Consultant advises against trail through Manitou Springs open space
A September assessment cites habitat fragmentation, erosion, weed spread and risks to wildlife at the 8-acre Bill Bauers Open Space.
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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](https://manitouspringsco.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetAttachmentFile(fileId=8138). 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.
Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates is urging the city to continue planning. In an Oct. 15 letter included in the Oct. 28 Mobility and Parking Board packet, the group asked the city to use the assessment as baseline information and work with community partners on trail planning and design. The group cited a city survey showing 66.2% support among all respondents and 63.1% among city residents; the Gazette also reported the 63.1% resident-support figure. The letter also said the Mobility and Parking Board and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board had endorsed a trail concept in 2025.
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 Oct. 28 packet lists Bill Bauers Open Space as a staff project update, not a vote on whether to build a trail. The board meeting was scheduled for later that day.