Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2018 05 09

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Open Space Advisory Board April 11, 2018 Minutes Page 3 of 4 plants, which are dormant in the winter. For mullein, Method & Tordon were compared for controlling existing plants (then Telar added). Esplanade & Plateau were compared to assess pre -emergent residual control. Next year results will be interesting as these treatments should prevent year 2 recurrence. Biomass and percent cover were evaluated. Areas treated for mullein showed an upsurge in different weeds - specifically Russian thistle; there was less Russian thistle when Esplanade was used (it's targeted for annuals). Davidson Mesa downy brome site has a lot of native grasses and plants as well as the downy brome. There was a lower level of germination in 2016 due to dry conditions, and Esplanade was not as effective due to a lack of moisture. Plateau gave excellent control, but injured other plant growth also due to dry conditions. Shannon noted that it's critical to understand the germination cycle and the emergent cycles, and to consider moisture levels when planning/evaluating weed control measures. Part of CSU's work included Education & Outreach. A citizen field day was posted at Davidson Mesa; Helen, Ember, and Catherine Jepson attended, and the weed/native plant class had 15 attendees. The annual CSU research tour had 135 attendees, who were impressed by the mullein control sites. Ember noted that labeling the study plots could provide an ongoing self -led tour option for Open Space users. Shannon will be evaluating the plots this year, and another grad student could continue monitoring in future years. Laura appreciates the research and information about our Open Space and would like to see cooperative agreements continue into future years. Laura moved that the Board support this and similar future resource management projects with CSU. Peter seconded. Approved unanimously. Shannon noted that goats are not successful as a sole strategy, but can be part of an integrated plan. The CSU Colorado Weed Network Tour is scheduled for June 28th; Ember will send updates. IX. Update on Municipal Code Revisions to Open Space and Parks Titles Aubrey Hilte (Ranger Naturalist) presented information about proposed revisions to Municipal Code. The reason for this effort is to better align Parks and Open Space regulations, make them simpler to read and understand for the public, and easier to enforce by city staff. After Legal review, it will go to Council for first reading on May 15, 2018. It is anticipated that a Regulations brochure will be produced & available to the public. Ember noted that OSAB members should focus on what's present/absent in the Regulations, not on specific wording; comments can be sent to Ember for incorporation (by Monday 4/16/2018). Aubrey asked OSAB to review #7 (not allowing "drones" in parks - they are already prohibited on Open Space), #10 (leash law decreasing from 15ft to 10ft. due to our path width. Surrounding agencies have 10ft leash law. Fines & consequences are listed in a separate document. Missy asked about the exclusion of e -bikes; Aubrey clarified that this ordinance adds e - bikes to regular bikes as being prohibited on non -trail areas. Helen asked about #19; Aubrey clarified that grills, stoves, and fires are prohibited on Open Space but grills are ok in parks. Jeff noted that the City Prosecutor will review to ensure that each ordinance is enforceable and prosecutable. Ember noted that PPLAB will be reviewing as well before moving forward to present to City Council. Missy noted that "defacing" language doesn't seem to cover things like "memorials" (flowers attached to benches), and suggested that staff amend this language. "Geo -Caching" language needs to be clarified; virtual caching is ok but not placement of physical items on Open Space.