Sustainable Maintenance Standards (revised 7-9-08)
For the past few years the City of Longmont has been planning for the eventuality that growth in tax base cannot keep pace with the rising costs of providing city services. The current economic downturn has challenged the City’s budget resources. On-going operational and maintenance programs have been encouraged to focus on sustainable solutions. This web page describes efforts underway to ensure that “doing more with less” results in minimal reduction in services to our customers.
The Longmont Area Comprehensive Plan defines Greenways as linear corridors that permit public access. The purposes of greenways (also known as Primary Greenways) are to accommodate trail-oriented recreation, provide for wildlife movement through urban areas, connect residential areas to the bikeway network, and provide for the storm drainage and its maintenance. These greenways, in combination with the street bikeway system, connect the City’s parks, schools, neighborhoods and other community facilities as part of the city-wide multi-model transportation plan.
District Parks and Open Space properties are places of special interest and uses that are different from either Neighborhood or Community Parks. These parks focus on natural areas or special features that provide low impact, passive recreation opportunities. These opportunities may include trails, boat ramps, watchable wildlife areas, fishing, picnic areas / shelters, parking lots and restrooms.
The following are District Parks or Open Space properties that are either entirely native or include zones of natural habitat within their boundaries:
St. Vrain Greenway McIntosh Lake Rogers Grove Oligarchy Greenway Rough & Ready Greenway Spring Gulch Greenway Dry Creek Greenway and several Secondary Greenways throughout the City |
Golden Ponds Izaak Walton Ponds Jim Hamm Pond Sandstone Ranch District Park Pavlakis Open Space Boulder Creek Estates Open Space Left Hand Creek Greenway |
Development standards for greenways have evolved over the past 15 years from bluegrass lawn-intensive recreational corridors to areas that now include native and wildlife supportive plant materials. Recognition of the importance of greenways as wildlife corridors has grown. Changes to greenway development standards have included:
It is the intention of district parks and greenways to balance the enhancement of native habitats for wildlife protection and the enjoyment and access of citizens. The design and maintenance of these areas will predominantly focus on habitat enhancement by increasing cover, removing non-native plants, noxious weeds and managing wildlife, while maintaining access trails for people, as appropriate.
In addition to providing for wildlife presence and movement in these areas, the City also reduces water use and lessens mowing frequency. These modifications are also supported by the City’s Raw Water Master Plan as well and the City’s 2007 Water Supply and Drought Management Plan.
Mowing will become more seasonal and sporadic based on rainfall, with the primary goal of plant health. Plant cover may increase in height and this may be controversial especially when in proximity of residential development. Weed control may include mowing, burning, hand pulling, cutting and/or herbicides – with treatments tailored to each specific area as appropriate.
Restoration and re-vegetation will be used as needed to improve habitat health, reduce weeds and increase plant diversity. These actions may result in closure and heavy disturbance, as needed for short periods. Forestry and overall landscape care will keep trails safe but otherwise the intent is to mimic the native landscape.
On those sides of a greenway where a concrete trail is present:
Photos:
