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2. Davidson Mesa Trail Configuration Discussion — Cindy Lair opened the discussion of this agenda item with an overview of the management plan designations and existing status of trails on the Mesa and a summary of recent LOSCAB and City Staff discussions about potential reconfigurations. One area of particular concern on the Mesa is the northwest segment (bordering the Paragon neighborhood) which is currently designated Preserve and Protect, but features a significant undesignated social trail running from the Davidson Ditch up the slope and connecting to the western edge of the dogs off -leash area. Ms. Lair and Mr. Jones noted that an inventory completed in Dec. 2001 by Esco Associates noted that the rare grasses present in the northern segment make it "an important remnant," and "invite the greatest degree of protection..." Esco also recommended that "future management should avoid intrusion of regular human disturbance into this limited resource." It was noted that the LOSCAB was considering the closure of the above mentioned social trail because of the Preserve status and the steep slope of the northwest facing hillside. At previous LOSCAB meetings, trail reconfiguration discussions have included possible closures of various social trails and the extension of the main "crusher fine" trail to create a figure -8 perimeter trail. One potential configuration for the perimeter'trail would extend north from the western end of the existing crusher fine to run along the southern and eastern edges of the Panorama and Paragon neighborhoods, respectively. The trail would then veer to the northeast, running along the ridge of the slope until it connected with the western edge of the dog off -leash area. Ms. Lair stressed that there were no plans to "close down" the entire Mesa as some members of the public seemed to believe had been recommended. Mr. Jones then opened the discussion to comments from the public: f Rob Scott, Louisville resident — Mr. Scott strongly disagreed with the "Preserve" designation of the northern segment of the Davidson Mesa and argued against the closure of the east -west social trail that runs down the slope in the Preserve section. Mr. Scott suggested the fact that the trail had been use for 10+ years with no damage to the surrounding area indicates that a Visitor status designation for the area would be appropriate. Mr. Scott said his wife, an ecologist, would volunteer to work with the city to create an education and awareness campaign to help ensure that people stayed on the path. He then made the point that the northern part of the Mesa was considered a "jewel" within the Open Space system and that, as such, it should be left open and accessible to be enjoyed by all, rather than locked away and out of sight. *Secretary's Note — Several subsequent speakers voiced their agreement with Mr. Scott and made very similar comments or elaborated on his points. In the interest of brevity