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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.07 Trails & layout, .-I \ f'l." /).:.J, c' " -, I" -. -l " d \ . , : I ~ 1 _ ' FI lj ( '-I -.r 0 \ . ! ) .L .. 1. 1 -1 , " I '1 ,. .... "i). . . ~. j i ii \ , ! I ~ " J. _.1 , . I ~, .. I -J I "-\, , i , , 1,.1 , I I, ", \ , .,i ."J '~~ f ·! LOVA Trail Garfield COl/llty, Colorado Prcp;lr~d F"r. 1.",," n-Qa G,,,,,,, GQr(reld Ce,,"ly GknwoOO SpriN. ;-, New C.ull~, Silt, RIfle, Parae"" ,. & 0.. fhoq" , Pr~PQred By: (;ru" way T~Qm r.. ........-9re"" ...Q )·te. .....m ltl) Urb .. " J-;Jg ..... l"c'/DUM Vuly" C"rporatID" ~<:ItyI.hooN ' =,c:n:l sr ... l.IJ....-I C=:J f .""III I .. mJ ~Prlv>ol< '.m'" 61Iil 100 l", • • f"lo><>o/fr.i" E::3 [d<ll"f H.kf-U"' Tr~" ~ __ iHNItI-w ... Tr411 EJO>I -·o;m,·"",,/u c:::J ,.,_ 1 ,.,/mUIw "..ut *• "'_1 "'411~~J '..,rv .. , .. r" .. '1'w""' s~,-, IlIITDD c""""",,,,,,, st .......... ,~ 1p UlIId!: f\ofl ~ """ ... ~,..".."O , A North January 2003 at South Canyon Creek. Boating may be less difficult during lower water levels. A number of commercial rafting companies operate along thi s stretch of the river. This portion of the river supports a trout fishery (Glenwood Springs To Rifl e). Just above New Castle, the river becomes gentle and meanders through a wide valley before entering DeBeque Canyon downstream of the Garfield County line. The river morphology has created a number of islands with stands of cottonwood, willow and box elder. Paddling conditions are considered mild and suitable for open canoes with the challenges of some ledges and riffle areas, possible deadfalls and other human-made and natural obstructions. The reach below Rifle is a "warm water fishery". Habitat By and large, the important habitat lands along the corridor are one and the same as the floodplain. While no federally listed threatened or endangered species have been identified, the corridor itself is significant because of its habitat richness. There is concern about the potential adverse impacts of the growing encroachment of human activities. Planning Segments For planning purposes the study corridor is divided into three segments. These segments represent changes in the physical character of the corridor as well as logical reaches for trail planning and development. Segment 1: The "Canyon" (Glenwood Springs to New Castle, Length--13 Miles) The "Canyon" segment of the corridor extends from the confluence with the Roaring Fork River in Glenwood Springs to the opening in the Grand Hogbackjust west of New Castle. A relatively narrow canyon with steep walls characterizes most of this area. With the 1-5 exception of the urban areas of Glenwood Springs (pop. 7,700) and New Castle (pop. 1,984), the rights-of-way of the Union Pacific Railroad, 1-70 and Highway 6 occupy most of the usable land in the eastern portion of the corridor. The western end of this segment has meadowlands along the river much of which is in agricultural use but slated for residential development on current planning maps. Major tributary creeks include: Elk, Oasis, Mitchell, South Canyon and Canyon Creeks. A major network of national forest trails intersects the river corridor via the Canyon Creek corridor. The grade of the potential trail corridor is gentle. The paddling level of this reach is rated as intermediate (advanced during high flows). The table below summari zes key planning factors. Conclusions: There are several strong reasons for pursuing tra il construction expeditiously in this segment. These include: significant population; the opportunity to link to and continue the existing Glenwood Canyon and Roaring Forks Trails; recreational destinations such as Two Rivers Park, South Canyon and Canyon Segment 1: Opportunities and Constraints Analysis Map Planninp Factor Desired Route/Access Points Geophvsical Alignment Opportunity Land Ownership De\'elopment Patterns Floodplains Habitat HuntinglFishing Highways and Roads Railroads. Utilities Minerals, Oil, Gas Scenic Resources Histor ic/Cultural Recreational Amenities Climate Sensitive Environments Commentarv Potential to continue existing Glenwood Canyon and Roaring Fork trail s. Potential commuter use between Glenwood and New Castle. Access to South Canyon and other destinations. Need to provide access points at Glenwood Springs. South Canyon. Canyon Creek and New Castle. Potential link to Riverside School via Elk Creek. Gentle grade. stable river channel. Space on CDOT ROW along north bank of River ITom West Glenwood to Canyon Creek. Railroad occupies south bank from Glenwood to Canyon Creek. On·street potential along Route 6 ITom New Castle to Canyon Creek. Potential to run trail along south bank of river from Canyon Creek to Riverbend Subdivision then use CR 335. COOT ROW dominates much of north bank with UPRR and private o ... vnerships along much of south. Riverbend area is slated for more residentjaJ growth. Mostly confined to river channel except at several small areas along south bank south of New Castle. No hi ghly significant areas along river in this reach though there may be some bald & golden eagle wintering and blue heron nesting. Fishing potential. including trout. in this reach of river. no hunting along river. Potential on-street routes using Hwy 6 and CR 335. 1-70 barrier to river access. UPRR line along riverbank including passenger service. Gas pipeline along part of corridor. Potential coal mining south bank of river south of New Castle. Canyon views. river views, forest fire restoration, ago lands to west. Storm King firel}g}lters memorial. wildfire interpretive potential. \Vhite water boating potential and hot springs at South Canyon. Planned parks and trails in New Castle including trail along south bank of river and active use Riverside Park along with other existing and proposed park and access points accessible from Exit 105. Canyon walls may provide shade in summer and icy spots in winter. Avoid potential privacy conflicts with Riverbend Subdivision residences. Wildfire hazards on adjacent uplands. Some areas of moderate soil hazard along corridor. 1-6 Creek and parks in New Castle; potential use of COOT right-of-way and potential COOT funding. The canyon is scenic but there are adverse visual and noise impacts from the railroad and highway. There are opportunities to work with the Riverbend Subdivision and other landowners at the west end to accommodate trail and riverbank conservation. The plan should identify and enhance public access points/trailheads at New Castle (1-70 Exit 105), Canyon Creek (1-70 Exit 109), South Canyon (1-70 Exit III) and in Glenwood Springs. The plan should consider traiVgreenway links to New Castle and other destinations to the north via Elk and Canyon Creeks. At the eastern end, Two Rivers Park is a logical trailhead. The existing traiVsidewalk segment from the Park to West Glenwood along Devereaux Road needs upgrading to meet multi-use trail standards .. Segment 2: The "Valley" (New Castle to Rifle, Length-15 Miles) The "Valley" segment of the corridor extends from the opening in the Grand Hogback (at Elk Creek in New Castle) to the confluence of Rifle Creek in Rifle. Along this stretch, the valley opens up and the river creates a broad flood plain up to a mile wide in places. The "Valley" offers broad views with snowcapped peaks in the distance, verdant farm and ranchlands. Silt (pop. 1750) and Rifle (pop. 5000) are the two major urban settlements. There are significant gravel resources in this segment and gravel mining and concrete production occur along the river. There are also numerous oil and gas wells within sight of the river. With its close access to Glenwood Springs and likely growth of energy and mineral extraction, this area will likely continue to grow and develop with increasing pressure on the river vall ey. Major tributary creeks and waterways include: Alkali, Garfield, Divide, Dry Hollow, Mamm, Dry, and Rifle Creeks. A number of irrigation ditches also run through the lands north of Rifle and Silt. The grade of the potential trail corridor is gentle. The paddling level of this reach is rated as "Class I and Class ll"-the easiest levels. Fishing gradually changes from trout stream to warm water fishing. The accompanying table below summarizes key planning factors. PlanninQ: Factor Desired Route/Access Points Geophysical Alignment Opportunity Land Ownership Development Patterns Floodplains Habitat -1-7 Commentarv New Castle. Silt and Rifle offer way stations. Can provide major access points yia the tributary creeks into New Castle and Rifle and can use existing tunnel at Silt. Gentle grade, meandering river, unstable and blighted riverbanks and inundation in places. Poss ible use of 1-70 service road from Rifle (McLearn Orchard) to just west of Silt then use either right of way ofeR 335 or service road on south side of 1-70 from Silt to Garfield Creek (Rapid Subdivision). then 1-70 right-of-way to New Castle where CR 335 can be accessed. Possible greenway and sceni c on·streel loop for bicycli sts and motorists alongCR's 226,237. and State Road 325. following Elk Creek, Rifle Creek and passing through Harvey Gap. Proposed developer. provided (Stillwater) trail along CR's 33 1 and 346 and links to Silt via CR 311 . Colorado Division of Wildli fe and U.S. BLM own parcels on south bank in Sections 7, 8 and 9 along CR 335. The remainder of corridor is almost entirely in pri vate ownership except for road and highway rights--of ·way. Much oflhe ri ver corridor is in large parcels except for several subdivisions that front the river on the south side including HB Manor, Rapids, Appletree, Ri verbend and Stillwater. Avoid confli cts with canle hearding on roads. Urban expansion of both Silt and Rifle including large subdivision areas to the south of each community. Riverfront residential development appearing along riverbanks as well as potential for additional mining activities along river. "Stillwater" is a residential area developing to the south of the river with planned build out of 1000-1200 units over that next decade. Floodpl ain widens out. CDOW recommends preserving the IOO-year floodpl ain and allowing natural ri ver meanders. Segments of the river and associated floodplains between Silt and Rifle shown as of " very high signi ficance" in Colorado Natural Heritage Program's Survey of Critical Biological Resources and as " Potential Conservation Areas". Over·grazing has had an adverse impact on the habitat values including compromising wetland values. Significant wildli fe values including active bald eagle roost s ites, heron nesting near Silt and Rifle, mule deer. elk. fox.. coyote and other small and large animals present waterfowl and songbird acti vity. Open water and sloughs important for water birds. Globally rare species including razorback sucker, roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker and mountion whitefi sh which is rare in Colorado. have been identified below Parachute. Layout and Alignment This chapter presents and locates the recommended corridor improvements. Please refer also to the map at the end of this chapter. Segment 1: The "Canyon" (Glenwood Springs to New Cast le, Length--12 Miles) Overview The Trail corridor begins at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs at Devereaux Road just west of the confluence with the Roaring Fork River. The existing Colorado River and Roaring Fork Trails term inate at this point. Thi s segment extends 12 miles and terminates at the confluence with Elk Creek in New Castle. Interim Route (Note: On-street portions not recommended for less skilled bicyclists.) • From Two Rivers Park use Devereaux Road on street to West Glenwood Interchange (Interchange 114) at Mel Ray Road (walking opportunity along existing pedestrian walk adjacent to Devereaux Road). Construct 10' -wide multi-use trail from West Glenwood Interchange to South Canyon Road (Interchange 109). Use Highway 6 from South Canyon Road to New Castle (caution: higher traffic volumes). • Consider a pedestrian span crossing the Colorado River west of the confluence with Canyon Creek to access CR 235 that would provide an alternative on-street route to New Castle. On-Street Routes • Existing Devereaux Road to West Glenwood Springs • Scenic route south on South Canyon Road 2-1 • Scenic route north on Canyon Creek Road • Scenic route along CR 245 to Harvey Gap, Rifle Gap and Rifle • East/west route along CR 235 to New Castle Access Points/Features • Use existing access point at Two Rivers Park. Provide a gateway sign that depicts trail and paddle route, accessibility, degree of difficulty and other corridor information. Incl ude a map showing LOV A KEY POINTS :'\u nmtll'mn:ltiun uf prupe r1 ~ ( "Itim:llely. cn.';lte :1 continuou..; trail :llon~ the ri"er corridor from Glenwood Springs to the G'lrfield COllnt~ line west of Parachute \\'ork with \\' illin~ property owners. nmchcrs. hunters and miners to preserve and enhance river bottom lands master plan with contact and contribution information. (This sign should appear at all access pointshereinafter referred to as a "gateway" sign). [;jjj .. ,:.~ , ~ .......... E. . Joi""\ ~ < ... 0 • • " ~... • !!Iii , ............ ... :~ ~.~ ~-. "'," ,~~','~ ,~. , .. ~~".", ', . ' • ,., .~.':'-I;<....1~>9~''1:'1 .-, _.f?,,Z' ~' . _ , , -. ..-.~ >.: . c-",--',, .. .,.:.'-." "" -.;.;.."; • Use existing eastbound 1-70 rest stop in Glenwood Springs as access point. Add map/gateway signage. • Maintain existing boater access point on Devereaux Road east of Mel Ray Road. Provide boater information gateway sign. In the shorter term combine shorter trail segments and on· street connections to create a continuous corridor \-Vork with the towns and cities to to create riverfront "'commons" areas with trails, open spaces and other amenities fijLoVa 'I' , .. -•. " .. ••... ,,,, ... , I, ,, , , --, ®200IMie,,,,,c.o'1fooOO~,GDT.I .. l,,,'~o'r''DO>''B.,. :) '--e---.. Segment 1: The Canyon ~-Segment 2: The Valley -./-.w'ho' Alp,ft,.~ t tl:1!!!~--"""""~ ~:-----~ Trail on Deck Concept Along 1-70 in Glenwood Springs 2-4 • Enhance existing BLM access point at South Canyon Creek with gateway sign and restore/improve hot springs area. • Clean-up and improve access point at Canyon Creek including storm shelter, picnic tables, gateway sign, boat launch and protection/enhancement of the confluence fishing area including wheel chair access for disabled anglers. • Provide trailhead access point on south bank of river just east of Interchange 105. • Improve Coal Ridge Park as an access point with gateway sign. • Develop new access point along Elk Creek on west bank just south of Highway 6. Provide directional signage in New Castle for on-street and sidewalk links to the trailhead at Elk Creek. Spine Trail • Construct a paved 1O'-wide multi-use trail benched in to the north bank of the Colorado River between 1-70 and the river from Two Rivers Park to Mile Post 107 Gunction with CR 240). Design trail for minimal adverse impact on river landscape. • Provide a 250' -long pedestrian span over the river west of Canyon Creek linking to an on-street route via CR 235 near 1-70 Mile Post 109.5. • From Canyon Creek, the main trail follows the north bank for approximately I mile crossing the river on a 350' long pedestrian span near Mile Post 106. ~~ 6VJ1"';IIIIf'F/I"W .:;;Jb· ~~~~ ~~~ t-~--.. '...-.r~~ -Itz.1*~ TIPIO'Il-7ffl? + -=t;V!tt.. CRJ~S' ~ -""""----->. Trail on Bench witlt High Retaining Walls 2-5 • The trail then follows the south bank of the river to Coal Ridge City Park and continues approximately y, mile to the confluence with Elk Creek. At this point the trail crosses to the north bank of the Colorado River on a 350' pedestrian span and terminates at a new trailhead on the west bank of West Elk Creek at Highway 6. • Create future trail/greenway along Elk Creek. • Work with owners of Apple Tree subdivision to provide a spur trail accessing this residential area. ConservationlRestoration Projects (See also New Castle Park and Open Space Plan) • Clean-up and restore eroded and blighted riverbanks including removing concrete rubble. Re-vegetate wherever feasible along both banks of the river. • Where property owners agree, preserve open space areas of agricultural land between river and Highway 6 on north bank. • Preserve approximately 2S-acre tract on south bank east of Interchange 105 as access point conservation area. • Preserve strips of river frontage on both banks from Interchange 105 to confluence with Elk Creek with ISO'-wide setbacks of development where possible. Loop Trails • Provide a primitive/mountain bike trail on south bank of river between the mainline railroad bridge and Canyon Creek confluence. Boating and Fishing Improvements • Provide boater infonnation signage at Two Rivers Park, South Canyon, Canyon Creek and New Castle Access points. Trail on Bench with Low Retaining Walls Concept 2-6 • Provide boater/portage trail at South Canyon Creek. • Maintain boater access at Coal Ridge City Park with gateway information signage. Interpretive Elements • Install wayside display along trail near South Canyon Creek interpreting the geology of the canyon (Paleontology, Geology and Geography Theme). • Install wayside display at Canyon Creek access point interpreting wildfires, the Storm King Mountain Tragedy, and the Coal Seam Fire. Include a map with directions and trail ~-._"."1i1 . ~. , ~ .... ' . ( -.. .. -.-'.~-_ # " _.. .... ~ ~ (.:, . information for accessing the Storm King memorial (Weather, Wind, Water and Fire Theme). • Encourage participation by Riverside Junior High School in the stewardship of the corridor and outdoor classroom activities.