Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Donation of the Property Known as Jones Park for a Public Purpose to the United States Forest Service through the National Forest Foundation
Body
From:
Jerry A. Forte, P.E., CEO, Colorado Springs Utilities
Summary:
Utilities staff is proposing that City Council approve a resolution to donate Jones Park to the United States Forest Service (USFS) through the National Forest Foundation (NFF). Utilities staff has provided information regarding Jones Park and associated recreational uses and threatened species issues to the Utilities Board on several occasions, including a presentation at the March 18, 2014 Board meeting, written responses to questions presented at the April 16, 2014 Board meeting and presentations at the May 21, 2014 and August 20, 2014 Board meetings.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The Jones Park property is 1191 acres of land owned by the City of Colorado Springs (City) and managed by Colorado Springs Utilities (Utilities). However, Utilities has no operational use for the land and no other department in the City has an interest in the property, making Jones Park a "surplus property" appropriate for disposal. Jones Park is completely surrounded by USFS lands and trails. As the controlling enterprise of the City, Utilities is responsible for managing connected trails located on Jones Park.
Bear Creek, which runs through Jones Park, contains the only genetically pure greenback cutthroat trout population listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Arkansas River Basin. In 2008, the US Fish and Wildlife Service identified Jones Park trails as a possible threat to the trout population and its habitat. Since 2010, Utilities has worked toward a sale or land exchange with the USFS to dispose of Jones Park for value. Due to increasing costs and liabilities, these discussions have not produced a viable for-value transfer of ...
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