Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2017 12 13

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes November 8 th, 2017 Page 2 of 5 on Dec. 19th. Helen requested Ember present the study's results to OSAB at its December meeting, too. E. Ember reported on the Prescribed Burn at the Aquarius Trailhead. There were two burn blocks and they were performed over two days. The first day burned 4.4 acres, which took about one hour, and the second burn was about 9 acres, which took two hours. Ember shared pictures and video from the burn. She pointed out how patches of cheat grass and high density annual weeds inhibited the extent of consumption, but otherwise the consumption rates were quite high, with vegetation burned down to the soil surface. She has been back to the site and can report that smooth brome is coming back and is already about 2 inches high. Laura asked how the citizen comments have been. Ember said many people stopped to watch the burns and people were excited about what they saw. Many people thanked them for the active management on the land. She didn't receive any negative comments. Ember reminded the board that staff had done lots of outreach to neighbors before the burn. Jim asked if it was Ember's first experience using control burn. She answered that it was the first time she had done it in Louisville and at an administrative level but had some experience participating in planning and operation (ignition and holding crews) on forested burn units in Jefferson County. He complimented her on all the work she had done to make this happen. Ember, in turn, complimented the Rocky Mt. Fire Protection District firefighters who performed the burn: they were thorough, precise, and focused on Open Space staff's goals. Staff are still hoping to use prescribed burns at Davidson Mesa next year, in the spring or fall. Mike, who visited the burn, commented that he was also highly impressed by the burn crew and the entire experience. Ember directed the board to a video on the City Facebook page with more footage of the prescribed burn. VI. Board Updates - A. Jim shared that two weeks ago he attended the Open Space Walk with the Mayor event at Warembourg Open Space. He said it was excellent, but that there were only 2 citizens. This land is co -owned by the City of Louisville and Boulder County and there were staff from both municipalities. He complimented all the staff and said there were some interesting discussions about managing that land. One point of staff concern is that prairie dogs escape from the Louisville prairie dog preserve on the ridge and other colonies on the property. The prairie dogs are doing damage across the property. He was struck by how the staff said they can't keep up with the prairie dog's impact on the property. There is a plan to restore a broken windmill on the property. Laura asked Jim whether he visited the adjacent Xcel property. He hadn't, but reported that the area to the west of the Xcel property is denuded by prairie dogs, too. Ember discussed the complications of managing both for wildlife (prairie dogs) and agriculture. B. Jim and Helen are going to meet in preparation for the Davidson Mesa DOLA December discussion item. VII. Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda - A. none VIII. Sharing of Statement of Commemoration & Appreciation for Linda Smith and OSAB Reflections Laura read out loud the board's statement of commemoration and appreciation for Linda. 3