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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FIELD SUBMITTED BY THE OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS Native Grasses and Wildflowers 1. Recommend the conversion of The Field from an agricultural production to native grasslands. 2. Discussion with the current farmer needs to take place to determine the best time to terminate his lease. 3. The conversion should be in a timely manner which mitigates weed problems. 4. Grass and wildflower mixes need to be native to the Rocky Mountain Area, and specifically to the plains ecosystem. Experts in range management and/or plant ecology should be consulted to determine the best seed mixes for The Field and four quadrants. Open Space Signs 1. Located at key intersections on the perimeter of The Field. 2. Additional area maps and/or regulation signs may be needed once the trail system is constructed and visitor use increases. Soft Surface Trails 1. Crusher fine trail surface. 2. Need to accommodate multiple-use, allowing for users to easily pass each other. 3. The recommended soft surface trail system allows visitors to access The Field from a variety of points and travel through the property. Underpasses 1 Midway traffic is heavy during rush hours in the morning and evenings, and will only get busier in the future. 2. Underpasses serve as a safe means of separating trail users from motor vehicles. 3. The western underpass is a higher priority because it likely would be used more because of the Farm house and trailhead parking and desire to visit the arboretum area. NORTHWEST QUADRANT Farm House Site 1. Farm house site and trailhead parking area are approximate in size on map. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2. Esthetic improvements to the farm house, as well as structure reinforcement. 3. Pathways from the Farm House parking lot can also be used as a trailhead for The Field, allowing users to travel south to the arboretum area or northeast to the enhanced wetland area. 4 Another work group needs to determine best use of site, using previously written material about the possible alternatives and direction from City Council. Wetland (Pond 3207) NORTHEAST QUADRANT 1. The expansion of the wetland will enhance both the wildlife habitat and recreations value (i.e. wildlife observation, photography and nature studies) of the area. 2. Additional, and appropriate, plant materials will be needed for wildlife habitat improvement, including trees (i.e. cottonwoods, willows and alder) shrubs (ie. willows, currants and chokecherry) and aquatic plants (ie. bulrushes, sedges and rushes). 3. Wildlife habitat considerations for shelter, food and space should include small mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Native Grass Test Plot 1. Council member Ralph Johnson recommends a native grass test plot to be planted in the fall. The area would be taken out of the current farmer's control to study the growing conditions and success rate of native grasses for the remainder of The Field. SOUTHWEST QUADRANT Reshaping Landscape Contours 1. Creating some elevation change at The Field is desirable. In this area, it may limit the number of social trail crossing from the east to the arboretum area. 2. Experts should be consulted to determine the best shape and elevation gain for contouring of this quadrant. Arboretum Area 1. The area would create an enjoyable place to sit and enjoy the outdoors. 2. A variety of native trees and shrubs should be planted and labeled, ---PAGE BREAK--- allowing residents to see the difference in plant material available to grow on their own property. Overlook 1. Since this area is currently elevated above sidewalk area, it would allow visitor a place to stop and enjoy the view of the Continental Divide and The Field. 2. For those walking or jogging The Field, the two recommended overlooks could be sources of rest and relaxation. 3. Appropriate landscaping including trees, shrubs and native flowers 4. Benches should be included. SOUTHEAST QUADRANT Overlook 1. Since this area is currently elevated above sidewalk area, it would allow visitor a place to stop and enjoy the view of the Continental Divide and The Field. 2. For those walking or jogging The Field, the two recommended overlooks could be sources of rest and relaxation. 3. Benches and landscaping should be included. Primitive Picnic Area 1. Scattered picnic tables. 2. Native grasses would also be located in this area. 3. Provides a resting area for those visiting the Recreation Center/Senior Center. BRUNNER RESERVOIR Brunner Reservoir Enhancement 1. Please note-Before any improvements are made to the reservoir, the dam would first need to be reconstructed. 2. Additional, and appropriate, native plant material should be planted in the area, including trees, thickets of shrubs and aquatic plants to improve wildlife habitat. 3. The Colorado Division of Wildlife should be consulted to create the fishery and enhance the waterfowl habitat of the site. 4. D.O.W.s "Fish Is Fun" program provides funds for fishery enhancement and could be a good partnership for Broomfield during that phase of work. 5. Fishing at Brunner Reservoir would be open to kids only anyone under the age of 16 years old as defined by D.O.W. Adults would be permitted to be with their children and to help cast a line, but would not be ---PAGE BREAK--- permitted to fish. Developed Picnic Area 1. The area south of Brunner Reservoir would be a good site for a developed picnic area because of the surrounding recreational uses. 2. A group picnic shelter could be used by families, organized groups, and environmental education programs. PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS HIGH PRIORITY (alphabetical order) 1. Conversion of farmed fields to native grasses and wildflowers 2. Contouring landscape in Southwest Quadrant 3. Expanding wetland in Northeast Quadrant 4. Open Space signs 5. Trail construction MEDIUM PRIORITY (alphabetical order) 1. Construct overlooks 2. Esthetic improvements to Farm House 3. Plant arboretum trees and shrubs 4. Underpass #1 LOWER PRIORITY (alphabetical order) 1. Brunner Reservoir 2. Picnic Areas (both primitive and developed) 3. Underpass #2 NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY ANOTHER COMMITTEE 1. Farm House Site 2. Developed Picnic Area I