Garden of the Gods Restoration Project – 2013 Annual Report · Rocky Mountain Field Institute Garden of the Gods Restoration Project – 2013 Annual Report 3 the traditional definition

Garden of the Gods Restoration Project

2013 Annual Report January 14, 2014

Rocky Mountain Field Institute 815 South 25th Street, Suite 101

Colorado Springs, CO 80904 www.rmfi.org

Dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands

Rocky Mountain Field Institute Garden of the Gods Restoration Project – 2013 Annual Report

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SUMMARY 2013 marked the 11th year the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) has served as land stewards of the Garden of the Gods Park, located in Colorado Springs. In many ways, 2013 was the organization’s most impressive year to date. More volunteers than ever, representing a diversity of community groups and businesses, participated in 49 volunteer workdays in the park. RMFI staff developed an ambitious work plan for the year that included addressing new high priority impacts as well as completing the objectives of multi-year projects. The work showcased the organization’s diverse technical skill set and the commitment of the community to care for a treasured asset. RMFI’s work in the Garden of the Gods during 2013 focused on the following projects:

1. Complete Upper Loop Trail construction 2. Complete restoration of the Upper Loop horseshoe 3. Complete revegetation of the west side of South Gateway Rock Restoration, A.K.A.

‘Grandstand Area’ 4. Begin restoration in the east side of the park, a heavily utilized, multi-use area 5. Continue restoration maintenance in South Spring Canyon Picnic Area

In total, RMFI staff and volunteers protected more than 7 acres of land within the park. Two large gullies were stabilized and restored, the Upper Loop Trail construction was completed, numerous renegade trails were closed, many pounds of native seed were spread to encourage native plant community reestablishment, and 124 grass plugs and shrubs were transplanted in disturbed areas. 1,557 volunteers worked 7,277 hours for a total work value of $161,107 (at $22.14 per hour, independentsector.com) over the course of 49 workdays in the Garden of the Gods. BACKGROUND The Garden of the Gods Park has long been recognized as a landscape of local, regional, and national significance. As described by Dr. Richard Beidleman, "Here is, perhaps, the most striking contrast between the plains and mountains in North America with respect to biology, geology, climate and scenery.” The beauty of the Garden of the Gods is created by its unusual geologic features and diverse ecology that rest in the shadow of majestic Pikes Peak. The most visible draw is the sedimentary beds of red and white sandstones, conglomerates and limestone that are tilted vertically due to forces during the uplift of the Pikes Peak massif. Its ecosystem is similarly intriguing since it is considered an ecotone, or a blending place, where a number of ecosystems meet at the extreme north or south, east or west edges of their range. Throughout the park you can see thriving communities of cottonwoods and willows, pinions and junipers, as well as the grasses and cacti symbolic of grasslands. Not uncommon are animals as small as Abert’s squirrels and as large as mountain lions. With such wonderful surroundings to enjoy, the Garden of the Gods draws 1.7 million local, national, and international visitors a year, stretching


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the traditional definition of a city park. The park’s visitation numbers are equal to 14% of the total visitation of all Colorado State Parks in 2010 (12 million). Given the park's small size and high use, the visitation density is 100x that of Rocky Mountain National Park and far surpasses any similar site in the region. It provides invaluable outdoor recreation opportunities to the public with its 15 miles of designated trails, educational opportunities through the visitor center, and it generates millions of dollars in tourism revenues for the City and outlying communities every year. The Garden of the Gods is a treasure to be preserved. Garden of the Gods Restoration Report In 1998, Rocky Mountain Field Institute was contracted by the City of Colorado Springs to complete a comprehensive study of the threats to the park and to outline preservation and restoration actions needed to ensure the park’s environmental health. After an exhaustive 2-year interdisciplinary assessment, the Garden of the Gods Restoration Report was completed and submitted by RMFI to the City of Colorado Springs in the fall of 2000. The summary finding was that while major progress had been made in previous years to improve the park’s infrastructure (roadways, walkways, and parking areas), the ecological integrity remained at serious risk. The past and current uses of the park had resulted in an extensively altered and heavily damaged landscape particularly in the most heavily-used sectors. Additionally, at the time of the report, there were approximately 39 miles of documented undesignated, or renegade, trails in the park, more than twice the length of the designated trail system. The report documented an array of threats affecting the park’s health including severe soil erosion, damage to the park’s native plant communities, infestations of noxious plants, a deteriorating trail system, and lack of visitor awareness and education. One of the main recommendations of the report to address these threats was to establish a community-based stewardship program. As the report concludes, the environmental problems of the park “cannot be solved unless the citizens of Colorado Springs acknowledge them, understand their root causes, and support park management and restoration goals.” To address this need, RMFI established the Garden of the Gods Restoration Program in 2002. The goals of the program are to: • Complete critical restoration work in areas of the park most severely degraded. • Provide stewardship opportunities for a broad spectrum of the community including

individuals, local schools, community organizations, businesses, and religious institutions. • Foster community awareness about the ecology and natural history of the park. • Educate the community about the current threats to the park. 12 years later, this program is thriving. To date, RMFI has mobilized 12,000 volunteers who have contributed 56,000 hours towards the park’s restoration. By engaging the community, limited financial resources are leveraged to accomplish critical restoration projects. For every $1 invested in the program, $4 of land restoration has been completed. Since 2002, RMFI has leveraged $370,000 cash into $1.5 million worth of on-the-ground park restoration.


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WORK NARRATIVE RMFI focused on four distinct work sites within Garden of the Gods Park during 2013: Upper Loop Trail, Spring Canyon Picnic Area, South Gateway, and the East Side. Upper Loop Trail The Upper Loop Trail is the most popular natural surface trail in the Garden of the Gods; however, it received very little maintenance before 2011. In the shape of a horseshoe, the Upper Loop Trail extends from the Three Graces Rock Formation, rising approximately 80 feet in elevation cresting near the Sleeping Giant Rock Formation, and looping back to the Parking Lot #7 along Juniper Way Loop. The trail offers spectacular views of Garden of the Gods rock formations, Pikes Peak, and the surrounding foothills. Prior to RMFI’s efforts along the Upper Loop Trail, the 1,010-foot long trail lacked proper stabilizing and drainage structures resulting in extensive trail-widening and trail tread erosion. The Upper Loop Trail Project was completed in 2013, concluding 3 years of intensive timber riser construction and landscape restoration. Structures designed to stabilize the tread and manage water flow over the trail were installed to create a safer, more enjoyable trail for all users. Structures include timber steps, rock risers, retaining walls, and French drains. The 3-year project resulted in the construction of 199 timber and rock steps. Split-rail fencing was also installed to highlight the designated trail and encourage visitors to stay within permitted areas. The Upper Loop Trail has now been completely stabilized and will require only minor maintenance to ensure its continued use. The Upper Loop Trail Project also included erosion control measures and the closure and restoration of renegade trails and gullies within the trail corridor and within the horseshoe. Of primary concern were two gullies approximately 300 feet long and up to 4 feet deep. These gullies began at the top of the Upper Loop horseshoe, transporting sediment onto the park’s paved sidewalks, within the popular Plaza area, and onto sensitive native plant communities. RMFI constructed subsurface rock check dams within the gullies, used native soil to bring the area back to grade, and reintroduced native vegetation to address these areas. Restoration of the gullies within Garden of the Gods Park promotes native ecosystem recovery and natural water flow through the area. See Appendix A for a more detailed explanation of RMFI’s restoration procedures. During 2013, RMFI continued the use of timber within sub-surface structures (in place of rock) to stabilize native soil in gullies. Timbers are easier and quicker to install and require less technical skills from volunteers. Though rock structures have a longer life-span, this is not a concern for structures constructed below-ground.


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Before and after Upper Loop Trail reconstruction


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The process of restoring an erosion gully with sub-surface structure


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South Gateway Located in the Central Zone, South Gateway Rock is one of the most popular areas in the park for rock climbers. The west side of this formation was once used for ceremonies and contained a small stand of bleachers. The bleachers were removed in the late 1980’s but no restoration work was completed in this area. This area, the grandstand (~2,200 ft2), lacked stabilizing vegetation, causing soil loss and tempting visitors to venture off-trail and has been an eyesore in the park for many years. RMFI decompacted the soil, brought the area back to grade with the addition of native soil, spread seed, planted shrubs, and installed erosion control matting to protect the area. The following shrubs were planted: 4 three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata), 2 Gambel’s oak (Quercus gambelii) and 1 pinyon pine (Pinus edulis).

Spreading native soil in the grandstand area with help from Ranger Cipolleti


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Multi-Use East Side The Multi-Use East Side refers to an area of approximately 20 acres located south of Gateway Road and east of Juniper Way Loop. Equestrians, cyclists, hikers, and others use this area for its abundance of natural surface trails, respite from the busy Central Zone, and stunning views. Working closely with the City, RMFI has identified the East Side as the next priority area to focus restoration and stabilization efforts. A small amount of work was completed within the East Side during 2013.

In celebration of National Public Lands Day and the Mayor’s ‘Spruce Up the Springs’ effort, RMFI partnered with various organizations to host more than 100 volunteers to help close undesignated trails and to stabilize designated trails. Projects included the closure and partial restoration of the Valley Reservoir renegade trail and improvements to the Ute Connection and Ute Trails.

The Valley Reservoir renegade trail was 800 feet in length, lacked proper stabilizing structures, and was redundant with other trails on the East Side. In fact, two other trails followed the same trajectory as the Valley Reservoir renegade trail. Volunteers closed and began revegetation efforts; however, approximately 400 feet of restoration remains for full closure and restoration of this trail.

The Ute Connection Trail is a popular mountain biking trail that lacks proper stabilizing structures. Five sub-surface timber structures were installed in the trail and backfilled with trail-grade gravel. These structures are an experimental structure based upon the principles of subsurface check dams to stabilize soils and protect gullies, and utilized in an effort to reduce above-grade structures that are a nuisance to bikers. RMFI will monitor the effectiveness of this trail solution for the next few years. This technique could become a commonly used solution for trail downcutting and trail tread loss. Three drainage structures were built up-hill of the trial structures to remove water from the trail and protect the work completed by volunteers. In addition, 425 feet of the Ute Trail was re-surfaced with trail-grade gravel.

Before and after photos showing the restoration of a renegade trail on the East Side of Garden of the Gods Park are on the following page.


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South Spring Canyon Picnic Area RMFI spent two and a half days working along Spring Creek in the South Spring Canyon Picnic Area on the west side of the park. Spring Creek, an ephemeral stream that only runs following rain events, traverses through the South Spring Canyon Picnic Area before exiting Garden of the Gods on its way to meet Fountain Creek at Fields Park. Numerous gullies and drainages feed into Spring Creek near the Spring Canyon Picnic Area. One trail crosses directly through the streambed, causing an increase in sediment movement and trail damage. Given the high erodibility of the soil in the Garden of the Gods, these gullies cause severe erosion and are contributing to significant vegetation and soil loss on the slopes above Spring Creek. RMFI addressed the majority of the gullies in 2012 with a plan to complete restoration work in 2013. However, excessive rain events and unplanned damage to this area during fall 2013 caused an unexpected delay to most of the restoration work within the Spring Canyon Picnic Area. The area most heavily affected by the rain events is the heavily used trail that runs parallel to the stream. During 2013 RMFI worked with the City to complete restoration work near the picnic area. Split-rail fencing was installed to encourage visitors to stay in designated areas, a renegade trail was closed and restored (250 feet), and 1 rock drain was constructed to encourage proper water flow across the trail and into the stream rather than down the trail and into the picnic area.

Before renegade trail restoration After renegade trail restoration


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Future restoration efforts are currently on hold in this area due to high priority needs elsewhere in the park.

WORK ACCOMPLISHED A tremendous amount of work was accomplished in the Garden of the Gods in 2013. Some highlights include:

• The completion of the Upper Loop Trail • The restoration of 2 large erosion gullies within the Upper Loop area • The restoration of the South Gateway grandstand area.

All work was completed in compliance with the City of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods park personnel. City employees provided material as needed and helped to ensure that the work RMFI accomplished was in line with the goals of the park. Work Statistics Upper Loop Trail 2 acres protected 2 gullies restored 4 subsurface check dams 81 timber risers 350 feet of trail improved 159 feet of social trails closed and restored Spring Canyon Picnic Area 2 acres protected 1 rock drain 250 feet of renegade trail closed and restored

South Gateway 2,200 square feet restored 4 shrubs planted East Side 3 acres protected 5 subsurface check dams 3 drainage structures 400 feet renegade trail closed and restored 525 feet of trail improved 120 native plants transplanted

VOLUNTEERS

2013 continued the trend of increased participation of RMFI volunteer numbers in the Garden of the Gods. The Garden of the Gods Restoration Program represents RMFI’s largest project both in terms of volunteer participants and number of workdays. RMFI hosted 49 workdays in the park, training and supervising 1,557 volunteers. Organizations that participated to the on-the-ground work can be found below (Volunteer Organizations). Volunteer Statistics 49 workdays 1,557 volunteers 7,277 volunteer hours


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$161,107 work value (at $22.14 per hour, independentsector.com) Volunteer Organizations

• Colorado Springs School • United States Air Force Academy • Peterson Air Force Base • Fountain YMCA Youth Center • Mesa Ridge High School Nat’l Honor

Society • Air Academy High School Senior

Class • Manitou Middle School • Rampart High School National

Honor Society • Starbucks • AmeriCorps Nat’l Civilian

Community Corps • Colorado College • USIS • Northrop Grumman • Boy Scout Venture Crew 82 • Watson Junior High Junior Nat’l

Honor Society • Yale Alumni Association • West Michigan Academy • PGI

• Evans Hospital at Fort Carson • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Teen

Volunteers • University of Notre Dame Alumni

Club of CS • Greenway Fund Youth • Fountain Valley School • Charis Bible College • Radiant Church • University of Colorado, Colorado

Springs • Mortarboard Senior Honor Society • Manitou Springs High School • MeetUp Photographers Group • North Middle School • Palmer High School Environmental

Club • Vista Ridge Key Club • Catamount Inst. Young

Environmental Stewards • FEMA • Shadow Mountain Recovery


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FUNDING

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation/FedEx ($25,000) Colorado State Trails Program ($37,840 over 2 years) Friends of Garden of the Gods ($12,000) Broadmoor Garden Club ($500)

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

City of Colorado Springs: $13,408 Materials - $8,278 Personnel - $2,130 Equipment - $3,000

Value of Volunteer Labor: $161,107 CONTACT INFORMATION Rocky Mountain Field Institute 815 S 25th Street, Suite 101 Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Joe Lavorini, Program Coordinator [email protected] (719) 471-7736 Rebecca Jewett, Executive Director [email protected] (719) 471-7736


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APPENDIX A The closure and restoration of erosion gullies followed RMFI’s restoration prescription:

● Decompact and aerate hardened surfaces (soil tilled between 4 and 6 inches in depth). ● If the area is gullied, use native soil to bring the gully back up to grade with the

surrounding area. ● Install sub-surface check dams if gullies allow water to gain significant velocity. Sub-

surface check dams are below ground rock or timber structures that stabilize the slope and prevent further soil loss.

● Prep the soil seedbed by removing large rocks and smoothing the soil’s surface. ● Spread and rake in native seed mix. ● On steep slopes, aspen-fiber (or excelsior) erosion control matting is installed and

secured with 4-inch biodegradable stakes. Each side of the matting is “trenched” and secured with stakes. The trenches are then covered with dirt to create a seamless transition between the surrounding soil and the matting, preventing water from flowing beneath the matting.

● In areas where there is little to no slope, mulch can be used as an alternative to matting. The purpose of the mulch and/or matting is to provide cover and protection for soil and seed on restored areas.

● Dead and downed branches or slash are placed on the matting for additional stabilization and to provide a microclimate for the seed. Leaf litter can also be scattered to help lessen the visual disturbance of the matting.

● Split-rail fencing and educational signs are installed when feasible. Garden of the Gods seed mix (provided by the City of Colorado Springs) Scientific Name Common Name Bouteloua curtipendula sideoats grama Pascopyrum smithii western wheatgrass Bouteloua gracilis blue grama Schizachyrium scoparium little bluestem Festuca ovina sheep fescue Nassella viridula green needlegrass Panicum virgatum switchgrass

Documents

Garden of the Gods Restoration Project – 2013 Annual Report · Rocky Mountain Field Institute Garden of the Gods Restoration Project – 2013 Annual Report 3 the traditional definition