Hermit Park Open Space Appendices - Home | …...- DR Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas Appendices Larimer County Parks and Open Space, Larimer, Colorado PW 321; FEMA -4145 –

Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas

Appendices

Larimer County Parks and Open Space, Larimer, Colorado

PW 321; FEMA - DR-4145 – DR - CO

April 2017

Appendix A Day-Use Area Design Plans

Appendix B Photograph Log

Photo 1. Saddle Area. View of the Rocky Mountains after cresting over the hill and entering the Saddle Area study area.

Photo 2. Saddle Area. Photo taken from northwestern portion of the study area, facing southeast. The existing road that bisects the study area is visible in the center of the photo.

Environmental Assessment - Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas Photographic Log Photos taken on 9/16/2016

Photo 3. Saddle Area. Photo taken from the northwestern portion of the study area, facing northeast.

Photo 4. Saddle Area. Photo taken from the northern portion of the study area.

Photographic Log Photos taken on 9/16/2016

Photo 5. Hermit Cabin. Photo taken from the northern portion of the study area, facing southwest.

Photo 6. Hermit Cabin. Photo taken from the western portion of the study area, facing east toward the cabin.


Photo 7. Hermit Cabin. Photo taken from the central portion of the study area. Hermit Cabin in center of photo, and existing road located east of the cabin can be seen behind the cabin.

Photo 8. Hermit Cabin. Photo taken from the central portion of the study area. General view of existing conditions in the study area.


Photo 9. Kruger Rock. Photo taken from the northern portion of the study area, facing east.

Photo 10. Kruger Rock. Photo taken from the southern portion of the study area, facing north. An existing trail can be seen in the left portion of the photo.


Photo 11. Kruger Rock. Photo taken from the southern portion of the study area, facing northeast. An existing trail can be seen in the left portion of the photo. A small isolated wetland can be seen in a road-side depression in the left portion of the photo.

Photo 12. Kruger Rock. Photo taken from the southern portion of the study area, facing south. The area in the photo is outside of the study area, but contains an open moist meadow with wetlands.


Appendix C Agency Coordination

Northern Arapaho Tribe Yufna Soldier Wolf, THPO P.O. Box 396, Fort Washakie, WY 82514 Phone: 307-856-1628 (o) 307-840-0837 (c)

Subject: Request for Section 106 Consultation, Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas, Larimer County, Colorado

Dear Mr. Yufna:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with Larimer County Open Space, are preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that will address the effects of three proposed day-use areas in Hermit Park Open Space (HPOS) near Estes Park, Colorado. The proposed action consists of constructing three separate day-use areas known as: Saddle Rock, Hermit Cabin, and Krueger Rock. The locations of the proposed day-use areas were chosen by Larimer County to minimize visual and environmental impacts, while also incorporating future educational features such as Hermit’s Cabin as well as the larger, existing trail system. Each day-use area will be designed to provide high quality recreation experiences and scenic vistas. The day-use areas have been located to avoid designated wetlands, riparian areas, and sensitive species. The three proposed day-use areas are descried in detail below:

• Saddle Area: This day-use area will be the first point of entry into the multi-use trail system. Along the west side of the entry road, there will be a small, approximately three vehicles long pull-off area for visitors to pause and enjoy the first view of Long’s Peak. The day-use area will accommodate parking for 28 vehicles, restroom facilities, and a trailhead kiosk.

• Hermit Cabin: This area known as Hermit Cabin is currently partially disturbed from past use for informal parking, picnicking, and a roadway created by the former property owners. The proposed day-use area will use the already disturbed area for a 25 vehicle parking lot, a vault toilet, an education outdoor seating area, X picnic tables, a small picnic shelter, and a trailhead kiosk. The day-use area will connect the trail looping south out of Campground #1 and continue south to bisect the Kruger Rock Trail. Larimer County is currently in process of completing a Historic Structure Assessment (HSA) on Hermit’s Cabin to protect this structure and design interpretive educational displays for the public. A HSA was first conducted on November 8, 2015 and found the cabin to be in fair condition. The report outlined future steps for preservation of the cabin that will maintain the structures integrity while also serving as an educational resource in the future for public viewing. The proposed project actions will avoid this structure and avoidance measures will be denoted on project plans/specifications for the contractor’s use.

• Kruger Rock: This proposed day-use area will have 20 vehicle spots for parking, a vault toilet, and a trailhead kiosk. The proposed day-use area will connect to the existing Kruger Rock Trail that leads to the existing Group Day-Use Area as well as to the summit of Kruger Rock. The proposed Kruger Rock day-use area will be constructed to minimize visual impacts to the Group Day-Use Area, and the adjacent wetlands that are south of the proposed day-use area.

Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas Page 1

The construction and maintenance will be conducted by Larimer County’s staff and based on Larimer County construction standards. No trees or shrubs will be removed unless necessary (dead or dying trees that pose a safety hazard).

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementing regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), FEMA and Larimer County are documenting the potential social, economic, and environmental consequences of this action.

FEMA will serve as the lead agency for this action. As a consulting party under the Section 106 regulations, you are offered the opportunity to identify concerns about cultural resources and comment on how the project might affect them. Further, if it is found that the project will impact cultural resources that are eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and are of religious or cultural significance to your tribe, your role in the consultation process would include participation in resolving how best to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those impacts. It is our hope that by describing the proposed undertaking we can be more effective in protecting areas important to American Indian people.

As shown on the enclosed map, the proposed actions are located in HPOS near Estes Park, Colorado. An archeologist has surveyed the area and found no new sites or isolated finds in the project area. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) is shown on the aerial photograph. No sites exhibiting evidence of Native American occupation are present within the proposed disturbance areas. Nonetheless, tribes that elect to become consulting parties for the undertaking will be notified and asked to comment. Any information you may have regarding places or sites important to your tribe that are located within or near the project area would assist us in our efforts to comprehensively identify and evaluate cultural resources.

We are committed to ensuring that tribal governments are informed of and involved in decisions that may impact places with cultural significance. If you have specific interest in the HPOS day-use areas project please respond within 30 days via US Mail,telephone, or email to:

Kate Turner Pinyon Environmental 9100 W Jewell Avenue Lakewood, CO 303.980.5200 [email protected]

The 30-day period has been established to encourage your participation at this early stage in project development. Failure to respond within this time frame will not prevent your tribe from entering consultation at a later date. However,studies and decision making will proceed and it may be difficult to reconsider previous determinations or findings, unless significant new information is introduced.

If you have questions or concerns about the project or the role of your tribe in the consultation process, please contact Kate Turner at [email protected].

Thank you for considering this request for consultation.


mailto:[email protected]


Sincerely,

By: Charles Bello, FEMA

Enclosures: Maps Showing Project Area (2)

Cc: Chris Fleming, Larimer County Kate Turner, Pinyon Environmental


Hermit Park Open Space Project Tribal Mailing List

Tribal Organization Contact(s)/Address

Northern Arapaho Tribe Yufna Soldier Wolf, THPO P.O. Box 396, Fort Washakie, WY 82514 Phone: 307-856-1628 (o) 307-840-0837 (c) [email protected] & [email protected]

Northern Cheyenne Tribe Teanna Limpy, THPO P.O. Box 128, Lame Deer, MT 59043 Phone: 406-477-4839/4838 406-477-6210 [email protected]

Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Ms. Dorena Martineau, Cultural Resource Director 440 North Paiute Dr. Cedar City, UT 84721 Phone: 435-586-1112 Ext.107 Fax: 435-586-7388 [email protected]

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Alden B. Naranjo, Cassandra Naranjo P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137 Phone: 970- 563-0100 Ext. 2257 Fax (970) 563-0316 [email protected] [email protected]

Ute Indian Tribe (Uintah & Ouray Reservation) Ms. Betsy Chapoose P.O. Box 190 Ft. Duchesne, UT 84026 Phone: 435-725-4826 Fax: 435-722-2374 [email protected]









Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Mrs. Lynn Hartman, THPO P.O. Box 468 Towaoc, CO 81334 Phone: 970-564-5727 Fax: 970-565-5401 [email protected]

Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes Margaret Sutton, THPO PO Box 167 Concho, OK 73022 Tel: 405.433.9304 [email protected]

Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation (Eastern Shoshone Tribe) Wilfred Ferris, THPO PO Box 538 Fort Washakie, WY 82514 Tel: 307.332.2081 Fax: 307.332.3055 [email protected]

Apache Max Bear, Director Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma 200 Wolf Robe Circle P.O. Box 145 Concho, OK 73022 Phone: 405-422-7714 (o) Fax: 405-422-8267 [email protected]

The Crow Tribe of Indians Emerson Bull Chief, THPO PO Box 159 Crow Agency, MT 59002 Tel: 406.208.3969 [email protected]

Jon Eagle, THPO PO Box D Fort Yates, ND 58538 Tel: 701.854.8645







Fax: 701.854.2138 [email protected]

Spirit Lake Tribe of Fort Totten Dr. Erich Longie, THPO PO Box 76 Fort Totten, ND 58335 Tel: 701.766.4221 Fax: 701.766.4126 [email protected]

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Steven Vance, THPO CRST Preservation Office PO Box 590 Eagle Butte, SD 57625 Tel: 605.964.7554 Fax: 605.964.7552 [email protected]

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Darrell Zephier, THPO PO Box 50 Fort Thompson, SD 57339 Tel: 605.245.2250 Fax: 605.245.2470 [email protected]

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Garrie Kills A Hundred, THPO P.O. Box 283 Flandeau, SD 57028 Tel: 605.997.3512 Fax: 605.997.3878 [email protected]

Oglala Sioux Tribe Trina Lone Hill, Director/THPO OST Cultural Affairs & Historic Preservation Office P.O. Box 108,Porcupine, SD 57772 Phone: (605) 867-2098 Cell: (605) 407-0872 Fax: (605) 867-2179 [email protected] [email protected]









Rosebud Sioux Tribe of Indians Russell Eagle Bear, THPO PO Box 809 Rosebud, SD 57570 Tel: 605.747.4255 Fax: 605.747.4211 [email protected]

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Dianne Desrosiers, THPO PO Box 907 Sisseton, SD 57262 Tel: 605.698.3584 Fax: 605.698.4283 [email protected]

Yankton Sioux Tribe Perry Little, THPO Box 1153 / 800 Main Avenue SW Wagner, SD 57380 Tel: 605.384.3641 [email protected]

Comanche Nation Jimmy Arterberry, THPO PO Box 908 Lawton, OK 73502 Tel: 580.595.9960 x 9618 Fax: 580.595.9733 [email protected]

The Navajo Nation Dr. Ora Marek-Martinez, THPO* PO Box 4950 Window Rock, AZ 86515 Tel: 928.871.7198 Fax: 928.871.7886 [email protected]

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Betty Aleck, THPO P.O. Box 256 Nixon, NV 89424







Tel: 775.574.1088 Fax: 775.574.1008 [email protected]

John Murray, THPO Blackfeet Tribe 850 Government Square Browning, MT 59417 Tel: 406.338.7521 Fax: 406.338.7530 [email protected]

Ms. Betsy Chapoose The Ute Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation P.O. Box 190 Fort Duchesne, UT 84012-0190 Phone: (435) 722-4992 [email protected]





Appendix D Public Involvement

Public Notice Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas Environmental Assessment (EA) Larimer County Parks and Open Space, Larimer County, Colorado

Notification is hereby given to the public that it is the intent of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide funds to Larimer County Parks and Open Space for an alternative pilot project which will build three day-use areas in Hermit Park Open Space. Funding would be provided through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which provides grants for repair of infrastructure damaged as the result of a Presidentially-declared disaster (FEMA 4145-DR- CO), pursuant to the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 93-288, as amended (The Stafford Act).

FEMA is required to take into account environmental considerations when authorizing or approving FEMA actions. The President of the United States has issued Executive Orders (EO) that require Federal agencies, when considering an action for funding, to focus attention on the environment and human health with respect to Floodplain Management (EO 11988); Protection of Wetlands (EO 11990); and Environmental Justice (EO 12898). Compliance with these Executive Orders, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), other applicable environmental laws and regulations is required as a condition of FEMA funding. A disaster-wide initial public notice was published in the Denver Post on November 10, 2013.

The project will construct three day-use areas for public recreation within Hermit Park Open Space in Larimer County, Colorado. The day-use areas will consist of additional parking spaces, restroom facilities, trailhead kiosks, and an outdoor classroom with approximately 50 seats. The purpose of the proposed action is to utilize FEMA PAAP funds to build three separate day-use areas within the HPOS. The proposed action supports Larimer County Natural Resource Department’s mission and re-appropriates FEMA funds to address needs identified in the HPOS Management Plan. The proposed project plans to begin construction in late spring of 2017 and have a duration of approximately 3 months.

A copy of the draft EA will be available for review at Administration Office located near Carter Lake, at the Horsetooth Area Information Center and on the Larimer County website at http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources. Additional project information may be obtained by contacting Chris Fleming at [email protected].

This notice will constitute the final notice for public review as required by EO11988, EO 11990, EO 12898, NEPA, NHPA, and other applicable environmental laws and regulations for the proposed actions stated above. All interested persons, groups and agencies are invited to submit written comments regarding the proposed use of federal funds to support a project located in a floodplain. If no significant issues are identified during the comment period, FEMA will conclude its reviews and provide funding for the Hermit Park Open Space Day-Use Areas project.

Interested parties may submit comments for 15 days after the date of this Final Public Notice by contacting Richard Myers, FEMA Region VIII Deputy Environmental Officer by email at [email protected].





http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources

Appendix E Cultural Resources Memorandum

Memorandum

To: Thomas Kent, P.E. Date: October 17, 2016

Company: AVI Professional Corporation Phone: 307.637.6017

From: Mark Serour, Historian Pinyon Project #: 116100801

Delivery Method: via email at [email protected]

Subject: Cultural Resources Analysis, Hermit Park Open Space, Day-Use Areas Construction, Larimer County

Located approximately four miles southwest of the Town of Estes Park, accessible from U.S. Highway 36,

Hermit Park Open Space (HPOS) was acquired in 2007 from Agilent Technologies, Inc., and redeveloped

into a recreational area for public use. Managed by Larimer County Natural Resources Department,

HPOS comprises 1,362 acres of wilderness and consists of meadow grasslands, wetlands, and coniferous

forest, among other terrain features. Additional development at HPOS, funded through the Federal

Emergency Management Agency’s Alternative Project Program, has been planned by Larimer County as a

result of the September 2013 flood event. Originally, four (4) miles of trails and the designation of three

(3) day-use areas comprised the construction plan at HPOS; however, Larimer County ultimately decided

to eliminate the trail building but keep the day-use area establishment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Larimer County has proposed the establishment of three (3) day-use areas for public recreation within

Hermit Park Open Space. They are located at Saddle Area, Hermit’s Cabin, and Kruger Rock.

The proposed construction at the Saddle day-use area will consist of a parking lot to accommodate twenty

(20) vehicles, one (1) vault toilet, an undisclosed number of picnic tables, and a trailhead kiosk on the west

side of the access road to the area. Also proposed is a small designated area off of a short trail loop east

of the access road to provide seating for small capacity events, such as wedding ceremonies or educational

talks.

The proposed construction footprint of the Hermit’s Cabin day-use area is partially disturbed and its

vegetation is denuded from prior use by informal parking, picnicking and a roadway that was created by

the former property owner. A parking lot that will accommodate twenty-five (25) vehicles, a vault toilet,

a picnic shelter with an undisclosed number of picnic tables, and a trailhead kiosk is proposed. In addition,

an outdoor seating area for educational interpretive programs is planned. Interpretation at this location

is also planned for the Hermit’s Cabin (5LR.11798), but from outside of the building only. Larimer County

plans to cordon off the cabin during construction to minimize any possible physical impact.

Across the access road from an already existing group day-use area, the proposed construction for the

Kruger Rock day-use area consists of a parking lot to accommodate twenty (20) vehicles, one (1) vault

toilet, and a trailhead kiosk.

AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECT

The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for each proposed day-use area is confined to the physical construction

boundaries that correspond to them. Permanent impacts will occur either on previously disturbed ground

or where vegetation has been denuded. Temporary impacts will occur through noise disturbance, vehicle

exhaust emissions, and vehicle and construction materials staging. The latter will occur on previously

disturbed ground (e.g. along the access road). Please refer to the enclosed APE map (Figure 1) for

additional details.

FILE SEARCH RESULTS

A file search of COMPASS, the online cultural resources information database maintained by the Office

of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), History Colorado, revealed one (1) entry within the

Hermit’s Cabin day-use area (APE). Two (2) additional resources are located approximately 1/8 mile west

of the Kruger Rock day-use area (APE).

Site Number Name Location – Day Use Area Eligibility

5LR.11795 Hermit Park Line Shack ~1/8 mile west of Kruger Rock Needs Data (2007)

5LR.11798 “Dutch Louie” –

Hermit’s Cabin

Hermit’s Cabin Needs Data (2007)

5LR.11799 No name - Trash Dump

(archaeological)

~1/8 mile west of Kruger Rock Not Eligible, Field (2007)

In addition to the COMPASS database, Pinyon Historian Mark Serour reviewed high resolution aerial

imagery maps of the area to evaluate the presence of unrecorded, potentially historic resources. This

review indicated no results.

PEDESTRIAN SURVEY

An archaeological pedestrian survey of the APE was completed by Thomas Carr, Principal Investigator,

under Colorado Archaeological Permit 2016-17. The survey was conducted by one person walking

transects across the survey areas. Due to the undisturbed nature of the setting, the spacing of the

transects was limited to 5-meters. No new sites or isolated finds were identified. For additional

information, please refer to the enclosed Limited Results Cultural Resource Form.

DETERMINATIONS OF EFFECT

Saddle, Hermit’s Cabin, and Kruger Rock Day-Use Areas - The project proposes the installment

of recreational structures at three (3) day-use areas. Work will occur solely within the physical

construction areas, which coincide with the day-use area boundaries. Only one resource was indicated

within the APE, located at the Hermit’s Cabin area: the “Dutch Louie” Hermit’s Cabin (5LR11798). No

official determination of eligibility is recorded for the resource. Because the resource is currently

indicated as “Needs Data” in the COMPASS database, it should be treated as potentially eligible. Because

Larimer County will cordon it off to prevent impact from construction, the proposed project activities

will not affect the historic features of the resource and the project will result in a determination of No

Historic Properties Affected.

LIST OF REFERENCES

Black, Kevin D. An Archaeological Survey of a Portion of the Hermit Park Locality, Larimer County, Colorado. Denver: Colorado Historical Society, 2008.

COMPASS, the Colorado Cultural Resource online database. Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, History Colorado.

Environmental Summary Hermit Park Open Space Trail and Trailhead Replacements and Relocations. Fort

Collins: Larimer County Natural Resources, 2015.

Map of Panorama Peak Quadrangle. United States Geographical Survey, 1962.

ATTACHMENTS

APE Map (Figure 1)

Topographical Map of APE

Archaeology Limited Results Cultural Resource Survey Form

³Legend

Area of Potential Effect (APE) AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECT Hermit Park Open Space 0 500 1,000 Day-Use Area Construction Feet Larimer County, Colorado

Site Location: Section 5,T 4N, R 72W and Sections 33 and 34,T 5N, R 72W, 6th Principal Meridian Drawn By: MJS Figure: 1Pinyon Project Number: 1/16-1008-01 Reviewed By: MDS Date: 9/27/2016

Document Path: D:\PROJECTS\2016\116100801 Hermit Park Re-Alignment\Figures\ArcMap\MXDs\Cultural\Figure 1 - APE - Hermit Park.mxd

Hermit's Cabin

Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed

³Legend

Area of Potential Effect (APE) TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP Hermit Park Open Space USGS 7.5' Topographic Map 0 1,000 2,000 Day-Use Area Construction Panoramic Peak, Colorado 1962 (revised 1991) Feet Larimer County, Colorado

Site Location: Section 5,T 4N, R 72W and Sections 33 and 34,T 5N, R 72W, 6th Principal Meridian Drawn By: MJS Figure: 2Pinyon Project Number: 1/16-1008-01 Reviewed By: MDS Date: 9/27/2016

Document Path: D:\PROJECTS\2016\116100801 Hermit Park Re-Alignment\Figures\ArcMap\MXDs\Cultural\Figure 2 - TOPO Map - Hermit Park.mxd

Saddle Area

Kruger Rock

Documents

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