Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2015 10 14

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes September 9th 2015 Page 6 of 7 XI. Discussion Item: Observations Regarding the Ranger Pilot Program The board was curious how the new ranger program went this past summer. Tom talked to 228 people who had dogs off -leash on Open Space or at Harper Lake. He observed many more than he actually talked to. Tom talked to 700 people on informational topics, such as natural history, city history, or directions. Tom informally asked people fishing at Harper Lake about fishing licenses. He logged over 1200 interactions with citizens. He estimated that 95% of the interactions he had were very positive. People were friendly and nice even when being asked to put their dog on a leash. He always tried to explain the reasons for the rules. Tom set up wildlife cameras in response to reports of a mountain lion at North Open Space, though he never found any evidence for it. Tom said he occasionally walked people home who got lost, and always had a first aid kit. Tom reported ecological conditions as well. He identified the Coyote Run soil slump very early. He was the first staff member to learn of the burrowing owls nesting at Davidson Mesa and kept Open Space staff from mowing that area. Jeff complimented Tom and said he's heard a lot of positive comments from citizens. Helen mentioned that she could really feel the presence of Tom through the signs and thought the ranger program was successful. Tom emphasized that he wanted the campaign to be friendly and education - oriented. The board agreed that they would like to support the ranger program. Jeff said a letter to City Council might be appropriate. He suggested that the letter emphasize the cost - savings /avoidance. Ember also suggested that a board member attend the public comment part of the City Council budget meetings. Laura volunteered to write the letter, getting board comment, and planning to get it to City Council by Sept 15. XII. Discussion Item: Wayfinding Pocket Map Topics Ember wanted to discuss the idea of making pocket maps that fold up small (credit card sized). The ranger could hand them out while patrolling trails or at events. Christopher asked about a map app for phones. Ember suggested that instead there could be QR codes on City maps and brochures linking to a website. Spencer asked how much the pocket maps would cost. Ember said they are estimating that the project would be under $2500 for about 2000 maps but final costs have not been agreed to yet. The front side would be the system trail map, but Ember was looking for suggestions of what OSAB would like to see on the back of the map. The meeting packet listed her suggestions for the back. Helen liked the idea of education about the properties' flora /fauna, the "commercial" for the Open Space /Park tax fund, a panel of the rules, and a panel of educational topics. Laura liked the idea of panels, but liked the idea of keeping things "light" and simple with trivia, with a few rules and regulations (like trail sharing etiquette) sprinkled in. Christopher liked the flora and fauna and history ideas. Linda liked the instructions on how to use the map. Spencer asked if the maps' cost could be defrayed by putting sponsors' ads on the back. Spencer liked education information and information about the Open Space/ Parks fund. Ember thought this was helpful for narrowing down her ideas. XIII. Discussion Items: Potential Topics for Study Session with City Council on February 23rd The board decided to do a quick list: Spencer: Investing in an ecological inventory for data - driven decision making. 7