Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2018 06 13

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Superior Requests & Status Report (No new requests) 1. Level 3 Property Location: This property lies at the southernmost edge of Superior, north of Hwy. 128. It lies between McCaslin Boulevard on the west and Eldorado Boulevard on the east. Its northern edge borders on the south edge of the town's subdivisions. It encompasses approximately 195 acres. Description: This property is an expanse of steep, gullied mixed grass prairie receiving little human use. A narrow drainage, containing a small cattail wetland (approximately 0.03 acres) trends through the eastern portion of the property. A primitive trail runs from the town's trails in to the southeast portion of the parcel. OSAC Observations: Observations showed this parcel to have a fair buffering potential and good air and noise quality. From this parcel there are excellent views including downtown Denver, Longs Peak, the Continental Divide and the Front Range. This ridgeline is visible throughout Superior. Nighttime light pollution is better than many other parcels. This parcel has no known historic value. It is a very large tract with a medium level of threat to existing resources. It contains no surface water but it does have a small wetland area. There are only a few mature trees and the majority of the parcel is mixed prairie grass and mostly pristine. It has a diverse wildlife habitat and it is very likely used by wildlife as a migration corridor. It has the potential to be a high regional draw and would be ideal for passive use for its ridgeline views. Smith Wildlife Survey: The survey found the property to be 96% mixed grass prairie with some small weedy/disturbed areas and a cattail marsh. Smith Environmental performed the survey of this property on December 15th, 2003 and did not observe wildlife of any kind. However, that day was reported to be very cold with wind gusts on the ridge of 30 miles per hour. The survey noted that several species would normally inhabit this parcel, including prairie dogs, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes. Status: Boulder County is willing to consider participating in the purchase of this property, depending on price and terms, if funding is available. 2. Zaharias Property Location: The Zaharias property borders 88th St. to the west, and is located between U.S. 36 and the Saddlebrooke Townhomes. It encompasses approximately 28 acres in the northeast portion of town. Description: This property is a weedy vacant lot receiving little human use. A large drainage, dominated by a cattail wetland crosses the northern portion of the property. Prairie dog activity has been prominent on the upland portion of this site. OSAC Observations: Observations showed this parcel to have a fair buffering potential, fair views, poor air and noise quality, and considerable nighttime light pollution. It is not likely to have compatibility with adjacent land uses and has no known historic value. It is a medium sized tract. There are few mature trees and a cattail marsh, but no real surface water. 26