny Tourist Asst North Sterling Tourist Asst State Forest Tourist Asst Bonny Tourist Asst Muller Tourist Asst North Sterling Tourist Asst State Forest Tourist Asst Bonny Lake Tourist Asst North Sterling Tourist Asst State Forest Toul"ist Asst 2003 3077 2003 3082 2003 3083 2003 3076 2003 3076 2002 2617 2002 2616 2002 2616 2002 2615 2002 2621 2001 2053 Subtotal: CF3O CR3O GG3O SB3O SV3O MU2X SV2X SB2X CF2X FT2O CFXX Crawford Resource Spec Colorado River Resource Spec Golden Gate Resource Spec Steamboat Resource Spec Steamboat VC Spec Mueller Visitor Center Spec Steamboat Visitor Center Spec Steamboat Resource Spec Crawford Resource Spec FTE Initiative Crawford Resource Spec ID Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date Tourist Assistants $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $22,880.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $21,666.00 $21,667.00 $21.667.00 $231,820.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $21,666.00 $21 ,667.00 $21,667.00 $65,000.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $22,880.00 $23,990.00 $23,990.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $166,820.00 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 Complete Complete Complete $70,300.00 $45,180.00 $45,180.00 $68,100.00 $48,800.00 $20,667.00 $44,333.00 $61,500.00 $63,500.00 122,000.00 $60,400.00 $649,960.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,667.00 $41,282.89 $53,676.26 $63,464.20 122,000.00 $0.00 $301,090.35 $70,300.00 $45,180.00 $45,180.00 $68,100.00 $48,800.00 $0.00 $3,050.11 $7,823.74 $35.80 $0.00 $2,084.04 $290,553.69 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 Complete 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 Complete 06/30/04 $225,000.00 $125,560.00 $130,200.00 $45,180.00 $129,900.00 $125,500.00 $113,400.00 $117,600.00 $83,000.00 $72,000.00 $115,333.29 $1,282,673.29 $220,424.24 $47,545.61 $44,074.02 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $69,577.08 $76,092.13 $2,666.35 $ (0.01) $0.00 $0.00 $4,575.76 $78,014.39 $86,125.98 $45,180.00 $129,900.00 $125,500.00 $0.00 $0.01 $20.37 $0.01 $1.25 $469,317.77 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 Complete Complete Complete Comolete Complete $63,100.00 $142,800.00 $0.00 $0.00 $63,100.00 $142,800.00 12/31/04 12/31/04 Specialists Engineers & Project Managers 2003 3085 2003 3054 2003 3054 2003 3084 2003 3054 2003 3054 2002 2607 2002 2607 2001 2049 2001 2050 1999 9455 Subtotal: PM3O EN3O EW3O NJ3O EM3O ES3O EN2X EW2X ENXX EWXX CR9X Project Managers (Metro & South) North Re2ion Engineer West Region Engineer NavaioPM II Engineer Metro Region En1!ineer South Region North Region Engineer West Region Engineer North Region Engineer West Region Ene:ineer West Region Engineer 2003 2003 JM3O BC3O John Martin - Operating Brush Creek Operating Park Operations 3071 3074 • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 50 �2003 3072 2003 3073 2003 3070 2003 3069 2003 3075 2002 2610 2002 2613 2002 2611 2002 2612 2002 2609 2002 2608 Subtotal: CY3O LM3O SN3O YR3O RF3O JM2X BC2X CY2X LM2X SN2X YR2X Cheyenne Mountain - Operatinl!. Lone Mesa Operating Staunton - Operatinl!. Yampa River - Operating Rifle Falls Operations John Martin - Operating Brush Creek - Operatinl!. Cheyenne Mountain - Operating Lone Mesa - Operatinl!. Staunton - Operating Yampa River - Operatine: 2003 3065 2002 2614 2001 2051 Subtotal: AC3O AC2X ACXX Accountin!! Accountine; Accountin!! $63,100.00 $42,000.00 $64,220.00 $116,000.00 $19,018.00 $57,000.00 $129,000.00 $57,000.00 $38,000.00 $58,000.00 $105 000.00 $954,238.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $56,823.00 $128,628.39 $55,790.73 $38,000.00 $58,000.00 $105.000.00 $442,242.12 $63,100.00 $42,000.00 $64,220.00 $116,000.00 $19,018.00 $177.00 $371.61 $1,209.27 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $511,995.88 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 12/31/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 06/30/04 Complete Complete Complete $0.00 $30,000.00 $28 400.00 $58,400.00 $7,967.75 $30,000.00 $21,326.10 $59.293.85 $0.00 $0.00 $2 610.93 $2.610.93 Complete Complete 06/30/04 $3,177,091.29 $867,626.32 $1,441,298.27 Accounting Total: Background: Through GO Colorado investments since 1994, the public has been able to enjoy a significantly expanded variety of State parks services and programs. These investments have inevitably led to higher operating costs, which State Parks attempts to recover through user fee collection. To cover the additional operating costs, GO Colorado have cooperatively followed statutory direction by pitching in their share of the shortfall. In this era of tighter budgets and an effort to increase our self-sufficiency, State Parks will be striving to prevent new GO Colorado-funded investments from driving increased operating costs. State Parks Objectives: Active grants are listed in the table above. GO Colorado helped funded 11. 7 full time employees in 2002 and 12.2 full time employees in 2003, working directly in the parks or providing direct support through accounting and engineering services. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: See fund balances in table above. 51 �Legacy Projects Colorado State Parks Annual Report---- . . . .iscaJ Yt~ar 20 2-2003 �I Legacy Projects Yame_a River Legacy Yr. Log GBL 2001 2001 2000 1997 1997 6832 6838 6838 6837 6840 6832 6838 6838 6837 6840 Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $10,000.00 $140,000.00 $55,000.00 $11,177.91 $169,860.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $11,216.79 $10,000.00 $140,000.00 $40,900.00 $3,394.82 $681.75 06/30/05 06/30/05 12/31/05 Complete 06/01/04 $386,037.91 $11,216.79 $194,976.57 Adjusted Grant Amount* Project Name ID Existin2 Sites Plan & Desi2n Existin2: Sites Development Access Leases Project Coordinator HQ & Camn!!round Plan & Desi2n Total: Background: The Yampa River Legacy Project (Routt & Moffat counties) serves as a statewide model of partnerships between recreation and agriculture. Its public river access leasing sites program benefits private landowners through lease payments and river users with additional public access. Approximately $6 million is being invested in the acquisition and development of this park area. State Parks manages recreation services including boating, rafting, fishing, camping, picnicking, public safety and education and interpretation for almost 100,000 annual park visitors. The Division is also charged with stewardship of sections along the 170-mile section of the Yampa River. Maintenance of facilities that include a visitor center with seasonal housing, pump station , campsites, restrooms, water and wastewater treatment plant, camper services building, maintenance shop. Management issues include facility development, resource management, management of the public river access sites leasing program and the commercial river outfitters permit program on the Yampa River. State Parks Objectives: Remaining objectives with the funding included in the table above is to be used for maintenance of existing and acquisition of new river access leases and for additional access site development along the Yampa River. Although $324,425 in funding for recreation site development at Elkhead Reservoir has been transferred out of the project, State Parks intends to return with funding in the future to complete the work originally envisioned at Elkhead. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • Constructed new entrance sign to the Park Headquarters. * Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 53 �Legacy Projects Colorado River Legacy Yr. Log GBL Project Name ID 1998 1998 1998 1999 6804 6805 6806 6904 6804 6805 6806 6904 CR Trail Acquisition CR Trail Facility Development CR Trail Development Fruita Development Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 20022003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $1,008,078.00 $216,000.00 $298,000.00 $2.861.500.00 $7785.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1415.00 $614,924.98 $171,000.00 $298,000.00 $93 324.68 $4,383,578.00 $9199.00 $1,177,249.66 10/01/04 10/01/04 10/01/04 10/01/04 Background: This Legacy project partnership between Colorado State Parks and local governments was originally awarded GO Colorado funding in May 1996, May 1998, and May 1999. Primary purposes for this long-term project were for investments into the expansion of Colorado River State Park and associated recreation projects in five distinct park areas along a 35-mile stretch of the Colorado River through Mesa County. The rapidly growing Grand Valley depends on State Parks for oversight of this Legacy project. State Parks Objectives: State Parks intends to use remaining funds for the acquisition and development of trails through the Colorado River corridor. This may include property and easements, environmental assessments, appraisals, survey and platting, construction and fencing. State Parks is currently focused on potential 39-acre acquisition adjacent to the Fruita complex. If this deal does not work out, State Parks intends to proceed with an alternative property acquisition, construction of 4. 7 miles of trail, and installation of adjacent fencing. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: • Project money was used for Phase One environmental site assessments for pending property acquisition * Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 54 �ILegacy Projects St. Vrain Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 2003 3853 3980 SV3M SV3R St Vrain Legacy Pro_ject** St Vrain Legacy Project Total: Adjusted Grant Amount . Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $5,156,500.00 $31500.00 $4,789,875.60 $31,500.00 $366,624.40 $0.00 06/30/04 06/30/03 $5,188,000 $4,821 ,375.60 $366,624.40 ** - To complete the acquisitions, as reflected in the Parks "purpose" table above, GO Colorado also included $3 million from the Open Space "purpose" and $1.5 million from the Wildlife "purpose". Background: Colorado State Parks and the City of Longmont, along with numerous other local government partners, proposes to establish a network of open lands, park areas, and trails linking unique and irreplaceable landscapes in southwestern Weld County and eastern Boulder County. The project will enhance and expand St. Vrain State Park (formerly Barbour Ponds) and integrate river-related open space, wetland, and fishing programs from many local comprehensive plans. In addition, 17 miles of new trail will be built and existing trails will be improved that will result in a 45-mile long loop trail. These projects will also connect to the St. Vrain Greenway trail and open space along the St. Vrain River to the west toward the Town of Lyons. State Parks Objectives: On December 4, 2002, the GOCO Board awarded funding for this project to acquire properties adjacent to St. Vrain State Park (Rademacher, LaFarge). In addition to the GO Colorado also committed $3 million from the open space purpose and $1.5 million from the wildlife purpose. In the Legacy project description State Parks indicated these funds would be used for land acquisition and capital expenditure costs at St. Vrain. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Rademacher Property Acquisition: On January 10, 2003, State Parks closed on the acquisition for the 257-acre property owned by Rademacher Family Partnership. This former gravel mining operation, which has undergone significant improvements/mitigation, will provide a major expansion, open space values and wildlife habitat for St. Vrain State Park. The property is located just west of the Del Camino (Hwy. 119) interchange at Interstate 25 in Weld County. Purchase included water rights, a lined water storage reservoir and other unlined ponds (approximately 126 total surface acres), water carriage treatment, and two houses and other minor improvements. This property will be part of a master-planned park development including campgrounds, a visitor center, day-use facilities, urban fishing opportunities, wildlife habitat, watchable wildlife and other activities. Total cost for the property acquisition , including associated costs was $8 ,786 ,662. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 55 �Lafarge Property Acquisition: On December 31, 2002, State Parks acquired approximately 23 acres of land located at the northwest corner of Highway 119 and Weld County Road 7, about½ mile southwest of the entrance to St. Vrain State Park and 1/2 mile from the confluence of Boulder Creek and the St. Vrain River. The property was owned by Lafarge (Western Mining Co.) and formerly mined for sand and gravel. The property contains a portion of the neighboring lakes and serves as an ideal candidate for the potential location of a visitor center and trailhead. The property acquisition will provide outstanding open space and recreation benefits to a rapidly growing region of southwest Weld County and the Northern Front Range. The property was identified as a Phase One acquisition priority in the St. Vrain Valley Open Lands and Trails Plan and meets the goals of area communities and Colorado State Parks. This property is extremely significant due to its location among other State Parks' holdings as well as its visibility and access along Highway 119. Preservation of this property was a top priority within the St. Vrain Legacy initiative. GO Colorado contribution to the property acquisition was $534,713. 56 �I Legacy Projects_ Front Range Trail Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name 2003 3886 2003 3887 2003 3888 2003 3891 Subtotal: 2003 TBD G3FA G3FB G3FC G3FE Master Plan South Pueblo Front Ran2e History Pro2ram Poudre Trail Windsor River Pueblo Si2n Project TBD Front Ran2e Trail (2004 2rants) Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date 06/30/06 06/30/06 06/30/06 06/30/06 $70,000.00 $41,323.00 $170,800.00 $15 000.00 $297123 $202,877.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $70,000.00 $41,323.00 $170,800.00 $15,000.00 $297123 $202,877.00 $500,000.00 $0.00 $500,000.00 06/30/07 Background: Colorado State Parks submitted a Legacy application in 2002 for a continuous trail that will link the Colorado Front Range's diverse communities and scenic landscapes with a multi-use trail from New Mexico to Wyoming. This Colorado Front Range Trail will connect 190 miles of existing trails, 260 miles of planned trails, and 115 miles of new trails. Funding for the project was awarded $1 million by the GO Colorado Board on December 4, 2002. Leveraged projects for funding elements of the Front Range Trail will be prioritized and funded through the annual State Trails program grants process. State Parks Objectives: As identified in the Legacy application, Phase One of the project will be completed within five years and will include trail services and facilities, distinctive signage for the trail, a trail map, and a guidebook indicating the trail locations. The map and guide will be frequently updated as trail sections and signage are completed. Local jurisdictions will determine acquisition priorities, design, uses, regulations and maintenance procedures. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Funding from GO Colorado's Parks "purpose" has been encumbered for the four projects identified in the table above for $297,123. The remaining $297,123 will be allocated for Front Range Trail projects through the 2004 State Trails Grant process. The funded projects include: Trails Masterplan - South of Pueblo: Funding will be used to develop a detailed Master Plan. An extensive public involvement process will be implemented for communities along the Front Range Trail corridor to ensure that each jurisdiction is involved in determining the final trail route. A variety of design options will be evaluated including trail alignment, amenities, on and off road segments and how to integrate local identity with statewide standards. The resulting plan will provide a blueprint for the construction and linkage of new and existing trails, a construction budget, and fee title/easements needed. Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 57 �Front Range History Program: The roadside interpretation program will research all historically significant sites along the Colorado Front Range Trail through a series of meetings with, but not limited to, CFRT partners, local historians, government agencies, and other interested parties. Through these meetings Roadside Interpretation Program will develop a range or design possibilities to accommodate interested parties and enhance CFRT user experience while not conflicting with the built or natural environment. Poudre River Trail - Windsor East: The trail will be 10 foot wide concrete with associated improvements including fence, parking lot and signage completing the western portion of the Poudre Trail in Weld County. The trail meanders near the Poudre River and provides access to a public fishing lake in Frank State Wildlife Area. It will link two other sections of the trail being constructed this winter and spring. Front Range Trail Signage - Pueblo: This project will provide Front Range Trail signs at several key locations along the Pueblo River including: (32) Brand signs w/o arrows, (16) Brand signs with arrows, (5) Type A and (6) Type B Trail head signs, and (20) distance signs trail system. There will be two types of trailhead signs depending on the location along the trail system. The signs will follow the City of Pueblo Sign Plan. They are described as follows: Type A - 6' high, 4' high x 18" display area with stone base and emblem across the top; Type B - 6' high, 4' high x 2'6" wide sign area with tubular metal posts and emblem across the top. Through the 2003 State Trails Grant process, $500,000 in GO Colorado funding from the Local Government "purpose" was allocated to the following two Front Range Trails projects: St. Vrain - Firestone ($250,000 in GOCO LG purpose funds): (1 )Trail connection from Firestone Trail to County Administration Center and Barbour Ponds State Park. This connecting trail provides an important link across approx. 2.5 miles of property that is in the Firestone, between the Firestone Trail, just north of Road 24, to the new County Administration Building, which is located near Weld County Road 24 1/2 and 1-25 Frontage Road. (2) There is a four key Disclaimer element, which is to attempt to secure ownership of the Disclaimer Parcels, which total approximately 3 miles combined. The Firestone Trail extends from Weld County Road 10 3/4 on the south to Weld County Roads 26 and 34. (3) There are certain construction improvements necessary to further upgrade the Firestone Trail to make it passable and appropriate for pedestrian use. Such improvements include the drainage crossing structures, minor grading, and signage. These improvements are for the Firestone Trail and Disclaimer Parcels. St. Vrain Greenway -- Phase 6 ($250,000 in GOCO LG purpose funds): This is a trail corridor and habitat improvement project. Phase 6 provides connectivity with existing trails and will complete a loop in the south part of Longmont starting at Golden Ponds, going as far east where St. Vrain River and Lefthand Creek meet, then south to the new recreation center, heading west again across Main Street, and then back north to Roger's Grove. This is the latest in a project that will eventually will run seven miles through Longmont and even extend up to Lyons. This section will also provide connectivity to the future Front Range Trail System. 58 �Two other Front Range Trail projects funded with non-GO Colorado dollars include the two following: Castle Oaks Trail (LWCF & other funds): The Castle Oaks Trail is seen as primarily a hiking and biking path. Its hard surface will facilitate walking through uneven and at times muddy terrain. It will also enable people with bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers to engage in exercise and recreation. In addition, the trail will run next to the city's primary recreation center and will enable adults and children to incorporate walks into their fitness routines and decrease the local vehicular traffic. Because the recreation center is also a site for after school programs, the trail will offer staff and children access to wildlife, vegetation, erosion and drainage for studies and observation. As a key section of the Foothills-Plains loop, the trail will enable users to easily move from trails on the east side of 1-25 to those on the west. This provides an opportunity for serious hikers and bikers to move away from the busier flatter 1-25 corridor on the west to the more rural plains and rolling hills of the east. \/\/hen the Colorado Front Range Trail is completed south from Chatfield Reservoir and from the C-470 trails, bikers and hikers will be able to complete a circular loop south from Denver through Castle Rock and return to Denver. Midland Trail Pedestrian Bridge (LWCF and other funds): The project includes construction of a pedestrian bridge and 1.5 miles of the Midland Trail from Pikes Peak Greenway to 21st Street. The bridge will link the Pikes Peak Greenway segment of the Colorado Front Range Trail and the Midland Trail to Confluence Park. The Midland Trail will link the historic westside and Manitou Springs to Downtown Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service Department would like to time construction of the pedestrian bridge and trail to coincide with the opening of Phase I of Confluence Park. Confluence Parks is envisioned as a community-gathering place for people of Colorado Springs and the anchor of downtown revitalization efforts. Packaging the bridge and trail with Confluence Park will generate significant media attention and promotional opportunities that otherwise would not be available. 59 �Legacy Projects Che enne Mountain Yr. 2003 2002 2001 2000 Log ID 3842 2638 2081 8670 GBL CM3M CM2M CMlM CMZM and Multi-Year Fundin Project Name Cheyenne Mountain Legacy Cheyenne Mountain 02 - MYP Cheyenne Mountain 01 - MY P Cheyenne Mountain 00 - MYP Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project ' End Date $1,500,000.00 $754,000.00 $107,000.00 $125 000.00 $0.00 $17,732.51 $0.00 $0.00 $1,500,000.00 $736,267.49 $0.00 $0.00 $2,486,000.00 $17,731.51 $2,236,267.49 I 06/15/05 06/15/04 I 06/13/02 I 11115101 I Background: GO Colorado previously awarded $8.6 million to State Parks to help acquire the JL Ranch, which has been renamed Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Cheyenne Mountain will be the first state park in the El Paso County area. Development will provide recreation, trails, and educational opportunities for residents of Colorado Springs and other park visitors - an estimated 300,000 annual visitors. State Parks will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the park, and will station permanent staff there to ensure that the natural resources are preserved for the benefit of future generations, while also serving a range of outdoor recreation needs. Located at the southwestern edge of the city, Cheyenne Mountain is currently in a relatively undisturbed natural condition and is highly valued by the community for its open space qualities. Wildlife abounds on the property due to its unfragmented, undisturbed nature. Breeding populations of turkey are evident, as well as significant numbers of deer, black bear, elk, and cougar. Along the Front Range of Colorado, undeveloped tracts of land such as this are uncommon. Financial partners include Denman Investments, which will develop the roads and utilities infrastructure to the park entrance, and the City of Colorado Springs. The project also has support from others in the local community, the adjacent NORAD and the U.S. Army at Fort Carson. State Parks Objectives: Initial development funding was provided by GO Colorado for park planning. State Parks was to hire a consultant to provide services to plan and design Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The effort will perform all necessary studies , surveys, mapping , investigations, and public interactions to produce design documents to construct the complete park. Actual park development features will likely include: • Approximately 12 miles of multiple use trail through Cheyenne Mountain State Park, which will allow both pedestrians and mountain bikers to explore the park's backcountry • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers, restrictions, or deauthorizations. 60 I �• • Interior roadways, parking lots, utilities and other associated park infrastructure along with paved access to trailhead parking will be completed first A campground with a camper services building, cabins, individual and group picnic sites, a visitor & special events center and a maintenance building Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Planning and design efforts, including extensive outreach with the local neighbors and public officials, were 65% completed. Final construction documents should be completed by November 2003. 61 Co rad Sl'- te t"a.r.k.s l-\1'"ln al Rerc r • - Fiscal Year .... 002-2003 �Multi-Year Projects 'olorado Stat · Pat ks An 1uaJ ReJ..1 rt - F'isc2J 'pa_r 2orJ2-2C03 �I Multi-Year Projects Brush Creek Yr. Log ID GBL Project Name Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date 2002 2001 2637 2083 BC2M BClM Brush Creek 02 - Sylvan Lk. St. Pk. Brush Creek 01 - Sylvan Lk. St. Pk. $126,000.00 $500 000.00 $65,974.15 $48 791.80 $60,025.85 $27.894.23 06/01/04 06/01/04 $626,000.00 $114,765.95 $87,920.08 Total: Background: In 1999, years of debate about the future of the Brush Creek watershed culminated in the purchase of 1,762 acres of invaluable wetlands and riparian areas along East and West Brush Creeks, south of Eagle. GO Colorado played a major role in the partnership that included DNR, State Parks, DOW, Eagle County, Vail Associates, and The Conservation Fund. The proximity of the streams to the existing Sylvan Lake State Park and its facilities enables Parks to make relatively modest additional investments in facilities at Brush Creek. Due to the sensitive nature of the wetlands and riparian values, a minimal scope of development is planned, including a visitor center, a small number of yurts or cabins, picnic areas and trail improvements. In cooperation with DOW, most of the West Fork will be managed solely for fishery improvements and access. State Parks Objectives: State Parks planned to complete the design work for a visitor center at the confluence of East and West Brush Creeks and plans to break ground in the spring of 2001. In addition to the visitor center, park development was to include a nearby picnic area, as well as 3-4 picnic and parking areas along East Brush Creek. Approximately 3-5 small parking areas were to be located along West Brush Creek for fishing access. A good opportunity existed to connect trails that climb the Adam's Rib hillsides between East and West Brush Creeks, completing a loop that would connect Sylvan Lake, the two stream valleys and the forest campgrounds. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Funds were used to construct a 7,000 square foot visitor center with interpretive exhibits, 50 parking spaces, landscaping, groundwater well for water supply, septic/leach field wastewater system, site work and ADA parking and sidewalks. State Parks also constructed a day use facility at the confluence of East and West Brush Creek. Improvements at the confluence site included an ADA restroom and sidewalks, 7 picnic sites, 15 parking spaces, 700 feet of gravel road and fencing and interpretation signage at an abandoned historic schoolhouse. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made tln·ough transfers, restrictions, or deautborizations. 63 �Three yurts and associated site development were completed within Sylvan Lake State Park. Improvements at the yurt site include construction of three yurts, solar and propane utilities, ADA accessible toilet and sidewalks, road access, ADA parking and 7 parking spaces. 64 Colorado S'ate Parks Annual ·Report - Fiscal Year .... 002 -2003 �I Multi-Year Projects John Martin Yr. Log ID GBL 2001 2000 2082 0761 JMlM JMLT Project Name John Martin 01 - MYP John Martin 00 - MYP Total: Adjusted Grant Amount* Money Spent FY 2002-2003 Unspent Amount Project End Date $1 ,200,000.00 $2.199.425.00 $66,321.42 $605 648.07 $0.00 $12.05 Complete Complete $3,399,425.00 $671,968.49 $12.05 Background: In May 2000, Governor Owens signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to establish a new state park at John Martin Reservoir, fulfilling a decades-long goal to establish a state park in southeast Colorado. When full, John Martin Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water. With GO Colorado's participation , Parks intended to move quickly to complete the park development needs. Included in the project will be renovation of outdated facilities already in place, plus investments in new improvements to serve the needs of park visitors. On May 15, 2000 the State of Colorado and the COE signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing in principle for both agencies "to work together in a cooperative and coordinated effort to improve the operations and management of the natural resources and recreational development of John Martin Reservoir for the greater benefit and enjoyment of the general public." With this agreement in place State Parks and the COE have been working closely and swiftly toward transforming John Martin Reservoir into a state park. State Parks Objectives: Renovations to bring the park up to contemporary standards will include the park domestic water delivery system, park wastewater treatment system, primary and secondary electrical service, road improvements, existing campground site and furniture improvements, and landscaping. New facilities will include a visitor center/office complex, additional campsites, providing electrical hookups at 35 additional campsites, a new camper services building, new vault toilet buildings, a breakwater along with other improvements to the two boat ramps servicing the reservoir, and a maintenance building and compound. Accomplishments in FY 2002-2003: Renovation and development of this park were essentially completed in FY 2002-2003. Items included: Hasty Campground site improvements: 211 campsites with picnic tables and grills, 15,500 square feet of concrete flat work, 6 vault toilets, 280 linear feet of culverts, 1,000 cubic yards of earthwork and 1,000 cubic yards of gravel. • Adjusted Grant Amount refers to grant amounts after adjustments were made through transfers. restrictions, or deauthorizations. 65 �Completion of Park Buildings: 4,400 square foot visitor center and office, a 3,000 square foot camper services building, 450 square foot campground entrance building, 1,200 square foot comfort building and 4,000 square foot maintenance building. Completion of Electrical Site Proiect: 87,260 linear feet of electrical wire, 10 transformers and 76 campsite pedestals. 66 Colo ·ado State Park.:.:- i\nnuul Re rt-.- Fiscal Year . . . 00')-2003 � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/0ef5303470e0d72d554525e809c993e2.pdf 75da73fb58b7c44036ef759330507ca5 PDF Text Text Division of Wildlife Colorado Department of Natural Resources State of Colorado Fiscal Year 2001 - 2002 Accomplishments of Colorado Lottery-Funded Projects COLORADO RA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Bill Owens, Governor Greg E. Walcher, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources Russell George, Director, Colorado Division of Wildlife The completion of these projects would not have been possible without funding from Colorado Lottery dollars directed to wildlife-related programs under the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment of the Colorado Constitution. The Amendment requires these lottery dollars to be invested in the wildlife resources of Colorado through the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the state's wildlife management agency. This includes the protection and restoration of crucial wildlife habitats, appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage, wildlife watching, and ~ducational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. ��Distribution Governor Bill Owens Colorado General Assembly Colorado Wildlife Commission Colorado Lottery Commission State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund November 4, 2002 ��Grant Name: Acquire High Priority Habitat DOW Work Package Numbers: (0320, 0330) Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 r Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: $2 121 ,194 $633,703 Description: The first goal of this project is to protect wildlife habitat and to secure public access to wildlife by acquiring interests in real property. These interests can be short term, long term or perpetual, and can consist of fee title, easements, leases, or management agreements. The budget includes, but is not limited to incentive payments to private landowners to manage their lands in ways that will protect or enhance populations of threatened, endangered, or declining species. The DOW acquires interest in land or use of land for wildlife purposes either through separate legislation or through the statutorily authorized methods (C.R.S. 33-1-105 and subsequent sections). Under a Wildlife Commission policy, easements are preferred over fee title when the Division acquires land. The Wildlife Commission' s Real Estate Plan, which identifies major priorities for acquisitions, provides criteria for evaluating potential acquisitions, and endorses the principle that the Division should acquire the minimum interest necessary to accomplish the objectives of each particular acquisition. Easements, leases and management agreements continue to be emphasized over fee title acquisitions. A major element of this project was on a landowner incentive program that focused on the conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog in short grass prairie habitat as a means of eliminating the need for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Participating landowners agree to take certain actions or refrain from taking certain actions relative to prairie dogs on their land. Work with landowners and land groups to develop habitat protection projects for sage grouse were included in this work period. These efforts lead to completion of one project during this period and developed projects that will be completed in future segments. These same projects also provide benefits to other species of interest through the protection of important sage steppe habitats. This current year (FY02-03), the Division initiated another new program, the Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) program. The aim of this program, a partnership involving Great Outdoors Colorado, local organizations and land trusts, the United States Department of Interior, and private landowners, is to preserve, protect, enhance and manage Colorado's at-risk and declining wildlife species by using a combination of easements, leases and management agreements to protect key habitats on private lands. During a three-year period, this program could protect 15,000 to 20,000 acres through easements, and up to 50,000 acres through management agreements. The second goal of this project is to manage the Division' s interests in real property. The Division owns and manages interests in approximately 600,000 acres of land in the state for wildlife habitat as well as for recreation. -2- �Some of the activities within this project include: • • • • • • maintaining legal interests (fee, easements, leases) in real property (lands); maintaining records of all transactions of real property by DOW in systematic, legally defensible and readily retrievable fashion (Real Estate Database); monitoring compliance with terms of easements and leases; administering annual payments on leases and management agreements; evaluation and reporting on developing real estate projects performing management actions needed as real property owner • • • conducting appraisals on existing properties as needed; administering Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT); and administering agricultural and other leases on Division property. As a part of this project, for the past four years, the Division has expended considerable effort toward resolving issues raised in a 1998 audit by the Office of Inspector General in the U.S. Department of · Interior. The audit found that on approximately 20 properties the Division has not ensured that the properties, acquired with license revenues, were being used to meet the objectives of enhancing fish and wildlife resources (which is required by law). Most of the properties in question were leased to or used by other state agencies. In order to resolve the audit issue, the Division entered into a number of property exchanges, has revamped its leases and management agreements with other state agencies, and made improvements to its capital asset management system. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 400 acres acquired by conservation easement During this reporting period, the Division acquired one 25-year easement on 3,105 acres for public fishing and two perpetual easements (one on 560 acres for Gunnison sage grouse and one on 385 acres for public fishing). • 153,500 acres acquired under lease The Division acted to pay the lease cost and perform the necessary actions to maintain the level of leased acres for recreational and wildlife management purposes. • 7 real estate appraisals conducted Appraisals of 8 properties were conducted. -3- �• 2,000 new acres protected in short-term leases and management agreements through landowner incentive programs • 80 PILT, Right of Payment-in-lieu of taxes payments were made to all requesting counties, 9 Way transactions leases were finalized, and 8 Right of Way transactions were completed. completed • 353,390 acres owned in fee The Division managed a total of 369,518 acres m fee title for public use, administration and wildlife habitat. • 96,400 acres under easement The Division managed a total of 98,246 acres in perpetual conservation easements for public use and wildlife habitat. • 155,500 acres under lease (excluding State Trust Land Access leases) The Division continued to manage its leased property (150,598 acres) for public uses and wildlife purposes. • 12 property disposal actions 12 properties were offered for disposal; 8 were disposed of, the Wildlife Commission withdrew 3 from consideration. One did not have any interested buyers nor receive bids. • 16 federal aid audit resolution actions There were 9 property transfers made to Colorado State Parks, 12 property transfers from Colorado State Parks, 4 management agreements, GOCO funding transfers, and one property was returned to Division of Wildlife for management. • 14 real estate action assessments The Division reviewed 23 project proposals that did not result in land projects, in addition to the review of those that did. 2 of the unsuccessful projects had been appraised. The Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) federal program funds were not available during this time period. Program is in application process in FY02-03. Management agreements contemplated for CSCP not completed in this fiscal year. Prairie Dog Incentive program was offered in selected areas of state. Interested landowners and the DOW were not able to consummate agreements at this time primarily due to lack of county government support for the incentive program. Additionally, 1,640 acres were protected through a perpetual conservation easement held by Mesa County Land Trust on private property for the benefit of sage grouse. -4- ��Grant Name; Enhance Habitat on Lands and Waters DOW Work Package Numbers: Fiscal Year: 2001..:.2002 Total Expenditures: $2,571 076 (0350,0360,0370,0380) Lottery Fu.nd Expenditures: $469,678 Description: One purpose of this project is to acquire, dispose, manage for maximum utilization, and maintain legal interests in real property (water) in order to support wildlife populations and wildlife recreation throughout the state. This project did not include activities related to lands, purchase costs of other specific projects (wetlands conservation, angling opportunities, etc.) Similar to Acquire High Priority Habitat, there are many activities that the Division accomplished to achieve the broad goals of water conservation. The activities include: • • • • • • • maintaining records of all transactions of real property by DOW in systematic, legally defensible and readily retrievable fashion; administering appraisals of water rights; researching, defending, maintaining, filing for, changing or acquiring water rights; attending water court hearings, responding to other user's actions, and drafting water court applications; maintain records of water use on State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) and hatcheries; monitoring minimum or conservation pools in reservoirs where the state has an interest; carry out all the activities associated with the development, administration and implementation of the In-stream Flow Program; and develop water storage and water recharge structures and mechanisms on the South Platte River as part of the Tri-State Agreement (Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska). • Additionally, this project was aimed at monitoring water quality of selected critical aquatic habitats with regard to their abilities to sustain aquatic wildlife. To accomplish this the Division: • • • • • developed and recommended water quality standards; monitored hatchery and other point source discharges; collected and analyzed water quality samples, analyzed and incorporated water quality data into aquatic ecosystem modeling; and provided interagency requests for water quality information. Lastly, this project influenced and contributed toward wildlife habitat improvement on public, nonDOW lands and waters, and private lands and waters through cooperative and/or voluntary programs. Activities include: contacting and working with landowners, assisting landowners in analyzing feasibility of projects on their property; advising landowners of cooperative programs, and implementing habitat improvement projects. This project includes the Division's Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP), and various federal cost-share programs. - 5- �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 1,200 water right owned by DOW 1,300 water rights owned by DOW. Habitat staff provided day-to-day protection of DOW water rights that are used to protect fish populations, deer and elk winter range, wetlands, and loss of habitat for at-risk species and loss of public recreation opportunities. • 25 stream reaches or natural lakes protected with instream flow protection The Colorado Water Conservation Board made 23 in-stream flow and 2 natural lake level appropriations in January 2002 that is a direct result of fieldwork by DOW. By protecting lake levels and stream flows in periods of low water fish populations are also protected whether these be species at-risk or species sought by anglers. • 18 water right transactions and significant documentation completed At least 33 transactions and significant documentation have been completed such as Tamarack Ranch ground water recharge investigation, Piceance water right study, five mini-hatchery investigations, Tarryall Reservoir storage reduction, XY Ranch well replacements, Buena Vista Hatchery water supply expansion, Wray Hatchery augmentation plan, San Luis Valley trans-mountain water return flow model and Elliot State Wildlife Area wetland development. Division biologists maintained recreation water levels, protected against wildlife habitat loss, irrigated big game habitat and avoided loss of fish production. Habitat for threatened and endangered (T&E) species were protected and enhanced as well. • 70 wells on State Wildlife Areas with flow measuring devices installed Pursuant to rules and regulations in the Arkansas River and pending rule changes in the South Platte basin the DOW has and will continue to certify all wells and install flow meters. This project will extend over the next several years. To date, 3 wells have been certified and flow meters installed in the Arkansas basin. Work is ongoing and to date, 74 wells have been inspected to determine the status and need for flowmeters. • 21 water rights applications filed for or on DOW prioritized projects The filing of 21 water court applications a year was originally intended to include water rights that were to be developed as part of the Colorado Wetland Initiative; however, the needs and implementation of that program has not required the filing of applications. Since no need existed to file applications.on behalf of the Wetland Initiative an average of 3 applications for water rights on Division properties are filed per year. During this reporting period 2 diligence application were filed for rights on the Bitter Brush SWA, as well as 2 amended applications for water rights on the Garfield SWA. Engineering analysis and staff work has also began for the filing of an application for approval of a plan of augmentation for the Wray Hatchery, which will be filed in December 2002. -6- �• 39 streams or lakes evaluated A total of 35 streams and natural lakes were evaluated during this reporting period. This is the first step in filing for in-stream water rights. The deficit in actual number completed (35) versus the number proposed (39) was attributable to the number of data sets that had to be analyzed. Once this target is filled no need exists to sample additional sites. The extra 4 sites can serve as a back-up if some field data collections do not meet quality control criteria. • 35 in-stream flow quantifications completed Data were analyzed to support 35 flow quantifications for lakes and streams. Actions will be taken on these waters in the future. This is the second step involved in filing for in-stream water rights. • 99 DOW property This was intended to be an inventory program concerning DOW water use on actions completed properties owned by the DOW. DOW regional staff performed the work. Water owned by the DOW fills many needs from raising of hay to feeding elk for individual in the winter, to providing nesting areas for waterfowl, and to supporting fish water rights populations. This is a day-to-day activity that results in dozens of actions that exceed 99 DOW property actions during each year. Actions included: • • • • • • • • representation of the DOW at ditch company meetings; negotiation of lease agreements for use of DOW owned and/or managed water rights; coordination with state and federal water agencies for administration of DOW owned and/or managed water rights; obtaining well permits; conducting discovery pursuant to pending litigation; responding to requests for information pertaining to negotiated settlements; providing information to deny requests that the DOW construct headgates on private land or maintain ditches on private land; and responding to inquiries as to removing beaver dams from DOW properties as a temporary solution purported to increase stream flows. • 10 high-capacity wells developed on Tamarack SWA to support re-charge of South Platte River All wells were installed. This action helps maintain water levels for at-risk species including the suckermouth minnow in Colorado and water for whooping cranes, terns and plovers in Nebraska. • 206 filings reviewed to maintain or protect water rights The DOW accomplished this objective. The DOW reviewed 96 water court resumes (containing hundreds of water rights filings). Statements of opposition were filed as needed. The DOW settled cases involving the Piceance State Wildlife Area (SWA), the Fort Lyon management area and is still working on cases involving the Fish Creek and Parvin Lake SWAs. Statements of opposition have been filed in two water right cases and ongoing negotiations are in progress in 8 cases where the DOW filed a Statement of Opposition. These actions are taken to protect and maintain DOW owned and managed water rights, for w ildlife habitat, fisheries, and species at-risk. -7- �• 2,200 River Watch water samples collected and analyzed A total of 4,615 samples were collected an analyzed. This increase in samples was due to inclusion of groups other than schools in River Watch. Non-school groups can sample more sites than a school. The data is used by Colorado Water Quality Control Commission to update stream standards in Colorado. • 70 River Watch students and teachers trained During this period a total of 60 individuals were trained to participate in the River Watch program. These people were not all from schools and will be the ones who collect samples in the coming year. Fewer people needed to be trained since non-school groups can sample more sites than a school. These individuals not only collect samples but they participate at the local level to reduce significant loss of habitat for water dependent species and loss of public recreational opportunities. For example, one school group successfully petitioned the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission to upgrade water quality standards in the stream flowing through their community. • 140 schools participating in River Watch During this period a total of 120 groups were participating in the River Watch program. This number is less than the goal, but represents a move to include groups other than schools. For example, one group the Roaring Fork Conservancy sampled 30 sites. Many of the individuals involved in River Watch also participate in organized watershed improvement groups. • 3 stream standards hearings in which DOW provided information and/or testimony The Division testified at Lower Colorado River hearing, appearing before the Water Quality Control Commission. Division staff also provided pre-hearing and rebuttal testimony for Lower Arkansas River hearing (held in July 2002) and submitted a report for the 303d hearing (held in August 2002). In addition, DOW staff helped develop and recommend water quality standards that resulted in a higher protection for streams throughout northwest Colorado. • 10 organized watershed improvement groups for which DOW provided information and/or technical assistance The Division provided information and/or technical assistance to Upper Clear Creek Watershed, Cherry Creek Basin Authority, Upper Animas Watershed group, and the Eagle River watershed group among others. These watershed groups are the entities at the local level who are helping protect aquatic systems in Colorado as advocates for aquatic habitat and water dependent species. For instance, data given to the Upper Clear Creek group allowed them to select what stream reach to target in the next few years. 5 CERCLAThe DOW provided information, teclmical assistance and long term monitoring Superfund for that benefited the Eagle River, Clear Creek, San Miguel-Uncompahgre projects for which Rivers, Animas River and the Alamosa River. These actions improved fish DOW provides habitat and resulted in increased trout populations in the stream reaches in information, question, such as Clear Creek and Eagle River brown trout populations. technical assistance and long-term monitoring • 14 sampling sites monitored for EPA Region 8 EMAP program 18 sites were sampled for fish, habitat and water quality. Data used to assess status of streams in Colorado compared to adjoining states by the U.S. EPA, Colorado Water Quality Control Commission and DOW. This helped to assess degree of habitat loss for different types of streams in Colorado. -8- �• 21,500 acres terrestrial habitat enhanced A total of 159,200 acres of terrestrial habitat was enhanced in this program for FY0l-02. Examples include work with the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests and assisting the State Land Board. One project was a 100,000-acre project with multiple federal agencies to limit impact of off-road vehicles on wildlife habitat. Another was a 20,000-acre fire management plan and an integrated species management project on another 20,000-acre parcel. The actual number of acres will fluctuate widely around the target value in this objective from year-to-year depending on type of project. • 185 acres aquatic habitat enhanced A total of 42 acres of aquatic habitat was enhanced. The number of acres was less than the target value in this case because the project sites were small. • 178 cooperators and partners enrolled in CHIP 29 new cooperators were enrolled in CHIP (CO Habitat Improvement Program) during FY0l-02. The goal was accomplished in that 165 cooperators have been enrolled since the project's inception. More cooperators could have been enrolled, and were willing, but funding constraints proved prohibitive. Six cooperators have been enrolled in habitat improvement actions other than CHIP. • 8,000 acres of terrestrial habitat enhanced on private land A total of 4,971 acres of terrestrial habitat were enhanced on private land in FY0l-02, with a total of 8,946 acres total since the project was initiated. Even with funding constraints limiting participation, more acres were enrolled than targeted. Private land projects included perennial grass and legume planting, food plots, tree and shrub planting. • 275 acres aquatic habitat enhanced on private land This project was completed; however the number of actual acres of aquatic habitat that are improved is not determined separately from the total acreage presented in the objective immediately proceeding this one. 8 of the FY0l-02 projects enhanced or improved streams or riparian habitat on a total of 4,458 total acres. Two projects enhanced wetlands. Practices included fencing riparian areas, alternative water sources development for livestock and instream fish habitat improvement projects. -9- ��. Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 Grant Name: GIS Habitat Information . ' , DOW Work Package Numbers: Total Expenditures: $21399 419 (0450, 0461) Lottery Fund Expenditures: $89~~165 Description: The purpose of this project is twofold: 1) to protect and preserve wildlife habitat by providing comments, advice, information and recommendations on habitat issues to county land use planners and county land management agencies, developers and citizens; and 2) to assemble data on wildlife habitats, populations, and features that effect wildlife use of land or habitats, and data which provides insight into management of wildlife habitats such as land ownership patterns or other management or geographic data. The data is used to answer management questions, analyze management options and decisions and display the data graphically and geographically in using geographic information systems (GIS). The data, maps and other products are used by DOW employees and managers in performing their duties with other Colorado agencies, local governments, citizens, federal land management agencies, private land conservation and land use planning groups or businesses. This project provided information and training to county land use planners and other land use decisionmakers; worked with local governments and developers to understand impacts of proposed developments on wildlife; and provided information to the public and reviewing and commenting on land use impacts on wildlife habitat. Providing data on wildlife populations and habitats, on landscapes in Colorado and including other geographically - based data to many audiences outside of state government is a key aspect of this project. This is done through the Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) Web site. The Web site is maintained and operated to provide the public who would not ordinarily have access to GIS data and those who do have GIS experience access to and use of Division GIS data and analysis capabilities. The web address is http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu and is also available through a link at the Division's web site, http://www.wildlife.state.co.us An added benefit of the use of GIS is providing all users the most accurate, consistent information possible. Information provided is based on verifiable data sets and hundreds of person-years of accumulated knowledge wildlife habitats in many areas that might well be lost otherwise to changes in personnel or job assignments and represents the long-term storage of wildlife-related information. FY0I-02 was a transitional year for the Division's Habitat Section. The management decision to centralize a substantial portion of GIS resources into a one team whose primary responsibility it was to provide GIS analyses, services, and other products and a second team who provided the contact and customer service for GIS product development and product distribution and support at local levels for the Division and its participating partners. This period saw the change to the new design of GIS support in the DOW. An additional factor was the development and implementation of the next steps in GIS data use and distribution which impacts both the DOW main Web page function and utility and the NDIS Web page use and functions. The NDIS Web site makes the GIS products accessible by the Internet using a - 10 - �browser rather than GIS software. Technology changes outside the DOW and surveys of known clients of the site, as well as entities that seemed they should be clients, have allowed the Division to identify and evaluate changes to meet client needs. Development of mapping and GIS-enabled web pages and a re-finement of the NDIS Web page is currently being developed with an anticipated completion date of July 2003. This will include an enhancement of the NDIS Web site, a highly desired feature of DOW's clientele who find the data necessary for their own analyses. Several of the Division's proposed objectives have been and will continue to be directed toward the continued acquisition and maintenance of data necessary for production of our services and products. The NDIS project also funds the development or maintenance of the needed data sets, such as: • • • • • • • species distribution maps (e.g., Gunnison prairie dog distribution maps or sage grouse distribution critical habitat areas), real estate proposal evaluations, maintenance of wildlife distribution information, development of aquatic species distribution information, high priority habitat evaluations, habitat/vegetation mapping, and numerous other wildlife information development projects. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 9 HB 1041- like land use requests by counties responded to by Division Map booklets based on HB 1041 species data were supplied directly to Park, Weld, Adams, Arapahoe, Conejos, Te11er, Custer, Lake counties. The Division's West Region office responded to 12 requests for county maps and d~ta. • The Denver GIS office had at least 20 specific county requests during this time 58 GIS products period with the Southeast Region office having an additional 30 product provided to counties that were requests from counties. not available fromNDIS • Per requests provide up to 42 GIS products or other information packages for land use planning purposes (other than counties) 250 species activity maps, by county, were requested to be used for reference and updates by DOW. A number of responses provided data and maps to consultants performing land use planning work, e.g. I-70 Corridor Plan. Significant effort was vested in providing mapping products for the Division's work with the Governor's Special Committee on Chronic Wasting Disease. Distribution mapping of white-tailed and Gunnison prairie dogs (Species of Concern) were also provided in addition to 10 sage grouse distribution maps. - 11 - �• 36 NDIS training and demonstration sessions to include publications for users 40 telephone surveys to NDIS users were completed with the purpose to get feedback and provide assistance. NDIS instruction was provided to 13 Division District Wildlife Manager trainees (December 2001). NDIS instruction also included 9 Denver Water Board employees and numerous presentations regarding the proposed functionality ofNDIS, V2. • Create terrestrial and aquatic species distributions on NDIS Recent mapping of species distributions has focused on updating existing data sets, rather than mapping new species. All species updates for the Northeast Region were completed during FY0 1-02, with the other regions being planned for the next two years. • 1,200 NDIS data downloads Problems with tracking software meant that the annual totals had to be extrapolated from monthly totals. Total downloads from NDIS site were 6,200. • Respond to 100 percent of help desk requests within 48 hours of the request 100 percent of all requests for assistance were responded to within 48 hours or less. • Provide a total of 750,000 pages requested from theNDIS Web site Problems with tracking software meant that the annual totals had to be extrapolated from monthly totals. Total extrapolated page requests were 1,510,000. • Conduct two NDIS Web site updates Statewide data updates are on hold pending completion of regional update process. Updates to NDIS data sets includes basin-wide vegetation classification, links to the completed Gap Analysis Project, black-tailed prairie dog survey data. • Develop protocol for project prioritizing and monitoring for the GIS Team In preparation for centralizing GIS work in the Division's Habitat Section, a system for tracking work requests on the DOW Intranet was implemented. Since April 2002, all job requests are channeled through the GIS group leader, prioritized, assigned to a GIS specialist, and logged in to the on-line database for tracking purposes. • Complete 20 GIS tasks reviewed and accepted for production Reports from the tracking system indicate that over 200 requests for products and/or services were received. • Complete 25 basin-wide coverages at 30 meter resolution 24 basins were classified and posted on the NDIS web site. Additionally 14 basins were processed through completion of preliminary classification. - 12 - �Complete 54 U.S . Geological Survey quads (processed through riparian photo interpretation process) 56 quads were completed under the original FY0I-02 contract. An additional 2 quads were completed for the Division's Northeast Region and 7 quads in Gunnison County, in cooperation with the Natural Heritage Program's activities. A total of 63 quads were completed. • Assist with Basin-wide Hydrounits within area of purview Division regional personnel provided training and support for several field crews to acquire data and perform accuracy assessments on basin-wide data. Biologists made field visits to resolve problems of vegetation classification, and assisted in satellite image analysis. • Provide project guidance & assistance for riparian photo interpretation quads Division GIS staff defined a priority list of quads for mapping in the coming year. Additionally, staff worked with a contractor to adjust priority of mapping under current contract. Performed field yjsit with contractor to preview new contract work. - 13 - �Grant Name: Wetlands Initiative DOW Work Package Number: (0436) Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1 210,795 $379,597 Description: The Wetlands Program (WP) goal is to protect biologically significant wetlands in Colorado by means of voluntary, incentive-based, non-regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, the objective is to conserve 100,000 acres of wetlands by 2005. The project goal will be accomplished by means of a strategy involving 10 projects. Those are: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) The Wetlands Initiative Legacy Project; Wetlands Partnerships; Division of Wildlife Wetlands Team; The North American Waterfowl Management Plan - Playa Lakes Joint Venture and Intermountain West Joint Venture; The U.S. Farm Bill in Colorado; Colorado Duck Stamp Program; Wetlands Funding Process; Wetlands Projects Monitoring and Evaluation; and Colorado Community Strategies. Wetland focus area committees (working groups) throughout the state evaluated and recommended specific efforts such as wetland restoration sites, securing water, acquisition of interest in wetlands, and construction of water management devices to sustain wetland ecosystems and wetland-dependent wildlife species. To date the Wetlands Program has protected and/or restored approximately 13,900 wetland acres, and 85,300 wetland-associated:-uplands for a total of approximately 99,200 project acres. Furthermore, 81 wetlands species were benefited from protection and 36 wetlands partnerships were formed. - 14 - �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 10 wetlands focus area committees administered One of the keys to success in wetlands conservation is grass-roots people involvement. The 10 wetlands focus area committees (WFAC) provided a forum for people in a community (e.g., private landowners federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, non-government organizations, commissioners, planners, and hunters, etc.) to volunteer their energy and ideas, and generate wetland project proposals; and, to discuss wetlands, their importance, and their protection. The ten wetland focus areas and committees in the state include the San Luis Valley WFAC, Southwest WFAC, South Platte WFAC, North Park WFAC, Southeast WFAC, Gunnison WF AC; South Park WF AC, Middle Park WF AC, Lower Colorado River WF AC, and Yampa WFAC. • 625 cooperators and partners enrolled One of the Wetlands Program goals is to promote and facilitate partnering among wetlands enthusiasts and others that may impact wetlands in positive or adverse ways. Besides the numerous partners involved in the WFAC, the program has partners in the Wetlands Initiative, the Intermountain West Joint Venture, the Playa Lakes Joint Venture, the Waterfowl Stamp Program, and among private landowners (mostly ranchers and farmers). • 25,000 acres of wetlands, associated lands conserved The Wetlands Program exists to protect biologically significant wetlands in Colorado for the benefit of wetland-dependent species and society. One method to measure the incremental progress that has been made is to tabulate the number of acres on the landscape that have been impacted by the program. This project facilitated the protection (restoration, enhancement, purchase-ofconservation-easement or fee-title) of over 100,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands to date. Furthermore, over 48 species of wetland-dependent species have benefited from these efforts throughout the state. Wetland protection projects often span several fiscal years. With that in mind, it is estimated that FY0 1-02 funds protected approximately 6,000 acres of wetlands and/or associated-uplands. - 15 - �Grant Name: Native Species Protection DOW Work Package Numbers: (0560,0641,0642,0643,0644,0645, 0646, 0647,0648,0649,0661,0663) Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 I Total Expenditures: $2,721 ,454 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $ 1,939,461 Description: The purpose of this project is to preserve, protect,· enhance and manage Colorado's native wildlife species. Specifically, the project has focused on the inventory and monitoring of native terrestrial species. Activities undertaken typically involve groups of species, or single species for which the intensity of Division efforts has not risen to the level where a separate project is warranted. Generally, it encompasses species that currently have no special status i.e., those species designated as state species of concern, or state or federally listed as threatened or endangered. Because of special needs of individual species it is necessary that many species be incorporated into the Statewide Recovery Plan. The purpose of this plan is to document benefits of individual species' recovery actions to other threatened, endangered, and special concern species and to identify areas that represent conservation hot spots. Specific objectives of this plan are to: • • • • document the progress and status of recovery actions; document the potential multi-species benefits of recovery actions; determine potential deficiencies and potential antagonistic effects of recovery actions on other T&E species; and identify geographic hot spots or areas where conservation measures have the potential to positively affect a number of T &E species. The results of the plan are used to develop recommendations for the development of future multi-species recovery plans, including a statewide multi-species recovery plan for the state. Development and implementation of a statewide multi-species recovery plan is a cost-effective means for considering key h~bitats and ecosystems in Colorado as well as aiding in the recovery and conservation of T&E species. The species involved in this project include those that serve as indicators of trends of important ecosystems, habitats, or species associations. There are 12 components to this far-reaching project that have been accomplished. • Conduct various activities include developing inventory protocols, conducting field inventories, and development of conservation strategies and plans. These activities focused upon inventories of neotropical bird species with Partners m Flight and Colorado Birds 2000. • Preserve, protect and enhance populations of 18 native amphibians and reptiles that are considered to be of special concern. In FY0 1-02 the Division and its partners conducted extensive baseline surveys to determine occurrence, distribution and relative abundance of species; determined species' status, and facilitated design and - 16 - �implementation of a system of long-term monitoring and evaluation of population trends. Development of conservation strategies and conservation plans were also completed. • Preserve, protect and enhance populations of native mollusks and crustaceans that are currently of unknown status. Recent studies of native freshwater mussels indicate that several species may already be extirpated from Colorado. To succeed at this goal, Division biologists conducted extensive baseline surveys to determine the occurrence, distribution, and relative abundance of freshwater mollusks and certain crustaceans. Conservation strategies and conservation plans were also developed. Data collected in surveys will be used to: l) determine species status; 2) provide more constructive input to land use and habitat management plans; 3) recommend appropriate mitigation for land use activities which may harm these species and their habitat; 4) help determine the extent and severity of aquatic invasive species problems; and 5) facilitate development of a long-term population monitoring strategy. Measures of success included the number of species for which status is determined, and the integration of these data in a statewide conservation strategy and plan. One mollusk, the Rocky Mountain capshell snail, is a small, freshwater limpet. In the early 1990s, this species was thought to occur in only two locations in the U.S. (Peterson Lake in Boulder County, Colorado, and Lost Lake in Montana), and nine sites in Canada. In 1993, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service was petitioned to list the capshell snail as a threatened or endangered species. As a result of the Fish & Wildlife Service's finding that the snail may be warranted for listing, intensive surveys were conducted through the Division via a contract with Pioneer Environmental Services. These surveys found capshell snail populations in additional Colorado Lakes (Teal Lake and Upper Big Creek Lake in Jackson County, and Lost Lake in Boulder County, three more populations in Rocky Mountain National and an unnamed lake in the Middle St. Vrain Creek drainage on the Roosevelt National Forest). As a result of the new information, the Rocky Mountain capshell snail was found not to be warranted for federal listing as an endangered species. • Maintain viable populations of Boreal Toad in Colorado. After years of lottery funding, the Division has been able to implement the Conservation Plan and Agreement for Management and Recovery of the Southern Rocky Mountain Population of the Borea/ Toad. Specifically, these plans emphasize: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) surveys of historic and potential suitable habitats for new toad populations; annual monitoring of breeding populations; identifying and evaluating limiting factors to toad survival; research to better define good boreal toad habitat and boreal toad biology/ecology; development and testing of techniques and protocols for captive breeding and rearing of boreal toads; 6) experimental reintroduction of toads to vacant historic habitat; 7) protection of boreal toads and their habitats via coordination with land management agencies in particular with the U.S. Forest Service; 8) working with local land use planners and developers aimed at avoiding or minimizing - 17 - �potential impacts of private land development on boreal toads and their habitat; and 9) increasing public awareness of this species and its status. The boreal toad is presently state listed as endangered (since November, 1993, by an act of the Colorado Wildlife Commission), and federally classified as a candidate species which is "warranted but precluded" - meaning there is adequate data to warrant federal listing as threatened or endangered, but listing has been postponed, as there are presently other species in greater need of listing, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has limited resources to prepare and process listing packages. As of the early 1990s, when Lottery wildlife quadrant funds were first used to protect the toad, there were only 10 known boreal toad breeding sites in Colorado. Since that time, intensive survey work has been conducted, resulting in nearly 50 known sites as of the 1999 breeding season. At least four robust populations have been located in Chaffee, Clear Creek, and Summit counties, and in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado's security benchmark is 25 viable, self-sustaining populations. • Protect, preserve and enhance populations of native Colorado River cutthroat trout. The Colorado River cutthroat trout's historical decline led to a pro-active course of action to prevent the need for protection through federal listing. This need for greater protection is specified in the Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, an agreement among the states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and the Fish and Wildlife Service (March 1999). Colorado's focus is centered upon restoring and monitoring populations, establishing brood fish lakes, and reclaiming streams for this fish. • Protect, preserve and enhance populations of native aquatic species in the following watersheds: Colorado River, Arkansas River, Rio Grande, and Republican River. Conservation activities for theses components include development of basin management plans (Conservation Plans and Agreements) and implementation through inventory, monitoring, genetic evaluation, limiting factors research, habitat assessments/restoration, propagation and augmentation of depleted stocks, and population establishment in unoccupied habitats. These actions target the community of native aquatic species of the: 1) Colorado River drainage that are not federally listed, and include roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker, speckled dace, bluehead sucker, mountain whitefish, mottled sculpin, and mountain sucker. 2) Arkansas River drainage that are not federally listed, and include Arkansas darter (a federal candidate and state listed species), flathe.ad chub (a former federal candidate), and three state-listed species (southern redbelly dace, suckermouth minnow, plains minnow). 3) South Platte River drainage that are not federally listed, and include plains minnow, suckermouth minnow, brassy minnow, northern redbelly dace, common shiner, lake chub (all state-listed species), stonecat, plains topminnow, and Iowa darter (all special concern species). 4) Rio Grande River drainage that are not federally listed, and include Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Rio Grande chub (both special concern species), and the Rio Grande sucker (state listed). A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision that a petition to list the Rio Grande cutthroat trout was not warranted and is currently in litigation. 5) Republican River drainage that are not federally listed, and include plains minnow, suckermouth minnow, brassy minnow (all state listed species), and Plains orange throat darter, and stonecat (special concern species). - 18 - �• Maintain stable and viable populations of grouse species. Six species or subspecies of grouse face habitat-related threats to sustaining viable populations and distributions throughout Colorado; including the Gunnison and greater sage grouse, Columbian and plains sharp-tailed grouse, and lesser and greater prairie-chickens. The Gunnison sage grouse has been listed as a candidate for federal threatened or endangered listing, while the lesser prairie-chicken has been listed as warranted but precluded as a threatened species. The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse was petitioned for listing, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruled the listing was not warranted. Conversely, greater prairie-chickens are recovering from historically low population levels. Plains sharptails, although increasing in some parts of the state, have declined substantially throughout most of their range and are still listed as endangered within the state. Gunnison sage grouse, a newly described species in southwestern Colorado, historically occupied all suitable sagebrush rangelands in Colorado south of the Eagle and Colorado rivers west to Utah and south to New Mexico west of the Mosquito Range and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Current breeding population size in Colorado is estimated at 3,100 individuals, occurring in 8 scattered and fragmented populations (Gunnison Basin with about 2,500 birds, the remainder in Cimarron/Cerro Summit, Crawford, Dove Creek, Dry Creek Basin/Miramonte Reservoir, Glade Park/Pinon Mesa, Poncha Pass, Sims Mesa). Two of these populations (Cimarron, Sims Mesa) are on the verge of extirpation (2 to 30 birds). Community supported conservation plans have been completed for the Gunnison Basin, Pinyan Mesa, Crawford, Dry Creek Basin/Miramonte Reservoir, and Dov Creek populations. The DOW, Bureau of Land Management, and other federal and private groups or individuals are beginning active implementation of conservation action items identified in completed plans. These action items have included purchase of critical habitat, preparation of informative brochures and videos, leases to defer grazing and limit development, fencing of brood habitat in riparian areas, transplanting Gunnison sage grouse to Poncha Pass to augment the population and transplanting Gunnison sage grouse to Dove Creek to enhance its genetic diversity. Several types of treatments to improve the quality of sagebrush rangelands are planned. Treatments include burning, brush-beating, fertilization, interseeding, chemical treatment and grazing management. Sage grouse in northwestern Colorado are now officially referred to a greater sage grouse. The greater sage grouse range has contracted considerably due to land conversion, fragmentation, and deterioration of sagebrush rangelands. Only 5 counties now have greater sage grouse populations greater than 500 breeding birds; Moffat, Jackson, Routt, Rio Blanco, and Grand. Total breeding population size in Colorado is about 8-10,000, although inventory has been sporadic in some areas. Areas of greatest loss in population include Moffat county and Middle Park, areas where we know little about seasonal habitat use. Research has begun to determine seasonal habitat use, assess extent of past habitat loss, predict rate of future loss and evaluate past treatments. Research is planned for Moffat County to ascertain habitat use, movements, and survival as well as the relationship with Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. This information will be incorporated into conservation plans and strategies within these areas. Community supported conservation plans are being developed for populations in Moffat County, and Eagle/southern Routt County. A conservation plan has been completed for the Middle Park and North populations. Historical records suggest Columbian sharp-tailed grouse once inhabited 22 counties in western Colorado. Currently, Columbian sharptails are restricted to Moffat, Routt, and Rio Blanco counties, with a possible remnant population in Mesa County. Moffat and Rout counties support > 95 percent of the remaining birds in Colorado. The total breeding population in Colorado is estimated at about 7,000 birds. Management options for this subspecies are limited because > 90 percent of population occurs on private land. Surveys have indicated significant use of mine reclamation and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in northwest Colorado. Research is underway to better understand how sharptails - 19 - �are using these non-native habitats on a year-round basis. A conservation plan has been developed for the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in northwest Colorado. Conservation actions identified in this plan are currently being implemented. Plains sharp-tailed grouse historically occurred throughout much of northeastern Colorado, but were most abundant along the foothills from Larimer south to El Paso County. Today less than 200 birds remain along the foothills exclusively in Douglas County. Populations east of the foothills also have disappeared or declined dramatically due to the loss, degradation, or conversion of native habitats. Because of the decline and loss of habitat, the DOW placed the plains sharp-tail on the state's list of endangered wildlife in 1976. A recovery plan was prepared in 1992. Efforts to reintroduce this subspecies in south central Colorado have been unsuccessful. However, Plains Sharptails pioneering from Wyoming and Nebraska have successfully re-established viable populations in northeastern Colorado. Annual surveys suggest these birds are continuing to increase and expand into areas where Conservation Reserve program is a major component of the landscape. Greater prairie-chickens declined to a point in 1973 when an estimated 600 birds remained in the state. The species was listed as endangered within the state in the same year. In 1990, a state recovery plan was prepared which outlined the criteria for downlisting and delisting. Populations within the core range subsequently recovered due to changes in agricultural practices and three successful transplants were made into formerly occupied habitats. The current spring population is estimated to be 4,500-6,300 birds. This combination of factors resulted in downlisting in 1993 and the eventual delisting to species of special concern in 1998. The recovery of this species has been successful to the point that the Colorado Wildlife Commission has reopened the hunting season for the species. The lesser prairie-chicken, once a common breeding bird in at least 6 counties in southeastern Colorado is now resident in only 3, with a population estimated at 1,000-1,500 birds. The largest population occurs on and adjacent to the Comanche National Grasslands on native sandsage/grass rangelands. This species also occurs in Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, but populations there are fragmented and have declined > 95 percent since pre-settlement times. In 1996, the lesser prairie-chicken was petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The ruling was warranted, but precluded. The Lesser Prairie-Chicken Interstate Working Group was formed in 1996 to develop a range-wide plan for conservation of this species. • Protect, preserve and enhance populations of native terrestrial species regarded as species of concern or species at risk. Projects undertaken under this project typically involve groups of species, or single species for which the intensity of Division efforts has not risen to the level that warrants a separate project. The species involved include those in the early stages of investigation and plan development such as the flannelmouth sucker, plains leopard frog, ferruginous hawk, and black-tailed prairie dog or species recently secured and downlisted for which substantial efforts are not considered warranted, such as the greater sandhill crane. - 20- �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 3 nongame databases created and maintained The DOW uses databases to maintain information about the distribution, population status, and management needs of many wildlife species. We have maintained databases for wolverine, lynx, and river otter, and bats. The Division has an ongoing long-term project, Monitoring Colorado Birds, which provides important information on population trends for nongame birds throughout the state. Additionally, DOW has also created and maintained a shortgrass prairie bird database to meet our information needs for these species. Databases are usually created from field data that is collected by DOW biologists or through contracts. Maintenance of these databases includes adding new information as it's gathered or checking existing data to be sure it is accurate and complete (quality control). Having solid data on these species enables us to identify the most important management needs and to address petitions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list species under the federal Endangered Species Act. • 7 prescribed inventories completed Inventories were conducted for the following species: black-tailed prairie dog, long-billed curlew, mountain plover, burrowing owl, grasshopper sparrow, McCown's longspur, lark bunting, ferruginous hawk, and other bird species. These inventories will enable the DOW to better manage these species through a better understanding of their distribution and population trends. • 2 osprey nests monitored Nests were monitored at Terry Lake, Hourglass Reservoir, Chambers Lake, Grand Lake, Pueblo Reservoir, Electra Lake, Vallecito Reservoir and Sterling Sand and Gravel. While osprey are not considered imperiled in Colorado, they are relatively uncommon and the public has a high interest in this species. DOW monitoring allows us to have the most up-to-date information on the condition of our osprey population. • 1 small mammal inventory completed This study provided the Division with much more comprehensive information on the small mammals of Colorado, a group that has significant information needs. The DOW anticipates that there may be efforts to list some species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and DOW needs to have solid information to respond to those efforts. Protocols for conducting the inventories have been designed and implementation began in the summer of 2002. This project required use of various trapping techniques for different groups of small mammals, including shrews, mice, other rodents, and bats. • 2,999 mines evaluated for bat occupancy, habitat Under a federal program, mines throughout Colorado are scheduled for permanent closure, completely sealing the entrances in most cases. These mines provide habitat for a number of bat species, some of which are declining in the state. To determine which caves provide important habitat, the mines must be visited and inventoried for bats. To date, 3,300 mines have been evaluated (385 evaluated in FY0l-02). - 21 - �• 10 bat gates installed at mines To maintain mines as habitat for bats, "bat gates" have been installed. These metal structures allow bats to move freely in and out of the mines, while addressing the safety concerns about open mine tunnels. DOW installed 46 gates in FY0 1-02. • 3 counties inventoried for small mammals Small mammal surveys were held up due to contracting delays; protocols have been designed and implementation began in summer of 2002. As mentioned above, this inventory will give us information to address federal Endangered Species Act listing procedures. • 1 burrowing owl conservation strategy developed Funding for this conservation strategy was redirected in FY0 1-02 to make up a $35,000 shortfall in funding for the higher priority - Monitoring Shortgrass Prairie Birds in the Colorado Project. This included developing monitoring techniques and conducting inventories for a wide variety of Shortgrass prairie birds including, but not limited to: ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, longbilled curlew, burrowing owl, homed lark, Cassin's sparrow, lark bunting, grasshopper sparrow, and McCown's longspur. Conservation Strategies are currently being developed using FY02-03 funds for burrowing owl, mountain plover, and ferruginous hawk for consideration in the Grassland Species Conservation Plan being developed by the Grassland Species Conservation Working Group. • 1 mountain plover conservation strategy developed Funding for this conservation strategy was redirected to fund the higher priority Piping Plover/Least Tern Nest Monitoring and Habitat Improvement Project that is reported under the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery project. Conservation Strategies are currently being developed using FY02-03 funds for burrowing owl, mountain plover, and ferruginous hawk. These strategies will be considered for inclusion in the Grassland Species Conservation Plan being developed by the Grassland Species Conservation Working Group. • 1 swift fox inventory completed The inventory project is anticipated to begin in November 2002 and should be complete by March 2004. • 10 % of statewide baseline surveys completed Reptile and amphibian populations ii). Colorado are not well understood, either in terms of distribution or population status. DOW is contracting for inventories to be done that will facilitate better management of these species. In FY0l-02, DOW contracted with the University of Northern Colorado to conduct surveys to gain better information in northeastern Colorado. This contracted survey covered approximately 15 percent of the state during this fiscal year. • 40% statewide baseline surveys completed Surveys in northeastern, southeastern, and northwestern Colorado have been conducted. This information will be compiled into a database allowing easy access to the data. • There are no specific conservation plans for any reptiles. The conservation goals 1 recovery and of the boreal toad have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery conservation Plan. Wood frog populations were monitored as prescribed in Wood Frog plan integrated Recovery Plan. into statewide conservation strategy and plan - 22 - �• 10% statewide baseline surveys completed Of the total surveys conducted in eastern Colorado, approximately 15 percent completed in FY0 1-02. • 20% statewide baseline surveys completed Approximately 30 percent of the state (eastern plains) has been surveyed for mollusks and crustaceans. • 1 mollusk information brochure published Not completed due to personnel changes. • 1 recovery and conservation plan integrated into statewide conservation strategy and plan There were no specific mollusk or crustacean recovery or conservation plans completed this fiscal year. • 50 known breeding sites protected and monitored 57 sites were monitored for boreal toad breeding. This is a collaborative project with a number of state and federal agencies. DOW contracted with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to complete many of the sites, but efforts by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others help to ensure that we have a good picture of the current breeding success of the boreal toad. • 10 secured genetic broodstock populations DOW now has 20 different boreal toad populations in the captive breeding facility at the John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa. This is the first time boreal toads have been successfully bred in captivity. • 27 populations sampled/tested for presence of chytrid fungus 36 boreal toad sites were sampled for the presence of chytrid fungus, which is suspected of causing major declines in boreal toad populations. • 1 recovery and conservation plan integrated into statewide conservation strategy and plan The conservation goals of the boreal toad have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. - 23 - �• 30 populations of native Colorado River cutthroat trout established in streams The Division translocated Colorado River cutthroat trout from Roan Creek to Carr Creek. Discussions of stream habitat improvement were established with private landowner on Beaver Creek. Also, 4,100 fertilized eggs produced from wild broodstock in the East Fork of the Piedra River were hatched in Durango hatchery for new broodstock development. The Division removed brook trout from Himes and Headache Creeks to protect existing Colorado River cutthroat trout populations and completed migration barrier in lower Himes Creek in order to protect Colorado River cutthroat trout populations upstream. Also, the plan for establishing new broodstock lakes using the ponds in the Dolores River State Wildlife Area was completed. • 217 stream miles with populations established An application was prepared by the Division for fish control and an operations plan for poisoning and removing non-native trout in 3 miles of streams on Three Forks Ranch in the upper Yampa River basin. DOW removed of brook trout from Willow Creek by electrofishing to lessen competition for Colorado River cutthroat trout. • 1 population established in lakes Stock pure Colorado River cutthroat trout were established into Violet Pond at Little Hills State Wildlife Area. • 40 lake acres with population established Division staff prepared an application for fish control and an operations plan for poisoning two ponds totaling 3 .1 acres on Three Forks Ranch. • 20 populations assessed for whirling disease The Division collected 60 fish samples of Colorado River cutthroat trout from the North Fork of Little Snake River for disease testing. Results of whirling testing are expected in the near future. If other fish in the stream do have whirling disease, this would indicate that the stream section would not be a suitable translocation site for Colorado River cutthroat trout. • 500 genetic assessment performed Tissue samples wee collected from the following creeks: Northwater, Mansfield, Little Rock, East Fork of Parachute, Willow and Baldy. • The conservation goals of the greenback cutthroat trout and the 2001 Tri-State 1 recovery and conservation agreement have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide conservation Recovery Plan. Furthermore, the Division staff developed and finalized two plan incorporated into MOUs with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department resulting in the Three Forks Ranch obtaining pure Colorado River cutthroat trout. statewide conservation strategy and plan • 1 assessment of native species status, trends and genetics completed Contract studies for Yampa native sucker hybridization, native sucker-chub-dace status and genetics were implemented. Genetic studies were continued into FY02-03. Roundtail chub refugia from the Mancos and Navajo Rivers (San Juan River Basin) were established at the John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF) in Alamosa. - 24- �• 2 recovery and conservation plans incorporated into statewide recovery strategy and plan The conservation goals of the native aquatic species of the Colorado River drainage (roundtail chub, flannclmouth sucker, speckled dace, bluehead sucker, mountain whitefish, mottled sculpin and the mountain sucker) have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. Also, the Division staff incorporated the 1995 - 2000 standardized monitoring data on native Colorado River species into the statewide database. • 1 research project on suckermouth minnow limiting factors completed Due to delays in start up and sample collection difficulties in Nebraska for genetic samples, the research project pertaining to Arkansas River native aquatic wildlife conservation will continue into FY02-03. The Division obtained suckermouth minnow samples for genetic analysis from Colorado throughout the state and Kansas. As well, the distribution and abundance of populations was updated from 22 sampling sites. Suckermouth minnows were collected from Kansas for propagation and brood stock development at the John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility (NASRF). • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation plan for three state-listed native fishes in Arkansas River Basin (suckermouth minnow, plains minnow, southern redbelly dace) cannot be incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan until in 2003 because the Conservation Plan needs to be completed before the goals and objectives can be incorporated into the Statewide Recovery Plan. Additional accomplishments for Arkansas River native aquatic wildlife conservation include: 1) Recovery plan for Arkansas darter (state threatened, federal candidate) incorporated into statewide plan. 2) Collected Arkansas darter from Kansas for propagation experimentation at NASRF. 3) Constructed man-made habitat for Arkansas darter and southern redbelly dace (state endangered) on Hugo State Wildlife Area. 4) Stocked 2,500 Arkansas darter and 2,800 southern redbelly dace into Hugo State Wildlife Area and other habitats in Arkansas River basin. 5) Monitored 11 transplanted Arkansas darter populations and 4 transplanted southern redbelly dace populations. 6) Continued quantification of available Arkansas darter habitat in l;>asin. 7) Monitored and updated native fish abundance data at 9 historical sites. • The Conservation Plan for 5 state-listed native fishes in South Platte River Basin 1 recovery and (suckermouth minnow, plains minnow, northern redbelly dace, brassy minnow, conservation and common shiner) cannot be incorporated until 2003 because the Conservation plan integrated Plan needs to be completed before the goals and objectives can be incorporated into statewide strategy and plan into. the Statewide Recovery Plan. While the conservation plan for five statelisted fish species (Platte River native aquatic wildlife conservation) has not been developed, field biologists have been actively increasing the distribution and abundance of populations of these declining species and native fishes in general. Conservation activities include, but are not limited to: 1) Introduced 100 suckermouth minnow (state endangered) into artificial stream habitat at Tamarack State Wildlife Area. 2) Introduced 340 plains minnow (state endangered) into pond habitat at Tamarack State Wildlife Area. 3) Conducted 5 inventories for native fishes in eastern plains waters. - 25 - �4) Continued as native fishes conservation liaison with Lower South Platte River Group. 5) Lake chub (state endangered) population secured in Barnes Meadow and Trap Lake. 6) Developed ¾ mile of stream habitat in Lefthand Creek for native fishes and introduced common shiner (state threatened) in August 2002. 7) Documented previously unknown population of common shiner in Dry Creek, Boulder County. 8) Created new population of northern redbelly dace (state endangered) via transplant into new pond in Boulder County. 9) Conducted reclamation project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a pond at Rocky Flats for eventual reintroduction of northern redbelly dace. 10) Sampled/evaluated 15 new ponds or waters for suitability for native fish introductions. 11) Initiated pilot project to evaluate effectiveness of native plains topminnow for mosquito control in place of introduced mosquitofish. • 78 native Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations established To continue efforts for Rio Grande River native aquatic wildlife conservation, the Division established 77 populations as core and conservation populations. Additional efforts included the removal of non-native trout in Costilla Creek in conjunction with the New Mexico Game and Fish Department and Vennejo Park Ranch. The Division also surveyed 10 populations for trend analysis, removed brook trout from Haypress Lake (feral Rio Grande cutthroat trout broodstock lake) and collected genetic samples from 11 populations for purity analysis. • 9 Rio Grande sucker populations established The Division monitored 3 previously transplanted populations of Rio Grande suckers and completed field assessments for reclamation and future reintroduction of Rio Grande suckers at Big Springs. White suckers were removed from Rio Grande sucker habitat in Hot Springs and Rio Grande cutthroat trout were collected fish for broodstock development at the NASRF. • 15 Rio Grande cutthroat trout populations secured/stable Based on monitoring, 23 populations were secured, stabilized and/or expanded. • 1 recovery and conservation plan integrated into statewide strategy and plan The Conservation Plan for Rio Grande cutthroat trout and the Recovery Plan for Rio Grande sucker (state endangered) were incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. Additionally, a variety of other tasks were completed: 1) Lead Rio Grande cutthroat trout species status review with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Game and Fish Department, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to achieve a "not warranted for federal listing" decision. 2) Continued preparation of range-wide conservation agreement. 3) Continue research contract on limiting factors research for RG chub (State special concern). 4) Sampled 4 Rio Grande chub populations for genetic tests. 5) Transplanted Rio Grande chubs into new habitat at McIntyre Springs and collected Rio Grande chubs for .broodstock development at the NASRF. - 26- �• 70 cooperators and participants Greater sage grouse cooperators/participants: 50. Gunnison sage grouse cooperators/participants: 80. This component of the project focused upon greater sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, and greater and lesser prairie-chickens. • 10,000 acres of habitat improved or secured for all species Habitat Improved: 1) Cultural Resource Inventory completed on 585 acres of Gunnison sage grouse habitat in Dry Creek Basin (must be done prior to habitat treatment); 2) 2,125 pounds of seed purchased for Gunnison sage grouse habitat improvement projects; 3) 350 acres treated for Gunnison sage grouse habitat improvement - Dry Creek Basin; 4) 10,000 acres treated for Gunnison sage grouse on Pinyan Mesa; 5) 9,170 acres were enhanced by resting from grazing (purchased hay to compensate landowner); 6) 2,732 acres enhanced for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Habitat Secured: A Conservation easement was secured on 560 acres for Gunnison sage grouse (also reported under Acquire High Priority Habitat project). Colorado Species Conservation Partnership (CSCP) funds were not available during FY0I-02 for easement purposes. CSCP funds will acquire additional easements in FY02-03. • 450 lek counts completed for all species Greater sage grouse counts completed: 598; Gunnison sage grouse counts completed: 486; Columbian sharp-tailed grouse counts completed: 150; Greater prairie-chicken counts completed: 130; lesser prairie-chicken counts completed: 58. • 1 transplant initiated and completed The Gunnison sage grouse transplant was planned for FY0l-02, but not enough birds were captured in Gunnison Basin (source of birds for transplant) in spring of 2002 to support transplant effort as well as research project. Trapping in fall 2002 will result in birds for transplant to Poncha Pass population as well as Dove Creek. • The draft statewide Gunnison sage grouse Conservation Assessment was 6 recovery and completed, incorporating information from 6 local work plans. The draft will be conservation utilized in FY02-03 in the Range-wide Gunnison sage grouse Conservation Plan plan integrated that began in July 2002. into statewide strategy and plan • Additional work completed 1) Compiled summary of DOW actions on behalf of Gunnison sage grouse for use in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service candidate review process. 2) Began work on development of Best Management Practices guideline by introducing contractor to Colorado Gunnison sage grouse habitats. 3) Captured and radio-tagged 71 female greater sage grouse. 4) Sampled vegetation variables at 104 greater sage grouse nests and corresponding random sites. 5) Sampled vegetation variables at 100 greater sage grouse brood rearing sites and corresponding random sites. 6) Sampled vegetation at 40 greater sage grouse night roost sites and corresponding random sites. - 27 - �7) Monitored monthly survival and determined cause-specific mortality on 150 greater sage grouse. 8) Captured and radio-tagged 129 Gunnison sage grouse. 9) Sampled vegetation variables at 35 Gunnison sage grouse nest sites and corresponding random sites. 10) Sampled vegetation variables at 20 Gunnison sage grouse brood-rearing sites and corresponding random sites. 11) Monitored monthly survival of 80 Gunnison sage grouse. 12) Evaluated seasonal habitat use and movements of greater sage grouse in Middle Park. 13) Evaluated forb cover use by greater sage grouse chicks during first 30 days oflife. 14) Developed statistically reliable population estimator for Middle Park greater sage grouse. 15) Studied effect of predation on greater sage grouse in Moffat County. 16) Developed statistical protocol to estimate greater sage grouse populations from lek counts. • 1 conservation strategy, plan, agreement, completed and being implemented The Columbian sage grouse conservation goals were incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan in FY00-01. In FY0l-02 the plan is being implemented. • 1 recovery and conservation plan integrated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the Gunnison sage grouse and the greater sage grouse have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. - 28 - �Grant Name: Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery DOW Work Package Numbers: (0810, 0820, 0830, 0840, 0850, 0860, 0870, 0880,0662,0670) Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 Total Expenditures: $1,654,740 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $1,058,278 Description: The purpose of this project is to establish and maintain viable populations of a variety of threatened and endangered species that are native to Colorado. As with the Native Species Protection project, many of the federally listed species need to be incorporated into the Statewide Recovery Plan. The purpose of this plan is to document benefits of individual species' recovery actions to other threatened, endangered, and special concern T&E species and to identify areas that represent conservation hot spots. Specific objectives of this plan are to: • • • • document the progress and status of recovery actions; document the potential multi-species benefits of recovery actions; determine potential deficiencies and potential antagonistic effects of recovery actions on other T&E species; and identify geographic hot spots or areas where conservation measures have the potential to positively affect a number of T &E species. The results of the plan are used to develop recommendations toward the development of future multispecies recovery plans, including a multi-species recovery plan for Colorado. Development and implementation of a statewide multi-species recovery plan is a cost-effective means for considering key habitats and ecosystems in Colorado as well as aiding in the recovery and conservation ofT&E species. • Re-establish and secure greenback cutthroat trout populations. Activities under this project component include reclamation of streams, rearing of fish, stocking, and establishment and monitoring the health of native populations. Colorado recovery benchmark is 20 viable, self-sustaining populations (15 in South Platte drainage, 5 in Arkansas drainage). These benchmark objectives, other management considerations, and ·detailed implementation plans will be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and "at risk" species. The greenback cutthroat trout is one of three trout subspecies native to Colorado. It inhabits cold-water streams and lakes in the South Platte and Arkansas River basins east of the Continental Divide. The greenback was federally listed as endangered in 1973 with enactment of the Endangered Species Act. At that time, only two populations were known to exist and totaled about 2,000 fish in less than 3 miles of stream. • Recovery of this trout actually began in 1967. Nine historic populations of pure greenback cutthroat have since been discovered. Molecular genetics studies on historic populations have indicated only 5 to 10 populations can be regarded as pure. Four have varying levels of genetic traces of Yellowstone cutthroat trout and one has light traces of rainbow trout. Work is underway in FYOl-02 to assess the impact of these results on existing restored populations'. genetic status, broodstock development, - 29 - �stocking plans, and recovery goals. In the interim, DOW objectives remain unchanged because federal policy on hybrids confers value on slightly hybridized populations toward recovery if they resemble the target species. Downlisting to threatened status occurred in 1978. Following considerable restoration efforts, greenbacks are now present in 62 sites, including more than 440 acres of lakes and ponds, and 102 miles of streams. Many sites occur m Rocky Mountain National Park. • Establish and maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail, and humpback chub as a member of a multi-agency partnership. This component of the project focused upon the construction of fish passage structures, co-operative agreements with private landowners regarding prevention of non-native fish introductions, research and monitoring of populations and stream flows, and stocking of endangered fish into suitable habitats. Basin-wide, Upper Basin, and Colorado recovery benchmarks are under development. These benchmark objectives, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plans will lie incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. In addition to traditional federal, state, and Lottery funding, this project is also supported (as of FY9900) by the Species Conservation Trust Fun,d established through legislation passed in 1998 (HB 1006). The propagation and stocking of the Colorado River endangered fishes is one of 5 primary approaches to attaining recovery goals for the 4 federally listed species. Colorado pikeminnow (formerly squawfish), razorback sucker and bonytail have been identified in Colorado's stocking plan for restoration or augmentation stocking in several of the state's rivers. Stocking programs for razorback sucker and bonytail are ongoing in Colorado waters. Stocking of humpback chub is not currently anticipated since existing Colorado populations at Black Rocks in the Colorado River and Yampa Canyon are considered stable. Other recovery program tools such as non-native fish control and flow management appear to be more feasible and effective approaches to enhancing humpback populations. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of Southwest willow flycatcher This portion of the project is currently inactive. The species is being addressed only in the work outlined in the Native Species Protection project. Depending upon the outcome of that work, activities under this project could include species-specific population monitoring, assessment of habitat requirements, development and implementation of Conservation Strategy and Agreements. A draft federal recovery plan was released in August 2001, and will serve as the basis for Colorado's involvement in conservation actions. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of least tern and piping plover. Habitat development and enhancement/improvement; and monitoring nesting areas, population levels, and productivity to detect potential problems are key to maintaining these species. Colorado management objectives, implementation strategies, and recovery benchmarks are identified in the Colorado Piping Plover and Interior Least Tern Recovery Plan (September 1994). These benchmark objectives, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plan will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. This aspect of the threatened and endangered species recovery emphasizes nest relocation and monitoring efforts at John Martin Reservoir in southeastern Colorado. - 30 - �• Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of peregrine falcons, a species recently delisted from the federal threatened and endangered species list. Activities under this project include monitoring population levels and productivity to ensure early detection of potential problems. Colorado recovery benchmark is 62 viable, self-sustaining (1.4 young per breeding pair/yr.) breeding pairs of falcons. These benchmark objectives and other management considerations will be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of bald eagles. Activities under this component include monitoring both winter and breeding population levels and productivity to ensure early detection of potential problems. Currently listed as Threatened (federal). Colorado recovery benchmark is 10 viable, self-sustaining (1.0 young per breeding pair/yr.) breeding pairs of bald eagles. These benchmark objectives and other management considerations will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. • Maintain viable, self-sustaining populations of Mexican spotted owls. The Division was not engaged in activities specifically directed to this species during this reporting period. • Establish viable, self-sustaining populations of black-footed ferrets a species federally listed as endangered. In order to downlist the black-footed ferret, the Division conducts transplanting of ferrets to re-establish the first viable population in Colorado while monitoring population levels and productivity to detect potential problems. The minimum range-wide recovery benchmark is 10 viable, self-sustaining populations; Colorado's part of that is undetermined at this time. Colorado's recovery benchmarks will be established and, with other management considerations and detailed implementation plans, be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. The transplant of ferrets is a cooperative effort occurring on the Colorado-Utah border. • Maintain viable populations of Preble's meadow jumping mouse. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state have listed the Preble's meadow jumping mouse as a threatened species. Recovery efforts are principally directed to securing acreage that meet the species' stringent habitat requirements, and developing an information base through research to potentially broaden the range of management options to secure viable populations. Colorado recovery benchmarks are under development by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Preble's meadow jumping mouse recovery team. These recovery benchmarks, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plans will be incorporated into a statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. The second activity is the development of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). HCPs can be done on a project by project basis or to cover any future projects in a larger geographical area. The approach being taken is to develop a small number of plans, on a county basis, which will allow for economic development while ensuring that adequate habitat is protected to ensure the recovery of the mouse. The third major activity is the development of a Recovery Plan for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service formally appointed the Recovery Team in July 2000. - 31 - �The Preble's meadow jumping mouse is a rare species whose distribution is limite·d to willow-dominated riparian areas from southern Wyoming to Colorado Springs. The mouse hibernates for the majority of the year, usually from October to May. Exact distribution is still being investigated, but Preble's meadow jumping mouse may occur as far east as Fort Morgan. Due to its restricted habitat affinities, the Preble's meadow jumping mouse has been negatively affected by impacts to riparian systems, including direct habitat loss by development, alterations in hydrology, and overgrazing. Predation by domestic cats is also considered to be a significant impact to Preble's meadow jumping mouse. In May of 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Preble's meadow jumping mouse as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Colorado Wildlife Commission placed the Preble's meadow jumping mouse on the Colorado list as threatened in November 1998. • Restore and maintain viable populations of lynx. This project component includes habitat assessments, monitoring snowshoe hares, satellite/radiotelemetry monitoring of released animals, and developing a state recovery plan. The goal is to learn about the life history and ecology of lynx in Colorado and recover this federally listed threatened species and to make recommendation on land management practices, all to the end of ensuring the maintenance of viable populations of the species. Additionally, this aspect of the project includes coordination of plans and efforts with other agencies, partners, and other affected interests. The Colorado Conservation Strategy is currently in draft form, as data from the first years' efforts are being evaluated. Colorado security benchmark is under development as part of that strategy development. These recovery benchmarks, other management considerations, and detailed implementation plan will be incorporated into a planned statewide conservation plan for threatened, endangered and at risk species. Lynx are native to Colorado. The state is at the southern periphery of the species natural range and official records report only 22 positive records of lynx, but there were certainly many more unreported lynx from the early history of the state. Through a combination of trapping pressure and habitat alteration, such as fire suppression, and the use of poisons, lynx have become extremely rare in the southern Rockies. The last confirmed lynx was trapped and killed near Vail in February 1973. Hunting seasons were closed in 1971, and the species was added to Colorado's endangered list in 1976. In the summer of 1997, the Division of Wildlife began working cooperatively with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to formulate a conservation plan for lynx. In January 1998 an inter-agency team released a draft of an official Conservation Strategy (phase I) laying the groundwork to reintroduce lynx to Colorado. Toe authors of the plan stated that the most practical way to re-establish lynx in the state would be by a reintroduction. Toe plan called for extensive habitat evaluation throughout the state, and a survey of the population of snowshoe hares, the main staple of the lynx's diet. Results indicated there appeared to be enough quality habitat to support viable lynx populations. Following a series of public meetings, the Colorado Wildlife Commission made the final decision to reintroduce lynx on November 12, 1998, in southwest Colorado in the Rio Grande and San Juan National Forest. Forty-one lynx were released in the winter and early spring of 1999. Toe Wildlife Commission approved another release for the following year and by April 2000 another 55 more lynx were released into southwest Colorado. In April 2000, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the lynx as a threatened species in all of the lower 48 states. In January 2000, the federal land management agencies published the Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy. It suggests that fire exclusion, grazing, compacted snow, predator control, predation and vehicular collisions could be factors affecting lynx conservation and survival in the Southern Rocky Mountains. - 32 - �Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 1 population greenback cutthroat trout secured Due to hybridization concerns and drought impacts, the number of populations counting toward greenback cutthroat trout recovery was being re-evaluated. However work continues to protect, enhance and expand populations of this federally threatened subspecies. Completed tasks include: 1) Construction of barrier protecting South Apache Creek population. 2) Habitat expansion for Severy Creek greenback cutthroat trout population was accomplished by removing non-native trout barrier construction. 3) Protected Severy Creek population from Pikes Peak Highway impacts. • 25 populations secured/stab le Assessed 36 stream segments for potential greenback cutthroat trout reintroduction sites in Arkansas basin. • 20 populations secured/stable on South Platte Greenback cutthroat trout eggs were collected at Zimmerman (July 20, 2001) and Roaring Creeks (June 20, 2002) in the Poudre basin for new broodstock development. • 4+ populations secured/stable on Arkansas The Division completed genetic analyses on 6 greenback cutthroat trout historic populations (all pure), securing 4 populations. Captive broodstocks were initiated through transfer of adult fish from S.Apaches, Graneros, and North Taylor populations, and spawning of Bear Creek population. Biologists developed and protected new broodstocks at new cutthroat isolation/quarantine hatchery and protected South Apache population from drought impacts via salvage of adults. Additionally, staff completed the removal of non-native trout from the South Slope Pikes Peak watershed for future reintroduction. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the greenback cutthroat trout have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 20 floodplain ponds treated via cooperative (landowner) agreements Treating 75 ponds (352 acres) from 1999-2001 advanced the goals of the Colorado River endangered fishes recovery. This enabled the Division to control more than 3 million non-native fish populations by removing them from endangered fish habitat. Also, the Division established agreements with 45 landowners from 1997-2001. These IO-year agreements were for screening used to control non-natives in 27 ponds (140 acres). • Over 30 Colorado River backwaters treated for nonnative fish 82 backwaters treated to remove non-native fish. - 33 - �• 200 acres nonnative fish habitat isolated with berms At this time the number of non-native fish that were isolated by berms is not known. • 25,000 bonytail chub transplanted More than 29,000 bonytail chubs were produced for stocking. have been stocked. • 2,400 Colorado pikeminnow transplanted This objective was not accomplished at this time. 3,000 pikeminnows have been held at John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility for rearing and eventual stocking. • 90,000 razorback sucker transplanted 37,000 razorback suckers have been produced for stocking; 36,000 released to date. • 4 recovery and conservation plans incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail and the humpback chub have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and pl~n The conservation goals of the Southwest willow flycatcher have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 1 population secured The piping plover nesting population has increased from a low of 1 pair in 1998 to 5 pairs in 2001, including a new successful nest at Neenoshe Reservoir. 20 nesting pairs of least terns were documented as successfully producing young on John Martin, Adobe Creek, and Neenoshe reservoirs in 2001. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The Least Tern and Piping Plover Recover Plan, encompassing the conservation goals, was incorporated into the "Statewide Recovery Plan: Summary and Analysis" December 2001 . • 80 breeding pairs confirmed @l .4 young per breeding pair 87 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons produced 1.65 young per breeding pair. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan , The conservation goals of the peregrine falcon have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. - 34 - To date13,426 �• 40 breeding pair confirmed@l.0 young per breeding pair 45 breeding pairs were confirmed, while 39 young fledged. This is slightly lower production due to a number of first-time breeders, which typically experience nest failure. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the bald eagle have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the Mexican spotted owl have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 40 ferrets transplanted (Colorado-Utah combined) 43 black-footed ferrets (federally endangered) were reintroduced into Colorado in November 2001 into two separate management areas: Coyote Basin and Wolf Creek. Coyote Basin is in both Utah and Colorado; Wolf Creek is entirely in Colorado. This effort is multi-agency and includes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of land Management, DOW, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, Utah State University, and federal wildlife services. • 20 estimated black-footed ferret populations The current Federal Recovery Plan goal is to secure 10 populations rangewide. The current estimation is that there are 5 populations throughout the range. • 1 population secured in Colorado by 2005 Black-footed ferret breeding in Colorado was documented in 2001 with 1 litter on the Colorado side of Coyote Basin; DOW is currently working on the goal of 1 secure population by 2005. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the black-footed ferret have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 40 coyote necrops1es, seriologies 31 coyote necropsies and serologies were completed to help monitor Blackfooted ferrets. The numbers of coyote necropsies were lower than expected due to extreme heat/drought during summer sampling period. Results were negative for plague. • 1,900 hours monitoring released blackfooted ferrets 1,026 hours were devoted to monitoring of released ferrets in Wolf Creek. 70 hours were devoted to monitoring ferrets in Coyote Basin - on the Colorado side. I - 35 - �• 75 acres additional habitat secured through easement or fee title acquisition by cooperating interests The Duncan easement in Douglas County closed, protecting 467 acres in prime Preble's mouse habitat. • 369 acres secured through easement or fee title The Duncan easement in Douglas County closed, protecting 467 acres in prime Preble's mouse habitat. • 1.75 miles riparian habitat secured, managed byDOW The Duncan easement in Douglas County closed, protecting 467 acres in prime riparian Preble's mouse habitat. • 20 inventoried conducted to expand knowledge of range Inventories were conducted on 6 sites in FY0 1-02. Difficulty in getting access to private lands limited our ability to trap, but one significant finding was the capture of a Preble's meadow jumping mouse in the Kiowa Creek drainage in Elbert County, expanding the known range of the mouse. This will provide more options for recovery of the mouse, and should speed up the process of removing the mouse from the federal Endangered Species Act listing. • 1 recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The conservation goals of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse have been incorporated into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan. • 1,000 aircraft hours monitoring lynx 500 aircraft hours-monitoring lynx (federally threatened). • l recovery and conservation plan incorporated into statewide strategy and plan The incorporation of the lynx into the Colorado Statewide Recovery Plan was postponed due to decision process on future Colorado transplants oflynx. • 270 days tracking 250 days tracking lynx. • 1 report completed on Colorado lynx release, movement patterns, habitat use, survival and reproduction The annual progress report on release monitoring of reintroduced lynx completed in December 2001. - 36 - �• 1 completed study plan for snowshoe hare ecology Year one of 2.5-year snowshoe hare ecology study was completed and the progress report was submitted. - 37 - �Grant Name: Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 Propagation of A,quatic Spe.cies at Risk . - . DOW Work ~~ckage Number: ~ Total Expenditures: $893,001 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $389,568 (0570) .. k-'.. - '" Description: The purpose of this project is to contribute to the recovery of listed aquatic species and to prevent the listing of new species by rearing aquatic wildlife for stocking in the wild in order to re-establish populations in suitable habitats. Activities within this project include obtaining genetically appropriate brood stocks, captive rearing to obtain viable numbers for population re-establishment, and stocking species into suitable habitats to reestablish viable, sustainable wild populations. The activities included construction, operation and maintenance of the native species rearing facility in the San Luis Valley, the cost of which was partially underwritten by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. This project also covers work at other state fish hatcheries involved in the rearing of listed and sensitive native aquatic species. The John W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Rearing Facility was constructed over the period 1998 through 2000 and has been brought on line as of July 1, 2000, although some operational refinements typical of a new hatchery start-up continue. Native species, primarily boreal toads, are being produced, and activities needed for production of other species have begun. The initial species to be reared at the facility are razorback suckers, Colorado pikeminnow, bonytail chub, roundtail, Rio Grande suckers, Rio Grande chub, and suckermouth minnow. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 1,000,000 inches Colorado River cutthroat trout produced More than 902,000 inches Colorado River cutthroat trout were produced. • 125,000 inches of greenback cutthroat trout produced More than 552,000 inches of greenback cutthroat trout were produced. • 200,000 inches Rio Grande cutthroat trout produced More than 227,000 inches Rio Grande cutthroat trout produced. - 38 - �• 5,000 boreal toads hatched and reared 900 broodstock toads maintained More than 3,200 boreal toads were stocked in Rocky Mountain National Park or transferred to zoos as refugia or as research animals. • 60,000 hatchery reared largebodied threatened and endangered fish 85,400 bonytails (federally endangered) were reared and 13,400 stocked. 37,000 razorback suckers (federally endangered) were reared and 36,000 stocked. • 800 small-bodied species at risk fish produced and reintroduced 1) 6,700 Arkansas darters were produced, 3700 were reintroduced into suitable habitat. 2) 1,800 common shiners were produced, 800 were stocked into Lefthand Creek. 3) 300 Northern redbelly dace wee produced, 200 were reintroduced into suitable habitat. 4) 2,300 Southern redbelly dace were produced, 1,300 were reintroduced into suitable habitat. 5) 20,000 Rio Grande chub produced, 18,000 stocked into suitable habitat. • 900 boreal toads provided refugia 941 broodstock individuals were maintained in refugia. • 12 species smallbodied fish provided rufugia 9 species, comprising almost 26,000 adult and young fish provided rufugia. • 2 species largebodied fish provided refugia 3 federally endangered Colorado River fish species (Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bonytail) and 1 special concern species (roundtail chub), comprising over 60,000 fish · were and continue to be maintained for future stocking in the Statewide Recovery Program. • 941 broodstock toads were maintained. - 39 - �! Grant Name: Youth Education DOW Work Package Number: (6130, 6140, 6150, 6160, 6290, 6580) .. Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 Total Expenditures: Lottery Fund Expenditures: $2,382,825 $989,531 Description: The primary goal of this project is to provide educational opportunities about Colorado's wildlife and their environment. The various components emphasize active involvement and experiential activities with Colorado's natural resources. • Ensure that the Division's wildlife education programs are focusing resources in an effective manner and are meeting public needs and expectations. Activities under this project component include standardization ofreporting, collection of workload and effectiveness data from various programs, and analyses of those data. • Train public and private school teachers throughout the state to conduct wildlife-related educational activities with their students (approximately 750,000 students total enrollment statewide). Actions dealing with this project element include conducting training sessions and workshops for people who can train these teachers (typically volunteer facilitators), and providing materials and information for use by both the trainers and the educators. Activities also include identifying school districts where facilitators are needed; recruiting and maintaining workshop facilitators at colleges and universities; administering a school site habitat grant program; making workshops available to all pre-service teachers at colleges and universities; conducting follow-up workshops focusing on knowledge of wildlife and wildlife management; providing additional educational resources to teachers who receive project WILD; and providing liaison with sponsoring agencies for other natural resource education programs (e.g., Project Leaming Tree, Project WET). With multiple programs available, several school districts have "bundled" curricula into a custom package called "Teaching Environmental Science Naturally" or TEN. This package allows the districts and educators to tailor their teachings to their specific needs and opportunities, and to promote local field-oriented education. TEN facilitates multi-agency partnerships with school districts, provides materials and training to help teachers and students reach their district standards. • Provide presentations, information, and educational materials about wildlife and wildlife issues directly to elementary and secondary school students. Activities in this piece of the project include making classroom and field trip presentations to students; maintaining and providing library materials and resource education kits to teachers; responding to requests for specific wildlife education information; creating and maintaining an Internet home page about wildlife education; developing cooperative agreements with schools and other entities; and developing formal educational materials and activities for use at Division wildlife viewing sites. This component provides the Division with opportunities to increase the level of knowledge of wildlife - 40 - �and wildlife-related issues through the elementary and secondary school systems in Colorado. General wildlife education can be grouped into 3 categories: 1) making presentations to school children; 2) providing materials, equipment, and information to teachers; and 3) cooperating with other entities to provide presentations or materials. This partnership between the Division and the educational community allows the DOW access to the most current efforts of science education; workshops and professional development at the forefront of implementation efforts for standards-based education in Colorado; and networking opportunities that enhance all our other efforts in wildlife education in schools. • Build awareness of wildlife and natural resources into the daily lives of urban youth and their families in an effort to foster an appreciation for wildlife and their habitat, and to promote the conservation of natural resources through a variety of wildlife-related learning experiences. Wonders In Nature-Wonders In Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) program, developed in partnership with the Denver Zoo along with numerous other agencies and organizations, is the program used to meet the objectives of this project component. WIN-WIN is a standards-based, sequential, multicultural science program that includes 40-70 hours of classroom instruction per grade level per year (depending on the students' age), as well as two field trips to a natural resource site for each student. At the present time the program is offered in 28 schools, pre-school through grade 5. • Provide wildlife education experiences to young people outside the public school system. Since this educational component focuses on young people outside of the school system the emphasis consists of the Colorado Youth Naturally program and other programs such as Explorers and 4-H. Colorado Youth Naturally encompasses 6 distinct programs, differing in location, funding, partners, student recruitment, and number of student experiences. These middle school programs all share common goals to: 1) 2) 3) 4) provide educational outdoor natural resource experiences to students, promote life-long responsible use and care of Colorado's natural resources, motivate students to excel in school, and develop self-respect and skills necessary to reduce at-risk behaviors. These programs use the natural environment as a focal point _to encourage responsible behavior and to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. The Wildlife Explorer program gives young women and men (ages 14-20) the chance to explore natural resources fields, including wildlife management as a potential career path. DOW primarily contributed to the Habitat Evaluation and Shooting Sports activities of the 4-H programs. • Provide environmental education, career exploration, field trips and summer employment opportunities to a group of diverse students interested in pursuing careers in natural resources and to students with limited outdoor experiences. The Youth In Natural Resources (YNR) program is structured to encourage participants to continue their education and to pursue careers in natural resources. The program also increases YNR participants' awareness of opportunities to enjoy the state's natural resources, including wildlife recreation activities. In FY0 1-02 YNR has was merged with the Colorado Youth Corps to streamline overhead and administrative costs. - 41 - �• Design, develop and manage efforts to increase the number of youth engaged in conservation projects. Division activities are centered on improving the wildlife education curriculum for use by the youth corps and other youth programs. The mission of the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) is to develop and maintain statewide capacity of a network of locally operating youth conservation corps programs that work to preserve and enhance the environment. Additional orgamzations (e.g., Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and the Colorado Outward Bound School) participate in Division conservation proj ects. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 3 education programs evaluated The Division education staff evaluated activities in the various natural resources education curricula (i.e., Project WILD, Project WET, Project Leaming Tree, and Project Food, Land and People) to correlate them with the Colorado Model Content Standards. This activity enabled the school systems in the state to use the various curricula to meet statewide education goals. Additionally, staff developed an interactive Web page for educators to access the correlation database and search for specific topics, standards and activities. Furthermore, 2,000 Colorado Youth Naturally (CYN) surveys were compiled and initial analysis done in FY00-01. Lastly, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory completed an evaluation of the banding station at Fort Collins. • 3 evaluationbased recommendations made The 3 recommendations based on evaluations include: 1) Development of learning objectives and significant revisions to surveys for the CYN program. 2) Minor adjustments were implemented and are continually made regarding the presentation of the Project WILD, based on a survey completed in FY99-00. 3) All other evaluation-based activities were put on hold pending the completion of the Education Review Commission Report conducted by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. • 200 facilitators trained and maintained in all programs The number of active facilitators is not static throughout the year, during this fiscal year the number of facilitators ranged between 188 and 210. • 2,200 educators trained in all programs 2,808 teachers were trained in the implementation of Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, and Project Food, Land and People during this fiscal year. - 42 - �• 17,033 teachers reached with follow-up resources and/or ongoing support 17,600 teachers were reached with fol1ow-up resources and ongoing support during this time period from the Division Denver Headquarters. In addition, 1050 teachers were reached with resources and responses to requests for information or materials. In part, this included checking out the Critter Crates and other educational material from the Division Northeast Region. • 1 Project WILD facilitator conference 130 facilitators attended the three-day Facilitator Leadership Conference in March 2002. • 12,000 students participating in TEN 1,200 students participated in Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (TEN) in the Division West Region. 6,020 students participated in TEN in the Southeast Region and 2,060 students participated in TEN in the Northeast Region. A total of 9,280 students participated. • 400 teachers participating in TEN 54 teachers were trained in utilizing the TEN materials through workshops in the NE Region; 184 teachers were trained in the SE Region; and 77 teachers were trained in the West Region. • 12,545 students reached with aquatic wildlife education 48,000 students were exposed to Project WET (aquatic wildlife education materials) activities from July 2001 through June 2002, while during the same time period 90,000 students exposed to Aquatic WILD and 2,480 students through the Aquatic Maze in the Division Northeast Region. • 1,290 schools reached 189 Front Range schools were reached with wildlife educational material presented by staff from Bluff Lake, the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Colorado Wildlife Federation. In addition to the Front Range schools, 500 schools reached through follow-up material and classroom programs in the Northeast Region of the state and 89 schools in the State's West Region. • 81 partnership agencies All education activities within the Division rely heavily upon effective partnerships. When calculating the entire state, all the schools, private organizations, cities, counties and state and federal governmental organizations the list exceeds 200. • 13,000 issues published (Colorado Connections) Annually, the Division publishes 60,000 copies of Colorado Connections. 15,000 copies were distributed four times per year. • 11 ,800 students in RMBO, Bluff Lake and CWF 9,069 students participated in wildlife education programs presented by Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO), Bluff Lake and the Colorado Wildlife Federation (CWF). - 43 - �• 5,000 students participating in • classroom presentations by Denver Audubon and CSU Rocky Mountain Raptor Program 3919 students participated in programs presented by the Audubon Society of Greater Denver and 2,640 students participated wildlife education programs provided by the CSU Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. • 28 schools using WIN-WIN The Division of Wildlife, partnering with the Denver Zoo and others, has 26 schools in the Denver metro area that are active participants in the Wonder In Nature-Wonders In Neighborhoods (WIN-WIN) program. • 16,000 students served As a result of the involvement of 26 Metro Denver schools, 12,000 students participated in the WIN-WIN program. • 2 field trips per student Each student (12,000 total) participated in 2 field trips, traveling to a variety of wildlife education sites throughout the region. These existing sites, provided by numerous partners, coordinate the educational experiences that specifically ties to the unique location of the trip. • 60 participating partners/field sites Currently there are more than 40 partners and field sites participating in the WIN-WIN program. • 500 youths participating in CYN 330 youths participated in the Division-sponsored program, Colorado Youth Naturally. This middle school program focused on the following goals that: 1) Provide educational outdoor natural resource experiences to students; 2) Promote life-long responsible use and care of Colorado's natural resources; and 3) Motivate students to excel in school; and 4) Develop self-respect and skills necessary to reduce at-risk behaviors. • 4,000 participant days in CYN A total of 4,317 participant days in CYN were recorded for the year. • 1,770 youths participating in other programs (Explorers, etc.) With assistance from the Division of Wildlife, organizations such Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, FFA, Explorers, and 4-H also reached Colorado kids outside of the classroom. These presentations provided by Division staff, mostly District Wildlife Managers, offer the Colorado communities and community groups throughout the state with sound wildlife management and conservation messages. The current number of participating youth far exceeds the Division estimates. • 6,150 participant days in all programs Presentations provided by Division staff, mostly District Wildlife Managers, offer the Colorado communities and community groups throughout the state with sound wildlife management and conservation messages. The current number of youth participating far exceeds the Division estimates. - 44 - �• 69 crew leaders and participants The Colorado Department of Natural Resources coordinated the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) program, accomplishing the stated objective. Since the completion of the tasks and the fiscal year, YNR has been merged with the Colorado Youth Corps to streamline overhead and administrative costs. • 4 Division hatcheries with YNRcrews The Colorado Department of Natural Resources coordinated the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) program, accomplishing the stated objective. Since the completion of the tasks and the fiscal year, YNR has been merged with the Colorado Youth Corps to streamline overhead and administrative costs. • 25 completed habitat projects The Colorado Department of Natural Resources coordinated the Youth in Natural Resources (YNR) program, accomplishing the stated objective. Since the completion of the tasks and the fiscal year, YNR has been merged with the Colorado Youth Corps to streamline overhead and administrative costs. • 46youths participating in Colorado Youth Corps The Colorado Youth Corps (CYC) program accomplishes several tasks important to the Division. Wildlife-related tasks include, but are not limited to: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) building trails; maintaining and building fences; erecting signs, conducting wildlife inventories; enhancing wildlife habitat; planting trees and shrubs; stream restoration; and weed management. 5 crews of 10 youth (ages 16-25) {)er crew currently participate in CYC. During FY0l-02 CYC crews worked with DOW staff and the following locations: Bishop State Wildlife Area (SWA), Walker SW A, Bellvue / Watson Fish Hatchery, and the Alamosa SWA. CYC youth were also active participants in the Division's Angler Education program. • 5,213 hours of work provided by Colorado Youth Corps • participants Each of the 50 CYC youth worked a 40-hour week throughout the year. - 45 - �Grant Name: River Stewardship Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 DOW Work Package Number: (6420) Total Expenditures: $255,945 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $157,014 Description: The purpose of this project is to recruit new anglers and promote fishery resource conservation, resource stewardship, ethics, and angling skills among Colorado's current and new anglers. Activities included in this project are: assessing demand for clinics; recruiting and training instructors, both paid and volunteer; developing and maintaining partnerships with government, business and community groups; evaluating and obtaining appropriate instructional materials; developing and printing new angler education materials; working with manufacturers to obtain fishing equipment for distribution to clinic participants; and conducting clinics for both youth and adults. The Angler Education program is an aquatic education program that is intended to acquaint Colorado's population, primarily youth, with the ecology, biology, and the history relating to fishing through a comprehensive angling program. Topics covered during fishing clinics include angler ethics, fish identification, fish anatomy, angling skills, and aquatic ecology. At the end of the clinic, participants actively fish for 1 to 2 hours, then perform clean up around the fishing area used. Students are allowed to keep equipment and tackle used during the clinic. Clinics are conducted throughout Colorado. Clinics are offered on a continuing regular basis from March through September each year and are directed by the Angler Education Coordinator in the Division Denver headquarters. Extensive partnering takes places with, tackle and equipment manufacturers, youth organizations, angling organizations and others. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • 14,750 people participated in Division-sponsored Angler Education Clinics during the FY0l-02. In order to achieve this level of participation DOW staff: 1) assessed demand for clinics; 2) recruited and trained instructors, both paid and volunteer; 3) developed and maintained partnerships with government, business and community groups; 4) evaluated and obtained appropriate instructional materials; 5) developed and printed new angler education materials; 6) worked with manufacturers to obtain fishing equipment for distribution to clinic participants; and 7) conducted clinics for both youth and adults. 15,000 people participating in Division Angler Education Clinics - 46 - �• 450 clinics conducted statewide by Division or partners 475 Clinics were provided throughout the state. Topics covered during fishing clinics included angler ethics, fish identification, fish anatomy, angling skills, and aquatic ecology. At the end of the clinic, participants actively fish for I to 2 hours, then perform clean up around the fishing area used. Students are allowed to keep equipment and tackle used during the clinic. • 30 classrooms participating in the "Classroom Aquarium Project" A total of 30 school classrooms participated in learning about trout ecology and anatomy through the Classroom Aquarium Project (CAP). • 3,000 students participating in the "Classroom Aquarium Project" On average about I 00 students are involved with each aquarium project, impacting a total of 3,000 students. • 300 students participating in the week-long "Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs" program 450 students participated in Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program conducted by DARE in the cities of Westminister and Northglenn and in Adams County. • 500 attendees to Colorado State Parks "Fish of Colorado" Campfire programs 450 participants attended campfire programs at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, , Colorado State Forest, Mueller State Park, Ridgeway State Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. -47 - �Grant Name: Wildlife Viewing DOW Work Package Number: . Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 Total Expenditures: $912,296 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $504 964 (5110,5210,5260,5310) Description: The purpose of this project is to provide a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. To successfully complete this task, the Division and its partners implement the following strategies throughout the state. • Develop wildlife viewing sites and facilities in partnership with others on non-Division lands. The Division provides for cooperative funding, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of wildlife viewing opportunities on lands not managed by the Division, focusing on developing sites to help people to enjoy, learn about and appreciate Colorado's diverse wildlife. These efforts include cooperative ventures with State Parks to identify and develop wildlife viewing opportunities on State Parks, Colorado Historical Society and with the Colorado Department of Transportation to develop wildlife interpretation opportunities along Colorado's highways. Activities under this project include reviewing and updating the database of statewide wildlife viewing opportunities; prioritizing these opportunities for future development; and developing cooperative projects with local, state and federal agencies. Examples include the Watchable Wildlife in Parks program to address common mandates of the two agencies and provide a variety of recreational opportunities by constructing kiosks, viewing sites and interpretive displays at state parks. • Provide planning, design, construction, and maintenance of wildlife viewing opportunities on lands owned and managed by the Division. There are more than 250 State Wildlife Areas managed by the Division. Many of these areas can provide significant wildlife viewing opportunities without jeopardizing the wildlife on those properties, or adversely affecting other recreational opportunities. Activities within this project component include identifying opportunities to develop wildlife viewing sites; designing and constructing wildlife viewing sites; publicizing wildlife viewing opportunities on Division properties; and planning future projects. • Provide informational, educational and interpretive materials that direct people to wildlife viewing opportunities. and the associated learning experiences. "Wildlife Watch" instructor certification workshops; coordinating "Wildlife Watch" workshops for families; printing wildlife viewing brochures to meet demands; and designing and publishing new brochures are critical to achieving this goal. A major component of this project is "Wildlife Watch;" a family-oriented program that provides training in wildlife viewing in a workshop setting, taught by volunteers who are trained by the Division, "Wildlife Watch" is intended to evolve into a program that is essentially self-supporting through a participation fee. - 48 - �• Learn about public preferences, participation, satisfaction and learning with respect to wildlife viewing and appreciation. Activities under this goal emphasizes research: 1) to gain better understanding of viewer recreation typologies; 2) to gain an understanding of the impacts of wildlife feeding activities on both wildlife and people, and the success of various approaches to influencing behavior; 3) regarding viewer impacts on resources including evaluation of resources before and after the development of recreation facilities; 4) training by DOW personnel at professional organization meetings; 5) to determine how well specific projects or products meet DOW goals. Additionally, the Division is focused upon developing annual and 5-year statewide Watchable Wildlife recreation plans and implementing pilot projects to incorporate and evaluate results of research and assessments. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • The Division contributed time and expertise toward the development of several Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects along with the Colorado Historical Society: 4 completed Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with Colorado Historical Society Southeast Colorado 1) Cotopaxi 2) Rocky Ford 3) Peyton 4) Greenhorn Western Colorado 1) Dove Creek 2) Placerville 3) Kremmling 4) Colorado Highway 125 North of Walden Northeastern Colorado 1) One roadside interpretive kiosk at Georgetown. 2) Two more similar projects have begun and are scheduled for completion by December 2002. • 3 completed Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with CDOT Two Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects were completed with the Colorado Department of Transportation. These project were the 125 Watchable Wildlife directional sign for the Fountain Creek Nature Center and the Watchable Wildlife wayside exhibits at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. - 49 - �• 8 completed Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with Colorado Scenic Byways The Division assisted with the development of several Watchable Wildlife interpretive projects with Colorado Scenic Byways: 1) Scenic overlook interpretive panels at the Conejos Canyon overlook Los Caminos Antiguos Byway; 2) Byway wildlife viewing guide for the Silver Thread Scenic Byway; 3) Watchable Wildlife viewing panels for the Gold Belt Tour Byway; 4) San Luis Interpretive kiosk on the Los Caminos Antiguos Scenic Byway; 5) Watchable Wildlife Viewing panels for the Frontier Pathway Scenic Byway; 6) Watchable Wildlife coordinators made a presentation to the 2002 Colorado Scenic Byways conference; 7) Division staff initiated partnerships for planning with 6 new Byways; 8) Division staff participated on a planning team for the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway Management and Interpretive Plan. • 4 completed Watchable Wildlife projects on State Parks In partnership with Colorado State Parks, Watchable Wildlife viewing panels were constructed at the Canyon Trading Post and at the Pinnacle Rock Recreation Site in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. Also, Division staff completed the design for restoration of the Chatfield State Park P Viewing Area. • 8 partnership projects completed in the Denver metro area This objective was modified and replaced with the following objective cited below. • 8 completed Watchable Wildlife projects with partners other than those mentioned above 1) Designed and built interpretive panels at the Western Colorado Botanic Society site along the Colorado Riverfront Trail; 2) Designed and installed Interpretive panels at Pagosa Lakes - a cooperative project with Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association; 3) Completed site improvements (landscaping, concrete walks, painting) at the Hayden Town Parks. The design, construction and installation of interpretive panels are under contract; 4) Completed the Salida Riverwalk Interpretive kiosk with the Greater Arkansas River/Nature Association; 5) Completed interpretive / nature trail at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge; 6) Developed partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation and Arts Street to produce wildlife interpretive art at Heron Pond in the Globeville; 7) Designed and produced a heritage/tourism brochure with Park County; 8) Developed a hawk viewing area and interpretive wayside exhibit with the City of Lafayette; 9) Enhanced habitat at Duck Lake with the City of Denver. • 5 completed viewing site plans with partners The Division education staff completed site plans for the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Furthermore a Watchable Wildlife plan was created in concert with Adams County for the South Platte Trail and Watchable Wildlife interpretation on the Cherry Creek Trail was developed with Douglas County and several other jurisdictions. - 50 - �• 35 Watchable Wildlife projects completed on SWAs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 31 completed SWAs viewing recreation plans • • • Viewing Deck and Interpretive panels built for Heckendorf State Wildlife Area (SWA); Orientation kiosk and low profile signs built for Mt. Ouray SWA; Built a Watchable Wildlife trail at Sands Lake SWA; Revamped the Swallows trail at Pueblo SWA; Revamped the TEN trail at Pueblo SWA; Built orientation kiosk for Spanish Peaks SWA; Entrance signs were completed for each of the following SWAs: Bosque Del Oso, Spanish Peaks, Higel SWA, Mt. Ouray SWA; Built Orientation Kiosk for Rigel SWA; Completed the Interpretive trail at Russell Lakes SWA; Bighorn Sheep Interpretive panel at Apishapa SWA; Wildlife Viewing Overlook completed at the Yampa SWA; Interpretive Exhibits completed at the Durango Wildlife Education Center; Viewing Overlook completed at the Escalante SWA. Interpretive panels and a trail head sign are scheduled to be completed spring 2003; Entry kiosk completed at Billy Creek SWA; Entry kiosk completed at Garfield Creek SWA; Entrance kiosk completed at Piceance Creek SWA; Wildlife viewing trail and orientation kiosk at Lowell Ponds; Orientation kiosk at Tamarack SWA. Southeast Region: Viewing recreation plans completed for Playa Blanca SWA, Bosque Del Oso SWA, Rigel SWA, San Luis Lake SWA, West Region: Viewing recreation plans completed on three SWAs - Basalt SWA, Kemp-Breeze SWA and Escalante SWA. Northeast Region: Design and construction plans for the Red Lion SWA boardwalk. • 30 volunteer instructors trained in Wildlife Watch The Division trained 15 new Wildlife Watch instructors during the' fiscal year. Currently a total of 64 volunteer instructors have trained. • 2,000 students graduated from Wildlife Watch 953 participants graduated from the Wildlife Watch Program. At total of 72 workshops were provided by the Division. The agency also conducted program training to Arkansas and Wyoming, two states that are about to launch Wildlife Watch in their states. • 2 different brochures reprinted The Division reprinted the brochure for Eagle Days in Pueblo and for the Crane Festival for the San Luis Valley. Also, the Windy Gap brochure was reprinted. • 20,000 copies of brochures reprinted The Division reprinted the following Watchable Wildlife documents: 1) 10,000 copies of A Guide to Ultimate Wildlife Watching: 2) 1,000 copies of Eagle Days; 3) 2,000 copies of the Crane Festival brochure; 4) 60,000 copies of Remember to Look: 5) 2,500 copies each of 5 back issues of Colorado Wildlife Company. - 51 - �• 1 new brochure produced The Watchable Wildlife brochure Remember to Look was produced (60,000 copies) for general distribution to replace a Watchable Wildlife brochure that had been regularly reprinted for a decade. The Division also produced a sma11 informational brochure on moose viewing. • 1,250 Watchable Wildlife volunteer hours Statewide more than 2,400 volunteer hours were contributed to Watchable Wildlife projects. • 13,500 Watchable Wildlife Festival participants Numerous festivals centered on watching wildlife throughout the state. 1) More than 7,500 participant in 4 wildlife-related festivals. 2) More than 170 people participated in the greater sage grouse tours in North Park from the last week in April through the first week in May. 3) An estimated 450 people visited the Waunita Gunnison sage grouse site between early March and late May. 4) 120 people participated in the intensive Wray prairie-chicken viewing tours. 5) The Spring Festival/parade "Celebration of the Species" had 300 participants and 1,000 spectators. 6) The Elk Fest had approximately 8,000 participants. 7) The Mount Evans interpretive project contacted 3,000 visitors to provide wildlife viewing guidance and interpretation. 8) The Georgetown bighorn sheep viewing interpretive project contacted more than 700 visitors to provide viewing guidance and interpretation. • 2 wildlife viewing-related research (paper/projects) Division staff assisted with the completion of a Colorado State University study dealing with the Yampa State Wildlife Area, entitled, "Wildlife Response to Anthropogenic Food." Additiona11y, agency education staff drafted and put out for bids a request for a comprehensive literature review on viewing impacts. The study will be completed in FY02-03. • 2 wildlife resource impact related studies A trail impact monitoring study, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was conducted on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. • 3 workshops and training presentations The Division hosted 2, two-day workshops with a total of more than 80 participants. The titles of the workshops were, "Managing Wildlife for Wildlife Viewing." These workshops were designed to provide natural resource and recreational professionals with tools to help them manage wildlife and wildlife habitat to provide sustainable viewing opportunities to the public. In October 2002, a book was published, Wildlife Viewing, A Management Handbook, edited by Michael J. Manfredo. The workshop provided the key concepts for the text for this book. • 1 alternative funding research or planning A marketing plan was completed for the new concept of a Wildlife Passport. The Wildlife Passport is a funding source in which the public becomes both the benefactor and beneficiary of Division efforts to conserve and provide recreational services beyond hunting and fishing. The target constituency for the Wildlife Passport will be the large group of people who care deeply for wildlife, but who will never hunt nor fish. - 52 - �• 2 Watchable Wildlife plans (includes statewide and regional, annual internal, five-year internal, and with partners) The Southeast Region office of the Division completed a Regional Watchable Wildlife Plan. The Northeast Region office completed an annual Watchable Wildlife work plan and the Watchable Wildlife staff was deeply involved in the drafting of the new Division Strategic Plan, specifically the Wildlife Stewardship and Awareness segment. • 5 evaluation studies (includes project specific or programmatic, efficacy, efficiency, satisfaction, etc.) The studies were not completed. All Education and Watchable Wildlife program evaluations were on hold until the completion of the Department of Natural Resources Education Review Commission Report was completed in April of 2002. • Additionally, the DOW completed a manuscript for the book, Everyone's Nature. Accessible Outdoor Faci1ities and Programs Using Universal Design. - 53 - �Grant Name: Grants Management Fiscal Year: 2001-2002 DOW Work Package Number: (8135) Total Expenditures: $123,677 Lottery Fund Expenditures: $84,218 Description: The purpose _of this project is to manage the Great Outdoors Colorado program (GOCO), the associated grants and to maintain effective communications between the GOCO Board, the Colorado Wildlife Commission and staff and the Division of Wildlife. Activities include implementation of policies and procedures approved by the Wildlife Commission and the GOCO Board; administration of grant requests; tracking, monitoring and reporting grant expenditures. The project also includes; preparing, reviewing and approving all required grant documentation, including grant modifications, maintaining regular liaison activities with GOCO Board and staff and participating in GOCO activities to assure the direction of the Department of Natural Resources and the Wildlife Commission. Wildlife Goals Proposed Objectives: Accomplishments to Date: • $10,094,765 of Lottery funds were awarded for a variety of wildlife-related projects. These funds from Colorado Lottery dollars are directed to wildliferelated programs under the GOCO Amendment of the Colorado Constitution. The Amendment requires these Lottery dollars to be invested in the wildlife resources of Colorado through the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the state's wildlife management agency. This includes the protection and restoration of crucial wildlife habitats, appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage, wildlife watching, and educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment. $10,400,000 Grant dollars awarded Additionally, a few days prior to FY0I-02, $622,009 was awarded per GOCO resolution 2002-14 on June 19, 2001. These funds were transferred to a designated account in the Wildlife for Future Generations Trust Fund to be used of operating and maintenance costs for parcels acquired with Lottery dollars. - 54 - �• 12 active grant agreements The DOW continues to be involved with 12 multi-year legacy grants. Although some of these grants are closed, the Division and GOCO staffs are accomplishing the goals of the open projects and preparing to complete and close out all of the legacy projects by June 2003. The 12 legacy grants are: Colorado River Riverfront Greenway, Greenland Ranch, Yampa River Legacy, South Platte River Legacy, Cache La Poudre, Pikes Pike, Roaring Fork, Gunnison Ranchland Legacy, Colorado Wetlands Initiative, Colorado Landscapes, TNC / DOW Priority Landscapes, and St. Vrain Legacy. • 1 annual report meeting deadline This document, Fiscal Year 2001 - 2002, Accomplishments of Colorado Lottery-Funded Projects, will serve as the FY0l-02 annual report. Due to budget deliberations and the release of the State Budget from the Governor's Office in November 2002, the delivery of the FY0l-02 actual budget figures and this annual report was not completed by the specified date per the directive cited in the GOCO - DNR - DOW Memorandum of Agreement. . • Meeting deadline for 12 monthly billings The Financial Services Section of the Division submitted monthly billing statements to Great Outdoors Colorado within 30 days of the end of each month for the months July through November. In December, the section implemented an internal review policy to improve the accuracy of the monthly bills and as such, the statements for the last seven months of the fiscal year (December 2001 through June 30, 2002) exceeded the 30-day maximum. - 55 - � https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/4618eb34431b578c960e08cfa3822d60.pdf 65732778c069883786c858f845d3084a PDF Text Text GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO �HJ 11 .C6 G74 1995 1995 Annual Report State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund December 1995 �Great Outdoors Colorado 303 East Seventeenth Avenue, Suite 900 Denver, Colorado 80203 Telephone (303) 863-7522 Facsimile (303) 865-7517 �- - - - - - - Roxborough State Park (Photo courtesy of John Fielder) Since 1994, Great Outdoors Colorado has contributed $850,000 for buffer lands around Roxborough State Park in Douglas County. Acquisition of these parcels has added 625 acres to the Park. More than 1.2 billion years of geologic time are encompassed by the rock formations found at the Park. Roxborough is in a transition zone where the plains meet the mountains and contains a unique mixture of prairie and mountain species. Yucca and prickly pear cactus grow only yards from wild roses and aspen. It is an area vital to the nesting ofgolden eagles and an important winter range for mule deer and elk. The partnership between Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado State Parks, Douglas County, the Friends of Roxborough, the Conservation Fund, and the Gates, Boettcher, and l ohnson foundations has led to the preservation of this National Natural Landmark for future generations. �e - GREAT OU T DOORS COLORADO - - December 1995 Dear Citizens of Colorado, Governor Romer, and Members of the Colorado General Assembly: The State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund is pleased to present the Board's 1995 annual report. Great Outdoors Colorado continues to work in partnership with local governments, state agencies, federal agencies, special districts, land trusts, the private sector, and volunteers to wisely invest Lottery dollars. During calendar year 1995, the Board's second year of operation, grant awards have helped fund: ❖ - - - Seventy-six park, outdoor recreation, and environmental education facility projects in fortyfour counties. Forty-seven projects through the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation that enhance existing recreation facilities, establish new parks, acquire buffers around parks, p rovide water for recreation, and create environmental education opportunities for Coloradans. ♦:♦ Thirty-six projects through the Colorado Division of Wildlife that protect species, acquire, protect, and enhance habitats, and provide important education programs for youth. ♦:♦ Twenty land conservation projects which protect 3330 acres of open space in urban, suburban, and rural areas. ♦:♦ Thirty-four planning projects that enhance the ability of communities to plan for future wildlife, outdoor recreation, and open space projects. •!• Thirty-two projects for trail development, many tha t provide links to other recreation amenities such as local and state parks. - Besides continuing funding for these programs, the Board has embarked on an exciting new initiative, Great Outdoors Colorado Legae11 Projects. During the next two years, Great Outdoors Colorado will provide grants of $2 to 10 million each for up to twelve projects. Projects will be of regional or statewide significance and integrate at least two of the Great Outdoors Colorado funding areas. - The Board appreciates the opportunity to share with you its progress and grant award plans for the coming year. We welcome your comments or suggestions regarding the priorities and administration of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. - Sincerely, - ~c:/(~ Susan Kirkpatrick Board Chair �... Vision To fulfill the trust of the people of Colorado through wise investments in the great outdoors. 1 I I i Mission To help the people of Colorado preserve, enhance, appreciate, and enjoy our parks, wildlife, trails, rivers, and open space by making strategic grants. Members of the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Congressional District 6 Congressional District 1 Elmer Chenault George Beardsley Littleton Denver Tom Strickland Denver John Fielder Greenwood Village Congressional District 2 Ruth Wright Boulder Ex-Officio Jim Lochhead Executive Director Colorado Department of Natural Resources Salvador Gomez Broomfield Congressional District 3 Tilman M. Bishop Grand Junction Pat McClearn State Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Rebecca Frank Colorado Wildlife Commission Tom Farley Pueblo Congressional District 4 Robert Tempel Wiley Susan Kirkpatrick Fort Collins Congressional District 5 Jane Ragle Colorado Springs J. Fred Niehaus Highlands Ranch Staff Will Shafroth, Executive Director Rick Hum, Deputy Director Lise Aangeenbrug, Program Manager Angela Padilla, Program Manager Debra Pentz, Program Manager Chris Leding, Communications Manager Jeff Jones, Administration Manager Ruth McMillen, Program Assistant Audrey Moen, Administrative Assistant Abigail Aukema, Receptionist/Secretary i I I ~ �Table ol Contents - Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1995 Overview ...........................· . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local Government Park, Outdoor Recreation Grants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Recreation Program Grants through DPOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wildlife Program Grants through DOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Space Land Conservation Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planning and Capacity Building Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trail Grants to Local Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 8 10 12 14 • 16 17 Great Outdoors Colorado Legacy Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 1995 -1996 Grant Award Schedule 19 1996 Board Meeting Schedule 21 Financial Information ............................................ . Financial Sum.m.ary ......................................... . Revenues and Expenditures .................................. . Grant Awards .............................................. . Fund Balances ............................................. . Budget for the Year Ended June 30, 1996 ....................... . Future Year Proceeds and Grant Awards ...................... . 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Appendix -1995 Grant Award Descriptions by County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statewide Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local Government Park, Outdoor Recreation Grants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outdoor Recreation Program Grants through DPOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wildlife Program Grants through DOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Space Land Conservation Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planning and Capacity Building Grants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traff Grants to Local Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 30 31 38 45 50 53 57 �- Background - In November 1992, Colorado's voters approved Amendment 8, the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment (GOCO). That Amendment changed the distribution of Colorado Lottery funds and created the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. Under the Amendment -- Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution -- the Conservation Trust Fund receives 40 percent of net Lottery revenues and the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation receives 10 percent. The remaining revenues are directed to preserve, protect, and enhance the state's wildlife, parks, river, trail, and open space heritage through the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. The Trust Fund will receive a projected average of $10 to $20 million annually through 1998. After that, provided the General Assembly reauthorizes Lottery, the Trust Fund will receive up to $35 million per year, adjusted annually for inflation. Remaining net proceeds from the Great Outdoors Colorado share of Lottery that exceed this amount will be allocated to the General Fund of the State of Colorado . .... - Colorado Lottery Net Proceeds Distribution GOCO / Capital Construction/ 50% - ... - DPOR / 10% Conservation Trus t Fund / 40% D Division of Parks & Outdoor Rec reation ■ Great Outdoors C olorado/Cap ital Construction r-, C onserv atio n Trust Fund Specifically, the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund is directed by the Amendment to make: "Investments in the wildlife resources of Colorado through the Colorado Division of Wildlife, including the protection and restoration of c'rucial wildlife habitats, appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage, wildlife watching, and educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment"; �... I ,.,Investments in the outdoor recreation resources of Colorado through the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor. Recreation, including the State Parks system, trails, public information and environmental education resources, and water for recreation facilities"; ,., Competitive grants to identifiJ, acquire, and manage open space and natural areas of statewide significance to the Colorado Divisions of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife, and to counties, municipalities, or other subdivisions of the state, or non-profit land conservation organizations"; . I "Competitive matching grants to acquire, develop, or manage open lands and parks to local governments or other entities which are eligible for distributions from the Conservation Trust Fund." The Amendment calls for the investments and grants in each of these four categories to be "substantially equal" over a period of years. • Li I 1.- Organization The Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees. Two representatives of each of Colorado's six congressional districts are appointed by the Governor and subject to State Senate confirmation. No two members from one congressional district can be from the same political party. One member of the Board must represent agricultural interests. Two members must live west of the Continental Divide. In addition, the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and one representative each from the State Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Colorado Wildlife Commission also serve on the Board. The Board's Strategic Plan In January 1995, the Board adopted a strategic plan to guide its spending over the course of four to five years. The plan outlines the goals of the Board and the strategies it will use to achieve them. In addition to providing funding for the four categories of the Amendment, the Board has adopted overarching goals to significantly enhance the value of its grants. These goals will help the Board better achieve its vision and mission by forging partnerships, providing important information, and allowing it to make more strategic investments. 2 I i.. �Through these overarching goals, the Board will: .. 1. ·serve as a leading partner in the preservation, protection, enhancement, and management of wildlife, parks, open space, natural areas, rivers, trails, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and in providing quality recreational opportunities in the state. 2. Award grants that support efforts to _inventory, survey, and assess wildlife and wildlife habitat, open space, natural areas, and recreational opportunities which advance the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment and guide the Board of Trustees in making strategic investment decisions. 3. Award grants that support planning efforts which advance the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment and guide the Board of Trustees in making strategic investment decisions. 4. Award grants that support efforts to increase the capability and capacity of communities, non-profit organizations, and institutions that advance the Great Outdoors Colorado Amendment. 5. Award grants that support the expansion of outdoor recreation, wildlife, and open space opportunities for urban and rural areas throughout the state and the minority, economically disadvantaged, and physically challenged communities within those areas. 6. Award grants that support efforts to increase opportunities for the public to learn about wildlife and wildlife environment and natural resources. 3 �I I ~ Amendment Goals To ensure that its goals are consistent"with the direction of the Amendment, the Board has adopted the specific language from the Amendment to guide its grant-award decisions in the four designated funding categories: Wildlife Program Grants through the Division of Wildlife which: 1. Develop watchable wildlife opportunities; 2. Implement educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment; 3. Provide appropriate programs for maintaining Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage; 4. Protect crucial wildlife habitats through the acquisition of lands, leases, or easements and restore critical areas. Outdoor Recreation Program Grants through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation which: 1. Establish and improve state parks and recreation areas throughout the state of Colorado; 2. Develop appropriate public information and environmental education resources on Colorado's natural resources at state parks, recreation areas, and other locations throughout the state; 3. Acquire, construct, and maintain trails and river greenways; 4. Provide water for recre~tional purposes through the acquisition of water rights or through agreements with. the holders of water rights, all in accord with applicable state water law. 4 .... �Open Space and Natural Areas Program Grants through the Colorado Divisions of P~rks and Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife, or municipalities, counties, or other political subdivisions of the state, or non-profit land conservation entities to: 1. Identify unique open space and natural areas of statewide significance; 2. Acquire unique open space and natural areas of statewide significance; 3. Manage unique open space and n~tural areas of statewide significance. Local Government Program Grants to: 1. Match local investments to acquire, develop, and manage open space; 2. Match local investments to acquire, develop, and manage parks; 3. Match local investments to acquire, develop, and manage environmental • education facilities. 5 �1995 Overview During calendar year 1995, the Great Outdoors Colorado Board made grant awards of $20 million for 245 projects across Colorado. With Lottery proceeds, Great Outdoors Colorado is providing for improvements to state and local parks, protection of critical open spaces, new trails and trail linkages, and protection of wildlife species and habitats. Demand for Great Outdoors Colorado funding is substantial. Besides grants to the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), the Board has competitive grant programs for local government parks, outdoor recreation and environmental education facilities, trails, open space, and planning for future projects. Since January 1994, the Board has received $54.2 million in requests for these grants. 1994-1995 Grant Requests and Awards 30,000,000 ~ - - - - - - - - - 29,800,000 - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - -- - 25,000,000 - - - - - - - - - - 20,000,000 - - - -- - - - - - 15,000,000 1 2,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 - - - a- Local Govt. T rails ■ Note: O pen Space Acquisitions ■ G r ant Requ ests P lanning Local Govt. Park/ O utdoor Rec Grants Awarded Local Government Park/Outdoor Recreation requests are only fo r 1994. In all during the past two years, the Board has made grant awards of $27.7 million to the two state agencies, local governments, and non-profit land conservation organizations. Fifty-one of Colorado's sixty-three counties have received grants from the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund. 6 �- Because the funds of the Trust alone cannot begin to meet the many diverse needs in Colorado, two significant criteria for receiving grant awards are partnership and leveraging. Applicants have embraced these criteria providing matching contributions of cash and in-kind services far exceeding Great Outdoors Colorado's requirements. The $27.7 million awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado has been leveraged by $94.9 million in partner contributions. Partners include state and federal agencies, local governments, the business community, special districts, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers. 1994 -1995 Partner Contributions ~GOCO Grant Awards Partner Contribution~ - ■ D GOCO Grant Awards/$27.7 million Partner Contributions/$94.9 million - - 7 �Local Government Park, Outdoor Recreation, and Environmental Education Facilities Grants Highlights ► $4 million in awards in 1995 ► 76 projects funded in 44 of Colorado's 63 counties ► Partner contributions of $15.6 million ► Grants are providing for establishment of new parks such as El Parque - A Village Park for San Luis - where the oldest town in Colorado is getting its first community park; renovation of existing parks such as Lowry Community Park in Aurora - formerly part of Lowry Air Force Base; and construction and renovation of environmental education centers, such as the Lafayette Outdoor Classroom in Boulder County. - Great Outdoors Colorado awarded the City of Gunnison $13,500 for the second phase of a three-phase renovation of Charmar Park. 8 �- - Alamosa County was awarded $40,000 for construction of environmental education exhibits at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Twelve wayside exhibits along a trail allow the user to link the message with the actual resource. - - . ' , l , - 1 ;\ - ' I t 4 ,.,,. . \ 1 ' ~ 1. 1•, •. "/ l Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Garden of the Gods is the second-most visited attraction in Colorado. A $100,000 grant award to the City of Colorado Springs allows for renovation and enhancement including revegetation and adding scenic pull-offs. (Photo courtesy of Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado) 9 �Outdoor Recreation Grants through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation - Highlights ► $3.5 million in awards in January 1995 ► $3.5 million in awards in November 1995 ► 47 projects funded ► Partner contributions of $28.9 million ► $8.5 million awarded since January 1994 ► Funding is for acquisition of key buffer lands at state parks including Eldarado Canyon in Boulder County, acquisition of water to restore levels for recreation at state parks including Cherry Creek State Park in Arapahoe County; for development and enhancement at parks such as the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, located between Buena Vista and Canon City; completion of a state-of-the-art environmental center at Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Golden; and for development of a Western Slope trails network through Club 20. Colorado River State Park in Mesa County is the backbone of The Riverfront Project, a 45-mile river corridor park from Debeque Canyon to Fruita. Since 1994, the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation has received $963,000 in Great Outdoors Colorado funds to acquire trail corridor critical to the project. (Photo courtesy of Colorado State Parks) IO �- - Great Outdoors Colorado has contributed to restoration of water levels for bo'a t access at Boyd Lake State Park in Larimer County, a key outdoor recreation area for Loveland, Fort Collins, and Greeley. Grants have also provided for buffer lands and trail linkages in the Park. Funds awarded through the Colorado Division of Parks and Recreation since 1994 for Boyd Lake State Park total $250,000. (Photo courtesy of Colorado State Parks) liiil r - - - North Sterling State Park in Logan County is taking shape as a premier getaway in the wide open spaces of Colorado's High Plains. A $400,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant will provide a new camping area and a trail. (Photo courtesy of Colorado State Parks) 11 �WIidiife Program Grants through the Division or Wildlife Highlights ► $3.2 million in awards in 1995 ► 36 projects funded ► Partner contributions of $12.2 million ► $4.8 million awarded since January 1994 ► Projects funded include protection and restoration of key w ildlife habitats; recovery of threatened and endangered species such as the Plains Sharptailed Grouse; creation of wildlife interpretive exhibits at state parks including the State Forest Moose Center in Jackson County; and establishing a centralized database that includes the most recent wildlife data from state and federal agencies through the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University. - -..,~- - - ( , \ ITS \ , . . ( () '\SER\ \ ~· no\' El)l ('.\TI O~ < E\TF H Great Outdoors Colorado has awarded $600,000 for construction of an Urban Wildlife Conservation Education Center at the Denver Zoo. The Center is a critical component of an overall Division of Wildlife education program to be conducted by the Division of Wildlife. The Center will be a focal point in the Denver metropolitan area for youth to experience Colorado's natural heritage and to foster their appreciation of wildlife and the environment. (Sketch courtesy of the Colorado Division of Wildlife) 12 �- - Since 1994, Great Outdoors Colorado has made grant awards of over $850,000 for species protection programs including for the recovery of the Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout. This once endangered native fish will be one of a few endangered species in Colorado or nationally to be recovered. (Art by Jack Carr, courtesy Colorado Division of Wildlife) - - Great Outdoors Colorado grants through the Division of Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation fund several projects that focus on educating youth. These projects include Colorado Youth Naturally, Teaching Environmental Science Naturally, and Wildlife in the Classroom. (Photo courtesy of Stacie Dardanes, Colorado Department of Natural Resources) - 13 �- Open Space Land Conservation Grants Highlights ► $3.7 million in awards in 1995 ► 20 projects funded ► 3,330 acres protected ► Partner contributions of $13.8 million ► $6.8 million awarded since January 1994 ► Open space land conservation grants fund greenways that connect communities along stream corridors such as the Colorado River Riparian Corridor in Glenwood Springs; acquisition of open space in urban areas such as Sinton Pond in Colorado Springs and Commons Park in Denver; and buffers to existing open space, such as expansion of the Cathy Fromme Prairie in Larimer County, an important community buffer in the Fort Collins-Loveland Corridor. - - The La Plata Open Space Conservancy acquired the 51-acre Overend property in Durango with the assistance of a $125,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant award. The property is surrounded on three sides by Westside Mountain Park, with most of the trails in the park beginning on or passing through the Overend property. The property is designated "severely critical" habitat by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. (Photo courtesy of the La Plata Open Space Conservancy) 14 �- With a Great Outdoors Colorado's grant of $150,000, the Douglas County Land Conservancy was able to acquire 66-acres of land critical to the integrity of Castlewood Canyon State Park. The primary value of the land is as a buffer to unique park attributes, including a 40-nest heron rookery and spectacular canyon vistas. (Photo courtesy of Colorado State Parks) - - - - I . !• ti ~ -~ . ' y· -i1~ ~ The Estes Valley Land Trust will secure a conservation easement on the 1128-acre Meadowdale Ranch with the help of $185,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado. The Ranch is outside of Estes Park and provides prominent views of Rocky Mountain National Park. The property provides extensive wildlife habitat for both large and small mammals and a variety of birdlife. 15 �Planning and Capacity Building Grants Highlights ► $1.1 million in awards in 1995 ► 34 projects funded ► Partner contributions of $1.86 million ► $1.5 million awarded since January 1994 ► Grant awards to local governments and non-profit land conservation organizations are to assist with planning and development of strategies for open space, trail, park, outdoor recreation, and wildlife needs, and to provide technical assistance. Funding was provided for a cooperative effort by Colorado Open Lands, Denver, Aurora, and Arapahoe County to preserve open space along the eastern half of the Denver Metro area; Montezuma County is conducting an inventory of natural features for an Agricultural Lands, Open Space, and Wildlife Comprehensive Plan; and Weld County is developing a comprehensive open space plan. . . ,.,. ..... , .. -.. '' ' ~'cl>~ ' . \~~~ ~~,.~ \ 16 - - �Tran Grants to Local Governments Highlights - - - - ► $1.1 million in awards in 1995 ► 32 projects funded ► Partner contributions of $5.2 million ► $2.2 million awarded since January 1994 ► Projects funded include multi-use trails, single-use trails, trails for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, and trails that are ADA accessible. Construction of the Mineral Belt Trail in Lake County is along the abandoned Colorado and Southern Mineral Belt railroad line; in Douglas County, continuation of the Cherry Creek Trail links Cherry Creek and Castlewood Canyon State Parks; and in Pueblo trail improvements at Fountain Creek will result in replacement and relocation of severely deteriorated sections of Pueblo 1s trail system. Great Outdoors Colorado has provided funds for the "Punt the Creek" project in downtown Denver for the past two years. The project features creation of a bicycle trail to reduce traffic congestion, while also adding boating access, wheelchair access, and other amenities. (Artwork courtesy of the Greenway Foundation) 17 �areal Outdoors Colorado Legacy P111Jects In October 1995, the Board announced creation of a new grant award program, Great Outdoors Colorado Legacy Projects, to address needs of regional or statewide significance. The Board will make investments of $2 to $10 million per Legacy Project, and will fund up to twelve projects over the next two years. Legacy Projects must integrate two or more of Great Outdoors Colorado's four funding categories of outdoor recreation, wildlife, open space, and local government. Successful projects will incorporate many public and private partners including counties, cities, special districts, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, the business community, and school districts. Legacy Projects are in addition to the Board's existing programs, which will continue to receive grant awards at approximately the same level of funding as in 1995. Higher than projected Colorado Lottery proceeds make it possible for the Board to also fund Legacy Projects. Funding for Legacy Projects is being provided in response to a need expressed to the Board by many communities that more significant dollars are needed to achieve regional visions. With this in mind, the Board convened stakeholders from around the state who represent interests in each of the four funding categories to solicit their ideas and to help develop the program. I la. j I i-1 18 �1995 • 1996 Grant Award Schedule Each year, using the strategic plan as its guide, the Board determines a grant-award schedule in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the Division of Wildlife, local governments, and non-profit land conservation organizations. The following is the grant award schedule for November 1995 through September 1996. ► Grants through the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation for projects including the acquisition, establishment, expansion, and enhancement of park and outdoor recreation facilities including environmental education facilities. November 1995 ► Grants to local governments for the acquisition, establishment, expansion, and enhancement of park and outdoor recreation facilities including environmental education facilities. August1995 November 1995 February 1996 ► Applications distributed Applications submitted Board decision Grants to local governments and non-profit organizations for trail projects. September 1995 December 1995 April 1996 ► Board decision - $3.5 million awarded for 11 projects Applications distributed Applications submitted Board decision Grants through the Colorado Division of Wildlife for projects including conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat, wildlife education, and watchable wildlife. January 1996 . February 1996 Projects submitted to Board Board decision 19 �... I i I. ► Grants to local governments and non-profit land conservation organizations for planning for open space, outdoor recreation, and wildlife, and grants for capacity building. November 1995 February 1996 April 1996 ► Grants to local governments, non-profit land conservation organizations, Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and Colorado Division of Wildlife for preserving open space. December 1995 February 1996 May1996 ► Applications distributed Applications due Board decision Applications distributed Applications due Board decision Great Outdoors Colorado Legacy Projects, which are of regional or statewide significance and incorporate two or more of the Board's funding categories of outdoor recreation, wildlife, open space, and local government projects. Eligible entities include local governments, the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the Division of Wildlife, and non-profit land conservation organizations. January 1996 Concept Papers qualified and Planning Grants awarded for those concepts requiring additional planning and coordination March 1996 Full applications due for qualified concepts that do not require additional planning (Track 1 Legacy Projects) April/May 1996 Board decision on Track 1 Legacy Projects June/July 1996 Full applications due for projects approved in concept that required additional planning (Track 2 Legacy Projects) August/September 1996 Board decision on Track 2 LegaetJ Projects I I 20 ~ .... I �1996 Board Meeting Schedule The Board continues to seek response to its funding priorities and to ask how well it is achieving its mission. In 1995, the Board conducted public outreach events in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Pueblo, Eagle, Gunnison, Grand Junction, Sterling, and Denver. Throughout 1996, the Board will meet with Colorado citizens, local governments, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector at the following locations (where two days are listed below, the date for meeting and public outreach has yet to be determined): Tuesday, January 9 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Adams County Wednesday, February 21 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Boulder Wednesday, April 10 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Colorado Springs Joint meeting with Colorado State Parks Board Wednesday, May 22 and/or Thursday, May 23 Public Outreach and Board Meeting-- La Junta Wednesday, July 10 Thursday, July 11 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Steamboat Springs Joint meeting with Colorado Wildlife Commission Wednesday,Septemberll and/or Thursday, September 12 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Durango Wednesday, October 23 and/or Thursday, October 24 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Greeley Tuesday, December 3 Public Outreach and Board Meeting -- Denver 21 �- - - - Great Outdoors Colorado Flnanclal Information ► Financial Summary ► Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balance for the year ended June 30, 1995 ► Grant Awards ► Fund Balances ► Budget for Fiscal Year 1995/96 ► Future Year Proceeds and Grant Awards �Financial Summary - The following is a summary of financial information provided in the State Auditor's reports for Fiscal Years 1993/94 and 1994/95. For a more thorough understanding of the financial information, the audit report is available through Great Outdoors Colorado. During Fiscal Year 1993/94, Great Outdoors Colorado awarded grants to the Division of Wildlife, the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and to local governments for trails. In Fiscal Year 1994/95 competitive matching grants were added for park and outdoor recreation projects including environmental education facilities to local governments; for planning and capacity building to local governments and non-profit land conservation organizations; and for open space projects to non-profit land conservation organizations, local governments, the Division of Wildlife, and the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Financial Summary ... 20,000,000 I I 15,000,000 ! 10,000,000 --r----1 25,000,000 _ s,ooo,ooo ----------=I.:::.~ =~~~~ - 0 FY 1993 / 94 ■ D - .... FY 1994/ 95 Revenues Grant Awa rd s ■ Grant D isbu rse m e nts Financial Summary Revenues Grant Awards Grant Disbursements Administrative Expenses FY 1993/94 FY 199'!/95 $22,434,067 $24,910,635 4,050,000 16,498,958 4,684,544 258,984 430,117 844,702 - Adm inistra tiv e Expenditures 23 Total 2 years $47,344,702 20,548,958 4,943,528 1,274,819 �- Revenues and Expenditures Revenues: Great Outdoors Colorado revenues are from Lottery proceeds and from interest earned on those proceeds. Revenues "'"'·"° 20,000,000 15,000,000 er==: L-------t7I -~ 1 ------- !_--------1- , 10.000,000 - - - 5.000,000 ---------- ~ 0 - FY 1993/94 ._J Revenues: Lottery Proceeds Interes t Income Total Revenues FY 1994/95 ■ Lottery Proceeds FY 1993/94 Interest Income FY 1994/95 $ 22,037,839 $ 23,302,424 396,228 1,608.211 $ 22,434,067 $ 24.910,635 Total 2 years $ 45,340,263 2,004,439 $ 47.344,702 Expenditures: Great Outdoors Colorado expenditures are disbursements of grant awards and administrative expenses. Administrative expenses include administrative operating expenses, Board expenses, and capital investments. Through the first two fiscal years administrative expenses have totaled 2.7% of revenues. Expenditures ____ ________----,---_ _________........ 5 ,000,0 00 4,000,000 3 . 0 00,0 0 0 2 .00 0 ,00 0 _____, _ l----1 I 1 ,00 0 , 0 0 0 0 FY 1 9 9 3 / 94 LJ F Y 1994 / 95 G rant Dis bursements Expenditures: Grant Disbursements Administrative Expenses Total Expenditures ■ Administrative E x penses FY 1993/94 FY 1994/95 $ 258,984 430,117 $ 689,101 $ 4,684,544 844.702 $5,529,246 24 Total 2 years $ 4,943,528 1,274,819 $6,218,347 - �- - Grant Awards Great Outdoors Colorado awards grants in categories defined in Article XXVII of the Colorado Constitution. The article requires grants to these funding categories to be substantially equal over time, which the Board has defined as a three-to five-year period. Grant Awards by Category _,// ,,,,-'-1- - - - - - 6,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 - ~ / ' 5,000,000 - _,,,,,/✓ 4,000,000 - ....,,,-/ I _,.,.,., i..-- _,,,,.,t ~. ......- 1 ,000,000 ~ ; 0 - ~ ~ ----' DPOR DOW ■ Grant Awards: FY 1994/ 95 Local Government - Ope n Space FY 1993/94 FY 1993L94 FY199~95 Total 2 years DPOR $1,550,000 DOW 1,500,000 Local Government 1,000,000 Open Space Total Grant Awards $4,050,000 $ 3,500,000 3,351,792 5,297,814 4,349,352 $16,498,958 $ 5,050,000 4,851,792 6,297,814 4349352 $20,548,958 Grants by Category/Total of Both Years DOW 23.6% O p en Space 21.2% Loca l Government 30.6% - Note: During FY 1995/96 additional grant awards have been made to the Open Space, DPOR, and Local Government areas. Timing of grant cycles continually causes one area to be at a higher funding level than others. 25 �Fund Balances Great Outdoors Colorado divides the balance in its Special Revenue Fund into three categories: designated (for grants previously approved, but not disbursed), Immediate Opportunity (a portion of the undesignated fund balance that the Board has set aside to award grants that respond to immediate needs, primarily land acquisition), and undesignated funds. Fund Balances at Year End - 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 0 __!.c:::::::::::__---':===~ =---_,_:_~~===~ -~ - - ~ - - - - - - - Undesignated ■ Designated As of 6/30/ 95 Fund Balances As Of: Undesignated Designated Immediate Opportunity Total Special Revenue Fund L Immediate Opportunity As of 6/30/94 June 30, 1994 $ 17,953,950 3,791,016 June 30, 1995 $ 23,544,924 15,605,431 1,976,000 $ 21,744,966 $ 41,126,355 Note: Great Outdoors Colorado also carries balances within a fund established for a retirement plan and within an accounting group established to track the organization's investment in fixed assets. Total value in the retirement plan as of June 30, 1995 was $30,628. The fund balance in the fixed assets account group was $106,687 as of June 30, 1995. - '-I L 26 �- Budget tor Flscal Year 1995/96 With substantial undesignated fund balances being carried forward from the first two fiscal years, and recognizing there will likely be some decline in Lottery proceeds allocated to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust fund in Fiscal Year 1995/96, the Board has established a budget for Fiscal Year 1995/ 96 that uses part of those balances for current year grants. - GOCO / Capital Development Lottery Proceeds Less: Capital Development Obligations Net Proceeds to GOCO Actual FY1993l94 $56,357,023 34,319J84 $22,037,839 Actual FY199fi95 $57,371,111 34~068,687 $23,302,424 Budget FY1295l96 $45,801,290 30,301.290 $15,500,000 Interest Income Total Revenues 396,228 1.608,211 $22,434,067 $24,910,635 1.554.060 $17,054,060 4,684,543 14,382,000 844,703 1.182.650 $ 5.529.246 $15.564.650 Grant Disbursements Administrative Expenses Total Expendittues $ Excess of Revenues over Expenditures $21,744.966 $19 .381.389 $ 1A89.410 Grant Awards $ 4,050,000 258,984 43QJ17 689.101 $16,498,958 $22,000,000 Notes: Proceeds for FY 1993/94 included $10,870,473 of FY 1992/93 proceeds received by GOCO during FY 1993/94. Revenues for FY 1995 / 96 are predicted to be somewhat lower than the proceeds achieved in FY 1994/95. Grant awards are budgeted at $22,000,000. This would use a portion of the undesignated fund balances carried forward from the last two fiscal years. Because of large capital development payments due in FY 1996/97, Great Outdoors Colorado anticipates a significant decline in revenues that year. Operating expenditures grew in FY 1995/96 due to the expansion of grant programs and the number of grants administered. The Board's goal is to keep administrative costs at approximately 5% of total revenues. Operating expenditures for FY 1995/96 are budgeted at 5.4 % of current grant awards. 27 �Future Year Proceeds and Grant Awards Article XXVII calls for Lottery proceeds to cover specified Capital Development obligations that were in place before the passage of the Amendment 8. The Capital Development obligations will continue to fluctuate for the next four fiscal years. After the Capital Development obligations are met in 1999, all remaining net proceeds from the Great Outdoors Colorado share of Lottery that exceed $35 million, adjusted annually for inflation, will be allocated to the General Fund of the State of Colorado. Great Outdoors Colorado's current estimate of the capped proceeds in 1999, adjusted for inflation, is approximately $43 million. w Capital Development Obligations and Net Great Outdoors Colorado Proceeds 40,000,000 - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35,000,000 - - = = - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30,000,000 - - - I 25,000,000 . 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 -1.____o 5,000,000 - - o- - FY 1994/95 Actual FY 1993/94 Actual _ FY 1995/96 Budget Capital Development ObLigations ■ FY 1996/ 97 Forecast FY 1998/99 Forecas FY 1997/98 Forecast Net Proceeds to GOCO Since Great Outdoors Colorado has current undesignated fund balances, the level of grant awards for each of the next four years should be approximately $20 million, despite the higher Capital Development obligations. Fund Balances and Grant Awards 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000 - + - - - - - - - - i 15,000,000 10,000,000 _LJ I I 1 I 5,000,000 0 I FY 1994/95 Actual FY 1993/ 94 Actual FY 1996/ 97 Forecas t FY 1995/ 96 Budget C Undesignated Fund Balance at Year End 28 FY 1998/ 99 Forecast FY 1997/ 98 Forecast ■ Grant Awards - �- Appendix ► Map of projects funded in 1995 ► Project descriptions for calendar year 1995 grant awards Local Government Park, Outdoor Recreation, and Environmental Education Facilities Grants Outdoor Recreation Grants through the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Wildlife Program Grants through the Division of Wildlife Open Space Land Conservation Grants - .. Planning and Capacity Building Grants Trail Grants �[ ( [ ( I I ( ( I ( ( I I [ I ( ( ( Great Outdoors Colorado 1995 Grants ! l, , / • • MOFFAT I Roun : • 1 ;' __ ·-------· II 6 I 0 ' Cl ,, ---"\---, I\ EA G lE -A C Grand Junction ,,,,, -• , , • .,,I t -- I • Ii \ O• e ' - -· --- • I \ ·~· ) MOfHEZUMA ' ,J )' ,, L , ,{ : ' 1 •o• l - - * - - - - - - - ARCHUt.ETA 1 • ,i {'IO t~ f' A LI(,'• Q • > • • --',- - - I• '- - - - •• •.·•I• . ,,....., • ,\LAM O $ A / , 1 - - I -1 • / ,' ■•OPUEBLO ,. 0 , CONEJOS -/~ Walsenburg O I ) ,,r ,' ,, ,, ' I ) / ~ . COSrlU.A I - ~ r , , o - • KIT CARSON :..--- --- --- --- --- -- I I 1 LINCOLO i' i :-------------------- CROWLEY CHEYENNE / Kl OWA I ,'-,----------r---------r-------~ ; ■ • • __ J ' ' : ' : 0 orrno SENT PA OWERS • I --. ) , I _, - LAS ANIMAS : • : -- : _________ _ '---------------r- r' ·- - - - ... l • I ' ----- : Puebloo. ; Open Space ' -"' ,, ...... ,'"',~ • \I '----------;r ___ ! • I 1 _J1 I I ■ o , I .'---0-------,----0----7 /MINERAL: • • Cl SAGUACHE ·, ,• LA Pl.ATA I * ■ I o I I o r -,HUERFANO ■ ).-§• • ,u •• : Cl j _ ·1... : ' ------------ ----0---7 ; I i - - - - - - ,I - - - - L - - - - - - - - - - - !l.__ __ - - - - - - - - - - jI- --- --- -r· : --- J , -. '\ WASHINGTON ' L oo - ~ - - - - - - - - --T _, CUSTER 0 , \.._ \ ) EL PASO •----, '".MO'" . --, 0 _ / HINSOALE D• .) I (' { Planning Grants Cl I 1 I I I. Cl I• 0 _,/ l ,_ 'ii' ~ -:---r--_.__' --- --- --•I I •I 0 Trails C j I ,' ' ·-✓----- r- ' DOLORES , l • i0 ..... I I I ,-<,_ I I _,., Cl ,-• eL BE IH /DOU£lLAS: .- ' --, ----------------i'_OURAY'._ _______ -i s•• MIGUEL o ------------ •'I• I e0 I ' PHILLIPS I ~--"-• : _E_'t!_~: ;;;;;.-:~~- - - - - - ; : I PARK ----,_-..! ·-~- f - '-:L, ~ --- --- --- ___ ,__ i I • ONT ROS, I I: Fort Mo,gan '( CHAFFEE : --, • .,,...... o i.... .. ______ _LT_~LLER: ■ GtiUNIS0N • SterfingQ 0 ' : ■o I( .._ \ : i ■ f-t,, ··--,;r··------------,-: : 0 ■ Wildlife • --- --- __ ...J __I Government --- --- LocalFacilities I:, • MOR••• I:-·- --- --- -r-'--, I ;1 ■ ■ 0./ \ 0 --- --- --- _i • / I l.__ __________ ~_/ • t-' ' , .._,, DEL TA* I ''.j;/:,, CL EA 6 "•-.__, ~r' LA• e ' ,,,J ___ ---., ' : SEOGWICk f--------- ColoradoStalei'arlcs * -, \ \ \.. __ - \ I • / .-- ', : I Cl 01 V•lQ •CREEK 0 ;I , SUoMu1p:.... ___ , , o PITKIN WELD ! i 1 ' -•1 LOGAN •O \) 80U~E=~--~---_- _____ j _______ ___ ---9 v , 1 :GILJ>!ti:----»-·. ADAMS I I c--- r-,_ \ • fEfFERSO, • -~ : L ____ t - - _..._ __ - - - - - - - .. -_, ... r-' T • MESA • 0: • • / / : 00 , • , '--, GRAND ■ Cl FortCotfinso I , ! i • * •I o • * . o•--J * , . i---- --- ---! >-. : \ 0 - --- --- _________________ • A \I , _ , ___, ___,./ • ■ ■ ~ oI • O o " \ Cl 1 ; ,-1 GAR FIELO A LARIMER ' • ___ -I: - - _; - - - - - - - - - JACKSON ~~ "o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ' -- - - - - - -- - • •':,_ ,\ 1,, '• , ! ...J-• RiO BLANCO ·, "'--, • BACA 0 Trinidad I �- - Local Government Park, Outdoor Recreation, and Envlronmental Education Facllllles Grants Local government grants are awarded to counties, municipalities, and special recreation districts. Grants are for the acquisition, establishment, expansion, and enhancement of park and outdoor recreation facilities, including environmental education facilities. In 1995, $4 million was awarded for 76 local government projects. Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Enhance the Carl Park Community Center including facility renovations and a new play area $24,000 $75,200 Clayton/Bertha Heid Restoration Project Adams Construct two softball fields and a multi-purpose field to help alleviate shortage of ballfields in the Thornton area $75,000 $457,000 Brighton Park Playground Adams Install playground equipment adjacent to community picnic area in Brighton's 18-acre city park $50,000 $115,000 Environmental Education at Great Sand Dunes Alamosa Construct interpretive exhibits along trail at Great Sand Dunes National Monument which allow the user to link the message with the resource $40,000 $125,000 Watson Lake Riparian Reserve Arapahoe Acquire land to preserve an environmentally sensitive area and provide an outdoor classroom with fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities $75,000 $600,000 Lowry Community Park Development Arapahoe Community building renovation, turf development, improvements to the athletic fields, construction of a playground, and development of a community garden $100,000 $426,000 Sod Village Improvement Plains Conservation Center Arapahoe Construct a sod home and repair three other sod homes as exhibits of pioneer homesteading of the Colorado shortgrass prairie $75,000 $146,673 South Pagosa Park Archuleta Provide recreational equipment including playground equipment and a basketball court $60,000 $100,000 Meadow Park Development (Phase I) Boulder Enhance Meadow Park in the Town of Lyons, including new playground equipment, ice rink renovations, and ball field improvements $50,000 $98,210 Jamestown Park Boulder Construct a basketball court at Jamestown Park which will also be used for street hockey, roller blading, and skateboarding $10,000 $15,000 ... Project Title and Location by County Project Description - Carl Park Recreation and Community Center Renovation Adams - - - - 31 �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Lafayette Outdoor Classroom Boulder Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Construct a wildlife viewing pathway and an instructional kiosk $50,000 $168,650 El Parque - A Village Park for San Luis Costilla Install playground equipment, improve picnic area, and stabilize an ecologically sensitive area at the first park for the town of San Luis $75,000 $254,000 Crowley County "Teaming up for Our Kids" Crowley Construct basketball court goals, sand volleyball pits, and a courtyard for group meetings and outdoor activities $18,676 $37,323 Crowley County Community Complex Crowley Construct a building that provides horticulture and agriculture education for all age groups $44,500 $88,846 Silver Cliff Town Park Improvements Custer Install a sprinkler system to improve the rough & dangerous condition of the highly-used ballfields $17,500 $25,000 -. ..i : '. ..I North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District Swimming Pool Delta Construct the first public swimming pool in the North Fork Valley Rockmont Park Denver Construct ten acres of new park land, build a picnic shelter, and restore native plants along the banks of the Platte River $125,000 $1,612,075 Challenger Regional Park, Phase III Douglas Construct a lighted baseball field and large playground $50,000 $300,000 ... Larkspur Community Park Phase 1 Douglas Acquire land and install playgrounds, picnic areas, and other amenities $50,500 $177,625 ~ $75,000 $633,000 ! -;! ~ _, . Castle North Park Improvement Plan Douglas Convert old tennis court into a basketball court and install a new playing surface Green Mountain Falls Lake Park Expansion and Improvement El Paso Enlarge gazebo island, relocate paths, rebuild walkways, install environmental education stations, and construct handicapped fishing dock $49,000 $70,000 Aileen Canyon Environmental Education Center El Paso Construct an education center with interpretive displays at Aileen Canyon Preserve, located near Colorado Springs $75,000 $448,000 $23,500 $48,500 j -I.- - ~ I 32 -~ �_, - - - - - - Project Title and Location by County Project Description Garden of the Gods Renovation & Enhancement El Paso Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Revegetate, perform erosion control, redevelop picnic areas, impi:ove interpretive signage, and construct scenic pull-offs $100,000 $483,000 Year-Around Outdoor Sports Park Elbert Construct a rink to be used seasonally for ice or roller skating and roller blading, a warming shed and a basketball court in the town of Simla $24,381 $48,762 River Station - Phase Il, Santa Fe Depot Park Fremont Provide a boat take-out ramp, handicap accessible fishing pier, a picnic area, and native seeding and tree planting to restore riparian habitat $125,000 $244,860 Stephens Park Garfield Development of a "pocket park" in the Roaring Fork Valley, a project sponsored by Glenwood Springs High School students $16,000 $27,669 Hendrick Ranch Park Garfield Construct a ball field, walking path, and playground in Carbondale $80,000 $164,745 Gilpin County Ballfield Improvement Project Gilpin Improve the Gilpin County ball field, the only outdoor recreation facility in the county $40,000 $80,092 Fraser Valley Outdoor Sports Complex Grand Aguire a 40-acre parcel for future park development at the Sports Complex $50,000 $1,532,738 Channar Park Project Gunnison Renovate Channar Park playground in Gunnison, after 21 years of use $13,500 $31,500 Lions Park Acquisition Jackson Acquire 47 lots in the Town of Walden for a new town park $38,450 $97,555 Bear Creek Lake Park Environmental Educational Building Jefferson Construct an environmental education center to increase children's awareness about natural habitats $30,000 $120,000 Westgold Meadows Park Jefferson Construct a pedestrian/bike path, a playground, picnic shelter, soccer field, and multi-use field, and plant trees $40,000 $255,000 O'Connell Community Center Site Development Jefferson Improve park facilities to include a play field, playground, picnic shelter, trails, and other amenities at the community center $75,000 $2,015,000 Lake Arbor Park Jefferson Install playground facility with safety surfaces and access walks $35,000 $108,600 Dinosaur Ridge Visitors Center Jefferson Renovate the Dinosaur Ridge Visitors Center, a multi-disciplinary learning center $125,000 $449,700 33 �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Stratton Swimming Pool/fennis Courts Kit Carson Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Develop a swimming pool and tennis court complex $125,000 $610,173 Riverview Sports Complex La Plata Construct a soccer field and a youth-size ball field $75,000 Fort Lewis Mesa's Park and Outdoor Recreation Center La Plata Install picnic tables, barbecues, playground equipment and complete groundwork for softball field $27,000 Lake County Recreation Natatorium Renovation Lake Renovate Lake County Natatorium, the only indoor facility of its kind in Lake County $31,500 $116,109 Kroh Park Larimer Construct ball fields and other facilities at this multi-use park $125,000 $1,580,000 North Inlet Bay Campground Enhancement and Expansion Larimer Expand and enhance the North Inlet Bay Campground of Horsetooth Reservoir $40,000 Kim Community Outdoor Recreation Project Las Animas Construct outdoor tennis court, shuffle board, and outdoor basketball court $41,615 $63,310 Genoa Memorial Park Update Lincoln Construct tennis court, play area, and gazebos for picnic area in town of Genoa $23,000 $32,000 Peetz Recreation Project Phase2 Logan Install a lighting system and complete fencing at the Peetz Plateau School District baseball and football fields $33,200 $70,000 Columbine Park Playground Mesa Renovate playground and purchase additional structures at Columbine Park in Grand Junction $35,000 Intermountain Veterans Memorial Park Mesa Install new playground equipment and fairground staging facility for use by local 4-H youth and other user groups $21,650 $94,120 Covered Event and Picnic Facility Moffat Construct picnic facility with a barbecue area, running water, and electrical service $40,000 $68,500 Town of Nucla Parks Improvements Montrose Replace old playground equipment at the Town ofNucla's Main Street Park, and install picnic tables and other amenities at both Main Street Park & Rainbow Reservoir Park $23,750 34 ... ... $182,000 ... I $48,420 illiJ .. ..i $332,000 l ; ~ ~· ... $72,000 ~ ~ $34,000 J ~ 1-..i ~ ~ �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Naturita City Park MultiUse Enhancement Project Provide new playground equipment and park amenities at Naturita City Park $50,000 $85,660 Construct three multi-purpose youth athletic fields $55,000 $126,400 Construct two pavilions and upgrade and modernize facilities at the Rocky Ford Fairgrounds $40,000 $210,000 Enhancement of Ridgway Town Park including renovation of the "warming but" area for users of the nearby ice skating rink $35,000 $58,000 Develop a greenbelt park along both sides of a one-mile segment of the Uncompahgre River, north of the city of Ouray $125,000 $1,177,280 Acquire a 35-acre parcel near Wilkerson Pass and construct an interpretive trailhead $11,300 $71,750 Enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for handicapped individuals $20,000 $59,000 $30,000 $88,000 Pitkin Stabilize the stream bank at Yarrow Park in Snowmass Village to restore fishing access, and install picnic tables and other amenities Holly Youth and Adult Ball Park Construct a ballfield that accommodates baseball, softball, and serves as open space $13,000 $33,684 Landscape and provide playground equipment and a large picnic shelter $87,500 $152,500 Build new exhibit area that focuses on the natural history development of the Arkansas River and construct a signage program for the interpretive trail $45,000 $100,000 Construct outdoor ecology lab, recycling area, and prairie trail $28,555 $40,792 Montrose Sunset Mesa Youth Sport Complex Phase I • Montrose - Rocky Ford Fairground Improvements Otero Ridgway Town Park Renovation Project Ouray North Ouray/Uncompabgre River Reclamation Ouray Wilkerson Pass Visitor & Environmental Education Center Park - Rocky Mountain Jeep Journeys ... "Inward Bound" Pitkin Yarrow Park Amenities and Stream Restoration Prowers Willow Creek Park Enhancement Prowers Greenway Nature Center Pueblo - Colorado City Outdoor Ecology Lab and Prairie Trail Pueblo 35 �-.. Project Title and Location by County Project Description Pueblo City Park Tennis Court Complex Renovation Pueblo Construct seven tennis courts with fencing Improving South Fork's Town Park Rio Grande Improve facilities at the South Fork Town Park $18,627 $27,772 Trafalgar Park Routt Construct four turf fields, four baseball fields, and a playground at Trafalgar Park in Steamboat Springs $50,000 $448,000 Oak Creek Ice Rink Locker Room/Spectator Facility Routt Construct a building at the Oak Creek Ice Rink that includes a locker room and wann-up area $70,000 $136,265 Carpenter Ranch Education Project Routt Construct exhibits on sustainable ranching and conservation of critical wildlife habitat at the Carpenter Ranch Education Center $50,000 $375,000 ~ Community Park Enhancement Project Saguache Replace sprinkler system at of the town of Center Community Park to improve safety of playing surface $50,000 $100,000 -- San Miguel Basin Events Center/Indoor Arena San Miguel Construct a meeting room with facilities at the San Miguel Basin Events Center for use by 4-H youth and other users $80,000 $359,742 Town of Frisco Ball Field Summit Construct ballfield in the Town of Frisco $75,000 Hayden Divide Regional Park Teller Install playground, picnic areas, basketball court, . and concessions building near the ball fields at Hayden Divide Regional Park $40,000 Meadow Wood Park Teller Construct outdoor ice skating and hockey rink, and purchase lighting for baseball fields to provide increased recreation opportunities $75,000 Weld County Missile Site Park Improvements Weld Upgrade camping and visitor facilities at the trailhead of the Poudre River Trail system and Cache la Poudre Bluff project $45,000 $90,000 Ada Park Renovation Project Weld Improve Ada Park th.rough purchase of playground equipment, picnic tables, and other amenities $25,000 $37,729 Butler Elementary SchooV City Playground and Park Weld Install playground equipment and a jogging/walking/exercise path $40,000 $155,000 Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total $99,000 $310,000 ! ! ~ - .,J ~ ... $935,000 la,; 36 $169,700 -' $400,000 li.e ... .. -.i ~ ~ �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Riverside Park Ballfields Weld Wray Playground Equipment Yuma Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Develop a ballfield complex along the South Platte River at Riverside Park $50,000 $171,833 Provide new playground equipment for handicapped and preschool children in park adjacent to regional hospital $50,000 $109,300 - - - .. 37 �Outdoor Recreation Grants through the Division ol Parks and Outdoor Recreation In 1995, $7 million in grants were invested in 47 State Parks projects for development of key trails, acquisition of critical buffer lands around and within parks, setting aside water for recreation, and providing exceptional environmental education and interpretive programs. ~ Great Outdoon Colorado Award Project Total Design and install viewing blinds and interpretive displays to give people the tools to fully appreciate the waterfowl viewing site at Barr Lake State Park $4,000 $23,609 San Luis Viewing Blinds Alamosa November 1995 Construction of a viewing blind to allow visitors to get close to San Luis Lakes State Park's elk, pronghorn, deer, and 200 species of birds $1,500 $8,856 Trail Linkages in Parks Cherry Creek Greenway Arapahoe November 1995 Complete critical improvements to several sections of the Cherry Creek Greenway trail and to upgrade the Cherry Creek State Park trail system before overuse leads to resource damage $50,000 $175,000 South Platte Storage at Cherry Creek Reservoir Arapahoe November 1995 Acquisition of a storage vessel to store the pennanent South Platte water rights Colorado State Parks owns in order to have water available during the times when it is possible to operate water exchanges $185,100 $435,000 Navajo State Park Piedra River Overlook Archuleta January 1995 Contract a viewing platfonn with interpretive panels on an abandoned railway bridge over the Piedra River where it enters Navajo Reservoir, which offers excellent elk, bald eagle and otter viewing $24,000 $36,873 Buffer Acquisition Priorities Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer January 1995 Acquire parcels at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Eldorado Canyon, and Boyd Lake State Park $200,000 $1,245,000 Arkansas River Headwater Addition Chaffee, Fremont January 1995 Construct the first three campgrounds at this world-class river recreation area and expand park headquarters $485,000 $6,422,000 Southern Colorado Visitor Centers Chaffee, Las Animas November 1995 Three new visitor centers in Trinidad, Eleven Mile and Arkansas Headwaters will include displays that will combine factual information with messages designed to give people the tools they need to enjoy wildlife without impacting the animals Project Title and Location by County Project Description Barr Lake Blinds/Displays Adams November 1995 -... .,,,J _, ' \ I $9,000 $53,121 I, -J I 38 l �.. - Project Title and Location by County Project Description Crawford State Park Delta January 1995 Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total The 25-year-old Crawford State Park is being reconstructed; this phase includes construction of campsites, a boat ramp, new water systems, and a visitor's center $400,000 $1,600,000 Crawford State Park Delta November 1995 Improvements included in this phase are a new and improved park entry route, fifty new campsites, a new boating ramp to the launch site of the lake amidst the West Elk mountains, and a trail to link the park to the Town of Crawford (and utimately to the planned regional trail system) $450,000 $2,100,000 Colorado Youth Naturally Denver January 1995 This program is an experientiaVadventure learning program for ethnically diverse middle school children that includes environmental ethics, decision-making, and introductions to natural resource career opportunities $12,500 $40,782 Colorado Youth Naturally Denver, Larimer, Pueblo November 1995 Middle school-aged kids from Denver, Fort Collins and Pueblo, who have limited or no opportunity to visit a state park, spend at least three days exploring Colorado's parks $30,000 $75,500 Urban Schools Outreach Denver, La Plata, Pueblo November 1995 This grant funds three programs: I) Urban school kids in Denver County will take part in Division of Wildlife's urban education center at the Denver Zoo, 2) Pueblo school students will work with teachers to learn science, math and social studies as natural resource lessons, and 3) Children from Ignacio-area community schools will be transported to the Sambrito wildlife site at Navajo State Park to achieve a new learning experience $21,500 $110,000 Roxborough Buffer Douglas 1995 Acquire acreage surrounding Roxborough State Park to buffer the park from encroaching residential development $200,000 $2,415,000 Castlewood Canyon Overlook Douglas January 1995 Construct several overlooks on the rim of Castlewood Canyon State Park, linked by a trail, to bring people closer to the natural features of the park $11,000 $16,870 Sylvan Lake Partnership Eagle, Mesa January 1995 Secure appropriate lake levels at Sylvan Lake and augment water for ponds at Island Acres, part of the new Colorado River State Park $30,000 $60,000 Arkansas River Headwater Addition Fremont See Chaffee County listing .... - - .. 39 �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Rifle Falls Trails Garfield November 1995 Design of wayside exhibits for trails that lead to Rifle Falls, link the Falls Trail with a new nature trail at the Division of Wildlife's fish hatchery property, and the use of the caves under the falls as educational an opportunity $6,000 $35,414 Golden Gate Environmental Center Gilpin, Jefferson January 1995 Expand Golden Gate State Park visitor center into a state-of-the-art environmental center $100,000 State Forest Moose Center Jackson January 1995 Construct wildlife watching and habitat education facility that will also serve as headquarters for the Colorado State Forest $119,000 $155,000 Moose Center Displays Jackson November 1995 Completion of a display plan for the Moose Center at Colorado State Forest that features North Park's unequalled amty of wildlife, cultural history, mountain hideaways and outdoor recreation sites $25,000 $147,560 ~ ~ ... $200,000 'i ~ ... ~ Buffer Acquisition Priorities Jefferson See Boulder County listing Golden Gate Environmental Center Jefferson See Gilpin County listing Urban Schools Outreach La Plata See Denver County listing ~ Buffer Acquisition Priorities Larimer See Boulder County listing .., Colorado Youth Naturally Larimer See Denver County listing Trail Linkages in Parks Boyd Lake Trail Larimer January 1995 Colorado State Parks is teaming up with Loveland, Fort Collins and Larimer County to make a crucial connecting link in this regional trail system $50,000 Boyd Lake Recreation Pool Larimer January 1995 Purchase water for Boyd Lake, a recreation resource serving the growing populations of Loveland, Fort Collins, and Greeley $85,000 l...J .. .I I I i ~ 40 $60,000 wl $450,000 ~ -... �- - - - - Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total $50,000 $175,000 Additional storage space for Trinidad Lake has been acquired, now the fishery must be stablized in order to offset the previous fluctuating water levels that have wreaked havoc on the quality of habitat for plants and wildlife, as well as quality of recreation $75,000 $140,000 North Sterling State Park Additions Logan November 1995 Addition of a new camping area at North Sterling State Park and construction of a trail connecting it with the main part of the park $400,000 $869,400 Trees for the High Plains Logan, Morgan January 1995 Plant trees and shrubs, develop drip irrigation systems, and amend soil at Jackson Lake and North Sterling State Parks $125,000 $206,000 Colorado River State Park Additions Mesa January 1995 Acquire trail corridor and develop access facilities to support completion of 45-mile Colorado River corridor park $350,000 $700,000 Colorado River State Park Additions Mesa November 1995 Acquire and develop three key parcels of property, critical links necessary to assemble the next 2 miles of riparian corridor to link the Grand Junction urban center with the towns and rural and natural areas of the greenway/river corridor of the Colorado River $150,000 $481,700 Sylvan Lake Partnership Mesa See Eagle County listing Winter Waterfowl ViewingHighline State Park Mesa January 1995 Construct a viewing blind on a hilltop overlooking the reservoir taking advantage of the hundreds of waterfowl that visit Highline State Park $36,000 $56,1S3 Trees for the High Plains Morgan See Logan County description Colorado Youth Naturally Pueblo See Denver County listing Project Title and Location by County Project Description Trail Linkages in Parks Trinidad Las Animas November 1995 Further the partnership between Colorado State Parks and Las Animas County to build one of the first regional trail links-a two-mile trail from Trinidad State Park's Reilly Canyon trail system west to the historic old Madrid townsite along the Purgatoire River Southern Colorado Visitor Centers Las Animas See Chaffee County listing Trinidad Reservoir Pennanent Pool Las Animas November 1995 41 �I ~ Project Title and Location by County Project Description Trail Linkages in Parks Lake Pueblo Trail Pueblo January 1995 Colorado Youth Naturally Pueblo January 1995 Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total This grant is for the re-surfacing of 12-miles of trail within Lake Pueblo State Park in order to link the park with the City of Pueblo's Arkansas River Trail $50,000 $60,000 This program is an experiential/adventure learning program for ethnically diverse middle school children that includes environmental ethics, decision-making, and introductions to natural resource career opportunities $7,500 -~ $24,156 -.I I ' -- Urban Schools Outreach Pueblo See Denver County listing Mueller State Park Campground Teller January 1995 Create 45 additional campsites at Mueller State Park $300,000 $440,000 Mueller Visitor Center Teller November 1995 Construction of a visitors center, interpretive displays and a self-guided nature trail $225,000 $1,000,000 Partnership/Club 20 Multiple January 1995 This grant is to define the existing Western Slope local and regional trail systems, identify gaps where trails do not exist, and target strategies for implementation $45,000 Urgent Land Acquisitions Statewide November 1995 Acquisition and protection of critical buffers and inholdings parks, including Colorado River State Park, Castlewood Canyon, Barr Lake, Rifle Gap and Arkansas River sites $900,000 TBD Water Priorities Statewide January 1995 Acquire water for several State Parks to ensure sufficient water levels for recreation and fisheries $255,000 $315,000 State Trails Program Grants Statewide January 1995 Through a partnership between Colorado State Parks and Great Outdoors Colorado 32 trails projects were funded statewide $350,000 $1,710,000 State Trails Program Statewide November 1995 Additional trail funding for 50 to 55 projects statewide $400,000 $1,980,000 -w 42 $115,000 ~ ... I I .J ..., I I ... ... ... �.. .. Project Title and Location by County Project Description Interpretation and Visitor Outreach Statewide November 1995 Visitor Outreach Statewide November 1995 Entryway Kiosks Project - Statewide January 1995 Entryway Kiosks, Phase III Statewide November 1995 Youth in Natural Resources - Project Total Enhance interpretive programs at 40 state parks $210,000 $423,200 In order to increase environmental literacy, and promote good stewardship of Colorado's State Parks, 21 seasonal interpreters will be located in parks statewide and a full-time interpretive coordinator will train and support seasonal and full-time interpreters $188,500 $477,700 Development of trail maps, park guides, and interpretive brochures for park welcome centers, park offices, and other tourist information outlets around the state $60,000 $205,000 Continue efforts to install kiosks featuring the special wildlife resources in each of Colorado's· State Parks $85,000 $131,104 Eight kiosks will be added to viewing sites in parks statewide as just one method to broaden park visitors' time in the outdoors through thought-provoking but fun environmental programs $79,500 $469,240 High school-aged urban youth are brought into the state parks for a paid work experience in the outdoors, showing practical aspects of living and learning from nature $60,000 $110,000 This program introduces ethnically diverse high school students to higher education and natural resource careers, and fosters stewardship toward the environment $60,000 $194,812 Statewide January 1995 Interpretation and Outreach - Great Outdoors Colorado Award Statewide January 1995 Youth in Natural Resources Statewide November 1995 43 �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Colorado Natural Areas Protection Statewide January 1995 Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Working through State Parks, the Colorado Natural Areas Program helps private land owners and public land agencies identify and conserve special natural areas throughout the state. This grant supports efforts to fmd and preserve Colorado's unique landscapes through 1) natural history small grants, 2) a site evaluation assistance program, 3) management and education of sensitive natural area sites, and 4) development of partnerships for a cohesive, strategic approach $80,000 $135,000 Colorado Natural Areas Protection Statewide November 1995 Same as above $90,000 $329,000 PartnershipNOC Statewide January 1995 This grant is for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado to train public agency staffs about gaining and maintaining the support of volunteers for outdoor projects $35,000 $168,241 -- ~ .. - -.. .... ... 44 �... - - - - Wlldllle Program Grants through the Division ol Wlldllle In 1995, Great Outdoors Colorado provided funding to the Colorado Division of Wildlife for 36 projects, including protection and restoration of wildlife habitat, recovery of threatened and endangered species, promotion of wildlife-related education, and creation and enhancement of wildlife viewing opportunities. The Division also used Great Outdoors Colorado funding to administer their own non-game habitat program, in which local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible applicants. Project Title and Location by County Project Description Great Outdoon Colorado Award Project Total Bluff Lake Environmental Education Satellite Site Adams, Denver Development of an environmental education satellite site at Bluff Lake, offering opportunities for children and families at this restored refuge $41,613 $1,184,628 Colorado Bird Observatory Field Ornithology Station Adams Construction of the Colorado Bird Observatory Field Ornithology Station, which gives students the opportunity to conduct field science projects $79,392 $122,471 Denver Audubon Society Urban Education Project Adams, Arapahoe, Denver The Urban Education Project provides children in central Denver a variety of opportunities to explore their local and natural environment through "hands-on" outdoor discoveries $30,000 $71,309 Rio Grande Sucker Recovery Plan Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande Maintain existing populations and habitat of the Rio Grande sucker, a state-listed endangered fish $22,000 $81,141 Denver Audubon Society Urban Education Project Arapahoe See Adams County listing Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Chaffee, El Paso, Huerfano, Lake Survey and monitor populations of this federallylisted, threatened fish $10,000 $35,508 Rio Grande Sucker Recovery Plan Conejos See Alamosa County listing Rio Grande Sucker Recovery Plan Costilla See Alamosa County listing Denver Audubon Society Urban Education Project Denver See Adams County listing 4S �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Urban Wildlife Conservation Education Center at the Denver Zoo Denver Construct an Urban Wildlife Conservation Education Center at the Denver Zoo, a focal point in the Denver metro area for urban youth to experience Colorado's natural heritage Bluff Lake Environmental Education Satellite Site Denver See Adams County listing South Platte River Stewardship Program Denver The South Platte River Stewardship Program is an aquatic education program designed to acquaint inner city/multi-cultural youth with ecology of the South Platte River Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery El Paso See Chaffee County listing Glenwood Canyon Wildlife Interpretation Garfield Develop watchable wildlife interpretive kiosks through Glenwood Canyon in order to provide enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities $41,452 $139,650 Wood Frog Recovery Plan Grand, Jackson, Larimer Restore and protect habitat of the wood frog to maintain populations of this state-listed threatened amphibian $11,000 $44,896 Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Huerfano See Chaffee County listing Wood Frog Recovery Plan Jackson See Grand County listing North Park Wildlife Viewing Prototype Jackson, Larimer Development of a plan for wildlife viewing recreation in the North Park area of Colorado in order to understand visitor preferences and public demand Colorado Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Lake See Chaffee County listing North Park Wildlife Viewing Prototype Larimer See Jackson County listing System for Conservation Planning Larimer, Summit Obtain, assemble and distribute infonnation on effects of change in land use on wildlife, to help decision-makers set priorities for habitat protection Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total $500,000 $2,500,000 ~ ~ ~ $103,472 $177,650 ... ~ ..., I I -' I / -.I $40,000 $75,661 .. .. ... 46 $220,000 $435,000 - �- Project Title and Location by County Project Description Wood Frog Recovery Plan Larimer See Grand County listing ... Teaching Environmental Science-Naturally Pueblo Create an environmental ethic in teachers and students through a variety of outdoor learning experiences Rio Grande Sucker Recovery Plan Rio Grande See Alamosa County listing System for Conservation Planning Summit See Larimer County listing Statewide Inventory of Amphibians/Reptiles Multiple .. - - -.. - Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total $5,500 $26,832 Update Colorado species distribution data for reptiles and amphibians, focusing on species of special concern and their habitats, to support future management and protection $44,000 $71,688 Arkansas Darter Recovery Plan Multiple Research habitat needs of the Arkansas darter, establish refuge populations, and protect habitat for this state-listed threatened eastern plains fish $33,000 $57,522 Boreal Toad Recovery Plan Multiple Restore and protect habitat of the state-listed endangered boreal toad $61,020 $285,980 Wildlife in the Classroom Multiple Educate youth and teachers about wildlife and wildlife conservation $11,654 $21,389 Least Tern/Piping Plover Survey Multiple Survey and monitor piping plovers and least terns, both which are listed as threatened by the USFWS and the State of Colorado $24,840 $46,941 Plains/Front Range Fishes Inventory Multiple Identify habitat areas supporting diverse native fish populations and species at risk of decline $22,000 $57,160 Wildlife Resources Information System {WRIS) Multiple Identify wildlife resource information in order to protect high priority wildlife habitats $18,700 $28,348 Colorado Bat Conservation Multiple Habitat identification, land use strategies, and information on distribution and ecology of Colorado's bats, to protect them from becoming threatened or endangered $37,450 $93,321 Watchable Wildlife in Parks Multiple Develop wildlife interpretive kiosks, interpretive plans for parks, wildlife observation areas, and interpretive signage and materials $223,000 $1,576,989 47 �i., Project Title and Location by County Project Description Colorado Youth Naturally Multiple Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Provide educational opportunities for urban middle school students about Colorado's natural heritage $40,000 $87,047 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Multiple Complete surveys for the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse, a candidate for listing on the endangered species list $32,360 Urban Wildlife Conservation Education Program Development Multiple The Urban Wildlife Conservation Education Program fosters an appreciation for wildlife and their habitat, and the conservation of these natural resources through a variety of wildlife-related learning experiences $31,666 Support For County Decision-Making Multiple Develop maps and data analysis that focus on species and habitats, to be used for decisionmaking relative to wildlife resources $316,421 Wetland Enhancement Multiple This program consists of several smaller projects that will create and enhance wetlands on both private and public lands through agreements with landowners $85,000 $657,233 Plains Sharp-Tailed Grouse Recovery Multiple Develop and improve habitat for this endangered species, and re-introduce the plains sharp-tailed grouse to one site $25,900 $104,578 Stopping the Decline of Colorado's Songbirds Statewide The Colorado Division of Wildlife is committed to Partners in Flight to try to stop Colorado songbirds' decline with coordinated conservation efforts $117,000 $186,531 - Gap Analysis Statewide Develop a model of vertebrate species distribution and habitat occurrence in Colorado, as part of a nation-wide program to prioritize habitat protection opportunities $140,661 $426,654 ~ Basinwide Habitat Classification I Statewide The Basinwide Habitat Classification Project develops habitat classification information from remote sensing data on a local watershed basis $55,000 $89,084 Basinwide Habitat Classification II Statewide The Basinwide Habitat Classification project will classify important and critical wildlife habitats on a watershed basis using remote sensing data $80,000 $234,809 Habitat Acquisition Statewide Acquisition of critical wildlife habitat by the Division of Wildlife, likely four or five parcels of land along the lower South Platte and Arkansas Rivers $250,000 $500,000 48 I I ' ~ ~ $74,086 ~ $113,073 .. ~ $787,560 ~ ... w ... .. ... .... .. �- Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total State and national standards will be developed and disseminated to increase the use of Project waD and other conservation education materials in the classroom $32,000 $78,108 Establish a centralized database that includes the most current data about wildlife from various agencies $301,300 $527,086 $150,000 $307,324 Statewide Protect and enhance important nongame wildlife habitats across the state through the competitive award of grants through the Division of Wildlife Aquatic Wildlife Recovery Enhancement Funding for research and implementation of aquatic species protection programs $113,891 $336,918 Project Title and Location by County Project Description Wildlife Education Curriculum Correlation Statewide Biological Conservation Database Statewide - Nongame Habitat Protection Grants Statewide• .. ... .. 49 �Open Space Land Conservation Grants This year, Great Outdoors Colorado received nearly $20 million in requests for funding for open space. The Board provided $3.7 million for twenty projects, including the acquisition of natural areas, buffers, greenways, comm.unity separators, conservation easements on agricultural lands, and open space in urban areas. Great Outdoors Colorado has assisted local governments, non-profit land conservation organizations, and Colorado State Parks with fulfilling urgent open space needs. I _, .. I Project Title and Location by County Project Description. Great Outdoon Colorado Award Project Total Sand Creek Greenway Fletcher Property Acquisition Adams Purchase a 12.83-acre parcel to link Sand Creek and the Platte River Greenway, and provide access to the Denver metro area trail system $100,000 $282,500 Barr Lake State Park Buffer Zone Adams Purchase of properties adjacent to Barr Lake State Park to serve as buffer and protect the wildlife at the park $500,000 $1,246,500 Barr Lake State Park Adams Same as above $100,000 $1,246,500 Additions to deKoevend Park Arapahoe Acquire a 23.25-acre parcel bordering deKoevend Park open space and adjacent to the Highline Canal that buffers the Canal and Big Dry Creek from increasing residential development $300,000 $1,020,000 Urban Community Gardens Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson Acquire Comer Gardens, an urban open space site $7,000 $9,500 Sugarloaf Mountain Acquisition Boulder Acquire 225 acres of land surrounding and including the top of Sugarloaf Mountain $375,000 $777,025 Town of Hotchkiss Riparian Park Delta Acquire land along the North Fork of the Gunnison River comprised of 70 acres of riparian habitat and 65 acres of prime agricultural land $85,000 $280,500 Phase II, Commons Park Portion of South Platte Corridor Denver Acquire 23 acres of riverfront along the Platte River in downtown Denver for use as open space, wildlife habitat, and park land $350,000 6,763,000 Punt the Creek Easement Denver Purchase a parcel of land needed for an access ramp to a pedestrian trail along Cherry Creek in downtown Denver $24,000 $40,000 so ! I I-' �- - - Project Title and Location by County Project Description Urban Community Gardens Denver See Arapahoe County description Cherry Creek Trail Pfeifer Property Douglas Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Acquire a 7.23-acre parcel along the Cherry Creek Trail to allow eventual connection of Cherry Creek State Park to Castlewood Canyon State Park $17,500 $32,500 I-25 South Corridor Project Douglas Acquire land in southern Douglas County to provide a buffer between metro Denver and the communities of Castle Rock and Parker TBD TBD Jones Ranch Acquisition Douglas Preserve three parcels totaling 66-acres to provide a buffer to unique features of Castlewood Canyon State Park including a heron rookery and canyon vistas $150,000 $230,000 Sinton Pond Acquisition El Paso Acquire 13.09 acres of open space adjacent to the Sinton Trail to protect the rich riparian habitat $150,000 $302,200 Colorado River Riparian Corridor Parcel Acquisition Garfield Purchase a 17. I-acre parcel along the Colorado River to preserve riparian habitat, protect endangered plant communities, and ensure public access to river $25,000 $39,500 Crown Hill Addition Jefferson Purchase a 60-acre parcel adjacent to Crown Hill Park to buffer the existing park, expand wildlife habitat, and serve as a community separator $400,000 $3,390,000 Urban Community Gardens Jefferson See Arapahoe County description Addition to the Westside Mountain Park La Plata Purchase a 5 I-acre parcel bordered on three sides by Durango' s Westside Mountain Park to buffer park and preserve trail access $125,000 $200,000 Boyd Lake State ParkHeinricy Property Acquisition Larimer Acquire 30 acres of land as open space and a buffer to Boyd Lake State Parle which also links with the City of Loveland trail system $100,000 $432,500 Expansion of the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area Larimer Acquire a 138-acre parcel of land to expand the existing 659-acre natural area and increase raptor habitat $400,000 $1,311,750 51 �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Meadowdale Ranch Conservation Easement Larimer McCullough Gulch Wetlands Summit Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project_ Total Secure a conservation easement on a 1128-acre property to protect a prominent view of Rocky Mountain National Park, wildlife habitat, and other natural features $185,000 $375,000 Purchase property in the town of Blue River, to prevent development TBD TBD 52 1 I ..J �.. - - ... - - Planning and Capacity Bulldlng Grants During 1995, Great Outdoors Colorado provided $1.1 million in grants to help communities prepare for future projects. Many communities and organizations around the state are planning for future open space, trails, parks, outdoor recreation, and wildlife needs. It is anticipated that up-front planning efforts will result in even better projects. The Great Outdoors Colorado Board was impressed with the excellent quality of the applications and the heavy demand for funding. Thirty-four awards were made to local governments and non-profit land conservation organizations. Project Title and Location by County Project Description Sand Creek Corridor Adams, Denver Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Conduct a resource assessment and planning for the Sand Creek Corridor, a riparian corridor which stretches nearly 12 miles $120,000 $324,700 Chaffee County Trail System Master Plan Chaffee Create a Trail System Master Plan for the lower part of the Upper Arkansas River Valley $25,000 $40,900 San Isabel Foundation Capacity Building Custer Conduct resource inventory; establish landowner contacts; and train board members, staff, and volunteers of the San Isabel Foundation $25,000 $88,000 Community Gardens Denver Increase Denver Urban Garden's ability to create community gardens and recreation areas in urban communities $26,500 $82,500 East Metro Area Open Space Project Denver Link existing open space in the east Metro area with future parcels, greenways, and trails $50,000 $177,000 Imperative 2000 - A Vision for the South Platte River Denver Develop comprehensive outdoor resource plan for the South Platte River including trails completion, open space preservation, and environmental education $50,000 $354,700 Sand Creek Corridor Denver See Adams County listing 1-25 Conservation Corridor/Phase II Douglas Fund pre-aquisition expenses related to conservation of land in southern Douglas County $40,000 $102,000 El Paso County and Colorado Springs Open Space Plan EI Paso Develop an open space plan for El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs, including inventory and mapping $80,000 $251,095 Denver & Rio Grande Recreation Access Feasibility Study Conduct a recreation access feasibility study for the Aspen branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad $10,000 $40,000 Garfield 53 �Project Title and Location by County Project Description Garfield County Open Space Plan Garfield Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Develop long-range plan for open space and trails in the Roaring Fork Valley $30,000 $43,100 Gunnison County Trails Commission Gunnison Create a comprehensive trails network in Gunnison County and plan for the Gunnison River Greenway $50,000 $122,500 Lions Park Jackson Conduct a wetlands feasibility study and develop an enhancement plan for Lions Park $9,000 $15,000 Community Service Park La Plata Plan a town park and a system of trails linking the park to three schools and another park $5,625 $7,500 Poudre River Implementation Plan Larimer Develop plan to enhance landscape along the Poudre River to provide wildlife habitat, trails, and open space $45,000 $100,000 Larimer County Conservation Inventory Larimer Conduct an inventory of flora and fauna populations and habitats in the county for direction in future conservation projects $45,000 $] 15,000 Mesa County Natural Heritage Inventory Mesa Develop a natural heritage inventory and conservation plan for Mesa County $40,000 $93,200 Mesa County Land Conservancy - Organization Development Mesa Increase capacity of the organization through staff training and assistance with the purchase of conservation easements $20,000 $81,950 Ag Lands, Open Space, Wildlife Comprehensive Plan Montezuma Prepare a comprehensive plan to inventory the county's natural features, agricultural lands, and critical areas $20,000 ~ ... I I -. I I ... laJ _, ... u $68,000 .I . I I South Park Heritage Resource Area Park Conduct heritage resource survey from which a plan will be developed to preserve the unique environment and traditional lifestyles in South Park $15,000 $30,000 Strategic Natural Resources & Environmental Education Plan Pueblo Inventory and assess existing open space, wildlife, and recreation resources; review related plans; and determine community outdoor resource goals $50,000 $113,450 Chew Ranch Routt Plan for a 3,200-acre ranch in the Elle River Valley, to identify which portions of the ranch are most appropriate for a conservation easement or purchase of development rights $16,200 $18,700 . .. . j 54 I I. _, �- - - Project Title and Location by County Project Description San Miguel County Open Space Commission San Miguel Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Educate local ranchers and farmers about options for maintaining their agricultural lands $8,500 $13,700 Telluride Open Lands Plan San Miguel Create open lands plan to help prioritize the investments and actions of the Telluride Open Space Commission and the Town Council $20,000 $40,750 Weld County Open Space Comprehensive Plan Weld Develop comprehensive open space plan, identify wildlife populations and habitat, and define unique and critical open space areas in Weld County $25,000 $40,000 Yuma County Comprehensive Plan Yuma Plan for a scenic bicycle path along the county's three main transportation corridors $14,000 $21,350 San Juan Skyway Open Space Plan Multiple Identify opportunities for open space protection, wildlife viewing, and recreation areas along the San Juan Skyway $25,000 $64,000 San Luis Valley Trails and Recreation Master Plan Multiple Develop long-tenn, comprehensive Trails and Recreation Master Plan for the San Luis Valley $50,000 $152,275 Northwest Council of Governments Watershed Decision Making Multiple Conduct a series of four workshops in six counties to help communities integrate water quality policy into local land use planning $40,000 $90,000 San Luis Valley Community-Based Conservation Project Multiple Establish community based conservation program in the San Luis Valley $35,000 $96,000 Geographic Infonnation Systems Statewide Establish links between DNR, federal agencies, local governments, and non-governmental organizations seeking natural resource data to support planning efforts $37,152 $87,304 Land Protection Education Statewide Convene statewide conferences and workshops on landowner conservation options for land trusts, land owner advisors, and landowners $45,000 $100,300 Landowner Needs Assessment Project Statewide Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust will develop Landowner Resource Guide to provide information on conservation easement options $30,000 $47,080 ss Total �I I. Project Title and Location by County Project Description Extending Your Reach Statewide Demonstration Land Project Statewide Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Increase agencies' ability to effectively utilize volunteers to enhance and preserve Colorado's outdoor resources $40,000 $168,421 Create fund to cover pre-acquisition costs for three or more land protection projects $45,000 ~ 1111111 $90,000 -... I I I i-.. I S6 �• - - - Trail Grants lo Local Governments Trails, an important recreational resource for Coloradans, got a boost of $1.1 million in grant awards for 32 projects in 1995. The grants are part of a program funded by both Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado State Parks. Grants were awarded to local governments and non-profit organizations. The projects funded are diverse in nature and include multiuse trails, single-use trails, trails for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, and trails that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In many cases the trails link to other recreational amenities such as local and state parks. Project Title and Location by County Project Description Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Big Dry Creek Trail Adams, Jefferson Construct two soft-surface trails, the first reaching one mile from Sheridan Blvd. at 110th, the second between 120th and 128th Avenues along Big Dry Creek $45,000 $394,750 Sand Creek Trail - Platte River Bridge Adams Construct a bridge over the Platte River to provide access from the Platte River Greenway to the Sand Creek Greenway $50,000 $622,035 Big Dry Creek Arapahoe Develop a trail corridor that extends from the South Platte River to the Highline Canal $40,000 $477,000 Arapahoe Greenway Connection Arapahoe Build a trail connecting the Arapahoe Greenway and Centennial Lake, allowing access to facilities and park amenities $10,000 $20,700 St. Vrain Greenway Boulder Construct a missing link in the trail from Hover Road to Golden Ponds Park in Longmont $25,000 $48,690 Rock Creek Fann Boulder Construct a pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycling trail extension $25,000 $73,600 Salida Trail System Chaffee Construct a trail on the the abandoned Denver and Rio Grande railroad right of way near the Arkansas River $38,500 $77,000 Cherry Creek Trail Douglas Continue the Cherry Creek Trail, a link in the 24mile trail which will run between Cherry Creek and Castlewood Canyon State Park $50,000 $195,200 Sulphur Gulch Trail Douglas Complete two sections of trail corridor that will eventually connect the Town of Parker to the Cherry Creek Greenway $45,000 $142,222 57 �I.I Project Title and Location by County Project Description Dowd Junction Recreation Trail Eagle Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Complete a key link in the multi-use trail connecting Vail to the Eagle River Valley $70,000 $750,000 Sinton Trail El Paso Complete a segment of trail linking Monument Creek to Garden of the Gods $36,000 $72,264 Bighorn Trail Fremont Construct a hiking and equestrian trail in Rockvale Mesa Park $2,600 $15,144 Glenwood Springs River Trail Garfield Create a gravel trail along the Roaring Fork River, linking two existing sections of trail $50,000 Muddy Pass Trail Grand Build a trailhead on the east summit of Rabbit Ears Pass to accommodate winter and summer trail usage $39,300 $92,190 Grand Lake Snowcat Grand Assist a local non-profit organization with purchase of a trail groomer for use on snowmobile and cross-country ski trails $20,300 $100,000 Mt. Crested Butte Recreation Path Gunnison Complete a segment of trail that links the towns of Mt. Crested Butte and Crested Butte $40,000 $296,350 Bear Creek Trail Jefferson Construct the fmal link of the Bear Creek Corridor in Lakewood $40,000 Big Dry Creek Trail Jefferson See listing for Adams County $45,000 $394,750 Animas River Trail La Plata Build 700 feet of trail along the Animas River in downtown Durango $65,000 $179,000 ~ ~ '$301,250 I.I ... 1.- -... ~ $167,050 I I Mineral Belt Trail Lake Build a 1.5 mile section of rail-to-trail which connects to Leadville $50,000 $143,000 Recreation Trail Bridges Larimer Replace two hazardous bridges with steel bridges to safely link segments of Loveland's recreational trails system $25,000 $80,000 ( ..I ~ I I Limon Pedestrian-Bicycle Trail Lincoln Build a trail that connects Limon's neighborhoods, public schools, parks and community buildings $27,000 Watson Island Mesa Construct 2,000 feet of trail along the Colorado River in Grand Junction $30,000 $179,650 ~ I ~ $1,169,200 I I I.I 58 �- - -... Project Title and Location by County Project Description Sunset Mesa Recreation Trail Montrose Great Outdoors Colorado Award Project Total Construct a 5700-foot trail connecting Riverbottom Park to the Sunset Mesa Youth Sport Complex and to the Uncoinpahgre River Trail $50,000 $112,500 Melon Run Trail Otero Construct a one-mile trail that circles Babcock Park in Rocky Ford $7,800 $15,640 Horse Ranch Trail Pitkin Restore a portion of the highly eroded multi-use trail that runs from Snowmass Village to the Rim Trail $17,800 $36,032 Fountain Creek Improvements Pueblo Replace and relocate deteriorated sections of Pueblo's trail system $25,000 $70,000 South Cat Creek Trail Rio Grande Reconstruct two multi-use trail segments in the Rio Grand National Forest $31,000 $62,724 Oro Grande Trail Summit Create a trail to form a continuous link between the towns of Dillon and Keystone $9,900 $19,860 Colorado Midland Trail Teller Complete an important segment of the Ute Pass Trails Corridor $15,000 $65,400 Windsor Poudre Trail Weld Complete a link of the Windsor-Poudre Trail corridor which stretches from Fort Collins through Windsor to the Platte River in Greeley $50,000 $180,744 Island Grove Trai1 Weld Extend the Island Grove Trail along the Cache la Poudre River $50,000 $134,317 S9 � 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 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Reports Description An account of the resource Since 1992, <a href="https://goco.org/about/colorado-parks-wildlife">GOCO</a> has invested a portion of the proceeds from the Colorado Lottery to help outdoor organizations, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife.<br /><br />GOCO published a <a href="https://goco.org/about/our-strategic-plan">new strategic pla</a>n in 2025<br /> <ul> <li><a href="https://goco.org/sites/default/files/GOCO_StrategicPlan_English.pdf">Strategic Plan (English)</a></li> <li><a href="https://goco.org/sites/default/files/GOCO_Summary_English.pdf">Executive Summary (English)</a></li> <li><a href="https://goco.org/sites/default/files/GOCO_StrategicPlan_Spanish.pdf">Strategic Plan (Spanish)</a></li> <li><a href="https://goco.org/sites/default/files/GOCO_Summary_Spanish.pdf">Executive Summary (Spanish)&nbsp;</a><br /><br /></li> </ul> Older strategic plans include: <a href="https://hermes.cde.state.co.us/islandora/object/co:40220/datastream/OBJ/view">2020</a>, <a href="https://hermes.cde.state.co.us/islandora/object/co:31381/datastream/OBJ/view">2015</a>, and <a href="https://hermes.cde.state.co.us/islandora/object/co:1305/datastream/OBJ/view">2002</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/coloradosoutdoorsstrategy">Colorado's Outdoors Strategy</a> is an important collaboration between CPW, GOCO, and other partners. PDF documents: <ul> <li><a href="https://cpw.widen.net/s/jpgblrshdz/final-cos-full-strategy-with-appendices-2025-04">2025 Colorado's Outdoors Strategy</a></li> <li>Executive Summary in: <a href="https://cpw.widen.net/s/wjcwvnqprn/final-cos-executivesummary-2025-04-18">English</a> | <a href="https://cpw.widen.net/s/s5fmqg9zsk/cos-executivesummary-2025-05-23-esp">Spanish</a></li> </ul> <br /><br />The following annual reports are part of the CPW Research Library GOCO collection:<br /> <ul> <li><a href="https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/items/show/682">Colorado Parks &amp; Wildlife GOCO Investment Proposals</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/items/show/681">Colorado Parks &amp; Wildlife GOCO Annual Reports</a></li> <li><a href="https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/items/show/683">Great Outdoors Colorado Financial and Compliance Audits&nbsp;</a></li> </ul> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/1.0/">IN COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE PERMITTED</a> 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 Great Outdoors Colorado: Annual Report Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-NC/1.0/">IN COPYRIGHT - NON-COMMERCIAL USE PERMITTED</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Annual reports describing projects carried out in the past fiscal year using GOCO funding. These reports are specific to Colorado Parks and Wildlife; annual reports covering all of GOCO's investments can be found <a href="https://goco.org/about/funded-projects#annual-reports">here</a>.<br /><br />Prior to the merger of Colorado State Parks and Colorado Division of Wildlife reports were issued separately for each agency.&nbsp;<br /><br />The collection is missing some reports; all items in the collection have been digitized and are available in the list to the right or in print in the CPW Research Library (Call #: <span>HJ 11 .C6 G741)</span>