Policy & Procedure Effective Date: Parks Department Page of

Transcription

1 City of Arvada Policy & Procedure Effective Date: Parks Department Page of TITLE: City of Arvada Prairie Dog Habitat Plan APPROVAL: PURPOSE: To establish a plan for the preservation of black-tailed prairie dog habitat with multiple recreational, utility and other uses on city park and open space lands. The City of Arvada is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the northeast Denver Metropolitan area. Since the founding of the City in 1870 and incorporation in 1904, Arvada has grown to be one of the largest cities in the Denver Metropolitan area and in Colorado. Arvada has steadily grown over the years with a current population of over 103,000. This growth has created significant demands on expansion of park, recreation and open space opportunities, but also the development of infrastructure and utility improvements to provide for existing and future residents. The position of Arvada, adjacent to the foothills and abundant open space lands bisected by natural stream corridors, provides many opportunities but with an expanding population also presents significant challenges to the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment. Of particular concern is the black-tailed prairie dog, which while recognized as an important fixture of the local ecosystem can cause conflicts with local development. Planning documents currently adopted by the City have aided in the establishment of guidelines and policies related to the preservation of land and the management of these lands for multiple uses. Existing Planning Documents The City of Arvada first adopted a master plan for parks, trails and open space in A subsequent master plan was completed in In 1995, the City of Arvada completed a community-wide comprehensive plan, which generally identified potential open space and parklands. This plan was updated in In 2001, Arvada completed a new parks, trails and open space master plan, which, since its completion, has served as the guide for open space acquisition and park and trail development. The Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan defines policies and projects for the next 10 years that will: Conveniently locate neighborhood parks and new community and regional parks; Improve existing parks and sports complexes to better serve the community s needs; Establish an interconnected multi-purpose trail system through the city; and Designate additional open space areas to protect wildlife habitat and environmentally sensitive areas, provide trail corridors, preserve views and provide recreational opportunities to area residents. This Master Plan is based on an inventory of existing conditions as well as an analysis of community needs, including valuable direction provided by Arvada residents through survey responses and comments made in a series of public workshops and other forums. 1

2 The Master Plan placed significance on the preservation of wildlife habitat designating specific categories on parkland for development or preservation. Establishment of Prairie Dog Refuge Sites The 2001 Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan identified specific needs for additional recreation, parks, and open space projects. Many of these needs were identified in previous master plan studies and expanded upon in the 2001 Parks, Trail and Open Space Master Plan. Based on these identified needs, the City of Arvada was successful in the addition of over 1,500 acres of park and open space land to the City in the period from 1997 to present. One of the land acquisition projects that was completed was acquisition of the 435-acre Long Lake Ranch Park site which is currently under development. Additional open space lands were acquired preserving valuable park and open space lands, stream corridors, and other valuable wildlife habitat presenting many management challenges. One of these challenges relates to the management of the existing prairie dog population not only on the Long Lake site but also on designated city park, open space, golf courses, and other city-owned lands. The importance of establishing and maintaining small populations of prairie dogs was also recognized due to the significance of prairie dogs to the local ecology. In 1998, with the completion of the Long Lake Ranch Master Plan, an approximately 95-acre portion of the Long Lake Ranch site was identified as a potential prairie dog refuge site. (Please refer to the map.) It was also subsequently determined that due to the number of prairie dogs and the growing conflicts with development projects that an additional refuge site should be established. In 2000, the City of Arvada Parks Department purchased additional open space land to the north of the Arvada Blunn Reservoir. A portion of this land was leased to the Arvada Area Modelers Airplane Club. This refuge site will subsequently be referred to as the Modelers Refuge site. These two sites were necessary, considering the ecological importance of prairie dogs and the need for relocation sites for developers and the City to move prairie dogs from areas of conflict. The Long Lake Regional Park Refuge Site 2

3 Long Lake Regional Park is the result of several years of collaborative planning. The 1998 master plan was developed for Long Lake Regional Park involving the City, North Jeffco Park and Recreation District, and the Jefferson County R-1 School District. The park will provide active recreational opportunities, trails and open space for residents in the region, while preserving over half of the site as open space and wildlife habitat. The park encompasses 430 acres of what was a working ranch and farm first homesteaded in The current ecosystem is diverse and includes the remnants of shortgrass prairie, nonnative species and weeds. The area is home to a number of different small animals and is used by raptors and coyotes for hunting and preying on the small animals. Several coteries (families) of black-trailed prairie dogs inhabit the park property. In the design of the park, careful consideration was given to these factors as well as sensitivity to habitat zones and connectivity between habitat zones. The development of Long Lake Regional Park is underway and it is necessary to discuss the plans developed for management of the existing black-tailed prairie dog habitat currently on the site. Due to the size and location of the park, there will be disruption of some existing prairie dog habitat, but due to the commitment to preserve over half the site as open space and wildlife habitat, there is also opportunity to ensure the continued existence of suitable prairie dog habitat. The Modeler s Refuge Site The prairie dog refuge site, in the proximity of the Arvada Area Modeler s Refuge site, north of the Arvada Blunn Reservoir, is similar in ecological character to the Long Lake Regional Park site. This land, and additional land to the north and east of the Modeler s Refuge (60 acres) site was also considered as suitable habitat for the relocation of prairie dogs by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, who approved permits for the relocation of prairie dogs to this site and the Long Lake site. While the site had no resident prairie dog population when it was purchased in 2000, the subsequent migration of prairie dogs, due to residential development and relocation efforts, have resulted in a thriving population 3

4 of prairie dogs. Currently, expansion of the prairie dog population north and east on the site is allowable due to favorable site conditions. These parameters were established in working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife in establishing the refuge as a relocation site. Prairie dogs could expand and populate further north and east until they reached the steep slopes, which slope down to Leyden Creek. Due to the potential disruption of grassland habitat and the potential for erosion, control measures would be necessary once the prairie dogs reached these slopes. Additional refuge sites may be identified or current sites expanded based on criteria and the goals established in this document. Other City-owned Lands The significant amount of open space purchased from 1997 to present includes land purchased for park and open space purposes and additional land purchased by the City for utilities and public works and other potential development projects. It is extremely important to differentiate and separately identify these lands due to existing and potential conflicts with prairie dogs. The two identified prairie dog refuge sites, which total 155 acres, have been established on designated park and open space lands. The limits of these sites are identified based on existing development plans and management plans established with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Once the prairie dogs move outside these sites, they are subject to control. The public works sites and other City-owned sites are designated for future utility and public works development and other uses. Other developed agriculture park and recreational sites, golf courses and irrigation areas, are not compatible with prairie dog establishments. Some of these uses are compatible with active recreation but they are not considered compatible with the establishment of prairie dog populations. Prairie dogs on these lands will be controlled to avoid future conflicts once development begins on these sites. Goals of the City of Arvada Prairie Dog Habitat Management Plan When considering the development and management of the refuge sites in relation to black-tailed prairie dog habitat, a number of goals have been developed by City staff. These goals include: To illustrate the importance of the black-tailed prairie dog habitat as part of grassland ecosystems by establishing a habitat preserve. To reduce conflict between prairie dog management and neighboring land uses including private property uses and park and recreational uses. To help perpetuate a prairie dog ecosystem with population numbers that do not exceed the carrying capacity of the habitat and do not degrade other natural resources. To manage the spread of prairie dogs within the Park when it is determined their spread presents an unacceptable threat to significant natural or agricultural values, visitor use or to adjacent land uses. To manage human health hazards that may exist from the proximity of a preserve to other land uses. To remove prairie dogs from areas where they will be in conflict with the designated parkland use. To contain prairie dog population to specific geographic areas of the refuge. To create a policy that is affordable and operationally practical to sustain on an ongoing basis. Evaluation Factors Considered in Siting of Prairie Dog Habitat In siting the prairie dog habitat preserves, numerous factors were considered. The evaluation factors listed below were developed in order to ensure suitable, long-term habitat. The factors serve as a guide 4

5 to assist development of the preserve and as a tool to increase understanding of the parkland and its relation to the surrounding land. The factors listed below were considered specifically for the existing refuge sites but can be used in other areas as the need arises. Presence of Prairie Dogs Is the proposed preserve area currently inhabited by prairie dogs? What is the extent and distribution of prairie dogs on the property? What is the history of prairie dogs on the property? Does the population appear stable, increasing, or decreasing? Existing Land Use What is the current land use? Does the presence of prairie dogs conflict with that land use? Can conflicts be avoided or minimized? Future Land Use Does the presence of prairie dogs conflict with a planned future land use? Can future conflicts be avoided or minimized? Nearby and Adjacent Land Use What are the land uses on nearby adjacent properties? Has the presence of prairie dogs conflicted with adjacent land uses? Is it likely that under existing conditions there will be a conflict with adjacent land uses? Can conflicts be avoided or minimized? Condition of the Land What is the condition of the vegetation (native vs. introduced species, noxious weeds, etc.)? Is the soil subject to wind erosion because of the lack of vegetation? Are there natural barriers that will limit the distribution of prairie dog populations (steep topography, wetlands, creeks, soils, vegetation, ditches, busy roads)? Presence of Species Associated with Prairie Dogs What other species occur on the property? What other species are likely to occur on the property? Are any of the other species closely associated with prairie dogs? What would be the effect of the proposed use on these species? How would removal and/or introduction of prairie dogs affect those animals? Cultural and Education Factors Will there be opportunity for people to observe prairie dogs and/or learn about prairie dogs and their ecological functions? Are there other educational opportunities? Broader Ecological Considerations How does the presence (or absence) of the prairie dog population affect the local grassland ecosystem? Are there broad scale concerns about ecosystem functions? 5

6 Recommendation There are two key aspects to the City of Arvada Prairie Dog Habitat Plan: Maintenance of the Long Lake and Modelers Refuge Sites. After examination of the habitat goals and site consideration factors, it is clear that the Long Lake and Modelers Refuge sites provide an excellent opportunity to perpetuate some existing prairie dog habitat. As an important part of the grassland ecosystem, preservation of black-tailed prairie dog habitat will help other species continue to thrive in the area and benefit existing wildlife corridors. The preservation of existing habitat and the creation of the preserves is consistent with the Park, Trail and Open Space Master Plan and the plans specific to the park and open space areas and the specific goal of perpetuating and enhancing wildlife habitat. Extermination of a portion of the existing prairie dog population to allow the designated park and recreational utility and other designated land uses. With existing and proposed development plans, some habitat disruption will occur and removal of prairie dogs from a portion of the properties is necessary. After careful evaluation of the circumstances as they currently exist, it is evident that a portion of the existing prairie dog population should be exterminated to allow for development of the parklands and its multitude of regional uses following approved plans. The practice of extermination, although not attractive to some, is the most efficient, practical, and common method of controlling prairie dog habitat. Although the population will be reduced, the goal of the City is to allow the two refuge sites to be preserved as prairie dog habitat. Prairie Dog Habitat Preserves: The Long Lake Regional Park Preserve and the Modelers Refuge will be available for prairie dog habitat will be managed to reduce conflicts between prairie dogs and humans, prairie dog habitat and other surrounding land uses, and to ensure the availability of healthy ecosystems for the sustainability of the prairie dog community. The two sites are currently suitable for prairie dog habitat and are a part of existing wildlife corridors. As development occurs, there may need to be consideration of additional habitat features such as raptor perches to help control population and barriers to assist in the containment of the population. In the preserve areas, animal populations or individuals may be managed when they present a direct threat to human safety and health or when such management is necessary to protect property and natural resources. When there is a conflict between humans and animals, the curtailment or modification of human use will be considered. The removal of problem animals may also be considered. The impacts of the control methods on non-targeted as well as targeted elements of the ecosystem will be considered. Management measures may include live trapping, habitat management, biological control, and extermination. Prairie Dog Removal from Development Areas: As noted above, it is recommended that a portion of the prairie dog population be removed from the proposed development areas not designated as refuge sites. When removing prairie dogs from an area there are two main options available, relocation and extermination. Both methods will be considered and the appropriate method chosen considering available relocation area and the number of prairie dogs. Relocation: This method is popular with many people in concept, but in reality is it is currently difficult if not impossible to find approved relocation sites. Historically, prairie dogs were moved primarily to a couple of sites along the Front Range, most popular of which was the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. The sites, including the Arsenal, are no longer accepting relocated prairie dogs due to the current balance they have achieved in their ecosystems. The introduction 6

7 of additional prairie dogs would do more harm than good to the existing animal and plant species at the relocation site. Also, a recent state law was created that requires any relocation of prairie dogs to public or private land to be approved by the county commissioners of the county receiving the prairie dogs and the State Division of Wildlife. This law has all but eliminated several potential prairie dog preserves in the southeastern area of the state. Adding to the difficulty of relocation are risks to human health (prairie dogs and fleas on prairie dogs carry plague and other diseases) of those who move them, usually volunteers. Fumigation: Although never an easy decision, in the case of the two refuge sites, the fumigation of a portion of the existing prairie dog populations is the best option for proper management of the areas and to allow the designated use of the land to occur. In most cases of prairie dog management, a combination of approaches is used. The development on or adjoining to the refuge sites is no exception. The existing prairie dog population will be managed through a combination of fumigation and designated preserved habitat. Unfortunately, all of the prairie dogs can t be moved onto the designated habitat without causing serious crowding, overpopulation, disease, and the potential for numerous other problems for the existing colony and other animal and plant species. Fumigation is the preferred method of extermination over poison bait (grain and oats) because it has a smaller impact on other species and it is a more efficient method. On-going Cost of Habitat Preserves: With the commitment to preserve the two refuge sites as prairie dog habitat, the City will incur some on-going costs in the management of the habitat and population. Although the cost will be a relatively small amount in comparison to the other costs of managing and maintaining these lands, it is important to realize there are on-going costs associated with habitat preservation. Some of these costs may include improved barriers for population containment, population control methods to prevent overcrowding such as limited fumigation and improved raptor perches, and field study to properly manage the area. 7