Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2022 08 10

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes July 13, 2022 Page 4 of 7 Mr. Cathcart proposed that there should be a formalization of the (-120ft) social trail along the south side of Hecla Lake. This land has been ripped up by the recent pipe work providing a chance for this segment of trail to be formalized as the pipe work remediation is finished. He felt that this trail would be well -justified, given his impression of its historical significance to local mining. He also observed that people use this route, regardless of its status as a social trail. He added that students use it as a route to the bus stop. Susan said she did a walk around Hecla Lake and thought the north side's social trails were more ecologically impactful than this one, since it is on less sensitive land. Charles said that board recommended not closing down this particular social trail during a discussion about a staff social trail initiative. Jessamine said that part of the reason this trail had been proposed for closure at the time was due to ground -nesting birds in the area. She asked if those birds were still a concern. Ember replied that currently the land has been disturbed for the pipe work project, and there are currently no known active nests in that area. Charles said this might be an example of a trail that could become a dirt, single-track style trail. Mr. Cathcart said that he was hoping it could be a crusher fine trail like the others, since kids use it in the winter. Laura asked if the two forks of the trail Y on the map could be combined. Ember thought this could result in one trail plus two social trails since people travel both west bound and east bound at this location they are likely to shortcut. Peter suggested that staff evaluate this proposal and give the board some feedback, but that the board doesn't have enough information to evaluate or vote on this now. Jessamine asked what the process for formalizing trails is. Ember said that the original process is running its course and coming to an end. The process may need to begin again and "new trails" should be reevaluated in relation to the existing Department list and the Transportation Master Plan. This is one of the reasons for a trails tiger team that can evaluate the trail network on a more holistic level. This project might be possible as part of the remediation after the pipeline work or upcoming resurfacing project so it might be a good opportunity to evaluate the trail. Charles and Helen said they were both concerned about the precedent of recommending a one-off citizen request. David said he thought building a trail might not be possible within the scope of the pipeline remediation work. Jessamine asked Ember for clarification on this. Ember said it would have to be an alteration for the contract, but that Public Works mentioned it may be a possibility. Alternatively, funding it might come out of the open space tax fund. Helen thought formalizing this trail should be part of a larger discussion about formalizing social trails, but thought the board could prioritize this trail segment during that discussion.