Union Reservoir Recreational Master Plan Update 2011
Public meeting
Changed Conditions
Environmental Update
Reservoir Enlargement Study
2011 draft Recreational Master Plan
Project History
2007 draft Recreational Master Plan
Public Meeting
Union Reservoir Recreational Master Plan Meeting
A public meeting will be held for City Council to consider approval of the Draft plan. Please refer to City Council agendas for specific date. The date for Council formal adoption of the plan is January 24, 2012.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held a public discussion of the plan at their October 10 meeting. They have recommended that City Council adopt the plan.
2011 draft Recreational Master Plan - Overall plan
Project Information
Changed Conditions
Since the time of the 2007 Draft Recreational Master Plan many conditions have changed including:
- City land purchases on the west shoreline properties (Adrian and Bogott)
- West Union development no longer planned for the area
- Sale of Open Space Bond funds which could be used for some improvements
- 2010 Special Events on lands south of the reservoir (HeavenFest and Kinetics)
- Town of Firestone annexation of nearby lands
- Drop-off in camping demand at the reservoir (likely from improvements to camping facilities at the nearby St Vrain State Park)
- Environmental study update for the reservoir
Environmental Update
Walsh Environmental Consulting updated the previous environmental work that was utilized for the 2007 Master Plan. Highlights of the new report include:
- 4 state listed species with potential or current habitat on or near the reservoir
- Bald Eagle – potential habitat, species of concern (confirmation that the Eagle uses the reservoir as a hunting area and trees as perches)
- Burrowing Owl – potential habitat (none found in 2011 survey), threatened species
- Northern Leopard Frog – potential habitat, species of concern
- Black-tailed Prairie Dog – present at the reservoir (2 colonies), species of concern
- No major changes to wetland areas or habitats
- Walsh provided comments on the 2011 revised draft Master Plan with the following highlights:
- Use native plants for landscaping
- Use fencing as well as signs to keep people and dogs out of sensitive areas
- Provide a bird blind for wildlife viewing
- Protection of an existing Osprey nest on eastern shoreline
- Do site specific wildlife management and prairie dog management plans
Link to full
Enlace a información completa Natural Resources and Habitat assessment update (english)
Natural Resources and Habitat Assessment Update
Reservoir Enlargement Study
The Union Reservoir Enlargement Study is a separate project but the future shoreline is reflected in the Recreational Master Plan. This study estimates an increased surface area of the reservoir by approximately 26% - 33% depending on final configuration of the enlargement. More information on the Enlargement Study can be found here:
Link to Union Reservoir Enlargement Study
2011 Draft Recreational Master Plan
The final draft version of the Union Reservoir Draft Recreational Master Plan is now available and reflects changes made per the 2011 public process and follow up discussions with City staff and recreational user groups.
2011 Overall Plan
2011 Southwest Plan
2011 East Plan
Staff began the 2011 public process with a revision to the 2007 draft recreational master plan that reflected the changed conditions noted above. Minor edits as well as the following major revisions to the plan were made:
- Removal of West Union development, marina and neighborhood parks (since no residential areas will exist).
- ¼ mile eagle roost buffer area in southwest plan is removed (no roosting exists)
- Realignment of WCR 26 to south edge of City open space land
Early Draft Overall Plan
Early Draft Southwest Plan
Early Draft East Plan
Previous Work
Project History
The City of Longmont Natural Resources Division began the Union Reservoir Master Plan project in 2007 with a large amount of public input. Highlights of the Reservoir history include:
- 1986 – City of Longmont purchased controlling interest in the reservoir company and files an enlargement decree for future reservoir expansion
- 2005 – West Union development enters City of Longmont annexation process. Council directs staff to begin a comprehensive planning effort for the Union Reservoir surrounding properties including parks and recreation.
- 2007 – The Parks and Open Space Division conducts a 6 month recreational master planning effort, concluding in December with an update to Council.
- 2008 – The 2007 draft Union Reservoir Recreational Master Plan is put on hold.
- 2009 – City purchases 2 properties formally part of the West Union development (Adrian and Bogott). Open Space bond funds are sold providing money for improvements at the recreational area among other projects. HeavenFest and Kinetics Conveyance festivals took place at or near the reservoir.
- 2011 – Environmental update for the City owned lands surrounding Union Reservoir is complete.
2007 Draft Recreational Master Plan
The 2007 draft Recreational Master plan included the following recreational programs:
- Soft surface looped trail (approximately 5 miles) around the reservoir
- Marina, concessions and boat rental on the West Union property
- 2 neighborhood parks on the West Union property
- Conversion of the existing recreational area to a Club Use facility including boat launches, docks, crew house / classroom, small boat drop off, boat storage and parking. The existing dog beach remains at its current location. Existing lease areas for remote control airplane and cars also remain south of County Road 26.
- A new day use recreational area in the southeast corner of the reservoir including: breakwater; fishing docks and access points; swim beach; boat launches, rentals and boat slips; picnic areas with shelters; boat storage; RV and tent campground including scout circle and group area; parking; and maintenance and ranger areas.
2007 Overall Plan
2007 Southwest Plan
2007 East Plan
For additional information, please call Paula Fitzgerald, 303-651-8448 or email paula.fitzgerald@ci.longmont.co.us
To leave project related comments, call the City of Longmont Comment Hotline, 303-774-4399
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