Consultant advises against trail through Manitou Springs open space

Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting recommends against building a trail through Manitou Springs’ 8-acre Bill Bauers Open Space, citing potential habitat fragmentation, erosion, weed spread, wildfire ignition and conflicts between people and wildlife.

The consultant prepared the assessment for the city. Its Sept. 18 report says a trail could break up habitat in the narrow parcel and increase erosion and sedimentation. The site has steep terrain and a drainage, with a potential wetland of about 0.021 acres along its western bank.

During an Aug. 10 site visit, the consultant recorded 32 bird species, a mule deer doe and fawn, signs of bear activity and a western terrestrial garter snake. The report says more trail use could bring people and dogs into closer contact with wildlife and disturb habitat. It also identifies existing noxious weeds, including myrtle spurge, and warns that construction and use could spread them.

The report flags wildfire ignition as another concern. It notes that mapped burn probability ranges from lowest to moderate and that the parcel has no mapped fire-intensity classification. Whether or not a trail is built, the consultant recommends weed control, twice-yearly trash removal, wildfire education and occasional guided nature walks.

If the city proceeds with a trail, the consultant advises limiting the route and its impacts, protecting the potential wetland and avoiding construction during the April 1-Aug. 15 bird-nesting period. It also recommends wildlife and safety signs and consideration of seasonal closures.

The Open Space Advisory Committee’s Sept. 28 agenda schedules a presentation of the assessment by the consultant.