3 Fall 2020 Community Update Newsletter

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�N SPACE19 RESPECT & PROTECT EACH OTHER & THE LAND With more people than ever on Louisville's Open Space and trails, it is essential to practice responsible recreation and etiquette to protect the environment, keep you safe, and enhance everyone's enjoyment. In September, Open Space staff and the Ranger Naturalists will be hosting information booths on different Open Space properties around Louisville. Stop by to learn more about how to respect and protect each other and the land. Visit LouisvilleCO.gov for booth dates and locations. When you are outside, following the basic rules outlined below can help ensure all users enjoy the natural beauty around Louisville. As stewards of our open space, we are responsible for ensuring that it can be enjoyed by all - not just for today, but for years to come. FACIAL COVERINGS DO: Always bring a facial covering with you anytime you go outdoors, whether or not you think you might need one. DO: Wear a facial covering if you cannot maintain 6' social distance, such as along a crowded trail during peak visitation. DON'T: Use the trails if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19. DON'T: Encroach on the social distancing space of others, just because you are wearing a facial covering. PROTECTING NATURAL RESOURCES DO: Stop and step to the edge of the trail and let oth- ers pass. Most designated trails allow single file passing on trail while maintaining social distance. DO: Visit during off-peak times. Consider visiting parks and open spaces during times when fewer people are present, such as mid -morning or early afternoon. DON'T: Trample vegetation by walking or riding next to the trail. Going off the trail widens the trail corridor, promotes erosion, and helps the spread of noxious weeds. DON'T: Create new social trails to avoid passing others on the trail. DON'T: Swim or wade in Harper Lake or any other City -owned body of water. Harper Lake is our reserve drinking water and is sensitive to contamination by body contact. TRAIL ETIQUETTE DO: Call out your intent to pass. You may need to signal multiple times for the person to hear you over traffic, a conversation, or their music. DO: Pass single file. Move to a single file line at the trail's edge to let people pass. DO: Slow down! When passing on your bike slow down and give ample room. DO: Free your ears. Leave one ear free of any earbuds or other devices so you can hear others signal. DO: Treat everyone with respect! DO: Throw it out. Dispose of garbage and recycling at appropriate facilities. DO: Stay 6' apart when possible. DO: Be kind and considerate DON'T: Walk with two or more people abreast when passing. DON'T: Play loud or amplified music. If others can hear it, it's too loud! DON'T: Congregate off trail in vegetation. PETS DO: Pick up your dog waste. DO: Keep dogs on leash and under control. DON'T: Leave bags of pet waste along the trail (there is no poop fairy!) DON'T: Leave pets in a hot car. REPORTING A PROBLEM DON'T: Take enforcement into your own hands. DO: Call Boulder County Non -Emergency Dispatch at 303-441-4444. Please be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a location and problem. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR Over the summer, many people have been spending more time on outdoor projects. As you work on your property, please be aware it is unlawful to encroach upon or impact surrounding City land. It is important to be familiar with City Municipal Code and to understand your responsibilities as a neighbor and user of Open Space and Parks. To help protect our lands, please do not: Landscape on City owned property. This includes planting gardens or unauthorized trees along your private fence line. City Parks and Open Space are managed by the City for a specific purpose. Personal landscaping can impede landscape management plans or introduce weeds that choke out native species and spread to your yard! To prevent weeds spreading onto your property and promote safety, residents may mow a 10-foot buffer parallel to their fence lines. Page 6 • Fall 2020