Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2019 03 13 Cancelled

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Cityq Louisville PARKS & RECREATION Memorandum To: Open Space Advisory Board From: Ember Brignull, Open Space Manager Date: March 13, 2019 Re: Discussion Item 10. Review and Recommend Improvements to the Public Outreach Approach for Prescribed Fire Purpose: The purpose of this discussion item is to review education and outreach efforts made to inform the public of the prescribed fire on Aquarius Open Space in 2017, and obtain OSAB's recommended improvements in preparation for the prescribed fire on Davidson Mesa Open Space in 2019. Background: Prescribed fire is a widely utilized management tool which maintains and restores native grasslands. The fire helps to manage weeds and other undesired growth, which reduces the risk of wildfire, restores soil nutrients, and results in healthier native plant growth in the future. In 2017, the Open Space Division partnered with the Rocky Mountain Fire Protection District to complete the City's first ever prescribed fire event. In order to become better acclimated to the process before attempting larger burns, the Open Space Division selected Aquarius Open Space as a first burn site due to its relatively small size, low number of access points, and fewer nearby business and households. The event resulted in the successful burning and management of over 14 acres (map provided following memo) and coupled with herbicide application yielded a significant visible reduction in cheat grass (Bromus tectorum) on the property. Given the success of the City's first prescribed fire, the Open Space Division is currently in the planning stages of two prescribed fires on Davidson Mesa Open Space in 2019; the first of which will burn approximately 125 acres on the western half of Davidson Mesa during the spring of 2019, and the second will burn approximately 75 acres on the eastern half of the property during the fall of 2019. Informing the public of the upcoming prescribed fire on Davidson Mesa is vital to provide education and alleviate concerns among nearby residents and the public. While communication was distributed during the 2017 prescribed fire, it is important to note that the City will be burning over 13 times as many acres on Davidson Mesa as were burned on Aquarius and the Davidson Mesa property is bordered by private residences. Additionally, the smoke from the 9