Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2012 09 12

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes August 8, 2012 Page 3 rings of vegetation. In the center is smart weed with wild prickly lettuce then cattails and bulrush and then on the outside a mixed community of natives and weeds. They also found a lot of Russian Olives (which will be removed by the Developer) and Cottonwood seedlings and saplings. Biohabitats also created a revegetation plan for the property. This may need to be completed after the Developers work is finished. For the vegetation to be successful the, within the Reservoir, benches will need to be created at different elevations. Water can be managed at different elevations to work with the different benches. The maximum water level will support cottonwoods and understory, the average water level will support the willows and wet meadow, the low water level with support emergent plants and mud flats. Open water is a draw for migratory birds and raptors, kestrels, red tails, owls, swainsons hawks. Per Ember – The City is trying to balance the interests of the citizens to include components such as recreation, water storage and habitat enhancement. The City is working with the Developer on dam improvements and grading. Laura asked about water management requirements. Ember explained that there is a water line in the dam that can supply water to the reservoir in addition to seasonal ditch water. For the first couple of years the water elevations will need to be sustained at the “Average” elevation so that vegetation can establish. After vegetation has established the water level can be altered to benefit other plant communities and water quality. The Reservoir may also be able to be used to transfer water to Harney Lastoka for agricultural purposes. Project opportunities – to increase bird habitat, create floating wetland to be placed in the open water. This anchored island would have plants/wet meadows on it and could be used as nesting habitat. Recycled bottles can serve as float base. This could be a great volunteer opportunity. IX. Discussion: Boulder County Parks & Open Space Annual Open Space, Trails and GIS Request – We received a request from Boulder County Parks and Open Space to prioritize our list of requests for partnering on particular properties and trails for acquisition and maintenance.