PROPOSAL

FOR
MULTI-USE AND DOG FRIENDLY PARKS / TRAILS
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MISSION.. 1

RECOMMENDED TRAILS AND OPERATION PLAN....... 2

RECOMMENDED PARK SITES.... 5

SUGGESTED PARK OPERATION PLAN..... 7

PUBLIC COURTSEY BROCHURE 8

POSSIBILITIES FOR PARK SITE DEVELOPMENT 12

COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM.... 15

FINANCING CONCEPTS... 16

MISSION

Page 1

To create additional sanctioned off-leash dog sites.
Better manages the dog population in the Steamboat Springs
community.

Provides opportunity for the exercise and stimulation necessary to
optimize the health and well being of the dogs in our care.


To provide multiple off-leash locations across the community.
Legitimizes the park and trail spaces that neighborhoods are
currently using as off-leash areas.

Offers Steamboat populations proximity to a neighborhood off-leash
opportunity. (South of town, Mid-town, and Northwest of town.)

Relieves the over population of Rita Valentine and Spring Creek
Parks, reducing the size of dog playgroups and reducing the negative
impact on the turf.

Organizes the current use of Emerald Mountain Trails and Spring
Creek Trail, making these areas safer for the user groups.


To identify and resolve community concerns regarding the suggested
off-leash sites.
While our committee advocates for dogs, we also respect the needs of
the people in our community.

User groups affected:
Bikers, equestrians, family gathers, hikers, sport teams, fishermen, dog
walkers.

6 identified concerns: Dog waste, over population of sites, traffic,
funding, sharing the space, educating the community.


To consider potential Development Possibilities for the off-leash sites.
Includes research on cost.

Includes providing a financial plan for infrastructure changes and site
maintenance.

RECOMMENDED TRAILS

Page 2

Emerald Mountain Trails
Spring Creek Trail
__________________________________________________________________________________

PROPOSAL FOR EMERALD MOUNTAIN TRAILS

In consideration of winter skiing use, a concern for dog visibility made by the
Routt County Riders, and parking access, our proposal includes a winter and
summer plan.


WINTER TRAILS: NOVEMBER 1-APRIL 30

Blackmere Dr. (From the bottom, up to the Quarry)
The Lane of Pain
Wild Rose (And all trails west of this line except NPR, the downhill bike trail)

West Trails Include:
Mollys
Orton Trail
Eye to Eye
MGM
Larrys
Prayer Flag Rd/Trail
Angry Grouse Blair Witch
Quarry Mountain Rd.
Lane of Pain
Hudson
Stairway to Heaven
Abbeys
No Mo Blues
Wild Rose
Root Canal

SUMMER TRAILS: MAY 1-OCTOBER 31

Blackmere Dr. (From the bottom, up to the Quarry)
Prayer Flag Rd & Powerline Trail (From Blackmere to the spring, water for dogs)
Lower East Trails

Page 3
Lower East Trails Include:
Lower Lupine
Howelsen Meadows
Bluffs Loop
Overlook
Rickys Ridge
Emerald Meadows



SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAIL USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Blackmere Dr. and all designated off-leash trails to remain multi-use trails

Detailed color coded map will clarify specific trails designated for off-leash

Dogs will be required to be on leash in the parking lot and for the first 0.33
miles of Blackmere Dr. (Approximate vicinity of the Connector Trail) to calm
and control the dog before transitioning to off-leash hiking and to reduce
dog waste left at trailhead

Signage with rules and trail etiquette will be located at parking lot area, at
beginning of designated off-leash trail, and other places TBD. Signage at
trails crossings on Blackmere TBD

Interactive signage at bottom of Blackmere will be added so that time and
location of wildlife sightings can be communicated to all users on a timely
basis

Dogs will be required to be under the voice and sight control of the owner or
keeper at all times per Steamboat Springs Code of Ordinances, Section 4-10
(f)((1)

Dog Waste Composting Station will be located at Trailhead

Costs and location of required signage and trash cans TBD in collaboration
with other user groups and city entities

Designated off-leash areas will be subject to monitoring, review, and
modification as needed

PROPOSAL FOR SPRING CREEK TRAIL

Page 4

In consideration of wintering Elk, dog walkers will continue to follow the expected
protocol and will not use the trail beyond the posted Parks and Wildlife sign during
the winter season.


SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAIL USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

In the parking lot at the corner of Amethyst and Maple to approximately
0.36 mile (just beyond the private drive and the cabin) dogs will be required
to be on leash to calm and control the dog before transitioning to off-leash
hiking, to reduce dog waste left at trailhead, and to provide traffic safety

Beyond this point (approximately 0.36 miles) the trail will be designated as
an off-leash trail

Spring Creek off-leash trail will remain a multi-use trail

Signage with rules and trail etiquette will be located at parking lot area, at
beginning of designated off-leash trail and other places TBD

Signage approximately at end of National Forest Trail #1160 (Location TBD)
stating the beginning of City Designated Off-leash Dog area & warning of
increased pedestrian and dog traffic. Other signage (For example Share The
Road) TBD

Interactive signage at parking lot area will be added so that time and
location of wildlife sightings can be communicated to all users on a timely
basis

Costs and location of required signage and trash cans TBD in collaboration
with other user groups and city entities

Dogs will be required to be under the voice and sight control of the owner or
keeper at all times per Steamboat Springs Code of Ordinances, Section 4-10
(f)((1)

Dog Waste Composting Station will be located at Trailhead

Designated off-leash areas will be subject to monitoring, review, and
modification as needed

 Page 5

RECOMMENDED PARK SITES

Whistler Park
River Creek Park
Fetcher Park
Stehley Park and Butcherknife Trail
Gas Line Meadow

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

1. DOG WASTE
(Not picked up!)

2. Our Off-Leash dog parks are

overcrowded and over used.

3. Undesirable increase of
traffic to their area.






4. How would this be funded?

RESOLUTIONS

- Developing dog waste composting program.

- Organization of volunteer cleanups.
(2 times a year.)
- Addition of more waste containers.
- Re-education through signs, brochures,
educational video and advertising.
- Inspection and identification of problem
zones by the Dog Committee.

- Add more off-leash areas in existing parks.
- Select parks evenly across the
Steamboat Springs Corridor.
- The listed parks are in user-group
friendly neighborhoods located
south of town, mid town, and west of
town.

- User groups will likely keep using the park
closest to home. (Newly Legalized.)
- 5 additional areas will minimize this.

- These sites need no immediate funding to
become an off-leash zone. Current
infrastructure meets basic level of
adequacy.
- These sites all have existing dog waste
bag dispensers.
- These sites all have bear proof trash cans.
(Additonal cans volunteered through local
vendors.)
- Updated signage helpful when funding
available.
- Fencing possible with funding. (Beneful,
other grants.

Page 6

5. What is the best way for the
- Park user groups change during the course
user groups to share the space? of the day and seasonally. All user group
priorities can be met.
- AM & PM times for the dog owners in the
workforce to use the park does not
impact other users.
- Seasonal times give the summer user
groups priority in the warm season. And
give the dog owners priority when no
other users are present.
- Spreading out the activity in the off-season
will significantly reduce the erosion &




damage to park surfaces.
6. How will people be
informed and educated?

- Signage, Maps, Brochures, and new

Marquees (when funding is available)
will build awareness of shared areas, dog
behaviors, and will result in a safe
environment for all.
- Supplying Public Courtesies & Animal
Behavior brochures at the park & trail-
head entrances.
- School education trips by Steamboat
Animal Control Officers.
- Community Dog Seminars when funding
becomes available.
- Possible advertising in the Steamboat Pilot,
City website, and Steamboat Digs Dog
Website.
(More ideas to come.)

Page 7

SUGGESTED PARK OPERATION AND SIGNAGE

WELCOME TO _______ PARK

THIS IS A MULTI-USE AND DOG FRIENDLY PARK

ALL USER GROUPS OF THIS AREA are required to apply the information and
practices contained in the Public Courtesies Brochure located at park entrances
and trailheads.



Jun 1-Sep 30 Off-leash dogs are restricted to the area defined by the posted park
map.

Oct 1-May 31 Off-leash dogs are allowed in all areas of the park, but subject to
leashing where other user-groups are present.

Daily Morning Hours 6-9 and Daily Evening Hours 5-10 Off-leash dogs are
allowed in all areas of the park, but subject to leashing where other user groups are
present.



At All Times
Dogs must be leashed from the parking area to the off-leash area.

Dog handlers are required to carry a leash.

Dog handlers are required to carry waste bags and to remove dog waste
immediately.

Page 8

IDEAS FOR PUBLIC COURTESIES BROCHURE

(COVER)

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
a BEST PLACE TO LIVE community
WE PROTECT & RESTORE OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
WE RESPECT & AID THE WILDLIFE IN STRUGGLE WITH HUMAN IMPACT

(photo)

PLEASE EXERCISE CARE IN YOUR RECREATIONAL USE OF THE

MOUNTAINS, RIVERS & LAKES OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Page 9
(INSIDE COVER, Page left)

YOU ARE ENTERING A MULTI-USE & DOG FRIENDLY AREA

Off-leash dogs, bikers, runners, hikers, fisherman, and sports enthusiasts of all ages
are simultaneously using this area for their enjoyment.
For the safety and pleasure of all users, please adhere to the etiquette and Municipal
Codes outlined below.

LEAVE NO TRACE
The following items have been routinely littering our trails and parks.
Cigarette butts
Red Bull cans, other energy drink bottles, plastic water bottles
Fast food bags, food wrapping, cups
Used condoms
Plastic teeth flossing devices
Broken mountain biking equipment and lost tools
Sunscreen tubes
Help us bring this list to zero. Trash receptacles cannot be everywhere. Expect to
PACK OUT EVERYTHING.

(Insert photo/s)

Page 10
(Page right)

SHARE THE TRAIL

ABOUT DOGS
Have a current Routt County license and vaccination tag on your dogs harness or collar
at all times. (Municipal Code Section 4-22)
Carry a leash at all times. (MUNICIPAL CODE)
Carry our biodegradable dog waste bags at all times and remove dog waste
immediately. Please deposit dog waste in composting receptacles. (Municipal Code 412)
Leash your dog in parking areas.
Leash or hold your dog, and step off the trail to allow any hiker, biker, runner, or horserider to pass.
Leash or hold your dog to pass by any persons occupying a playground, sporting field,
or picnic area.
Please remember that some people prefer not to have contact with animals. Do not
allow your dog to approach a person without permission.
Any dog wearing a red bandanna or a red ribbon is considered to be one of the
following: a project dog, a fearful dog, an injured dog, a disabled dog, or a senior dog.
In these cases, the handler wishes that other dogs and persons not approach. Please
leash your dog until you are clear of the situation.
Leash your dog in the presence of wildlife and do not allow your dog to harass or harm
the wildlife. Remember that dog handlers in violation to (Municipal Code) are subject to
prosecution.
ABOUT HORSES
Equestrians have the right of way over all other user groups.
All foot and bike travelers are required to yield at face-to-face encounters with
equestrians.
When you approach an equestrian from behind, you are required to announce your
presence and to allow the rider to curb their horse before you pass.
All dogs must be leashed in the presence of a horse. (See next page)

Page 11
ABOUT BIKERS
Bike traffic must yield to foot traffic.
During face-to-face encounters, bikers are required to stop for hikers and to provide
passing room.
Bikers approaching a hiker from behind are required to announce their presence and to
allow the hiker sufficient opportunity to step off the trail. Bikers are to pass with care.
Bikers are required to ride in control at all times and to ride with the knowledge
that a, person, an animal, or an object might be present in the oncoming trail.
Bikers must be able to stop and to avoid injury to persons and animals in their
path.

(Insert triangular multi-use sign)

Page 12

POSSIBILITIES FOR PARK DEVELOPEMNT

Emerald Mountain Surveys have said they would donate in-kind time & services
with confirmation of needs. Cost savings.

Proposal request has gone into Waste Management for donated support with
containers and waste removal. Kevin A. to check on cost of bear-proof containers
from Rolling Stones as another option, they too are bear-proof. Cost savings.

Moving from the South side of town to the NW
1. Whistler Park
- The school district and Mount Werner Water have given their approval for
dogs to be off-Leash in their areas.

We need to place well-defined maps at the entrances of the park displaying

the off leash areas.

Signs for when you are entering and leaving the areas. One side of the sign
would say, Off leash area begins here, the other side would say, You are
leaving off-leash area, Please leash your pet.

Add Dog Information sign at the north entrance. (Park Court Rd.)

Add Waste Container at the north entrance.

Add Plowing of the South Parking lot in the winter. Plowing of the Park Court
Rd. to the trash container.

2. River Creek Park
- Add Fence on the parking lot side of area.

- Add trash container at the entrance and bag tube or biodegradable bags.

- Add Rules sign at entrance with map and 3 Off-Leash signs (1 at entrance and
2 evenly spread between the parking lot and the river.

3. Fetcher Park
- To be designated as Small Dogs Only (in the grass area, water access areas not
limited to small dogs).

- Add dog information sign with map at the park entrance.






- Add mesh fence to the lower part of the split log fence.

Page 13

Park and swim for larger dogs in the pond and river with leashing on the core
trail access.

4. Stehley Park & Butcherknife
- Add wiring to the street side fencing.

- Add trash container at the bridge.

- Add dog information sign with map at the park entrance.

- Add 3 Off-Leash area signs. (By the bridge and along the creek.)

- School Timing to be on the signs.
September 1 May 30
Dogs must be on leash during these times.
7:30-8:30AM and 3:00-4:00PM for school walkers.

5. Gas Line Meadow
- Add trash container at the entrance.

- Add bag tube or biodegradable bags.

- Add rules sign at the parking lot.

- Add off leash signs at the entrance with map.

At the existing Dog Parks.
Rita Valentine in Conjunction with Park Designer Josh Anzulewicz
- Add Fencing for an area for small dogs.

- Add water for tree and grass growth and water trough for dogs.

- Add shade trees.








- Define a few more walking paths.

- Add shelters, benches, and picnic tables.

- Add additional parking.

- Possibly a water feature.


-

Page 14

Spring Creek
- Thistle removal.

- Trails are also working on this refer to them.

Page 15

COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM

To remedy the problem of dog waste left behind in our parks and trails, we would like the
approval to implement a Pilot Program for composting dog waste. The EPA estimates the
average dog produces 3/4 pound of waste daily or an average of 274 pounds a year. A dog
population in the range of 5,000 to 7,000, for example, produces over 1,370,000 to nearly
2,000,000 pounds of waste per year. We would not only be eliminating tons of dog waste
and plastic bags from the landfills, we will be eliminating the pollution to our groundwater
and streams. Dog waste composted properly, can be used as renewable energy and as
quality soil additives to our gardens. With public education, the program will encourage
compliance throughout our community. Only compostable bags may be used for this
process. We are looking into teaming up with a compostable bag company for our initial
Pilot Program.

Based on guidelines from the Natural Resource Conservation Services, the science is
simple. Cost varies from the minimal, DIY at home composting, to the more sophisticated
larger process, anaerobic digestion, that creates renewable energy. We will begin the
program with a larger scale process that creates renewable energy. The Pilot Program will
be funded by a local foundation (to be named at a later date). Location of the composting
site is pending (to be named at a later date). During the first year of the composting
program, we will gather data from the composting site and from members of our group
composting at home.

Dog waste composting programs are successful all over the world. Boulder Colorado has
been very successful in composting dog waste and partnering with many other
communities and shelters in the Front Range Region. More research on dog waste
composting may be made available upon request.

Further research is currently being conducted to customize the Dog Waste Composting
Pilot Program to fit Steamboats needs. More information will be made available in the near
future.

 Page 16

FINANCING CONCEPTS



1. Beneful Grant


2. GoFundMe

Steamboat Digs Dogs online donation site is open and receiving donations
Sign on: GoFundMe.com (Steamboat Digs Dogs)


3. Sponsorship Programs

Bear Proof Trash Cans
($1, 000.00 each, offers Sponsor Logo/Name printed on can)

Fencing
(Buy a fencepost with your name on it)


4. Rita Valentine Development

Donate at dollar levels and be on the List of Donors sign at park entrance

1,000.00
500.00
250.00
100.00
50.00
25.00

5. Composting Program, Annual Net Sales

6. Local trash service companies solicited for containers and disposal.


7. Emerald Mountain will donate service in-kind for surveying needs.