The mission of the Larimer County Open Lands Program is to preserve and protect significant open space, natural areas, wildlife habitat, develop parks and trails for present and future generations. These open lands provide opportunities for leisure, human renewal and protection of our natural and cultural resources.

Present:

Open Lands Board Members:

Brian Hayes	Mark DeGregorio
Lori Jeffrey-Clark	Peter Kast
Sue Sparling	Bill Newman
Jim White

Staff:

Jerry White	Kerri Rollins
Meegan Flenniken	Gary Buffington
K-Lynn Cameron	Ann Montoya
Jerry White	Glenn Gibson
Ernst Strenge

Absent:

Duane Pond	Bob Streeter
Ted Swanson	Ben Manvel
Jean Carpenter

Chair, Peter Kast called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m.

Sue Sparling motioned to approve the minutes of October 27, 2005. The motion was seconded by Duane and was unanimous.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment

INFORMATION ITEMS

· Ackerman 2005 Conservation Easement was approved by BOCC.

· Blue Sky Trail preview hike, almost 4 of the 8 miles complete. Trail complete late Spring. Sue, Brian, Duane, Ben and staff attended. K-Lynn took Glenn Gibson on a separate day, he could not make it on the scheduled day, at a later date

· Education Seminar - Not only the did attorneys, appraisers, realtors and accountants attend for continuing education credits, but landowners, Audubon Society, and our Planning and Asseser departments, and staff from the IRS and Division of Wildlife attended. Our speakers said this was the best education seminar in the state.

· Holiday party reminder 12/15 at Peter and Penny Kast's home

· Open Lands staff retreat will be held on 11/22 to outline the 2006 work plan.

BOARD COMMENT: None

PRESENATION:

· Larimer County Boards and Commissions DVD was played for the Board. Several OLAB members were featured.

ACTION:

· Poudre River Trail – Bison Arroyo Final Review, see packet enclosure. Ernst reviewed the project. Glenn, Sue and Jean attended a field trip on 10/4, as well as Windsor staff and Weld County BOCC. Ernst reviewed the trail specifics as outlined in the enclosure. The trail begins at Weld Co Rd 13 and heads southeast for just over 1 mile to Highway 392. Sue (and written support from Jean, who is absent) wholeheartedly encouraged the Board to approve partnering on this trail that has been brought 21 miles from Greeley to the Larimer County line. The Town of Windsor will manage the trail. Ernst handed out the results of the prioritization exercise as a reminder to show that this area, considered the Lower Poudre River Trail, was the number one priority. Glenn said he was very impressed with the design of the trail, and the way they have proceeded with no dedicated dollars - using grants and donations to fund it. He suggested, using their example, Larimer County could possibly leverage with some of the mining companies to allow for this too.

Jim motioned to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners to approve expenditure of $206,750 towards partnering on the Bison Arroyo section of the Poudre River Trail. Duane seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

DISCUSSION:

2005 Outreach & Education Program Summary- Kerri and Ann reviewed the highlights of the Outreach and Education Programs for the Board. Kerri said outreach was at an all time high this year with well over 2500 people directly contacted by a program or event we have sponsored. 2005 saw four new events take place including the Spring Auction & Awards, Northern Colorado Birding Fair, guided horse tours to areas not open to the public, and several raptor releases at Fossil Creek Open Space in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Ann outlined the success of the Education Program, which completed over 165 hikes and campground events at our parks and open lands - reaching almost 100% of our goal! Special request hikes continue to grow as more groups hear about the opportunities offered by the Department.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT:

Gary reviewed possible Eagle's hockey dates, which he invited the OLAB to join him on, in the Larimer County box seats. The dates are 12/14, 12/23 or 12/29 or ¼, 1/6, 3/10, 3/11 and 3/22. Email Meegan with your top three preferences, and if you got to go last time year when this opportunity was offered.

Peter asked for an update on the process of a Parks Board for the new Master Plan. Gary said BOCC will send out an announcement in next couple weeks, do interviews in January, and hopefully have first board meeting in February. By then he will have consultant on board. He encouraged any OLAB Board members to apply. It will be 11-13 people, with 7 selected to go on after first year as official Parks Board.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: (24-6-402(4) (a)C.R.S. Purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer or sale of any real or personal property interest. Sue motioned to go into Executive Session. Duane seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Duane. The motion was seconded by Sue and carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

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