Open Space Advisory Board 2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• Erica Markham, Broomfield resident — Ms. Markham identified herself as a "mudder" who enjoys using the trails in a variety of conditions, °but indicated that she would avoid using the trails if signs were posted. Mark Vellecat — Mr. Vellecat said he was in favor of a perimeter trail and asked if the LOSCAB and City Staff had looked at methods other than trail closure to control cheatgrass. Ms. Lair noted that a potential path closure of the northern trail was not primarily about weed control. Marybeth Vellecat Ms. Vellecat noted that while she was not an ecologist, she is a scientist, and asked if the LOSCAB and City Staff had considered other environmental consequences of trail closures. Jim Schutz — Mr. Schutz spoke on behalf of maintaining a balance of preservation and access and noted that he believed Mesa trail users did .a good job of "self- policing." Ellen Lutz — Ms. Lutz identified herself as a real estate agent and noted that the Mesa is a big selling point for both residents and newcomers to Louisville. She warned that closing access to the Mesa may have a negative impact on property values in the City. Comments from the board: Bob Muckle — Mr. Muckle summarized much of the LOSCAB's discussion and debate regarding various classification issues and the rationale behind the trail reconfigurations being considered. Mr. Muckle reviewed the ESCO inventory findings regarding the importance of the northwest section of the Mesa and noted that he had often observed users "off trail" and dogs "off leash." Mr. Muckle noted that he is in favor of a perimeter trail, but favors closing off the north trail running through the preserve section. Pat Hornbostel — Mr. Hornbostel reviewed on the Mesa map a number of alternatives which had been considered and pointed out the specific areas the LOSCAB was seeking to protect. He also noted that as a wheelchair user, he was inclined to see the perimeter trail built as a crusher fine and not simply left as an undeveloped, but authorized social trail. He did comment that many of the undesignated social trail were so entrenched, wide and compacted that he was able to access them quite nicely even from his wheelchair. Mr. Hornbostel also noted that he had experienced many dogs off leash throughout the Mesa and, from his . vantage point in a wheelchair, found that "all dogs are big dogs." Mr. Hornbostel is in favor of a perimeter trail, but favors closing off the north trail running through the preserve section. Cary Tengler — Mr. Tengler expressed his concern that there was significant amount of misunderstanding and misinformation re: potential trail reconfigurations. He noted that the LOSCAB and City Staff discussions had never been about closing access on the Mesa, but rather at expanding the trail system and redirecting it to protect ecologically important sections. Mr. Tengler also noted the detrimental effects of social trails on wildlife buffers and then referenced the City of Louisville Open Space Survey conducted